USS MAHAN ASSOCIATION

                      DD 102         DD  364            DLG  11         DDG 42            DDG 72

 

1 January 2009

 

Here we are in a new year and I want to wish each and every one of you the very best.

I guess it is one of the facts of life that our country is in the doldrums and it seems we have nothing to say

about it or cannot by ourselves do anything about it either.  We can only keep a stiff upper lip and say a few

prayers, and hope for the best.

 

Our last reunion in Corpus Christi seemed to be a great success.  Jim Storey did a great job.

We started off  the first day with a tour and lunch aboard the Aircraft Carrier, USS Lexington,  which seems the way we

start all of our reunions anymore.  Then we toured the Texas State Aquarium.

 

The tour to King Ranch was great.  It is hard to fathom any one ranch containing 800 thousand acres.  Had lunch at one of the ranch’s line shacks. 

Was kind of high class because they delivered a catered barbecue in a pickup.   We also spent some time in the Ranch  town of Kingsville. 

Went to the King Ranch Saddle Shop and an old time Soda fountain and Ice Cream Shoppe.

 

Had a great banquet and lots of time in the hospitality room with old friends and new members.

Our guest speaker, Capt. Mark Rios, Commanding Officer of Mine Countermeasure Squadron, home-

ported in Corpus Christi gave some very interesting stories about Adm. Mahan.

 

I am sorry to say that some of our old standbys couldn't make it.  Dave and Marion Krumlauf both became

ill and  had to cancel out.   Also we were informed the day the reunion started that George Fleming

had to check into the hospital with signs of a heart attack.  I did get a chance to talk to George about

the middle of Nov. and he told me that it was a false alarm and he was doing ok.  I also got my annual

Christmas card from David Bradford, DD364, says he is getting along pretty good and sure misses the

reunions.  He is only 95 years old so some of you 364 fellows should drop him a line.

It was good to see Don Henson and his family of the 364 back and Dave Ortmeyer of the 11.

We also had some first time attendees,   Bill Skripko, Ernest Brannum, Jim Rodenkirch, Sam Chirco, Frank Hanak and Tom McGee.

 

It was decided that we will hold our 2009 reunion in Tucson, AZ.  At this mailing the dates are 28 Oct. to

1 Nov. at the Hilton Tucson East,  7600 East Broadway, Tucson, Arizona.  There is preliminary information on the web-site and more will follow. 

Full information will be in the July newsletter, on the web, or you can contact me at 6832 Shepherd Rd.  Shepherd, MT, 59079, 

406-373-6254---406-690-7831.

 

I think one of the reasons for choosing Tucson is that there is no aircraft carrier there.  (Hee Hee) 

 

And now a message from our President:

 

Greetings

First, let me wish you a very Merry Christmas and Health, Happiness, and Prosperity in the New Year.

We had a very enjoyable reunion thanks to the efforts of Gary White and Jim Storey.  Next year we sail into a new port for our annual get together.  Tucson, AZ promises to be a very interesting and fun time.  I look forward to seeing everyone in the fall.

 

All the best

Jeff

 

As most of you know, Russ Owens is the operator of our Ships Store.

The following is his message:

 

The new ball caps are in, with the association artwork on them,  same as on the polo shirts.

Hats are $13 plus shipping.  They can be ordered in either blue or white. Check out the store on the

web-site.  My T and sweat shirt supply is getting low, and it will be time to re-order.  If you have a particular size or design request,

get it in to me before the re-order.

 

Russ Owens

Ships store Operator

DLG 11    64 to 66

 

You can reach Russ by e-mail at Galaxierus@aol.com or at 414-425-9213.

His mailing address is 12314 Woods Rd.  Franklin, WI   53123-1369

 

 

I would like to stress once again, if anyone has anything that they would like to include in the newsletter to please let me know. 

Sometimes my feeble mind is at a loss so anything would be appreciated.

 

Our Webmaster, Dick Hallowell, has put together a roster and addresses for the Association and it is available now either from

Dick by e-mail or a printed copy from me.  The hard copies will be printed and mailed at a cost of $4.00 for the complete list or

I can print them by Ship No.  I know that quite a few of our members  have asked for this in the past and thanks to Dick we finally got it done.

You can e-mail Dick at mahanwebmaster@cox.net or me at ussmahandlg11@yahoo.com.  My mailing address is Jerry Emmett   6832 Shepherd Rd. 

 Shepherd, Montana.  59079.  I can be reached by phone at 406-373-6254 or 406-690-7831. 

 

I would also like to express that if anyone has a change of snail mail address or e-mail please let us know so that we can keep the records straight.

 

Also if you receive a hard copy of the newsletter and you have an e-mail address,  you can save the Association the postage of the hard copy.

 

The following is a list of new members since our last newsletter.

David M. Parker   EMC   DLG11                          Terry R. Florczak  SN    DLG 11

Dennis Barnard  E-2   DLG 11                              Gordon Dyer   BT2   DDG 42

Robert Callahan  EN2  DDG 42                            Leonard Snyder   PO2  DDG 42

James Gould   BT3    DLG 11                               Jerry Scoby    GMG3   DLG 11

Lee Bradshaw  PO2   DDG 42                              Robert Butcher GSM1   DDG 42

Neil Mortenson    BT2     DLG 11                         Robin Richardson  OS2     DDG 42

Ronald Peterson     BT2                                        Jim Rodenkirch  ET1   DLG-11

 

I guess it is that time of the year again when we have to remind everyone that our association is non-profit and that we are run by donations. 

As we have stated  before that if we charged dues and someone didn't pay we would have to drop them from the rolls.  Therefore we accept donations. 

They can be mailed to our Association Treasurer, made out to USS MAHAN ASSOCIATION,

 

Gary White,  10534 Rippling Fields Dr.  Houston, TX 77064-4298

 

Also anyone who would like to make a tax free donation to the Mahan Scholarship Fund can send same to Gary, made out to USS MAHAN SCHOLARSHIP.

 

The following shipmates were unable to answer Roll Call during 2008.

Lewis Bertussi   DD 364                                          Elmer Goforth       DD 364

John Mathews    DD 364                                          Harry Williams     DD 364

Stanly Ulrich     DLG 11                                          Arthur Jackson     DD 364

Jake Josie          DD 364                                           Beverly  Sweet  

Lorena Revell

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                                          

I I know all of you have shivered to the notes of taps but how many of you have ever heard the words?

                                                                                                                                                                       

 Day is done,  Gone the sun,  From the lakes,  From the hills,  From the sky,  All is well,  God is nigh.

Fading light,  Dims the sight,  And  a star,  Gems the sky,  Gleaming Bright.

From afar,  Thanks and praise, For our days, Neath the sun,  Neath the stars, Neath the sky,  As we go,

This we know, God is nigh.

 

Lord keep our service men and women safe whether they serve overseas or at home.  Hold them in your loving arms and protect

them as they  protect us.  You and they are the reasons for the many freedoms we enjoy.

                                                                                                                                                                           

In closing, may God continue to bless America.  Hope to see you all in Tucson in 09.

 

Jerry