David Sarvai
David was assigned to Lt Col "Face" Nichols Computer/Security office in 1997, and has been the maintainer of the website since. He enjoys spending time with his two children, and of course anything plugged into his keyboard/mouse.
Website URL: http://www.510fs.org
Born in 1921 in Oklahoma City to Charles A. Mohrle and Anne Downey Mohrle of Kansas City. Charlie spent most of his youth in Galveston, Texas, where he graduated from Kirwin High School. He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 1 in Galveston and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended the first National Boy Scout Jamboree in Washington, DC in 1937.
He was attending UT Austin when he responded to the attack on Pearl Harbor, by volunteering for the Army Air Corps in February 1942. After completion of basic flight training he was one of the original pilots assigned to the 510th Fighter Squadron, part of the 405th Fighter Group in South Carolina, which entered combat in Christchurch England in 1943. He completed 97 combat missions flying a P-47 and was highly decorated.Among other recognition, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and 16 Air Medals. He flew over the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and his Squadron was personally recognized by George S Patton for its support of the Third Army in France.
Following his military service he rejoined his family in Dallas, and worked in the property and casualty insurance business where he met his future wife, Dorothy Onley. They were married in 1948 at Cathedral Guadalupe. Charlie entered a new career as a commercial artist, studio owner, and ultimately partner in a local Advertising Agency. He was active in both professional and community organizations, serving as the president of the Advertising Artists Association. He was an active Boy Scout volunteer, serving in many capacities including as Scoutmaster of Troop 43, and was one of the first Explorer Scout Advisers. He drafted the first manual for the organization and operation of an Explorer Post and he was recognized by Circle Ten Council and the National BSA Council for his volunteer service with the Silver Beaver Award. He served on the financial committee at Cathedral Guadalupe, as well as the committee tasked with supervising the renovation of the Cathedral.
After his retirement he became a volunteer docent at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, where for the past 15 years he has been a fixture, passing along his love of aviation and his WW II experience to thousands of visitors each year. He was a founding member of the 510th Fighter Squadron Association, and created much of the artwork in its history book of WW II. A Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the P-47 Pilots Association, The Military Order of The World Wars, and The Quiet Birdmen.
Preceded in death by his parents, two younger brothers, Marion (Mickey), John, and Dorothy, his wife of 54 years, he is survived by his sister in law Dorothy, his son Charles, daughter in law Barbara, grandson Christopher, and six nieces and nephews. Charlie has “Flown West”, but he lived his life with dignity, respect for others, and service to his community. During his life he influenced countless people in positive ways and while he is greatly missed, his spirit and example remains. The family wishes to express its gratitude to his personal physician, to doctors and nurses at Presbyterian Dallas Hospital, and to the home hospice staff for their skill and kindness.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to The Frontiers of Flight Museum, to Circle Ten Council, or to the Dallas Rotary Club Foundation.
Reception is scheduled for 6:00 PM Sunday May 12th 2013 at the Sparkman Crane Funeral Home, 15501 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218.
A memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 AM Monday May 13th 2013 at Cathedral Guadalupe 2215 Ross Avenue (Dallas Arts District-Downtown).
Stephen Tanner, of Texas, died during the evenng of Monday, April 22, 2013, after a long battle with cancer. He was transferred to Select Specialy Hospital, in Houston TX when his health declined recently.
A memorial service will be at 1030 this Friday, May at 3rd at Fort Sam Houston, TX.
Buzzards around the globe send condolences to Karen Tanner for her loss.
Stephen was a true Buzzard at heart and helped revitalize the 510th Fighter Squadron Association and website.
Cremation service will be conducted at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. More information will be posted as it becomes available.
Tribute to Stephen Tanner by Michael Barrowman
A simple phone call a little more than ten years ago transformed fading memories into a shining legacy that all past and future members of the 510th can embrace and cherish. Steve was the force that united generations of former 510th members. His tireless efforts forging our reunions united generations who served their country proudly and unconditionally. When I look at the photos on our website and recall all the stories told by those before me I will always think of Steve.
I will attend your memorial service where I will proudly wear the color purple, render a salute to a fallen warrior, raise the claw, and send you off with a hearty “Buzzards Rule, Once a Buzzard Always a Buzzard”
May you rest in peace Steve; it has been an honor to have known you. You will not be forgotten
A famous General once said “Old soldiers never die; they just fade away”. I would like to think that Old Buzzards never die but just depart the bounds of this world and ascend to the heavens. Thanks to Steve they will neither fade away nor be forgotten.
Col. David Walker, 31st Operations Group commander, passes the 510th Fighter Squadron guidon to its new commander, Lt. Col. Christopher Austin, during a change of command ceremony May 13, 2013, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. Austin assumed command after Lt. Col. Michael Thompson stepped down as the squadron commander.
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