Published Exclusively for former crewmen of USS HUNTINGTON CL-107

Huntington Herald

Volume 23, Issue 3

September 2013

Inside this issue:

Recap of the 2013 1-2 reunion Attendees List 3

Taps 3 2013 USS HUNTINGTON REUNION RECAP

Gene Volcik’s 3 The first joint reunion This was the spot to re- ship and something about Message of the USS new old friendships and their personal life. This (EAG-128) and the USS make new ones with for- was a good ice-breaker, Mail Call 3 Huntington (CL-107) was mer sailors and guests because before you knew held in Washington, DC from the other ship. The it, everyone was swap- Preview of Memphis 4-6 from Thursday, Septem- two groups melded al- ping stories about life on ber 5 through Monday, most immediately and this board either the Missis- September 9, 2013. The made for a very pleasant sippi or the Huntington. IMPORTANT Crowne Plaza Crystal City reunion atmosphere. The The remainder of the eve- NOTE Hotel served as the host first official item on the ning was free to enjoy facility for the reunion. reunion agenda was the Washington or to relax in

Seven crewmen and Welcome Reception held the hospitality room. seven guests attended at 5:00 PM. Paul She- Friday morning after from the USS Mississippi pley, coordinator of the breakfast in the hotel, and four crewmen and USS Mississippi, wel- everyone was eager to three guests attended comed both groups to the get going on the Big Bus! from the USS Huntington reunion. Gene Volcik, Everyone gathered in the for a grand total of twenty- USS Huntington coordina- hotel lobby and were one attendees. As regis- tor, was unable to attend shuttled to Pentagon City tration opened, Eugene & due to recent surgery. He Mall where they waited for Be sure to visit the Ellen Smith from the is doing well and really the bus. Once it arrived USS Huntington web USS Mississippi held the missed being able to at- the group hopped on and site at honor of being the first to tend this year. After filling off they went to see DC. www.mlrsinc.com/hu register. The hospitality up on chicken tenders, The first stop was at the ntington room also opened with fruit and meatballs, Paul Lincoln Memorial, then and subscribe to our fresh coffee, cold drinks Shepley asked everyone the group split up. Some e-mail roster. and snacks available for to introduce themselves went to the Korean War everyone after they were and to tell a little about Memorial, while others settled into their rooms. their years on board their (Continued on page 2) Volume 23, Issue 3 Huntington Herald Page 2 headed to the Vietnam Wall or nation’s capital! Upon returning to Borden served as Chaplain. James downtown. Most of the group ate the hotel, some of the group hung Nelson read the name of the de- lunch at one of the many restau- out in the hospitality room swap- ceased for the USS Mississippi and rants inside Union Station. The ping stories and looking over the Gene Braswell read the names weather was beautiful, crowds photo albums and Memory Books from the USS Huntington. George were sparse, so it was a perfect on display there. Others just re- Collins rang the bell as the de- day for touring Washington, DC. laxed in their rooms until dinner, ceased names were read. Those Whichever way one went, a good which was on one’s own tonight. remembered at the Memorial Ser- time was had, lots of his- Some dined in the hotel restaurant vice are as follows: USS Missis- toric/patriotic sites were seen and and others traveled to the nearby sippi— Theodore Westfall; USS everyone learned something new restaurants. Huntington—Howard Hauzenber- about America’s capital. Most of the day Sunday was a ger and Harold Herd. Following the Friday evening’s dinner con- free to enjoy more of Washing- Memorial Service, dinner was sisted of salad, chicken & mush- ton’s sites on one’s own. The first served. After the delicious and filling room marsala with asparagus and planned event was the 4:30 PM dinner of tossed salad, a side of lemon butter cream cake for des- business meeting in the hospitality George’s basil tomato salad, rolls, sert. After the meal, about half the room. The joint meeting was smoked pork tenderloin with creamy group participated in a game chaired by Paul Shepley to make bourbon mustard sauce, roasted red called “Buzz Word,” where a base plans for 2014. The USS Keppler potatoes, mixed garden vegetables word such as “Nut” is given, then (DD-765) had expressed an inter- and melt in your mouth carrot cake, a clue to use to figure out another est in joining the USS Missis- the annual USS Mississippi auction word that goes with it—”a place sippi/Huntington reunion, so a was held. Auctioneer George for the insane”—Answer—”Nut vote was taken to accept their re- Collins did a great job of auctioning House.” It hurt some of the group quest. It was decided to invite off items such as bottles of wine, to think that much, but a winner them to join the reunion in 2014. butternut squash, homemade fig was finally crowned. Ray Paul Shepley will again lead the jam, North Carolina peanuts, May- Everett’s daughter Sheila won, USS Mississippi group and Gene berry North Carolina items, and but passed the prize of $25 off the Volcik will remain leader for the plastic pigs (everyone needs at next reunion to her dad. USS Huntington. Memphis, TN least one!). Not only was the auction After breakfast on Saturday, was selected as the 2014 reunion fun, but $415.00 was raised for the the group hopped on the shuttle location. Then at 6:30 PM the so- Mississippi group. The auction and headed to Pentagon City cial hour and photo session be- ended the evening and those who again to catch the Big Bus. The gan, with a cash bar available for won the item on which they bid, first stop was a the Navy Memorial cocktails. Ray Everett was in his went away happy. Actually, so did Museum. Although the movie “At Air Force uniform and looked very everyone else! Sea” was not available to watch at handsome! The social hour was Monday morning’s breakfast was this time, everyone enjoyed see- filled with the sharing of stories the last chance to say goodbye to ing the exhibits and some even and lots of laughter. Paul and old and newly made friends. Some entered their name into the Navy Pam Shepley gave everyone a of the group left early while others Log. Once entered, it will remain small tin of mints labeled for the stayed and waited for the morning on record for generations to see. USS Mississippi EAG-128 2013 rush hour to abate. The 2013 USS A group photo was taken outside Reunion. After everyone had Mississippi/USS Huntington Reun- the museum in front of the Lone his/her photo taken for inclusion in ion was a huge success. Men from Sailor statue. From there the the 2013 Memory Book, the USS both ships enjoyed themselves and group split up again, with some Mississippi/Huntington banquet everyone is looking forward to next going to the Smithsonian Museum began with the Memorial Service year’s reunion with the USS Keppler to see the dinosaurs, fossils, gar- to remember all shipmates who (DD-765) joining the group in Mem- dens and bugs. Others went on have passed away, especially phis, TN in 2014. the “Yellow Tour” and saw the those since the last reunion. Paul ______sights in Georgetown. It was an- Shepley was MC, Ray Everett other great day visiting our great read the prayer and Malcolm Volume 23, Issue 3 Huntington Herald Page 3 COORDINATOR’S CORNER BY GENE VOLCIK

There are many bumps and MAIL CALL bruises we get while we travel this road of life. This year’s reunion had Joseph G. Kiely, who served many of them—low attendance, in on the USS Huntington, passed 2013 REUNION fact too low to have our minimum for away. He died on November 10, personalized bus trips, plus your coor- 2011. Joseph had PSP, which is ATTENDEES dinator was told he would be unable to travel because of surgery. You Progressive Super Nuclear Palsy. know the easiest way is to feel sorry He often spoke about his trip to Donald Amareld, Sr. for yourselves and hide, but not the Italy and purchasing the cameos James & Faye Clegg USS Huntington and USS Mississippi in the mountains. He never was Sheldon & Adele Ferris crews because they came out with all able to have the cameos mounted James & Helen Nelson guns blazing and after the smoke until many years later. He never cleared it ended with success. The had enough money or wasn’t able Premier Reunion Services located Total Members: 4 sources for regular sightseeing buses to find someone to do it. Finally he Guests: 3 which were available to them. Our found a local goldsmith who was GRAND TOTAL: 7 hats are off to Premier for providing from Poland who made the set- ______this opportunity. Everyone I have tings for the cameos. Each of our talked with since the reunion was daughters, there are seven, has pleased and commented on the good one set in a necklace. Plus, he relationship between both ships, so with a little more effort by all of us we was able to set the pins. All the CAN have a larger crowd for our next settings are made by hand and reunion in Memphis. are in gold. Memphis, TN is within a reachable One of the other items he pur- distance for many of us and there are chased was a suit, which was tai- TAPS many sights to see. Personally, I am lored for him with two pairs of ready to compare their bar-b-que with our Texas bar-b-que—really, I am just trousers. I think it was made in The Herald was informed of the Trieste. That suit was worn by my deaths of the following former joking! All of our states have great and unique food. son when he was sixteen. Now crewmembers since the last We all need to make an all out ef- my other son is going to a charity newsletter. The entire crew ex- fort to bring up our attendance so we tends our deepest sympathy to ball for ALS. Everyone will be can enjoy all the activities planned by dressed in 1940’s clothing. My the families and friends of the de- Premier. I pledge to step up my efforts son Tom will wear the suit. It fits ceased. and I plan to talk with Paul, the Mis- sissippi coordinator, to exchange him perfectly. We also have the tie J. D. McFarland ideas for a better reunion. So call which he bought to match the suit. Died April 9, 2012 someone who has never attended or Tom will look real spiffy. The suit has not attended for several years. was tailored in 1948 and it still Joseph Kiely You realize we are like an ex- looks new. (1945-49) FN1 M Division tended family which needs to be to- These are the things he spoke Died November 10, 2011 gether for a few days to renew our of. Also about riding a horse in love for each other. Anyone learning of the death of Don’t forget we need donations for Egypt instead of a camel. a former crewmember is re- the publication of our news letter. There are too many other quested to notify the Herald so Hope to see you in Memphis— things too numerous to mention. their passing can be acknowl- don’t forget—put it on your calendar edged in TAPS and also on the when you find out the dates—so you’ll Sincerely, come. Honor Roll at the reunion memo- Gene Kiely, son of Joseph Kiely ______rial service. ______Page 4 Huntington Herald COME TO MEMPHIS, TN IN 2014

Perched above the Mississippi museum, located at the original site River, Memphis welcomes visitors Beale Street is a national his- of Stax Records, is a 17,000 square- to celebrate the city that gave the toric landmark, and shows the im- foot museum offering interactive ex- world blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll, pact Memphis has had on Ameri- hibits, videos, vintage musical instru- as well as to chow down on the can blues, particularly after World ments used to create the Stax sound, unrivaled barbecue capital of the War II as electric guitars took stage costumes, photographs, re- nation. Founded in 1819 Memphis precedence. Sam Phillips’ Sun cords, and approximately 3,000 other was named for Egypt’s ancient Nile Studio, the most seminal re- items of memorabilia that tell the capital and grew from the ware- cording studio in American popu- unique story. Artists highlighted in- houses that stored cotton and other lar music, still stands, and is open clude Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, the goods shipped up and down the for tours. Elvis, Johnny Cash, Staple Singers, the Bar-Kays, Booker . Today Memphis Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and T. and the M.G.’s, Johnnie Taylor, is a vibrant city, recreated by pro- Roy Orbison all made their first Little Milton, Sam & Dave, Al Green, jects like the transformation of Mud recordings there and were Aretha Franklin, Ike & Tina Turner, Island, the construction of the 321 “discovered” by Phillips. Many James Brown, Ray Charles, Sam ft stainless-steel Pyramid, the huge great blues artists recorded there, Cooke and hundreds of others. Peabody Place mall, the minor such as W.C. Handy, Father of league baseball stadium— the Blues. In the heart of down- Rock and Soul Museum Autozone Field, and the perform- town Memphis, Beale Street is The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Mu- ance arena the FedEx Forum, as three blocks of nightclubs, restau- seum’s exhibition tells about the birth well as the once more booming rants and retail shops. It is a melt- of rock and soul music. It tells the Beale Street. There’s certainly a lot ing pot of delta blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ story of musical pioneers who, for the to do and see in today’s Memphis, roll, R & B and gospel. With cold love of music, overcame racial and so read on to find out what you beer and hot music, Beale Street socio-economic barriers to create the have in store for your reunion. is one of the coolest places in music that shook the entire world. Memphis. The “first born” of the world- ATTRACTIONS renowned Smithsonian Institution Sun Studios and developed by the National Mu- A visit to Sun Studios and its seum of American History (NMAH) to legendary status makes this an commemorate the 150th anniversary essential destination. This is of the Smithsonian Institution in where Elvis Presley recorded his 1996, the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul first song, and the starting point Museum became the first exhibition for Rock ‘n’ Roll legends like to have ever been developed by the Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Smithsonian Institution with another Carl Perkins and others. The stu- museum. dio’s informative guides will give you a tour of the studio and its Take an unforgettable journey history. This tour has gotten great It's been said that downtown through the most famous rock ‘n’ reviews from nearly everyone who Memphis is the place where the Mis- roll residence in the world. Explore has visited here. You may even sissippi Delta begins. And whether the personal side of Elvis Presley find an original Sun Label record you are a tourist or a Memphis na- and learn how his revolutionary for sale! tive, the Cotton Museum is a great style and unique sound changed place to start an exploration of the the face of popular music and cul- Stax Museum of American Soul Delta's history and Memphis’ dy- ture forever. This legendary rock ‘n’ Music namic urban culture. The Museum roll pilgrimage will show you why Stax Records created a classic tells the story of how Memphis came Elvis lives. 60’s soul music that still lives on in to be. Engaging exhibits help visitors the Blues Brothers movie. This (Continued on page 5) Volume 23, Issue 3 Huntington Herald Page 5

(Continued from page 4) closure that holds 1.3 million gal- Huling Streets, in the historic art dis- understand the city's place in time lons of water. trict of downtown Memphis. and explain how the art, history Dedicated on September 28, and music that is so important to Plantation 1991, the Museum exists to assist our culture evolved from the conflu- In a society where dishwashers, the public in understanding the les- ence of people that were originally televisions and master bedrooms sons of the Civil Rights Movement gathered here around the cotton are the norm, it’s hard to imagine and its impact and influence on hu- industry. life circa 1850, when cooking was man rights movements worldwide, done over an open fire and the through its collections, exhibitions, Mississippi River Museum nearest bathroom was in the back research and educational programs. Ride the monorail to Mud Island yard. That’s why Davies Manor It chronicles the civil rights move- where the sights and sounds bring Plantation invites people to dis- ment from 1619 to 2000 with histori- the history of the Mississippi River cover the pioneer life in a two-story cal exhibits, including Room 306, to life. The 18 galleries showcase log frontier house that’s the oldest the hotel room where Dr. King 10,000 years of history of the home in Shelby County (home of stayed in April of 1968. Lower Mississippi Valley covering Memphis). subjects from early exploration and Veteran’s Museum settlement, transportation & disas- Museum of Biblical History Located on the site of the for- ters along the river, and the evolu- A non-profit organization offers mer WWII B-17 Training Facility tion of music along Ole Man River a permanent exhibit gallery display- known as The Dyersburg Army Air through displays and narratives. ing historical artifacts of biblical Base. See complete WWI/WWII ex- You feel you've stepped back in archaeology. The museum's main hibits, displays on Korea, Vietnam, time as you experience a life-size gallery features the permanent ex- Desert Storm, Iraq, military vehicles, replica of a riverboat complete with hibit that includes a visual display A-7 Corsair Airplane, extensive art sounds of gamblers and revelers. of objects and images from the exhibit of WWII DAAB murals. In Those who are Civil War history Near Eastern and Classical worlds addition to these exhibits, the Veter- buffs, there are five galleries in the representing over 2,000 years of ans' Museum has exhibits with ma- museum dedicated to this era. A history. jor emphasis on the Dyersburg reproduction of a gunboat simu- A key component of the exhibit Army Air Base and WWII. Many of lates a battle with a river battery is a collection of museum replicas the exhibits deal with how the base complete with artillery pieces, uni- of significant artifacts from the Brit- affected the area and how it be- forms and other war-related items. ish Museum and the Louvre includ- came to be known as "the young What Mississippi River museum ing: girl's dream and the widows' delight" would be complete without a scale * The Assyrian Flood Tablet as well as how it impacted the civil- model of Old Muddy? Located out- * The Moabite Stone (Mesha Stela) ian population. In addition to an ex- side the museum on the grounds of * Relief panel from the Black Obe- cellent display of military vehicles, Mud Island River Park, the River lisk of Shalmaneser III uniforms, typewriters (German and Walk is one of the most unique rep- * The Taylor Prism U.S.), the art exhibits are out- resentations of the Mississippi * The Babylonian Chronicle standing. Although the Museum re- River in the world. It is a 5-block * The Cyrus Cylinder flects the U.S. during war and con- long replica of the lower Mississippi * The Rosetta Stone flicts, it is personal. As a New Year's river, from Cairo, IL, to New Or- Day Russian visitor remarked "this leans, LA. Each 30" stride is The National Civil Rights Mu- is much more than a Museum." equivalent to one mile on the actual seum river. The National Civil Rights Mu- Barbecue Along your journey, you'll revisit seum is the site of the Lorraine Mo- Memphis restaurants have per- historical events and learn about tel in Memphis, TN where Dr. Mar- fected the art of Southern cuisine - geographical transformations. The tin Luther King, Jr. was assassi- soul food and world-famous Mem- "1,000" mile journey concludes at nated on April 4, 1968. The Mu- phis barbecue. Saddle up at Neely's the Gulf of Mexico, a one acre en- seum is located at South Main and (Continued on page 6) Volume 23, Issue 3 Huntington Herald Page 6

Bar-B-Que (Pat and Gina Neely from 2014 USS HUNTINGTON FINANCIAL STATEMENT the Food Network) for a pulled pork SURVEY sandwich or sample their award- winning glazed ribs soaked in sauce Please take a few minutes to com-

plete the survey so we can custom de- and special spices. If you're down- sign your reunion to your wishes. town, stop by Charlie Vergos Ren- dezvous right across the street from Balance after 05/13 $130.35 THE REUNION Received from: the . Rendezvous Do you refer breakfast all three morn- Eugene Volcik $30.00 have perfected the dry-rub rib and ings? _____ James Clegg $50.00 are the epicenter for visitors wanting Or only a farewell breakfast on Grady Veasey $25.00 Sunday morning? _____ to try a sample of Memphis barbe- Joseph Morgan $75.00 cue. Two small Midtown Memphis Frank Andre $25.00 barbecue joints have been winning Do you want entertainment after the Gene Kiely $25.00 banquet? Yes_____ No _____ awards for years with their unique

Total Contributions $230.00 spin on Memphis favorites. Try the ATTRACTIONS: barbecue spaghetti at The BBQ Available for 09/13 $360.35 Please check any attractions you Shop or get your fingers wet at Cen- would like to see during the reunion. Funds expended 09/13 $375.66 tral Barbecue. Memphis has numer- ous barbecue restaurants ____Graceland Ending Balance for 11/13 -$15.31*

*Contributions will be needed ____Beale Street for the next issue. Peabody Ducks The Peabody ducks are housed in Contributions for the newsletter ____Sun Studios may be sent to Premier Reunion the "Duck Palace" on the roof of the Services at the address below. ____Stax Museum of American Peabody Hotel. Every day at 11 a.m., ______they are led by the Duckmaster down Soul Music to the marble fountain in the Grand Published by: ____Rock and Soul Museum Premier Reunion Services Lobby. The ducks march down a red carpet and through the crowd of ____Cotton Museum PO Box 11438 spectators to the tune of the “King Hickory, NC 28603-6402 Cotton March.” The ceremony is re- ____Mississippi River Museum versed at 5 p.m., when the ducks 828-256-6008 (voice) return for the evening to their palace ____Davies Manor Plantation 828-256-6559 (Fax) on the roof. ____Museum of Biblical History [email protected]

[email protected] Ride the Ducks ____National Civil Rights Museum See Memphis by land and water www.mlrsinc.com/huntington ____Veterans Museum aboard one amazing vehicle. Dis- Our Reunions Work So You Don’t cover the history, humor and heroes Have To. of this legendary town, and cruise the ____Barbecue river as well. Entertaining and infor- ____Peabody Ducks mative captains narrate this fascinat- ing and fun expedition of downtown ____Ride the Ducks Memphis. See , Mud Is- land Riverpark, National Civil Rights Return survey by Museum, St Jude Children's Re- November 12, 2013 to: search Hospital, the Pyramid, Beale Premier Reunion Services Street and more. Explore the home P.O. Box 11438 of the blues and birthplace of rock Hickory, NC 28603 and roll on this truly unique tour. ______Or Fax: Come to Memphis and sample 828-256-6559 some of their famous barbecue.