Editor's Notes
I apologize to all of you who received your August issue a little or very late. As June explained in this section of that issue, family does take precedent over most things. ------Jim mentions in his article about how he likes the new hardware and software you bought us. I will second his enthusiasm. Now that we are completely compatible, Jim can send me information from the database and I can work with it in Microsoft Word 97. He sent me the B-List and the E-Mail list and I was able to format them and print them myself. In the past, if a change needed in the information Jim sent, I would have to cut and paste to make the change. The new software also makes it easier to work with articles I receive from all of you. And the more I learn the software, the easier it will be to put out The Aerograph. ------Binnacle List You will read a note from Joe Sycuro in the Letters section about 4-way bypass and aortic valve replacement surgery. I'm sure Joe would appreciate hearing from you during his recovery. ------You will find some different kinds of articles in this issue. I try to keep bringing new interests to The Aerograph, and receiving a variety of information from the membership makes my job a lot easier. You don't have to worry about what medium you use to send your articles. Word 97 will convert most any software, the new scanner you bought me will scan most any kind of typed or printed material, and believe it or not, 1 haven't forgot how to type in case you send your article in long hand or printed form. And, I still can receive information via FAX at the number listed in the publication info section. I just want to say keep the articles coming. If you sent one and haven't seen it yet, don't worry, you will. And if you think it's been too long since you sent the article, send me a note or call to jog my memory. ------Publication Information: The Aerograph is published quarterly in February, May, August, and November. The Editor must receive contributions not later than the 15th of January, April, July, and October. Articles and letters can be submitted in any format, typed or handwritten. If you have a PC, you can send your article on a 3 1 /2 inch diskette and save me some typing. I now have MS Office 97 and can use most any software. However, your MAC and Apple Software still comes up UNKNOWN FORMAT. Diskettes will be returned if requested. If you are on-line you can E-Mail your info to [email protected]. My 24 Hour Fax Number is 352-787-9386. Be sure to include my name on the cover page. My address is listed below. BILL BOWERS Association Officers: President: AGCAf Norm Macomber, USN RET 815 Brookside Drive, Toms River, NJ 08753-4340 (732) 349-6737
The Prez Says The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw describes a generation of Americans who came of age during the Great Depression and Second World War and then went on to build modern America. Some of the values that are common to the many individual examples cited in the book are dedication, loyalty, patriotism, self-sacrificing, honest, service to others, endurance, and high regard for marriage, among others. Every November, Naval Weather Service Association members look forward to the edition of The Aerograph that contains the "Bellinger List," more affectionately known as the "B-List". This year I want to personalize the "B-List". Lloyd Bellinger was born on December 13. 1919, in Forestport. New York, which is located near Rome, his present day home. For 10 years the nation was enjoying boundless prosperity and living it up. What does a young lad of 10 or less know about the Roaring Twenties, the Model-T Ford, flapper skirts, or the Charleston? Probably not too much. The decade of the Thirties was certainly much different economically and much more impressionable on a teenager and all of those who lived through the Great Depression. In a family of Mom and Dad, plus 5 boys and 2 girls, the 1930s in a rural New York town dependent upon forest products, life was not easy. In fact, they were times that had a significant influence on character building. One way to put food on the table was to hunt game and Lloyd did that. In 1936 Lloyd joined the Citizen Military Training Group (CMTG) which was a forerunner of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). One less mouth at the table, and one more member to provide sustenance to the rest of the family. In April of 1938, Lloyd joined the united States Navy at Utica, New York and set off for recruit training in Newport, Rhode Island and the start of a 23 year career. Where was Lloyd on Sunday, December 7, 1941? Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, of course. Another significant event in Lloyd's life occurred in September of 1944 when he married Naomi in her native California. From that union came two children - Jeff and Ann. Fifty-five years later, Lloyd and Naomi live in Rome. New York. In 1961, Lloyd retired from active duty in the Navy and lived in Toms River, New Jersey selling Ford automobiles. In 1964, he returned to the field of meteorology with the Army Signal Corps, working at Fort Monmouth, NJ, Fort Sill, OK and Chanute Field, IL. In 1978, Lloyd retired from Civil Service and re-turned to the area of his roots, settling in Rome. He doesn't hunt in the woods for food anymore but over the rears he and Naomi have taken many trips to Canada and the New England states to sample the cuisine. The values that Tom Brokaw found in the many individuals used in The Greatest Generation are the same values that he could have observed in Lloyd Bellinger. Next month, on the 13th of December 1999, Lloyd will celebrate the eightieth anniversary of his birth. I plan to send him a birthday card and I invite every member of the Naval Weather Service Association to join me. Happy Holidays. NWSA President Norm Macomber
From the NWSA WebMaster October. 1999
I want to thank everyone who has made our Web Site a success! Our new Domain, www.navalweather.org, was placed on-line in June of this year. There has been over 4,200 "hits" to our Home Page since that time Several NWSA members have especially contributed to the site's content: "Skip" Cline has been providing regular updated news from the "FRA News Byte" and "FEDweek news" Internet sites as well as other important and timely items for both the military and civilian communities. A special thank you goes out to Pete Petit for providing pictures of the Monterey. CA_ reunion. New areas on the web site include: "Site Updates" is where you can find listed new and/or updated site content. making it easier to quickly see what you need to catch up on. "Latest News" carries misc. general but important information. "FRA News Byte" & "FEDweek news" provided on a regular basis by "Skip" Cline. "Medal news" is information concerning new medals awarded to the Armed Services. "Lost and Found" is an area where there are E-mails from those looking for lost friends and shipmates. "Insights" are thought-provoking issues. And "Jokes" is just that! You can also read recent information about NWSA Officers & Chairs, and Local Chapters officers. There is an area devoted to the CPO community - the "CPO Mess" (a special thank you to our new CPO Mess Manager. AGC(AW) Jose Lahoz USN). And of course, some of the news and articles as printed and distributed in the "The Aerograph". We have also started a "News Group" that can be joined. Here folks can send a general email to all in the group at one time, expressing opinions on just about anything. Please take a moment and review the "bad addresses" page where there is a list of known outdated Email addresses. If you find yourself there, please provide an update to Jim Stone [email protected] and/or me
Autumn Landscape
Autumn creeps in on moccasins silent as the glow of the harvest moon. Now the nights will have the touch and smell of the frosty air. Days will have the crisp-leaf rustle of fall as the reds and golds, browns and purples signal that another year has come to ripeness and maturity. That is autumn's dominant note: maturity. Autumn brings a summing up of sweetness in the apple, of ripeness in the golden corn, of tartness in the wild grape. Spring was all eager, reaching for the April sunlight. Summer was growth and blossom, and August fruiting. Now comes ripeness, toward which bud and leaf and blossom all were aimed. The color creeps through the woodland. Cricket and Katydid scratch frantically in the dark. The hoarding squirrel is busy in the oak. The drowsy woodchuck fattens for his long sleep. The barrel owl's questions echo in the starry night. Autumn comes over the hills and down the valleys, in the smoky mists of Indian Summer, in the frost-crisp dawns of October. It is the power to see and hear, to taste and touch, and celebrate. Hal Borland
Necrology
AGCM John L. Kay, USNR RET Died March 1999
LCDR Howard R. Seay, USN RET Died June 22, 1999
LT Carl M. Morris, USN RET Died August 11, 1999
Mrs. Claudia Ann Blankenship, wife of CWO William J. Blankenship, USN RET, died August 15, 1999
Mrs. Sally Coffin, wife of Leroy Coffin (CAPT Mottern's deputy at NAVAIR), died August 15, 1999
AGC Melie Lee, USN RET Died September 15, 1999
CDR Ron Harder, USN RET Died September 15, 1999
CDR Charles Tilden, USN RET Died October 1, 1999
In Remembrance
LCDR Howard R. Seat' died on Tuesday, June 22, 1999 at the age of 76. He was born Sept. 19, 1922, in Downey. CA and he lived on the Monterey Peninsula for 39 years. A graduate of UCLA, he spent 22 years in the Navy, during which time he taught meteorology at the Naval Postgraduate School. After retirement, he taught oceanography at Monterey Peninsula College, then became director of the Peace Corps in Micronesia, a post he held for three years. He was active in local political campaigns. was a member of the American Civil Liberties Union and was a frequent contributor to the Herald's Weekend Magazine. LCDR Seat' is survived by his wife of 38 years, Diana, a son, Davin Seat'; and daughters. Melissa Sea and Bridget Seay. ------Mrs. Seay's address is in the non-member section of the B-list.
LT Carl M. Morris died Wednesday. August 11, 1999 in Carmel, CA after a lengthy illness. He was 81. Born Feb. 18, 1918 in Burchinal, Iowa. he graduated from Thornton High School in Iowa and served in the U. S. Navy for 30 years, retiring in 1970. During WW II he served in Guadalcanal and Bougainville. At the time of his retirement, he was meteorological officer with Fleet Numerical Weather Central. He served 13 years as a park ranger at Point Lobos State Park after his retirement. LT Morris was a member of the Knights Templar 32nd degree, Retired Officers Association. The Carmel Foundation and a life member of the Naval Weather Service Association. He is survived by his wife, Mary F. Morris of Carmel; and three daughters, Shirley Enea, Nancy Geren and Neva Turnock. A kind word doesn 't Cost much, Yet a kind word Accomplishes much
FROM THE SECRETARY/TREASURER'S DESK 15 OCT 1999
This new computer and software is great. I have heard it said that you can't teach an old dog new tricks. I guess I am not as old as I thought. All of the tables I used in Visual dBase converted but I had to redo all the associated files (queries, forms, reports_ etc.) it has kept me off the streets and out of trouble for a few weeks. it is now much easier for Bill and i to exchange information.
The membership count as of this date is 700. Of that number, 344 are Life Members. We are still trying to locate the following Life Members: xAG3 Carey H. Williams, USN REL: AGC Charles Casperson, USN; AGI W. B. `Red" Johnson. USN RET; LT William J. Thonte, USN RET. If you have any information, please let me know.
it is important that you advise us if you move or if the post office, in its infinite wisdom. changes your mailing address. This actually happened in the past. It may result when an area sets up 911 service. Also, for those of you with email addresses. please keep us up to date on these changes also. That is done easily by going to our web site, WWW.NAVALWEATHER.ORG. You will find a listing of email addresses there. If yours is not listed or is incorrect, there is a place there where you can let the webmaster know. it will be automatically forwarded to me. If you do not use a browser. let us know by email and it will be published in the next issue. The majority of mailing address changes I receive now is via email. This issue includes the B list and the list of 337 email addresses.
THE CUTOFF DATE FOR THIS ARTICLE WAS 15 OCT 1999
SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS WERE RECEIVED FROM
AGCS DORLE L. BLUEMLE, USN RET 1SG GEORGE E. COURTNEY, IJSAR RET AGC GEORGE GLEASON, USN RET LCDR DAVID N. BROWN, USN RET CDR ELMER ERDEL, USN RET AGCS JOHN MIGALEDDI, USN RET
COMPUTER FUND DONATIONS
LCDR DAVID N. BROWN, USN RET 1SG GEORGE COURTNEY, JR., USAR RET AGCS BOB DAIGLE, USN RET CDR ELMER ERDEL, USN RET CDR THOMAS J. GOSSMAN, USN RET xAG1 SAUL SINGER, USN REL LT ALAN ULRICH, USN RET AGI RICHARD COZINE, USN RET
OUR NEWEST LIFE MEMBERS
AG1 PAUL J. BOSCO, JR. USN RET
GIFT MEMBERSHIPS WERE RECEIVED FROM
CDR DON CRUSE, USN RET AGCM NORM MACOMBER, USN RET
OUR NEWEST MEMBERS (NEW OR DUES EXPIRED MORE THAN ONE YEAR AGO) (SEE B LIST)
AG1 PAUL. J. BOSCO, JR, USN RET xAG2 GEORGE JOSEPH, USN REL AGCY CALVIN M. MARDER, USN RET DR HAROLD CRULCHER, GS RET xAG RALPH W. KAGEY. USN REL LCDR MYRON "ED" NELSON, JR, USN RET AGCS CHARLES FRANCISCO, USN RET xAG2 JOSEPH E. KRAFT, USN REL AGC BILLY S"I"RAWN, USN RET AGI EDWARD J. HERMAN, IJSN RET AGCM ROGER R. LA BRIE. USN RET CDR JOSEPH W. STREULI, USN RET xAG2 DAVE JOHNSON. USN REL XAG2 HARELD WADE, USN REI Travel via the Moon
The detailers did it! They were always telling us where to go & now we're in the habit. We now enjoy travel, but the rules are changed....we go when & where WE want to go....not when some "travel-expert" in DC sends us orders. Many folks research the areas their interested in by reading travel tips, TV clues of interesting locations, or word of mouth from others...and not forgetting E-mail bargains...like Marge Cruse discovering $330 round-trip in Sept from Newark to Basel, Switzerland. They're off! How it's done doesn't matter but if you'd like to share your experience with others, we can make this column a collection point. Just send along your name and the area you visited and we'll list it here - those who think they want more info will get your address from the B-List and write for more info. You can then share what you think was of interest (good & bad) on that location with the folks making plans....i.e.... Just a postcard back would be listed: D.Cruse: Newark- Basel Switz. Caution: Many of the larger airports (particularly in Europe where ALL baggage is scanned) are causing a "fog" on camera film (new or used). Recommend carrying film in `hand-carry' bags thru security check-in where the micro-wave not as strong or you can "hand thru" like pocket-money. It's the shoulder-season now thru mid-Dec when airfare is low. This happens again in Feb to April....exception being the Scandinavian countries and Austria-Switzerland when snow is falling. This exception also applies to the tropical high season when the colder climes vacate the area or hibernate during winter months. Though air and hotel costs are lower, be aware that many museums and interesting tours are also not open during this "off-season". Austria, for instance, is closed in November but becomes very busy mid-Dec thru March due to winter sports. But the good part of travel during this time of the year - there are NO lines except maybe on weekends, prices are reduced and trains & highways are nearly empty. Prices will be going UP on New Year's Day for railpasses. But you can beat the system now by ordering your pass before the millennium and then end your travel before 30 June when the pass expires (6mo). Going to save money this trip and rent a car? Consider gas prices...$1 price in US (probably $1.25 in CA which has highest state tax) is $5.05 in Hong Kong and in Scandinavia & France a gal would be $4.50, Belgium & Germany 4.25- 4.50....of course if you tank up in Saudi or Kuwait or Venezuela and certain African countries, the price would be between 50-80cents. And don't forget VAT (Value Added Tax) for the car which each country adds ranging from 7-15% in many countries, to 21.2% in Austria. Usually, you can pick up a car at one location (Airport pickup may add another charge to your rental) and drop/leave in the same country for no extra drop charge....but plan on a big "drop" charge when you leave it in a different country. Weekly or daily rate...the drop charge is the same, i.e., pickup Zurich airport and drop in Vienna has $150 drop for Avis and +/-that charge with all other rental companies. If you must have automatic shift and/or A/C, plan on $12-25 more per day IF even available at smaller down-town agencies. Good thing about European car rentals is miles per gallon for mid-sized and compact cars will always be closer to 40mpg than 25mpg....but that's not high enough to get you from Berlin to Kuwait for "cheap gas". Get a confirmation number for your hotel/car reservation. Have that # in your dayplanner or memobook. If the hotel is overbooked, quote your # and explain (not in harsh or loud tones) that you're perfectly willing to take an upgrade to a luxuary suite at your original rate. Ask for manager if there is any hesitancy - it works! On our search for the "best toilets", London Savoy still #1 but a Burlington VT hotel has an upright piano in the men's room. Unique. Never could get enough guys to hang around and listen to chop-sticks..or at least, on their way in! Happy holiday travels/be safe.
NWSA'S "Magnificent Millenium" #26
If you are arriving at the Norfolk International Airport, consider using the hotel limousine service. All you need to do is give the hotel your arrival/departure times when you make your suite reservations. If you don't have your flight information at that time, call them sometime in advance of your arrival. The cost is currently $ 1 0. 00 per person per trip. Check again on costs when you notify them. There is also limousine and taxi service at the airport. At the hotel you will find your luxurious suite includes a bedroom, living room, wetbar, microwave oven. refrigerator, 2 TV's. iron and ironing board. All suites have a balcony facing the beaches of Chesapeake Bay. The health club features a sauna, whirlpool massage therapy, tanning beds, weight room, and an indoor/outdoor pool. It is the only hotel in the area that has jet ski, sailboard and sailboat rentals and volleyball on its own private beach. The Virginia Beach Tennis and Country Club and the Broad Bay Point Greens Golf Club are located only one half mile from the hotel. Military facilities are located nearby if you want to shop in the commissary and exchange or use their fine recreational facilities. Captain Tom Bosse, Commanding Officer NLMOC is assisting the HRC with military liaisons. Complimentary van transportation is available upon request. We plan to request this service to augment local car pooling for the Sunset cruise on Friday evening. The launch site is only about a half half away. There is a free parking area for RV's - sorry, no hookups. More on RV parking in another article. On Wednesday evening you will be treated to a first time host your own cocktail party in our Hospitality Room. That should save all of us a few bucks. Our Hospitality crew is anxious to see and serve you. We will haye some food there but if you leave hungry, you will be surrounded by good restaurants, including the Trade Winds in the hotel. Or you can retire to your suite and enjoy a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Thursday you will be in a dilemma. There are two fantastic tours. The first is the Virginia Marine Science Center, Riding Virginia Beach Tour & old Coast Guard Museum. 0830-1430. You will depart via motor coach with your guide for a narrated riding tour of Virginia Beach. Enjoy beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. See the historic lighthouses and the First Landing Cross at Cape Henry where the English colonists first came ashore in 1607. Walk out on the overlook to see where the bay and the ocean meet, and where the famous Battle of the Capes took place during the Revolutionary War. Ride down the resort strip and past the Tidewater Veterans Memorial, a unique structore, which pays homage to veterans everywhere. Tour the exciting Virginia Marine Science Museum, and discover Virginia's marine environment. Explore 750,000 gallons of aquariums and live animal habitats and hundreds of hands on activities. A touch tank lets you hold and examine many live sea creatures. Enjoy the film in the 300 seat TNIAX theater. Visit the Life Saving Museum of Virginia, a former Life Saving Coast Guard Station which depicts history of USLS/CG Services, shipwrecks off the Virginia Coast, and special W.W.0 exhibit. Enjoy shopping at the nautical gift shop. Enjoy lunch on your own at an oceanfront restaurant, as directed by your tour guide. The cost is $32.50. Tour 42 is out in the boonies to the state of the art National Weather Service Office in Wakefield, Va., about 65 miles west of our hotel in peanut country. Enjoy the country scenery via motor coach. Lunch at the world famous Virginia Diner is included in the ticket. This is the home of the world's best peanuts. Try em, you can buy anything made with peanuts there. If you try the peanuts, chances are you will be ordering them after you get home. Cost $23.00. After the business meeting, you can take the rest of the day off. Soak in the whirlpool. Liberty Call!!! Friday morning is the golf match. The price is estimated to be $25.00, If any of you golfers have a preference on type of play, we'd like to hear from you. Tour #3 0900-1330. A day in Norfolk including Hermitage Foundation Museum, Riding Norfolk City Tour & MacArthur Center. You will depart the hotel with your tour guide to visit the Hermitage Foundation Museum, nestled on 12 beautifully landscaped acres alongside the picturesque Lafayette River, this Tudor-style mansion built in 1908 features an outstanding collection of Eastern and Western art. The museum's collections are displayed in a unique home like setting and represent the arts of America, England, France, Italy, Persia, Russia, Spain and the Far East. Included in the collection are paintings, sculptures, ivories, ritual bronzes, jade, Oriental rugs, tapestries, laces, embroidery and furniture. Ride through Norfolk's beautiful historic district and restored area. View the lovely homes along the Hague, the Chrysler Museum, the Moses Myers House, old St. Paul's Church the restored waterfront and many other points of interest. Next, enjoy a world class shopping experience at the brand new MacArthur Center. Anchored by Nordstrom's and Dillards, and offering over 125 specialty shops, boutiques and restaurants. This beautiful new mall is considered to be one of the most outstanding in the entire Mid-Atlantic region. Special discount coupon books will be made available for the members of the Naval Weather Service Association. Cost $27.00. Return to the hotel in time for afternoon Deck Party and BBQ. On the hotel deck, enjoy a Texas Barbecue Buffet from 1400-1600. The menu will be: fresh fruit display, cole slaw, potato salad, Texas chili with tortilla chips and salsa, pulled pork barbecue, grilled marinated chicken breast with jalapeno cilantro butter, barbecue ribs, corn on the cob, chefs fresh vegetables, Jalapeno cornbread, fresh baked bread, dessert display, coffee, tea, and a keg of beer. Let the Blazing Saddles Revue begin. Cost is $25.00 per person. On Friday evening we offer a sunset cruise. The time of 1930 to 2100 should embrace sunset. We will have finger food and drinks aboard. A few weeks later (tourist season) this cruise is billed as the dolphin watching cruise. If we're lucky maybe some will come out to play with us. The marina is fairly close to the hotel so if you traveled a lot on the tours, this trip will be short. Cost is $20.00. On Saturday while the members are attending the NMOC brief and general meeting the spouses will attend a coffee and jewelry workshop. You may simply watch the process or for $15.00 you can make a glass bead bracelet and earring set. During the afternoon from 1300 to 1500 we plan to tour NLMOC and a ship at the Naval Station. This will be a freebie if we can pull off the transportation. Then comes the Banquet. The menu is: garden fresh salad, choice of Roast Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding and Chiffon of Horseradish OR Heart Smart Poached Salmon with Sun dried Tomato Sauce. Accompaniments -.baked stuffed potato, chefs fresh vegetables, fresh baked rolls with butter, profiterole with chocolate sauce and raspberry coulet. Following the pro-gram, we will dance to the big band sound of Satin Sound. Those of us who welcomed in 99 to their music are returning to welcome in the new millennium with them at Wakefield. (A secret, Don Case, the leader of the band is a retired member of the Air Weather Service) So if you don't remember the tunes of the 40's, ask your grandchildren how to dance to it because swing is back. The price is $35.00. On Sunday, after we button up, some members of HRC will be attending the fabulous Sunday Buffet at the hotel's Trade Winds restaurant between 1000- 1500. The hotel will negotiate a special reduced price for us but because of the popularity of the event, it probably won't be much of a reduction. Will let you know when they tell us. Watch the Aerograph and the NWSA Web Site, Marty
Daily Schedule for MM-26 NWSA Reunion
Virginia Beach, VA 17-21 May, 2000
Wednesday, May 17
1200-1730 Registration (2nd deck lobby) 1300-1730 Hospitality Room (Horizons Lounge) Open 1400-1600 Executive Board Meeting (Dominion Room) 1800-1930 No Host Cocktail Party in Hospitality Room 1930-2330 Resume regular Hospitality/Registration activity in Hospitality Room
Thursday, May 18
0700-1200 Hospitality Room (Horizons Lounge) Open 0800-1200 Registration 0800-1430 Tour # 1 Virginia Beach (V) 0900-1430 Tour #2 National Weather Service Facility, Wakefield (W) 1300-1500 Hospitality Room and Registration open 1500-1630 First General Meeting (Virginia Room) 1700-2330 Hospitality Room Open/Register here 1700 Liberty Call - Dinner on the Town
Friday, May 19
0700-1300 Hospitality Room (Horizons Lounge) Open/Register here 0730-1330 Golf 0900-1330 Tour #3 Norfolk (0) 1400-1600 Deck Party (0) 1630-2330 Hospitality Room Open/Register here 1930-2100 Sunset Cruise off Virginia Beach (C)
Saturday. May 20
0700-0900 Hospitality Room (Horizons Lounge) Open 0900-1000 CNMOC Briefing (Virginia Room) 1000-1130 Second General Meeting (Virginia Room) Spouse's coffee & jewelry workshop (Horizons Lounge) 1130-1630 Hospitality Room Open 1300-1600 NLMOC & ship tour (N) 1600-1700 Executive Board Meeting (Dominion Room) 1800-1900 Pre-Banquet no host cocktails (Chesapeake Ball Room) 1900-2100 Banquet & Program (B) 2100-2400 Dance/Listen to music of Satin Sound
Sunday, May 21
0700-1000 Hospitality Room (Horizons Lounge) Open 1000-1500 No host brunch at hotel (Trade Winds Restaurant) Welcome to your 26th NWSA Reunion
From your Hampton Roads Chapter of the NWSA Registration Form for 26th Annual Reunion of the Naval Weather Service Association, "The Magnificent Millennium" May 17 to 21, 2000 at the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center
------Member's First Name Last Name
------Member's Name on Name Tag Spouse/Primary Guest's Name on Name Tag Street Address ------City ------State ------Zip ------
Phone_( ) ------Guest's Name ------(1) ------(2) ------Total number of people in your party (including spouse & guests) ------Number of rooms reserved at VBRHCC (including guests) ------Planned Arrival Date____/____/____ Planned Departure Date____/ ------/ ------Please calculate your total Fees Registration Fees ($10 for member plus $5 for spouse plus $5 for each guest) = $ ------
(Thu AM) Tour #1 Va Beach & Marine Science Museum ------X$32.50 = $ ------(Thu AM) Tour #2 NWS Office Wakefield, Va (W/Lunch) ------X$23.00 = $ ------(Fri AM) Golf ------X$25.00 = $ ------(Fri AM) Tour #3 Hermitage Museum, Norfolk MacArthur Center ------X$27.00 = $ ------(Fri ) Deck Party & Bar -B -Que ------X$25.00 = $ ------Sunset Cruise 1930-2100 includes finger food/drinks ___& ------X$20.00 = $ ------(Sat) Spouse's Coffee & observation of jewelry workshop ------X$00.00 = $ ------Make a glass bead bracelet and earring set ------X$1 5.00 = $ ------
Banquet - Choice of Roast Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding & Chiffon of Horseradish or Heart Smart Poached Salmon with Sun dried Tomato Sauce (Circle Choices) Includes dancing to Satin Sounds ______x$ 35.00 = ------
Totals $ ------
Make check payable to "NWSA HRC", mail to: Chuck Steinbruck, 6028 River Road, Norfolk, VA 23505 Notice: All tours are subject to cancellation (and full refund if too few sign up). Be the first to reserve it, you deserve it.
Hotel Reservation Request Form
NAVAL WEATHER SERVICE ASSOCIATION Twenth-Sixth Annual Reunion, May 17 - 21, 2000 VIRGINIA BEACH RESORT HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER 2800 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451 1-757-481-9000 or 1-800-468-2722 (Toll Free) 1-757-496-7429 (Fax)
This reservation form must be received at the above address by April 26, 2000. Use phone or fax numbers above to revise or cancel your reservation.
Check In Time: 4:00 PM (1600 Hours) Check Out Time: 11:00 AM (1100 Hours)
Name of Person Requesting Room: Arrival Date: ______Departure Date: ______Last Name First Name
Naval Weather Service Association Names of Additional Person/s Sharing Room Organization
Street Address
City State Zip
Phone Number Including Area Code Please Indicate Room Preference (Use a separate form for each room your require)
Single Occupancy: $79.00 + 10% Room Tax & $1.00 Lodging Tax ______Double Occupancy: $79.00 + 10% Room Tax & $1.00 Lodging Tax ______Triple Occupancy: $89.00 + 10% Room Tax & $1.00 Lodging Tax ______Quad Occupancy: $99.00 + 10% Room Tax & $1.00 Lodging Tax Smoking ______Non-Smoking
Rooms must be guaranteed by a major credit card or by payment of one night's room and tax.
I understand I am liable to pay for one night's room plus tax in the event I cancel my reservation within 72 hours of my scheduled arrival date. Type of Credit Card: ______Card Number: ______
Expiration Date: ______Cardholder's Name: ______
Signature: ______Date: AGCM ROBERT F. FRAZIER, U.S.N. (RETIRED) NWSA VP 1984-85, 1986-87 President NWSA 1988-1989
Master Chief Aerographer's Mate (Naval Aircrewman) Bob Frazier was born in Louisville KY June 23, 1940. After graduating from high school he attended the University of Louisville for one year before shipping into the U.S. NAVY in August 1961. From boot camp in San Diego he was ordered to Naval Air Technical Training Unit on Naval Air Station. Lakehurst NJ where he attended Aerographer's Mate Class A School. His first duty station after A School was NAS Glvnco GA for nineteen months, then to Detachment of the Antarctic Support Activity (Project Deepfreeze). In June 1964, while undergoing training for the Deepfreeze wintering over party, Bob responded to a request for a volunteer to go aboard USS EDISTO (AGB-2) which was preparing to deploy to Palmer Peninsula in Antarctica. The EDISTO was tasked to build an additional wintering-over station on Palmer. After sen ing ten months in EDISTO Bob moved to USS GLACIER (AGB-4) to await reenlistment and a new duty assignment. He then went to Guam for duty as a flight weather observer in Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE (VW-1), operating from NAS Agana. Before rotating stateside, Bob qualified as Flight Meteorologist in VW-I, normally a designation reserved for officers only. He was then Aerographer's Mate First Class Back to Lakehurst in January, 1969 for AG(B) School and then a three-year tour with the NATTC as instructor in the AG(A) School. Back to Guam in August 1972 for duty in Fleet Weather Central and temporary duty in Japan as a flight forecaster. While in Japan he was ordered to the USAF base at Misawa on the northeast coast of Honshu to assume CPOIC duty in a newly established Naval Weather Service Environmental Detachment. Once the NWSED was operational Bob returned to FWC Guam where he was assigned to the Training Officer billet. Next came orders back to Lakehurst where he served as instructor and later supervisor of the C-1 School (formerly AG(B) School), beginning in November 1973. In August 1976 the Interservice Training Review Organization was ordered to study the feasibility of consolidating all Depaiti rent of Defense weather schools. AGCS Frazier was sent to Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, IL to participate in the study. The consolidation was approved by DoD. Bob then went to Chanute AFB in January 1977 as our USN representative to the body that was tasked to develop training curricula after consolidation. When consolidated weather training was implemented Bob became the Command Senior Chief Petty Officer in the NAVY Unit with responsibility for coordinating all training for naval personnel. Master Chief Frazier moved aboard USS EISENHOWER (CVN-69) in August 1979 and was selected to fill the ship's Command Master CPO billet – the third CMC in EISENHOWER and the first Aerographer's Mate to fill an important billet such as that in a major combatant. After three years in EISENHOWER Bob was ordered to the CMC billet at Fleet Numerical Oceanography Center, Monterey CA and – three years later – to a similar billet at Naval Western Oceanography Center in Pearl Harbor. In the latter billet he was also the Western Region CMC. At the end of that tour of duty in Pearl Bob retired with thirty years and two days of naval service. AGCM Frazier has been awarded the Air Medal and three additional Combat Support awards of that medal, the Navy Commendation medal with three stars, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Good Conduct Medal (seven awards), the Navy Expeditionary Medal, the Antarctic Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal (two awards), the Vietnam Service Medal (nine campaigns), the Sea Service Ribbon (two awards), the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Navy Pistol Sharpshooter Ribbon. His record also includes the Navy and Meritorious Unit Commendations, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and the Navy Battle "E" (three awards). He is authorized to wear the Navy Aircrewman insignia as well as the Command Master Chief badge; and he earned the designation of Master Training Specialist. AGCM Frazier was a strong supporter of our Naval Weather Service Association during the middle years of its existence. He now resides in Palm Springs CA. His three children are Bobbie Carol Allaire of Jackson NJ, Robert F. Jr. of Louisville KY, and Dawn Michelle of Tulsa OK.
MONTEREY COUNTY HERALD, SATURDAY, JULY 24, 1999
P.G. man an unsung space hero
Navy weatherman saved the Apollo 11 from a fatal landing
By MELISSA HECKSCHER
Herald Staff Writer
VERN FISHER/The Herald Retired Navy meteorologist Willard Sam Houston of Pacific Grove reflects on the role he played in the Apollo 11 splashdown 30 years ago. Courtesy of Willard Sam Houston Capt. Willard Sam Houston used satellite information to predict where the Apollo 11 capsule should splash down in 1969. ======
Thirty years ago today. three men who walked on the moon returned to earth. Safely. Everyone knows that. What most people don't know is that one man — who now lives in a sunny and spacious condominium in Pacific grove — ensured the safety of the mission at the last minute. He wasn't an astronaut. He wasn't a pilot. He wasn't an admiral. Retired Capt. Willard Sam Houston was the weatherman. Houston, a 76-year-old who now spends time volunteering for various Monterey County organizations, was the commanding officer for, fleet Weather Central at Pearl Harbor during the launch, charged with avoiding potential fatal weather problems. It was his guidance, his decision, to move the original landing site 200 miles northeast. Thanks to Houston's forecast — and a then classified Air Force satellite that exceeded the technology NASA was using at the time - the astronauts finished their mission successfully. "Everybody acts the weather is nothing, and here that's what killed poor John F. Kennedy Jr.," said 62 year-old Hank Brandli, who was special projects officer in charge of forecasting the weather for the Air Force during the of that time. "A lot of people don't realize how much great technology we have to make a forecast." Houston was assigned as commanding officer just the day before the launch on July 16, 1969. Prior to that he had worked with the Air Force on developing a weather satellite - one that was kept secret even other branches of the government. "There were no satellites yet," said Houston. "We were in the Cold War. Technology was closely guarded." Houston hadn't planned on using the satellite information during the Apollo launch since the Navy and NASA were unaware of its existence. But when Apollo shot into the sky, Houston decided the weather maps he was using weren't good enough. "I wanted to have more information," Houston said. "It wasn't just the lives of three men, but national prestige was involved." Without the Navy's approval, he went to a nearby Air Force base. Brandli was the one who let him inside. "Nobody knew about it, it was a crazy situation." said Brandli. "I had classified photos, I couldn't anybody. I couldn't sleep at night." When they looked at the satellite images, collected with military technology that wouldn't be duplicated by NASA for several more years, they saw it immediately. There was a large tropical depression at the exact spot of the landing. "1 knew where the Apollo I I was going to come down, and I just thought, `Oh my god, we've got to do something."' Brandli said. After that Houston took the information to a Navy admiral and explained the situation. "It took a while to convince him." he said. "To change the landing site you would have to reprogram the Apollo. It was fatal not to." And that is what they did. With two days until touchdown, the new landing site was selected, the computer was reprogrammed, and the fleet was moved. "Ms was a huge undertaking to move the ship and move the fleet and all the recovery involved," said Brandli who lives in Melbourne, Fla., and has been retired since 1976. "Houston did a hell of a job. I often wonder if it had been anyone else, would it have happened the same way." With the flight path moved. the crew touched down in the calm and sunny waters of the Pacific Ocean on July 24, 1969. and Houston watched it from his home, on television. "No one speaks to God more than the meteorologist," Houston said, "and most of it is `Please God, let it be right. NASA sent reconnaissance planes to the original landing site and found severe thunderstorms up to 60,000 feet high. "It would have torn the parachutes off the capsules. They would have hit the water so hard it would have killed everyone on board." In a commendation letter written by Adm. E. R. Zumwalt Jr., Chief of Naval Operations at the time, Houston was praised for "averting what could have been a major tragedy and severe setback" to the space program. The prime mission of the Apollo 11 was stated simply: "Perform a manned lunar landing and return." The slow, careful steps of astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldriu mesmerized the world. After a tiring week of fast-talking tension, Houston and Brandli saw it differently. "I thanked God," said Houston, who still lives with his wife, Jean, the same woman who was by his side during that one long week. "It could have been a very big tragedy." Brandli, who hasn't seen Houston since that week, said he has thought about it ever since. "I remember bringing my children down to the ocean to look up at the moon when the astronauts were up there," Brandli said. "But they never really knew. Those men could have gotten killed." The American GI
Time Magazine prepared a list of the 10 most influential people of the century in each field to mark the end of the century. The 10 most influential scientists, politicians, entertainers, sports figures. musicians, artists, and industrialists. This month they published the 10 most influential people (overall) of the century. They named "the American GI" the most influential person of the century. It is the only one that is not a single individual.
General Powell wrote the introduction to the award. Subject: G.I's
Resulting as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I referred to the men and women of the armed forces as "G.I.s." It got me in trouble with some of my colleagues at the time. Several years earlier, the Army had officially excised the term as an unfavorable characterization derived from the designation "government issue." Sailors and Marines wanted to be known as Sailors and Marines. Airmen, not withstanding their origins as a rib of the Army, wished to be called simply airmen. Collectively, they were blandly referred to as "service members." I persisted in using G.I.s and found I was in good company. Newspapers and television shows used it all the time. The most famous and successful government education program was known as the G.I. Bill, and it still uses that title for a newer generation of veterans. When you added one of the most common boy's names to it, you got G.I. Joe, and the name of the most popular boy's toy ever, the G.I. Joe action figure. And let's not forget G.I. Jane. G.I. is a World War II term that two generations later continues to conjure up the warmest and proudest memories of a noble war that pitted pure good against pure evil and good triumphed. The victors in that war were the American G.I.s, the Willies and Joes, the farmer from Iowa and the steelworker from Pittsburgh who stepped off a landing craft into the hell of Omaha Beach. The G.I. was the wisecracking kid Marine from Brooklyn who clawed his way up a deadly hill on a Pacific Island. He was a black fighter pilot escorting white bomber pilots over Italy and Germany, proving that skin color had nothing to do with skill or courage. He was a native Japanese-American infantryman released from his own country's concentration camp to join the fight. She was a nurse relieving the agony of a dying teenager. He was a petty officer standing on the edge of a heaving aircraft carrier with two signal paddles in his hands, helping guide a dive-bomber pilot back onto the deck. They were America. They reflected our diverse origins. They were the embodiment of the American spirit of courage and dedication. They were truly a "people's army," going forth on a crusade to save democracy and freedom, to defeat tyrants, to save oppressed peoples and to make their families proud of them. They were the Private Ryans, and they stood firm in the thin red line. For most of those G.I.s, World War II was the adventure of their lifetime. Nothing they would ever do in the future would match their experiences as the warriors of democracy, saving the world from its own insanity. You can still see them in every Fourth of July color guard. their gait faltering but ever proud. Their forebears went by other names: doughboys, Yanks, buffalo soldiers. Johnny Reb. Rough Riders. But "G.I." will be forever lodged in the consciousness of our nation to apply to them all. The G.I. carried the value system of the American people. The G.I.s were the surest guarantee of America's commitment. For more than 200 years, they answered the call to fight the nation's battles. They never went forth as mercenaries on the road to conquest. They went forth as reluctant warriors, as citizen soldiers. They were as gentle in victory as they were vicious in battle. I've had survivors of Nazi concentration camps tell me of the joy they experienced as the G.I.s liberated them: America had arrived! I've had a wealthy Japanese busi- nessman come into my office and tell me what it was like for him as a child in 1945 to await the arrival of the dreaded American beasts. and instead meet a smiling G.I. iv ho gave him a Hershey bar. In thanks, the businessman was donating a large sum of money to the USO. After thanking him. I gave him as a souvenir a Hershey bar I had autographed. He took it and began to cry. The 20th century can be called many things. but it was most certainly a century of war. The American G.I.s helped defeat racism and communism. They came home in triumph from the ferocious battlefields of World Wars I and II. In Korea and Vietnam they fought just as bravely as an) of their predecessors did, but no triumphant receptions awaited them at home. They soldiered on through the twilight struggles of the cold war and showed what they were capable of in Desert Storm. The American people took them into their hearts again. In this century hundreds of thousands of G.I.s died to bring to the beginning of the 21st century the victory of democracy as the ascendant political system on the face of the earth. The G1.s were willing to travel far away and give their lives, if necessary. to secure the rights and freedoms of others. Only a nation such as ours. based on a firm moral foundation. could make such a request of its citizens. And the G.I.s wanted nothing more than to get the job done and then return home safely. All they asked for in repayment from those they freed was the opportunity to help them become part of the world of democracy-and just enough land to bury their fallen comrades. beneath simple white crosses and Stars of David. The volunteer G.I.s of today stand watch in Korea. the Persian Gulf, Europe and the dangerous terrain of the Balkans. We must never see them as mere hirelings, off in a corner of our society. They are our best. and we owe them our full support and our sincerest thanks. As this century closes. we look back to identify the great leaders and personalities of the past 100 years. We do so in a world still troubled. but full of promise. That promise was gained by the young men and women of America who fought and died for freedom. Near the top of any listing of the most important people of the 20th century must stand. in singular honor, the American G.I. - General Colin Powell. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chairman of America's Promise
Received from Skip Cline September 30, 1999 Retired Activities Office Update Lt James F. Tichacek, USN (Ret)
VA Secretary Ensures Treatment For "Group 7" Veterans Washington, D.C. -- Secretary of Veterans Affairs Togo D. West Jr. announced today that VA medical facilities will enroll all honorably-discharged veterans who seek VA health care during the fiscal year that begins Oct. I. The VA Secretary's announcement ensures continued treatment next year for "Priority Group 7" veterans, the lowest in a seven-group listing of veterans that began in 1998 under a nationwide VA enrollment system. "Priority Group 7" veterans do not have service-connected disabilities; they are rated as "zero-compensable" for service-connected disabilities; or their incomes exceed a threshold level. "It is my intention to serve as many veterans as possible under the law and give them access to the full range of services they need," Secretary West said. West's decision today assures veterans in all priority groups that they are eligible to enroll during fiscal year 2000. VA officials still recommend that veterans retain private health insurance, since it may cover services, such as emergency care. that VA does not usually provide. The VA's enrollment program was established by the Veterans Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996. It requires most veterans to enroll to receive health care at VA medical facilities. Veterans can apply at any time. Veterans who fall into the following groups are not required to enroll: •Veterans who have received VA health care since 1/1/96 •Veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or more; •Veterans seeking care for a service-connected disability; and •Veterans discharged from military service for less than one year for a disability that was determined to have been incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, but that VA has not yet rated. While not required, these exempted veterans are still encouraged to enroll so VA can plan more effectively to meet their health-care needs. Under the enrollment program VA offers an expanded array of health-care services, such as preventive care; primary care; inpatient and outpatient services; rehabilitation; mental health and substance abuse treatment; home health, respite and hospice care; and drugs and pharmaceuticals in conjunction with VA treatment.
Veterans can use these VA services even if they have Medicare, Medicaid, Department of Defense, or private health insurance coverage. To apply for enrollment, veterans can call, write or visit their nearest VA health-care facility. Most facilities have designated special enrollment coordinators to assist veterans and their families, and to answer any questions they may have. Information is also available by calling 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387).
COLD WAR RECOGNITON CERTIFICATE In accordance with section 1084 of the Fiscal Year 1998 National Defense Authorization Act, the Secretary of Defense approved awarding Cold War Recognition Certificates to all members of the armed forces and qualified federal government civilian personnel who faithfully and honorably served the United States anytime during the Cold War era. Which is defined as Sept; 2, 1945, to Dec. 26, 1991
NOTES: Due to the remarkable success of this program. turn-around time for mailing certificates may take as long as 4 months. The CWRS Operations Team is working as fast as possible to clear the backlog. Please do not request feedback prior to 4 months from the request date. Thank you for your patience and interest in the Cold War Recognition program.
Who is eligible? All members of the armed forces and federal government civilian personnel who faithfully served the United States during the Cold War era. Sept. 2, 1945, to Dec. 26, 1991. Individuals requesting a certificate will certify that their character of service was honorable.
Acceptable documents for proof of service. Any official government or military document with recipient's name. Social Security Number/Military Service Number/Foreign Service Number and date of service is acceptable.
Mail or Fax your letter with proof of eligibility to:
Cold War Recognition 4035 Ridge Top Road Fairfax. Virginia 22030-7445
FAX : 1-800-723-9262
The following was received via E-Mail and I thought you might be interested.
Following appeared in the Pearl Harbor FRA Magazine.
Service members can sign up to participate in a new vacation club that has been set up between Army Moral, Welfare and Recreation and Resort Condominiums International. You can stay in condo units for $209 per week at selected resorts. Normal rates are $600 to $1500 per week in season. The concept has been tested at 18 military installations in the Washington D.C. area from November 1998 to February 1999 with excellent response. The program was expanded nationwide on August 1. You can go to any MWR office and pick up an Armed Forces Vacation Club space available voucher. , Then call 1-800-724-9988 and speak to an RCI" representative. There are some restrictions and re-member, the condo's are available on a space available basis. RCI is a time-share company, but service members are under no obligation to sit through sales pitches or other presentations. More info is available on the Internet at www.RCI.com
E-mail SECURITY From Bill Baldwin
As some of you know, I posed a question to our NWSA web site webmaster concerning security of our e-mail addresses. I am on AOL and get porn mail invitations and commercial ads in my e-mail basket regularly. Since there are many scum persons online who sell e-mail addresses and originate e-mail not suitable to us normal folks, I was concerned that the e-mail addresses on our web site might be easily found by such and therefore concerned about our web site security. Various messages have traveled back and forth among our NWSA leaders and all seem to indicate that only we who are on AOL are having a problem with porn messages and other unsolicited e-mail. I used to receive about 4 to 5 porn e-mails per day, and I used to just delete them individually, but the daily count seemed to be on the increase. So I did a little AOL investigation. Now, I open each message while online to confirm that it is a porn invitation or ad, then hit the forward icon (button) and send it to TOSEMAILI. Since AOL members who abuse the system have their e-mail service name discontinued by the AOL security folks, the porn sender must start over with a new e-mail address name. My incoming porn messages have decreased now to only one or less per day. If all of us AOL folks would send any porn or ad mail to TOSEMAIL1, perhaps those who originate them will finally get tired of changing their e-mail address all the time and give up. At least let's hope so. Bill Baldwin, retired in MS
On-Line Security From the NWSA WebMaster
Many articles have been written, both in the newspapers and on the WEB discussing the various aspects of security. Security as concerning the WEB mainly deals with your E-mail Address and other personal information such as your Social Security Number, phone number, and you mailing address. I will not attempt to rehash over old ground here. But, it was felt that we provide information on the use of personal information as it applies to the NWSA WEB SITE. On the NWSA WEB site, the ONLY information displayed about anyone is, at a maximum, a name and E-mail address. It has been confirmed by many individuals that one of the purposes of our WEB site is to provide a means of enhancing communication between members. That is the reason we try and keep an updated E-mail listing on the NWSA WEB site. However, there has been expressed the worry that any outside company or person could use this list to began sending members unwanted email messages. This, of course, is probable and possible. However, no one has reported any such occurrence as of yet. We just wanted to remind everyone that at any time you feel that you would like to have your email address removed from the online email list, just let us know. Your email address on this list is not mandatory. Before I close, I wanted to briefly mention the new MAIL LISTS started on the WEB site. These "lists" are what could also be called "discussion groups" where an email is sent to the group email address and that m turn is delivered to all members of the group. We have two lists at this time. One is for general discussions and/or information such as dealing with the NWSA, weather, military, benefits, etc. The second list recently started was the FUN MAIL LIST. This list is for those who simply MUST send those jokes or stories they constantly seem to come up with. These "MAIL LISTS" are again not mandatory. Join only if you wish to receive these mailings. Thanks again to everyone who had contributed to the success of our WEB site. And, I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the NWSA Reunion in Virginia Beach next spring! Happy Holidays to all., Mahlon Trenz
Chief Aerographer's Mate Luther W. Jones, Guam hero, remains a symbol of the 'Core Values' for AGs, the Navy
LCDR Margaret Smith, NPMOCW Public Affairs Officer
In the predawn darkness of Dec. 10, 1941. Japanese Special Naval Landing Troops stormed the beaches of Guam near Agana. After several hours of resistance by the U.S. garrison. CAPT George J. McMillan, the Naval Governor and the Garrison Commander, decided that the "situation was simply hopeless_ _resistance had been carried to the limit" and chose to surrender. As the prisoners of war were marched to the Catholic Cathedral, a chief petty officer and several other petty officers used the early morning darkness and confusion to escape into the jungle. Chief Aerographer's Mate Luther W. Jones would evade capture for nearly nine months. Jones. a native of Jonesboro, Ark., enlisted in the Nave shortly after his 16th birthday, in 1926. He completed boot camp" at USNTS San Diego in May 1926 and received an Honorable discharge Jan. 16. 1930. August 14. 1931, Jones reenlisted. During the next three years. he served in USS COLORADO. He was transferred to USNAS Lakehurst, N.J. in September 1934, where he attended Aerographers School (Primary – Class 11). After Primary school, he served in USS NEW MEXICO. USS CALIFORNIA AND USS SARATOGA. He attended Aerographers School (Advanced) at USNAS Pensacola from August to November 1939. He transferred to PATROL WING FIVE, and on April 19, 1940, he arrived at U.S. Naval Station Guam. He was promoted to Chief Aerographer's Mate Jan. 28, 1941. At the time of the Japanese invasion, 8 December 1941. Jones was the senior Aerographer at the Navy Aerological Station, Guam. Jones and two others survived in the jungle for nine months, but they were finally captured Sept 12. They were interrogated and tortured for the next two days in an attempt to have them reveal the location of the other naval personnel still hiding on the island. All three men remained silent, and on the morning of Sept. 14, 1942, Jones and his two shipmates were forced to kneel before the pits they had dug and were beheaded by sword. His unmarked grave has never been discovered.
NAVAL METEOROLOGY AMID OCEANOGRAPHY COMMAND NEWS
Subject: JFK Saga
Well, as for Hurricane Floyd....We got underway too late. That's all there is to it. All of the other ships left Monday night but by delaying until Tuesday morning we managed to head straight into the teeth of Hurricane Floyd, which was still at Category five at that point. I have been going to sea for over 17 years now and have been in two other hurricanes and the North Atlantic in winter. I have never, ever, seen the likes of this storm. Our forecastle (the forward part of the ship where the anchor and chains are kept) is 60 feet above waterline. It flooded with about two feet of seawater. Think about that, swells over six stories high, breaking on the bow hard enough to drive water up the hawsepipe (the tube that the anchor chain runs through). Yikes! We could not lower the aircraft elevators because they would have been submerged at scope. So, after a day and a half of 20-degree rolls we finally break out in front of the storm. But wait...we receive a maritime distress call from a Tugboat. A quick fix on the coordinates shows that the tug is dead north of the eye, 400 miles from Jacksonville and the storm is heading north at 15 knots, still category 5!! We turn around and head back into the hurricane. The ship continues to sustain 20 degree rolls, not bad for a frigate but horrendous for an 80,000 ton aircraft carrier. The wind is blowing so hard that conversation is impossible on the bridge without shouting. It sounds like the crowd at veterans stadium at full roar after an Eagles' interception! A periodic staccato "Bang" announces the departure of one of our lifeboats, carried away with a wave. Everywhere throughout the ship, paper, trash, clothes, books, tools, copiers, computers, binders, bookcases, furniture and 1000's of bits of unidentifiable debris is bouncing from one side of the ship to the other, with an ugly, broken-pendulum, irregularity. After a day of steaming headlong into 140 knot winds we arrive at the spot where the tug went down. Incredibly the crew has escaped into a lifeboat and was able to communicate with the ship. Miraculously, the wind dies down, if you call 70 knots 'dying down', and we are able to maneuver the ship so the island provides a lee for the helos to launch. Of course, the minute they lift off they are back into 70 knot winds. Somehow they get to the lifeboat and lift the three survivors out. Happy to be alive, the crew makes it back onto the ship. Only one problem: what about the rest of the crew? MI??? Yup, it seems as though the crew was eight men. Three made it into the lifeboat but five were stranded on the barge they were towing. Now we have to guess set and drift on a low-lying unpowered barge drifting with the winds and seas for an indefinite period of time. Oh, and by now the wind has picked back up to over 120 knots. I have got to give credit to advanced technology. A barge in that hurricane would have an incredibly small signal-to- noise ratio, impossible for regular radar to pick out. Suffice it to say, we were able to find them. Once again, into winds that make it hard to stand on the flight deck let alone go flying, two helos take off. This time the rescue swimmers have to go into the water to harness the survivors. Picture that, 60 foot swells translate into 30 foot waves. You are swimming with 3 story buildings of water crashing all around you. Really a truly heroic rescue for the survivors. Well to end this story before it gets even longer; we return home on Friday. The ship is beat to crap. Twenty lifeboats have been carried away. The motor whaleboat resembles a couple of broken Jet skis. Various bits and pieces have broken off elsewhere around the ship. The end result of which is an extra week at home before we deploy. Jacksonville survives Floyd with a little flooding and some trees down (too damned many palm trees here anyway). We didn't even lose power at the house. ------This article was written by a chief and passed along by Skip Cline. And Skip said, "I'm going to read it over and over whenever I start missing going to sea or miss being on an admiral's staff assigned to the carriers."
LETTERS
Hi Bill, I'm writing to ask if you can tell me the best procedure to follow in order to find out information on some of my long lost shipmates. I joined the Navy in July of 1953, attended boot camp in Bainbridge, Maryland and from there I went to Norman. Oklahoma to attend Airman Prep School. Next stop was Lakehurst, New Jersey for Aerographer's Mate School, Class 5414, from April 5 – July 9, 1954. After graduating from weather school I was sent to Cabaniss Field in Corpus Christi, Texas. Stayed there for about a year and a half and was transferred to the USS Estes (AGC- 12) which operated out of San Diego, California. I spent my last two years on board Estes (1956 & 1957) and was discharged in July of 1957 with the rating of AG2. I'm trying to locate people that I was stationed with during those four years of Military service. Any help that you can give me will be greatly appreciated. George Joseph ------Well George, I see you took my advice and downloaded the application form for NWSA. Welcome aboard. This letter plus the B-List printed in this issue should help in fording your shipmates. George is listed in the B-List and E-Mail list. ______Bill This is an e-mail from Joe Sycuro received via Will Gould and Don Cruse. Tuesday, 19 October 1999
Hi...to all my e-mail friends... I'm back! Got discharged from the hospital on Sunday. Operation was successful, according to the doctor. BUT... he doesn't feel the way I do. Am hurting in a lot of places that didn't hurt before I went in there. I know it will be a long slow recovery... and patience is not one of my main qualities. especially when it concerns MY accomplishing things. I guess I'll have to learn some now!! Wound up getting a 4-way bypass and aortic valve replacement—6 hours. People here all tell me I am looking better every day. Maybe they are right. After all it has only been one week. Anyway, thanks for your well wishes and prayers. I'm sure they have helped a lot. Love, Joe ------Hey Joe, it was quite a surprise when I received your message forwarded from Don Cruse. We will keep you in our prayers for a speedy recovery. Will be looking forward to seeing you and Rose in Virginia Beach. ______Bill Hi Bill. I received a letter today from Dallace Meehan, Lt. Col.. USAF Retired, regarding the computer that you donated to the Lady Lake Public Library. They had the computer serviced and installed some educational software and then presented it to a lad named Cameron Jones (12 years old). Apparently he is motivated, but without too many resources in a fatherless home. We can feel good about the disposition of the computer. Dallace was very impressed with our web site. Warm Regards, Norm ------I'm glad you got the letter from Dallace, Norm. He told me they had older students helping younger ones at the library and he was sure he could find a good home for the computer. Another example of NWSA helping the youth of our land. ______Bill
Dear Bill, I am finally getting around to giving you our e-mail address. I should have done this a year or so ago, but genealogy and other stuff got in my way. So, that is taken care of. Floyd and I are working on the reunion for the year 2000 and I can't wait to attend this one. The people are enthusiastic and the work going apace. The ideas are great and finances are being considered so no one will go broke and have to skip a meal or two. The room price is already set and the accommodations will be terrific as usual. If anyone has pictures of their old duty stations that they could have copies made of and send them to me, we will make a display of them. Please put pertinent information on the back of the photos. These will be returned if they want them back. I am also collecting pictures of all the ships the men and women have been on for a display. So if anyone has a picture, send a copy on to us and we will set up our display of those also. Fay Crossley has found some equipment we can display and that should be fun. We have other wonderful things planned also. This will truly be the Magnificent Millennium. See you there, Bill. Joan and Floyd Akers
------If any of you folks can dig up some photos, send them along to Joan. They should make for a good display. Your names and address are in the B-List Joan, so I didn't include them in your letter. ______Bill
Dear Bill, I do not have a computer at this time, but hopefully, I will have by the end of the year. In the meantime I'm struggling with a word processor and a FAX machine! ! I have access to a gentleman that writes very interesting articles about World War II. He was in the Air Force and has kept in touch with different Vets, and tells many of their stories. He has been published in the local newspaper. He's not. and never has been, a Weatherman. He is slowly losing his capability to remember things in the present, but he has a tremendous memory of the past. He still loves to write and he gets let down when they won't publish him anymore. Would you like some of his stories? He is 77 years old. I would like to make his days a little more eventful if possible. He doesn't know that I am asking this so don't feel obligated in any way. I do have something I would like to inquire about. Is it possible that someone who was stationed at the following places might have access to photographs taken during their tour? When I was in California my apartment was robbed and they took everything — even my pictures. I am trying to locate some pictures of my late husband, AGC Jerry Douglas Ewing. Believe it or not, through the years I have requested the same information from the Navy Files and was told that they needed more information. What they gave me and what I am giving you is one and the same. If you can understand where they are coming from, please explain it to me!! Jerry Douglas Ewing's first enlistment was March 27, 1942 at N.R.S. New York N. Y. He was sent to NavTraSta Newport, R. I. Arrived March 28, 1942. From there he reported aboard USS TEXAS. May 3,1942 in Norfolk, Va. He reported aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown, R S, Newport News, Va. On April 15,1943. He was on board the ship until Aug 19, 1945. Somewhere in that time frame he was attached to the Atlantic Fleet Weather Central. He was also in Atlantic City, N. J. I remember him telling me that he had some sort of association with a band and played in between the big bands. I was even shown a piece of sheet music with his name on the left-hand side at the top of the sheet. I cannot remember the tune. I do know that it was an oldie. Boy, do I wish I had paid more attention. I had no idea that our life together would be so short! If I can convince anyone, whether in the service or not, young or old to cherish everything that you do with each member of your families and friends. Life is so short and memories are so important. Sony. I got off the track. In 1946 he was based at Bremerton, Washington, from there he went to the Brooklyn Receiving Station, N.Y. In Oct. 1947 he went to NAS Lakehurst, N. J. AERM School. In July of 1946 he went from (Weather Observer) to (Typhoon Observer). How fun! His ultimate destination & duty was the Commander Fleet Air Guam for additional duty in connection with weather forecasting. COMPRET, WHATEVER THAT MEANS! He returned to the U.S. Navy Rec. Station in Brooklyn, N.Y. on Dec 14,1949. Then he wassent to the Naval Air Base in Corpus Christi, Texas and arrived there Nov. 24, 1950. That's where his life really began! He met me!! He then went to Norfolk, Va., and was on the, USS Pocono, a Flag Ship and was there until February 5, 1954. He transferred to the Commanding Officer, Naval Air Technical Training Unit, Lakehurst, New Jersey for duty instruction AG "B" school to be assigned BUPERS SUPERS upon completion. He completed 24 months of SEA duty. served outside the continental limits of the United States. He then went on to instructor Training School on 7-19-54. In September 1957, we sailed the Maurice Rose from the Brooklyn Navy yard to Port Lyauty, Africa. We landed in Casablanca a couple of weeks later. They shut down the Galley 2 hours before we walked down the gangplank. That meant that for 2 hours we had not had any coffee. Pretty bad for a Navy family I would say. Jerry informed me that this was just the beginning of our journey. We could be looking forward to a long ride to Port Lyauty. I said to him "Don't be silly. Surely they have sent someone to meet us." He said, "Don't count on it. Commander Lilick yes, a lowly Chief, I think not," As we started down I heard --- Chief Ewing. Jerry thought I was hearing things. Sure enough, it was Chief White there to meet us. This is where it takes a strange turn. As we were escorted royally to the car, we said we would love to have a cup of coffee. The Chief said there was a halfway stop and we would be able to go there. Believe it or not, it was called the Hideaway. We stopped but had a drink instead. When we got to our destination, we were taken to the Hotel Regina. Our room had been reserved. We were more than surprised and we still wanted a cup of coffee. He took us into the bar and we ordered one. I had never seen such a machine. I drink my coffee black, but when it was put in front of me and I tasted it I didn't dare to say it was too strong. Boy, was it bitter. I found out later that it was the chickory. I even had the nerve to order another. All of a sudden we heard a commotion out in the lobby. The Commander had arrived and there was not a room for him and his wife. Somebody had goofed. Fortunately, first come first served. They were told of another hotel to go to, but they said his wife would not be welcomed. It turned out to be a "Brothel". As I recall, they managed to talk them into making an exception. If anyone can tell me how to get some pictures of Jerry, I would be most appreciative. Thanks for the ear! Sincerely, Caroline Ewing ------I hope some of our shipmates can help you with finding photos of Chief Ewing, Caroline. His duty stations are well documented, so put on your thinking caps, folks. As for your friend's articles about World War II, you can send some along and let me look at them. I never know what I might be able to use. A lot will depend on the length of the articles. I'll be checking the mail for them. Bill Letter to the Editor. As I watched the Iowa Straw Poll last night. it made me think of our great country and our POOR voting record. Some studies show that nearly 1/2 of the "qualified" voters aren't even registered to vote. We have fought for our freedoms in many wars, in part. to insure each citizen would maintain that right. We have done battle within ourselves to allow those that were disenfranchised to become equal voting partners within our system. America is great because of its FREEDOMS. We have lots of problems, but our freedom to do pretty much as we please is like NO OTHER place on earth. This right to vote sparks controversy between friends, neighbors and even between family members. Perhaps that is good, it insures that the best, (or at least best liked person or issue), wins out. In my own family, my wife is a Conservative Republican and I am a Liberal Democrat. The "secret" ballet is alive and well at our house. But it is this right, the right to vote, that makes us all Americans. You can't complain about our government, or its policies, if you didn't vote. Even if your vote was for the losing cause, your vote was "counted". I would like to see our great organization, at the Magnificent Millennium #26, start the process that would allow our wives and/or husbands, the right to vote and be members of the National Weather Service Association. Now would be the ideal time to bring those disenfranchised persons into full recognition. The "other" nearly 50% of those attending meetings and reunions, should have some say in what policies are to be. Our wives/husbands often do much more for the organization then the paying members. They chair committees, do most of the cooking, pack the bags for the trips and have NO SAY. With the new millennium upon us, NOW would be a good time to start a NEW process. Allow our mates, even perhaps our children to become paying, VOTING members of our club. Our organization is getting older. It needs new blood and new ideas. Where better to draw from, than within ourselves. There surely is an "association" amongst families to the NAVY Weather Business. Our children were brought up, "keeping a weather eye to the sky", as were our "mates". It seems only natural that, at least, our mates be given a chance to HAVE A SAY in our affairs. This could have a positive effect on the Active Duty folks that seem to be reluctant to join our group. Fraternally yours; Fay M. Crossley, AGC ret ------Thanks for the letter, Fay. It is also being posted on the WEB site at this time. I'm sure it will bring up some discussion at the Magnificent Millennium. Bill Howdy You Two. Was looking through notes from the Monterey doings and found a note to me saying you'd be happy to receive a few weather type cartoons. So I made copies and you are getting the originals. Will send more in the near future. Really didn't pre-sort them, so hopefully you can use some of them. I have copies so you don't need to send them back. Heard from Elmer Erdei. He said his car finally died and they had to replace her. Didn't say how he disposed of her, but doubt he asked for a burial at sea. Suspect he might try for it just to do a little rabble rousing. Finally finished the single use camera I took down to the reunion and what a flop. I must have been a little rough on the box because the pictures came back a pure mess. The lab said there was a light leak and the stuff that came out looked like it'd been shot in a smoke-filled room. Got a letter in today's mail. Tandy & Caroline Carter were moving from Alameda, CA to Florida. Called to wish them goodbye and the phone had already been dis-connected. Their new address is: M/M Tandy W. Carter. RR 22 Box 2051, Lake City, FL 32024. I believe that's close to Lady Lake. They say it's at the end of a culdesac at Faye Lane and Woodcrest Circle in the Woodcrest Development. Both of us enjoyed the reunion. As usual there wasn't enough time to talk to everyone. We never seem to have a room big enough to hold the crowd between meetings. They just don't make hospitality rooms big enough. Be good, Ken and Hazel Chesmore ------Thanks for the note Ken. As you saw, some of the cartoons were in the last issue. Too bad about your camera. I forwarded the Carter's new address to Jim Stone for the B-List. Bill
CHERISH YESTERDAY
DREAM TOMORROW
LIVE TODAY NWSA AIRSHIP CHAPTER
President Mike Garrity Vice President Bob Wioreky Secretary/Treasurer Gene Merrill Reporter Pam Elliott
18 August found the Airship Chapter at Merrill's for the annual summer picnic. Attendees included: Saul Singer, Hank & Bobbie Losch, John & Mary Migaleddi, Frank and Toddy McGayhey, Elaine Reabold, Mike & Marie Garrity, Norm and Marilyn Macomber, Ed and Lois Wanzor, Bill and Joan Suydam, Rod and Pam Elliott, Harry & Pat Whitworth, Bob & Lucille Wiorek, Rocicv Rokosz and of course our hosts, Gene and Carol Merrill. A wonderful time was had by all. The weather could not have been nicer. Migaleddi's won the 50/50 donating their winnings to the scholarship fund. Elaine Reabold reports daughter Suan Reabold is now in the Air Force stationed at Boloxi MS. Her husband Bob is with her. She is a register nurse working in the oncology department. Son Michael is still in Africa as Director of the Peace Corp. The remainder of the family is just great. The grandchildren are all busy getting adjusted back into school for another year. The Wiorek's have spent their summer taking short trips. They were in Mystic, CT for a nice sightseeing trip. They look forward to the soccer season with their grandson. Last year was a good season as his team was in 2nd place. Bob has avoided knee replacement by taking injections of a new drug. They hope this eliminates the need for surgery. Norm & Marilyn Macomber were in Wilton ME during mid September to celebrate Marilyn's 55th High School Reunion. There was another celebration at Kawanhee Inn in Weld ME, their 49th wedding anniversary. Attendees included the matron of honor and best man who was present when Marilyn & Norm were married in 1950. We all send our best wishes for many more! ! Joan & Bill Sudam took a trip back in time to Norfolk VA. They discovered 50 years makes a difference. East Main Street is up-scale. NAS Norfolk does not seen to exist and Fleet Weather Central is lost. They believe the pier numbers have been reversed at NOB. They discovered the trolleys were gone as well as the Army-Navy YMCA but think the building still exists. They say, "I don't even think they hate sailors anymore". You can never go back or at least not to the same ole places. The McGayhey 's attended 2 family (McGayhey) get togethers on Shelter Island. There were outstanding clambakes on the beach. Toddy co-hosted her familyreunion in Oct. at a local Park in Berkley Township. The present plans are 2 trips to Oberommergau Germany to see the Passion Play. Rocky Rokosz reports he is "burning" up the roads between Lakehurst and eastern Massachusetts. His room is simple but the 4 grandchildren are there and he enjoys their company. I'll bet they are happy to have Grandpa around. Summer and fall finds Harry & Pat Whitworth in New Jersey with family and friends as well as enjoying the grandchildren. There are lots of backyard cookouts and time at the Jersey Shore. There has been time to visit Ocean City, MD for a family baby shower & church affair. Come winter, they will be off to Fl, as they love not moving snow. The Garrity Household sent me the following note. Mike has been feeling decent and coping with his medical problems. He volunteered to be President of our Airship Chapter. Mike and Marie are both very active in their church. Through the church, Mike has again volunteered to work with a hospice group in the area. It is a much needed out-reach service and Marie is so proud of his efforts. Marie is still having problems with her broken ankle. She had a piece of hardware removed that was rubbing against a tendon. And at last thinks she can see the light at the end of the tunnel. They both are looking forward to traveling to FL for Thanksgiving to visit friends. Marie hopes her ankle will be up to walks. Right now her faithful dog will not walk with her, as she can not keep up the pace he demands. They both send well wishes to all. Merrill's were so busy entertaining us at the picnic, I did not get to chat with them. As I write, they should be on a cruise to Bermuda. I know they have had a busy summer with family, friends and of course, trips. Will report more news on their outings in the next newsletter. That leaves the Elliott's. The usual NASCAR races, wedding showers and wedding plans. Next year they can move on to a more normal life style. Sure! ! Rod is still moving campers and Pam is still managing the funding for the Navy Pollution Prevention Program. She just added more duties by working for the F18 program. Life is great for them. Some of the Airship folk spent Fridays at the Fleet Reserve for dinner until June. From July to October they gathered at a local church for monthly dinners to continue the fellowship. September started the Fleet dinners again. The fellowship continues. All enjoy a few hours together keeping in touch. The Airship Family wishes the best to each of you, Enjoy the fall and hope your winter will be an easy one. Enjoy a Happy Healthy Holiday Season.
PRESIDENT: SADIE FINNEY 1st VICE PRESIDENT: CHUCK WHITE 2nd VICE PRESIDENT: HARVEY SMITH SECRETARY/TREASURER: MORRY SUMMEY ------DATELINE SAN DIEGO, CA NOVEMBER 1999
This report for the AEROGRAPH must begin with a sad note. Another of the early pioneers of the Navy Weather Service has passed away. AGC Melie LEE, USN Retired, succumbed to a fast acting cancer. He died here in San Diego on the 14th of September. Services were held the following Saturday at HUMPHREYS Mortuary in Chula Vista. We extend our deepest sympathy to Leona and to the rest of the family. CHAPTER ACTIVITIES As we went our way toward the close of the year, and look back, I guess we can say that the Chapter had a rather productive year. Deacon Holden provided an excellent service to the Association by first researching and then procuring computer equipment for NWSA. We had several of our Members voted in as NWSA Officers, and we had several successful social events. All in all we could say that 1999 was a good year overall. Speaking of socials, we have the annual Christmas one coming up. Namely the traditional event held at TOM HOM's LIGHTHOUSE, where we dine, and then view the PARADE OF LIGHTS on San Diego Bay. We will be holding this one on the 5th of December. This social is organized by John Rodriguez every year. If any of you AEROGRAPH readers are going to be in San Diego around the 5th, give John a call, as he usually has plenty of available spots. He needs to know by the 27th of November. There is a condensed copy of the flyer for this following this article. There was a good representation from the SOCAL Chapter at the services for Melie Lee. In attendance were Harvey and Louise Smith, Roby Robinson, Robbie and Mary Roberson; Walt Babic, Chuck and Janet White, and John and Fujii Rodriguez. I understand that Leona is holding up quite well, and has some family members there for a while offering moral support. In early October Harvey Smith received word from the daughter of Charlie Tilden that he had passed away around the first of October. He had been batteling cancer for some time. The SOCAL Chapter extends deepest sympathy to Helen and the other members of the Tilden family. MEMBER ACTIVITIES Travel seems to have been the watchword for Chapter members during the summer. Rarely did we have a meeting of the Chapter that we did not have several absentees. Hopefully the Chapter can get back to normal, and begin work on getting a few basics in place for Reunion 2001. Roby Robinson has been one of our big travelers. Daughter Judy came in from Scotland for a visit, and then they took off on some extended sight seeing tours, etc. No sooner had he unpacked his bag, than more visitors came, namely, some friends of his from Europe. Geoff and Aida Forsberry. Once again he is off on the sightseeing circuit. Mac and Mary McCartney headed back to New Jersey for a week in mid September. Mary has been suffering with knee problems, and there may be some surgery in the offing. Ted Bear has again relocated. However, this time it is just in the local vicinity. He has moved up to Escondido, just a few miles up I-15 from San Diego. His new address is: 8877 Tabira Drive, Escondido, CA 92026. His telephone is (760) 749 8265. Dick and Loraine Garrett have once again returned to Hawaii to live. They had been considering a return anyway, but when the place they own there became vacant, they moved up their departure from San Diego. In the same time frame. their son retired from the U. S. Navy as a Captain, so he purchased Mom and Dads place in Spring Valley. As some of you may be aware, Bob and Vivian Gray have returned to the Southern California area, and are living in Carlsbad. They have a condo on a golf course there. Bob is still having some difficulty with his oral problems, although he is doing a lot better. Other than his having some difficulty eating, and a slight difficulty in talking, he is feeling good. He has gotten out to play golf several times a week. He did say that they were having some problam trying to build him a lower- dental plate. That's it for this time from the southwest. If you are down this way, give us a call, or make one of our monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. My telephone number is (619) 276 6692. MORRY SUMMEY SECRETARY/TREASURER Puget Sound Notes
*************************************************************************************************** “Minds are like parachutes, they only function when open.” Said Thomas Dewar
*************************************************************************************************** The sire of the Puget Sound Chapter's meeting-brunch on the 2nd Sunday of September was "Puerta Vallarta" located in Port Orchard. Washington. First Vice President "Frenchy' Corbeille presided Members in attendance were; Bob & Charlyne Coppo, “Frenchy & Barbara Corbeille, Jack & Lois Hansen, Fred & Trudy Olson. "Pete & Maxine Pederson from east of the mountains & Frank Baillie. Our "commuting members" from Monterey, Ace Trask & Beverly joined us with Ace's son, Colin. Las comidas Mejicano were heartily enjoyed by everyone. Fred Olson, Chapter Rep for the Monterey reunion, reported that the annual gatherings seem to get better every year. Our next meeting will be held in the Olympia area. (possible site Hawkesbury Inn, Lacey), on 14 November, the 2nd Sunday of the n alas :lie alternate Saturday- Sunday meeting concept was dropped long with thoughts of mid week gatherings. It was “old home week for George & Dee Berrian recently. East of the mountain members Ken & Marion "with an O" Boden attended a 5th & 6th grade reunion of Cedarville Washington grade school students hosted by George & Dee. Ken & Dee were classmates. Not long after that “Lee” & Mary Edtl visited for yet another reunion It stems that `Lee' was a young sailor working for then LT George Berrian on Johnston Island in 1947. He was a some time baby sitter for Berrian nights out. Just curious, WHERE do you go “out" on Johnston Island? "Lee" & Mary had found another long time acquaintance on our roster in the daughter of long time friends in AG1(AW) "Kern" Daly Ret of Poulsbo, WA. Bob & Charlyne Coppo celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary on the third of August. The couple attended the 35'h anniversary celebration of POMFPAC/ SWFPAC (Pacific Operational Missile Facility, Strategic Weapons Facility) NavSubBase Bangor. WA.. They attended a breakfast for "plank owners" (Bob is a Lockheed Missiles & Space Corp.retiree) & were treated to a guided tour of USS Alaska, SSBN-732. Bob tells me he located a 1948 A school classmate on last years Bellinger list in AGCS Ret. Dave Driggers (the Naval Aviation Museum stalwart). Bob & Pauline Nowlan will take an 8 day cruise up the Columbia River to celebrate their 55th Anniversary. The outing will include a 70 mile jet boat ride up the Snake River. Their "turkey day" dinner will be in Florida with their son. a Supply Corps Captain, & his family. A few new members were in attendance at a recent chapter meeting, & the -"Prez" Dan Collins asked everyone to stand up in turn. introduce themselves & "report' on their recent doings or relate a sea story out of the past. Sort of a "show & tell". Ken Roden. who is one of our professional civilian aviators, recalled a flight in the dim past when he took a fellow white hat (now Captain 11SN Ret Neil O'Connor) on a photo hop to Deception Pass. It is one of nature's wonders & a favorite with tourists. Ken decided that the best photo opportunity would result from a flight UNDER the Deception Pass Bridge. Guess he scared Neil O'Connor who is fearless. Don't worry, Ken, we won't tell the FAA. The statute of limitations has probably expired anyway. Our other members were hard pressed to match Ken's tale but the "member report sessions" continue & are an interesting part of our gatherings. Dick Gilmore tells us that the10 pound rainbow trout eluded him one more time on a recent trip to Lake Sheridan, B.C., Canada but he was able to haul in many smaller fish. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **************************************** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "Wisdom is knowing what to do next, virtue is doing it." Said David Starr Jordan * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **************************************** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "Frenchv" & Barbara Corbeille just returned from a far ranging fishing & sight seeing odyssey through British Columbia north to the Arctic Circle in Alaska & as far west as Homer, Alaska. They missed the best part of Alaska's salmon run but more than made up for it with rainbow trout in B.C. & graylings in any stream of the Yukon. I found a mud dauber hornet's nest on my front porch recently & dealt with it appropriately with a bug bomb & a broom. Not too had of a problem. Shortly thereafter I called Jim & Ann Black for some Aerograph column "grist". Ne chuckled at my "big problem" & told me of waking recently to a loud buzzing that didn't match the alarm clock. Opening one eve Jim saw several "yellow jackets" circling over him with what appeared to be hostile intent. After suffering a few attacks Jim & Arm did in the "dive bombers" & found a hole in their plaster made by their unwelcome "guests". It appeared that they had somehow entered the house under the eaves & then bored an entrance to the Black's home. The solution to their problem was a work in progress when we last talked & the couple are presently east of the mountains on an RV rally with the Good Sam Club. I hope that the "bees in their bonnet" won't be there to -bug" them on their return. I had a recent call from former Puget Sounder & present SoCal Chapter President Sadie Finney. It sounds as though Sadie really "found a home" down south. You would have liked Puerto Vallarta, Sadie. She noted that they are already hard at work on plans for the 2001 reunion. Our loss is San Diego's gain. Jack Fry's work schedule has cost us his smiling face at recent meetings, but he called in to comment on his recent reunion with the Everett, WA High School class of 1939. Jack stays in touch with many of his WW2 shipmates as well & has some wonderful WW2 war stories. I hope that hurri-phoon Floyd didn't cause any major problems for our NWSA shipmates. Friends from the past & current E-mail friends living in the storm track were Floyd & Joan Akers and Fay & Donna Crossley in the Norfolk area. Floyd sold my late wife Shirley our first car just prior to my return from WestPac during Korea in 1954. It was a 49 Chewy business coupe & served us well for several years. My sand crab Shipfitter son Mark is presently TAD at Norfolk. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ All the conveniences - A pair of A-10's were escorting a C-130 Hercules & the attack jocks were chatting on the assigned mission circuit with the transport pilot to pass the time. The relative merits of their respective aircraft came up with the attack squadron pilots saying that their planes were better because of their maneuverability, weaponry & countermeasures. The C-130 pilot replied "Yeah? Well I can do a few things in this old girl that you'd only dream about." Naturally, he was challenged to prove it. "Just watch," he told them. The C-130 continued to fly straight & level,. After several minutes the }Jerk pilot returned to the air & said, "There! How was that?" Not having seen anything, the attack pilots said, "What are you talking about? What did you do?" He replied, "Well, I got up, stretched my legs, got a cup of coffee, then went aft to "make a pit stop." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Alice Evanick spent two days in the hospital recently under-going treatment for a spider bite (possibly a brown recluse). Her leg swelled alarmingly & blisters appeared. Intravenous medication did its job & she is home with Mike planning for an extensive slate of multi-state visits to family & old shipmates as far afield as Trinidad, British West Indies (to see a VP-34 squadron mate). Several "gigs" with Mike's button box accordion band will be interspersed along the way including Octoberfest at Mount Angel, Oregon (near Salem). Mike asked me to say hello to his old Hurricane squadron mate "Chuck" Barron of Roswell, NM. FYI – "Chuck" forecast for all of the major amphibious landings of WW2 in the Meditteranean Theater & for Inchon during the Korean War. ********************************** According to Francis Bacon , "A wise man will MAKE more opportunities than he finds." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Frank Baillie will be attending a China Marine reunion In St Louis, MO in late Sept with NWSA member Bill Willis & gyrene Aerographers X-SGTs Paul Black, "Lee" Rubenstein & "Peevy" Patrick Victor Gardner who retired from the USAF. Paul & I were Class 4787 Classmates at Lakehurst while "Lee" was a few classes senior to us. "Peevy" was a mustang (didn't attend A school). We were all assigned to the Marine Air Facility Tsan Kou (near Tsingtao, North China) until the May 1949 evacuation as communist troops took over. I'm happy to report that chemo & radiation treatment have put my sister-in-law Lucy Baillie's lung cancer into remission. Thanks from Fred & Lucy (me too) for your prayers. I'm hoping to see Fred & "Lu" in Massachusetts when I get there from the China Marine reunion. Oh boy, a gathering of the clans (Hoot mon"!) & lotsa New England fried clams. Frank Baillie
NWSA TARHEEL CHAPTER
The Tarheel Chapter of the Naval Weather Service Association came into being on September 8, 1999 in Asheville. North Carolina. An organizational meeting was attended by Don Cruse. Jim Romano. Al and Ellen Upton, Jeanette Ray, Arlee Banks, Rudy and Ellie Kittel, Harold Crutcher, Roger and Louise Bissinger, Patrick Jacks, Roger Tanner, Ray Boylan, Red Ezell and Pat and Tom Fitzpatrick. Tom Fitzpatrick presided agreed to be the interim President and appointed Roger Bissinger interim Vice President and Jeanette Ray as interim Secretarv/Treasurer. Red Ezell and Roger Bissinger were appointed to a Nominating Committee. They will find candidates willing to serve as officers and will report the chapter in January 2000. Roger Tanner was assigned to review the names on the roster to add additional names of known associates. A vote provided the chapter with the Tarheel Chapter name. Local dues of $10 a year for mailings was approved and will be assessed in the future. The chapter year will be July 1 to June 30. It was agreed that a letter should be presented to the next NWSA membership meeting inviting the association to hold its 2002 reunion in Asheville. A reunion committee was appointed with Harold Crutcher, Rudy Kittel, Toni Fitzpatrick, Bill Haggard and the OIC of the Asheville detachment as members. Tom Fitzpatrick
NWSA HAMPTON ROADS CHAPTER
President ...... Marty Nemcosky Vice President ...... Bud Scott Secretary ...... Jack Salvato Treasurer ...... Chuck Steinbruck Social Chairman ..... Jack Salvato
A meeting of the Hampton Roads Chapter, having been delayed by the passing of Hurricane Floyd over Virginia Beach, was held at the Dynasty Restaurant for an evening of excellent cuisine and Mongolian BBQ. Those attending were: Fay and Donna Crossley, Mildred Garcia, Jim Langlois, Ted and Ether LeMond, Tom Bosse, Carol and Bob Daigle, Jake Bengal, Floyd and Joan Akers, Dan and Carmine Lee, Jack Salvato. Charles Lindsay, Ive Chubb, Barb and Marty Nemcosky, Eve and Frank Muscari Sr., and Chuck and Georgine Steinbruck. After enjoying a varied menu selection, a brief bus-Mess meeting was held over the roar of surrounding dining patrons. Much of the meeting was a discussion concerning Magnificent Millenium to be held in Virginia Beach on 17 through 21 May 2000. Details concerning Reunion 2000 and hotel registration is found elsewhere in this issue of the Aerograph. It was announced that the annual State Fair will be held at Strawberry Hill just outside of Richmond, VA. A retiree seminar is scheduled for NAS Oceana on 19 November. The meeting was adjourned and those attending voiced desires for a future return to the Dynasty.
POTOMAC CHAPTER (NWSA) ______(6199)
President Skip Cline 1st Vice President Will Gould 2nd Vice President Bob Plante Sec-Treas Doc Carver Tel: 301 855 6103
TO AUTUMN When autumn flings her banners Wide upon October air, All nature seems to thank its God For making life so fair. The hills are robed in amethyst. The trees are dressed in fire, The very air seems thrilling With a boundless, passionate desire.
One somehow feels that God on high Must love this season best He holds it as a mother holds Her baby close to her breast. The pressure of His hand is on All nature like a prayer — When autumn flings her banners Wide upon October air. Margaret Sanger
Those of us who are fortunate to live in this region feel very much as the above author wrote. To the south of us there are others who have been severely affected by autumn flooding brought by two tropical weather systems, Dennis and Floyd. Our thoughts are with them as they dig out and reconstruct. To construct a chronology of the calendar quarter now ending means organizing scads of scraps of paper with notes scribbled, the many E-mail messages sorted from endless jokes sent by John Shay, as well as interesting material from our local (overactive) press. Hard to tell if it makes much sense. We note with concern the lack of "people news" originating in our various chapters. Does this mean that we've run out of gas? Why is there no willing person to pick up the baton and run with it? Back in June it was necessary' to ship our PotChap quota of bum dope off to Editor Bill Bowers before hitching up our ski bote for the annual tow north into the Adirondack State Park of NY. Family reunion means that half of July is spent up in the boonies where we benefit from the cooler temps and more livable humidity, Any of you who have been stationed in Wash DC know how tropical our wx can frequently be during summer months. Will Gould talked to Don Bryner over near Pittsburgh and learned that carotid artery scrubbing had improved his lifestyle. Will was making plans to return to substitute teaching in southern MD when the schoolhouses resumed operations. Will & Ella visited relatives in IL and hosted relatives from WI. Dick Terwilliger plans to contact other friends who were NAVY but shifted to Army SigC later in their careers — people like Tetschner, Durocher and Schroeder — which may lead to some news. Bill Arnold routed around a news clipping from Monterey CA which recalled the large contribution that Sam Houston made to U.S. Apollo space mission recovery ops while honcho of FWC PEARL.
APOLLO 11 REMEMBERED At Alameda CA the usual Bay area summer wx of thick stratus hovered over a commemorative audience aboard USS HORNET (CV-12). July 24, 1999 meant that it was thirty years to the day since the HORNET crew safely recovered Neil Arm-strong, Edwin Aldrin and Michael Collins. They had fullfilled John Kennedy's pledge and the nation's investment of money and determination to land Americans on the moon and bring them safely back home. "Moonfest 1999" was a week-long event with the Apollo 11 space flight serving as the centerpiece, along with affiliated tributes to taxpayers and the HORNET recovery crew, for this historic achievement. Lunar Module pilot Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin received a huge ovation when he stepped onto the catwalk to greet the crowd assembled on the flight deck below. And, appropriately, at that moment the sun peeked through the overcast as the Master of Ceremonies said, "...and the sun shines on heroes." HORNET is now open to the public as a floating museum moored to the pier at what was Naval Air Station Alameda.
News from Silsbee TX finds Ninette Tennison receiving weekly chemotherapy and recovering from an undesirable ailment. That wiped out their chances to attend NW SA/25/Monterey in early June. Had daughter Terri visiting from Dubai in Persian Gulf region to avoid extreme summer heat over there where husband is in business with PepsiCola. Sylvia Erwin suffered a fall while at NWSA/25 and had to do a bit of doctoring after her return to home base in Bethesda MD. Her son Troy has been skippering the USNS SILAS BENT (T-AGS-26) while working in WestPac. He was in submarines in USN. PotChap Prez Skip Cline convened one of his aperiodic "Steering Group" gatherings at AAFB for lunch on August 17`h. Two welfare concerns were Karen Cline and Pat McLeod, both of whom were undergoing chemotherapy. A major discussion item was the progress being made at Asheville NC toward a new NWSA regional chapter. News from the H/R Chapter as they progress toward NWSA/26 annual reunion generated a comment from Anne Drummond who hopes that reunion committee will refrain from any more shopping bags – she has a sufficient number from previous reunions. VP Jim Romano announced Feb 12, 2000 as date for PotChap midwinter dinner meeting. Marge Cruse clarified details involving Sept 11th chapter crab feast and potluck event.
AMERICA'S CUP RACES Trials have begun off Auckland, NZ this month. Finals will begin February 19, 2000 for these 75-footers that are manned by crews of sixteen.
Jim & Rosalie Romano covered most of the US of A in their van and visited many olde friends and shipmates. In picturesque (!) Fallon NV they renewed friendships with Bob & Audrey Josephs who live there In retirement – but Bob maintains a part-time job on one of the military ranges. They are former PotChap members. Through the initiative of Dick Terwilliger we have a new NWSA member named Don Buck of Las Cruces NM. One of our Life Members, Ralph Reynolds, gifted Don a membership and we learned that these former Aerographer's Mates ended up working for the U.S.Army on White Sands Missile Range. It's great that these folk maintain close contact and meet socially.
STORIES YOU MAY HEAR People heading for Sydney and the 2000 Olympic Games will undoubtedly encounter a few brags about their Sydney Arch Bridge. It is not the longest, highest or heaviest arch bridge in the world, although when it was designed it was the longest with a span of 1,650 feet. The Bayonne Bridge which spans the Kill van Kill between Bayonne NJ and Staten Island NY has a span of 1,652 ''A feet – and it opened to traffic Nov 14, 1931, just three months before completion of the Sydney bridge. As things now stand, the longest steel arch bridge is the New River Gorge Bridge near Fayetteville WV, completed in 1977 with a span of 1,700 feet. Other structural forms, such as the cable-stayed type, have taken over in the con-struction of long bridges where steel arches once were economically competitive. The longest span of any type today is the Akashi Kaikyo suspension bridge near Kobe with an astounding main span of 6,527 feet.
From the left coast we hear that FNMOC has a new skipper since Don Mautner decided to retire and turned over the command to Capt Joseph W. Swaykos USN on June 30. Joe had filled several billets in our PotChap region before heading west again. He was the Oceanographer (1800) detailer in BuPers and then Deputy Oceanographer of the NAVY. Moe Gibbs has been traveling between home base on Nantucket and Oahu as he helps with the estate affairs of "Stew" Riley, who is under the weather. We understand that personnel of the NPMOC PEARL are lending a hand with that serious situation after Stew underwent brain surgery at Tripler Army Hospital. Finally hanging up his spurs is Mike Kalles who claims to be sneaking up on SS retirement age. Out of the blue we recently received some E-mail from another olde Yokosuka hand, Larry Baker, who is working for the USAF in Georgia. It is interesting to learn of the Baker wanderings after he departed Japan and headed for NavWeaServ-ComHq in Wash DC in 1965 and AG(B) School in 1967. We plan to ship him over in NWSA if possible.
BRACE YOURSELF In March, 2000 our individual households (not sure about our Shipboard sailors & officers) will receive U.S. Census Questionaire. Be prompt in returning the completed Paperwork to ensure you are counted in the 2000 Federal Census. It's important. Federal grants (that means money, Folks!), legislative districts and other important guvmint Statistics relay on those census data.
Hazel Hudock has joined the E-mail crowd from her newly rented townhouse in Martinsburg WV. Prospect Hill Farm has two new brick chimneys—and they are huge—with proper flues now that #1 son Steve has bought the property with wife-san Wendy. These people all missed our PotChap crab feast on Sept 11th—too busy. And Hazel flew to TN for her 50th high school reunion. Bill & Dorothy O'Neil are working hard to get her back into better shape as she recovers from a stroke. She can walk with assistance now. They thoroughly enjoy The Fairfax where they live on the corner of the enormous Fort Belvoir property.
FLEET WEEK IN SAN FRANCISCO
As this is being written it is FLEET WEEK in S.F. The city by the Bay is throwing open its golden gate to the NAVY during this annual event. Already the locals are looking ahead to the arrival of USS IOWA (BB-61) in S.F. and hope she will be there in time for FLEET WEEK next year. It will be a long tow from Rhode Island.
To prepare for the 50`h anniversary of the Korean War next summer, the U.S.-Korea Foun-dation is looking for war veterans to participate in commemorative activities. If you or someone you know served between June 25, 1950 and July 27, 1953, you are eligible to take part. Go to www.uskorea2000.org to register via the Internet, call 703 212 8128, or send mail to U.S.-Korea Foundation, Inc. 4600 Duke Street, Suite 416, Alexandria VA 22304-2517. E-mail [email protected]
It has come to our attention that these people have passed over the bar since our last newsletter:
Sally Coffin, 97, who was a volunteer administrative worker with the Arlington VA Chapter of the American Red Cross for more than 25 years until 1990 died of lymphoma August 15 at her home in Arlington. Her husband. Capt Leroy Coffin USNR, who died in 1963 had been Ass't Division Director, AIR-540, Air Systems Comd under Capt Bob Mottern and others. Roy was Aerological Officer in USS ESSEX (CV-9) during WWII. Howard R. Seay died at Hospice House in Monterey CA at age 76. He was a retired LCDR with 22 years in the NAVY during which time he taught meteorology at NPGS and later taught oceanography at Monterey Peninsula College— then became director of the Peace Corps in Micronesia for three years. Ed Carlstead adds that they were in the same class at UCLA and together on Guam when CAPT S.W.Betts was C.O. of Fleet Weather Central - and later NPGS classmates in the Masters Course with Sam Houston. Clint Youle, 83, a personality from the legendary Chicago School of Television of the late 1940s and early 1950s who has been credited as TV's first weatherman died July 23 in Galena IL after a stroke. During WWII he served as a meteorologist in the Army Air Corps.
Our Sept 11th PotChap crab feast and potluck chowdown was held at the Cruse Inn on Aquia Creek in Stafford County VA as it has been for the past several years. What a great way to taper down after the busy summer season. This year we were favored by outstanding vex and another great crowd. There were 31 people present and seven no-shows. We managed to pick 1 '/2 bushels of excellent Potomac River hardshell crabs, ignoring the doomsayers who warn us that the crabs are disappearing from the Bay and its estuaries. If anything, the selection of potluck dishes was better than ever—and the beer was colder. Here's who attended: Don Brown, Tom & Gladys Beasley Bob & Bev Costa Fay & Donna Crossley Don & Marge Cruse (from H/R Chapter) David, LeAnn & Brian Glen & Anne Drummond Ike & Fran Fisher Bob & Richie Freeman Will & Ella Gould Chuck & Murice Kincannon Jim & Gerri Langemo Chuck's sister Bob & Ofelia Plante Jim & Rosalie Romano Ken & Joyce Smith
The Langemos not only enjoyed the crab feast but attended their Annapolis reunion, touching base with other former 1800 officers such as Pete Gatje, Joe Ford & Tom Fraim. We learn that Pete is an active supporter of the Appalachian Trail Club, not only hiking but assisting with trail maintenance. Jim recommends the newsletter produced by DC-AMS chapter which is especially great for him now that he is in MN. If interested you may request membership application from loconnorn7ipo.noaa.gov or snailmail DC-AMS, PO Box 13557, Silver Spring MD 20911-3557.
VISIT THE NEWSEUM In the Newseum's Freedom Park in Arlington VA you may view a large piece - in fact, the largest outside Germany - of the infamous Berlin Wall. Erected in 1961 and knocked down Nov 11, 1989, this is now a symbol of freedom located in the park near the Potomac River in Rosslyn.
VP Jim Romano and Don Cruse followed through on their threat to attend the organizational dinner meeting of our newest NWSA regional chapter on Sept 8th in Asheville NC. We thoroughly enjoyed the gathering of new chapter members and learned that the chapter will be named Tarheel Chapter. Our thanks to all the Tarheel Chap members who showed great hospitality, friendship and then steered us home via a beautiful new hiway leading north into TN from Asheville. That has to be some of the most gorgeous scenery in the entire world. We look forward to returning, hopefully to attend the 28th annual NWSA reunion. We are looking for an updated mailing address for "Tiny" Hortch who has relocated to a home in Hughesville MD. We learn from Mike McGlothlin down in the swamp that Bob Coniglione is now employed nearby at Analysis & Technology, Inc. Hope to see an updated address in the Nov 99 Bellinger List. Got all the skinny from Bob Freeman on the first annual reunion of Naval Training Center Bainbridge that took place Oct 1st with 400 persons in attendance. There was an opportunity to view the scroungy piece of abandoned real estate that may be turned into some type of memorial. Bob has info on the next reunion that will be held in Balto during Oct 2000. You may also obtain info via E-mail from Paul FIeming [email protected] A recruit in training at NTC Bainbridge who later became an Aerographer's Mate is Robert Pierce. A song which he wrote is part of the history of Bainbridge. As You will note from our B List, NWSA has lost track of him. Last known location was Jax. And here is something to consider – when attending reunions of ships, squadrons or whatever, if you encounter another Aerog or weather/ oceanography officer please report it to Editor Bowers as an item of interest to us all.
According to the Worldwatch Institute, India's population has passed One Billion. That makes India the second member of the billion-people club—after China. Many motorists believe if you get involved in a fender-bender you should not move your vehicle until police arrive. But if you're in an accident where no one is hurt you must move your car out of the flow of traffic.
If you should lose your wallet or have it stolen, it is important to immediately notify your credit card company to avoid charges. It is also important to then call credit checkers such as the following: EQUIFAX 800 525 6285 TRANS UNION 800 688 7289 EXPERIAN 888 397 3742 Let them know that your credit rating may become endangered.
While having fun on the Internet, Marge Cruse discovered an unbelievable Swissair promotional air fare to Switzerland, Newark to Basel for $330 +taxes+airport fees. As a result Marge & Don spent four days in Basel with a cousin and her husband 23-28 Sept and enjoyed flying in the new Airbus 330. It's great having cousins in some of the right places. Sabena is making a similar offer. Glen Drummond took a break and flew to Kansas for a reunion of his elementary school. . Last time we talked to Capt Richard Steere he was feeling bad due to a bladder infection. We hope antibiotics will square him away in short order so that he can get back to the gym. He was moved to a different room with cheaper rent at Collington. Once in a while Buzz Buzzanco encounters Al Zahnle at the gyp joint on Andrews AFB. Of course Al works there in the wx shop, wears his beeper and answers bells from The White House at all hours of the day or night. Now, that's Prestige! Down on the Gulf Coast Al Atwell surprised W. D. Fluornoy by dropping by for a short visit. Graduating in Class 26 Primary Aerog School at Lakehurst in May, 1942, Fluornoy became part of the SACO teams in China. He was later Al's chief in USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CV-47) off Korea, having relieved AGC J.J. HALLORAN. Ray Chappell reports that his predecessor as Command Master Chief at the Naval Ice Center in Suitland MD, Phyllis Schirle, has returned to Tidewater after retirement. Her husband, MSGT USAF in the AAFB wx shop until recently, has also retired. They were able to move back into their own home in our H/R Chapter region. Perhaps they'll become involved in NWSAl26 reunion. In suburban MD we find Joe Steranka taking in the slack after his years on board NASA Greenbelt – first as fed employee, later as contractor working in same shop. Recalls that he was relieved as the AG Detailer in BuPers by Dave Rankin. Had an opportunity to become our first CMC NavWeaServCom but recommended to Capt Max Eaton that the job go to Bob Nicholas – and it did! News from NSGA behind the fence at Fort Meade sounds like LT John Berger has decided to retire next summer; and one of the Petty Officers in that shop, AGl Kathy Latona, is forecasting her retirement "on 20" in Dec 99. Dick Anawalt was told by someone in H/R Chap that he saw an obituary in the local newspaper on Ron Harder.
POTCHAP CALENDAR
Nov 18: Lone Star Lunch Bunch meets in Centerville VA (4`h Thurs each month) ( Chuck Kincannon) Nov: Group tour of NAVICE Suitland (Don Cruse) Nov 25: Thanksgiving Day Jan 15: PotChap inputs to The Aerograph are due Feb 12: PotChap midwinter dinner meeting at Rosecroft Raceway (Jim Romano) Apr 15 PotChap inputs to The Aerograph arc due May 17-21 NWSA/26/VaBch annual reunion Jun 10 PotChap Pool & Patio Party ( tba )
Will end this quarterly ration with a good sea story which comes with the compliments of Ken & Joyce Smith. They booked a ten-day Fall Foliage Cruise out of Boston and shoved off from home just ahead of TS Floyd on Sept 16`h. The storm caught up with them in Boston. Most of the cruise was wind and rain but they made it up the St.Lawrence River to Quebec, saw the Saguenay River, missed a few ports when TS Gert moved over Nova Scotia, enjoyed some excellent chow, met some nice people—and estimate that they were about one month too early for cruising..!
NWSA HISTORIAN COMMENTS Don Cruse
This will expand on those brief comments that have emanated from NWSA/25/Monterey concerning a pro-posed project by Turner Publishing Company. The project would create a military history book similar to the several hundred such books already published by Turner over the years – books on ships. squadrons, Army units, and so forth. We are talking about what people might call a "coffee table book" of serious dimensions and quality. The proposed book would be called The History of Naval Weather and Oceanography. This may be a perfect opportunity to create such a history with minimal individual commitment. Turner feels that the cooperation of NWSA in such a project would be essential due to our existing ability to reach a broad segment of the population via The Aerograph. Another primary medium that could reach the active-duty people is the bi-monthly Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command News. One large problem that we can immediately foresee is the confidentiality of The Bellinger List; but Turner assures us that they can maintain confidentiality and have worked through this problem before when creating other histories. Our NWSA membership will be offered an opportunity to consider the Turner offer during NWSA/26IVaBch next May. Our individual members would be asked to provide personal comments about their duties in Aerology, Naval Weather Service, or Naval METOC Command. A large part of the book would be made up of these personal histories. At present there is a sample of the Turner product making the rounds between our NWSA Chapters. It is the history of the CT Rating or the Naval Security Group. Please watch for the book to become available in your chapter and give it a look. By the time we muster in VaBch in May most NWSA members should have formed an opinion and know how they feel about taking on this project. At Stennis Space Center Mr. Joe Peek has been tasked to create a NavMETOCCom historical exhibit in the NASA visitor's center where the public normally begin familiarization tours. He has asked for NWSA cooperation in identifying memorabilia and such. The NWSA homepage provides a good bit of information already. In Pearl Harbor the NPMOC leading chief has asked for NWSA help in creating a history of December 7th 1941 with focus on Aerological personnel and units present. Thanks to members like Capt Fred Robinson we already have a good outline of that historical disaster and the people involved. Finally, let me thank those NWSA officers who have coughed up their personal biographies and provided them for publication in The Aerograph as a quarterly feature. As you know, my long-term goal is to get as much historical info into our newsletter as possible because that is the best way to get it on the record. Already we find that our thirty-three years of newsletters provide interesting reading on a variety of subjects. To address your curiosity about publication, let me explain that when your biographies are received they are placed in a queue – first in, first out. In two cases we have had officer biographies shipped directly to Editor Bowers by the contributors and that jumped the queue. No doubt that caused some of the confusion but is not a big deal. All NWSA officers who have not yet written biographies are encouraged to do so..
THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER OF THE NAVAL WEATHER SERVICE ASSOCIATION will hold the annual PARADE OF LIGHTS dinner at TOM HOM's LIGHTHOUSE on DECFMER 5th, 1999. Any NWSA AEROGRAPH Readers who might be in the San Diego area on that date, and are interested in attending contact Host John Rodriguez to RSVP at (619) 278 5431 by November 27th, 1999. He has 30 reservations blocked out, with the unused ones to be released on November 28th. The menu will include a choice of Seafood Pasta, Pasta with Chicken & Shrimp, Filet of Halibut, a Breast of Chicken St. Mandi, Top Sirloin Steak, or Prime Rib of Beef au his. MERRY CHRISTMAS and have a pleasant holiday. Hope to see you soon. JOHN & FUJII!!! NWSA "B"- LIST 1999
The B-List is printed in two sections and in this issue the non-member list starts on the last page of the member list:
Section 1: Pages 35 through 43 > NWSA Members
Section 2: Pages 43 through 67 > Non-Members
Please check the non-member list. Some of your friends might need a reminder to send in their dues and renew their membership. "ED"
MEMBER COUNT - THIS EDITION
MA - 6 JAPAN - 1 TN - 8 CO - 9 VT - 1 RI - 7 KY – 3 UT – 1 PA - 20 NH - 5 OH – 8 AZ – 10 IN - 5 NM - 12 VA - 53 ME - 6 CT - 6 IA – 1 CA – 117 GA - 6 NJ - 25 WI – 6 HI – 6 MS - 20 NY - 15 MN - 4 OR - 6 MI - 4 DE - 1 ND – 2 AK – 1 SD - 2 MD - 40 MT – 1 PR – 1 MO - 4 DC - 1 IL - 14 GU - 3 AR - 5 WV - 4 KS – 5 AP – 2 ID - 0 NC - 15 NE – 5 AE – 2 NV - 14 SC - 4 LA - 9 WA - 32 FL – 120 OK – 1 WY - 0 AL – 5 TX – 29 HONG KONG – 1 PHILLIPINES - 1 UNKNOWN ADDRESS - 5
The following are folks Jim needs addresses for:
AGC Charles Casperson, USN AG1 W.B "Red" Johnson, USN RET LT William J. Thomte, USN RET xAG3 Cary H. Williams, USN REL
CHINESE WAR MEMORIAL MEDAL
Received: from [email protected]
Hi All: The flwg was passed to me by a Past Regional President, East Coast Region, Bill O'Donnell and is passed as received
This was passed to me via the FourStacker APD Assn. You might want to put it in your Newsletters if you have one. The China War Memorial Medal known as the "Lost Medal" because it was generally overlooked in the confusion of Japan's surrender and getting troops home. Authorized by the Chinese government at the end of WWII in a circular 166, U.S. FORCES dated 29 Sep 1945. The medal is available to anyone who served in the Armed Forces between Dec 7 1941 and Sep 29 1945.You have to submit a copy of your DD214 OR CSC or other proof to LIANG,PINGSHENG, DIRECTOR MAJOR GENERAL THE COORDINATION COUNCIL FOR NORTH AMERICAN AFFAIRS, 4201 WISCONSIN AVE N.W. WASHINGTON DC 20016 . The ribbon is red-blueyellow-blue-red and the medal is bronze. Return-path: Odonnod@aol,com From: Odonnod jaol.com Date: Sat, 16 Oct 1999 15:11:15 EDT Subject: Chinese War Memorial Medal
I think I mention to some of you a month or so ago that the ROC Republic of China was issuing the Chinese War Memorial Medal to all American vets who served in the Armed Forces from 7 Dec 1941 until 29 Sept 1945. You had to write a letter and enclose a copy of your DD214, CSC, or other proof that you served to :L1ang,Ping-Sheng,Director, Major General the Coordination Council for North American Affairs, 4201 Wisconsin Ave. Washington DC 20016. Anyway some times these things you see don't always turn out the way they sound. However a friend of mine received his medal and campaign bar in a beautiful box the other day . It took about a month to get it and he showed it to me. It is a really colorful medal and he is really pleased. Worth the time and effort if you are interested. I originally saw the info about this in the The FOUR STACKER APD VETERANS NEWSLETTER.. This is a group of 36 four stack destroyers that were converted to high speed destroyer transports that carried UDT teams to invasions in the Pacific. I served aboard the USS George E. Badger,DD 196/APD33. Bill O'Donnell,,,,,,,,,