January 2012 by Charles Brecheisen

ALTAIR SHIPMATES: I show 490 shipmates on the master crew list.

Approximately 150 do not have email capability and will be direct mailed with reunion information.

ALTAIR SHIPMATES PASSING: The below Altair shipmates have passed:

(Thanks to Bruce Davis for the information)

Buch-Brage, Fernando, MM3, 1961-1963; passed 2004

McKee, Augustus B.; HM1, 1956-1957; passed 2001

DUES: I received checks from 29 shipmates! Thanks!! Dues are only $10 per year and sent to me.

Charles Brecheisen

248 Drifting Cloud

Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765

FINANCIAL: The beginning cash-on-hand balance was $1380.76 with dues income of $350.00 and no expenses leaving a balance of $1730.76. The beginning savings account balance was $5860.39 with no income or expenses leaving a balance of $5860.39. The total cash balance is $7591.15. I will be moving quite a bit of the cash-on-hand dollars to the Altair savings account.

MISC: The Neurologist specialist that Lillie and I visited in Houston diagnosed her with "Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD)" for which there is no treatment or cure. Probably caused by Parkinson's Disease and will continue to get worse.

All for now. Please direct any comments or questions to:

cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

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

December 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope all our Altair Shipmates and families have a happy, prosperous and a healthy 2012.

ADDRESSES: If you are going to change home addresses or will be changing email addresses, PLEASE let me know! It is important that we keep our shipmate files current.

SHIPMATE PASSING: Robert Dombrowski, BT3, 1961-1963 passed away late in November. Our condolences to the Dombrowski family.

NEW SHIPMATE: Please welcome aboard new Shipmate Philip K. McDanel, BT3, 1955-1956. Shipmate McDanel resides in Lititz, PA. WELCOME ABOARD!!

FINANCIAL: The beginning December cash-on-hand balance was $1370.76 with dues income of $10.00 leaving a balance of $1380.76. The Altair savings account beginning and ending balance is $5860.39 leaving a grand total balance of $7241.15.

DUES: Yes, it dues time once again! Yearly dues are $10 with the check made out and sent to:

Charles Brecheisen, 248 Drifting Cloud, Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765-6321

Thanks and Best Wishes To All..........Charles

Shipmate Passing

Greetings Altair Crew. Here is info from Shipmate Bob Delaney about the passing of Shipmate Robert Dombrowski.

"Hi I just learned about Robert Dombrowski's passing away..

I was notified of it by his Daughter in law Leah Dombrowski.

He died from misothelioma. Bob was a Boiler Tender (snipe) in 61 to 63 as I recall. He liked Barcelona and Naples a lot.

I don't know the exact date but its been about a month ago.

If you can pass it along to the guys I'd be greatful.

Thanks Bob Delaney"

Shipmate Dombrowski's family can be reached at:

Robert Dombrowski Family

511 Howland Avenue

Toledo, OH 43605

Our condolences to the Dombrowski family.

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

Greetings Altair Crew. Here is a ?Special Altair Report?

Reunion Chairman John B. Thomas, citing ?personal reasons? has resigned as reunion chairman. Our next reunion is in October 2012 in Tampa, Florida; and, the following year in New Orleans. We need a shipmate(s) to step up and take over the 2012 Tampa reunion; and, the 2013 New Orleans reunion. Please contact myself or Tom Planes at ?tomplanes [at] windstream.net?

It has come to my attention that we need a more formal and current leadership team for the Altair Association. When this all began about 10 years ago, a board was ?formed? consisting 6 (six) shipmates to help with the direction of the group, reunions, dues, membership, expenses, etc. These six shipmates were the first original shipmates found! I now have 486 shipmates on my mail list of which about 145 do not have email access. IT IS TIME FOR A NEW BOARD! Please email me with YOUR nominations for the Altair Board. You can list yourself, any one member, or several shipmates that you would like to see on the board. I will tally names and put out a list to select five shipmates; I will also snail mail the non-email shipmates for their votes including ?write-in? votes. It seems the only fair way to get a new board and a new direction for our Association.

The Altair Association has been very fortunate with Martin Summann taking over the Altair web site; and Dick Braun handling the Altair Blog and Photograph sites. Great job guys!

A fairly quick response is needed to both the items (1) the 2012 Tampa reunion leadership; and, (2) nominees to the new Altair board. PLEASE RESP0ND QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

Please DO NOT reply to this email. Use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us or Tom Planes email address.

Best Regards To All????.Charles

October 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Crew. Here is your monthly report for October 2011.

SHIPMATE PASSING: We lost Shipmate Mike Bruskotter a few weeks ago. Mike was a SK3 aboard the Altair 1963-1966. Mike's son has sent me quite a few Altair photographs which are being forwarded to Shipmate Dick Braun for uploading to the Altair photograph web site. Our condolences to the Bruskotter family.

FINANCIAL: The beginning "on hand" cash balance was $1370.76 with no income or expenses leaving a balance of $1370.66. The beginning savings balance was $5176.73 with interest income of $3.66, dues income of $20.00 and reunion auction income of $660.00 totaling $5860.39. No expenses.

ALTAIR REUNION: According to the reports, the reunion was a success.
The White House tour was fantastic..........Annapolis was great. Etc. etc. etc.

However, some of the other Shipmate comments were:

We need an earlier and better hospitality room for early arrivals.

Where were all the goodies? Early shipmates only got peanuts.

All the goodies disappeared and none were available for the shipmates that stayed over for a day or two.

Accounting figures? Since not many goodies any $'s return?

(John will be supplying me with all the receipts, returns, etc. which I will publish)

ALTAIR REUNION MIAMI 2012: I will be sending out information shortly about the Victory Ship "American Victory" which is located in Miami.
Stay tuned......

All for now. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail with any comments or questions.

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

2012 reunion update

Greetings Altair Crew. Here is information about the Victory Ship "American Victory" located in Tampa, FL, site of our 2012 reunion.
This info courtesy of Tom Planes.

"I called the Captain of the American Victory in Tampa. He got pumped when I told him that our 2012 reunion was going to be centered around his ship. If we get commitment early enough and get enough committed to come we can do a dinner cruise complete with ship drills and aerial battles I don't think we can start too soon promoting this reunion. I would like for it to be bigger than any before. There are lots of things to do in Tampa the aquarium is next door to the ship and Ybor city offers the finest Spanish cuisine this side of Barcelona. Setting up the accommodations early and sending out monthly reports with keep the hype up."

Thanks for the info Tom. This really sounds exciting!

Their web site is http://www.americanvictory.org

Shipmate Passing

To whom it may concern,

My father, Mike Bruskotter, died a few weeks ago. He spoke of his time in the Navy often - he loved the "Altair".

Sincerely,

Mick Bruskotter

Pratt & Whitney
Part Family Manager
North Berwick Engineering Center - Turbines BOAS & LPT Vanes

phone: 207-676-4227
technet: 8-426-4227
e-fax: 860-755-0875
m/s: 801-27"

Mike Bruskotter was a SK3 aboard the Altair 1963-1966. His family can be reached at:

Mike Bruskotter Family
2825 3rd. Avenue North
Great Falls, MT 59401
406-453-6860
(mikeb [@] montanafcu.org)

Our deepest sympathy is sent to the Bruskotter family. His son Mick can be reached at michael.bruskotter [at] pw.utc.com

Best Regards To All......charles

Baltimore Reunion by John Thomas

I hope everyone returned home safe and sound.

First of all, let me say "Thank You" to all the shipmates and their wives who attended the reunion, and to those who planned to attend but had circumstances occur that prevented them from going.

We had a great turnout with several who had never attended before. We had shipmates from as far away as Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. Hopefully everyone enjoyed it enough to attend again next year.

Before I forget, let me give a special thanks to shipmate Joe Basso who made contact and helped with the follow up for out trip to the White House. Thanks, Joe.

For those who could not attend, I will give you a little overview. The reunion was kicked off on Thursday evening with a reception to meet and greet everyone.

Our trip to Washington and the White House began at 7 AM Friday morning. Our guide who was very knowledgeable of Washington made it very informative and interesting. While there we enjoyed a riding tour of Washington and dinner at a seafood restaurant. We arrived back at the hotel at 7:30 PM.

On Saturday we went to Annapolis and toured the campus. It was homecoming so there was quite a bit of activity on campus and around town. Sorry to say that Navy lost to East Carolina. Everyone enjoyed browsing the shops and having lunch. We returned to the hotel at 3 PM to get prepared for the banquet and auction.

After the banquet we adjourned to the hospitality room for fellowship and our yearly auction. We made $660 from the sale of items donated by shipmates.

On Sunday we were sad to say our goodbyes but happy for the memories we had of the reunion and old friends.

Have a safe and blessed year and hope to see everyone in Tampa in 2012.
John B."

October 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

September 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Crew. Here is your monthly report for September 2011.

ALTAIR REUNION: The Altair reunion is almost here! (October 20-23) Please contact the reunion chairman with any questions.

John B. Thomas, Jr.
2632 Oakleaf Circle
Bessemer, AL 35022-7227
205-426-8739
broadusthomas [at] bellsouth.net

FINANCIAL: The beginning and ending cash-on-hand balance is $1370.76; no income or expenses. The beginning and ending saving balance is $5176.73; no income or expenses. The overall cash balance is $6547.49.

SHIPMATES: Welcome back Shipmate Robert J. Morande, SK2, 1961-63; Berlin, CT

That's all for now. Hope everyone has a wonderful time at the reunion!

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

August 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is your monthly report for August 2011.

I hope all Shipmates survived hurricane Irene with minimal damage. That was a bad 'un. Especially from a rain standpoint.

FINANCIAL: The beginning cash-on-hand balance was $1418.76 with no income and $48.00 expenses leaving a balance of $1370.76. I renewed the Altair website name for 3 years at $16.00 per year. The beginning savings balance was $5176.73 with no income or expenses leaving a balance of $5176.73. The total cash balance is $6547.49.

NEW SHIPMATE: Back in 2004 when I was sending out letters seeking Altair shipmates, David A. Touhey, SA, received the letter and promptly misplaced it. Well, believe it or not, he found the letter last week, 7 years later! Shipmate Touhey made a career out of the Navy and retired a QMC. WELCOME ABOARD SHIPMATE TOUHEY! Shipmate Touhey resides in Kingston, NH.

That's all from this end. We are still having 100 plus degree days every day and no rain.

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

Roe Karstetter's wife passing!

It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of Barbara Karstetter, beloved wife of Shipmate Roe Karstetter. Lillie and I first met Barbara and Roe at the first Altair reunion in Norfolk, VA and always looked forward to their company at later reunions.

All the Altair Shipmates send their sincerest condolences and sympathy to the Karstetter family. Roe can be reached at USNROE [at] gulftel.com; or,

Roe Karstetter
P.O. Box 1271
Robertsdale, AL 36567
251.960.1504

July 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is your monthly report for July 2011.

FINANCIAL: The beginning on-hand cash balance was $1418.76 with no income or expenses leaving an on-hand balance of $1418.76. The beginning savings balance was $5172.27 with $4.46 interest and no expenses leaving a savings balance of $5176.73. Total cash balance $6595.49.

RAIN: What is rain? Zero point 6 (0.6) inches of rain for all of July. All our beautiful dogwoods trees have died along with other oaks and pines. The temperature right now at 3:15PM is 106 with a THI of 116 registering on my weather system........more of the same for the rest of the week and NO RELIEF IN SIGHT. The fire danger is unbelievable. TS Dan hit around Brownsville way south of us. Maybe
Emily will get into the gulf and head our way.

That's all folks! Any comments go to cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Please do not reply to this email.

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

Shipmate Angelo Diana info

UPDATE 4 Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is the latest information concerning Shipmate Angelo Diana courtesy of Shipmate Joe Basso:

"Charles can you please pass along the following information, Angelo Diana is HOME and would like to Thank All for their Prayers, also he is feeling just fine, Angelo also requests Please Do Not Send Any EMails till further notice. Thank You Joe."

Please do not reply to this email. Use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

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


UPDATE 3 Greetings Altair Crew.

Joe Basso reports that Angelo Diana is recovering nicely from heart bypass surgery and should be able to go home this coming Monday or Tuesday.

Dick Braun sent me info on a neat Navy related website at Hullnumber.com. Check it out.

Still very hot (over 22 plus consecutive days over 100 degrees)here in E. TX and still with no rain the past two months; and; none in sight. The entire state still in 'burn ban' status.

Best Regards to All.......Charles


UPDATE 2: Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is the latest update on Shipmate Angelo Diana courtesy of Shipmate Joe Basso:


"I just talked to Shipmate Angelo Diana and is still in the Hospital and is in Good Spirits. He wishes to Thank all of the Altair Shipmates for keeping Him in their Prayers. Thank You Shipmate Joe Basso."

Thank you Joe!!

Please do not reply to this email. use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

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


UPDATE: Greetings Altair Crew. Here is additional info from Joe Basso concerning Shipmate Angelo Diana's bypass surgery:

" Shipmate Angelo Diana had Quadruple By-Pass Operation Today and MRS Diana informed Me that all went well and Angelo is Resting Comfortably at this time, I will be calling Mrs Diana about Wednesday to find how Angelo is doing. I will keep you informed on Angelo's condition. Joe"

Thanks Joe!!

Best Regards To All......charles

Please do not reply to this email. use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us


Greetings Altair Shipmates. Shipmate Joe Basso sent me this information concerning Shipmate Angelo Diana:

"Charles: Can You Please inform the Altair Shipmates, That Shipmate Angelo Diana is Scheduled to go for Open Heart Triple By-Pass Surgery.

Please do not send any E Mails To Angelo till futher notice. If you want to send cards please send them to his Home, 122 Grand PL, Kearny N.J.07032. Any And All Prayers are Welcome. Thank You Joe.

Thank you Joe!!

Please do not reply to this email.......use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

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

June 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY TO ALL THE ALTAIR SHIPMATES AND THEIR FAMILIES.
LET'S ALL HAVE A SAFE FOURTH!

NEW ALTAIR SHIPMATE: Please welcome aboard Richard A. Jager, Sn, 1956-1958. Shipmate Jager resides in Big Rapids, MI. WELCOME ABOARD!

FINANCIAL: No expenses and no income in June. The beginning and ending 'on-hand' cash balance was $1418.76. The beginning and ending savings balance is $5172.27 bringing the total cash balance is $6591.03.

Please send rain!!!!!! It's so hot and dry in East Texas that my cactus garden is dying out. Day after day after day of 100+ temperatures.

That's all folks from this end. Any comments should be sent to cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us.

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

May 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates.

SHIPMATE PASSING: Our condolences to the Ed Moran family of Milton, DE. Shipmate Ed Moran passed away May 18, 2011.

NEW SHIPMATE: Please welcome aboard Shipmate Felix J. Ramola of CLear Lake, MN. Shipmate Ramola, SK3, served aboard the Altair 1963-1964. WELCOME ABOARD!

FINANCIAL: The beginning May cash on hand balance was $1398.76 with income of $20.00 and no expenses leaving a balance of $1418.76. THANK YOU DUES PAYERS! The beginning savings account balance was $5172.27 with no income or expenses. The total cash balance is $6591.03.

Constructive comments or criticisms should be sent to cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

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

Prayer request for Marines KIA

Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is a prayer request for Marines KIA.

"We are asking everyone to say a prayer for "Darkhorse" 3rd Battalion 5th Marines and their families. They are fighting it out in Afghanistan & they have lost 12 marines in 4 days. IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE the message spread if more could pass it on. God Bless America and God Bless the United States Marine Corps... Semper Fi, Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever

Jim Owen





Justin Allen, 23,



Brett Linley, 29,



Matthew Weikert, 29,



Justus Bartett, 27,



Dave Santos, 21,



Chase Stanley, 21,



Jesse Reed, 26,



Matthew Johnson, 21,



Zachary Fisher, 24,



Brandon King, 23,



Christopher Goeke, 23,



Sheldon Tate, 27,



All are Marines that gave their lives for YOU this week!

HONOR THEM!!!

Shipmate Passing

It is with deep sorrow that I forward the following message:

"Charles,

Ed Moran Jr. just called to inform us that Ed Moran Sr. QM2 1951-1954 passed away early this morning.

Shipmate Moran's family address and phone number:
Edwin T. Moran.
5 Nichole Drive
Milton, DE 19968-9343

302-645-0477

George O'Brien"

Here is the obituary for shipmate Edwin T. Moran, Sr. courtesy of Shipmate George O'Brien.

"Edwin Thomas Moran Sr., 79, of Milton, passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2011.

Mr. Moran was born in Baltimore, Md. to the late James P. and Mary Jane Clark Moran. He is also preceded in death by six brothers and sisters.

He was a machinist for Western Electric for approximately 30 years, retiring in 1979.

Mr. Moran was a U.S. Navy veteran, stationed on the Altair, McCord and the Darby. He was a member of VFW Post 7447 in Rehoboth Beach, American Legion Post 28 in Oak Orchard, a former state commander from 1990-91, past captain of the District 4 Honor Guard and attended the U.S.S. Altair Reunion.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Elizabeth Mae Moran of Milton; seven children, Deborah Wilfer of Baltimore, Md., William Moran of Rehoboth Beach, Patricia Strickland of Georgetown, Susan White and her husband Reggie of Hebron, Md., Edwin T. Moran Jr. and his wife Trisha of Milton, Elizabeth M. Wilson and her husband Walter of Georgetown and Melissa Chandler and her husband David of Millsboro; two sisters, Rose Chambers and her husband Austin, and Mary Jane January both of Baltimore; 10 grandchildren, Autumn, Jessica, Nicholas, Sarah, Raven, Emily, Walter III, Nichole, Austin and Cole; four great-grandchildren, Samantha, Gordy, Daniel and Hayden; and two great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, May 23, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call after noon. Pastor Robert Hudson will officiate the service. Interment will follow at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the District 4 Honor Guard, C/O Atwood Timmons, P.O. Box 565, Millsboro, DE 19966"

Thank for the information George!

Here are some memories of Shipmate Ed Moran from Shipmate Roger Wiggans:

"Please forward my sympathies to the Moran family.

I was a Moran striker for many moons. He did his best to train me on the wheel for GQ and transferring underweigh. I never could handle it as well as he could. He was the expert. We had a lot of fun, sweat and strain during those tense (for me) times.

You are in our thoughts and prayers,

Roger Wiggans, QM2
Altair - 1953-54"

Reunion Update

Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is new info on the upcoming Altair Reunion:

I have had several phone calls about reservations at the hotel. When I made arrangements it was the Holiday Inn at Airport. It is now the Hilton Doubletree. It is completely remodeled. Phone number and price are the same.

Don't forget the auction event, bring some items to donate and a little extra to make purchases. We have a good time and all the money goes to the Altair treasury.

As always best regards, John B.

April 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates.

There has been some major confusion about emailing to the Altair Shipmates and it is 99% my fault. Our ISP upgraded the "Horde" emailing software and I tried to use it without checking into what changed. An update was sent to ALL Alair Shipmates.........which I found out later. Anyway, the ISP has changed the software to operate as before. As before, reply emails sent thru this server will be automatically deleted. You will not be able to send emails thru this server to 'altaircrew'. If information needs to be sent out, please send me the email at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us and I will resend to the crew. This will save lots of headaches and email address stealing bots.

ALTAIR CREW: Please welcome aboard the following new Altair Shipmates:

Roland W. Adkins FA(BT) 1955, Ranger, WV

Rev. Valentine Vit, BM3, 1960-1963, Monroeville, NJ

WELCOME ABOARD!

FINANCIAL: The beginning April cash on hand balance was $1388.76 with $10 dues income and no expenses leaving a balance of $1398.76. The beginning Altair savings account was $5165.90 with interest income of $6.37 leaving a balance of $5172.27. The total cash balance is $6571.03.

Please do not reply to this email. Comments and recommendations should be sent to cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

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

March 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Crew. Here is your report for March 2011.

NEW SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard the following new shipmates:

Edward J. Rice RMSN 1961-1963, Lincolnton, GA
Walter Johnson, SN, 1960-1962, Old Greenwich, CT
Robert E. Sullivan, CPO, Ret'd, 1953, Chuncey, OH

FINANCIAL: The beginning on-hand cash balance was $1358.73 with $30 in dues bringing the total to $1388.76. The beginning and ending savings balance is $5165.90 bringing a total cash balance of $6554.66. No expenses. A total of 47 shipmates have paid dues. THANKS!

PLEASE SEND RAIN TO EAST TEXAS! We got a March total of .49 inches.

MISC1: Thanks to the shipmates asking that I join Facebook. Sorry, but I don't Facebook and will not Facebook due to some of their terms and conditions with the main one being that that they sell and distribute personal information.

MISC2: Thanks to the shipmates that forward and pass around very interesting emails. If you forward email, PLEASE send them to yourself or a fictitious address and add the other shipmates addresses in the Bcc (Blind Carbon Copy) address space. Then DELETE all the email addresses in the body of the email. This will prevent bots from stealing addresses and cut down on SPAMs.

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

"Pray for rain"

Assistance needed!!!

I am sending a message to see if you would see if anyone there would remember my Dad, Harry L.C. Strayer, he was a Mechanist Mate aboard the Altair in the late 50's, he was last stationed in Spain where he had a heart attack around 1960. He was a career Navy man with 23 years of service. I sure appreciate any info you might be able to provide. You can reach me, John F Strayer @ candlesticme2@yahoo.com, my home phone # is 941-347-8296. Thank you for any help you might be able to provide.

Shipmate Strayer was a MM2 aboard 1959.

Thoughts and prayers are needed!

Shipmate Ed Moran is in Bebee Hospital, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE Phone 302-645-3300. Shipmate Moran's home address is 5 Nichole Drive, Milton, DE 19968-9343; 302-645-0477.

UPDATE: On Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:54 -0400, "George O'Brien" wrote: Shipmate Ed Moran is doing much better today. He is sitting up in a wheelchair and I think he recognized me when I came into the room. Without his voice box, he is unable to speak, but he responds to questions with a nod of his head. He has been moved to a rehabilitation center and expects to be there for a few weeks. He again shook my hand when I left.

Your prayers are working.

George

UPDATE: Here is an email and update on Shipmate Ed Moran from George O'Brien:

"We stopped at the hospital and Ed Moran appears to be resting comfortably. Although there was little response at first, he recognized my USS Altair hat, and tears came to his eyes when I told him that all of his shipmates were pulling and praying for him. He even raised his hand and shook mine.

Ed had the stroke on March 3rd and was hospitalized briefly and then home for awhile before returning to the hospital last week. He is probably going to be transferred to a rehab facility this week.

Please pray for Ed?s recovery. George"


Shipmate Robert Laskey's wife, Louise, had emergency heart surgery. They can be reached at 204 Roosevelt Ave., Kewanee, IL 61443-2920 309-853-8048

Our thought and prayers go out to these famlies.

February 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

REUNION: Please remember the importance of getting your info to the reunion chairman, John B. Thomas. You can reach John B. at
broadusthomas [at] bellsouth.net or telephone 205-426-8739.

ALTAIR SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard Shipmate Albert Carter, SH2, 1953-1955. Shipmate Carter resides in Cabot, PA. The Altair Shipmate total mailing list is 477 shipmates. There are 137 shipmates that do not have any email and any information has to be snail mailed to them.

FINANCES: The beginning on-hand cash balance was $1577.98 with dues income of $110.00 and expenses of $329.22 leaving a balance of $1358.76. Expenses included printing and mailing of reunion documents to the shipmates that do not have email; postage, envelops, labels, ink, etc. Our yearly Internet provider bill was $126.50. The beginning and ending savings account is $5165.90 leaving a total cash balance of $6524.66.

Best Regards to All............Charles

Altair AKS 32 Reunion 2011 Information

Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is the latest reunion information from chairman John B. Thomas, Jr.

"Charlie: Here is the final draft. We are ready to go. This can be the best reunion so far, with the White House and Annapolis on the schedule. The shipmates can start making reservations now. The quicker the better so we can get a count to line up the bus.

Don't forget the auction! BRING YOUR GOODIES TO THE AUCTION.

If you will send it back to me with all the email addresses, I will be glad to send out some things out to take a burden off of you.

Best Regards, John B.

P.S. Please remind them about the hospitality room. They can send it to me."


There are 3 links below with all the information, registration, etc. Use your browsers back button to return to the this site after viewing the information and/or printing it. It is IMPORTANT that attending shipmates who will be on the tours get the info back ASAP!!! And, with ALL the correct information. PLEASE DON'T MISS OUT ON THESE FANTASTIC TOURS!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Reunion Overview - Reunion Events - Reservation Form

IMPORTANT: There is a $25 hospitality room charge PER PERSON to cover the room and the goodies, etc. Please send your checks to:

John B. Thomas, Jr.
2632 Oakleaf Cir.
Bessemer, AL 35022-7227
205-426-8739
broadusthomas (at) bellsouth dot net

January 2011 by Charles Brecheisen

SHIPMATES: Thanks to the 34 shipmates that paid dues in January. Dues are only $10 and sent to me.

FINANCIAL: The beginning on-hand cash balance was $1137.98 with dues income of $440.00, no expenses leaving an on-hand balance of $1577.98. The savings account beginning balance was $5160.37 and income of $5.53 leaving a balance of $5165.90. The total balance is $6743.88.

REUNION: Chairman John B. Thomas has finalized everything for the Baltimore reunion. IT WILL BE A GREAT ONE!!!!!! Another email will be send shortly with all the information. There will be 3 attached PDF files on the reunion email with all the info.

All for now as we are getting ready for more snow and ice here in E. Texas. Temp last night was 61 and is now 24 with a wind chill of 10-12.

I hope all you shipmates take care during this major storm that is blasting it's way across the country.

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

Baltimore Reunion update

Greetings Altair Crew. Here is additional information on the upcoming Baltimore Reunion at the Holiday Inn Airport from Shipmate George O'Brien.

"John: We toured the Holiday Inn at BWI today...It is a newly refurbished hotel, all new furniture, bedding, etc. Very comfortable, staff very helpful. Full facility hotel, soon to upscale to the Hilton brand. Altair crew should be happy. Will write more when we get home next week. George"

2011 Reunion Update

Greetings Altair Crew. Here is additional reunion information from Reunion Chairman John Thomas.

The 2011 reunion will be held in Baltimore, MD, at the Airport Holiday Inn. Check in date is October 20 and the checkout date is October 23 (Sunday). John is still working on getting a tour of the White House. There will be a $25 charge per person attending the reunion for the hospitality suite. Monies can be sent to:

John B. Thomas, Jr.
2632 Oakleaf Circle
Bessemer, AL 35022-7227

John can be reached via email at: broadusthomas [at] bellsouth.net

The 2012 reunion will be held in Tampa, FL.

The 2013 reunion will be held in New Orleans, LA

More information will be forthcoming as available.

December 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Crew.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Let's all have a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2011.

SHIPMATES: An email was received from a William E. Sanders stating he was a GM3 aboard the Altair 1953-1954. He gave no other information and we have not been able to contact him or know his whereabouts. I hope he will respond again and join our crew.

DUES: Those wonderful dues are due once again. Only $10 and sent to:

Charles Brecheisen, 248 Drifting Cloud, Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765

FINANCIAL: The beginning December balance was $1137.98 with no receipts and no expenses. The savings account beginning and ending balance was $5160.37 leaving a total cash balance of $6298.35.

REUNION: Information will be sent out as soon as received to shipmates that have email. Crew members that do not have email will be mailed probably a week later.

I can be contacted at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

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

Change of location for 2011 reunion

Greetings Altair Crew. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Here is info from Joe Basso. The upcoming reunion site has been changed to Baltimore, MD from Tampa, FL. The main reason for changing is there is a fairly good POSSIBILITY of a WHITE HOUSE TOUR! If this comes to fruition, the tour attendees will be required to supply names and SS numbers to the Military Planning Group. YOU WILL ONLY HAVE UNTIL FEB. 21ST. TO APPLY FOR THE TOUR. You will not be able to sit on this info and apply at the last minute.

This would be a true once in a lifetime opportunity for a White House tour.

Obviously, this email is only a "heads up" notification. More info will follow as soon as available.

Shipmate Passing and request for information

I am the daughter of one of your fellow shipmates, Jimmy Norton. He was also in the service with his brother Wayne, if that helps ring a bell. He just passed away December 29 and I'm trying to make a scrapbook for my daughters. I want them to have as many stories of their grandfather as possible since they won't remember him. I had taken some notes about the few stories he could remember but I've lost the paper. He mostly talked about being friends with Pizzo, who I saw has passed away as well. Does anyone remember him or have any information you could share with me? It would make my year as I miss him so much and these stories help me to feel closer to him. I have some pictures from his tours but I do not know who the other people are with my dad. Is there somewhere I can post them to possibly get an answer?

Thanks,

Ashley Norton-McClure -- ashleyrmcclure at yahoo(dot)com

Questions from an ill shipmate

LTJG Jay Edwards Kerney

Navigator USS Altair AKS -32

1967

Email: Kerney (at) spiceisle (dot) com

USA Cell Phone 757 325 0375 Good only when I am in the USA.

Home address:
PO Box 32
Saint Georges
Grenada
West Indies

Tel 473-443-5621

I am currently being treated for prostate Cancer at the University of Florida Proton Beam radiation therapy.

I was diagnosed at the Veterans Hospital West Palm Beach, Florida.

I left the Navy in 1967 but kept in contact with our Captain Len Hoke for many years. Captain Hoke lived in Virginia Beach and retired shortly after leaving the Altair. He and his wife Pat were friends for many years as a matter of fact I spoke with her today.

Capt Hoke passed away several years ago.

A. Question: Do any of my shipmates know if the Altair carried agent Orange during that 1967 time period? I was informed at the VA Hospital that agent Orange is directly related to Prostate cancer.

B. Question: If so, if Altair carried this type of cargo. How would I verify the cargo papers?

C. I would be curiously interested if any other shipmates have been diagnosed with that type of cancer?

Many thanks for your prompt reply.

Jay Kerney

PS I was unaware until today that we had a reunion and website?

Christmas Cards

When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to this address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get. A Great Idea!!

When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20307-5001

Next three reunion sites announced!

Greetings Altair Shipmates.

Here is reunion information from our reunion Chairman John B. Thomas, Jr.:

"Our next reunion will be in Tampa, Florida, October 20-23, 2011.
Following reunions will be in Baltimore, 2012, and New Orleans, 2013."

SIDE-NOTE: Information will be sent out as soon as received to the shipmates that have email. Snail mail information will be sent out to the non-email shipmates when complete.

November 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

Captain William B. Morton, skipper of the USS Altair 1964-1965 is quite a WW2 hero! Master Chief Thomas "Mike" Smith sent me an article to the heroism of Captain Morton during WW2. I hope the "click" works.

FINANCIAL: The beginning "on hand" cash balance was $1143.13 with no income and expenses of $5.15 leaving a cash balance "on hand" of $1137.98. The beginning savings balance was $3840.37. Income from the Nashville reunion auction etc., was $1320.00 leaving a savings account balance of $5160.54. The total cash balance is $6298.35.

More later...........

October 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

ALTAIR REUNION: Glowing reports coming from the reunion attendees. I am sorry I missed it, but could not be helped.

REUNION PHOTOGRAPHS: Dick Braun has uploaded all the available reunion photographs which you can view at http://altair.smugmug.com/ Thanks for a great job Dick! And, thanks to the photographers!

ALTAIR SHIPMATE: Please welcome new shipmate Paul D. Benton, 1959-1960 SHSN. Paul and wife Spring live in Marshfield, MA
WELCOME ABOARD PAUL!

PROMOTIONS: Air Force Major Andrew J. Hoke, son of shipmate Cliff Hoke (MM2 1955-1958)was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in a ceremony at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center 29 September 2010.
Congratulations to both! Lt. Col. Hoke has quite an Air Force biography and deserves special kudos!!

ALTAIR FINANCIAL: The beginning on hand cash balance was $1103.13 with income of $40.00 and no expenses leaving a balance of $1143.13. The beginning savings account balance was $3835.54 with income of $4.83 leaving a balance of $3840.37. The total cash on hand and savings balance is $4983.50. Reunion income and expenses will be posted in the December financial report.

That's all for now.

Victory Ships

Greetings Altair Crew.

As most of you know, the USS Altair was first the SS Aberdeen Victory and took part in the invasion of Okinawa during WW2.

Our photo guru Dick Braun has uploaded a 30 minute professional TV film about the SS Red Oak Victory, which is currently being restored. Altair deck personnel will enjoy seeing all the work needed on deck. Below deck personnel (Snipes) will enjoy the work and scenes in the engine room.

Also great scenes of the Kaiser Shipyards where most of the Victory Ships were built, some in just days! The Red Oak Victory was saved from scrapping. Some of the original workers on the Red Oak Victory are on board and were interviewed.

Dick uploaded the film to the Altair photograph site. Please visit http://altair.smugmug.com and go to the bottom of the page and click
on the "Video Gallery" and this will take you to the movie page.
Click on the Red Oak Victory pic and sit back and enjoy the memories of the Altair. It sure brought back memories some of my deck ape days, mess cooking and FINALLY Lt. Furey let me go up to the radio room after I applied for a Captain's Mast.

Best regards, Charles

September 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

NEW SHIPMATE: Please welcome aboard Russell G. Eshelman, SN, 1963-1964. Shipmate Eshelman resides in Bumpass, VA. WELCOME ABOARD!

FINANCIAL: The beginning September cash balance was $1078.13 with $25 in dues income leaving a cash balance of $1103.13. The beginning and ending saving balance was $3835.54 leaving a total cash balance of $4938.67.

ALTAIR REUNION: The next Altair reunion begins October 21, 2010 in Nashville, TN. Should you need additional information, please contact Joe Basso at 732-441-1077.

Misc: The son of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Douglas, Edward Douglas, was "Pinned Chief" in a mid September Ceremony in Norfolk, Virginia. Dan was an IC3 aboard the Altair 1960-1962. I know that all the Altair Shipmates send their congratulations to the proud Douglas family on their son being pinned CPO.

Dan and Elaine Douglas can be reached at DDouglas [at] aol.com

Thanks to our web guru, you can view photos on the "Misc." page on the Altair web site.

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

August 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

SHIPMATE PASSING: I was notified of the passing of Shipmate Paul Meierdierks. Paul was a RM3 and aboard 1962-1966. The family may be contacted at:

Mrs. Theresa Meierdierks
99 Knickerbocker Road
Closter, NJ 07624

NEW SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard the following shipmates:

John Zeihen, LTJG, 1967-1969, WI
R. Doug Justice, MA3, 1964, TN
Augustin (Dino) Dador, SD2, WA
Michael Chubirka, SN, 1962-1963, TX

WELCOME ABOARD!

FINANCIAL: The beginning cash balance was $1058.13 with dues income of $20.00 leaving a balance of $1078.13. The beginning cash savings balance was $3835.54 with no income or expenses leaving a balance of $3835.54. The total cash on hand and saving account balance is $4913.67.

ALTAIR REUNION: DON'T FORGET!!!!!!! The Altair reunion October 21st. thru Oct. 24th. in Nashville, TN. If you need additional information, please contact Joe Basso at jomapakg032 [at] verizon.net or John Thomas at broadusthomas [at] bellsouth.net; or, myself at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us.

All for now. I hope all you shipmates on the East Coast will be safe from the hurricane.

As usual, please do NOT reply to this email as it will be automatically deleted. Please use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

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

Shipmate Passing

Greetings Altair Shipmates. I received the following email:

"Hello Shipmates. It is with great sadness that I report to you the passing of Chief William H. Stoye Sr. August 13, 2010. He loved his career in the Navy and was proud of all the friends and shipmates he had over the years.

William H. Stoye, Jr. Maj, (Ret)
Tallahassee, Florida 32308"

Shipmate Stoye was an AD2 aboard the Altair 1959/1960.

Shipmate Passing

Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is an email I received via Shipmate Mike O'Connell.

"I'm sorry I am the bearer of bad news but I got a call from Paul Meierdierks' family and was informed he had passed Sunday, August 8, 2010. His wife Theresa can be reached at:

Mrs. Theresa Meierdierks
99 Knickerbocker Road
Closter, NJ 07624

I mentioned to them I would let you know so that you could let the other shipmates know.

Thank you.
Mike O'Connell"

Our sincerest condolences to the Meierdierks' family.

July 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Crew. Here is your monthly report for July 2010.

SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard two new shipmates:

Dennis R. Dudas, SN, 1961-1962, Millburn, NJ

William F. Sharp, Jr., SN, 1961-1962, NJ

WELCOME ABOARD!!

FINANCIAL: The beginning July balance was $1028.13 with dues income of $30.00 and no expenses leaving a cash balance of $1058.13. The beginning Altair savings account was $3835.54 with no income or expenses leaving a balance of $3835.54. The total Altair cash balance is $4893.67.

EMAIL CHANGE: For those trying to contact C O Lee, his email has changed to:

AKS32 [at] earthlink.net

HURRICANE SEASON: For those shipmates living on the coastline, you might take a look at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ and you will get the latest updates from the National Weather Service as to tropical storm, hurricanes, etc.

I hope all the shipmates have checked out all the information that Dick Braun has uploaded to the Altair web site. A tremendous amount of Altair data and information. the location of the data is http://www.ussaltair-aks32.org/navylinks.htm or take the Navy Links from the menu on the site.

You can contact me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us with any comments and information.

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

June 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

HAPPY JULY 4th..........Please have a happy and safe Fourth of July.
Remember all the Veterans and Troops in combat in your prayers.

NEED INFO: I am seeking any info you might have on CDR Richard W. Leighton. CDR Leighton served on the Altair 1958-1959. I need stories, remembrances, anything. Please email ASAP to me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

FINANCIAL: The beginning cash balance was $1008.13 and received $20 in dues with no expenses leaving a cash-on-hand balance of $1028.13. The beginning savings account balance was $3830.76 with interest of $4.78 leaving a savings balance of $3835.54. The total cash balance is $4863.67.

REUNION: If you need additional Nashville reunion information please contact myself at cmb altairaks32 [at] fastmail.us; or

Joe Basso at jomapakg032 [at] verizon.net

SHIPMATES: I keep a running list of shipmates by state and show 475 total. My mailing list of shipmates totals 470. Why the discrepancy? There are a few that have moved and not forwarded their new email or home addresses. Please, if you move or change email addresses, please notify me.

As usual, please do NOT reply to this email. All comments and recommendations should be sent to cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

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

Shipemate Passing

It is with immense sadness that I send you, this email to inform you of the death of my beloved husband Ashley Pecka on May 28, 2010.

Sincerely, Kathleen Pecka"

Condolences can be sent to:

Mrs. Ashley Pecka
P.O. Box 667
Eagle River, WI 54521
715-479-4809

Shipmate Pecka served aboard the Altair 1964-1966 as a SN.

New Shipmate

Greetings Shipmate Drennan. And, WELCOME ABOARD! I show your info as:

Arthur P. Drennan, MM1, 1953-1956,
189 Main Street
Waltham, MA 02453
nanyngp [at] yahoo.com
781-893-3589

The Altair web site is http://www.ussaltair-aks32.org

The Altair photograph site is http://altair.smugmug.com and shipmate Dick Braun will be contacting you about getting your photographs uploaded to the site.

I served aboard the Altair 1959-1961 as a RM2. Information about our next reunion in Nashville in October is on the way snail mail. I will get you added to the monthly email list and shipmate Martin Summann will get you added to the web site.

Welcome aboard!

Best Regards, Charles Brecheisen, Holly Lake Ranch, Texas

May 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Crew.

DEJA VU AGAIN? The 'dog days of August' arrived late in April and are continued through May. Our total rainfall in May was 0.56" (zero point five six) total for the month of May. Our beautiful dogwood trees are wilted, the azalea plants are dying. Some of you shipmates need to send some moisture to the East Texas area!

SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard Stanley Wolczyk, MM2, 1968. Shipmate Wolczyk resides in Phoenixville, PA. WELCOME ABOARD!

FINANCIAL: The beginning cash on hand balance was $1104.63 with dues income of $30 and expenses of $126.50 leaving a balance of $1008.13. The expense was for the Internet Provider for the Altair web site. The savings account balance is $3830.76 bringing a grand cash total of $4838.89.

REUNION REMINDER: Please contact Joe Basso, reunion chairman, at jomapakg032 [at] verizon.com or myself cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

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

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

COLD WAR RECOGNITION CERTIFICATE

Greetings Altair Shipmates. I am forwarding a message received from Joe Basso.

"Hi Altair Shipmates, Government Workers and Other Veterans from Army and Navy. I was surfing the Web the other night, and I came across a Web Site that stated that anyone who either Served in the Military (ANY BRANCH) between 1945 December, and 1991 December, are entitled to what is knows as a "COLD WAR RECOGNITION CERTIFICATE" write to:

COMMANDER, US ARMY HUMAN RESOURCES COMMAND
COLD WAR RECOGNITION, HOFFMAN II
ATTN: AHRC-CWRS-3N45
200 STOVALL STREET
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22332-0473

Within a week and a half you will receive an application and after filling out the application you will have to return with a copy of your DD214. You just have to prove that you served only 1 day. For Government workers you have to submit a pay stub or some type of government I.D. Lots of luck and I am about to putting my application in the mail tomorrow and I will keep you posted of my endeavor.

Joe Basso

P.S. Let us know of how you make out."

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

Shipmate Passing

To All Concerned:

My husband Darrell Tinker Chronister passed away on March 26th, 2010.

He recently was put on your email list but fell ill shortly thereafter and could not respond to anyone.

Thank you for sending all of the updates to him.

Best regards,

Lois Chronister
Jefferson City, MO

March 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

Spring has sprung as the yellow pine dust is covering everything here in E. Texas.

SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard the new Altair shipmates for a total of 468!!!

Thomas E. Ryan, SN, 1960-1962, Philadelphia, PA
Carmen S. Napoli, IC3, 1964-1966, Easton, PA

WELCOME ABOARD!

FINANCIAL: The March beginning on hand cash balance was $1212.20 with dues income of $40 leaving a cash on hand balance of $1252.20. The beginning savings account balance was $3826.04 with no dividend. There was no expenses leaving a total balance of $5078.24.


ALTAIR REUNION: The 2010 Altair reunion in Nashville is rapidly approaching! (October 21 ~ 24, 2010) Please get your reservations in ASAP! Should you need new paperwork to get signed up, please contact me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us and I will get the information in the mail. Please don't forget to get Joe Basso or John Thomas the $25 per person check for the Hospitality Room and goodies. (I messed up Joe's address on the forms I sent out and here is the correct address) They can be reached at:

Joe Basso 16 Edgemere Dr., Matawan, NJ 07747

John Thomas 2632 Oak Leaf Circle, Helena, AL 35022

ADDRESSES: I wish I could track down all the shipmates that have moved or changed their email address and not notified me of the changes. But, there is just no way. IF YOU ARE GOING TO MOVE OR CHANGE EMAIL ADDRESS PLEASE NOTIFY ME SO YOU I CAN KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE ALTAIR HAPPENINGS.

All for now. Please do NOT respond to this email as it will be automatically deleted. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us for any questions or comments.

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