CV / CVA / CVS-14 CG-47 JULY 2014 The USS TICONDEROGA Veterans’ Association NEWS VOL. 41 NO 3 OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2013 - 2014 Officers 2013-2014 Directors (continued) Directors (continued) Committees (continued) President: Director Director: Chaplain: Lloyd Frank John F. Deasy P. P. Parker W. Patterson P. P. Rev. Andrew Jenson 2129 Bliss Comer St 560 Maple Ave. 4 Terrace Hill Road 7 Tomahawk Dr. Henderson, NV 89044-0174 Doylestown, PA 18901-4451 Pine Grove, PA 17963-9399 Marlton, NJ 08053-2126 (702) 361-6660 (215) 348-9981 (570) 345-3344 (856) 424-4408 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Director: Public Relations Chairman Director John Rochford P. P. Jerry H. Cole Executive Vice President: Victor Godfrey 1926 East Bancroft 17840 Oakwood Ave. John B. Dupont 138 Briarwood Dr. Camarillo, CA 93010-4510 Lansing, IL 60438-1934 4590 Linwood Circle Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087-4018 (805) 484-1368 (708) 474-9331 Deep Haven, MN 55331-9297 609-294-0955 [email protected] (952) 474-4731 [email protected] Director: [email protected] Doc Simon P. P. Memorials Chairman [email protected] Director 803 Hartford Ave. Robert Hildebrand Charles E. Hill White River Jct, VT 05001-8052 2016 Reseda Way First Vice President: 22 W. Hancock St. (802) 295-2851 Antioch, CA 94509-5834 Fred Vance Lansdale, PA 19446-3812 [email protected] (925) 757-1836 5808 SW 27TH STREET (215) 855-5299 [email protected] Topeka, KS 66614 [email protected] Director: (785) 271-5900 Edgar S. Trotter, Jr. Membership Chairman: [email protected] Director 1150 Baywood Ave. David Litzinger [email protected] Ronald W. Lee P. P. Camarillo, CA 93010-3005 1101 Prariewood Ln 8920 Dawes Point Dr. (805) 484-2930 Warwick, ND 58381 Second Vice President: Mobile, AL 36695-9336 [email protected] (612) 600-4160 Steven Codding (251) 599-8559 [email protected] 9260 Hilltop Lane [email protected] Director: [email protected] Bloomington, IL 61705 Calvin S. Turner P. P. (309) 827-4017 Director 130 Silver Leaf Dr. Budget Chairman [email protected] John Lunsford P.P. Fayetteville, GA 30214-1055 George Passantino P. P. [email protected] 2504 McNutt (770) 461-4106 2676 E 117th Way Bakersfield, CA 93306-4469 [email protected] Denver, CO 80233-1406 Secretary: (661) 872-8850 (720) 929-1844 Dennis SaBell [email protected] Committees [email protected] 3930 Quay St [email protected] Wheatridge, CO 80033 Director Newsletter Editor: (303) 422-8690 Alfred F. McDonnell P.P. Cruiser Store Operator Carrier Store Operator [email protected] 1749 9th Ave Edgar S. Trotter, Jr. Art Casello San Francisco, CA 94122 1150 Baywood Ave. 1737 Hoyt Ave E Treasurer: 415-661-6753 Camarillo, CA 93010-3005 Saint Paul, MN 55106-1328 George Passantino P. P. [email protected] (805) 484-2930 (651) 774-1685 2676 E 117th Way [email protected] [email protected] Denver, CO 80233-1406 Director: [email protected] (720) 929-1844 Joseph McDonnell P. P. Historian

[email protected] 4141 Inola Trl. Ne David Graf Liaison USS HORNET CVS-12 WWW.BIGT.NET AT: WEBSITE OUR HECK OUT [email protected] Roswell, GA 30075-1658 262 Broadway Richard Radigonda (770) 335-1715 © Norwich, CT 06360 357 Jade Circle C Directors [email protected] (860) 6085943 Vallejo CA. 94590 [email protected] (707) 563-5556 Director * * Director: [email protected] [email protected]/[email protected] Arthur Avery George Passantino P. P. 1694 Fillner Ave. 2676 E 117th Way New Sites Coordinator WebMaster: North Tonawanda, NY 14120 Denver, CO 80233-1406 Joyce Frank Gordon S. Humphrey, Jr. (716) 669-2678 (720) 929-1844 2129 Bliss Comer St 15030 223rd Drive SE [email protected] [email protected] Henderson, NV 89044-0174 Monroe, WA 98272-9089 (702) 361-6660 (425) 785-8094 Director [email protected] [email protected] Jerry H. Cole P. P. PLEASE HELP! 17840 Oakwood Ave. We are always looking for Memorabilia for our Museum Rooms. Soon we will be starting Lansing, IL 60438-1934 (708) 474-9331 one at the Mississippi Maritime and Warship Museum in Pascagoula, MS so keep us in [email protected] mind as we will be starting with very little memorabilia. One thing we would like to find is some Military Payment Certificates "Funny Money" that was used to pay us during the Viet Nam war. If you have anything you want to donate contact Ed Trotter at [email protected]. Thanks for your help in keeping our memories alive to others through our Museum Rooms.

PAGE 2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE AHOY SHIPMATES AND FRIENDS, It is both an honor and privilege to be the new President of the Ticonderoga Veterans Association.

A very successful forty third reunion was held in Charleston, SC. Thanks to our outgoing President John Deasy and Jerry Cole for a job well done. A special thanks to Ed Trotter for all his help. A thank you to Lewis Trotter for officiating at our memorial service.

With such pride, it was an honor to have six WWII Veterans in attendance. They are: Left to Right: Walter Mallett Chuck Downey Bob Strother William Cheesman Bill Blyth Bob Sexton

We enjoyed hearing all their stories; we hope to have them back for many more reunions. A special welcome to our new CG47 members Tom Bush, John Malone, Stan Sulkowski and Dan Wiberg.

We welcome all our new members and hope they will continue to join us in the future. We need everyone to reach out to get more new members to join our organization.

Our next reunion is May 14th – May 18th, 2015 in Minneapolis/St. Paul. John DuPont will be coordinating. More information to follow.

As President, I hope to keep the Ticonderoga Association going forward. I want to wish all my shipmates and their families a great summer.

God Bless America. Lloyd Frank NEW ITEMS NOW IN THE SHIP’S STORE! CHECK THEM OUT AT THE BIGT WEBSITE CARRIER STORE!

PAGE 3 BOY OH BOY DID WE HAVE FUN!

PAGE 4 LOVE THAT BEAUTIFUL FLAG! EVERYBODY HAD SO MUCH FUN! LET’S GET TOGETHER IN MINNEAPOLIS?

PAGE 5 Treasurers Report:

The Big-T Veterans Association just completed our 2014 Charleston, South Carolina Reunion and it was a great event. The theme of this year’s reunion was to honor our Ticonderoga WWII Veterans. We had 7 of these veterans in attendance and they shared with us many of their experiences that they had during their service. We had about 150 people that joined us for our reunion, so financially, the reunion was very successful, as well. We are now turning our focus to our 2015 Reunion in Minneapolis, MN - May 14-18.

I assumed the position of Treasurer on October 1, 2013 so the financial statement included only covers 10/1/13 to 4/30/14. Our fiscal year actually runs from 5/1/13 to 4/30/14, consequently, the entire year was not reported. In the future, complete fiscal year activities will be reported.

We closed out our fiscal year on 4/30/14, and at that time, our treasury balance being reported was only $4,850.10. As of today, 6/15/14, our treasury balance has increased to $11,384.89. This increase was primarily due to the generosity of our members stepping up with donations. (List included). Also having a great impact, was the effort by our new President, Lloyd Frank, making over two hundred calls, requesting members to get caught up on their past due membership obligations. Once again, our members responded.

In addition to the $11,384.89 treasury balance being reported, our Board of Directors are also in the process of obtaining $15,000.00 of projected revenue that would have a great positive impact on our financial situation. Regardless of whether we obtain this projected revenue, or not, we still have the resources to continue our quarterly newsletter publications, our website/data base activities, and our annual reunions. Without this projected $15,000.00 of revenue, we would have to become much more cost conscience and reduce spending, (memorials, systems, postage, etc.).

To help facilitate our financial strength, at the Charleston Reunion, our general membership voted to increase the annual membership dues from $20 to $30 per year effective 1/1/15. (The general membership holds their voting at reunions). For members that have already paid their 2015 dues ahead, there would be no increase. As noted on the "Proposed 2014-2015 Budget", we reduced our annual spending from $16,000 to $11,500. I thank all of our members for the support that they have given. Sincerely, George Passantino Treasurer 6/15/14

PAGE 6 USS TICONDEROGA VETERANS ASSOCIATION FISCAL YEAR 2013 – 2014 (Only 10/1/13 – 04/30/14) TREASURERS REPORT

BANK BALANCE AS OF 10/1/13 $ 0.00

INCOME: MEMBERSHIP RECEIPTS $ 6,228.02

TRANSFERS Ships Store Startup Refund $100.00 General Fund (From Former Treasurer) $119.41 Memorial Fund (From Former Treasurer) $480.59 Total $700.00 $ 700.00

DONATIONS: General Fund $2,315.00 Hornet Museum $ 435.00 Hornet (Ensign‐Admiral) $ 100.00 Memorial Fund $ 229.71 Digital Records $ 105.00 CG‐47 Museum $ 50.00 Tico Booster Fund $ 50.00 Total $ 3,284.71 $ 3,284.71 $10,212.73 $10,212.73 EXPENSES: Website $ 96.00 Scanning Documents $ 109.00 Ships Store Website Graphics $ 136.48 Secretary Of State (Illinois) $ 13.00 April Newsletter $ 1,917.94 Secretary Expense $ 270.68 Bank Checks/Deposit Slips $ 16.00 Charleston Reunion Startup $ 2,500.00 Secretary Expense $ 303.53 Total $ 5,362.63 $ 5,362.63

Ending Bank Balance 4/30/14 $ 4,850.10

2013 – 2014 BigT Budget 2014 – 2015 BigT Proposed Budget President $ 600.00 President $ 400.00 Secretary $ 1,800.00 Secretary $1,000.00 Treasurer $ 300.00 Treasurer $ 200.00 Newsletters $ 9,500.00 Newsletters $8,500.00 Membership $ 300.00 Membership $ 300.00 Miscellaneous $ 3,000.00 Miscellaneous $ 700.00 Public Relations $ 500.00 Public Relations $ 100.00 Website $ 0.00 Website $ 300.00 GRAND TOTAL $16,000.00 GRAND TOTAL $11,500.00

PAGE 7 WHAT A GREAT TIME SEEING THE SIGHTS!

The For Sale sign in the bus window was a Plus for anyone on tour bus 2 that had a flat on a rear tire. The look on peoples faces and pointing at the shredded tire as we went down the street at 3 miles per hour. It was funny watching people point at the tire and tell the bus driver he had a flat. Lester E. Mc Cullough

PAGE 8 USS TICONDEROGA VETERANS” ASSOCIATION GENERAL MEETING MINUTES MAY 25, 2014 Meeting was called to order by Association President John Deasy, led in prayer by Lewis Trotter, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. An introduction by each person in attendance was given to the assembly and an attendance sheet was circulated. At this time we would normally read a list of our deceased but the reading will be at the Memorial Ceremony on Tuesday morning. (The following is summarized and may include excerpts from both the board and general meetings): John Deasy opened future reunion discussion and announced the board’s decision to defer choosing the 2017 site because we had already chosen two sites (2015 and 2016) last year. Therefore no vote was required or taken. John Dupont presented the progress in organizing the 2015 Minneapolis reunion. Highlights: Dates are tentatively set for May 14 – 18, at the Crown Plaza. Rates will probably be $115/ per night (including breakfast – similar to Charleston). Activities will include a Dinner Cruise, St. Paul and Mall of America, tour of the Capital, sit down banquet and Monday prayer breakfast. Lloyd Frank presented the progress in organizing the 2016 Las Vegas reunion. Highlights: Dates and venue are tentatively set for May 18-23 at the Gold Coast Hotel. Rates will vary by day $55 (all days except Friday and Saturday) and $101 (Friday and Saturday). The average will probably be less than $85/day. There will be a shuttle to the strip, hospitality room, sit-down banquet. Possible activities may include: Hoover Dam and Bridge, Nellis AFB, Vegas Night Tour, Show tickets, and (of course) the casinos. A general discussion ensued where topics discussed at the board meeting were presented including the announcement that David Graf (CG47) had volunteered to be our Historian, John Lunsford as Guestbook Monitor, Al McDonnell as head of the nominating committee for 2014-2015. Ideas for encouraging CG-47 new members were discussed including advertising in VFW magazine and American Legion. Robert Hildebrand presented status of the Hornet Museum. The Hornet has hired a museum curator. This simply means that all artifacts and displays must be approved and allowed by the curator. George Passantino then presented the Treasurer’s Report including a lengthy discussion of material discrepancies in the transfer of funds from the former Treasurer. A vote was taken, giving the board authority to pursue any audit or legal measures necessary to resolve the issues. Current financial statements and budget for 2014-2015 will be presented in the July newsletter. Ed Trotter presented a “script” for recruiting new members. Anyone who would be willing to make a few calls to prospects can get the script from Ed. A motion was made to increase dues from $20/year to $30/year. Seconded and Approved by membership. The Nomination Committee report was given. The nominations for 2013-2014 are: President: Lloyd Frank Second VP: Steve Codding Historian: David Graf Exec. VP: John B Dupont Secretary: Dennis SaBell New Sites Coordinator: Joyce Frank First VP: Fred Vance Treasurer: George Passantino Directors: Art Avery, Jerry Cole, John Deasy, Vic Godfrey, Charlie Hill, Ron Lee, John Lunsford, Al McDonell, Joe McDonnell, George Passantino, Parker Patterson, John Rochford, Doc Simon, Ed Trotter, and Calvin Turner. Motion to accept, seconded, approved by unanimous vote. Old business: None. New business: Emphasized the need to keep recruiting new members and noted that more than 30 new members joined in 2013 – 2014. Meeting was closed.

PAGE 9 It is with deep sadness that we report the DEATHS of the following shipmates: Ensign Billy Jackson – Billy was a Hellcat pilot killed in a training accident in October 1944. We were notified recently by his nephew John Jackson. If anyone knew Ensign Jackson, John would like to be contacted. Charles Frederick (Chuck) Large – Chuck was a life member and officer of the Association. He passed away peacefully at age 89 on November 2, 2013. Born in Cambridge MA Chuck lived in Stoughton MA. While on board he was a MM1 in A and RI divisions. He was aboard during the Kamikaze attacks in 1944. He married Evelyn Metzger in 1945. They were happily together for 53 years until her passing in 1998. Chuck is survived by his brother Thomas, his sons Kenneth and Ronald and their families. Chuck was a member of VFW Post 1645, American Legion Post 89, Amvets Post 1977, Seabees Island X-4, and the Allied Veterans’ Council. He spearheaded the development of Faxton Veterans’ Memorial Park, served as the Veterans’ Graves Officer in Stoughton. He helped organize the Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Veteran’s day observances in Stoughton each year. Chuck had many hobbies and interests. He was a lifetime member of the Little Theatre of Stoughton and acted onstage. He was an accomplished poet and writer and was regularly asked to speak in schools about his WWII experiences. He was very active and well known in the Association. Donald J Dean – Don was an Association member. We were notified of his death at the Charleston reunion. While on board Don was an RM2 in C Division from 1954 – 1956. He lived in Wilder VT. John Robert Webster Jr. – We were notified of John’s death by his daughter Diane He died at the age of 88 in October 2012. On January 21 1944 he was a shipfitter on board. After the ship was hit he entered a dark, smoke filled, compartment flooded with three feet of water to turn on six valves needed for damage control and then led a crew of to help rescue several unconscious men. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions. Diane would love to hear from anyone who was on board at that time. Contact Dennis SaBell if you would like to contact her. Richard C Lima – Richard was an Association Member who died March 31, 2014 in Sayre PA at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife of 44 years Frances and four children: Mary, Jackie, Christine, Kenneth and their families. While on board, he was a Seaman 1st Class in 4th Division from 1944-1946. Frances says that Richard drove anything with wheels including taxicabs, tour busses and tractor trailer (for 34 years). Following his retirement he drove bus for Endless Mountain Transportation providing service to the disabled. Arnold D Robinson – Arnold was an Association member who died on August 23, 2013. While on board he was an AOM1 (Div unknown). Arnold lived in Norco California. Elmer L Batschelet - Elmer was an Association member who died Dec 27, 2012. While on board from 1944–1945 he was a WT2 in B Div. Elmer lived in Pierce City MO with his wife Mary. Paul S Coen - Paul was an Association member. Paul died on December 27, 2012. While on board in 1945 he was an SC3 in S-1 Division. Paul lived in Texarkana, AR and is survived by his wife Mary.

PAGE 10 Obituaries Continued David C King – Dave was an Association member who died in 2012. While on board from 1944–1945 he was an AOM2 in V-5 Div. He and his wife Dortha lived in Clarksburg WV. Edmund J Laskowski - Edmund died March 9, 2014. We were notified of his death by Rita Powers. Blewford Lincoln Boner – “Blew” died November 3 2012 in Dayton, OR. While on board from 1955-1961 his rate was AN (Div unknown) Paul M “Mugsy” Montgomery – Wey Symmes, who served with Paul, notified us of his death on Friday, November 1, 2013 at the age of 66. While on board from 1966-1968 Paul was a Radarman in OI Div. He then served in 1969 as a volunteer on Swift boat duty. He is survived by his wife of 16 years Tammie, one son and three daughters. B. E. “Buddie” Livingston - His son Daren Livingston notified us that his father passed away on Jan 13 2014 in Bristow Oklahoma. “Buddie” served from 1944-45. He was a 2nd Class Petty Officer and survived the Kamakaze attacks. Daren is not sure if he was ever a member of the association but was a very proud member of the Tico family. HMCS Edw Buige – Ed died Oct 21 2008. We were notified by his wife Barbara. Joseph L Jardot Jr – Joseph was a Lifetime Member of the Association who died May 26, 2014 in Edison, NJ at the age of 87. While on board he was an AMM 3/C in V-2 Division and served in 1944. He was a maintenance mechanic for Shell Oil in Seawaren for 37 years. He is survived by his wife Grace, son, daughter, step daughter and 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Joseph R. Avellino - died in Milford, CT on May 15, 2014 at the age of 87. While on board he was in S 2/C in 3RD Division and V-6 Division from 44-45. He is survived by 2 sons and his wife’s children and grandchildren. Warren Lee Clifford - Warren was a Lifetime Member who died in the hospital in Wolfeboro, NH on May 20, 2014. While on the ship he was an SK1 in the Supply Department from 54-55. He lived in Sanbornville, NH and Davenport, FL and is survived by his wife Geneva, 6 children, 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He enjoyed a long career in sales at South-Western Publishing Company. Charles M. Wade - Charles was a Lifetime member of the Association who died March 15, 2014 at the age of 88 in Homosassa, FL. While on board he was a BKR 3/C in S-1 Division from 44-46. He is survived by is wife Bernice “Bunny”, 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Died March 15, 2014 Fred H. Keefer - Fred was a regular member of the Association who died May 12, 2014 in Santee, CA. While on the ship he was a LCDR in the Supply Department from 63-65. He was survived by his 4 children, Richard, Beth, Scott and Randy, and by 2 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. John Robert Webster Jr – John died Oct 2012 Won Bronze Star

PAGE 11 OUTGOING PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Shipmates and Friends, As I wind down from Reunion duties, I'd like to share a few thoughts with our membership. I mentioned some of this in my retiring remarks at Reunion but I would like to share them with the rest of our members who were unable to attend. It has been an honor to serve this group. It was a lot of work and took a lot of time but it was something you do gladly for an organization you love. I can't speak for the cruiser CG-47 guys, but the carrier Ticonderoga crews were special. I brought our Historian materials home with me to send to our new Historian, David Graf. As I was repacking boxes getting them ready to ship, I got fascinated looking through these materials such as "The Letters of Legacy" by our WW 2 guys, Edward Sutterley's "Salute to the Big T" and Chuck Large's Album. If you haven't had a chance to see these, try to do so at future Reunions. They paint a great picture of the esprit de corps of her first crew under Dixie Kiefer's command. I think this is where it all began and her crew passed it on to each shipmate as they came aboard. I didn't fully realize this when I was aboard but as I reflect back on my time on active duty as a radarman in CIC, I began to appreciate the signs that her crew made her special. We were in the yards at Hunter's Point in San Francisco when I reported aboard. While the Ti was there, the Oriskany (CVA-34) and the Enterprise (CVN-65) had gone through the Operational Readiness Inspection at Pearl Harbor enroute to the Vietnam war and each had won the Battle Efficiency "E" , formerly won by the Big T. Every crew member seemed upset that she had lost it and were obsessed that everyone learn to do their jobs correctly so we could get that "E" back. Every time we went to sea and all the way to Pearl we drilled. No one complained and when we went through our ORI at Pearl, the Big T, the oldest carrier in the Pacific, got the "E" back! Throughout fleet activities certain ships were frequently the brunt of jokes. Never the Ti. In fact, there was a tone of respect in their voices when they saw the "Ticonderoga" patch on our sleeves. This same spirit lives on at our reunions. It was great to see lots of new members, especially CG- 47 guys, at our reunion in Charleston. A lot stopped by just to visit the hospitality room but I was thrilled when a lot of them then wanted to join us in our other events. It showed we were doing things right. A lot of people work together to make our Association great. We recognized the following at our banquet: The Superior Service Award went to George Passantino. George was our Past President and did a wonderful job at our Colorado Springs Reunion. He then stepped up to take on our Treasurer's role and is helping us through some major financial problems. Thanks, George. The Bruno Romanski Award for Service went to our long-time Chaplain, Andrew Jenson. He has served as our Association Chaplain, does the Memorial Service at our Reunions and writes the Chaplain's Corner for the Newsletter. Health problems prevented Andy from joining us this year but I will personally deliver his plaque to him. Get well, Andy. The Outstanding Service Award went to Jerry Cole. Jerry is a Director for our Veterans' Association, is our Public Relations Chairman and served as this year's Reunion Coordinator. We couldn't have done it without you, Jerry! Enjoy your rest. I would also like to give a big Thank You! to Ed Trotter, Lewis Trotter, Dennis SaBell, Calvin Turner, Sandy Murphy and Gordon Humphrey for helping me get through this year. Thanks also to all who stepped up to help with various items at Reunion. You all helped make it work. It's been a pleasure to serve! I wish Lloyd Frank, our new President, smooth sailing in the coming year and look forward to our next Reunion in Minneapolis. John Deasy, Past President

PAGE 12 A GREAT BIG THANK YOU! DONATIONS MADE TO THE USS TICONDEROGA VETERANS ASSOCIATION BETWEEN 3/15/14 AND 6/15/14 THANK YOU FIRST NAME LAST NAME GENERAL FUND MEMORIAL FUND HORNET MUSEUM HORNET ENS/ADMRL BOOSTER FUND LEGAL FUND

Wally Blinde X Robert Brainard X The Forest Oil Company X Paul Giordano X X Robert Hildebrand X Fred Horsley X Jim Jones X William Klein X John Lunsford X John Madigan X Carmen Mari X Jim McMillan X Ed Nelson X James Pendry X Dale Pfeiffer X Larry Porter X David Rice X George Schimpe X John Siptak X X Stanley Szejnar X Fred Vance X X X John Veard X Dan Wiberg X Ray Wieser X A HEARTY WELCOME ABOARD MATES! WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS !!!! NEW MEMBERS 3/15/14 to 6/15/14 WELCOME ABOARD!

FIRST NAME LAST NAME DIVISION YEARS ABOARD CURRENTLY LIVES IN STATE

Russell Balch IM‐2 Division 72 ‐ 72 Lyme New Hampshire Wally Blinde X ‐ Division 63 ‐ 67 Astoria Oregon Brock Bowen OPS Division 67 ‐ 68 Marysville California Charles "Tom" Bush CG‐47 CO/Capt 83‐85 & 95‐97 Kitty Hawk North Carolina Steven Clay VA‐55 64 ‐ 65 Apache Jct. Arizona Morgan Einbinder CG‐47 LTJG 94 ‐ 96 Ft Meyers Florida Paul Giordano Dental Division 55 ‐ 56 Wilmington Massachusetts Lawrence "Skip" Holcomb S‐1 Division 64 ‐ 66 Bradenton Florida Carl Kernan Mardet 64 ‐ 66 New Martinsville West Virginia Richard Lewis OP Division 56 ‐ 57 Waltham Massachusetts Gene McGinnis N Division 61 ‐ 63 Jersey Village Texas Richard Momberger OI Division 71 ‐ 73 Huber Heights Ohio Brian Murphy Associate Associate Tucson Arizona Harold "Marty" Olson R & A Division 62 ‐ 65 Santa Ana California Lynwood Pratt V‐3 Division 55 ‐ 59 Crittenden Kentucky Everett Ratliff R Division 72 ‐ 73 Sylmar California Dan Reeder HC‐1 69 ‐ 69 Tallahassee Florida Dan Wiberg CG‐47 E Division 82 ‐ 86 Goose Creek South Carolina

PAGE 13 RECRUIT RECRUIT RECRUIT CALL CALL CALL At the Charleston Reunion we heard these words often from our Membership Chairman, David Litzinger. He reminded us that the only way to grow the Association was to Recruit new members and the best way to do it was by making phone calls. To make it easier he had a SCRIPT for us to use when making the calls. The Script suggests what to say and what information to get if the person called was on USS TICONDEROGA.

He will email or mail you a copy of the SCRIPT. You can contact him and tell him you will be glad to help make calls. His email is [email protected] or you can call him at (612) 600‐4160.

He will also provide you names to call. He has a master list of those who served on the carrier and can sort it by rank/rate or Division by year for those who prefer to call those of a similar rank/rate or Division.

He will also try to provide phone numbers. You can search for people at Switchboards.com or Whitepages.com.

Dave would like to have some volunteers to do this phone look up work so it can be included when a list is sent to a call volunteer. If you would like to help in this part of recruiting please let him know.

It is always encouraging to see new members at the reunion and they are happy to have found out about the Association. We do have a few shipmates who find us because of our reunion notices in the veteran’s magazines but the majority will be found by our making phone calls.

Let’s all chip in and make some calls this year!

PAGE 14 PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the Big "T" Veterans' Association will hold their 43rd Annual Reunion in Charleston, May 22-27, 2014; and

WHEREAS, the attendees of this reunion are veterans and active duty members of our illustrious U. S. Navy who served from 1944 to the present, their wives and friends who have gathered together to honor their comrades; and

WHEREAS, this famous Essex class U.S. Navy Carrier, the fourth TICONDEROGA, was built and launched at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company on February 7, 1944, and was placed in commission as CV-14 on May 8, 1944, at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Virginia; and

WHEREAS, in January 1945, the ship survived two direct suicide planes crashing into the flight deck and bridge superstructure resulting in 345 officers and men killed, missing or wounded in action, and after extensive repairs, continued to serve in the Pacific until the completion of the war against Japan; and

WHEREAS, after being decommissioned in 1945, the ship was recommissioned as CVA-14 on September II , 1954 in New York City. After making numerous peacetime deployments the ship made 5 combat deployments to the Southeast Asia area; and

WHEREAS, the ship was redesignated as CVS-14 October 21, 1969 and made two more peacetime deployments and participated in the recovery of two Apollo moon mission capsules before being decommissioned on September I , 1973; and

WHEREAS, the ship was recognized by the federal government by awarding 5 Battle Stars, 3 Navy Units, a Meritorious Unit Commendation and 12 Battle Stars for service in the Vietnam Conflict; and

WHEREAS, CG-47 is the fifth ship to bear the name TICONDEROGA, and on January 22, 1983, CG-47, built by Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, MS, was commissioned as the lead ship of the AEGIS GUIDED MISSILE CRUISER CLASS, TICONDEROGA was the world's first surface combatant equipped with the AEGIS combat system, the most sophisticated air defense in the world; and

WHEREAS, she has seen duty in the Gulf of Sidra, off the coast of Beirut, three tours in the Mediterranean, five tours in the Caribbean, one tour in the Eastern Pacific; and

WHEREAS, TICONDEROGA was the first ship to report on station in the Red Sea to support Operation DESERT SHIELD after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, later serving with distinction in DESERT STORM; and

WHEREAS, her adventures have taken her to the Artic Circle, the Equator, and through the Suez and Panama Canals, earning the distinction of "Blue Nose", "Shell Back" and "Suez Safari"; and

WHEREAS, the ship has been recognized by the federal government by the awarding of 2 Joint Unit Awards, 2 Navy Unit Commendations, 2 Meritorious Unit Awards and 3 Battle Efficiency Awards; and was installed with the SMART SHIP Integrated Bridge System in April of 1999; and

WHEREAS, TICONDEOGA was the first ship out of Pascagoula to participate in OPERATION NOBLE EAGLE, supporting homeland defense after the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, and TICONDEROGA was decommission September 30, 2004 in Pascagoula, MS.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Joseph P. Riley, Jr., Mayor of the City of Charleston, South Carolina, on behalf of City Council and all our citizens, do hereby proclaim May 22-27 2014 as: BIG "T" VETERANS' REUNION DAYS in the City of Charleston, and extend a very warm and cordial welcome to the Veterans., their families and friends and further best wishes for a successful, enjoyable, and memorable reunion.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Charleston to be affixed this 9th day of May 2014.

PAGE 15 43 RD ANNUAL REUNION IN CHARLESTON, SC ATTENDEES BY STATE FIRST NAME LAST NAME CITY STATE FIRST NAME LAST NAME CITY STATE Anne Stother ANCHORAGE AK Emily Wilbert PLAQUEMINE LA Robert Stother ANCHORAGE AK John Wilbert, Jr. PLAQUEMINE LA John Cary APACHE JCT AZ Paul Giordano WILMINGTON MA Sandra Cary APACHE JCT AZ Doris Sleeman ALTO MI Bill Blythe BULLHEAD CITY AZ Terry Sleeman ALTO MI Diane Blythe BULLHEAD CITY AZ Chuck Fournier SAGINAW MI Betty Hildebrand ANTIOCH CA Mary Ann Fournier SAGINAW MI Robert Hildebrand ANTIOCH CA Doug Delfavero WHITMORE LAKE MI Diane Lunsford BAKERSFIELD CA Sandy Delfavero WHITMORE LAKE MI John Lunsford BAKERSFIELD CA John Dupont DEEPHAVEN MN Jamie Evans CAMARILLO CA Walter Bowe FLORISSNT MO John Rochford CAMARILLO CA Bebe Bush KITTY HAWK NC Edgar Trotter CAMARILLO CA Charles "Tom" Bush KITTY HAWK NC Gary Rold EL CAJON CA Bob Brainard NEW BERN NC Marsha Rold EL CAJON CA Mary Brainard NEW BERN NC Jan Hamilton NORWALK CA Christine Werner OCEAN ISLE NC Paul Hamilton NORWALK CA Michael Werner OCEAN ISLE NC David Sturhan PACIFIC PALISADES CA David Litzinger WARWICK ND Janeal Granieri SAN FRANCISCO CA Diane Litzinger WARWICK ND Al McDonnell SAN FRANCISCO CA Gary Schmidt POTTER NE Harley Smith STOCKTON CA Joyce Schmidt POTTER NE Amy Schmidt DENVER CO Vic Godfrey LITTLE EGG HARBOR NJ Karen Lunceford DURANGO CO Elizardo Sanchez ALBUQUERQUE NM Bob Sexton DURANGO CO Pat Beesley CARSON CITY NV Karen Sexton DURANGO CO Lloyd Frank HENDERSON NV George Passantino THORNTON CO Lloyd Joyce HENDERSON NV Patricia Passantino THORNTON CO Ed Ellis MASSAPEQUA PARK NY Dennis SaBell WHEAT RIDGE CO Mary Lou Ellis MASSAPEQUA PARK NY Holly SaBell WHEAT RIDGE CO Art Avery NORTH TONAWANDA NY Ken Large JEWETT CITY CT John Malone CHILLICOTHE OH Linda Large JEWETT CITY CT Rose Malone CHILLICOTHE OH Richard Grant CRYSTAL RIVER FL Ann Lunsford COLUMBUS OH Chuck Downey DELAND FL Jess Lunsford COLUMBUS OH Fred Horlsey DUNNELON FL Phyllis Ault HANNIBAL OH Stephen Johnson LEHIGH ACRES FL Roger Ault HANNIBAL OH Lewis Trotter PARRISH FL Mary Loudermilk BETHANY OK Walter Mallett PORT RICHEY FL Wayne Loudermilk BETHANY OK Walter Mallett Jr WEEKI WACHEE FL John Koons BROKEN ARROW OK Marie Bates ST. AUGUSTINE FL Sue Wiedeman BROKEN ARROW OK Barrie Daniels ST. AUGUSTINE FL Millie Janelle Snyder DRUMMOND OK Grace Radleigh ST. AUGUSTINE FL John Deasy DOYLESTOWN PA Sandy Murphy FAYETTEVILLE GA Charlie Hill LANSDALE PA Calvin Turner FAYETTEVILLE GA Wayne Patterson PINE GROVE PA Julia Turner FAYETTEVILLE GA Nicholas Neubig BEAUFORT SC Joe McDonnell ROSWELL GA Philip Neubig BEAUFORT SC Patricia McDonnell ROSWELL GA Harry Ammon BEAUFORT SC Jan Burch WEST DES MOINES IA James Pisciotano BEAUFORT SC Bob Mitchell WEST DES MOINES IA Valerie Perry CHARLESTON SC Sandy Codding BLOOMINGTON IL Barbara Wiberg GOOSE CREEK SC Steve Codding BLOOMINGTON IL Dan Wiberg GOOSE CREEK SC Helen Cole LANSING IL Roswitha Sulkowski MONCKS CORNER SC Jerry Cole LANSING IL Stan Sulkowski MONCKS CORNER SC Richard Webb SIMPSON IL Carol Walters MYRTLE BEACH SC William Cheesman CHARLESTOWN IN John Walters MYRTLE BEACH SC Suzanne Murphy CHARLESTOWN IN Naomi Sanders DECATUR TX Charles Davis FISHERS IN Robert Sanders DECATUR TX Nancy Davis FISHERS IN Jim Winchester LONDON UK Lester McCullough AUBURN KS Bonnie Farrell Woodbridge VA Sarah McCullough AUBURN KS Kathleen Farrell STAFFORD VA Gary Bjorge LAWRENCE KS Kirk Farrell STAFFORD VA Nancy Bjorge LAWRENCE KS Connie Aldrich NORTH HARTLAND VT Fred Vance TOPEKA KS Doc Simon WHITE RIVER JCT VT Phyl Vance TOPEKA KS Cheryl Baranek SOUTH MILWAUKEE WI Margaret Thompson BURLINGTON KY Frank Baranek SOUTH MILWAUKEE WI Tom Thompson BURLINGTON KY Carl Kernan NEW MARTINSVILLE WV Dewie Kernan NEW MARTINSVILLE WV

PAGE 16 Great Tour to USS Yorktown & Tico Room!

PAGE 17 SHIP STORE ORDER FORM: CRUISER ITEMS

NO ITEM PRICE QTY PRICE 1 Antique Bronze Coin $15 plus $5 shipping 2 Merlin Gold Coin $15 plus $5 shipping 3 Peter Hsu Drawing $20 plus $5 shipping 4 Color picture of ship $5 plus $2 shipping 5 Color collage of ship pictures $5 plus $2 shipping 6 Radar waveguide seal $5 plus $2 shipping 7 Cachet/Ship/Pascagoula Cancel $6 plus $1 shipping 8 Cachet/Decom Today/ Pascagoula $6 plus $1 shipping 9 Cachet/Last Day Postal Service Pasc. $6 plus $1 shipping 10 Any of above signed by CO $10 plus $1 shipping 11 Cachet/Ship/Ticonderoga Cancel $6 plus $1 shipping 12 Cachet/Decom Today/Ticonderoga $6 plus $1 shipping 13 Cachet/Last Day Postal Service Tico $6 plus $1 shipping 14 Any of above signed by CO $10 plus $1 shipping 15 Flag flown over ship on 25 Sept 04 $50 plus $5 shipping USS TICONDEROGA History/Educational 16 $55 plus $5 shipping Video Set (Just $3.00 per DVD!) 17 40th REUNION Commemorative booklet $10 plus $5 shipping PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE! FOR Total: ______ORDERS OF ITEMS 1‐17 ORDER AS FOLLOWS: On orders of $30 a Peter Hsu drawing will be included free of charge. Checks (if you are not ordering using PAYPAL) should be made to USS TICONDEROGA! VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION Orders should be mailed to: Ed Trotter 1150 Baywood Ave Camarillo, CA 93010‐3005 [email protected] If you have an e‐mail address it is suggested that you include it here:______and your phone number here:______in case we have to contact you for some reason. PLEASE check availability of products & SEE images of these items on the “Ship's Store” page at: www.bigt.net.

PAGE 18 SHIP STORE ORDER FORM: CARRIER ITEMS

NO ITEM PRICE QTY PRICE $12 + $9 Parcel Post 17 Ceramic Coffee Mug w/Logo & Tiger $12 + $11 Priority/Track# $20 includes shipping 18 Ball Caps–CV‐14 or CVA‐14 or CVS‐14 or CG‐47 ADD $2.25 for Scrambled

19 USS TICONDEROGA Warship Pictorial Book $20 includes shipping

20 White Polo Shirt – M, L (S,XL,2X,3X N/A) $29 includes shipping

21 Blue Polo Shirt ‐ S,M,L,XL $29 includes shipping Blue Polo Shirts – 2X,3X $31 includes shipping 22 Round TICO Patch (5 inches) $11 includes shipping 23 TICO Tiger patch $11 includes shipping License Plate Frame(s): $5 for 1, $12 for 4, 24 White with Blue Lettering $8 for 2, $17 for 5, Blue with White Lettering $10 for 3, $25 for 10 Carrier Holiday Ornaments Colors: $10 for 1 $18 for 2 25 BLUE, RED, GREEN $24 for 3 Includes Shipping Cruiser Holiday Ornaments Colors: $10 for 1 $18 for 2 26 BLUE, RED, GREEN, WHITE $24 for 3 Includes Shipping Gray Tee Shirts – S,M,L,XL $20 Includes Shipping 27 Gray Tee Shirts – 2X,3X $22 Includes Shipping Travel Mug – Carrier $18 Includes Shipping 28 Travel Mug ‐ Cruiser $18 Includes Shipping PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE! FOR ITEMS 17-28 ORDER AS FOLLOWS: Total: CHECKS: (if you are not ordering using PAYPAL) should be made to: USS TICONDEROGA VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION Orders should be mailed to: Arthur Casello 1737 Hoyt Ave. E. St. Paul, MN. 55106 Email: [email protected] If you have an e‐mail address, it is suggested that you include it here: and your phone number here: in case we have to contact you for some reason or send you a tracking #

PLEASE check availability of products & SEE images of these items on the “Carrier Store” page at: www.bigt.net OR Email [email protected]

PAGE 19 Beautiful Sights at Boone Hall Plantation

PAGE 20 Fascinating Confederate Museum & Ft. Sumter!

PAGE 21 USS TICONDEROGA MUSEUM ROOM ON USS HORNET INDIVIDUAL PLANK OWNER BENEFITS 10,000 - FLEET ADMIRAL $ $5,000 - ADMIRAL $2,500 - VICE ADMIRAL $1,500 - ADMIRAL REAR $1,000 - COMMODORE $500 - CAPTAIN $250 - COMMANDER $100 - LIEUTENANT $50 - ENSIGN NAME PERMANENTLY DISPLAYED ON THE SHIP X X X X X X X X X 10% DISCOUNTS AT USS HORNET'S GIFT SHOP X X X X X NUMBER OF YEARS FREE ADMISSION TO LIFE 4 3 2 1 USS HORNET AND USS YORKTOWN TIME LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP IN BIG T VETERANS X X X X ASSOCIATION SPECIAL GUEST PASSES TO ALL SHIP EVENTS X X STATEROOM STAY ON THE USS HORNET LIFE ONE (2 NIGHTS PER YEAR) TIME TIME

YES, I want to support the USS TICONDEROGA Museum Room on USS HORNET. I have enclosed my tax deductible gift of $______to “The Big T Veterans’ Association”. Over the next three years I plan to reach the following plank owner level: $50 Ensign ____ $1500 Rear Admiral ____ $100 Lieutenant ____ $2500 Vice Admiral ____ $250 Commander ____ $5,000 Admiral ____ $500 Captain ____ $10,000 Fleet Admiral ____ $1000 Commodore ____ Name: ______Address: ______City: ______State: _____ Zip: ______Optional: Phone no.______E-Mail: ______I also want to volunteer my services or make the following donations, please contact me. I can help with or will loan/donate the following:

PAGE 22 PLEASE SEND THIS FORM AND YOUR DUES TO: DENNIS W. SABELL - SECRETARY P. O. BOX 474 WHEAT RIDGE, CO 80034 Make Check Payable to Big T Veterans’ Association PLEASE PRINT NAME: DIVISION: RANK: (highest while aboard) YEARS ABOARD: to (reported ‐left) APT. # / LOT #: SPOUSE'S NAME: ADDRESS/ P.O. BOX: CITY: STATE: ZIP: Alternate Address: Above Alternate Address for Newsletters Mailed in: Jan Apr Jul Oct

Optional Information: If the information below is provided you will be giving permission for this information to be shared with other members PHONE#: FAX#: CELL#:

E‐MAIL ADDRESS: @

Dues Included for Period:

($20). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2014 ($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2015 ($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2016 THIS FORM CAN ($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2017 ($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2018 BE PRINTED . . . Or Lifetime Membership Amount (See Below) FROM Personal Gift Contributions to: WWW.BIGT.NET Memorial Fund General Fund REUNION PAGE. USS Hornet Museum Room ______USS CG‐47 Museum Room

TOTAL

Please Remember: For dues or contribution, notify treasurer and secretary of any change of address. Lifetime Membership Amounts:

Age 29 & under= $ 1,100 Age 59 & under= $ 500 Age 39 & under = $ 900 Age 69 & under = $ 300 Age 49 & under = $ 700 Age 70 & older = $ 100

PAGE 23 USS Ticonderoga Veterans’ Association c/o 3930 QUAY STREET Wheat Ridge CO 80033-4954 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA!MAY 14th–18th 2015 REGISTER BY APRIL 2015! GO TO WWW.BIGT.NET REUNION PAGE FOR ITINERARY & REGISTRATION FORMS!