The Red Shirt

I received this email today and thought I would share if with the group... Dick

If the red shirt thing is new to you, read below how it went for a man...

Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together...

After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.

No, he responded.
Heading out I asked?

No. I'm escorting a soldier home.

Going to pick him up?

No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq , I'm taking him home to his family.

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days.

I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you, Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.

Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."

Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.

So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do.

Red Fridays.

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.

Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday ... and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that ... Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women a far, will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, & TV let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is. "We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday.

January 2010 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is your monthly report for January 2010.

Yipes.......it's already February 2010. Where does the time go????

ALTAIR REUNION: If you have not received Nashville reunion information either via email or snail mail, please contact me cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard the following shipmates:

Darrell T. Chronister, SA, 1968, Jefferson City, MO

William L. Hickman, LTJG, 1963-1965, Rockville, MD

Gary K. Hysong, EM3, 1959-1961, Attica, IN

SHIPMATE PASSING: The following Shipmate Passed:

Frederick W. Meister, LTJG, 1963-1965, Passed 2000

FINANCIAL: The beginning cash balance was $1136.15 with dues income of $150.00 and expenses of $193.95 leaving a cash on hand balance of $1092.20. Expenses were envelopes, labels, stamps, printing and mailing of the reunion information to the non-email shipmates. The beginning saving account balance was $3822.71 with interest of $3.33 leaving a balance of $3826.04. Total cash balance is $4918.24.

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

2010 Reunion Information

Here is the latest 2010 Altair Reunion information from our reunion chairman Joe Basso.

The Nashville reunion will be held at the Holiday Inn Select Opryland/Airport from Thursday, October 21st through Sunday, October 24th. Nashville, TN ~ October 21st – 24th, 2010

Travel & Leisure Magazine recently named Nashville America’s Friendliest City! Not only is Music City friendly, it has also been named the 4th Best American City for Holiday Travel. The USS Altair Reunion tours will give you a chance to experience some of the top attractions in Nashville. Tours include a group dinner at one of Nashville’s most unique restaurants and tickets to the famous Grand Ol Opry show. Saturday, don’t miss the city tour which will highlight some of Nashville’s most popular attractions. Your reunion program hits all of Nashville’s most famous attractions, while allowing plenty of time to relax and catch up with your friends.

Hotel Information:
The reunion dates are from Thursday, October 21st through Sunday, October 24th. You will be staying at the Holiday Inn Select Opryland/Airport which is located at 2200 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37214.

Reservation Information:
The room rate is just $99.00 plus tax per night based on single or double occupancy. Rate includes complimentary breakfast buffet daily. Please make your hotel reservations NOW by calling (615) 883-9770 between 9-4 pm EST and ask for in-house reservations. For those of you who would like to arrive early, the same room rate is available 2 days prior to the start of the reunion, and 2 days after the reunion. You may cancel up until 48 hours before arrival at no penalty. Be sure to ask for the USS Altair Reunion rate to assure you are associated with your group. You may request specific room types when you call to make your reservations (handicap accessible room, etc.). These are on a first come basis. The hotel check-in time is 3:00pm. Please, don’t expect to get into your room before then. They will ask you for a deposit or credit card number to guarantee your room reservation. The hotel is holding rooms until they sell out or September 10th, 2010, whichever comes first.

Transportation & Directions:
The closest airport is Nashville International (BNA). The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service from the Nashville International Airport. Upon arrival, use the courtesy phone located in the baggage claim. For those of you driving to the reunion, the hotel offers plenty of free parking. The hotel is conveniently located off Interstate 40, at the Broadway exit. Ask hotel for detailed directions when making your reservations.

Travel safely and we will ….
See you in Nashville!

Please call the hotel and make your reservations making sure you are getting the Altair special rate.

USS ALTAIR AKS 32 ~ 2010 REUNION EVENTS:

EVENT A: GROUP DINNER & GRAND OLE OPRY SHOW
Friday, October 22nd (4:00pm-10:00pm)
This spectacular evening begins at the Cock of the Walk Restaurant, where you will have a private area reserved just for the USS Altair. Known as one of Nashville’s most unique restaurants, you will dine on their famous golden fried catfish, and other southern specialties. The large barn-like restaurant is well known around Nashville for having the best seafood in town. The restaurant takes its unusual name from an old flatboat man’s term for the top boatman. Following dinner, board your coach for the short drive to the Grand Ole Opry Show. This is the show that made Nashville famous! The one, the only, the Opry. You never know which celebrities will turn up and perform, but one thing is for certain, it’s always a great show, with something for everyone. Music, dancing, and lots of laughs, make this variety show a Nashville tradition and a crowd favorite. You’ll have great seats, so come see what all the fuss is about!
Please note: You will be required to walk down 6 steps to your seat for the show. All Opry seats are benches with backs, similar to church pews.

EVENT B: BEST OF NASHVILLE CITY TOUR
Saturday, October 23rd (9:00am-2:00pm)
This is not your typical, routine city tour, but an entertaining look at all the sights that make up Nashville. Enjoy a driving tour of the landmarks of the city including Historic Downtown, Fort Nashborough, the State Capitol, the Parthenon and Music Row. The tour includes some of the homes and recording studios of celebrity stars of television and radio. You’ll also have time downtown to explore and have lunch on your own. Bring your camera and comfortable shoes. This will be a great day!

BANQUET DINNER:
Saturday, October 23rd (7:00pm at Hotel)
Join all of your friends for your Banquet Dinner at the Hotel. Dinner will be served at 7:00pm. Please make your entrée selection on the reservation form.

OPTIONAL TOUR CANCELLATION INSURANCE:
Protect yourself from unforeseen expenses caused by sickness, injury or any other causes that impact your travel plans. This insurance enables a refund of Tour & Banquet expenses up until three (3) days before the start of your reunion. If you need to cancel – please call our office immediately (817-251-3551) for a cancellation number. If you have not purchased cancellation insurance all tour and meal money is non-refundable 6 weeks prior to the reunion.

Important Reunion Notes:
~ Tours may be cancelled if a minimum of 30 people per bus is not met. In this case, full refunds will be given.
~ Please understand that a certain amount of walking is necessary from the bus to attractions and in some
instances, to also see the attractions. Please consider your abilities before purchasing tours.
~ Be sure to bring photo identification (like a driver’s license) on all events.
~ All tour times are subject to change. A final itinerary is available at registration

Tour reservations are contained in a PDF file that will be emailed or faxed to you by Dick Braun at dbraun at msbservices . com upon request

Another great auction will be held Saturday evening at the banquet; and, the valuable item you bring does not have to be Naval related item! (I hope a shipmate brings an original J-38 key!)

The Hospitality Room opens on Thursday. There will be a $25 charge PER PERSON for the cost of the hospitality room and all the "GOODIES."
Please send your check to:

Joseph Basso, 16 Edgemere Drive, Matawan, NJ 07747

or

John Thomas, 2632 Oak Leaf Circle, Helena, AL 35022

Joe Basso can be reached at jomapakg032 [at] verizon.net

Best Regards to All and See Ya in Nashville!

Charles

Sick List

Greetings Altair Crew. I received the following email from Dick Stader who wanted me to pass the info about the "Altair Sick List."

"Charles, just thought I would send you this information that I got yesterday on Dave Poland; his daughter called me yesterday to let me know that he (Dave) was having some chest pain on Tuesday, 5 Jan., and so she took him to the hospital to have him checked out; and he is there now with four heart blockages waiting to have bypass surgery next Wednesday 13 Jan. I talked to him last night and he says he is doing fine and feeling no more pain; but, because he takes Plavix, they need to wait a week before they can do surgery. His phone number is 757-388-8471 (repeating 757-388-8471) at the hospital in case any shipmate would like to give him a call; I am sure he would enjoy hearing from any of our shipmates.

Best Regards to you and Lillie.

Dick"

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

December 2009 by Charles Brecheisen

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

FINANCES: The beginning December cash balance was $1136.15; the beginning December saving account balance was $3822.71. There was no income nor expenses leaving a total balance of $4958.86.

DUES: There were 83 dues paying shipmates in 2009. THANK YOU! Dues are $10 per year and due again for 2010 sent to me. Thank you again!

SHIPMATES: There are 462 Altair Shipmates!!!! Let's get more!!!

SHIPMATES PASSING: The following shipmates passed:

Perry Charles Hahn, EM3, 1963-1965; Passed November 20, 2009

Gerald (Jerry) Pelton, DP3, 1967-1968; Passed January 21, 2003

Allen D. Post, MMC, 1962-1964; Passed October 18, 2009

Our condolences to their families.

All for now. If you have any questions or comments, please reply to cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Let's all have a Blessed, Happy, Healthy and a prosperous 2010!

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

November 2009 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Crew.

ALTAIR BRANSON REUNION: Shipmates are still talking about the wonderful reunion in Branson, MO. Dick Stader and his crew did a superb job!

ALTAIR SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard JJ Kennedy, SN, 1962-62, Bergenfield, NJ

ALTAIR SHIPMATE PASSING: Tom Planes informed me of the passing of Allen D. Post, MMC 1962-1964. Shipmate post passed Oct. 18 due to cancer. Our condolences to the Post family. The Post family can be reached at:

Allen D. Post Family
315 30th. Avenue West, Apt. B-303
Bradenton, FL 34205

FINANCES: The beginning cash balance was $1136.15 and the savings balance was $1820.99 for a total of $2957.14. There was no income from dues. The total income from the donations for the Hospitality Room and the Auction was $2965.00. Total Reunion expenses were $963.28. The income balance (receipts minus expenses) was $2001.72. This income balance was put into the savings account bringing the savings total to $3822.71. Coupled with the cash on hand, the total Altair monies total $4958.86. If any shipmate would like a detailed accounting of reunion expenses, please contact me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL THE SHIPMATES AND THEIR FAMILIES!

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

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

USS Altair Remembered by Tom Planes

She wasn’t much to look at but like most homely ladies she had a heart big as all out doors and a need to be loved. Even on her best days she could never compare in looks with a slick destroyer or a behemoth bird farm but oh my, she was a worker. She could keep up a steady 15 knots and churn along not missing a beat while the sixth fleet came along side to sample her wares. Like back street lovers with a brief kiss from high line to high line and a promise of more to come.

That crew in the early sixties she loved the most they took her from unfit for sea duty to proudly showing the red and white E’s for excellence. With paint, sweat and hours of work even though they cursed her at times their was love in the heart of all who served in her. The old girl showed her appreciation by never letting her boys down and always returning them to Barcelona where she could rest and they could play.

As she sat in the bone yard in Texas awaiting the searing torches that would tear her to pieces. Ripping her right down to her keel where she began. That steel back bone that stood true through thousands of miles of storms, cold and heat. From the battle for Okinawa to her life in the Atlantic and Med she had had a wonderful life and reflected on it.

She recalled the stormy passing through Cape Hatteras in early 60, bobbing around like a cork on a string under tow from a sea going tug. It was embarrassing not to be able to rely on her own turbines to make this trip to the Brooklyn yards. In the yards however she began to renew her strength. CWO Goodson was breathing a new life into her engine room changes in her evaporators meant she would never be with out fresh water. New nozzles in her turbines meant better underway speed control.

The deck apes (funny how she never thought of them as monkeys) they were always so dedicated to their work fighting rust and keeping her top side in ship shape. The electric wenches and all her rigging under their supervision were put in perfect working order. Her store keeps had a place for everything and everything in place mostly.

Then came the sea trial she was a little nervous with a new untried crew heading to Cuba with stops in Jamaica. Her first shakedown in the fifties was to Cuba also. Just before that she had been renamed the Altair. She wondered how many plank owners are still around and how many even remember her. They were a fine group of seamen. She was sure most of this crew would be career sailors.

The shakedown went well the men performed outstanding with their first replenishment drills. Soon she was back in Norfolk awaiting orders to deploy to the Med. When the word was passed to single up and she got underway she virtually trembled with excitement. She was not sure if it was a bad shaft bearing or the crew’s anticipation of liberty in Barcelona. The night before arriving in Spain she knew it was the crew. The entire crew had comedown with channel fever and was wide awake the vibration from all that energy was electric.

While her view of Barcelona was limited from her birth at the pier near Barceloneta she could still see the Ramblas a promenade lined with sycamore trees festooned with flower shops and kiosk where you could buy confections, news papers and perfume. The ever present cry at an Andalucian pitch of the lottery lady “ Para Hoy Equal” brought dreams of riches.

She could smell more of Barcelona than she could see. An off shore breeze sent a bouquet of fragrances that covered the bay like a warm blanket. The pine sent from the crest of Tibidabo mingled with the smell of flower, and the food being cooked along the Ramblas. The perfume worn by the ladies of the night was like the cherry on top of a sundae. She loved being in Barcelona it was a time to relax and repair between logreps.

There was a love affair with Spain that was so deep it lacked explanation. There was so much emotion that flowed within her hull. The heartbreak and anger brought on by a Dear John letter. The joy of announced birth over shadowed with the sadness of not being there. The collective glee of anticipation when the word is passed for liberty or mail call. The explosive anger with shouts and sometimes blows when a shipmate is caught stealing or a line was crossed that started as a joke but ended with fury and blood.

As much as she loved Barcelona she loved the open sea more. Supplying the sixth fleet was her job and her heart was quickened by it. To be out there steaming true in her little corner of the world, the Mediterranean. This is what she was built for and yearned to do. To hear the whine of the electric wenches and the shout of the deck crews as they send net after net of cargo to what ever Romeo ship came along side. The roar of the Sikorski and smell of spent aviation fuel at her flight deck. She recalled how skilled the pilots were off loading lading to other ships in the fleet. She was the first to try this form of resupply and met the challenge with open arms.

"Old Sailors" received from Jim Braydon author unknown

Old sailors sit and chew the fat 'bout how things use to be, of the things they've seen and places they've been, when they ventured out to sea.

They remember friends from long ago and the times they had back then, of the money they've spilled and the beer they've swilled in their days as sailing men.

Their lives are lived in days gone by with thoughts that forever last, of Dixie cups hats and bell bottom blues, and the good times in their past.

They recall long nights with a moon so bright far out on a lonely sea, and thoughts they had as youthful lads, when their lives were unbridled and free.

They know so well how their hearts would swell when the flag fluttered proud and free, and the stars and stripes made such beautiful sights as they plowed through an angry sea.

They talk of the bread Ole Cookie would bake and the shrill of the boson's pipe, and how the salt spray fell like sparks out of hell when a storm struck in the night.

They remember mates already gone who forever hold a spot in the stories of old when sailors were bold and lubbers a pitiful lot.

They rode their ships through many a storm when the sea was showing it's might, and the mighty waves might be digging their graves as they sailed on through the night.

They speak of nights in a bawdy house somewhere on a foreign shore, and the beer they'd downed as they gathered around cracking jokes with a busty whore.

Their sailing days are gone away, never more will they cross the brow, but they have no regrets for they know they've been blessed 'cause they honored their sacred vow.

Their numbers grow less with each passing day as their chits in this life are called, but they've nothing to lose for they've paid their dues and they'll sail with their shipmates again.

I've heard them say before getting underway that there is still some sailing to do, and they'll exclaim with a grin that their ship has come in, and the Lord is commanding the crew.

All Hands USS Altair AKS 32

From: 2009 Reunion Chairman
Subj: Veterans Day Message

I waited until today to send this out and Charles I hope I am not asking too much of you to forward it on for me today on this day set aside for all of us Veterans. I want to say thank you to all of you out there, both Shipmates and wives/girl friends and invited guest who came to Branson and celebrated another years reunion and harmony and unity, and to tell you that it was my great pleasure to serve as chairman for this years reunion, and to see each and every one of my old shipmates and wives and friends and to get to spend some time together with you, brought me a great amount of joy and I look forward eagerly to next years reunion in Nashville, where we can once again enjoy the camaraderie of old friends and shipmates. HAPPY VETERANS DAY TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU, and may you always have FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS. On another note I want to tell you that all that in the November Issue of the FRA magazine, there is a guy looking for crew members from the USS Marias, Aucilla and Altair who is working on a book about all of us stationed in or visited Barcelona from 1951 through 1987 and willing to share your recollections of life aboard ship, impressions of Barcelona, or related photos. If you are contact Xavier Theros at xavier.theros@gmail.com

I have not contacted him yet but I plan on it. Once again, Happy Veterans Day To All.

Dick Stader

October 2009 by Charles Brecheisen

BRANSON REUNION: Words escape me! Dick Stader did a fantastic job bringing together the reunion. It was a blast! Everything went well; the show was great, the food was good, the service was good and we all had a great time. There was not a dry eye during the Memorial Service. It was great to see all the shipmates. Dick Braun has photos taken at the reunion on the Altair Smugmug site, so please visit and enjoy. http://altair.smugmug.com

2010 REUNION: Joe Basso and the reunion committee have selected Nashville as the next Altair reunion site. More information will follow as available.

FINANCIAL: The beginning cash balance was $1026.15 with receipts of $110.00 and no expenses leaving a balance of $1136.15. The beginning savings balance was $1818.69 with income of $2.30 leaving a balance of $1820.99. The total cash balance is $2957.14.

SHIPMATES: Please welcome aboard the following new Altair shipmates:

R. Wayne Whittset, YN1, 1954-1955, Hampton, VA
Nicholas T. Viorel, CS2, 1954-1955, Los Angeles, CA
Lawrence A. Savino, SA, 1955, Mahopac, NY
David Jordan, DC3, 1953-1954, Chattanooga, TN
William N. Moynihan, ME3, 1955, Hinsdale, IL
Ronald C. Hewitt, YNSN, 1960-1961, Des Moines, IA
Everitt Sinks, EMFN, 1955-1956, Willow Springs, IL

There was one shipmate that served 6 months on the Altair, transferred off and wanted nothing more to do with the Altair!

SHIPMATES PASSING: The following Altair Shipmates passed:

Norman H. Wuestefeld, RM2, Clinton, CT; passed 2002
Francis O. Ridge, GM1, Staunton, VA; passed 2007; Pearl Harbor Survivor!

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

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

Video of 1964 Med. tour and shore leaves.

ENS. Mark Simon provided us with videos that he took while aboard the Altair in 1964 - 1965. They can be found at http://altair.smugmug.com/Other/Mark-Simon-1964-1965/9783104_8bGUS#666798402_tpUjx. During his tour the Altair lost a Helo at sea and Mark was filming at the time. This scene is at the 4 Minute and 28 second mark of Part 4.

Mark was using a Super 8mm camera to film his travels. Then recently recorded the movie film onto VHS tape. He was kind enough to send me the tape and I converted it to DVD and to PC format. Split it down into 10 minute segments and then placed the segments on the photo album web site.

Thanks again Mark!

September 2009 by Charles Brecheisen

ALTAIR REUNION: Just a few weeks away!! Dick Stader reminds us that Branson is a casual place. I certainly intent to dress casual.

FINANCIAL: The beginning September cash balance was $1070.71 with paid dues of $60.00 and expenses of $104.56 leaving a cash on-hand balance of $1026.15. Expenses included paper, print ink and stamps. The savings account balance was $1818.69 leaving a total cash balance of $2844.84.

NEW SHIPMATES: Welcome aboard Robert A. Belaire, Claremont, NH, IC3 1963/64; Michael P. Buckey, ENFN, Grafton, OH 1963; Arlen W. Jones, LT (Helo Pilot), 1962, Virginia Beach, VA; and, William R. Birt, RM3, 1963-1965, Live Oak, FL.

SHIPMATES PASSING: We were notified of the following shipmates passing:

John B. Dudley, Captain, 1962; passed August 6, 2006
Donald Dufresne, SK3, 1957; passed September 25, 2009
Oliver F. Midgette, CDR XO, 1963-1965; passed June 11, 2002
Donald J. Cosby, LTJG, 1963-1965, Passed December, 1994

NAVY RATINGS: Ever wonder about some of those old navy ratings and what they referred to? Try http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq78-3.htm

RELATIVES IN THE CIVIL WAR? If you think, or know you had relatives that participated in the Civil War, either for the North or the South, please visit http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/records/ and you will visit the entire 128 volume set of the "Official Records of the Civil War." There is an index that can be referenced.

All for now. See ya' at the reunion. Please do NOT reply to this email but use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us for any questions of comments.

Best Regards To ALL..........Charles

August 2009 by Charles Brecheisen

As I was sitting in the den reading my latest copy of "SEAPOWER", published by the Navy League, I realized that I had forgotten to do the August monthly report.

We have had over 70 Altair shipmates pay dues this year!!!! Thanks!!

FINANCIAL: The starting balance was $1147.40 cash and $1818.69 in the savings account. We had income of $40 and expenses of $116.69 leaving a balance of $2889.40. Expenses were stamps and envelops to mail reunion information to the no-email shipmates.

That's all for now. If you need more info about the reunion please contact me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us or Dick Stader at Dickandterry5 [at] sbcglobal.net

Per my previous memos, Shipmate Bob Apple's computer was breached and some strange email sent to most all the shipmatesfor the past several months. Guard your computer!!! and, be careful forwarding mass addressed emails. Using the Bcc line will help avert stealing addresses. I can email more info about using the Blind Carbon Copy address line. Just let me know.

All for now. Please do not respond to this email but use my fastmail.us address with any comments or questions.

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

July 2009 by Charles Brecheisen

ALTAIR SHIPMATES: Three new shipmates came on board in July. They are:

Jack E. Lewis, YN3, 1956-1957, Huntington, IN
Robert L. Knapp, SK2, 1961-1963, Taylor, MI
Michael J. Metro, SN, 1955-1957, East Hampton, CT

WELCOME ABOARD!!

SHIPMATE PASSING: Billy A. McDade, BT1, 1954-1955, 10 years ago.

ALTAIR FINANCES: The beginning July balance was $1147.40 in cash and $1816.43 in savings for a total of $2963.83. Income of $2.26 from the savings account and no expenses for a total of $1147.40 in cash and $1818.69 in savings for a total of $2966.09.

ALTAIR REUNION: If you need to contact the reunion chairman, Dick Stader, you can use dickandterry5 [at] sbcglobal.net or

Dick Stader, 1511 84th. St., Kenosha, WI 53143 262-654-9202

The reunion contact is Pam Brown 417-338-4048; she has requested deposits by August 23rd. for the reunion. Please contact her for more cost info.

Please remember that Dick has requested $25 per person ($50 per couple) help on the hospitality room. Please contact Dick for additional info. We really want it to be nice!

All for now. If you need more info please contact me at cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Best Wishes TO All...........Charles

Altair Reunion, Branson, MO

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

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"

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

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

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 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