Ramblings From the Editor!


 

 

I don't usually like to send out a faulty newsletter, but there are 3 videos on the links page that I haven't been able to get to work. I don't know why, I've done it before!! Must be the dust gathering in my brain. I'll keep trying! In the meantime, enjoy the rest!!

 

        The Old Salt

One day when all the Navy
to a goodly crowd was host
when it's gates were opened widely
at each Navy Yard and Post.

When crowds of friends-civilians
came from places far and near
to view the mighty warships
that were tied to every pier.

There passed before the sentry
and sergeant of the guard
an old and gray-haired fellow
who came hobbling in the yard.

Whose gait was slow-unsteady
whose frame was bent and frail
whos eyes were red and weary
whos face was wrinkled and pale.

His withered hand held tightly
a small and wilted bouquet
of flowers that he's gathered
on that Decoration Day.

Who, once inside the gateway
forsook the milling throng.
He had no time for cruisers
or the battleships so strong.

Instead he sought a vessel
that had laid for many years;
neglected and forgotten
'mid deserted, crumbling piers.

He trudged for what seemed ages
'til he finally found the slip
and his eager gaze had centered
on a very ancient ship.

The sides of which were rusty
and who's decks were rotted through
her periscope bent and twisted
and her rail was broken too.

His eyes grew dim and misty
as he gazed upon the boat
He cried, "Old pal I've found you"
then a lump came in his throat.

 

 He moved close to the sub
'til he touched its barren side
its presence seemed to stir him
and unto the boat he cried.

"We've had our times old fellow"
in our younger days we both
have weathered storms together
and sailed pleasant seas, my oath.

We've served our nation nobly
with ne'er a thought of self
but now we're both forgotten
and we've landed on the shelf.

We're like the fabled bridegroom
who's tiring of his bride
found greater use in others
then cast his bride aside.

But still we share between us
the memories of the past
and these will serve to cheer us
for the short time that we last.

To me you were a mother
and a friend and home in one,
when tired I've often slumbered
on you just like a son.

That's why I've paid this visit
on this Decoration Day
and why I've brought this token
and he held out the bouquet.

Before I take my parting
I will rest my body sore
in the old and tender embrace
that I knew in days of yore.

Then without further prattle
he climbed over the sub's side
he laid down to slumber
but ere the morning came, he died.

They found his body later
and tho the old man's race was done
the old sub still guarded
her beloved sailor son.

Poem written by Dan Mack in the l920's when Memorial Day was called Decoration Day.
 

 

ReunionNews

  

To the crew:

If you have made your reservations for the reunion, please let us know so we can start listing who's coming!!!

Contact:  Terry Whitcar
whitecar@iag.net

 
Many thanks to this months "Booster Club" supporters (the ones I can remember)

Darrall "Sage" Ramsden

Jack Hunter

Pecos

 

Changes of address, phone numbers and emails. If anyone has a change let me know  ralarsen@comcast.net

Newly Found Shipmates:
 Thomas Howard
3810 Ivanhoe Blvd
Columbia, MO 65203
573-447-2142
01/-09, 1961 ETNSN(SS)

George McKeon IC3 (SS)
9 Champlin Dr.  Old Lyme,CT 06371. 
203-434-2236
email: olmck@aol.com
1954-56

John Kolesar  STG3(SS)
Wife: Ann
924 Vista Largo Way
Boulder City, NV 89005
702-293-7982
1962-1965

Tom Harri EM 1
407 Tilbury Ln, Austin  TX  78745
512-442-4331
1960-1964 on Spinax

New  address:
Fred Ebhardt:
1593 E. Wedgewood Ln. Hernando, FL. 34442.  (352)344-0880.
fce1@juno.com

Gail Richie
4844 Buckhaven Rd., Reno, NV 89519

Note from Frank Fletcher

My wife is doing pretty well following her double lung transplant on June 18. She stayed in the ICU until July 4, when she was transferred to the Observation Unit, kind of a mid level ICU. On Friday, July 6 she went to a private room in the thoracic wing. Later that same night she had a clot in her right lung, which blocked off the airflow. This landed her back in the ICU again. On Monday, July 9 she was transferred back to the Observation Unit. Tonight she is scheduled to be transferred to a private room once again. We're hopeful this will lead to her release from the hospital some time in the fairly near future. There will still be a lengthy recuperation period, but at least it will be at home. I want to thank all of you for your kind wishes and prayers. Frank

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Crewmembers on Eternal Patrol:

-Franklin Goodspeed "Smiley" Babbitt, 84 died June 26 at Sunrise assisted living in Oakton. He had Alzheimer's disease.
 Obituary:

-Roy Majors passed  on Feb. 27, 2006
 He had planned to come to his next ship reunion.  He talked about those days all the time.
Linda Majors

The COB sent me a list of shipmates on final patrol that I didn't have! Here are the new ones.
 

Robert Aikens

Eugene Albert

Lee Bankston

Marvin Bennett

Jimmie Crussell

Ronald Cusak

R.F. Ferchette

Alex Guerra (?)

Michael Huffman

Robert Kerns

Roy Majors

Gordon Malmberg

Richard Newton

Eugene Pollmann

Walter Pope

Richard Schmertzler

John Schwestka

Leo Stoneking

Paul Vissat

 
 

"Blow all main ballast, valiant crew. We're surfacing in God's country!"

Note From the COB!

I have recently undergone medical tests for a few medical problems that are linked to my military service.

Submariners are given disability points pertaining to hearing for serving on submarines, especially diesel boats. They have given me 30% disability and I am in the process of receiving hearing aids.

A NEW SERVICE: The VA WILL provide eye exams and glasses to ALL VETERANS.

Thanks, Willy
   

 
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