The Sound School

Congratulations Jakub ‘26 for officially obtaining your rank of 🦅!!!!
Thank you for making Sound School the beneficiary of your Eagle project.

Today we remember Johnny Caseria, Sound School class of 2013, and offer a way for you to honor him.

2011 alum Shelby wrote a moving tribute to Johnny back in April - we will share it again below. But, today, Shelby wants you to know that you can help raise funds through ‘Walk With Us To Prevent Su***de - TEAM JOHNNY’ The walk takes place Sunday Oct 4 at Town Center Park in Hamden. https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/Hamden

Shelby writes.. Come walk with us in memory of Johnny and help us spread awareness and help someone stay another day! If you would like to walk, please register to join "Team Johnny". If you cannot be with us to walk and want to help us meet our goal, go to our page and please know how much we appreciate you! If you cannot walk or donate, please help us by sharing this post and spread awareness to help prevent the darkness that leads to su***de. ***de click here for donation details in Johnny’s name …. https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/teams/396721/donate?fbclid=IwRlRTSATi_8NwZG9mBWZkaWQWUMB8H5nKaUhmhFfaZO_M3xxcaaFfjGV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR6DM3EGFc5U1QGaUfJ45DHJ6Do0l1QfpBCg7cwJYYY0m0CUp8ZFzyD_SmFyow_aem_qvWNABlIxy2mEz1F-PRWYA

Shelby’s tribute in April:

John Anthony Caseria, Sound School class of 2013 passed away in April 2026. It's hard to put into words the loss of someone who brought so much light into the lives around him. He was the kind of person whose smile came easy and whose laughter was contagious-the kind you could hear across a room and feel instantly lifted by. He had a heart that gave without hesitation. If you needed him, he was there—no questions asked, no expectations in return. That quiet kindness, that genuine care for others, is something rare and unforgettable.
Though his time here was far too short, the impact he made will last far beyond it.

In every shared joke, every warm memory, and every moment of kindness inspired by his example, he lives on.

John was known as "Johnny" to his family and "Cas" to his Marine Corps family. He was born on December 31, 1994, and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 2015 to 2021 as a 6048 Flight Equipment Technician. In this role, he lived the motto of his field: "The Last to Let You Down." John served as a critical safeguard for Marine aircrew, ensuring the aviation life support equipment they depended on was fully functional and mission-ready. His work directly contributed to protecting the lives of those who flew.

During his service, John was assigned to Marine Helicopter Training Squadron 302 (HMHT-302) from 2016 to 2018, where he supported the CH-53E Sea Stallion. He later served with Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) from 2018 to 2021, supporting the MV-22B Osprey as well as the Presidential VH-3D, VH-60N, and VH-92A aircraft in direct support of the Office of the President of the United States. His selection for this duty reflected the trust placed in his professionalism and character.
After leaving active duty, John continued serving others as a policeman with the Fredericksburg Police Department. He later returned to HMX-1 as a contractor in the Aviation Life Support Systems workshop, continuing the mission and community he cared deeply about.

John will be remembered for his kindness, loyalty, and selflessness. He consistently put others before himself and was always there when someone needed him. He was a devoted son, friend, Marine, and teammate whose impact will not be forgotten.'