SPRING 2003 John G. Esposito, Editor
THE WEBMASTER'S CORNER:
BIOGRAPHIES:
Since the last newsletter edition, I've received and published the biographies of Gene Wiley, Gene Steyne, Al Petrich, Pat Schnauffer, Bill Locke, Gordon Peterson, Bob Dunbar, and Harold Aston. This makes a total of 22 to date. My sincere thanks to all participants. But this is not even a drop in the proverbial bucket. Please see my plea in the WINTER newsletter edition. You, or your spouse are a part of our history. Please let me document it! Send your biographical information to me , either by postal mail service, or e-mail (my preference). Don't forget the photos! Addresses at the end of this article.
OTHER:
We will have exceeded 2000 visitors by the time you read this, with about 85 Logbook entries. I have added (finally) the VPB-111 Roster of all known members. It is primarily names only, mostly lacking accurate `entry and exit' dates. How about you 111er's taking a look at this roster and sending me the missing, or correct information. Thanks to all you of took who took the time to pass on other roster corrections to me.
INTERNET ACCESS:
I know that most of you do not have a Personal Computer at home, and as a result, maybe you've never seen VPB-111/VP21 Veteran's Association website. But, if you don't have immediate access to the internet (friend, family member, etc.), you can still visit our site by paying a visit to your local library, since most libraries now maintain Personal computers for personal use. Just take along our website address: http: //www.vp-21.org. The librarian will help you get started if you need help. Our site has squadron rosters and history for you to peruse, several photo galleries to view, biographies, the logbook, and the Message Board, and past newsletters - among other topics.
Kind regards to all,
Frank Balogh Jr.
1749 Burroughs Drive
Dayton, OH 45406
LOST MEMBERS FOUND:
The following lost sheep have been rounded up, and have now (after many years) been brought back into our fold:
Phone: (802) 635-7401 VP21 `62-'66 . Was on flight crews #2 and #9.
c) Jack Attig, DKC, USN Retired, 803 Colorado Holton, KS 66436. '58 to '60. Email: lattig@holtonks.net
d) William Schonasky, W5929 8th Lane, Montello, Wisconsin, 539-7707, Phone: (608) 589 - 5813
e) Fred Wiemer, AX-3, 301 Church St., Berlin, NH, 03570, sirederf@ncia.net sirederf@ncia.net, VP21 from'67 to `69
f) Jim Mueller, AT2, Crew #10, '56 to '59, 1568 Myrtle St., Maplewood, MN 55119, (651) 770-224
g) Joe Muller, AD3, crew 12, '56 to '59, 3870 Clover Ave, Vadnais, MN 55110, (651) 429-6719
Welcome back aboard, guys!
SPECIAL REQUEST:
Mr. Crispin Banda, son of Chief Lionel Banda, would like to meet some of his father's shipmates. He grew up a Navy brat, and is very proud of that fact. Chief Banda served with VP21 within the following time frames: '55 to '58, '61 to '64, and '66 to '69. Crispin Banda may be contacted at the following address:
606 South Washington St., Apt #1, East Rochester, NY 14445, (585) 264-1307,
RON LENHOFF REQUEST:
Ron is requesting an original photo of the group picture which was taken of the '53, or '54 Christmas party. Ron requests that these pictures be sent to Frank Balogh for inclusion in the Web Site. They will be returned to the rightful owners.
TAPS:
It is with much regret that I make mention of the loss of shipmate, Don Harms. Don was in the squadron from '57 to '60. He passed away on November 17, '00. Don was remembered by Frank Balogh (and myself) as flying on crew #7 on our '60 deployment to Sigonella. Don was always a great crewman. He served with honor and distinction, and will always be remembered with fondness. Frank recalls the day he caught his finger in an engine nacelle electric generator, and almost lost it. He ended up getting his wedding ring removed by the dentist. Don left on orders to JAX to VP-30 in 60.
Our thoughts and prayers go with Don, and his wife Ellen.
JACQUES T. BAKER, JR. REPORTS:
NOTE: This link and many other similar ones can be found on the VPB-111/ VP-21 Veterans Association Other Links Page.
The name of the artist who did the P2V7prints listed in small stores is `Robert', not `David' Horvath.
A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR:
Continuing the Call for Board of Directors Back-up: We are continuing to seek `back-up' persons to support our Board of Directors in the unforeseen event that one of us should suddenly become incapacitated. If you feel that you would like to assist us in any of the positions that are referenced on the back cover of this newsletter, contact the respective person at the address shown. We would like very much to have you stand by to become a member of our team. This readiness on your part is essential to the future success of our association. Do something different. Make a difference.
DONATIONS RECENTLY RECEIVED:
The following persons have graciously made donations, which are so vital to keeping a financial posture airborne:
Jacques T. Baker, D.F. Becker, Robert S. Gelles, G.A. Harkleroad, Carrie D. Huber, Robert K. Lavender, Michael R. Mays, John W. Moore, Geri (Huber) Raab, Frank C. Richter, William V. Scherbon, Shealy O. Whigam, Dale E. Woods. Your generosity is most appreciated and helps to keep our Association solvent.
PLEASE NOTE: The VPB-111/VP-21 Veterans Association charges no dues. Our operations are totally supported by the generous contributions of our membership, and by the sale of our squadron products. The Association comes under Section 501 © (19) of the Internal Revenue Code as “not for profit” organization. As such, contributions are legitimate tax deductions. Please make your contribution checks payable to the `VPB-111/VP-21 Veterans Association', and forward them to Treasurer, Richard S. Webb, 219 Montoya Drive, Lady Lake, FL, 32159-8642.
STOREKEEPER /DIRECTOR, GARY GROSS, REPORTS:
THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES ARE AVAILABLE FROM SMALL STORES:
The following items continue to remain on sale:
Khaki hats with your choice: Blackjack, Turtle, or Dumbo patch. $18.00.
White golf shirts: super quality VPB111/VP21 Veterans Association. $25.00.
White ball caps with Black Jack logo. $10.00.
White ball caps with Flight Wings and VPB111/VP21. $10.00.
Patches: Blackjack, Dumbo, or Turtle. $6.34.
Buttons: Blackjack, Dumbo or Turtle. $1.84
License Plate. VPB 111/VP21 Veterans Assn. Black Jack logo. $10.00.
Books:
The Story of VPB111 Contact Gary for cost. Now back in stock.
Low Level Liberators $29.00. Now back in stock.
Black and white print of P2V7 signed and numbered by artist Robert Howath. $10.00
NEW ITEM: Customized coffee mugs $25.00. Please print your name as you wish it to appear and your choice of rate, or flight wings.
All prices include postage.
Contact Storekeeper:
Gary Gross
4595S. Robert Blake Ave.
Inverness, FL 34452-7820
BOB NELSON REPORTS:
MARCH '03 ON-LINE ROSTER:
The latest on-line roster was sent out on 3/29/03. As usual, there were several `bounces' due to: user unknown, server timed out, mailbox full, etc. If you have been receiving the roster in the past and didn't receive the latest edition, send an email to SUDABAY@AOL.COM and let me know. Please include your name in the email.
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