District News

(from Winter 2008 magazine)

WESTERN DISTRICT EASTERN DISTRICT
    The Western District had it’s annual District Reunion in Reno, Nevada in October.  We had 51 members and wives in attendance.  On the first day, we visited the Comstock mining area at Virginia City.  The next day we took a bus to Lake Tahoe for a lunch cruise.  It was a busy couple of days but still offered time for relaxing and socializing The photos included were taken at the closing banquet in the El Dorado Convention Center. .  Next year we will be in Colorado Springs, Colorado followed by Hawaii in 2009.  The group voted to go to Sedona, Arizona in 2010.
    Local activities also continue.  John Fabian has successfully started get-togethers in Phoenix.  They held their first meeting in Phoenix with about 30 members attending.
    Activity in Washington State also continued through November.  See further information in the Washington article.

Robert E. Partrick – Western District Director
    Time passes by so quickly. It hardly seems possible we’ve been to Corning, New York and back. Our mini Eastern District reunion turned out to be a great three days. We didn’t see the foliage in upstate New York we expected, but the warm temperatures were very welcome. We enjoyed the camaraderie of 51 friends and shipmates. Our tours were really great. Going back to Sampson really brought back a lot of old memories for several of our shipmates. Later that day, we were able to get in some sea duty --- we had a wonderful luncheon cruise aboard Captain Bill’s tour boat on Seneca Lake, and enjoyable entertainment by the “Andrew Sisters.” The following day, we had an informative tour and shopping at the Corning Glass museum. All in all, a great three days. If you’ve never visited the Finger Lakes Region in New York we’re sure you’d enjoy it.
    As we look forward to next October, hopefully we can make some arrangements for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
    The Sampson WW-2 Navy Veterans, Inc. is responsible for all the work in preparing the museum and gathering all the memorabilia, but time has taken away their youth and now the New York State will be overseeing the museum.

Ed August – Eastern District Director



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DELAWARE NEWS

    As the past USNCSA Rep. for Delaware, I received a letter from the Delaware Military Heritage and Education Foundation, Inc.:
    “I am writing to you on behalf of the Delaware Military Heritage and Education Foundation, Inc. For the past several years we have been engaged in planning and establishing a Military Museum to serve the citizens of Delaware. Our organization is devoted to preserving the military heritage of military organizations and the individual uniformed servicemen and women from Delaware.
    “We have been provided a facility at Fort DuPont, near Delaware City. The Post Exchange building there will be our future home. The building, built in 1906, will require renovation and repair before we restore it to a fully functioning museum and research facility.
    “We are forming a membership organization called “Friends of the Delaware Military Museum” and I’d like to invite members of your organization to join us in this cause. In that regard, it would be helpful if you and your officers would consider sharing your membership list with us. We’d like to send a mailing to your membership inviting them to join, with all the details of our organization. We would not share this list further, and we would use it only for the limited purpose stated above. We’d be pleased to address your organization and explain our goals and programs, if given the opportunity.
    “You can learn more about us at www.MilitaryHeritage.org, or you may contact me at MilHeritage.aol.com. My home telephone number is (410) 398-0742, or you may call me at my cell phone (443) 553-6314.
    “I hope you will give our request your careful deliberation. I look forward to your response whatever you may decide.” (Signed) Kennard R. Wiggins, Jr., Brig Gen (DE Ret.) Executive Director. Copy to LTG Wm. H. Duncan (DE Ret.) Chairman.

    The address on the letter was The Delaware Military Heritage and Education Foundation, Inc., First Regiment Road, Wilmington, DE 19808-2191,  or www.MilitaryHeritage.org. The footnote states: The Delaware Military Heritage Foundation and Education, Inc. is an 503©(3) non-profit organization; EIN 20-2467191

Regards,
Robert A. (Bob) McGowan – Past Delaware Representative USNCSA

Editor’s Note: In lieu of providing our membership list, which covers all of USA and some foreign country, I agreed to place this worthy information in our magazine, and if your are interested you can make the necessary arrangement to contact them.
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LAS VEGAS CHAPTER

    The Las Vegas Chapter had their bi-monthly meeting on November 9, 2007 at the Boulder Station Casino and Hotel. As always, we had some of the regulars who are true sailors and enjoy our great get-together, and story telling.
    Some of our shipmates are in failing health. They say we hope to make the next meeting. We wish them the best of health.
    All together, we had 10 members for our luncheon, James Roth, Celo Isom, Virginia Conners, Larry Kaltzman, Arlon Siebert, Ivan Cannon, Gene Alexander, John Brown, Alan Wais and John Faulis
        John J. Faulis – Nevada State Rep,





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NEW JERSEY CHAPTER

    New Jersey Chapter of our Cruiser Sailors Association holds another “bull-session.” Under the leadership of the New Jersey Rep., Arnold Egeland, two rapid fire meetings were held. The first on Tuesday, September 25th for the members that reside in the Northern half of the state, and the second was on Thursday, the 27th for those living in the Southern half of New Jersey. Telephone area codes determine North from South.
    Between both locations, 36 shipmates signed up to attend. This was a 50 percent increase from our last meeting held in June. The camaraderie enjoyed amongst these Navy Cruiser Sailors with all their remembrances of days spent on active duty makes them look forward to our next luncheon. The dates will be January 29th, North and 31st South. We all agreed to meet only three or four times a year. Our quarterly newsletter and our exposure through our wonderful publication, we are sure that attendance will again increase. If any New York City members wish to join us at the Northern location, it’s an easy commute. Call the New Jersey Rep.



    At present, our oldest attendee is 88-years-old, and he joined the Navy in 1939. He served aboard the USS Houston (CA-30), which was sunk by the Japanese and is still on station. Howard Brooks is a survivor and spent the years as a POW. His stories of those days as a prisoner and slave laborer building a railroad in Burma, and even the Bridge over the River Kwai, are quite interesting. Nothing like the film with that title he says.
    Another member, Bill Farrar, told a story about something called the “Mount Fuji Stick.” This is like a trophy one receives and awarded to those that complete the climb to the top of that mountain, which has a height of 12,000+ feet. 
 The stick is a hiking cane and when you reach different altitudes it’s carved by officials that you have reached that level. On top of the cane is the “Rising Sun” flag. Some Pacific vets have a different name for that flag we learned. Bill completed that climb and showed this stick.

    Of the 210 shipmates that are USNCSA members in our state, I believe that the response from 36 members or 17 percent of our roster is a great turnout. Hopefully, we will increase again. Well Done.
            Arnold H. Egeland, President
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MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER

    The Massachusetts Chapter sponsored the Veteran’s Day ceremony and Dedication of our plaque on Turret #3 on 18 November 2007.
    Bill Hennessey was master of ceremonies. The Cape & Island USMC Det. 955 was the honor guard. A poem written by Jess Johnson “A Salute to America’s Veterans” (see page  30), written especially for this service, was read by Barbara August. Gil Brown read the names of the ships lost during WWII. Bob Polanowski, our Past President read the names of our departed shipmates since our last memorial service at Valley Forge. Joe O’Neill, rang the bell and  Captain Carl Coop, USNC (Ret.) played Taps. Eli Ferguson, survivor of the USS Vincennes (CA-44) presented the wreath. Lou Gonzaga, Cape Cod DAV, was our guest speaker. He also gave the opening and closing prayer.
    Ed August held a brief ceremony dedicating the USNCSA Plaque on Turret #3.
    An Italian meal was served by Albina and Bill Hennessey.
            Ed August for Bill Hennessey



 
 
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WASHINGTON STATE

BULL-SESSIONS – WOW!! A record set at Vancouver, Washington SW area Bull-Sessionwith area Rep. Marvin Pagel and his assistants, Ken Lyon, Mickey Donnelly, Don Yeamans, and Roy Kronlein.
    Marv mailed out 60 invitations for their September 19, 2007 Bull-Session and filled their Home Town Buffet (no charge for the room) with 46 attendees – THAT’S 76.6% FOLKS.
    Part of the program is to have members tell us about their service – ship – rate and short remembrance of their service – the ladies tell us how they met their sailor.
    Man, these members are loosing up and our two-hour session ran close to three hours – fantastic, write it down for your children and grandkids to read about your service to your country.
    Comments from attendees were – Tell all USNCSA members to get involved in their State and get Bull-Sessions going – they are terrific to attend.
    State Reps – need volunteers in your State to set up Bull-Sessions – ASK!
    For our upcoming Sea/Tac area November Bull-Session, Vergie Drury has acquired the Big Room at Old Country Buffet, as we filled the last one to a bursting point – thanks Vergie.
        Bud Browell – Washington State Rep.
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SAN ANTONIO CHAPTER
    USS Deuel (APA-160) held their reunion in San Antonio 20 August 2007. George Keith, San Antonio Chapter, welcomed the members, wives, and guests on behalf of the San Antonio Chapter, and the U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association. Some of those in attendance wereDT2 Louis Nitschke, SF2 Jack Wagner, EOC Gene Smith, Army SPC4 Gary Worstell, RD3 Larry Bromley,RD3 Dick Oliver Reunion Coordinator, and SRC Donald H. Byers.
    USS William R. Rush (DD-714 held their reunion in San Antonio 2 September 2007. George Keith, Jim Patin, Sr., and George F. Anaya, San Antonio Chapter welcomes the members, wives, and guests on behalf of the San Antonio Chapter and the U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association. Some of those in attendance were Jim Hocking. Treasurer; John Buglione, Chaplain; Mike Dutton (he was also on the cruiser USS Worden (CG-18) and USS Wainwright (CG-28)); H. Porterfield; Reese Foster; Stanley Lemmons; Jim Delaney; and Ralph Hurst.
    On 12 September 2007, USS Bell (DD-587) held their reunion in San Antonio. George Keith and George F. Anaya welcomed Ann Poole, members, wives, and guests on behalf of U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association to San Antonio.
    We met with Ann Poole, coordinator of the reunion; Arthur Arbogast and wife, Pat; Maurice Moe; Mario Capitano; T. Gutierrez; and Al Lewis.
    USS Point Defiance (LSD-31), held their reunion in San Antonio. George Anaya welcomed John Niccolosi, members, wives, and guests on behalf of the San Antonio Chapter and U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association to San Antonio. I met with John Niccolosi who coordinated the reunion; EM2 Valentine Furrick; MM2 Paul Grake, and MM2 Bill Waite.
    USS Floyd County (LST-762) held their reunion in San Antonio 13 September 2007. George Keith and George Anaya welcomed Lyle Parin and members, wives, and guests to San Antonio on Behalf of the San Antonio Chapter and U.S. Navy Cruiser Saliors Association.
    We met with Lyle Parin, John Corley, Wally Walters, Rob (Terry) Bleemer, Macoolm Mallett, Bob Bokum, Everett Johnson, Captain Bill Bartz and wife Joann (Bill Bartz was an Ensign on board Floyd County) and Jim Morales and wife, Mary.


     On 19 September, USS Enterprise (CV-6), held their reunion in San Antonio. George Keith and George F. Anaya welcomed Bill Hay and Elvis and Grace Neie, reunion coordinators, members, wives, and guests on behalf of the San Antonio Chapter and the U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association to San Antonio. Met with Bill Hay and wife Nancy; Elvis and Grace Neie; Clarence Haverland; Ike Haverland; Harry Lyons; Steve Singlar; Ray Thurmond; Mel Hoffer; Hank Adamson; John Dunbar; George M. Chockley; Eldo Young; Ira Lloyd Winkler; Arnold Olson; and Charles Chenoweth.
    On 20 September, USS Mountrail (APA-213), held their reunion in San Antonio. George Keith welcomed Don Dicoio and Mary Lou Issard, reunion coordinators, and members, wives, and guests on behalf of the San Antonio Chapter and U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association to San Antonio. Met with Don Dicoio, Mary Lou Issard, Harry and Becky MacDonald; Richard Harrey; Pete and Vera Bertram; Tommy Thompson; and Leon Carver.
    On 20 September, USS Shofield (DEG/FFG-3), held their reunion in San Antonio. George Keith welcomed Jack Knoblock, members, wives, and guests on behalf of the San Antonio Chapter and U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association. Met with Jack Knoblock’ Allen Personnette; Elliot Clayton; Ron Spagna; and John Walters.
    On 23 September, USS Warrick (AKA-89), held their reunion in San Antonio. George Keith and George F. Anaya welcomed Loy Smith, members, wives, and guests on behalf of the San Antonio Chapter and U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association. Met with Loy Smith; Tony Shields; Don Wicks; Will Potter; Lynn Barvin and wife, Linda; Lynn’s mother, Gwyneth Taber; Carl Ceandall; Jack Brumwell; and Joe Toth, who also served in the USS Long Beach (CGN-9).
    On 26 September, USS Monterey (CV/CVL-26/AVT-2), held their reunion in San Antonio. Welcomed Philip Knowles, Jim Pallace, Rose Venacek, and members, wives, and guests. Met with Philip Knowles and wife, Eileen; Jim Pallace and wife, Gloria; Rose Venacek; Leon Kirkendall; Bill Ledwell; Kenny Fifer; Ed Thompson; “Ski” Skeldon; Donna Wright; Daniel Shea’ Lisa Shea; and Joseph Shea.
    On 30 September, USS Chickasaw (ATF-83), held their reunion in San Antonio. George Keith and George F. Anaya welcomed Richard Gibson and members, wives, and guests. Richard Gibson is their president, Jerry Kellam, Vice-President; Joe Rusk, Secretary; and Harry O’Bryant their Treasurer. Also met with Cecil Nixon --- was also aboard the USS Springfield (CL-66) and Gene David.
    On 3 October, USS Chester (CA-27), held their reunion in San Antonio. George Keith and George F. Anaya welcomed Bud Johnson, Reunion Coordinator, members, wives, and guests on behalf of the San Antonio Chapter and Us. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association. Met with Clyde “Bud” Johnson, Richard Anderson, Ernest Lowell, Tim McCarthy, Joe Huntz, Paul Earl, Ed Parker, John Whisler, Russ Nelson, Howard Grounds, Ralph Parson, Ed Grady, Hank Zimmerman, M.W. McFarland and Lauren Walch.
    On 3 October. USS Endicott (DD-495/DMS-35), held their reunion in San Antonio. George Keith and George F. Anaya welcomed Ted Wieber, Reunion Coordinator,

SAN ANTONIO CHAPTER (continued)
members, wives, and guests on behalf of the San Antonio Chapter and U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association. Met with Claude Henderson, Ted Wieber, Lamar Weaver, Bill Grimes, Frank McNair (he was also on the Northampton), Tex Stephens, and Ray Miller.
    On 4 October, USS Guadalupe (AO-32), held their reunion in San Antonio. George Keith welcomed Frank C. Walker, Reunion Coordinator, members, wives, and guests on behalf of the San Antonio Chapter and U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association. Met with Frank C. Walker, Edgar Perry, Gary Watts, and Ed Dussor.
    On 4 October, USS Ernest G. Small (DD/DDR-838), held their reunion in San Antonio.  George Keith welcomed Ron Palinkas, Reunion Coordinator, members, wives, and guests on behalf of the San Antonio Chapter and U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association. Met with Ron Palinkas, Jack Flowers, Charles and his wife, Stella Lennington, and William Britton.
    On 11 October, USS Alderbaran (AF-10), held their reunion in San Antonio. George Keith and George F. Anaya welcomed Edward Pepling, Reunion Coordinator, members, wives, and guests on behalf of the San Antonio Chaoter and U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association. Met with Edward Pepling, Joe Huyer, Paul Blais, Milton Schueter, Tom Quirke, Barry Brown, Paul Baker, Joe Bostwick, Bob Brauns, Bob Daniele, Austin Dunn, Joe Favaro, Tom Gibbs, Art Graisbery, Bob Hyland, Kevin Moran, Bill Parker, Richard Shackett, and Paul Stanislawczyk.
    On 18 October, USS Bryce Canyon (AD-36) held their reunion in San Antonio. George Keith and George F. Anaya welcomed Michael Nesbitt and his wife Mitsy, Reunion Coordinators, Donald Floyd, members, wives and guests. Others at the reunion were Garry Bevier, Edward Boaz, John Bozek, Cyril Buehler,, Donald Bulanek, Clarence Buse, Bruce Campbell, Richard Crinigan, James Erickson, Michael Foster, Danny Hardy, William Hart, Roy Hendricks, Harry Heppler, Paul Hunn, Richard Ingram, James Kamler, George Knight, Gregory Kruszka, Amos Loomis, John Manley, Anthony Manuel, Robert Matteson, Matt Neill, Clyde Patrick, Richard Silvernail, Mobray “Stu” Steward, Gayle Teachout, Robert Thompson and Thomas Wallace.
    Donald Floyd joined the USNCSA during our visit. Others will after their reunion is over.
    On 7 October, USS Bower (DE637/APD40) held their reunion in San Antonio. George Keith welcomed Frank Martinez, Reunion Coordinator, members, wives, and guests on behalf of the San Antonio Chapter and U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association. Met with Frank Martinez, Dennis Maloney, Don Deller, Ken Person, Henry Seeba and Bob Graves.
    On 22 October USS Saint Lo (CVE-63) with VC-65 Air Group, USS Gambier Bay (CVE-73 with CV-10 Air Group, and USS Dennis (DD-405), held their reunion in San Antonio. George Keith and George F. Anaya welcomed Reunion Coordinators Keith Lessard, President Michael South, and Marlene Hughes, members, wives and guests on behalf of the San Antonio Chapter and U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association. The escort carriers, USS Saint Lo and USS Gambier Bay were both sunk the same day in WWII.

USS Dennis was one of the destroyers rescuing survivors of the escort carriers. Met with Fred Grabos, Sr., Robert Shrieve  survivors of the USS Gambier Bay; Fred Grayiano, USS Dennis; and survivors of USS Saint Lo, Keith Lessard, Michael South, Fred Jandak, Ed Panzer, Bruce Broussard, Dale Orgill, Les Shodo, Gary Hjorth, Bob Floyd, Tom Lasker, Don MacKay, and Douglas Damron (also served in the USS Long Beach (CGN-9).
    On 23 October, USS Lexington (AVT/CV/CVA/CVS/CVT-16) held their reunion in San Antonio. George Keith and George F. Anaya welcomed Reunion Coordinators Lloyd Friedli and Bill Royer, members, wives, and guests on behalf of the San Antonio Chapter and U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association. Met with Lloyd Friedli, Bill Royer, Harold Tendick, Jr., Don Kremer, Ray Christensen, Jack Gradolph, Allen Zellers and James Dunlap.
    On 29 October, USS Marvin H. McIntyre (APA-129) held their reunion in San Antonio. George Keith and George F. Anaya welcomed John Vanetten, the Reunion Coordinator, members, wives, and guests on behalf of the San Antonio Chapter and U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association. Met with John Vanetten, Robert Kyes, Daniel Montes, Don Pendegrass and Ken Schneider.
    On 31 October, USS Clarion River (LSMR-409) held their reunion in San Antonio. George Keith and George F. Anaya welcomed Leo H. Kelley Sr., members, wives and guests on behalf of the San Antonio Chapter and U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association. Met with Leo H. Kelley Sr., Toby Edstrom, Ski Zwierski, Randy Williams, John Mueller, John Bauer, Robert England, Don Dodson, Joe Martinelli, and Willie Williams.



    On 1 November, USS Boyd (DD-544) held their reunion in San Antonio. George Keith and George F. Anaya welcomed Charles St. John, members, wives, and guests on behalf of the San Antonio Chapter and U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association. Met with Charles St. John, Jack Ambriz Jr., John Chapman, Michael Elliott, Charles DeWitt, David Soderland, Leo Clark, Michael Wagner, Robert Hancock, Albert Neudauer, Jackie Elliott, Joe Klecha, Robert Mortensen, David Simco, LT Jim Christensen, LT Jack Spruill, Daniel Culling, and Roger Witcraft.
            George F. Anaya, President