John Rusty Russell Wall

He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Brenda Gladwell Wall; daughter Jennifer Kaye Wall (Ronald, Jr.) Smetek and Bruce Russell (Shannon Richardson) Wall, eight cherished grandchildren (Jack, Owen, Dylan, Connor, Colin, Alexa, Daisy and Ellie), and five younger sisters Janet Green, Mary Wall, Margaret Schmidt, Katherine Tracey, Frances Wall.

Rusty was born in Bronxville, NY on June 8, 1945, to John Edward and Jean (Russell) Wall, the first child in a career military family. While Rusty was growing up, the Army transferred the family many times, thus, he lived in Asia, Europe and in several different cities in the USA. Seemingly at each duty station, Rusty acquired a new baby sister.

Rusty was commissioned into the United States Navy through the NROTC program after graduating from the University of Virginia in 1968, with a BA in International Relations. He was selected for the Naval Postgraduate School, where he received an MS in Telecommunications Management. He served in the Navy for 26 years, retiring with the distinguished rank of Captain.

Rusty served at sea on the USS RICHARD L. PAGE (FFG-5), USS BOWEN (FF-1079), Commander Destroyer Squadron Four staff, USS COMPASS ISLAND (AG-153), USS DAVIS (DD-937) and as Commanding Officer of USS BRUMBY (FF-1044). His sea deployments included the North Atlantic, Caribbean, Baltic, Mediterranean, Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.

During his shore assignments, Rusty served on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations in the Plans and Policy directorate of the Director of Naval Communications, in the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in the CINC Command and Control support office, and had previous duty in the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command as the Director, Navy Extremely High Frequency Satellite Communications Division and as the Program Manager for Special Projects. His final assignment, before retirement in 1993, was as the first Major Program Manager for Information Systems Security, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command.

During his Navy career, Rusty’s personal awards included the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation and Navy Achievement Medal, as well as unit commendations, campaign and service medals.

After his retirement from the Navy in 1993, Rusty worked for over 20 years with Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC). Rusty retired as Director of CSC's North American Public Sector, Government-wide Acquisition Contract Program Management Office where he managed contracts for various government agencies. Among the many projects he managed was the development and integration of the Clinical Research Information System or CRIS, at the National Institutes of Health.

Rusty had a passion for family, history, and golf. During his cruises with the Navy, Rusty fell in love with the US Virgin Islands and he and Brenda became frequent visitors there. They loved to snorkel and to explore the islands together. Rusty will be fondly remembered by many and dearly missed by those who knew him well.

Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will occur on February 21, 2017 at 08:45.

Cards or notes may be sent care of Mrs. John R. Wall 8952 Mountain Ash Ct. Springfield, VA 22153.

If you’d like to help us continue Dad’s legacy of service, please consider a donation to one of his favorite charities:

• The Children’s Inn at NIH, a residential ‘Place Like Home’ that provides free accommodations to families with children participating in research studies at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. Rusty supported this organization for many years, helping with their annual fundraising gala. To make a donation, please visit www.ChildrensInn.org/donate; you may reference Rusty’s name on your donation.

• Wounded Warrior Project helps injured service members by providing resources and support so they can achieve independence and pursue an excellent quality of life. To make a donation, please visit https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=72