Fall 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="_fall_________________________2003_____"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B> FALL   2003                                                                               John G. Esposito, Editor  </B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> REUNION -GO FOR IT!</div> <bR> <div> As my mother aged, she kept telling me to, “Go while your legs will still take you”.  Once again on November 5, 6, &7, I shall heed her sage advice and attend the reunion in Pensacola.</div> <bR> <div> Think about it- three days visiting with former “Airmates” that you haven't seen for, maybe 30 years!  Maybe a trip to Biloxi.</div> <bR> <div> Watching the Blue Angels show.  Have you seen them lately?  They're not flying the Bearcats, Panthers, Cougers, Tigers, Phantoms, or Skyhawks that we might have seen in our younger days.  It's now the F/A-18 Hornet with two engines burning at 16,000 pounds of thrust, each! The word DYNAMIC does not do justice to their performance!  That show alone is worth the trip. But there's more.  </div> <bR> <div> Individually, each one of us is a part of the history of Naval Aviation.  We are the ones who made it happen when we had the watch - we turned wrenches, flew long night flights, worked in an old wooden fire trap of a hanger, shoveled snow, pushed paper, had duty over the holidays, were cold, had long family separations and the list goes on.  However, we did it with <B><U>pride</U></B> in <B><U>ourselves</U></B>, in our <B><U>squadron</U></B>, in our <B><U>Navy</U></B>, and in our <B><U>Nation.</U></B>  Well, The National Museum of Naval Aviation, located on NAS Pensacola, is a stirring tribute to you! With over 130 restored aircraft, all sorts of exhibits and displays, it's one of the premier aviation museums in the USA. The motto is, “Admission is free, but the memories are priceless”. </div> <bR> <div> Invitations and information sheets about the Reunion were mailed out to All Hands in July.  If you did not receive one, or need more information, here's a variety of options: write Ron Lenhoff, our Association Secretary-his address is on the last page of this newsletter, or e-mail him at <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="mailto:vp21@fuse.net" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:vp21@fuse.net"><U><U>vp21@fuse.net</U></U></A></FONT><U>,</U>  or you can call us <B><U>toll free</U></B> at 1-800-434-2128.  Finally, if you are on-line, you can go to our web site at vp-21.org for reunion information.  </div> <bR> <div> The bottom line is that we're truly looking forward to seeing <B><U>you</U></B> and <B><U>yours</U></B> in November at the Pensacola Reunion.</div> <bR> <div> Bob Nelson </div> <div>  </div> <div> <B>A MESSAGE FROM THE WEBMASTERS CORNER:</B></div> <div> The VPB-111/VP-21 On-Line Chatroom (ScuttleButt Quarters) is now regularly scheduled for Thursday nights at 2100EST, 1800 PST.</div> <bR> <div> Just go to the website at <U>www.vp-21.org</U>, and then click on `Scuttle-Butt Quarters' link (located on the left border of the homepage). Now you can swap sea stories with those equally as qualified as yourself and those who have also “been there, done that”.</div> <bR> <div> Kind regards,</div> <bR> <div> Frank Balogh</div> <div>                                    <B>-2-</B></div> <div> Bill Locke reports:</div> <div> The '03 reunion is just around the corner, and it's time to start drawing up the agenda for our business meeting.  In addition to our normal discussions regarding composition/election of your Board of Directors, recommendations/selection of future sites, and reports from the respective board members, we've got a few other agenda items.  These include: the possibility of receiving your newsletter via our web site rather than by hard copy in the mail, a response to our request for updated personal information (form has been included in the earlier newsletter, and it also appears below), and a recommendation for the revision of the “Two Bell Ceremony”.</div> <bR> <div> If you have anything you'd like discussed at the meeting, please let me know so that I can add it to the agenda.  I can be reached by e:mail at<U> patron21@blazenetme.net </U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="mailto:" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><U><U>patron21@blazenetme.net</U></U></A></FONT><U> </U>, by phone at 207-725-6522 (if I don't answer, leave a message and I'll get back to you), or at 255 Mere Point Road, Brunswick, ME 04011.</div> <bR> <div> The request in our last newsletter for updated information generated some response, but according to our secretary, Ron Lenhoff, many of you have not sent your forms in.  In case you have misplaced the last one, we're including it once again.</div> <bR> <div> Hope to see all of you at the reunion.</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> <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> <div> PREFERRED INSIGNIA:  </div> <div> (CIRCLE ONE)     GLOBE          DUMBO     TURTLE     BLACKJACK </div> <div> <B>                         </B></div> <bR> <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> <bR> <div> - Robert Craig, 8433 N. Pottawapomie, Harrah, OK 73045.  Served in VP21 from '65 to '66.  He was an                                      AOC. Retired in '72.</div> <div> - Gordon J. Saindon.  No other information available.</div> <div> <B>- </B>Bill Spaulding, AT2.  Served in VP21 from `59 to '62.  Flew on LH10 as the radio operator.</div> <div> Resides at 196 Trail Rider Way, Georgetown, TX 78628.  (512) 869-1562, <A HREF="mailto: bspaulding@escapes.com." TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto: bspaulding@escapes.com."><U><U> bspaulding@escapes.com</U></U></A><A HREF="mailto: bspaulding@escapes.com." TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto: bspaulding@escapes.com."><U>.</U></A>    </div> <div> - Jimmie R. Cable, ADR1.  Served in VP21 from '60 to '64. 4228 Shiloh Rd. Milton, FL 32853</div> <div> - Wayne `Jake' Jacobson, AMS2.  Served in VP21 from '55 to '59.  Vancover, WA.  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="mailto:" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><U><U>Waynejakejacobson@excite.com</U></U></A></FONT>.</div> <div> - George D. Gessner.  Served in VP21 from '57 to '60.  Tampa, FL<U>.  </U><A HREF="mailto:Ggussner@tampabay.rr.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:Ggussner@tampabay.rr.com"><U><U>Ggussner@tampabay.rr.com</U></U></A></div> <div> - Charles M. Gibson, AOM3.  Served in VPB-111 from '43 to '45.  12700 Red Maple Circle, #51 Sonora, CA 95370.  Email: <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="mailto:" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><U><U>pcgibson1011@aol.com</U></U></A></FONT>.  Phone (209) 536-1700.</div> <bR> <div> Welcome back aboard, guys.</div> <bR> <div> <B>TAPS: </B></div> <div> It is with great regret that I make mention of the following passing:</div> <div> - Gary Zuber.  Son of Harold `Zipgun' and Sissy Zuber.  Passed away in February '03.</div> <div>  Our thoughts and prayers are extended to his surviving parents. </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> 4595 S. 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> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>SEPTEMBER  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 33469</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/Director1749 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 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> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>VPB-111/VP21 VETERANS ASSOCIATION                    Nonprofit Org.</B></div> <div> <B>972 Wedgewood Dr.                                   U.S. Postage</B></div> <div> <B>Independence, KY 41051                                   PAID</B></div> <div> <B>                                             Permit #61</B></div> <div> <B>Address Service Requested  9/03                              Southampton, PA</B></div> </td> </tr></table></body>