ALTAIR PLAQUE: Rich Jenikovsky has sent a $50 challenge! The first committment foraa $50 match will be met! Only one time! Come on shipmates...... The Altair plaque fund has reached $1310 in pledges and cash. Great job but I know you can do better.
SHIPMATES PASSING: I received the following email:
"USS Altair Alumni; I regretfully report the passing of one of your shipmates, Russell C. Gott, 1955-1956, FN, MN. He passed away peacefully in his sleep while hospitalized in Minnesota Friday June 15th 2007. His wife Magda is still here and can be contacted at gottbitburg@aol.com I am his next door neighbor and have enjoyed the stories of the Altair over the years, and am reporting this to you to help his wife at this difficult time.
Thank You, DeWayne Morse"
Mrs. Gott can be reached at:
15334 Dresden Way
St Paul, MN 55124-6831
FINANCIAL: The beginning balanced was $1849.05 with $100 received and zero expenses leaving a balance of $1949.05. $90 of the received was for the plaque fund.
All for now. We are still getting lots and lots of rain daily and there seems no end in sight. Septic systems are overflowing everywhere due to the high water table. We have had a drought for the past 7 years and it looks like it is over. Lillie and I are growing gills and webbed hands and feet. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us with any comments or questions.
Best Regards To All.......Charles
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Shipmate Isaacs passing.
I received the following email:
RE: Altair Monthly Report
Please remove my husband's name from your email list - Leslie A. Isaacs He passed away Dec. 2004.
Elaine Isaacs
Shipmate Isaacs was a FN aboard in 1952. Mrs. Isaacs can be reached at:
elaine_les@hotmail.com
Mrs. Elaine Isaacs
3306 Densmore Ct.
Silver Spring, MD 20906-1832
Best Regards, Charles
RE: Altair Monthly Report
Please remove my husband's name from your email list - Leslie A. Isaacs He passed away Dec. 2004.
Elaine Isaacs
Shipmate Isaacs was a FN aboard in 1952. Mrs. Isaacs can be reached at:
elaine_les@hotmail.com
Mrs. Elaine Isaacs
3306 Densmore Ct.
Silver Spring, MD 20906-1832
Best Regards, Charles
May 2007 by Charles Brecheisen
DROUGHT: We have been in a 7 year drought here in E. TX; and, other areas of the country too. BUT, Lillie and I are now growing gills and webbed feet and hands and do not see the sun for days at a time. All it dues is rain, rain and more rain. Its either feast or famine.
FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $1674.05 with $175 in dues received and wall project donations with no expenses leaving a balance of $1849.05. Thanks to all paying dues! The "special fund" remains the same.
WALL PROJECT: I have only received $1120 in cash and commitments for the wall plaque. If we do not reach our goal in the next few months, I will return the cash received to the respective shipmates. Come on shipmates! This is a worthwhile project and we need to reach our goal of $2500!
All for now. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us with any comments or questions.
Best Regards To All.........Charles
FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $1674.05 with $175 in dues received and wall project donations with no expenses leaving a balance of $1849.05. Thanks to all paying dues! The "special fund" remains the same.
WALL PROJECT: I have only received $1120 in cash and commitments for the wall plaque. If we do not reach our goal in the next few months, I will return the cash received to the respective shipmates. Come on shipmates! This is a worthwhile project and we need to reach our goal of $2500!
All for now. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us with any comments or questions.
Best Regards To All.........Charles
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Robert (Chipper) Bryan, BM3 65-67, wife's passing
Greetings Altair Crew.
Robert (Chipper) Bryan (BM3 65-67) reported that his wife of 26-1/2 years passed away on April 24, 2007. There will be a Memorial Service for her in Panama City, FL on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at 2PM at St. Dominic's Catholic Church. Our sincerest condolences to Robert and his family.
Robert can be reached at:
Robert Bryan
P.O. Box 19137
Panama City Beach, FL 32417
Office: 850-522-8010
Cell: 850-527-0215
FAX: 850-52-0704
bobbryan@mindspring.com
Robert (Chipper) Bryan (BM3 65-67) reported that his wife of 26-1/2 years passed away on April 24, 2007. There will be a Memorial Service for her in Panama City, FL on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at 2PM at St. Dominic's Catholic Church. Our sincerest condolences to Robert and his family.
Robert can be reached at:
Robert Bryan
P.O. Box 19137
Panama City Beach, FL 32417
Office: 850-522-8010
Cell: 850-527-0215
FAX: 850-52-0704
bobbryan@mindspring.com
April 2007 by Charles Brecheisen
Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is your report for April 2007.
NEWSLETTER: I got newsletter returns as undeliverable from John Dachtler, Woody Halsey, Thomas Howarth, Edward Randell, Paul Lanzone, Earl Sniffin, Daniel Tomei. Anyone know their whereabouts?
FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $1148.05 with dues receipts of $375.00 and wall plaque receipts of $190.00 with expenses of $39.00 leaving a balance of $1674.05.
COMMEMORATIVE WALL PLAQUE: We only have $1080 in cash and commitments. We need $2500! Come on shipmates!
SHIPMATE PASSING: I received the following mail:
Dear Gentlemen:
It is with considerable regret that I inform you that David Nightingale passed on last August 2006. I know he was happy to be a part of your alumni group and truly enjoyed the news and activity of the website.
I didn't know how to reach you at the time, but the recent mailing (snail mail) gave me the information I needed to be in touch.
Warmest regards to all you who have so ably served our nation.
Sincerely, Mrs. David Nightingale
Shipmate Nightingale was a SK3 and served aboard the Altair 1962-1964. Mrs. Nightingale can be reached at 3 Chaucer St., Sandwich, MA 02563
REUNION: Paul Licker has volunteered to assist in the next reunion. Any other volunteers can contact Paul at Pesachbenschlomo@aol.com Paul resided in Melbourne, Florida.
Best Regards To All, Charles Brecheisen, Holly Lake Ranch, Texas
Contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us
NEWSLETTER: I got newsletter returns as undeliverable from John Dachtler, Woody Halsey, Thomas Howarth, Edward Randell, Paul Lanzone, Earl Sniffin, Daniel Tomei. Anyone know their whereabouts?
FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $1148.05 with dues receipts of $375.00 and wall plaque receipts of $190.00 with expenses of $39.00 leaving a balance of $1674.05.
COMMEMORATIVE WALL PLAQUE: We only have $1080 in cash and commitments. We need $2500! Come on shipmates!
SHIPMATE PASSING: I received the following mail:
Dear Gentlemen:
It is with considerable regret that I inform you that David Nightingale passed on last August 2006. I know he was happy to be a part of your alumni group and truly enjoyed the news and activity of the website.
I didn't know how to reach you at the time, but the recent mailing (snail mail) gave me the information I needed to be in touch.
Warmest regards to all you who have so ably served our nation.
Sincerely, Mrs. David Nightingale
Shipmate Nightingale was a SK3 and served aboard the Altair 1962-1964. Mrs. Nightingale can be reached at 3 Chaucer St., Sandwich, MA 02563
REUNION: Paul Licker has volunteered to assist in the next reunion. Any other volunteers can contact Paul at Pesachbenschlomo@aol.com Paul resided in Melbourne, Florida.
Best Regards To All, Charles Brecheisen, Holly Lake Ranch, Texas
Contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us
Friday, April 06, 2007
March 2007 by Charles Brecheisen
Greetings Altair Crew.
NEWSLETTER: The latest Altair newsletters were mailed last Friday, March 30.
ALTAIR WEB SITE: I have been using Microsoft FrontPage 2000 for our website. Microsoft no longer supports this software (thank you Microsoft) As of April 1, I can no longer make any modifications/adjustments/additions to the web site, although the web site will still work. Therefore, I have to buy new HTML software and redo the web site. I hope to have this done sometime in April.
FINANCIAL: The beginning March balance was $1390.22 with $80.00 in dues and expenses of $322.17 leaving a balance of $1148.05. Expenses were mainly for the newsletter, printing, envelopes, labels and postage.
SHIPMATE PASSING: I received the following email:
"Dear Mr. Brecheisen, While doing a Google search on the Altair, I found your newsletter and needed to drop a quick email.
My name is Susan Spence and I was Dan Thrasher's wife. I'm saddened to notify you that after a courageous two-year battle, Dan passed away from cancer on November 12, 2005.
I believe he served on the Altair i the 1966-1968 timeframe. Although he told many stories about his time on the altair, his most memorable stories surrounded his adventures (or misadventures) while on shore leave.
Besides his hockey, golf, professional and Harley buddies, Dan left behind two sons (one of whom served in the Air Force, one stepson, two daughters-in-law and three grandchildren.
Best Regards, Susan Spence (Mrs. Dan Thrasher)"
All for now. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us with any questions or comments.
Best Regards To All, Charles Brecheisen, Holly Lake Ranch, Texas
NEWSLETTER: The latest Altair newsletters were mailed last Friday, March 30.
ALTAIR WEB SITE: I have been using Microsoft FrontPage 2000 for our website. Microsoft no longer supports this software (thank you Microsoft) As of April 1, I can no longer make any modifications/adjustments/additions to the web site, although the web site will still work. Therefore, I have to buy new HTML software and redo the web site. I hope to have this done sometime in April.
FINANCIAL: The beginning March balance was $1390.22 with $80.00 in dues and expenses of $322.17 leaving a balance of $1148.05. Expenses were mainly for the newsletter, printing, envelopes, labels and postage.
SHIPMATE PASSING: I received the following email:
"Dear Mr. Brecheisen, While doing a Google search on the Altair, I found your newsletter and needed to drop a quick email.
My name is Susan Spence and I was Dan Thrasher's wife. I'm saddened to notify you that after a courageous two-year battle, Dan passed away from cancer on November 12, 2005.
I believe he served on the Altair i the 1966-1968 timeframe. Although he told many stories about his time on the altair, his most memorable stories surrounded his adventures (or misadventures) while on shore leave.
Besides his hockey, golf, professional and Harley buddies, Dan left behind two sons (one of whom served in the Air Force, one stepson, two daughters-in-law and three grandchildren.
Best Regards, Susan Spence (Mrs. Dan Thrasher)"
All for now. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us with any questions or comments.
Best Regards To All, Charles Brecheisen, Holly Lake Ranch, Texas
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
February 2007 by Charles Brecheisen
Greetings Altair Crew.
WEB SITE: I have changed the email addresses on the "Shipmate" page on the web site so that the addresses cannot be automatically harvested. Check it out and let me know what you think. And, make sure I have your address correct. Hopefully, this will cut down on getting SPAM. I can be reached at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us
FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $1490.57 with $65.00 paid in dues and $165.35 in expenses leaving a balance of $1390.22. Expenses were $126.35 for our web site for one year and $39.00 for postage.
SHIPMATES PASSING: I received the following letter from Mrs. Rita Bruce:
"Just a note to let you know that my husband Clarence D. Bruce passed away. He was a wonderful man, everyone loved him, my children and grandchildren and all the great-grandchildren, was very good to every one. We miss him. He really loved the Navy and talked about his ship. Mrs. Rita Bruce"
Shipmate Bruce was aboard the Altair 1952-1953 and was a SN. I sent a sympathy card from all the shipmates, but if you remember Shipmate Bruce and wish to contact his family, Mrs. Bruce can be reached at:
601 W. Park Ave., Apt. 102
Hubbard, OH 44425-1561
All for now. Please contact me with any questions or comments.
Best Regards To All, Charles
WEB SITE: I have changed the email addresses on the "Shipmate" page on the web site so that the addresses cannot be automatically harvested. Check it out and let me know what you think. And, make sure I have your address correct. Hopefully, this will cut down on getting SPAM. I can be reached at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us
FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $1490.57 with $65.00 paid in dues and $165.35 in expenses leaving a balance of $1390.22. Expenses were $126.35 for our web site for one year and $39.00 for postage.
SHIPMATES PASSING: I received the following letter from Mrs. Rita Bruce:
"Just a note to let you know that my husband Clarence D. Bruce passed away. He was a wonderful man, everyone loved him, my children and grandchildren and all the great-grandchildren, was very good to every one. We miss him. He really loved the Navy and talked about his ship. Mrs. Rita Bruce"
Shipmate Bruce was aboard the Altair 1952-1953 and was a SN. I sent a sympathy card from all the shipmates, but if you remember Shipmate Bruce and wish to contact his family, Mrs. Bruce can be reached at:
601 W. Park Ave., Apt. 102
Hubbard, OH 44425-1561
All for now. Please contact me with any questions or comments.
Best Regards To All, Charles
Saturday, February 10, 2007
January 2007 by Charles Brecheisen
Greetings Altair shipmates. Here is your monthly report for January 2007.
SPAM: I have been receiving 50-60 emails a day and quite a few returned to me as undeliverable. In talking to Brian at Interbax, our web host, it seems that some spammers have hijacked our Altair domain and are sending SPAM as XXX@ussaltair-aks32.org. Therefore, Brian is going to set up this email address to block 100% of incoming emails and I will not have to approve sending the monthly reports as the site moderator. What a sad situation....... Please do NOT reply to to me at this email address as it will be automatically deleted. Please use cmbaltairaks32 at fastmail.us I am investigating taking all the email addresses on the web site and instead of using "@" but using "space at space" and hopefully this will eliminate the "harvesting" of all our email addresses.
FINANCIAL: The beginning ending January balance was $1450.57 with $40.00 in dues paid and no expenses leaving a balance of $1490.57. The "special fund" remains the same.
SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard Joseph R. Grondin, SM3, 1959-1961 (Bondsville, MA) and Thomas Wesley Lee, BMSN, 1961-1964 (Wilmington, NC). We now have 414 shipmates aboard.
ALTAIR PHOTO SITE: Please check out our new Altair photo site at http://www.altair.smugmug.com. Dick Braun has done a wonderful job of getting up all the Altair pics. Dick also has put up a film taken by a USS Antares shipmate of the Altair alongside and transferring personnel.
Thats all for now. Please contact me with any questions or comments.
Best Regards To All......Charles
SPAM: I have been receiving 50-60 emails a day and quite a few returned to me as undeliverable. In talking to Brian at Interbax, our web host, it seems that some spammers have hijacked our Altair domain and are sending SPAM as XXX@ussaltair-aks32.org. Therefore, Brian is going to set up this email address to block 100% of incoming emails and I will not have to approve sending the monthly reports as the site moderator. What a sad situation....... Please do NOT reply to to me at this email address as it will be automatically deleted. Please use cmbaltairaks32 at fastmail.us I am investigating taking all the email addresses on the web site and instead of using "@" but using "space at space" and hopefully this will eliminate the "harvesting" of all our email addresses.
FINANCIAL: The beginning ending January balance was $1450.57 with $40.00 in dues paid and no expenses leaving a balance of $1490.57. The "special fund" remains the same.
SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard Joseph R. Grondin, SM3, 1959-1961 (Bondsville, MA) and Thomas Wesley Lee, BMSN, 1961-1964 (Wilmington, NC). We now have 414 shipmates aboard.
ALTAIR PHOTO SITE: Please check out our new Altair photo site at http://www.altair.smugmug.com. Dick Braun has done a wonderful job of getting up all the Altair pics. Dick also has put up a film taken by a USS Antares shipmate of the Altair alongside and transferring personnel.
Thats all for now. Please contact me with any questions or comments.
Best Regards To All......Charles
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
December 2006 by Charles Brecheisen
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Let's all have a happy, prosperous and especially healthy 2007!
NAVY PLAY CALLING: I don't know who the coach was that called the last play in the Navy bowl game........but, he should be keel hauled, strung up on a yard arm, made to walk the plank, given 100 lashes and thrown in the brig.
SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard Karl Carey, EM2, April 1963 - July 1964. Karl resides in House Springs, MO. WELCOME ABOARD KARL! We how have a total of 412 shipmates on board!
FINANCES: The beginning balance was $1425.57 with $25.00 received in dues and no expenses leaving a balance of $1450.57. The "special fund" remains the same.
PHOTO WEB SITE: As you have probably noticed, I have taken down all the photographs on the Altair web site. Dick Braun has done an outstanding job in uploading all the photos to a new Altair photographic web site. Please visit the site at http://www.altair.smugmug.com and view all the photos. This makes viewing the Altair photos much easier. Dick is also running the Altair blog site at http://aks32.blogspot.com Be sure and visit both sites!
All for now. Please contact me with any comments or questions as cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us
Charles
Let's all have a happy, prosperous and especially healthy 2007!
NAVY PLAY CALLING: I don't know who the coach was that called the last play in the Navy bowl game........but, he should be keel hauled, strung up on a yard arm, made to walk the plank, given 100 lashes and thrown in the brig.
SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard Karl Carey, EM2, April 1963 - July 1964. Karl resides in House Springs, MO. WELCOME ABOARD KARL! We how have a total of 412 shipmates on board!
FINANCES: The beginning balance was $1425.57 with $25.00 received in dues and no expenses leaving a balance of $1450.57. The "special fund" remains the same.
PHOTO WEB SITE: As you have probably noticed, I have taken down all the photographs on the Altair web site. Dick Braun has done an outstanding job in uploading all the photos to a new Altair photographic web site. Please visit the site at http://www.altair.smugmug.com and view all the photos. This makes viewing the Altair photos much easier. Dick is also running the Altair blog site at http://aks32.blogspot.com Be sure and visit both sites!
All for now. Please contact me with any comments or questions as cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us
Charles
Sunday, December 17, 2006
November 2006 by Charles Brecheisen
SHIPMATES: One new shipmate came on board during November; LTJG David Cullen, 1961-1963. Shipmate Cullen resided in Vienna, VA and is the 411th. shipmate on board.
FINANCIAL: The beginning December balance was $1456.64 with income of $10.00 and expenses of $41.07 for postage leaving a balance of $1425.57. Thanks to all!
EMAIL: I must say again please do NOT reply to this email either to me or all the addressees. Since I have been getting 30-40 SPAM emails a day I have set the filter to reject ALL emails. Please use cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us Fastmail.us is a great email service and does a great job of filtering out SPAM.
INTERNET: If you do a lot of surfing on the Internet, you might consider downloading the "McAfee SiteAdvisor." Its a free download and rates each site with either a green check mark indicating a safe site; or a question mark for an untested site; or, a red check mark indicating a very unsafe site. It works great.
PHOTO UPLOAD AND NEWSLETTER: I seem to be spending most of my time at the doctors, etc. and still have not done anything about setting up the photo site. Same with working on a new newsletter. But, both are on the top of my priority list and will be done.
Best Regards To All......Charles
FINANCIAL: The beginning December balance was $1456.64 with income of $10.00 and expenses of $41.07 for postage leaving a balance of $1425.57. Thanks to all!
EMAIL: I must say again please do NOT reply to this email either to me or all the addressees. Since I have been getting 30-40 SPAM emails a day I have set the filter to reject ALL emails. Please use cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us Fastmail.us is a great email service and does a great job of filtering out SPAM.
INTERNET: If you do a lot of surfing on the Internet, you might consider downloading the "McAfee SiteAdvisor." Its a free download and rates each site with either a green check mark indicating a safe site; or a question mark for an untested site; or, a red check mark indicating a very unsafe site. It works great.
PHOTO UPLOAD AND NEWSLETTER: I seem to be spending most of my time at the doctors, etc. and still have not done anything about setting up the photo site. Same with working on a new newsletter. But, both are on the top of my priority list and will be done.
Best Regards To All......Charles
September 2006 by Charles Brecheisen
FINANCIAL: The beginning September balance was $1356.64 with dues paid of $40 and no expenses leaving a balance of $1396.64. The "special fund" remains the original same. A record of 76 shipmates have paid dues! Many thanks to all!
SHIPMATES: Fred Keefer LTJG 1960-1962 found another new shipmate, John C. Jefferies, CT1 1960-1963. John resides in Molino, Florida.
SHIPMATES PASSING: Thanks to Fred Keefer for most of this information.
Gene Van Der Molen, FTSN 1952; passed August 2006.
Ed Stephens, RD2 1964-1966; passed July 2006; Ed was a movie and TV actor.
Bernard Ruckhardt, QMC 1960-1962; passed December 1997.
Alfred E. Menard, SM2 1960-1962; passed May 2002.
Morris Kanefsky, SK2 1959-1960; passed July 2001.
I distinctly remember Shipmate Menard as we used to "hang out" together on liberty. And, he used to let me us the signal lights communicating between ships. We used to call him "Alfred E. Neuman" after the character in Mad Comics.
The severe drought continues here in East Texas. We have lost over 75% of our beautiful dogwood trees and many oak trees have died also. And, no relief in sight. I have not done much on the photograph web site as it seems that Lillie and I spend most of our time either at the hospital or at the doctors office. I really don't like getting old!
All for now. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us with any comments or questions.
Best Regards to All . . . . Charles
SHIPMATES: Fred Keefer LTJG 1960-1962 found another new shipmate, John C. Jefferies, CT1 1960-1963. John resides in Molino, Florida.
SHIPMATES PASSING: Thanks to Fred Keefer for most of this information.
Gene Van Der Molen, FTSN 1952; passed August 2006.
Ed Stephens, RD2 1964-1966; passed July 2006; Ed was a movie and TV actor.
Bernard Ruckhardt, QMC 1960-1962; passed December 1997.
Alfred E. Menard, SM2 1960-1962; passed May 2002.
Morris Kanefsky, SK2 1959-1960; passed July 2001.
I distinctly remember Shipmate Menard as we used to "hang out" together on liberty. And, he used to let me us the signal lights communicating between ships. We used to call him "Alfred E. Neuman" after the character in Mad Comics.
The severe drought continues here in East Texas. We have lost over 75% of our beautiful dogwood trees and many oak trees have died also. And, no relief in sight. I have not done much on the photograph web site as it seems that Lillie and I spend most of our time either at the hospital or at the doctors office. I really don't like getting old!
All for now. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us with any comments or questions.
Best Regards to All . . . . Charles
October 2006 REPORT by Charles Brecheisen
FINANCIAL: The beginning October balance was $1396.64 with dues paid of $60 and no expenses leaving a balance of $1456.64. A total of 80 shipmates have paid dues. Many thanks!
SHIPMATES: Three new shipmates came on board in October bringing the total to 410 shipmates! Jim Brooks, YN3 was aboard 1961-63. Frank
DiSalvo, RM3 was aboard 1963-1964. And, Granville Nelson, SK2 was aboard 1959-1962. Many of you might remember Shipmate Nelson as the ships' barber giving haircuts on the main deck. I sure do remember him! Granville later transferred to stores and was a SK2. I also remember Jim Brooks.
All for now. Please contact me with any comments or questions and please us my other email address cmbaltairaks21@fastmail.us
Best Regards To All . . . . Charles
SHIPMATES: Three new shipmates came on board in October bringing the total to 410 shipmates! Jim Brooks, YN3 was aboard 1961-63. Frank
DiSalvo, RM3 was aboard 1963-1964. And, Granville Nelson, SK2 was aboard 1959-1962. Many of you might remember Shipmate Nelson as the ships' barber giving haircuts on the main deck. I sure do remember him! Granville later transferred to stores and was a SK2. I also remember Jim Brooks.
All for now. Please contact me with any comments or questions and please us my other email address cmbaltairaks21@fastmail.us
Best Regards To All . . . . Charles
Thursday, September 07, 2006
AUGUST 2006 REPORT by Charles Brecheisen
SHIPMATES: Thanks to Fred Keefer LTJG 1960 - 1962, two shipmates were added to the roster. Norman Rubinfeld, LTJG 1961-61, and Sanford J. Snuffer, LTJG 1961 - 1963. This brings the total shipmates aboard to 408. Shipmate Rubinfeld lives in Mission Viejo, CA and Shipmate Snuffer resides in Reno, NV.
FINANCIAL: The beginning August balance was $1316.64 with dues paid of $40 and zero expenses leaving a balance of $1356.64. A total of 75 shipmates have paid dues in 2006!!!! Thanks to all!
PHOTOGRAPHS: Tim Truesdell sent me a CD ROM containing 110 Altair photos all the way from New Zealand. Thank you Tim! Since there is no way to put them up on the Altair web site as it would clog it down, I have decided to put ALL the Altair photos on a photo web site named "Smugmug." The Altair site on the Smugmug site will be broken down into separate galleries for easier viewing. Plus, the Smugmug site will be password protected and only the Altair shipmates will have the password. Many thanks to Dick Braun for converting all the Truesdell photos from TIFF files to JPEGS. As soon as I figure out the Smugmug site and the procedures and get some the pics uploaded I will send all the shipmates the password to access the site.
All for now. Please contact me with any questions or comments at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us
Best Regards to All.........Charles
FINANCIAL: The beginning August balance was $1316.64 with dues paid of $40 and zero expenses leaving a balance of $1356.64. A total of 75 shipmates have paid dues in 2006!!!! Thanks to all!
PHOTOGRAPHS: Tim Truesdell sent me a CD ROM containing 110 Altair photos all the way from New Zealand. Thank you Tim! Since there is no way to put them up on the Altair web site as it would clog it down, I have decided to put ALL the Altair photos on a photo web site named "Smugmug." The Altair site on the Smugmug site will be broken down into separate galleries for easier viewing. Plus, the Smugmug site will be password protected and only the Altair shipmates will have the password. Many thanks to Dick Braun for converting all the Truesdell photos from TIFF files to JPEGS. As soon as I figure out the Smugmug site and the procedures and get some the pics uploaded I will send all the shipmates the password to access the site.
All for now. Please contact me with any questions or comments at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us
Best Regards to All.........Charles
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Altair Mystery
Greetings Altair Crew. Ernie Forbes sent me an email and here is a copy; maybe a shipmate knows the answer.
"Heres a mystery maybe one of the crew can answer it: The Aberdeen Victory was delivered to Waterman Steamship Lines after launching and was transferred to the maritime commission for use by the Navy, the Navy used it as an AK, AK-257 to be exact after the war it was put in the reserve fleet till it was activated to be used as the ALTAIR. While it was an AK during the war it had a name - WHAT WAS THAT NAME ! ! When I was aboard I did DC work and I used to weigh the CO2 bottle at the fire station at the top of the stairs, ladder, in officers country, at this fire station there was a plaque commiserating USS ?
AK-257 during WW2, the person I was with said it was an Indian area, ? territory, state. I wrote the name down and many years later go tmy letters to my parents. They had saved every one, but it was not in them. I have tried to revisit that day in my dreams and see the name I had written, but I have had no success so far. Maybe one of the crew can recall that name. Ernie"
Best Regards To All.......Charles
"Heres a mystery maybe one of the crew can answer it: The Aberdeen Victory was delivered to Waterman Steamship Lines after launching and was transferred to the maritime commission for use by the Navy, the Navy used it as an AK, AK-257 to be exact after the war it was put in the reserve fleet till it was activated to be used as the ALTAIR. While it was an AK during the war it had a name - WHAT WAS THAT NAME ! ! When I was aboard I did DC work and I used to weigh the CO2 bottle at the fire station at the top of the stairs, ladder, in officers country, at this fire station there was a plaque commiserating USS ?
AK-257 during WW2, the person I was with said it was an Indian area, ? territory, state. I wrote the name down and many years later go tmy letters to my parents. They had saved every one, but it was not in them. I have tried to revisit that day in my dreams and see the name I had written, but I have had no success so far. Maybe one of the crew can recall that name. Ernie"
Best Regards To All.......Charles
Altair Picture Surprise
Greetings to all. I got a surprise in the mail yesterday all the way from New Zealand. It was a CD from Tim Truesdell, SK2 1958-1960 and had 110 Altair photos on it! Tim is currently living in New Zealand. All the pics were in tiff format and about 1 meg. each in size. Tim really sent some neat pics, too.
There is no way to upload Tim's pics even after converting them to jpegs. I also have many many other pics that have not been uploaded to the web site. Therefore, I have decided to use a photo upload service, such as smugmug.com and put ALL the pics that I have into books or albums, etc. There are quite a few hundred pics and I think that this is the only way all the Altair pics can be shown and viewed by the shipmates at their leisure without waiting for the pic pages on the web site to download. Smugmug has no ads and no login is required. The site and/or albums can be password protected if necessary.
Any comments? Any other recommended site instead of Smugmug?
Best Regards To All......Charles
There is no way to upload Tim's pics even after converting them to jpegs. I also have many many other pics that have not been uploaded to the web site. Therefore, I have decided to use a photo upload service, such as smugmug.com and put ALL the pics that I have into books or albums, etc. There are quite a few hundred pics and I think that this is the only way all the Altair pics can be shown and viewed by the shipmates at their leisure without waiting for the pic pages on the web site to download. Smugmug has no ads and no login is required. The site and/or albums can be password protected if necessary.
Any comments? Any other recommended site instead of Smugmug?
Best Regards To All......Charles
JULY 2006 REPORT by Charles Brecheisen
SHIPMATES: No new shipmates came aboard in July leaving the total at 406.
FINANCIAL: WOW once again. A total of 71 shipmates have paid dues this year. The beginning balance was $1226.64 with receipts of $90.00 and no expenses leaving a balance of $1316.64. The "special fund" remains the same.
SHIPMATE VISIT: Ben "B.X." Wabich and his wife stopped by here a couple of days ago on their way to the Rio Grande Valley. Ben and I served together on the Altair in the communications area 1959-1961; and, Ben looks like he did 46
years ago! Ben retired from the Navy after 30 years of Navy service. Ben and Barbara reside in Algonac, Michigan and own a locksmith business. We had a great visit swapping old sea stories that the other had not heard.
TEXAS DROUGHT: Still no rain and our drought area is still classified as "severe."
All for now. Please contact me with any questions or comments. Again, please do NOT use this email address but use cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us
Best Wishes to All........Charles
FINANCIAL: WOW once again. A total of 71 shipmates have paid dues this year. The beginning balance was $1226.64 with receipts of $90.00 and no expenses leaving a balance of $1316.64. The "special fund" remains the same.
SHIPMATE VISIT: Ben "B.X." Wabich and his wife stopped by here a couple of days ago on their way to the Rio Grande Valley. Ben and I served together on the Altair in the communications area 1959-1961; and, Ben looks like he did 46
years ago! Ben retired from the Navy after 30 years of Navy service. Ben and Barbara reside in Algonac, Michigan and own a locksmith business. We had a great visit swapping old sea stories that the other had not heard.
TEXAS DROUGHT: Still no rain and our drought area is still classified as "severe."
All for now. Please contact me with any questions or comments. Again, please do NOT use this email address but use cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us
Best Wishes to All........Charles
Sunday, July 02, 2006
JUNE 2006 REPORT by Charles Brecheisen
SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard Shipmate Joel Fuller, SN 1963-1965; and Don Wangrud, GM3 1956-1957. Joel resides in Thomasville, NC and Don resides in Fargo, ND. WELCOME ABOARD Joel and Don!
SHIPMATE PASSING: Mike Troiano reports that Jerome "JJ" Campbell, SN 1964-1965 passed away in 2005. Our condolances to the Campbell family.
FINANCIAL: WOW again! A total of 62 shipmates have paid dues this year. It's really nice to have so many shipmates involved with the Altair Shipmate Group. THANKS! The beginning balance was $1126.64 with receipts of $100.00 leaving a balance of $1226.64.
TEXAS DROUGHT: It is so dry here in E. TX that our oak trees are dying, our pine trees are dying and our dogwood trees are dying. We had no measurable rain in either May or June and no prospect of rain in sight. My cactus garden is even dying. We did not even get a drop of rain from Katrina! Of course, we have a county burn ban, fireworks ban and are on water rationing. We cannot even BBQ! It's going to be a very long hot summer!
All for now. Please contact me with any questions or comments.
Best Regards To All...........
Charles Brecheisen
248 Drifting Cloud
Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765-6321
903-769-5325
SHIPMATE PASSING: Mike Troiano reports that Jerome "JJ" Campbell, SN 1964-1965 passed away in 2005. Our condolances to the Campbell family.
FINANCIAL: WOW again! A total of 62 shipmates have paid dues this year. It's really nice to have so many shipmates involved with the Altair Shipmate Group. THANKS! The beginning balance was $1126.64 with receipts of $100.00 leaving a balance of $1226.64.
TEXAS DROUGHT: It is so dry here in E. TX that our oak trees are dying, our pine trees are dying and our dogwood trees are dying. We had no measurable rain in either May or June and no prospect of rain in sight. My cactus garden is even dying. We did not even get a drop of rain from Katrina! Of course, we have a county burn ban, fireworks ban and are on water rationing. We cannot even BBQ! It's going to be a very long hot summer!
All for now. Please contact me with any questions or comments.
Best Regards To All...........
Charles Brecheisen
248 Drifting Cloud
Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765-6321
903-769-5325
Sunday, June 11, 2006
MAY 2006 REPORT by Charles Brecheisen
SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard Walt Stout. Shipmate Stout served aboard the Altair 1964-1965, was an ENT3 and resided in Covington, TN. This brings the total shipmate list to 404! Welcome aboard Walt!
FINANCIAL: WOW, a total of 53 shipmates have paid dues so far this year far exceeding the total for last year. THANKS! The beginning balance for May was $820.64 with receipts of $345.00 and expenses of $39.00 leaving a balance of $1126.64. The "special fund" remains the same.
SHIPMATE PASSING: I received the following letter:
"Dear Mr. Brecheisen: I am writing to inform you that Bernard J. Sumbs passed away at home on Nov. 21, 2005 after a long illness at the age of 73. I think you for sending The Altair Star Newsletter. Bernard enlisted in the Navy on March 27, 1950 and was discharged on May 27, 1953. He served on the USS Altair (AKS257) and the Mattelesst (AOB-52). They were married for 51 years last June and were blessed with 2 great sons. Our youngest son was killed at the age of 37. God Bless you and our Country! Sincerely, Shirley Sumbs."
Our sincerest condolances to the Sumbs family.
All for now. Please contact me with any comments or questions.
Best Regards To All:
Charles Brecheisen
248 Drifting Cloud
Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765-6321
903-769-5325
FINANCIAL: WOW, a total of 53 shipmates have paid dues so far this year far exceeding the total for last year. THANKS! The beginning balance for May was $820.64 with receipts of $345.00 and expenses of $39.00 leaving a balance of $1126.64. The "special fund" remains the same.
SHIPMATE PASSING: I received the following letter:
"Dear Mr. Brecheisen: I am writing to inform you that Bernard J. Sumbs passed away at home on Nov. 21, 2005 after a long illness at the age of 73. I think you for sending The Altair Star Newsletter. Bernard enlisted in the Navy on March 27, 1950 and was discharged on May 27, 1953. He served on the USS Altair (AKS257) and the Mattelesst (AOB-52). They were married for 51 years last June and were blessed with 2 great sons. Our youngest son was killed at the age of 37. God Bless you and our Country! Sincerely, Shirley Sumbs."
Our sincerest condolances to the Sumbs family.
All for now. Please contact me with any comments or questions.
Best Regards To All:
Charles Brecheisen
248 Drifting Cloud
Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765-6321
903-769-5325
Monday, May 01, 2006
APRIL 2006 REPORT by Charles Brecheisen
Greetings Altair Shipmates.
The spammers are at it again! For many days now, I have had over 100 spam emails in this account (cmbaltairaks32@ussaltair-aks32.org). Plus numerous spams in my Fastmail account. So, please do not reply to this email account but use cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us
SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard Tennis Hatfield, HMSN 1962-1963. Tennis resides in Baisden, WV and is related to the Hatfields' of the famous feud!
This brings our shipmate total to 403. Welcome aboard Tennis!
DUES: A total of 35 shipmates have paid dues through April which has exceeded the total for all of last year! Thanks!
PHOTOGRAPHS: In case I have not mentioned it before, I have uploaded quite a few new pics on the photo's page two on the Altair web site.
FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $1081.23 with dues received of $90.00 and expenses of $350.63 leaving a balance of $820.60. Expenses consisted of postage, ink, labels, envelopes and printing.
GREAT NAVY WEB SITE: For a neat Navy web site try http://objflicks.com/Seapower.htm It will take a long time to load for dial-up users.
All for now. Please contact me with any comments or questions.
Best Regards To All:
Charles Brecheisen
248 Drifting Cloud
Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765-6321
903-769-5325
The spammers are at it again! For many days now, I have had over 100 spam emails in this account (cmbaltairaks32@ussaltair-aks32.org). Plus numerous spams in my Fastmail account. So, please do not reply to this email account but use cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us
SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard Tennis Hatfield, HMSN 1962-1963. Tennis resides in Baisden, WV and is related to the Hatfields' of the famous feud!
This brings our shipmate total to 403. Welcome aboard Tennis!
DUES: A total of 35 shipmates have paid dues through April which has exceeded the total for all of last year! Thanks!
PHOTOGRAPHS: In case I have not mentioned it before, I have uploaded quite a few new pics on the photo's page two on the Altair web site.
FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $1081.23 with dues received of $90.00 and expenses of $350.63 leaving a balance of $820.60. Expenses consisted of postage, ink, labels, envelopes and printing.
GREAT NAVY WEB SITE: For a neat Navy web site try http://objflicks.com/Seapower.htm It will take a long time to load for dial-up users.
All for now. Please contact me with any comments or questions.
Best Regards To All:
Charles Brecheisen
248 Drifting Cloud
Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765-6321
903-769-5325
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
MARCH 2006 REPORT by Charles Brecheisen
Greetings Altair shipmates. Here is your monthly report for March 2006.
SHIPMATES: We have one new shipmate that boarded ship in March bringing the total count to 402 shipmates.. Please welcome aboard :
Jesse B. Jones, SH2, 1953-1955. Jesse resided in Jackson, TN
DUES: The reduced cost of dues to $10 seem to be working. Thanks to all sending in dues!
FINANCIAL: The beginning March balance was $861.26 with income of $220.00 and no expenses leaving a balance of $1081.27.
ALTAIR NEWSLETTER: I am finishing up the Altair newsletter and only have a couple of spaces to add material. I am waiting for a couple of shipmates to send in their bios and the newsletter should be mailed in a couple of weeks.
ALTAIR REUNION: There have been a few shipmates questioning when our next reunion would be held; and where. Good questions! After our first reunion in Norfolk in 2004, emotions were running high to have another reunion. Those "emotions" sort of petered out. But, we (another shipmate) is in the process of checking out Charleston, SC as a possible site. I will keep all posted.
All for now. Please contact me with any questions or comments.
Best Regards To All:
Charles Brecheisen
248 Drifting Cloud
Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765-6321
903-769-5325
SHIPMATES: We have one new shipmate that boarded ship in March bringing the total count to 402 shipmates.. Please welcome aboard :
Jesse B. Jones, SH2, 1953-1955. Jesse resided in Jackson, TN
DUES: The reduced cost of dues to $10 seem to be working. Thanks to all sending in dues!
FINANCIAL: The beginning March balance was $861.26 with income of $220.00 and no expenses leaving a balance of $1081.27.
ALTAIR NEWSLETTER: I am finishing up the Altair newsletter and only have a couple of spaces to add material. I am waiting for a couple of shipmates to send in their bios and the newsletter should be mailed in a couple of weeks.
ALTAIR REUNION: There have been a few shipmates questioning when our next reunion would be held; and where. Good questions! After our first reunion in Norfolk in 2004, emotions were running high to have another reunion. Those "emotions" sort of petered out. But, we (another shipmate) is in the process of checking out Charleston, SC as a possible site. I will keep all posted.
All for now. Please contact me with any questions or comments.
Best Regards To All:
Charles Brecheisen
248 Drifting Cloud
Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765-6321
903-769-5325
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