I talked to John Thompson a couple of weeks ago and he will be doing the auction again this year. John did a great job for us at the last reunion and raised a lot of money. Thanks John! Please bring any Altair mementos, relics, paper, etc. to the next reunion and we can add some needed dollars to the Altair Association bank account.
In my first letter about the reunion, I asked for a $25 "per person" donation to cover the hospitality room expenses for drinks and snacks, etc. Some of you sent me $25, and, thank you, but showing two people coming to the reunion. If a couple will be coming to the reunion, then $50 would cover both. We want this to be an extra nice hospitality room, so please help!
If you are trying to respond to Dick Stader, he can be reached at:
dickandterry5 [at] sbcglobal.net
Dick Stader
1511 84th. Street
Kenosha, WI 53143
Or, if you are trying to reach me: cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us
Best Regards To All..........Charles
Thanks......Dick Stader
Monday, September 28, 2009
Altair News
Greetings Altair Crew. Here is some timely news:
George Kirchner reports:
"The NASA Lunar Lander has been named ALTAIR! See below for the web site; Best Regards, George"
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/altair/altair.html
John McDaniel reports of receiving the Capt. Schumacher photographs:
"Charles-Enjoyed the photos that Captain Schumacher had taken. Brings back a lot of fond memories of our days on the Altair.
Not sure if you knew but at the onset of WWII Captain Schumacher (then an Ensign) was in command of PT Boat PT-32. This PT boat was in PT Boat Squadron 3 in Manila Bay in the Philippnes. (Same hull number as Altair)
Web site http://www.asiaticfleet.com/orbat.htm is the old Asiatic Fleet Order of Battle in which Ensign Schumacher is reflected as CO of PT-32.
Web site http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/CloseQuarters/PT-1.html is a narrative of some of the actions of the PT Boats at the beginning of WWII and reflects Captain Schumacher and PT-32's role in some of these.
VADM John D. Bulkeley, then a LT was in charge of this squadron. VADM Bulkeley had quite a career, he was the one who evacuated GEN MacArthur from Corregidor, was awarded the Medal of Honor, and was gentleman who cut the water supply lines in Gitmo, Cuba when Castro was acting up. The USS Buckeley DDG-84 was named in VADM Buckeley's honor. He was also the gentleman who recruited John F. Kennedy into the PT Boat community.
I retired from the Navy in 1982. I spent my last tour of duty with the Sub-Board of Inspection and Survey here in Norfolk. There was also another Sub-Board on the West Coast and the Admiral who was in charge was VADM Bulkeley. I was fortunate enough to meet and work with and travel with him on some inspections.
Would you please share this with the Altair Crew?
Thank you and best regards,
John O. McDaniel
Norfolk, VA"
George Kirchner reports:
"The NASA Lunar Lander has been named ALTAIR! See below for the web site; Best Regards, George"
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/altair/altair.html
John McDaniel reports of receiving the Capt. Schumacher photographs:
"Charles-Enjoyed the photos that Captain Schumacher had taken. Brings back a lot of fond memories of our days on the Altair.
Not sure if you knew but at the onset of WWII Captain Schumacher (then an Ensign) was in command of PT Boat PT-32. This PT boat was in PT Boat Squadron 3 in Manila Bay in the Philippnes. (Same hull number as Altair)
Web site http://www.asiaticfleet.com/orbat.htm is the old Asiatic Fleet Order of Battle in which Ensign Schumacher is reflected as CO of PT-32.
Web site http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/CloseQuarters/PT-1.html is a narrative of some of the actions of the PT Boats at the beginning of WWII and reflects Captain Schumacher and PT-32's role in some of these.
VADM John D. Bulkeley, then a LT was in charge of this squadron. VADM Bulkeley had quite a career, he was the one who evacuated GEN MacArthur from Corregidor, was awarded the Medal of Honor, and was gentleman who cut the water supply lines in Gitmo, Cuba when Castro was acting up. The USS Buckeley DDG-84 was named in VADM Buckeley's honor. He was also the gentleman who recruited John F. Kennedy into the PT Boat community.
I retired from the Navy in 1982. I spent my last tour of duty with the Sub-Board of Inspection and Survey here in Norfolk. There was also another Sub-Board on the West Coast and the Admiral who was in charge was VADM Bulkeley. I was fortunate enough to meet and work with and travel with him on some inspections.
Would you please share this with the Altair Crew?
Thank you and best regards,
John O. McDaniel
Norfolk, VA"
June 2009 by Charles Brecheisen
HAPPY 4th OF JULY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!
It's hard to believe that it is already July. Here is E. TX the "dog days of August" arrived about 3 weeks ago. Very hot and no rain.
ALTAIR CAPS: Joe Basso has purchased a supply of Altair caps which may be purchased from him. Joe can be reached at 732-441-1077 or email jomapakg032 [at] verizon.net. Joe will also bring a supply of Altair caps to the reunion in October.
ALTAIR FINANCIAL: The beginning June balance was $1127.40 in cash and $1816.43 in the savings account for a total of $2943.83. Income in June was $20.00 with no expenses for a total $1147.40 in cash and $1816.43 in savings for a total of $2963.83.
ALTAIR SHIPMATES: New shipmates on board are Jack Land, SA, Wyoming, MI; Bruce Holton, YN3, Dunedin, FL; Clarence R. Keagle, SN, Neoga, IL; Pedro Rivera-Torres, SK3, Guaynabo, PR; and, Harold L. Guzdziol, IC3, Clinton Township, MI. I show a total of 451 active shipmates on my mailing list!!!!!!!!!
ALTAIR SHIPMATES PASSING: Received information that Theophile C. Haerinck, SN, 1955 passed away in August 1994; and, Marion L. Hendrick, SKC, 1954-1957 passed away July 4, 1999.
REUNION: If you need any more information about our next reunion, please contact me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us
Please DO NOT reply to this email as it will be automatically deleted.
I hope every one has a happy and safe 4th of July!
Best Regards To All...........Charles
It's hard to believe that it is already July. Here is E. TX the "dog days of August" arrived about 3 weeks ago. Very hot and no rain.
ALTAIR CAPS: Joe Basso has purchased a supply of Altair caps which may be purchased from him. Joe can be reached at 732-441-1077 or email jomapakg032 [at] verizon.net. Joe will also bring a supply of Altair caps to the reunion in October.
ALTAIR FINANCIAL: The beginning June balance was $1127.40 in cash and $1816.43 in the savings account for a total of $2943.83. Income in June was $20.00 with no expenses for a total $1147.40 in cash and $1816.43 in savings for a total of $2963.83.
ALTAIR SHIPMATES: New shipmates on board are Jack Land, SA, Wyoming, MI; Bruce Holton, YN3, Dunedin, FL; Clarence R. Keagle, SN, Neoga, IL; Pedro Rivera-Torres, SK3, Guaynabo, PR; and, Harold L. Guzdziol, IC3, Clinton Township, MI. I show a total of 451 active shipmates on my mailing list!!!!!!!!!
ALTAIR SHIPMATES PASSING: Received information that Theophile C. Haerinck, SN, 1955 passed away in August 1994; and, Marion L. Hendrick, SKC, 1954-1957 passed away July 4, 1999.
REUNION: If you need any more information about our next reunion, please contact me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us
Please DO NOT reply to this email as it will be automatically deleted.
I hope every one has a happy and safe 4th of July!
Best Regards To All...........Charles
Monday, July 13, 2009
Shipmate Passing
Dick Stader called me with news of a shipmate passing: Mark Sutton, SH2, 1957-1959 passed away Wednesday, July 8. I spent a lot of my hard earned money at the Altair ship's store for candy and cigarettes with Mark and remember him well. Our sincerest condolences to the Sutton family.
Mark Sutton Family
5580 Stonehaven Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23464-6825
757-479-2754
Charles
Mark Sutton Family
5580 Stonehaven Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23464-6825
757-479-2754
Charles
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
March 2009 by Charles Brecheisen
FINANCIAL: The beginning March balance was $2849.64 in ready cash and the savings account. Income was $10 and zero expenses leaving a balance of $2859.64.
SHIPMATES: Bruce Davis located the following new Altair shipmates:
William A. Erickson, Miramar Beach, FL; LTJG, 1961-1963
Colin E. Shultz, Lancaster, PA; SK3, 1964-1966
Harry O. Bacon, Ellabell, GA; DK2, 1955
Raymond B. Allen, Camden, NC; SK1, 1953-1955
Julio Possenti, Port Orange, FL; SN,
Thomas G. Lakies, Traverse City, MI; SN, 1960-1961
Eugene S. Gigee, Westfield, PA; SN, 1960-1962
Paul N. Buchman, Queensburg, NY; ENS, 1953-1954
Robert J. Wolansky, North Arlington, NJ; SN 1953-1955
SHIPMATES PASSING: Ronald F. Spina, SKSN and Edward L. Kantner, SN.
Please reply to cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us
Best Regards To All......Charles
SHIPMATES: Bruce Davis located the following new Altair shipmates:
William A. Erickson, Miramar Beach, FL; LTJG, 1961-1963
Colin E. Shultz, Lancaster, PA; SK3, 1964-1966
Harry O. Bacon, Ellabell, GA; DK2, 1955
Raymond B. Allen, Camden, NC; SK1, 1953-1955
Julio Possenti, Port Orange, FL; SN,
Thomas G. Lakies, Traverse City, MI; SN, 1960-1961
Eugene S. Gigee, Westfield, PA; SN, 1960-1962
Paul N. Buchman, Queensburg, NY; ENS, 1953-1954
Robert J. Wolansky, North Arlington, NJ; SN 1953-1955
SHIPMATES PASSING: Ronald F. Spina, SKSN and Edward L. Kantner, SN.
Please reply to cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us
Best Regards To All......Charles
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Shipmates Family Requesting Photos
Daniel Nocivelli served on the Altair 1955-1956 as a SKG1. He passed away in 2002. His granddaughter Helen would like any information or copies of any pictures that any shipmate might have about her grandfather.
You can email her at machic13 at comcast dot net or send her snail mail at:
Helen Nocivelli 66 Verne Street, Brockton, MA 02301
Any help will be greatly appreciated!
Best Regards To All..........Charles
You can email her at machic13 at comcast dot net or send her snail mail at:
Helen Nocivelli 66 Verne Street, Brockton, MA 02301
Any help will be greatly appreciated!
Best Regards To All..........Charles
Sunday, March 01, 2009
February 2009 by Charles Brecheisen
Greetings Altair Shipmates;
First of all, KUDOS to Martin Summann for the great looking Altair web site! KUDOS to Dick Braun for the Altair Blog site, http://aks32.blogspot.com/ Great job!
SHIPMATE PASSING: Bruce Davis reports the following Shipmates passing:
Thomas J. Cuddahy, MM3, 1953
Arnold Brooks, SN, 1953
Clarence Dean Bruce, SN, 1953
William A. Cundy, CS2
NEW ALTAIR SHIPMATES: Bruce Davis is doing a wonderful job of tracking down Altair shipmates! High KUDOS to Bruce. Following is a list of 1953 Commissioning Crew shipmates that Bruce tracked down:
Anthony Riniti, SN, LaVerne, CA
Richard H. Salinger, MM1, Reading, PA
Edward M. Beakey, SN, Dallas, TX
Mrs. Roseann Cundy (Widow of William A. Cundy)
John Czarnecki, CS3, Harrison, MI
Franklin N. Frederick, GM3, Hanover, PA
Lloyd D. Green, SN, Galax, VA
Donald A. Hastings, HM3, Jefferson, ME
John E. Hawkins, SN, Aberdeen, MS
William T. Hurd, SN, Seal Beach, CA
Glover B. Jones, BTG3, Arlington, TX
Gerard Lavoie, SN, Nashua, NH
Lowell T. McDaniel, EM3, Easely, SC
Charles A. McIver, EMFN, Cathedral City, CA
Ambrose G. O'Neill, FA, Randallstown, PA
Stanley Stancavage, Greenfield Township, PA
Miguel Valencia, SK1, Alexandria, VA
ALTAIR CREW: I show 434 crew members on my lists, but only 431 with good addresses; and from 45 different states! SO FAR A TOTAL OF 61 SHIPMATES HAVE PAID THEIR $10 YEARLY DUES!! Many thanks!!!
FINANCIAL: The beginning on hand cash balance was $1105.59 with income of $150.00 and expenses of $220.19 leaving a ballance of $1035.40. Expenses were yearly web site payment, stamps, copies, etc.
The beginning savings balance was $1813.00 and a short month income of $1.24 giving a balance of $1814.24. The total cash balance was $2849.64.
As usual, please DO NOT reply to this email. Use cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us
REUNION: IF YOU NEED ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR NEXT REUNION IN BRANSON, MO, PLEASE CONTACT EITHER MYSELF OR THE REUNION CHAIRMAN DICK STADER AT dickandterry5@sbcglobal.net
Best Wishes To All.........Charles
First of all, KUDOS to Martin Summann for the great looking Altair web site! KUDOS to Dick Braun for the Altair Blog site, http://aks32.blogspot.com/ Great job!
SHIPMATE PASSING: Bruce Davis reports the following Shipmates passing:
Thomas J. Cuddahy, MM3, 1953
Arnold Brooks, SN, 1953
Clarence Dean Bruce, SN, 1953
William A. Cundy, CS2
NEW ALTAIR SHIPMATES: Bruce Davis is doing a wonderful job of tracking down Altair shipmates! High KUDOS to Bruce. Following is a list of 1953 Commissioning Crew shipmates that Bruce tracked down:
Anthony Riniti, SN, LaVerne, CA
Richard H. Salinger, MM1, Reading, PA
Edward M. Beakey, SN, Dallas, TX
Mrs. Roseann Cundy (Widow of William A. Cundy)
John Czarnecki, CS3, Harrison, MI
Franklin N. Frederick, GM3, Hanover, PA
Lloyd D. Green, SN, Galax, VA
Donald A. Hastings, HM3, Jefferson, ME
John E. Hawkins, SN, Aberdeen, MS
William T. Hurd, SN, Seal Beach, CA
Glover B. Jones, BTG3, Arlington, TX
Gerard Lavoie, SN, Nashua, NH
Lowell T. McDaniel, EM3, Easely, SC
Charles A. McIver, EMFN, Cathedral City, CA
Ambrose G. O'Neill, FA, Randallstown, PA
Stanley Stancavage, Greenfield Township, PA
Miguel Valencia, SK1, Alexandria, VA
ALTAIR CREW: I show 434 crew members on my lists, but only 431 with good addresses; and from 45 different states! SO FAR A TOTAL OF 61 SHIPMATES HAVE PAID THEIR $10 YEARLY DUES!! Many thanks!!!
FINANCIAL: The beginning on hand cash balance was $1105.59 with income of $150.00 and expenses of $220.19 leaving a ballance of $1035.40. Expenses were yearly web site payment, stamps, copies, etc.
The beginning savings balance was $1813.00 and a short month income of $1.24 giving a balance of $1814.24. The total cash balance was $2849.64.
As usual, please DO NOT reply to this email. Use cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us
REUNION: IF YOU NEED ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR NEXT REUNION IN BRANSON, MO, PLEASE CONTACT EITHER MYSELF OR THE REUNION CHAIRMAN DICK STADER AT dickandterry5@sbcglobal.net
Best Wishes To All.........Charles
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Reunion and Altair Caps
Greetings Altair Shipmates.
Is there any shipmate that has not received the previously attached information about our next reunion in Branson, MO? Information was sent as a Word attachment and a PDF attachment. If you need a printed copy, please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us and I will get you a copy in the mail. I have mailed out about 140 snail mail copies to the shipmates that do not have email or have requested a printed copy.
Joe Basso called me about getting the shipmates on board with Altair caps. I bought one about 7-8 years ago from a company in FL for about $40!! Yes, I said $40 as he had never done an AKS before. Anyway, Joe has contacted a couple of cap manufacturers and can get them done a heckuva cheaper than that! What would you like on the caps? My cap has "USS ALTAIR" in gold as the top line; then is an outline of a store ship in gray; the bottom line reads "AKS-32" in gold. It is quite striking, but that is also 3 lines of embroidery. Joe wants your input as to what you like on the caps. You can contact Joe at
732-441-1077 on the phone or at jomapakg032@verizon.net via email.
We could also take a little supply to the reunion.
Best Regards To All..........Charles
Is there any shipmate that has not received the previously attached information about our next reunion in Branson, MO? Information was sent as a Word attachment and a PDF attachment. If you need a printed copy, please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us and I will get you a copy in the mail. I have mailed out about 140 snail mail copies to the shipmates that do not have email or have requested a printed copy.
Joe Basso called me about getting the shipmates on board with Altair caps. I bought one about 7-8 years ago from a company in FL for about $40!! Yes, I said $40 as he had never done an AKS before. Anyway, Joe has contacted a couple of cap manufacturers and can get them done a heckuva cheaper than that! What would you like on the caps? My cap has "USS ALTAIR" in gold as the top line; then is an outline of a store ship in gray; the bottom line reads "AKS-32" in gold. It is quite striking, but that is also 3 lines of embroidery. Joe wants your input as to what you like on the caps. You can contact Joe at
732-441-1077 on the phone or at jomapakg032@verizon.net via email.
We could also take a little supply to the reunion.
Best Regards To All..........Charles
Reunion and Altair Caps
Greetings Altair Shipmates.
Is there any shipmate that has not received the previously attached information about our next reunion in Branson, MO? Information was sent as a Word attachment and a PDF attachment. If you need a printed copy, please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us and I will get you a copy in the mail. I have mailed out about 140 snail mail copies to the shipmates that do not have email or have requested a printed copy.
Joe Basso called me about getting the shipmates on board with Altair caps. I bought one about 7-8 years ago from a company in FL for about $40!! Yes, I said $40 as he had never done an AKS before. Anyway, Joe has contacted a couple of cap manufacturers and can get them done a heckuva cheaper than that! What would you like on the caps? My cap has "USS ALTAIR" in gold as the top line; then is an outline of a store ship in gray; the bottom line reads "AKS-32" in gold. It is quite striking, but that is also 3 lines of embroidery. Joe wants your input as to what you like on the caps. You can contact Joe at
732-441-1077 on the phone or at jomapakg032@verizon.net via email.
We could also take a little supply to the reunion.
Best Regards To All..........Charles
Is there any shipmate that has not received the previously attached information about our next reunion in Branson, MO? Information was sent as a Word attachment and a PDF attachment. If you need a printed copy, please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us and I will get you a copy in the mail. I have mailed out about 140 snail mail copies to the shipmates that do not have email or have requested a printed copy.
Joe Basso called me about getting the shipmates on board with Altair caps. I bought one about 7-8 years ago from a company in FL for about $40!! Yes, I said $40 as he had never done an AKS before. Anyway, Joe has contacted a couple of cap manufacturers and can get them done a heckuva cheaper than that! What would you like on the caps? My cap has "USS ALTAIR" in gold as the top line; then is an outline of a store ship in gray; the bottom line reads "AKS-32" in gold. It is quite striking, but that is also 3 lines of embroidery. Joe wants your input as to what you like on the caps. You can contact Joe at
732-441-1077 on the phone or at jomapakg032@verizon.net via email.
We could also take a little supply to the reunion.
Best Regards To All..........Charles
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Reunion 2009--More Info
Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is a bit of reunion info. There will be much more to follow in the next few days.
Branson Reunion Information Site (click here)
Dick Stader's FL phone number is 239-985-9608 and not the number listed.
Branson Reunion Registration Form (click here)
This is a web site put up by the reunion group in Branson, MO
Dick Stader's email address is dickandterry5@sbcglobal.net
As usual, please do not reply to this email. Use cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us
My email address on this site has been compromised (stolen) and I am getting emails from myself to myself that I did not originate. I am considering changing addresses on this site. I could blacklist myself, but then would not have an email copy of what I sent from this site. Oh well.............
More reunion info to follow in a few days..........
Best Regards To All..........Charles
Branson Reunion Information Site (click here)
Dick Stader's FL phone number is 239-985-9608 and not the number listed.
Branson Reunion Registration Form (click here)
This is a web site put up by the reunion group in Branson, MO
Dick Stader's email address is dickandterry5@sbcglobal.net
As usual, please do not reply to this email. Use cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us
My email address on this site has been compromised (stolen) and I am getting emails from myself to myself that I did not originate. I am considering changing addresses on this site. I could blacklist myself, but then would not have an email copy of what I sent from this site. Oh well.............
More reunion info to follow in a few days..........
Best Regards To All..........Charles
Monday, February 02, 2009
January 2009 by Charles Brecheisen
We are having a mild winter here in East Texas with no snow and only a bit of sleet. But, February is always our worst month for weather.
ALTAIR SHIPMATES PASSING: I received information about two Altair Shipmates passing; Walter Grau, CWO1 1953-1954; and Theodore A. Vietje, FPG3 1953-1954.
NEW ALTAIR SHIPMATES: The following Altair Shipmates came aboard in January:
Robert G. Lough, SK3, 1953-1956; resides in Clarksburg, WV
John E. Keyes, MM3, 1953-1954; resides in Cleves, OH
Cecil G. Haight, EM3, 1953-1954; resides in San Jose, CA
Hoyt F. Richardson, SN, 1953-1955; resides in Ulrichsville, OH
L. Ray Marchant, SK2, 1960-1961; resides in Savannah, GA
Lewis E. Ryan, RMC, 1953-1954; 89 years young and resides in Sturgis, MS
WELCOME ABOARD AND THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP FINDING THESE SHIPMATES!
FINANCIAL: WOW!!! We have 54 dues paying shipmates!! This is a world record! There was 30 that paid in December and their dollars are reflected in the December totals. There were 24 shipmates paying dues in January. The starting cash balance was $910.00 with cash receipts of $320.00 and expenses of $124.41 leaving a cast balance of $1105.59. The saving account balance is $1813.00 leaving a total balance of $2918.59. Expenses were mainly postage, PDF software and printing.
ALTAIR REUNION: More reunion information will be forthcoming very soon. I know we are all looking forward to the October reunion in Branson, Missouri!
All for now. Please do not reply to this email!! If you wish to contact me, plus use cmbaltairaks32 @ fastmail . us
Best Regards To All.........Charles
ALTAIR SHIPMATES PASSING: I received information about two Altair Shipmates passing; Walter Grau, CWO1 1953-1954; and Theodore A. Vietje, FPG3 1953-1954.
NEW ALTAIR SHIPMATES: The following Altair Shipmates came aboard in January:
Robert G. Lough, SK3, 1953-1956; resides in Clarksburg, WV
John E. Keyes, MM3, 1953-1954; resides in Cleves, OH
Cecil G. Haight, EM3, 1953-1954; resides in San Jose, CA
Hoyt F. Richardson, SN, 1953-1955; resides in Ulrichsville, OH
L. Ray Marchant, SK2, 1960-1961; resides in Savannah, GA
Lewis E. Ryan, RMC, 1953-1954; 89 years young and resides in Sturgis, MS
WELCOME ABOARD AND THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP FINDING THESE SHIPMATES!
FINANCIAL: WOW!!! We have 54 dues paying shipmates!! This is a world record! There was 30 that paid in December and their dollars are reflected in the December totals. There were 24 shipmates paying dues in January. The starting cash balance was $910.00 with cash receipts of $320.00 and expenses of $124.41 leaving a cast balance of $1105.59. The saving account balance is $1813.00 leaving a total balance of $2918.59. Expenses were mainly postage, PDF software and printing.
ALTAIR REUNION: More reunion information will be forthcoming very soon. I know we are all looking forward to the October reunion in Branson, Missouri!
All for now. Please do not reply to this email!! If you wish to contact me, plus use cmbaltairaks32 @ fastmail . us
Best Regards To All.........Charles
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Changes to Newsletter Distribution
Greetings Altair Shipmates.
First of all, let me thank more than 40 (to date) dues paying shipmates that support the entire crew with their yearly dues. Some have sent in dues for several years too. Thanks!
My shipmate list has 414 crew members of which 305 have email and 102 have no email. I show a few shipmates with bad email/or addresses. When I do a full mailing of the double side (8 pages) Altair Newsletter, the approx. total cost is over $500 which includes printing, envelopes, stamps, labels, ind, etc. Of course less pages, less printing cost. Plus, there are 2500 physical operations to fold (the printer does the stapling), insert, attach 2 mailing labels, stamp and seal which Lillie and I do. The total cost per mailing the newsletter is approx. $1.25 each to cover over 400 shipmates. I am proposing to email the newsletter as a PDF attachment to the 305 shipmates that have email. A PDF reader is a FREE download from Adobe, and others. I receive quite a few emails with a PDF attachments which I download to my desktop (so I can find them) and just double click on it and the Adobe reader opens the file. IT WORKS GREAT! The other 102 shipmates with no email will get the newsletter via snail mail. This will save at least $300 plus! I can purchase "docudesk", or another PDF conversion software for under #30. I have tested this method with several shipmates and it works fine! You just need a PDF reader.
The chairman of our 2009 reunion in Branson, MO is Dick Stader. Information has already been sent via email and snail mail to all the shipmates about the reunion There will be additional information to be sent, forms to be filled out and returned to Dick; and, I will be sending this information as a PDF file attachment to your email. A mailing of only 2 sheets of paper to cover all the shipmates would cost approx. $.64 each totaling $250. Doing this will allow me to mail only 102 copies to shipmates with email and save dollars.
PDF IS ON THE WAY! And, it is the way to go!
If you do not want to receive email with attachments please let me know and the info will be snail mailed.
Comments are welcome and please reply to cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.
Best Regards To All..........Charles
First of all, let me thank more than 40 (to date) dues paying shipmates that support the entire crew with their yearly dues. Some have sent in dues for several years too. Thanks!
My shipmate list has 414 crew members of which 305 have email and 102 have no email. I show a few shipmates with bad email/or addresses. When I do a full mailing of the double side (8 pages) Altair Newsletter, the approx. total cost is over $500 which includes printing, envelopes, stamps, labels, ind, etc. Of course less pages, less printing cost. Plus, there are 2500 physical operations to fold (the printer does the stapling), insert, attach 2 mailing labels, stamp and seal which Lillie and I do. The total cost per mailing the newsletter is approx. $1.25 each to cover over 400 shipmates. I am proposing to email the newsletter as a PDF attachment to the 305 shipmates that have email. A PDF reader is a FREE download from Adobe, and others. I receive quite a few emails with a PDF attachments which I download to my desktop (so I can find them) and just double click on it and the Adobe reader opens the file. IT WORKS GREAT! The other 102 shipmates with no email will get the newsletter via snail mail. This will save at least $300 plus! I can purchase "docudesk", or another PDF conversion software for under #30. I have tested this method with several shipmates and it works fine! You just need a PDF reader.
The chairman of our 2009 reunion in Branson, MO is Dick Stader. Information has already been sent via email and snail mail to all the shipmates about the reunion There will be additional information to be sent, forms to be filled out and returned to Dick; and, I will be sending this information as a PDF file attachment to your email. A mailing of only 2 sheets of paper to cover all the shipmates would cost approx. $.64 each totaling $250. Doing this will allow me to mail only 102 copies to shipmates with email and save dollars.
PDF IS ON THE WAY! And, it is the way to go!
If you do not want to receive email with attachments please let me know and the info will be snail mailed.
Comments are welcome and please reply to cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.
Best Regards To All..........Charles
2009 Reunion Information
Greetings Altair Shipmates.
Our reunion Chairman Dick Stader has announced that our next USS Altair reunion will be in Branson, Missouri, starting Friday, October 23, 2009 through Sunday, October 25, 2009 and departing Monday October 26, 2009. If there is enough shipmate interest, the reunion could start on Thursday, October 22, 2009.
PLEASE CONTACT DICK STADER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE REUNION!!
Dick needs to plan for hotels, shows, etc.
Dick can be reached at dickandterry5 @ sbcglobal.net (you will have type in the email address to prevent spamming)
Or use the following address:
Dick Stader
1511 84th. Street
Kenosha, WI 53143
262-654-9202
Please do not respond to this email; but contact Dick.
Best Regards To All.........Charles ( cmbaltairaks32 @ fastmail.us )
Our reunion Chairman Dick Stader has announced that our next USS Altair reunion will be in Branson, Missouri, starting Friday, October 23, 2009 through Sunday, October 25, 2009 and departing Monday October 26, 2009. If there is enough shipmate interest, the reunion could start on Thursday, October 22, 2009.
PLEASE CONTACT DICK STADER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE REUNION!!
Dick needs to plan for hotels, shows, etc.
Dick can be reached at dickandterry5 @ sbcglobal.net (you will have type in the email address to prevent spamming)
Or use the following address:
Dick Stader
1511 84th. Street
Kenosha, WI 53143
262-654-9202
Please do not respond to this email; but contact Dick.
Best Regards To All.........Charles ( cmbaltairaks32 @ fastmail.us )
December 2008 by Charles Brecheisen
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Let's all have a happy, prosperous and a very healthy 2009.
NEW SHIPMATE: Please welcome aboard Allen Lambert, SN, 1960-1962.
Allen resides in Ft. Worth, Texas. WELCOME ABOARD Allen!
FINANCIAL: Beginning cash balance was $507.62 with income from dues of $400.00 and an adjustment of $2.38 leaving a cash balance of $910.00. The amount in the Altair savings account is $1813.00 leaving a total balance of $2723.00.
REUNION: We are waiting for the reunion chairman and crew to report the selection.
Thanks to the 30 plus shipmates that paid 2009 dues in December!!
All for now. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us with any comments or questions. Please do not reply to this email.
Best Regards To All.........Charles
NEW SHIPMATE: Please welcome aboard Allen Lambert, SN, 1960-1962.
Allen resides in Ft. Worth, Texas. WELCOME ABOARD Allen!
FINANCIAL: Beginning cash balance was $507.62 with income from dues of $400.00 and an adjustment of $2.38 leaving a cash balance of $910.00. The amount in the Altair savings account is $1813.00 leaving a total balance of $2723.00.
REUNION: We are waiting for the reunion chairman and crew to report the selection.
Thanks to the 30 plus shipmates that paid 2009 dues in December!!
All for now. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us with any comments or questions. Please do not reply to this email.
Best Regards To All.........Charles
Commander George J. Largess (Ret) passed away
Dear Webmasters of the USS Altair Website,
I hope this is the best way to pass along this information. My father, Commander George J. Largess USN (Ret), who commanded the Altair after her commissioning in Baltimore in 52, passed away on December 11 2008 after a short illness. He'd been doing great at the age of 91 but his kidneys began to fail and he declined quickly. He was very proud of his role in the Altair's history and frequently talked about her.
I'd love to hear from anyone who served with him who has any memories to share. And he'll be buried at Arlington on Wednesday, 28 January, at 0900 with full military honors-- all are most welcome to come, we'd love to have some of his shipmates there.
If anyone would like to reach me for more information I'm at _Largitas@aol.com_ (mailto:Largitas@aol.com) and again, would love to touch base with anyone from the ship. Thank you,
Bill Largess
I hope this is the best way to pass along this information. My father, Commander George J. Largess USN (Ret), who commanded the Altair after her commissioning in Baltimore in 52, passed away on December 11 2008 after a short illness. He'd been doing great at the age of 91 but his kidneys began to fail and he declined quickly. He was very proud of his role in the Altair's history and frequently talked about her.
I'd love to hear from anyone who served with him who has any memories to share. And he'll be buried at Arlington on Wednesday, 28 January, at 0900 with full military honors-- all are most welcome to come, we'd love to have some of his shipmates there.
If anyone would like to reach me for more information I'm at _Largitas@aol.com_ (mailto:Largitas@aol.com) and again, would love to touch base with anyone from the ship. Thank you,
Bill Largess
Monday, December 15, 2008
SAVE THE LAFFEY FUND
Greetings Altair Crew. Are there any objections to the Altair Association making a donation to keep the USS Laffey afloat? The SS Aberdeen Victory (USS Altair) sailed with the USS Laffey in 1945 and participated with the Laffey at the Battle of Okinawa. I wish we had the Altair afloat!
Best Regards To All..........Charles
---
Charles M. Brecheisen
cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us
Charles, I rec'd the following from an old friend I worked with many years ago.He served aboard the USS Laffey and is a member of the ships association.It looks like the USS Laffey is taking on water and eventually will require major repairs to her bottom.I'm requesting that you put this out to our crew for a couple of reasons.Some may have served on her or known others who did.Some may find it possible to make a small donation to her cause.I visited the Memorial in Mt. Pleasant S.C. where she is berthed a few years ago and it would be a wonderful gesture if our Association was in the position to make a donation as well.I plan to make a personal donation too.Thanks for passing the word...........Mike Troiano
--- On Sun, 12/14/08, soncher724@comcast.net
wrote:
From: soncher724@comcast.net
Subject: Laffey update
To: "wagemann, kurt", "Lippi, Claire"
, golfer969@msn.com, jim.ford@earthlink.net, GrahamR@hpw.com, rrhovet@yahoo.com, djdd724@verizon.net, NAVYBLUE678@aol.com, WaltnMarj724@wmconnect.com, melsart@wyoming.com, janelg@ccwebster.net, Nosno01@aol.com, chris@chrisepting.com, jfpatiorms@aol.com, efitz3@ptdprolog.net, efitzjr@comcast.net, jcabhall@comcast.net, swhudson3@yahoo.com, ebhill724@yahoo.com, folino724@yahoo.com, billcherfitz@comcast.net, vhale134@comcast.net, sylmarjim@comcast.net, scout1947@comcast.net, nforney@infoave.net, stevesue4@juno.com, pcriblet@usfamily.net, dd724laffey@windstream.net, billiebob.fitz@verizon.net, TomHoobyar@aol.com, pastorsteve@epix.net
Date: Sunday, December 14, 2008, 3:04 PM
Good afternoon all:
We have returned from a very emotional and upsetting visit of our ship, the USS LAFFEY.
I received a phone call on Thursday from General Hugh Tant telling me that there were new leaks and he said that I should be there to see what was going on. I contacted John Hudak (our Engineering Officer) and Don Watson Our First Lieutenant), to tell them that I was going to the ship. They told me that they must go also. John drove from Vestaburg, PA to my house in MD and we drove straight to the ship Thursday night. Don and Joe Luque left from Florida at midnight on Thursday and met us in Mt. Pleasant on Friday morning.
We were met by Charlie Hall, the PR manager of Patriots Point and he took us to his office to watch a video that was shot by the divers. It showed the water pouring into the ship through 3 holes within a 4 square foot area near the keel on the port side forward. I cannot discribe the mood in that office as we watched the video.
Along with John Hudak, Don Watson and Joe Luque, we rode down the pier and saw the tanker trucks, the booms in the water around the ship and the divers' boat alongside and the pumps running. It was very disturbing to see our lady in such distress.
We met Malcolm Jenkins on the pier and we went aboard the ship. Paul Jeffords met us and took us below into the forward fire room where the leaks were. There we met with Richard Dunn, the superintendant of maintenance. They showed us the bilges and the condition of the bottom. The water was about 6 inches deep under no.2 boiler. There was a diver underneath the ship putting on a soft patch. He was warned by the master diver to stay away from trying to clean the marine growth too close to the holes. He was afraid that the whole section would let go and suck the diver right up into the ship.
The picture that we paint here is not a pretty one BUT, I have to tell you that the personnel of Patriots Point have not given up on her. They are working around the clock keeping an eye on the ship and manning the pumps when needed.
The situation is this, the bottom is very fragile and needs to be patched in order to move her to the yards to put her in dry dock. This will require a lot of money and care. We have donated $10,000. from the association emergency fund. I have been informed of many members that have sent donations, Tin Can Sailors have put a notice on their website and will be putting a notice in the next newsletter. Many other ships' associations have informed me of their donations also.
We will need a lot more to get this done. Patriots Point has been in touch with the governor of South Carolina, many senators and also the Federal Government to try to get more funds.
I have also received a phone call from James Smith, grandson of Capt. Paul Smith who was the gunnery officer during the battle at Okinawa. James told me that he is trying to put some donors together to get the ship fixed. He said to me that we CANNOT LET HER GO!!!!!!! We are going to try to make this happen. This will probably be the hardest battle she has fought in her 62 years.
"THE SHIP THAT WOULD NOT DIE" hasn't died yet. When I asked for $5.00 per member, that was for the 30,000 members of TCS!!!! We need more from us if we can. Don't send me my usual $100 Christmas present, donate it to the 'SAVE THE LAFFEY FUND". I'll just have to do without all of the presents you all send to your tired president. Seriously, please try to keep a positive attitude about saving our girl. If the folks from Patrots Point haven't given up, we certainly can't. I'll keep you advised as to the donations and the progress of the save the ship project.
The problem is funding!!!! It is going to cost a lot of money, about 3 million bucks to get her to the yards and repaired.
Make checks payable to:
Patriots Point Development Authority
40 Patriots Point Road
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465
Attn: CFO
Mark your check "FOR SAVE THE LAFFEY FUND"
Thanks so much,
Sonny Walker
President
I don't know, Charles. I went aboard the Laffey when I was in Charleston following our reunion. She was a pretty sorry ship.. I am not sure she is worth saving. In contrast, the USS Yorktown, also moored at Patriot's Point, was well preserved and offered a decent tour. Neither were as good as the battleship USS North Carolina, which I saw in Wilmington NC before the reunion.
We have an old lightship here in Lewes DE that is being restored. The dedicated volunteers are facing the same hull deterioration issues, in addition to of all the other repair problems. It has taken two years just to get the thing to dry-dock, and I really don't know what they are going to do after the hull is repaired. There remains a significant amount of work to be done to the rest of the ship. I doubt that it will ever be much of a tourist attraction, so it may just be an ongoing maintenance project.
Sometimes I think these old ships are maintained just for the people who are interested in working on them. Once they pass away, nobody else cares. Look at all the monuments that were built following the civil War, WWI and WWII - they seem to just fade away until someone decides they should be restored, and afterward they fade away again.
The Laffey is not a bad project, but it may just be a black hole that sucks up money.
Perhaps a better cause could be found, one that builds for the future, like adopting a sea scout troop or donating to a scholarship fund for a child of a fallen sailor from Iraq or Afghanistan.
Just my thoughts, for whatever they are worth.
George O'Brien
Best Regards To All..........Charles
---
Charles M. Brecheisen
cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us
Charles, I rec'd the following from an old friend I worked with many years ago.He served aboard the USS Laffey and is a member of the ships association.It looks like the USS Laffey is taking on water and eventually will require major repairs to her bottom.I'm requesting that you put this out to our crew for a couple of reasons.Some may have served on her or known others who did.Some may find it possible to make a small donation to her cause.I visited the Memorial in Mt. Pleasant S.C. where she is berthed a few years ago and it would be a wonderful gesture if our Association was in the position to make a donation as well.I plan to make a personal donation too.Thanks for passing the word...........Mike Troiano
--- On Sun, 12/14/08, soncher724@comcast.net
wrote:
From: soncher724@comcast.net
Subject: Laffey update
To: "wagemann, kurt"
Date: Sunday, December 14, 2008, 3:04 PM
Good afternoon all:
We have returned from a very emotional and upsetting visit of our ship, the USS LAFFEY.
I received a phone call on Thursday from General Hugh Tant telling me that there were new leaks and he said that I should be there to see what was going on. I contacted John Hudak (our Engineering Officer) and Don Watson Our First Lieutenant), to tell them that I was going to the ship. They told me that they must go also. John drove from Vestaburg, PA to my house in MD and we drove straight to the ship Thursday night. Don and Joe Luque left from Florida at midnight on Thursday and met us in Mt. Pleasant on Friday morning.
We were met by Charlie Hall, the PR manager of Patriots Point and he took us to his office to watch a video that was shot by the divers. It showed the water pouring into the ship through 3 holes within a 4 square foot area near the keel on the port side forward. I cannot discribe the mood in that office as we watched the video.
Along with John Hudak, Don Watson and Joe Luque, we rode down the pier and saw the tanker trucks, the booms in the water around the ship and the divers' boat alongside and the pumps running. It was very disturbing to see our lady in such distress.
We met Malcolm Jenkins on the pier and we went aboard the ship. Paul Jeffords met us and took us below into the forward fire room where the leaks were. There we met with Richard Dunn, the superintendant of maintenance. They showed us the bilges and the condition of the bottom. The water was about 6 inches deep under no.2 boiler. There was a diver underneath the ship putting on a soft patch. He was warned by the master diver to stay away from trying to clean the marine growth too close to the holes. He was afraid that the whole section would let go and suck the diver right up into the ship.
The picture that we paint here is not a pretty one BUT, I have to tell you that the personnel of Patriots Point have not given up on her. They are working around the clock keeping an eye on the ship and manning the pumps when needed.
The situation is this, the bottom is very fragile and needs to be patched in order to move her to the yards to put her in dry dock. This will require a lot of money and care. We have donated $10,000. from the association emergency fund. I have been informed of many members that have sent donations, Tin Can Sailors have put a notice on their website and will be putting a notice in the next newsletter. Many other ships' associations have informed me of their donations also.
We will need a lot more to get this done. Patriots Point has been in touch with the governor of South Carolina, many senators and also the Federal Government to try to get more funds.
I have also received a phone call from James Smith, grandson of Capt. Paul Smith who was the gunnery officer during the battle at Okinawa. James told me that he is trying to put some donors together to get the ship fixed. He said to me that we CANNOT LET HER GO!!!!!!! We are going to try to make this happen. This will probably be the hardest battle she has fought in her 62 years.
"THE SHIP THAT WOULD NOT DIE" hasn't died yet. When I asked for $5.00 per member, that was for the 30,000 members of TCS!!!! We need more from us if we can. Don't send me my usual $100 Christmas present, donate it to the 'SAVE THE LAFFEY FUND". I'll just have to do without all of the presents you all send to your tired president. Seriously, please try to keep a positive attitude about saving our girl. If the folks from Patrots Point haven't given up, we certainly can't. I'll keep you advised as to the donations and the progress of the save the ship project.
The problem is funding!!!! It is going to cost a lot of money, about 3 million bucks to get her to the yards and repaired.
Make checks payable to:
Patriots Point Development Authority
40 Patriots Point Road
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465
Attn: CFO
Mark your check "FOR SAVE THE LAFFEY FUND"
Thanks so much,
Sonny Walker
President
From: michael.troiano@att.net
To: "Charles M. Brecheisen"
Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 21:38:20 +0000
Subject: Fw: Laffey update
Hi Charles,
Here is a better synopsis of the situation involving the USS Laffey.This was buried in one of my folders.You may want to forward this to our crew as well.The Laffey Association members meet at the ship through out the year for work parties and have done one heck of a job getting her ship shape.This new problem may exceeded their ability to fund which would really be a shame given the history behind the ship and the effort of her crew over the years.................Mike
-------------- Forwarded Message: --------------
From: Robert Hill
To: Carl Akin
Subject: Fw: Laffey update
Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:31:08 +0000
--- On Fri, 12/12/08, soncher724@comcast.net <soncher724@comcast.net>
wrote:
From: soncher724@comcast.net
Subject: Laffey update
To: "wagemann, kurt"
Date: Friday, December 12, 2008, 2:43 PM
Press Release
USS Laffey Needs Immediate Repairs
Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina – Dec 12, 2008
In the early hours of Monday morning, December 1st, staff personnel at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum noticed the last remaining Sumner class destroyer in existence, the USS Laffey, sitting lower than usual in the water.
When staff personnel arrived, they discovered five feet of water in the lower section of the ship. As emergency procedures began and pumping commenced, water was entering the ship at a rate of 2,000 gallons per hour. After over 90,000 gallons of sea water were pumped from the ship, the location of the leak was determined late Wednesday evening.
Environmental personnel were called to oversee the operations to ensure that all procedures were being conducted in a safe and efficient manner. There were no hazardous materials released into the outside water.
Survey teams and divers were on the scene Thursday morning to attempt temporary repairs and assess the extent of the hull’s deterioration. By late afternoon Thursday, the leak was stopped with an epoxy patch, thereby allowing a marine survey to be conducted.
Three weeks ago, five holes were discovered in the aft section of the ship and 4,600 gallons of seawater were pumped out before repairs could be made. The breach in the ship’s hull discovered December 1 is unrelated to the earlier discovered holes.
The USS Laffey was last in dry dock 14 years ago when she underwent repairs. At that time, extensive repairs were made to the hull by welding metal plates over the deteriorated areas. The leak discovered December 1 is located along a weld that began rusting, causing a crack approximately 12 inches by one fourth of an inch.
As of Thursday morning, December 11, the epoxy patch was holding and all water had been removed from the ship. Unfortunately, during the day Thursday, staff personnel at the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum discovered the USS Laffey was again taking on water through three holes that developed since the December 1 leaks were repaired. Patriots Point’s pumps and a private contractor’s pumps have been removing water from the Laffey. Divers started patching the holes Thursday afternoon to stabilize the leaks. This morning, the divers are continuing to work on the patches. A boom has been deployed around the ship to prevent any possible contamination. The US Coast Guard representatives have been on site to assist Patriots Point.
The December 11 holes are not connected with the holes discovered three weeks ago or those discovered on December 1, but they highlight Patriots Point Development Authority’s challenges with the cost and the need for constant maintenance of its aging fleet of four naval museum vessels. An early estimate of the cost to tow the USS Laffey to a repair facility and repair her is $3.5 million. Patriots Point is weighing its alternatives to deal with the Laffey given her deteriorated hull condition. In addition to this early estimate of $3.5 million needed for the Laffey, the aircraft carrier Yorktown, submarine Clamagore and Coast Guard Cutter Ingham collectively need approximately $50 million of maintenance and repairs. This need is not unique to Patriots Point's fleet. The aircraft carrier museum ship Intrepid moored in New York recently received over $120 million of repairs and maintenance.
For more information on the USS Laffey (DD-724) and her historic background please go to our website at www.patriotspoint.org and access “Ships & Museums – USS Laffey”.
----- End forwarded message -----
I don't know, Charles. I went aboard the Laffey when I was in Charleston following our reunion. She was a pretty sorry ship.. I am not sure she is worth saving. In contrast, the USS Yorktown, also moored at Patriot's Point, was well preserved and offered a decent tour. Neither were as good as the battleship USS North Carolina, which I saw in Wilmington NC before the reunion.
We have an old lightship here in Lewes DE that is being restored. The dedicated volunteers are facing the same hull deterioration issues, in addition to of all the other repair problems. It has taken two years just to get the thing to dry-dock, and I really don't know what they are going to do after the hull is repaired. There remains a significant amount of work to be done to the rest of the ship. I doubt that it will ever be much of a tourist attraction, so it may just be an ongoing maintenance project.
Sometimes I think these old ships are maintained just for the people who are interested in working on them. Once they pass away, nobody else cares. Look at all the monuments that were built following the civil War, WWI and WWII - they seem to just fade away until someone decides they should be restored, and afterward they fade away again.
The Laffey is not a bad project, but it may just be a black hole that sucks up money.
Perhaps a better cause could be found, one that builds for the future, like adopting a sea scout troop or donating to a scholarship fund for a child of a fallen sailor from Iraq or Afghanistan.
Just my thoughts, for whatever they are worth.
George O'Brien
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
November 2008 by Charles Brecheisen
Greetings Altair Crew.
Are you still stuffed as I am with turkey? We had a big dinner Thursday and also with the kids on Saturday. I hope every shipmate had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
ALTAIR REUNION: I am still getting email about the reunion in October and how wonderful it was. Tom etal did such a wonderful job!
ALTAIR SHIPMATES: WOW! Three new Altair shipmates in November. Glennie J. Gilleen, MM2, 1962-64 now living in Andover, MN; Thomas Myers, CS3, 1955-57 living in Schenectady, NY; and, Joseph Ziegler, ET3, 1965-66 living in New Baltimore, NY. WELCOME ABOARD!
ALTAIR NEWSLETTER: My sincerest apologies for not getting the Newsletter out before the last reunion. Just too many health problems around here to concentrate. I promise to do a better job in 2009.
FINANCIAL: The reunion generated $1813.00 which was forwarded to me and I opened a savings account with the money. Tom Planes is also on this account in case something happens to me. I began the month with $551.30 in cash, no income and expenses (stamps and mailing) of $43.68 leaving a cash on hand balance of $507.62. The total Altair monies including the savings account totals $2320.62.
DUES: Just a reminder that dues are $10 per year and due in January. Dues are how we keep this Altair site, etc. running. The address to send the $10 dues is:
Charles M. Brecheisen
248 Drifting Cloud
Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765-6321
All for now. Please contact me with any comments or questions at cmbaltairaks32 at fastmail.us
Best Regards To All........Charles
Are you still stuffed as I am with turkey? We had a big dinner Thursday and also with the kids on Saturday. I hope every shipmate had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
ALTAIR REUNION: I am still getting email about the reunion in October and how wonderful it was. Tom etal did such a wonderful job!
ALTAIR SHIPMATES: WOW! Three new Altair shipmates in November. Glennie J. Gilleen, MM2, 1962-64 now living in Andover, MN; Thomas Myers, CS3, 1955-57 living in Schenectady, NY; and, Joseph Ziegler, ET3, 1965-66 living in New Baltimore, NY. WELCOME ABOARD!
ALTAIR NEWSLETTER: My sincerest apologies for not getting the Newsletter out before the last reunion. Just too many health problems around here to concentrate. I promise to do a better job in 2009.
FINANCIAL: The reunion generated $1813.00 which was forwarded to me and I opened a savings account with the money. Tom Planes is also on this account in case something happens to me. I began the month with $551.30 in cash, no income and expenses (stamps and mailing) of $43.68 leaving a cash on hand balance of $507.62. The total Altair monies including the savings account totals $2320.62.
DUES: Just a reminder that dues are $10 per year and due in January. Dues are how we keep this Altair site, etc. running. The address to send the $10 dues is:
Charles M. Brecheisen
248 Drifting Cloud
Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765-6321
All for now. Please contact me with any comments or questions at cmbaltairaks32 at fastmail.us
Best Regards To All........Charles
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanks Comrades!
There is a bond formed by men who are committed to a cause be it athletics, fraternal order or military. This bond or friendship lifts us up and separates us from the natural man. It sustains us through good and bad times remembering the trials, hardwork, libertys, tears and laughter. For this friendship I give thanks on this Thanksgiving day and pray that all my Altair shipmates have a wonderful day shared with family and friends.
Tom (Alvarez) Planes, Altair 60-63
Tom (Alvarez) Planes, Altair 60-63
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
2008 Reunion Recap
Myrtle Beach, SC ─ The 2008 Altair reunion is now history. Occurring October 24th through October 26th, it opened with a gathering and story swapping in a meeting room just off the lobby in the Marriott Courtyard. By 4:00 the room was packed. I later discovered that several of our shipmates were not able to attend due to the economy and health issues. A slide show featured 454 pictures thus far submitted to the Altair photo site http://altair.smugmug.com
We then went to the Alabama Theatre to be entertained by the musical “ONE – The Show”. Voted #1 by Myrtle Beach Visitors, this was the last performance of the 8th year. The talented cast and crew of over 40 had spent hundreds of hours reinventing the show with fabulous new songs, dance & comedy. ONE -The Show featured the charm of emcee and featured vocalist Greg Rowles, and one-of-the-funniest guys in the country, Grant Turner's Ricky Mokel. It was an evening filled with song, dance, and laughter. ONE -The Show featured an all-new production with over 25 new chart-topping songs, and an incredible Beatles Pop segment, playing six nights a week. Everyone was wowed by a stunning presentation from the Broadway's Disney musical, Mary Poppins. Visual surprises abounded in this show-stopping medley from one of the most charming musicals ever written. There were two military groups present and both were honored. The Altair group was introduced during the general announcements segment, along with birthdays and anniversaries being celebrated. Then at the shows conclusion, which was a fantastic musical, visual presentation and patriotic celebration, our group was honored with a reading of the history of our ship and the crew! After the show, I was personally thanked for my service to the United States by the person seated behind me. WOW, that doesn’t happen very often! During the show it started to rain so hard that you could hear it pounding on the building’s roof. The rain continued until late that night, so most of us got somewhat damp in the mad dash to the car.
Saturday included an auction that was led by master auctioneer John “Tom” Thomas to a packed meeting room. Tom did a magnificent job of keeping everybody’s attention and entertained. There were two long tables overflowing with donated items. A special thanks for all who donated to the auction! Well, as Tom auctioned off each item, you could tell that we, as a group, were not very sophisticated in the ways of an auction -- the head scratch, nod at a person next to you, a shrug of the shoulders -- all to Tom’s eagle eye was a bid; however, he was kind enough to stop the action and ask if the intention was to bid or just a casual twitch, and did it in a way to amuse everyone. When all was said and done, the auction raised about $1,300 that will be sent to Charles Brecheisen to be added to the general fund to offset the cost of the general expenses of running the organization. Thanks to all the buyers and bidders who made it so much fun.
The Auction was followed by free time, that most of the folks spent in the meeting room, chatting and swapping sea stories. Saturday evening was a trip across the parking lot to California Dreaming for dinner. After the dinner Tom Planes held the drawing for the Altair Memorial Plaque that was being raffled off. This plaque is a duplicate of the one that was dedicated on October 23rd at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington DC. Check it out at http://altair.smugmug.com. After much fanfare, the drawing of a single name was complete. Congratulations to the winner, John “Tom” Thomas! After dinner many of the folks went back to the meeting room and continued swapping those sea stories.
On Sunday morning, there was a general meeting to name the coordinator of the next reunion. Dick Stader was nominated, 2nd-ed, and carried by unanimous voice vote, with no discussion, as Chairman of the 2009 Reunion Committee. We also selected the same week in October of 2009 and Baltimore was the first choice, with Branson as the second choice. So Please, Please, Please, set aside the time frame of the last two weeks of October to allow for scheduling purposes, and start saving now so you will be able to attend. More information will follow just as soon as it becomes available. After the meeting, some of the folks had planes to catch and left, we stayed and did some shopping and sea story telling.
Be sure to check out the 2008 reunion pictures at the ALTAIR photo web site http://altair.smugmug.com.
Also, check out the photos from C. O. Lee. He gave me a bunch of snapshots to scan so they are now on the photo site as well.
As for our host, TOM PLANES, what a wonderful job in setting up and conducting the reunion!!! He even enlisted his son-in-law Ryan Moore, MM1 USN (not affiliated with the ALTAIR) who came in from Atlanta to assist him with the event. My THANKS to both of these gentlemen; they did a magnificent job!
My wife, Susie, accompanied me on the trip and here are some of her thoughts: This was my first reunion, and, God willing, it won’t be my last. I was so impressed by the friendliness of everyone in the group. I was worried about fitting in, but right from the beginning, I felt a air about the group that made me feel welcome and very much a part of the group. The whole experience made me “proud to be an American” and a part of this fantastic group of people.
The camaraderie of this group, from a first-time attendee’s prospective, was well worth the cost and time. No one was left out of any of the discussions that they chose to be a part of. This includes the partners of the shipmates. I feel so privileged to be a part of the group. I am so looking forward to the next gathering and hoping that we can convince as many of our shipmates to attend as possible.
Dick Braun
"I will answer the wind
I will leave with the tide
I'll be out on the road
Every chance I can ride"
Bob Seger -- Wait for me
We then went to the Alabama Theatre to be entertained by the musical “ONE – The Show”. Voted #1 by Myrtle Beach Visitors, this was the last performance of the 8th year. The talented cast and crew of over 40 had spent hundreds of hours reinventing the show with fabulous new songs, dance & comedy. ONE -The Show featured the charm of emcee and featured vocalist Greg Rowles, and one-of-the-funniest guys in the country, Grant Turner's Ricky Mokel. It was an evening filled with song, dance, and laughter. ONE -The Show featured an all-new production with over 25 new chart-topping songs, and an incredible Beatles Pop segment, playing six nights a week. Everyone was wowed by a stunning presentation from the Broadway's Disney musical, Mary Poppins. Visual surprises abounded in this show-stopping medley from one of the most charming musicals ever written. There were two military groups present and both were honored. The Altair group was introduced during the general announcements segment, along with birthdays and anniversaries being celebrated. Then at the shows conclusion, which was a fantastic musical, visual presentation and patriotic celebration, our group was honored with a reading of the history of our ship and the crew! After the show, I was personally thanked for my service to the United States by the person seated behind me. WOW, that doesn’t happen very often! During the show it started to rain so hard that you could hear it pounding on the building’s roof. The rain continued until late that night, so most of us got somewhat damp in the mad dash to the car.
Saturday included an auction that was led by master auctioneer John “Tom” Thomas to a packed meeting room. Tom did a magnificent job of keeping everybody’s attention and entertained. There were two long tables overflowing with donated items. A special thanks for all who donated to the auction! Well, as Tom auctioned off each item, you could tell that we, as a group, were not very sophisticated in the ways of an auction -- the head scratch, nod at a person next to you, a shrug of the shoulders -- all to Tom’s eagle eye was a bid; however, he was kind enough to stop the action and ask if the intention was to bid or just a casual twitch, and did it in a way to amuse everyone. When all was said and done, the auction raised about $1,300 that will be sent to Charles Brecheisen to be added to the general fund to offset the cost of the general expenses of running the organization. Thanks to all the buyers and bidders who made it so much fun.
The Auction was followed by free time, that most of the folks spent in the meeting room, chatting and swapping sea stories. Saturday evening was a trip across the parking lot to California Dreaming for dinner. After the dinner Tom Planes held the drawing for the Altair Memorial Plaque that was being raffled off. This plaque is a duplicate of the one that was dedicated on October 23rd at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington DC. Check it out at http://altair.smugmug.com. After much fanfare, the drawing of a single name was complete. Congratulations to the winner, John “Tom” Thomas! After dinner many of the folks went back to the meeting room and continued swapping those sea stories.
On Sunday morning, there was a general meeting to name the coordinator of the next reunion. Dick Stader was nominated, 2nd-ed, and carried by unanimous voice vote, with no discussion, as Chairman of the 2009 Reunion Committee. We also selected the same week in October of 2009 and Baltimore was the first choice, with Branson as the second choice. So Please, Please, Please, set aside the time frame of the last two weeks of October to allow for scheduling purposes, and start saving now so you will be able to attend. More information will follow just as soon as it becomes available. After the meeting, some of the folks had planes to catch and left, we stayed and did some shopping and sea story telling.
Be sure to check out the 2008 reunion pictures at the ALTAIR photo web site http://altair.smugmug.com.
Also, check out the photos from C. O. Lee. He gave me a bunch of snapshots to scan so they are now on the photo site as well.
As for our host, TOM PLANES, what a wonderful job in setting up and conducting the reunion!!! He even enlisted his son-in-law Ryan Moore, MM1 USN (not affiliated with the ALTAIR) who came in from Atlanta to assist him with the event. My THANKS to both of these gentlemen; they did a magnificent job!
My wife, Susie, accompanied me on the trip and here are some of her thoughts: This was my first reunion, and, God willing, it won’t be my last. I was so impressed by the friendliness of everyone in the group. I was worried about fitting in, but right from the beginning, I felt a air about the group that made me feel welcome and very much a part of the group. The whole experience made me “proud to be an American” and a part of this fantastic group of people.
The camaraderie of this group, from a first-time attendee’s prospective, was well worth the cost and time. No one was left out of any of the discussions that they chose to be a part of. This includes the partners of the shipmates. I feel so privileged to be a part of the group. I am so looking forward to the next gathering and hoping that we can convince as many of our shipmates to attend as possible.
Dick Braun
"I will answer the wind
I will leave with the tide
I'll be out on the road
Every chance I can ride"
Bob Seger -- Wait for me
October 2008 by Charles Brecheisen
ALTAIR PLAQUE: The ceremony was attended by several shipmates including Admiral Colbert's widow, Mrs. Prudence Mackee. Thanks to all that donated for this wonderful ship remembrance and ceremony!
NAVY LOG: Joe Basso notes that on the Navy Memorial site
http://www.navymemorial.org/ there is a section named "Navy Log." Click on the "Navy Log" button at the top of the Memorial site and it will take you to the Log site. You can sign up, create you own profile, upload your picture, etc. It's free too! Check it out!
ALTAIR REUNION: What a wonderful reunion..........Tom Planes deserves the highest kudos for a job very well done! All the reports that I have heard have been glowing and everyone had a great time. Dick Braun's "2008 Reunion recap" was emailed some time ago. A reunion committee was formed and there will be a reunion next year 2009 about the same time. More info to follow as it becomes available. Great job Tom!
FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $584.30 with no income and expenses of $33.00 for overnight check mailing leaving a balance of $551.30. Tom Planes reports that a check (dues/auction/donations) from the reunion will be on the way to me to cover future expenses.
SHIPMATE PASSING: I am sorry to report the passing of Shipmate Ernest David Forbes Jr. on October 24, 2008. Ernie was a FN aboard the Altair 1961-63. Our sincerest condolences to the Forbes family. The family can be reached at:
828 Jamaica Blvd., Toms River, NJ 08757 732-349-7737
ALTAIR NEWSLETTER: I will be making some changes now that the plaque ceremony and reunion are over. My sincerest regrets to all the shipmates for my not being able to attend either event. Hopefully........next year.
All for now. Please contact me with any comments or questions. If I missed anything, please let me know!
Best Regards To All..........Charles
In a seperate email Charles sent this:
"I just knew that I was forgetting something very important.......and, I did.
Dick Braun has put up tons of great pics from the plaque ceremony and the reunion (plus tons of other great Altair pics) on our photo site. Spread the word about this site!
Please visit http://altair.smugmug.com and enjoy the photos!
Dick, thank you for a great job! High kudos to you!"
NAVY LOG: Joe Basso notes that on the Navy Memorial site
http://www.navymemorial.org/ there is a section named "Navy Log." Click on the "Navy Log" button at the top of the Memorial site and it will take you to the Log site. You can sign up, create you own profile, upload your picture, etc. It's free too! Check it out!
ALTAIR REUNION: What a wonderful reunion..........Tom Planes deserves the highest kudos for a job very well done! All the reports that I have heard have been glowing and everyone had a great time. Dick Braun's "2008 Reunion recap" was emailed some time ago. A reunion committee was formed and there will be a reunion next year 2009 about the same time. More info to follow as it becomes available. Great job Tom!
FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $584.30 with no income and expenses of $33.00 for overnight check mailing leaving a balance of $551.30. Tom Planes reports that a check (dues/auction/donations) from the reunion will be on the way to me to cover future expenses.
SHIPMATE PASSING: I am sorry to report the passing of Shipmate Ernest David Forbes Jr. on October 24, 2008. Ernie was a FN aboard the Altair 1961-63. Our sincerest condolences to the Forbes family. The family can be reached at:
828 Jamaica Blvd., Toms River, NJ 08757 732-349-7737
ALTAIR NEWSLETTER: I will be making some changes now that the plaque ceremony and reunion are over. My sincerest regrets to all the shipmates for my not being able to attend either event. Hopefully........next year.
All for now. Please contact me with any comments or questions. If I missed anything, please let me know!
Best Regards To All..........Charles
In a seperate email Charles sent this:
"I just knew that I was forgetting something very important.......and, I did.
Dick Braun has put up tons of great pics from the plaque ceremony and the reunion (plus tons of other great Altair pics) on our photo site. Spread the word about this site!
Please visit http://altair.smugmug.com and enjoy the photos!
Dick, thank you for a great job! High kudos to you!"
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