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<p><em>Ted E.“Theo” Johnston</em> spent his childhood in the Florida Panhandle town of Marianna, where he graduated from high school as an honor student and a standout athlete. He wrestled and played football, being voted most valuable player for the football team his senior year. These achievements paved the way for him to join the West Point Class of 1986. </p>
<p>He started his time at the Academy as a member of Company G-3. Companymates John Halstead and Wayne Doyle both remember Ted’s energy and humor. Lou Capezzuto recalls one holiday weekend when Theo put in for a long weekend pass. He couldn’t afford a plane ticket back home to Florida and instead was going to spend time in New York. When Lou asked Theo where he was going to camp, Theo told him Central Park in New York City, where he was planning to “raise hell.” Lou steered Theo away from certain trouble by hosting him at his family home in New Jersey that weekend. </p>
<p>Yearling year Theo rotated to Company D-1, the “Ducks,” where he distinguished himself as a unique character. Many stories about Theo are best kept as part of an oral history, but suffice it to say he was always up for a fun trip or adventure. Dean Dorman remembers him as a ringleader for 3:00am trips to the train and steam tunnels, often with full body and face camouflage. Theo loved playing pranks, leading spirit missions and sending messages to upperclassmen who he viewed were taking their roles as disciplinarians too seriously. </p>
<p>Theo enjoyed many trips off-post, either with a legitimate pass, or not. A testament to the non-regulation-approved nature of many of his excursions is the large number of area tours Theo was invited to serve. Living on the edge as he did encouraged those around him to play along and, in awe, enjoy his spirit, passion, and playfulness. </p>
<p>He excelled on the 150-pound Sprint Football Team as a defensive tackle. Teammate Rob Douthit remembers how they all nicknamed him “Stork.” Teammate Cliff Mainor recalls the nickname came from Ted’s erratic and elongated stride as he loped down the field during kick-offs. However, any opponent who thought Stork’s gait was a limitation was rudely corrected when Theo would knock his head off. Theo was given Second Team all-league honors for his contribution to the team. </p>
<p>One classic Theo story is from an away game during which he and another defensive player knocked on the hotel room of fellow players, whispering loudly for them to open the door because they had some girls in tow. Likely knowing better, but intrigued by the possibility of meeting some girls after hours on an away-game trip, the unfortunate souls in the room opened the door wide only to be blasted from head to toe with fire-retardant material from the hallway fire extinguisher. When the team officer in charge came round to investigate the incident, Theo successfully managed to appear asleep, avoiding any consequences for the prank. </p>
<p>His family was not immune to Theo’s sense of humor. He would invite friends to enjoy the use of his sister’s condominium in Fort Lauderdale, FL on the condition they would be nice to her. He would then share an unfortunate picture of her that made her appear less than mentally healthy. When friends arrived, they were confused to meet Theo’s sister, who was quite normal and only suffered from a brother who loved playing pranks on her. </p>
<p>Theo contributed his athletic prowess to his cadet company as a star of the D-1 “Ducks” Boxing Team. His playful nature and focus on athletics did not prevent him from maintaining high marks in academics. He took his studies seriously and did not cut corners while working on his degree. His achievements in the classroom allowed him to earn a selection to the Army Aviation branch. </p>
<p>After earning his wings at flight school, he served in South Korea, stationed in Seoul. While serving there, he was able to fly celebrities like Bob Hope, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, and others to entertain the troops. During his Army Aviation career, he also executed other important missions, such as delivering supplies to soldiers on the front lines and conducting casualty evacuation operations.</p>
<p>After serving his tour the Army, he chose to return to civilian life, earning a master’s degree from Emory University in Atlanta. He served in various positions, including as manager of a paper manufacturing company, a pharmaceutical sales representative, and a broker working for Merrill Lynch on Wall Street. When Theo moved back to Marianna to be closer to his family, he went back to school again to secure his real estate license, earning several awards for his success.</p>
<p>Theo loved sports, fishing, friends, and family. Most of all he loved the times he spent with his children, Jeb Red and Tess Noel. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tess Noel. Friend Paul Deignan remembers Ted from this period as a carefree and happy young man with success, friends, and good fortune. </p>
<p>Classmate and friend Dean Dorman spoke for all D-1 “Ducks,” all of Ted’s 150 lbs. teammates, and his brothers and sisters from the Class of 1986 when he said that we all miss him greatly. When all Ducks gather each Army-Navy Game, there is a missing member of their formation. Theo was such a bold and confident D-1 Duck and West Point cadet, as well as such a precious friend to us all.</p>
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