John Caldas
Retired Marine Colonel John J. Caldas. Jr., a Naval Aviator and a former Executive Director of the Louisiana Lions Eye Foundation died June 14, 2014 at 7:45 p.m. at his home in Harahan, Louisiana. He was 84. Colonel Caldas was born in New Orleans and graduated from Warren Easton High School before joining the Marine Corps at the age of 18 in 1948. He served over 35 years in the Corps, rising in the ranks from Private to Gunnery Sergeant before being selected for Officer Candidate School through the Meritorious NCO program. Prior to his commissioning he served a tour of duty with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Korea and Japan. Commissioned a 2ndLt. In 1955, he was accepted for flight training upon completion of the Marine Basic School. He was designated a Naval Aviator and flew jet fighters and attack aircraft for most of his career. Colonel Caldas completed two combat tours in Viet Nam flying 380 combat missions.
1953 back row 2nd from right John Caldas
During his career he commanded a recruit company at Parris Island, a jet squadron in combat, a maintenance squadron and a Marine support Group. He also served a tour as the executive officer of a jet squadron aboard an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean. He amassed 5700+ hours in various aircraft including 120 carrier landings. The Colonel served several staff tours in the United States, Europe and Asia. During the 70s he served as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3 and Wing Inspector of the 4th Marine Air Wing, in New Orleans. Prior to his retirement in 1983, he was the Chief of Plans for NATO's Commander of Strike and Support Forces(6th Fleet) in Southern Europe.
His military decorations include Two Legions of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star w/combat V, 17 Air Medals and numerous campaign and service medals. Following his retirement from the Corps he enrolled as a full time student at the University of New Orleans, graduating Cum Laude in 1987 as the outstanding secondary student in the College of Education.
He helped start up the About Face Program (a boot-camp type program for inmates) for the Criminal Sheriff of New Orleans and was its Director. In 1989 he became the Executive Director of the Louisiana Lions Eye Foundation at the LSU Eye Center. He held that position for six years, retiring from there in 1995. He has held positions as Vice-President of the Skyhawk Association and was an active member of the Marine Support Group of New Orleans- most recently as its Staff Secretary and member of its Board of Directors. He was a past member of the Colonial Country Club and a parishioner of St. Rita's Catholic Church of Harahan.
John and wife Carmen at their wedding, 1949
Colonel Caldas is survived by his wife of 65 years, the former Carmen Henry, a son, Professor Stephen Caldas, four daughters, Donna Walden, Elena Caldas, Carol Blandino, and Catherine Caldas; fifteen grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the Garden of Memories in Metairie, La. Wednesday, June 18, 2014. Visitation shall begin at 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with a funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project at Quantico, Virginia.
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