Friday, October 03, 2008

September 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $700.93 with no income and expenses of $116.63 leaving a balance of $584.30. Expenses were a down payment for reservations at the Alabama Theater for the Altair Reunion.

REUNION: The official 2nd. USS Altair reunion October 24,25 and 26, 2008 at the Courtyard by Marriott, Myrtle Beach, SC. Let me or Tom Planes know if you need any additional information.

ALTAIR PLAQUE CEREMONY: The Altair Plaque Ceremony will take place promptly at noon, Thursday, October 23, 2008 at the United States Navy Memorial Foundation, 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Lillie and I really lucked out when hurricane Ike came through a few weeks ago. Even though the eye of the storm passed right over us, we were on the west side of the eye and did not suffer any wind or rain damage. In fact, we only got a couple of inches of rain. The damage was a lot worse just 30-40 miles to the east of us.

Any questions or comments contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us

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

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Altair Reunion Update by Tom Planes

The newly refurbished Marriott at Barefoot Landing has extended a very good rate ($69.00) per night) to the Altair Group. This applies to the reunion dates of Friday, October 24, 2008 to Monday, October 27, 2008 (three days). Including taxes the total for the entire hotel stay is $229.77 which includes a full breakfast and use of the hospitality room. Be sure to mention that you are part of the Altair Reunion when making reservations. Their number is (877) 502-4653. And after you make your reservation give me a call, Tom Planes @ (678) 201-5105 so I can update the dinner order.

The hotel is within walking distance of Barefoot Landing, a multiuse complex that offers specialty shops, fine restaurants and two of the best shows in Myrtle Beach. The Alabama Theatre (for which we have reservations) and the House of Blues. I have tried to keep the cost down and limit the planned portion of the reunion to give more time for visiting and catch up.

The stocking and set up of the hospitality room for three days will be coordinated by Sandi and me. We plan to have the room open for 12 hours per day and will have adult and soft drinks along with trays of various goodies for your enjoyment. There will be a cost of $25.00 per person for this and it needs to be sent to me: Tom Planes, 1177 Vintage Way, Hoschton, GA 30548 by September 25, 2008.

Optionally, if you wish to go out with the group on Friday and/or Saturday evening the following has been scheduled:

> Friday evening at The Alabama Theatre to see their production of “ONE – The Show”. Voted #1 by Myrtle Beach Visitors, One -The Show is back for its 8th exciting year. The talented cast and crew of over 40 have spent hundreds of hours reinventing the show with fabulous new songs, dance & comedy. One -The Show features the charm of emcee and featured vocalist Greg Rowles, and one-of-the-funniest guys in the country Grant Turner's Ricky Mokel. Looking for an evening filled with song, dance, and laughter, Alabama Theatre is the place to be with your family and friends! One -The Show features an all-new production with over 25 new chart-topping songs, and an incredible Beatles Pop segment playing six nights a week. Prepare to be wowed by a stunning presentation from the Broadway's Disney musical, Mary Poppins. Visual surprises await you in this show-stopping medley from one of the most charming musicals ever written. The cost is $27.00 per person.

> Saturday dinner at California Dreaming the cost is $22.50 per person, which includes tax and gratuity.

The cost of the optional events need to be sent to Charles Brecheisen, 248 Drifting Cloud, Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765-6321 no later than September 25, 2008.

We will have an auction to raise money for the secured future of the Altair news letter. This will mean bringing some memorabilia of the Altair or a craft, knitting, painting, posters you name it. John Thomas is a professional auctioneer and it will be fun.

Bring a photo of you in uniform and we can have a name that sailor contest.

We also plan to have a story time (remembrances) that folks might want to share a tale about their life aboard Altair, keeping it clean of course.

We already have a spot reserved at the Altair photo site for this reunion. That means lots of pictures will be taken.

To recap:

Send the following checks by September 25, 2008:

$25.00 per person attending to Tom Planes, 1177 Vintage Way, Hoschton, GA 30548

Optional events to Charles Brecheisen, 248 Drifting Cloud, Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765-6321:

> Friday evening at The Alabama Theater @ $27.00 per person
> Saturday evening at California Dreaming @ $22.50 per person

To Bring to the reunion:

> A photo of you in uniform
> Something to auction off
> Think of a story you would like to share

Above all BE THERE we want to see you!

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Shipmate Passing

Greetings Altair Shipmates.

I received the following email:

"I wanted to let you know that my father, Daniel J. Andryszak, who was a Fireman (FN) and was assigned to the Altair from 1953-1955, passed away on August 18th, 2008. Regards, Daniel A. Andryszak"

The Andryszak family can be reached at:

1976 Guy Way
Dundalk, MD 21222-4751
410-284-1048

I will mail a sympathy card from the Altair Crew.

Best Regards, Charles

Monday, September 01, 2008

August 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

WEATHER: As hurricane Gustav is hitting New Orleans right now, we are preparing here in East Texas. The latest forecast for E. TX is for 50-60MPH winds and 5-10+ inches of rain starting tonight. Fortunately, I have a 5KW generator, full gas tanks, water and lots of food. Our thoughts and prayers are with the gulf coast who are bearing the brunt of this storm.

FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $698.98 with $33.05 in expenses and income of $35.00 leaving a balance of $700.93.

REUNION: If you plan to attend the Altair reunion, please send Tom Planes an email and confirm. Tom can be reached at tomplanes@alltel.net

I will keep this short and just say "all for now." If you need to contact me, please us cmbaltairaks32@!fastmail.us

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

Friday, August 01, 2008

July 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

WARNING: I live in the piney woods of E. Texas. We have lots of scorpions, snakes, bugs, etc. I like to work in the woods as I do not have a yard; and, I keep my shoes on the front porch. Rule #1: Every time I put on the shoes from the front porch, shake them out. Rule #2: Please obey Rule #1. This morning I put the shoes on without shaking them out. When I put my left show in, I felt something moving in the toe. Ripping my shoe off, out hopped a beautiful green tree frog. Nuff said! I will be checking and double checking, etc.

AMATEUR RADIO CALL SIGN: I applied for what is called a club "Vanity" call sign of NB5EQ and the FCC gave it to me on July 11 under "USS Altair Memorial Association" of which all the Altair shipmates are members. You can visit http://www.qrz.com and in the top upper left of the page you can type in NB5EQ where it says call sign and it will take you to the NB5EQ page. I will be adding more information soon and will soon be "on the air" for Navy and Memorial special events. This should generate lots of activity on our web site. I will have special NB5EQ cards and certificates printed soon.

INTERESTING SITE:
Here is a neat and interesting site dealing only with Naval 'covers' or envelopes. Please visit the home page of http://www.navalcovermuseum.org/ Click on "Enter New Museum" and then click on "Main Collection" and then click on "#1 US Ships by Name." There is an A-Z list and if you click on "A" and scroll down to and click on Altair it will take you to a page with pictures of some USS Altair envelopes that were used. It's a neat site!

FINANCIAL:
The beginning balance was $738.93 with no income and FCC expenses of $39.95 leaving a balance of $698.98.

ALTAIR NEWSLETTER:
I have the newsletter about finished and should be in the mail in a matter of weeks. Please don't forget the Altair Plaque Ceremony and the Altair reunion coming up in October.

As usual, please do NOT reply to this email but use cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us

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

Sunday, July 06, 2008

June 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

Summer got here early this year and it looks like a long hot drier summer.

ALTAIR RADIO CALL: I have been awarded the amateur radio call of KE5VEA. I have filed with the FCC for the call NB5EQ and will be awarded that call on July 11. The name of the organization is "USS Altair AKS32 Memorial Association" and both calls will be listed on www.QRZ.com along with my personal call of W5VFO.

FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $703.93 with income of $35.00 and no expenses leaving a balance of $738.93.

UNUSUAL WEB SITE: Ever have trouble telephoning a company and getting nothing but a computer......well, try www.gethuman.com and it will give you a telephone number to talk to a real person.

I hope everyone has a very happy and fun-filled July 4th.........and, especially a safe one!

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

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

May 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

It's hard for me to believe.....that it is already June! Looks like we (in East Texas) will be in for a long hot dry summer.

ALTAIR RADIO CALL: As I remember, the radio call sign for the Altair was NBEQ. November Bravo Echo Quebec. Is this correct? If it is, I am going to apply for a memorial ham radio call sign of NB5EQ and participate in the yearly Museum Ship weekend contest. I have contacted 69 different ships worldwide, USA, Russian, Australian, Canadian, etc. in the past few years and thought it might be neat to put the Altair Memorial radio call on the air. Please let met know at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us Thanks!


FINANCIAL:
The beginning balance was $698.90 with income of $25.00 and expenses of $19.97 leaving a balance of $703.93. Expenses were for paper, ink and labels.

ALTAIR PLAQUE: The Plaque Ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at the US Memorial Foundation, 701 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC. A film, "At Sea" will be shown at 12PM noon followed by the ceremony at 1 PM.

ALTAIR REUNION: The second Altair reunion will take place October
24,24 and 26, 2008 at the Courtyard By Marriott, 1000 Commons Blvd., Myrtle Beach SC. Reservations can be made 877-502-4653 as a $69.00 rate.

All for now. Please contact me with any comments or questions cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us


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

Saturday, May 03, 2008

April 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $678.90 with income of $20 and no expenses, leaving a balance of $698.90.

SHIPMATE PASSING: In case you missed my last email, Robert Weingarten, RM2 1953-1955 passed away early in April.

SHIPMATE PASSING: Unfortunately, I got a phone call from the daughter of Tony Flores-Toro. Shipmates who attended the first Altair reunion will remember Tony, who owned a Sears store in Florida, supplied most of the door prizes. Last Monday, Tony was in his car driving on a local Chiefland, FL street when an elderly man, in an oncoming car, swerved into his lane and hit Tony head on. Tony was killed instantly. Memorial servives will be held tomorrow (Saturday) and his ashes will be flown to his native Puerto Rico. Tony was a SN aboard the Altair 1956-1958; BUT, I have later pictures of Tony aboard a ship (Altair?) and he was a 4 stripe full Captain! Tony spoke 6 languages.

Tony took Lillie and I to dinner while at the Norfolk reunion and we heard many many sea stories from Tony.......at least the ones he could talk about. Lillie and I are still in total shock. To send condolences, please send to his daughter:

Patricia Callahan
311 Lewisberry Court
Lewisberry, PA 17339

All for now. More to follow about the plaque ceremony and the next Altair Reunion.

AS USUAL, PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL. Use cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us

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

Monday, April 28, 2008

Shipmate Passing

I regret to inform you that Robert Weingarten, RM2, 1953-1955, passed away a few days ago from Pancreatic Cancer.

Our sincerest condolences go to the Weingarten family. The family can be reached at:
Robert Weingarten Family
176 Sycamore Avenue
Bethpage, NY 11714-1913

Charles

Friday, April 04, 2008

March 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Crew.

ALTAIR PLAQUE:
The Altair Plaque is completely paid for! The total expenditure was $3300 and we had paid pledges of $3165 which left the plaque a bit in the hole. There were several unpaid pledges which I felt should not be pursued. The balance of $165 was paid from dues monies. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2008 promptly at 1PM. ALL ARE INVITED to the Navy Memorial for the ceremony.

ALTAIR REUNION: The USS Altair reunion will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott in Myrtle Beach, SC October 24-26, 2008. If you need additional information please contact myself at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us or tomplanes@alltel.net

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Additional information will be forthcoming as soon as available. I have most of the next Altair newsletter which will be mailed which all the information about the plaque ceremony and reunion are available.

FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $3478.90 with no income and plaque expenses of $2800.00 leaving a balance of $678.90.

FAKE IRS EMAILS: I got an email from IRS.el concerning my rebate check. It said that I was getting about $175 back and to contact them immediately. Well, sports fans, the 'el' after the IRS tells me in ham radio lingo that the email was from LIBERIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Everyone beware!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All for now. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us with any questions or comments. Please do NOT reply to this email.

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

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Shipmate Passing

Greetings Altair Shipmates. On March 12th I received the following email from Mike Troiano:

"Our shipmate and my dear friend Albert J. Pizzo passed away today after a 2 year battle with lung cancer. Please add AJ's name to our growing memorial list. Thanks. Regards, Mike"

Our sincerest condolences to the Pizzo family. The family can be reached at:

Al Pizzo Family
15 Grandview Place
Sewell, NJ 08080
856-218-8456

Charles

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

February 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

SHIPMATE PASSING: We lost Shipmate Jerry Daney February 19. Jerry was a SK2 and aboard the Altair 1955-1958. Our condolences to the Daney family.

FINANCIAL: Our beginning balance was $3175.35 with income of $430.00 and expenses of $126.45 leaving a balance of $3478.90 The expense was for our web site. $350 of the income was pledges for the Altair Plaque.

ALTAIR PLAQUE: WE MADE IT!!!!!!!!!!! We now have the entire cost of the Altair Plaque covered and it is on order. The plaque ceremony will be Thursday, October 23, 2008 promptly at 1PM. More information will be forthcoming in our next Altair Newsletter. The following weekend will be the Altair Reunion at Myrtle Beach, SC. Special thanks go to Mrs. Dan Thrasher, widow of Dan, for her generous contribution to the plaque fund. More information to follow as soon as it is available.

NEW SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard Bruce Davis, 1962-62. Bruce lives in Orlando, Fl.; and, Bob Smith, SK3 from Norwich, NY. WELCOME ABOARD!

If you need any additional information about the Altair Plaque or the next reunion, please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us

DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL!!! I have been getting 50-60 spams a day at this email address and have set the options to delete 100% of incoming email. Please use my fastmail.us address. Thanks!

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

Sunday, March 02, 2008

Shipmate Passing

Greetings Altair Shipmates. I regret to inform you that the following shipmate passed on February 19, 2008:

Gerald "Jerry" Daney SK2 1955-1958

Condolences can be sent to:

The Daney Family
104 Wren Drive
Larksville, PA 18704
570-288-2479

All the USS Altair Shipmates send their condolences to the Daney Family.

January 2008 by Charles Brecheisen

ALTAIR PLAQUE: We have received $2810 in pledges and have received $2400. The total cost of the plaque and ceremony is $3000! If you pledged, please send in your pledge. The ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, October 23, 2008, the day before the Altair reunion. The ceremony is in Washington DC and is a proud moment for the USS Altair. Jim Phippard has selected the site for the plaque. Please plan to attend.

FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $3156.82 with income of $535.00 (split between dues and plaque) with expenses of $516.47 leaving a balance of $3175.35. The first payment of $500.00 was made on the plaque. Once the date is confirmed (we are waiting for Admiral Colbert's wife to respond) then $2500.00 will be due immediately.

ALTAIR SHIPMATES: January was a good month for new shipmates as we board 4 new shipmates! WELCOME ABOARD!

John E. Simonides, SK3, 1966-68, Stony Creek, CT
Robert S. Lasky, SK3, 1955, Kewanee, IL
John K. Mowitz, SN, 1960-61, Merrimac, WI
Jim Ledden, SFM3, 1968, Valdese, NC

ALTAIR REUNION: As soon as more info is available on our next reunion in October, I will get a news letter on the way to all.

INSTANT MESSAGING: Both Martin Summann and I are set up on instant messaging. Martin is set up on Messenger as vabeach757@cox.net and I am set up on Yahoo IM as cmbaltairaks32 or maybe the @yahoo.com has to be on there too. Both instant messaging systems will talk to each other and Martin and I communicate almost daily. I used to be on AOL I.M. but am not any more.

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

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

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Pledges are now due.

Greetings Altair Crew.

Joe Basso has made the first $500 pledge for the Altair plaque, which I will repay immediately to Joe. The total cost,including the ceremony will cost $3000.

Therefore, it is time for all those that have pledged and have not sent in their pledge please do so now. The balance will be due fairly quickly. There is a balance of $650 in pledges due.

If you have not pledged and want to pledge, it will be welcomed!!!!!

A big THANK YOU to all those that pledged (and paid)!!

Best Wishes to ALL.........Charles

Charles Brecheisen
248 Drifting Cloud
Holly Lake Ranch, TX 75765-6321
903-769-5325

Monday, January 14, 2008

December 2007 by Charles Brecheisen

2008: Happy New Year to all the Altair shipmates and their families. Let's hope all have a prosperous and especially healthy 2008.

ALTAIR REUNION: Tom Planes reports very positive reports about our upcoming Altair reunion October 24-26, 2008 in Myrtle Beach, SC. My problem is getting snail mail kicked back to me due to shipmates moving and not notifying me of address change; or their passing and we are not notified by the next of kin.

ALTAIR PLAQUE: Joe Basso will be making the first commitment for the Altair plaque. Those who have pledges and not sent in their pledge, please do so. The total cost has risen to $3000, but we should have that covered.

FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $3344.46 with income of $35.00and expenses of $222.64 leaving a balance of $3156.52. Expenses were stamps, labels and printing reunion sheets.

ALTAIR SHIPMATE: Please welcome on board Phillip J. Vachon. Phillip was a MMFN and served aboard 1961-1963 and resided in Florida.

All for now. Please contact me with any questions or comments at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us

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

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

2 0 0 8 R E U N I O N !

The second formal USS Altair AKS-32 reunion will be held October 24, 25, and 26, 2008 at the following:

Courtyard by Marriott
1000 Commons Blvd.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
843/361-1730
877/502-4653 Reservations
843/361-1729 FAX
www.myrtlebeachcourtyard.com

The Courtyard sales person is:
Randall Blumberg
843/361-1730 ext. 7703
843/361-1729 FAX

Make your reservations now and plan to arrive early on Friday, October 24, 2008. Tom Planes has made arrangements for 60 king rooms at $69.00. Other arrangements, a formal dinner, etc. are being made and further information will be supplied when it becomes available.

Tom can be reached at:

Tom Planes
1177 Vintage Way
Hoschton, GA 30548
tomplanes@alltel.net

Saturday, December 15, 2007

November 2007 by Charles Brecheisen

NEW SHIPMATE: Please welcome aboard James (Jim) F. Ledden. Jim served aboard the Altair 1967-68 and was a SFM3. Jim currently resides in Valdese, NC

REUNION: Mark your calendars for our next 'major' Altair reunion for October 24, 25 and 26, 2008! (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) The reunion will be held at the Courtyard By Marriott, 1000 Commons Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572. Reservations 877-502-4653 and the rate for a King room is $69. More information will follow via email and snail mail as soon as available. Make your reservation early!

FINANCIAL: The beginning November balance was $3134.46 with income of $210.00 and zero expenses leaving a balance of $3344.46. $200.00 was for the Altair Plaque.

ALTAIR PLAQUE: Joe Basso assisted by Jim Phippard is working diligently on the Altair Plaque. More to follow.

All for now. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us with any questions or comments.

Best Regards To All, Charles

Friday, November 16, 2007

October 2007 by Charles Brecheisen

MINI-REUNION: The 'mini' reunion was a howling success! Over 26 shipmates, many with their wives attended. Tom and Sandi Planes did an absolutely outstanding job setting this up and providing the goodies. Many thanks and hats off to Tom and Sandi! And, thanks to all the shipmates that attended.

MAJOR-REUNION: Please mark October 24-27 October 2008 on your calendars, as that will be the dates of our next reunion. The Charleston location to be determined later, but information will be forthcoming as soon as possible.

WEB SITE: Check out the updated Altair web site at http://www.ussaltair-aks32.org Martin Summann is the Webmaster and has done an outstanding job of upgrading the site. Remember, all photographs go to Dick Braun dbraun@msbservices.com and visit our blog site at http://www.altair.smugmug.com

FINANCIAL: The beginning balance was $3054.46 with $80.00 in income and no expenses leaving a balance of $3134.46. This includes the Altair plaque money.

DUES: Yearly dues will be due in January of each year. This will simplify matters and make easier to keep records.

SHIPMATE PASSING: I received the following email:

"This is to inform you that Ronald Eckhard passed away October 19, 2007 from esophagael cancer. He fought a long and difficult battle. You will find him buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Donna Eckhard"

Shipmate Eckhard was a MA2 1960-1961 and Mrs. Eckhard can be reached at:

5050 Clayridge Drive Apt. 107
St. Louis, MO 63129

I sent Mrs. Eckhard a return email plus a sympathy card from all the Altair shipmates.

All for now. Please contact me at cmbaltairaks32@fastmail.us with any comments or questions.

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

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Prayer Request from shipmate Ron Eckhard

From: Ronald Eckhard cddmi@charter.net

Subject: Cancer

Hi Charles,

I want to let you know that I have Terminal and will be going into Hospice in the near future. I could use the prayers of all my shipmates.

God Bless
Ron Eckhard

Ron, Lillie and I and all the Altair shipmates will be praying for you and your family. God Bless!

Charles