FRA Today – February 2014
COMMUNICATIONS
FROM THE BRIDGE
SHIPMATE FORUM
ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL
HISTORY & HERITAGE
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
FEATURE— LIGHTER THAN AIR, TOUGH AS NAILS
LOOKING FOR/REUNIONS
TAPS
NEWS FROM THE BRANCHES
NEWS FROM THE AUXILIARY OF THE FRA

COMMUNICATIONS 

What’s Old is New Again
Lighter-than-air (LTA) crafts — the subject of this month’s feature article — served an important role in winning WWII, but as technologies improved, the Navy phased them out in the early 1960s. New uses are now being found for this type of aircraft and the Navy is again using LTA crafts in exciting new ways.
Many actively serving members of today’s military view organizations like FRA in a similar light. Many are seen as fraternal organizations or “good ol’ boy” groups that really don’t “do” anything except provide a watering hole for aging veterans. 
FRA is very proud of the fraternal bond our shipmates share, but our organization is and does so much more! As it has been for nearly nine decades, FRA is a strong advocate for enlisted personnel and their families, but many current and former service members don’t see that work as relevant to their lives. Nothing could be further from the truth!
Many service members, retirees and veterans are unaware of the threats to their current and future benefits. The reduction in cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for younger retirees (referenced on page 8) is a prime example. When I mention this cut in existing benefits to retirees outside our membership, many are surprised. It’s equally surprising to me that they’ve heard nothing about it. Such conversations offer a great opportunity to praise FRA’s work in reporting these threats and our efforts to thwart them. Even if they don’t choose to join our ranks, they are often willing to communicate their concerns to their elected officials through FRA’s online Action Center. 
Those who are aware of these threats often feel they are helpless to do anything about them. Many, particularly those currently serving, don’t feel comfortable communicating their concerns directly with their elected officials and they are understandably hesitant to engage in any sort of demonstration of the very rights they are sworn to protect. 
This is where FRA comes in! We speak for them — in our congressional testimony, written communication with lawmakers and face-to-face visits with legislators on Capitol Hill — when they can’t. And we have the freedom to tell it like it is! 
Protecting enlisted pay and benefits is our primary mission and the cornerstone of our very existence. (See 90th anniversary timeline on page 12.) It is also a key element in promoting the value of FRA membership and should be an essential element of our membership recruiting and retention efforts. Current members who are well-informed and engage in advancing our legislative agenda are more likely to retain their status as FRA shipmates. And the relevance of our Association’s legislative advocacy work should be a strong selling point when promoting FRA to prospective members. 
FRA is proud to be 90 years old and as relevant today as we’ve ever been!

Lauren Armstrong is FRA’s Director of Communications and serves as the Managing Editor of FRA Today. Please contact her at lauren@fra.org.

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FROM THE BRIDGE

Membership is the Association’s top priority and FRA’s success depends on positioning our great organization for the future. 
Since being elected as National President, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with many Sea Service leaders, both officers and enlisted personnel. During these meetings, the primary topic of discussion is always FRA’s mission to improve the quality of life for current and former enlisted service members and their families, including efforts to preserve and enhance the TRICARE benefit and access to it, prevent commissary closures and protect pay and allowances, to name a few. In many cases it became apparent that these leaders know little about these issues and even less about our organization and our efforts to address them. 
It became obvious to me that our rank and file is not using the resources available to them. For example, many branches have members, friends or associates who could use their connections at military bases or in the community to promote our work. It is imperative that we reach out to these members and ask what they might be willing to do to assist us in getting the word out about the FRA. The worst-case scenario is that these members and friends of the FRA will be unable to help. But on the other hand, we might just get some great exposure at little to no expense. 
It was disheartening to hear an installation commander chastise a local branch member for not being more visible within the base community and not using the base resources that were available to him. All we have to do is ask! 
When located near a military installation, branch and regional officers should make an assertive effort to be good ambassadors and make themselves known to the base or installation leadership. Getting to know the officer in charge and senior enlisted personnel can create a relationship that’s beneficial for installation personnel and the FRA. Find out what FRA can do for these service members — set up an award or recognition program, volunteer at the Retired Activities Office, offer to share copies of FRA Today at the base hospital or clinic. Once a relationship has been established, it will be easier to gain access to clubs and exchanges, use the base publication to promote branch and regional events and promote FRA’s legislative advocacy work on behalf of service members, veterans and their families. 
As regional presidents visit the branches in their respective regions, I encourage them to also make command visits whenever possible. These visits provide great visibility for the FRA and increase awareness in a community that’s teeming with prospective shipmates. 
Membership is everyone’s responsibility if we want the Association to thrive into the future. Our National Headquarters staff is here to support us and provide us with the tools and guidance to succeed. Let’s all take a look at the assets available within our branches and regions, as well as those that may be available through other associations, so we can make this a great year for the FRA. 

Virgil Courneya was elected to serve as FRA’s national president during the 2013–2014 Association year.  He is a member of Branch 274 (Reno, Nev.) and can be reached at mgysgtvpc@att.net

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SHIPMATE FORUM  

No Branch Can Bear Fruit by Itself
I have personally observed history in the making since the Great Depression and WWII. The denizens of Washington, D.C., throw money, men, and materials to the armed forces preceding and during armed conflict, but begin to squeeze every drop back even before the last shot is fired. The Pentagon is already starting to reduce military budgets, despite the Middle East conflicts. We must prepare to battle this shortsightedness through the group strength of the FRA. Members and veterans of the Sea Services are facing difficult challenges in protecting their benefits and way of life. Military personnel can do extraordinary things by making their voices heard and by making their actions count. 
FRA is your advocate to Congress and the myriad bureaucracies of the U.S. government. It is an unusual organization wherein its annual agenda is formulated through branch resolutions, voted on by a majority of members and adopted at annual conventions. You can help control all activities within the organization (including election of branch, regional, and national officers) through your branch membership. Just be there to use it! 
Numerous FRA branches are barely limping along, being kept alive by a few dedicated shipmates, some well past their prime. What keeps so many members from getting involved in causes and issues? Some contend that many people with strong fundamental knowledge feel a sense of powerlessness. Others don’t get involved because they believe they must be eloquent to contribute. Nothing could be further from the truth. We need your inputs. 
At age 90, I’m ready to sit back and ruminate over my 65 years of continuous FRA membership, and savor the memory of serving as a delegate to over 30 regional and national conventions. We desperately need your involvement to keep our branches alive and relevant. 
Richard Law 
FRA Response: Like you, Shipmate, FRA turns 90 this year. And, like you, the Association has seen many cycles of military downsizing. Right now, cuts to retired pay, stateside commissaries, veterans’ health benefits, and more are under discussion in Washington. Our HQ legislative team is on top of the issues, but it is really the discussion and action that takes place at the individual member and branch level that truly make the voice of our membership heard on Capitol Hill. Your message is relevant to every member and it should read like the old recruiting posters: FRA Needs YOU—to strengthen our Association and write to your Congressional representatives!

Hospital Corpsman Pride 
As a retired Master Chief Hospital Corpsman, your [February 2013] article captured an aspect of being a Hospital Corpsman that gave me a strong sense of pride and accomplishment. I was an Independent Duty Hospital Corpsman assigned to the Destroyers USS Henry W. Tucker (DD-875) and USS Reeves (DLG-24) during the Vietnam War. The almost three years on those two ships were spent at sea off the Vietnam Coast doing gun fire support and search and rescue missions. The time spent was sometimes stressful, but always rewarding and served with pride.
After my sea duty I was assigned in-country Vietnam to the Naval Station Hospital at DaNang (Nov. 1967 to Nov. 1968). My pride at being a Hospital Corpsman was never so great as seeing the outstanding work being done by the young Hospital Corpsmen at the Station Hospital and those who were assigned with the Marine Corps companies during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Thank you for your most outstanding article.
Otis L. Spencer 
FRA Response: Thank you for sharing your story with us—we always strive to create a personal connection to shipmates in our feature stories. To take it one step further, did you know that FRA’s Education Foundation has a scholarship program specifically for children of past and present enlisted Navy medical personnel who have served with the Marine Corps? It’s called the Colonel Hazel Elizabeth Benn Scholarship, and you can read more about it on the FRA website. Go to www.fra.org, click the About tab, then click the “FRA Education Foundation Scholarships” link.
Tricare For Life and the 40-Mile Restriction
In the June 2013 issue under “Tricare Access” Shipmate Philipp stated that he retired in 1966, which would put him in the Tricare for Life program. I am in Tricare for Life and would like to know if this 40-mile restriction and change to Tricare Standard affects me. I was under the impression that those currently in the Tricare for Life program were excluded from this change. Please inform me if I am correct or not.
Jimmie Evans
FRA Response: You are correct. The 40-mile restriction does NOT apply to Tricare-for-Life (TFL) beneficiaries. 

Submissions Send Shipmate Forum letters to Editor, FRA Today, 125 N. West St. Alexandria, VA 22314. E-mail submissions may be sent to fratoday@fra.org. Please include “Shipmate Forum” in the subject line. FRA reserves the right to select and edit letters for publication. Letters published in Shipmate Forum reflect the opinions and views of FRA members. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of FRA as a whole. FRA is not responsible for the accuracy of letter content.

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ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL

“What Congress Gives, Congress Can Take Away”
President Obama signed the “Bipartisan Budget Agreement Act” (H.J. Res 59) in late December, which includes a provision to reduce the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for military retirees under age 62 by one percent. This reduction in earned benefits will be implemented with COLA increases that will take effect on December 1, 2015, (reflected in January 2016 payments) and impacts all current and future military retirees, with the exception of REDUX retirees (those who accepted a retention bonus in exchange for reduced retirement benefits), who are excluded from these cuts.
The resolution moved quickly through Congress and, before the final vote in the Senate, FRA’s legislative team, together with staff from other military and veterans’ associations, visited every senator’s office on Capitol Hill urging their opposition to the COLA cuts. Senators Lindsey Graham (South Carolina), Roger Wicker (Mississippi), and Kelly Ayotte (New Hampshire) actively opposed the provision, with Ayotte appearing on Fox News Channel to explain her opposition to the COLA cut before a panel of journalists. Special thanks also to PRPNEng John Kotheimer (Branch 338, Nashua, New Hampshire), who represented FRA at a press conference in New Hampshire with Senator Ayotte. FRA also participated in a press conference with the three senators, urging the president not to sign the measure after the Senate passed it.
FRA echoes these advocates’ sentiments that this is only the first battle and not the end of the war. These senators vowed their efforts to reverse these cuts before they take effect in 2016 and FRA will work with them and other legislators to repeal this provision BEFORE it takes effect.
Every shipmate should be outraged that members of the House and Senate, as well as the President, would renege on a long-standing commitment made to our current and future military retirees and their families. For years, FRA has been sounding the alarm that “What Congress gives, Congress can take away.” FRA members have made their voices heard on Capitol Hill, sending more than 14,000 messages via FRA’s online Action Center to lawmakers on this issue alone. Shipmates are encouraged to communicate their concerns about this and other legislative challenges at action.fra.org/action-center/ TODAY!
As pressure builds to cut federal spending, threats to military and veterans benefits will not go away. Shipmates can stay informed about legislative developments by subscribing to FRA Newsbytes, our free, weekly e-mail update. (To subscribe, e-mail newsbytes@fra.org with “Subscribe” in the subject line and your name and address in the body. If you are a member of FRA, please include your member number, as well.) 
We also encourage shipmates to take an active role in the legislative process by visiting the FRA Action Center regularly (at www.fra.org). Shipmates can see how their representative and senators voted by going to the Action Center and scrolling down to and clicking on “Bills of Interest.” This important FRA tool also allows users to easily share their concerns with their elected officials via e-mail. 
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Thanks for using Action Center in 2013
During 2013, shipmates advanced the Association’s legislative agenda by sending more than 58,000 advocacy messages to lawmakers. If usage continues at this rate, we could exceed the 112,000 messages sent during the two-year session of the 112th Congress (2011–2012). 
Membership involvement with the Association’s advocacy efforts complements the work of the FRA Legislative Team and strengthens our collective voice on Capitol Hill.
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NDAA Signed into Law
President Obama signed into law a condensed version of the FY2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA, H.R. 3304). The legislation was pared down to accelerate passage before the end of 2013. Provisions of the bill include:
•	Rejecting new and increased TRICARE fees;
•	Authorizing a one-time offer to TRICARE Prime beneficiaries who live outside a Prime Service Area (PSA) to keep their current health care coverage;
•	Authorizing a one-percent annual active duty/Reserve pay increase;
•	Extending special pays and bonuses that would have otherwise expired on Jan. 1, 2014;
•	Including new provisions that protect victims of alleged sexual assault;
•	Requiring DoD and VA to have seamless electronic health care data by Oct. 1, 2016;
•	Providing for additional Impact Aid for schools with large military populations; and
•	Authorizing veterans and service members not in uniform the option to salute during the Pledge of Allegiance.
FRA’s Legislative Team will continue its efforts to advance FRA-supported provisions that were dropped from the NDAA due to a lack of time. 
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Online Survey
Visit www.fra.org/survey to share your views on what military and veterans’ benefits are most important to you. Your input strengthens FRA’s voice on Capitol Hill and allows us to better represent you!!
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Veterans’ Issues
Agent Orange Report Released
FRA National Executive Director Tom Snee and John Davis, FRA’s Director of Legislative Programs, recently attended a briefing at the Institute of Medicine to discuss a recently released report on the health effects from exposure to herbicides used during military operations in Vietnam. The National Academy of Sciences study, mandated by the Agent Orange Act of 1991 (P.L. 102-4) and the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001 (P. L. 107-103), provides “limited or suggestive” evidence that some Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange herbicide have a higher incidence of stroke after age 70. The report also notes that potentially adverse health effects in offspring of Vietnam veterans is a high priority for these veterans, but is a very elusive outcome to establish or refute.
FRA supports the “Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act” (H.R. 543), sponsored by Rep. Chris Gibson (New York), that clarifies a presumption for filing disability claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for ailments associated with exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. FRA believes Congress should recognize that Navy and other service members who served off shore during the conflict (so-called “blue water” veterans) were exposed to the herbicide and authorize presumptive status for VA disability claims associated with this exposure. Members are urged to use the Action Center (under the Advocacy tab at www.fra.org) to ask their representative to support this important legislation.
The Association is also supporting legislation (H.R. 2189), sponsored by House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (Florida), designed to help the VA accomplish its goal of eliminating its backlog of unresolved disability claims by 2015. The bill also establishes a commission to study the claims backlog and directs the Joint Services Record Center (JSRC) to do a comprehensive search to determine which ships’ crews are eligible under current law for presumptive coverage for exposure to Agent Orange. The legislation, which incorporates provisions from a number of other measures, has passed the House and is now being considered by the Senate. Shipmates are also encouraged to ask their senators to support this bill by using the FRA Action Center at www.fra.org. 
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HVAC Reviews VA Complex Disability Claims Process
The House Veterans Affairs’ Subcommittee on Disability Assistance recently held a hearing examining the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) ability to process complex disability benefits compensation claims. While the VA has made progress in reducing its disability claims backlog over the last several months, concerns remain regarding the department’s ability to process complex claims, which can involve multiple medical issues (including traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress, military sexual trauma) and special monthly compensation, with consistent quality and efficiency.
Over the past four years, VA Inspector General (IG) reports have focused on concerns regarding the VA’s ability to process these complex claims. For example, of 19 regional offices, more than half saw a decrease in processing accuracy of traumatic brain injury (TBI) claims. When the IG looked at post-traumatic stress (PTS) claims, half of the offices it inspected could not process 50 percent of the claims correctly upon second inspection. FRA is troubled by these reports and believes that the cost of defending the nation includes treating the nation’s wounded warriors in a timely and efficient manner, and welcomes the subcommittee’s oversight hearings on this issue.
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Active Duty/Reserve Issues

Expedited Airport Security Screening Expanded for Service Members 
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) recently announced an expansion of expedited screening benefits to all U.S. Armed Forces service members, including those serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard. As a result of the agreement, these individuals are now able to enjoy the benefits of the program at the 100 participating airports across the country.
Previously, members of the Armed Forces could utilize expedited security screening at 10 domestic airports by presenting their Common Access Card (CAC). The expanded program for the military will be available at 100 airports, allowing service members to keep their footwear on, as well as light outerwear and belts, keep a laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carryon bag in select screening lanes.
“TSA joins with the American people in showing its appreciation for the service and sacrifices of our men and women in the Armed Forces,” said TSA Deputy Administrator John W. Halinski, a 25-year Marine Corps veteran. “Providing expedited screening while on travel is the least we can do for these courageous men and women.”
For more information on the program and a list of participating airports go to:
www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/military-members
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New 2014 BAH Rates Available
Defense officials recently announced that Base Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates will increase an average of five percent in 2014. This increase is the largest in five years. To find out the specific increase in your zip code, visit www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/bahCalc.cfm.
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Retiree Issues
Budget Agreement Also Includes Temporary Doc Fix
The budget agreement (see page 8) also provides a three-month extension to the so-called doc fix. Congress needed to pass this provision to prevent a 24-percent cut in Medicare/TRICARE doctor reimbursement rates that were set to take effect on January 1, 2014. FRA is concerned that, if such rate cuts are enacted, physicians will elect to stop seeing Medicare/TRICARE patients.
FRA supports the “Medicare Patient Access and Quality Improvement Act” (H.R. 2810) that would provide a permanent doc fix by repealing the antiquated Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) and replacing it with a simplified system of physician payments for Medicare and TRICARE programs. Members are urged to use the FRA Action Center (action.fra.org/action-center/) to ask their U.S. Representative to support this legislation, which is currently pending on the House floor.
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The FRA Legislative team is Tom Snee, National Executive Director; John Davis, Director of Legislative Programs; Bob Washington, Health Care Advisor and Outreach Manager; and Chris Slawinski, National Veterans Service Officer.

So, Just What Does FRA Mean to Me Anyway?
In last month’s issue, we told you that we want to hear about your FRA. The association is 90 years old this year. Our national HQ has tons of archived magazines, photos, and mementos of all kinds—but it’s all just stuff without the shipmates who make it all possible. You represent the real memory of FRA, and your shipmates want you to share it.
So here’s your formal invitation (in case you were waiting for one) to tell us what FRA means to you. Try answering one or more of the questions below or, even better, write on a topic that is completely your own.
How has belonging to FRA made a difference in your life?
What long-standing friendships have you made through FRA?
How have FRA’s legislative victories improved your life?
Why did you join FRA and what drives you to maintain your membership?
Take some time to think over your response, and (most importantly) type it up or write it down and send it to Will Kohudic, Managing Editor, at williamk@fra.org or 125 N. West St. Alexandria, VA 22314. All submissions, short or long, are eligible for publication on a special page of the FRA website and the best of the best will be printed in the anniversary issue of FRA Today in November. Questions about submissions can be emailed to williamk@fra.org or fratoday@fra.org.
Last month, we posed the question “how many of your shipmates are older than the Association?” If you guessed over 2,000, you were correct!
February Challenge
Match the slogan to the service in these historic recruitment posters:
I Want YOU for…	Navy	
Want Action? Join…	FRA	
Gee, I wish I were a Man—I’d join the…	U.S. Marine Corps	
Loyalty, Protection and Service	U.S. Army	

The FRA Legislative team is Tom Snee, National Executive Director; John Davis, Director of Legislative Programs and Branch 181 President; Bob Washington, Health Care Advisor and Outreach Manager; and Chris Slawinski, National Veterans Service Officer.

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HISTORY & HERITAGE
The History of FRA: 1919–1929
1919	Chief Yeoman Robert W. White and Chief Gunner’s Mate Carl H. McDonald are the first enlisted personnel to testify before Congress. They present the enlisted perspective on military pay legislation.
1921 	Chief Yeoman George Carlin conceives an association dedicated to monitoring all legislation that impacts enlisted personnel. Carlin is considered the father of the FRA.
1923	The Association’s Constitution and Bylaws Committee determined membership eligibility for the new organization. The document stated, “a shipmate is a shipmate, regardless of race, creed or color.”
1924	FRA is chartered on 11 November in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1925 	FRA adopts its cardinal principles of “Loyalty, Protection and Service” as its official motto. FRA’s constitution was amended to admit career members of the US Marine Corps into the Association.
1925	The Association holds its first national convention in the place of its birth — Philadelphia. 
1927	FRA gains accreditation to represent shipmates in hearings before the Veterans Bureau.
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NEW FRA LIFE MEMBERS

Congratulations to the following shipmates who chose to become Life Members during the fourth quarter of 2013. If you’d like to become a Life Member, call 1-800-FRA-1924 and speak with one of our Member Services representatives.   

October	 
Sidna L Simpkins	MAL
Joseph P Wiehl	269
Apolinario G Mercado	171
Bobby C Block	163
George P Wanserski	136
Harry J Greenwood	MAL
Jacqueline Davis	022
Isaac L Espiritu	154
Michael R. Verville	367
Peter D Comstock	281
Gorden Richau	091
Ronald G Moore	MAL
Arthur J Grimmie, Jr.	057
Vernon R Jackson	104
Francis J Beasley	MAL
Catherine L Frazier	MAL
James J Gordon	070
James A Haynes, III	226
Frank S Poole	051
Norman W Larson	060
William L. O’Brien	296
Alfredo Q Certeza	MAL
Robert F Cooper	005
Norman R Allison	276
Edwin Boudreaux	346
Albert L. Wright	MAL
Charles L Walden	MAL
James F Page	230
Melvin D Johnson	060
John Crowley	MAL
Donald J Townsend	091
Loy K Rainwater	159
Glenn B. Atchison	MAL
Douglas Parks	MAL
Robert D Pool	070
Roy F Steffey	162
Sidney L Ledford	MAL
Jimmy Alexander	MAL
Andres Dorame	MAL
James A. Peake	024
Albert Baker	113
Bradley A. Spannbauer	136
Milton B Hollinger	077
John H Leonatti	024
Thomas J. Williams	110
Joseph A Burger	024
Zenas E Zeine	018
William L Wilkerson	281
James L Gill	020
Anthony Capriglione	MAL
Charles Krzyzanowski	053
James Caporale	MAL
David Clifford	113
Michael E LeCompte	269
Mark C Baca	MAL
Angel C Villaralvo	154
Calvin Bradley	063
Paul N. Hanson	289
Harold L McBride	MAL
Joseph C Dangler	MAL
David R Todd	234
Doyle B Ross	163
John C Salva	085
James Bordell	001
Kevin Barton	339
November	 
Wilfredo Q Napatang	064
Raymond Ogo	099
Jerry A Williams	MAL
John D Mathies	101
Felix A. Famolaro	175
David Cunningham, Jr.	MAL
Robert F Harshman	334
Jon K. Way	103
Rodney D Chapman	147
Philip R Fogle	316
Herbert M Fenster	089
Wayne A Patterson	091
William R Krumm	MAL
Terry P Wise	293
Richard D Wilson	216
Robert Earl Rich	MAL
Herald E Lowry	328
Edward W Smith	MAL
R. C. Stuart	MAL
Keith L Totsch	053
Jessie L Young	060
Walter E Sult	060
Larry D Bertelson	070
Justin D Tohal	126
John J Majzun	210
Guy H Webb	MAL
James C. Sword, Jr.	290
Samuel Y Kern	099
David P Price	MAL
Donald A. Ruppert	284
Anthony B. Miller	293
Bruce D Corb	MAL
Anthony J Petersen	289
James V Blake	091
Thomas J Dunn	MAL
Larry J. Boudreaux	367
Donald L Segassie, Sr.	089
John L Hunsaker	050

December	 
James A Brown	098
Richard E Haugen	MAL
Paul J Boudreau	028
Horace A Dees, Jr.	046
Stephen F Williams	295
Clifford M Magnussen	104
George B Westerlund	018
John P. Brown, III	181
Henry R Gaddy	001
Leonard E Oswald	245
James P. Goblet	118
Barbara A. Oliveira	061
Dennis Behr	MAL
Richard M Brownell	269
Carlo Rudilosso	MAL
Ronald R Swanson	245
Jerome H Lund	126
Horace T Moody, Jr.	156
Arturo M Tayaba	154
John B Trethewey	017
Rubin Treichel	MAL
Edward L Winchell	289
Clarence E Vick	103
Robert E Pittenger, Sr.	060
Paul F Grassinger	067
Robert Brookins	093
Elmer E Anderson	029
Robert C. Slayton	MAL
William L Smith	MAL
Juvenal C Castro	101
James Callaghan	MAL
Orsure W. Stokes	316
Gary W Gosney	MAL
William English	MAL
Bill G. Homrich	091
John E Ross	099
Richard W. Strength	MAL
David Forbes	147
Charles F. Gagnon	174
John Cumbow	MAL
Anthony Mistretta	023
Kenneth M Knight	MAL
Kenneth K Alleman	MAL
Peter R Bergum	276
John Fairbanks	004
Robert W Arnold	185
Wayne C Bromen	136
William L Hanzel	049
Richard Romero	022
Charles G Gunter	024
Rodrigo M Abrenica	309
Roy J Lefevre	101
Thomas R DeAvery	047
Richard C Hallowell	MAL
Frank W Reinhold Jr	MAL
Edward Y Gill	248
Donald K. Twite	216
Dennis M. Sweeney	276
John McCarthy	070
James R. Hough	040
Marie T. Stoll	MAL
Carl J Boyce	046
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MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
www.fra.org is a Membership Tool
FRA launched its new website design in October 2013 and new mobile app (for iPhones and iPads) in October 2013. It has a new look on the front page and lots of information on pay, benefits, veterans’ issues and quality-of-life programs. There are many useful features on the website that benefit shipmates by keeping them informed about legislation that affects them, their families and their shipmates. The site also has a wealth of information about Association, branch and regional operations, and allows individual shipmates to update their personal membership record. In one way or another, almost all of the website content and tools can be used to help recruit and retain FRA members. Let’s explore the features and read what other shipmates have to say about the website.
It is a proven fact that shipmates who subscribe to FRA NewsBytes, our free weekly e-mail update, are substantially more likely to retain their Association membership. (You can subscribe by visiting www.fra.org, logging in to your membership record and clicking the “NewsBytes” box under the Member Demographics tab or by e-mailing newsbytes@fra.org.) Shipmates who take an active role in the legislative process not only strengthen the Association by advancing FRA’s legislative agenda, they also are more likely to maintain their membership. It’s easy to send messages to elected officials using the FRA Action Center (under the Advocacy tab at www.fra.org). More than 112,000 messages were sent to the 112th Congress using the Action Center, which strengthens our collective voice on Capitol Hill. 
In addition to providing access to news about FRA and its legislative advocacy work, the latest and archived issues of FRA Today and other news information, FRA’s redesigned website provides a variety of recruiting and retention tools. Shipmate Ron Littlejohn, Secretary of Branch 309 (Newark, Delaware), uses the website to access the Branch Roster to make corrections or additions to addresses or contact information. He looks up information about items for sale to include the price of flags, reports a death of a shipmate via e-mail, reviews information on FRA’s Constitution and Bylaws, Rituals, as well as the Administration Manual. In addition, when the time comes to complete forms for FRA’s annual and regional conventions, Shipmate Littlejohn accesses the delegate credential forms and completes them online. He reviews the information about the Americanism and Patriotism Essay Contest to ensure submittal of essays for local, regional and national due dates. Lastly, Shipmate Ron uses the Advanced Search function (in the section for Branch and Regional Officers, under the My FRA tab) to send e-mail reminders to branch members about meetings and special events.
Shipmates Robert Oliveira and Frank Gates, Branch 293 (Elizabeth City, North Carolina) President and Chairman of the branch’s Membership Committee, respectively, also use the website’s section for Branch and Regional Officers frequently to communicate branch information to current and prospective members. They access current forms and information to manage branch business. They use the Branch Roster information to check the membership status and, if a member is past due on payments of membership dues, contact is made to discuss membership. 
Branch 24 (Annapolis, Maryland) Secretary Valerie Reed is a master at using the Advanced Search function to communicate with the more than 1,900 members on the branch roster via e-mail. Even though members can login to their own account and make changes to contact information, Shipmate Reed will make the updates to assist members who don’t have Internet access or simply need assistance. Shipmate Reed prefers to access a digital branch roster on the website, rather than print a lengthy paper document. Another advantage is that the online roster includes up-to-date changes made to members’ records. 
Branch 70 (Poway, California) Secretary Gerald Miranda is a novice when it comes to using the website. However, he connects to it daily to get contact information of branch members and uses it as a reference source on position responsibilities, FRA Rituals and to view previous issues of FRA Today. Shipmate Miranda says he tries to use the website to find out more information about the Association and what the branches are doing. He recommends posting the travel schedule of national officers to local branches or state or national ceremonies, so shipmates can attend to support the FRA at these events. Good idea, Shipmate Gerald!
When you have the opportunity, please visit www.fra.org and login using your unique membership number (9 digit) and the password. Directions are on the login screen. 
If you need assistance in accessing the website, please call FRA’s Member Services at 1-800-FRA-1924 (ext.1). 

Penny Collins is FRA’s Director of Membership Development and a member of FRA Branch 24 in Annapolis, Maryland She can be reached at penny@fra.org.

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FEATURE— LIGHTER THAN AIR, TOUGH AS NAILS
In the early days of World War II (WWII), Axis powers began to build up their submarine presence in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea. By the early part of 1942, enemy submarines were attacking convoys of Allied ships with relative impunity and the U.S. was losing a shocking number of ships. 
To counter this assault, the U.S. Navy began employing lighter-than-air (LTA) craft to identify and destroy these submarines. Non-rigid airships began escorting convoys and, coupled with the Allies’ success in breaking Germany’s Enigma code, U-boat packs could be avoided altogether or Allied ships could be rerouted around enemy positions.
LTA Ships Proved Their Worth in WWII
The K-class airships became the workhorse of the LTA fleet and their ability to hover and operate at low speeds and low altitudes proved highly effective in detecting enemy submarines. They could operate at night, in the fog and in a variety of other weather conditions, without landing or refueling, for more than 38 hours. They had a range of more than 2,200 miles and it wasn’t long before these blimps proved their worth as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) platforms.
According to Don Kaiser, in his “K-Ships Across the Atlantic” article (Naval Aviation News, Spring 2011), prior to the increased use of blimp escorts, more than 60 merchant vessels were sunk by German U-boats off the east coast of the U.S. in 1942. As more blimps came into service and more convoys had escorts, that number dropped significantly — to only three losses in 1943, none in 1944 and only two in 1945. “These now largely forgotten naval aircraft helped win the war in the Atlantic, and their achievements are an important part of the story of the first century of Naval Aviation.” 
Shipmate Al Grappone (Branch 10, San Leandro, California) was an Airship Rigger in a variety of LTA squadrons during the war, often deploying to far-flung locations to establish new airship squadrons. “In 1943 and 1944, they called the area near Cuba, Trinidad, French and British Guyana ‘Torpedo Junction.’ Enemy subs patrolled that area and were really playing havoc on our convoys, so airships were assigned to accompany those convoys and report the location of those subs when spotted. An average patrol mission might last 12 to 18 hours. My longest flight was 27 hours.
“We would escort convoys as far as we could and then we’d hand the convoy over to a blimp based closer to the scene,” explains Shipmate “Wild Bill” Allen (Branch 307, Gulfport, Mississippi), who was a radioman aboard LTA craft during WWII. “Our missions varied in time and distance, depending on the wind. Weather conditions were always a factor, but wind was the biggest one.”
When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in December of 1941, the Navy had only six K-class airships, which formed the nucleus of the U.S. Navy’s first airship squadron, ZP-12, at Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey. Several Goodyear advertising blimps and a few former Army airships were commandeered to form the first West Coast squadron, ZP-32, at Moffett Field, California. The Navy’s LTA fleet was small, but with stations located up and down both coasts, it rapidly proved its worth. In March of 1942, a surfacing German U-boat (U-94) was attacked by an airship in the first ASW action on the American coast, forcing the submarine to retreat. 
K-class non-rigid airships were built for the U.S. Navy by the Goodyear Aircraft Company in Akron, Ohio. Before and during WWII, 135 K-class blimps were built, configured for patrol and anti-submarine operations. Modeled after the company’s L-class advertising and passenger blimps, K-2 was flown as the prototype for future airships. With an envelope capacity of 404,000 cubic feet of helium, it was the largest of any Navy blimps up to that time. In October 1940, Goodyear was contracted to build six airships (K-3 through K-8) that were designed for patrol and escort duties. The lot was delivered to the Navy in late 1941/early 1942 at a cost of $325,000 per airship. More orders followed, and by the time K-9 through K-13 were rolled out, the envelope size had increased to 416,000 cubic feet. Later blimps would hold 425,000 cubic feet of helium. 
By June of 1942, Congress had authorized the purchase of “200 airships of any type,” but materials for their production weren’t the highest priority and the fabrication process was slow. Eventually 10 major airship bases were built along both U.S. coasts. Enormous new hangars were built at existing bases, as well as at sites in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, Oregon and California. As new squadrons were activated, new electronics were added to facilitate submarine identification and destruction. 
K-Ship Specs
As a non-rigid airship, the K-class blimps consisted of an enormous envelope that could be inflated with a lighter-than-air gas — predominantly helium — to lift the massive vehicle into the air. The helium bladders of later K-ships were more than 250 feet long and more than 57 feet in diameter. The blimp was operated from a 40-foot-long control car, or gondola, that was suspended below the “bag,” which also carried communication and detection instrumentation. The blimp was powered by two radial, air-cooled engines, mounted on the sides of the gondola, that could propel the behemoth at a cruising speed of 58 miles per hour and a maximum airspeed of 78 miles per hour. 
The majority of the main bag was filled with helium, but there were two smaller airbags, called ballonets, inside the outer envelope of the airship — one forward and one aft. These internal chambers, like balloons inside a balloon, were filled with air and used to shift the center of lift either forward or backward. Doing so would elevate the nose or rear of the envelope or both ballonets could be used in concert to provide maximum rates of climb or descent. 
“A submarine fills compartments or releases water to dive or surface,” explains Grappone. “Blimps do the same with air to control the pitch of the nose for takeoff and landing.
“To take off, the aft ballonet is inflated with air, which pushes more of the helium in the bag forward, making the nose of the airship go up,” continues Grappone. “Crewmembers on the ground would often bounce the airship to get us going. When we’d get a good bounce, they’d let go and we’d take off. We also had sandbags that we’d jettison as we took off and the engines provided the airspeed to move us forward.”
Landing the airship was a similar process in reverse. “The forward ballonets were inflated with air, which pushed the helium aft and lowered the nose. There were long and short nose lines that were used for landings,” adds Grappone. “The two long lines were coiled up in the front of the gondola during flight and, when we were preparing for landing, we’d release the lines at altitude — one port and one starboard. As the airship got closer to the ground, these ropes were used by ground crew to guide the blimp toward the mooring mast.” 
The mooring system for K-ships consisted of a 42-foot triangular mast that could be towed by a tractor. For advance bases, a stick mast was used and a large ground crew was needed to land and moor the blimp. A ground crewman would use the shorter lines, which were always hanging below the blimp, to attach the airship to the mast. Once moored to the mast, the blimp would swing free and head into the wind like a weather vane. 
“Being the mastman was one of my favorite jobs,” grins Grappone. “I’d volunteer for mast duty as often as I could. A tractor would pull the mooring masts to an open field and the mastman would stand on a platform at the top, anchored with a safety harness. It was his job to guide the airship in and lock the nose cone into the mast. The mast had a winch on it that would pull the airship in to its mooring. There were several pins that held it in place and the whole process was reversed to launch it.” 
When airships were tethered outside, they were manned 24/7 so that the air pressure inside the envelope could be monitored to prevent the bag from collapsing. “If the pressure dropped, we had a compressor to add more air or helium. I’ve seen bags get wrinkled, but I never saw one collapse. If a bag had a leak or tear, we’d have to take it in to a hangar to repair it and replace the helium.”
Trained to Do a Little Bit of Everything
Both Grappone and Allen trained at LTA School in Lakehurst, New Jersey, where they learned the basics of lighter-than-air flight and operations.
“I went to Lakehurst, New Jersey in January of 1943, where we learned about air dynamics, statics and how the blimps were structured. We also learned to operate the radios and the Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) equipment that was really integral to our work during the War,” recalls Allen. 
“We learned the same stuff as airplane pilots: navigation, weather, physics, radar, radio, operations, etc. When the other cadets [student pilots] would be out taking flying lessons, we were in the hangar practicing how to inflate and rig the airships, which would take a couple of days,” says Grappone. “We had to unpack it from a 15 x 20-foot crate, stretch it out on the huge hangar deck and then put a net over the bag. We would then attach hundreds of sandbags to the net. As we filled the bag with helium, it would begin to rise and we’d have to lower the sand bags. Once it was inflated, we added the control surfaces, the car and the controls. We’d then fuel it up and put it through test operations.” 
Trained and rated as an Aviation Metalsmith, Grappone flew as an Airship Rigger. “It was the rigger’s job to participate in assembling the airship, setting up all the controls, putting on the rudders and elevators, adding the lines and nose cone and hanging the car. If there was any metal work to be done, in the construction or as a repair, we did that, too. If there was a hole in the bag or damage to an elevator or rudder, or a problem with the gondola, we took care of it. We dealt with everything except the engines and the electronics. And even then, we also learned to monitor the radar. Because our missions were so long, airship crews were trained to rotate among the different positions on board. My favorite was to relieve the pilots and actually fly the airship.” 
As an airship rigger, Grappone was often tasked to repair tears or leaks in the bag. “Everyone compared us to the Hindenburg [which was consumed by flames in 1937], but that was a dirigible, with an internal structure and was filled with hydrogen, which is highly flammable. Helium isn’t flammable and it’s also not breathable. If we had to go inside the bag to do repairs, we had to take auxiliary air with us,” he reminisces. “Of course, we did have a little fun inhaling small gasps of it, which made us talk like Donald Duck!” 
Anti-Submarine warfare
Locating subs was the first step in being able to defend Allied ships against them. In the early days of WWII, aerial anti-submarine warfare relied upon visual lookouts to detect the subs. The earliest K-ships were not outfitted with electronic submarine detection equipment, but advancements in radar and other technologies would prove some of the most important components in the fight against enemy U-boats. 
“The K-ships were equipped with the day’s most advanced technology,” says Allen. “Radar was in its infancy and Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) was experimental at the time.”
Submarines (and other ferromagnetic materials) create a detectable disturbance in the earth’s magnetic field and MAD equipment could detect those disturbances, or anomalies. “MAD was top secret in 1943 and only something in the air was able to detect the anomalies. And it was only effective when employed in a slow-moving aircraft,” continues Allen. “If MAD showed something under the surface, it was our job to determine whether it was a sub or the wreckage of a sunken ship. We’d drop a smoke bomb to indicate where we found the anomaly. We’d be traveling at about 50 knots and we’d come around again and see if the site of the anomaly changed. Obviously, a sunken ship wouldn’t move, but with MAD, we could track and follow a sub’s course and mark it for surface Navy to come in and do their work with depth charges. As the technology improved, MAD was able to be even more sensitive at higher speeds and was later used on PBYs [fixed wing aircraft] that traveled at twice the speed of airships.”
Underwater microphones, or sonobuoys, were used in conjunction with MAD. Sonobuoys had been developed in 1941, but hadn’t really been deemed all that useful for military operations. But because MAD often picked up old wrecks, the use of sonobuoys was reinvigorated to validate and corroborate MAD contacts. “We used them to pick up screw [propeller] sounds,” clarified Allen. 
An aircrew of 10 normally operated the K-ships, including a command pilot, two co-pilots, a navigator, an airship rigger, an ordnanceman, two mechanics and two radiomen. Allen was one of two radiomen aboard and it was his job “to monitor the radar and MAD for eight hours or more at a stretch, in addition to operating the radio. The radar operator had to keep his eyes on the screen at all times, which was tiring, so we’d swap positions.”
“We carried four 350-pound depth bombs and, although our crew never dropped them, we were all trained in arming them and opening the bomb bay doors. We were all also qualified on a 50-caliber Browning machine gun that was mounted in the car, to defend ourselves if the enemy sub surfaced and tried to shoot us out of the air,” says Grappone. “The pilots had sidearms and we also had rifles, in case we went down.”
“Back then, only the newer submarines had snorkels to provide fresh air to the crew,” adds Allen. “Most of the ones used in ‘42 and ‘43 didn’t have them and, as a result, they couldn’t stay submerged for too long. Even if they were being attacked, they eventually had to surface — either to fight or surrender.
“The subs we’d detect would be deep underwater, too deep for us to use our depth charges, which would detonate at a depth of 50 feet,” Allen continues. “So we’d get on the air, describe the sub’s location and request air or surface support. It was interesting and exciting.” 
Additional Missions
In addition to escorting convoys and helping Allied ships avoid enemy submarines, airships were also used in mine-spotting and search-and-rescue (SAR) missions. The Germans had mined many French and Italian ports that were essential for supplying Allied forces, and blimps were able to effectively identify mines and guide minesweepers safely to port. The blimps’ ability to hover at low altitudes also made them a valuable tool for extracting downed pilots and crew, particularly in areas of dense vegetation where planes couldn’t land. 
Although he was never involved in a rescue mission, Shipmate Grappone trained in SAR operations and constructed harnesses for lifting downed pilots. “If a plane crashed in the jungle, airships were used to lift the pilots out. We lift them aboard by lowering sandbags that would counter the pilot’s weight. During my tour in Brazil, I participated in a lot of searches, but we never made any rescues.”
Fond Memories
Both Grappone and Allen have many fond memories of their days in LTA service. 
Grappone grew up wanting to fly, having been bitten by the aviation bug during his high school years. “I used to watch the airmail biplanes land in Oil City, Pennsylvania, and they’d let me move the chalks and things like that. I was just fascinated by it. When I joined the Navy in June of 1941, I told the recruiter I wanted to fly and ended up at metalsmith school in Jacksonville, Florida. Because I graduated in the top third of the class, I had my pick of assignments. I chose Lakehurst, New Jersey, mostly because it was near my mother, but I was thrilled to end up in airships.” 
Allen, now 88 years old, became interested in flying after he entered the Navy as a “Houston Volunteer” in May of 1942. “There was a campaign that encouraged Texans to join the Navy as a tribute to the USS Houston, a heavy cruiser that was sunk in the early days of World War II. I was one of 1,600 men who volunteered and they gave us all keys to the city! After boot camp, I went to school to become a radioman. I was doing well — could copy 22 words per minute — but I wanted to fly. There was a notice on the bulletin board asking for volunteers to join a new program flying blimps. I was in a volunteering mood in those days, so I signed up,” he chuckles. 
Shipmate Grappone recently celebrated his 91st birthday, but recalls his LTA days clearly and with warmth. “Riggers were also responsible for the cooking onboard,” he remembers. “The galley would provide us with a big thermos of coffee and the food items, which we cooked on a hot plate. We cooked steaks, eggs in the hole … and we ate a lot of canned turkey! We had a sink and it wasn’t uncommon to have three meals aboard and snacks.” 
Pride in Service 
Shipmates Allen and Grappone also recall their LTA service with great pride … and understandably so. According to the Naval Airship Association’s website (www.naval-airship.org), “WWII established the record of the airship as the submarine’s only natural enemy” and only one airship, K-74, was shot down as it damaged a surfaced German U-boat in 1943, “after which the sub turned for home.” Although there’s no official record of a blimp sinking an enemy submarine, more than 80,000 ships were escorted during WWII without the loss of a single ship. Allied ships were undoubtedly safer when they had an airship escort. 
“We all had a job to do and I felt like I was doing my part,” says Grappone. “We’d have some really long flights, but I knew I couldn’t fall asleep because I had to be the lookout or cook breakfast for the crew. We helped win the submarine war in the Atlantic.” 
“There’s really no way to measure how many ships weren’t sunk because of our work on airships,” agrees Allen. “No ship was ever sunk if they had a blimp escort. I don’t like the term ‘gasbag,’ because it seems sort of disrespectful to me. I usually just laugh it off, but I know we did our job well.” 
“‘Gasbag’ isn’t offensive to me. It’s usually a reference made by folks in the HTA [heavier than air], prop-driven community, but I know how indispensable we were during the war,” says Grappone. “We didn’t get a lot of press, but we saved a lot of lives by preventing torpedo attacks on our ships. I loved it.” 
Airships Today
Following WWII, non-rigid airships continued to provide persistent, reliable platforms for use in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations and to support Early Warning programs. Advances in technology included stern thrusters that allowed for better pitch and yaw control and reduced the number of ground crewman required to launch and land the airship. More recent systems demonstrate vectoring engines that allow the pilot to control the whole mooring maneuver. Still other advancements employ a system that permits the pilot to fly the airship to an automatic mooring system unaided. 
The Navy’s last Cold War-era airships were decommissioned in October of 1961 — just a few months after Shipmate Grappone retired from the Navy. But after a 50-year absence, the Navy commissioned its first operational airship in October of 2011. The MX-3A was commissioned to serve as a scientific test platform for surveillance cameras, radars and other sensors. Capable of flying at altitudes of up to 10,000 feet and cruising at 50 miles per hour, the MZ-3A can remain aloft and nearly stationary for more than 12 hours at a time, offering a very stable platform that is essentially a flying laboratory.
Currently stationed at Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Maryland, the MZ-3A is operated under the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and Scientific Development Squadron One (VXS-1). In addition to its testing duties, it has also been tasked with aerial mapping in the Washington, D.C., area.

Lauren Armstrong is the Contributing Editor and Member of the FRA Auxiliary. She can be reached at lauren@fra.org.

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LOOKING FOR/REUNIONS
Looking For…
Jimmie Lee Mullen
I am looking for Jimmie Lee Mullen and his wife Dorothy. I was stationed with him aboard the USS Arcadia (AD-23), Newport, Rhode Island from 1958–60. He was aboard the USS Sphinx (ARL-24) in San Diego. Their last known address was in Riverside, California. Please contact Edgar A. Lovelace at 724-349-4854 or elovelace238@comcast.net.
PC1 John Richardson 
I served with this shipmate from 1971–1974 on the USS Bausell (DD-845), where he was a Postal Clerk. His wife is Japanese and I am fairly sure he retired from the Navy. He is from Alabama. They lived near the Yokosuka Naval Base when I knew him. Please contact Craig Horton at 541-772-4180 or cdhorton@aol.com.
AKC M Ret. Markshaw
Served on the USS Ranger. Please contact David Peterson at 360-532-3982 or dlpeterson273@gmail.com.
CPOs
Looking for CPOs from the Navy and Coast Guard who reside in Florida to join the Florida CPO Association. Presently over 400 members and cost is $10.00 a year. Please contact YNC Steve Miglionico at 407-348-8466 or www.flcpoa.org.
Harvey Chandler
He was a 2nd class commissary man aboard the USS Boston 1965–68. Please contact Chuck Mallow at 
mainlandchuck@comcast.net.
Norman “Charlie” Grimm 
Last known duty station was NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. Please contact Malcolm Wright, AQC-Retired, at 541-999-0570, eewlk@oregonfast.net, or by mail at PO Box II5, Westlake,Oregon.
Seabees NMCB 62 & PWD Edzell, Scotland
See the website www.NMCB62alumni.org for reunion information. Please contact Norm Hahn at normhahnjr@yahoo.com, or cell: 715-379-8482. 
USS Forrestal Cruise Book 
Looking for cruise books for 1974 & 1975 Mediterranean cruise. Will pay shipping/mailing costs. Contact Stephen Thompson at wombat1@bellsouth.net or 803-643-3105.
QM1/LDO Hatton
Served on board USS Rushmore (LSD-14) on or about 1957–58. Please contact HTC Henry Ruiz, Ret. at vbresort@verizon.net or 757-650-2814. Several of your shipmates would like to hear from you.
Looking for a photo 
Returning from the Med in 1972 while escorting the John F. Kennedy, we ran through a hurricane. Someone on one of the escorts or the carrier got a photo of the USS Brownson (DD-868) with both of our SONAR domes out of the water. If you have the photo, or know who does or where I can get a copy, please contact Vin Faris at stgcs.sw@gmail.com.

These notices are published on a space available basis. Notices must be submitted in writing. E-mail fratoday@fra.org or mail your request to: FRA, Looking for…, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314.
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Reunions 
NMCB 62 & Edzell, Scotland SEABEES
April 24–27, 2014, Gulfport, Mississippi. Contact Norm Hahn, 1805 Oaklawn Dr., Eau Claire, W 54703, 715-379-8482, normhahnjr@yahoo.com
U.S. Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association
May 14–17, 2014, Mobile, Alabama. Contact Tom Wilson, 3405 Marcus Pointe Blvd, Pensacola FL 32505-1890, 850-857-1181, tom3405@Bellsouth.net
USCGC Campbell (W-32) and (W-909)
May 5–9, 2014, Portland, Maine. 
Contact Bob Dell, 610-222-4645, rbard1@verizon.net
USN GCA/ATC
September 10 –14, 2014, Bloomington, Minnesota. Contact Kent Fairchild, 796 S Lemoore Ave., Lemoore, CA 93245, 559-924-4531, 2chiefkent6186@att.net
USS Begor (APD-127)
October 8 –12, 2014, Branson, Missouri. Contact Rich Pardy, 315 W. Evans Creek Rd. # 50, Rogue River, OR 97537, 541-601-1055, rogriv12@charter.net
USS Bluefish (SSN-675)
May 15 –18, 2014, Norfolk, Virginia. Contact Gary Tinney, blueassn675@comcast.net
USS Cape Cod (AD-43)
April 2–5, 2015, Branson, Missouri. Contact Mick London, Nashville, TN, 615-473-7523, mlondon@comcast.net
USS Carpenter (DD-825)
April 24–28, 2014, Jacksonville, Florida. Contact Coy Ritchie, 303-981-5519, coyritchie@aol.com
USS Conserver (ARS-39)
April 24–27, 2014, Las Vegas, Nevada. Contact Romondo Davis, 12175 Hibler Drive, St Louis, MO 63141, 314-485-9633, webmaster@ussconserver.org
USS Constant (MSO-427)
October 3–5, 2014, St. Joseph, Missouri. Contact Gary Black, 2300 Park Ave., St. Joseph, MO 64503, 816-646-1490, garyblack427@aol.com
USS Cony (DD/DDE-58) 31st Annual Reunion
May 28 –June 1, 2014, Jacksonville, Florida. Contact Ken Cox, 863-307-3187, kcox@tampabay.rr.com
USS Galveston (CLG-3)
September 17–21, 2014, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Contact Tom “Soupy” Cambell Jr, 310 Monroe Ave., Edgwater Park, NJ 08010-1822, 1-866-398-2655, galveston@comcast.net
USS Haven (AH-12)
April 23 –27, 2014, Branson, Missouri. Contact Chuck Lee, 936-433-0763.
USS Hornet (CV-8, CV-12, CVA-12, CVS-12)
September 10 –14, 2014, San Antonio, Texas. Contact Gerald (Jerry) Warren, 
630 Park Lane, Highland Village, TX 75077-7570, 972-317-8320, jwarren440@aol.com
USS Randolph (CV/CVA/CVS-15) 70th Anniversary/USS Terror (CM-5)
September 21– 28, 2014, Newport News, Virginia. Contact Sal Rizza, 321-454-2344, kenmendelcva15@gmail.com
USS Raton (SS/SSR/AGSS-270)
September 17– 21, 2014, Branson, Missouri. Contact Larry D. Kramer, 6326 N.E.Barrett Dr., Poulsbo, WA. 98370, 360-697-2842, ldkramer43@hotmail.com
USS Sam Houston (SSBN/SSN609), All Crew Members & Special Ops Team Members
September 11–13, 2014, Seattle, Washington. Contact Howard Dobson, 28 Colony Blvd, Wilmington, DE 19802-1402, 302-764-1197, howardvaldobson@verizon.net
USS Takelma (ATF 113)
September 4 –7, 2014, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Contact Dick Schreifels, 247 14th Ave S, South St Paul, MN 55075-2127, 651-455-1876, 
richard_rosemary@msn.com
USS Triton (SSN 586)
October 8 –12, 2014, Mobile, Alabama. Contact Henry Jackson, 706-497-7982, henryejackson@att.net
VP-45 Association
October 15 –19, 2014, Jacksonville, Florida. Contact Doug Mitchell, 529 Majestic Wood Dr., Fleming Island, FL 32003-8779, 678-650-7500, poobearmit@aol.com

Members can post reunions online at www.fra.org, submit to reunions@fra.org or mail to: FRA Reunions, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314.

Reunions are a Great Recruiting Opportunity!
If you’re hosting or attending a reunion, please consider how many prospective FRA members will also be there! FRA has published a prospective member brochure with an information request form and a “thank you for your service” reference card included. You can easily talk through benefits of membership with the prospect using this card and offer NewsBytes or one of the FRA guides, provided by filling out the information card. For their convenience, they can keep the list of benefits on one side and a handy list of information sources on the other. 
These work great for one-to-one conversations with someone you know is eligible for membership (at least one day of enlisted service in the Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard). You can request these brochures or other items for your reunion from Bob Washington, Outreach Manager, at 1-800-372-1924, ext. 113, or bobw@fra.org. Reunions are great places to recruit — if you’d like additional information or ideas for your reunion, please contact Bob!

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TAPS
Adams, John M, PNC, USN	267
Adelman, Joseph L, CAPT, USN	MAL
Alexander, Anthony, POC, USN	106
Antczak, Michael J, EMCM, USN	172
Appleman, Wilbur C, QMCS, USN	043

Barnes, Herbert, HM1, USN	042
Bauer, David, AT1, USN	MAL
Bednarcik, Raymond S, PNCM, USN	309
Belford, William J, BMC, USN	106
Bennett, Herbert D, LT, USN	027
Bowler, John E, PMC, USN	253
Brewster, Kyle E, AMSC, USN	MAL
Brown, Gary M, AECS, USN	MAL
Brown, James E, CTAC, USN	MAL

Capps, Walter C, SH1, USN	022
Captain, Charles D, AT1, USN	MAL
Carroll, Jesse J, YNC, USN	112
Chalmers, Donald R, HM1, USN	316
Chappell, Roy B, CWO, USN	070
Christopherson, K L, YNC, USN	136
Clifford, Clay T, ICC, USN	283
PRPWC, Clymer, Lindell C, YNC, 
USN	048
Comer, Norman C, RDC, USN	047
Converse, Charles A, CWO4, USN	MAL
Corriveau, Jon B, BT3, USN	040

De Los Reyes, G., CPO, USN	171
Dennard, James, SSGT, USMC	037
Dietrichson, Warren D, CDR, USN	MAL
Druckenmiller, R. E., CM1, USNR	115

Ellison, Fayette R, AFCM, USN	MAL
Encina, Rodolfo Y, CPO, USN	171
Ensor, Allan D, BMCS, USN	315
Ewald, Robert R, YNC, USN	055

Fairman, Walter S, MSGT, USMC	MAL
Faucette, Leo F., SA, USN	269
Fike, Bobbie L, DCC, USN	276
Fishpaw, Herbert L, HTCM(SW), 
USN	024
Fuller, Richard S, ATC, USN	097

Gardner, Keith A, UTCS, USN	MAL
Garner, Richard E, PNCM, USN	162
Geller, Louis, EMC, USN	267
Gentry, Johnny M, HMC, USN	091
Gibson, Jesse H, PO1, USN	MAL
Gilchrist, James R, ADCS, USN	070
Gilmore, Thomas F, ADCS, USNR	053
Glasgow, John R, HTCM, USN	011

Hakeem, Philip S, MMC, USN	086
Hampton, William R, USN	175
Hanrahan, Verne W, YNC, USN	230
Heyer, James H, STCM, USN	147
Hilbun, Paul R, POC, USN	290
PRPSC, Hobson, Jerry L, ATC, USN	282
Holman, Vern L, EMCS, USN	037
Hosford, Steve, USN	147
Housh, Robert F, ADRC, USN	047
Hubka, Verne R, CDR(SR), USN	070
Hull, Raymond L, FTCS, USN	282

Isabelle, Fernand J, PO1, USN	162

Jandron, Anthony L, SKCS, USN	042
Jenkins, Robert J, RMCS, USN	024
PRPEC, Johnson, Dan A, CWO, 
USMC	147
Johnson, Robert R, EMC, USN	014
Jones, Robert L, SKC, USN	175

Kalbfell, Robert C, SH1, USN	001
Kelsey, James N, QMCS, USN	192
Kristof, Harold C, ENCS, USN	159
Kuykendall, Charles, QMC(SS), USN	234

Langland, Ronald J, HMCM, USN	106
Leonard, Julian F, ADCS, USN	204
Lester, Robert M, GYSGT, USMC	024
Lewis, Joseph, AE1, USN	162
Long, Charlie L, POCS, USN	089

MacDonald, S John, STCM, USN	MAL
Macdonald, Gordon E, AFCM, USN	094
Maciag, Stanley J, MMCM, USN	027
McQuigg, Gene, ATC, USN	MAL
Monzon, Victoriano A, AK1, USN	MAL
Moore, Joe D, ACC, USN	106
Mott, Glenn E, DCC, USN	022
Murphy, Thomas W, YNC, USN	338

Naylor, William P, CDR, USNR	MAL
Noble, Terry L, CTTCM, USN	022

Oberlander, Elmer R, HMC, USN	053
Owens, Francis P, ADJC, USN	051

Pallen, Ronald X, RMC, USN	113
Pease, Jerry, MCPO, USN	186
Plienis, Harold A, CMC, USN	256
Poole, Edward L, EM1(SS), USN	087
Porter, Howard H, CWO, USN	MAL
Price, Bert L, ADJC, USN	070
Proteau, Leo A, CWO, USN	029

Ray, Robert H, CS1, USN	MAL
Redd, James W, ADJ1, USN	159
Rinesmith, Charles A, AGC, USN	289
Robb, Richard, POC, USN	022
Ryan, James D, AKCM, USN	307

Sandor, Frank F, PR1, USN	023
Scalamandre, Vincent F, RMCS, 
USN	MAL
Schall, Arlen D, CTOC, USN	022
Sharp, Billy G., EMC, MAL
Slade, Chester E, PO1, USN	230
Smith, William D, ETCM, USN	MAL
Smith, George W, GMG1, USN	MAL
Smith, Charles J, MMC, USN	276
Stanton, Norman L, RDCR, USN	MAL
Stevens, John W, BTC, USN	254
Stobbs, Emmett E, LCDR, USN	094
Strickland, Victor S, USN	022

Velsor, Herbert F, LT, USN	MAL
Vikla, Arthur M, AVCM, USN	136

Wall, Francis T, AWCS, USN	066
Wandersee, Charles C, RMC, USN	053
Wasilewski, George C, AMSC, USN	097
Waymack, William J, RMC, USN	282
Webb, Charles W, SKCS, USN	MAL
Welton, Stanley A, AO1, USN	087
Willard, Dana C, CUCM, USN	113
Williams, Ernest L, AMCS, USN	MAL
Workman, Okley, GMM1, USN	MAL

Zito, Charles T, SHCM, USN	060

Names in red indicate 50 year continuous members. Names in bold indicate Past National Officers.

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NEWS FROM THE BRANCHES

BRANCH 185 OGDEN, UTAH
Branch members paraded flags through the Texas Roadhouse Restaurant in South Ogden on Veterans Day, thanking the owner and staff for their support of the military and veterans. Pictured are PRPWC Shane Dunstan, Robert Porter, Dennis Howland, Branch President Robert Buck, Vyron Dowdle, Stan Martinez, Carla Martinez, Ed Glover, Don McCoach, members of the Vietnam Veterans of America and the managers of the Texas Roadhouse.

BRANCH 170 EVERETT, WASHINGTON
PRPNW Marion Dent Hoglund was honored for her 40 years of continuous FRA membership by Branch President Ron Vukasin.

BRANCH 1 PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
PRPNE Charles Rainey (left) and PRPNE William Reese (right) present a plaque and gift certificate to the Enlisted Person of the Quarter at USCG Station in Philadelphia. (Photo taken by Shipmate Patrick LaRose.)

BRANCH 42 QUONSET POINT, RHODE ISLAND
PRPNEng Phil Justin (left) and Branch President Kenneth Senker (right) congratulate Shipmate Robert Gagne on his 50 years of continuous FRA membership.

BRANCH 101 SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA
Branch and Unit members annually conduct a flag retirement ceremony in various locations in the community.  Shown (l to r) at the 2013 ceremony at The Villages are Phillip Strong, Shipmates Katherine Blanton, Tom Flowers, Boye Sweet and Auxiliary members Sue Thompson and Karen Webster.

BRANCH 161 KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
PRPNC David Combs (fourth from the left) is being honored for his many years working to assist those with special needs. Shown here at a ground-breaking ceremony, an apartment complex for developmentally challenged adults is being built in Blue Springs, Missouri, and will bear Shipmate Combs’ name.

BRANCH 186 HERNANDO, FLORIDA
Five Pearl Harbor survivors were honored during the branch’s annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day luncheon.  Shown (l to r) are Arthur Fusco (USA, Wheeler Field), Shipmates Robert Bewley (USN, Ford Island) and Donald Dertien (USN, USS Farragut), Jack Cissel (USAAF, Fort Shafter) and Shipmate Ted Archambault (USMC, 1st Marine Division).  Shipmates Leo Allard and Arthur Hampy, who are also Pearl Harbor survivors, were unable to attend this year’s event.

BRANCH 118 CAPE CORAL, FLORIDA
Shipmate Howard Robinson (left) was recognized for his 55 years of Loyalty, Protection and Service by Branch President John Panko.

BRANCH 93 PATUXENT RIVER, MARYLAND
Branch and Unit members participated in Maryland’s largest Veterans Day parade in Leonardtown. Although the attendees enjoyed the presentation of the colors, the addition of Branch 93’s “Navy Goat” was a definite crowd pleaser!

BRANCH 104 PUYALLUP, WASHINGTON
Congratulations to Shipmate Dwight Thayer for his 50 years of continuous FRA membership!  Shown (l to r) are PNP “John” Johnson, Branch President Mark Thompson, Thayer and Shipmate Len Barrett. (Photo taken by Shipmate Rex Faubion)

To submit a photo for News From the Branches, please e-mail a photo as an attachment in jpeg format to FRAToday@fra.org or mail a high-quality photograph to FRA Today, 125 N. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Please include a brief description of the photograph and include the names of those pictured. Laser prints and scanned copies of photographs cannot be accepted. 
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NEWS FROM THE AUXILIARY OF THE FRA
Message from the West Coast Regional President

I want to first thank the West Coast Region for their confidence in me to serve as your Regional President for another term. It is really an honor and a privilege. We are very proud of our members who work very hard and give their all for the other members. I haven’t started my visitations yet, but what a pleasant time it will be to see old friends and new members. 
I will start the visits after the Pilgrimage at Arlington National Cemetery, which will be held April 12–13, 2014, with lodging at Westin Tyson’s Corner in Arlington, Virginia. You can call 800-937-8461 or 703-893-1340 to make reservations. Be sure to mention LA FRA when calling.
As I prepare to visit different units in the West Coast Region, I see that each unit is busy doing a lot of patriotic service and community work and still manages to have time for their own families. They have been sponsoring Little League teams, collecting food for the needy, collecting coats for children, Toys for Tots, helping local churches, sending packages overseas for the troops, giving scholarships to high school graduates, and making layettes for newborn babies. These are just a few of the many things the units of the LA FRA are doing in the community. 
And don’t forget to make plans now for the West Coast Mid-Year Meeting, held in March.
West Coast Mid-Year Meeting
March 21–22, 2014
Hilton Stockton
2323 Grand Canal Blvd
Stockton, CA 95207
800-HILTONS or 209-957-9090
Room Rate: $99 plus tax
Branch 113 Secretary: Frank Reyes
Ph: 209-465-5839
e-mail: freyes9725@sbcglobal.net
Convention Chair: Maria A. Behm, President Unit 113
3011 Dunn Road
Valley Springs, CA 95252
Ph: 209-471-3011
e-mail: mbehm77@comcast.net

58th West Coast Regional Convention
August 21–23, 2014
Gold Dust West Hotel and Casino
2171 E. William Street
Carson City, NV 89701
Hosted By: Silver Dollar Branch 192 and Minden Unit 137
More details to follow soon

To those who lost a loved one, may your heart mend in time, love and support to family and friends. To those who are ill or under the weather, may there be brighter days ahead. To those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, may you have many more.

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