Lt. Col Joseph Frank Kasun USA-Ret

I have never forgotten our next door neighbors in Virginia. Joe and Jackie were grace and kindness personified and their home a place of peace, humor and friendship for my whole family.
Katherine Knapp Kluender. Russellville, AR

I will always remember the teacher most revered and sometimes feared at Arcata High. I had the honor of serving as a student typist for him during my last years at Arcata High. I will always remember his kindness, compassion, and quality of character that he displayed so naturally. I will also remember how he wrote in tiny letters with an unsharpened pencil, making his writing sometimes difficult to read, but he was always there when you had a question with an answer given with kindess and...

Some of us knew that Mr. Kasun had been a colonel, but it was not something he talked about, so we respected his personal boundaries. Now that I learn the extent of his achievements, I am further impressed, but not surprised, as it fits with his character. Given his experience, it explains a lot more why he could be such an unflappable leader in a room full of high school seniors. He treated us with respect that we had done little or nothing to earn, and influenced my understanding of what...

A loss for us all and I am sure he is impatient to be on his way,

Mr. (aka, Col) Kasun: I remember him well. I will miss him and for the small things that had importance to me throughout my years.

Dr. Justin Hnilo

I first met Mr Kasun when he came to Arcata during the turmoil of the 60's. He instantly caught my attention and kept it. He was one of my favorite teachers and, after reading about his life and his service to our country, he will forever be a hero.

After we met you 3 years ago, I knew I was talking to a
an officer and and gentleman, a true patriot and a world
citizen who truly represented the best of America. I salute you, Colonel Joe Kasun.

Joe was the best man at our wedding, and one of our closest friends. While we grieve our loss, at the same time we celebrate his rich and full life with joy. He was truly a selfless American hero who downplayed his military heroism and often said the most rewarding experience of his life was teaching. We will always be grateful for his mentorship and strong presence in our lives, his clarity of mind, and his high standards that will continue to inspire. He had the presence of mind to call...

In the classroom, you showed us it was possible to be both compassionate and serious. It's an emotional experience, reading about your life before teaching; you did not brag about it or live in the past.

Thank you for leading us in the Model UN club at Arcata High. That was no doubt one of the reasons I was able to grow from a small town kid to a citizen of the world.

To the Family of Joe Kasun: We wish to extend to you our deepest sympathy on the passing of Joe. Not only was Joe a national treasure, but he was a best friend. We got to know each other very well & I always appreciated our time together, either playing golf or (in later years) during phone conversations. (I was with Joe when he got one of his holes-in-one.)

He was such a knowledgeable, humble & kind man. Anyone fortunate to be in his company knew that he was the real deal;...