USS SHIELDS DD-596 All Eras Reunion Association

Newsletter April 2009

Jene Cain, Editor – Jim Durough, Assistant Editor

Attention! Shipmates Local to the President's Column Seattle Reunion Site Our Seattle reunion will be our sixth since our As you may know the reunion site moves around the Association was formed and it will be the first held in country from year to year. Typically following the the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I hope that you will pattern of West Coast, Heartland and East Coast. This read all of the exciting information about our upcoming means about every three years the reunion will be in meeting in this newsletter and join us in camaraderie one of the above regions. Therefore the next reunion and fellowship as we celebrate our service to our on the West Coast most likely will be in 2012, however country and aboard the USS SHIELDS. probably not in Seattle.

So local shipmates here is your opportunity to join us Whether you served in SHIELDS during WWII, Korea, and experience, if you have not done so, the the Cold War, or Vietnam or during her reserved fleet hospitality provided by the Association. Many years, you are an important member of our association friendships have been created, or renewed at our and share our feeling of brotherhood. You probably reunions. Not to mention the occasion to relive and can recall a shipmate who had a significant impact on retell those sea stories of the time you were aboard your career or your development. Such was the case with your fellow shipmates. For example, the two of Chief Topping as told by Dave Murphy on Page 4. articles in this issue resulted from shipmates swapping What better way to honor a mentor. Can you share stories at our reunions. your story with us?

Using the current mail out list here is the count of At our reunion gatherings in the hospitality room you shipmates local to Seattle. get the chance to relive some of the significant events that happened while aboard ship. The WWII guys will State Number of Shipmates tell you about how they are sure that they sunk a Washington 60 submarine (even though the Navy never confirmed it). Oregon 40 The Korean vets will relate their tales about life under Idaho 11 fire and how they developed a certain attachment that

Again, this is your best local opportunity to experience lasts even today. The reservists will relate how they the hospitality and fun of reliving your time aboard the sunk the entire First Fleet (well, almost the entire Shields. Please make plans to join us. Our member's fleet). The stories get better with the passage of time meeting is open to dues paying shipmates; all other and one never tires of hearing them retold. activities are available to all shipmates. See the signup sheet and contact Gatherings Plus to make your Why not contact some of the men who served aboard arrangements. Special rates are available for daily with you and plan to meet with us in Seattle? The visits, or to attend just the banquet. tours are optional but worthwhile; the fellowship is not optional. Sure, economic times are tough but none of For those who RV we are in the process of locating us are getting any younger and we don’t know what parks near the reunion site. We will be publishing a list our health situation will be a year or two from now. in the next issue. Plan now to join us September 6th through 10th in Seattle. I promise you that no matter what years you served in SHIELDS you will come away from this meeting with a renewed appreciation for your service to our country. You’ll have a jolly good time as well and will rekindle old friendships and make new friendships that will have a significant impact on your life.

JACK BLANN President, USS SHIELDS All Eras Reunion Assoc. USS SHIELDS DD-596 All Eras Reunion Association Newsletter April 2009 Page 2

Board Members Contact Info. Eldest Living Shipmates

Below is a list prepared by Jim Durough of the 10 eldest living officers and enlisted shipmates. If Jim Jack Blann, President 2925 Harrison Dr missed you, please contact him with your birth date. Chino Valley, AZ 86323-5569 Ph: 928-636-2087 Officers E-mail: [email protected] New addition in bold face type

Jim Sewell, V. P., & Reunion Coordinator Schweizer, Jack R., CDR, 49-50, 8-27-1915 304 White Moss PL McDaniel, George T., LCDR, 45, 5-21-1916 Franklin, TN 37064-8628 Hoblitzell, Paul C., LTJG, 44-45, 11-24-1916 Phone: 615-790-2325 Jepsen, Edward P., LT, 50, 3-17-1917 E-mail: [email protected] Teeters, David R., LT, 49-50, 4-11-1918 Bob Carl, Secretary Metze, George M., LCDR, 52-54, 9-15-1918 6987 Lazy Sunset Ct Robinson, Jack W., LTJG, 51-52, 10-28-1918 Las Vegas, NV 89156-7206 Goodell, Trenor F., ENS, 44-45, 12-29-1918 Ph: 702-438-9826 Fredell, Erling W., LT, 49, 12-1918 E-mail: [email protected] Wessel, Robert L., CPTN, 61-63, 06-20-1919

Enlisted Roger Brotherton, Director, Treasurer, Resident Agent New addition in bold face type 7750 W 4th St #105 Reno NV 89523-8915 Sulmonetti, Henry, S1, 45, 07-27-1915 Ph: 775-336-7896 Hafner, Ben L., SC3, 44-45, 10-1917 E-mail: [email protected] Sabasta, Tony, MM2, 45, 03-20-1917 Trusty, Clinton N., SK1, 57-58, 01-1918 Harvey Fine, Dir., Bartender, Historian & Dabney, Richard E., STM1, 45-46, 08-18-1918 Memorabilia Keeper Criscione, Henry, S2, 45, 08-21-1919 121 Parkview Cir Komoroski, Clement J., S1, 45, 10-02-1919 Mountain Home, AR 72653-3743 Cromer, Harold E., WT1, 44-45, 02-15-1920 Phone: 870-425-8618 Reifsnyder, Robert A., FC3, 44-45, 05-21-1920 E-mail: [email protected] Kowaliski, Arthur A., BMC, 52-55, 09-08-1920

Friends to the Board Contact Info.

Jene Cain, Newsletter Editor Recently Passed 13171 Galleria Pl Shipmates Apple Valley, MN 55124-6113 Phone: 952-432-8746 E-mail: [email protected] Dewitt, Marvin D., FN, 62 Gold, Sol W., SN, 44-45, Sad to report our eldest Jim Durough, Asst. Newsletter Editor, enlisted shipmate passed on December 25, 2008 Shields Locator & Contact List Keeper Labbe, Austin, BM3, 54-55 5470 S Shades Crest Rd Michel, Theodore K., LTJG, 51-53 Bessemer, AL 35022-4183 Ragsdale, Charles E., BT2, 52-54 Ph 205-425-9197 Soles, Arthur J., SN, 50-52 E-mail: [email protected] Whitaker, Donald R., RD2, 51-54

Winner, Hal M., LCDR, 51-52 One of the 10 Bill Ragan, Ship’s Store 1642 Rambling Rd eldest officers passed on October 27, 2007 Simi Valley, CA 93065-5737 Phone: 805-527-2196 New Found Shipmates E-mail: [email protected]

Givens, Tim L., SN, 63 Editors Note: Please keep your contact Gnirke, Roy F., SM2, 65 information up to date by getting in touch with Kraus, Harold G., ENS, 55 Jim Durough above. Warner, Greg A., MM3, 66 USS SHIELDS DD-596 All Eras Reunion Association Newsletter April 2009 Page 3

Captain R. L. Wessel, Added to Phone Call with Captain Wessel

Eldest Officer List On January 3, 2009 I awoke thinking of my first Commanding Officer on the USS Shields DD-596 and wondering how he was doing. I knew I was going to call and check on him today it was just a matter of waiting till I was sure he was up with him being on Pacific Time. At about 11AM Central Time I made the call and the person on the other end of the line answered “Captain Wessel Here”. This was a good feeling as his voice was strong, pleasant and I knew that he was OK.

We talked about old times and then I asked “Do you think we could take the Shields out just off Point Loma and make one of those speed runs up to Long Beach”? To this Captain Wessel replied “I remember those days and we were the fastest Destroyer out there with those Super Heated Boilers”.

I later asked Captain Wessel ‘Do you still remember those old WW II PT Boats you were on”? To this he Above photo and write up taken from the replied “Yes, every one of them”. I told Captain '62 - '63 Cruise Book Wessel that I had a picture of him as an Enlisted man during those PT Boat days that he had shared with The following is the text next to Captain Wessel's photo. Ed Velasquez.

Captain Robert L. Wessel, U.S. Navy, past After we had talked for quite a while I bid Captain Commanding Officer, was born in Fresno, California Wessel goodbye and told him that I would call again in June 1919. He graduated from the School of to check on him. To this Captain Wessel said “I really Engineering, University of California in May 1941, appreciate receiving calls from my crew." entered the naval service in November 1941 and was My message to all Shields commissioned Ensign in July 1942. shipmates is please call your During World War II, Commanding Officers and tell them Captain Wessel served how much you appreciate them in Motor Torpedo Boats before it is too late. These calls will in the South Pacific and definitely be appreciated and will Philippine campaigns most likely make their day a little from Guadalcanal to brighter. Leyte. He also participated in the Captain Wessel in 2006 taken by Ed Velasquez

Southern France Note: If you look at the 10 Eldest Officers you will see that Captain campaign with Motor Wessel has been added to this list.

Torpedo Boat Jim Durough, ETN2, 1962-1965

Squadron Fifteen. His The Captain Conducting A Personnel Inspection PT commands included TTs 124, 127, 188 and MTB Squadron Eleven. Following World War II Captain Wessel served as Operations Officer in the USS N. K. Perry (DDr-883); Executive Officer, USS F. E. Evans (DD-754); Navigator, USS Toledo (CA-133); and Operations and Executive Officer USS Rochester (CA-124). He has Commanded USS Shields since 13 September 1961. Captain Wessel's present shore duty billet is with the Defense Atomic Support Agency, Field Command, as Officer in Charge, Livermore Branch Lawrence Radiation Laboratories.

USS SHIELDS DD-596 All Eras Reunion Association Newsletter April 2009 Page 4

about how I could easily replace it. Upon reflection

many years later, I think this was his way of You Can't Top Topping maintaining Navy traditions wherein officers did not

whittle on deck. He could, of course, simply have By: David R. Murphy, LTJG, 57-60 told me that. On the other hand by breaking the I reported aboard the USS Shields in the summer of blade off my knife he ensured that this, in his view, 1957 with nary a bit of salt on my single, shiny-new, inappropriate conduct of mine, would not soon be gold Ensign's stripe. Shields' Captain, Richard M. repeated. Wright (CDR USN), posted me as the ship's "First Knot Tying Instruction Lieutenant", responsible for the deck force. The deck force was lead by Chief Boatswains Mate Nathaniel Another fine sunny day, Chief Topping B. Topping Jr., the saltiest sailor swaggered down one of the weather decks toward I ever met. me, a coil of line in one hand, the bail of a bucket in the other. As he got close enough for me to hear him An Unforgettable Man he said: "Son, can ye tie a Bowl'n, on a Bight, on a

Chief Topping (then 46) Bail, of a Bucket?" Somewhat confused by this could have come straight from alliteration and not being sure of what I heard, I said: Hollywood's Central Casting to "Say again, Chief." and he repeated his question. play the part of "Luther Billis", Still not sure of what he meant, I replied: "Chief, did the seaman in the popular you ask me if I could tie a bowline knot on the handle movie "South Pacific". Chief of that bucket using only the bight of the line?" Topping was square in every "Right, son. Can ye do it?" way: square head; square shoulders; and square Having been an Eagle Boy Scout; having waist with just the beginning of a beer-belly about to taught many tenderfoot scouts how to tie bowlines; begin dropping below his belt. His talk was square in and having competed in several knot tying contests, I the sense that he always spoke the truth, and never prided myself on my ability to tie knots, although I minced words. His hair was always closely trimmed had never tied the one just described by Chief except on top where it had long since apparently Topping. After reflecting for a moment I said: "Chief, been blown off in some typhoon. In fact he had more I'm not sure, but let me try." hair on his upper lip, in the form of a well-trimmed but "Sure Son", replied the salty Chief, setting the nevertheless bushy, mustache, than he had on his bucket at my feet; holding the two ends of the line, head. When he walked his feet were always planted one end in his right hand, the other end in his left far apart, all the better to accommodate a rolling hand, thus presenting me the bight. I took the bight deck. I don't think he was actually bow-legged, but in my hand and tied the requested knot. Although the way he walked certainly gave that impression. "Humpf" was his only reply, I think my demonstration He addressed all ensigns as "Son" in a paternal, of this bit of nautical knowledge, did seem to reduce somewhat unorthodox, but never disrespectfully the number of future quizzes he gave me. way. I am convinced that he believed he had been Conclusion given orders directly from the CNO (Chief of Naval Operations) to indoctrinate all new ensigns in Navy I am substantially completely sure that I was traditions. not the first Ensign educated by Chief Topping. I am absolutely sure that I was not the last. The Chief Don't Whittle on Deck also educated Sam Underhill, who relieved me as

One Sunday afternoon, soon after reporting "First Lieutenant". I heard this from Sam and so shall on board, I was on deck whittling a small piece of you, if you read Sam's article in the next issue. wood with my pocket knife, the shavings falling on Of all the seamen I met, there was none as the deck, where I intended to later clean them up. unforgettable as Chief Topping. This gruff but gentle Chief Topping approached and said: "Son, can I seaman, during his long Navy career, imparted his have a look at that knife?" knowledge to many new sailors. I am privileged to "Sure Chief." I said, folding the blade into the have been one of them. It is truly not possible to top handle, and handing him the knife. Chief Topping.

He re-opened the blade, grasped it in one Editors Note: Thanks go out to Dave for this article. hand and, while holding the handle in the other hand, There is an additional story, in this series, which will said: "How strong's the blade?" He then promptly be published in the July newsletter. Sam Underhill, broke the blade from the handle. He handed me LTJG, 57-60, mentioned above will be submitting an back both pieces of my now useless pocket knife article on Chief Topping for the next issue as well. muttering a half-hearted apology and remarking USS SHIELDS DD-596 All Eras Reunion Association Newsletter April 2009 Page 5

Seattle Reunion Overview Turner Joy served repeatedly in the conflict. We’re

By Jim Sewell, V.P. & Reunion Coordinator going to visit Turner Joy, then go on to enjoy an escorted private offshore tour up Port Orchard Bay to Bremerton Washington has been a Navy town since the Keyport Naval Reservation. While enjoying a box the 1890’s. A U. S. Navy Commission determined lunch on board, we’ll travel to the official Naval that Point Turner, between the protected waters of Undersea Museum. We’ll see examples of major U. Sinclair and Dyers Inlets would be the best site in the S. torpedoes from the Whitehead and Howell types to Pacific Northwest to establish a shipyard. Fast modern Mk 46 and Mk 50 weapons, a Confederate forward to World War II when the Bremerton area mine from the Civil War, torpedo tubes from fleet was home to an estimated 80,000 residents due to ballistic missile submarine USS Tecumseh and a the heavy workload of shipbuilding, repair and simulation of the control room of the fast attack maintenance required for the Pacific war effort. It submarine USS Greenling. was during that period that the keel of the destroyer Shields was laid on 10 August 1943 at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. The ship was sponsored by Touring at the Reunion First Lieutenant Margaret Shields Farr, WAC, the great grand-daughter of Purser Shields and launched on 25 September 1944. She was commissioned on 8 February 1945, Commander George B Madden, USN in command. Your USS Shields Reunion Association chose Bremerton for the 2009 reunion for several reasons, all of which we sincerely believe will bring forth a great many pleasant experiences for you. Most basically shipmates, we wanted to bring you home to the birthplace of USS Shields.

USS Turner J oy DD-951

N ext day, we’ll travel by comfortable motor coach to Seattle for a narrated tour of the city highlights and lunch at your choice of many fine restaurants at the famous Pike Place Market. Plenty of free time will be available for you to explore the city on your own before our motor coach returns to the hotel for

Silverdale Beach Hotel companionship with your shipmates in the Hospitality Room. Our reunion headquarters and your home away from home for four eventful days will be the Silverdale Our final day of the reunion will include a generous Beach Hotel. It’s away from the hustle of the SeaTac hot breakfast, our usual business meeting, then an area and close to several Navy venues specially afternoon for you to rest or create things to do on chosen to bring back some excellent memories of our your own. The highlight of the day will be a festive history. For those that do not choose to visit those banquet with a special guest speaker. sites, excellent shopping opportunities at the Kitsap Mall are easily accessible within walking distance of As always, we’ll have an excellent Hospitality Room the hotel. with snacks and beverages served by our own Harvey Fine. The Ships Store will be stocked with Did you know that the USS Turner Joy (DD951), last quality items for you to purchase and lots of items for ship in the Forrest Sherman Class, was one of two U. you to select for the raffle after the banquet. S. Navy ships involved in the “Tonkin Gulf Incident”? That event prompted Congress to involve the United We look forward to seeing you at the 2009 USS States in the bloody and costly conflict in Indochina. Shields Reunion in Bremerton, Sep 6-10. Throughout that period,

USS SHIELDS DD-596 All Eras Reunion Association Newsletter April 2009 Page 6

USS SHIELDS DD596 2009 Reunion September 6-10, 2009 NAME______GUEST/SPOUSE______ADDRESS______CITY______STATE______ZIP______TELEPHONE______EMAIL______DATES ON BOARD:______RANK:______********************************************************** Host Hotel: Silverdale Beach Hotel Please call the hotel at 360-307-7632 for room reservations. Mention you are with the USS Shields group.

Activity Package: $150.00 per person

______# of Attendees @ $150.00…….$______

Tours: Monday, Sept. 7, All Tours _____# of attendees @ $59.00 p.p. $______

Tuesday, Sept. 8, City Tour/Pike Place Market _____# of attendees @ $57.00 p.p. $______

TOTAL DUE: $______

A 50% deposit is required by JULY 6 with final payment due AUGUST 6. You may cancel up to August 30 with a 10% cancellation fee. No refunds can be made after August 30. Cancellations must be made by phone and authorized by a representative of “Gatherings Plus.” All refunds will be processed within 30 days of cancellation. Questions?? Call us at 417-338-4048 and we’ll be happy to assist you. Register by Mail or Phone GATHERINGS PLUS P. O. BOX 1023, BRANSON WEST, MO. 65737 417-338-4048…[email protected] www.reunionproregistration.com/ussshields.htm

USS SHIELDS DD-596 All Eras Reunion Association Newsletter April 2009 Page 7

USS SHIELDS DD596 Seattle Reunion September 6-10, 2009

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

7:30-9:30 a.m. Depart Check in at HOT ______SILVERDALE BREAKFAST BEACH 9:00 a.m. At Hotel 9:30 a.m. RESORT CITY TOUR Depart for HOTEL USS TURNER PRICING: JOY $105.00 per room per night

12:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. BOX LUNCH PIKES GENERAL and PLACE ACTIVITY MEETING KITSAP MARKET PACKAGE:

4:00 p.m. HARBOR $150.00 per Hospitality Room CRUISE Lunch on your person Open own 2:00 p.m. INCLUDES:

TOUR Welcome 5:00 p.m. UNDERSEA $57.00 per Lunch on your Reception CASH BAR MUSEUM person Hot Breakfast own including on $59.00 per transportation Wednesday person 6:00 p.m. from hotel and CASH BAR 2 Cash Bars including tour guide Final Evening transportation Banquet from hotel and Hospitality 6:00 p.m. admission to Return to Room “WELCOME each event hotel by Tax and

ABOARD” 6:00 p.m. Gratuities RECEPTION Return to Reunion hotel by 4:00 7:00 p.m. Admiral FINAL Website Ballroom p.m. EVENING Hospitality BANQUET Hospitality Room Open Room Open Admiral Ballroom Evening Free

USS SHIELDS DD-596 All Eras Reunion Association Newsletter April 2009 Page 8

Alvin Burchfield's Son Replies to USS Shields Korean War Our Tribute in the Last Newsletter Shipmates Plan to Meet in

Colorado Springs, CO From Lt. Alvin Burchfield Jr. USN Addressed to Bob MacNeil We received word from Bob MacNeil of the planned 21st reunion on September 17 through 19, 2009. Mr.Mac This get-together had been organized by Alvin and Peggy Burchfield. Unfortunately they are unable to I have been sort of wrapped around the axel here manage this year's event due to health issues. in the "Stan". I got this when you sent it out and have E.C. "Bud" Purling will be handling this gathering, for been meaning to respond now for some time. On further information contact: behalf of myself, family and friends I want to say thank you so much for recognizing my Mom and Dad E.C. 'Bud' Purling, like you have. I know this means the world to them P.O. Box 7857 and coming from people like you and the shipmates Colorado Springs, CO 80933 who Dad cherishes so much makes it all the more special. THANKS!! Tel No: 719-473-5414

E-mail: [email protected] My father has always been a man that leaves every endeavor or project he's been involved with better than when he found it. His involvement with the American Legion and VFW is no different. The Ship's Store is Open & Waiting American Legion post that he was once commanded in Smyrna, Georgia is almost for Orders... ready to move into a multi-million dollar facility that Dad helped kick off years ago. There are many Below is a sample of what is available, some items community projects and veteran programs that the subject to prior sale. See the order form in the July post is involved with now Dad had a hand in getting '08 newsletter or download at www.dd596.com. started. The food bank is just one that has really taken off. As well as many, many others with the VFW, Smyrna Athletic Association etc.etc.

I don't know if you knew Dad was a "Pop Warner" football coach for 10 or 15 years. Some of the young men he coached and was involved with have gone on to become successful citizens in the community and even around the world. As for me, Dad was almost my coach as much as he was my father when I was young. Some of the best memories I have of my father were played out on the football field, where he was very successful. I was just along for the ride, thankfully... and it was an activity and lifestyle our whole family was involved with and loved.

He and Mom have been the best parents my sister and I could have ever dreamed of having. They have also been even better (if that's possible) Grandparents for my children, nieces and nephew's.

So Thank you very much for what you've done in recognizing him!

LT Alvin Burchfield Jr. USN Jalalabad, Afghanistan

Editors Note: Thank you Lt. Burchfield for your follow up letter, we salute your service to our country.

USS SHIELDS DD-596 All Eras Reunion Association Newsletter April 2009 Page 9

USS SHIELDS DD-596 ALL ERAS REUNION ASSOCIATION

2009 Membership Application and Renewal Form

Name: ______

Date of birth: ______Wife’s first name: ______

Mailing address: ______

______City State (9 digits ZIP Code Please)

Ph: ______Cell Ph: ______E-Mail: ______

Years served aboard SHIELDS:______Rank/rate on SHIELDS_____

Make your check out to: USS SHIELDS REUNION ASSOCIATION. Please mail this form with a check in the amount of $25.00 to cover your dues for the calendar year of 2009. Mail to:

USS SHIELDS DD-596 ALL ERAS REUNION ASSOCIATION ℅ Robert N. Carl, Secretary 6987 Lazy Sunset Ct. Las Vegas, NV 89156-7206

2009 Dues are Due Shipmate Request for Project to Your $25.00 annual dues support the printing and postage for newsletters and they cover the expenses Donate at Seattle Reunion of locating shipmates and maintaining the master contact list. Rick Urias SM1 who served aboard the Shields 58-60 is interested in receiving photos from If you have not paid for 2009 please complete the dues form above and drop it in the mail with you shipmates for a decoupage he will make and check. donate as a prize for the raffle in Seattle.

Your dues do not support reunion activities; these Please send copies as the photos cannot be activities are self-sustaining. All board members and returned. If you have photos in uniform during friends of the board volunteer; no one receives compensation in the Association. your time aboard, or photos taken at our reunions, please send them to Rick. Bob Carl, Secretary, has received duplicate and multi year dues payments from shipmates. Bob applies The address for mailing pictures is: duplicate dues payments to the future year(s). We Rick Urias post the list in the January 2009 issue to advise those shipmates of the status of their membership. 2137 Pepper Tree Pl. We appreciate those who pay in advance and thank Escondido, Calif. 92926 the shipmates who have done so. For more information you can e-mail him at: Then annual members meeting held at our reunions [email protected]. is open to dues paying members.

USS SHIELDS DD-596 ALL ERAS REUNION ASSOCIATION C /O ROBERT N. CARL (SECRETARY) 6987 LAZY SUNSET CT LAS VEGAS, NV 89156-7206

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

USS SHIELDS DD-596 All Eras Reunion Association Newsletter April 2009 Page 10

Visit the Association Website Opting Out of Receiving the

At the website you can view the history, photos, prior Newsletter issues of the newsletter and ship store items. It is a The Reunion Associations intention is to send the great place to renew memories of your time aboard. mail out to all shipmates regardless of dues paid,

time served or duration served on the Shields. If you would rather not receive the newsletter, you may opt out by notifying Jim Durough via e-mail, snail mail or a phone call. Jim’s contact information is on the list on page two. You may opt in again at anytime.

Keep Your Contact Info Updated

Check your address on this newsletter and if not 100% correct, including Apartment, Condo, Trailer, Space number and the zip code + 4 digits, please notify Jim Durough listed in the contact information.

If you move do not forget to notify Jim of your new address, phone number and any change in your E-mail address. Put a change of address in with the Post Office. The change of address stays on file with www.dd596.com the post office for about 18 months. These actions will reduce expenses from returned mail and the cost of re-mailing newsletters.