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ABMA NEWSLETTER November 11, 2010 VOLUME 40 ISSUE 2

Greetings from CNAL Norfolk, VA: Shipmates, ABMA friends and families! How great it is to be your re-elected ABMA President. As I mentioned before it’s an honor and privilege to represent this great and historic organization. Naval Aviation’s 100th anniversary is this year and we are just as much part of that history in many ways. You all should be just as proud as the aviators that have flown on and off our carrier flight decks and ashore over the years. Without the Aviation Boatswain Mate’s and this Association, who knows how naval aviation would have evolved over those 100 years to now. However, I want you all to know my steadfast commitment hasn’t changed towards making this organization function to the best of its ability for AB’s and hopefully the next century of naval aviation. I sincerely hope that you all continue that same commitment to making our organization work as it should in the coming year and beyond. I also have that same challenge for each of you to make the most of our talents, experience and determination to represent, educate and remain forward thinking. The new technology of EMALS, AAG, ADMACS and a new class of aircraft carrier, Gerald Ford (CVN-78) will require a much different, but unique Aviation Boatswain Mate. We all have the charge of making this technology work for the future. I know we can do it, with the same drive and determination as when we commissioned the Nimitz Class aircraft carrier and all its technology were brought forward. The same attitude and “CAN DO SPIRIT” will be required of us by our leadership in the Naval Aviation Enterprise. I look forward to working with you all, as we work together in the achievement of those goals. Thank you all and let’s have a great year leading to the 2011 and 41st ABMA symposium in Silverdale, Washington. Stay safe fellow AB’s and professional at all times!

M. J. (Mike) Singleton ABMA President

President Page 1 Board of Directors Page 2 Regional Vice Presidents Page 3 Vice President Page 4 Treasurer & Secretary Page 5 Scholarship Chairman & San Diego Page 6 Chaplain, Hall of Honors & Jacksonville Page 7 Gulf Coast & Northwest Page 8 Tidewater & Merchandise Coordinator Page 9 Public Affairs Officer Page 10 PAO Cont’d, 2010 Living Legend, Honorary Legend, Korea/WWII Legend, Page 11 Posthumous Legend Page 12 Obituaries Page 13 Deadlines Page 14

Are you interested in going on Alaskan

Cruise? Mike Yaskin is getting information

together. We will keep you updated and

post it on the website. It will be the week

before the Symposium.

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2010-2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Vice President Commander Mike Singleton Lieutenant Commander Mike Garber Home Email ldo6310@msn.com Home email garberm001@mchsi.com Work Email Michael.j.singleton1@navy.mil Work email Michael.garber@supshipnn.navy.mil Treasurer Secretary ABEC (RET) Stoney Burke Donna Dodson Home Email rjstoneyburke@comcast.net Home Email 62donna@triad.rr.com Home Email robertburke7@comcast.net Lifetime Lifetime Captain (RET) Tony McFarlane Commander (RET) Pres Jones Home Email tonymac@cox.net Home email presjudy2@comcast.net Work Email tmcfarlane@navalaviationmuseum.org

3 Year Member 3 Year Member ABF1 Christopher Jones ABHCS Richard McCray Work Email jonescd@cvn71.navy.mil Work Email mccrayrl@cvn71.navy.mil Home Email mccrayfam@att.net 2 Year Member

CWO4 (RET) Tim Dodson 2 Year Member Email Dodson@mebtel.net Captain Clemia Anderson Email lckanderson@yahoo.com 1 Year Member Work Email clemia.anderson@navy.mil Ens. Brian Lewis

Work Email brian.lewis@cvn68.navy.mil 1 Year Member CWO5 Tim Smith ABOY Pacific Email: smithtip@lhd7.navy.mil ABFC (AW/SW) Joel Debelen

Work Email joel.debelen@cvn68.navy.mil ABOY Atlantic Home Email jed90245@yahoo.com ABHC (AW/SW) Gentle J. Clark Work Email clarkg@lhd3.navy.mil Hall of Honors Curator ABCM (RET) Gene Roy OFFICERS Email groyjr@cox.net Webmaster Work Email Eugene.roy@navy.mil ABHCS (RET) Marco Estrada Home Home Email mtef@att.net Scholarship Chairman Work Email marco.t.estrada@ngc.com CWO4 (RET) Terry New Home Email Airbosn1@msn.com Vendor Coordinator ABCM (RET) Mike Martin Fundraising Chairman Email: astiva@cox.net CDR (RET) Chuck Shirley Email: Charles.shirley@ngc.com Public Affairs Officer LCDR (RET) Doug Thornton Email: thunderdjt@peoplepc.com Chaplain

Lieutenant Erick Stroud Merchandise Coordinator Home Email stroudbe@yahoo.com Lieutenant Jaime Roman Work Email stroudec@cvn75.navy.mil Work Email Jaime.roman@navy.mil

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REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS

NORTH EAST COAST (LAKEHURST, N.J.) NORTH EAST COAST (TURNERSVILLE, N.J.) Stoney Burke Joe Boyle 600 Montgomery Road 1014 Hancock Dr. Westfield, MA 01085 Turnersville, N.J. 08012 E-mail: rjstoneyburke@comcast.net E-mail: None Available

treasurer@abma-usn.org Phone: (856) 227-8674 Phone: Home (413) 579-5607 Cellular (413) 388-3097 GULF COAST (PENSACOLA, FL.)

Jim Myatt CENTRAL FLORIDA (GREEN COVE SPRINGS, FL.) 2124 Sunbury Dr. Ralph Layton Pensacola, FL. 32526 1331 River Rd. W. E-mail: jamesemyatt@aol.com Green Cove Springs, FL.32043 Phone: (850) 944-5205 E-mail: ralphgaillayton@aol.com Phone: (904) 529-9200

MIDWEST (PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI.) SOUTH EAST COAST (MIAMI, FL.) Pete Cianci ABHC (AW) Anthony Tranumn 11597 14th. Ave. 629 NW 170th Terrace Pleasant Prairie, WI. 53158 Pembroke Pines, FL. 33028 E-mail: cianci4@wi.rr.com E-mail: Anthony.tranumn@dhs.gov Phone: (262) 694-9145 Phone: (754) 581-6585 MIDSOUTH (MILLINGTON, TN) MIDNORTH (CUSTER, S.D.) ABFC (AW/SW) Edward Sandi Randy Weiss 6071 Enterprise St. 12141 Pine Meadow Rd. Millington, TN38053 P.O. Box 81 E-mail: Edward.sandi@navy.l Custer, S.D. 57730 Phone: Home (901) 872-6684 E-mail: daddyrandy@aol.com Cellular (408) 656-8446 Phone: (605) 673-4486 Work (901) 874-3702

SOUTH WEST COAST (SAN DIEGO, CA) NORTH WEST COAST (PORT ORCHARD, WA) LT Albert Guajardo Mike Yaskins 2711 Table Rock Ave. 9494 Gravelly Ln. SW 98366 Chula Vista, Ca. 91914 Port Orchard, WA. LT Albert Guajardo E-mail: yaskins@yahoo.com USS Makin Island (LHD-8) Mike.yaskins@ngc.com Air Department Phone: (360) 405-5118 FPO AP 96627-1601

E-mail: alguajardo@cox.net EUROPE (ROTA SPAIN) guajardoa@lhd8.navy.mil LT Manuel Espinal Phone: Work (619) 556-4154 PSC 819 Box 7 Cellular (619) 990-6228 FPO AE 09645 NAVSTA Rota, Spain FAR EAST (JAPAN) E-mail: manuel.espinal@eu.navy.mil LTJG Rodney King Sr. Phone: DSN (314) 727-2407 PSC 477 Box 13 Com 011-34-956-822407 FPO AP 96306-1213 E-mail: Rodney.king@fe.navy.mil Phone: (757) 337-3678

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From the ABMA Vice President It’s obvious to all who attended that our Pensacola Chapter and our Host Command CNETT Pensacola put a great amount of time and effort into making the 40th ABMA Symposium a huge success. Beyond a shadow of a doubt this year's Annual Working Group Conference and /Human Performance Readiness Review (HPPR) held at The Hilton Pensacola Beach resort; Pensacola, FL was well organized from the hotel accommodations, from our vendors support, workshop agenda and participation to our social events. All you heard throughout the week from just about everyone involved was just how spectacular the symposium was in everyway. I also want to take this opportunity to thank all those civilians and sponsors for all of the time and effort that was routinely put into coordinating our agenda and organizing all the social events and the informative displays. Without the many volunteers the show can not go on. Congratulations to all our newly elected Board members and bid a fond farewell and thank you to our out going Board Members. We wish them continued success and best wishes. The below administrative vehicles will empower fleet personnel to directly support the continuous development and improvement of ALRE, Aircraft Handling, Crash and Salvage, Aviation Fueling and Training Requirements. ABMA workshops (ALRE, FUELS, and HANDLING/C & S) focus and effort this year as with years past is to continually improve aviation safety and readiness on board our aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships and shore facilities. Your Fleet input (Agenda items) and continued support of the ABMA yearly workshops by the CNO has ensured a steady flow of equipment upgrades, training improvements and procedural changes that have significantly altered the character of flight operations at sea and shore. Agenda Chits:http://www.abma-usn.org/acrobat/agenda-item.pdf *Please keep those Agenda Items coming throughout the year so that your voice could and shall be heard. Send Agenda Chits directly to: CDR Michael Singleton, CNAL N73, Michael.J.Singleton1@navy.mil LCDR Scott Wolfe, CNAP N43, scott.j.wolfe@navy.mil LCDR Stacey Schlosser, CNAL ALRE SI N73 stacey.schlosser@navy.mil LT Jamie Roman, ALRE/ALREMP N73 jaime.roman@navy.mil CWO4 Dean Bustria, FUELS N43 dionisio.bustria@navy.mil ABMA working group host, within the forum, the Aviation Boatswains' Mate Human Performance Requirements review (HPRR). The purpose of the HPRR conference is to exchange ideas, to learn/engage the HPRR process and to identify/review/validate performance gaps and readiness degraders within the professional Aviation community. NOTE: any and all sailors can summit an action chit. HPRR Information and blank action chits are available at the following Navy Knowledge Online webpage: Note that an NKO account is required for webpage access. https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil/portal/aviation/home/HPRR #41 and Silverdale, WA are right around the corner. Money is tight and getting tighter everyday. Please ensure that you are working-out funding with your commands for next years ABMA. Constant theme at ABMA is membership is down, and sponsorship is getting harder to obtain. Please get those Boots on deck and drive our membership up. Before I sign off, I want to offer my personal congratulations to our newest AB Chief Petty Officers. You have new uniforms and a new outlook on your Navy career. Your anchors represent solid leadership skills, and I'm happy I get the benefit of that leadership now and when you return to the Fleet. Your experience, youth, and insight help us with our challenges in better understanding our AB Fleet sailors. Finally, I am grateful to everyone who made it possible for and elected me to do another term as your Vice President. It was an honor to represent the Navy's missions and extend our AB community to local media, state officials, and business executives. Please continue staying engaged in all that you do for our Navy. It is because of your contributions that we are able to get issues resolved in our community. Please continue taking pride in your work. I boast about your expertise and accomplishments whenever I can and wherever I go. As always, please stay safe and KEEP CHARGING, AB’s! Best Wishes, Michael Garber

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FROM YOUR TREASUER/MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN Our 40th Anniversary and 2010 Professional Working Group Conference was a Tremendous success. ABCM Retired Gene Roy and ALL the Gulf Coast Chapter members and friends did an outstanding job!! BRAVO ZULU! Great attendance numbers, no visible oil on Pensacola Beach, meeting and greeting old friends and shipmates, and also new ones. I will be transferring all my treasurer duties in about a year or so, and transferring those duties to ABHC Retired Michelle Petersen in Pensacola. I will maintain control of Membership for the foreseeable future. It is my intent to be able to attend conferences, to enjoy myself a little more, from my soon to be retirement home in Massachusetts. Congratulations to all who advanced in their careers during this past year. One of my Great Joys at the Conference was the Selection of our 2010 Honorary Living Legend, Captain George J. Fenzl, a champion in all meanings of the word towards what we do out there. George is a former AIR BOSS amongst other duties and a strong supporter of this Association. BRAVO ZULU GEORGE!! Congratulations to the Living Legends selected this year, one of my Dad’s, LT (AB LDO) Retired Jessie K. Kitchens, ABCM Retired Robert G. High and ABHC Retired William R. Sunderland (who was not present, because I have no idea where he is). Our Posthumous Living Legend was ABHC Retired Joseph “Smokin’ Joe” Santiago. Silverdale, Washington is getting ready for next year……….Mike Yaskin and the AB’s of the Northwest will and always have a Great Program. USS Nimitz will be Host Ship………… All for now……………….Safe Launches and Recoveries, Aircraft Moves and Fuel Operations….. Stoney Burke Milk-Carton List, the list below is a list of members whose addresses were incorrect and Membership cards

were returned.......ANYONE KNOWING THEIR WHEREABOUTS, please send a GOOD MAILING ADDRESS.

ABH3 PEDRO JUANPALAFOX ABE2 NANCY J. GERMANN

ABE2 BENNIE CLARK ABEAN SARA E. NISSEN

ABEAN MICHAEL LERCH ABE3 (AW/SW) SHOLONDA HOLLAND

ABFAN LEROY D. STAPLES

Hello from North Carolina,

I would like to THANK the Pensacola Chapter for a job well done. It was great to see old friends and make new ones.

I need your help with addresses for retiree’s. If you know of any retired AB/ABMA Member that has not received a newsletter please send me his information so that I can get him one. This information can also be sent via the website at the change of address link.

Active Duty I need for you to keep me informed of your status, address and email address. If you don’t have a Lifetime membership you need to be paying dues. Please look at your card to see when your membership expires. If you have any questions regarding the expiration please contact me. If you are getting ready to retire you need to make sure I have a change of address for you. If you are transferring you will need to do change of address.

I hope this newsletter fines you all in good health. My family is doing well. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need something. You can contact me by email 62donna@triad.rr.com or phone 336-376-9782. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas. Donna

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Howdy from East Texas! Again it was a challenge to select the recipients of the years Isabella M. Gillen Memorial (ABMA) Scholarship. All applicants deserved and are to be commended for their continuing educational efforts. Continue to reapply each year; over the years we have had applicants receiving the scholarship on their second or third attend. So always apply!! Give special attention to the application package requirements and ensure packages are complete with all necessary sealed transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal letter to the board. The personal letter should really sell; life ambitions, purpose of education, efforts to achieve success, etc. Congratulations to both recipients. Our first recipient was Heather Lynn Cianci, daughter of ABCM (ret) Peter (Pete) Cianci of Pleasant Prairie, WI. Heather is attending University of Wisconsin pursuing a degree in Education with future plans to become a teacher. Our second recipient was Travis Ryan Puakea, son of ABE2 (ret) Robert Puakea of Yorktown, VA. Travis is attending Bridgewater College pursuing a degree in History and Political Science and plans to become a Lawyer. Reluctantly, I stepped down as your Scholarship Chairman; it is being turned over to very capable hands. I am very proud to have had the opportunity to serve as the Chairman and will always be available to assist as needed. Your new Scholarship Chairman is Chief Warrant Officer Terry New. Continue to give him the outstanding support as I have received. His contact information is located on the ABMA webpage. We continue to be grateful for our supporters/contributors to our scholarship. Donations received this year are as follows:

LCDR (RET) Rich Pitt $100.00 Far East Chapter $300.00 LT (RET) Jess Kitchens & Dawn $500.00

God Bless America! Lanny Vines ABCM (AW) Retired

2011 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY JUNE 1, 2011 APPLICATIONS CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM THE ABMA WEBSITE:

WWW.ABMA-USN.ORG

San Diego

San Diego chapter is in full swing with our monthly meetings still at the same place as for the past years, CDR Jack E. Carleton VFW POST 2111, 299 I Street, Chula Vista, Ca. 91910-5622 first thursday of every month. Currently open for nominations for elections. Current officers President - ABH1 AW/SW Orlando Baeza Vice President - ABEC AW/SW Soji Thomas Treasurer - ABH1 AW/SW Robert Jimenez Secretary - Gwen Thomas

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Fellow AB’s and Shipmates, I greet you in the name of the Most High! It is awesome to have the opportunity to address you all again. There is not a day that goes by in which I am not thankful to be an AB and part of one of the greatest organizations in the entire world! Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity (Psalms 133:1). We are currently conducting combat operations at the “tip of the spear” and we are not and will not grow weary! I urge you to continue to persevere and Psalm 28:7 tell me that, “the Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song”. No matter where you are or what you are going through...always remember that you have someone on your side that has your best interest in mind! As we defend freedom and democracy around the world, I challenge you all to continue to lift one another up in prayer and commit a special prayer for our brothers and sisters in harm’s way and currently on watch. Do the right thing and make the right decisions and you will get the right results!!!! I pray that you all prosper and be in good health, even as your soul prospers. Feed the faith and starve the doubt!!! "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever." (Jude 1:24-25) LT Erick C. Stroud ABMA Chaplain

Greetings from the Hall of Honors,

The new carpet has been installed in the Hall of Honors this week and looks great. The schoolhouse and I are making plans to update the past Presidents, Living Legend, and Posthumous walls. If anyone can help find photo’s for the following it would help on the update. LCDR Retired Harry Claar, CWO4 Retired Terry New, LT Retired Jessie Kitchens, ABCM Retired Robert High, ABHC Retired William Sunderland, ABCM Retired Frederick Terrazano, CWO4 Retired Robert Langmaid, ABH1 Retired William Harms, ABCM Retired Jerry Kollarik, LCDR Retired Thomas Peters, ABHC Retired Joseph Santiago, Mr. Thomas Gibney, Captain Retired George Fenzl. Anyone having photos can send them to me via email @ Eugene.roy@navy.mil. We are also looking for items to add to the Hall of Honors. On behalf of the Gulf Coast Chapter we would like to thank everyone for their participation and support for at this year 40th Annual Symposium.

Gene Roy AB Hall of Honors Curator

Greetings from Jacksonville, We would like to give a "BZ" to the Gulf Coast Chapter for an outstanding effort in hosting this year’s symposium. The attendees from Jacksonville all had a great time and we look forward to next year’s event in Silverdale. A special thanks goes out to Doug Thornton for coming to town to install (past President) Joe Santiago as a posthumous living legend and thanks to Terri Santiago (past Secretary). We are putting the final touches on our upcoming fall Jam in Valdosta, Georgia and look forward to seeing all our campout friends there, and I'm sure it will be better than last year and a good time will be had by all. Finally on behalf of the Jacksonville Chapter I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a most prosperous New Year for our Association and our Navy. Full Speed Ahead Michael J. Rotes

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Northwest

We’re busy with the ABMA 2011 plans. Preliminary meetings with the CVN68 have been beneficial and full of input. Our first meeting with the ship once it arrives in PACNORWEST for the availability is late Jan. We have a rough POW for the ABMA and have a variety of proposed speakers. We are putting special importance on trying to make this ABMA unique since it occurs on the 100th anniversary of Naval Aviation and the 50th anniversary of our AB Service ratings.

As it stands right now, we are hosting the ABMA similar to the last time here in Silverdale, during the SeaFair week. Blues will be in town, SeaFair pirates, and lots going on in Seattle. We don't expect any unusual events and like always are trying to coordinate and integrate various schedules and events with local business.

Dave Deese is working hard on the Boat for our Harbor Cruise and Salmon Bake dinner. We are making arrangements with the hotel to have a Casino night, the BOD/Vendor luncheon. The hotel has even offered to host a Hawaiian Night Luau on the patio. We are planning a golf outing, the ususal retiree workshops (TBD), the Ladies shopping tour and luncheon. The Friday dinner should be the same as last time, Prime Rib, Seafood/Salmon.

We are open to vendors that would like to sponsor an evening of hospitality munchies, on the patio for membership.

We have the reservation group ID as: ABMA0811 our lead POC at the Hotel is the marketing and promotions director, Dina Manatad, 360-698-1000, dina.manatad@silverdalebeachhotel.com Mike Hello and Greetings from the Gulf Coast Chapter. We sure hope everyone had a great time at this year's Symposium. We had a great time putting it on and look forward to our next turn. We would like to give a very big round of applause to the symposium chair, ABCM (ret) Gene Roy, who toiled tirelessly throughout the week (and for months leading up to the symposium). Thanks Gene!

We are now focused on the rest of the year and our upcoming events. Our meetings are held the 2nd Thursday of each month at the American Legion Post #340, 8890 Ashland Avenue.

If you are in town, please stop by and say hello. Our annual "dirty Santa" Christmas party will be held December 9th during our regularly scheduled meeting. It is always a great time and something that we look forward to all year. There will be door prizes and gifts. In order to receive a gift, you must bring a gift and parents should bring gifts for their children.

That's all for now from Pensacola. We look forward to seeing everyone in JAX for the Fall Jam! Virgle Culberson

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TIDEWATER CHAPTER ABMA, NORFOLK VA. “Home of the 42nd Annual ABMA Symposium”

President: ABHC (AW/SW) Anthony J. Alexander Vice President: LT Reynaldo Stanley Treasurer: CWO4 (RET) Terry New

Secretary: ABH1 (AW/SW) Andre J. Moog

Greetings all from Tidewater! Our Chapter is doing well. Our CVN’s, Big Deck Gator and LPD ships have continued the non-stop tempo of completing complex overhauls, Flight Deck Certifications, TSTA/FEP’s and other requirements in preparation of Surges, Deployments and coming out of the yards. The smell of Catapult steam and JP5 is in the air. It has been business as usual within the Chapter. We had a great turnout for the annual Golf Tournament, Special thanks to Northrop Grumman for their continued support of the Tidewater Chapter. I will also like to thank ABE1 Nikoloutsos and ABH1 Williams of CNATTU Norfolk for their time, effort and the success of this event. In August we were able to represent at the 2010 Symposium in Pensacola. Ten Commands totaling (85) AB’s attended this phenomenal event hosted by the Gulf Coast Chapter. We held our annual Softball Tournament this year in September at the McCormick Softball Complex at Naval Base Norfolk. It was a good turnout with (9) team participating with Big Stick (CVN 71) taking home the First Place Trophy. Special thanks to Mr. Stace Lowman and RAYCO Supply for their continued annual support. I would also like to give a heart felt thank you to ABE1 Nikoloutsos and ABH1 Williams for organizing and putting on an outstanding tournament! Congratulations to ABH1 (AW/SW) Clark from the USS KEARSARGE for being selected as this years East Coast AB of the Year.

In closing, we would also like to congratulate all of the newly selected LDO/CWO’s, MCPO’s, SCPO’s and CPO’s. We know that the competition was very tough this year and the numbers were few. For those that were not selected for this year’s selection boards, never give up, your time will soon be here.

Stay safe; keep your head on a swivel! Your fellow AB; ABHC A. J. Alexander President, Tidewater Chapter Merchandise Coordinator Greetings fellow AB’s. My name is LT. Jaime Roman and I with the help of on wife Kelly have willingly volunteered to take the helm as your new AB merchandise coordinator/s. Jim Neary and I are currently in the process of completing an audit and inventory and working the logistics of getting current merchandise in our possession. Kelly and I have big plans for new merchandise that will appeal to all AB’s. Some examples are new t-shirt designs, hoodies, coffee mugs, pint glasses, polo shirts and office supplies. The current merchandise webpage is currently under construction. We plan on redesigning the merchandise website and posting product news and announcements on the ABMA website and ABMA Facebook page within the next few months. We also intend to offer a monthly promotion on merchandise that will also be posted on both websites. While the site is down, if you would like to purchase merchandise that you ran across at the FY10 symposium, please email me. If you have any ideas, suggestions or would like to volunteer any design items, please feel free to contact me. You can contact me via email or the ABMA webpage. Email- alrebosn@peoplepc.com we look forward to serving you and providing you with a wide variety of AB memorabilia for you to show off your AB Pride LT. Jaime Roman

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Greetings Fellow AB’s; I hope this Newsletter is finding you and your family in the very best of health and doing quite well!

I want to congratulate the Gulf Coast Chapter in Pensacola, Florida for doing such an outstanding job on the 2010 Symposium/ Professional Working Group Conference in Pensacola Beach, Florida. I had an awesome time there, as I’m sure those that were in attendance did as well.

I also want to congratulate the Jacksonville Chapter on the outstanding job they did with the ABMA Fall Jamboree at the Eagles Roost RV Resort and Conference Center in Lake Park Georgia the 21st through the 24th of October. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend as I was on the road, in Martinsville, Virginia. I heard nothing but great comments on the Jamboree though. I know the AB’s of the great Northwest are very busy getting things ready for next year’s Symposium/ Professional Working Group Conference in Silverdale, Washington. The FORTY-

FIRST ANNUAL AVIATION BOATSWAIN’S MATES ASSOCIATION (ABMA)

SPONSORED SYMPOSIUM/ PROFESSIONAL WORKING GROUP CONFERENCE will be held at the Silverdale Beach Hotel, 3073 NW Bucklin Hill Rd, Silverdale, Washington August 2nd through the 7th. The AB’s of the Northwest are hosting the Symposium/ Professional Working Group Conference. Hotel reservations can be made by calling the Silverdale Beach Hotel at (360) 698-1000 and asking for “Group Reservation” or you may also go online to the website at www.silverdalebeachhotel.com.The reservations are under the group/convention code ABMA0811. I want to personally thank those that have volunteered their services as Regional Vice Presidents. The Regional Vice-presidents are duly elected/appointed officers of the ABMA. They are directly responsible to the Executive Vice-president in the execution of his duties and shall act as his assistants. The Regional Vice-presidents are the medium of liaison between the membership of the Association in matters of organization, administration, and functions within their regions. They will maintain an active and aggressive recruitment program and shall encourage camaraderie and promotion of social gatherings in their regions. The majority of the times the Regional Vice-presidents are used as contact points to get the word out when we have a serious illness or death of a member. While this is extremely important The Regional Vice-presidents can be an outstanding resource for recruitment. The President can contact key members at various commands and provide them the name and contact point of a Regional Vice-president. One who, (having already agreed) would be delighted to come to that key members command and speak with a group of 3rd, 2nd, 1st Class, CPO’S or desiring non-rated personnel about the ABMA and how belonging could benefit them and the AB rating. These Regional Vice-presidents for the most part are not only long time ABMA members but they also have a wealth of knowledge they could share with command personnel. The Regional Vice Presidents work closely with the ABMA Chapter closest to their region. Maintain a close rapport in order to promote their goals, of camaraderie, social events and recruitment. Upon notification of a serious injury or death of a member and using an up to date ABMA Roster, call all members within their region and: If the member injured or deceased is in the region, the Regional Vice-president shall notify the ABMA Chaplain (or if unavailable notify the Treasurer and Membership Chairman.) If the member injured or deceased is in the region, the Regional Vice-president shall contact the family and offer ABMA Condolence and assistance if needed. The Regional Vice Presidents also maintain a close working relation ship with the ABMA Public Affairs Officer (PAO) by providing direct assistance to the PAO in what ever area the PAO is pursuing to get the word out regarding the ABMA and the up-coming Symposium/Professional Working Group Conference. Please don’t hesitate to contact you Regional Vice President regarding anything listed above. The Regional Vice-presidents are as follows: Last but not least I want to say congratulations to ABH1 (AW) Steven Shinault of Olympia, Washington for winning the two tickets for the 2011 “Drive 4 COPD 300” NASCAR Nationwide Series Race on 19 February 2011, and two tickets for the 2011 “Daytona 500” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on 20 February 2011 in Daytona, Florida. These tickets were donated by NASCAR Corporation for raffles for the 2010 ABMA Symposium/Professional Working Group Conference in

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Pensacola, Florida. Hopefully NASCAR will donate some more tickets for next years ABMA Symposium/Professional Working Group Conference in Silverdale, Washington. Let’s continue to bring in the junior AB’s and get them involved. Keep your head on a swivel and stay safe! God bless each and every one of you and may God bless America. Looking forward to seeing you in Silverdale, Washington next year! A Fellow AB; Doug Thornton Public Affairs Officer

2010 LIVING LEGEND LIEUTENANT (RETIRED) JESSIE K. KITCHENS

Lieutenant Jessie Kitchens served on active duty from December 12, 1960 to June 30, 1981. His commands were USS Hancock CV/CVA-19, USS Forrestal CV-59, USS Coral Sea CV-43, USS Enterprise CVN-65, and USS Coral Sea CV-43. Shore commands included NAEC Philadelphia, PA, NATTC Lakehurst, NJ, NAS Moffett Field, Ca, VP-31, and NATTC Lakehurst, NJ. His military awards were many hi-lighted by his 15 Vietnam Service Medals. Jessie resides in Texas with his wife Dawn. A complete copy of his nomination can be seen on the ABMA website under LEGENDS.

ABMA LIVING LEGEND POST WW II / KOREAN WAR 2010 ABCM (RETIRED) ROBERT G. “BOB” HIGH

ABMA living legend Post WW II / Korean War for 2010 was ABCM Robert G. “Bob” High. He served on active duty from June 1944 through July 1984. His 40 plus years of service as an AB started as a Seaman Recruit and took him to Command Master Chief and a nomination as Force Master Chief. His 11 Good Conduct Medals testifies to his character and as a leader within the AB Community. Commands included PBY Training Squadron 8A, CVE Sicily, USS Sicily, USS Palau, USS Siboney, USS Midway, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, {USS Siboney 2nd tour}, VR 22, NAS Norfolk, NAVSTA Roosevelt Roads, {NAS Norfolk 2nd tour}, USS Independence, FAETULANT, USS Kennedy, VRC 40, USS Nimitz, NATTC Lakehurst DET, and CNAL Norfolk as force Master Chief. Bob resides in Venice, Florida with his wife Marie. A complete copy of his nomination can be seen on the ABMA website under LEGENDS.

2010 HONORARY LIVING LEGEND CAPTAIN, U.S. NAVY RETIRED

GEORGE J. FENZL, JR.

George has been a part of the ABMA as an associate member since day 1. As an aviator he has contributed immeasurably to all three factions of the AB rate while director of AIR-551 (now PMA-251) at the Naval Air Systems Command. You always got the feeling that George's only true concern was to make life better and safer for his ABs. George has continued his support long after retirement and is at all Symposiums and attends workshops. A complete copy of his nomination can be seen on the ABMA website under LEGENDS.

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2010 POSTHUMOUS LEGEND AWARDED TO

ABHC (AW) RETIRED/DECEASED JOSEPH “SMOKIN JOE” SANTIAGO ABHC (AW) Joe Santiago served on active duty from December 1963 to September 1991. His commands were USS Saratoga CVA-60, USS Ranger CVA-61, USS Midway CVA-41, USS Lexington AVT-16, USS Independence CV-62, USS Forrestal CV-59, USS Saratoga CV-60, Key West, Florida, Naval Station Rota Spain 2 times, NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, NAS Pensacola, Florida, VP 10 Brunswick, Maine, NAS Whiting Field, Milton, Florida. Joe was active with the ABMA as a Life Member and served in several capacities with the Jacksonville chapter. A true shipmate and friend that will be dearly missed. Joe had 41 personal awards and medals which included 9 Sea Service Deployment Ribbons. A complete copy of his nomination can be viewed on the ABMA website under POSTHUMOUS LEGENDS.

IN HONOR OF THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF

ABH1 KUMBA CALVIN

OCTOBER 13, 2010

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON CVN-73

THE EVENING PRAYER

I am convinced, our Father, that your fondest feelings are reserved for the least pretentious and most

genuine of us. I am sure that Aviation Boatswain’s Mates are some of your favorites. Certainly

Aviation Boatswain’s Mates have yet to find the virtues of humility, or soft-spokenness or

gentleness…. they do lead with their jaws….and seem always ready to fight that to switch. They can

be singled out by their red eyes, and by grubbiness, which is a mark of their trade. But their wills

match their strong backs… and their love of each other is a wondrous thing to behold. They are the

salt of the deck… and their saltiness is honest and open and they are uniquely your sons. We are

grateful to them…as you love them specially, we mark them particularly tonight. Bless them

everyone…and forever keep them from harm and hurt. In Christ’s name….Amen.

R.W. Bedingfield, Chaplain (USN)

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SECURED FLIGHT QUARTERS H. KARL BIESTER RETIRED LAKEHURST ALRE ENGINEER

ABMA MEMBER AND ABHCS RETIRED DOMENIC BOMBA

ABE1 JOE BROWN

ONE OF OUR FOUNDING FATHERS, LIFE MEMBER, PLANK OWNER, ABMA’S THIRD LIVING

LEGEND (1993), LCDR (AB LDO) RETIRED HARRY L. CLAAR

ABMA LIFE MEMBER & ABEC RETIRED ROBERT WILLIAM COONEY

ABHC CLINTON T. COX

ABE1RETIRED & DISABLED VETERAN ROBERT E. DEARTH

ABMA LIFE MEMBER & ABEC RETIRED JERRY DIAMOND

ABHC KENNETH L. GINGELL

FORMER BM3,ABMA LIFE MEMBER & ABE1 RETIRED LARRY F. HARVEY

ONE OF OUR FOUNDING FATHERS, ABMA'S FIRST ANNUAL MEMBER AND LATER

CONVERTED TO LIFE MEMBER, PLANK OWNER, ABMA 'S FIRST LIVING LEGEND, AND

FIRST TREASURER, HOLDING THAT POSITION FOR 23 YEARS, ABCM RETIRED WILLIE

RAY GANN

ABE1 HENRY C. HYLAND, JR.

ABEC DUDLEY C. JEWELL

ABFC EUGENE F. McCAUGHIN

ABMA LIFE MEMBER & ABHC RETIRED PAUL LOUIS MITCHELL

ABCS BILLY B. MOORE

ABMA MEMBER ABFCS (AW) RETIRED GREGG RANKIN

ABMA MEMBER & ABHC RETIRED AUTHOR W. ‘RAS’ RASMUSSEN

ABMA PLANK OWNER & ABEC RETIRED KENNETH R. RICKLES, SR.

ABEC FRANK A. SCHEUER, SR.

ABMA LIFE MEMBER & ABEC JOHN STOVALL

ABH1 DIEGO VASQUEZ

ABMA MEMBER & ABHC RETIRED DONALD M. "PAPPY" VOGLE

ABMA MEMBER & ABCM RETIRED DONALD K. WETZEL

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Aviation Boatswain’s Mates Association

Donna Dodson

3954 NC 87 South

Graham, NC 27253

DEADLINES:

ABOY NOMINATIONS FOR 2011 UPON ANNOUNCEMENT

POST HUMOUS LIVING LEGEND 2011 NOMINATIONS………..MAY 1, 2011

LIVING LEGEND APPLICATIONS FOR 2011… …………………JUNE 1, 2011

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS FOR 2011………………………JUNE 1, 2011