Benedict XVI (1927-2022)

Police officer said, "God bless you for what you do," but I replied, "Thank YOU for your service."

Unconventional Ministry: "I Hear You're a Police Chaplain...Yeah, That's Good" (My Parish is the Field)

VPD Officer James Capoot (11th Death Anniversary)

"The wicked flee, though no one pursue, we are bold as a lion" (Prov. 28).

Officer Capoot wore a shirt with this Bible passage under his uniform when he was shot and killed in the line of duty on Nov. 17, 2011 (11 years ago).

Photos from Vallejo-Times Herald: https://www.timesheraldonline.com/2021/11/15/shooting-death-of-officer-james-capoot-10-years-later/

Petty Officer First Class Jaime Purificacion: God, Family, Country

*** UNDER CONSTRUCTION ***

Note: 

We are trying to piece together Dad's military ribbons and medals which were scattered over the past couple of deacdes.  This site will be updated as soon as possible.  'Checking Navy Dept. records, especially his service in Vietnam as a "spade man" for a Destroyer ship's 5" Naval artillery guns.

We are encouraging him to put them together in a frame, so that the world will know the sacrifices he (and others) made for freedom and that Dad did his part resisting Communism.

I remember as a kid finding a bunch of his medals in a drawer.  But now, with the world on the brink of craziness, people need to see how blessed they are to have their freedoms.

We should value freedom in the Declaration & U.S. Constitution.  Humanity ought not bend the knee to sinful man or tyrants but only to Almighty God and to His Only Begotten Son.

*** UNDER CONSTRUCTION ***

UNITED STATES NAVY

SERVICE RECORD

(1966-1990)

*** Under Construction ***

Navy Unit Commendation Military Ribbon			Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Military Ribbon (2x)
Navy Good Conduct Award (4x)		*Navy Expeditionary Military Ribbon		**National Defense Service Military Ribbon
***Armed Forces Expeditionary Military Ribbon		****Humanitarian Ribbon		Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3x)
*Navy Expeditionary Military Medal	**National Defense Service Military Medal		***Armed Forces Expeditionary Military Medal		****Humanitarian Medal

***

Served as Master-At-Arms (circa 1988)

(commended by Master-At-Arms Division Officer)

* * *

Navy Unit Commendation Military Ribbon

Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Military Ribbon (2x)

Navy Good Conduct Award (4x)

Navy Expeditionary Military Medal & Ribbon

National Defense Service Military Medal & Ribbon

Armed Forces Expeditionary Military Medal & Ribbon 

Humanitarian Medal & Ribbon

Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3x)

 

DESCRIPTION: https://www.officialmilitaryribbons.com/united_states_navy_ribbons_in_precedence.html

* * *

(under construction)

NS Norfolk, VA

NAS Miramar (San Diego), Fighter Squadron V-24

NAS Lemoore (Fresno)

NAS Alameda

Sample:

(5 destroyers & 4 carriers, support for 2 Naval air fighter squadrons):

USS Enterprise (CVN-65)

USS Hancock (CV/CVA-19)

USS Coral Sea

USS Carl Vinson

VF-111

VF-24

6-8 cruises in Vietnam

South America (2x)

and more

***

(retirement note from captain)

***

VPD Awards & Decorations

1015.4  MEDAL AWARD DEFINITIONS 

Medal of Valor (blue/white) - Awarded to sworn members for heroic action, above and beyond the call of duty, which demonstrates a degree of self-sacrifice or risk of life that is clearly greater than that normally expected of an officer. 

Medal of Courage (green/white) - Awarded to sworn members for meritorious conduct which reflects outstanding bravery at great personal risk. 

Purple Heart Medal (purple) - Awarded to sworn members who sustain serious injury in the performance of their duties. For the purposes of this order, serious injury is defined as one which requires hospitalization, not resulting from negligence or misconduct. 

Life-Saving Medal (yellow/white) - Awarded to sworn members who save the life of another in immediate risk of death. 

Medal of Merit (red/white) - Awarded to sworn members for meritorious achievement or contribution to the community, the Department or law enforcement. 

Good Conduct Medal (gold/white) - Awarded to sworn members or employees who have received three consecutive annual evaluations with overall ratings of "exceeds expectations" and no rating of "below expectations" in any category. 

Officer of the Year

Reserve Officer of the Year

Civilian of the Year

Dispatcher of the Year

Cadet of the Year

Cadet Physical Fitness

Certificate of Merit - Awarded to employees or citizens for a major accomplishment, or an exceptional act under emergency conditions, which contributes to public safety, the Department or law enforcement.

Certificate of Valor - Awarded to employees or citizens for acts of heroism, performed at great personal risk, which contribute to public safety, the Department or law enforcement. 

Certificate of Commendation (Civilian Award) - Awarded to citizens for accomplishment of outstanding service on behalf of the Department. 

Police Officer Asked For Assistance During Time of Loss

Suspect(s) Illegally Stole 3 Pro-Life Signs; 4 New Signs Were Put Back Up to Replace Them

Attempted to Recruit Another Young Catholic Priest to Serve as a Police Chaplain in His City and/or as a U.S. Military Chaplain

Kids Supported Knights of Columbus Drive for People with Intellectual Disabilities

Helped Couple Prepare for Catholic Marriage in the Church

Wife Asked That We Pray Rosary at Planned Parenthood to Celebrate Her Birthday (40 Days For Life)

Under construction 

Grotto

Legion of Mary (Adjutorian)

Daughter Asked Me About My Favorite Saint; Gratitude

My 6 year old daughter asked me, "Tatay, who is your favorite saint?"

I said, "After Mama Mary, Pope John Paul II."

She replied, "Me, too."

I said, "Is Padre Pio yours?"

"Uh-huh, and so is St. Therese," she replied.

I then said, "Actually, a married saint is St. Louis [Martin], father of St. Therese.  He was the father of nine, like me..."

(Part of her name is Therese.)

"...except some of his kids died.  We lost 2 in a miscarriage."

"..."

"And another married saint is St. Lorenzo Ruiz.  He had three kids."

"I heard of him," she said. 

"He's my Confirmation saint."

Thank you, God.

Attempted to Recruit Sacramento Deacon as a Local Police Chaplain During Deacon Continuing Formation Workshop

w/Deacon Sergio

Received Thank You Card

Police Chaplains Serve Cal Maritime

California Catholic Conference

Kathleen Domingo (center), my college classmate, from the California Catholic Conference

 

Homily #221: Intro to Liturgy of Eucharist (for National Eucharistic Revival) - Mass 101

Actor Shia LaBeouf portrayed "Padre Pio" in the movie "Padre Pio" (2022).

10am Mass 

Homily #221a

[recorded but not uploaded on blog]

12pm Mass

Homily #221b

A Sample Snapshot of My Saturday on Chaplain Duty (Names Generally Withheld)

This is Vallejo's first African American police officer, Officer Alfred Robinson.  

His photo hangs in VPD Headquarters.  His son followed in his footsteps.  I took a photo of this after stopping by the station today for a bit.

That was part of my day.  Here's a snapshot of the rest of it from morning to night.  Names generally withheld.

After waking up in the morning, I checked in with the wife and kids.  Mass is the center of our day so wanted to make sure we did this, and today we also planned for Confession.

Then, I stopped by St. Catherine's Church to help set up for 11 baptisms.  I wasn't administering the baptisms, just helping to set up.  I noticed someone praying in church while I was setting up.  He was deep in contemplation. I remember saying to myself as I walked by how I wish I was like this guy peacefully praying.  But it did remind me to ground social action and works of charity in prayer.

We ran into each other a few minutes later.  I found out he was an MP who served in Vietnam.  He showed me a black and white photo of him, and I asked him to send it to me and he gave me permission to use it.  I didn't want to post it here just yet.  I shook his hand and thanked him for his service.  We chatted, and then I met up with my family for a bit to be strengthen by the Holy Eucharist.

Afterwards, I spoke to a few members in the community who wanted to talk to me and unload the negative things they see around them.  Greeted a mom whose son is SWAT and who said to me thank you for the Blue Mass for them.  Most of the people in the community who talk to me are not Catholics or my religious, social or ethnic tradition.  Reminds me of the business owner who the day before shared several crimes with me on her block (infant death, attempted murder, vandalism, robberies, shootings, etc.), and so I later put on my stole and prayed the "Order of Blessing for a Victim of Crime" for multiple victims at the first now-former crime scene, then blessed the neighborhood and area with Holy Water, and asked God to heal the trauma and the person imprisoned. Business owner welcomed it, along with a worker on break who shared the Scriptures with me and said thank you for asking Jesus to stop the demons in that neighborhood.  I find some people in the community want to talk as if they are unburdening themselves when I wear my field jacket on duty.  These are traumatic moments that need healing.

Later, a fire truck waved to me on my way out.  Then helped an elderly couple load their car with some heavy items but got some of the dust on me that I had to clean up later; lady was from India and said her son is serving in the U.S. Navy, and she said thank you to the officers.  Wanted to clear some debris off the road but after I turned around for it someone had already done it.  I made the Sign of the Cross multiple times over first response vehicles or accidents when I see them throughout the day for protection and healing.

Later at the station, I spoke with a few Officers and Dispatchers.  And then took that photo you see above.  Thank you for your support of the good that is done by them.

When I got home to take a little break, I received a request for a chaplain from an Officer for a woman that died.  It was the second such dispatch for me to receive lately.  When I arrived in the chaplain car, I was briefed by the Officer and ministered to the family and friends in the usual manner as trained.  Please say a prayer for those involved.

'Went to Confession with family later and made sure family rosary was done as well as family meal (which was prepped by daughter this evening), went jogging for a bit, and then usual family life time (talking about school lessons, bathing younger boys, household chores, etc.).  I think deacon wives need to be saintly women because my wife, Tove Ann, is really the heart of the family which allows us, in turn, to give that love to others in need.

'Completed written report to lead chaplain.

I think I'm pretty much ready for my homilies at 2 Sunday Masses tomorrow (10am & 12pm) but need to polish it tonight still. I used to have 1500-2000 people at 2-3 Mssses before the lockdowns a couple of years ago, but now those numbers are reduced.  Sunday Gospel is on praying always. I admit, I am behind on my prayer time as I write this, so I really need to get to it after I publish this web log. 

God, family, work, ministry...in that order that are mutually beneficial to each other.  One strengthens the other.

Those are some of the things I can remember at the end of this day as I write this.  Im sure I forgot some other things while leaving other things confidential and known only to God.  I consecrate and entrust this day to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Thank you for your time.  Please continue to support any good our First Responders do and remember to pray for them.

Very Respectfully,

Dennis Purificacion

Police Chaplain

10-8

* * *

(photo courtesy of VPD Lt. Robinson - added 2023)

Prayed "Order for the Blessing of a Victim of Crime or Oppression" After Business Owner Informed Me of Several Crimes (Baby Death, Robberies, Attempted Murders, Shootings, Etc.) & Blessed Neighborhood with Holy Water; Asked God to Heal Community Trauma

Thank you to Deacon Bobby Peregrino for giving me the Shorter Book of Blessings as an ordination gift.

My 2 Teenage Boys Flanked the Queen of Heaven During Parish Procession for Our Lady of Fatima (Oct. 13)

Received Request to Post This Cop Story on NextDoor Social Media Page

 

I registered with nextdoor b/c a local resident named Laura asked me to post this story on nextdoor for her.  I gave my word, so here I am.

Laura was in tears as she told me this story.  She said that someone she knew was just diagnosed with an illness.  I can't remember the name of the specific medical condition but think it had something to do with cancer.  

Her friend was still able to drive.  On her way home after receiving news of the diagnosis, Laura's friend was pulled over by a police officer.  

I'm not sure if it was the California Highway Patrol or the local agency.  I didn't ask what agency, and I didn't ask why she was pulled over.  In a way, it didn't matter.

I just listened.

Laura said that the police officer took his time talking to her friend in that encounter.  The law enforcement officer was present at this most difficult time in her friend's life listening to her.  

I don't know what was said, but I guess the impact was such that it was strong enough to share with Laura who, in turn, shared it with me.  And now I share it with you.

I know it's a simple story without a lot of twists and turns.  It's straightforward without a lot of press coverage and media fanfare.  It's just a true story of an unknown cop who took time to be with an unknown person in the community who was just diagnosed with one of the worst life changing moments one can experience.  

And that's it really.  

It's one human being with another human being.  We all share it, that experience with illness.  And being present with someone in their darkest moment of need...

...to tell them that they are not alone.

And that's who is next door.  Thank you for your time.

Very Respectfully,
Police Chaplain D. Purificacion
dennis.purificacion@cityofvallejo.net
dpurificacion@stcsv.org

60th Anniversary of Opening of the Second Vatican Council

3 words: Hermeneutic of Continuity

That is all.

VPD Officer Requested Assistance to Aid & Comfort Family of Deceased Woman

Milpitas High School NJROTC 1988-1992 (Posted 30 Years Later in 2022)

Cadet LTJG Dennis “Little Man” Purificacion

Milpitas High School 

Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps 

1988-1992

		Distinguished Cadet (2x)
Unit Achievement (2x)		[Military] Aptitude Award (3x)		Naval Science IV Outstanding Cadet (2x)
Naval Science III Outstanding Cadet (2x)		Naval Science II Outstanding Cadet (2x)		Naval Science I Outstanding Cadet (2x)
Exemplary Conduct		Exemplary Personal Appearance (8x)		Physical Fitness (3x)
Participation		Unit Service (2x)		Community Service (8x) with Commanding Officer Device
Academic Team (3x)		Drill Team [with Arms] (4x) with Commanding Officer Device		Marksmanship Team [Rifle Team]
Orienteering		Recruiting		Leadership Training [Mini-Boot Camp] (3x)
Sea Cruise		*American Legion Scholastic Excellence Ribbon (1989)		7th Place Regional Drill Down w/Arms Competition Ribbon (1990)
Toastmaster’s Ribbon [Public Speaking]		**American Legion Military Excellence Ribbon (1990)		1st Place Regional Drill Down w/Arms Competition Ribbon (1991)
***Order of Daedalians JROTC Ribbon (1991)		2nd Place Regional Drill Down w/Arms Competition Ribbon (1992)		****American Legion Military Excellence Ribbon (1992)
*American Legion Scholastic Excellence Medal (1989)	**American Legion Military Excellence  Medal (1990)		***Order of Daedalians  JROTC Medal (1991)		****American Legion Military Excellence Medal (1992)

 

1st Place Trophy, Drill Team w/Arms Regional Competition, 1992 (Commanding Officer: Cadet Dennis Purificacion; Executive Officer: David R. Hunt)

Red CO Aiguilette (left shoulder), Drill Team w/Arms Commanding Officer, 1991-1992

1st Place Trophy, Drill Team w/Arms Regional Competition, 1989 (Commanding Officer: Cadet Dan Baggett)

Red Aiguilette (left shoulder), Drill Team w/Arms, 1988-1991 (Commanding Officers: Cadet John J. McGowan, Cadet Dan Baggett, Cadet Steve Carreon, Cadet Dino Tsai)

Silver Leadership Academy Aiguilette, NJROTC Leadership Academy, Summer 1991 (3^rd Platoon, 3^rd Squad Leader; 3rd Platoon Guidon Bearer) (Corps of Cadets Company Commanding Officer: Cadet Matt Percy); 3rd Platoon Drill Instructor: Corporal Arcetas, USMC

Blue CO Aiguilette (left shoulder), Community Service Commanding Officer, 1990-1991 (Executive Officer: Cadet David R. Hunt)

Blue XO Aiguilette (left shoulder), Community Service Executive Officer, 1989-1990 (Commanding Officer: Cadet Mike Takeuchi)

_______

Naval Science Instructor: LCDR Hal Shrewsbury, USN (Ret.)

Naval Science Instructor: CDR John J. Thomas, USN (Ret.)

_______

Distinguished Cadet: Awarded YEARLY to one cadet in each year group with the highest combined average for overall scholastic standing and aptitude in NJROTC unit activities (includes academics, homework, physical fitness, community service, drill, etc.)

Unit Achievement: Awarded YEARLY to cadets in good standing who were unit members during the academic year which the school earned the Unit Achievement status as determined by the Area Manager. Awarded only to those units that demonstrated exceptional performance, but did not qualify for Distinguished Unit status.

Aptitude Award: Awarded YEARLY to outstanding cadets who demonstrate an exceptional military aptitude and dedication to the NJROTC program.

NS IV Outstanding Cadet: Awarded *****YEARLY to outstanding cadets in Naval Science 4 based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance, and conduct.

NS III Outstanding Cadet: Awarded *****YEARLY to outstanding cadets in Naval Science 3 based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance, and conduct. 

NS II Outstanding Cadet: Awarded *****YEARLY to outstanding cadets in Naval Science 2 based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance, and conduct.

NS I Outstanding Cadet: Awarded *****YEARLY to outstanding cadets in Naval Science 1 based on citizenship, academic performance, personal appearance, and conduct.

Exemplary Conduct: Awarded *****YEARLY to each cadet who demonstrates exemplary conduct for the school year.

Exemplary Personal Appearance: Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to each cadet who displays exemplary personal appearance and has worn his/her uniform on all occasions required.

Physical Fitness: Awarded TWICE A YEAR to any cadet who meets or exceeds the basic physical fitness requirements as outlined in Chapter 13 on pages 13-10/11 of the Cadet Field Manual.

Participation: Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to any cadet who has participated in three events other than routine unit activities.

Unit Service: Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to any cadet who has demonstrated exemplary service and dedication to the unit as determined by the SNSI.

Community Service [with Commanding Officer Device]: Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to any cadet in good standing who distinguishes him/herself by dedicated and outstanding service to the community by completing 10 or more community service hours led by the unit.

Academic Team: Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to each cadet who has completed three academic postals.

Drill Team [with Arms] [with Commanding Officer Device]: Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to each member of a drill team in good standing who has entered competition, or performed at three or more official functions.

Marksmanship Team: Awarded WHEN EARNED, to any cadet in good standing who has entered any competition with their rifle/pistol team.

Orienteering: Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to any cadet in good standing who has entered any organized orienteering competition, or who meets the orienteering qualification standards outlined on pages 9-18/19 of the Cadet Field Manual.

Recruiting: Awarded, WHEN EARNED, to a cadet who is instrumental in the enrollment of two students in the NJROTC program. Subsequent awards are given for each additional two students enrolled.

Leadership Training [Mini-Boot Camp & Leadership Academy]: Awarded to any cadet upon satisfactory completion of mini-boot camp, Leadership Academy or similar training as approved by the Area Manager.

Sea Cruise: Awarded to any cadet upon completion of an at-sea cruise (vessel must cast off lines and be underway).

American Legion Scholastic Excellence Medal (1989): The Cadet must (a) Be in the top 10% of his/her class in non-JROTC subject; (b) Be in the top 25% of his/her class in JROTC; (c) Have demonstrated qualities of leadership; (d) Have actively participated in related student activities such as student organizations, constructive activities, or sports.

7^th Place Regional Drill Down with Arms Competition Ribbon (1990)

Toastmaster’s Ribbon

American Legion Military Excellence Medal (1990): The Cadet must (a) Be in the top 25% of his/ her class in JROTC and non-JROTC subjects; (b) Have demonstrated outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship.

1^st Place Regional Drill Down with Arms Competition Ribbon (1991)

Order of the Daedalians Medal (1991): During the presentation of the Daedalian JROTC Achievement Award the following should be read: “THE ORDER OF DAEDALIANS IS A FRATERNITY OF COMMISSIONED MILITARY AVIATORS FROM ALL MILITARY SERVICES. IT IS NAMED AFTER THE LEGENDARY FIGURE, DAEDALUS, AND WAS ORGANIZED BY WORLD WAR I COMMISSIONED MILITARY PILOTS WHO SOUGHT TO PERPETUATE THE SPIRIT OF PATRIOTISM, LOVE OF COUNTRY AND THOSE HIGH IDEALS OF SELF-SACRIFICE WHICH PLACE SERVICE TO THE NATION ABOVE PERSONAL SAFETY AND POSITION. THIS AWARD IS OFFERED TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE TRAITS IN JUNIOR ROTC CADETS.” The certificate and/or medal is awarded to an outstanding cadet from the second year in a three-year program or from the third year in a four-year program who: • Has demonstrated patriotism, love of country and service to our nation. • Has indicated the potential and desire to pursue a military career. • Ranks in the upper ten percent of his or her JROTC class. • Ranks in the upper twenty percent of his or her high school class.

2^nd Place Regional Drill Down with Arms Competition Ribbon (1992)

American Legion Military Excellence Medal (1992): The Cadet must (a) Be in the top 25% of his/ her class in JROTC and non-JROTC subjects; (b) Have demonstrated outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship.

*****Note: Criteria of YEARLY v. TWICE A YEAR may have been different during the years 1988-1992 v. 2022.

Source: https://milpitashsnjrotc.wixsite.com/njrotc/ribbons-and-awards

Source: https://www.uniformribbons.com/navyjrotc/

Source: https://www.daedalians.org/programs/jrotc/

_______