Date: 9/11/2001
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Branch: Navy
Operation: Pentagon
Commander Vauk, 37, was beginning two weeks of annual active duty for the Naval Reserve and serving as watch commander in the Naval Command Center at the Pentagon when a hijacked plane struck the building. Since 1997, he had been an assistant group supervisor in submarine technology at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel. Born in Nampa, Idaho, Ron was a 1987 graduate of the Naval Academy, where he earned a degree in political science. He served on the submarines USS Glenard P. Lipscomb and the USS Oklahoma City, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander and receiving several medals and commendations. After about seven years of active duty, he entered the reserves and began working for Delex Corp. in Tyson’s Corner, Virginia, where he was project manager for naval contracts.
A devoted family man, Commander Vauk also enjoyed woodworking and golf. Beloved husband of Jennifer M. Vauk, devoted father of 3 year old Liam and yet to be born baby; devoted son of Hubert and Dorothy Vauk of Nampa, ID; brother of Charles, David, Gary, Dennis Vauk, Teri Masterson, Celia Shikuma, Lynne Caba, and Patricia Vauk; son-in-law of Carol and Patrick Mooney, brother-in-law of Alissa and Chris DeBoy. Ron is also survived by 18 nieces and nephews.