Summer 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> <div> <B>John G. Esposito, Editor               SUMMER 2008                    </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>A MESSAGE FROM THE LEFT SEAT:</B> </div> <div> In the last issue I mentioned the artifacts that Jerry Owens (`63-`65) sent to us for our Association Museum collection. Since then (and possibly as a result of that article), two more squadron members have made equally generous contributions. From CDR Bob Campbell (`68-`69), I received his Command Pendant (as XO), and from AT1 Dave Johnston a genuine SP2H NATOPS Manual (I went through it and can't believe that at one time I actually KNEW everything in it). I can't tell you how very much these items are appreciated.  With your help, our museum continues to grow. I encourage all of you to consider adding your piece of history to our collection.</div> <div>  </div> <div> In the latest copy of the Patroller, the NASB newspaper, it was announced that the official date for closing the Commissary is 19 March 2011. By then there won't be much Navy presence here except for us veterans.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Have a great Navy summer and we'll see you in Branson next spring.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Bill</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <div> DONATIONS RECEIVED:</div> <div> The following named persons have generously made a contribution to our organization</div> <div> since the last issue of the Newsletter:</div> <div>  </div> <div> William F. Aspinall - Charles M. Brune - Phillip T. Byrd - Richard R. Cattrysse - </div> <div> James A. Diemer - Guy C. Hammersmith - David E, Johnston - Donald J. Moon -</div> <div> Joseph E. Sheehan - Howard E. Whalen  </div> <div>  </div> <div> Thanks to each of you for helping to keep our association airborne.</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <div> Dick </div> <bR> <div> <B>PLEASE NOTE:</B> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >The VPB-111/VP-21 Veterans Association charges</FONT></div> <div> no dues. Our operations are totally supported by the generous contributions of our</div> <div> 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"</div> <div> Organization. As such, contributions are legitimate tax deductions. Please make your contribution checks payable to the "VPB-111/VP-21 Veterans Association" </div> <div> and forward them to the Treasurer, Richard S. Webb, 219 Montoya Drive, Lady</div> <div> Lake, Florida, 32159-8642.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>A MESSAGE FROM THE WEBMASTER:</B></div> <div> Since the last newsletter and my call for biographies and photos, I have received a 1963 Med-cruise book from Manfred "Moosejaw" Lenz. Thanks Moosejaw! Unfortunately, I've been unable to scan and publish it to our website due to time, and several lightening related thunderstorms which have wreaked havoc with my computer system. Also, it is possible I've lost emails sent to me in the last three weeks (Last half of May and first part of June), so if you've sent anything to me during that period, would you please resend? I believe my system is now up to par, and I will scan and publish Moosejaw's Med-cruise book soon.</div> <div>  </div> <div> I am still particularly interested in receiving biographies. Biographies are the most important part of the squadron website because they supply both the brick and mortar of its foundation. My thanks again to all of you who have taken the time and effort to send me your bios. Unsurprisingly, the biography pages are the most read section of our website. Please send me yours!</div> <div>  </div> <div> Also, for those of you with already published bios, you may add to, or edit your present biography. After all, some of these bios are many years old, and many of us have lived to extend those biographies, so an UPDATE may well be in order. Just email or send me your changes/ additions.</div> <div>  </div> <div> My best wishes to all for a pleasant summer, and my hopes in seeing as many of you as possible at the reunion in Branson next year.</div> <bR> <div> Keep 'er trimmed & level,</div> <bR> <div> Frank Balogh Jr. VP-21, 58-61 <FONT SIZE="3" 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> <div> Email: Airmail7@VP-21.org </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>TAPS:</B></div> <div> It is with deep regret that I make mention of the passing of our following shipmates:</div> <div> James H. Adcock, AD3, `50-`53,  passed away on 2 December,2007.</div> <div> James B. Brangenberg served in VPB111.  He passed away on 1 August, 2008</div> <div> Lewis C. Spicuzza AW2 in squadron 1967-1969.  He passed away at the age of  68 on Friday, July 4, 2008.</div> <div> Cecil Martin Russ. Served in VPB111. He passed away 25 May 2008. </div> <div> Roscoe, Harvey H. Served in VPB111. He passed away on Jan. 12, 2008. US Navy aviator WW II; Distinguished Flying Cross recipient; MIT grad; ret. Raytheon. </div> <div> Ralph A. Finley. Served in VPB111. He passed away 20 May 2008. He was 85.</div> <div> Richard 'Dick' Lamb Peters. Served in VPB111. He was 79. He passed away on 12 April 2008. </div> <div> Mike Zubiate. Served in VP21. He passed away 23 December, 2007.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Paul Chiarantone.  He served in VP21 from '55 to '57. He passed away 22 March 2008-08. No additional info given. He was in VP21, `55-`57.</div> <div> Joseph Prokay. Served in VP21 from '62 to '64. Passed away on 8 April '08.  He was 82 years old.  </div> <div> Joan Sheets, the widow of Capt Bob Sheets, passed away on August 23, 2008 after a lengthy illness at her home in Topsham, Maine.</div> <bR> <div> George Milkowski.  Served in VP21 from '62 to '64. He was an AMC. He passed away on 17 November 1996. </div> <bR> <div> May they rest in peace?</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>LOST MAVERICKS ROUNDED UP:</B></div> <div> No new mavericks have been rounded-up this quarter:</div> <bR> <div> <B>SICK BAY:</B>  </div> <div> Your prayers are requested for the speedy recovery of Donna Locke, wife of our Chairman, Bill Locke. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>FROM THE ON-LINE COORDINATOR:</B></div> <div> As a result of the transmission of the last newsletter in June, we now have an additional twelve of our members who no longer have correct Email addresses on file with the association.  If you have a current Email address for these twelve members please provide it to Dan Dwyer at <FONT SIZE="3" 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>.  On a happier note, we have received new Email addresses for fourteen of our members for a net gain of two additional correct email addresses.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Jack BAMBERGER</div> <div> Jack BANTA</div> <div> Charles BARTLETT</div> <div> Ales BOKSAN</div> <div> Richard BROWNING</div> <div> James C. EDWARDS</div> <div> Frank FLOYD</div> <div> Cliff MORNINGSTAR</div> <div> Dick PETERSON</div> <div> Doug SEAFORD</div> <div> Bill SKERJANCl</div> <div> Bob STRICKLAND</div> <div> Jim THOMAS</div> <div>  </div> <div> Dan Dwyer</div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:DDwyer1@Maine.RR.Com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:DDwyer1@Maine.RR.Com"><U><U>DDwyer1@Maine.RR.Com</U></U></A></div> <bR> <div> Dan Dwyer</div> <bR> <div> <B>FROM THE RADIO COMPARTMENT:</B></div> <div> On Aug 21, 2008 I received a phone call from a man I didn't know.  He identified himself as Richard Johnson of Mesa, AZ.  Mr. Johnson researches crash sites and had a story to tell.</div> <bR> <div> In 1987, while investigating a crash site in Skull Valley near Prescott, AZ, he was interrupted by a cowboy who mentioned another crash site nearby. </div> <bR> <div> He followed this cowboy to the crash site and uncovered the wreckage of a Navy F8F-1.  It took several years to unravel the mystery.  It was the crash of a LCDR named Cecil Louis McNeal.  LCDR McNeal had been the XO VP-21 to CDR Albright, 1950-51.</div> <bR> <div> LCDR McNeal had been flying from Glenview to NAF San Diego when inclement weather caused him to crash into a mountain in Skull Valley.  The date was Nov 15, 1952.</div> <bR> <div> Mr. Johnson had a memorial stone created and after locating LCDR McNeal's two surviving sons, made the trek to the crash site and had a small memorial service with the sons in attendance.  To me, this is above and beyond what could be expected of another human being, but that is Mr. Johnson.</div> <bR> <div> If anyone knew LCDR McNeal and has stories, photos or fill-in information to share with the sons, Mr. Johnson requests you call him at 480-703-2897.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <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> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> JUNE                               SUMMER 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> <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 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>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<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > class bulk-rate mail from Southampton, PA, Post Office (Permit #61). All </FONT>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> <bR> <bR> <bR> <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     Southampton, PA </B></div> <div> <B>18966     </B>                         </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>