USNPAA - United States Navy Public Affairs Association

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    • Billy Bearden
    • Francis Steele
    • Tim Mennuti
    • James McCain
    • Janet Templeton
    • Perry - Brown
    • Erv Sharp
    • Bill Breyfogle
    • Bill Gengler
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    • John Novotney
    • Burlage Pedene Langwell
    • Allen Sherwood
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    • John Shackleton
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    • Pat Sims
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    • Reunion 2023 Deadline
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    • Reunion 2023 Six Weeks
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    • James Hessman
    • Reunion 2023 May 26
    • William McAllister
    • Reunion Three Months
    • Kenneth Beachler
    • Norma Connelly
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    • Reunion Final Deadline
    • Fred Hoffman
    • Reunion 2023 Final
    • John Hoshko
    • Reunion 2023 Photos >
      • Edited Photos
    • Robert Nash
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    • New President Message
    • McCool Followup
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    • Brayton Harris
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    • Jimmie Finkelstein
    • Richard Busby
    • Cate Mueller
    • Sterling Nichols
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    • Moses Jackson
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    • Finkelstein Arrangements
    • Richard Becker
    • HoF Inductees
    • McCool Commissioned
    • Finkelstein Details
    • Cherry
    • Klee
    • Harris Burial
  • Pro Dev
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    • History of Navy Public Affairs
    • History of USNPAA
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    • Exemplary Service
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    • Public Affairs Service
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​The Passing of Commander Roger Copeland

December 29, 2020
The Passing of CDR Roger D. Copeland

Dear USNPAA Members:
 
Many of you have asked about arrangements regarding Roger Copeland’s passing. I have spoken with Mary and she informed me that notes are most welcome. She also said she finds the phone calls she has received to be very helpful.
 
Here is Mary’s address, phone number and email address:
 
[USNPAA members will find Mary's contact information in the current directory.]
 
Mary indicated that a service for Roger will be held at the Miramar National Cemetery at some point in the future. We will keep you apprised when the date becomes known.
 
In the interim, please keep Mary and family members in your thoughts and prayers as we try to come to grips with the very tragic passing of a shipmate, Naval officer, public affairs professional, father, husband and overall class act. 
 
Tom Jurkowsky
President

December 27, 2020
USNPAA Plankowner and Life Member
The Passing of CDR Roger D. Copeland, USN (Ret.)


Dear USNPAA Members:
 
I am very saddened to report the death of Roger Copeland. Roger passed away Christmas Day after a two-week battle with COVID-19. Roger was a revered mentor and an institution in our community. He retired from CHINFO as a Commander and began his second career as a civilian PAO at NAVAIR. In 1995, Roger became the PAO for Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR), now Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR), from which he retired in 2011. 
 
Roger was a true professional and commanded the highest respect for his skills as a PAO. But more importantly, he was a great husband and a gentleman. I last saw Roger when he and his wife, Mary, attended our reunion in September 2019. It didn’t take long to see the sparkle he had in his eye for Mary. They were true soulmates. Mary, as many of you know, is a retired Captain in our community and like Roger, was a selfless mentor and leader in the San Diego PA community. Roger and Mary were always willing to share their experiences and provide mentorship.
 
In addition to Mary, Roger is survived by sons Sean and Jason and daughter Michele.
 
I know you will keep Mary, Sean, Jason and Michele in your thoughts and prayers. Losing a loved one anytime is difficult, but we can only imagine how difficult it must be during the holiday season.
 
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
 
Tom Jurkowsky
President

More Notes from the Admiral