Chess in the U.S. Armed Forces
by Bill Wall

In 1957, the All Service Postal Chess Club (ASPCC) was started.

In 1959, Lt John E. Donovan was the Marine base chess champion in Santa Ana, California.

In 1959, Thomas Emery (1896-1975) and Col.John D. Mathas co-founded the US Armed Forces Chess Championship. Emery was a World War I marine.

In 1960, the board members of the American Chess Foundation-US Chess Federation Joint Committee for Armed Forces Chess included Col. John D, Matheson, Col. E. B. Ely, Thomas Emery, Dr. Eliot Hearst, Sgt Bob Karch, L.S. Turover, and Sidney Wallach. (Chess Review, May 1960, p. 130)

In March 1960, 12 finalists were chosen from more than 100 military candidates nominated by military organizations and USO Clubs. The 12 selections were Air Force Major Edmund Czapski (a B-47 pilot), PFC Arthur Feuerstein (2405), USAF Captain Henry Giertych (the first USCF expert I ever beat), TSgt Robert Grande, 1Lt John Hudson (2266), USAF SSgt George Krauss, A1C Peter Leuthold, A3C Richard Moran, Navy Captain Charles Mott, SP4 Michael Robinson, Commnder Eugene Sobczyk, and A3C Robert Walker. There were no marines represented. Thomas Emery, a marine during World War I, donated $2,000 in prize money. A supplementary award of $100 was donated by the Navy times for the sea serviceman who finished with the highest score. Other supplementary awards was contributed by the National Jewish Welfare Board, a charter agency of the USO. (source: Chess Review, March 1960, p. 68)

In 1960, Airman Richard Moran won the USAFE France District Championship. Captain Bobby G. Dudley (1928-2017)(my chess book publisher with Chess Enterprises) won the Chateaurox Air Base Championship. Airman Peter Leuthold (1958 Arizona chess champion) won the USAFE chess tournament in Wiesbaden, Germany. (source: Chess Review, April 1960, p. 99 and "Military Chess in Europe" by Robert karch, Chess Life, Feb 20, 1960, p. 8)

The Thomas Emery Trophy for the Chess Championship the United States Armed forces appeared on the cover of the May 1960 issue of Chess Review.

From May 15 to May 21, 1960 (Armed Forces Week), the first U.S. Armed Forces Chess Championship (USAFCC) was held at the American Legion Hall of Flags in Washington, D.C. There were 12 invited participants. Air Force Captain John A. Hudson (1930-2012) and Army SP4 Arthur W.Feuerstein (1935- ) tied for 1st place. Both scored 10-1 (9 wins and 2 draws). Czapski, Krauss, and Grande all tied for 3rd-5th place, each scoring 6-5. Giertych and Robinson had 5-6 scores. Mott scored 4.5. Moran scored 4. Sobczyk scored 3.5. Walker and Leuthold scored 3. Feuerstein was four times New York state champion and was serving in the US Army in France at this time. Hudson was a bombardier-navigator on B-52 bombers from Chennault AFB, LA, and a former US Amateur champion (1956 and 1957). He also won the Louisiana State Championship in 1952 and the California State Open in 1965. The Air Force and Army tied for the team championship. The top 6 scores from each service are added to determine the team winner. The event was sponsored by the Department of Defense, American Legion, American Chess Foundation, and several patrons. Hans Kmoch (1894-1973) served as chess referee. Hudson and Feuerstein split the $1,500 prize money for 1st-2nd place. The money was put up by Thomas Emery, a New York capitalist who was a marine during World War I. Emery provided $100,000 to support Armed Forces chess in the future. (source: Sports Illustrated, June 6, 1960, pp. 66-68, Chess Review, July 1960, p. 223, and Chess Life, June 20, 1960, p. 1)

In 1960, John Payne won the Randolph Open at Randolph AFB in San Antonio, Texas. The tournament was directed by USAF Major Ed Edmondson, who was a navigator on KC-135 aircraft (I was a crew chief on KC-135Q aircraft). (source: Chess Review, Sep 1960, p. 263 and Chess Life, July 20, 1960, p. 5)

In July 1960, the first European Army-Air force, USCF-rated tournament was held at Kaiserslautern, Germany. Gilbert Ramirez and Peter Leuthold tied for 1st with a 4.5-0.5 score. (source: Chess Life, Sep 5, 1960, p. 2)

In April 1961, CMSgt Roland Goad came up with the name KING's KORNER for the All Service Postal Chess Club (ASPCC) chess magazine.

In 1961, Hans Kmoch wrote a 68-page pamphlet on the chess games of the first Thomas Emery Armed Forces Tournament, published by the American Chess Foundation.

For the 1961 Armed Forces championship, Thomas Emery donated $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, $250 for third place, and $150 for fourth place. He also provided $100 U.S. savings bonds for fifth to twelfth places. The Navy Times contributed a $100 cash award to the leading sea serviceman. (source: Chess Review, May 1961, p. 131)

In October 1961, Air Force Captain John A. Hudson won the Second Thomas Emery Armed Forces Tournament, held at the USO Lafayette Club in Washington, DC. He scored 9.5-1.5. Second was USAF A2C Gilbert Ramirez, scoring 9-2, followed by SPEC4 Arthur Feuerstein. The tournament was sponsored by the US Chess Federation, the American Chess Foundation, and the USO. The Air Force won the team championship. This was the first year that the Marine Corps was first represented. (source: Chess Review, Nov 1961, pp. 324-325 and Chess Life, Dec 1961, p. 333)

In 1962, General David M. Shoup (1904-1983), Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, was the head of the Honorary Committee of Flag Officers for the third Thomas Emery Armed Forces tournament. In 1962, the cash wards were eliminated. The Thomas Emery grant and the American Chess Foundation provided payment for per diem expenses of the participants, silver cups for 1st through 3rd place, and plaques to all others. (source: Chess Review, Sep 1962, p. 259)

In October 1962, Army PFC Roy D. Mallett of the Fourth Armored Division in Europe won the 3rd US Armed Forces chess championship, held at the USO Club in Washington, DC. He scored 8-1. Army won the team championship and the Thomas Emery Trophy, which became a team trophy. (source: Chess Review, Dec 1962, p. 356)

In October 1963, Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Irwin J. Lyon won the 4th US Armed Forces championship, held at the Lafayette Square USO Club in Washington, DC. Lyon was from Keesler AFB, Mississippi. He scored 7.5-1.5. 2nd place went to Airman Robert Bailey of Tyndall AFB, Florida. This was the first year that the Coast Guard was represented in this annual event. Air Force won the team championship. (source: Chess Review, Jan 1964, p. 3)

In 1963, General David M. Shoup, Medal of Honor winner, retired from the Marine Corps as Commandant and became the Honorary President of the American Chess Foundation. He did much to support Armed forces chess.

In 1964, a team representing the US Army and Air Force personnel defeate a team representing British Armed Forces in Germany. The match was held in Bonn, Germany. (source: Chess Life, May 1968, p. 209)

In September 1964, Air Force 2nd Lieutenant Donald S. Napoli won the Air Force chess championship, held at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. He scored 5.5-0.5. The Air Force team included Napoli, Donato Rivera, Harold Weiner, Irwin Lyon, and John Niven. (source: Chess Review, Oct 1964, p. 293)

In November 1964, Air Force 1st Lieutenant Donato Rivera de Jesus (1942- ) of Chanute AFB, Illinois, won the 5th US Armed Forces championship on tiebreaks over Army Pvt Bruce Albertson. Both scored 7.5-1.5 points. Rivera played for Puerto Rico in the Varna Chess Olympiad in 1962. Air Force won the team championship with 18.5 points, followed by Army with 17.5 and the Sea Services with 15 points. General David Shoup presented the Emery Trophy tothe winning Air force team. The Armed Forces champions made the cover of the January 1965 issue of Chess Review. (Chess Review, Jan 1965, p. 3)

In July 1965, Tim Moore won the championship of Thule Air Base in Greenland, followed by Chuck Singleton. (source: Chess Life, Aug 1965, p. 174)

In 1965, USAF Major Bobby G. Dudley (1928-2017) was president of the Texas Chess Association. In 1965, USAF Captain James R. Gross won the USAF Tactical Air Command championship, held at Nellis AFB, Nevada. 24 players competed. (source: Chess Life, Sep 1965, p. 200)

In 1965, A2C Walter Harris and A1C Ross Sprague tied for first in the USAF chess championship.

In 1965, the Air Force team consisted of A1C Ross Sprague, A2C Walter Harris, A2C Alfred Kershaw, A2C David Lees, and TSgt George Krauss. All qualified from the Air Force championship, held at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. (source: Chess Review, Oct 1965, p. 293)

In November 1965, Air Force Airman David M. Lees (1943-1996) won the 6th US Armed Forces championship, held at the American Legion "Hall of Flags," Washington, DC. He scored 7 out of 9. Second place went to PFC George W. Berry. The event was held at the American Legion's Hall of Flags in Washington, D. C. Lees also won the Texas State Championship in 1965. Air Force won the team championship for the third time in a row. The tournament made the cover of the November 1965 issue of Chess Life. Chess Review had a photo stating, "Airman David M. Lees of James Connally AFB, TExas, is presented President Johnson's congratulations (inscribed in 1965 Inagural Souvenir Book) by Major Hugh G. Robinson, White House Army Aide, and also the sterling silver Armed Forces champion's trophy held by G. Randle Grimes of Atlantic City, New Jersey, American Chess Foundation Vice-president." Another photo appeared in Chess Review of the finalists playing their chess games.(source: Chess Life, Nov 1965, p. 231 and Chess Review, Jan 1966, p.3)

In June 1966, USAF Major Richard Pirnack won the Hickam AFB chess championship with a pefect 5-0 score. (source: Chess Life, Sep 1966, p. 209)

In July 1966, Chuck Singleton and Clarence Moore tied at 3.5-0.5 in the Tyndall AFB Championship in Florida. (source: Chess Life, Sep 1966, p. 213)

In 1966, Johan A. Hansen won the Fifth Naval District chess championship in Norfolk, VA.

In 1966, Army SP4 Chester Thomas Wozney (1940- ) of Parma, Ohio, won the Eighth Army Chess Championship in Korea.

In 1966,PFC Asa Hoffman won the 1966 1st Army Chess Tournament, held at Fort Meade, Maryland. (source: Chess Review, Sep 1966, p. 260)

In July 1966, USAF Major Richard E. Pirnack won the Hawaii District Air Force chess championship. (source: Chess Life, Sep 1966, p. 209)

In July 1966, Stephen B. Rhodes won the Luke AFB, Arizona championship. (soure: Chess Life, Sep 1968, p. 215)

In 1966, A1C Paul Murphy won the USAF Air Defense Command Championship, held at Selfridge AFB, Michigan. (source: Chess Life, Oct 1966, p. 241)

In November 1966, Army SP4 Chester Wozney won the 7th US Armed Forces championship in Washington DC. He scored 8.5 out of 10. Wozney later won the 1967 Ohio chess championship. Second was USAF Lt. Donato Rivera, Jr. Third was PFC Asa Hoffmann. Army won the Thomas Emory Championship Team Trophy. Army had 30.5 points, Air Force had 27.5 points, and the Sea Services (Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) had 21.5 points. The tournament was sponsored by the American Chess Foundation in cooperation with the Department of Defense, military services, USO, and the US Chess Federation (USCF). Former press secretary to President Johnson, George Reedy, wa the MC at the American Chess Foundation's Thomas Emery Awards dinner. Wozney appeared on the cover of the January 1967 issue of Chess Review. In the same issue, a photo appeared with the caption: "At the Armed Forces Championship, Pfc. Asa Hoffman of New York, stationed at the Aberdden Proving Grounds, Maryland, confromts Lt. Donato Rivera of San Juan, Puerto Rico, stationed at Torrejon AFB, Spain, while American Legion National Commander John E. Davis and General Lewis B. Hershey of the Selective Service look on." During the dinner, a message from Vice President Hubert Humphrey was read supporting chess in the armed forces. (source: Chess Review, Jan 1967, pp. 3-4)

In 1967, A1C David M. Lees won an interservice chess tournament at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

In 1967, Sgt. Ross Frederick Sprague (1940- ) won the US Air Force championship.

In 1967, Gary T. Robinson (1943- ), a communications yeoman seaman, won the Fifth Naval District chess championship in Norfolk, VA.

In July 1967, Chuck Singleton won the Tyndall AFB championship in Florida. He then won the Air Defense Command Championship. (source: Chess Life, Jan 1968, p. 9)

In October 1967, Army PFC Michael (Mike) J. Senkiewicz won the 8th US Armed Forces championship on teibreak, held at the American Legion's Hall of Flags in Washington, DC. He was also a world class Scrabble player, backgammon player, and poker player. He played for the British Virgin Islands in the 1988 chess Olympiad, scoring 9 out of 12. He was once ranked 35th in the nation in chess. Army 2Lt Ronald Lifson took 2nd place. Both scored 4.5-0.5. Army won the team championship with a 2.5-0.5 match score. Pulitzer prize winning war correspondent Jim Licas was the main speaker at the awards dinner. Gen David M. Shoup, retired Commandant of the Marine Corps and honorary chairman of the American Chess Foundation, presented the championship awards. (source: Chess Review, Dec 1967, p. 356 and Chess Life, Jan 1968, p, 9)

In 1967, Ross Sprague won the US Air Force championship, held at Eglin AFB, Florida. He won on tiebreaks over Sonato Rivera. Both scord 6-1. There were 31 players from 11 major Air Force commands. (source: Chess Review, Jan 1968, p. 3)

In 1968, Sgt Joe Nicolosi won the Clark Air Base, Philippines championship. (source: Chess Life, Oct 1968, p. 379)

In October 1968, Army SP4 Charles "Charlie" Powell (1944-1991) won the 9th US Armed Forces championship, held in The American Legion Hall of Flags, Washington, DC. He scored 11-1. Powell was 7-time Virginia champion and beat Bobby Fischer in a simul. Second place went to SP4 Michael Senkiewicz, who scored 10.5-1.5. Army won the team championship for the third straight year with 53 points, followed by the USAF with 45.5 points, and the Sea Services with 9.5 points. The top Armed Forces chess players appeared on the January, 1969 cover of Chess Life magazine. (source: Chess Life, Jan 1968, p. 18 and Chess Review, Mar 1969, p. 67)

In 1969, a combined U.S. Army and Air Force chess team defeated a British Armed Forces squad 11-5 in Munich, Germany. (source: Chess Life, May 1969, p. 209)

In 1969, Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Irwin Lyon won the Aerospace Defense Command chess championship.

In 1969, Bill Fowler won the Barksdale AFB Open. (source: Chess Review, Aug 1969, p. 227)

In 1969, R. Barry won teh Air Force Systems Command championship, held at Patrick AFB, Florida. (source: Chess Life, Nov 1969, p. 474)

In 1969, Chuck Gold won the Clark Air Base championship in the Philippines with a perfect 5-0 score. (source: Chess Life, Dec 1969, p. 492)

In 1969, Robert Bliss won the Air Force Championship, held at Langley AFB, Virginia. The top four Air Force players the qualified for the Armed Forces championship included Bliss, Steven Morrison, John Rausch, and Angel Martinez. (source: Chess Life, Mar 1970, p. 150)

In November 1969, Army PFC Steven D. Hohensee won the 10th US Armed Forces championship, held in the American Legion's Hall of Flags in Washington, DC. Hohensee scored 10-2. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant J. Lyon and Airman First Class Steven Morrison tied for 2nd-3rd with 9.5 points. Army and Air Force tied for the team championship with 43.5 points. The Sea Services had 21 points. (source: New York Times, May 24, 1970, p. 30 and Chess Life, Apr 1970, pp. 222-223)

In 1969, Roland Goad won the Hawaii District Air Force Championship. (source: Chess Life, Feb 1970, p. 84)

In 1969, Kent Vanderheyden won the Tactical Air Command championship at Langley AFB, Virginia. (source: Chess Life, Feb 1970, p.113)

In 1970, Roland Goad (1800) won the Hawaii District Air Force championship. (source: Chess Life, Dec 1970, p. 722) In 1970, Sgt Chuck Singleton won the Air Force Logistics Command championship.

In September 1970, there were 43 participants in the US Army Invitational.

In October 1970, Airman Basic Bill Wall (1951- ) won the Lackland AFB championship in San Antonio, Texas.

In November 1970, Airman Bill Wall won the Sheppard AFB championship, in Wichita Falls, Texas.

In November 1970, 2Lt Brandon Godfrey (2250) won the US Air Force Championship, held at McConnell AFB, Kansas. He scored 6.5-0.5. The Air Force team that qualified for the Armed Forces championship included Godfrey, 1Lt Robert Bliss (2085), Capt Robert Bond (1934), Paul Heinrich (1928), and SSgt Steven Morrison (2062). (source: Chess Life, Feb 1971, p. 93)

In November 1970, Air Force Major John A. Hudson (2193) of Mather AFB, California, won the 11th US Armed Forces Chess championship, played in the American Legion's Hall of Flags, at Washington, DC. Hudson scored 9 out of 12. He tied for 1st in 1960 and won the event in 1961. Air Force 2nd Lt Brendan Godfrey and SP5 Steven D. Hohensee (2082) tied for 2nd-3rd. There were 18 participants. Army and Air Force tied for the team championship. Each team scored 41 points. The Sea Services scored 26 points. Air Force 1Lt Robert Bliss won the blitz championship. President Richard Nixon wrote: "It is once again a pleasure to applaud those organizations that have joined to make competitive chess avaialbe to the men and women of tour armed forces. I also want to congratulate the select group of armed forces particpants who have made it to the top after months of strenuous intellectual exercise...My best wished to both the players and sponsors." (source: New York times, Dec 27, 1970, p. 86 and Chess Life, Apr 1971, p. 207)

In March 1971, Airman Bill Wall won the Beale AFB, California Open.

In May 1971, Captain John Manson won the Beale AFB, California championship.

In August 1971, Duane Waldriff and Fred Leffingwell tied for 1st in the 12th Naval District championship, held on Tresure Island in San Francisco. (source: Chess Life, Jan 1972, p. 31) In August 1971, thre were 71 participants in the US Army championship.

In September 1971, there were 29 participants in the USAF chess championship, won by 2Lt Brendan Godfrey.

In October 1971, Air Force 2nd Lieutenant Brendan Godfrey of Kirland AFB, NM, won the 12th annual US Armed Forces championship, held in the Legion's Hall of Flags in Washington, DC. He scored 10 out of 12. Dr. Godfrey was Director of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and now a senior research scientist at the University of Maryland. Air Force won the team championship. There were 18 participants. At the awards dinner, Miss American of 1970, Phyllis George, a USO troop entertainer, accepted an American Legion plague honoring the USO for its 30 years of service to the Armed Forces.

In December, 1971, A1C Bill Wall won the U Tapao Air Base Championship in Thailand. In February 1972, Sgt Bill Wall won the Kadena Air Base championship in Okinawa.

In 1972, Lt. John Manson (1820) won the Beale AFB Ch.

In 1972, Electronic Technician Charles Lawton won the 9th Naval District Championship, in Great Lakes. (source: Chess Life & Review, Nov 1972, p. 693) In August 1972, Scott Lidell won the Pacific Coast Regional Naval Championships, held at Moffett Field NAS in California. (source: Chess Life and Review, Dec 1972, p. 764)

In August 1972, Lt.John Manson won the Beale AFP Summer Open, held at the Jetstar Recreation Center, Beale AFB, CA. Sgt Bill Wall directed. (source: CL&R, Jan 1973, p. 106)

In September 1972, Richard Olsher won the 1st Army Invitational Tournament at Fort Dix. There were 60 participants. (source: Chess Life & Review, Dec 1972, p. 755) In September 1972, there wre 38 partipcants in the Tactical Air Command championship.

In September 1972, there were 32 particpants in the Air Force championship.

In 1972, Clay Kellerher won the Naval District Washington championship. (source: Chess Life & Revew, Dec 1972, p. 755)

In September 1972, Coast Guard Lieutenant (j.g.) Zacarias S. Chavez (1945) won the 13th US Armed Forces championship, held in the American Legion's Hall of Flags in Washington, DC. He scored 9 out of 10. He appeared on the front cover of the December 1972 issue of Chess Life & Review. Seaman Joseph Bradford took 2nd place. The Sea Services (Navy, Marines and Coast Guard combined) won the team championship and the Thomas Emery Championship Trophy for the first time, scoring 30.5 points. Air Force took 2nd with 28.5 points. There were 15 participants. (source: Chess Life & Review, Dec 1972, p. 748)

In November 1972, John Bales, Ltcol Henry Giertych, and Capt John Manson tied for 1s in the 1972 Beale AFB Fall Open, directed by Sgt Bill Wall. (source: CL&R, April 1973, p.235)

In March 1973, Lt. Col Henry Giertych and SSgt William Archbold ties for 1st in the 1973 Beale AFB Spring Open, directed by Sgt Bill Wall (source: CL&R, June 1973, p. 359)

In June 1973, Lt Col Henry A. Giertych (1929-2002) won the Beale AFB Championship. He was a dentist and played in the first Armed Forces chess championship in 1960. Sgt Bill Wall and Capt John Manson tied for 2nd-3rd. Bill Wall directed. (source: CL&R, Aug 1973, p. 467)

In 1973, SSgt Chuck Singleton won the Keflavik Open and NATO Base Championship in Iceland, over Lt. David Ambro. (source: CL&R, Aug 1973, p. 483)

In October 1973, Sgt Bill Wall won the U Tapao Air Base, Thailand, Championship.

In October 1973, Air Force Sergeant Don C. Sutherland won the Air Force championship, held at Chanute AFB, Illinois.

In 1973, Ed Addis won the Clark Air Base Championship in The Philippines. (source: CL&R, Jan 1974, p. 67)

In November 1973, Air Force Sergeant Don C. Sutherland (2181) of Lowry AFB, Colorado, won the 14th US Armed Forces championship. played at the American Legion's Hall of Fame, Washington, DC. He scored 11 out of 12. Sutherland won the California State Chess Championship in 1965 and Colorado Championship in 1973. The Sea Services won the team championship to retain the Thomas Emery Trophy. (source: CL&R FEb 1974, p. 100)

In 1973, the Pacific Air Forces Championship held at Clark AB, Philippines, was won by William Gray. (source: CL&R. Feb 1974, p. 134)

In February 1974, SSgt Bill Wall won the Andersen Air Base, Guam Championship.

In 1974, Doug Steward won the Clark Air Base Open in The Philippines. (source: CL&R Sep 1974, p. 639)

In August 1974, the first All-Army Chess Tournament was held at Fort Meade, Maryland. 24 players competed for the six-man Army team. The 6 team members were Captain Richard Olsher, Spec 4 Ken Spencer, Major Richard Hervert, Spec 4 Van Vandiver, Spec 5 Albyn Jones,and PFC Gary Campbell.

In August 1974, SSgt Bill Wall won the U Tapao Air Base, Thailand, championship.

In 1974, LtCol Henry Giertych won the Beale AFB championship in California. Lewis Castle won the Beale AFB Open, directed by Bill Wall. (source: CL&R Nov 1974, p. 743)

In August 1974, the All air Force Tournament was held at McConnell AFB, Kansas. The Air Force team consisted of Richard Bustamente, Charles Unruh, Henry Giertych, Don Sutherland, and Bruce Bowe.

In September 1974, Air Force Sergeant Richard R. Bustamante of Castle AFB, Calif., won the 15th US Armed Forces championship, held in the Legion's Hall of Flags, Washington, DC. He scored 10.5 out of 12. A1C Charles Unruh took 2nd place. Air Force won the team championship. AWC Johan Hansen of NAS, Brunswick, Maine, was selected by tournament director Chaplain L. Randall Rogers, retired Navy commander, to receive the award for the most brilliant game. Bustamante received the Bulova Watch-Time award and the American Legion-Veterans Affairs award. (source: CL&R, Dec 1974, p. 792 and CL&R, Feb 1975, p. 76)

In 1974, the Mildenhall Open at RAF Mildenhall Air Base, Suffolk, UK, was won by Vernon Dale Burk. (source: CL&R Feb 1975, p. 143)

In 1975, Thomas Odom won the Shaw AFB Open in South Carolina. (source: CL&R, Jun 1975, p. 382)

In 1975, Bobby Moore won the Wiesbaden Open, Wiesbaden AFB, Germany. (source: CL&R, Sep 1975, p. 591)

In September, 1975, Air Force Sergeant Charles D. Unruh (1953- ) won the 16th US Armed Forces championship, held in Washington, DC. He later won the Oklahoma state championship (2014). Air Force won the team championship. George Koltanowski, president of the United States Chess Federation (USCF), was the principal speaker on the Awards program. The Thomas Emery Memorial Trophy was given to the Air Force team and presented to Maj. Gen. Bennie L. Davis, Air Force member of the Honorary Committee.

In September 1976 Army E4 Russell H. Garber won the 17th annual US Armed Forces championship, held at the American Legion's Hall of Flags in Washington, DC. Army won the team championship, follwed by the Sea Services. It was the Army's first win since 1968. Garber recieved an American Flag which flew over the U.S. Capitol during the Armed Forces Chess Tournament. Air Force SSgt Don C. Sutherland of Columbus AFB, MS took 2nd place.

In March 1977, the American Legion accepted a grant of funds from the American Chess Foundation for planning, promoting and conducting the annual Armed Forces Chess Championship Tournament for the next three years. American Chess Foundation executive Sidney Wallach presented a $7,500 check to National Vice Commander Thomas B. Coll for the thournament and other chess projects under Legion auspices.

In October 1977, Air Force Captain Robert M. Bond won the 18th US Armed Forces championship, held in Washington DC. Air Force won the team championship.

In September 1978, Air Force Captain Robert Bond won the 19th US Armed Forces championship. PFC Terrence Depeaza took 2nd place.The event was held at the American Legion Hall of Flags in Washington, D.C. Air Force won the team championship, followed by Army. The event was sponsored by the American Chess Foundation.

In 1979, Army Spec. 4 Michael F. Fletcher won the All Army Chess Championship.

In 1979, Army SP4 Michael F. Fletcher won the 20th US Armed Forces championship. Army won the team championship. The event was held at the American Legion Hall of Flags in Washington, DC.

In June 1979, Bill Wall won the Lackland AFB championship in San Antonio.

In September 1979, 2Lt Bill Wall won the Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio Championship in Dayton, Ohio.

In 1980, Army SP4 Michael F. Fletcher won the 21st US Armed Forces championship. AP4 Frederick Krewson took 2nd place. Army won the team championship.

In July 1980, 2Lt Charles Meidinger won the Wright-Patterson AFB Ch. 2Lt Bill Wall took 2nd place.

In December 1980, the Air Force won the Armed Forces Invitation team championship, held at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana.

In July 1981, 1Lt Charles Meidinger won the Wright-Patterson AFB Ch. 1Lt Bill Wall took 2nd place.

In November, 1981, Air Force Airman 1st Class Timothy Brown won the 22nd US Armed Forces championship. He won the Arizona championship in 1976. The Sea Services won the team ch. The event was held at the American Legion Hall of Flags in Washington, DC.

In September, 1982, Air Force Sergeant Timothy Brown won the 23rd US Armed Forces championship. Air Force won the team ch. The event was held in Washington, DC.

In January 1983, Capt Bill Wall won the Wright-Patterson AFB Ch.

In May 1983, the Air Force won the Armed Forces Team Invitational, held at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

In 1983, Air Force Senior Airman Emory Tate, Jr. (1958-2015) won the 24th US Armed Forces championship. He would later win the Armed Forces championship 5 times and become an International Master, rated over 2450. He died of a heart attack at a chess tourament in San Jose. The Air Force won the team ch.

In September 1984, Capt Bill Wall won the Maxwell AFB Ch in Montgomery, AL.

In 1984, Air Force Sergeant Emory Tate won the 25th US Armed Forces championship. He won the first Haskell Small Award for top individual honors. Navy Lt Charles Braun took 2nd place. The Air Force won the team championship. Navy Dental Technician First Class Ruben R. Ignacio win the blitz championship.

In November 1984, Capt Bill Wall won the Wright-Patterson AFB championship.

In 1985, Army SP4 Roberto Rodriguez and Air Force Sergeant Bobby G. Moore (1954- ) tied for 1st in the 26th US Armed Forces championship. Army won the team ch.

In July 1985, Captain Bill Wall won the Sunnyvale AFS championship in Sunnyvale, CA.

In 1985, Ramon Gonzales won the Central Pacific Armed Forces Ch in Concord, CA.

In July 1986, Major Bill Wall won the Central Pacific Armed Forces Ch in Concord, CA.

In 1986, Army Private Richard Russell (1962- ) won the 27th US Armed Forces championship. Air Force won the team ch.

In June 1987, Major Bill Wall won the Moffett Field Naval Air Station championship in Mountain View, CA.

In August 1987, Major Bill Wall won the Central Pacific Armed Forces Ch in Mare Island, CA.

In 1987, Air Force Staff Sergeant Emory Tate won the 28th US Armed Forces championship. Air Force won the team ch.

In June 1988, Major Bill Wall won the Onizuka AFB championship in Sunnyvale, CA.

In 1988, Francisco Anchonado won the Central Pacific Armed Forces Ch at Skaggs Island, CA.

In 1988, Air Force Staff Sergeant Emory Tate won the 29th US Armed Forces championship. Air Force won the team ch.

In 1989, Zeus Oira won the Central Pacific Armed Forces Ch in Concord, CA.

In 1989, Air Force Staff Sergeant Emory Tate won the 30th US Armed Forces championship. Air Force won the team ch.

In June 1990, Major Bill Wall won the Moffett Field NAS championship in Mountain View, CA. In 1989, Larry Weston won the Onizuka AFB championship in Sunnyvale, CA.

In July 1990, Major Bill Wall won the Central Pacific Armed Forces Championship in Mare Island, CA.

In 1990, Mario Murillo (Navy) won the 31st US Armed Forces championship. The Sea Services won the team championship. There was no Air Force team that year.

In April 1991, Major Bill Wall won the Onizuka AFB championship in Sunnyvale, CA.

In 1991, Francisco Anchonado won the Central Pacific Armed Forces Championship at Mare Island, CA.

In 1991, Mario Murillo (Navy) won the 32nd US Armed Forces championship. The Sea Services won the team ch.

In April 1992, David Raines won the Fort Benning chess championship. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199204183720)

In June 1992, Charles Thrasher won the Navy Sports Conference at Pearl Harbor. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199206073850)

In June 1992, Major Bill Wall won the Kelly AFB Ch in San Antonio, Texas.

In 1992, Air Force Sergeant Elvin Wilson (1971- ) won the Texas Armed Forces championship, directed by Bill Wall

In June 1992, Glenn Cannon won the third Air Force chess championship in Ramstein, Germany. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199206060940)

In June 1992, Charles Crook won the 8th US Army Championship, held in Seoul, Korea. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199206216670)

In July 1992, Charles Crook (2206) won the Army championship, held at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199207291640)

In July 1992, Narcisco Victoria (2176) won the Sea Services championship, held in Virginia Beach, Virginia. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199207313000)

In July 1992, Elvin Wilson (2216) won the Air Force chess championship, held at Andrews AFB, MD. He scored 7 out of 9. Homer Jones directed. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199207302050)

In August 1992, Donato Lacno (Navy) won the 33nd US Armed Forces championship, held at Andrews AFB, Maryland. The Sea Services won the team ch. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199208117810)

From 1960 to 1992, the Armed Forces chess championship was fully funded by the Department of Defense (DoD)

In January 1993, Edward M. Pabalan took 1st place in the Armed Forces Team Tourney, held in Washington, DC. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199301164610)

In March 1993, Tae Yun Park won the Army Korea-Wide chess championship, held in Seoul. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199303281760)

In 1993, the Armed Forces chess championship was sponsored by the DoD, but not fully funded.

In May 1993, Major Bill Wall won the Kelly AFB championship in San Antonio, Texas.

In October 1993, Major Bill Wall won the Texas Armed Forces championship, held in San Antonio.

In September 1993, Jeffrey McAleer won the Army championship, held at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199309295710)

In September 1993, Bobby Moore (2214) and Brian Lankey (2167) tied for 1st at the Air Force championship, held at Andrews AFB, Maryland. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199310016580)

In October 1993, Clayton Mankey won the Navay Anniverary Open at Lexington Park, Maryland. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199310199590)

In 1993, Air Force Sergeant Elvin Wilson (2230) won the 34th US Armed Forces championship. Air Force won the team ch. There was no Sea Services team that year. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199310111320)

In March 1994, Jeffrey McAleer won the 8th Army chess championship, held in Seoul, South Korea. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199403274790)

In June 1994, Major Bill Wall won the Kelly AFB Ch.

In June 1994, Jose Silva, Donald Flournoy, and Fidel Serrano all tied for 1st place in the Texas Armed Forces championship, held at Lackland AFB, Texas. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199406121120)

In September 1994, Paul Lane won the Army championship, held at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199409154480)

In October 1994, Robert D. Holling (Navy) won the 35th US Armed Forces championship, held in Washington, DC. He scored 4.5 out of 5. The Sea Services won the team ch. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199410107570)

In April 1995, Major Bill Wall won the Kelly AFB chess championship in San Antonio, Texas.

In August 1995, Duane Solley won the Texas Armed Forces championship, held in San Antonio. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199508272280

In March 1995, Marian Nita won the 8th US Army championship, held in Seoul. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199503262140)

In 1995, the Armed Forces championship went to an open format. It was supported by the US Chess Center and the American Chess Foundation.

In October 1995, John Hansen and Brian Richardson tied for 1st in the 36th US Armed Forces championship. Both scored 4.5 out of 5. Army won the team ch.(source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199510090630)

In November 1995, Jose Luid Silva (2198) won the US Army championship, held at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199511025630)

In March 1996, Marian Nita won the 8th Army chess championship, held in Seoul, South Korea. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199603243020

In October 1996, Army Captain David Hater won the 37th US Armed Forces championship, held in Washington, DC. He scored 4.5 out of 5. Army won the team ch. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199610147190)

In November 1996, Brian Richardson (2094) won the Army championship, held at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199611144160)

In March 1997, Rollando David won the 8th US Army championship, held in Seoul. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199703239000)

In August 1997, Francis Kinney won the Fort Belvoir, Virginia chess championship. (source:http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199708167330)

In October 1997, Army Major David Hater and Dwaine Roberts (Marines Corps) tied for 1st in the 38th annual U.S. Armed Forces Championship, held in Washington, DC. Hater won on tiebreak. The Air Force won the team ch. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199710131750)

In November 1997, Rudy Tia (2029) won the Army championship, held at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199711067940)

In October 1998, Joseph Kruml (2128) won the Army championship, held at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199810010440)

In October 1998, Air Force Sergeant Elvin Wilson (2291) and Air Force Sergeant Peter Kurucz (2128) tied for 1st in the 39th US Armed Forces championship. Kurucz won on tiebreak. The Air Force won the team ch.(source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199810123380)

In March 1999, Ronald Beasley won the 8th US Army championship, held in Seoul. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199903212200)

In September 1999, Rudy Tia (2121) and Joseph Spencer (2060) tied for 1sr place in the Army championship, held at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199909094270)

In 1999, Air Force Sergeant Robert Keough won the 40th annual U.S. Armed Forces Championship. He scored 4.5 out of 5. The Air Force won the team ch. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?199910119040)

In June 2000, the Texas Armed Forces Championship Open was held in San Antonio, Texas. It was won by Don C. Sutherland (2208). (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200006180770-10408016)

In August 2000, Rudy Tia (2151) won the Army championship, held at Fort Meyer, Virginia. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200008171340)

In 2000, Air Force Sergeant Robert Keough (2029) won the 41st annual U.S. Armed Forces Championship, held in Washington, D.C. He won on tiebreaks over Peter Kurucz. Both scored 4.5 out of 5. The Air Force won the team championship. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200010090190)

In 2001, the US Armed Forces Chess Championship (USAFCC) was renamed the U.S. Interservice Chess Championship (ISCC). The event was fully funded by the DoD.

In August 2001, Rudy tia (2123) won the Army championship, held at Fort Meyer, Virginia. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200108160440)

In 2001, Sgt Rudy Tia (2126) and Joseph Kruml (2146) tied for 1st in the 42nd annual U.S. Armed Forces Championship, now renamed the Interservice championship, held at Fort Meyer, Virginia. Army won the team ch.

In October 2001, David Hater (2012) won the Armed Forces Open, held in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He scored 4.5 out of 5. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200110089650.1)

In August 2002, Rudy Tia (2099) won the Army championship, held at Fort Meyer, Virginia. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200208210270)

In September 2002, Sgt Rudy Tia (2134) won the 43rd annual U.S. Armed Forces Championship, now renamed the Interservice championship. The event took place in San Diego. Army won the team ch.

In October 2002, Andres T. Suarez won the US Armed Forces Open, held in Capital Heights, Maryland. He scored 4.5 out of 5. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200210142820)

In May 2003, Brian Lawrence won the Misawa air Base, Japan, chess championship. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200305056460)

In May 2003, Nathaniel Ola won the Schriever AFB, Colorado championship. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200305038370)

In May 2003, John Flores win the Kirtland AFB, NM championship. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200305170090)

In June 2003, Rudy tia (2119) won the Army championship, held at Fort Meyer, Virginia. source: (http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200306267620)

In 2003, Air Force Sergeant Leroy Hill (2068) won the 44th annual U.S. Armed Forces Championship, held at Kelly AFB in San Antonio, Texas. Air Force won the team ch.

In October 2003, Paul Waldowski (2050) won the 2003 Armed Forces Open, held in Arlington, Virginia. He scored 4.5 out of 5. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200310139620)

In April 2004, Nathaniel Ola won the Air Force Space Command championship, held at Paterson, AFB, Colorado. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200404075570)

In April 2004, Timothy Butler won the Air Force Academy championship. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200404247790)

In May 2004, Mustapha Kahlouch won the Army championship, held at Fort Meyer, Virginia. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200405263730)

In May 2004, Robert Keough (2038) won the Air Force championship, held at Keesler AFB, Mississippi. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200405141500)

In June 2004, Narcisco Victoria (2197) and West Point Cadet David Jacobs tied for 1st in the 45th annual U.S. Armed Forces Championship, held at Kelly AFB in San Antonio, Texas. Victoria won on tiebreak. The Air Force and Navy tied for team championship.

In October 2004, Ahmad Ismail and David Jacobs tied for 1st in the 2004 Armed Forces Open, held in Annapolis, Maryland. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200410118090)

In May 2005, Rudy tia (2120) won the Army championship, held in Arlingron, Virginia. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200505190961)

In May 2005, Nathaniel Ola won the Air Force championship, held at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200505057251)

In October 2005, West Point Cadet David Jacobs won the U.S. Armed Forces Open, held in Laurel, Maryland. He scored 5 out of 5. The Army won the team championship. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200510103041.1)

In 2005, Narcisco Victoria, Samuel Eshaure, Dan Ranario, Froilan Magpantay, Robert Keogh, and Mustapha Kahlouch tied for 1st at the 46th Armed Forces championship, held in Arlington, Virginia.

In 2005, Riley Lane won the All Service Postal Chess Club Armed Forces championship.

In May 2006, 2nd Lt Arthur Macaspac (2090) won the US Army chess championship, held at Fort Meyer, Virginia. (source" http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200605191781)

In May 2006, Douglas Taffinder (2052) won the Air Force championship, held at Davis-Montham AFB, Arizona. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200605110201)

In June, 2006, Navy Personnelman 1st Class Narcisco Victoria (2202), Air Force SSgt Robert Bucholtz (2035), and Air Force Master Sergeant Dan Ranario (2030) tied for 1st at the 47th Inter-Service Chess championship, held in Jacksonville, Florida. Victoria won on tiebreak. Air Force won the team championship.

In October 2006, West Point Cadet David Jacobs won the annual U.S. Armed Forces Open Championship for the third time, held at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, DC. He scored 5.5 out of 6. The commander-in-chief trophy for the highest scoring Academy went to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200610093871.0)

In May 2007, SSgt Rudy Tia, Jr (2140) won the Army chess championship for the 7th time. The event has held at Fort Myer, Virginia.

In May 2007, Nathaniel Ola (2016) won the Air Force championship, held at Davis-Montham AFB, Arizona. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200705104931)

In September 2007, Caleb Taylor won the Camp Robinson Army Base championship in Little Rock, Arkansas. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200709216501)

In 2007, Navy retired Electronics Technician 1st Class Larry Larkins (2107) won the annual U.S. Armed Forces Open Championship, held in Arlington, Virginia. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200710080841.1)

In 2007, Douglas Taffinger (2055), Samuel Echaure (2032), Nathanial Ola (2027), and Jhonel Baniel (1991) tied for 1st in the 48th Interservice championship, held in San Diego.

In 2008, MSgt Dan Ranario won the Pope AFB chess championship.

In May 2008, Robert Keough, Dan Ranario, Robert Bucholtz, Dr. Samuel Escaure, and Lawrence Pagtama all tied for 1st place in the US Air Force championship, held at Davis-Montham AFB, Arizona. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200805080051)

In May 2008, 1st Lt Arthur Macaspac (2079) won the Army Chess Championship, held at Fort Meyer in Arlington, VA. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200805162051)

In June 2008, Army Specialist Jhonel Baniel (1992) won the 49th U.S. Interservice Championship, held at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, Arizona. 2nd place went to A1C Elena Dulgar of the Air Force. For the first time ever, a woman player makes the roster of the US Armed Forces Chess Team for the NATO chess championship. The Air Force won the team championship.

In October, 2008, Larry Larkins, Doug Taffinder, Robert Keogh, Edward Pabaland, and Dale Szpisjak tied for 1st at the annual Armed Forces Open in Bethesda, Maryland. All scored 5 out of 6. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200810134931.0)

In April 2009, TSgt Robert Keough (2058) won the 2009 Air Force Chess Championship, held at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200904022441)

In April 2009. Jose Silva (2165) and Chris Pitts (1950) tied for 1st in the All Army chess championship, held at Fort Meyer, Virginia. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200904104321)

In May 2009, Army PFC Pieta Garrett (2220) won the 50th annual U.S. Armed Forces Championship, held at Fort Benning, Georgia.

In October 2009, TSgt Robert Keough won the 2009 US Armed Forces Open in Gettysburg, PA. He scored 5.5 out of 6. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?200910120301)

In February 2010, Dexter Thompson won the Kadena Air Base, Okinawa chess championship. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201002273281)

In May 2010, Lt. Col Douglas Taffinder (2096) won the 2010 US Air Force championship, held at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201005131801)

In May 2010, Arthur Macaspac (2129) won the US Army championship for the 3rd time. the event was held at Fort Meyer, Virginia. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201005214031)

In 2010, Master Sgt. Dan Ranario (2083) won the 51st Interservice chess championship, held at the Naval Station in Great Lakes, Illinois.

In June 2010, Johnny Recinos won the Navy championship, held in Dahlgren, Virginia. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201006130861)

In August 2010, Bill Wall won the www.chess.com Armed Forces Internet chess championship.

In October, 2010, Navy retiree Larry Larkins (2141) won the annual U.S. Armed Forces Open Chess Championship (USAFOCC), held at Joint Base Andrews MD. He scored 5.5 out of 6. Franco Jose and John Farrell tied for 2nd-3rd. The U.S. Air Force Academy won the 7th Commander in Chief's Trophy, which features the Service Academy Chess Championship for cadets and midshipmen. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201010111121)

In 2010, Albert Hernandez (2077) and Mario Vonoya (2013) tied for 1st in the 2010 Interservice championship, held at the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar, California.

In May 2011, Peter Korzer won the Navy championship, held in Meridian, Mississippi. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201105012101)

In May 2011, Christian Rodriguez won the Army championship, held at Fort Meyer, Virginia. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201105199551)

In 2011, the 52nd U.S. Armed Forces Open, held in Arlington, Virginia, was won by Air Force retiree Master Sergeant Dan Ranario over tiebreaks with Leroy Hill. Botj scored 5.5 out of 6. The top active duty player was Air Force Senior Airman Kiel Russell. The Air Force Academy won the 8th Commander-in-Chief trophy as the top academy team.

In March 2012, Darwin Nyberg won the Navy championship, held in Norfolk, Virginia. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201203042642)

In October 2012, the 53rd U.S. Armed Forces Open Chess Championships was held on board of the USS Wasp in Norfolk, Virginia. This was the first time the event was held on a ship. Dan Ranario (2128) won the event. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201210085882.1)

In 2013, the 54th U.S. Armed Forces Open Chess Championships was held at the U.S. Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Dan Ranario, Robert Keough, Gordon Randall, and Jon Middaugh tied for 1st place. All scored 5 out of 6. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201310147382.1

In October 2014, the 2014 Armed Forces Open was won by It was won by Rod-Jimil Barrais, who scored 7 out of 8. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201410123472)

In October 2014, the 55th U.S. Armed Forces Open Chess Championships was held at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. It was won by Nicolas Oblak, who scored 5.5 out og 6. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201410133432)

In October, 2015, the 56th US Armed Forces Chess Open was held at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. The winner was Petty Officer First Class (retired) Larry R. Larkins (2045). He won the tournament clear first three times (2007, 2010 & 2015) and won first on tiebreaks 2008. The Air Force won the team championship. (source: http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201510125302.1)

In October 2016, the 57th US Armed Forces championship was held at the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD. It was open for Academy, Active Duty, Reserve, and Retired Military. Larry R. Larkins (Navy, Retired) won, scoring 4.5 out of 5. Army won the team championship. (source: http://www.vachess.org/tournaments/Armed_Forces_Open/2016/Standings_USAFO.html and http://www.uschess.org/assets/msa_joomla/XtblMain.php?201610102272.1)

From September 23-24, 2017, the Texas Armed Forces and Military Veterans Open will be held in North Richamond Hills, Texas, organized by Jim Hollingsworth. The tournament director will be Chris Wood.

From October 7-9, 2017, the 2017 Armed Forces Open will be held at the US Military Academy, West Point, New York.



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