volume xi, issue 4 destroyer leader newsletter page 1 · volume xi, issue 4 destroyer leader...

DESTROYER LEADER NEWSLETTER VOLUME XI, ISSUE 4

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Welcome - Shipmates: We have concluded another reunion for the Destroyer Leader Association in Charleston SC. This was a first for this Association where we had 30 first time attendees present. Each new member was welcomed aboard and a group photo was taken by our photographer.

The Memorial service on Board the USS Yorktown was very well attended and each ships coordinator took a flower from the wreath and tossed it over the side after the names were read. A pair of Dolphins came up to the surface of the water next to the Yorktown and received the flowers just after they were cast into the water. The lunch was great in the CPO mess hall and the sights we all saw that day were in respect for all the brave men who served on board the Yorktown.

Our Banquet and Buffet dinners were also very good and our Surprise guest “ELVIS” entertained all after the banquet dinner.

The annual meeting of the Association went well and I am honored to serve for another term as your President. The discussion on a cruise reunion for 2009 was unanimous to hold it and Walter Alexander handed out survey sheets to find out the length and where you wanted to Cruise to during that reunion.

Next on our agenda is planning for the 2008 Saint Louis reunion and your Board of Directors will be meeting at the Hilton hotel in St. Louis in April 2008 to inspect the property and finalize the plans for that reunion. We will also be going over the plans for the 2009 reunion to insure that you have a great time during you event.

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Official Publication

Destroyer Leader Association

Volume XI Issue 4

NOVEMBER 2007

Ships

USS NORFOLK DL-1 USS MITSCHER DL-2, DDG-35

USS JOHN S MC CAIN DL-3, DDG-36 USS. WILLIS A LEE DL-4 USS. WILKINSON DL-5

President’s Message 1

Vice-President’s Message

2

Ship’s Coordinator’s Corner

6-8

Welcome Aboard 9

Ship’s Store 9

Chaplains Corner & TAPS

10

Article and Recipe 11

Reunion Update 13

Board of Directors 14

Membership Application

15

Past President’s Message & Mail Call

4

Inside this issue:

Destroyer Leader Newsletter NOVEMBER 2007


One Important Item: If you are planning to attend the 2009 cruise reunion YOU WILL NEED A US PASSPORT. Do not wait until the last moment to try to obtain one as you will be disappointed if you can not get one in time. They are good for 10 years and by applying or renewing your now it will be one less thing to have to remember to do.

I look forward to seeing the reunion Photo book and if any one has photos taken during the reunion please send them to us to use for the Book. The Fiscal year 2008 dues are due: Jan – Dec for the Association and you can pay them in multiple years if you wish.

Best regards: Mike Bugara President Destroyer Leader Association

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Vice Presidents Message Vice President Publicity/Web Site Administrator

Thank you for permitting me to continue to serve in this capacity. The year has been somewhat challenging. In my opinion, these are the ABC’s that make dreams: Avoid negative people, places, things and habits. Believe in yourself. Consider things from every angle. Don’t give up and don’t give in. Enjoy life today, yesterday is gone, tomorrow may never come! Family and friends are hidden treasures. Seek them and enjoy their riches. Give more than you planned. Hang onto your dreams; ignore those who try to discourage YOU! Just do it. Keep trying no matter how hard it seems. It will get easier! Love yourself first and most. Make dreams happen. Never lie, cheat, or steal. Always strike a fair deal. Open your eyes see things as they really are. Practice makes perfect. Quitters never win and winners never quit. Read and learn about everything important to you. Stop procrastination. Take control of your own destiny. Understand yourself in order to understand others. Visualize your dreams. Want your dreams more than anything. X-celebrate your efforts. You are a unique individual. Nothing can replace you Zero in on your goals and go for them!! Again, thanks for your votes. May the almighty bless you and your family, until we meet and greet in St Louis, Mo. Raymond A Caldwell, V.P. Publicity/Web site Administrator

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE Cont’d.


IN SEARCH OF (Article submitted by Howard Dobson, Roster Administrator.)

Recently, I received an e-mail from Ronilee Howland who seeks to locate a veteran from the USS Willis A. Lee, DL-4. This individual seeks the veteran in research of family history.

The veteran sought is Sergio Enrique Armando whose nickname is Ron. His rating and period of service are unknown. What is known is that Sergio was aboard the USS Willis A. Lee when it was in the Boston Naval Shipyard in 1960. He was dating a lady, Carol Crowell, at that time. A picture of who might have been Sergio from that era follows: Ser-gio is believed to have been a close friend with Walter “Skip” Mis-chke who is alleged to have been serving aboard the USS Willis A. Lee at that time. Walter has no listing on our roster. If anyone has information that might be useful in locating Sergio, please inform Ronilee Howland. Ronilee’s contact information follows:

Ronilee Howland Phone: 978 532-2713 19 Bay State Blvd. Peabody, MA 01960 E-Mail: [email protected]

Captain’s Inspection? By Walter Alexander

In the summer of 2007, I purchased a navy dress blue uniform at an Army/Navy surplus store in Day-tona Beach, Florida. My intention was to wear the uniform at reunions of my two ships. I had a local tailor make adjustments to fit and also put on the appropriate rating badge. I still had my blue flat hat and neckerchief that were issued to me at USNTC Bainbridge boot camp in 1957. On Saturday night in Charleston, I wore a uniform for the first time since 1962. As I stepped into the Hospitality Room, I saw just inside the door Captain William Moredock, the last skipper of USS Willis A. Lee, motioning to me to approach him. With four gold stripes on each of his shoulders, I began to worry. I thought “What is the Captain going to gig me for? What’s wrong with my uniform? Hat not squared? Neckerchief not tied in square knot? Oh, boy, I’m going to fail captain’s personnel inspec-tion.” As I reached him, he stuck out his hand to shake mine! He said “I’m proud of that uniform! I wore it for three years before going to OCS!” Whew. I relaxed! Ken Rongaus (DL-1) noticed I wasn’t wearing a ship shoulder patch. I told him I didn’t own one that I could put on my uniform. He said he had an extra one and would send it to me when he got home. He did, and now I have “U.S.S. Norfolk” on my right sleeve, making my uniform complete! Thanks, Ken, for being a shipmate! My eleven year old grandson Joe asked me to attend a Veterans Day Program at his school on Novem-ber 13, and to please wear my “new” uniform. You bet I will go and proudly wear it for him!


PAST PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE As many of you may know, Bill LaBarth (DL-2) went into the hospital on Oct. 24, for a heart valve re-pair. It was not supposed to be anything severe but anytime you mess with the ticker, or central control system, you are talking serious. Bill did mention that this problem had been around for some number of years, and this seemed to be the appropriate time to work it over. With the will of God, all went well and he is home for the past 10 days recuperating. I think now might be a good time to send a note or make a phone call to welcome him back. His words of wisdom were, take care of the body and stay out of the hospital. They don’t serve Liquorish Jelly Beans there either. Glad to have you back Bill, and we will see you in St. Louis. By the way, I think he has a great caregiver on board, and we wish Char-lotte our best. Jim Rigell, Editor

SHIP’S STORE COORDINATOR A very hardy “THANK YOU” for another outstanding participation in the “Ships Store” at the 2007 DLA Reunion. And, a very well deserved “THANK YOU” for all your sup-port over the past years. I hope you support Bill Svendsen as well as you did me. If any-one has any new ideas or possibly any new vendors I’m sure Bill will appreciate it. I also want to convey a hardy THANK YOU to the Board of Directors for the very nice plaque of appreciation, it is already on my Navy Wall. Again “THANK YOU ALL”! Gary Dunn SO2 USS Willis A. Lee DL-4

MAIL CALL Walt: Just wanted to let you know and to thank you for assistance. Please pass this on to Mike and other leaders, with reference to Raymond Caldwell. This morning word came in that my wife had to go to Avery, a small town in Ala-bama to see her step dad who had been put on life support. We discussed the situation, and talked to Ray and he re-sponded right away. I told him she had to go. Ray got busy and helped with the airline ticket. He is a true shipmate in all sense of the word. Of course shipmates in our day was tight, and stood by their shipmates. Well, he really ex-hibited this in a true sense of the word.

With airline ticket and car rental, he save me just over $1,000.00. This was for flying on short notice. I do not have the words to say how much we appreciate his help. My wife will be flying out Thursday morning to see her step dad who is very ill. This just showed me that shipmates are shipmates for life and especially when a need arises. Please pass this on to Raymond with my sincere thanks. I could not thank him enough. Again, thanks for your help.

Shipmate, John & Pat Evans, USS Norfolk DL-1

“ Walt – Thanks for the letter of 10/15/2008 addressed to Attendees of the Reunion. The letter was very informative. Please don’t be too hard on yourself and your committee – you all did a great job! I personally enjoyed the weekend and the opportunity to “Share the memories” very much. (I figured the way to beat the slow (restaurant) food service was to eat “soup & salad – the clam chowder was the best I think I’ve ever eaten!) The breakfast buffet and all the



Happy Birthday to the U.S. Navy! The Freedom of the Seas During the American Revolutionary War, to intercept and capture British supply ships near Massa-chusetts, George Washington announced on October 13, 1775 that he had taken command of three armed schooners under Continental authority. This action resulted in the creation of the Con-tinental Navy, which ultimately evolved into the U.S. Navy. Nearly a decade later, in response to attacks by Barbary Pirates, Congress ordered the construction and manning of six frigates on March 27, 1794. Three years later, the USS United States, USS Constellation and USS Constitution, were welcomed into the U.S. Navy. Since that time, many of you, our Veteran brothers and sisters have proudly worn the U.S. Navy uniform, protecting our nation, the American people and our many freedoms carrying out the - Mission of the Navy: "To maintain, train and equip combat-ready Naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas." Our U.S. Navy Today Presently, the U.S. Navy is the largest naval fleet in the world with over 340,000 men and women on active duty and nearly 128,000 on reserve, with 279 ships in active ser-vice, and more than 4,000 aircraft. The three principal components of the Navy are: The Navy Department; the Operating Forces (including the Marines, reserves & in time of war, the U.S. Coast Guard); and the shore establishment.

MAIL CALL (Continued) banquets were very good – I’d hate to cook for 200 people & get all the food done correctly, especially steak! Actually, I was surprised the hotel agreed to a sit down dinner for a bunch of “particular old farts” like us! Actually, their “chef” was amazing – he couldn’t make five dinners at one time in the hotel dinning area but could serve 200 people all at one time with all the trimmings and only one person fell in the pool – I laughed so hard I cried – I saw him holding up his camera getting up close for a picture & all of a sudden “splash!” Thanks for the Memories and for a great job Walt and crew. P.S. – It’s a tough job but you all are great doing it!! Lee “Ski” Strozinsky Jim, I have received a dozen or more cards, notes, emails following the reunion thanking me and the Board for the re-union. I don’t intend to send them all to you, but here is a sample from a post card received yesterday. Walt – Received your letter re summary of South Carolina reunion. Nice follow up job by you and Mike. A reunion is only as good as the effort put into it (by the leadership) – glad to say your effort and results are second to none. Too bad the Radisson didn’t see it that way also. “Meet Me in St. Louis.” Gene Jarnagin ”Walt, received the letter yester-day, a very good job of stating facts!It wouldn't of hurt to have been a little more harsh. Another job well done. By the way, I made my 2008 reservations yesterday (ed. Note: Hilton St. Louis) and the lady was the most polite and re-ceptive of any hotel yet. She couldn't seem to do enough. Gary Dunn

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Having been a no show for the 2007 reunion in Charleston, I cannot comment on anything that occurred at that reunion. I can say that I appreciate Walt Alexander's efforts to make all of our reunions great. I espe-cially appreciated the eleven page explanation Walt mailed out to all shipmates who attended the reunion. Walt is a first class act and goes at the job as reunion coordinator with a vengeance. Most attendees of our reunions are not aware of the complexity of setting up a reunion. Everything is in place for them when they arrive for a reunion and they have no idea that Walt has devoted between eighteen and twenty four months arranging the reunion that they will be attending. The only job the attendees have is to show up and have a great time. I am not looking for the day when Walt makes his "Richard Nixon" speech and says "You won't have Walt to kick around anymore. A special thanks should go to Walt's wife Wanda for putting up with all of time he devotes to reunions. Don't be a complainer, be a volunteer. We always need help at the reunions because the jobs should not always fall on the same shipmates. An excellent way to help is locating ex-shipmates. If each of you made an effort to locate just two people you served with we could increase our attendance at reunion twofold. One does not have to be a member of the DLA to attend reunions but it can be helpful because you can then attend the business meetings. The business meet-ings are where you can have your voice heard on such matters as the voting for officers of the DLA and loca-tions of future reunions. The Board of Directors and your ships coordinators are speaking for you now but we want your voice to be heard also. We have a BOD meeting scheduled for April 2008 and I would like to have some of your thoughts so I can present them to the board. As a follow up to my last column I want to say that I am very pleased that the “Navy Blue Angels” did per-form at the San Francisco Fleet Celebration. Fortunately the City Council of San Francisco did not have the final say of whether the “Blue Angels” would fly. Kudos to the people who sponsored Navy Fleet Week.

The credit goes to Tom Waters of DL-1 (1965 – 1968) for furnishing the photo. in the inset. He is a new at-tendee and from the “later” crew rather than the old timers from the 50’s.

Ed Jehlik, Ship’s Coordinator USS Norfolk, DL-1 Phone: 701-298-0659 Email: [email protected]

SHIPS COORDINATORS CORNER

USS NORFOLK DL-1


Fellow Shipmates: I just want to say that the Reunion activities were very good. The Memorial service was out-standing on the carrier deck of the USS Yorktown. The Banquet was very nice and the Missing Sailor Ser-vice was done by Curtis Hanson. He did an outstanding job. Well done, Curtis…. I hope that the problems that some of us encountered with the billing has been taken care of by now. There were no items or articles received from any Shipmates so this article will be short and sweet.. Bill Crotts volunteered to be Assistant Ships Coordinator for the USS Mitscher DDG-35. Bill’s e-mail ad-dress is [email protected] Bob Lange, Ship Coordinator USS Mitscher DL-2/DDG-35 1835 Norfolk Road Glen Burnie, MD 21061-4351 [email protected] 410-768-0751

USS MITSCHER DL-2/DDG-35

USS JOHN S. MCCAIN DL-3/DDG-36/DDG-56 Well, during the first weekend of October, while this McCain was out working, 18 of our shipmates from the DL3 and DDG 36 were in Charleston at the 11th annual Destroyer Leader Assoc. reunion. This was somewhat fewer than attended the Baton Rouge reunion … and, I hope, fewer than we’ll see at the 2008 re-union in St. Louis. Other than some unfortunate glitches, the reunion’s tours, receptions and banquet were enjoyable (food was GOOD!) The almost torrential rains we experienced early in the week stopped – the sun came out! – for our tours of historic Charleston and the Patriots Point Naval museum, and our memorial service, held aboard the USS Yorktown. This one is named for both the Admirals, John S. Sr. and John S. Jr.

In preparation for next year, your board of directors will hold its spring 2008 meeting at our reunion host hotel. This will give us a chance to experience what they have to offer and get a look at St. Louis. I’ll keep you posted.

I’m pleased to report that George Brubaker, who served on the DDG-36 as an RM2, 1969 through 1970, will be joining me in efforts to bring more DDG-36 shipmates into the Association and to the St Louis reunion. If you served aboard the McCain, from its FRAM to its decommissioning, feel free to contact George … [email protected] … And of course, please, always feel free to contact me : by calling : 503-698-6558 [email protected]

Curtis


USS WILLIS A. LEE DL-4

Fellow Shipmates: Our reunion in Charleston, S.C. went very well, in spite of the difficulties with the hotel. Let's all remember that it's the getting together with shipmates that makes a reunion. Many thanks to all the Lee shipmates who attended, for the first time we were second in attendance to the Norfolk " Bravo - Zulu". It was a real honor to have Captain Moredock in attendance. He was the last Captain to actually operate the Lee at sea. It was good to reminisce about our voyages together. I was the sea - detail helmsman during the buoy incident in Tunisia. I was also along for the infamous almost around the world cruise. That was one of my greatest disappointments, not being able to complete that cruise. It was also good to see Ltjg. Dave Wiedenkopf, who was a plank owner, and retired as a full Captain. Ltjg Carl Lundquist, was also in attendance, and we were all part of the decommissioning team. I am told, that he also retired as a full Captain. All things considered, we had a great time together. Elvis also made an appearance, he was very entertaining. Many thanks to Smokey Cox for his rendition of Ester Williams. This years Board Of Directors meeting will be held at the host hotel in St Louis, we will iron out all pertinent details at this meeting with the hotel staff. At the business meeting it was decided that the 2009 reunion will be a cruise reunion. Stay tuned for details. Well the holidays are coming up, so everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving, safe Holiday's and a Very Happy New Year. Hope to see all in St Louis. Frank Graham, Ship’s Coordinator, USS Willis A. Lee, DL-4 (718) 934-6410 [email protected] "Fair Winds And Following Seas"

USS WILKINSON DL-5

Well, I hope everyone came home the 2007 Re-union in good health. Sorry I was not there this year. I followed the Doctors orders. I received a 3 August 1954, DL-5 Commission-ing Ceremonies handout that have all the Offi-cers signatures from Gerry Graham, RM3 a shipmate from that time. I intend to frame it and available at the next meeting, 2008 St. Louis. The 2008 BOD meeting will be held at the St. Louis Hilton on 12 April 2008. Any thing that needs to be put before the BOD please forward to me before that time. ([email protected]) The BOD will review the operations to ensure that some of the problems of the last reunion

Maurice Mullen, Ship’s Coordinator, USS Wilkinson, DL-5

[email protected]


DESTROYER LEADER ASSOCIATION SHIPS STORE ALL PRICES INCLUDE SHIPPING

ITEM PRICE Pictures DLA Pins (men or women) $5.00 ea. DL-1, FL-2, DL-3, Seattle Pins (men or women) $5.00 ea. DL-4 B/W , Col., FRM S/W Col. DLA Patch or W.A. Lee Patch $10.00 ea DL-5 B/W, Col. DLA Decals (inside or outside $3.00 ea DDG-35 DLA Static Cling Decals (all 7 Ships) $6.00 ea. Lanyards (Flag, Red, Blue) $3.00 ea. Name Tag Magnets $5.00 ea. Norfolk Mace $5.00 ea. Norfolk Tape $10.00 ea. Norfolk Deck Plans (CD) $10.00 ea. Golf Shirts (DL ASSOC. LOGO) $35.00 Bell Ceremony VIDEO or CD $10.00 CD’s of Cruise Books & memorabilia available for DL-3/DDG-36/DDG-56 By George Brubaker of Destroyer Leader Assn. through the ship’s store Bell ceremony dedication of ship’s bell from USS NORFOLK DL-1 To City of Norfolk

WELCOME ABOARD

The following shipmates joined us since 3rd Qtr. 2007 Barry Diggs #574 DL-1 Walter Harper #578A DL-1

David condee #575 DL-1 Robert Macwade #579 DL-1

Rollin (Ron) Dye #576 DL-1 David Mader #571 DL-1

Robert Colucci #577 DL-1 Geoffrey Patterson #581 DL-1

Carl Lindquist # 580 DL-4

“Lord, keep our servicemen and women safe, whether they serve at home or overseas. Hold them in Your loving hands and protect them as

they protect us."

RECENTLY QUALIFIED LIFETIME MEMBERS David W. Weidenkopf, DL-4; Member 263, qualified for Life Member. Arthur B. Christofferson, DL-2; Member 73, qualified for Life Member.

Arthur B. also donated $10 to the DL Assn.


TAPS DLA # Last Name First Name Ship Rate Deceased

299 Lancaster Robert O. USS John S. McCain DL-3 GM-3 9-17-07 Stebbins Robert W. USS John S. McCain DL-3 GM-3 9-15-07 Grabowski Charles R. USS John S. McCain DL-3 SK-3 12-04-07 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Why "TAPS" is played

If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which Taps was played, this brings out a whole new meaning to it. Here is something Every American should know...but most don't, until they read this: We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, "Taps". It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings. Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia . The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a lantern and sud-denly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the sol-dier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, de-spite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted. The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician. The Captain chose a bu-gler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted. The haunting melody, we now know as


Chaplain’s Corner

Something to give hope when we lose loved ones, we just have to believe in His Son. John 3:14—16 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up. That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Reverend and Mrs. John Manley [email protected]


Notice: To all recipients of this DLA newsletter The date above your name is the date our records show that your DLA membership expires. Dues for 2008 will be due on January 31, 2008. A membership Renewal Form for 2008 is attached.

Apple Cheddar Pizza with Toasted Pecans If it’s fall, then it must be apple season—they’re plentiful in the produce section of your supermarket. You can just bite into one of these luscious orbs to benefit from those keep-the-doctor-away nutrients, or convert them into a tasty snack like this one from the U.S. Apple Association. • can (12 oz.) refrigerated pizza dough • Vegetable oil cooking spray • 3 large apples, thinly sliced • 1 cup apple juice • 1 Tbsp. cornstarch • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon • 2 Tbsp. honey • 1/4 cup chopped, toasted pecans 1 cup grated white cheddar cheese Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly coat 14-inch pizza pan with cooking spray. Press dough into pizza pan. Cook apples in apple juice until tender. Drain off juice and reserve. Place apple slices on dough. Dissolve cornstarch in apple juice, cinnamon and honey. Cook over medium heat until clear. Spread sauce over ap-ples. Sprinkle pecans on top. Top with cheese. Bake for 15-20 min-utes. Serves 8. Preparation and cooking time: 40 minutes.

Nutrition facts: Serving size: 3/4 cup Each serving provides: Calories: 270 Total fat: 9 g

Saturated fat: 3.5 g Calories from fat: 80 Cholesterol: 15 mg Sodium: 370 mg Protein: 7 g Carbohydrates: 41 g Fiber: 3 g

"Taps" used at military funerals was born. The words are: Day is done .... Gone the sun, From the lakes ... From the hills ...., From the sky .. All is well. Safely rest .. God is nigh, Fading light .. Dims the sight …, And a star ... Gems the sky, Gleaming bright from afar …., Drawing nigh…, Falls the night, Thanks and praise ... For our days. Neath the sun ... Neath the stars... Neath the sky…, As we go…, This we know …., God is nigh . I too have felt chills while listening to "Taps" but I have never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse. I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either, so I thought I'd pass it along. I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before. Remember those lost and harmed while serving their country and also those presently serving in the Armed Forces. I don’t know if this is true, I don’t know how factual it is as to whether it follows all the guidelines or not. I just know that I have been to a few military funerals, and I like what it says, and the feeling it leaves within me. I have researched it some, but probably not enough. Take it or leave it.

Jim Rigell, Editor

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DESTROYER LEADER ASSOCIATION DUES ARE DUE FOR 2008 JANUARY—DECEMBER

The current amount due is: $20.00

REUNION REQUEST

Hello Walter, Thanks for your Destroyer Leader Association (2008) reunion information, it was on the up-dated Master Reunion Listing I sent to the web master on 5 November. PLEASE CHECK YOUR LISTING OCASSIONALLY as we had some drop off in the past at unknown times. If your listing disappears please contact me so it can be put back up. I have a request that possibly you can help me with; not many veterans are aware of the reunion list-ings on our website. I'm sure many of your shipmates have been on other ships and may wonder if those ships have a reunion. Would It be possible to put a note in any website or published newsletters, you may have, telling your fellow Shipmates about the website reunion listings? We need to get the word out to the veteran com-munity. Please take a look at our website, www.trea.org, scroll down the left side and click on Reun-ions/Buddies, and this will bring up the reunion page. The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) is providing the Military Reunion Listings as a FREE service to the veteran community. I search the internet looking for reunions and then send requests for the informa-tion to the listed POC. I sent 2,162 reunion organizations e-mails requesting information on their 2006 reun-ions, and 65 % responded with information. We have 1,398 listings on the archived calendar year 2006 list-ing. With the last listing update, Nov 5th, we have 1,575 reunion listings for calendar years 2007, 08, 09, 10, and 2011. As reunions are completed, they are transferred to the Completed Listing at the end of the month. There, they will remain as a reference point for someone looking for a unit contact. My intention is that each calendar year reunions will be individually listed. I appreciate any help you can provide in getting the word out to the Veterans. "UNITED WE STAND" John H Moore, SMSgt, USAF Retired (1961–87) Reunion Manager (volunteer) The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), Home: 657 E Adams Street, Marengo, IA 52301 Cell: (319) 936–2154 Home: (319) 741–5734 E–Mail: [email protected] Web: www.trea.org

"FREEDOM IS NOT FREE"


Reunion Update MAY, 2008 By Walter Alexander, DLA Reunion Planner 2004-2008

Reunion Update November, 2007 By Walter Alexander, DLA Reunion Planner 2004-2009

2007 - Charleston, South Carolina, October 4 - 7

Thanks to all who volunteered and helped at the 11th reunion of the DLA to make this another successful event. Without your help, we would not have the great reunions that we have. I especially thank Mel Young for the countless hours he spent prior to the reunion handling the registrations. That is the largest chore I have had in the past, and I really thank Mel for lifting that load. Also thanks to all you that attended. There were 107 shipmates and 88 guests for a total attendance of 195. This was the second largest reunion, exceeded in attendance only at Norfolk, Virginia in 2004.

When I returned home, I could not find a small blue notebook in which I had made some notes during the reunion for later follow-up. Therefore, I don’t have those notes, so if there is an item that I was to do for you, please contact me (phone 540 – 345 – 5826.)

2008 - Saint Louis, Missouri, September 17 - 18

On June 21 the hotel contract was signed. The host hotel is the Hilton St. Louis Airport Hotel, and the reunion dates are Sep 17 - 21, 2008. The Hilton is now accepting guest room reservations for the reunion. Call 1 – 800 – 314 - 2117 and ask for the “Destroyer Leader Association” rate of $79.00 (plus tax). The rate includes two complimentary breakfast vouchers per day. If there are any questions/problems, ask for LeAnn Rocha, Express Meeting Manager. Hilton has five handicapped rooms (including one with a roll-in shower) in our room block of 80 rooms. If you need a handicapped room, call LeAnn directly at 1 – 314 – 824 – 1625.

Events may include a Cardinal’s ball game, riverboat cruise, city tour, Grant’s Farm, brewery tour, and other activities. We won’t know the Cardinal’s schedule until early in 2008, but we are looking at possibly the ballgame or riverboat cruise on Wednesday or Sunday, so you would need to come before the 17th if interested in these. There are so many things to do and see in St. Louis! Reunion events are not finalized and are subject to change or cancellation.

If your dues are paid for 2008, you will automatically receive the Reunion Information Packet when it becomes available next April or May. Otherwise, you will have to request the Packet. So don’t forget to renew your dues!

2009 - Cruise The members at the Annual Business Meeting voted overwhelmingly to hold the 2009 reunion aboard a luxury cruise ship. Following the meeting, a reunion preference survey was taken. The results were: six day/five night cruise, western Caribbean, departing Florida (east or west coast tied), either Carnival or Royal Caribbean International cruise lines (tied), and a week day departure. I will be working with the travel agent when the schedules become available in the spring of 2008.

2010 – West Seven cities in the west were mentioned on the 2007 Post Reunion Survey for the 2010 reunion. These are San Diego, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles area, Santa Fe, Las Vegas, and San Jose. If you want to nominate a city, contact your Ship Coordinator. The cities for the west will be discussed at the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting on April 12, 2008.


President Mike Bugara (401) 635-8860 [email protected] Vice President Lawrence J. Rossi (734-281-3310 [email protected] Secretary/Newsletter Ed. Jim Rigell DL-3 (713) 983-0696 [email protected] Treasurer Al Webb (253) 896-3672 [email protected] Publicity VP Raymond A. Caldwell [email protected] Past President (Non-Voting) Bill LaBarth (609) 965-0347 [email protected]

Board of Directors, Officers, and Committees Ship’s Coordinators on the Board of Directors

DL-1 Ed Jehlik [email protected] DL-2 / DDG35 Bob Lange [email protected] DL3 / DDG36 Curtis Hanson [email protected] DL-4 Frank Graham [email protected] DL-5 Maurice Mullen [email protected]

The DESTROYER LEADER ASSOCIATION is a nonprofit, nonsectarian, and nonpolitical organization that helps those who served aboard the U.S. Navy's five original Destroyer Leaders mentioned above meet and communicate. It encourages the exchange of information about historical events and the preservation of accurate histories of the ships for future generations, and it is an intermediary to the public for its better understanding of the contributions of its members' naval service. One of the Association's major tasks is the coordination of an annual reunion for the combined membership.

The DESTROYER LEADER ASSOCIATION is the result of the incorporation of the former "Destroyer Leader Group" in January 2003. That Group, also referred to as the "Elite Group," was founded in 1997. It held its first reunion in Norfolk, Va. of that year. Since then, membership has grown to just under 400 dues paying members. There are 1200 shipmates from the 5 Destroyer Leaders and we would like each one of you to contact our shipmates and ask them to join our elite group of dedicated shipmates. We are looking for any photos, Cruise books , sea stories which you may have and want to share with your shipmates along with any one looking for their friends who they served

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MEMBERSHIP DUES ALL DUES ARE FOR THE CALENDER YEAR

2007 JAN—DEC $20.00 /YR

SEND to: DLA TREASURER AL WEBB 3213 28th St., Ct. E. Tacoma, WA. 98443

WE ARE ON THE WEB

www.destroyerleaderassociation.org

COMMITTEES

Reunion Planner /Chairman Walter Alexander (540) 345-5826 [email protected] Asst. Reunion Planner Melvin Young Jr. 330-823-8230 [email protected] Ship’s Store Manager Bill Svendsen 440-256-8083 [email protected]

Chaplain John Manley (310) 834-8068 [email protected] Historian Lawrence J. Rossi (734) 281-3310 [email protected]


This page is blank on purpose, as it will have the latest Membership

application form inserted during the final publication.


Jim Rigell, Editor, & Secretary Destroyer Leader Assn. 8611 Village Terrace Houston, Texas 77040

volume xi, issue 4 destroyer leader newsletter page 1 · volume xi, issue 4 destroyer leader...

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