Waldo, 2006 at Ft. Rucker
I’m saddened to report that on June 3, 2025, John Waldo Pepper passed away from health complications after battling poor health for several years. Waldo was 76 years-old.
Waldo served with the Silver Spurs in our early years as a crew chief on both our Huey Gunships and the Cobras that replaced them in our Gun Platoon. In fact a photo of his Cobra was featured on the VHPA cover July/August 2017 VHPA Aviator! He was extremely proud of his service and never forgot his Fallen Brothers of A Troop.
As most of you know, Waldo was our Silver Spur Reunion President for many years. During his tenure he accomplished so very much to promote our reunions and make them very special for all who attended. I thank all on the Spur Reunion Committee, past & present, for making all our reunions a great success!
Waldo never wanted the attention, but just some of his personal efforts were providing high-quality signs for our reunions, and in 2006 at Ft. Rucker he dedicated a bronze plaque in honor of our Fallen Brothers which remains on display today at the Army Aviation Museum at Ft. Novosel (Ft. Rucker).
In addition, Waldo produced our Spur Memorial Service Videos. The last edition in 2012 also included the names from all the 3/17th Troops that served in Vietnam plus those who were lost by the current 3-17th in Iraq known at the time of production. This was a major undertaking!
Waldo also encouraged our blog discussions on PTSD and the effects of Agent Orange which virtually impacts all of us who served in Vietnam.
Waldo is survived by his wonderful wife, Judy, his loving, dedicated daughter Jennifer and a large family that loved him beyond measure. During his last days his grandson, Gavin Pepper, kept me informed as Waldo’s health rapidly declined, and to him I’m forever grateful.
Besides Waldo being a fellow Spur, he was a great personal friend of myself & Pam. We spoke often and could broach any subject with him, including our combined faith in Jesus Christ. We will miss him dearly but know his pain and suffering has ended and he’s at Peace with our Lord.
Please feel free to add your personal thoughts and comments below on this page. I’ll post more details about his service as I become aware of it.
Taps and slow-hand Salute for our Fallen Brother. God bless you my dear friend – Bear
Poster at 2006 Reunion
Roll of Honor at 2006 Reunion
Bronze plaque dedicated at 2006 Ft. Rucker reunion dedicated to our Fallen Brothers. Remains on display at the Army Aviation Museum
It measures 24″ x 30″
Waldo (L) & Bear during 2004 visit to Seattle
John Waldo Pepper’s 584 on the cover of the July/August 2017 VHPA Aviator, courtesy of Mike Law of VHPA
Tribute by Mark O. Belue for Waldo
John A Pepper – Belue
When we learned of Waldo’s passing on June 3rd, I immediately took our flag to the pole in our front yard and raised/lowered to half staff…each day since, at dawn, the flag is raised/lowered to half staff to salute and honor Waldo. Each evening at dusk, the flag is properly retired with a salute. This will continue for a full seven days in honor and tribute to our beloved Brother, Waldo.
Thanks Honey, love you!
Bear our family Truely appreciates this tribute to John. I am married to Jennifer and as a father-in-law Waldo was second to none. When my father passed away he stepped in to be a second father to me. Over the years, he always talked about you and the friendship you have shared. Your friendship with him over the years is remarkable. He will be sorely missed as there are very few men like John Pepper.
Thanks Keith, he often spoke with high regard for you, thanks for your service to our country. If an obit or service is posted, please email the links to me at roger@northwestvets.com and I’ll add them here in Waldo’s honor.
Pam and I loved Waldo, as you stated there are very few men like him. Our profound condolences to you and the entire family. Please give Jennifer & Judy a BIG hug from us and thank Gavin for keeping us in the loop during a very difficult time for all of you. God bless – Bear
My sincere condolences to Waldo’s family.
Waldo extended a welcoming hand to D troop and allowed us to satellite on the Spur reunions. Because of that , we were able to keep D Troop reunions going for several years and for that we are grateful.
On a personal level, I considered Waldo a friend and miss our conversations over the years.
R.I.P. Waldo.
I met Waldo at the Spur reunion in Ft. Rucker.
Since that time, we were together in D.C. three times. The first was when Cindy Shehaan was going to walk from the Viet-Nam memorial to the Pentagon. She had 3500 with her. We (the Gathering of Eagles) had over 5000. She planned for months. We planned for about a week or two. (She never got close to the Memorial!)
I saw Waldo when he was in line for the Memorial. He was wearing the same green outfit and Stetson. I walked up and he saw me and said “Now I know why you were in Scouts. You found me in this crowd.”
I will miss sending him my crazy/funny e-mails.
Rest easy, my friend and Brother! Will see you later, when I get there!
An outstanding soldier, friend and combat veteran. A Troop 3rd Squadron 17th Cavalry would not have had the reunions it did without his hands on support. Cav First—Scouts Out
Dennis Kenneally