USS MAHAN ASSOCIATION

                      DD 102         DD  364            DLG  11         DDG 42            DDG 72

7 July 2006

Here it is time for the mid year newsletter and hoping that all is well with all the membership.

Let me start off with giving you some old cowboy advice.

     Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.

     Most of the stuff folks worry about is never going to happen anyway,

     If you are going to worry, don’t pray. If you are going to pray, don’t worry.

     Don’t judge folks by their relatives.

     Beauty is only skin deep but ugly is clear to the bone.

     Don’t hollar “whoa” in a mudhole.

     Keep skunks and lawyers at a distance.

     You cannot unsay cruel words.

     Do not corner something that is meaner than you are.

     Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

     If you find yourself in a hole,  the first thing is to stop digging.

     Letting the cat out of the bag is easier than putting it back in.

     Keep your words sweet,  just in case you have to eat them.

     It doesn’t take a genius to spot a goat in a heard of sheep.

     The easiest way to eat crow is while it is still warm, If it gets cold, its hard to swallow.

     Never cheat on a card game, a horse race, or a good woman.

     And last but not least,  never squat with your spurs on.

Since the last newsletter we did get some word on the Mahan Scholarship fund from the Navy League.

It seems that somehow they decided that instead of giving out $2500 to a new scholar that they would give out $2500 each year to one person for a total of $10,000 dollars.  I myself think this is a subject for discussion at the association meeting in San Diego.

It seems that our web-master,  Dick Hallowell, took a little trip to Alaska this summer and the pure air and excitement was nearly too much for him.  Seems it turned out to be bad for his heart.  Seeing as how he is back in San Diego and in charge of the Reunion and the Website again he must be back in good shape.

I also received word that Phyllis Hancock and Gilda Marissi had signed up for the reunion but had to cancel out due to Medical reasons.  Everyone give  them a note or a phone call to let them know we are thinking about them.

I received an e-mail from Bobby Goin, who’s father was a member of the DD 364 crew, telling me that he was contacted by the daughter of an old 364 shipmate.  He would very much like to get in touch with some of his old shipmates.

Any of you 364 men can contact him in Las Vegas.

Ira James (Jim) Pratt,   4538 Crystal Peak Drive, Las Vegas, NV.  89115-2778     (702-643-0239.

Some very sad moments again as we have been informed of the passing of  some of our shipmates:

12 October 05 - Richard A. Fay SN1/c   DD-364   Apr 44-Dec 44

15 Nov 05 - RADM Barry K. Atkins   DD-364   Oct 36-June 38

3 Dec 05 - Donald Fifield TM1    DD-364   May 41-Apr 44

6 Jan 06 - LCDR Walter Czerwonka,  plankowner of DLG 11, May 60-Oct 62.  Ski as he was know to all of us on the 11 drew the design and motto of the DLG 11.

25 Feb 06- Evert Vernamen IC1    DDG 42.  Aug 77-Nov 80

2 Mar 06 - Elmer Hensarling SN 1/C    DD364     21 Apr 44-7 Dec 44

2 May 06 - Gene Merrill SM3    DD 364  17 Aug 42 to 7 Dec 44.

 May they rest in Peace.

 A message from our president, Jeff Sweet:

"Greetings,

We’re getting close to reunion time in San Diego. The itinerary looks great and I expect we will have a spectacular time there. It’s also time to think about next year’s reunion. There was no response on a cruise so I’m not wasting any more time on that idea. Anyone that would like to host next year, please contact me at tcws@verizon.net or see me in San Diego. Bill Sumner is planning on stepping down this year as treasurer so we will be looking for a replacement. Hope to see you in September.

All the best, Jeff"

 From our treasurer, Bill Sumner:

"This last year we have received $520.00 in contributions , and another $232.00 in reunion refunds. Our expenses are $726.00 so we have just about broken even. The bank account still shows near the amount of .$13,000 .

Since we have little or no interest in adding to the USS Mahan scholarship program and no other programs in sight I am wondering where to use these funds. The by-laws do make notice for assistance to our members in need so that is another possibility. I guess that a meeting of the Board of Directors will be necessary.

Also, I feel that a new Treasurer should be considered since 82 years has just about left me in the slow lane.  Bill"

Bobby Goin also mentioned to me that he was interested in talking to any of the DD 364 men.  He is considering writing a book about the ship and the men who served in her.

He also mentioned he was very much interested in the efforts of Rob Lalumiere to make a dive on the 364 wreckage.  I don’t know if anything has come of this since it was mention in the last newsletter.

I’m sure that if he is going to make the dive that he will be in touch with Dick at the website and let us know. I’m sure it would be a great adventure.

Last I heard from Bill Sumner, our treasurer, that donations were down compared to the past.  Let me remind you again that we are a non-profit organization and all our finances come from donations.

Let me encourage one and all to give as little or as much as they see fit.

An e-mail from Dick on the reunion in San Diego tells us that reservations at the hotel need to be made by 14 Aug in order to get the reunion rate.  He also needs your registration fees by that date if possible.  He does have a little leeway for the registration but not much.

The Hotel is $103 per night plus taxes.    Reservations can be made on line by going to Red Lion Hanalei.

When registering on line use "Ussmahan" as your password.

You can also register by Phone at 1-800-882-0858.

 Link to the Tour/Banquet sign-up form.