A newsletter for former sailors of the USS HOLLAND AS-32

Volume 2 Issue 1 March 2005

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF USS HOLLAND AS-32

Special Points of Interest GREAT REUNION IN CHARLESTON • The 2nd reunion was a great success. Read all The second annual USS quirements. The good thing some ate in the hotel, and about it in the cover HOLLAND AS-32 reunion is is that David Elrod served some never left the re- article. now history. By all accounts as acting Chairman and did ception room. For most it it was a great reunion, at- a yeoman’s job. Hats off to had been a long day of • A list of reunion atten- tended by 40 shipmates David! travel and excitement, so dees is on page three. and 3 marines, plus 32 The reunion officially the evening ended pretty spouses or guests. Of inter- kicked off on Thursday Feb- early (compared to the • Meet the new officers of est is the fact that only 11 of ruary 19th around noon next two nights anyway). the Holland Association the 21 crewmembers who when the registration desk Friday morning on pages three thru five. attended the first reunion and hospitality room dawned a bit windy and last year in Corpus Christi opened. Throughout the chilly. After breakfast and • A long list of newly were able to return for the afternoon shipmates ar- a couple cups of coffee, located shipmates is in the Welcome Mat on second reunion. Due to a rived, all with the same two 25 people managed to page five. Keep looking death in the family, two of questions, “Who is here?” board a 21 passenger for more! the marines had to leave and “Who is coming?” The bus (busses were early, some crewmembers hospitality room stocked switched to accommodate • Find out the real story did not participate in all of with coffee, cold drinks and everyone) for a tour of behind the $12 billion the activities, so unfortu- snacks was the focal point Charleston and Boone space pen from the last nately, there was never a of the afternoon. At 5:00 Hall Plantation (not to be issue. John Streeter has single moment when every- PM acting Chairman David confused with the world the facts in Mail Call on one was together at the Elrod welcomed everyone famous Boone Farms page six. same time. A big disap- to the reunion, and then wine, which retails in con- pointment for every one (gasp) the bar opened and venience stores for $1.98 • Please join the USS was the fact that reunion hors d’oeuvres were a bottle.) Throughout the Holland Association. founder and group leader, served. Following the re- tour of Charleston, the The membership appli- cation is on page eight. Joe Garcia was unable to ception, some went to din- tour guide provided us attend because of work re- ner at a local restaurant, (Continued on page 2) Volume 2 Issue 1 THE FLYING DUTCHMAN Page 2

(Continued from page 1) Navy’s last diesel powered subs; and Rev Bob Prezioso gave the Invoca- with an amazing amount of informa- the Coast Guard Cutter INGHAM tion. An excellent meal was then tion about Charleston’s, history, cul- which was on active duty until de- served. Once again VP Elrod took ture, and importance as a port city. commissioned and given to Patriots the microphone but momentarily There was time for shopping in the Point. It was a leisurely tour, each at passed it to the closest table where historic market district, and most had his/her own pace. Lunch was served each crewman introduced himself lunch at a restaurant of their choice. on board the Yorktown in the old and shared his best memories of After shopping and lunch, it was Chief’s mess. The group returned to the ship. It was an extremely emo- away to Boone Hall Plantation which the hotel around 2:00 PM. tional time as forty-plus old (and was used during the filming of the The business meeting was held at not-so-old) sailors went back in time mini-series “North and South” and 3:00 PM with acting Chairman David to their ship board days. After the “Queen” and for background filming Elrod presiding. Joe Garcia called microphone made the rounds, Tom in “Gone with the Wind.” As part of during the meeting to say hello and Sellin took over and told the assem- the tour, the group was able to see wish everyone well. Several cities, bly that several years ago he and the lovely Georgian plantation house, Cincinnati, Pigeon Forge, Biloxi, San another shipmate had the opportu- slave quarters built from brick made Diego, Chicago, and Branson were nity to meet and break bread with on the plantation in the 1800’s and considered for the 2006 reunion. The the last CO of USS HOLLAND. The the flower ladies making their sweet first ballot narrowed the choices to CO gave them a large number of grass baskets. Upon returning to the Pigeon Forge and Cincinnati and the plaques – made on the ship - com- hotel, it was the same question, second ballot selected Cincinnati, memorating the home ports of the “Who came in since we left?” After OH as the 2006 reunion site. In a ship and de-commissioning cere- the initial flurry of activity, the hospi- separate action, it was decided to mony booklets. The plaques and tality room once again became the move the reunion time frame from booklets were first presented to “hot-spot” where tales (probably February to June, the exact dates to plank owners, then to the remaining some of them based on fact) were be determined by the Reunion Chair- crewmembers. A great big thanks told. man and the reunion manager. from to crew to Tom for holding on Later in the evening, at 6:00 PM a In other business, it was decided to these plaques and distributing cocktail hour began and at 7:00 PM to form a more “formal” organization, them!! The final act of the evening a Low Country Plantation style din- with officers to assist with the man- was to determine the youngest and ner buffet was served. The menu agement of the association. In order oldest crewmember present. The included traditional dishes such as to fund the ship’s newsletter and for “puppy” of the group was Ken okra gumbo, red rice, fried catfish other association expenses, it was Myers of Hartsville, SC, and the fillets, ribs, cabbage, and other decided to have membership dues “oldster” was Kevin Farley of Palm “stuff”. If anyone left hungry, it was plus a one-time initiation fee of Coast, FL. The crowd hung around their own fault. After dinner we had a $10.00. Those who attended the re- the banquet room long after the for- bit of “self-entertainment”. A game union were given the opportunity to malities ended. It was a good night! called “Remember That Song,” with join and pay their dues at the reun- Sunday morning came all too a few trivia questions mixed in, was ion, and those who were not at the quickly. With it came the realization played. A few lines of a song – and reunion should see the membership that it was almost time to go. Break- there was a mixture of pop, rock and information elsewhere in this news- fast this morning was a private buf- country – was played and the object letter for information on how they can fet, just for USS HOLLAND. Follow- was to identify the artist, name the join. Joe Garcia was elected as ing the meal, David Elrod and Ken- song and give the next line of the President, or “Captain” of the Asso- neth Noll conducted the memorial song. When the scores were tallied, ciation. David Elrod was elected as service recognizing and honoring winners were given a packet of USS Vice President (we’re not sure there deceased shipmates. The playing of Holland note cards for their participa- is such a thing as “Vice-Captain). TAPS ended the “official” part of the tion. Over-all winner was Kenneth Ivan Harrison and Gary Stowe were reunion. However, the reunion did Noll. It seemed to go over well. elected Secretary and Treasurer re- not end there. The memories will Saturday was a bright and sunny spectively. stay forever. The friendships re- day! Twenty-six crewmembers and The highlight of the reunion was established and the new friends spouses or guests left the hotel for of course the banquet. Beginning made will now forever be a part of the short ride to Patriots Point and with a photo session and cocktail each life. Goodbyes are tough, no the Maritime Museum. Here we were hour, the festivities kicked off at 7:00 one wanted to leave. Handshakes able to visit the Aircraft Carrier PM. Newly elected VP, David Elrod, turned to hugs, and there was more YORKTOWN, the famous fighting opened the banquet program by than one tear. Slowly but surely, lady of World War II; the destroyer playing “Anchors Aweigh” – to get single by single, couple by couple, LAFFEY, a participant in the Nor- everyone in the proper frame of the room emptied – until the only mandy landings on D-Day 1944; the mind, followed by the National An- thing left was the echo “See you in submarine CLAMAGORE, one of the them, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Cincinnati!” Volume 2 Issue 1 THE FLYING DUTCHMAN Page 3

2005 REUNION MEET THE NEW OFFICERS OF THE ATTENDEES USS HOLLAND ASSOCIATION

Patrick Bannerman As you read in the reunion report, graduating from high school, I Michael Bartik it was decided to organize the USS joined the United States Navy back Steve Baxter Holland group into a more formalized on June 9, 1975 in San Antonio, Karen Bottoni & Debbie Mandigo association. The following officers Texas. Went to boot camp in Or- Earl & Dorothy Brandon were elected at the 2005 reunion: lando, FL. I was in Brigade Com- Marvin Cregger Joe Garcia, President pany 518. Upon graduating from Al & Julie Danaher David Elrod, V. President boot, I was held back for 2 extra Douglas & Judy Davis Ivan Harrison, Secretary weeks for some kind of shipboard Bob & Lena Druin Gary Stowe, Treasurer training, then shipped out to David & Jill Elrod Charleston, SC Naval Yard to the Kevin & Theresa Farley We are proud to introduce you to Best Duty Station there ever was in Arvin & Lynn Foes each one now. my hitch—the USS Holland AS-32. Samuel & Audrey Fox Came on board the Holland in Tom & Anita Frankford the last week of August 1975. I was John Glover Jose (Joe) Garcia, President: in the holding tank with the Master Christian Granger Greetings. My of Arms until we shipped out to Ivan Harrison name is Jose Al- Scotland. Then I was transferred to Douglas & Jan Jenkins bero Garcia, some Deck Department, assigned to 2nd Jack Knight of you know me as Division. While in 2nd Division I Cecil & Marjorie Krick your Reunion Coor- learned various tasks, from deck Percy & Patty Lyon dinator for the USS seamanship to operating the cargo/ Harold (Gene) & Zaida Lyons Holland AS-32, and torpedo crane to the Missiles crane. Forrest & Joyce Mooney my friends know I really loved working in the great Kenneth Myers me as Joe. I am 48 outdoors, especially when the rain Kenneth Noll years old, Mexican hits you sideways. I had great fun William Peterson American, ( I dislike using the word while in Holy Loch, Scotland. Then I Robert Prezioso Hispanic, because of the word PANIC left the Holland for shore duty in Clyde & Carolyn Riggs at the end, which I do not). There is a March of ‘77, and on my way to Na- Donald & Sandra Robson little humor for you all. I’m 5’ 8” and val Station Annapolis, MD as a Sea- Lawrence Sandy starting to lose my hair, but it is still man E-3. While in Annapolis, I was Robert & Chani Scheffler & Ann Renaud black. My weight fluctuates from time worked in the Small Craft Facility, in Thomas & Karen Sellin to time (average is 190). But, enough the rigging department. After doing Joe & Donna Shriver of what is becoming of me. I have several months there, I cross-rated Pamela & Neil Silliman been married to the same wife for 18 to the fireman rating and transferred Robert & Marie Silvey years, Maria Cerda, and have two to the Hull Dept and worked in the James Sketoe wonderfully made children (some of Ship Fitter shop, and later on, be- Loring, Carol & Jennifer Stannard you all know them from the 1st reun- came an HT. The Chief was kind James & Paulette Stark ion), Jacklyn (Jackie), age 9; and enough to send me to A School in Jerry Stout Jose Manuel (Manny), age 4. They Norfolk, VA. After 8 weeks of in- Gary & Ruth Stowe are the pride of my life and so is my tense training and graduating from John & Carol Streeter wife. HT School, they gave me 3rd Class Curry Sylestine I am a Memorial High School HT and orders to go back to Anna- Harvey Walker graduate, the graduating class of polis, MD. I was hoping to go back Charles & Alice Wolner 1975 from San Antonio, Texas. into the repair business, like back to Frank Wright Played various sports, or should say the Tender Navy, but we all can’t be only two. I loved playing the game of that lucky, but everyone else did. Total Members: 45 football and track while in high school. One guy that was with me did get Guests: 27 I played starting defensive end and orders to the Holland. I served my GRAND TOTAL: 72 offensive guard, not bad for a 160 lbs time down in Annapolis until I was ______homeboy. As of today I still hold the medically transferred to Bethesda high school record for pole vaulting at Navy Medical Hospital due to a leg Total attendance more than my alma mater at 13’ 9”. I really en- injury while playing flag football for doubled from last year! joyed my high school days. I wish I our team at the facility. I was laid up

could have made it a career. After (Continued on page 4) Volume 2 Issue 1 THE FLYING DUTCHMAN Page 4

(Continued from page 3) mentary grade level. I have been 1983. in the hospital for a period of 6 teaching for four years now, and I On Jan. 28, 1984, I enlisted in the months. After recovery I was sent enjoy working with kids with special USNR at the Southfield, MI Reserve to NDW Annacostia for the rest of needs. I am also the Chess Club Center and was attached to the USS my enlistment. While there, I re- coach at our school. All of my kids Caron (DD-970) until the unit was dis- member some wild times in are USCF rated players. It’s some- established in November 1985. I was Georgetown. But that’s another thing that I learned to play while on then reassigned to Amphibious Con- story. the Holland. I am proud to say that struction Battalion Two Det 213 in Upon exiting the Navy, I went our Chess Club Team is well-known Battle Creek, MI. back home to San Antonio, Texas. in the South Texas region area. Lo- I was recalled to Active Duty on I used my trade that I learned in cally we are feared by the local ele- Jan. 16, 1991 to ACB2 Little Creek, the Navy as an aviation sheet mentary schools when we go to tour- VA and served in Desert Storm with metal mechanic for Fairchild- nament. They say, “Well, there goes the Amphibious Assault Team. In Swearingen Aviation. It was an first place.” We have won eight 1st June of 1991 I was returned to Re- experience working in the aviation place team trophies in the elemen- serve Status and retired from the Re- field. Worked for Fairchild Indus- tary grade level. Since Sept 2004, serves on December 1, 1997. tries for a short while, about two we have won 3rd place team in re- I was employed by the Ford Motor years, but again it was time to gional, out of 23 schools, and gone Company in 1996 and my present move on. Being single at the time, to the Texas State Championship position the is major stock repairman wanting something exciting in my tournament just this past month. We in the Axle Assembly Plant, Sterling, life and not knowing what I really placed 17th out of 68 schools in the Heights, MI. wanted in life, I moved to Houston, state of Texas, and brought home a I am looking forward to serving in TX, and started to work for Halli- team trophy. Our school district and this position to my best ability. I am burton Services Offshore. I worked our school are proud of the accom- also looking forward to seeing even in the oilfield patch, again for a plishments that my team has done, more of our fellow shipmates at the period or two years. I was working This is only the 2nd year that Chess next reunion in Cincinnati. six days on and six days off. Boy, Club has started. I love my job and I working for this company really love what I do. I would not trade it for Respectfully, brought back sweet memories of anything in the world. I think I have Dave Elrod being in the Navy. Being out in the said all that there is to say about me ______Gulf of Mexico about 250 miles in a short period of time. I want to southeast of Corpus Christi, TX, on thank you all for making this possi- Ivan Harrison, Sec- a floating rig. Stayed on for as long ble. retary: as I could handle it, and believe ______I was on the Hol- me, I can. I was moved to about land from September six different rigs during my time. I David Elrod, Vice 1965 until June 28, saw rigs getting battered by President: 1968 when my enlist- storms, fires and blowouts. The I reside in Oakland ment ended. During longest that I’ve stayed off shore Twp, MI with my wife that time I was as- was four months without seeing Jill. We have 5 chil- signed to the Electronics Repair Divi- land. Back then the pay was excel- dren and nine grand- sion (R4). I worked in the Electronics lent. I said to myself, “Do I want to children. Repair Shop, the ECM Shop, and dur- continue this life of living?” Again a I enlisted in the ing my last year as the Division ESS story to tell in the next reunion. Navy in 1973 and attended Boot where I coordinated R4 Divisions I settled down in Laredo, TX, Camp from Aug. 6-Oct. 2 that year. I work with the boats. Looking back, around the later part of the 80’s. then attended Engineman “A” School they were extraordinary years. I re- Decided to use my G.I. Bill in edu- from Oct. 16 to Dec. 21, 1973. tired four years ago after 33 years cating myself and getting a degree My first ship was the Holland and with the IBM Corporation and the in Education. During my pursuit in I served on her from Jan. 17, 1974 to three years I spent on the Holland had college I met my wife in college. February 21, 1979. I then had shore a tremendous effect in shaping who I She was working there at the time. duty at Naval Surface Weapons Cen- became and what I did in later years. Ended up getting married and ter, Dahlgren, VA from May 1979 to After Holland I went to work for working and going to school part- May 1982. I met my wife Jill while IBM Corporation as a Customer Engi- time. It took awhile, but it finally serving here. neer in Detroit, Michigan and married paid off. I reached my goal in life I then did sea duty aboard the a girl from Chicago. She became and got a BS in Special Education, USS Butte (AE-27) from June 1982 homesick, so I transferred to Chicago, and now am a teacher in a self- until July 1983. I was honorably dis- Illinois. My first wife died in 1992 and I contained Autistic Unit in the ele- charged from Active Duty on July 28, have since remarried. I have two Volume 2 Issue 1 THE FLYING DUTCHMAN Page 5 sons, a daughter from my first wife committees, volunteered at the Dwayne Wineguard (1963-65) and two granddaughters. My young- Palmyra Nutrition Center, and nu- BMSN G Div est son married last September, so merous other civic organizations. William Peterson (1964-66) 3/c W-4 maybe in the next year or so, a Gary and his wife Ruth were Bill Shore (1966-68) Joe Shriver (1963-65) BT1 grandson (another granddaughter is married in 1990, and he has one John Grahams (1968-71) ok too). stepson and one granddaughter. Raymond Cook BM3 We enjoy camping and hiking, so ______Francis Kivior (1968-71 FN we travel a lot. A favorite spot is in ______the Medicine Bow Forest in Wyo- ming. We have driven to Alaska twice and to Cancun in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Our next long driving trip will be back to Alaska, but I also want to visit Inuvik and Yellowknife in Canada’s Northwest WELCOME MAT Territories. TAPS Among my goals for our new The following shipmates have been organization as Secretary I hope to located since the last newsletter. Wel- The Holland Flying Dutchman has help build a solid organizational come aboard. We hope to see you at learned of the following deaths since structure and substantially increase the next reunion. You are invited to the last newsletter. Our deepest sym- enrollment. It’s only fitting that the become an active member of the USS pathy goes out to the families and “world’s best tender” also have the Holland reunion group. Because of the friends of the deceased. world’s best organization and reun- large number of names, we will not be William Swilling TM ions. able to include addresses, but if you Died September 20, 1997 ______see someone you know and would like his/her address, contact ML&RS, Inc. and we will provide it to Michael Silliman Gary M. Stowe, you. (1969-71) BM2/c Deck Treasurer: Died November 19, 1998 Gary M. Stowe James Higdon G. Lamb was born and Jamie Jennett (1988-92) DC3 raised in Marshal- Date of death not reported Donald Phifer town, IA. He Vernon House graduated from Robert Jones Marvin Mealey Date of death not reported Marshaltown High Raymond Willis School in 1960 James Sketoe Dwight Zook and Marshaltown Community Col- John Glover (1965-66) CPL Date of death not reported lege in 1962. He enlisted in the US Douglas Jenkins (1965-66) L/Cpl Navy and served from 1962-1966 Bogdan Buraczewski (1963-64) Anyone who knows or learns of a MR3 R-2 Div shipmate’s death, you are requested to as a missile technician. Upon sepa- Robert Prezioso (1963-64) SN Deck ration from the Navy, he went back notify the newsletter so that person Bart Shaw can be listed in TAPS and also on the to school, graduating from North- Ed Dikeman east Missouri State University (now Honor Roll at the next reunion. W. J. Deglow ______Truman State University) with a Charles Styer BSE in 1968 and a MA in 1971. He Charles Howell taught high school for 3 years, then Robert Amatucci DC3 Damage joined American Cyanamid Co. as Vance Houston (1963-65) Sk1 S-1 FINANCIAL REPORT an analytical chemist in 1972. He Allan Parker Balance after 12/04 Minus $111.88 Stephen Dublinski stayed with that company for 26 1/2 Funds received since 12/04 Percy Lyon (1967-71) EN2 Repair $180.00 years, retiring in June 1999. Since Dennis Clifford retiring, he enjoys playing golf and Curry Sylestine (1965-69) E5-DC Funds available 03/05 $68.12 woodworking. Gary has served as Dennis Dawson (1969-73) Expended 03/05 $487.98 board chairman of his church, mod- Lance Childress erator of his church’s area board, Ken Wagner (1989-91) HT2 R-1 From now on, the Association will served on his church’s regional John Hughes (1984-88) EN2 M Div be billed for the newsletter. Do not board, vice president of the Palmyra Ivan Harrison (1965-68) ETN3 send contributions to ML&RS, Jaycees, current president of the Charles Keating MR1 R-2 Div Inc. Robert Scheffler (1966-74) MM1 R2 Palmyra Kiwanis Club, served on Send to: Gary Stowe, 909 W James Stark, Jr. (1963-66)TM2 W-5 New St, Palmyra, MO 63461. Palmyra Community Character plus Joe Groover

Volume 2 Issue 1 THE FLYING DUTCHMAN Page 6

and all Russian space flights prior to Scotland. I have the ship’s plaque 1968. Fisher Space Pens are more from the quarter deck from that time dependable than lead pencils and hanging on my wall. Brass on walnut, cannot create the hazard of a broken I believe. piece of lead floating through the You ever hear from one of the gravity-less atmosphere.” shipmates I served with named MAIL CALL God knows NASA has enough Charles Jenkins SKSN? He worked home grown problems without our in the S-2 store rooms. I myself Karen, adding to them with baseless ru- worked in two of the stores and laun- I know this is a minor concern, but mors! dry. in the Sept issue of The Flying Ronald O Neeley Dutchman there was a piece on John Streeter 625 East Southern Ave NASA spending $12 billion dollars ______Springfield, OH 45505 developing a pen to write in a weight- less environment. When I read the Dear Sir: We do not have Charles Jenkins on word Billion, I suspected this was a I served on the USS Holland AS- our roster, but if any of you know farce, so I personally researched this 32 from 1978 to 1980 in Holy Loch, him, please contact Mr. O’Neeley. item on Snopes.com, the source my librarian daughter uses to validate or debunk “Urban Legends” and clipped the following out of Snopes research: “Fisher did ultimately develop a pressurized pen for use by NASA astronauts (now known as the fa- mous “Fisher Space Pen”), but both American and Soviet space missions initially used pencils, NASA did not seek out Fisher and ask them to de- velop a “space pen,” Fisher did not charge NASA for the cost of develop- ing the pen, and the Fisher pen was eventually used by both American and Soviet astronauts. “Fisher spent over one million dollars trying to perfect the ball point pen before he made his first suc- cessful pressurized pens in 1965. Samples were immediately sent to Dr. Robert Gilruth, Manager of the Houston Space Center, where they were thoroughly tested and approved for use in Space in September 1965. In December 1967 he sold 400 Fisher Space Pens to NASA for $2.95 each. “Lead pencils were used on all Mercury and Gemini space flights

Published By: Military Locator & Reunion Service, Inc PO Drawer 11399 Hickory, NC 28603 828-256-6008 (voice) 828-256-6559 (fax) [email protected] [email protected] www.mlrsinc.com (web site)

“Our Reunions Work So You Don’t Have Pictures taken at various times on the USS Holland and put together as a col- To” lage by Bobby Ridings, Plank owner 1963-65. Volume 2 Issue 1 THE FLYING DUTCHMAN Page 7

PICTURES FROM THE 2005 REUNION

THE WHOLE GANG RESTING AT THE YORKTOWN

PRESENTING PLAQUES TO PLANKOWNERS PLANKOWNERS

THE YOUNGEST (MYERS) & OLDEST (FARLEY) ATTENDEES THE HOLLAND LADIES

USS HOLLAND BANQUET WALKWAY TO USS YORKTOWN Volume 2 Issue 1 THE FLYING DUTCHMAN Page 8

USS HOLLAND (AS-32) Association Membership Application

I wish to become a member of USS Holland Association. The following personal information is provided with the understanding that it will not be disseminated outside the association without my written permis- sion. Dues are $12.00 annually, plus a one time $10.00 initiation fee. Dues are due on or before June 1 each year. Dues for anyone joining before May 31, 2005, will be considered paid up until June1, 2006.

L Name: ______F Name: ______MI:____

Address: ______

City: ______St: ______Zip: ______

Phone: (______) ______

E-mail: ______

DOB: ______

Spouse’s Name:______Spouse’s DOB: ______

Years Served on board USS Holland. Fm: ______To: ______

Highest Rate on (insert ship/unit): ______

Duty Section: ______

Amount enclosed: $ ______

Make your check or money order payable to:

USS Holland AS-32 Association

Send this completed form and your dues payment to:

Gary Stowe 909 W New St Palmyra, MO 63461-1071

Volume 2 Issue 1 THE FLYING DUTCHMAN Page 9

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE STATEMENT OF PUBLICATION Greeting Fellow Ship Mates, I would like to welcome you all to our 5th edition of The Flying Dutch- This is the official publication of man Newsletter, and for those who are just receiving this for the first time, I the USS Holland AS-32. From now hope that you will find this periodical very informative and enjoyable. Let first on it will be published quarterly in of all introduce myself. My name is Jose A. Garcia. At our 2nd reunion that March, June, September and De- was held just last month in Charleston, S.C., I am proud to say that those who cember, subject to receiving suffi- attended, a much bigger group than that of the prior year, formed the U.S.S. cient funding. The Newsletter is Holland AS-32 Association and they have elected me as the President of the funded by voluntary contributions Association. The reunion gathering doubled it’s growth to 32 shipmates. from the membership. All members There were several walk–ins on Saturday’s event, from what I was told by are encouraged to support the voice David Elrod, our elected Vice-President. I could not attend this time around of the Holland. A financial statement due to an unexpected event that I had to attend. I was kept informed about will appear in each of the following the reunion via cell phone. I just wish I could have been there. It will be an issues. Send contributions Gary honor and a privilege to serve you as your 1st president of this association. I Stowe, 909 W New St., Palmyra, will work closer with the Officers that were also elected in this past reunion MO 63461. that was held. We are working really hard right now trying to iron out several The newsletter is intended to be items that are happening. Ivan Harrison, our elected secretary, will be con- a vehicle for the members to ex- tacting every crew member on our mailing list, to make sure we have your press opinions, make suggestions data file updated. We will be e-mailing our newsletter to those who have an e- and especially share experiences. mail address. And for those who don’t have one, you will get the periodical Unless otherwise stated, the snail mail. Please make sure that you have Adobe reader, version 6.0 pro- views and opinions printed in the gram in your computer. You can download this program free at newsletter are those of the article’s www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html. Just follow the steps and writer, and do not necessarily repre- you can’t go wrong. Our membership drive for the Association is off to a start. sent the opinion of the Association We are encouraging you all to please sign up to the association. The mem- leadership or the Editor of the bership dues are explained in this newsletter. Our Treasurer elected for the Newsletter. Association is Gary Stowe. Please mail in your payment to him, payable to All letters and stories submitted USS Holland AS-32 Association, 909 West New St., Palmyra, MO.63461- will be considered for publication, 1071.We are working now on our very own “ OFFICIAL” U.S.S.HOLLAND AS- except unsigned letters will not be 32 website. Tom Nofsinger is registering the ship’s name to its domain. He published. Letters requesting the will be setting things up for us on this great endeavor for us all. I would like to writer’s name be withheld will be thank him for donating a webserver for the Association. John Streeter and Jim honored, but published on a space Stark will be heading off in maintaining the website for us. We will keep you all available basis. Signed letters with posted when the website will be commissioned and placed in active service. no restrictions will be given priority. We are now looking at various merchandise for the ship’s store, and it looks Letters demeaning to another like we are going to get some great stuff for our fellow members. There is a lot shipmate will not be printed; letters of work to be done, and I am sure that in the next newsletter that will come in espousing a political position will not June will have some more exciting news. Until then, I bid you smooth sailing be printed. and fair winds. ML&RS, Inc is not responsible for the accuracy of articles sub- Jose. A.Garcia mitted for publication. It would be President, U.S.S. Holland AS-32 Association impossible to check each story. ______Therefore, we rely on the submit- ter to research each article. The editor reserves the right to edit letters to conform to space limi- Editor’s note: At the last minute we realized you may not want to tations and grammar. use the membership application on page 8 because you may want You are encouraged to actively to keep the pictures which are on the other side. We decided to participate in the newsletter family, print an extra application on the other side of this page so you can by submitting your stories and sug- keep the pictures. You may use either one of them, just please use gestions. them! ______