ISSUE #85                                                                                                                      JULY 2009
 

     This is the last newsletter before our reunion. I am advised registration is coming along but at a slower pace. You all should recall in past general meetings the call was to have a reunion in Branson, MO. Now we will have one there and hope all those who requested it will be in attendance. President Harold Buehler has worked hard in an effort to make this reunion a great success. Let's all make this one of the best turnouts by SIERRA shipmates.

     We again will have elections for officers and governors at the general meeting. If anyone is interested in running for any offices, please contact our Membership Chairman, Bill Dutton, PO Box 350, Bath, ME.

Get your registration forms in early. Just a repeat from our last news letter,
Do not register with our Treasurer, Frank Savino, it has to go to Gatherings Plus.

 Reunion Schedule      Registration / Airport Shuttle / Refund Policy
 

Gatherings Plus web site:>>    www.reunionproregistration.com/usssierra.htm
Direct Links to Gatherings Plus pages: Attendees     Itinerary       Travel Information      Registration Form

 WELCOME ABOARD

A LITTLE LIGHT HUMOR?

     Final Wish
   Three friends from the local congregation were asked, "When you're in your  casket, and friends and congregation members are mourning over you, what would you like them to say?"

    Artie said: "I would like them to say I was a wonderful husband, a fine spiritual leader, and a great family man."

    Eugene commented: "I would like them to sayI was a wonderful teacher and servent of God who made a huge difference in people'd lives."

    Don said: "I'd like them to say, "Look he's moving!"

    Final Countdown
    After undergoing a full medical, a clearly nervous man summoned up the courage to ask his doctor,
"How long have I got left?"

    "I'll give it to you straight," the doctor replied. "Ten"

    "Ten WHAT?" interrupted the terrified man. "Years, months, weeks, days?"

      The doctor responded, "Ten, nine, eight...."

    Bedside Manner
    A man had been slipping in and out of a comma for several months. His wife stayed by his bedside every single day. When he finally regained consciousness, he motioned for her to come nearer. He said "You have been with me all through the bad times. When I got the sack, you were there to support me.
    When my business failed, you were there. When I got shot, you were by my side. When we lost the house, you gave me support. When my health started failing, you were still by my side."

    "I know, dear   . What is it?" she asked gently.

    "I think you bring me bad luck," he replied.

    Senior Moment
    While for a drive in the country, an elderly couple stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch. After finishing their meal, they left the restaurant and resumed their journey. The elderly woman unknowingly left her glasses on the table and didn't miss them until they had been driving for about twenty minutes. They had to travel quite a distance before they could turn around in order to return to the restaurant to retrieve the glasses.

    All the way back the elderly husband behaved like the classic grouchy old man. He fussed and complained and scolded his wife relentlessly during the entire journey. The more he chided her, the more agitated he became. He won't let up her for one minute.

    To the wife's relief, they finally arrived at the restaurant. As she got out of the car and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, her husband called out, "While you're in there, you might as well get my hat and the credit card."

CREW'S NEWS

   The news is on the light side for this issue, but here's what we have to date.

   From Charles C. Duff, 1947, 7th Div., FN, "I turned eighty on January 4, 2008 and sending a check in case I am not current for 2008. If so, put it in the kitty. I join other shipmates with condolences to the family of Lawrence (Eddie) Collinsworth who passed on January 29, 2009. Don't think will be in Branson. Best wishes to all."

    Mike Simenic, 44-46, 9th Div, PMC, sent us a copy of the Plan of the Day for 5 February 1946, the date SIERRA was leaving Shanghai for the United States. At 0900 hours the Homeward Bound Pennant was hoisted. Mike researched this and advise that ships returning from extended overseas tours fly this pennant. It's authorized for display by a ship that has been on duty outside the limits of the United States continuously for at least 9 months. Total length of the pennant customarily is 1 foot for each officer and enlisted crewmember who served overseas for a period in excess of 9 months. When the personnel number produces and unwieldy pennant, the length of the pennant is restricted to the lenth of the ship. Upon  arrival in a port of the United States, the blue portion containing the stars is presented to the commanding officer. The remainder of the pennant is divided equally among the officers and enlisted crew. Mike writes, "Leaving Shanghai our Homeward Bound Pennant was 530 feet long. It was held up with six helium weather balloons. The pennant was brought down when we hit open water.
I checked out the plaque (the one mounted in the 'Hall of Fame' at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.) at the library. An outstanding plaque for a proud ship."

   New member, Paul Martin, 71-74, R-1 Div, HT2, writes that he's looking forward to seeing some of his shipmates.

   Also new member Bryan Young, 82-85, R-O Div, PH2, writes "I plan on attending in Branson this fall. Where can I find a list of members?"
(DPR: Happy to have you attend the reunion, Bryan. Regarding a list of members it has been the practice of this Association not to give out a list, although I know of some ship associations that sell their lists. We don't do this. However, if you know of someone who is in the Association, Please let me know and I'll furnish names, addresses, telephone numbers, etc. If you don't know of a specific person who served during your time aboard the ship, also let me know and I'll give you the names who were aboard.)

   More housekeeping news, you all are reminded to bring something from your state for the customary "gift exchange" to be held at our reunion dinner. It need not be expensive, it's the thought that counts.
  Further, if you have already turned eighty years or plan to turn eighty years old this year, please let Harold Buehler, or any of the officers or governors, know. You will be eligible for a Life Member Certificate.

   
TAPS

 May they and all our shipmates who have passed rest in peace.

Respectively Submitted By
Daniel P. Romando
Secretary

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