Providence Association

A Message from the Secretary

Jim Chryst
Secretary - Providence Association
34 Snyder Hollow Rd.
New Providence, Pa.   17560
Phone 717-284-6996
Cell   973-222-5499
jchryst@embarqmail.com

11-11-11

HAPPY VETERAN"S DAY to all of us.

This was taken from the Navy Times "On this special day we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who, in defense of our freedom, have bravely worn the uniform of the United States. We remember these heroes for their valor and dedication. Today, their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us as we work to pursue integrity in our lives and communities."
I personally really never considered the word sacrifice for my Naval service. I considered it a duty to Country.

Again, the words of John F. Kennedy ring clear.

"And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: "I served in the United States Navy"

YOU CAN LEAVE THE MILITARY -- BUT IT NEVER REALLY LEAVES YOU.

This article sums it up quite well. By Ken Burger, The Charleston Post and Courier :Thurs, March 4, 2010
Occasionally, I venture back to NSA, Meridian, where I'm greeted by an imposing security guard who looks carefully at my identification card, hands it back and says, "Have a good day, Chief".

Every time I go back to any Navy Base it feels good to be called by my previous rank, but odd to be in civilian clothes, walking among the servicemen and servicewomen going about their duties as I once did, many years ago.

The military is a comfort zone for anyone who has ever worn the uniform. It's a place where you know the rules and know they are enforced -- a place where everybody is busy, but not too busy to take care of business.

Because there exists behind the gates of every military facility aninstitutional understanding of respect, order, uniformity, accountability and dedication that becomes part of your marrow and never, ever leaves you.
Personally, I miss the fact that you always knew where you stood in the military, and who you were dealing with.
That's because you could read somebody's uniform from 20 feet away and know the score.

Service personnel wear their careers on their sleeves, so to speak. When you approach each other, you can read their name tag, examine their rank and, if they are in dress uniform, read their ribbons and know where they've served.

I miss all those little things you take for granted when you're in the ranks, like breaking starch on a set of fatigues fresh from the laundry and standing in a perfectly straight line military formation that looks like a mirror as it stretches to the endless horizon.
I miss the sight of troops marching in the early morning mist, the sound of boot heels thumping in unison on the tarmac, the bark of drill instructors and the sing-song answers from the squads as they pass by in review.
To romanticize military service is to be far removed from its reality, because it's very serious business -- especially in times of war.
But I miss the salutes I'd throw at officers and the crisp returns as we criss-crossed with a "by your leave sir".
I miss the smell of jet fuel hanging heavily on the night air and the sound of engines roaring down runways and disappearing into the clouds. The same while on carrier duty.

I even miss the hurry-up-and-wait mentality that enlisted men gripe about constantly, a masterful invention that bonded people more than they'll ever know or admit.

I miss people taking off their hats when they enter a building, speaking directly and clearly to others and never showing disrespect for rank, race, religion or gender.

Mostly, I miss being a small cog in a machine so complex it constantly circumnavigates the Earth and so simple it feeds everyone on time, three times a day, on the ground, in the air or at sea.

Mostly, I don't know anyone who has served who regrets it, and doesn't feel a sense of pride when they pass through those gates and re-enter the world they left behind with their youth.

I wish I could express my thoughts as well about something I loved -- and hated sometimes.

Face it guys - we all miss it............Whether you had one tour or a career, it shaped your life.
"A veteran is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America"
--
Have a Happy Veteran's day and Semper Fi.
Jim Chryst

05-21-11

MEMORIAL DAY 2011

FREEDOM TO DO WHAT WE WANT TO DO.    Another definition of freedom is - the state of being at liberty, rather than in confinement.

We owe a debt of gratitude to all our departed  service personnel, who have given us our way of life, and we need to pray for our present servicemen and women as they serve us, and we continue this bastion of freedom known as the United States of America.    Every peace loving person on this earth wants what we have every day, and it is up to us to honor the men and women who fought for this great country.

On Monday, May 30th I will recite  the "Old Glory" flag memorial from our website.  The reading will take place on the occasion of honoring Civil War Veterans at the Lancaster Cemetery, Lancaster, Pa.

Additionally, on Monday, May 30th, Dwight Troutman, YN-2, CLG-6,  66-69, will make a donation from  the USS  PROVIDENCE ASSOCIATION to the Freedom Park, Omaha, Nebraska.  Dwight recently visited Freedom Park and discovered the PROVIDENCE anchor on display.

I received the following message from a very good friend, which sums things up quite well:

"Happy early Memorial Day my good fellow veteran Jim Chryst. Least we never forget why we served, and those who served before us, with us, and after us that weren't able to share the joys and blessings of coming home to their loved ones to build a nation such as ours. May we always remember with compassion, love and respect our fallen brethren who gave their all so the rest of us could carry the torch of peace in their absence.

Bless you for being one who cares.

Your friend Randy"

Jim Chryst 

11-11-10

HAPPY VETERAN"S DAY to all of us.

This was taken from the Navy Times "On this special day we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who, in defense of our freedom, have bravely worn the uniform of the United States.  We remember these heroes for their valor and dedication.   Today, their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us as we work to pursue integrity in our lives and communities."

I really never considered the word sacrifice for my Naval service.  I considered it a duty to Country.

Again, the words of John F. Kennedy ring clear.   "

"And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction:        "I served in the United States Navy"

Have a Happy Veteran's day and Semper Fi.

Jim Chryst   

01-20-2010

Shipmates:

President John F. Kennedy, August 1, 1963

"And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction:

"I served in the United States Navy"

Jim

Nov. 11, 2009

HAPPY VETERAN’S day to all.

Shipmates:

Best wishes and prayers to you and your family, as we honor all veterans on November 11th.   Without your sacrifice and the committment of our current servicemen and women, we would not enjoy our freedoms and our way of life.    All our freedoms are provided, courtesy of the veteran, not a politician or some one else who wants to take credit for something they didn't do.

For us, everyday is Veteran's Day.   Please take a few moments on Wednesday to reflect upon our wonderful lives, and how we got to this point in history -- and say a prayer for our men and women in the service. 

During this past year, I have worn my Providence hat 2 days each week, and during that time, at least a dozen people thanked my for my service.   It's nice to be recognized, but more importantly, American citizens are more compassionate toward veterans and realize what each of us has sacrificed for this great country.

God Bless America and our Veterans

Jim Chryst

Ship's Secretary.

May 21, 2009

FREEDOM – FREEDOM – FREEDOM – FREEDOM – FREEDOM

As we approach the Government’s “vacation” Memorial Day, I ask that you keep our departed sailors, marines, and all other service personnel in your prayers as they work daily to protect our freedoms

On the real Memorial Day – March 30, Saturday, take a moment to say thank you to all our past, and present service personnel.   Additionally, we ask that you pray for the souls of our departed comrades, who will not be with us this Memorial Day.

During our recent Memorial Service on board the USS MASSACHUSETTS, we honored 27 sailors and marines who have passed away since the last reunion. 
It is requested that you notify Sam Villa or me, if you become aware of any shipmate or Marine who passes, so we may honor them on the website, until the next reunion.

FAIR WINDS AND SMOOTH SEAS
SEMPER FI

Jim Chryst
Ship’s Secretary

Dec. 25, 2008

Christmas Message to the crewmembers of the USS PROVIDENCE.

What a wonderful time of the year, for spreading charity and goodwill.  The excitement and anticipation of the season make us all children again, no matter what age we are now.   As each year passes, we reflect upon what we have experienced during that time and hopefully have learned how to be a better person, to serve and love our family, fellow citizens and shipmates. 

In November my wife and I took a cruise to Australia and New Zealand.    One of the scheduled events was a Veteran's meeting and acknowledgement.     There were 12 U.S. Veterans in attendence.   Each Vet introducted themselves, name, branch of service, where served, etc.     One Australian women, in her mid 80's, explained that her husband was a Veteran of WW II, who had recently passed away, but she thought it her duty to "personally thank all Americans for saving Australia during WW II"   She further commented, "the Japanese would surely have invaded Australia if not for the timely arrival of the Americans, and my country would not be what it is today, so I say THANK YOU TO ALL AMERICANS"    Gives you goose bumps, when you hear it from a truly appreciative person.    So, as we join family and friends this Hanukkah, Christmas, or Quanza, be blessed that we live and protect the United States of America, the most cherished country.    Also, please pray for our fallen veterans, and our, soon-to-be veterans currently serving in our military, 

Have a wonderful Holiday Season.

Smooth seas and following winds.
Semper Fi

Nov. 27, 2008

Thanksgiving Message to the crewmembers of the USS PROVIDENCE.

Hopefully you will spend this Thanksgiving with your family, and count the many blessings which were bestowed upon you during this past year.  Even the darkest moments, have a silver lining of a blessing.     As you sit around the Thanksgiving feast, please pray for our fallen veterans, and our, soon-to-be veterans currently serving in our military, 

Have a wonderful day, and weekend.

Smooth seas and following winds.
Semper Fi

Nov. 11, 2008

HAPPY VETERAN’S day to all.

I want to wish every shipmate and their families, a very happy Veteran’s Day on November 11, 2007. Without your sacrifice, and the sacrifice of present and previous veterans, we would not enjoy our current freedoms and our way of life.

For us, every days is Veteran's Day and Memorial Day.   Please take a few moments on Tuesday to reflect upon our wonderful lives, and how we got to this point in history, and say a prayer for our men and women overseas, as well as those in the U. S of A.   In addition, pray for our new President, as he prepares for a new direction and the challenges that lie ahead.

God Bless America
Jim Chryst

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY - 2008

Greetings, on the first Holiday of the summer season.   Hopefully, you will have the opportunity to spend quality time with your family this weekend and reflect upon all the things dear to us, and for the freedoms we enjoy each day.   Something not to be taken lightly, as there was a terrible price to pay.   We know that Freedom is not free, so please set aside a few moments on Monday to pray for our fallen countrymen and women, who have paid the supreme price to provide us with what we have this fine day and every day.
If you are aware of any shipmates who have passed since the last reunion, please notify me, or Bill McCubbin, or Sam Villa.
You should be receiving the second installment of our quarterly newsletter in a few days.    We really need to get everyone involved in recruiting new members into the PROVIDENCE Association.    So, please, contact any old shipmates by phone, letter, email, pony express, U.S. Mail, tin can, or any other means necessary to get more crewmembers involved.
Within the month I will have the Providence reunion confirmed with dates and times.   Good hotel rates, etc, have been difficult.

Have a great Memorial Day.

Fair winds.

Jim Chryst.

President’s Message – December 17, 2007

Hopefully, by now, most of the Christmas and gift shopping is complete, and you are ready to have a wonderful, family Holiday Season.

There are many things to be thankful for during this festive time of the year, and I would ask you to pray for those less fortunate, our wounded service men and women, our combat troops which are on duty around the clock to protect us, and reflect upon how lucky we are to live in the good ole U.S. of A.  Most of all, I appreciate the relationships we share as shipmates of the USS PROVIDENCE.

I look forward to a great year of planning the next reunion in Providence, RI, and getting our memorial displays in place.

Look for our first Providence Newsletter, which will be published in early January.    There are good articles and information, and we appreciate any comments you have regarding the content.

God’s speed for a wonderful Christmas, and whatever Holiday you celebrate during this time of the year.

Jim Chryst

Nov. 11, 2007

HAPPY VETERAN’S day to all.

I want to wish every shipmate and their families, a very happy Veteran’s Day on November 11, 2007.     Without your sacrifice, and the sacrifice of current and previous veterans, we would not enjoy our current freedoms and our way of life.  

Set aside a few moments on Sunday to reflect upon our wonderful lives, and how we got to this point in history, and say a prayer for our boys and girls overseas, as well as those in the U. S of A.   

God Bless America

Jim Chryst

July 28, 2007

Shipmates:

The Covington Reunion is almost upon us, with only a few more weeks to go.   If you already haven’t done so, please take a few minutes to make your reservations for this outstanding event.   Bill and Beverly McCubbin have worked very hard and  really have an outstanding time planned for us.   

I would also ask that you bring any and all memorabilia with you to share with your shipmates.    In addition, I will accept donations of your memorabilia, to be used in the USS PROVIDENCE display case on the USS LITTLE ROCK (CLG-4).     This has been slow, but the Buffalo Naval Park will provide us space for a display case, and I want to put our best foot forward with great PROVIDENCE items.    I am also working with the USS SALEM (CA-139) organization to obtain space in their Cruiser Memorial Room, so we will need a number of quality items. 

Please call your shipmates to make sure they are registered, so we can get a great turnout.   Admiral Kenneth Haynes (former CO of the USS PROVIDENCE during the Vietnam War), will be the guest speaker at the banquet. 

Give some consideration, as to where you may want to have the next few reunions.   In an earlier message, I suggested:

Bremerton/Everett
Philadelphia
Boston
San Antonio
(Museum of the Pacific War,
USS PROVIDENCE bridge on display
San Diego
Buffalo

That’s all for now.   See you in Covington.

Jim Chryst

May 25, 2007

President’s Newsletter:

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY TO ALL:

We should take a few moments of silence at noon on Monday, to remember our fallen countrymen and women, who have paid the supreme price to provide us with what we have this fine day – FREEDOM   -   Not to be taken lightly, as there was a terrible price to pay.     

If you are aware of any shipments who have passed since the last reunion, please notify me, or Bill McCubbin, or Sam Villa.

KENTUCKY REUNION   -   Bill and Beverly McCubbin are working diligently to make certain we have a great reunion.   Check the website, and please register early, so they can avoid a last minute crush of scheduling.

I just returned from a banquet of the Cruiser Sailor Reunion, in Valley Forge, PA, and ran into Vic and Clair Muzio. They are in good health and look forward to the upcoming visit to Kentucky.  

Frank Carlson, a PROVIDENCE Plankowner from 1945 contacted me regarding a potential memorial display on the USS SALEM, which is in the Fore River Shipyard, in Quincy, Mass, where the PROVIDENCE was built.    He worked on the SALEM for 10 years, as an electrician.    I will visit the ship in July to determine the potential for a display on that heavy cruiser. I addition, I will visit the LITTLE ROCK, in Buffalo, to work the final details of the PROVIDENCE display in the Cruiser Room of that ship.

I had numerous discussions with Pam Rector, and she is in the process of packing Dick’s memorabilia for shipment to me. So far there are 4 boxes and a few more to pack.    These are important items to recover. I am sure that many of you have memorabilia that should be shared with your shipmates, so bring them to Kentucky, and we can all enjoy the PROVIDENCE.

God’s speed and fair winds.

Jim Chryst

April 11, 2007

Members of the USS PROVIDENCE Association

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the Executive Board for asking me to temporarily, step into the President’s position, left vacant by the untimely passing of our shipmate, Dick Rector.

I just returned from Kentucky after a meeting with Bill and Beverly McCubbin, and Ray Lape concerning the upcoming reunion in Covington.  We also met with the Northern Kentucky Convention Association.    Bill and Beverly have planned for an outstanding time for our reunion, and I encourage you to make your reservations now. 

As we approach this reunion, a number of issues need to be addressed at the Ship’s Company Meeting;
1.  Increase in the yearly dues to maintain the PROVIDENCE Website
$15 to $20.  We also need to get shipmates, who access the website, enrolled as regular, dues, paying members of the association.   This is required, not only to maintain the website, but to keep the consistent, high quality by Sam Villa.
               
2.  Actively enlist members of the SSN PROVIDENCE, and welcome them as             shipmates at reunions and add continuity to the website.

3.  The Executive Board is looking into additional items for the Ship’s Store.    
Items, such as shirts, sweat shirts,  etc.

4.  We will need to address the Association by-laws for insertion of the SSN
shipmates, and the election of members of the Executive Board.

5.  We are in the process of recovering all the PROVIDENCE memorabilia from
Dick Rector’s daughter.    Which brings me to the next point of consideration. 
All of us have valuable, ship’s memorabilia, which we all cherish from our
time on PROVIDENCE.  Unless there is a specific request to keep within your
family, we need to consider how to pass along this material when we are no
longer here; so other members of the Association can continue to enjoy the
PROVIDENCE of the past.
  
6.  With respect to future reunions, the Executive Board is considering the
following locations for the upcoming years.

Washington State – Bremerton Navy Yard
New Orleans
Texas, San Antonio/ Austin – Home of the Nimitz Museum
“National Museum of the Pacific War”
They also have the CLG-6 Bridge in full display.
San Diego – the obvious
Washington, D.C. – Many veterans’ memorials
Philadelphia – USS New Jersey and the USS Olympia
Boston – USS Constitution, USS Salem (Heavy Cruiser)
San Francisco.

Bill and Beverly have worked very hard to ensure a great reunion, so, I encourage you to attend to Covington reunion to renew old friendships, and start new ones.  The keynote speaker is Admiral Kenneth Haynes (Ret), former Commanding Officer of CLG-6.

If you have any questions, or comments, please don’t hesitate to send me an email at jchryst@earthlink.net or phone my home at 973-729-6899.

Shipmates forever.

Jim Chryst

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