CV / CVA / CVS-14 CG-47 APRIL 2019 The USS TICONDEROGA Veterans’ Association NEWS VOLUME 46 NO 2

AN INVITATION FOR A GREAT TIME! PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE GREETINGS TO ALL SHIPMATES, FRIENDS AND FAMILY My fellow Tico Tigers,

It's hard to believe that this will be my final message as President of the USS Ticonderoga "BIG T" Veteran's Association. It has been a tremendous pleasure to serve in this capacity, It has been a very humbling experience. One that I will treasure for the rest of my life

I would like to thank my fellow Officers, Directors, Past Presidents, Committee Members, Every Member of the Association, and Wives for their assistance and support in making this a very memorable experience not only for the past year, but for the many more to come.

I look forward to seeing as many as you as possible at our upcoming reunion in Albuquerque New Mexico May 16th - May 20th. I have been working hard with Sardo Sanchez and Joyce Frank to make this a truly special event. The turnout is looking very good, and I look to see a great many more shipmates to sign up in the coming month's. It's never to late. And never to early to start planning for Portland Oregon in 2020.

Although I am passing the Presidency over to Bill Spanbauer, my work and dedication to the Association will never wane. I like to think that my best and most important work for the "Big T" Association is still ahead of me. There are so many "firsts" for us still out there, and I call on each and everyone to help achieve this. One first that I would like to see is the first Female from Ticonderoga ships company to join the Association, and one day become President.

In closing, I would like to wish each and everyone in the Ticonderoga family warm Thoughts, Blessings, Prayers, and Love.

God Bless the Greatest Country in the World...The United States of America.

Shipmates Forever! Paul David Graf OS2, CG-47

PAGE 2 OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2018 - 2019

Officers 2018-2019 Directors (continued) Directors (continued) Committees (continued) President: Director: Director: Chaplain: David Graf Jerry H. Cole P. P. Joseph McDonnell P. P. Pastor Brett Inman 100 South Tremain Street Bldg 5 945 N. Delacroix Dr 4141 Inola Trl. Ne 8838 E Cooper St Mount Dora, Florida 32757-6015 Green Valley, AZ 85614-5266 Roswell, GA 30075-1658 Tucson, AZ 85710-4416 (407) 388-4608 (708) 227-0073 (770) 335-1715 © (520) 909-3998 [email protected] (520) 648-7196 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Director: Public Relations Chairman Executive Vice President: Director: Parker W. Patterson P. P. Jerry H. Cole P. P. Bill Spanbauer John F. Deasy P. P. 4 Terrace Hill Road 945 N. Delacroix Dr 1899 county road FF 560 Maple Ave. Pine Grove, PA 17963-9399 Green Valley, AZ 85614-5266 Oshkosh, WI 54904-6818 Doylestown, PA 18901-4451 (570) 345-3344 (708) 227-0073 (920) 410-7500 (215) 348-9981 (520) 648-7196 [email protected] [email protected] Director: [email protected] [email protected] Doc Simon P. P. Director: 803 Hartford Ave. Memorials Chairman First Vice President: John B. Dupont P. P. White River Jct, VT 05001-8052 Robert Hildebrand Larry Qualter 4590 Linwood Circle (802) 295-2851 2016 Reseda Way 69 Hemlock Circle Deep Haven, MN 55331-9297 [email protected] Antioch, CA 94509-5834 Peekskill, NY 10566-4963 (952) 474-4731 (925) 757-1836 (914) 734-7677 [email protected] Director: [email protected] [email protected] Edgar S. Trotter, Jr. [email protected] Director: 1150 Baywood Ave. Membership Chairman: Lloyd Frank P. P. Camarillo, CA 93010-3005 Edgar S. Trotter, Jr. Second Vice President: 2129 Bliss Comer St (805) 484-2930 1150 Baywood Ave. Sean McConnell Henderson, NV 89044-0174 [email protected] Camarillo, CA 93010-3005 554 Mountain Road (702) 361-6660 (805) 484-2930 Boiling Springs, PA 17007-9515 [email protected] Director: [email protected] (717) 713-3895 Fred Vance [email protected] [email protected] Director: 5808 SW 27TH STREET [email protected] Victor Godfrey Topeka, KS 66614 Carrier Store Operator 138 Brairwood Dr. (785) 271-5900 Art Casello Secretary: Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087 [email protected] 1737 Hoyt Ave E Dennis SaBell (609) 294-0955 Saint Paul, MN 55106-1328 PO BOX 3178 [email protected] Committees (651) 774-1685 Universal City, TX 78148 [email protected] (303) 881-4787 Director: Newsletter Editor: [email protected] [email protected] Charles E. Hill Cruiser Store Operator 22 W. Hancock St. Edgar S. Trotter, Jr. Liaison USS HORNET CVS-12 Treasurer: Lansdale, PA 19446-3812 1150 Baywood Ave. Richard Radigonda George Passantino P. P. (215) 855-5299 Camarillo, CA 93010-3005 357 Jade Circle 9608 Tomahawk Trail [email protected] (805) 484-2930 Vallejo CA. 94590

Fort Worth, TX 76244-7125 [email protected] (707) 563-5556 WWW.BIGT.NET AT: WEBSITE OUR HECK OUT (303) 884-7565 Director: [email protected] [email protected] John Lunsford P.P. Historian [email protected] C [email protected] 2504 McNutt David Graf Bakersfield, CA 93306-4469 100 South Tremain Street Bldg 5 WebMaster: Directors (661) 872-8850 Mount Dora, Florida 32757-6015 Gordon S. Humphrey, Jr. [email protected] (407) 388-4608 15030 223rd Drive SE Director * * [email protected] Monroe, WA 98272-9089 Steven Codding P. P. Director: [email protected] (425) 785-8094 9260 Hilltop Lane Alfred F. McDonnell P.P. [email protected] Bloomington, IL 61705 1749 9th Ave New Sites Coordinator (309) 827-4017 San Francisco, CA 94122 Joyce Frank [email protected] 415-661-6753 2129 Bliss Comer St [email protected] Henderson, NV 89044-0174 SHIPMATES! NOW HEAR THIS! We are always looking for Memorabilia for our Museum Rooms. Soon we will be starting one at the Mississippi Maritime and Warship Museum in Pascagoula, MS. Keep us in mind as we’ll be starting with very little memorabilia. Keep in mind this is for CG-47 memorabilia only. 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 3 USS TICONDEROGA ALBUQUERQUE REUNION ACTIVITY REGISTRATION FORM May 16 – 20, 2019 Listed below are all registration, tour, and meal costs for the reunion. Please enter how many people will be participating in each event and total the amount. Send that amount payable to ARMED FORCES REUNIONS, INC. in the form of check or money order (no credit cards or phone orders accepted). If a valid email address is provided, a receipt will be sent electronically. Otherwise, your cancelled check will serve as your confirmation. Returned checks will be charged a $20 fee. You may also register online and pay by credit card at www.afr-reg.com/ticonderoga2019 (3.5% will be added to online credit card transactions). All registration forms and payments must be received by mail on or before April 12, 2018. After that date, reservations will be accepted on a space available basis. We suggest you make a copy of this form before mailing. Please do not staple or tape your payment to this form.

Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. OFFICE USE ONLY 322 Madison Mews Check # ______Date Received ______Norfolk, VA 23510 Inputted ______Nametag Completed _____ ATTN: USS TICONDEROGA Price # of CUT-OFF DATE IS 4/16/19 Per People Total TOURS FRIDAY, MAY 17: SANDIA TRAMWAY & ANDERSON ABRUZZO ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON MUSEUM $65 $ SATURDAY, MAY 18: ALBUQUERQUE CITY TOUR / NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NUCLEAR SCIENCE & HISTORY $60 $ HOTEL MEAL SUNDAY, MAY 19: BANQUET (Please select your entrée choice) Roast Beef in Mushroom Sauce $50 $ Chicken Piccata $50 $ Pan Seared Salmon $50 $ REGISTRATION FEE Registration Fee Per Person (Waived if only attending the Banquet) $75 $

Total Amount Payable to: Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. $

PLEASE PRINT NAME AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR ON YOUR NAMETAG FIRST: ______LAST :______YEARS ON BOARD 19____ - ____RATE/RANK:______DIVISION:______SPOUSE NAME (IF ATTENDING):______GUEST NAMES:______STREET ADDRESS:______CITY, ST, ZIP:______PH. NUMBER:(______) ______-______EMAIL:______DISABILITY/DIETARY RESTRICTIONS:______(Sleeping room requirements must be conveyed by attendee directly to hotel) MUST YOU BE LIFTED HYDRAULICALLY ONTO THE BUS WHILE SEATED IN YOUR WHEELCHAIR IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN BUS TRIPS? □YES □NO (PLEASE NOTE THAT WE CANNOT GUARANTEE AVAILABILITY). CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY FOR ARMED FORCES REUNIONS, INC. FOR ATTENDEES CANCELING REUNION ACTIVITIES PRIOR TO THE CUT-OFF DATE (APRIL 16, 2019), ARMED FORCES REUNIONS, INC. (AFR) SHALL PROCESS A FULL REFUND LESS THE NON- REFUNDABLE AFR REGISTRATION FEE ($15 PER PERSON). ATTENDEES CANCELING REUNION ACTIVITIES AFTER THE CUT-OFF DATE WILL BE REFUNDED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT THAT AFR’S VENDOR COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES WILL ALLOW, LESS THE NON-REFUNDABLE AFR REGISTRATION FEE. CANCELLATIONS WILL ONLY BE TAKEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 9:00AM UNTIL 5:00PM EASTERN STANDARD TIME, EXCLUDING HOLIDAYS. PLEASE CALL (757) 625-6401 TO CANCEL.

PAGE 43 USS TICONDEROGA VETERANS ASSOCIATION MAY 16 – 20, 2019 SHERATON ALBUQUERQUE UPTOWN ALBUQUERQUE, NM SCHEDULE OF EVENTS THURSDAY, MAY 16 Daily breakfast is included in your room rate. Served in the Hospitality Room 3:00pm - 7:00pm Reunion Registration Open Hospitality Room open for the duration of the reunion. FRIDAY, MAY 17 9:00am - 1:30pm SANDIA TRAMWAY & ANDERSON ABRUZZO ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON MUSEUM TOUR SATURDAY, MAY 18 10:00am - 4:30pm ALBUQUERQUE CITY TOUR / NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NUCLEAR SCIENCE & HISTORY SUNDAY, MAY 19 8:00am - 10:00am Executive Board Meeting 10:00am - 12:00pm General Business Meeting 10:00am - 11:00am Ladies Function in Hospitality Room 12:00am - 4:00pm Free time 4:00pm - 6:00PM Pictures taken 6:00pm - 7:00pm Cash Bar Reception 7:00pm - 11:00pm Banquet

MONDAY, MAY 20 8:00am - 9:00am Memorial Service Farewells and departures

TOUR DESCRIPTIONS SANDIA TRAMWAY & ANDERSON-ABRUZZO CITY TOUR / NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NUCLEAR ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON SCIENCE & HISTORY Saturday, May 18, 2019 MUSEUM Friday, May 17, 2019 Discover the original site of Albuquerque founded by Start the day by enjoying the most “uplifting” the Spanish in 1706, with a visit to Old Town. At the experience in town as you tour the newly opened plaza, your guide will give you a brief orientation, after Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon which you will be on your own for lunch and Museum. Named after two local balloonists, Ben shopping among the approximately 140 arts and Abruzzo and Maxie Anderson, who made history in crafts shops, restaurants, and galleries. Most of the 1978 when they completed the first non-stop crossing buildings are still of the Territorial or Spanish of the Atlantic Ocean by gas balloon. You will architectural style and provide a delightful step into discover the adventures and achievements of the past. Next, tour the National Atomic Museum, ballooning through scientific experiments, the arts, where the complete history of U.S. nuclear warfare, espionage, and the exploration of space. development unfolds around you. Prominently While you are visiting hop on a simulated balloon ride featured is the Manhattan Project, the sophisticated and enjoy the interactive exhibits and media scientific engineering effort centered in New Mexico presentations as you learn the history of ballooning. that developed, produced, and tested the first atomic After the museum, we will head for the Sandia Peak bomb. Continue with the tour, which will include old Tramway and a ride on the world's longest aerial tram. Route 66, the Country Club area, the University of You will glide from the desert floor for 2.7 miles to the New Mexico campus, and a stop at West Mesa for a peak at 10,378 feet in this fifteen- minute ride. The panoramic view of the city. panoramic view from the top will cover all of 10:00am board bus, 4:30pm back at hotel Albuquerque and beyond. There will be time to look $60/Person includes bus, guide, and admission. at the displays and gift shop at the top before Lunch on your own. returning. You may want to bring a light jacket; it could be cool at the top. Tour prices do not include gratuity for bus driver and tour guide/escort. In order to accommodate an on-time departure, 9:00am board bus, 1:30pm back at hotel please be at the bus boarding area five minutes prior to posted $65/Person includes bus, guide, and admissions. time. No lunch is included on this tour. Note: Due to the elevation, individuals with respiratory or heart conditions should consult their doctor before taking this tour.

PAGE 5 SHERATON ALBUQUERQUE UPTOWN – ALBUQUERQUE, NM (800) 252-7772 or (505) 881-0000 https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/abqsi-sheraton-albuquerque-uptown/ Location 2600 Louisiana Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 Located in vibrant Albuquerque, NM near upper scale dining, shopping, and entertainment. Reservation Information Please call the number above and reference the 2019 USS Ticonderoga Reunion or please go to: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1543016147107&key=GRP&app=resvlink Group Name: USS Ticonderoga Reunion Dates: May 16 - 20, 2019 Rate: $119 + tax (currently 13.5%, subject to change). Daily breakfast for up to two (2) guests per room included in the room rate. Group rate will extend 3 days prior to and following the group’s meeting dates, based solely on hotel availability. Cut Off Date: 04/14/2019 Late reservations will be processed based on space availability at a higher rate. Cancellation Policy: Reservations must be cancelled 48 hours priors to arrival date, or there will be a charge of one nights room plus tax. Parking & Shuttle Information The Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown offers complimentary on-site parking. The Sheraton does not offer complimentary shuttle service to or from the Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). The hotel recom- mends CLS Charter Luxury Services. Currently prices are approximately $17 per person one way for shared ride service. All prices are subject to change, please contact SuperShuttle, (877)-311-2257 or visit charterluxuryservices.com to verify prices and to make reservations; advanced reservations are recom- mended for convenience. If you do not make advanced reservations, CLS has a check-in and group services desk located inside the ABQ Airport Baggage Claim Level across from carousel # 6. Wheelchair Rental ScootAround rents both manual and power wheelchairs by the day and week. Please call (888) 441-7575 or visit www.scootaround.com for details and to make reservations.

Attention: 2019 Reunion Attendees We are working on a Special Presentation for TICO veterans attending the 2019 Reunion in Albuquerque. If you will be attending please contact Sardo ASAP with the following information: Name, Rank/grade, Years of service [total service,not just TICO], Division[s], Era served on TICO (WWl, WWll, Korea, Vietnam, or other), Years served aboard ship [1962-1965}, ship (CV/CVA/CVS-14 or CG 47) Contact information: Sardo Sanchez, 505-999-8129, [email protected], PO Box 36411, Albuquerque, NM 87176 Thank you for your help, Sardo

PAGE 6 Albuquerque Guest Speaker Captain Tom Gutierrez, CEC, USN (Ret) Captain Tom Gutierrez, entered the world of the United States Navy in 1965 by signing up for Naval ROTC at the University of New Mexico. One year later he was accepted to the United States Naval Academy where he spent four years working to graduate. While at Navy he was on the Wresting Team for two years and the Sprint Football Team for three years beating Army three times and earning an N Star for each occurrence of victory over Army. He graduated in 1970 and was commissioned a Second LT of Marines. Infantry School followed. Naval Flight Officer School (Wings awarded), Radar Intercept Officer School and Officer’s Maintenance School followed allowing then 1st Lt Gutierrez to join the First Marine Brigade in 1971. 1st LT Gutierrez joined VMFA-212, F-4 Phantom-J squadron the week this last phantom squadron came back from Vietnam in 1972. CAPT Gutierrez, USMC while in VMFA-212, earned 500 jet hours and was involved in 500 lb. and 250 lb. bomb training, Sidewinder and Sparrow Missile shoots, 5-inch Rockeye, Walleye, Cluster bombs and Napalm bombing in peace-time. CAPT Gutierrez was one of the first Marine Air Crews that was certified in bombing by ground-controlled radar. CAPT Gutierrez, USMC, left Active Duty in 1975 and joined the Marine Corps Reserve. He signed up with the 4th – Eight Inch Howitzer Battery in El Paso, Texas where he served for seven years in this reserve unit as Platoon Commander, Fire Direction Officer, Executive Officer and later as Commanding Officer of this 280 man – Marine Unit. His Marine Reserve career ended as a Major of Marines, In 1984 Major Gutierrez, USMC, left his Marine Uniform behind and applied for an Interservice Transfer to the U.S. Naval Reserves where he joined the Navy Seabees/Civil Engineer Corps. For the next 16 years, then Lieutenant Commander Gutierrez managed first the Training Officer and then the Executive Officer jobs of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) – 22 out of Dallas, TX. LCDR Gutierrez was awarded the Seabee Combat Warfare device in 1990. NMCB22 was activated in December of 1989 to participate as the second wave in the First Gulf War. His unit was at Port Hueneme, California when this first war was called off due to the victory accomplished by President HW Bush and his masterful General Schwarzkopf. The unit demobilized and the 720 men that then Commander Gutierrez was leading as Executive Office were brought home. For the final four years of then CAPTAIN Gutierrez Seabee career, he served on a National Seabee Staff, Director of Warfare Construction Management (DWCM), and was involved in National War Games with the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force and the Navy’s large construction contractors preparing for what became known as Operation Enduring Freedom (the war against Terrorism). CAPTAIN Gutierrez retired in 2000, thirty years after commissioning as a 2nd Lt. As a civilian Mr. Gutierrez continues to work in the defense of this country, for the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration in Albuquerque, NM. His current assignment is as the Program Engineer for the B83 Nuclear Warhead, the largest nuclear bomb the United States has ever fielded. Tom is married to the Former Secretary of State, Rebecca Vigil. Secretary Vigil served New Mexico for one term, 1987 to 1990, and then for two terms, 1999 through 2006, for a total of 12 years. In 2004, Rebecca Vigil became the first Hispanic President in the 100-year history of the National Association of Secretaries of State. She has served as a member of the United States Election Assistance Commission's (EAC) Standards Board and Board of Advisor. Rebecca is a full-time volunteer to many non-profit organizations and her church. PAGE 7 Fishkill, NY Veterans Day Ceremony to honor the Mt. Beacon Eight, which includes our first Commanding Officer, Dixie Kiefer As USS TICONDEROGA Veterans Association members, you have no doubt heard of our first Commanding Officer, Dixie Kiefer , who tragically died in a plane crash on Mt. Beacon, Fishkill, NY (The Fishkill Ridge area to be more precise.) on November 11, 1945. Almost 40 years later, at the Annual Reunion in Annapolis, MD his memory was honored by the Association with a visit to his grave site in the Arlington National Cemetery where WWII Veteran, John Austin, spoke of his memories as one of his crew members. We honored Captain Dixie Kiefer again 26 years later at the Annual Reunion in Washington, DC (really Arlington, VA) where reunion coordinator Ed Trotter had the privilege of talking about Dixie on another visit to his grave site. Little did we know that we would have more opportunities to honor Dixie than visiting his tombstone. In 2013, after completing work on restoration projects for the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge now known as the Walkway over the Hudson and the Mt. Beacon Fire Tower, David Rocco was asked if he was aware that a plane had crashed on Mt. Beacon a number of years before. Curiosity got the best of him. He soon discovered that in fact there were two Navy plane crashes. Over the next 4 years, with the help of members of the Friends of the Mt. Beacon Eight, he got markers placed at both crash sites, co-authored the book “THE INDESTRUCTIBLE MAN (THE TRUE STORY OF WORLD WAR II HERO “CAPTAIN DIXIE”) with Don Keith and helped with the Mt. Beacon Eight wall plaque dedication ceremony at the Town of Fishkill's Veterans Park on Veterans Day, November 11, 2018. David Rocco, co-founder along with fellow Mt. Beacon Eight co-founder Navy Veteran Dr. Bill Stolfi, Past Association President John Deasy, and Association First Vice President, Larry Qualter (who was accompanied by his wife Nancy) were privileged to be asked to unveil the plaque in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the plane the crashes on Mount Beacon on September 14, 1935 and November 11, 1945. On that 1945 fateful flight was Commodore Dixie Kiefer, First Commanding Officer of U.S.S. Ticonderoga CV-14. Also onboard was LT. Commander Dr. Ignatius Zielinski, LT. Lloyd P. Heinzen, LT. J.G. Hans K. Kohler, AMM 3/c Clarence Hooper and S/1 David Wood. These six men left Curtis Wright Airport in Caldwell, NJ, during 11th hour, on the 11th day, in the 11th month and lost their lives at 1100 feet on Mt. Beacon. Those lost in the 1935 crash were Navy Reservists LT. Lincoln Denton and AMM2/C Clinton Hart. We are including some of the pictures of this event. We are in the process of developing more information on this for our website. The plaques shown in the picture(s) were purchased with funds from donations. As the donations received to date have not covered all the expenses, anyone who wishes to honor Dixie in this regard, can send a check made out to the USS TICONDEROGA VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION and mark it for the Mt. Beacon 8 fund. Please mail your check to our treasurer, George Passantino, at 9608 Tomahawk Trial, Fort Worth, TX 76244-7125. SEE NEXT PAGE FOR PHOTOS

PAGE 8 PAGE 9 Bill Thunder In 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “This generation has a rendezvous with destiny.” When Roosevelt said that he had no idea of how much World War II would make his prophecy ring true. More than fifty years later, Americans are remembering the sacrifices of that generation, which took up arms in defense of the nation. Part of that generation was Native Americans, who flocked to the colors in defense of their country. No group that participated in World War II made a greater per capita contribution, and no group was changed more by the war. By 1940, the Native American population in North America had risen to about 350,000.

During World War II more than 44,000 Native Americans saw military service. These figures represent over one-third of able-bodied Native American men aged 18–50, and even included as high as seventy percent of the population of some tribes.

They served on all fronts in the conflict and were honored by receiving more than 200 military awards (other than the Purple Heart) including thirty Distinguished Flying Crosses and three Congressional Medals of Honor. Most served with honor and Native American men, as a group, were generally regarded highly for their military service in World War II.

To this day, Native Americans continue to serve in the US military in extraordinary numbers and several have served on Ticonderoga over the years.

I was recently contacted by Association member David Floyd who asked if we would be willing to publish a small tribute to these men and their service in the name of Bill Thunder, a member of the Arapahoe tribe from Wyoming who served aboard the Tico in 1945. David is not singling out Bill Thunder for any exceptional act of bravery or decorated service, he is just proud to have known Bill, considered him a friend, a wonderful example of patriotism, a credit to his people, and to America.

David came on board Tico at age 17 with a friend (Bob Lantis, also 17) for her last deployment (after the Kamikaze repairs) and was immediately befriended and mentored by Bill Thunder who was 19 at the time.

NEXT PAGE–>

PAGE 10 Bill Thunder (Continued) Prior to 1936 Native Americans were not subject to the draft and were not considered citizens of the United States. Although they were later included in the WWII draft pool, young Indian men volunteered in numbers far exceeding those drafted. In other words, Bill and many young Indian men like him did not have to serve and may have had many reasons why theywould not want to fight for a government that had driven their ancestors from their homes. In the 20th Century the United States Military has evolved to reflect the melting pot that is America. Most of us have served with men (and women) of every “race color and creed” since WWII and have often become friends for life because of that service. The Association is an example. We are Americans first. David and his wife Phillis told me about visiting Bill and his wife Verna several years after leaving the Navy and how they were greeted and treated as honored guests at Bill’s Wyoming ranch and the feeling of comfortable friendship they experienced in that beautiful part of this country. In many ways World War II pulled people of diverse cultures together to fight the terrible war. It brought young men and women out of their ethnic and often segregated local societies and put them together in the military, in the factories, in the ration lines, and more. Perhaps we learned how to respect each other just a little bit more and maybe the example set by the Native Americans who fought and served had just a little bit to do with that. Native Americans were not, of course, the only ones. It is a legacy that had and still has work to do but we are a little closer thanks to the Bill Thunders and David Floyds who discovered that friendship and respect back in 1945.

PAGE 11 Sandia Peak - World’s Longest Tramway!

PAGE 12 Joe Medico Association Lifetime member update After going through the Kamikaze attack on CV-14 in 1945 S 1/C and Association Lifetime member, Joe Medico from F Division probably never thought he would be in a fire like it again. Below is the story of what he and his wife Lorraine lived last November. On November 8, 2018 the City of Paradise, CA caught fire due to faulty PG&E power lines. Lorraine's son Kendall stopped off at Atria to visit with us and told us there was a fire but we had no idea it was going to be as big and devastating as it turned out to be, living in Paradise we were use to having fires. We got a message to meet in the main building and when we got there they informed us that we had to evacuate, even still we thought it wasn't going to be that big a deal. While all the other residents loaded up into buses to vacate the premises we chose to go to Gold country casino and spend the night and return the next day. We got into our car and got onto the main road and it was bumper to bumper traffic and it was now about 8:00 A.M. in the morning and it was pitch black outside, at this point we realized this was more serious than we originally thought and what should have taken us about 15 mins. ended up taking us over three hours to drive out of town. Once we realized how serious this whole thing really was we knew we needed to go to the Chico VA and look for Lorraine's oldest son who had a doctor's appointment, they said they never saw him. We went to the casino and they told us they had no available rooms, we drove around for hours before we found an available room. The next day we drove to the Marriott hotel in Sacramento where Atria put us up for about ten days until they were able to get us into one of the Senior Living Facilities.....… Thankfully Lorraine's oldest son was found and we have all been reunited. We all lost our homes in Paradise and have been living in Sacramento, Lorraine and I are at Atria in Carmichael and her two sons are in an apartment down the street and my daughter is living with her son in Chico, sadly she lost three homes in the Paradise fire...... We have decided to leave California and to move to Idaho.We are having a new house built which should be ready in June. It will work out just fine, We will be there with Lorraine's son's, my daughter and her son and his daughter also decided to move to Idaho, so our family will all be together for our new adventure. Until we move in June we will be at: Atria Carmichael, 8350 Fair Oaks Blvd, Carmichael CA 95608 Joe Medico Apt 300 PAGE 13 SECRETARY’S LETTER Hi everyone, I have been trying to get our database and mailing lists in order. With over 1,000 individual records (including deceased members) it is quite a daunting task sometimes. The toughest problems I face in this effort are: 1. Address changes and Summer/Winter (snowbird) addresses. Please keep me informed when something changes or if we are not delivering to the right seasonal addresses. 2. Notification of a member’s death. If you are receiving a newsletter ad- dressed to a deceased member or know of a member who has passed away, please let me know and send any details if you can. Not only will we print an obit but there are options if you are a spouse or family member who wishes to stay in contact with us or continue receiving the newsletter. 3. My typos. Let me know if I have gotten something wrong on your mailing la- bel. 4. Returned newsletters that are not able to be forwarded. Here is a short list of members whose January newsletters were returned to us , I have included their name, last known city of residence, and years served on Tico (if you see your name or someone you know please let me know what has happened): Richard M Alphonso, Santa Rosa, CA; 1944-1946. Stanley R Mattson, Spring Hill, FL; 1945-1946 Manny Peretz, Firestone, CO; 1944-1946 David I Shapiro, Manteo, NC; 1944-1945 John A Vaclav, Westcliff, CO; 1968-1971 Herman T Wilson, Baton Rouge, LA 1956-1959 Based on the years served, I fear that some of these members have passed away. If I do not hear anything I try once more and then take them off the mailing list after the April newsletter. If you can please send responses to my e-mail: [email protected] . You may also call me (leave message if I don’t answer at the number on the Officers’ page in this newsletter. Thank you,

Dennis

PAGE 14 It is with Sadness & Respect that we report the Deaths of the following Shipmates: William H. Dickson – Non Member, age 79, of Canton, OH passed away January 14, 2018. We were notified of his passing by his wife. While onboard in 1962 – 64 he was a LTJG in M Division. After he left the ship he was a NAVY recruiter in Philadelphia for 3 years. After leaving the NAVY he got a Law Degree from the University of Akron Law School in 1971 and passed the bar in 1972. He spent his working career in the Human Resources/Labor Relations field with A.E.P in Canton, Athens, and Lancaster Ohio, Standard Oil of Ohio (Old Ben Coal) in Lexington Kentucky, and Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago Illinois. He also worked in private practice as an attorney at the end of his career and in retirement. Bill is survived by wife and college sweetheart, Sandra; son Andrew and grandchildren Andrew, Jr. and Alyssa. Douglas Fry – Not an Association Member, passed away in December 2018. We were notified by his Nephew. While onboard from 1969-1972 he was an ABH3 in V-1 Division. Doug attended the Las Vegas reunion. Mike D. Hannas - Regular Member age 76, of Alexandria, VA passed away May 3, 2018. We were notified of his passing by his friend and Lifetime Member Charles A. Dyer. While onboard from 1965 to 1967 Mike was a LTJG in DECK and First Divisions. After he left the ship he got a Law Degree from the University of Missouri and returned to active duty in the Navy as a JAGC officer. He retired from the Navy as a CDR in 1988 and continued to work as a civilian for the Navy until his final retirement in 2001. Mike is survived by wife of 50 years, Joan; daughter Michelle and son John and grandchildren Emily and Tyler. Crawford F Johnston – Regular Member of Magnolia, TX passed away on July 18, 2018. We were notified by his wife Beverley. While onboard from 1954 to 1956 he was a GM3 in 4TH Division. Crawford had an Honor Ceremony on November 19, 2018 at the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Houston, TX. Beverley said the service was “just beautiful”. William F. Lent - Life Member age 95, of Wantagh, NY passed away December 14, 2018. We were notified of his passing by his son, Edward. While onboard from1944 to 1945 he was an S 1/c in V4 Division. After he left the ship he worked as a police officer and detective at the 6th Precinct in Seaford, NY. William is survived by wife of 69 years (one month shy of 70 years), Grace; 2 sons William Lent and Edward Lent, daughter-in-law Theresa, son-in-law Scott, three granddaughters, Nicole,-(husband Phillip), Jacklyn (husband Wendell), Jamie Lee as well as 2 great grandchildren, Melania and Maddox. Edward, tells us that one of the happier events that happened to William on the USS TICONDEROGA was the day that Captain Dixie Kiefer walked up to him on an intensely hot day as they were washing the deck and asked him if he could buy him an ice cream cone. Gerald Littlejohn – Life Member of Taft, TN. We were recently notified of his passing in March 2014 by his daughter in-law Janet. While onboard from 1954 to 1956 Gerald was an AB2 in V-1 Division. Forrest L Moore – Life Member of Lexington, KY passed away July 4, 2018. We were notified of his passing by his wife Marsha. While onboard from 1962-64 he was an MM3 in A Division.

PAGE 15 Ticonderoga October 17, 2019 Reunion Cruise Carnival Ecstasy Date Port Arrive Depart Thursday, October 17 Jacksonville, FL 4:00pm Friday, October 18 Freeport (Port Lucaya), Bahamas Noon 7:00pm Saturday, October 19 Nassau, Bahamas 8:00am 5:00pm Sunday, October 20 At Sea Monday, October 21 Jacksonville, FL 8:00am $25.00 per person deposit due before March 25th. Full names due by June 19. Full Payment due by August 1st. Inside Cabin for 2 (includes port, taxes and gratuities) Cabin Total $918.96 Inside Cabin for 3 (includes port, taxes and gratuities) Cabin Total $1191.44 Inside Cabin for 4 (includes port, taxes and gratuities) Cabin Total $1569.92 Outside Cabin for 2 (includes port, taxes and gratuities) Cabin Total $1044.96 Outside Cabin for 3 (includes port, taxes and gratuities) Cabin Total $1307.44 Outside Cabin for 4 (includes port, taxes and gratuities) Cabin Total $1569.92 “Cheers!” Liquor, Soda and Bottled Water Program: $245.20 (must be paid online before cruise) $25 per cabin onboard credit (can be used for casino chips, photos, etc) 1 hour Tico Reunion Party (Time and Date TBD) Free liquor and soda Each cabin gets 2 Carnival tote bags

The following beverages are available within the CHEERS! program: ��All spirits, including cocktails, cognacs, whiskies and other spirits, as well as beer (including self-serve beer stations) and wine and champagne by the glass, with a $20 USD or lower menu price per serving ��Sodas (including specialty sodas), Zero-Proof frozen cocktails (including smoothies) and juices ��Specialty coffees and hot tea served in the main dining rooms, specialty restaurants and coffee bars ��RockStar energy drinks, Powerade, Vitamin Water, Coconut Water and Honest Tea ��500ml bottled water and other non-alcoholic bottled beverages served in bars and lounges ��Large format (1 liter and 1.5-liter) bottles of water in the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants

Hotel Accommodations Jacksonville Plaza Hotel and Suites 14585 Duval Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32218 866-925-7881 (Ask for: Ticonderoga group)

$117.83 (plus tax) includes free parking and free round trip transportation to and from the cruise port.

Call Scott Lara, OS1(SW) U.S.S. Ticonderoga CG-47 87/88 at 904-382-7159 or email [email protected] Go to TheCruiseGenius.com for details.

PAGE 16 TREASURERS REPORT We are all looking forward to our 48th USS Ticonderoga Veterans Association annual reunion which will be held May 16-20, 2019 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our host facility will be the Sheraton Uptown Hotel (505-881-0000). Reunion schedules, registration forms, hotel accommodations, and tour details are included in this newsletter. At our Board and General Meeting this year in Albuquerque, we will be discussing cost savings measures as we have for the past 2 years over spent our budget. The main cost drivers have been in the following areas: Newsletter Costs Google Chrome Book Purchases Digitalizing Ticonderoga Cruise Books Shipping Hornet Museum Displays to Pascagoula, MS Dixie Keifer Memorial Plaque Reunion Costs (Tampa, FL) In addition to these costs, our membership revenues have been steady in decline. Financial Statements can no longer be published in the newsletter or viewed on our BigT Website as we are constantly having attempted scams trying to access our funds. We have ample funds to operate however, we need to get our spending back within our budget guidelines. A full accounting with Financial Statements will be available at the Board and General meeting on May 19th. There has been significant progress in the “Blue Water Navy” efforts to secure “Agent Orange” benefits for Navy and Marine veterans that served in “Territorial Waters of Vietnam”. A recent court case in the Court of Appeals (Procopio vs Wilke) has ruled that a veteran serving within 12 NM of coastline is granted the same veteran benefits as those who served “boots on the ground” in Vietnam. Prior to this court ruling, veterans were being denied these exposure benefits. Deck logs are now required showing the ships coordinates in order to file a claim. The bill going through Congress to secure these same benefits is HR299 which is starting over with the new Congress. Hopefully it will pass very soon. The main difference between Procopio and HR299 is that in HR299 there are precise coordinates established that determine “Territorial Waters”. Procopio states only “12 NM from coastline” which is very loosely defined. If passed HR299 would definitely expand the area of “Territorial Waters” and include the Ticonderoga during certain deployments to Vietnam. We are still needing a new association Treasurer. If interested please contact our President, David Graf (407-388-4608). Sincerely, George Passantino – Acting Treasurer 04/01/19

PAGE 17 Chaplains Corner By: LCDR Brett Inman Independence Vs. Interdependence In a day where so many people seem preoccupied with the concepts of personal rights and individuality, the Scriptures teach the importance of community and the necessity of looking out not for number one (yourself), but for the care of others. Though the world urges us to assert our differences (e.g. ethnic, sexual, and political), the Apostle Paul says in Colossians that we are to put to death our old nature (v.11). We are to be a renewed people, “in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.” In God, we are to act as one family and stress what we have in common above our differences. The Church is to be a true community where people feel they belong, where they are welcome, accepted, and both challenged and encouraged. At times, the church seems full of Christians who are infected with the disease of, “I can do it on my own,” “I don’t really need anybody else,” “I can worship God in the way I prefer, and besides, people are so hard to get along with...well, except those who think exactly like I do.” From our earliest school days, we have heard sayings such as, “Stand on your own two feet” or, “Stick up for your rights,” “Have it your way,” and “You deserve the best.” The media is full of “rights language” and perpetuates this attitude. Dying to self is basically an un-American attitude. Decisions being made today in society and government all too often are not being made on absolute truths or morals, but based on personal perceived rights. Self-fulfillment has been psychology’s banner taught to a generation of young minds. Even secular society has recognized, to some extent, the profit gained from trying to get along and how “the one can effect the many.” The media speaks more and more of the concept of a global village and the innate need of humans to belong to something more important and greater than ourselves. But the secular dream will always fall short because it is a dream that excludes God. Without God, there can never be true community. A.W. Tozer wisely observed, “One hundred pianos are never more closely tuned to each other than when they are tuned to the same tuning fork.” That tuning fork for the church must be God and His design for the community of believers, better known as the Church. While most groups today are formed to enhance the individual, the biblical model teaches us that the individual is there to enhance the group. Distinction comes not from asserting your differences, but by your contribution to the group. I think Benjamin Franklin saw early on the folly of this type of mind set during the time when our country was being founded. Referring to the danger of revolting against England, he said, “We must, indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.” So to, as those who follow God, we must hang together or the world will hang us separately, family by family. In many ways the modern idea of individualism is foreign to the ideas and vision of those who founded our country. John Winthrop, the first governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony, said, speaking to his fellow colonists, “We must delight in each other, make others’ conditions our own, rejoice together, mourn together, labor and suffer together, always having before our eyes our community member as members of the same body.” You might be saying to yourself that this sounds a little like Communism. The difference is the church is not a collective in nature but corporate. It does not consider all its members as identical and interchangeable. Each person retains his or her individuality, but makes up a community that functions together. As part of the military community, let us take a lesson from God’s Word and strive to seek strength in interdependence and not from prideful independence.

PAGE 18 SEE OLD TOWN ALBUQUERQUE!

PAGE 19 CRUISER STORE ITEMS ORDER FORM: NO ITEM PRICE QTY PRICE CV/CVA/CVS VIDEO SET $14 Shipping Incl. 1 CG‐47 VIDEO SET $14 Shipping Incl. BOTH VIDEO SETS ABOVE $24 Shipping Incl. 2 USS TICONDEROGA History/Ed. Set (Just $3.00/DVD!) $55 + $5 shipping

CG Ornaments Trim Colors: (Circle the codes.) 1 for $5, 2 for 9, RG=Red w/Gold, GG=Green w/Gold, BG=Blue w/Gold, 3 3 for $13, 4 for $16, WG=White w/Gold, RY=Red w/Yellow, GY=Green 5 for $19, 6 for $22 w/Yellow, BY=Blue w/Yellow, WY=White w/Yellow 1 for $10, 2 for $18, 4 Brass Ornament Stand 3 for $24, 4 for $31, 5 for $38, 6 for $45 5 Peter Hsu Drawing $10 plus $5 shipping 6 Color picture of ship Collage #1 $4 plus $1 shipping 7 Color picture of ship Collage #2 $4 plus $1 shipping 8 Antique Bronze Coin $15 plus $5 shipping 9 Cachet/Ship/Pascagoula, MS Cancellation $3 plus $1 shipping 10 Cachet/Decom Today/ Pascagoula, MS Cancellation $3 plus $1 shipping 11 Cachet/Last Day Postal Service Pascagoula, MS Cancellation $3 plus $1 shipping 12 #7 & #8 above signed by CO $6 plus $1 shipping 13 Cachet/Ship/Ticonderoga, NY Cancellation $3 plus $1 shipping 14 Cachet/Decom Today/Ticonderoga, NY Cancellation $3 plus $1 shipping 15 Cachet/Last Day Postal Service Tico., NY Cancellation $3 plus $1 shipping 16 #10, #11, #12 above signed by CO $6 plus $1 shipping 17 Radar waveguide seal $4 plus $1 shipping

PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE! Total: FOR ORDERS OF ITEMS 1‐17 ORDER AS FOLLOWS: _____ Orders of $30+ a Peter Hsu drawing is included free of charge (Not applicable to Ornaments). 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/shipsstore.html. Then click on picture of the ship.

PAGE 20 CARRIER STORE ITEMS ORDER FORM: NO ITEM PRICE QTY PRICE $12 + $9 Parcel Post 17 Ceramic Coffee Mug w/Logo & Tiger $12 + $11 Priority/Tr $20 includes shipping 18 Ball Caps–CVA‐14, CVS‐14S, CG‐47 +$2.25 for CV/CVS Scrambled 19 USS TICONDEROGA Warship Pictorial Book $20 includes shipping Blue Polo Shirt ‐ S, XL CVA ATTACK CARRIER 20 Black Polo Shirts NLA TICO TIGER LOGO $29 includes shipping Gray Polo Shirts‐M,L,XL NEW CV&CG LOGO Blue Polo Shirts – 2X CVA ATTACK CARRIER Black Polo Shirts – 2X TICO TIGER LOGO $31 includes shipping Gray Polo Shirts‐2X,3X NEW CV&CG LOGO Gray Tee Shirts ‐ S,M,L,XL CV/CVA/CVS/CG $20 includes shipping 21 Gray Tee Shirts ‐ NLA CV/CVA/CVS/CG $22 includes shipping Black Tee Shirts ‐ XL TICO TIGER LOGO $20 includes shipping Black Tee Shirts – NLA TICO TIGER LOGO $22 includes shipping Round TICO Patch (5 inches) $11 includes shipping 22 TICO Tiger patch $11 includes shipping One Inch Round Lapel / Hat Pin $6 includes shipping BLUE 23 $10 for 1 $18 for 2 Carrier Holiday Ornaments Colors: RED $24 for 3 Includes Shipping GREEN 24 40th REUNION Commemorative booklet $10 plus $5 shipping PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE! FOR ITEMS 17-24 ORDER AS FOLLOWS: CHECKS: (if you are not ordering using PAYPAL) Total: 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/shipsstore.html and click on the image of the ship, OR Email [email protected]

PAGE 21 DONATIONS MADE TO USS TICONDEROGA VETERANS ASSOCIATION 12/1/18 TO 02/28/19 THANK YOU!

GENERAL MEMORIAL DIXIE KEIFER CG-47 SHIPS FIRST NAME LAST NAME DATA ENTRY FUND FUND PLAQUE MUSEUM BELL Ed Heasley X Dale Pheiffer X Richard Stephens X James Jackson X Dale Lankford X Ed Gorton X WELCOME NEW MEMBERS !!!! NEW MEMBERS BETWEEN 12/1/2018 TO 02/28/2019 ********** WELCOME ABOARD!

YRS FIRST NAME LAST NAME DIVISION RATE/RANK CITY STATE SHIP ABOARD Scott Lara CSI Div OS1 (SW) 87-88 Jacksonville FL CG-47 Charles Stadnik R Div HT2 1985 Ambridge PA CG-47 William Ard R Div SH3 67-68 Raleigh NC CVA-14 Cottage Richard Stephens R Div MR2 66-69 MN CVA-14 Grove Steve Monk CR Div RM3 68-70 Tate GA CVA-14 Dale Kennell VA-56 AO3 65-66 Albertville AL CVA-14

Second Ticonderoga's bell (1862)

Screw Sloop if War (1863-1881)

The bell is in the:

Dossin Great Lakes Museum,

Belle Island, Detroit Michigan.

PAGE 22 PLEASESEND THIS FORM AND YOUR DUES TO: DENNIS W. SABELL - SECRETARY P. O. BOX 3178 UNIVERSAL CITY, TX 78148-2278 Make Check Payable to: USS Ticonderoga 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: Use Alternate address (Y/N) for Newsletters mailed in: Jan Ap r 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#: CELL#: FAX#:

E‐MAIL ADDRESS: @ Dues Included for Period: ($20). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2019 ($20). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2023 ($20). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2020 ($20). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2024 ($20). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2021 ($20). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2025 ($20). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2022 ($20). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2026 . . . Or Lifetime Membership Amount (See Below) Personal Gift Contributions to: Memorial Fund THIS FORM CAN BE General Fund PRINTED FROM USS CG‐47 Museum Room USS CV‐14 Ship’s Bell Refurbishment WWW.BIGT.NET Data Entry Shipmate Locator MEMBERSHIP PAGE. 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 The USS Ticonderoga Veterans’ Association P.O. BOX 3178 UNIVERSAL CITY, TX 78148-2278 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

ALBUQUERQUE, NM MAY 16 - 20, 2018 SHERATON ALBUQUERQUE UPTOWN Reservations (800) 252-7772 DEADLINE FOR RATE IS: 04/14/2019

GO TO WWW.BIGT.NET REUNION PAGE FOR ITINERARY & REGISTRATION FORMS!