Spring 2005

<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> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFCC66" TEXT="#080000" background="056d2c00dkelyh.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> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>VPB-111/VP-21 </I></div> <div> <I>VAGABOND NEWS</I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.VP-21.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.VP-21.org"><U><U>www.VP-21.org</U></U></A></FONT><U>, </U>and <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.VPB-111.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.VPB-111.org"><U><U>www.VPB-111.org</U></U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>John G. Esposito, Editor               SPRING                         2005</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>A MESSAGE FROM THE LEFT HAND SEAT:</B></div> <div> The VPB-111/VP-21 Veterans Association 2005 reunion is over and, from the comments I've received, it achieved its goal as stated in the Notes of Interest: "The single goal of this reunion is for ALL attendees to have a good time while visiting with old friends". </div> <bR> <div> Putting together a reunion is a lot of work, but seeing the enjoyment that the attendees had during the four days made it all worthwhile.</div> <div>  </div> <div> I've received two messages that I want to share with our membership.  The first is from Captain John Orrill, Commanding Officer of VP-21 in 65-66.  He planned on joining us in Portland, but had to cancel at the last minute.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>CAPTAIN ORILL REPORTS: </B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Needless to say, I am most disappointed that I could not make it to the reunion.  Got all the way to the airport when I finally realized that my situation would not allow any extensive travel.  I will avoid specific details except to say that it involved frequent trips.</I></div> <div> <I> </I></div> <div> <I>My tour in VP-21 was, without a doubt, the most rewarding and exciting time of my 30 plus years in the Navy.  There is no doubt in my mind that this was due to a superb group of people.  It seemed to me that everyone gave at least one hundred percent, even during the Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI), which is usually a rather painful time for all hands.  Everyone seemed to 'play the game' and maybe even enjoy parts of it.  Even a very demanding split deployment to Keflavik, Iceland and Rota, Spain was taken in stride.  Great bunch of folks.</I></div> <div> <I>1964-1966 - XO and CO VP-21.  What a great experience!  Maybe, at my advanced age, I tend to forget some tough times, but I'm certain that this period was the absolute highlight of my time in the Navy.  It seemed that we were always busy, but nevertheless found time to appreciate the situation.</I></div> <div>  </div> <div> Many, many thanks to all who were in the squadron during that time.  Hope to see you all at the next reunion.</div> <div> <I> </I></div> <div> <I>Cheers and best wishes to all.</I></div> <div> <I> </I></div> <div> <I>John Orrill</I></div> <div> <I> </I></div> <div> The second letter is from our guest speaker, Gary Crocker.  It's clear that he enjoyed being with us as much as we enjoyed having him.</div> <div>  </div> <div> <I><B>GARRY CROCKER REPORTS:</B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>I usually sit down after a gig and put a note on one of my postcards thanking folks like you and the VPB-111/VP-21 Veterans Association members for having me offer remarks after dinner.  In this case a postcard simply wouldn't do.  I had tears (of happiness) in my eyes as I drove through Portland on my way home tonight.  When everyone stood up with red noses on I was quite literally overcome with emotion.  No one has </I><I><U>ever</U></I><I> done anything like that for me before and I will </I><I><U>never</U></I><I> forget how I felt when you did it.  Your folks are simply </I><I><U>THE BEST</U></I><I>!</I></div> <bR> <div> <I> </I></div> <div> Thank you for bringing me back to speak to your group and thank you for your kindness.  As far as tonight goes - as we like to say in West Gardner - ITJESTDONGITNOBETERNIS (It just don't get no better than this)!</div> <div> <I> </I></div> <div> <I>Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  </I></div> <div> <I> </I></div> <div> <I>Gary Crocker</I></div> <bR> <div> Please take a look at Tim Byrne's web sight (<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.4portraits.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.4portraits.com"><U><U>www.4portraits.com</U></U></A></FONT> and enter the account<B> VPB111</B> and code <B>5326</B> to see the pictures he took at the reunion. There's no question that we're a handsome lot.</div> <bR> <div> The '07 reunion is targeted to be held in Savannah, GA during the month of May. The weather should be beautiful!  Jule Mosley has volunteered to head the reunion committee. To all our members from Georgia, it's time to rally around the flag and let Georgia show its "stuff." Jule can be contacted at <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="mailto:louee1@nctv.comm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:louee1@nctv.comm"><U><U>louee1@nctv.comm</U></U></A></FONT> or (912) 537-8692. </div> <bR> <div> Keep em' flying, </div> <bR> <div> Bill.</div> <bR> <div>  </div> <div> <B>WEBMASTER'S CORNER:</B></div> <div> Some Reunion 2005 photos are available for viewing on our website. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.vp-21.org/2005ReunionPhotoGallery/index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.vp-21.org/2005ReunionPhotoGal"><U><U>http://www.vp-21.org/2005ReunionPhotoGallery/index.htm</U></U></A></FONT>.</div> <div> If you have some photos to share, Reunion 2005 or otherwise, please email them to me at the address below and I'll add them to the Gallery.</div> <div>  Frank Balogh Jr., Webmaster, <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="mailto:Airmail7@vp-21.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:Airmail7@vp-21.org"><U><U>Airmail7@vp-21.org</U></U></A></FONT>, 937-274-9960 (day) 937-278-8057 (night).</div> <bR> <div> <B>DONATIONS RECEIVED:</B></div> <div> The following persons have generously made contributions:</div> <div> Acker, Albert</div> <div> Barr, Fred</div> <div> Baumgartner, Robert</div> <div> Brigati, Joseph</div> <div> Brinegar, Charles F.</div> <div> Cavitt, Sylvan L.</div> <div> Donahue, Robert E.</div> <div> Edens, Eldon W.</div> <div> Gaus, Raymond  “Goose”</div> <div> Gessner, Don</div> <div> Hantgan, Samuel</div> <div> Johnson, David E.</div> <div> Lemire, Fred</div> <div> McHenry, Larry  “Mac the Knife”</div> <div> Meekins, Edmund L.</div> <div> Mueller, Jim</div> <div> Mundt, Werner</div> <div> Nelson, Robert</div> <div> Neumueller, Vern</div> <div> Norman, Charles</div> <div> Parent, Leonard</div> <div> Passidakis, Angelo</div> <div> Raye, Les</div> <div> Rushe, George, G.</div> <div> Sediva, Joseph, M.</div> <div> Stevens, Loyal</div> <div> Szczepanski, Ski</div> <div> Vaughn, Harold</div> <div> Whigham, Shealy, O.</div> <div> Woods, Dale</div> <div> Young, Jim</div> <div> Zuber, Harold, R. “Zipgun”     </div> <bR> <div> Thanks for your help in keeping our association airborne.</div> <bR> <div> <B>TAPS:</B></div> <div> It is with deep regret that I make mention of our following who have recently passed on:</div> <div> Benjamin E. Emley AT3-VP-21 of Germantown, OH 45327</div> <div> Died on March 31, 2005 from Pancreatic Cancer. He saw service in the   Korean War. </div> <div> John Goodfellow, Cmdr. U.S. Navy, retired, 76, of  Pinehurst, N.C., died Wednesday, April 27, 2005.  </div> <div> Gregory Donovan, VP21, '57-'59, AD3</div> <bR> <div> May they rest in peace.  </div> <bR> <div> SICK BAY: </div> <div> Your thoughts and prayers are requested for the following persons:</div> <div> Ron Lenhoff</div> <div> Donna Locke</div> <bR> <div> We wish them a speedy recovery.</div> <bR> <div> <B>LOST AND FOUND:</B></div> <div> Peter Kostik, VPB111, '45, Ensign</div> <div> Jim Johnson, VP21, '66-'67, AX2</div> <div> Ed Edens, VP21, '58-'61, AM1</div> <div> Wm. Weir, VPB111, '43-'45, AMM1C</div> <div> Jule Mosley, VP21, '63-'66, ADJ2</div> <div> Walt Grazulis, VPB111, '42-45, ARM1C</div> <div> Donald Kern, VP21, '68-'69, LTJG</div> <div> Robert Strickland, VP21, '62-'66, ATR2</div> <div> Leonard Nadeau, VP21, '59-'63, ATN2</div> <bR> <div> Welcome back to the fold, guys!</div> <bR> <div> CHANGE IN BOARD LINE-UP: </div> <div> Dale Woods has agreed to replace Ron Lenhoff as Secretary of our association. Ron has resigned due to illness.</div> <div> Ron Novay has agreed to accept the position of <I>Storekeeper </I>.  He is now replacing Gary Gross.</div> <bR> <div> We would like to express our thanks to both of these persons for their initiative, and wish them much success in their endeavors.</div> <bR> <div> <B>FROM THE RADIO COMPARTMENT:</B></div> <div> At each reunion I have attended, the same theme runs through many conversations.</div> <bR> <div> “Whatever became of our Pilot, Nav, Plane Captain…………”.  Well, you get the idea.  I would like to make a challenge to each of you.  Here it is:</div> <div> Try to locate just one of the individuals that you think about the most often.  Use the Internet, the library, the phone book, information services or all the above.  Phone calls are pretty cheap these days and the Internet is a really good source of information.</div> <bR> <div> Locate any NEW member and I will pay the cost of sending you a complete roster of the known members of the Association.</div> <div> I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ron Lenhoff who was the Secretary for many years.  His dedication to providing the link to a group of the finest people in the world is to be commended.  I hope that I can fill his very large shoes.  Thanks Ron!</div> <bR> <div> Finally, it was voted to distribute the entireVPB-111/VP-21 roster TO MEMBERS ONLY for a cost of $5.00 including postage for their > personal, non business utilization. </div> <bR> <div> Send checks and requests to:</div> <div> Dale Woods</div> <div> 5480 W. Arrowhead Lakes Drive</div> <div> Glendale, AZ  85308-6290</div> <bR> <bR> <div> JUNE EDITION: 2005</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>VPB-111/VP-21 VETERANS ASSOCIATION</B></div> <bR> <div> 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!</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 Mere Point Rd., Brunswick, ME 04011</I></div> <div> <I>Dale Woods, Secretary, 5480 W. Arrowhead Lake Dr. Glendale, AZ 85306 </I></div> <div> <B>Richard S. Webb, Dir/Treasurer, 219 Montoya Dr., Lady Lake, FL  32159-8642</B></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</I><I> </I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I>Schuster, Dir/Historian, 2713Cabin Creek Rd., Edwardsville, IL 62025</I></FONT></div> <div> <I>Dan Dwyer, Online Coordinator, Director, #6 Sarah Liberty Lane, Scarborough, ME 04074 </I></div> <div> <I>Robert Nelson, Special Projects, 49 Woodland Drive, Tequesta FL 33469</I></div> <div> <I>Harry Dunlap, Director, 5803 Eastshore Dr., Pensacola FL 32505 </I></div> <div> <I>Ron Novay, Director/Storekeeper, 7775 LakeHardeman Rd., Saulsburry, TN 38067   </I></div> <div> <I>Frank Balogh, Web-site/Director1749 Burroughs Dr, Dayton, OH 45406</I></div> <div> <I>Garry Gross, Director, 8660 East Rosemont Court, Inverness, FL 34450</I></div> <bR> <div> The `Vagabond News' 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.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>VPB-111/VP21 VETERANS ASSOCIATION                    Nonprofit Org.</B></div> <div> <B>5480 W. Arrowhead Lakes Dr.                         U.S. Postage</B></div> <div> <B>Glendale, AZ  85308                                   PAID</B></div> <div> <B>                                             Permit #61</B></div> <div> <B>                                             Southampton, PA</B></div> <div> <B>                                             18966</B></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>