Enoch Elijah Luna III

Master Chief Enoch Elijah Luna III, Ret

2 Nov 1948- 2 Dec 2016

Cathy Luna, Wife

Children:

Leslie Freeman (Wade Batey)

Paul David Luna (Caitlin)

Cathe Wittkop (Jim)

Sue Knapp (Kurt)

Grandchildren:

Cole Freeman (Chimi)

Austin Freeman

Elijah Freeman

McKenna Wittkop

Kyla Knapp

Blake Knapp

EE was born in Huntsville, AL to Mildred and Enoch Elijah Luna, Jr. The family moved to McKinney, Tx.  while EE was younger.  He graduated McKinney High School in 1968, where he was named Texas All State player as middle linebacker.  EE started his Naval Career in April, 1969 at Recruit Training Center in San Diego, California, and served in the US Navy for thirty years.  After completion of basic training, Master Chief attended Air Traffic Controller “A” school in Glencoe, Ga. Shortly after attending “A” school he was assigned to NAS Midway Island. Master Chief’s responsibilities as an ATC included contacting aircraft and directing the pilots to a safe landing as well as being a leader over other ATCs.  After he completed his tour of duty in Vietnam Master Chief Luna separated from active duty to pursue a Bachelors Degree of Business Administration which he earned from East Texas University in Commerce, Texas in 1977.  He was recalled to Active Duty in 1980.  In 1984 he received his qualification of Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist.  Master Chief was also part of the US Navy’s first enter service senior enlisted advisory group and attended the  US Navy’s Senior Enlisted Academy in 1994.  From August 1995 to October 2000 Master Chief was assigned to NAS New Orleans.  In 1996 Master Chief applied for and was selected for the Command Master Chief Program, ( The total number of Chiefs, Sr. Chiefs and Master Chiefs on active duty at any given time is about 10% of the total Number of enlisted. Chiefs make up about 7%, Sr. Chiefs about 2%, Master Chiefs are less than one percent. To put it in another way, you have a better chance of meeting a NFL player than you do a Navy Master Chief.).   He was detailed as Command Master Chief of NAS New Orleans in Sept 1997 until his retirement from the US Navy in October, 2000. Some of his achievements include: Sailor of the Year from the NCO Association, New Orleans’ Sailor of the Year, and the Elmer R. Cole Leadership award along with his Merit Service Medal, Navy/ Marine Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy/ Marine Merit Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Ribbon, Outstanding Volunteer Service Ribbon, only to name a few.  Time and time again Master Chief proved that his love of serving others took precedent and showed in his love for his county and later on his role as Navy JROTC instructor at Columbia Central High School in Columbia, TN. after his retirement from Active Duty.  All of this was accomplished, but his greatest achievement was his family.  He was married to his best friend for 42 years (and Yes they actually liked each other every single day); help raise a daughter, a son, and three grandsons.  All of which firmly believe he hung the moon itself.   He encouraged and exemplified all to live to a higher standard all while being of service to others but above everything else having a heart and mind for God and His Holy Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Fair Winds and Following Seas, Sailor.  We will see you again.

**In lieu of flowers the family would appreciation any donations be made to the Navy Junior ROTC  Program at Columbia Central High School, Columbia, Tennessee. in his name.  **

 Service Information