Summer 2003

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="057285a1erlcgo.png"> <div> <B>VP-21 & VPB-111 Veterans Association</B></div> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="VP21 VPB111 VETERANS ASSOCIATION"><U><B>HOME</B></U></A></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=150 BGCOLOR="#FFCC66" TEXT="#080000" background="056d4c00dkelyh.png"> <div> <A HREF="id102.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Whats New"><U>Whats New?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="VP21 VPB111 VETERANS ASSOCIATION"><U>Home</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U>Contact Us</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="gibraltar_straits.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Calendar"><U>Calendar</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Mission"><U>Mission</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id26.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Association Officers Board Of Directors"><U>Association Officers</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="rosters.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Rosters"><U>Rosters</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://vp-21.org/history" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://vp-21.org/history"><U> History</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id52.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Newsletter"><U>Newsletter</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://vp-21.org/biographies" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://vp-21.org/biographies"><U>Biographies/ Profiles</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id100.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Photo Gallery"><U>Photo Gallery</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id98.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Museum"><U>Museum</U></A></div> <div> Small Stores</div> <div> <A HREF="http://pub16.bravenet.com/guestbook/show.php?usernum=1314220711" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://pub16.bravenet.com/guestbook/show"><U>GuestBook</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id30.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Reunion 2009"><U>Reunion Page</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id28.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our Departed Shipmates"><U>Departed Shipmates</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://pub16.bravenet.com/forum/show.php?usernum=1314220711&cpv=1" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://pub16.bravenet.com/forum/show.php"><U>Message Board</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://pub16.bravenet.com/chat/show.php?usernum=1314220711&cpv=1http://images.bravenet.com/brpics/chatnow.gifhttp://www.bravenet.com/http://images.bravenet.com/brpics/chatbutt.gif" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://pub16.bravenet.com/chat/show.php?"><U>ScuttleBut Quarters</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Related Links"><U>Other Links</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id122.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Lost Found"><U>Lost&Found</U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id52.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Newsletter"><U><B>BACK TO NEWSLETTER INDEX</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id52.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Newsletter"><U><B>HOME</B></U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B> </B><B> <A NAME="_summer____________2003________________"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B> SUMMER            2003              8/3/03                                                                              John G. Esposito, Editor</B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> THE WEBMASTER'S CORNER:</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>A few statistics:</U></B> We are at about 3,400 visitors to our website since November, 2002. We have published 24 biography/ profiles (including Irving H. Glick's). There are now 11 Photo Galleries, 92 entries in our logbook, and 58 entries onto our Message Board.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Biographies: </U></B> I encourage all members to send me your biography/profile info-with photos.  I consider the individual's biography to be of primary importance for our site.  Contact me if you need, or want help.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>History Page</U></B><B>:</B> If you have been discouraged with the long `download' time when trying to read the ”Mercator And Me” by LCDR Williams, try it again.  The original manuscript (very large file size) has been converted to simple text, and the photo along with Plane Captain card file sizes have also been significantly reduced so that the download time is now in the order of seconds instead of minutes. It is all very readable now.  We have Glenn Harkleroad who volunteered for the project to thank for this much needed improvement.  Thanks again, Glenn! </div> <bR> <div> <B><U>SP-2H, Bu No 145915:</U></B> During the dates of 6, 7, and 8 June, 03, the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum (MAAM) in Reading, PA hosted its annual WWII show.  This museum also has the last remaining ASW configured SP-2H, 145915 which is open to the public during the WWII event.  145915 was flying in VP21 in 1968.  While it rained continuously on 7 June, the day that John Esposito, Ron Lenhoff and I attended, there was a good-sized crowd of attendees from all parts of the country.  I attended this one with the express mission of photographing 145915.  You can view these photos on our website, Gallery #11.</div> <bR> <div> Because of the rain, I was not able to get all of the photos I had planned, so most of them are of the interior.  145915 is a well-worn bird.  Her fuselage and control surfaces are in decent condition, but the hydraulic lines that we could see, and the landing struts and tires, are in poor condition.  The volunteer team who has been maintaining her has the expertise and desire, but replacement materials are not always available. Those that are, are expensive.   They've done an excellent job, considering the circumstances.  Their goal was to make her fly again!    </div> <bR> <div> See you in Pensacola!</div> <bR> <div> Kind regards,</div> <bR> <div> Frank Balogh Jr. ,</div> <div> 1749 Burroughs Drive</div> <div> Dayton, OH 45406</div> <div> <B>A</B><A HREF="mailto:Airmail7@vp-21.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:Airmail7@vp-21.org"><U><B>irmail7@vp-21.org</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</B></div> <div> <B>FOR REUNION INFORMATION: </B></div> <div> <B>CALL TOLL FREE: </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0066" FACE="Arial" ><B>1-866-434-2128</B></FONT></div> <div> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div> <bR> <div>                                   </div> <div> Bill Locke reports:</div> <bR> <div> I've got just three things that I would like to make mention of in this issue.  The first concerns our magnificent web site.  If you haven't visited it yet, I strongly recommend that you do so. While you are there, think about adding your biography to the growing list.  So far, we have received 24 including that of the famous (or infamous) Irving H. Glick. </div> <div> To get to the website just enter the following URL: <A HREF="http://www.vp-21.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.vp-21.org"><U><U>http://www.vp-21.org/</U></U></A> or <U> </U><U>http://www.vpb-111.org/</U><U> ,</U> and  don't forget to add it to your “Favorites” list.</div> <bR> <div> The second item is the 2003 reunion to be held in Pensacola in November.  If you haven't made plans yet, it's a good time to do so.</div> <bR> <div> The third subject concerns the accuracy of our roster and e-mail list.  Every quarter, numerous newsletters are returned to us (at our expense) because of incorrect address information.  When we attempt to contact our members by phone, we often find that we have the wrong number.  In order to improve the quality of our database, please make out the form below, tear it off, and return it to Ron Lenhoff, 972 Wedgewood Drive, Independence, KY 41051-9693.  In addition to address information, phone numbers, squadron service dates, and rank/rates, etc, we're also asking for spouses' names (for reunion nametags).  Please print.</div> <bR> <div> Thanks and fly safely.</div> <bR> <div> Bill</div> <bR> <div> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div> <bR> <div> NAME: ____________________    __________________       ___      __________________________  </div> <div>      <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >LAST               FIRST               MI     NICKNAME  / PREFERRED NAME     </FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div> SPOUSE'S NAME: _________________________</div> <bR> <bR> <div> ADDRESS:  _______________________      _____________________           _________     _______</div> <div>           STREET          CITY                    STATE          ZIP</div> <bR> <bR> <div> PHONE:  _________________________     E-MAIL: ______________________________</div> <bR> <bR> <div> SQUADRON:     (CIRCLE ONE)          VPB-111     VP21 </div> <bR> <bR> <div> YEARS IN SQUADRON:     ______________      _________________</div> <div>                FROM DATE          TO DATE</div> <bR> <bR> <div> IF SECOND TOUR:      ______________          _________________</div> <div>                FROM DATE          TO DATE</div> <bR> <div> RANK/RATE HELD IN SQUADRON:  _________      HIGHEST NAVY RANK/RATE HELD: _________</div> <bR> <bR> <div> PREFERRED INSIGNIA:  (CIRCLE ONE)     GLOBE      DUMBO     TURTLE     BLACKJACK </div> <div> <B>                         </B></div> <div> <B>     3</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>LOST MEMBERS FOUND:</B></div> <div> The following lost sheep have been rounded up, and have now (after many years) been brought back into our fold:</div> <div> Perry Winn, 703 E. Concord Dr., Plattsburg, MO , 64477, tel: 816-539-3349, 58' to '61 LTJG</div> <div> Welcome back aboard, Perry! </div> <bR> <div> <B>TAPS: </B></div> <div> It is with great regret that I make mention of the following passing:</div> <div> - Lt. Jesse A. Sanders, VPB-111 of Auburn, IN. Passed away October 31, 2002.</div> <div> Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Jesse and his surviving spouse Helen. </div> <bR> <div> <B>DONATIONS RECENTLY RECEIVED:</B></div> <div> The following persons have recently donated funds to our association:</div> <div> Charles F. Bringer, Robert C. Brunk, Deane S. Dixon, F.K “Bud” Mills, Phillipe Oliver. Randolph S. Purdy, Wayne E. Sanders, Rapheal S. Slotoski.</div> <div> Their donation is most appreciated and is essential to keeping our association airborne.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Dick Webb</B></div> <bR> <div> 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.</div> <bR> <div> <B>STOREKEEPER /DIRECTOR, GARY GROSS, REPORTS:</B></div> <div> <B>THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES ARE AVAILABLE FROM SMALL STORES:</B></div> <div> The following items continue to remain on sale:</div> <div> Khaki hats with your choice: Blackjack, Turtle, or Dumbo patch. $18.00.</div> <div> White golf shirts: super quality VPB111/VP21 Veterans Association. $25.00.</div> <div> White ball caps with Black Jack logo. $10.00. <I><B>Very limited supply!</B></I></div> <div> White ball caps with Flight Wings and VPB111/VP21. $10.00.</div> <div> Patches: Blackjack, Dumbo, or Turtle.  $6.34.</div> <div> Buttons: Blackjack <I><B>(OUT OF STOCK)</B></I>, Dumbo or Turtle. $1.84</div> <div> License Plate. VPB 111/VP21 Veterans Assn. Blackjack logo. $10.00.</div> <bR> <div> BOOKS:</div> <div> <U>The Story of VPB-111 </U>  $29.00. Now back in stock.</div> <div> <U>Low Level Liberators</U>  $29.00. Now back in stock.</div> <div> Black and white print of P2V7 signed and numbered by artist Robert Howath. $10.00</div> <div> <B>NEW ITEM:</B> Customized coffee mugs $25.00. Please print your name as you wish it to appear and your choice of rate, or flight wings.  </div> <div> All prices include postage.</div> <div> Contact Storekeeper:</div> <div> Gary Gross</div> <div> 4595S. Robert Blake Ave.</div> <div> Inverness, FL 34452-7820</div> <div> E-mail address: <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="mailto:gitmo@tampabay.rr.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:gitmo@tampabay.rr.com"><U><U>gitmo@tampabay.rr.com</U></U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>JULY EDITION: 2003</B></div> <div> <I><B>VPB-111/VP-21 VETERANS ASSOCIATION</B></I></div> <div> <I>A non-profit, fraternal, and historical association devoted to the reestablishment of contact with shipmates of the past, to strengthen the camaraderie among its members, to record and preserve the memories and incidents of the Association, to preserve the memory of departed shipmates, and to promote the comfort and welfare of its members and survivors. No dues are assessed!</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Directors:</I></div> <div> <I>Wallace L. Lightfoot, Chairman Emeritus, 349 McIntosh Ave., Orange Park, FL 32073</I></div> <div> <I>William Locke, Chairman, 255 Merepoint Point Rd., Brunswick, ME 04011</I></div> <div> <I>Ron Lenhoff, Director/Secretary, 972 Wedgewood Dr., Independence KY 41051</I></div> <div> <I>Richard S. Webb, Dir/Treasurer, 219 Montoya Dr., Lady Lake FL  32159-8642</I></div> <div> <I>John G. Esposito, Editor/Director, 862 Central Ave., Southampton, PA 18966</I></div> <div> <I>Edward Lafontaine, Museum Director, 161 Jackson Dr., Frankfort, KY  40601</I></div> <div> <I>Fred Schuster, Dir/Historian, 2713Cabin Creek Rd., Edwardsville IL 62025</I></div> <div> <I>Robert Nelson, Online coordinator, / Director, #49 Woodland Drive, Tequesta, FL 3346</I></div> <div> <I>Harry Dunlap, 2003 Reunion Coordinator, 5803 Eastshore Dr., Pensacola, FL 32505 </I></div> <div> <I>Gary Gross Director/Storekeeper 4595S Robert Blake Ave., Inverness, FL 34452-7820.  </I></div> <div> <I>Frank Balogh, Web-site/Director 1749 Burroughs Dr, Dayton OH 45406</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I> The </I><I><B>`Vagabond</B></I><I> </I><I><B>News' </B></I><I>is the official publication of the VPB-111/ VP-21 Veterans Association, and is circulated quarterly in the Winter (January/March), Spring (April/June), Summer (July/September), and Fall (October/December), as a third class bulk-rate mail from Southampton, PA, Post Office (Permit #61). All costs of the publication are supported by voluntary contribution only. To ensure that materials of interest are promptly published, members should  submit same prior to the publishing quarter to John G. Esposito, 862 Central Ave., Southampton, PA 18966. All inputs will be published in a timely manner.</I></div> </td> </tr></table></body>