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July 13, 2010 - 04:46 AM
Ryan A. Vessichelli
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I don't even know who to address this to, but it's taken a long time for me to work up the courage to write a message about LT Joe Houston. It's not because I didn't want to, but because I didn't know what to say.
My name is Ryan Vessichelli. I'm a stud in the Jet Syllabus at NAS Meridian, Mississippi. The only reason I'm here is because of Joe. I'd like to tell y'all a story about him.
It was my C4101, my first flight in the contact stage. I had just been left to LT Houston by CDR Hoyt, my former on-wing and CO. I wouldn't have been handed off to LT Houston if the CO hadn't had complete faith in him. I didn't know what to expect. I'd heard rumors that LT Houston was a tough grader and a rough instructor, so I got in the airplane as prepared as I could be. I'd heard that Joe was known as "The Hammer" and it scared me. The first half of the flight went well. Joe sat in the back seat quietly as I flew the airplane as best as I could.
It wasn't until he gave me a simulated engine failure that LT Houston started to give me a hard time. I shot a practice PEL (precautionary emergency landing) into Aransas County Airport for the first time and the landing was a little stiff, to say the least. And by a little I mean VERY stiff. The narrow 75' runway distorted my sense of altitude and I flared a tiny bit late. I could feel the shock run through my spine as we hit the runway. LT Houston took the controls and insisted on showing me the proper "power, flare" method of landing. He took the mighty T-34C around the pattern and before he could get "power, fla--" out, the main mounts struck the deck. His landing was stiffer than mine but I didn't have the guts to tell him. The impact of the landing stunned me. I laughed (on cold mike, of course!) into my boom mike as I took the controls back and took the airplane around the pattern. I had to keep that little incident to myself, until I could recount it at my tie cutting. I felt bad telling the entire ...
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January 29, 2010 - 06:19 PM
Glynn Watts
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The tremendous outpouring of love honoring the life of Joe is a testimony of a dedicated Christian life that influenced so many and was so far reaching.
Joe's comrades and even his commanders have testified to his unwavering disciplined life even in the most difficult circumstances.
Joe was always seeking ways to reach others for Christ and although his life here was short he made a lasting impact on others for good.Asher,his son,will treasure this legacy that his dad gave him.
We can take comfort knowing that Joe was confident that he was in God's will whatever happened and that his last few few months on earth he remarked,and I quote,
"I am happier than I have ever been in my ENTIRE life!"
Love you,Joe.
To God Be The Glory!
Glynn Watts(Joe's maternal grandmother)
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January 15, 2010 - 07:48 PM
AW2(AW) Aaron T. Noriega
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LT Joe "NBK" Houston,
Just thought I drop a few lines brother. DET-4 all misses you.
Your 2nd crewman,
Noriega
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January 14, 2010 - 07:06 PM
Zach Mitchell
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January 05, 2010 - 02:19 PM
Stacey Havens
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Joe,
I was going through the numbers in my cell phone and I came across yours. I couldn't bring myself to erase it so there you will stay.
Although you were gone for much of the time I lived above you and Ab, I felt like I got to see you and know you through Asher. He is the spitting image of you. I know you know he will be fine because regardless of what transpired, he has a wonderful mom.
I know you are somewhere peaceful and beautiful. Thanks for all you did for us.
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December 30, 2009 - 08:39 PM
Chaplain Cartus Thornton
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My heart and prayers go out to Joe's family and loved ones. He was my friend from HSC-23. I know that he is doing the Lord's work.
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December 30, 2009 - 12:25 AM
Abigail Houston
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Asher's Daddy,
I still cannot believe that you are gone. I still have your voice on my phone,a message left just shortly before you were gone from us. Ash and I often listen to your words. " I love you both and even though we are far apart we will always be family". I want you to know that Asher is perfect as we always said he was. We talk about you everyday and I assure him that he can talk to you whenever he wants to. He says he is sad that he can't hug you or talk to you. How do you prepare a child for his father's funeral? It has been a painful and harsh reality. Ash has made something to give you in your final resting place. I can only hope that it will help him in a small way to cope with your being gone. I am grateful daily that we were blessed to share something so perfect as our sweet Asher. A perfect mix of you and I(although he doesn't look like me at all). Asher is daily in my tender care, and is thriving through everything. Through all of this many people have tried to cut me out of your death as if I never existed. It makes me very sad, but at the same time, only you and I know what was real between us and the tender words we shared even after we parted ways. We share the most precious thing that 2 people can share and that is a beautiful brown eyed little boy. I will never forget the 8 years that we shared together. We had good times and bad times, but they are times that no one can take away from us. In the weeks after you died I read and re-read all of your letters to me. Some from way back in USNA days, some as recent as when you just moved to Texas. One most recent letter you sent to me after you had been in Texas for a bit stood out remarkably after you were gone. In your words, "One thing will never change-I love you with all my heart and it is with you alone that my soul finds joy. Never lose hope, never give in to despair, always keep your eye on the goal-I will be there. I will always love you wherever you are and wherever you go."...
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December 26, 2009 - 08:51 AM
Cathy Horsley
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Friends and Family,
My name is Cathy Horsley, and I am Joe’s second cousin. My husband and I reside in the Washington DC area, and would like to open our home to any who would like to visit, or even stay overnight the evening prior to or the evening of Joe’s funeral. We are about 25 miles south of the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery, in Woodbridge VA. We are a Navy family, and my husband is a retired Naval Officer. Please contact me by email at chorsley@ias-ps.com or give me a call at (678) 438-5347.
We have been inspired by the outpouring of support by all who gave so much of their precious time in support of Joe’s eventual return, and share everyone’s certainty in Joe’s salvation and his place at the feet of our Lord. The greatest thanks we can give is for Joe’s friends and supporters to feel welcome.
We look forward to meeting everyone and thanking them personally.
Cathy and Brian Horsley
Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
- Psalm 30:5
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December 21, 2009 - 02:58 PM
Matthew Kavanagh
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Joe...I miss you dearly brother. I am proud of you and what you have sacrificed. You are my hero. You've moved on to a better place. Don't worry, Asher and Jennifer are under the safe watch of your family and classmates. We will care for them. I will never forget our memories and the powerfull friendship we will always have. Love, Kavs
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December 15, 2009 - 10:07 PM
Glyndell & John Houston
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Our gratitude and appreciation to the Trust Fund Committee for diligent work in getting the trust established and for forming this incredible website! You guys are the greatest! We are very proud to be part of the Navy family.
John and Glyndell Houston
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