VPB-111/VP-21
VAGABOND NEWS
John G. Esposito, Editor FALL 2005
A MESSAGE FROM THE LEFT HAND SEAT:
The 2005 reunion booklets have been distributed. Several have been returned due to incorrect addresses (our roster is only as accurate as the information you provide). Anyone who attended the reunion and has not received his copy, please contact me and I'll get one to you.
In the last newsletter I asked that you send me your Irving Glick stories. So far I've received only one (from Dan Dwyer) and one more has been promised (by Frank Balogh), but there are a lot more out there. Don't forget, Irving Glick is EVERYMAN who ever served in the VP community. We all have stories that are better accredited to (or blamed on) Irving. Such as the time Irving made two unauthorized low passes during the 1965/1966 Iceland deployment, one down the parking ramp at Keflavik, and the other at the Air Force radar site on the southeast tip of Iceland. Following the second low pass, Commander Mike Johnson, squadron XO and OIC of the Iceland deployment group, presented Irving with a card that stated, "Lieutenant Irving H. Glick is authorized TWO low passes during the Iceland deployment." The card had two holes punched in it.
So send in your stories, please. If you're uncertain of your writing skills, don't worry. Just provide the gist of the story, and I'll be happy to smooth it up for you.
Bill Locke
FROM THE WEB MASTER:
Peter Bresciano, CPO ret. and son of deceased member Louis Bresciano, VPB-111, has been very kind in sending me his father's photos and other VPB-111 memorabilia representing the years 1943-1945. When I have it all, I will publish it on our website for all to see and enjoy. Already published is Louis's biography, another effort by his son. Thank you, Chief B!
Frank
DONATIONS RECEIVED:
The following persons have generously made contributions:
Ottis Haugland, William Locke, Eugene T. Sullivan, Richard S. Webb, William D. Weir, Jr., Edward B. Winkler, Dale E. Woods, Jerry M. Keltner, Eldon E. Edens, Carrie D. Huber, H. Clark Island.
Thanks for your help in keeping our association airborne.
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(C) 19, of the Internal Revenue Code as a "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 the Treasurer, Richard S. Webb, 219 Montoya Drive, Lady
Lake, Florida, 32159-8642.
TAPS:
It is with deep regret that I make mention of our following shipmates who have recently passed on:
Captain John G. Boniface, USN retired, died October 13, 2005 in McKinney, TX of end stage Waldenstrom's macroglobulenemia.
Born Oct. 1, 1922 in Cheyenne, WY when his father, the late Col. John J. Boniface U.S. Cavalry, was commanding officer of Fort D.A.Russell.
Jack, as his friends knew him, graduated from Austin High School in El Paso and the Allen Academy in Bryan. He graduated from the U.S.Naval Academy on June 6, 1945, with the class of 1946. He was also a graduate of the school of Naval Warfare at the Naval War College, and earned a M.S. in International Relations from George Washington University.
He served on the USS Bunker Hill, USS Steamer Bay, and USS Pasadena before reporting to Flight training. After receiving his wings, he served in Patrol Squadron 2, BAR El Segundo, and VR-23 Det. Phil. before duty in the NROTC Unit at the University of Missouri, Columbia.
Subsequently, he served in Patrol Squadron 21, Patrol Squadron 30, as navigator in USS Lake Champlain, and on the staff of the Naval War College. His commands included Patrol Squadron 21, USS Chara, AE-31 with retirement as Commander Fleet Air Wing 8.
Decorations included: American Defense Medal, Asiatic Pacific, China Service Extended, WWII Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal with one star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, and Bronze Star Medal.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth (Beegee); a daughter, Elizabeth Hurst; two sons, Cdr. John M. Boniface, 1971, and Capt. William S. Boniface, 1972; eight grandchildren, including LTJG Robin M. Boniface, 2002; and one great-granddaughter.
He was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, USNA Alumni Association, Dadaelians, VFW, American Legion, and the Fleet Reserve Association. Inurnment of ashes will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to IWMF, 3932 D Swift Road, Sarasota, FL 34231-6541.
Victor G. Hassell (CDR) passed away Aug 16, 2005. No cause given.
Tom Griffin passed on Aug 21, 2005. Tom's widow Elaine expressed her thanks for all who called him during his time in hospice. Reason of death was bone cancer stemming from prostate problems.
John D. (Waldo) Lane, ADR2. Plane Captain LH 9 while in VP21. Died 18 May 1979 at Lajes, Azores while TAD with VP-93 out of Selfridge AFB, MI. He was a TAR and had made Chief.
SMALL STORES: “Two Turning, Two Burning” hats available for shipment. Cost $15.00 each plus $3.85 shipping cost.
Ron
SICK BAY:
No sick, lame or lazy were reported to be in the `Sick Bay' this quarter, thanks be to God.
LOST SHEEP FOUND:
The following persons have recently been rounded up, and have been piped back on board:
Jack Sheeran, YN3. VP-21 from OCT 1960 to JUN 1963.
15400 18 Mile Rd, Apt B323, Clinton Twp., MI.
David Messer, AT 2. VP21 from 1958 to 1962.
PO Box 51065, Midland, TX 79710 Phone: 432-683-1297
Comments: I was an AC and flew radar and radio on LH-5, among others, P2V-7 Neptune. Would love to hear from others in VP-21 from that era.
Lyle U'ren, LT. VP21 from '62 to '65. Email: K "mailto:CAPTLYLEJ@AOL.COM" CAPTLYLEJ@AOL.COM ,
Address1: PO BOX 8887, Reno, NV 89507, Phone (775) 747-7262
Welcome back to the fold, guys! Hope to see you at the next reunion.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS: Have a happy, joyous and safe holiday. May God bless all of you!
John
DECEMBER (FALL) EDITION: 2005
VPB-111/VP-21 VETERANS ASSOCIATION
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!
Directors:
Wallace L. Lightfoot, Chairman Emeritus, 349 McIntosh Ave., Orange Park, FL 32073
William Locke, Chairman, 255 Mere Point Rd., Brunswick, ME 04011
Dale Woods, Secretary, 5480 W. Arrowhead Lake Dr. Glendale, AZ 85308-6290
Richard S. Webb, Dir/Treasurer, 219 Montoya Dr., Lady Lake, FL 32159-8642
John G. Esposito, Editor/Director, 862 Central Ave., Southampton, PA 18966
Edward LaFontaine, Museum Director, 161 Jackson Dr., Frankfort, KY 40601
Fred Schuster, Dir/Historian, 2713Cabin Creek Rd., Edwardsville, IL 62025
Dan Dwyer, Online Coordinator, Director, #6 Sarah Liberty Lane, Scarborough, ME 04074
Robert Nelson, Special Projects, 49 Woodland Drive, Tequesta FL 33469
Harry Dunlap, Director, 5803 Eastshore Dr., Pensacola FL 32505
Ron Novay, Director/Storekeeper, 7775 LakeHardeman Rd., Saulsburry, TN 38067
Frank Balogh, Web-site/Director1749 Burroughs Dr, Dayton, OH 45406
Garry Gross, Director, 8660 East Rosemont Court, Inverness, FL 34450
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 it prior to the publishing quarter to John G. Esposito, 862 Central Ave., Southampton, PA 18966. All inputs will be published in a timely manner.
VPB-111/VP21 VETERANS ASSOCIATION Nonprofit Org.
5480 W. Arrowhead Lakes Dr. U.S. Postage
Glendale, AZ 85308- 6290 PAID
Permit #61
Southampton, PA 18966
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