The Newsletter April 2014

Dues…Dues…Dues

In the October 2013 newsletter, we sent out a request for dues to cover the expense of printing and mailing future newsletters. To date, we have had a very small response. As your volunteers we ask, “Did you forget to send your dues in?” or “Do you not want the newsletter?”. The existing funds will pay for this newsletter, but we need your dues for future mailings. We certainly don’t want to omit anyone from our mailings, so please take a moment to fill out the form on the last page, and mail it in with your dues. Want your newsletter via email? Follow the instructions on the form on the last page.

Note: Your dues are funding the newsletter only. Funds for the Squadron Reunions are kept in a separate account.

Navy Squadrons 106/102/14
24th Reunion
San Antonio, Texas
October 26 – 30, 2014

We have contracted with the Embassy Suites Hotel again and are set to reunite in San Antonio in October. We have booked October since south Texas has a warmer climate. We will be staying on the Riverwalk so once again we will be in the center of all the attractions of the city. The Riverwalk has walkways or you can use a water taxi to get to restaurants and shopping along the water. We will focus our group tours on places farther out and beyond walking distance.

River view of Embassy Suites

Last year everyone was pleased with the Embassy Suites in Chicago so we thought we would give it another go. The complimentary hot breakfast and the nightly Manager’s Reception offsets the price difference of other hotels plus makes a great gathering place for our group. The Embassy Suites San Antonio Riverwalk was recently built in 2010, houses a restaurant/bar and has function space for our banquet.

125 E. Houston Street, San Antonio, TX 78205

Accommodations

All 2-room suites with a separate bedroom and living room (with sofa bed), 2 TVs, coffee maker, micro, mini frig, hair dryer, iron

Amenities

Complimentary hot breakfast. 2 hour nightly Manager’s Reception with complimentary drinks and snacks. Valet parking with in and out privileges - $27/day. **HHonors members receive points and free wifi. Sign up for free before making reservations.

Group Blocked Rooms

Check in Sunday, 10/26, 3pm | depart Thursday, 10/29, noon. $159 nightly for a standard suite with 1 or 2 people/add $20 each for the 3^rd and 4^th persons. You may upgrade to a (1) Riverview or Corner Suite @ $179, (2) 2 bedroom, 2 bath suite @ $259. Group rate offered 3 days pre/post, upon availability (not in our blocked rooms, reserve early!) 72 hour cancellation policy.

Room Reservations

(800) 362-2779 or www.embassysuitesriverwalk.com. Use our group code “NAV”

Deadlines: 7/15/14, We will release some of the rooms if 80% of our blocked rooms are not reserved. 9/28/14 Hotel’s last day for the $159 group rate.

Please reserve rooms ASAP……

More information on the 2014 Reunion in the next newsletter.

Scuttlebutt

Bob Sausen (106) – Many thanks and gratitude to our volunteers for a wonderful Chicago reunion, and then a great following newsletter. I pray that more of our members can make it next time. One of the special advantages of these reunions is the experiences of seeing another of our great American cities.

Marlin Waechter (102/crew 13/radioman) – in a note to Lisa Kirk…….. Hello from Nebraska! I remember you so well from the narrated bus trip around San Diego during our last reunion there! Tell your Dad “Hi” for me…he and I go back a long way you know…two lifetimes ago it now seems. I’m enclosing a check to keep the newsletters coming…even tho we missed the Chicago gathering, and at my age of almost 92 no doubt my last…but enjoy reading about them! I appreciate all you do to keep the organization running. My very best wishes and keep up the good work.

Eva Antell, wife of Russ Antell (102 & 106) – I do like to read about the reunions. I will not be able to attend anymore reunions, heart operation and 4 strokes. Old age is for the birds. Russ (Ace) died Oct. 30, 2008. While he was living, he always enjoyed the reunions and seeing his buddies. He retired from teaching after 35 years at age 58 and from that time on we traveled and enjoyed. Miss the good years, but nice to look back on. Regards to all at next reunion.

Charles (Bill) Willard (102) – in a note to Lisa Kirk……It was nice talking to you. I will be glad to receive the newsletter, maybe I can find some of my old crew. It has been 70 years since we have all been together. I had all of my service pictures & souvenirs stolen many years ago. I remember all of our crew when I saw the crew pictures on the 102 website. We were Replacement Crew 12. Maybe I will be able to see you at the next reunion. Thanks for returning my call. (Bill found us on the 102 website. I did not find any of his fellow crew members on our mailing list, but then, we did not have Bill on our list. If anyone has any information on Replacement Crew 12 members, please contact Lisa Kirk.)

Diane Woods, daughter of Thaddeus G. Godfryt (102/14) ……who was a member of your organization. Unfortunately, my Dad passed away July 4, 2013, 1 day shy of his 93^rd birthday. He lived in Oak Lawn, Illinois. I wanted to update your records (both in Taps and Alumni Directory) and let you know that I have inherited all of his photo albums etc that are associated with his time in the Navy. He was stationed at NAS Kaneohe Bay and witnessed December 7^th, 1941. He is included (and named) in both crew shots on your website as he was in VP 14 at that particular time. I would like to learn more about your organization (can I join?) and whether a reunion will be held again in 2014. I live in Texas but do travel back to Chicago to see family/friends that still live there.

James Curylo, son of Walter J. Curylo (102/14) – I’m a bit too young to be a member of VP-14, but you might say I was born into it. My father was Walter J. Curylo who was an AMM1c (NAP) when he joined VP-14 on 3/31/41. He retired as an Aviation Machinist Mate Chief in 1953. He and my mother, Cecelia, were in Kaneohe Bay on the 7^th of December, 1941, I “joined” the squadron on the 15^th of December, 1941. My birth certificate reads that I was delivered in the “U.S. Navy Dispensary” by “G. M. Hutto, M.D.” so that seals my claim. Some irony from later years, I served on the USS Lester, DE-1022, as an electronics technician. The USS Lester was part of an escort squadron that included the USS Van Voorhis, named after the squadron commander of VP-14 who signed my father’s transfer papers in 1943. Both Fred Falkner Lester and Bruce Avery Van Voorhis were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, posthumously. Both my mother and father have passed away but I state with pride that I am Navy.

Miriam Stephens, widow of Jerry Stephens (106) – Miriam and her son, Jeff, were in a car accident in November 2013……We were hit head on by a drunk driver. The car was totaled, but everyone survived. As the oldest, I think I got the worst of it, as it feels as tho every bone was broken, although it wasn't, and the air bags really beat us up. Police said they and seat belts saved our lives, so of course, we are grateful, but it still hurts like crazy. Jeff hit his head on the roof and is still nursing a sore neck. I am still sleeping in a chair, since I cannot get out of a bed. One funny thing: did you ever hear of someone who was knocked clear out of her earrings? I missed them when I got home. They found them when they went back to clean out the car on Tuesday and they were clear in the back seat--broken!

David H. Fisher (106) – My crew crashed the 1^st PB4Y-2 with 2 women marines! Just turned 88……going strong.

Donald Dombrowski, son of Leon Dombrowski (106) – I would like to inform you that Leon Dombrowski passed away on 9/15/13. On a more positive note, Dad greatly enjoyed the newsletter and the last reunion in Chicago. I think that was because his Navy service started at Great Lakes.

Carol MacDonald Lucas, daughter(?) of Gordon MacDonald – I am writing to inform you of the passing of Gordon MacDonald on November 9, 2013. He was buried with military honors Nov. 12.

Steven B. Ells, son of Howie Ells (106) - To the Great Men and Families of Navy Squadron 106; This letter is long overdue and difficult to complete. By now, many of you may have already heard the sad news I have to relate. On November 26 of 2013, we said goodbye to my father Howie Ells. This was just three weeks, to the day, after the passing of my mother Maggie, his wife of over 63 years. Although saddened by her loss, my dad saw this as a new opportunity and had decided he was going to move to Florida to live out the rest of his years with us in Tampa. Unfortunately, after spending the majority of his life caring for his wife, his body apparently decided his job had been completed. Dad never talked about his experiences in the Service while I was growing up. I remember, as a young child, asking him if he ever dropped bombs on people. “Yes,” he would say, “I had to.” I then asked him if it ever killed anyone. All he would ever answer was, “I hope not.” Obviously, this was a very somber subject for him. But Dad loved his time with you boys. Once he discovered this group, he embraced his past, had pride in his service and got to be quite talkative in telling me tales about all the events you went through. Whether it was as Commander, tour director, cheerleader – once he got involved, there was little that made him happier than reading, planning or organizing all the reunion materials that he constantly kept around him. I speak for the entire Ells Clan, when I express gratitude to all of you for the brotherhood, camaraderie and family that you shared with us. Nothing has ever managed to swell my heart more than to stand alongside these amazing men at the many banquets and recite the Pledge of Allegiance while these brave shipmates, my father among them, saluted our flag. Thank you for everything; Blue Skies.

From your volunteers - Our thanks to those who sent in their dues with a donation for the Squadron’s Association: Mabel Baker, Melvin Call, Bob Kirk, John Motta, Howie Ells, Ken Thoman, Robert Brodine, Bob Rupkey, Keith and Dorothy Birks.

We welcome any and all of your information, stories, etc.

Tid Bits

Doolittle Raiders Make Final Toast

On November 9, 2013 in a ceremony at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, three out of four of the surviving Doolittle Raiders raised specially engraved silver goblets with an 1896 cognac to toast to comrades who died in or since their bombing attack on Japan over 71 years ago. Toasting were Richard Cole, David Thatcher and Edward Saylor. Robert Hite was unable to travel.

The Oldest Living World War II Veteran

At 107 years old, Richard Overton of Austin, Texas is believed to be the oldest living WWII veteran. In 1942 and in his 30’s, he volunteered and served in the Pacific in the Army’s 188^th Aviation Engineer Battalion (an all Black unit).

Japanese Submarine Discovered (Wikipedia has interesting info on Japanese submarines)

The I-400 Japanese submarine, missing since 1946, was found in August, 2013 off the southwest coast of Oahu at a depth of 2,300 feet. After the Japanese surrender, four submarines where sailed to Hawaii by U.S. Navy technicians for inspection. Upon completion, the submarines were torpedoed and sunk by a U.S. submarine to prevent the technology from being made available to the Soviets who were demanding access to them. The sub was able to travel 1 ½ times around the world without refueling and could hold up to 3 folding-wing bombers. The then technological marvel was believed to be preparing to attack the Panama Canal to block U.S. transit.

YOU’RE VOLUNTEERS

Cheryl Carlson (Reunion) Lisa Kirk (Reunion/Newsletter/Funds) Bob Kirk (102 Website)

2804 N. Augusta Dr. 4426 Maple Ave. 4371 Logrono Dr.

Wadsworth, IL 60083 La Mesa, CA 91941 San Diego, CA 92115

phone: (847) 293-9097 phone: (619) 462-7229 phone: (619) 582-6485

email: crb4433@aol.com email: hollingskirk53@aol.com email: bobkirk@aol.com

Kathy Rottmann (Reunion) Suzanne Ghosn (Reunion/Welcome Bags) Carol Zito (Mailing list)

phone: (224) 304-3685 phone: (619) 857-5816 phone: (516) 375-2054

email: crzyrdhd49@gmail.com email: ysghosn@sbcglobal.net email: czit0@allstate.com

Susan Hayes (106 Website) Steve Theroux (Reunion Research) Terry Dell (102 Webmaster)

susanhayes@optonline.net

Please consider volunteering. We can always use more people to spread the fun around.

The volunteers intend to represent the squadron members in the best way possible.

Memoriam

With sincere regrets we wish to report that since our last newsletter we have received information that the following shipmates have passed away. The great bond these men had that tied them together with their squadron members can never be broken. They served their country, their squadron and their families in the highest tradition of the Navy. May they rest in peace.

VB/VPB/VP 106

Leon T. Dombrowski - died 9/15/13

Howard E. Ells - died 11/26/13

Michael Woleshin - died 2/26/13

VPB 102/14

Gordon Mac Donald - died 11/9/13

Thaddeus G. Godfryt - died 7/4/13

There may be more of our members who have passed on of whom we are unaware.

MEMBERSHIP DUES

In 2011 the membership dues were suspended unless funds were needed in the future. It is now seven newsletters later and we will again be requiring dues to cover the costs of the newsletters. Your dues will be $15 for 2 years for a printed copy via U.S. mail. If you would rather receive your copy as an email attachment you must have Microsoft Word 2010 or newer and there is no charge. Please indicate your preference below.

Option #1 – printed copy via U.S. mail ($15/2 years)

If you would like to receive your copy of the newsletter via U.S. mail, please fill out the information below and mail with your $15 dues to: Lisa Kirk, 4426 Maple Ave., La Mesa, CA 91941

Name: _______________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Phone #: _______________________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________

Check one:

____ squadron member ___________ Squadron # 106 102 14 (circle one)

____ widow of _______________ Squadron # 106 102 14 (circle one)

_____ relative of _________________ Squadron # 106 102 14 (circle one)

_____ relationship ________________

_____ friend of __________________ Squadron # 106 102 14 (circle one)

_____ other: please indicate_____________________________________

Option #2 – via Email (no charge)

If you would like a copy of the newsletter sent via an email attachment and your computer has Microsoft Word 2010 or newer, please email Lisa Kirk at hollingskirk53@aol.com with the following information:

1. Name:

2. Email address:

3. Phone #:

4. Indicate whether you are a squadron member and your squadron number or if you are a widow, relative, friend or other and the name and squadron # of the member you are affiliated with.

*******AS ALWAYS YOUR NEWS, COMMENTS, UPDATES, ETC. ARE WELCOME*******

If you do not want any further newsletters

please avoid the guess work by the volunteers and reply to this request.

Send your name and address

Mail to: Lisa Kirk

4426 Maple Ave.

La Mesa, CA 91941