July2015 - uss ticonderoga veterans` association

CV / CVA / CVS-14
CG-47
The USS TICONDEROGA
Veterans’ Association
VOLUME 42 NO 3
JULY 2015
NEWS
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
GREETINGS:
SHIPMATES, FRIENDS, & FAMILY,
It is with great pleasure that I assume the
responsibilities as your President of the USS
Ticonderoga Veterans Association for the year
2015/2016.
I want to thank Lloyd Frank for all of the work he did as your president
this past year. These will be big shoes to fill!
I hope all those that attended the reunion in Minneapolis during May 14th
to the 18th enjoyed themselves and were able to take in both tours that were
offered and the Mall of America. Art and Kris Casello who also Co-Chaired
this reunion put together a great selection of “Raffle Items” and Ship Store
Products that sold very well.
On a personal note, I had the distinct pleasure of sitting next to George
Garcia a World War II Veteran on the Tico from 1944-1945 during our Gala
Dinner. His experience during the Japanese kamikaze attack on the Tico
was most interesting and intriging. Thank you George and to all of our World
War II Tico Vets!
A special welcome to those CG-47 members that attended. Dave Graf a
CG-47 member and our Tico Historian has also volunteered to be our Second
Vice President. I look forward to the CG-47 Members as the future of our
Tico Association.
I want to wish all of our Association Members and their families a great
summer.
God Bless America
John Dupont
PAGE 2
OUTGOING PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
GREETINGS:
SHIPMATES, NEW MEMBERS, FRIENDS, & FAMILY,
This past year 2014 was a very interesting year for the
association. Our finances are now in the black and we just
completed our 44th, annual reunion which was a great success for all who
attended.
Our guest speaker, Frank Partel, was very interesting in his presentation
of events of the 1968 combat cruise.
I want to thank our new President John DuPont, as well as Art and Kris
Casello, for planning and putting together a great reunion. Job well done!
The Bruno Romanoski Award was given to our secretary Dennis Sabell,
for his outstanding service to the association and for all his help keeping our
members’ dues up to date. This is a function that goes on all year.
In passing the gavel to our new President John DuPont, we are confident
he will do a great job this year. I wish him well and know he will have our
support throughout the year.
Fred Vance will now move to Executive Vice President. Steven Codding
will move to 1st Vice President, and David Graf will now be our 2nd Vice
President and will also hold the job as Historian. I want to thank all of them
for their commitment to our association.
I hope all our members and new members from CG 47 have a great summer.
“Next year’s reunion will be in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Gold Coast
Hotel & Casino. The dates are May 19, 2016 through May 23, 2016.
More information to come.”
Lloyd Frank
PAGE 3
Directors (continued)
Directors (continued)
Committees (continued)
President:
John B. Dupont
4590 Linwood Circle
Deep Haven, MN 55331-9297
(952) 474-4731
Director
John F. Deasy P. P.
560 Maple Ave.
Doylestown, PA 18901-4451
(215) 348-9981
[email protected]
Director:
Parker W. Patterson P. P.
4 Terrace Hill Road
Pine Grove, PA 17963-9399
(570) 345-3344
Chaplain:
Pastor Brett Inman
8838 E Cooper St
Tucson, AZ 85710-4416
(520) 909-3998
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Executive Vice President:
Fred Vance
5808 SW 27TH STREET
Topeka, KS 66614
(785) 271-5900
Director:
John Rochford P. P.
1926 East Bancroft
Camarillo, CA 93010-4510
(805) 484-1368
Director
Lloyd Frank P. P.
2129 Bliss Comer St
Henderson, NV 89044-0174
(702) 361-6660
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
First Vice President:
Steven Codding
9260 Hilltop Lane
Bloomington, IL 61705
(309) 827-4017
[email protected]
[email protected]
Second Vice President:
David Graf
262 Broadway
Norwich, CT 06360-3527
(860) 608-5943
[email protected]
[email protected]
Secretary:
Dennis SaBell
3930 Quay St
Wheatridge, CO 80033
(303) 422-8690
[email protected]
Treasurer:
Thomas L Thompson
3043 Canyon Overlook
Burlington KY 41005-7888
(859) 444-7577
Director
Victor Godfrey
138 Briarwood Dr.
Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087-4018
609-294-0955
[email protected]
Director
Charles E. Hill
22 W. Hancock St.
Lansdale, PA 19446-3812
(215) 855-5299
[email protected]
Director
Ronald W. Lee P. P.
8920 Dawes Point Dr.
Mobile, AL 36695-9336
(251) 599-8559
[email protected]
Director:
Calvin S. Turner P. P.
130 Silver Leaf Dr.
Fayetteville, GA 30214-1055
(770) 461-4106
[email protected]
Committees
Newsletter Editor:
Cruiser Store Operator
Edgar S. Trotter, Jr.
1150 Baywood Ave.
Camarillo, CA 93010-3005
(805) 484-2930
[email protected]
Directors
Director * *
Arthur Avery
1694 Fillner Ave.
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
(716) 669-2678
[email protected]
Director:
Joseph McDonnell P. P.
4141 Inola Trl. Ne
Roswell, GA 30075-1658
(770) 335-1715 ©
[email protected]
Director
Jerry H. Cole P. P.
945 N. Delacroix Dr
Green Valley, AZ 85614-5266
(708) 227-0073
[email protected]
Director:
George Passantino P. P.
PO BOX 3101
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147-3101
(303) 884-7565
[email protected]
[email protected]
Director:
Edgar S. Trotter, Jr.
1150 Baywood Ave.
Camarillo, CA 93010-3005
(805) 484-2930
[email protected]
Memorials Chairman
Robert Hildebrand
2016 Reseda Way
Antioch, CA 94509-5834
(925) 757-1836
[email protected]
Membership Chairman:
David Litzinger
1101 Prariewood Ln
Warwick, ND 58381
(612) 600-4160
[email protected]
[email protected]
Budget Chairman
Thomas L Thompson
3043 Canyon Overlook
Burlington KY 41005-7888
(859) 444-7577
[email protected]
Director
John Lunsford P.P.
2504 McNutt
Bakersfield, CA 93306-4469
(661) 872-8850
[email protected]
Director
Alfred F. McDonnell P.P.
1749 9th Ave
San Francisco, CA 94122
415-661-6753
[email protected]
[email protected]
Director:
Doc Simon P. P.
803 Hartford Ave.
White River Jct, VT 05001-8052
(802) 295-2851
[email protected]
Public Relations Chairman
Jerry H. Cole
17840 Oakwood Ave.
Lansing, IL 60438-1934
(708) 474-9331
[email protected]
Historian
David Graf
262 Broadway
Norwich, CT 06360-3527
(860) 608-5943
[email protected]
[email protected]
New Sites Coordinator
Joyce Frank
2129 Bliss Comer St
Henderson, NV 89044-0174
(702) 361-6660
[email protected]
[email protected]
Carrier Store Operator
Art Casello
1737 Hoyt Ave E
Saint Paul, MN 55106-1328
(651) 774-1685
[email protected]
[email protected]
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT: WWW.BIGT.NET
OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2014 - 2015
Officers 2015-2016
Liaison USS HORNET CVS-12
Richard Radigonda
357 Jade Circle
Vallejo CA. 94590
(707) 563-5556
[email protected]/[email protected]
WebMaster:
Gordon S. Humphrey, Jr.
15030 223rd Drive SE
Monroe, WA 98272-9089
(425) 785-8094
[email protected]
SHIPMATES! NOW HEAR THIS!
We are always looking for Memorabilia for our Museum Rooms. Soon we will be starting one at the Mississippi
Maritime and Warship Museum in Pascagoula, MS. Keep us in mind as we’ll be starting with very little memorabilia.
One thing we would like to find is Military Payment Certificates "Funny Money" used to pay us during the Viet Nam
war. If you have anything you want to donate contact Ed Trotter at [email protected]. Thanks for your help in
keeping our memories alive to others through our Museum Rooms.
PAGE 4
Chaplains Corner
By: LCDR Brett Inman
Fellow Shipmates & Friends,
The life we live on earth is a precious gift from God. Despite our
circumstances it is left up to us to make it a life well lived. In the
average human life span our hearts will beat between 2.5 to 3
billion times. That is a lot of heartbeats in which to make
something meaningful of your life.
At our stage in life, I think it is a safe bet that most of us have experienced a significant
loss of a loved one. For me, this always brings into focus the importance of current
relationships I have with others. Whether it is with family or past shipmates, the joy
and satisfaction in life comes though the quality of our relations we have with others,
not from the material things we own. None of us want to be poor, but to have riches
without others to share them with leads to an empty life.
Take time out of your day today and be thankful for the people that are in your life.
If you have not done so recently, call someone who you value and let them know how
you feel. If you do not have anyone to call, perhaps it is time to reach out and start
developing some new friendships.
One easy way to do this is to get connected to the Tico Facebook groups and/or
attend the annual reunions and start reconnecting with shipmates. Our military
service is something we all have in common and creates an automatic bond between
the faithful Naval brothers and sisters who have been “Haze gray and under way”.
Of course I would be remiss not to mention the most important relationship we should
have and develop. That would be your relationship with God.
In the Christian Scriptures (Luke 12:16-21) there is a story about a wealthy man who
had a very good harvest. The harvest was so plentiful that he had to tear down all his
storage barns and build bigger ones. As a result, he felt very secure about his future.
God however, called him a foolish man, because despite the man’s planning and
wealth, he would die that very night. God asked the question, “‘…now who will own
what you have prepared?’ So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not
rich toward God.”
Let us be thankful for the life God has given to us and may we be a blessing to family
and friends alike. Strive to not only make your life better, but also the lives of those
around you.
PAGE 5
Air Force Commemorative Museum Tour
PAGE 6
Air Force Commemorative Museum Tour
PAGE 7
Secretary’s Letter
Shipmates, Friends & Family:
As usual Holly and I really enjoyed the Minneapolis reunion. It is
always great to get together with old friends and meet new members.
It was especially nice to have some cruiser sailors to help the older
carrier guys find our way to the bar. Seriously, it was fun to have you aboard! Bring your
CG friends, we need new (um... true) stories (and new victims for ours).
I hope we have been doing a good job keeping everyone informed. I especially want to
make sure I am answering any questions you may have about your membership or dues
status. I know we had a problem with the “dues paid thru” dates on the mailing labels (I
think that should be fixed now). I also try to make sure I send out letters to acknowledge
all dues payments and donations. So, if you have made a payment and we didn’t respond
(I can be a little slow), or if you think we may have made a mistake, let me know. Don’t
forget our website www.BigT.net has a wealth of information.
The Association is non-profit and your donations (but not dues) are tax deductible.
We have a new Treasurer (Tom Thompson) who I will be working closely with. George
Passantino deserves a big thank you for taking on a bad situation, working to fix it, and
handing Tom a Treasury in excellent condition. I know that Tom will continue to make
improvements and will do a great job.
Your dues payments and donations by check will still go to:
P.O. Box 474, Wheat Ridge CO 80034
(see the form inside the back cover of this newsletter).
PayPal options are still available from the Website.
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS !!!!
FIRST NAME
Keith
Morris
Thomas
Timothy
John
Carl
Michael
Fred
James
Dennis
Gary
Allen
Jerry
Lyle
Thomas
Greg
NEW MEMBERS BETWEEN 4/01/15 to 6/30/15
WELCOME ABOARD!
LAST NAME
DIVISION
RATE/RANK YRS ABOARD CURRENTLY LIVES IN
Alyea
CG-47 (E-Div)
EM2
83-87
Lafayette
Berend
V-4 Division
ABF-3
66-70
Decatur
Ferry
CG-47
..
85-88
Virginia Beach
Foster
CG-47
HT2
85-89
Indian Hills
Graves
B Division
E-4
65-68
Rison
Griffith
M Division
MMC
69-71
Swansboro
Hayden
VMA-331
LT
1955
Greenwich
Loeffler
V-1 Division
AN
62-65
Birnamwood
Loney
S-6 Division
LT
71-73
Newhall
Malarkey
CVA-14
..
..
Hemet
Mason
V-2
ABE
67-70
White Bear Lake
Oakland
CVA-14
FN
64-66
Maple Grove
Ratcliff
VA-66
AO-2
55-56
Minneapolis
Underwood
V-1 Division
ABHC
66-67
Crawfordsville
Van Loon
V-4 Division
AN
70-73
Clear Lake
Yale
CG-47 (R-Div)
HTCS
82-86
Richfield
PAGE 8
STATE
IN
TX
VA
CO
AR
NC
CT
WI
CA
CA
MN
MN
MN
IN
WI
MN
It is with great sadness that we report the deaths of the following shipmates
George E Nowack Sr – George was a Life Member who passed away December 3, 2002. He
was an active member of the Association who held numerous positions including President. He
did a lot of work on the Tico room on the Yorktown in Charleston SC. While on board George
was an EM2 in E Division from 1944-1945. He lived in Raleigh NC.
John J DePoulter – John was a Life Member who passed away May 2, 2015. His wife Joan
wrote that every time they received the newsletter they both read it cover to cover and that John
was a loving, caring, compassionate man of Faith who missed only two reunions up until Atlantic
City and survived 29 operations on his body. While on board John was an FP2 in R Division
from 1953-1957. He lived in Chestertown, MD.
Donald W Monson (Capt USN Ret) – Don passed away February 19, 2015 with his family at
his side. He is survived by his wife Etta, Four sons and their wives, ten grandchildren, and seven
great grandchildren. He served 32 years in the Navy and participated in WWII and Vietnam. He
was a pilot with 718 carrier landings flying the SB2C Dive Bomber. His first combat mission was
aboard Tico with VB-80. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and Air Medal.
He was commanding officer of VS-23 in 1959 and Executive Officer of the USS Bennington in
1964. While on board in 1944 he was a LTJG. He lived in Fullerton, CA.
Richard C Harrison – Richard was a Life Member who passed away November 17, 2014. While
on board he was an AB3 in V-4 Division from 1957 through 1960. We were notified by his son
Alan. He lived in Douglasville, GA.
John Thomas – John passed away March 8, 2014. He was born and raised in Niagra Falls NY.
We were notified of his death by Art Avery. John served aboard Ticonderoga from 1954 through
1957 in V-1 Division with Vic Godfrey. He lived in Sunnyvale CA and had five children.
Pielocik, Walter J – Walter was a Life Member who passed away March 24, 2015. He served
in the Navy from 1942 – 1946. While on board Ticonderoga from 1944-1946 he was an AMM2
in V-2 Division. We were notified by his son Joe who wrote that Walter “considered his service
years to be among the best of his life and often spoke fondly of his shipmates and experiences
aboard the Ticonderoga”. Walter lived in Daleville, VA.
Scohy, John N – John was a Life Member who passed away April 4, 2014. We were notified by
his son Patrick who wrote: He was a proud American who loved being in the Navy and telling
stories of his adventures. While on board John was an ETR2 in OE Division from 1960-1964.
He lived in Loveland, CO.
McConnell, Walter J – Walter was Life Member who passed away March 25, 2015. His
Daughter Laurie wrote: “He was a proud combat veteran from WWII” While on board he was
an AEM3 in V-2 Division during 1944. He lived in St. Petersburg, FL.
Schulte, Richard J (Capt USN Ret)– “Dick” passed away January 22, 2015. He was “Air Boss”
on the Ticonderoga in 1968-1969 who went on to become Commanding Officer of the Midway.
Schumacher, Albert W – Albert was a Life Member who passed away in March 2014 at the age
of 90. While on board he was a GM2 in 6th & 8th Divisions during 1944. He lived in Albany NY.
Suchomel, Don – Don was a Life Member whose newsletter was returned marked “Deceased”.
Don was an RMCM in POSTMASTER and O Divisions from 1958 to 1960.
PAGE 9
Minutes of General Meeting at Minneapolis:
President Lloyd Frank (2014-2015) called the meeting to order. Ed Trotter said
the opening prayer. The membership recited the Pledge of Allegiance. President Frank
then asked that each attending member verbally introduce himself to the membership.
Upon completion of the introductions, Lloyd thanked the CG sailors and new members
for their attendance.
Secretary Dennis SaBell read the minutes from the 2014 General meeting.
Treasurer George Passantino presented the Association’s Current Financial
Reports. Copies of the financial statements were distributed to the members. George
discussed how the misappropriation of funds problem was ultimately resolved and
the $20,000 in missing funds recovered. He thanked the membership for stepping up
and donating to help the association get through the problem period and thanked Lloyd
Frank and John Deasy for their essential roles in the recovery. George then presented
a summary of the procedures and reports that will keep the membership informed
going forward. He showed how fiscal year financial statements and quarterly reports
will be provided in the newsletter and how redundant receipt schedules will be kept.
The new budget was presented and approved by voice vote.
Next, Ed Trotter was introduced to give the newsletter and membership reports.
Discussion included need for volunteers to assist in ongoing personnel data records
conversion and possibly using a paid contractor to assist in recruiting new members
from the list. No motions were made or voted on. Ed next praised webmaster Gordon
Humphrey for his continued excellence and professionalism in maintaining our
website and organizing the quarterly newsletter. He noted that the newsletter printer
went out of business and a new printer was contracted this year so seamlessly that is
was hardly noticed except for a few minor issues with the date on the labels. Discussion
of the cost and need for quarterly hard-copy newsletters ensued. No motions for
change were made. It was noted that we now have a reduced “non-profit” mailing
status.
Lloyd Frank then stated that Jerry Cole (Public Relations Chairman) is in the
middle of a move and could not attend but will be working to get ads in several
magazines (VFW, American Legion, AARP, etc.) to promote our reunions and
association.
Historian David Graf was then introduced. David noted, in reference to the
Membership issues above, that the CG 47 Facebook page has 700 CG contributors
who are all potential members and that he has been challenging the CG 47 sailors to
join and sponsor others. He then moved on to a discussion of his goals as historian.
David said that he has received several boxes of unsorted, often fragile, and
unorganized documents and objects. He has scanned most of the data over the past
3 months is beginning the process of cataloging as much as he can electronically and
PAGE 10
Minutes of General Meeting at Minneapolis - Continued
organizing the data and making it available. Discussion of CG 47 artifacts now in
storage ensued. David initiated discussion about possible display of the ships bell
and anchor in a more publicly accessible locations and his desire to acquire history
through member interviews etc. before it is lost.
Next, Al McDonnell was called on to report on the status of the Hornet Museum.
He stated that there is a current effort to raise money (at least $100,000 - $40,000
already raised) to move the Hornet around the point at Alameda to make it more
visible and accessible to the Ferry landing. He reported that the Ticonderoga Room
continues to be maintained in excellent condition (we have $2100 dedicated to the
museum that is available for improvements to that room).
Membership Chairman David Litzinger discussed how he and others have been
attempting to recruit through the guestbook and asked that anyone willing to volunteer
for any of the membership recruiting efforts contact him.
Next on the agenda was a lengthy process to nominate and confirm the officers and
board by voice vote. In summary: John Dupont moved to President for 2015-2016,
David Graf was voted 2nd Vice President, All 2014-2015 Vice Presidents moved up
one position, Tom Thompson was voted new Treasurer. Dennis SaBell remained
Secretary. Lloyd Frank moved to Director. All existing Directors remained the same.
A financial review (audit) committee was formed under the direction of 2nd Vice
President David Graf. Two appointees to this committee were John Lunsford and
Bill Spanbauer.
Lloyd Frank discussed the 2016 Las Vegas reunion. The dates will be May 19thMay 23rd. at the Gold Coast Hotel . Room rates will average about $82/day. Tours
are being arranged and may include: Hoover Dam, Nellis AFB, a reasonably priced
Show, etc).
Joyce Frank has volunteered as New Sites Coordinator. Joyce proposed two
possible sites for 2017: a Carribean Cruise out of Ft Lauderdale or a traditional land
reunion at Jacksonville FL. After some discussion the membership voted on the
Cruise with Jacksonville as a back-up if the cruise doesn’t work for some reason.
Joyce will be reporting in future newsletters.
The meeting was adjourned.
PAGE 11
GUEST SPEAKER AT REUNION
MANY THANKS TO A GREAT
GUEST SPEAKER!
PAGE 12
Banquet & Officer’s Installation
MANY THANK YOU’S TO
REUNION ORGANIZERS!
PAGE 13
OUR NEW TREASURER
Greetings: to all of the Men & Women
of the USS Ticonderoga Veterans Association.
My name is Tom Thompson and I was voted in as the new
Treasurer at the reunion in Minneapolis and I am proud to
serve the Association in that capacity. I’ve been asked by
George Passantino to tell you a little about myself.
I was aboard the Tico from August 28, 1968 to April 1972 in V4 Division. I was
an ABF2 when discharged in San Diego (just before the first Apollo pickup). My
wife and I then moved to Kentucky in April 1972. In February 1975 our first
daughter was born followed by another daughter in May of 1978. I am now the
proud grandpa of 3 grand-sons and 2 grand-daughters. My oldest grand-daughter
has Down syndrome and I am currently doing volunteer work for the Down
Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati. I attend First Church of Christ in
Burlington KY where I am the leader of the Communion Prep Team.
I worked as an Electrician in Local 212, Cincinnati, OH for 13 years and then
moved to General Electric, Cincinnati, OH working in the engine and combustor
test cells and retired in 2012 but still work at GE as a pensioner. I keep busy in
my free time playing golf as much as I can and I’m still not good at the game.
I will carry on the duties of the Treasurer for our Association and will uphold
the standards that George Passantino has established during his time in the office
of Treasurer. If you need to contact me please see the Officers page on page 4 of
this newsletter.
Tom Thompson
DONATIONS MADE TO USS TICONDEROGA VETERANS ASSN 04/01/15 THRU 06/30/15
THANK YOU
FIRST NAME
Wally
Michael
William
Ed
Bill
Keith
Calvin
Lyle
Ray
Frank
LAST NAME
Blinde
Hayden
Klein
Gorton
Blythe
Alyea
Turner
Underwood
Wieser
Partel
GENERAL FUND MEMORIAL FUND HORNET MUSEUM HORNET Ens/Admrl
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
PAGE 14
TREASURERS REPORT
USS TICONDEROGA VETERANS ASSOCIATION
FISCAL YEAR 05/01/2014 – 04/30/2015
TREASURERS REPORT
CHECKING ACCT BALANCE AS OF 05/01/14
INCOME RECEIVED:
Membership Receipts
$ 5,074.65
Charleston Reunion Startup Refund
$ 2,500.00
Charleston Reunion Proceeds
$ 4,791.00
Total $12,365.65
DONATIONS:
General Fund
$6,669.19
Hornet Museum
$ 110.00
Hornet (Ensign-Admiral)
$1,500.00
Memorial Fund
$ 165.00
Miscellaneous
$ 15.00
Total $ 8,459.19
$ 12,365.65
$ 8,459.19
$20,824.84
EXPENSES PAID:
Presidents Expense
$ 30.10
Secretary Expense
$ 495.71
Newsletter Expense
$ 7,810.11
Website Expense
$ 566.44
Minneapolis Reunion Startup Advance $ 2,500.00
Las Vegas Reunion Startup Advance
$ 900.00
Total $12,302.36
Ending Checking Acct Balance 4/30/15
SAVINGS ACCT BALANCE AS OF 05/01/14
INCOME RECEIVED
Recovery Of Association Funds
Donation Into Savings Account
Interest On Savings Acct
$ 4,850.10
$20,824.84
$ 12,302.36
$ 13,372.58
$ 0.0
$20,000.00
$
50.00
$
3.27
$20,053.27
$20,053.27
Ending Savings Acct Balance 4/30/15 $20,053.27
CHECKING ACCOUNT $13,372.58
SAVINGS ACCOUNT $20,053.27
TOTAL BANK $33,425.85
2014 – 2015 BigT Budget
President
$ 400.00
Secretary
$ 1,000.00
Treasurer
$ 200.00
Newsletters
$ 8,500.00
Membership
$ 300.00
Miscellaneous
$ 700.00
Public Relations
$ 100.00
Website
$ 300.00
GRAND TOTAL
$11,500.00
PAGE 15
2015 – 2016 BigT Proposed Budget
President
$ 400.00
Secretary
$1,000.00
Treasurer
$ 200.00
Newsletters
$8,200.00
Membership
$ 300.00
Miscellaneous $ 700.00
Public Relations $ 100.00
Website
$ 600.00
GRAND TOTAL $11,500.00
roclamation
BIG "T" VETERANS' REUNION DAYS
May 14-18, 2015
WHEREAS, the Big "T" Veterans' Association will hold its 44th annual reunion in
Bloomington, MN on May 14-18, 2015; and
WHEREAS, the attendees of this reunion are veterans and active duty members of our
illustrious U.S. Navy who served from 1944 to the present, their wives and friends who have
gathered together to honor their comrades; and
WHEREAS, this famous Essex class U.S. Navy Carrier, the fourth TICONDEROGA, was built
and launched at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company on February
7, 1944; and was placed in commission as CV-14 on May 8, 1944, at the Norfolk
Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, VA; and
WHEREAS, in January 1945, the ship survived two direct suicide planes crashing into the flight
deck and bridge superstructure resulting in 345 officers and men killed, missing or wounded in
action, and after extensive repairs, continued to serve in the Pacific until the completion of the war
against Japan; and
WHEREAS, after being decommissioned in 1945, the ship was recommissioned as CVA-14 on
September 11, 1954 in New York City. After making numerous peacetime deployments, the ship
made five combat deployments to Southeast Asia; and
WHEREAS, the ship was redesignated as CVS-14 on October 21, 1969, and made two more
peacetime deployments and participated in the recovery of two Apollo moon mission capsules
before being decommissioned on September 1; 1973; and
WHEREAS, the ship was recognized by the federal government by awarding 5 Battle Stars, 3
Navy Unit Commendations, a Meritorious Unit Commendation and 12 Battle Stars for service in
the Vietnam Conflict; and
WHEREAS, CG-47 is the fifth ship to bear the name TICONDEROGA; and
PAGE 16
WHEREAS, on January 22, 1983, CG-47, built by Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, MS, was
commissioned as the lead ship of the AEGIS GUIDED MISSILE CRUISER CLASS,
TICONDEROGA as the world's first surface combatant equipped with the AEGIS combat system;
the most sophisticated air defense system in the world; and
WHEREAS, she has seen duty in the Gulf of Sidra, off the coast of Beirut, three tours in the
Mediterranean, five tours in the Caribbean, and one tour in the Eastern Pacific; and
WHEREAS, TICONDEROGA was the first ship to report on station in the Red Sea to support
Operation DESERT SHIELD after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, later serving with distinction in
DESERT STORM; and
WHEREAS, her adventures have taken her to the Arctic Circle, the Equator, and through the
Suez and Panama Canals, earning the distinction of"Blue Nose," "Shell Back" and "Suez Safari";
and
WHEREAS, the ship has been recognized by the federal government by the awarding of 2
Joint.
Meritorious Unit Awards, 2 Navy Unit Commendations, 2 Meritorious Unit
Awards, and 3 Battle Efficiency Awards; and
WHEREAS, the ship was installed with the SMART SHIP Integrated Bridge System in April of
1999; and
WHEREAS, TICONDEROGA was the first ship out of Pascagoula to participate in
OPERATION NOBLE EAGLE, supporting the homeland defense after the terrorist attack of
September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, TICONDEROGA was decommissioned September 30, 2004, in Pascagoula, MS.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gene Winstead, Mayor of the City of Bloomington, Minnesota, on
behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim May 14-18, 2015 as ·
BIG "T" VETERANS' REUNION DAYS
in the city of Bloomington, Minnesota and extend a very warm and cordial welcome to the
Veterans and their families and friends and wish you a successful, enjoyable, and memorable
reunion.
Dated this 14th day of May 2015.
ene Winstead, Mayor
City of Bloomington, Minnesota
PAGE 17
MALL OF AMERICA IN MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA!
AMAZING PLACE!
PAGE 18
WAITING FOR TOUR BUSSES!
WE ARE ALREADY HAVING
A GREAT TIME!
PAGE 19
SHIP STORE ORDER FORM: CRUISER ITEMS
NO
ITEM
PRICE
1
Antique Bronze Coin
$15 plus $5 shipping
2
Peter Hsu Drawing
$10 plus $5 shipping
3
Color picture of ship
$4 plus $1 shipping
4
Color collage of ship pictures
$4 plus $1 shipping
5
Radar waveguide seal
$4 plus $1 shipping
6
Cachet/Ship/Pascagoula Cancel
$3 plus $1 shipping
7
Cachet/Decom Today/ Pascagoula
$3 plus $1 shipping
8
Cachet/Last Day Postal Service Pascagoula
$3 plus $1 shipping
9
10
11
#7 & #8 above signed by CO
Cachet/Ship/Ticonderoga Cancel
Cachet/Decom Today/Ticonderoga
$6 plus $1 shipping
$3 plus $1 shipping
$3 plus $1 shipping
12
Cachet/Last Day Postal Service Tico
$3 plus $1 shipping
13
#10, #11, #12 above signed by CO
$6 plus $1 shipping
14
Flag flown over ship on 25 Sept 04
USS TICONDEROGA History/Educational
Video Set (Just $3.00 per DVD!)
15
16
CG Holiday Ornaments (Need 250 orders first)
PRICE
$50 plus $5 shipping
$55 plus $5 shipping
Price same as CV
PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE!
FOR ORDERS OF ITEMS 1‐16 ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
On orders of $30 a Peter Hsu drawing will be included free
of charge.
Checks (if you are not ordering using PAYPAL) should be
made to USS TICONDEROGA! VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION
Orders should be mailed to:
Ed Trotter 1150 Baywood Ave Camarillo, CA 93010‐3005
[email protected]
If you have an e‐mail address it is suggested that you
include it here:____________________________________
and your phone number here:_______________________
in case we have to contact you for some reason.
PLEASE check availability of products & SEE images of these
items on the “Ship's Store” page at: www.bigt.net.
PAGE 20
QTY
Total:
_______
SHIP STORE ORDER FORM: CARRIER ITEMS
NO
ITEM
PRICE
$12 + $9 Parcel Post
$12 + $11 Priority/Track#
$20 includes shipping
ADD $2.25 for Scrambled
17 Ceramic Coffee Mug w/Logo & Tiger
18 Ball Caps–CV‐14 or CVA‐14 or CVS‐14 or CG‐47
19 USS TICONDEROGA Warship Pictorial Book
20
20
$20 includes shipping
CV,CVA,CVS CARRIER
CVA
ATTACK CARRIER
Blue Polo Shirt ‐ S,M,L,XL
CG 47 CRUISER
CV,CVA,CVS CARRIER
Blue Polo Shirts – 2X,3X CVA ATTACK CARRIER
CG 47 CRUISER
$29 includes shipping
$31 includes shipping
21 Round TICO Patch (5 inches)
$11 includes shipping
22 TICO Tiger patch
$11 includes shipping
$5 for 1,
$12 for 4,
$8 for 2,
$17 for 5,
$10 for 3,
$25 for 10
$10 for 1 $18 for 2
$24 for 3 Includes Shipping
White W/Blue Letters
23 License Plate Frame(s):
24
Blue W/White Letters
Carrier Holiday Ornaments Colors:
BLUE, RED, GREEN
25 Gray Tee Shirts – S,M,L,XL
25 Gray Tee Shirts – 2X,3X
26
QTY
CV
CVA,CVS
CRUISER
CV
CVA,CVS
CRUISER
40th REUNION Commemorative booklet
$20 Includes Shipping
$22 Includes Shipping
$10 plus $5 shipping
PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE!
FOR ITEMS 17-26 ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
CHECKS: (if you are not ordering using PAYPAL)
should be made to:
USS TICONDEROGA VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION
Orders should be mailed to:
Arthur Casello
1737 Hoyt Ave. E. St. Paul, MN. 55106
Email: [email protected]
If you have an e‐mail address,
it is suggested that you include it here:
_____
and your phone number here:
in case we have to contact you for some reason or send you a tracking #
PLEASE check availability of products & SEE images of these items
on the “Carrier Store” page at: www.bigt.net OR Email
[email protected]
PAGE 21
Total:
PRICE
$10,000 - FLEET ADMIRAL
$5,000 - ADMIRAL
$2,500 - VICE ADMIRAL
$1,500 - REAR ADMIRAL
$1,000 - COMMODORE
$500 - CAPTAIN
$250 - COMMANDER
$100 - LIEUTENANT
$50 - ENSIGN
USS TICONDEROGA
MUSEUM ROOM
ON USS HORNET
INDIVIDUAL
PLANK OWNER
BENEFITS
NAME PERMANENTLY DISPLAYED ON THE SHIP
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
10% DISCOUNTS AT USS HORNET'S GIFT SHOP
X
X
X
X
X
LIFE
TIME
4
3
2
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
NUMBER OF YEARS FREE ADMISSION TO
USS HORNET AND USS YORKTOWN
LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP IN BIG T VETERANS
ASSOCIATION
SPECIAL GUEST PASSES TO ALL SHIP EVENTS
STATEROOM STAY ON THE USS HORNET
(2 NIGHTS PER YEAR)
LIFE ONE
TIME TIME
YES, I want to support the USS TICONDEROGA Museum Room on
USS HORNET. I have enclosed my tax deductible gift of $________to
“The Big T Veterans’ Association”. Over the next three years I plan to
reach the following plank owner level:
$50
$100
$250
$500
$1000
Ensign
Lieutenant
Commander
Captain
Commodore
____
____
____
____
____
$1500 Rear Admiral
$2500 Vice Admiral
$5,000 Admiral
$10,000 Fleet Admiral
____
____
____
____
Name: _______________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________
City: _____________________State: _____ Zip: ____________
Optional: Phone no._________________________
E-Mail: ___________________________________
I also want to volunteer my services or make the following donations,
please contact me. I can help with or will loan/donate the following:
PAGE 22
PLEASE SEND THIS FORM AND YOUR DUES TO:
DENNIS W. SABELL - SECRETARY
P. O. BOX 474 WHEAT RIDGE, CO 80034
Make Check Payable to Big T Veterans’ Association
PLEASE PRINT
NAME:
DIVISION:
RANK:
(highest while aboard) YEARS ABOARD:
APT. # / LOT #:
to
(reported ‐left)
SPOUSE'S NAME:
ADDRESS/ P.O. BOX:
CITY:
STATE:
ZIP:
Alternate Address:
Above Alternate Address for Newsletters Mailed in: Jan
Apr
Jul
Oct
Optional Information:
If the information below is provided you will be giving permission for
this information to be shared with other members
PHONE#:
FAX#:
E‐MAIL ADDRESS:
CELL#:
@
Dues Included for Period:
($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2015
($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2016
($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2017
($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2018
($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2019
($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2020
($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2021
($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2022
($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2023
($30). . . Dues for Jan. ‐ Dec. 2024
. . . Or Lifetime Membership Amount (See Below)
THIS FORM CAN BE
PRINTED FROM
WWW.BIGT.NET
MEMBERSHIP PAGE.
Personal Gift Contributions to:
Memorial Fund
General Fund
USS Hornet Museum Room
USS CG‐47 Museum Room
TOTAL
Please Remember: For dues or contribution, notify treasurer and secretary of any change of address.
Lifetime Membership Amounts:
Age 29 & under=
$ 1,100
Age 39 & under = $
900
Age 49 & under = $
700
Age 59 & under=
Age 69 & under =
Age 70 & older =
PAGE 23
$ 500
$ 300
$ 100
The BigT Veterans’ Association of the USS Ticonderoga
3930 QUAY STREET
Wheat Ridge CO 80033-4954
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
NON-PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 178
SALEM, OR
MALL OF AMERICA! 3 STORY LEGO!
GO TO WWW.BIGT.NET REUNION PAGE FOR
ITINERARY & REGISTRATION FORMS!