Sad news. J. R. Black passed.

Hello this is JR Black’s step daughter. Not sure if you heard that JR passed away in September. Please let others know that may not have heard.

From: J.R. BLACK <JRBBAB39@msn.com>

2025 Reunion

 Dear Altair Crew,

Greetings.  If we are to have a reunion this year it is time for me to start planning one.  Last years was cancelled because only 2 shipmates responded. Planning and holding a reunion is a lot of work and attendance has fallen so much from prior years that it hardly seems worth the effort;  however, Edie and I are ready and willing to give it one more try.  After this the board will have to decide what to do in the future.

The plan is for early October 8th check in 12th check out at the SeaWatch resort in Myrtle Beach, SC.  All one bedroom Condos include bedroom, living room, kitchenette and balcony with ocean view.  Registration will include breakfast, one theater show(Platters and Coasters) and Banquet dinner.  Rooms are $148.96 per night including all taxes.

Here is what we need:  Check your calendar, check your finances, Go to http://www.seawatchresort.com and check it out.  If you like what you see and think you might attend let me know by 15 June.  I won't hold you to it but having a tentative count helps in planning.

Reunion Chair Bruce Davis

321 278 8068 

bandedavis@bellsouth.net

Sad news from Dan and Elaine Douglas

 I got a text from Gene Leffler, He was on Vacation in Barcelona when he got a message that his only son had died,

I just got off the phone with him to offer our condolences. I thought you might need this for the Altair records.

Sad news via Bruce Davis 😢

Sad to announce that Chuck Raggo’s wife Faye has passed.  Her battle with Alzheimer’s is over as of yesterday, 17 November 2024.  May she rest in peace.

2024 reunion cancelled

Dear Altair Crew and loved ones,  I sincerely hope all is well and you are enjoying a wonderful summer.

Due to lack of response the 2024 Altair reunion is cancelled.  Only one member responded in the positive and most of the regular attendees have informed me they would not be coming this year, mostly because of ill health or age related reasons.

I have not yet decided if I am willing to start planning for next year but will keep you posted.

Love and God Bless you all,

Bruce Davis

Reunion Coordinator 

bandedavis@bellsouth.net 

2024 Altair reunion update from Bruce Davis reunion chairman.

 Dear Shipmates,  This years reunion was extended to 6 nights at the suggestion of several members.  If you would like to attend but not for 6 nights, or there may be scheduling conflicts, or inflation has made things a little too pricey let me know.  Check the itinerary and pick the dates you would like to attend.  I will adjust the registration fee and reduce the price accordingly.  

Bruce

Reunion Information 

2024 reunion in Myrtle Beach, SC

 Dear Altair Crew,

This is the official announcement for the 2024 reunion to be held at the Sea Watch Resort, 161 Seawatch Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC from the 8th of October to the 14th of October (2 extra days).

Encl:   (1) Registration Form.  Registration form must be filled out and mailed to me with a check so that I receive it by September 8th.  This is necessary to provide lead time to lock in reservations, pay deposits etc.

Encl:   (2)  Itinerary

Banquet Dinner Menu:  Edie and I selected bread, salad, coffee, tea or water, steak, grilled skewered shrimp, roasted potatoes, asparagus and New York cheesecake for dessert. 

I have arranged for dinner at Joe’s Bar and Grill before the show Saturday night at the Alabama Theater.  Attendance is voluntary, order from the menu and pay as you go.  Just answer yes or no on the Registration Form.  Same for Dinner at Landry’s Seafood House on Thursday.

Other sites you might like to visit in your free time include:  ttps://www.brookgreen.org/BotanicalGardens, Barefoot Landing, 4898 HWY 17S, North  Myrtle Beach. 

Filling in for Charles,
Dick Braun

Please reply to Bruce at bandedavis@bellsouth.net for questions or concerns.

2024 Reunion Information

Greetings U.S.S. Altair Crew:

The 2024 Altair reunion is scheduled in Myrtle Beach, North Carolina from Tuesday the 8th of October to Monday the 14th of October.  It will be held at the SeaWatch Resort, 161 Sea Watch Drive, Myrtle Beach, NC 29572.

Anyone  interested or thinks they may be interested in attending please copy my email address into a new email and email me at bandedavis@bellsouth.net.  I will in turn send all the details plus keep you updated as plans are made.

The SeaWatch is a resort so all rooms consist of bedroom, living room and balcony with ocean view.

Don't miss out.  Get back to me now and I will keep you informed of everything including shows, meals, outings and prices.

March 2024 monthly report by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates.  Here is your monthly report for March 2024.
There was not much in the way of news in March.  Seems like all the news was about the upcoming solar eclipse in April.  Fortunately, Holly Lake Ranch, Texas was right in the middle of the eclipse and I had a nice view.....or lack of view.  I seem to remember while I was aboard the Altair in 1960 and the Altair was anchored off the coast of France and we were on a bus touring trip in the hills, and we stopped on the road and saw another total solar eclipse.  And, as I remember, the bus was heading to a French perfume factory which we could smell at least 10 miles away.  Oh boy, a bunch of sailors going to a perfume factory. 

FINANCIAL:  The beginning cash-on-hand balance was $15.16 with no changes; the beginning and ending savings balance is $2,436.37 with no changes; the beginning and ending Reunion Committee balance is $1,176.26 with no changes.  Totals $3,627.79.

All for now.  Comments and questions send to me at "cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us"

Best Wishes To All.......Charles

http://www.ussaltair-aks32.org
http://aks32.blogspot.com

http://altair.smugmug.com 

February 2024 monthly report by Charles Brecheisen

 Greetings Altair Shipmates.  Here is our monthly report for February 2024.

Winter seems to be almost over for East Texas.......or at least we never really had a winter.  No snow or ice but quite a bit of rain.  March into April may still hold a surprise or two.

FINANCIAL:   The beginning cash-on-hand balance was $45.51 with an expense for the Altair email address and a snail mail sum of $30.35 leaving a balance of $15.16 (Do not send me any replacement money);  the beginning and ending Savings balance is $2,436.37 no income or expenses; the beginning and ending Reunion Committee balance is $1,176.26 no changes.  Totals $3,627.79.

All for now.  Comments and questions send to me at "cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us"

Best Wishes to All......Charles

http://www.ussaltair-aks32.org
http://aks32.blogspot.com
http://altair.smugmug.com

January 2024 monthly report by Charles Brecheisen

It's starting to be an interesting year in my neck of the woods.  January was not a particularly cold month for a change. So far February, usually the  worst weather month here in East Texas has been warm.  But not so in other areas of the country.  

Since my health has become very precarious, I am making another appeal for another shipmate to set up another email system for the Altair.  I have a multitude shipmate information files available.  Another email list would have to be set up generated possibly using "MailChimp" (or others) which would not charge for using less than 1000 contacts.   I show 238 shipmates in this email file that I use and about 45-50 shipmates that would have to be snail mailed for reunion information.  This email address (fastmail.us) would not be able to be used as we have already tried that.  I should have set this up years ago but I did not.  

FINANCIAL:  My beginning and ending cash-on-hand balance is $45.51, no change; the beginning and ending savings balance is $2,436.37, no change; the beginning and ending Reunion Committee balance is $1,176.26, no change.  Total of $3,658.14.

All for now.  For comments or questions contact me at "cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Beat Regards To All.......Charles

http://www.ussaltair-aks32.org
http://aks32.blogspot.com

http://altair.smugmug.com 

December 2023 monthly report by Charles Brecheisen

YIPES:  Another year has passed and I keep asking myself, where did it go?  I sort of live in a retirement area and keep hearing from all my neighbors asking the same question.  This has to be a better year!

SHIPMATE PASSING:  Shipmate Joseph Basso , a good friend that I served with, passed away this last December 11, 2023.  Shipmate Basso was a SN aboard the Altair 1960-1962 and resided in Matawan, NJ.  I have listed a click below to his obit.  The Basso phone number is 732-441-1077, wife is Katie and their address is 16 Edgemere Dr., Matawan, NJ 07747

https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/nj/matawan/joseph-basso-17334827

FINANCIAL:  My cash-on-hand is $45.51, no changes;  Altair savings balance total change to $2,436.26; Reunion Committee Balance changed to $1,176.26.  Totaling $3,658.14.  

For questions or any comments contact me at "cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us"

Best Regards To All.......Charles

http://www.ussaltair-aks32.org
http://aks32.blogspot.com
http://altair.smugmug.com

November 2023 monthly report by Charles Brecheisen

PEARL HARBOR DAY:  Today is Pearl Harbor Day.  Let us never forget the 2403 Americans that were killed in the sneak attack.  Let's hope we are better prepared!

ALTAIR REUNION PHOTOS:  https://altair.smugmug.com/Reunions/2023-reunion-by-Dan-Douglas/ 

FINANCIAL: Beginning and ending cash-on-hand balance is $45.51, no changes; beginning and ending savings is $2,386.37, no changes; beginning and ending Reunion Committee balance is $971.02, no changes. Totals of $3,402.90

MISC:  It's hard to believe that another year has slipped by; I keep wondering where it went.  Oh well, on to the next one!

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas; a Happy Hanukkah or "Chag Urim Sameach" and all have a happy and safe New Years and a prosperous and healthy 2024!

Best Wishes to All...........Charles

http://aks32.blogspot.com
http://www.ussaltair-aks32.org
http://altair.smugmug.com

October 2023 monthly report by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates.  Here is your monthly report for October 2023.

SHIPMATE PASSING:  Shipmate Thomas, John B., FN 1960-1962 passed 29 October 2023.

REUNION:  The reunion from 6th thru the 10th this month in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Have fun and enjoy the companionship!

FINANCIAL:  Beginning and ending cash balance is $45.51, no changes;  beginning and ending savings is $2,386.37, no changes; beginning and ending Reunion Committee balance is $971.02, no changes.  Totals of $3,402.90

ALTAIR INFORMATION AND REPORTING:  Since my month old lightning strike disaster and my precarious ever decreasing health situation, it is imperative that a backup information source be established and fairly quickly.  I should have done this some time ago!  I show a total of 296 active shipmates with 239 using email and 57 shipmates only using snail mail for the information.  I keep a multitude database records all on Excel:  an active address list, a shipmate list for each Altair active year in service and a master master list showing over 700 shipmates listed.  These lists are available to any Altair shipmate wishing to see the others that were aboard when he was.  Plus, maintaining communications regarding the upcoming Altair reunions is critical and also other important updates.  Shipmate Ivan Samuels has suggested using Mailchimp as an email source since the cost would be zero for less than 500 emails.  As an address data base for labels, I use "StatTrack Address Manager All Pro 5.1.7" and it's a pretty good system.  It's really been fun and I have enjoyed doing all this!!  But, if I crash...............  So, we need a volunteer to develop a back up system.  You can contact me on this email address or my home email address "cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us"

All for now.  For questions and info, please contact me at "cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us"

Best Regards To All............Charles 

September 2023 monthly report by Charles Brecheisen

 Greetings Altair Crew.  Here is your monthly report for September 2023.

DISASTER:  Last week I suffered a lightning hit.  And, even though I thought I was unplugged grounded and prepared, guess what!  It made no difference!  I lost my main computer, complete land line telephone system, TV, Internet and a couple of misc items.  Fortunately, I had the system backed up on an outboard hard drive plus 2 SanDisk USBs. So, I am learning a new system.  A smart computer user cannot have too many backs!!!!

REUNION:  The next Altair reunion is rapidly approaching....Nov. 6-10.  If you need any additional info, please let me know.

FINANCIAL:  Beginning and ending cash balance is $45.51, no changes;  Beginning and ending savings is $2,386.37, no changes;  the beginning and ending Reunion Committee balance is $971.02, no changes.  Totals of $3,402.90.

All for now.  For questions and info contact me at 'cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us'

Best Wishes To All........Charles

August 2023 monthly report by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates.  Here is your report for August 2023.

East Coast Shipmates be on the alert for approaching hurricane!!

SHIPMATE PASSING:  Shipmate Mike Troiano reports the passing of  Shipmate Doug Iorio, SK3 1963-65.  Shipmate Iorio's son, Paolo would like a photograph of his father in a Navy uniform while aboard ship.  If any shipmate can find a photograph of Shipmate Iorio in uniform, please forward to Shipmate Mike Troiano for passing along to son Paolo Iorio.  Mike can be reached at "michael.troiano@att.net"  I have been thru all my files and since I was not aboard with Shipmate Iorio, I found nothing showing SK3 Iorio.

FINANCIAL:  The beginning and ending cash balance is $45.51 with no changes; the beginning and ending saving balance is $2,386.37 with no changes; the beginning and ending Reunion Committee balance is $971.02 with no changes.  Totaling $3,402.90.

All for now.  Any questions or comments, please contact me at "cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us"

Best Wishes To All.........Charles 

July 2023 monthly report by Charles Brecheisen

 Greetings Altair Shipmates.  Here is your report for July 2023.

Not much news and not much going around my neck of the woods.  Due to no rain, burn bans everywhere and daily temperatures  102-106 daily with higher humidity.

SHIPMATE PASSING:  It was report the following shipmate's passing:

    Babyak, Douglas, MM2, 1961-1963 on or near June 2, 2023

FINANCIAL:  Beginning cash balance of $65.46 with a Domain Renewal cost of $19.95 leaving a balance of $45.51; The beginning and ending savings balance of $2,386.37 with no changes; the beginning and ending Reunion Committee balance of $971.02 with no changes;  totals of $3,402.90,

All for now.  Any comments or questions please contact me at "cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us"

Best Wishes To All......Charles

June 2023 monthly report by Charles Brecheisen

 Greetings Altair Shipmates.  Here is your monthly report for June 2023.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!  Hope every one has a fun filled, good food and a safe holiday!  It's still hard for me to believe that this year is already half gone........Halloween items are already being sold.

SHIPMATES PASSING:  
    Fuller, Joel, SN 1963-1965; MIA
    Guzdziol, Harold L., IC3 1954-1955; passed 29 March 2023
    Smethers, Charles W., SKSN 1952; passed 2 Nov. 2014

FINANCIAL:  Beginning and ending cash-on-hand balance $65.46 with no changes; Beginning and ending savings $2,386.37 with no changes; beginning and ending Reunion Committee balance $971.02 with no changes.  Total Altair balance of $3,422.85.

All for now.  Any comments or questions please contact me at "cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us"

Best Wishes..........Charles

May 2023 monthly report by Charles Brecheisen

 Greetings Altair Shipmates.  Here is your monthly report for May.

AIR QUALITY:  Air quality in the NE USA is horrible and dangerous.  Since I have severe lung problems, I watch air quality reports very  closely.  I found a new web site where I get up to date and forecast air quality reports.  The site is "airnow.gov" and just plug in your zip or city.  

SHIPMATE PASSING:  Jindracek, Roy, DK3 1954-1956; passed Nov. 2020.

FINANCIAL:  The beginning and ending cash-on-hand $65.46 with no changes; the beginning and ending Altair savings is $2,386.37 with no changes; the beginning and ending Reunion Committee Balance is $971.02 with no changes.  Totaling $3,422.85.

All for now.  For comments or questions email me at "cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us"

Best Wishes to All.........Charles

http://www.ussaltair-aks32.org
http://aks32.blogspot.com
http://altair.smugmug.com

March 2023 monthly report by Charles Brecheisen

 Greetings Altair Shipmates.  Here is your monthly report for March 2023.

WEATHER:  It's been a wild weather start for 2023.  I hope all our shipmate and their families keep an acute awareness of the forecasts in their areas; and have emergency plans.  I have been lucky here in NE Texas and we have only had the tail end of the major front systems.  The rest of the country has not been so lucky.  TAKE CARE!

FINANCIAL:  My beginning balance was $162.24 and had expenses of $55.00 for postage and $41.78 for printing, leaving a balance of $65.46.  The beginning and ending  balance of the Savings Acct. is $2,386.37 with no change.  The beginning and ending balance of the Reunion Committee Acct. is $971.02 with no change.  Totaling $3,422.85.

SHIPMATES PASSING:  Unfortunately, we lost a few shipmates:

    Ledesma, Ernesto, SK3, 1961-1962; passed Jan 15, 2022
    Konwinski, Stanley W., BT1, 1963-1965; passed Dec. 24, 2020
    Williams, Jackie Lee, SN, 1962-1964, passed Feb. 16, 2023
    Treaster, Donald L., AM1, 1962; passed Feb. 16, 2023
    Fallone, Arthur, SN, 1959-1960; Memorial Service June 17, 2022

All for now.  For questions and comments, contact me at "cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us" 

Best Regards To All.........Charles

http://www.ussaltair-aks32.org
http://aks32.blogspot.com
http://altair.smugmug.com