USS Providence Association
ProvOnline Newsletter 001 - Nov. 2009
USS PROVIDENCE CL-82/CLG-6
Year 2010 Reunion
Shipmates, families and friends; (15th Reunion)
Mark your calendars for October 6 to October 10, 2010 for the next
Reunion in San Diego, California, Below is a confirmed plan of the day
For the four (4) days. There are still a number of details to be coordinated, but the basic plan is in place.
The cost, on a per night basis for the room will be $123 which includes tax, at the Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside, 4875 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, and the hotel (map) is across the bay from North Island. Arrangements will be made with the hotel for complimentary shuttles to/from local area tourist/shopping sites, including the San Diego airport.
(Don't get confused on location....this Holiday Inn is located near Nimitz Blvd...see map)
Holiday Inn - San Diego Bayside
4875 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA
For reservations call the following numbers and be sure and
mention USS Providence for the special rate.
1-800-662-8899
or
619.224.3621
Wednesday, October 6 – Arrival - Hospitality suite opens at noon for registration with a welcome reception between 5 and 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 7 – Breakfast will be on your own.
Bus departs to Mt. Soledad for memorial services, then return to hotel for barbeque lunch (hot dogs/hamburgers, drinks and fun) between 1 p.m. and
3 p.m. Dinner will be on your own.
Friday, October 8 – Breakfast will be on your own.
Bus departs to Midway Ship for tour and this trip includes a lunch aboard the ship. Dinner will be on your own.
Saturday, October 9 – The morning/early afternoon is on your own. We’re planning on a Hawaiian luau dinner – no formal dressing - this will be casual. Photos will still be taken for the reunion book prior to the luau and photos should start about 5 p.m. with dinner starting at approximately 6 p.m.
Sunday, October 10 – Farewell breakfast and departure.
The hotel will honor the same rate per night for three (3) nights prior to October 6 and three night’s post October 10 – if anyone is interested to stay longer in the San Diego area. Costs for tours and timeframes are still being developed with the hotel and as soon as we receive the information, we will notify all of you.
Reunion Coordinators
David Abdouch
127 Amberwood Dr
Walnut, Calif 91789
909-573-6227
d.abdouch@verozon.net
Larry Smock
P.O. Box 611
Downey, CA 90241
(562) 972-0463
2010 .....SAN DIEGO REUNION EVENTS.......select your events and mail your check & this form to address below |
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| Name | Phone No. | |||||||
| Spouse/Guest(s) | Date of Service | |||||||
| Address(Please Print) | Division | |||||||
| Rank | ||||||||
| Events Listing: | ||||||||
| (All prices below are per person) | ||||||||
| Cost | # Persons | Total | ||||||
| Wednesday, October 6th: Registration Fee - This includes hospitality suite, snacks, entertainment, administraction cost and event expenses. | $35.00 | |||||||
| The Hotel will be sponsoring a reception between 5 - 6 PM in the hospitality suite | No Cost | |||||||
| Thursday, October 7th: Bus departs from hotel to Mt. Soledad for Memorial Services, return to hotel for Western Barbeque | $40.00 x | |||||||
| Friday, October 8th: Bus departs to USS Midway for tour and lunch. Lunch will consist of sandwich, chips, cookie and drink, please indicate type and number of sandwich below. | $36.00 x | |||||||
| Roast Beef sandwich # ____________Turkey sandwich # _____________ | ||||||||
| Saturday, October 9th: Hawaii Luau, Photo and fun (dress well be casual) | $45.00 x | |||||||
| Sunday, October 10th: Farewell breakfast (Create your own Omelette Delight) | $25.00 x | |||||||
| Total | ||||||||
| Emergency Contact Information | ||||||||
| Name, Phone #, other | ||||||||
| Are you planning on staying at the Holiday Inn, San Diego?.....yes.......no......(circle one) | ||||||||
| MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: "USS PROVIDENCE ASSOCIATION" | ||||||||
| MAIL TO: | DAVID ABDOUCH | |||||||
| 127 AMBERWOOD DR | ||||||||
| WALNUT, CALIFORNIA 91789 | ||||||||
PHONE CONTACT FOR DAVID ABDOUCH.......HOME: 909-594-9273.........CELL909-573-6227 |
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Click here for 2010 Reunion Events Mailing Form ....
Message from Jim Chryst - Providence, R.I. Reunion Chairman
USS Providence Memorial Display
Recently, the USS Providence (CL-82/CLG-6/CG-6/SSN-719) Association installed a memorial display case of ship-related memorabilia in the ‘Cruiser Room’ aboard the USS Little Rock (CLG-4) museum ship, located at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, Buffalo, N.Y.
The Providence memorial is dedicated to all Sailors and Marines who served in any of the USS Providences from the date of commissioning of CL-82 in September, 1945, through the present.
Pictured above are Colonel Patrick Cunningham, Director of the Naval and Military Park, and Jim Chryst of the USS PROVIDENCE Veteran’s Association during the official presentation and dedication of the memorial display case.
REUNION UPDATE---------- (PROVIDENCE, R.I......2009)
The 14th USS PROVIDENCE Reunion is now in the history books. The following is a review of events.
Attendees included:
| CL-82 | 17 shipmates and wives |
| CLG-6 | 42 shipmates and wives |
| Plank holders | 2 |
| Marines | 4 |
The Hospitality Suite was open each night for everyone to share memories, sea stories, photos, cruise books, personal mementos, and uniforms. There were many laughs and tears. Fred Hocking even brought his flat top hat, which Bill McCubbin wore in the Suite. Jim Martell displayed his 6 foot scale model of CL-82 during the entire reunion. Many CL shipmates had their photo taken with the model, and they were willing to show everyone where their duty and general quarter’s stations were on the ship.
Thursday, April 30 we traveled to Battleship Cove in Fall River, MA, across the bay from Providence, for a patriotic and reverent memorial service on board the Battleship Massachusetts. We recognized the passing of 24, CL-82 Sailors and Marines and 4, CLG-6 Sailors. 3, CL-82, Plank holders dedicated a wreath to honor the deceased. Lunch followed the Memorial Service, in the old Wardroom space, on the MASSACHUSETTS. The balance of the day was for exploring the other naval vessels in Battleship Cove (1 destroyer, 1 patrol boat, 1 sub, 2 PT boats).
Friday, May 1, We toured Newport, Rhode Island, followed by a lunch at the Officer’s Club at the Naval War College, in Newport. Admiral Kenneth Haynes, former CO of CLG-6 sponsored the luncheon. Although he was unable to attend, his presence was recognized. We saw 2 great “old ladies of the fleet” tied up together – SARATOGA and FORRESTAL. The day was foggy and was appropriate to view these 2 great ships.
One shipmate, Dwight Troutman, called his brother from the bus, to inform him is was viewing the FORRESTAL. Dwight’s brother flew off the FORRESTAL, and was on board at the same time as John McCain. After lunch we visited the War College Museum.
The highlight of the reunion was a tour of the Surface Warfare Officer’s School, where we experienced the bridge simulator and various, Officer seagoing training simulators. Everyone agreed that the simulator was so realistic, that you felt as though you were on a moving, rolling ship, in combat. Bill McCubbin said “the only thing missing was the sea spray” This simulator was so over-the-top realistic, we were actually sailing in the “Straits of Hormuz” warding off sea and air attacks with our weapons systems.
Saturday, May 2. We toured Providence, Rhode Island, and concluded with a lunch at Providence Piers, where Colonel Peter Gaynor(USMC, Ret); Director of the City of Providence Emergency Management Agency, Office of Homeland Security, read a proclamation from the Honorable David N. Cicilline, Mayor of the City of Providence, honoring the Marines and sailors who serviced on the USS PROVIDENCE. A full sized replica of the 1776 Sloop Providence was in dry storage on the hard in the parking lot adjacent to the Providence Piers.
During the reunion, Price Perfect Photos took many pictures of our activities, and group photos. For those of you who missed a truly wonderful reunion experience, a DVD will be available to all shipmates, which includes the Memorial Service, Naval War College, Providence Piers, and the Banquet. Order details will follow in the July Newsletter.
The Saturday Night Banquet included a New England Dinner with Lobster and all the trimmings. After dinner we retired to the hospitality suite for prize drawings. Many gift items, donated by shipmates were raffled off to lucky winners.
| Shipmates with donations were: |
| Robert and Robin Grace |
| Vic and Clara Muzio |
| Bill and Beverly McCubbin |
| Jim Chryst |
| Dean McMillian donated proceeds from his characterichures of shipmates |
| In addition, the 50-50 winners were as follows: |
| $150 – John Purnell, USMC, John donated $50 back to the Providence Association |
| $100 - Bill Wulf |
| $ 75 – Emil Halloy |
| $ 25 - Dwight Troutman Dwight donated the $25 back to the Providence Association |
| $ 25 – Richard Zweber. Dick donated the $25 back to the Providence Association |
| $ 25 – JoeWozniak |
| $ 25 – Bob Penny |
| $ 25 – Al Goldsmith |
During the Ship’s Company Meeting, San Diego was confirmed as the site for the next Reunion to be held in October 2010. David and Anna Maria Abdouch and Larry and Jeanette Smock will be the reunion co-chair.
The newsletter will be published in July, and will be mailed twice per year thereafter The July issued will be mailed to all shipmates on the mailing roster; however, due to the cost of mailing, this will be the last newsletter sent to non-Association Shipmates. We have 740 folks on our mailing list, but, only 168 due-paying members. So, please bring your membership up to date for 2009 and 2010. If you are uncertain, as to membership dues, please check the website for the latest listing. Once again, membership is cause for concern, for the long term viability of our organization. The upcoming, San Diego Reunion, will be the test of our strength of membership. Now is the time to contact your former shipmates so we have a large turnout.
Jim Cozine will be working on the mailing list and contact for membership. Bill McCubbin will continue his office as Treasurer.
Look for the July Newsletter.
Fair winds and smooth seas.
Semper Fi,
Jim Chryst, Reunion Chairman 2009
"JAMES CHRYST" <jchryst@embarqmail.com>
A Letter of Thanks..................
From: "todd" <toddplc@basicisp.net>
To: jchryst@embarqmail.com
Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2009 2:44:27 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: THANKS
| Message from your Webmaster: | |
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Sam Villa P.O. Box 161182 San Diego, CA 92176 619.446-8462 sam@star77.com |
Here is my latest list of Awards earned by Providence. The time periods are included below which should help you determine which ribbons you can wear on your Navy uniform, place on you vehicle or other. I personally cannot get into my old Navy uniform. I gave it a try several years ago and found myself cutting off vital blood circulation to major parts of my body. Fortunately someone found me passed out in front of the "Seven Seas" club. They loosened my uniform and saved my life and told me not to try that again. Some say that I may have caused a little damage to my brain because of my strange sense of humor. I myself, feel that I am okay and "dog gone it" people like me. Please let me know if you have any information to add to the awards below. As always wishing you all the best |
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USS PROVIDENCE CL-82
American Campaign (1941-1946) Ribbon
World War II Victory Medal (1941-1945) Ribbon
Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign (1941-1945) Ribbon
USS PROVIDENCE CLG-6
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one bronze Star, Combat Action Medal with two bronze stars, Navy Unit Commendation with 2 bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious
Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Medal Color with Palm),
Vietnam Service Medal with 18 stars, three silver and three bronze, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
National
Defense Service Medal
- June 27, 1950 to July 27, 1954 for service during the Korean War
- January 1, 1961 to August 14, 1974 for service during the Vietnam War
- August 2, 1990 to November 30, 1995 for service during the Gulf War
- September 11, 2001 to a date to be announced for service during the War on Terrorism
Armed
Forces Expeditionary Service
20-APR-1963 22-APR-1963 17-JAN-1964 23-JAN-1964 23-JAN-1968 22-MAR-1968 |
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Combat
Action Ribbon
25-MAY-1967 06-JUL-1967 29-APR-1972 05-MAY-1972 25-JUN-1972 27-AUG-1972 11-SEP-1972 19-OCT-1972 19-NOV-1972 |
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Navy Unit Commendation
25-NOV-1966 08-NOV-1968 20-APR-1972 01-DEC-1972 |
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Republic
of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation
(Gallantry Cross Medal Color with Palm)
14-JAN-1967 17-JAN-1967 04-APR-1967 07-APR-1967 24-MAY-1967 25-MAY-1967 27-MAY-1967 31-MAY-1967 02-JUL-1967 09-JUL-1967 20-AUG-1967 02-SEP-1967 09-OCT-1967 17-OCT-1967 17-NOV-1967 20-NOV-1967 06-DEC-1967 10-DEC-1967 11-JAN-1968 15-JAN-1968 17-JAN-1968 21-JAN-1968 06-FEB-1968 17-FEB-1968 20-MAR-1968 21-MAR-1968 23-MAR-1968 26-MAR-1968 20-MAY-1968 21-MAY-1968 23-MAY-1968 26-MAY-1968 29-JUN-1968 04-JUL-1968 14-AUG-1968 15-AUG-1968 17-AUG-1968 19-AUG-1968 21-AUG-1968 23-AUG-1968 27-AUG-1968 29-AUG-1968 01-SEP-1968 |
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Vietnam
Service Medal
10-DEC-1966 17-DEC-1966 12-JAN-1967 19-JAN-1967 08-FEB-1967 20-FEB-1967 22-MAR-1967 11-APR-1967 12-MAY-1967 13-MAY-1967 24-MAY-1967 03-JUN-1967 30-JUN-1967 13-JUL-1967 18-AUG-1967 05-SEP-1967 06-OCT-1967 20-OCT-1967 14-NOV-1967 22-NOV-1967 29-NOV-1967 14-DEC-1967 09-JAN-1968 25-JAN-1968 06-FEB-1968 19-FEB-1968 19-MAR-1968 27-MAR-1968 04-APR-1968 14-APR-1968 19-MAY-1968 28-MAY-1968 01-JUN-1968 03-JUN-1968 01-JUL-1968 10-JUL-1968 13-AUG-1968 02-SEP-1968 02-OCT-1968 11-OCT-1968 13-OCT-1968 03-NOV-1968 28-APR-1972 31-MAY-1972 16-JUN-1972 12-JUL-1972 21-JUL-1972 28-AUG-1972 10-SEP-1972 26-SEP-1972 06-OCT-1972 23-OCT-1972 03-NOV-1972 21-NOV-1972 |
Navy "E" Ribbon
(dates and # of awards unknown at this time)
USS PROVIDENCE SSN 719
National
Defense Service Medal
- June 27, 1950 to July 27, 1954 for service during the Korean War
- January 1, 1961 to August 14, 1974 for service during the Vietnam War
- August 2, 1990 to November 30, 1995 for service during the Gulf War
- September 11, 2001 to a date to be announced for service during the War on Terrorism
Armed
Forces Expeditionary Service
(3 awarded)
01-FEB-1998 27-MAY-1998
12-MAR-1995 06-APR-1995
Navy Expeditionary Service
(4 awarded )
Meritorious Unit Commendations
(6 awarded)
01-JAN-1987 23-NOV-1988
01-MAY-1989 01-AUG-1989
01-JUN-1996 30-SEP-1996
Navy "E" Ribbon
(6 awarded)
01-OCT-1988 30-SEP-1989
Navy Unit Commendation
(4 awarded)
01-OCT-1997 30-APR-1998
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Providence won the Tomahawk Strike Derby in 1988 with a 5 second time on target. The USS Providence was the winner of the 2008 Arleigh Burke Award for superior performance in battle efficiency, presented by Fleet Forces Command on Monday 16 June 2008. Providence has, once again, earned the coveted 2008-2009 Battle Efficiency 'E' for COMSUBRON 2.
Participated in Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, where she earned the nickname "Big dog of the Red Sea wolf pack."
OPNAV NOTE 1650
Unit Awards and Citations Master List
Awards Branch: N09B13
Message from |
If anyone knows of a shipmate that has not been a member of the Assoc. in the past and they want me to send them a letter - just email me with the name and address --
Jim Cozine - Reunion Chairman 2002 - Las Vegas
coz999@embarqmail.com or phone 702-871-5304 |
Assoc. Membership Recruiting - update
The First assignment ( after the Reunion) was to locate as many officers as possible-
from the names found in the four cruise books - that totaled 388 names - most could not be located but we did send out 135 letters and learn that 57 others were deceased. ( this includes all but 3 of the COs- McWethy, Morgan & Haynes). There are 125 new names to add to the master CD Roster from this search as well as many updates to roster names on the CD already. The effort took 3 months to complete by using free web searches and the feedback from shipmates.
The Second Assignment is to locate all ship's company that can be seen with a 1st name ( to go along with their last name) by going through the PRIVATEER newsletters starting with the 1970s and working backwards.
As of today ( 8/10/09) I have found 75 names ( Sept '71 - May '72) - 52 need to be added to the Master CD Roster, 10 have not been searched for yet, 18 letters have been sent, and one appears to have passed away. This is work in progress and there are 38 more PRIVATEERs to look at.
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BE SURE AND JOIN THE PROVIDENCE ASSOCIATION
CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION FORM
EMAIL MESSAGE OF THE QUARTER
from Daniel Davis
You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and
how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to
make it and wanted to give up She was tired of fighting and struggling.
It seemed as soon as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with
water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the
first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last
she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without
saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished
the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and
placed them in a bowl.
Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning
to her daughter, she asked, 'Tell me what you see.'
'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots.
She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the
daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she
observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The
daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked,
'What does it mean, mother?'
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the
same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went
in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the
boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile.
Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after
sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The
ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling
water, they had changed the water.
'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks
on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee
bean?
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong,
but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my
strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes
with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup,
a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and
stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and
tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot
water, the very circumstance that brings the pain.. When the water gets
hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean,
when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation
around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest,
do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity?
Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials
to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of
everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their
way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you
can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and
heartaches.
When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was
smiling.
Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and
everyone around you is crying.
May we all be COFFEE
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it
WORDS OF WISDOM FROM
from Al Pilger
The Gunny went straight to the squad tent and announced, 'The lieutenant thinks you guys smell bad, and wants you to change your underwear.
Smith, you change with Jones, McCarthy, you change with Witkowsky, and Brown, you change with Schultz. Now get to it!'
THE MORAL: A candidate may promise 'change' in Washington , but don't count on things smelling any better.
The Bosons’ Corner…Bill McCubbin I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your membership support. It is much appreciated. Here are a few nautical terms that may bring back a few memories. Bill Scuttlebutt - The cask of drinking water on ships was called a scuttlebutt and since sailors exchanged gossip when they gathered at the scuttlebutt for a drink of water, scuttlebutt became U.S. Navy slang for gossip or rumors. A butt was a wooden cask which held water or other liquids, to scuttle is to drill a hole, as for tapping a cask. Shows his true colors - Early warships often carried flags from many nations on board in order to elude or deceive the enemy. The rules of civilized warfare called for all ships to hoist their true national ensigns before firing a shot. Someone who finally “shows his true colors” is acting like a man-of-war which hailed another ship flying one flag, but then hoisted their own when they got within firing range. Side Boys - Tending the side with side boys, as we know it in modern practice, originated a long time ago. It was customary in the days of sailing to hold conferences on the flagships both when at sea and in open roadstead; also, officers were invited to dinner on other ships while at sea, weather permitting. Sometimes the sea was such, that visitors were hoisted aboard in boatswain’s chairs. Member of the crew did the hoisting, and it is from the aid they rendered in tending the side that the custom originated of having a certain number of men in attendance. Some have reported the higher the rank, the heavier the individual therefore, more side boys were utilized. Smoking lamp - The exact date and origin of the smoking lamp has been lost. However, it probably came into use during the 16th century when seamen began smoking on board vessels. The smoking lamp was a safety measure. It was devised mainly to keep the fire hazard away from high combustible woodwork and gunpowder. Usually, the lamp was located in the forecastle, or the area directly surrounding the galley, indicating that smoking was permitted in this area. Even after the invention of matches in the 1830’s, the lamp was an item of convenience to the smoker. When particularly hazardous operations or work required that smoking be curtailed, the unlighted lamp relayed the message. “The smoking lamp is lighted” or “the smoking lamp is out” were the expressions indicating that smoking was permitted or forbidden. The smoking lamp has survived only as a figure of speech. When the officer of the deck says “the smoking lamp is out” before drills, refueling, or taking ammunition, that is the Navy’s way of saying “cease smoking.” Down the hatch - This is a drinking expression that seems to have its origins in sea freight, where cargoes are lowered into the hatch. Down the hatch as an expression appears to have been used by seamen. It has only been traced back to the turn of the century. Duffle - A name given to a sailor’s personal effects. Also spelled duffel. The word duffel and or duffel refers to a seamen’s personal clothing as well as the seabag in which he carried his possessions, and or stored them in. The term comes from the Flemish town of Duffel near Antwerp, and denotes a rough woolen cloth that is made there. Dungarees - The modern sailor’s work clothes. The term is not modern, however, but dates to the 18th century and comes from the Hindi work meaning dungri, for a type of Indian cotton cloth. Fathom - Although a fathom is now a nautical unit of length equal to six feet. It was once defined by an act of Parliament as “the length of a man’s arms around the object of his affections.” The word derives from the Old English word Faethm, which means “embracing arms.” Flying Dutchman - One superstition has it that any mariner who sees the ghost ship called the Flying Dutchman will die within one day. The tale of the Flying Dutchman trying to round the Cape of Good Hope against strong winds and never succeeding, then trying to make Cape Horn and failing there too, has been the most famous of maritime ghost stories for more 300 years. The cursed spectral ship sailing back and forth on its endless voyage, its ancient white-hair crew crying for help while hauling her sail, inspired Samuel Taylor Coleride to write his classic “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” to name but one famous literary work. The real Flying Dutchman is supposed to have set sail in 1660. Fouled anchor - The fouled (rope-or chain-entwined) anchor so prevalent in our Navy’s designs and insignia is a symbol at least 500 years old. It has its origins in the British traditions adopted by our naval service. The fouled anchor was adopted as the official seal of Lord High Admiral Charles Lord Howard of Effingham during the late 1500’s. A variation of the seal has been used by the Lord High Admiral of Scotland about a century earlier. The anchor (both with and without the entwined rope) is a traditional heraldic device used in ancient British Coats of Arms. As a heraldic device, it is a stylized representation used merely for its decorative effect. Holystone - Soft sandstone, often used to scrub the decks of ships. Sailors had to kneel as if in prayer when scrubbing the decks. Holystone was often called so because it is full of holes. * * * * * * * * * * * *
Acknowledgment * * * * * * * * * * * * Nautical Terms and Phrases NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER Washington DC 20374-5060
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Thank you to the following members who have helped keep the Providence Association in good standing.
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Shipmates:
Many veterans have been exposed to Agent Orange and have not been able to get compensation because of not actually being on the ground in Vietnam. Support HR2254 which will include blue water sailors and air men who flew over Vietnam.
Click on GO (Agent Orange Equity Act) to get help on finding your Senator and Representative and help in sending out this form letter or a personal modified letter to them with your request.
Copy below for your review............................
Include the Agent Orange Equity Act (HR 2254) in the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act
NDAA 2010 - Agent Orange Equity Act of 2009
Include “Blue Water Sailors”
I strongly urge you to seek inclusion of the Agent Orange Equity Act of 2009, (HR 2254) into the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act.
This legislation would expand the legal presumption of exposure to Agent Orange for veterans who served in the vicinity of Viet Nam.
Before 2002, it didn't matter where a veteran served in the Vietnam War. If disabled due to the exposure to the terrible poisons in the air and waterways, VA would pay disability compensation. In February 2002, Congress decided to 'save our taxpayers money' and ordered VA to implement a 'foot on the ground' policy. After this policy revision, only those who actually set foot on the ground in Vietnam could be compensated for medical conditions resulting from exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides. Those serving in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos and the China Sea became ineligible for compensation even though they were contaminated by these very same toxins as those who served on the ground, in Vietnam itself.
Thus, 38 US Code, Section 1116, defines a Viet Nam veteran as "a veteran who, during active military, naval, or air service, served in the Republic of Vietnam during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975." The Department of Veterans Affairs follows the Congressional mandate of "boots on the ground" which excludes most Navy and Air Force personnel who have Agent Orange related issues but who can not prove "boots on the ground."
Parenthetically, it must be noted that ships at sea, habitually prefer to draw in water from coastal areas than open ocean water because of the lower salinity. This water is then further desalinized for cooking, drinking and bathing. Vietnamese coastal waters were known to be contaminated with Agent Orange due to run off from the land.
HR 2254 would clarify and correct this section by redefining a Viet Nam veteran as one who during active military, naval, or air service (a) served in the Republic of Vietnam (including the inland waterways, ports, and harbors of such Republic, the waters offshore of such Republic, and the airspace above such Republic) during the period January 9, 1962 - May 7, 1975; (b) served in Johnston Island during the period April 1, 1972 - September 30, 1977; or (c) received the Vietnam Service Medal or the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Again, please do all within your influence and powers of moral suasion to have this legislation included in the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act that will soon be negotiated in Joint Committee.
I’m honored to write a chaplain’s message for these newsletters. Unfortunately, I have no idea what the Providence community is concerned about as it relates to the substantive issues of your lives. So, I need your help in designing a message for each newsletter that will have meaning for you. Just send along your thoughts to me at hbennert1@suscom-maine.net and I’ll do my best to respond in an appropriate manner.
I’m going to use this first session to wax on something that’s been happening to me lately. It’s about the deaths of my two brothers-in-law, (the 2 brothers of Joan, my wife of 48 years) one of whom was a retired U S Navy Chief. They both died 6 weeks apart, this summer. So, the family members gathered and cried and celebrated! One celebration was in a church (which also included the brass quintet!) and the other was on a beach where we gathered and celebrated together and also scattered ashes. These family gatherings were very different but each very meaningful and moving for those that participated. To my way of thinking, there is no right or wrong way to celebrate someone’s life, as long as we, the living, take time to honor the life that has passed.
Death is a part of life. As the USS Providence community ages, we will all be faced with the deaths of family or shipmates. Initially, it is a time of sadness because of the loss but it is also a time to celebrate such lives with warm remembrances and sometimes even a brass band!!
Harry Bennert, MD (a former ship’s doctor and now a seminary student at Bangor Theological Seminary in Maine)
If you have a seastory or other that you would like to have published in the next online newsletter, please send it to me at sam@star77.com.
Note: This is our first online newsletter. It is meant to be emailed to everyone that has given us their email address. The online address of the newsletter may be mailed to some by post card. The online newsletter makes it possible to have over 14 pages which would be very costly to mail. The newsletter may be downloaded and printed at kinkos or any store that has a computer or a family member or a friend that is computer literate. Most of us came late to learning the computer and that we understand. Most of the kids today are learning the computer in school. The Prov Online Newsletter can be found at:
http://www.ussprovidence.org/ProvOnline001.html
...please let us know if you do not want to receive the ProvOnline Newsletter. You should hear from us only about 4 times a year.....I am only good for about 4 newsletters a year..........sam :)