BUCCANEER Vol 51 Number 4 www.ussessexassociation.com / ussessex.org November 2020 Edition
A Publication of the USS ESSEX Association
USS ESSEX, CVS-9 - June 1967
On a North Atlantic / Med cruise with AG 54
ASW Aircraft E-1B Tracers, S2F Trackers seen here.
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OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Chairman Bruce Sims
Vice Chairman Berlyn Ware
Secretary Don Szulist
Treasurer Bob Peters
Asst. Treasurer Eugene Schmidt
Chaplain Bob Nause
Historian Richard Scales
Ship’s Storekeeper Tom Ferelli
Buccaneer Editor/Publisher Position Open
Master at Arms Ed Mroziniski
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Class of 2020 Tom McNally Richard Scales Ryan Harrison
Class of 2021 Tom Ferelli Scott Packer Temp. Vacant
Class of 2022 Tom Connell Bill McCaffery Tony Medina
RECENT FORMER CHAIRMEN Joe DuErmit / Norm Thompson / Bob Zeller Jr.
Bob Walker / Frank O’Conner / Dan Genet
Bill Pihl / Bob Flynn / Gordon Kreiner
FREQUENT CONTACTS Bob Nause - Chaplain, [email protected]
570-788-3157
Donald Szulist - Secretary, [email protected]
619-708-8836
Bob Peters -Treasurer, [email protected]
248-548-6452
Eugene Schmidt—Asst. Treasurer
616-534-7170
Bruce Sims - Chairman [email protected]
678-572-4618
Tom Ferelli - Storekeeper [email protected]
602-882-0375
Buccaneer Editor/Publisher
Position Open
Contact Chairman Bruce Sims
BUCCANEER DEADLINE DATES
October 8 for the November issue
February 8 for the March issue
June 8 for the July issue
NOTES FROM THE EDITOR
We have redesigned the Buccaneer to provide you with
as much information, news, humor and coming events
as possible.
This is your newsletter, so please forward us feedback as
to articles and material you would like to see.
We will try to keep all future issues to a maximum of 12
pages. This will keep our mailing and printing expenses
to a minimum.
We will use a tight format leaving no voids on pages to
eliminate wasted space.
We suggest that all members who use computers receive
their Buccaneer at our website. This way you will re-
ceive your copy sooner and be able to print it in color.
DON’T FORGET
DUES ARE DUE IN JANUARY Renewal Form is on back Cover
MAIL TO: Eugene Schmidt
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Page 1 Cover
Page 2 Contents, Officers And Board Members
Page 3 From The Desk Of The Chairman
Page 4 Chaplain’s Message
Page 5 Treasurer’s Report
Page 6 Honor of, Donations, New Members,
Membership Changes
Page 7 Taps and Sick Bay
Page 8 / 9 Reunion Info
Page 10 Scholarship Donation Form
Page 10 Ethel Walker Scholarship
Page 11 Ship’s Store
Page 12 Back Cover / Renewal Form
Bruce Sims, Tom Ferelli and Gene
Schmidt are now the temporary co-
editors of the Buccaneer.
All future Buccaneer input should be
directed to one of us.
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FROM THE DESK OF THE CHAIRMAN
Ahoy Shipmates,
Time flies! It seems only last month that I was putting a report together for the
Buccaneer. As we get older it feels as though the days roll around more often.
Anyway, since our last publication our reunion coordinator Tom Ferelli and the
Hornet have made much more progress in putting together our 2021 reunion in
San Diego. Please see the following pages with additional information that Tom
has submitted.
Unfortunately, as we get older our health starts to fail and many of our shipmates
are having health problems that have contributed to their becoming shut-ins and/
or residing in nursing homes. Many others have had severe accidents that have
laid them up and out of action and some have passed on. A card or maybe a
phone call would help those to know that we’re thinking of them and wishing
them well. Sometimes we are not aware of our sick, bedridden and fallen ship-
mates. Therefore, I ask everyone to please advise me, our chaplain and our
Buccaneer editor of any of our shipmates who are having such conditions so we
can be aware of their situation and take whatever action necessary to help.
Our assistant treasurer has taken over much of the treasurer’s duties due to Bob
Peter’s health. Bob will be turning 90 soon and his eyes are not the best anymore
so he thought it wise to have Eugene do most of the details that need stronger
eyes.
Our association is doing very well financially as you can see from our recent
treasurer’s report. We all know our membership has declined over the years, but
we do remain better off than many other military associations that are going
through the same reductions that we have. Let me remind everyone that in order
to remain financially sound it is paramount we pay our dues as timely as possi-
ble.
Smooth Sailing and Stay Safe,
H. Bruce Sims, Chairman
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CHAPLAIN’S MESSAGE
Veterans Day, it is the day to give thanks to living veterans who served their country
honorably during war or peacetime. Veterans Day commemorates veterans of all wars.
Thanksgiving will probably look a bit different this year. Do not get upset if plans
need to be changed due to the pandemic. The most important part is to give thanks for
your family and friends. Thanksgiving has deep roots in religious tradition but now it is
primarily celebrated as a secular holiday.
Christmas is about commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is our faith that is the
glue that holds our families together. During Christmas it is a joy to watch the young chil-
dren open their gifts on Christmas morning. The smiles and ‘’thank you’s’’ are memories
that last forever.
We need to enjoy our family time together, especially during the holidays.
To our shipmates and their families, Honor our veterans. Enjoy Thanksgiving with
your family, have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
Prayer for our troops:
Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless
them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. God
Bless You! God Bless America and keep our troops safe!
Chaplain,
Bob Nause
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TREASURER’S REPORT USS ESSEX CV/CVA/CVS-9/LHD-2 INC.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Third Quarter January 1 thru September 30, 2020
Assets Income
Balances January 1, 2020
Checking $26,094.94 Auction
HI Yield $22,949.17 Donations Gen Fund $1,622.00
CD Donations Scholarship $425.00
Prepaid Expenses Hospitality Room
Beginning Cash Balance $49,044.11 Income on Investments $3.45
Life Memberships
Income $9,513.84 Miscellaneous $306.60
Less Expenses $4,675.15 Membership Dues $5,170.76
Balance $53,882.80 New Memberships $298.25
Reunion Income
Ship's Store Sales $1,687.78
Tours
$9,513.84 Total Income
Expenses
Accounting Fees
Advertising / Promotion
Bank Charges
Buccaneer Printing/Expense $232.54
General Printing Expense
Computer Eqpt & Software
Donations
Legal Fees
Miscellaneous $640.00
Office Supplies & Eqpt
Postage / Freight $256.25
Refunds
Repairs/Serv Contracts $285.12
Reunion - General Exp $65.00
Reunion - Assn Exp
Scholorship fund Award $1,025.00
Ship's Store Merchandise $1,795.38
Ship's Store Expenses $375.86
Total Expenses $4,675.15
Balance September 30, 2019
Checking $30,930.18
Investment $22,952.62 Total Income (Loss) $4,838.69
Prepaid Scholorship $ (175.00)
Account Balances $53,882.80
Prepared by Eugene Schmidt, Assistant Treasurer
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NEW MEMBERS
Report for NOVEMBER 2020 BUCCANEER
Name Note DIV/S ABOARD Joined
Rodger Brassard 90 Lyman Ave., Burlington VT., 05401, 802-881-7774, [email protected]
RM3 1966 / 1967 8/15/2020
Dana Kruase LHD-2 Plank Owner
11783 Justinian Drive, Rancho Cordo-va, CA 95742 [email protected]
DP2 S-7 2/1992 – 7/1996
10/3/2020
ROSTER INFO CHANGED
Report for NOVEMBER 2020 BUCCANEER
LAST NAME FIRST NAME ROSTER INFO CHANGED Date Rcd
Widener Sam [email protected]
7/16/2020
Martin, Joseph J. 973-981-2513 8/14/2020
Myers Marshall M. 332 segovia Drive, Punta Gorda FL 33950-8053, 406-249-2491, [email protected]
8/14/2020
Todd Billy E. 88 LeJano Drive, White Rock NM 87547, 505-672-3846, [email protected]
8/3/2020
Medina Tony & Maria 209-C Vernon Rd., MonroeTownship NJ, 08831, 609-642-6403
10/13/2020
WELCOME ABOARD!
Memorialized Honored Donor Date Rcd
Joe DuErmit John Gilmore 7/8/2020
Margaret (Peg) Hardee Robert Hardee 9/20/2020
Donations For Memorial and Honor list
Report for NOVEMBER 2020 BUCCANEER
CONTRIBUTIONS FOR ETHEL WALKER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
DONOR CONTRIBUTION DATE RCD
Jim Brooker $100.00 8/10/2020
Ethel Walker $100.00 8/27/2020
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ETHEL WALKER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Don’t forget to support our Ship’s Store.
Go to ussessexassociation.com and check it out.
Questions? Contact Tom Ferelli at [email protected] or 602-882-0375
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SICK BAY
NAME REASON NOTIFIED
William (Bill) McCaffrey At home recovering from
lawnmower accident Bob Nause
Helen Wadford (Wife of In the hospital with
Jim Wadford) Pneumonia Bob Nause
Bob Peters At home recovering from
Heart problems Bruce Sims
NAME RELATION NOTIFIED
Carl Mortensen Aboard 1943-1947 Bob Nause
Roderick (Rod) Washburn Aboard 1955-1959 Bob Nause
Frederick Bahr Aboard 1956-1959 Bob Nause
Bob Dreher Aboard 1964-1967 Heidi Dreher
Bob Blakeman Aboard 1951-1953 Norm Thompson
Mabel Blakeman Wife of Bob Blakeman Norm Thompson
Bob Riley Aboard 1962-1965
Henry W. Kazmierski Aboard 1945 Bob Nause
TAPS
Be sure to notify the chaplain, Bob Nause, of any known shipmate illness or injuries.
See page 2 for contact information.
All notifications of change of address, phone number or e-mail address
should be sent to Eugene Schmidt. Contact info on page 2.
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USS Hornet and USS Essex
Joint Carrier Reunion
We are pleased to announce our 51st annual reunion to be held at the Crown Plaza Hotel, 2270 Hotel Circle N, San Diego, Ca. 92108. This Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Mission Valley. It is a AAA – 3 Diamond rated Hotel. The reunion dates are September 13 to September 18, 2021. To make your Hotel reservations please call the Hotel directly at 619-297-1101 You MUST indicate the group name USS Hornet OR USS ESSEX Association in order to receive the group rate. Our room rate is $129.00 a night plus tax which includes the daily Breakfast buffet. Group rate applies to 3 days prior and post reunion.
The Hotel is about 10 minutes from the San Diego/Lindberg Field Airport (Airport code is SAN). Transporta-tion to the Crown Plaza can be arranged through UBER, LYFT and Taxi service. Cost for a cab is around $25.00. Crown Plaza provides NO Airport Shuttles.
Make your Hotel Reservations and REUNION REGISTRATION Early. The Hotel will begin taking RESERVATIONS some-time in January (TBD)
The cutoff date for the reunion registration is AUGUST 13th 2021.
The Military Reunion Planners group will be facilitating this year’s reunion. They will be working with Essex and Hornet to provide REGISTRATION, TOUR INFORMATION and a PLANNING ITINERARY. The USS ESSEX will be arriving ahead of the USS Hornet group and kick things off first thing Monday morning the 13th of Sep. The USS Hor-net group will follow in by Wed the 15th of Sep. The USS Essex will also be participating with the USS Hornet in the HOSPITALITY Room, SHIPS STORES, “Specialty nights” and Banquet responsibilities.
The USS ESSEX Association is planning a “Welcoming Party” on Wednesday 15th Sept at this Hotel to welcome all hands. Hornet has a “Specialty/ BBQ night” for the evening of Friday the 17th of Sep. USS Hornet also has as a Ban-quet venue set for Saturday evening.
There are many things to do in San Diego California. It is a family friendly city with lots of attractions and sights. We will be working to provide you with a great venue. Please join a group tour or venture out on your own and enjoy the sights. San Diego is also homeport of the US Pacific Fleet and USS ESSEX LHD-2.
There is 20% discount off Hotel Restaurant and bar purchases this year. You must have a reunion registra-tion or reunion “GUEST PASS” to enjoy this discount. There is a group rate parking fee of $3.00 per day. The Hotel operates a local shuttle service to Old Town and Mission Valley Mall. This property has an onsite Car Rental Desk.
NOTE: You can cancel your Hotel reservation up to 48 hours before your Check in time & date.
Thomas C Ferelli 602-882-0375 Reunion Coordinator
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2021 TOURS San Diego REUNION
Welcome friends and shipmates to sunny San Diego California. Unbelievable sights and unforgettable adventures. San Diego is famous for its 70 miles of beaches, its many attractions such as Balboa Park, Sea World, San Diego Zoo and San Diego Safari Park. San Diego is a City of Neighborhoods, the unique cultur-al hubs such as Old Town, Barrio Logan, Shelter Island and Coronado. The amazing beach cities such as Imperial Beach, Mission beach, Pacific Beach and La Jolla. San Diego is home to the San Diego Padres at Petco Park and the welcoming Gas Lamp district with its many shops and restaurants in downtown San Diego. San Diego boasts an exciting array of High-end Res-taurants to the many Local establishments and ready to satisfy any appetite. San Diego is also the military home of the Navy and Marine Corps with locations at 32nd St., Coronado/ North Is-land, SubBase Point Loma and Miramar MCAS. It is also the homeport to the USS ESSEX LHD-2 and the US Pacific Fleet. Tours that are under consideration or TBD are:
San Diego City Tour San Diego Harbor Tour Naval Station 32nd Street Balboa Park and Museums USS Midway tour Seaport Village and the Emarcadero Old Town San Diego downtown and Gas Lamp District Petco Park Other considerations for families: Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Mission Bay Park, Pacific Beach, La Jolla and more!
For all tours, please be at bus departures point about15 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
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Ethel Walker Scholarship Program The ESSEX Scholarship program is designed to financially assist ESSEX crew descendants to attend higher education beyond K-12. College, University, Community or Junior College and Trade schools are all acceptable. The Scholarship program pro-vides the successful candidate $1000.00 to be used towards their college tuition. The Association will provide one $1000.00 scholarship per calendar year.
We hope that everyone takes advantage of this program.
The application will be available January 1, each year.
The postmark deadline for submission each year is April 30.
The selection and award of the annual scholarship will be held May 10 each year, allowing time to make arrangements for the beginning of the school year.
Rules and application forms are available on request from Chairman Bruce Sims, Vice Chairman Berlyn Ware, Secretary Don Szulist, or Assistant Treasurer Eugene Schmidt. They will be sent to you by E-Mail or paper sent by U S Postal service.
If you’re interested in applying, request your forms, then please fill out the application as directed and mail your applica-tion with a copy of your acceptance letter to:
USS ESSEX ASSOCIATION
116 Allium Ct
Griffin GA 30223-5797
Mark Envelope; “Scholarship”
Contributions to the Scholarship Fund are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
DONATE TO THE
USS ESSEX SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Ethel Walker Scholarship Fund
Donation Amount_______________________
From: Name__________________________ Street Address __________________________
City__________________________ State________________ Zip Code_________________
Phone____________________ E-Mail Address_____________________________________
Please make check payable to: USS ESSEX ASSOCIATION and send with this form to;
Assistant Treasurer, Eugene Schmidt, 3823 Wyoming Ave SW, Wyoming, Michigan 49519-3659
USS ESSEX ASSOCIATION
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
CREWMEMBER DESCENDANTS
OPENS: JANUARY 1
POSTMARK DEADLINE: APRIL 30
AWARDED: ON OR ABOUT MAY 10
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www.ussessexassociation.com
The USS Essex Ship’s Store online is the best way to support the As-
sociation through the sale of “USS Essex” brand merchandise.
The Ship’s Store sales have always been robust and especially at re-
unions, where our items are normally discounted for sale. At Reunions,
there are always new items as well as “Clearance” items priced ready for
sale. I encourage everyone to come by and “BUY ESSEEX” to help pro-
mote our Association. DON”T FORGET—CHRISTMAS IS COMING
Storekeeper: Tom Ferelli at [email protected] 602-882-0375
The newest item for sale online. USS ESSEX LHD-2 Pin
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USS ESSEX ASSOCIATION
1916 Sonoma Ln.
Lemon Grove CA 91945-3534
TO:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
USS ESSEX Association Dues Notice
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY and MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE: USS ESSEX ASSOCIATION
DO NOT MAKE THEM PAYABLE TO EUGENE SCHMIDT OR BOB PETERS.
MAIL TO: EUGENE SCHMIDT 3823 WYOMING AVE SW, WYOMING MI 49519-3659
Please check here____ (only) if this is a change to your address, phone number or email address that is listed in the roster.
Membership cards will be mailed by the Secretary.
NAME:______________________________________________________________________ Street Address: ________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip code: ____________________________________________________________ Contact Ph #: _____________________ Email address: ______________________________________
(Please CIRCLE the appropriate year(s) you are paying for or making a donation)
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 or DONATION: ____________
________YEARS @ $25.00 per year $ ______________
Total amount: $ ______________
You may receive a dues notice by mail. Dues renewal notices forms are published in the Buccaneer newsletter and on the website at:
www.ussessexassociation.com. The expiration date will be printed on any mailing labels and on your Membership card. Please
remember to bring your membership card to the reunions to verify Membership status and gain access into our Annual Business/
General Membership meeting.