Dire straits at Patriots Point

LSD
27
April 2010
51st Edition
President
Bill Coakley
president@usswhetstone.net
(781) 391-2598
1st Vice President
Gene Klebacher
1stvpres@usswhetstone.net
Dire straits at Patriots Point
Those of us that attended the Whetstone reunion
in Charleston will remember the fine trip we
made to Patriots Point. Apparently we were
lucky to have seen it. - John
(727) 518-8833
2nd Vice President
Keith Weston
2ndvpres@usswhetstone.net
(336) 996-3611
Secretary/Treasurer
Kay Goble
sectreas@usswhetstone.net
(239) 768-1449
Membership Chairman
Marion Goble
membership@usswhetstone.net
(239) 768-1449
Reunion Chairman
Larry Lonnon
reunion@usswhetstone.net
(503) 325-1383
Chaplain
Marvin Watson
chaplin@usswhetstone.net
(402) 421-8957
Parliamentarian
Bill Martin
parliamtn@usswhetstone.net
(281) 427-6828
Newsletter Editor
John Worman
newsletter@usswhetstone.net
(575) 437-9872
Webmaster
David Vydra
webmaster@usswhetstone.net
(440) 356-4113
The Rolling Stone is a
Quarterly publication of the
USS Whetstone LSD-27
Association, INC. The
Association is a non profit,
historical and educational
organization dedicated to
promoting fraternal, civic,
patriotic and historical
memories of those who
served aboard.
The public already had a clue about the problems facing the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime
Museum when the USS Laffey, a World War II
destroyer, was forced to undergo costly, emergency repairs this summer. But the $9.2 million
expense of repairing "The Ship that Would Not
Die" is a fraction of what's needed to fix up the
museum's other two vessels. The staggering sums
cited in a letter to the State Budget and Control
Board say that the museum requires the attention
of state and federal officials who might help keep
it afloat.
John Hagerty, board chairman of the Patriots
Point Development Authority, outlined the potential expense of repairing the aircraft carrier Yorktown, the centerpiece of the museum, and the
submarine Clamagore in an Oct. 19 letter to the
B&C Board. Repairing the Yorktown would cost
an estimated $50 million to $150 million. Repairs
to the Clamagore would cost $10 million to $25
million.
The Department of the Navy, alerted to the
problems of the Laffey and other ex-Navy vessels, sent a letter in June to all museums in the
nation with ships donated by the Navy, asking for
detailed plans related to their maintenance or their
disposal. A Navy spokesman tells us the department is still waiting for a response from the Patriots Point Development Authority.
The Navy can demand an accounting for the
vessels it donated to the museum, but worse timing would be hard to imagine -- and not just for
Patriots Point. The nation may be emerging from
a recession, but except for federal stimulus money
there isn't much funding for capital projects.
Many states, including South Carolina, have been
struggling to maintain essential services. The Patriots Point Development Authority is a state
agency, but is generally expected to pay its own
way through admissions and other revenues.
The authority is in the process of putting together a
master plan that will detail the work that needs to be
done and provide suggestions to pay for it. But museum officials recognize that Patriots Point can't meet
its responsibilities without assistance.
Dick Trammell, executive director of Patriots
Point, says that disposal of the Yorktown and Clamagore is "not an option." It shouldn't be, but the Navy
could probably force the issue under the terms of the
agreement by which it donated the vessels to the museum. At this point, that would be both premature and
counterproductive.
S.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell is dismayed over the recurrent financial problems
of Patriots Point and the emergency calls for ship repairs. "The state doesn't have $100 million," he tersely
observed.
Sen. McConnell will ask the Legislature to approve a reorganization of the governing board for the
Patriots Point Development Authority to provide for
broader representation and oversight. And he will ask
for a review of the authority by the Legislative Audit
Council to suggest solutions to its fiscal woes. Both are
good ideas.
But while comprehensive planning, reorganization,
review and oversight could improve the responsible
operation of this public agency, it is unlikely that any
combination of the above can provide the solution to
the pending demand for vessel repairs.
The attention of the state's congressional delegation is needed, recognizing the appropriate federal role
in keeping the nation's historic treasures intact. All of
the authority's vessels are designated as national historic monuments, and each has a storied history in defense of the United States. The Congressional Medal of
Honor Museum, located on the Yorktown, is another
reminder of the heroism of America's fighting men.
As Sen. McConnell says, the naval museum serves
as "a monument to the generation that saved civilization."
The importance of keeping alive the memory of
that generation should encourage immediate efforts
toward long-term, comprehensive solutions for the museum's vessels and its management.
Page 1
Departed Shipmates
TAPS
Gone the sun,
From the lakes,
From the hills
From the sky
All is well,
Safely rest,
God is nigh.
The shipmates listed
below are assumed to
be deceased.
Information comes
from shipmates, the
V.A. and relatives of
the shipmate.
This information is
not
Official
Please advise of any
errors or omissions
Due to the length of the deceased list of
shipmates, we are now printing the complete list in the January and July issues
only and advising of any additional
names in the April and October issues.
We have received noticed of five (5)
shipmates that have passed since the
January 2010 newsletter.
Jimmy Anthony
Robert Boswell
Leonard Finlayson
Donny Thompson
Frank L. Towner, Sr.
Following are notes that we received
from the wives of two (2) shipmates.
Leonard Finlayson:
This is to inform you of the passing of
Leonard Finlayson on January 28, 2010.
He loved receiving and reading ―The
Rolling Stone.‖
Received from Helen Finlayson (wife of
56 years)
Frank L.Towner, Sr.
May 6, 1927 – December 23, 2009
Hus ba n d t o h i s bel ove wi fe,
―Betsy‖ (Betty L. Towner) for 62 years
and loving father to Frank L. Towner,
Jr.
He served in the US Navy during WWII
and during the Korean Conflict. He
was a ―plankowner‖ aboard the USS
Antietam. He also served aboard the
USS Whetsone.
His last service as at the Bay Pines Florida VA Medical Center as Fire Chief
Page 2
T he
C haplain’s
C or ner
Recently Located
Shipmates
ENG 1969-70 Steven Boguszewski
Colgate, Wisconsin
Chaplain's Corner April 2010
By the time you receive this, it will be SM 1956-57 Clyde W. Mitchell
Peterstown, West Virginia
spring!!! I know it is close as I hear birds
chirping, and the geese are flying north. The
geese are beautiful as they land on the water SSN 1964-66 Ronald R Jaenson
Colton, California
and meadows, so much beauty in God's creations. As the geese come back, it reminds
me of the prodigal son and how his father
welcomed him back home. Regardless of
how he squandered his life inheritance, his
father forgave him and welcomed him back.
The son humbled himself and was forgiven.
Maybe some of us have been in a similar
situation and felt unloved and worthless. All
we have to do is humble ourselves before the
Lord and ask for his forgiveness. He is there
for us, to accept and love us and erase our
slate clean. What a loving father we have!!!!
Luke 15:11-24.
As spring approaches, we will have new
Article by James Gates, U.S. Navy
beginnings. Trees begin to burst forth with
(Reunion Friendly News Magazine)
new leafs, the flowers begin to bloom and
the rain will bring refreshing. May we all He is the Chief Master Sergeant in the
look forth to a new refreshing from the Lord USAF, as high as you can go in
and thank him everyday for our blessings.. enlisted ranks (E-9)
May God bless all!
John Gebhardt’s wife, Mindy, said
Marv Watson (RM3 60-63)
that this little girl’s entire family was
Chaplain
executed. The insurgents intended to
execute the little girl also, and shot her
in the head...but they failed to kill her.
She was cared for in John’s hospital
Honesty Pays!
and is healing, but continued to cry
and moan. The nurses said John was
By Steve Randolph
the only one who seems to calm her
Many years ago there were four
down, so John spent four nights holdguys riding in a deuce and a quarter
ing her while they both slept in that
(Buick Electra 225) going down a hill,
chair. The girl is coming along with
when suddenly it braked to a sudden stop
her healing.
and all four doors opened, all four guys
ran to the sides of the road screaming,
John is a real Star of the war, and
while the car rolled on down the hill and
represents what America is trying to
crashed into a tree. What caused this to
do. The American public needs to see
happen?
pictures like this and needs to realize
My buddy and I got a six foot long
that what we’re doing over there is
black snake and stuffed it into a large
making a difference...Even if it is just
ladies purse, then laid the purse in the
one little girl at a time.
middle of the road. The guys in the 225
saw it, picked it up and sped away for
SUPPORT OUR MEN AND
fifty or so feet, just like we had planned.
WOMEN IN THE ARMED
We watched from our hiding place
FORCES AND KEEP THEM IN
behind a bush.
YOUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS
Steve Randolph
RECOGNIZING THE SACRIFICES THEY ARE MAKING
MY STATE WASHINGTON
EN1
BM
LTJG
RD2
BM
SF1
RM2
ET3
MR
EM3
CSL
SM
RM
EM3
BT
EM2
BM2
SN
EMC
ET
E3
SK3
1963-64
1958-61
1961-63
1957-58
1956-57
1961
1955-57
1951-52
1954-55
1958-61
1953-56
1950-54
1954
1965-68
1946-48
1953
1945-47
1951-55
1965-66
1965-67
1966-69
1960-64
1953
Berg, Alfred S.
Bode, Jerry A.
Bommer, David R.
Boston, Roger L.
Bradow, Russ
Brown, David
Buchanan, Kenneth
Clark, Richard D.
Colsrud, C M.
Corwin, Raymond
Falgut, Frank
Fread, Wayne
Fry, Stephen
Graves, Darrell S
Hardy, Richard P.
Hart, Walter F.
Heidt, Donald
Hendry, Robert
Hnatovic, Ronald F
Holmes, Robert
Kennedy, Daniel C
Koons, Lee
Lautenslager, Ronald
Voluntary Dues
Again, thank you to all shipmates that
have sent dues and donations to the Association. Without your support, it would be
impossible to publish "The Rolling Stone",
maintain the Website and have reunions.
Dues are $25.00 a year, are tax deductible,
and are strictly voluntary. Dues are applied for one year (using date of check as
beginning point, i.e. 4/1/10 check applies
dues until 4/1/11). We recognize that not
all are able to support the Association, but
we welcome support from whomever is
able. Dues received to date for 2010 are
listed below. An asterisk designates dues
paid for additional year(s). If anyone has
paid and your name is not listed, please
accept our apology and contact Kay Goble
at 6200 Emerald Pines Cir, Ft. Myers, FL
33966, (239)768-1449, or e-mail:
sectreas@usswhetstone.net.
Please make checks payable to:
USS Whetstone Association.
Please use this list as your receipt.
Alsleben, Keith
Anderson, Robert
Arata, Sil
Beebe, Raymond
Bell, Charles*
Bisping, Neil A.
Vancouver
Bremerton
Port Townsend
Issaquah
Port Angeles
Grapeview
Ridgefield
Yakima
Renton
Lynnwood
Centralia
Soap Lake
Spokane
Olympia
Bellingham
Arlington
Kelso
Bellevue
Seabeck
Anacortes
Renton
Napavine
Cashmere
CS1
MM2
SN
DC2
SFP3
EM2
YN
BM
MR1
EN1
LTJG
PCSN
HM2
EN
MM
BT
EM
RD3
MM2
SK2
RD3
EM2
SF
1966
1961-64
1965-67
1959-62
1956-58
1953-55
1951-55
1966-68
1959-61
1959-61
1964-65
1963
1960-61
1965
1957-60
1962-67
1950-54
1963
1962-64
1969-70
1969
1958-61
1969-70
Blenkhorn, Charles
Bogusch, W. C.*
Bommer, David
Boren, Ben
Boswell, Robert
Brewer, Melvin
Brillon, Paul*
Brown, Beryle
Brown, James E.*
Buchanan, Kenneth
Burt, Neil
Bussey, Henry S.
Campbell, Hershel
Carrell, Zane
Carson, Capt. Grant
Chidester, David*
Cickavage, Joseph
Coakley, Bill
Coldren, Wayne*
Crowder, Frank
Czarnecki, Vincent
DeWalt, Gary
Doerr, Gary T.
Dunn, Jim*
Durnil, Allen
Edwards, Sonny
Edwards, Ed
Engelken, Ralph
Feathers, Paul
Finlayson, Leonard
Finnes, Roger
Flowerree, Robert
Fox, J. Lee
Fox, Sebastian
Frans, Jack
Fraser, Douglas
Fry, Steve
Fulghem, Richard
Goble, Marion
Goodrich, Jesse
Gordon, Eddie*
Green, Kenneth
Gross, Richard*
Grubb, Jack
Hall, Charles
Harrison, Burlin
Haynes, Earl
Hitt, John W.
Hockema, Ben
Hoover, Frederick
Hyatt, Ray L.
Johnson, Merrill
Jones, Dale H.
Julian, Frank
Kiffmann, Helmet
Kirby, Joe
Kircher, Vincent
Klebacher, Gene
Lanphear, George
Mackall, Terry L.
Matsuyama, James
McClellan, G. A..
McCray, David
McManus, Peter
McNitt, Russell
McQuillen, Tom
Meismer, J. C.
Malroy, Stephen R
McClain, Nichlus A.
McEnerney, Bill
Miles, Charles
Miller, Charles
Morgan, Gene
Navis, Arvid W.
Newell, Tom
Nobbs, Alfred E.
Parsons, Harry
Pearson, Raymond
Perrigoue, Dan
Rausch Jr, Henry J
Rehagen, Darrell
Sanford, Gary
Solari, Frank V
Solf, Charles
Stark, Clifford
Stene, Larry
Stier, Edward P.
Tucker, Gary
Winslow, Leonard
Wyninger, Gregory
Mezzanotti, Paul D.
Milton, Douglas
Mitchell, Burley*
Moore, Lane
Mueller, James
Mulholland, Howard
Nichelson, Joe
Ogletree, Ronald
Oremus, Vern
Packer, Chuck
Pangrass, William
Parsons, Harry
Pierce, Charles
Pilgreen, Vince*
Pineda, Jamie*
Pittman, Garnett L.
Poirier, Alan
Posey, Billy
Randolph, Steve
Raymie, Jerry D.
Reed, George
Richey, Albert D.
Richter, Herbert B.
Sandrock, Capt. J. E.
Sandwisch, Larry
Savala, Manny
Savoie, Donald
Scott, Ralph V.
Seabaugh, Raymond
Seaton, Walter
Sharkey, Robert
Shimmell, Thomas
Shott, Ralph
Seattle
Allyn
Kingston
Port Orchard
Spokane
Spokane
Lynden
La Conner
Sequim
Pasco
Cheney
Granite Falls
Bremerton
Sedro Wooly
Olympia
Port Orchard
Enumclaw
Pomeroy
Spokane Valley
Bellevue
Belfair
Kenmoer
Carson
Shrader, Daniel L.
Skelley, Jr., Daniel
Smith, Clinton
Speziale, Vito
Stanford, Roy
Stewart, Donald J.
Stief, Bernard
Thomson, John "Jack"
Throener, Larry
Timmons, Garrett
Tucker, George*
Van Guilder, David
Ward, Everett
Watson, Marvin*
Weigt, Earl*
Weston, Keith
White, David
Wiesemann, Donald
Winslow, Leonard
Wood, Gerald
Wright, Paul
Yedowitz, Joe
Zdolsek, Martin
HOPE TO SEE
YOU AT THE
REUNION IN
ASTORIA
Kay and Marion
Goble
Page 3
Greetings from
Your President
Top of the Morning to all members of the Whetstone Family.
(What do you expect on St. Patricks Day?)
Time is running short for the reunion in Astoria. Just about
everything that can be said has already been said. So now the
ball is in your court. It is up to you, the Whetstone members to
make this reunion a memorable one. There are members of the
group who work extremely hard to insure a good time will be had
by all. They have been mentioned in past newsletters, but lets go
over it one more time for the gipper.
Marion and Kay Goble, those that have been to past reunions
can tell you how the two of them put in 110% to make sure that
we will have a great time. You might have sit there and listen to
some of Marion’s jokes.
Larry Lonnon, you can be assured that the strictest attention
to detail will be a priority to make sure that we enjoy the reunion
with Larry at the helm.
Gene and Bernadette Klebacher, two hard workers who
maintain a low profile, but are well involved in the workings of
the organization to make it a success.
John Worman and his Daughter, I think I may have said it in
the past of the two of them. The word (NO) is in neither of their
vocabularies. A job well done on the newsletter for John.
Marvin Watson and his Wife, If this is your first reunion and
you never met them be sure to introduce yourself to them and
enjoy a pleasant chat.
So now is the time to get on the phone, make your reservations, plan the events that you wish to attend and enjoy the company of former shipmates.
That's all for now, see you in Sept.
Bill Coakley
Navy Career
Don Hulen and I were emailing and talking about how
old a crewmember would have to be if they came aboard at
age 17 in 1970. I mentioned that I was 17 when I came
aboard, but 10 years earlier, in 1960. Then he told me
about his Navy Career.
————————————————————
John,
If you are that desperate for articles, you can use it if
you put this photo of me and my brother Jack with it. He
came to Hawaii in 82 for a visit and I was the division officer of the Hull Shop ( shipfitter shop). He and I are standing outside the shop.
Thanks, Huey
Don Hulen
—————————————————
I too was 17 when I came aboard and turned 67 last
October. I was only 26 when I made chief, but it would
take another 18 years before I made 8. I was always good
with tests, but for 8 it took 5 years 4.0 evals and I didn't
get my first 4.0 till 1980. Had to write em myself!
When I was ready for 9, I was the Q.A. officer and
flunked a big inspection! Ship was dead in the water until
we got re-inspected, which was about 2 weeks. Needless to
say, I got fired and transferred to Planning. My evals went
down to 3.9 in performance, that was enough to sink my
chances for 9 for the next 5 years, so I retired.
I would have stayed if they gave me shore duty 1 year
early, but they wouldn't. I loved the navy, just couldn't take
all that sea duty.
New Career after Retirement
Charley, a new retiree greeter at Wal-Mart, just couldn't
seem to get to work on time. Every day he was 5, 10, 15 minutes late. But he was a good worker, really tidy, clean-shaven,
sharp minded and a real credit to the company and obviously
demonstrating their "Older Person Friendly" policies.
One day the boss called him into the office for a talk.
"Charley, I have to tell you, I like your work ethic, you do a
bang up job, but your being late so often is quite bothersome."
"Yes, I know boss, and I am working on it."
''Well good, you are a team player. That's what I like to
hear. It's odd though you're coming in late. I know you're retired from the Armed Forces. What did they say if you came in
late there?"
''They said, 'Good morning, Admiral, can I get you coffee,
sir?'''
Page 4
For crewmembers who haven’t been with us from the
beginning of our organization, Don and Jack both served together on the Whetstone in the early 1960s.
Don was the originator and first editor of our organizations newsletter. Our ―The Rolling Stone‖ is named after a
newsletter that was available on the ship for a period of time
I’m not sure when the original was published, but I don’t
remember seeing it when I was on board (60-64) - John
A Warrior Passes in Texas
Retired Army Col. Robert L. Howard, a Medal of
Honor recipient for combat action in Vietnam in 1968 and
one of the America's most highly decorated Soldiers, died
Dec. 23 in Waco, Texas.
The 70-year-old Howard died in a hospice in Waco,
according to a report in the San Antonio Express News
today. The paper, quoting a longtime friend of Howard's,
retired Sgt. Maj. Benito Guerrero, said Howard had been
suffering from pancreatic cancer.
Howard began his Army career as an enlisted man.
During one 13-month tour in Vietnam he was nominated
for the Medal of Honor three times, but in the first instance
the award was downgraded to the Distinguished Service
Cross. Several biographies say that downgrade, as well as
another -- to the Silver Star -- was to avoid the problem of
noting in the Medal of Honor citation specifics of the combat operations, which were covert.
But one nomination did result in the awarding of the
MoH. It was presented to him by President Richard Nixon
during a White House ceremony in 1971.
Howard was a sergeant first class assigned to the 5th
Special Forces Group in December 1968 when his unit
came under heavy enemy fire while on a mission to rescue
a missing U.S. Soldier. Howard was wounded -- unable to
walk -- and his own weapon was destroyed by a grenade
blast, according to his Medal of Honor citation, but seeing
his platoon leader wounded and exposed to fire Howard
crawled forward under fire to pull the lieutenant back.
While administering first aid to the lieutenant an enemy
round hit one of the officer's ammo pouches and detonated
several magazines. Howard continued to drag the officer
back to the rest of the platoon, which he rallied for an organized defense. He crawled from position to position,
rendering first aid to the wounded and directing fire on the
surrounding enemy force that was estimated to include two
companies. For more than three hours, according to the
citation, his platoon, aided by air support, repulsed enemy
attacks until it was possible for helicopters to extract the
Soldiers. Howard was the last man to board the aircraft.
Howard was born on July 11, 1939 in Opelika, Ala. He
entered the Army in 1956, still only 17, and retired as a
colonel in 1992.
He was wounded 14 times during a total of 54 months
of combat duty in Vietnam and was awarded eight Purple
Hearts, according to his obituary.
Howard is survived by his children, Denicia Howard
of Florida; Melissa Gentsch and husband, Asst. Chief of
Police Frank Gentsch of Waco; Rosslyn Howard of California; Robert Howard Jr. and wife, Tori, of California; and
his grandchildren, Victoria Batey and husband, Luke, of
Denton, Texas, Holley Gentsch of Waco; Trey Howard of
California; and Isabella Gentsch of Waco.
Howard will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, though specific
details have yet to be announced.
Soldier Keeps his Flag
RICHMOND, Va. -- A 90-year-old Medal of Honor recipient can keep his 21-foot flagpole in his front yard after a homeowner's association dropped its request to remove it, a spokesman for Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said Tuesday.
The Sussex Square homeowners' association likewise has
agreed to drop threats to take legal action against retired Army
Col. Van T. Barfoot, Warner spokesman Kevin Hall said.
The association had threatened to take Barfoot to court if he
failed to remove the pole from his suburban Richmond home by
Friday. It had said the pole violated the neighborhood's aesthetic
guidelines.
Neither Barfoot's daughter, Margaret Nicholls, nor homeowners' president Glenn Wilson immediately returned telephone
messages.
Dropping the issue effectively ends a request that White
House press secretary Robert Gibbs on Monday called "silly."
Warner and Sen. Jim Webb, both Virginia Democrats, had
rallied behind Barfoot, a World War II veteran.
In a letter last week, Webb urged the association to
"consider the exceptional nature of Col. Barfoot's service when
considering his pride and determination in honoring our flag."
Barfoot's fight also has lit up veterans bulletin boards and
blog sites supporting him.
Barfoot was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions while
his platoon was under German assault near Carano, Italy, in May
1944. He was credited with standing up to three German tanks
with a bazooka and stopping their advance.
He also received the Purple Heart and other decorations, and
served in Korea and Vietnam before retiring from the service in
1974.
Donald Thompson
From Lou Garza
We had another shipmate pass away February 6th. He
was SN Donald "Donnie" Thompson. He was in one of the
deck divisions in the early-mid sixties.
He was from San Diego Tx. Born and lived there all his
life.
Sounds Familiar
During inspection, our new division officer stopped and chatted up a sailor.
"How long have you been in the Navy?" he asked.
"Two years, eight months, and 24 days, sir," the sailor responded.
"Do you plan on reenlisting?"
"No, sir."
"What are you going to do after discharge?"
"Cartwheels and handstands, sir."
Page 5
Letters to the Editor
John Finn Remembered
By Capt Grant Carson
John; This 2010 edition was a shock to me to find my
picture in the news letter.
I remember Burnell Campbell and LT Conrad. I was
on aboard during that time. (1955-1958).
Burnell was very popular and a nice guy.
I was the First Lt yeoman for the 1st and second division also the gunnery div.
It brought back many great memories.
That's me in the shorts. I wish I was that skinny yet.
When I joined the USN you had to weigh 105 pounds. I
weighed in at 103, so the black petty officer asked me how
bad I wanted to be in the Navy. I said I had to be with my
Buddies. So he said go to the water fountain and drink as
much water as you can. So l did . I went back to the scales
and made the 105 pounds . The petty officer was laughing
so hard he stepped back from the scales and said ―son, don’t
pee.‖ Larry Hubartt
My nickname on board was Peanuts.
———————————————————Larry, It’s always great to connect a name to a picture.
- John
Laughing Lamp
Q: What do you get when you have 32 Rednecks in the
same room?
A: A full set of teeth.
Page 6
Subject: Article about MoH winner John Finn
To: editor@usswhetstone.net
Date: Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 8:52 PM
Your article in "Rolling Stone" about MoH winner John Finn
struck a chord with me. For those who may not recall, the article
was about Finn's having a boat that transports folks to the USS
Arizona Memorial named after him. That was appropriate, since
Finn earned the Medal of Honor at Kaneohe MCAS manning a
machine gun and fighting Japanese navy aircraft during the December 7 attack, although wounded twice.
My home town, Gainesville, Texas, is the one and only Medal
of Honor City. Once a year all living MoH holders are invited to
visit. They are given their travel expenses and $250 a day while
here. While they are here they address school classes, and the affair ends with a large banquet. All this is paid by donations, not
taxes.
Why this particular story struck a chord with me is that at the
last banquet, I sat at the same table as John Finn. I was deeply
honored. And I was very sad to learn that he passed on since then.
I am doubly honored by knowing MCPO Bill Williams, USN
(Ret), a member of our church, who is a Pearl Harbor survivor.
We have an agreement. The one who dies last will appear at the
funeral of the one who died, in Service Dress Blue uniform and
sing the Navy Hymn!
Grant Carson CAPT, USN (Ret)
CIC Officer, USS Whetstone (LSD-27), 1957-58
Later CO, USS Thomaston (LSD-28), 1975-76
U.S. navy releases Al Qaeda Terrorist
I can't believe it!!!
The US Navy today announced that it has released a senior Al
Qaeda terrorist after questioning him extensively for 27 days while
being held prisoner aboard a US aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea.
In a humanitarian
gesture, the terrorist was
given $50 US and a
white 1962 Ford Fairlane
automobile upon being
released from custody.
The attached photo
shows the terrorist on his
way home after being
released by the Navy.
History of the Medal of Honor
Host City Program
Gainesville’s Medal of Honor Host City Program was established in 2001 by a group of volunteers seeking a unique
way to show the community’s respect and appreciation for the
service of America’s veterans.
The City had completed its Cooke County Veteran's Memorial several years earlier, but the committee’s vision was to
go beyond a static reflection of patriotism and establish a multifaceted program that could inspire.
The result was to initiate a program honoring Medal of Honor recipients. In short order it was decided that the fledgling program
should do something directly for
these men who had served the nation with such heroic distinction and
at the same time engage the community, especially its youth, in the
process.
Recipients of the nation’s highest award for valor would be invited
to visit Gainesville whether as a
destination, or even while passing
through North Texas. They would
be welcomed and time permitting,
shown the city and give Gainesville
the chance to show its gratitude. As a small token, each Recipient would be provided a daily stipend to defray his expenses
while visiting the city.
It was hoped that by making the host program known to the
membership of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society that
traveling Recipients would be encouraged to visit.
Seed money was provided through the City of Gainesville
and not long after, the first Medal of Honor Recipient to visit
was Col. Don ―Doc‖ Ballard, a Vietnam Recipient. Impressed
by his reception in 2001, Ballard has returned every year since.
Additionally, the late BGen Robert E. Galer and his wife,
Sharon, maintained a summer home at nearby Lake Kiowa and
were very supportive in the program’s early days.
The committee then created the next level of the Host City
Program’s mission by inviting recipients to participate in an
annual, three-day celebration around March 25th—Medal of
Honor Day.
Since then more than a dozen Medal of Honor Recipients
have come to appreciate Gainesville’s small town hospitality
and most have returned several times over the years.
VOLUNTEER-BASED HOST CITY PROJECTS
Gainesville’s Medal of Honor Host City Program is successful due to wide community support and through the commitment of its volunteers.
The annual Medal of Honor Day Celebration features a
number of activities that afford the area residents the chance to
meet and talk with America’s greatest heroes. The focus is on
relaxed, casual activities that are ―child-friendly‖ in order to
allow the Recipients’ message of patriotism and success in life
to reach the youth.
Each Recipient has the opportunity to speak at local
schools, and since the program began students from all
across Cooke County have been inspired by their message
of patriotism and commitment to the ideals that have made
America such a great nation.
The Recipients have a chance to play in the Host City
Golf Tournament, and see Gainesville’s Victorian homes,
many of which are on the Texas Historical Register.
Brunch at Gen. and Sharon Galer’s Lake Kiowa home
was always a highlight of the Medal of Honor Day activities and continues in the General’s memory as ―The Galer
Brunch.‖ The WWII Recipient passed away in 2005.
* Medal of Honor Recipient Mike Thornton was instrumental in obtaining a
Gainesville High School
$5,000 scholarship for the
graduating senior who continues his or her postsecondary education. It was
Gainesville High School's
largest scholarship for 2
years.
* Medal of Honor Recipient Robert O’Malley was on
hand in Gainesville on Nov.
10, 2005 to autograph Medal of Honor Host City first day
covers which bore the block of Distinguished Marines U.S.
postage stamps on their first day of issue.
* Gainesville’s Walk of Honor Trail commemorates
the visit of each Recipient by planting a red oak tree
fronted by an engraved granite plaque personalized for
each honored guest.
* Visitors are immediately aware they have entered
the nation’s only Medal of Honor Host City as the distinctive blue and white, star-spangled ribbon is emblazoned on
the city’s water towers.
GAINESVILLE TEXAS MEDAL OF
HONOR HOST CITY PROGRAM
Since it’s inception, Gainesville’s Medal of Honor
Host City Program has been represented at various regional
and national functions of the Congressional Medal of
Honor Society, The Medal of Honor Foundation, the Texas
Municipal League as well as other civic and veterans’ organizations.
Other communities that have expressed an interest in
becoming a Medal of Honor Host City Program community have been provided the necessary information in hopes
that the program concept can spread to other regions of the
country
For more information and how you can help, see:
h tt p:/ / www. g ain es vil l e. t x. u s / Hi st or i cal /
MedalofHonor.html
Page 7
Letters to the Editor
THE MAJESTY OF A SHIP'S CAPTAIN
By Stephen Randolph SM-2
Those certain songs which cause me to reflect on special
places, times, persons, and/or circumstances make me thankful I
am not yet quite senile. Being bipolar since I was born, much of
my life is cloudy and I just don't know why I did the things I did
or failed to do the things I should have done and was capable of
doing. Up and down with no middle ground peace. I tell myself
it's all just my personal search for God. In 1964 I was the
youngest man aboard the Whetstone and stayed that way for six
months until a younger guy reported aboard. After divulging
that bit of info, it's obvious that I was a high school drop-out.
Later, I dropped out of college too. I dropped out of a lot of
stuff. Maybe that's why I try to read at least one good book each
week. Some of them are too boring, so I just drop them and find
another one. I am searching for God and for middle ground to
camp out on forever. I am searching for all the stuff I dropped or
failed to see and do. Searching, searching, searching....Wait a
minute.. I started out talking about songs which can produce
good memories. Don't get sick and tired of me yet.
It's winter and the green stuff is dormant or dead. No grass
or leaves. Not much sunshine. My bald spot needs tanning. I
eat too much of the wrong stuff and it all started right before
Thanksgiving when my neighbor gave me a fruit cake. My sweet
tooth became activated and it's still very active. I feel fat and
disappointed with myself. Well, right in the middle of all this, I
get a copy of" The Rolling Stone " in the mail. I immediately
feel guilty for not sending in my $25 USS WHETSTONE ASSOCIATION dues for 2010, 2009, and yes, on back a few years.
Why am I sending in my share now? Well, Captain Seabaugh
has sent his. He was an inspiration to me when I was 17 years
old. He simply affirmed me. Raymond Seabaugh was my hero
back then and I truly respected him. He even beat out my baseball coach when it came down to shock and awe. C.S. Lewis,
Abraham Lincoln, George Whitfield, David Brainerd, Wm.
Cowper, John Piper, and Johnathan Edwards are a few of my
heroes today, but way back then, Captain Seabaugh was the man
of the hour for me. My reasons are varied as to why He inspired
me, but included is the fact that he spoke fatherly to me as I
stood before him as seaman at Captain's Mast. SM2 was my R.
and R. at discharge which could easily have been SN had not
men like Captain Seabaugh helped me.
Like a song or piece of music which brings back good
memories, "The Rolling Stone" brings to my mind those years of
my life in the navy and an appreciation for men like Captain
Seabaugh, Dave Mahoney and many others with whom I served
on board three different ships.
Thank you Rolling Stone staff. Your publication represents
much to me.
Stephen Randolph SM3 1964-1965
——————————————————————Thank you, Steve, for writing. You and the crew make the
job easy and worthwhile. - John
Page 8
Above are two more photos of Whetstone Sailors who
served with Burnell Campbell. The photos were supplied by his daughter, Regina.
The date of the photos are unknown, but Burnell was aboard
the ship in September 1957.
Cup of Tea ~
One day my mother was out, and my dad was in charge
of me. I was maybe 2 1/2 years old.
Someone had given me a little 'tea set' as a gift, and it
was one of my favorite toys.
Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening
news when I brought Daddy a little cup of 'tea', which was
just water. After several cups of tea and lots of praise for
such yummy tea, my Mom came home.
My Dad made her wait in the living room to watch me
bring him a cup of tea, because it was 'just the cutest thing!'
My Mom waited, and sure enough, here I came down the
hall with a cup of tea for Daddy; and she watched him drink
it up
Then she said, (as only a mother would know), "'Did it
ever occur to you that the only place she can reach to get
water is the toilet?"
We’ve lost another hero
Robert L. Howard (July 11, 1939, Opelika, Alabama – December 23, 2009, Waco, Texas) was a highly decorated Enlisted
Soldier later promoted to Officer in the United States Army and
Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War.
He enlisted in the Army at Montgomery, Alabama and retired as Colonel and the most decorated soldier in all of U.S history.
As a staff sergeant of the highly-classified Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group
(MACV-SOG), Howard was recommended for the Medal of
Honor on three separate occasions for three individual actions
during thirteen months spanning 1967–1968. The first two nominations were downgraded to the award of the Distinguished Service Cross due to the covert nature of the operations in which
Howard participated. As a Sergeant First Class of the same organization, he risked his life during a rescue mission in Cambodia on December 30, 1968, while second in command of a platoon-sized Hornet force that was searching for missing American
soldier Robert Scherdin, and was finally awarded the Medal of
Honor.
Howard was wounded 14 times during one 54-month period
during the Vietnam Conflict. He received two Masters degrees
during his government career which spanned almost 50 years.
Howard retired as a full Colonel in 2006.[1] His Army career
spanned 1956 to 1992.[2]
According to NBC News, Howard may have been the most
highly-decorated American soldier since World War II. His residence was in Texas and he spent much of his free time working
with veterans at the time of his death. He also took periodic trips
to Iraq to visit active duty troops
Howard died of pancreatic cancer at a hospice in Waco,
Texas on December 23, 2009. He was survived by three children
and four grandchildren
Jimmy G Anthony
Jimmy served on the USS Whetstone in 1963 -1964
as a Storekeeper. He joined the Navy in 1954 and from
the USS Whetstone, went to the USS Richard B Anderson DD786, NavFac Cape Hatteras, Comnavsupport Saigon, Navsta Adak Alaska, USS Mount Vernon LSD39,
RTC Orlando and Navsta Keflavik IC where he retired as
SKC. Jimmy was born July 4, 1936 and passed 16 September 1999. His death was contributed to Agent Orange.
It is so important that the Viet Nam Veterans put their
names on the Agent Orange roll at the VA.
As a Navy wife, one of the most significant things I
remember about the USS Whetstone was --If I remember
correctly, James Breedlove was the Executive Officer on
the ship. Mrs. Breedlove telephoned the families to talk
and see that we were doing alright. This was before the
Ombudsman program was even thought about. I always
appreciated and marveled that this woman would take the
time to think about the families of the men on the ship.
Believe me, it was a first and took many years before
another Officer's wife did the same. She knew whereabouts and things we enlisted wives were not aware of. I
think how nice it is for the servicemen and families to
have Email.
Remember waiting weeks, sometimes
months for letters, we would get a pile of mail at one
time. Again, many thanks to Mrs. Breedlove.
It took me many years to write this letter. The Navy
was a huge part of our life and still have so many good
memories of people, places and good times.
Sincerely
Mary Anthony
New Stamps Honoring Sailors Available
WASHINGTON - From admiral to mess attendant, four sailors who distinguished themselves are being honored with new
U.S. postage stamps.
Ceremonies to dedicate the new 44-cent stamps were set for Thursday at the U.S. Navy Memorial. The stamps are going on
sale nationwide.
The new stamps feature:
-Arleigh A. Burke, a top destroyer squadron commander in World War II, who later served three terms as chief of naval
operations, the Navy's highest ranking officer.
-John McCloy, one of the few men in the nation's history to earn two Medals of Honor - one for a rescue mission during the
Boxer Rebellion in which he was wounded and the second during the 1914 Mexican Revolt for intentionally exposing his boat to
draw enemy fire to identify their positions. In 1919, he was awarded the Navy Cross as commander of USS Curlew, which engaged in sweeping mines in the North Sea after World War I.
-Petty Officer Doris Miller, cited as the first black American hero of World War II. At Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, he was
a mess attendant on the battleship USS West Virginia. Miller helped rescue scores of shipmates wounded or trapped in wreckage, later helping move the ship's mortally wounded captain. Never trained in its operation, he manned an unattended 50-caliber
machine gun to fire on Japanese aircraft until ordered to abandon the bridge as fires raged out of control. He was awarded the
Navy Cross and was killed in action in 1943.
-William S. Sims, commander of U.S. naval forces in Europe during World War I, who was an outspoken reformer and innovator who helped shape the Navy into a modern fighting force.
Page 9
Larry Lonnon has been working on the reunion since we left
Holiday Inn Express Hotels Charleston in 2008. He is looking forward to sharing Astoria
with his shipmates. Astoria is a lovely small city on the Columand Suites
bia River which offers unique shops and restaurants, bicycle
paths, a 1913 refurbished trolley and will give you an opportunity
204 West Marine Drive
to sit back and relax. The best way to get to Astoria is to drive
Astoria, Oregon 97103
from the Portland airport. Whether you choose the drive through
the forests or the drive along the Columbia River, you will enjoy
Reservations:
the landscape. We think the best route is along the Columbia
888-898-6222
River. In the event you are unable to drive, there is a comwww.astoriahie.com
muter airline (8 passenger plane) from Portland that can be
Opened in May 2004, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & arranged. The airline is SeaPort Airlines and you can make
Suites is an attractive 78-room riverfront hotel. Spacious, reservations by calling 888-573-2767)
contemporary, elegantly decorated rooms and suites offer a
magnificent panoramic view of the mighty Columbia River We have chosen a few events for you as a group. However, there
or hillside city views.
are many other things available in the area. If you choose not to
take part in the trips planned, that is ok. The reunion offers an
The hotel offers a unique breakfast experience at the Express opportunity to meet with shipmates you have not seen for possiStart Breakfast Bar featuring fresh fruits, juices, cereals, bly years or meet up again with those you have met at previous
breads/pastries, yogurts, hardboiled eggs, freshly baked cin- reunions. Please consider the Astoria reunion in 2010!
namon rolls and hot foods. Take an invigorating swim in the
indoor heated pool, luxuriate in the whirlpool or recharge
The Historic Astoria and Lewis &
your body in the well-equipped fitness room.
Clark Tour will give you a taste of the
Enjoy pet designated guestrooms, ($15.00/per night), riverfront green space and lawns for walks and delicious dog
treats upon your arrival.
All guestrooms are fully equipped with an impressive array
of amenities: Air conditioning, Refrigerator, Microwave, 27
inch TV/DVD Player, Coffeemaker, Hair Dryer, Ironing
Board and Iron, High-Speed Internet Access, Direct-Dial
Phone with Dataport and Voice Mail, Free Local and 800
Number Access Calls.
There are 15 city-view rooms available which accommodate
1—2 people (2 queen sized beds or king bed) and are priced
at $119.00 per night. The remaining 63 rooms which are
river-view accommodate 1—4 people and are priced at
$139.00 per night. 2-Room Suites which accommodate up to
6 people are available at an additional cost.
When you make reservations, call 888-898-6222 and use the
name U.S.S. Whetstone Reunion so you receive the special rate. You may begin making reservations October 1,
2009. Remember there are only 15 rooms available at the
$119.00 rate. All individual guestroom reservations must be
guaranteed. For guarantee of an individual reservation, the
hotel will accept an advance deposit (by cash, certified
check, cashier’s check or money order) or acceptable credit
card number with valid expiration date at time of reservation.
RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BY AUGUST 12,
2010. Otherwise, room rates will revert to normal rates.
MAKE PLANS NOW TO ATTEND THE
USS WHETSTONE REUNION IN
ASTORIA OREGON. YOU ARE GUARANTEED A
GREAT TIME!
Page 10
history of the area. Tour Fort Clatsop,
view and climb the Astoria Column
with its breathtaking view over Astoria,
the Columbia River and the Megler
Bridge. Drive past Uniontown and the
beautiful Victorian homes. Visit the
Columbia River Maritime Museum, the
first nationally accredited maritime museum in the western United States. A
great city and surrounding area tour.
Astor Street Opry Playhouse
―Shanghaied in Astoria‖
Enjoy dinner and a fun evening in a
cozy 100-seat cabaret theater fashioned after the style of old vaudeville
houses from the turn of the century.
Then take part in this ―Vaudeville‖
musical melodrama theatre presentation. You will find yourself throwing
popcorn and booing the actors, while
laughing at the lively, funny songs
and dances.
Tillamook Air Museum
See one of America's finest collection
of over 30 War Birds including the P38 Lightning, F4U-Corsair, P51Mustang, PBY Catalina, and SBD
Dauntless dive bomber. Climb into a
jet simulator! Have lunch at the
40/50's Cafe. Enjoy shopping in the
aviation gift shop. All housed in a rare
World War II Blimp Hangar...the
largest wooden structure in the world!
USS WHETSTONE LSD-27
2010 Reunion Reservation Form
Sunday, September 12 —Thursday, September 16, 2010
Holiday Inn Express & Hotel Suites, Astoria, Oregon
A few optional events have been selected for you to participate. If you aren’t interested in attending the optional events or only a
couple and would prefer to do things on your own, there are many sites and tours in the Astoria, Oregon area. A Hospitality Room
will be available from 12:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 12:00 p.m. for shipmates to gather and visit (refreshments provided).
Ship store items and ship memorabilia will be on display. Please bring any items you want to share.
NAME:______________________________________________
PHONE #:__________________________________
GUEST/GUESTS: ____________________________________
E-MAIL: ___________________________________
Complete Reservation Form and mail with money to: Kay Goble, 6200 Emerald Pines Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33966
Make checks payable to USS Whetstone Association
DEADLINE: Reservation forms and money must be received prior to August 10, 2010
Sunday—September 12, 2010
Hospitality Room: Opens at 12:00 noon
Check-in & Registration 3:00—5:00 pm
Welcome Reception:
6:00—10:00 pm
Cash Bar:
6:00—10:00 pm
Welcome (Bill Coakley) 6:00—6:30 pm
Light Meal
6:30—8:00 pm
Door Prizes, Etc.
8:00—10:00 pm.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Hospitality Room: Opens at 7:30 am
Wednesday—September 15, 2010
Hospitality Room: Opens at 7:30 am
Tuesday Day Tour: 9:00 - 3:30 pm
Ultimate Oregon—Tillamook Cheese Factory, Air Museum and Nehalem Winery
Wednesday Morning Tours:
Seaside Shopping Tour: 9:00 - 1:00
Charter Fishing Trip:
8:00—12:00
Memorial Service: 5:00 - 6:00 pm
(Service will be held at Holiday Inn Express Men’s Business Meeting 2:30 – 3:30
Hotel and Suites on patio (providing weather Women’s Meeting
2:30 — 3:30
co-operates; otherwise in hotel)
Monday—September 13, 2010
Hospitality Room: 7:30 am—11:00 pm
Monday Day Tour: 9:00 am— 1:00 pm
Astoria City Tour, Lewis & Clark Museum, Tuesday Night is a Free Night
Astoria Column and Maritime Museum. Lunch Enjoy an evening in one of the unique resat the Holiday Inn Express following the tour.
taurants within walking distance of the hotel
or take a trolley into Astoria. Pick up the
trolley behind the Holiday Inn Express Hotel
Monday Evening, September 13, 2010
Dinner Theatre: Dinner at 6:30 followed by
and Suites.
―Shanghaied in Astoria‖ melodrama.
DATE
May be Paid First
Day of Reunion
Banquet:
Photos by John:
5:30 pm
Cash Bar Available:
6:00—10:30 pm
Welcome (Bill Coakley) 6:00 pm
Dinner
6:30 - 8:00 pm
Entertainment
8:30 - 10:30
EVENT (Transportation & Gratutity Included)
Cost/PP
Attendees
Cost
Registration Fee Per Shipmate
(Covers expense of hospitality room and miscellaneous items)
$15.00 per
shipmate
1
$15.00
9/12/2010
Sunday Evening
Welcome Reception @ Hotel
(Light Meal w/hot and cold hors d’oeuvres & Cash Bar)
$20.00
9/13/2010
Monday Day
Astoria City Tour, Lewis & Clark Museum, Maritime Museum
Lunch included following tour at Holiday Inn Express
$50.00
9/13/2010
Monday Evening
Dinner Theatre
Melodrama Play ―Shanghaied in Astoria‖ following Dinner
$45.00
9/14/2010
Tuesday Day
Tillamook Cheese Factory, Air Museum & Nehalem Winery
Lunch included
$102.00
9/15/2010
Wed Morning
Charter Fishing Trip (4 persons to boat)
$250.00
9/15/2010
Wed Morning
Seaside Shopping Tour (Lunch on your own at Seaside)
Quaint Shops, Quaint Restaurants and Art Galleries,
$42.00
9/15/2010
Wed Evening
Banquet and Cash Bar
Entertainment
$50.00
Page 11
NONPROFIT
US POSTAGE
PAID
FT. MYERS, FL.
PERMIT NO. 422
USS Whetstone Association
The Rolling Stone Newsletter
6200 Emerald Pines Circle
Fort Myers, Florida 33966
Return Service Requested
SHIP’S STORE
To order any Ship’s Store item please contact
Marion Goble, 6200 Emerald Pines Circle, Ft.
Myers, FL 33966, (239)768-1449 or e-mail membership@usswhetstone.net. When submitting an
order, please make checks payable to USS
Whetstone Association. All jackets and golf shirts
are navy blue with gold lettering. T-shirts are navy
blue with gold lettering or gray with navy lettering.
Hats are navy blue with gold silhouette of ship,
white with navy blue silhouette of ship or red with
gold silhouette of ship, or camouflage with gold
silhouette of ship.
Items for Sale:
Ball Caps (With Silhouette)
Cruise Books (57, 61,66,67/68 & 69)
DVD of Reunions (1996-2006)
DVD of 2008 Reunion
Golf Shirts (S,M,L,XL)
T-Shirts (S,M,L,XLG, XXL)
Jackets (S,M,LG,XLG)
Jackets (XXL & XXXL)
Mouse pads w/Whetstone Picture
Yosemite Sam Patches
Zippo Knives w/Ship Silhouette
Zippo Lighters w/Ship Silhouette
Whetstone Pictures on Canvas
$20.00
$20.00
$10.00
$10.00
$35.00
$20.00
$40.00
$42.00
$10.00
$ 8.00
$20.00
$13.00
$25.00
Note: All Prices Include Shipping
Page 12
Another good reason why not to smoke!