U S S R E E V E S (DLG-24/CG-24) A SSOCIATION

Fall 2012 Volume 5, Issue 3

The Ironman—A Double Ender’s Newsletter

Membership Scorebox Wire From Charleston Current 61 The weather was very warm and the day. We were directed to the Naval Due 98 air extremely heavy with humidity when Weapons Station, North Charleston, Snail Mail Ad- we stepped out of the commuter plane which is actually located up River Road in 87 dresses Only from Atlanta at the Charleston Airport on Goose Creek. Our instructions from the that late Tuesday evening. We were a civilians were Email Address 447 couple of days early—but we were the kind of “go a Total Shipmates 2,340 organizers. That would be expected. couple minutes After a quick sojourn at the Budget up the street and Dues Notice! Counter inside the airport, it took fifteen take a right.” Not! We found Please be sure to check your minutes to find our rental car in a very mailing label or email nota- small parking lot with a lot of Hertz/Avis/ the Naval Weap- tion. National/Budget/Other stock shoved into ons Station with If it doesn’t say Current a few parking slots. You could cut the air my Garmin above your name at the top with a knife. My glasses were instantly GPS, watched speed limit signs and signs of the label, you should re- fogged up. My wife had to do a lot of for the Commissary and shopped in the new your annual dues. To palmettos. Later, after an interesting tour reach the greatest number of reconnaissance in a really heavy air place. of the narrow streets in Navy Housing, we shipmates, we will publish I had to figure out the stupid controls the complete Association found the Navy Exchange, but still buried newsletter to any valid email on the Kia key pad, figure out how our in palmettos. (Nice housing, by the way.) or snail mail address. Your stuff would fit into the trunk, figure out dues payments make this the road out of the rental lot and small By Thursday, the weather was season- possible. airport and then locate ably warm. Shipmates were beginning to the Charleston Radis- drift in to the Radisson Charleston and in Inside this issue: son Airport Hotel. the afternoon the hospitality room began Somehow or other, we to fill up. The beer, wine, sodas and water President’s Message 2 treaded our way were chilled. The simple snack and Hal- Have You Heard? 2 around Aviation loween candy bowls were filled and in place. The hotel staff and Lorri had done Shipmates’ Deck Log 3 Boulevard, skipped the interstate and end- a good job of preparing a patriotic, com- Archiving 4 ed up at the Radisson fortable and hospitable room. Consider Portland 5 Airport on Rivers Av- Shipmates and their spouses, adult Financials/Objectives 6 enue. I do recall see- children, or significant others started Association Meeting Minutes 6 ing the new Boeing assembly plant that checking in mid-afternoon Thursday and Navy Memorial 7 was so central to news recently… It was continued through Saturday afternoon. nearly 9:55 p.m. The restaurant was near- We even had a couple of unplanned ship- From the Goat Locker 10 ly closed but the bartender was still talk- mates show up and were easily able to fit Ruminations 11 ing to the chef. And the chef was still them in to the tours and social events. Membership Application 12 being bamboozled by the bartender. We The biggest problem in planning a were able to order a couple of simple ap- reunion is filling the tours venue. It was petizers, and then go to bed. So far, it was sort of iffy up until the weeks just prior to Charleston-2, Reeves-0 or maybe Reeves- the reunion. Then, everything filled up 1 depending upon the bar scores. with all minimums more than met. We We shopped and stocked on Wednes- (Continued on page 8) PageP a g e 222 The IronmanIronman————AA Double Ender’s Newsletter The President’s Page Charleston ‘12 Mike and Lorri Robertson once again yours on its way. Your cost for the Greetings to the proved they really have a handle on coins represents very little mark-up. Reeves Associa- the reunion business. The hotel ac- We paid a little over $10.00 each for tion Family; commodations were comfortable, the the first batch (includes art and mint- meeting area in the hotel met all our ing costs). This provides us with a The Reeves Asso- needs, the tours went off without a very high quality product for less than ciation 2012 Reun- hitch, the dinner-cruise was excellent, the cost of a generic USN coin. Jeff ion in Charleston as was the banquet. On top of all that, has agreed to be eventually reim- is now an entry in they kept the meeting room supplied bursed out of the coins sales, with any the deck log ….. and can easily be with all the snacks, refreshments, and profit from the sales going to the considered the new benchmark for necessities we could need. We all Reeves Association. So now we not Reeves reunions. That’s saying a lot ended up being pretty spoiled all only have our own classy challenge when you consider the great time we weekend, as Mike and Lorri quietly coin, we were treated to a very classy have had in other venues. I never had everything under control. We act by Jeff Wofford. In the name of thought we could top the great time (once again) owe them a great deal of the Reeves Association, I would like we had in San Diego a few years ago, thanks for a job well done. to thank Jeff for stepping up and mak- but it appears the Charleston Reunion ing this happen. has done it - and for a variety of rea- One of the significant events of the sons. First I think must be location. weekend came as a surprise to most We eventually got around to brass Charleston is a very historic Navy of the reunion attendees, as the first tacks at the annual business meeting. Town, so we had plenty of interesting edition of the USS Reeves Associa- There were some discussions over things to do and see. The tour choices tion Challenge Coin made its debut attendance, and what we were doing were excellent, as was the weather. at the Friday evening reception. Ship- to get the word out to our shipmates. mate Jeff Wofford arrived with the We spoke of new ways to keep work- This brought out our biggest reunion newly designed and minted coins, and ing that issue, and hope to improve crowd to date, with 35 in attendance. each shipmate at the reunion was pre- our ability to reach out to more ship- We had shipmates representing every sented with a shiny new coin as part mates for future reunions. We decid- era of the Reeves 30 year lifetime, of their reunion package. The coins ed to stick with our current plan of from ‘63 to ‘93. We managed to have actually been planned for quite holding reunions every other year. gather a few new attendees to blend in some time, but life got in the way of Every year seems to be too much with the core group of shipmates that them being produced any earlier than from a planning perspective, while seem to make it to every reunion. We absolutely necessary. Jeff was able to every other year seems to be too long even had some guests (other than use a few resources to get the artwork from a member interest perspective. spouses) that came along to be a part resolved, then personally funded pro- The winning argument was that we of the entire reunion. I think I’m safe duction of the coins. Jeff got the fin- like our reunions in October, so our in saying that the attendees ished coins from the manufacturer the nod went to continue every-other year (shipmates, spouses, and guests) day before the reunion, so I’m not reunions. found the atmosphere to have the kidding when I say they were hot off same friendly and comfortable atmos- Our plan to move the annual reunions the press. Jeff’s effort and monetary around the country (east, west, mid- phere that has become the standard contribution made the coins possible, for each of our reunions. We trav- dle) completed its first evolution this without challenging the associations’ year when we made it back to the east elled as a group on the tours, shared resources. meals, told sea stories, and enjoyed a coast. That makes the next stop out few cocktails together … and all with The Reeves Challenge coins are now west. We believe this rotation keeps minimal drama. available for $12.00 each (plus ship- us on track to take the reunions to our ping). Contact Mike Robertson to get members. All things considered, it Volume 5, Issue 3 PageP a g e 333 Mail/eMail/Decklog From Our Shipmates ——— Mike, as always, great newsletter! Its Dear Michael, Ed Williams fun to remember the days on the high I trust the reunion at Patriot's Point seas riding the Reeves! You really went well for all. My trip to Massa- We just got back from the 2012 keep it all together! chusetts was quite nice. Reeves Association Reunion in Mike Lager We spoke briefly of my having brief- Charleston, SC. What a great reunion! MMCM (SW/AW/MTS) USN Re- ly sailed aboard the Reeves in 1975. I We got to party with our shipmates tired have nothing but the fondest of mem- and enjoy plenty of Charleston. Wait ories and my only regrets at this time, until you see the new "Reeves Chal- 1990-93 Reeves (MMCS) now approaching 40 years, is that I lenge Coins". You're really gonna like didn't take the effort to experience her them, and they'll soon be available on I was on board the Reeves from 71 to and her crew in more detail. the website. early 73. Last year I hired a person to Glad you are spearheading the ef- order up the Reeves deck logs from forts. Tom Bailey 71-72 and early 73. He was able to Sincerely, get 71 and 73 logs but, was told by Richard H. Fitzgerald, M.D., F.A.C.P. the Navy they had pulled 72 logs I miss my shipmates on that USS from archives and will not release Reeves. I miss Joseph, Glubrecht and them. He filed a FOIA request on my Keep up the good work on the web- PM, BM1 West, BM1 savage and all behave but, to date no luck. He has site. Always enjoy reading the news- these rest of the crew. I miss all you asked other people who do military letter. On board Sep '68 to Apr '69 as guys. Please contact me at my email record searches if anyone knows why a YN3. John Carlson the Navy will not release the logs but, Sam Bishop [email protected] no one knows anything. Has anyone tried to get deck logs from 1972 or knows why they removed them from Served 1970-73 @ Pearl Harbor and I served aboard the Reeves from 1985 public access? If so, please let me aboard QM/SM worked the bridge -89 MS1 know by email. Thanks and steered in out of port also at sea. Roy Lunde Other numerous duties. Anthony Ortega

Have You Heard?

The 2012 Darwin Awards are out ! It's and after a little shopping around, sub- wanting to admit his incompetence, that magical time of year again when mitted a claim to his insurance compa- the driver went to a nearby bus stop the Darwin Awards are bestowed, ny. The company expecting negli- and offered everyone waiting there a honoring the least evolved among us. gence sent out one of its men to have a free ride. He then delivered the pas- Here is the glorious winner: look for himself. He tried the machine sengers to the mental hospital, telling and he also lost a finger.. The chef's the staff that the patients were very 1. When his .38 caliber revolver failed claim was approved. excitable and prone to bizarre fanta- to fire at his intended victim during a 3. A man who shoveled snow for an sies. The deception wasn't discovered hold-up in Long Beach, California for 3 days. would-be robber James Elliot did hour to clear a space for his car during something that can only inspire won- a blizzard in Chicago returned with his 5. An American teenager was in the der. He peered down the barrel and vehicle to find a woman had taken the hospital recovering from serious head tried the trigger again. This time it space. Understandably, he shot her wounds received from an oncoming worked. 4. After stopping for drinks at an ille- train. When asked how he received the injuries, the lad told police that he was And now, the Honorable mentions: gal bar, a Zimbabwean bus driver found that the 20 mental patients he simply trying to see how close he 2. The chef at a hotel in Switzerland was supposed to be transporting from could get his head to a moving train lost a finger in a meat cutting machine Harare to Bulawayo had escaped. Not before he was hit. P a g e 4 The IronmanIronman————AA Double Ender’s Newsletter Reunion Group PhotoPhoto————BanquetBanquet Group Photograph

Archives

Archiving Our shipmate, Kurt Stuvengen, Copies of those family grams, of memos and citations in the back rummaged through the papers that ombudsman letter and a couple of of the album. After a quick read, I his mom and dad had kept over the internal ship’s newsletters will be found Tommy to get permission and years and found every Family Gram scanned and posted on the website. then headed out for the nearest Of- that had been sent from the USS Please send copies to the editor of fice Depot and made copies for the Reeves between 1980 and 1986. the Association newsletter at: ship’s archives. Try to imagine that Kurt then copied every page of those 15709 N Sycamore St maneuver in Charleston of a Sunday newsletters and forwarded them to Mead, WA 99021 morning. I had forgotten about blue the archivist (me). Spending several laws… day reading every one of them, more Update… We are building our archives. than 700 shipmate’s names were Eric Wenzel sent the Baptismal Cer- identified and posted to the data tificate when his daughter, Sandra A funny thing happened at the base. Sakura Wenzel, was baptized Charleston reunion. People brought The listing of shipmates on the onboard the REEVES by Chaplain stuff for the reunion, cruise books, website has grown considerably. James Patrick Morgan in Dec 1984. documents, pamphlets, etc. Well, While we are about 1,700 names And Kurt sent a copy of a Meritori- Tommy Rottman brought a picture short of the estimated 4,000 of those ous Unit Commendation for Battle album that Tom Kerr was browsing who served between 1962 and 1992, Group Alfa during the period Jul on Sunday morning. Tom men- we are a lot closer than we were five 1982 — May1984, of which tioned that there were original copies years ago. REEVES was an element. Volume 5, Issue 3 PageP a g e 555 Consider the Northwest, Consider Portland Portland has been described as cruises to join in comfortable, the jet boat is a great America’s most European city. If that the Portland way to see the Columbia means a great walking city with tons Rose Festival. River.Portland is the home to some 30 of public transportation, a progressive Heeding the different breweries. There are pub atmosphere that celebrates the arts, a call of the and brewery tours aplenty. culture of great food, artisan coffee, “Women’s No itinerary would be complete beer and wine and neighborhoods Auxiliary” at the without considering the Portland chock full of shops selling handmade 2012 reunion, Spirit Dinner Cruise. clothes, crafts and furniture, then we’d Portland is a Fresh Northwest cuisine, live have to agree. perfect base for wine and vineyard entertainment and grand scenery are tours west of Portland. all the ingredients you need for a There are river tours on both the memorable evening. Willamette and Columbia. Some tours use a jet boat, others use a stern wheeler. Of course, there are day trips to Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens. The Heart of the Gorge Land & Sea Excursion is a fully narrated tour covering 60 miles of the Columbia As fantastic as River aboard a jet boat and a Portland is to spend sightseeing motorcoach. You will see time in, it’s one of the Cape Horn, Fort Vancouver and the easiest cities to spend Heart of the Gorge Cascade Locks. time outside. The There will be a lunch stop and each On the Portland Spirit Dinner mountains, waterfalls, paying guest will be provided a Cruise, this flagship yacht combines a wine country and $10.00 lunch voucher. classic nautical experience with a fine other assorted outdoor dining atmosphere, while the Captain goodies Oregon is so provides entertaining narration on the famous for are all a outside deck. Major sights on the short drive away. cruise include Memorial Coliseum, So whether you’re the Rose Garden Arena, Oregon looking to spend time Convention Center, Spaghetti Factory in or outside a great and Willamette Park. city, Portland’s it. And so says the Portland Travel Site. USS Reeves was no stranger to the Rose City. She made a few One half of the trip will be done by jet boat and the other half by motorcoach. There is no guarantee which half of the tour will be conducted on the boat and which half will be on the motorcoach. That decision is made on the day of the tour. These are only some of the This cruise portion has the added options to be considered. Finding a excitement of taking place on a high- hotel for the reunion is the first item speed jet boat - an expereience just as of business. Stay tuned for breathtaking as the scenery. Fast and developments. P a g e 6 The IronmanIronman————AA Double Ender’s Newsletter Financials Association Meeting Minutes USS Reeves Association The fifth Association meeting Shipmates expressed a desire to FY 2012 (YTD) Income Statement was convened at 3 p.m. by Associa- expand the ship’s store. The Chal- Income tion President Tom Bailey in the re- lenge Coin is the first advertised item. union hospitality room at the Radis- Mike Robertson will contact purchas- Dues $1,460 son in Charleston. 18 shipmates were ing information from Eagle Crest for Donations $416 . ballcaps embroidered is the same Reunion $10,592 Jeff Wofford discussed the pro- fashion as the original DLG-24 and CG-24 ballcaps sold onboard the ship. Ship’s Store $1,039 cess of obtaining the Challenge Coins and replenishing our supply in the Purchase of monogramed polo

Cost of Goods -$850 future. The die has been cut, so fu- and crew neck t-shirts will also be Total Income $12,657 ture coins will cost less to produce investigated. even though the minimum order is Expense John Armstrong advised against 100 coins. After the introductory run purchasing large quantities due to the Advertising $81 is exhausted, the price of coins will investment cost and the need to pro-

Newsletters $509 increase from $12 to $15. vide multiple sizes, especially for the

Postage $918 Shipmates discussed Association shirts. advertising, especially on Facebook Mike Robertson suggested that Reunions $10,210 and other websites. It was pointed out the Association incorporate as a non- Total Expense $11,718 that REEVES has three Facebook profit organization. Jeff Wofford dis- Net Income $939 pages: USS Reeves CG-24 (239 cussed the process of incorporating in members); USS Reeves DLG-24 (8 Delaware. It was decided that which FY 2012 (YTD) Assets members) and USS Reeves DLG-24/ ever state provided the most conven- Cash Assets $3,800 CG-24 (88 members). There doesn’t ient and affordable Corporate Agent seem to be any way to merge the pag- and streamlined process be consid- Liabilities $479 es together as they are individually ered. Net Equity $3,321 owned. Willie Avant presented a letter Mike Robertson proposed the from Jessica Russell, an attorney for next reunion location be Portland. Charitable/Educational Objectives the family of shipmate BTCM Ste- REEVES has a history attending Rose phen L. Simmons, who passed away The USS Reeves Association is an edu- Festivals in that port. Ron Redfield in 2011 from the effects of asbestosis. cational, non-profit 501(c)(3) organiza- suggest Seattle/Bremerton as an alter- Willie warned that anyone who tion registered with the Internal Reve- nate consideration. After some dis- nue Service, FEIN 86-1163983. For served onboard REEVES prior to cussion, shipmates agreed on Port- that purpose at the 2010 business meet- 1982 (when all asbestos was re- ing, it was recommended that future land. moved) has been exposed and is sub- excess funds be used for donations and The West Coast, Mid-America, ject to asbestosis or mesothelioma. scholarships as determined at business East Coast cycle for bi-annual reun- Contact Willie at his email: meetings starting in 2012. ions was discussed and approved to [email protected] for class ac- be continued by shipmates. Holding tion information. Also, the fact of the reunions on Columbus Day week- removal should be posted on the web- This newsletter is published by: end was also discussed and approved. site. The USS Reeves Association 15709 N Sycamore St Mike Robertson presented the Ron Redfield presented infor- Mead, WA 99021 financial report since the last reunion. mation for enrolling in the Navy Log Including the current reunion activity, at the Navy Memorial. There is no Newsletter Editor - the Association realized $14,678 in cost for enrollment. Shipmates who Michael Robertson Income, $12,554 in Expenses, and a previously enrolled should check their Phone: 509-315-8107 Fax: 703-740-9161 Net Income of $2,124. The financial profile as the format has been greatly E-mail: [email protected] report was accepted as written. expanded. All comments, suggestions, submissions In light of the financial report, There being no further business, and criticism are welcome. My email is shipmates decided to keep the annual the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. always open... dues at $20. Volume 5, Issue 3 PageP a g e 777 Memorial --- History For America’s sea services, The York as architects. The Lone Sailor . The Lone Sailor — a United States Navy Memorial is the tri- By December 1985, the Foundation tribute to all personnel of the sea ser- umph of a centuries-old dream. In the had raised enough funds to warrant a go- vices — overlooks the Granite Sea, an early days of America’s national inde- ahead approval from the Secretary of the exact replication of the world's oceans. pendence, architect Pierre L'Enfant envi- Interior, and construction got underway Surrounding the Granite Sea are two sioned a memorial in the Nation’s Capi- the following month. (The Foundation fountain pools, honoring the personnel of tal "to celebrate the first rise of the Navy staff and Board of Directors had raised the American Navy and the other navies and consecrate its progress and achieve- $18-million by opening day of the Visi- of the world. The southern hemisphere ments.” But it was only in the twentieth tors Center, and fund raising continues of the Granite Sea is surrounded by 26 century that L’Enfant’s vision of a Navy today, to retire remaining construction bronze bas-reliefs commemorating Memorial in Washington, D.C. was real- debt and support educational programs events, personnel, and communities of ized. undertaken by the Foundation.) the various sea services. Pennsylvania Avenue, “America’s By August Adjacent to the Memorial Plaza is Main Street,” the boulevard that links the 1987, Stan- the Naval Center, which fea- U.S. Capitol and White House, the scene ley Bleifeld tures the Arleigh Burke Theater, several of so many parades, pageants, and na- completed rotating exhibits about the sea services, tional memories, was chosen to be the work on the and several Navy Log kiosks, for easy location. The Lone registration on the Navy Log. The Naval After President John F. Kennedy – Sailor stat- Heritage Center also features daily himself a Navy war hero – inspired the ue as con- screenings of the films At Sea and A Day redevelopment of Pennsylvania Avenue, struction of in the Life of the Blue Angels . The Media another Navy war hero, Admiral Arleigh the Memo- Resource Center provides a library of Burke, proclaimed in 1977 that “we have rial neared printed, audio and video historical docu- talked long enough about a Navy Memo- completion ments on the Navy. The Navy Log room rial and it's time we did something about at the site. has touch-screen kiosks to register and it." The Memorial was dedicated on Oc- search for Sea Service members and vet- In the Spring of 1977, Burke — tober 13, 1987. erans. World War II war hero and former three- From late 1987 to mid-1990, two From April 2011 through March term Chief of Naval Operations — start- buildings were constructed on the Me- 2012, the Naval Heritage Center is fea- ed to recruit a group to form the private, morial's northern perimeter. The eastern turing the Year of Naval Aviation, with non-profit U. S. Navy Memorial Founda- of the two buildings was selected for the the Gallery tion. The following year, the Foundation, Memorial's Visitors Center. The build- Deck filled led by Rear Admiral William Thompson, ing's shell was sufficiently completed by with paint- USN (Ret.), started to work on the five September 1989 to allow construction to ings and steps necessary in the building of a me- begin for the interior of the Visitors Cen- other morial in Washington: enabling legisla- ter. The Visitors Center opened in June works of tion, design, site selection, fund raising, 1991 and was formally dedicated on Oc- art depict- and construction and maintenance. tober 12, 1991. ing avia- tion in the Congress authorized the Memorial During the summer of 2006, the wa- Navy, Ma- in 1980, with the stipulation that funding ter in the fountains of the Navy Memori- rines, and come solely from private contributions. al was colored blue due to the presence Coast In March 1980, President Jimmy Carter of chemicals added to the water to fight Guard signed Public Law 96-199, which au- algae growth. According to a spokesper- from 1911 thorized the Memorial as a part of a larg- son for the memorial, the algae has been to the pre- er Department of the Interior bill. surprisingly difficult to remove, and that sent day. Although a number of sites in Wash- they "figured it was better to have blue Beginning ington, DC, were possible, the Founda- water than to have an algae-encrusted April 2012 tion teamed up with the Pennsylvania memorial." The blue water was gone by and going Avenue Development Corporation to use the end of the summer. through Market Square as the site for the Memo- The United States Navy Memorial is March 2013, the Naval Heritage Center rial. The Foundation and the Corporation home to the Memorial Plaza, which fea- will be dedicated to celebrating the Year jointly selected Conklin Rossant of New tures Stanly Bleifield's famous statue, of the Chief, the senior enlisted rank. P a g e 8 The IronmanIronman————AA Double Ender’s Newsletter Wire (continued) were actually going to come out grass basket weavers set up on the Everyone enjoyed a southern- slightly ahead for this reunion. For sidewalk near the Post Office, had a specialty lunch at Sticky Fingers Res- the three tours, we needed 25 at- lengthy conversation. I was hoofing taurant in Mt. Pleasant. tendees per tour to cover transporta- it up the street to the nearest ATM on tion costs. We averaged 29 per tour. the north or west side of the Mills Another reunion success. Hotel (a very snooty place—what True, we had not met the mini- hotel doesn't have an ATM?) before I mum of 100 room nights for a found a real electronic sidewalk de- comp’d hospitality room, but the dai- vice on a handicapped ramp at the ly setup and service cost was minimal Wells Fargo Bank. By the time I got and everything else was covered by back to the other side of Broad, sever- the contract. We were able to count al blocks, south or east, depending 89 room nights. That’s the reason for upon perspective, Lorri had nearly making room reservations at the reun- bought South of Broad. However, I ion hotel and within the reservation only brought enough cash for a cou- block. ple of baskets. So, Wednesday began with a pri- Charleston Harbor—the new Ft. Lauderdale. vate organizer tour down Meeting Street to Broad. Probably, Meeting The afternoon was filled with a and Broad is the most famous inter- Charleston harbor tour from Mt. section in all of Charleston history. Pleasant/Patriot’s Point and a visit to There is actually a great novel . South Ft. Sumter which completed the day- of Broad by Pat Conroy, 2010 Dial time activities. Press Trade Paperback Edition. Lorri and I parked the car a couple of CSS Hunley reproduction. Shipmate Ron Redfield blocks east of Meeting and Broad and and his sister ______. Photo by Nancy Elkins then walked a bit. Friday dawned foggy and humid but cleared to a seasonable day by the time the tour bus queue'd up for the Hunley/Ft. Sumter tour. 24 attendees joined this tour for a widely ac- Welcome Reception—Friday Night claimed day starting at the CSS Hun- On Friday evening, the reunion ley preservation site. welcome reception was held in the hospitality room. There was more than enough food and drink to keep everyone happy. The bull sessions kept going until 1 a.m. U.S. Post Office at Meeting and Broad Jeff Wofford and Tom Bailey Actually, I walked at bit more held a surprise unveiling of the USS than just a bit, back to the nearest Reeves Association Challenge Coin. ATM up Meeting Street so that Lorri All shipmates attending the Charles- Sticky Fingers Restaurant, Mt. Pleasant, SC. Mary and Anne Simmons, one of the sweet- Bailey, ______, and Ron Redfield (Continued on page 9) Volume 5, Issue 3 PageP a g e 999 Wire (continued) ton reunion received one of these first about trips on the USS LAFFEY (DD- lutely wonderful, bar service excellent, edition coins. Several shipmates pur- 724), USS YORKTOWN (CV-10), and after dinner amenities on the chased additional coins to hand out to and USS CLAMAGORE (SS-343). weather decks balmy. Here, we had other shipmates and persons interested The visit onboard YORKTOWN in- the greatest response as 33 attendees in the Reeves. cluded lunch in the CPO quarters and joined in this event. a visit to the Medal of Honor museum OK. There are the stats. The bot- adjacent to the tom line was just one statement: “We ship’s quarterdeck. have had the best reunion ever.” That 30 attendees joined makes it all worth while– the months together for this of work and planning. To see ship- very enjoyable day. mates spanning 30 years of ship’s ser- Saturday even- vice on one ship, joining together and ing found everyone once again under- sharing memories, is worth the price There are a limited number of way on Charleston Bay. The Spirit of of admission. coins still available through the Asso- Carolina carried a full three hour din- There has never before been the ciation Ship’s Store. Contact the edi- ner cruise that sailed from Patriot’s “Iron Men” as conceived by Captain tor (me) for further information. Point in Mt. Pleasant, up the Cooper George Chappel, not will there ever be River, around Fort Sumter, up the again the “Iron Men” of the REEVES Ashley River and across the Charles- generation. ton waterfront back to Patriot’s Point. The multiple choice menu was abso- Speaking of now retired RADM Centers, he surfaced on the CG-24 Facebook site last December. It looks like he is affiliated somehow with the USS YORKTOWN (CV-10) at Patriots Point, University of Washington. Now, we Mt. Pleasant, SC. Photo by Nancy Elkins just need to get him to join us at our Saturday brought the day trip to next reunion—Portland/Portland area, Patriot’s Point. There were walk- October 2014.

Shift Colors President’s Page (continued) To receive the Navy‘s Shift Colors looks we’re looking to the upper left print. Take the time to feed the pro- newsletter via email send the follow- for our next gathering, and the site cess your favorite story, and we’ll edit ing information to most under consideration for our 2014 the material. [email protected] -- First reunion is Portland, Oregon. There The last point I would like to bring up name; Last name; E-mail address; will no doubt be plenty of information is a reminder that the Presidential Title (Mr., Mrs., rank, etc.); and Mili- to follow on this one. Election is upon us. I don’t have to tell tary affiliation (retiree, surviving Mike reported on the status of the you just how important this election is spouse, veteran, other). There is no ‘Ironman’ newsletters and the web- for us as citizens, and as veterans. I longer any funding for hard copies to site. One issue that has come up re- won’t insult you by suggesting a par- be printed and mailed. To receive peatedly is the need for original arti- ticular party or candidate, but instead Shift Colors it does not matter wheth- cles for the ‘Ironman’ newsletter. We leave you with my hope that you get er or not you‘re retired, active duty, a all have great Reeves stories that we out and vote. veteran, a surviving spouse, or just can share with our members. They Here’s wishing you Fair Winds and someone who‘s interested in receiv- don’t have to be long-winded or well Following Seas ing the newsletter written. We can clean-up what you send to make them presentable for //tom P agea g e 10 1 0 The IronmanIronman————AA Double Ender’s Newsletter Rules of the Coin—The Fine Print From The Goat Locker (Who Knew?) The History of the Challenge Coin tradition to ensure that all members R. During World War I, American carried their medallion or coin at all At the height of the bullet club's volunteers from all parts of the country times. This was accomplished through heyday, it was not an uncommon sight filled the newly formed flying squad- challenge in the following manner - a to see strewn across a barroom table, a rons in Europe. Some were wealthy challenger would ask to see the medal- very respectable representation of the scions attending colleges such as Yale lion. If the challenged could not pro- full range of bullets, rockets, cannon and Harvard who quit in mid-term to duce a medallion, they were required and artillery shells used in Southeast join the war. In one squadron, a to buy a drink of choice for the mem- Asia. wealthy lieutenant ordered medallions ber who challenged them. If the chal- In order to gain control of the situ- struck in solid bronze and presented lenged member produced a medallion, ation and to avoid accidental discharge them to his unit. One young pilot then the challenging member was re- of the large, fully functional munitions, placed the medallion in a small leather quired to pay for the drink. This tradi- bullets were traded for coins, which pouch that he wore about his neck. tion continued on throughout the war reflected the units symbol and pride. A Shortly after acquiring the medal- and for many years after the war while controlled number and/or the individu- lions, the pilot's aircraft was severely surviving members of the squadron al's name personalized each coin. The damaged by ground fire. He was were still alive. rules remained the same, although to- forced to land behind enemy lines and Challenge Coin History Vietnam day they are greatly expanded. Loss of was immediately captured by a Ger- Era your coin was, and remains, tanta- man patrol. In order to discourage his Leisure time in Vietnam was a mount to eternal disgrace and banish- escape, the Germans took all of his commodity, but when it came it was ment. To forget your coin, in anticipa- personal identification except for the utilized to the max: catching up on tion of a challenge, results in minor small leather pouch around his neck. In sleep, writing letters home, or letting death. the meantime, he was taken to a small off steam at the hootch bar. The latter Emerging from those small, elite French town near the front. Taking proved to be the most popular. But groups using bullets are today's coin advantage of a bombardment that eventually, it too, could become boring challengers. Known to strike any- night, he escaped. However, he was and mundane. where, at anytime, they insidiously without personal identification. To heighten excitement and foster stalk, waiting for the right moment to He succeeded in avoiding German unit esprit de corps , bullet clubs were attack. An innocent bystander may patrols by donning civilian attire and formed. These were comprised of never hear the challenge, only the chal- reached the front lines. With great dif- small, elite front line fighters who each lengee's despairing cry, "OH I FOR- ficulty, he crossed no-man's land. carried a personalized bullet from the GOT MINE!!!" Eventually, he stumbled onto a French weapon they carried in combat. The outpost. Unfortunately, saboteurs had ultimate use of the bullet, usually car- plagued the French in the sector. They ried in a hip pocket, was to deny the Challenge Coin Rules sometimes masqueraded as civilians enemy personal capture. 1. Rules of the coin game must be and wore civilian clothes. Not recog- When an individual entered the given or explained to all new coin nizing the young pilot's American ac- hootch bar he would be challenged by holders. cent, the French thought him to be a fellow team members to produce his 2. The coin MUST be carried at all saboteur and made ready to execute bullet. If he did, the challengers would times. You can be challenged for it him. He had no identification to prove pay his bar tab for the rest of the even- anywhere, at any time. You must pro- his allegiance, but he did have his ing. If he failed to produce his bullet, duce the coin without taking more than leather pouch containing the medal- he bought drinks for the remainder of 4 steps to produce it. lion. He showed the medallion to his the night. 3. When challenging, the challeng- would-be executioners and one of his Eventually, personalized bullets er must state whether it is for a single French captors recognized the squad- took on disbelieving proportions. drink or a round of drinks. ron insignia on the medallion. They Some "teamies" took to carrying 20-, 4. Failure to produce a coin, for delayed his execution long enough for 40-, or even 150MM cannon shells. whatever reason, results in a bought him to confirm his identity. Instead of Clearly these were not personalized, round or single drinks (whatever the shooting him they gave him a bottle of coup de grace munitions, but rather challenger stated). This type of trans- wine. manifestations of perceived individual action could be expensive, so hold on- Back at his squadron, it became prowess in combat or perhaps on R & (Continued on page 11) Volume 5, Issue 3 Page 1 11 1 The Goat Locker (cont) to your coin. Once the offender The examiner can't challenge while belt buckles, key chains or necklaces. (coinless challengee) has bought the they hold another's coin. After negoti- Coins worn in a holder around the drink or round, they can't be chal- ating a "reasonable" ransom", the neck are valid. lenged again. examiner must return the member's 10. The coin should be controlled 5. If all that are challenged pro- coin. at all times. Giving a coin to just any- duce their coins, the challenger loses 7. If a coin is lost, replacement is one is like opening a fraternity to just and must buy the drinks for all re- up to the individual. A new coin anyone. It is an honor to be given a spondents. This too can be expensive, should be acquired at the earliest op- coin, let's keep it that way. A given or so challenge wisely. portunity -- losing a coin and not re- awarded coin is of more personal val- 6. Under no circumstances can a placing it doesn't relieve a member of ue than a purchased coin. coin be handed to another in response his or her responsibilities. This is es- 11. No holes may be drilled in a to a challenge. If a person gives their pecially true if your fellow CPO's coin. coin to another, that person can now know that you traditionally carry a 12. The above rules apply to any- keep the coin -- it's theirs!!! Howev- coin. one who is worthy to be giv- er, if a person places the coin down 8. There are no exceptions to the en/awarded a coin, has a purchased and another person picks it up to ex- rules. They apply to clothed or un- coin, or who is known to be a previ- amine it, that is not considered giving clothed. One step and an arms reach ous coinholder. and the examiner is honor-bound to are allowed. Ed. And now we all know. This arti- place the coin back where they got it. 9. A Coin is a Coin. They are not cle came from Kurt Stuvengen. An AARP Alternative Ruminations The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) is It’s a little hard to ruminate when the handmade by the ladies of Charles- a true grassroots organization. Almost weather outside has gone from balmy ton. Ann Simmons of the Sweet- one hundred percent of their revenue early fall to windy, leafy, chilly and grass Cultural Arts Pavilion agreed, comes from individual donations, and OMG winter is coming to the Inland even though the tradition baskets they do not sell any products to their Northwest. have been made with the Palmetto members. They even refuse outside We arrived back in Mead, WA, after pine needle. So… advertising in their materials. The or- a reunion week in warm, humid I get to box up a rat’s nest of Ponder- ganization‘s sole focus is on education Charleston. The osa needles and ship and protection of the Social Security driveway was a them by Fedex to and Medicare benefits senior citizens knarled, twisted Charleston. have earned and paid for. mess of long Pon- If you’ve ever seen a http://www.seniorsleague.org/ derosa pine nee- sweetgrass basket, dles that had been the roping and han- gathering and wait- dles are made from Another AARP Alternative ing for the first long needle pine fill wind storm. The or palmetto. Each The American Seniors Association knarley stuff level of these bas- (ASA) is a known as "the conservative stretched across the kets has a rope fill of alternative to the AARP. The Ameri- street and stood in either thinly stripped can Seniors Association works to ful- 2’ to 3’ high in tan- Spiral basket woven by Ann Simmons of palmetto palm or fill its mission to provide seniors with gled piles. It cov- Mt. Pleasant, SC. dark palmetto pine the choices, information, and services ered our grass, needles. Maybe they need to live healthier, wealthier flower beds and everything else in we’ll see Ponderosa from the North- lives. the neighborhood. west mixed into the Charleston tradi- The ASA offers both a different per- Now, Lorri had done a very Ameri- tions. I hope not. spective and member services similar can thing. She suggested shipping P.S. Basket weaving in Charleston to AARP. They can be contacted at: Ponderosa pine needles to Carolina extends back to ancient African tra- http://www.americanseniors.org/inde since our lighter colored needles may ditions and made it’s appearance in x.php/home be usable in the Sweetgrass Baskets the Low Country in the 17th century.

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