NMCB 14 ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONSPRING 2016

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Association Officers:Mark Blue, PresidentTel: (321) 795-5344E-Mail: markblue78@gmail.comMichael H. Grace, Vice PresidentTel: (561) 906-9475E-Mail: michaelhgrace3@yahoo.comEd Crenshaw, SecretaryTel: (706) 897-2649E-Mail: cecbret@windstream.netGlenn Smith, TreasurerTel: 251-533-2107E-Mail Smithau66@gulftel.com

NEWSLETTER

http://www.nmcb14alumni.com/

THE KEYS TO SUCCESS IS

PARTICIPATION. PLEASE DO YOUR

PART TO MAKE THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SUCCESSFUL.

THANKS!!

2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Allen Boatman Frank Landrau

Fred Bossard Richard Mayo

Loren Emery Randy McGhee

John J. Hillyer III Dewayne Polston

William Lamb Janna Wiedeman

Dear members, families and friends of NMCB 14,

As I mentioned in my last corner, our NMCB14 Seabees continue to deploy around the word and the need for us to continue our mission in support of them as well. Since our last newsletter, the association continues to be active and has provided support to several of our Bee’s; support no other organization can provide. I would like to send out a personal thank you and BZ to the members of the assistance committee and those who have aided them in their efforts. Your commitment to the Alumni Association and our mission fills me with great deal of pride in our community; you truly “walk the walk.”

I would also like to recognize those working on the reunion committee. This year’s reunion is shaping up to be something quite special. As a reminder, it will be held in Orlando at the very doorstep of the Universal Studios theme park – leading up to Halloween. For those not familiar, Universal has a special Halloween themed event called Halloscream and it will be getting underway as our reunion happens. It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring the family and make a Universal or other Central Florida theme park vacation part of our reunion.

On another topic, I was recently invited to speak to the sailors and Seabees at the Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) in Orlando. Mike Grace and I spoke about the dedication and commitment to each other as servicemen and women and how its importance actually grows with time. We were received extremely well and got to spend some quality time with new and old shipmates. Thanks go to Norm Dupuis for pulling it all together in true Seabee fashion and for keeping the association in the minds of our young Seabees!

In closing, I would like to ask each and every one to start making plans for the reunion – Stacy and I sure are!

Mark Blue, President

NMCB 14 ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONSPRING 2016

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WWII LIFE MEMBERS

James D. Rothermel

Andrew Parretti

Charles Sheppard

Ted Harwood

Jack Soliday

LIFE MEMBERS

Robert Rehkopf

Fred S. Bossard

John Dux

Terry B. Jamison

John R. Johnson

Randall Bushey

George Milian

William Purkis

Glenn A. Smith

Kenneth Erickson

Mike Wood

Michael Grace

Mark Monaghan

William C.Charvat

William Memory

Vernon Morris

Richard Biggs

Randall McGhee

Donald N. Bridges

Ernest Burzumato

George A. Manning

Richard Mayo

Richard Hoibraten

Kenneth Morgan

James Caulder

Chris O. Snell, Jr.

Charles Hickey

William McCallum

Tommie Tyler

William Travis

Joseph Kolodziej

Grey Duncan

Charles Miller

Alton F. Robertson

Calvin Riley

Gregg Harkness

Ronald I. Russell

Johnnie Nash

Hilrie Kemp, Jr

William Pye

Loren Emery

Randall Felton

Terry Bailey

Charles Famshaw

Peter J. Araneo

Thomas “Ed” Clark

Harold J. Murray

John J. Hillyer III

James A. Gold

Peter R. Herrick **

Robert Tuten

Raymond C. Walker

Ronald Philpott **

Ed Crenshaw

James R. Kautz

Wilson K. Hunter

John Walker

Paul Mitchell

Garry L. Chitwood

William Smith

Keith Stephens

David Tilki

Thomas Kleschka

Stan Bartholomew

Herman Polston

Samantha Wood

Stephen Clark

Clarence Dukart

Robert Newman

Mrs. Dee Brockway ✣

Ronald L. Dollar

Edgar McGee

Gary Sturm

Patrick B. Upshaw

Shirley Williams ✣

Stella Langel ✣

Kirsten Neff

Benjamin Slaughter

Richard Morris

George Dore

Richard Leyde

Claude “Bob” Suggs

Anita J. Hansen

James F. George

Robert D. Litten

Jerry W. Kautz

Charles L. Meyer

Orlando “Pappa” Chase

David Vernaza **

Kyle J. Croce **

Michael Rambo **

James N. Nappier, Jr. **

Janna L. Robinson

William Wiedeman

James Boglarsky

Ralph M. Capito

Peter Reid **

Robert “Marty” Fisher

Francisco “Frank” Landrau

James R. Graham

Fred M. Derr

Allen Boatman

Donald E. Rimel

Joseph Hale

Linda Joiner ✣

A.J. “Jack” Dempsey

Karen Anderson✣

Brandi Anderson✣

Michael Douberly **

Fred Frank **

Anthony Muller**

Christopher Ritchie**

Lewis Haynes**

Doug Alvarez**

Aaron Felthousen**

Gregory Risner**

Odis Ray**

Michael Vorburger**

Thomas Johnson **

Robert Strickland **

Earnest Anthony **

Wilbur A. Smith

Ernst W. Nelson III

Thomas E. Legler

Victor Szalankiewicz **

Anthony “Tony” Matthews

Joseph Leahy

Jay Callaway

Keith Deakins

Robin Brockway ✣

Gary Carver

David Grass ✶

Bruce Campbell

Richard Smith

Beverly Mayo ✣

Edmund Parada

Emily Helton ✣

Scott Rooney

William “Bill” Bersson

Joseph F. Austin

Alayna Ginther ✣

Legend (Life & Annuals)

* WW II

** Iraq WIA

✶ Family of Seabee

✣ Associate

◆Active Reserve

NMCB 14 ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONSPRING 2016

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WELCOME 2016 NEW MEMBERS We heartily welcome new members added sincethe Fall-Winter 2015 Newsletter: Life Members

Robin Brockway ✣ Gary Carver David Grass ✶

Bruce Campbell Richard Smith Beverly Mayo ✣

Edmund Parada Emily Helton ✣ Scott Rooney

William “Bill” Bersson Joseph F. Austin Alayna Ginther ✣

Annual Members

Robert “Bodie” D’Andrea, Jr.

Thank you all for your support and sacrifices.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT New Membership has fallen off significantly over the past 2 - 3 months. For all non-members that are former or current NMCB 14 drillers, this is a reminder that our Life Membership sale is still in effect until 18 July 1016. If you want to be part of a great organization dedicated to helping KIA families and WIA’s and their families, SIGN UP NOW. We need your help and assistance.

MEMBERSHIP SUMMARY

WWII Life 05Life Members 141Annual Members 22

Subtotal 168Memorial Members 37

TOTALS 205

MEMBERSHIPS 2010 to DATE

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016Life 18 16 06 05 24 23 11Annual 06 07 10 14 16 23 01Totals✶ 24 23 16 19 40 46 12

◆Not Including Memorial Memberships ✶ Note that some previous Annuals converted to Life, and some members have passed away. Thus the “grand total” from “2010 to Date” will not match the “168” subtotal shown below.

MEMORIALS

John J. Hillyer Jr.

Fred Huntley

Donald L. Billstone

Jim Knox

Ron Patterson

James V. Carney *

Elmer Finch *

Boaz Blosser*

Jason Dwelley ***

Chris Dickerson ***

Ronald Ginter ***

Robert Jenkins ***

Trace Dossert ***

Scott McHugh ***

Mike Anderson***

David Ludivici

Al Cardenelli

Marlin Cochran

Bill Cramer

John Finley

Ed Ripoli

Bill Schram

Harvey Warren

John Witzman

Bob Brockway

William P. Shiver

Edward N. Orange

John T. Larsen

Nick San Marco

U.J.C. Tom Williams

Cleveland Joiner

Peter R. Brown

Fred Ainsburg

Lindon Haworth

Robert Depew

Russ Doe

Ron Helton

Legend (Memorials)

* WW II

*** Iraq KIA

ANNUALS (2016 Robert Dodd

David A. Katz

Pauline Crenshaw ✣

Joyce Ledgering

Jacqueline Polston ✣

Normand Dupuis

Mark Blue

Ardell Ball ◆

Mike Streckert ◆

Matthew Brancatelli ◆

Patrick Clountz ◆

Orrick Haney ◆

Dane Hanson ◆

Luis Maldonado ◆

Jamies McKinney ◆

Daniel Miller ◆

Maurice Morten ◆

Norberto Nuenzmorales ◆

Joseph Shaughnessy ◆

William “Bill” Lamb

Charles Hayman

Robert “Bodie” D’Andrea, Jr.

NMCB 14 ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONSPRING 2016

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MEMBER’s REPORTS / HAPPENINGS Ernie Nelson (SVA X-11) has been leading ‘the charge’ to help keep the the Tampa NOSC “Purple Heart Memorial” up to snuff. SVA X-11 members, earlier this year, did some much needed maintenance on it. A lot of washing, scrubbing and painting did the trick. In addition, Ernie worked very hard to get a graphic quality copy of NMCB 14’s new logo place on a plaque for the wall. (See photo’s below.) A Hearty “Can-Do” to all that participated in this worthwhile project.

NMCB 14 ENLISTED PROMOTIONS We were very happy to learn of the the most recent E-8 and E-9 promotions for the following : EOCS Lori Saville to: EQCM (Master Chief Equipmentman) 1 of 1 Selected EACS Ardel Ball, Jr. to: CUCM (Master Chief Constructionman) 1 of 1 Selected CMC Frank Landrau to: CMCS (Senior Chief Construction Mechanic) 1 of 5 Selected

BRAVO ZULU to these outstanding individuals who have served their country admirably. Lest you may have forgotten, EQCM Saville and CUCM Bell were deployed with NMCB 14 last year to Africa. They were the DET OIC’s of DET-4 and DET-1 respectively. CUCM Ball also our key speaker at last year’s reunion. CMCS Landrau was deployed to YMCA Snow Ranch, Grandby, CO last July for an extended period where he supervised the construction of several projects for the YMCA Snow Ranch. CUCM Ball and CMCS Landrau both are NMCB 14 members and CMCS is on our Board of Directors.Their dedication and leadership no doubt lead to their well deserved promotions. Again - Bravo Zulu to all three.

Richard Mayo has been prowling the internet again and has found the following information from a local VFW Chapter. It's official; DD-214s are NOW Online. Please pass on to other vets. The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided the following website for veterans to gain access to their DD-214s online: http://vetrecs.archives.gov/  or try http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/ This may be particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy of his DD-214 for employment purposes. NPRC is working to make it easier for veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of documents from their military files. Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents. Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the online web site.

FLASH - THIS JUST IN - NMCB 14 OFFICER PROMOTIONSThanks to Ed Crenshaw’s keen eye and reporting - we have just learned of the following NMCB 14 Officer Promotions: LCDR Harvey Lusk, former NMCB 14 Executive Officer to COMMANDER LCDR Mike Streckert, current NMCB 14 Executive Officer to COMMANDEROur sincerest CONGRATULATIONS to both of these outstanding gentlemen who also have admirably served their country and the SEABEES that they have successfully led. The NMCB 14 Alumni Association has been honored to have a close working relationship with them on many endeavors and/or initiatives over the past several years. Again - BRAVO ZULU.

NMCB 14 ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONSPRING 2016

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MEMBER’s REPORTS / HAPPENINGS (Continued)Because the requester will be asked to supply all information essential for NPRC to process the request, delays that normally occur when NPRC has to ask veterans for additional information will be minimized. The new web-based application was designed to provide better service on these requests by eliminating the records centers mailroom and processing time. Please pass this information on to former military personnel you may know and their dependents.

Frank Landrau and Keith Stephens are collaborating to get ‘Pay-Pay” up and running on our Website. The initial goal is to be able to revise our Membership Enrollment process to “one stop shopping” on our Website. Future goals for the Pay-Pal project is to incorporate Reunion Registrations and Clothing Sales as well. At the moment, it is hard to project an operational date as Frank is once again on extended duty in the mountains of Colorado (yes - at the YMCA Snow Ranch in Grandby) until the end of September. Frank also has advised the BOD that he will be deployed with the Battalion in November. (Further information on this development will be published when obtained.) We thank both Frank and Keith for taking on this chore.

N AVA L M O B I L E C O N S T R U C T I O N B AT T A L I O N F O U R T E E N A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N

707 Pineda Ave NE, Palm Bay, FL 32907 T( Cell) 321-795-5344 W http://www.nmcb14alumni.com/

Congratulations The NMCB 14 Alumni Association hereby extends

their congratulations to the Department of Florida Seabee Veterans of America on their upcoming 45th Convention.

What an accomplishment - Bravo Zulu to All.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES 1) NMCB 14 AA Treasurer - Training to commence in August 2016. Bookkeeping and/or Accounting experience helpful. Open to all current Life and Annual Members. If you like numbers and money - this is the job for you. Contact Glenn Smith for more info: smithau66@gulftel.com 2) Webmaster needed to maintain Alumni Association Website and set up Pay Pal payment system on current webpage. Open to all AA Members and/or anyone willing to help us. Contact Fred Bossard at: bossarf@mac.com

LIFE MEMBERSHIP Fire SALE

Who doesn’t like to save a buck or two or even $30, $55 and up to $80. Depending on your age, former members and current drillers of NMCB 14 can save the stated amounts above by taking advantage of our current Life Membership sale price of just $100. (Sale ends on 18 July 2016). Contact Fred Bossard at: bossarf@mac.com for more info or go to our webpage www.nmcb14alumni.com and download your application and mail it as noted on the application.

NMCB 14 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ELEVENTH ANNUAL REUNION

Mark your calendars now for the NMCB 14 11th Annual Reunion. Dates: 06 - 09 October 2016 Location: Holiday Inn Universal Studios Orlando, Florida

Details are being finalized and will be published in June

Ernie Nelson, Vice Commander of Seabee Veterans of America, Island X-11 contacted the NMCB 14 Alumni Board for advertising support as part of their hosting of the Department of Florida Seabee Veterans of America’s 45th Convention. The convention was held at the Holiday Inn Express, Largo, FL 14-17 April 2016.

The Annual Convention Program is the main fund raiser for this organization and this was the second year in a row that Island X-11 hosted the convention at the Holiday Inn Express. Ernie wrote: “This is the one time of the year that the Islands leadership and members meet to conduct the business of the Department of Florida, Seabee Veterans of America.”

At the right is the ad that your Alumni Association placed with Island X-11 for inclusion into their Convention Program for the bargain basement price of $80.00

Bravo Zulu to X-11 for another outstanding job - led by NMCB 14 Alumni members.

NMCB 14 ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONSPRING 2016

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BIRTHDAY WISHES To those that we know of that had Birthday’s since our last edition (Fall Winter 2015) and not recognized at that time - Belated Happy Birthday: Joseph Austin 01 January 1940 // 76 Years YoungBruce Campbell 04 March 1943 // 73 Years YoungGary Carver 22 February 1951 // 65 Years YoungWilliam Bersson 21 February 1957 // 59 Years YoungDitto to those that we do not know that had recent birthdays.

OFFICER AND BOD ACTIVITIES To date your Officers and Board Members have had three Conference Calls (16 January, 27 February and 23 April). The main business items and actions were as follows: ➤ 16 January - 1) Discussion on reduced Life Membership Fees for new Life Members based on a program instituted by the Vietnam Veterans of America. It was proposed and passed that a six month promotional period be instituted for Life Membership rates at $100.00. The amendment was amended to authorize publication of this proposal in the Florida newspaper, “The Bivouac” at a one time cost of $50.00.

- 2) Memorial Fees for deceased Alumni Members was discussed to clarify the cost of same, which is a minimum of $25.00 up to whatever amount anyone wants to donate.

- 3) A Pay-Pal account for payment of memberships, reunion registrations and other items was discussed in depth with pros and cons being presented. A motion was passed to set up a Pay-Pal account and to proceed with it’s implementation.

- 4) A motion to replace recently deceased BOD member, Russ Doe was approved. A search for a new member was to be undertaken by Randy McGhee. (William “Bill” Lamb was ultimately ‘recruited’ to fill the remainder of Russ’s term ending in November 2016.)

- 5) Preliminary information on the 11th Reunion to be held in October was reported as follows: A) A $500.00 deposit has been made to Holiday Inn (Universal) Orlando for the dates 05-09 October. B) Beverly Mayo is making place mats for the reunion. C) The Agenda for the 11th Reunion will be similar to past reunions.

➤ 27 February - 1) There was not any information available in regards to an assistance request on behalf of a BU2 Jesus. The item was tabled until later when information could be obtained. (More info on Page 7)

- 2) The recent Life Membership sale results were reported as being initially very good but has “tailed off” in recent weeks. Mark Blue will continue to promote LM on Facebook.

- 3) It was reported that the Pay-Pal initiative discussed in the previous conference call had not yet been implemented nor discussed in depth. Further efforts will be taken to get this initiative underway.

- 4) The Treasurer’s Report shows that we have a cash balance of $15,580.19. a) Memorial Donations in the name of Ron Helton was discussed. It was recommended that a donation to

SMSA be made at a later date (during the reunion.) Mrs. Helton will be notified when this item is completed.- 5) A discussion on ideas for the 11th Reunion activities, potential speakers, actions items and other planning

items consumed the balance of the conference call with “older” members passing on suggestions, etc. to newer members.

➤23 April - 1) The Assistance Committee reported on the passing of BU2 Wesley Arp (NMCB 14), whose family was in need of assistance with funeral expenses. A motion passed to assist them with a $1,000.00 payment to the funeral home.

- 2) A long laundry list of items to be completed for the reunion was discussed and personnel were assigned to subcommittees and tasked to take action in their area of responsibility.

- 3) Three options for a “Dinner Theater” on Friday night were discussed. The Pirate Dinner Theater was selected conditioned on the provisio that a fixed price is negotiated prior to the publication of the Registration Package.

- 4) A discussion on the publication of the “Registration Package” reviewed the content that would be included, including but not limited to Room Rates and costs for Registration, Meals, Dinner Theater, Local Transportation. The complete Reunion Registration Package will be put on the Website as emailed or snail mailed to members and former members.

- 5) Discussions on Membership and the status of the Pay Pal initiative were presented by Fred Bossard and Frank Landrau respectively. It was noted that a separate Conference Call with Keith Stephens, Frank Landrau and Fred Bossard was scheduled to take place following the current call.

- 6) Lastly, Richard Mayo reported on a request for more “Brandi Anderson” books from Mrs. Anderson. The books are to be used in conjunction with charity golf tournament to honor the Michael Anderson Scholarship. (Also see Page 7)

NMCB 14 ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONSPRING 2016

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ELEVENTH REUNION NEWS AND UPDATE The Reunion Committee, chaired by Randy McGhee with able assistance from his wife Marla, Gary Carver, Richard Mayo and Mark Blue have been busy chasing down hotels, entertainment venues, local transportation, information on “things to do in Orlando. It is expected that all will be “tied down” by late June or early July. Here’s a peek look at what to expect:

Dates: 06-09 October 2016Location: Orlando, FL 32819Hotel: Holiday Inn and Suites (Universal Studios) 5905 Kirkman Road Tel: 800-216-0635

(When making reservations - Give your arrival date and GROUP CODE: NMC ) Cut off date for making reservations at our rate is 30 September Online Reservations at www.hiuniversal.com/ Click Group Code Link // Enter Group Code: NMC

Early Birds can make their reservations immediately to guarantee a room at the prices noted below.Room Rates: $109.00 / $149.00 / $179 Plus Tax for Standard Deluxe / 1BR Suite / 2 BR Suite respectivelyEntertainment: Friday Night / Pirate Dinner Theater - Price to be confirmed / Full pirate show on a Broadway

production level / Three Course Meal included.Speaker’s: TBD // If you have any suggestions for a Saturday night dinner speaker - please let Randy know at

randy.mcghee1@yahoo.com

Orlando Parks: Info w/pricing will be provided in the Registration Package when published.

ADDITIONAL INFO ON CONFERENCE CALLS AS NOTED ABOVE From the Minutes of the 23 April Conference Call: 1) The recent passing of BU2 Wesley Arp was brought to the floor by “Assistance Committee” Chair Frank Landreau and Chaplin/Ombudsman Hoibraten. Discussion centered on what assistance, if any, the Alumni could afford the family of this past member of NMCB-14. The Alumni by-laws were

reviewed as well as the “Assistance Criteria” and it was determined that based on each it was permissible to offer the family of BU2 Arp assistance. It was also noted that Chaplain/Ombudsman Hoibraten has been in contact with the Battalion Ombudsman, Debby Croxton concerning the Arps. Newsletter publisher Bossard also indicated he would make reference in the next newsletter and reference the existing “Go Fund Me” account that was established to help the family.

2) From an Email from Richard Mayo on 21 April 2016: Seabees, I received a very nice card from Karen Anderson. She is asking for a few extra copies of Brandi’s booklet.  They are having a golf tournament in Washington DC to honor the Michael Charles Anderson Scholarship and I am assuming she wants these to hand out as gifts or to raffle off.  I believe we have enough to send her a dozen(12) for her use.  She lives in Daytona Beach and I would be willing to go down with Mike (Wood) next week and hand deliver them.  I would also get more info on golf outing.  More importantly, this golf outing is designed to collect money for scholarships for Seabee kids. So I believe we need to send a donation from the Association.  I will try to find out more so we could even send individual donations.  Let me know what you think.  Do we want to put on the agenda for Saturday and/or our latest newsletter.

SERVICE ABOVE AND BEYOND - THE KRISSOFF FAMILY This story was sent to Fred Bossard by “George Woolston” a grade school friend of his. It can only be told by the video link below. George wrote: “A wonderful story. One of many we never hear about. YOU REALLY SHOULD WATCH THIS TO THE END....VERY MOVING. You have to wonder why these stories never hit the news. “ To which Fred replied: “George, This really is a wonderful story. Any ex-military guy (or gal) would appreciate it.  As an ex-Navy guy, it was particularly inspiring to me. My former Seabee/CEC friends will be inspired too.” Hope you all enjoy this as much as Fred did. What do you think? - Thumbs up or Thumbs down? - Let us know.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/7tyT4glkvBs

NMCB 14 ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONSPRING 2016

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NEEDED - A FEW GOOD MEN AND/OR WOMEN At year’s end, four Board Members (Loren Emery, John Hillyer, Bill Lamb and Dwayne Polston) will be ending their current tenures. All Officer positions are subject to annual election by the Board of Directors. Any Life Member or current Annual Member that would like to serve on the BODor in an Officer, billet except the Treasurer, should contact Fred Bossard at bossarf@mac.com for further details. Anyone interested running for Treasurer should contact Glenn Smith at smithau66@gulftel.com. It is urgent that we get “new and younger” people to serve to provide fresh ideas and keep us “ALIVE”.

SVA NEWSLETTERS & MORE John Hillyer and Ed Crenshaw have forwarded news on the happenings of their respect SVA Islands. A few copies of the their newsletters are attached in PDF with this newsletters emailing. Below are some photos of Island X-3’s Seabee Ball and First Anniversary. A PDF of newspaper coverage is attached with this newsletter.

Ed & Pauline Crenshaw celebrate Island X-3’s Seabee Ball

Island X-3’s Rank and File - (L-R) Richard Peck, Chaplain Paul Brown (14), George Andrin, Bart Hoibraten (Richard’s brother), Ed Crenshaw (14), Mike Ruback and Bob Ramay

First Anniversary - BravoZulu to X-3

NMCB 14 ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONSPRING 2016

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NMCB 14 BATTALION NEWS The “tip” from newly promoted CMCS Frank Landrau that he would be deployed 04 November should give us all pause to think of what may next be in store for Frank and others that will also be deployed.. Hopefully, good news will come about as to where they are being deployed and what their mission will be. It is not too early for all to begin our prayers for their safety while deployed and for a safe return. Received just in time for this edition, are photos of Frank’s promotion ceremony. Note the snow (in mid-May) on the ground in the background.

CMCS Frank Landrau gets “Pinned”

How “Sweet It Is”!!

The above attended CAPT Ron Helton’s funeral in Bethlehem, GA on 30 January 2016. L-R are: CAPT Jim George, CAPT Randy Bushey, CAPT Fred Bossard, RADM Noah Long, RADM Jim McGarrah, RADM Paul Rosser, CAPT Dean Battles, EQCM John J Hillyer III, CDR Loren Emery. Also in attendance was CAPT Don Bridges, who

obviously didn’t get the message for the photo op. (See Obituary below for more info.)

NMCB 14 ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONSPRING 2016

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o BUC Paul Summers - Two Emails from John J Hillyer III and Ernie Nelson alerted us to Paul’s death. This is the only information that we have. All, it is with great sadness that I announce the passing of BUC Paul Summers, Paul was a member of NSVA Island X-11 Tampa, Fl. member of NMCB-14, member of Tampa Bay Chief Petty Officers Assoc. he will be missed. Please keep Kathy, Margie, and Paula in your prayers. More information will be put out when it becomes available.

Sincerely, John Hillyer / Commander, X-11 Tampa / Commander, Dept. of Fla.

MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF OUR FALLEN SHIPMATES AND THIER FAMILIES

OBITUARIES o Master Chief George A. Miller, Clearwater, FL, was on RADM Peter R Brown’s COMRNCF staff in Tampa, FL and also worked for Peter R. Brown Construction after retirement from the Navy. In an email received by Fred Bossard and others on 10 January 2016, his wife Nancy wrote, “To Friends ( it took me a while to find all of George's e-mail contacts). Just want you to know that George passed away peacefully on December 30th.  If you would like to look up his obit from the funeral home, go to www.curlewhills.com.  Until a later date, Nancy.”

George, 74 years old, loved the Navy with a passion and served with the Seabees for 26 years, retiring in 1984 as Master Chief of the Pacific Fleet Seabees, Pearl Harbor, HI. George was born and reared in Drexel Hill, PA and was a graduate of Upper Darby HS. George graduated #1 in his class at the US Army Sgt. Major Academy in Ft. Bliss, TX in 1974. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans - Clearwater Chapter #11, VFW - Post 2250 Dunedin, FL, SVA Island X-1, Fleet Reserve Association Br. 109, American Legion Br. 400 and the Navy League - Clearwater Chapter. George was awarded many medals during his career, including but not limited to Army Commendation Medal (Vietnam), Vietnam Service Ribbon w/Fleet Marine Corps Device & 4 stars, CINCLANT Fleet and SECNAV Letters of Commendation, and Expert Rifle and Pistol medals. In addition to working for Peter R. Brown Co.in Technical Services (Scheduling), other post Navy jobs were with USAA (SE Region Facilities Director), BECK Group as Florida Region Safety Director, and his own consulting business related to construction and facilities management. George leaves behind, his wife Nancy of 53 years, son Jeffrey (Barbara) of Cold Spring, MN, sister Coraline (Hampson) of Largo, FL, and several nieces and nephews.

o CAPT Ronald A. Helton, born 29 April 1937 in Belmont, NC, passed away on 23 January 2016 in Snellville, GA. Earning his “Eagle Scout Award” at the age of 14, was the foundation of CAPT Helton’s lifetime of service to his community, church and country. He played football and baseball and managed the basketball and baseball teams at Belmont High School, graduating in 1955. He played freshman football for Duke University and was on the NROTC Drill Team. He was commissioned as an Ensign upon completion of his NROTC Program and graduated from Duke University in 1959, with a degree in Electrical Engineering. In addition, CAPT Helton attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the Bell System Center for Technical Education. While on Active Duty, CAPT Helton completed the Civil Engineer Corps Officer School in Port Hueneme, CA which was followed by a two year tour

as Maintenance Officer and Shops Engineer in the Public Works Department at US Naval Weapons Station, Yorktown, VA. Upon completion of active duty, he embarked on a thirty year career in the Naval Reserve commencing with CB Division 6-2 in Charlotte, NC. Other assignments included CO CB Div 6-4 Atlanta; NMCB 14 D Company Commander, XO and CO. Under his command, NMCB 14 was selected as “Best of Type” in 1976. He went to serve as CSO of RNCR3, PWO for the Atlanta Naval & Marine Corps Center, CO of the NR Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, MS, Branch Manager of the Program Management on the staff of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Construction Management for the Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Naval Forces – Europe; Commanding Officer of Naval Reserve Officer-in-Charge of Construction-Southern Europe; Commander, THIRD Reserve Naval Construction Regiment (receiving a Meritorious Service Medal); and Inspector General RDNAVFAC Atlanta until his retirement in September 1989. He was a life member of the Naval Reserve Association and the Reserve Officers Association, serving as President of the Greater Atlanta Chapter of ROA. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 56 years, Emily Smith Helton; three children – Rhonda Hambright (Harlan) of St. Simons Island; Dr. Timothy Helton (Lilia) of Lawrenceville; and Andy Helton (Susannah) of Loganville; five grandchildren – Joe and Ben Gossett; Emily and Natalie Helton; and Kate Helton; a sister JoAn Miller of Columbia, SC; several nieces and nephews; and many special friends that were considered family.

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FINAL FAREWELL TO CAPT RONALD L. HELTON A viewing for Ron was held on Friday, 29 January 2016 at Tom M. Wages Funeral Home in Snellville, GA. It was evident that Ron had made many friends in his church, community, and Navy, as the funeral

home was filled to capacity for the entire two hours of the viewing. Navy friends of Ron’s and the Helton family, John and Linda Hillyer were joined by Fred and Elsie Bossard to pay their condolences to the family. A Celebration of Life with full military honors was held on 30 January 2016 at Bethlehem First United Methodist Church in Bethlehem, GA. It was filled to capacity with family, friends and retired Navy buddies from NMCB’s 14 & 24. (See photo on Page 9 above for names.) At the request of Mrs Helton (Emily), RADM Noah Long, USN Retired, spoke about his long association with Ron. RADM Long captured the essence of Ron’s personality, perseverance and dedication with his sometimes humorous anecdotes, particularly over pay issues in the “early days”. RADM Long was followed by Ron’s granddaughter Emily and then by Ron and Emily’s children - Andy, Tim and Rhonda. All of course, spoke with emotion about their grandfather and father. They each provide some unique insights about Ron that even his Navy friends were not aware of. For instance, what Navy buddy knew that Ron’s nickname while playing football at Duke was “Pine-nuts”? Andy painted a clear picture of how meticulous Ron was about his “tools” - a trait he carried throughout his Navy career. A “shoutout” has to go out to RADM McGarrah and BG Tom Carden, Commander of the Georgia Army National Guard for “saving” the day by providing a last minute “Honor Guard”. Earlier calls to the Atlanta NOSC and local Seabee Detachment failed to produce said Honor Guard as all personnel there were previously committed to other duties. We appreciate their efforts though.

Flowers Donated by NMCB 14 Alumni

Association

Navy Petty Officers ready flag for presentation to Mrs Helton (Right)

Georgia Army National Guard - Honor Guard

Linda & John Hillyer

Dean Battles (L) - Anna & Randy Bushey (R)

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WAR STORIES - WWII AND VIETNAM Following are three stories, one WWII article submitted by Fred Bossard’s grade school friend George Woolston and two Vietnam articles written by RADM Noah Long. George’s article has some “buried” references to Seabees and an outstanding account of the “secret Naval Base” in the Pacific at Ulithi, that at one time was the world’s largest naval facility. RADM Long has been writing short monthly articles for the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council as part of the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Vietnam War. Enjoy!

o Article No. One Here’s a piece of history I wasn’t aware of. The two A-Bombs made the papers, but not what was waiting in the Pacific to be deployed...... 1945 Naval Armada Set to Invade Japan :Here comes another surprise... It was 1944 and these pictures were not available during the war. The US kept this place unknown to the citizens of the US . This is quite a story!! This is phenomenal … An Armada of ships and airplanes poised for the invasion of Japan…that never happened…because President Truman authorized the dropping of “A” bombs at Nagasaki and Hiroshima that resulted in the Japanese surrender. Just think of the American lives that would have been lost had this invasion occurred. Be thankful that we had a President with the courage to make the call. Sadly most Americans today know nothing about this and the sacrifices made by those before us. We are not teaching US history in our schools anymore….Some great pictures of the Ulithi armada! The US Naval armada deployed for invasion of Japan . Keep this for posterity. There will never be another assemblage of naval ships like this again. Staging area for the invasion of Japan . Check out the carriers on "Murderer's Row."If any of you folks had fathers, grandfathers or uncles in the Navy during World War II, they may well have been involved in this operation, given the tremendous number of the ships and personnel involved. You may also recognize them in some of the photos. (And look for those Seabees and CB Maps.) After you open the site, keep scrolling.There are six parts with about a dozen pictures in each part. What a logistical feat.

http://www.warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=52966

o Article No. Two

VIETNAM VETERANS…………………………………………………

HONORING THEIR SERVICE, SACRIFICE, AND VALOR

FIFTY YEARS AGO IN VIETNAM –MARCH, 1966

The Marine Commander, GEN Jonas Platt, upon receiving reliable evidence of a North Vietnamese Army (“NVN “) buildup south of Chu Lia ordered a coordinated attack. This was to be a joint operation with one battalion of Marines and one battalion of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (“ARVN”). The 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines were ordered to prepare for an assault on the area that was predominantly open rice patties with 2 large hills that dominated the terrain.

On the morning of March 4th the objective was strafed and bombed but when the marine helicopters starting bringing in troops, they were met with heavy ground fire. Enemy positions were well dug in on the hills and little progress was made on the first day. With heavy contact and loss of personnel, GEN Platt offered in another artillery battery and the 3rd Battalion 1st Marines and another battalion on standby. The Assault was then named OPERATION UTAH. The hills proved to be riddled with concealed machine gun emplacements, “spider holes” and connected tunnels. At the end of the second day the third battalion was ordered into the battle. On March 6th one of the hills was taken. On the third night the NVA pulled out and retreated from the region. Operation UTAH was considered a success since the NVA was routed from the area but not without heavy casualties on both sides. The three battalions of Marines sustained 98 KIA’s and 278 wounded, the ARVN had 30 KIA’s and 120 wounded and the estimated NVA casualties were approximately 600.

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Article No. Two (Continued)On March 10th the NVA massed troops and overran the Special Forces camp A-120 in the A Shaw Valley. The end of the month saw major action in the Mekong Delta. A combined Navy, Marine, and South Vietnamese Army task force was launched March 26th. It made amphibious assaults along the Long Tran shipping channels leading to Saigon. Viet Cong had been firing from the

shorelines on shipping coming up the river. It was critical to keep the shipping lanes clear for resupply of armed forces and trade commerce. March also saw the first major protests by peace groups in the United states against the war and the draft. At the end of 1965 as a part of the ordered troop buildup, the 25th Infantry, known as the “Tropic Lightning”, the Hawaii based Division, reinforced by two regiments of Alaska National Guard, were ordered to deploy to Vietnam. This Division was the only one in the Army that had extensive training in jungle warfare and specialized in oriental languages. Its mission was to set up to defend the northern and western approaches to Saigon.

The Division fought its way into Cu Chi northwest of Saigon with the intent that it was to be their headquarters. To the enemy Cu Chi was their Bunker Hill and Valley Forge rolled into one. It was the seat of much of the fighting in the southwest part of the country. It had over 240 square miles of tunnel networks beneath it. It is now a “holy place” and a National Historical Landmark. This fight came to be known as the Battle of Cu Chi and involved 11 major regimental sized engagements. It is an understatement to say the enemy did not give up this territory easily. The Division was awarded the Valorous Unit Citation for this battle. To construct the facilities almost all materials and equipment had to be flown in by transport helicopters. It was a difficult time, under almost constant attack, getting the Division headquarters defensible and operational. Its regiments began serious offensive operations in March. For actions in March, 1966 four men were awarded the Medal of Honor one of them posthumously. Second LT Robert John Hobbs, USA, from Des Moines, Iowa was serving in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, was killed on March 5th while leading an ambush patrol. His patrol disrupted a major attack on his battalion and he was killed by enemy fire when he stayed behind to provide covering fire for his retreating men.

On March 10th Major Bernard Francis, USAF, from Kuna, Idaho was serving in the 1st Air Commando Squadron observed that a fellow pilot had crash landed on a small strip adjacent to Special Forces Camp A-120 in the A Shau Valley. Although the camp and airstrip were under a heavy ground attack he landed his plane and rescued the downed pilot thereby saving his life.

Specialist Fourth Class Alfred V. Racon, USA, from Chiluahua, Mexico, on March 16 was serving as a medic in the Recon Platoon of the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry, of the 173rd Airborne Brigade saved numerous wounded often placing his body between the wounded and the enemy fire. He was wounded numerous times by grenade fragments and a rifle wound in the leg. He refused aid until all wounded men were taken care of and loaded onto medivac helicopters. Another medic, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Robert R. Ingram, USN, from Clearwater, Florida was serving with the 1st Battalion 7th Marines in Quanq Ngai Province. He was assigned to the point platoon of a patrol when they came under fire from a superior force of North Vietnamese regulars. He rescued and treated numerous Marines while continually exposing himself to enemy fire and being wounded himself in a conspicuous display of gallantry.

Compiled by RADM Noah Long, CEC, USN (ret) from information in 1. Web Site of the Vietnam War Commemoration 2. Vietnam, the Naval Story by Frank Uhlig, Jr. 3. The Pictorial History of the Vietnam War by Jeremy Barnes 4. Web Site: ephemealtreasures.net/operationutah 5. Web Site: 1-5th-m-25th-inf-1966.com

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The boats patrolled the Mekong Delta and Rung Sat Zone where enemy controlled territory. The VC attacked river craft from the banks almost at will with mines, machine guns, and rockets. Enemy arms, ammo and supplies were offloaded from trawlers near the coast and ferried inland in small boats and junks. The Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV) was determined to stop the flow of supplies and make the rivers safe for commerce and transport again. On April 12th as a part of the Rolling Thunder air campaign against the north, B-52 bombers were used the first time to strike targets in North Vietnam. The first target was to hit a supply route in the Mu Gia Pass north of the DMZ to interdict supplies coming into the south. The first MIG-21 was shot down on April 22nd when it arose to meet incoming bombers. The North occasionally used MIG’s later in defense operations but they were generally no match for American airmen.

In early 1966 the medical command and control was evolving and responsibilities for non-division assets were being sorted out. The medical areas of responsibility were roughly equal to the combat corps areas with the Marines and Navy having I Corps and the Army having primary responsibility for the other Corps areas. Within the US Army command the office of USARV Surgeon was established and in April the Nursing Division was added. This office was to be the policy arm of the medical support operations and was in charge of determining common medical supplies for all services. Meanwhile the 44th Medical Brigade was formed and activated at Fort Sam Houston and immediately deployed to Vietnam, arriving in March, 1966. This Brigade was to be the operational commander of the medical operations in county, including control of the hospitals, field units, and helicopter evacuation squadrons as well as coordinating medical evacuation with the Air Force. The division of responsibilities between the USAV Surgeon and the Brigade was initially confusing and often caused delays and coordination problems. Only after the command positions were elevated later in the year to flag rank was the confusion and duplication eliminated.

The establishment of the position of Chief Nurse in April with the responsibilities for procuring and distributing nursing assets to the hospitals, opened the flow of nurses to the hospitals in country. Eventually over 8,000 nurses served in Vietnam.

There was unrest by the Buddhist anti-government and anti-American movement in the northern cities of DaNang and Hue. Premier Ky on April 4th sent five battalions of ARVN rangers and South Vietnamese Marines to quell the Buddhist uprising. GEN Westmoreland ordered all US personnel to remain on base so as not to get involved. However US Forces did block a pro Buddhist ARVN battalion from attempting to take control of the DaNang airfield. The confrontation was resolved with negotiations but Buddhist sentiments continued to simmer.The 1st infantry Division was involved in two major operations during the month. The first was the Battle of Xa Cam My on April 11-12 in the rubber plantations about 42 miles east of Saigon. It started when Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry was ambushed by Viet Cong forces and suffered 142 casualties before relief forces arrived and beat back the Viet Cong. The second was Operation Birmingham in War Zone 3 north of Saigon against the Viet Cong 9th Division. After several days of fighting, where the VC suffered heavy casualties, they withdrew beyond the Cambodian border. The Americans were highly frustrated because the rules of engagement at that time did not allow them to pursue enemy forces across the border.

For actions in April, 1966 two men were awarded the Medal of Honor, both of them posthumously. Both of these awards were for action in the intense fighting of the Army’s 1st Division against Viet Cong units at Xa Cam My.

o Article No. Three On April 1st the U. S. Naval Force Vietnam Command (COMNAVFORV) was established under the command of RADM Norvell G. Ward. This new combined force command was to control operations on the inland waterways and rivers and some coastal areas. Its major operational command was TASK Force 116 with the river patrol boats which were just arriving in country. TF 116 was organized into five river divisions each with four or five Sections having up to ten boats each. The initial total of 120 boats were supported by four Landing Ship Tanks (LST’s) as support and maintenance bases.

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Article No. Three (Continued) SGT James W Robinson, USA, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Division from Chicago, IL for conspicuous gallantry in the Battle of Xa Cam My in attacking enemy positions which were inflicting heavy casualties on his platoon. Despite numerous wounds, SGT Robinson drug wounded comrades to safety, redistributed weapons and ammo and individuality attacked enemy machine gun emplacements. In a final charge against the enemy he was killed as he threw grenades into the enemy position which protected his soldiers.

Airman First Class William H. Pitsenbarger of the Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron from Piqua, OH near Xa Cam My was on a rescue and wounded retrieval mission. He volunteered to be lowered into the jungle canopy where he collected and treated the wounded and helped evacuated the numerous wounded men. When an attack on the helicopters forced them to withdraw and the enemy attacked, he gathered up weapons of the evacuated wounded and joined the defense. He fought valiantly, attacking and counter attacking the enemy leading the soldiers of the 1st Division. He was killed when attacking a machine gun nest which he wiped out in a final burst of dying energy.

Compiled by RADM Noah Long, CEC, USN (ret) from information in 1. Web Site of the Vietnam War Commemoration 2. Vietnam, the Naval Story by Frank Uhlig, Jr. 3. The Pictorial History of the Vietnam War by Jeremy Barnes 4. Web Site: en:Wikipedia.org/wiki/1966-in-the-Vietnam-War#April 5. Web Site: history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/medspt

We hope that you enjoyed the stories/article above and found them informative. If you have any stories or articles of interest that you would like to share, please forward them to Fred Bossard at bossarf@mac.com. Articles can be forwarded in Pages, Word, Rich Text or other texted based platforms. (If they can’t be converted to Pages, they will be returned and we will figure something out.) Photos should be preferably sent in .jpg or PDF as last resort. Most PDF would be acceptable as well. Photo file sizes should be under MB or smaller if possible.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE In Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken,” the poet is faced with two roads, two decisions, and two potential alternatives, here “road” symbolizes a path in life, and a choice between the two roads symbolize life decisions……..what we call as CHOICES. This poem brings out three big questions in life what might have occurred, what could have been, and how things would have happened if we would have chosen otherwise.

In life…..there are roads that direct you to recognition and affluence or seclusion and scarcity. There are roads to contentment and there are roads to melancholy, roads leading to victory and triumph, and roads towards defeat and discontent and just like any other road life also has its corners, detours, and crossroads. We often stand on these crossroads not able to decide, which road we will take? Do we have an assurance that we would choose the right one?  The answer is there is no assurance.  No one knows where a road will lead to until we take it. There is no assurance. Every choice will not lead you to happiness. Since life offers no guarantee you might as well take the risk and decide. You have the choice between being a lost explorer or an accidental tourist of life; it is all a matter of perspective.I often hear people nab about …..“ I wish I had become that.” Or “I could have done this.”  But, they didn’t do it…..never made the choice. We think that the big choices like life’s decisions, are the most important however, fact is that it’s the small things we do on a daily basis that make all the difference over time. So what difference are we going to choose today? Which path are we going to take; we may not always choose the right path……but, at least it will be our own choice. After making the choices, prepare yourself to face the consequences be it good or bad……they may take you to a place of promise or to a land of problems but you’ll be pleased that YOU have written YOUR life’s story.

To conclude I will simply say don’t regret the choices you make coz life is toooooooooooo long and you’ll get to make another one tomorrow, with all the experience you have acquired hopefully you’ll make a better one tomorrow. Don’t be a bystander or a passive spectator to your own life, choose wisely and create your own reality.

By George Woolston

NMCB 14 ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONSPRING 2016

Holiday Inn/Universal5905 South Kirkman Road

Orlando, FL 32819http://www.hiuniversal.com/

contact.php

ELEVENTH REUNION

06 - 09 OCTOBER 2015

ORLANDO, FL

Addressee Name4321 First StreetAnytown, State 54321

NMCB 14 Alumni Association

4005 Crest View Drive

Stroudsburg, PA 18360

IN MEMORY OF 2016 DeceasedRonald L. HeltonPaul Summers

Other NotableGeorge A. Miller

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER - SEE YOU THIS FALL

Bravo Zulu to ALL - May God Bless Our Troops!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

There are three more job opportunities coming up in the next year. They are 1) Membership Management and Tracking, 2) Compilation of the Newsletter (usually three per year and not more than four), and 3) Preparation, distribution and receipt of BOD balloting which also includes tracking BOD tenures, These three jobs are critical to helping the Alumni Association maintain and increase membership, maintain communication with its members and ensure that the voting for BOD nominees is executed and accounted for in a professional manner. All members should be aware that as a non-profit, we rely on our capable members for their support in running and managing the Alumni Association. Any and all interested members can contact Fred Bossard at bossarf@mac or 570-992-2030 /570-801-8901. If you call, be sure your caller ID pops up for a quick response.

We THANK YOU all for your PAST and FUTURE SUPPORT!!

Calendar

23 April 2016

BOD Conference Call

0900 - 1000 EDST

18 June 2016

BOD Conference Call

0900 - 1000 EDST

06 - 09 October 2016

11th Annual Re-Union

BOD Election of Officers

Holiday Inn / Universal

Orlando, FL 32819