Shipmate passing

Dear PO3 Daniel Douglas, TogetherWeServed is very sorry to relay the sad news that your Shipmate, Biederman, Dave, PO3 has passed away. The following is the information that we received: David L. Biederman, 71,died at 5:10 p.m. March 31, 2013, at his residence. He was born May 9, 1941, in Lima to Robert Owen and Oneta Evelyn Watt Biederman, who preceded him in death. He married Rose Janet Musto on July 13, 1963, and she survives in Lima. Mr. Biederman had worked in heating and air conditioning for years. He was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church and enjoyed golfing and bowling in the Knights of Columbus league. He was also an avid Buckeye, Browns and Reds fan. He had served in the Navy. Survivors also include three children, Douglas L. (Kami) Biederman, of Lima, Shelly (Scott) Farler, of Lakeview, and Michael (Kris Bryan) Biederman, of Lima; five grandchildren, Corey and Casey Davisson, Lance Cpl. Douglas (Chelsy) Biederman II, and Paige and Christopher Biederman; a twin sister, Diane (Gary) Maze, of Lima; brother-in-law, Raymond (Barb) Musto, of Lima; a sister-in-law, Mary Theresa Ciminillo, of Lima; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Beverly (Jim) Grothaus. A memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. May 9, at St. Rose Catholic Church. Father David Ross will officiate. Memorial contributions may be given to Lima Central Catholic High School or to St. Rose Catholic Church. Condolences may be shared at bayliffandson.com. Quote from shipmate:  Dave was an Engineman third class we took many liberties together. I was the one who tagged him with the name Diving Dave Biederman. The handle was bestowed on him due to an incident that took place while tied up in Barcelona. Dave went aboard an English destroyer Med moored near the Altair's berth. He and a few limey sailors got into the rum rations and within a short period Dave was literally knee walking drunk. Eugene Whalen Engineman 3 and I were going back to the ship when we observed Dave trip on the narrow gang way and do a perfect roll and three point landing on the pier in front of us. We picked him up under both arms and drug him back to our ship. with a big grin that shined through a bloody nose he said in a cockney accent "Mushed ha missed that one old salt" . From then on he was "Diving Dave" Shipmate Biederman's family can be reached at:  2281 Lakewood Ave., Lima, OH 45805;  419.222.8618

Shipmate Passing

Greetings Altair Shipmates.  I received the following information concerning the passing of CDR Richard W. Leighton.  CDR Leighton served aboard the USS ALtair 1957-1959.

"To Whom it May Concern:  It has taken a while, but I regret to inform you that one of your shipmates, my Father, Capt Richard W. Leighton,  SC USN (ret) passed away on 29 Jun 2012. Even at the age of almost 92, he was in relatively good health and passed away fairly unexpectedly at his home on the coast of Maine with his wife Eileen at his side. My Dad served on the USS Altair in the late 1950's while it was based in Barcelona, Spain. Although I was only 6 when we returned to the states I have fond memories of our time in Spain and of the USS Altair. My Dad loved telling stories about his time as SUPO on the ship and of the Altair's introduction of VERTREP into Navy jargon. Photos of his  
time aboard were a major part of a slideshow I put together for his  90'th Birthday event. I would appreciate you notifying your membership of his passing.

Thank you.

Timothy D. Leighton
CDR, USN (ret)"

The Leighton family can be reached at:

     Richard W. Leighton Family
     318 High Head Road
     Harpswell,  ME  04079
     207-725-5975

Our sincerest condolences to the Leighton family.

Charles

April 2013 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Crew. 

EMAIL PROBLEMS:  I was shut down from emailing the Altair Crew for about a week.  As it turned out, the problem was with our ISP provider as there was a glitch in the email program portion.  When the problem was fixed, you might have received several emails.  The problem has been resolved.

FINANCIAL:  The beginning Cash-on-Hand balance was $1889.27 with dues income of $90.00 and paper and mailing expenses of $166.36 leaving a balance of $1812.91.  Of this Cash-on-Hand balance, $1000.00 was sent to Dick Stader and put into the Altair savings account leaving a Cash-on-Hand balance of $812.91.  The beginning Altair Savings Account balance was $5794.18 and with a deposit of $1000.00 leaving a balance  
of $6794.18.  The total Altair cash balance is $7607.09.

REUNION:  If you are going to attend the reunion in New Orleans and have not signed up yet.......PLEASE DO ASAP.  Commitments have been made and more are to be made and we need to know who is coming to the reunion.  Come on guys!!!!!!!!!

If you need the reunion paperwork, please send me an email and I will either email or snail mail to you.  Send to cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Cliff Hoke is our reunion chairman and he can be reached at:

     Cliff Hoke, 257 Pecan Drive, Madison,  MS  39110-8717
     cliff [at] isbco.com  601.946.2144

That's all from here.  If you have any comments or information, please  
contact me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

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

March 2013 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates.  Here is your monthly report for March 2013.

SHIPMATE PASSED:  Mrs. Zona Schuch reported that her husband Jerome A. Schuch passed away December 24, 2012.  Shipmate Schuch was a SN aboard the Altair 1956-1957.  They resided in Oshkosh, WI.  Our condolences to the Schuch family.

FINANCIAL:  The beginning March cash-on-hand balance was $1886.14 with dues income of $155.00 and expenses of $151.87 leaving a balance of $1889.27.  Expenses were postage, printing, envelopes and address labels for the New Orleans reunion mailing.  The beginning and ending 
savings account balance was $5794.18 with no income nor expenses.

     The savings account total has been transferred from my Texas bank to Shipmate Master Chief Dick Stader's bank in Kenosha, WI.  This was done as my wife was on the Altair account here in Texas; and, since she has passed away we felt that the account should be moved.   When Shipmate Stader and family returns to Kenosha, WI, I will transfer $1000.00 of the cash-on-hand to the savings account leaving enough for expenses, etc.

ALTAIR REUNION:  Reservations are coming in for the next Altair reunion in New Orleans.  Please make your reservations early as possible!!  Shipmate Summann is listing shipmates that have signed up for the reunion on the Altair web site.  If you have any questions,  please contact reunion chairman Clifton Hoke at:  cliff [at] isbco.com or cell 601-946-2144 or home 601-853-4741 or fax 601-853-4702.

That's all for now.  If you have any questions, comments or news, please contact me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us.

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

2013 Reunion Event Descriptions

USS ALTAIR AKS 32

EVENT DESCRIPTIONS

To all crew members of USS ALTAIR AKS 32, regarding our upcoming reunion in New Orleans,

Louisiana:

Event New Orleans City Tour:

Tuesday September 24^th 2013

Come along with us to tour one of America's unique cities.  New Orleans has a rich history,combining European , Carribean, and African cultures to create a melting pot of interesting personalities, food, and entertainment.  It is the birthplace of jazz and boasts some of the finest food you've put on your plate.  We are offering a 3-hour tour, including the French Quarter, (Bourbon Street, St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square, Pat O'Briens, Brennan's, Cafe du Monde, and the open-air French Market.)  LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULER!  (Let the Good Times Roll!) 

The tour goes to Uptown New Orleans, the beautiful  Garden District with its stately residences.  Eli Manning, Sandra Bullock, Delta Burke, John Goodman, and Ann Rice all have homes in this area.

Other points of interest include Congo Square, where the slaves were traded, and Treme, home of many New Orleans jazz musicians.  We will make a stop at an above-ground cemetery, unique to New Orleans, full of elaborate crypts and rich in history.  Time permitting, we will also see Ward Nine, the area hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina. Habitat for Humanity, Harry Connick, Jr, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have been deeply involved in efforts to rebuild this area.

The narrated tour will begin from Harrahs at 8:30 AM. The auction will be held in the Hospitality Room following the buffet luncheon.

The BIG Event The National WWII Museum Tour:

Wednesday September 25^th 2013

We are planning a day of enjoyment on Wednesday, 9/25/13, at the National WWII Museum.  The best prices we could get for all of us:  Round trip transportation to the Museum--$18 each;  Entrance to the museum, plus the 4D movie "Beyond All Boundaries"--$21 Seniors each and $17 each for retired military and their spouses.  "Beyond All Boundaries" was produced and narrated by Tom Hanks and Gary Sinise (Lt. Dan of Forest Gump fame) exclusively for the WWII Museum and is available nowhere else in the world.  It is the story of the Greatest Generation's journey from Pearl Harbor into the fire of epic battles to America's final victory, told in the words of the veterans themselves. 

The Stage Door Canteen will provide a buffet lunch at noon.  This will be followed at 12:45 pm by the Victory Belles, a trio reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters.  Their show, "A Salute to Our Heroes," features music from George M. Cohan and Irving Berlin.  Songs such as "The Star Spangled Banner" and "God Bless the USA" will capture our patriotism, touch our hearts and stir our souls.  The Victory Belles will take us on a musical journey saluting our military and home front heroes in all eras, in all conflicts, and in all services.  

This will be an all day affair. Museum hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm. Transportation will leave Harrah's at 8:30 am and take us back to Harrah's at the end of the day.  For those wanting to visit the museum's newest exhibit, the submarine USS Tang, there is an additional charge of $5. If you are interested in visiting the Museum a second day, you may purchase tickets at the museum for $5 extra.  Come join us for a day to remember.. 

Event Banquet Dinner at Harrahs:

Thursday September 26^th 2013

Please see the reservation form for meal options. We will all meet in the Hospitality room after the Banquet.

2013 Reunion Information

WELCOME TO THE USS ALTAIR AKS32 REUNION

SEPTEMBER 23 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 26, 2013

HARRAHS HOTEL AND CASINO NEW ORLEANS

The board members chose week days for our 2013 reunion to take advantage of reduced hotel rates and less-crowded conditions. Arriving Monday allows you to take Tuesday's city tour. Thursday during the day will be free for shopping and sight-seeing.

REGISTRATION/TOUR DESK--Registration will be in the Hospitality Room—SATCHMO ROOM.

TOURS AND EVENTS . City Tour, Tuesday, September 24, 2013.  See attachment for details. World War II Museum, Wednesday, September 26, 2013. This promises to be the highlight of our reunion. See attached description of musuem attractions.

PARKING 

Valet parking at Harrahs is $40.00 per night. Self-parking is free if you spend 30 minutes per day playing any gaming device, using a rewards card, including the penny slot machines. Otherwise, self-parking is $30 per day. The Rewards card can be obtained at the Rewards desk in the Casino.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS must be made directly with Harrahs Hotel and Casino, New Orleans at (best way) 1-504-533-6000 direct or the automated reservation number 1-800-427-7247. The USS Altair AKS 32 code for these reservations is SO9USS3, to receive the negotiated rate of $119.00 plus tax= $136.73 per night, single or double occupancy.  Additional persons will be charged $30 each per night, maximum persons per room is four.  Individual guests may cancel without penalty up to 72 hours prior to the scheduled arrival.  Check in is 4PM; check out is 11 AM.  Some rooms are available at this rate starting Sunday, 9/22/13.  We have a commitment of 17 rooms Sunday and 35 rooms Monday, 9/23/13, through Thursday, 9/26/13, at the negotiated rate.  Additional rooms may be available, first come, first served at the negotiated rate.

Buffet breakfast vouchers are available at a 50% discount (the current full price is $15.99 plus tax.) Please order the number of breakfasts for the entire stay using the reservation form included.

The USS ALTAIR AKS 32 ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Clifton Hoke New Orleans reunion coordinator email cliff@isbco.com phone 601-946-2144

Richard Stader back up reunion coordinator email dickandterry@sbcglobal.net phone 262-914-6204

Joe Basso email jomapakg032@verizon.net phone 732-441-1077

Dan Douglas email ddouglas@aol.com phone 203-966-1851

Tom Planes email tomplanes@windstream.net phone 770-307-1747

IMPORTANT

Make your Hotel Reservations at Harrahs as soon as you decide to attend the reunion. We have limited rooms available, first come first served.

Fill out the reservation form and mail it to Cliff Hoke. PLEASE INCLUDE a self-addressed, stamped envelope for a registration confirmation. We do not need your check until August 1, 2013. 

2013 Reunion Reservation Form

USS ALTAIR AKS 32

2013 REUNION RESERVATION FORM

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

SEPTEMBER 23-26, 2013

DATE	EVENT	COST	QTY	TOTAL
	REUNION REGISTRATION FEE	$15 pp
	Hospitality Room	$25 pp
	Breakfast Buffet each day include total number Breakfasts	$9 pp
09/24/13	TOUR 3 hour Historic New Orleans 8:30 to 11:30 includes transportation and a buffet lunch at Harrahs after the tour. Followed by the auction. Master Chief Dick Stader auctioneer	$33 pp
09/25/13	TOUR The National WWII Museum including: the 4D movie Beyond all Boundaries, buffet lunch, the Stage Door Canteen (live USO performance “A Salute to Our Heros”) including round trip transportation.	Retired Military and spouses $72 pp Seniors $76 pp
09/26/13	Banquet Dinner 7 to 10 pm at the Hotel in the Fulton Salons Open Cash Bar
	Herb Crusted Free Range Chicken Breast, soup or salad and dessert	$53 pp includes tax & gratuity
	Blackened Louisiana Redfish Topped with Shrimp and Artichoke, Popcorn Rice, soup or salad and dessert	$56 includes tax & gratuity
	Center Cut Filet of Beef Reduction Roasted Garlic and Truffle Roasted Potato, soup or salad and dessert	$74 pp includes tax & gratuity
	TOTAL

Complete and mail this entire form to Cliff Hoke 257 Pecan Creek Drive Madison MS 39110-8717, without a check.

Make check payable to USS Altair AKS 32 Association and mail check to Cliff Hoke by August 1, 2013.

Reservations are due no later than August 1, 2013.

Please provide the following:

Name (as you want it to show on your badge)_____________________________________________________________

Spouse (as you want it to show on the badge) ____________________________________________________________

Guest(s) __________________________________________________________________________________________

Address _____________________________City___________________ST______Zip____________________________

Phone: (cell) _____________________ Phone: (home/other) _______________________________________________

Emergency Contact: (during the reunion) Name: _________________________________Phones___________________

Years Served Aboard the USS Altair 19_____ to _____

Hotel Reservations must be made directly with Harrahs Hotel and Casino New Orleans at (best way) 1-504-533-6000 direct or the automated reservation numbeer 1-800-427-7247. The USS Altair AKS 32 code for these reservations is SO9USS3, to receive the negotiated rate of $119.00 plus tax = $136.73 per night single or double occupancy. Additional persons will be charged $30.00 each per night, maximum persons per room is four.

Individual guests may cancel without penalty up to 72 hours of the scheduled arrival. Check in 4 PM check out 11AM.

Some rooms are available at this rate starting Sunday 9/22/13. We have a commitment of 17 rooms Sunday and 35 rooms Monday 9-23-13 through Thursday 9-26-13 at the negotiated rate. Additional rooms may be available, first come first served at the negotiated rate.

Buffet Breakfast vouchers are available at a 50% discount (the current full price is $15.99 plus tax). Please order total number of breakfasts for the entire stay using this form.

Please include a self addressed stamped envelope for a registration confirmation.

February 2013 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Crew.  Here is your monthly report for February 2013.

DUES:  Yes, it's that time of the year........Dues are only $10 and that's quite a bargain.  Please make out the check to:

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

FINANCIAL:  The Altair bank savings account was in several names including my deceased wife's name for ease of access in case something  happened to me.  To prevent any future situations, I closed the account and sent a certified check to board member Richard Stader, who will set up a new Altair bank savings account in Kenosha, WI.  The check was for $5794.18.

     The beginning cash-on-hand balance was $1686.14 with dues income of $200.00 and no expenses leaving a balance of $1886.14.  The beginning bank savings account was $5792.95 with interest income of $1.23 leaving a balance of $5794.18.  This money was transferred to Shipmate Stader.  The total Altair savings is $7680.32.

     When the Stader family returns to Kenosha, WI from FL, I will take $1000.00 of the cash on-hand monies and send to Shipmate Stader to put into the bank savings account.  I do not need that much cash-on-hand for expenses (printing, stamps, labels, envelops, etc.)

     For the time being, continue to send dues monies to me and I  will forward to Shipmate Stader.

REUNION:  Information will forthcoming shortly.

January 2013 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Crew.  Here is your monthly report for January 2013.

It's still unbelievable to me that it is already 2013!  I hope all shipmates and their families have a very happy, prosperous and a healthy 2013.

FINANCIAL:  The beginning cash-on-hand balance was $1,646.14 with income of $40.00 in dues and no expenses leaving a balance of $1,686.14.  The beginning savings account balance was $5,374.37 with income of $418.58 from interest and carryover from the last reunion with no expenses leaving a balance of $5,792..95.  The total cash balance is $7,479.09.

DUES:  I forgot to mention dues for year 2013 in my last monthly report.  Dues are only $10 a year........that's only ten bucks a year!  What a bargain!  Checks should be made out to me and send to the following:

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

SOCIAL NETWORKING:  I had 4 requests last month to join several social networks.  Thanks for asking, but, I do not belong to anym and will not join ANY social network.

All for now......if you have any comments or questions, please contact me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail [dot] us

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

December 2012 by Charles Brecheisen

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all the shipmates and their families.

Although this was not a good year for me losing my Lillie Mae.  So, 2013 will be a better year.

FINANCIAL:  The beginning and ending cash-on-hand balance $1,646.14. No income or expenses.  (Dues were added into the savings account)   The beginning savings account balance was $5,148.37 with income of  $20.00 from dues and $206.00 from the reunion auction leaving a  savings account balance of $5,374.37.  Total Altair cash balance is $7,020.51.  There was additional monies receive from the reunion auction received in January and those will be included in the January 2013 financial report.

REUNION:  Preparations are underway for the 2013 reunion in New Orleans.

SOCIAL NETWORKING:  Thanks for the invites that I am getting to join various social networking organizations.  I do not belong to any  social networking web site nor will I join any.

That's all from this end.  Please do not reply to this email as it  will be automatically deleted.  Please use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us for any comments or questions.

November 2012 by Charles Brecheisen

REUNION:  Another Altair reunion has come and gone.  Reports and comments from the Tampa reunion were glowing.  And, much work is in process for the upcoming 2013 reunion in New Orleans.  Photographs from the Tampa reunion can be viewed at the Altair photo site http://altair.smugmug.com thanks to Dick Braun and the photographers.

FINANCIAL:  Partial auction income from the Tampa reunion was $277.00 and added to the savings account.  An expense of $1,000.00 was taken from the savings account for setup and reservations for the 2013 New Orleans reunion.  With no income nor expenses the beginning and ending cash-on-hand balance was $1,646.14.  The beginning saving account balance was $5,871.37 and ending balance is $5,148.37.  Total available monies $6,794.51.

MISC:  I hope every shipmate had a great Thanksgiving with their family.  It's hard for me to believe that 2012 is almost over and Christmas is almost here.  And, I will be another year younger..........hah!

Please do not reply to this email as it will be automatically deleted. 

  For questions and comments please use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

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

October 2012 by Charles Brecheisen

HURRICANE SANDY:  Hurricane Sandy was a big bad storm!  And it seems most preparations were limited.  I hope by this time, that power has 

been restored, gasoline, water and food is readily available, etc.  

East Texas gets lots of ice storms and we lose power for days on end, but not like the results of Hurricane Sandy.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the storm victims.

FINANCIAL:  Beginning and ending cash-on-hand is $1646.14; and, savings beginning and ending is $5871.37.  Total cash available is $7517.51.  No income and no expenses in October.

Sorry for the delay in the monthly report; illness in the family keeps me occupied almost 24 hours a day.

Please do not reply to this email as it will be automatically deleted. 

  For questions or comments please us cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

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

Shipmate Passing

Greetings Altair Shipmates.

Unfortunately I must report the passing of Shipmate David L. Poland.  Shipmate Poland was a MM1 and aboard the Altair 1956-1960.

The Poland family can be reached at:

      David L. Poland Family

      5837 Hartwick Drive

      Norfolk,  VA  23518-5718

      757-853-3829

Our sincerest condolences to the Poland family.

Charles Brecheisen