Winter 2008

<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="4" 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="4" 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               WINTER 2008                    </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>A MESSAGE FROM THE LEFT SEAT:</B> </div> <div> As Carter Nute, co-coordinator of the 2009 reunion (along with Jim Mattson - as Carter notes, both trained by me) states in his following article, the reunion will be at Branson, MO on 17-21 May 2009, and the plans are well under way.  From everything I've been told, it sounds like a great one. It may seem early (over a year off), but I suggest that you all start thinking about it now. A year goes by quickly.</div> <div>  </div> <div> The reunion business meeting, which was scheduled to be on May `08, has now been officially cancelled. For the following reasons:</div> <bR> <div> 1. We do not have a sufficient amount of squadron business to generate a productive meeting.</div> <div>     If we did hold a meeting, even a non-productive meeting, we wouldn't have a sufficient number of Board members present to make it any formal decisions.</div> <div> 2. Both Carter and Jim have been trained by myself and have the situation well in hand, consequently, any efforts to oversee their actions by the Board would be superfluous.</div> <div> 3. In the event that item 3) above falls short, Dick can contact Karen Steel to resolve any outstanding issues. </div> <div> 4. It is felt that money saved by going this route would be better applied by making more generous contributions to our Association. </div> <div>      </div> <div> We're still trying to locate missing squadron mates. Please check the roster on our web site and if you see anyone with a "U" for unknown, and you're aware of his location, email address, etc, please notify Dale Woods, Frank Balogh, and Dan Dwyer. Which reminds me.  Now that many of you have elected to forego receipt of a printed newsletter and, instead receive email notification of its availability on our web site, it's even more crucial that you notify us when you change your email address.  We don't want to lose you.</div> <div>  </div> <div> I hope you all had a happy and healthy holiday season, and Donna and I wish for you a wonderful 2008.</div> <div>  </div> <div> See you in Branson.</div> <bR> <div> Bill</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>DONATIONS RECEIVED:</B></div> <div> The following persons have generously made contributions to our organization since the last issue of the newsletter:</div> <div>  </div> <div> Fred Barr - Raymond H. Gaus - Andrew S. Holland - Ed LaFontaine - David H. Messer - Alan J. Pace - Judith F. Ramsden - Les Raye - James T. Samuel, Jr. - John Sheeran - Dale N. Varner - Bruce T. Willey </div> <div>  </div> <div> As Frank says "Keep 'er trimmed and level."</div> <bR> <div> Thanks to each of you for helping to keep our association airborne.</div> <bR> <div> Dick </div> <bR> <div> <B>PLEASE NOTE:</B> 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 <B>Treasurer, Richard S. Webb, 219 Montoya Drive, Lady</B></div> <div> <B>Lake, Florida, 32159-8642.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>A MESSAGE FROM THE WEBMASTER:</B></div> <div>  Another call for biographies:</div> <div>  </div> <div> To date, we have only 51 published biographies of our squadron members. This is just a few, out of a combined membership of hundreds. To use a contemporary vernacular, "What's up with that??”  Is it a privacy issue, modesty, or lack of confidence? Are you so busy you can't take a few moments to scribble a few lines and send them to me? Your squadron mates are interested in knowing how your life went since they last had any contact with you. You probably would like to know the same about them. So don't be stingy. Send me your bio information via email, or put it into an envelope and mail it to me. My email and postal addresses follow. PLEASE...the VPB-111/ VP-21 Veterans Association wants your biography!</div> <div>  </div> <div> Keep 'er trimmed & level,</div> <bR> <div> Frank Balogh Jr. VP-21, 58-61 <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>.</div> <div> 1749 Burroughs Dr.</div> <div> Dayton, OH 45406</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>TAPS:</B></div> <div> It is with deep regret that I make mention the passing of  </div> <div>  Joseph Konkolics. Served in VPB 111 from '43-'45. No other information available. </div> <div>  May he rest in peace.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>LOST MAVERICKS ROUNDED UP:</B></div> <div> The following lost mavericks have now been rounded-up:</div> <bR> <div> <B>Phillip J. Cronis,</B> AX3. Served in VP21 from June 1968 to November 1969. </div> <div> E42 Scotty Hollow Drive, North Chelmsford, MA 01863</div> <bR> <div>  Welcome back, Phillip.</div> <bR> <div> <B>SICK BAY:</B>  </div> <div> No sick, lame, or lazy reported in this quarter. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>FROM THE ON-LINE COORDINATOR:</B></div> <div> The VPB-111/VP-21  EMAIL roster currently contains the email addresses of four hundred seventy five members of the association.   If you would like to be included on the EMAIL roster or else receive a copy of it, please send your name, city and state of residence, dates in/out of the squadron, and current EMAIL address to the roster's coordinator, Dan Dwyer at <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="mailto:DDwyer@Maine.RR.Com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:DDwyer@Maine.RR.Com"><U><U>DDwyer@Maine.RR.Com</U></U></A></FONT>.  As always, we request that you check/verify your entry on the roster for accuracy and that you take the time to check the section that lists those members with whom we have lost contact due to their changing email addresses and who have not notified us.  If you have a current EMAIL address for any of those that are among the lost, please contact Dan at the address above. </div> <bR> <div> Dan Dwyer</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>FROM THE RADIO COMPARTMENT:</B></div> <div> I guess I'm just getting old as I wonder what the current generation is thinking.  Recently my hometown of Glendale, Arizona hosted the Super Bowl.  When the colors were presented and the national anthem was played, I was dismayed at the number of people who were standing with a beer in one hand and a cell phone in the other.  Is it just me?  I can't imagine a single member of our group behaving in this manner.  I ran across a small article that was published some years ago that expresses my feelings and those of others of my (our) generation.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Remember Me?</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I've been called Star-Spangled Banner by some. Others refer to me as Old Glory. </B></div> <div> Whatever they call me, I am your flag, the flag of the United States of America.</div> <div> Something has been bothering me, so I thought I might talk it over with you, because it has to do with you and me. </div> <div> I remember the day when people lined up on both sides of the street to watch a parade - like always, I was leading the parade, proudly waving in the breeze. When I passed by your daddy, he immediately removed his hat and placed it against his left shoulder so the hand was directly over his heart. Do you remember? </div> <div> Over the years I've walked down a lot of city streets and I don't see this any longer. </div> <div> What Happened? I'm still the same old flag. I've earned a few more stars since you were a child. I've seen a lot more battles since those parades of long ago. </div> <div> But now I don't feel as proud as I used to. When I come down the street you just stand there with your hand in your pockets and I may get a small glance when I pass by and then you look the other way. Then I see your children running around and shouting --- they don't seem to know who I am. I passed by this one man and he actually took his hat off. When he didn't see anybody else with theirs off, he quickly put it back on. </div> <div> Is it a sin to be patriotic anymore? Have you forgotten what I stand for and where I've been? The men that have fought for the stars that I carry on my back. Take a look at the Memorial Honor Rolls, read the names of those who never came back, those who fought to keep this republic free... One Nation Under God... when you salute me, you are actually saluting them. </div> <div> The day will come when I will be coming down your street again. So when you seen me, stand straight, place your right hand over your heart, be proud, and I will salute you by waving back. I'll know that... </div> <div> <I>You Remembered.</I></div> <div> Thanks,</div> <div> Dale Woods</div> <div> 5480 W. Arrowhead Lakes Drive</div> <div> Glendale, AZ  85308</div> <div> 623-376-8851 (ph and fax)</div> <bR> <div> MARCH 2008 EDITION</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>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> Richard S. Webb, Dir/Treasurer, 219 Montoya Dr., Lady Lake, FL  32159-8642</div> <div> Frank Balogh, Web-site/Director1749 Burroughs Dr, Dayton, OH 45406</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>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>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> <div> <B>VPB-111/VP21 VETERANS ASSOCIATION                    Nonprofit Org.</B></div> <div> <B>5480 W. Arrowhead Lakes Dr.                         U.S. Postage</B></div> <div> Glendale, AZ  85308                                   PAID Permit #61</div> <div> <B>Return Service Requested</B><B>                                             </B></div> <div> <B>                                             Southampton, PA</B></div> <div> <B>                                             18966</B></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>