ISSUE #82                                                                                                                              NOVEMBER 2008
 

   When we had our reunion in Portland, ME, Bob Morales ran it. While at the hotel a fire alarm went off and the hotel emptied. Would you believe that at the Holiday Inn Olde Towne Portsmouth we also had a fire alarm go off? Guess who was the chairman of this reunion - right - Bob Morales. Does he set these things off? Nevertheless, our 21st reunion went off without a hitch, except as noted above. I forgot, the hotel is to be demolished sometime in November. Don't think we can blame Bob for that. We had a fine turnout, 45 crewmembers and 42 first mates and guests. Considering the imminent demise of the hotel everything went off well, especially the Hospitality Room commanded by our governor Dennis Cichowicz. We had two days of tours, Williamsburg and Jamestown as well as a tour of Olde Towne Portsmouth, the wonderful Mariner's Museum in Newport News (liked seeing the actual turret of the USS MONITOR being preserved) and concluded with a tour and lunch at the Navy Base in Norfolk.

   Attendees were: Frank & Gail Savino, Robert & Valerie Morales, Dan & Janice Romando, Joe &Jana Strecker, Ray & Nancy Bennington, Joe Gombocz & Jane Rundella, Hank & Joan Harden, Joseph Schevitz, Herb & Anne Price, Allen & Mary Reed, Sam & Sandy Friedman, Harry & Sandy Smith, Dick & Diane Erbe, Harold Steward & Roger Steward, Dennis Chicowicz, Jim & Edee Lowe, Donald & Sherri Slack, Paul & Angela Garland, Alfred & Norma Zinter, James & Kathy Kane, Harold & Mary Jane Buehler, Keith Jones, Malcom Jones, Robert & Joyce Lawton with Lori Vogel & Anne Reade, Brooks & Peggy Bryant, Paul Perez, Robert Fillippi & Katherine Fillippi, Cliff Palmer & Kathy Palmer, Capt. Tom & Kathy Weaver, Stan Hopper & Dan Hopper, Russell Nelson & Arlene Vander Molen, Patrick Herlihy, Carol & Doug Skinner, Jerry & Carol Raposa, Jack & Renee' Stroman, Fred McCleaf, Kenneth & Francis Carver with Kathy & Don Maxon, Harold Holbert, David & Alice Del Pizzo, Chet Ellis & Nancy Aviles, Patrick & Erma Heim, Everett & Madeline Shepherd, Capt. Joseph & Flora D'Amato, LL & Hattie Meredith, Capt. David Somers and his two sons.

GOVERNOR'S WORKSHOP: President Bob Morales called the meeting to order at 0940 hours on 1 October 2008. Bob advised that he received a resignation letter from Governor Ken Carlson due to health problems. Nominating Chairman Bill Dutton was absent due to the recent passing of his wife Jane.
Governor Fred Ross was also absent due to the illness of his wife. Herb Price was nominated as Temporary Nominating Chairman. Bob called for a moment of silence in honor of Jane Dutton and Barbara Perez, wife of former governor and storekeeper Paul Perez. The president's report was accepted. Secretary Dan Romando gave his report. Expenses for the newsletter for the year to date amounted to $1,119.79 as compared to $1,129.06 last year. The newsletter is fine. The report was accepted. Treasurer Frank Savino in his report stated that after hotel expenses were paid the bank balance should be about $13,998, but that is subject to change considering ship's store sales and raffles at the banquet will add to the balance. Since Fred Ross could not attend he sent Frank some ship store samples and order lists. Frank donated a number of white SIERRA caps to the Ship's Store. Paul Perez will be asked to help out in the sale. Frank's report was accepted. New Business: Dan Romando again brought up the Navy Memorial plaque, which was turned down last year by a narrow margin. He pointed out the need to keep the memory of our ship alive so that our descendants can note what ship we were on during our naval career. The cost is now $3,500. Bob Morales agreed to be our point man in helping to design the plaque. The motion was passed to bring this up before the members for a vote at the membership meeting. Bob received from Tin Can Sailors Association a gift certificate of a one-year membership to be used as a raffle prize. Frank received from HullNumber.com 100 pocket calendars to hand out at the reunion. It is noted that the Association year starts on a calendar basis for dues. Reunion 2009 will be in Branson, MO. Harold Buehler chairing. First time we are using a reunion planner. Hotel is The Grand Plaza. Banquet is a sit down dinner. Menu to be worked out. For reunion 2010 Dan Romando will chair. It will be at the Port-O-Call Hotel in Ocean City, NJ. We are in early stages of making out arrangements with the hotel. Slate of officers and governors - Harold Buehler, President, Herb Price, Vice President, Dan Romando, Secretary, Frank Savino, Treasurer, Governor - Dennis Cichowicz, Henry Harden, Bob Morales, and Fred Ross. We will again contribute $250 to Tin Can Sailors. Meeting concluded at 1430 hours.

MEMBERSHIP MEETING: The meeting was opened at 1705 hours on 3 October 2008. Bob Morales welcomed the members. He indicated the hotel is to soon be demolished and gave suggestions to where to dine in Portsmouth. Since we are losing our older members Bob stated we need help and encourage younger members to be officers and governors. Dan Romando gave the secretary's report showing expenses to date at $1,119.79, bulk being the cost for the newsletter at $470. Frank Savino's treasurer's report stated we would have a bank balance of $13,998 but not including ship store sales and raffles.
Nominations for officers and governors to be elected were made for the coming year. They were Harold Buehler, President, Herb Price, Vice President, Dan Romando, Secretary, Frank Savino, Treasurer, Governor - Dennis Cichowicz, Henry Harden, Bob Morales, and Fred Ross. From the floor Joseph Strecker was put in nomination as governor. Vote was taken and all the above were voted in. New Business: Approval again was given to contribute $250 to the Tin Can Sailors Association. Dan Romando again brought up the US NAVY Memorial plaque, which was voted down last year. He volunteered to help design the plaque. Vote to have the plaque was passed. Reunion 2009: Harold Buehler has it in Branson, MO from 17 September to 20 September 2009. There will be tours and a memorial service. We are using 'Gathering Plus' as a reunion planner. We will be at The Grand Plaza Hotel. The airport is to be completed in Spring 2009. The reunion cost, not including hotel rate of $95, is $149 per person. Anyone who does not want the package can make their own arrangements with the planner. Reunion 2010: Dan Romando is working out arrangements with Port-O-Call Hotel in Ocean City, NJ. It's a high rise in the boardwalk. The dates are 19 October to 21 October 2010. Hotel rate is cheaper during the week at $88 without tax. Negotiations are in its infancy. Paul Perez thanked the members for their sympathy for his loss of his wife Barbara and his mom. Paul's son convinced him to come and he was glad he did. Herb Price also made a plea for members to take an active part in the Association by becoming officers and governors. At 1808 hours the meeting was adjourned.

BANQUET: After the Pledge of Allegiance Bob Morales gave a short welcome noting that twenty years ago the Association started in Charleston, SC. The oldest member present was Stan Hopper who, along with other "old salts," L.L. Meredith, Paul Garland, and Fred McCleaf, cut the SIERRA cake. Special recognition was given to Paul Perez. Ship's captains present were Joseph D'Amato, Thomas Weaver and David Somers (81-83). Henry Harden introduced the elected officers and governors. Dan Romando recited the passing of our shipmates reported this year. Frank Savino introduced our new members in attendance being, Joseph Gombocz, Harry Smith, Carol Skinner, Jack Stroman Everett Shepherd. President Harold Buehler distributed Life Member caps to those life members present. Captain D'Amato was called upon to make a speech, which on previous occasions was never ready, but was now. He gave a passionate one indicating this SIERRA crew is a family and will continue to be so and was proud of that. The proposed reunions for 2009 and 2010 were related to the members. We had our usual gift exchange and Paul Perez conducted the raffle of a SIERRA clock and a beautiful throw. Harold gave the closing remarks and Dan Romando presented to Bob Morales a beautiful plaque, from the membership, for his years of dedicated service.

 WELCOME ABOARD

    In the military bravery and valor is rewarded with metals and citations. Innovation and dedication is also reward, none larger than having a naval ship named after you. It's happened to one of our own, Ad,. Wayne E. Meyer (49-51, Flag). At Bath Iron Works, Bath ME on 18 October 2008, the Arleigh Burke class destroyer WAYNE E. MEYER (DDG 108) was christened. The ship's sponsor was the good admiral's wife Anna Mae Meyer. Admiral Meyer is known as "the Father of Aegis." To quote from the Times Record of Brunswick, ME, "Admiral Meyer is credited with ushering the Aegis missile defense system through the Navy procurement minefield and into fruition. Aegis is now the Navy's gold standard in missile defense." Our own Bill Dutton was in attendance at the ceremony and passed on the Association's good wishes. This certainly makes us all proud.

SICK BAY

    Governor Fred Ross (56-59, Deck, FT3), advises he had his gall bladder and appendix removed. Also wife Gwen is undergoing chemo and radiation.

    From Frank Schwerin (55-57, R-3, ICIC), "Joanne and I am very sorry that we are unable to be with you at this year's Sierra reunion. Joanne has MS and it has progressed to the point that it is making travel increasingly difficult for us. We have always looked forward to our yearly reunions with all of you but unfortunately this year it's not to be. We will be with you in mind and spirit and hope we can keep in touch during the coming year."

    Kenneth Hartman (53-57, 1st Div, BMSN), writes "... from July 25 on to Aug. 10 I was one sick B... Was up to the V. A. hospital 10 plus times and had to stay 2 days. about a week later I was in for 3 days. They tried several different medicines. The ones I am on, about a week now, are doing fine. Been fighting this for over 15 years and still doing it."

         (DPR: We all wish our shipmates and their loved ones a speedy recovery.)

A LITTLE LIGHT HUMOR?

A cabbie picks up a nun. She gets into the cab, and notices that a VERY handsome cab driver won't stop staring at her. She asks him why he is staring. He replies: "I have a question to ask you but I don't want to offend you." She answers, "My son, you cannot offend me. When you're as old as I am and been a nun as long as I have, you get a chance to see and hear just about everything. I'm sure there's nothing you could say or ask that I would find offensive." "Well, I've always had a fantasy to have a nun kiss me." She responds, "Well, let's see what we can do about that: #1, you have to be single and #2, you must be Catholic." The cab driver is very excited and says, "Yes, I'm single and Catholic!" "OK" the nun says. "pull into the next alley." The nun fulfills his fantasy, with a kiss that would make a hooker blush. But when they get back on the road, the cab driver starts crying. "My dear child," says the nun, "why are you crying?" "Forgive me but I've sinned. I lied and I must confess, I'm married and I'm Jewish." The nun says, "That's OK. My name is Kevin and I'm going to a Halloween party."

E-MAIL LIST

   CREW'S NEWS

   Frank Savino received this from Bob Matoka (59-60, R-4, SFP3), "I hope this day finds you doing well. I will not be able to go to the reunion this year, but please accept this check for my dues, and what you have left over add it to the door prize. I hope to see you next year at the reunion, God willing."

   Avery Boose (46-47, E Div, EM3) writes, "Avery Boose attained the age of 80 years on 08/08/08 and I understand that I will become a life member. Enjoy the newsletter and keep up the good communications between all former Sierra navy men. Thanks for all you put into this."

   Frank also got this from Stephen Wilson (73-75, S Div, LT), "Thank you for the work you do to make the association available. Enclosed you will find a check for $100.00 to cover my dues for as long as that amount will last. I will not be able to attend this year's reunion but wish you fair seas and following winds."

   From Tim Stone (71-73, S-1, SK3), "Sorry I am late. $40.00 enclosed. I am still working about 60 hours per week. Not much time for reunions."

   Allen Schultz (82-87, R-3, EM2), says, "Enclosed is my 2009 dues. Sorry I cannot make the reunion. I hope to attend my first since becoming a member when it's held in Branson."

    Frank received this from Jack Manuel (53-54, Supply, DKSN), "Sorry I was late in sending in my dues. Was good to talk to you and catch up on a few things. I enjoy reading the newsletter and wonder where all the years have gone, but we will go on with the Good Lord's help. Maybe one of these days we'll run into you at the ship's reunion. I share the newsletter with my brother Gene. What a great group of fellows we had to serve with. Well bye for now. Keep the letters coming. Go U.S. Navy."

   Rick Keough(68-70, R-3, EM3) writes, "The web site will pass 1,000 hits this month (August 2008). The popularity among our shipmates is growing. I'd like to add a new section - Reunion Photos. If you have any digital photos from past reunions, I would like to add them to the web site in the new section. If you would pass the word along to other shipmates to send me their photos too. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the reunion in October. I have a conflict with another event I work as a staff member. Hopefully I'll make a reunion soon..."

(DPR: Check out SIERRA's web site at www.uss-sierra-vets.org to see this year's reunion photos taken by Joe Gombocz's Kodak photo album.)

   From Ernest Josefosky (52-53, Repair, FN), "I sure enjoy the newsletter every time it comes. I was able to call up one of my old shipmates from the newsletter, Lou Bozzuto. He mentioned a shipmate that he talked to recently and happened to have his phone number so I called him and had a real good talk."

   Orin Burdette's (53-56, Serv, DK3) widow Rosemary writes, "I've enclosed my dues for 2007-2008. I can't make the reunion this year, but I look forward to the newsletter. Hope all is well with you. I am doing well. My family keeps me busy."

   Larry Simpkins (60-63, 1st Div, BM3) says, "Just letting you know that Carol and I will not be able to make the reunion again this year. Carol has had some health problems and we feel it would be better if we did not travel at this time. We hope that next year things will be a lot better. Let everyone know that we do miss coming to the reunions but that's life. Tell everyone we said hello and hope they have a great time."

TAPS

   Received this from Frank Savino. "This is a sad day for me. I was just informed that Anton Kozel (45-55, 7, 4, 5, M Div, MRC) passed away 16 October 2008. His grandson and I have been in touch ever since Kozy went into a nursing home a few years ago. His grandson's name is Daniel Balkovic and is going into the Marines 15 December 2008. Kozel was my chief in the lower machine shop and a Plank Owner."

(DPR: Kozy came from Gretna, NE. It's something for someone to be stationed aboard one ship for ten years. In essence he was the Chief of SIERRA. He will be sorely missed. Good luck and God speed to Daniel - stay safe!)

   Joe Rich (52-56, 2nd Div, GM3) sent an email regarding the passing of a former shipmate but not a member of the Association. He was Robert G. Quinlan of Southington, CT. He served aboard from 1952 to 1956 and was a 2nd class carpenter. Robert was 78 years old.

      May they and all our departed shipmates find safe harbor in heavenly waters.

   The Officers and Governors wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Respectively Submitted By
Daniel P. Romando
Secretary

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