U.S. Navcommsta Londonderry Alumni Association

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June 27, 2008

2008 MINI REUNION

A Mini Reunion is in the planning stages by Paula and Len Kafer, RM, 58 - 61. Their e-mail is posted below for your convenience and information:

Sent: Friday, June 27, 2008 12:00 PM
Subject: MINI REUNION IN VIRGINIA BEACH 2008
Greetings to all,

Paula and I are still in Paris. My work has me traveling a very heavy schedule internationally, so I do not really have the time to go to Charleston to arrange something there.....Sorry about that, perhaps another year.....

I am negotiating with the HOLIDAY INN, SUN-SPREE in Virginia beach where we have been before. We are looking at ETA 21 Sept 08 and ETD 25 Sept 08 (Sun-Thurs).....

As soon as I know the room rates and the charges for the hospitality room, welcome reception Sun night and the buffet event on wednesday night, I will let you all know.....

However, inorder to do this the best way with the hotel, I need to know by the end of this weekend how many people will attend each function....Please respond by e-mail to pstaggl@yahoo.com

Some of the addresses herein may not be up todate, pls free free to pass the word to any and all, makes no difference when they were in Derry.....The MINI originally started for those serving in Derry in the late 50's, but has since expanded.....Any and all are most welcome.....

Keep your powder dry and keep her headed into the wind !!!!!!!

C-U all soon and please do respond by no later than the end of the day Sunday this week....

Tks, God Bless you all.....

Paula n Len Kafer ("KAF") Derry 58-60 RM2-P1 RM2318 (seems like yesterday!!)

As additional information is received regarding the 2008 VA Beach Mini-Reunion it will be posted on the Website.

OLD PHOTOS

Donald Graham, LT, 61 - 63, has submitted a photo taken at a memorial Mass held at St. Columb's R.C. Church on the Waterside for Pres. John F. Kennedy after his assassination in November, 1963.

If you recognize anyone in the photo, including yourself, please contact the Webmaster and we'll add it to the growing list of names.

In the left margin, click on "Old Photos" to go to the web page, then look for the yellow highlighted item, and click on "VIEW".

 

June 18, 2008

NEW MEMBER

Bradford (Brad) Brinizer, RM, Jan 68 - Jun 69

Welcome aboard!

NEW LINKS POSTED

Both are listed under "Derry/Northern Ireland Newspapers Links", "Derry Journal" and "Search Notices - Announcements Ireland".

It was brought to my attention the link to the Derry Journal was not posted, so here it is.

In addition, the "Search Notices - Announcements Ireland" allows one to review various Family Notices, such as wedding announcements, births, obituaries and memoriams, posted in various newspapers, such as the Derry Journal, that are published in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

In the left margin click on "Favorite LInks" to go to the web page, then look for the yellow highlighted item listed under "Derry/Northern Ireland Newspapers Links", and click on the respective link.

 

June 9, 2008

NEW MEMBER

Ray Spencer Sponseller, RM, Oct 75 - Apr 77

Welcome aboard!

TAPS

William 'Willie' Duffy, Civilian Carpenter, 1969 - 1977, passed away on June 9, 2008.

Willie was also brother and brother-in-law to fellow members Frankie and Byron Hodgkins, RM (60-62).

Please keep Willie and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

OLD PHOTOS

Capt Ward came through again and sent some additional photos of the Ward/Lynch Change of Command Ceremony. These are posted on the Old Photo page.

In addition, we are attempting to fill in all of the names in the 1968 Londonderry Officers photo. We are about 75% of the way home on this. If anyone recognizes any of the remaining 25%, perhaps your old Division Officer or just someone that you may recall, please send the name(s) along with where they are in the photo to the Webmaster.

This photo is located on the Old Photos web page, click on the group "of various military and social functions at NCS Londonderry". It is the fifteenth photo down, and the names are highlighted in yellow.

MEMBERSHIP DEMOGRAPHICS

Ever wonder about where the Association membership are located? A map has been posted on the Members List webpage that displays membership demographics by state. The purpose of a map such as this is to provide a visual picture, useful for planning purposes of reunions, etc ... . To view the map go to the Members List webpage, look for the yellow highlighted area, and click on "Membership Demographics".

 

May 23, 2008

TAPS

John 'Sonny' Deeney, Civilian, 7/63 - 8/74, passed away in Derry and was buried on May 23, 2008.

Please keep Sonny and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

 

May 12, 2008

TAPS

James "Jim" Mathews, RM (SEAL), 71-72, passed away on 28 April, 2008 from cancer caused by the effects of Agent Orange.

Please keep Jim, his family, and close friends in your thoughts and prayers.

BINNACLE LIST - UPDATE

"Ippy" reports that Chuck Horton will have to attend Occupational Therapy and the doctors are working on his vision. This should take about six months. However, Chuck is showing progress and intends to beat this thing.

Likewise, please keep Chuck and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

OLD PHOTOS

The 10 July 1969, 25th Anniversary Commemorative issue of the Modulator is available for viewing, submitted by Capt. Ward. This issue contains numerous photos of Clooney and Rossdowney, showing the progression of the facilities from 1944 - 1969.

The article on page 16 of this Modulator "Ireland Charms Many", is an interesting read. I would say that Derry has to hold the Navy record for multiple tours of duty and tour extensions.

In the left margin, click on "Old Photos" to go to the web page, then look for the yellow highlighted item, and click on "VIEW".

 

"MILITARY HEALTH SYSTEM NEWS" - Forwarded by Arthur Ippolito:

Retirees and their families really have to keep on eye on this TRICARE For Life (TFL) program as the Gov't is seeking desperate ways to reduce spending and rein-in the budget. Two targets standout: (1) Active duty/retired military personnel and (2) Government employees.
When outfits such as the VFW; FRA; MOAA; American Legion and other military associated organizations request military families contact their congressional representatives, it's almost a "must" that we do so if we want to keep TFL and whatever little "other" perks we have.

Subject: Military Health System News www.tricare.mil/eenews/

and then reference "Military Medical Digest Archives" of 05/08/2008.

 

May 5, 2008

NEW MEMBER

Larry Moore, RM, 1975 - 1977

Welcome aboard!

TAPS

Stanley B. Sienko, ChMM / WO1 (Machinist), 1942 - 1945, passed away September 28, 1994.

A request has been made that if anyone remembers WO1 Sienko, to please contact the Webmaster. There is a photo of him posted in the TAPS Section, along with others in the "Old Photos" section.

BINNACLE LIST

"Ipp" has reported that fellow member Chuck Horton, RM, 59-63, experienced a moderate stroke approximately two weeks ago. Although he has a number of complications, Chuck is beginning outpatient therapy. The doctors are predicting a complete recovery, however the healing process will be slow. Chuck's wife, Sharon, thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers for Chuck's full recovery. Art Ippolito has been in contact with Chuck's family and will provide updates as he gets further info.

Roy Spencer reports that he experienced complications from Rotator Cuff surgery in Feb 2007 and on May 9th will have to go through surgery, immobilization, and physical therapy all over again. Roy asks to please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

ANNUAL ELECTIONS

Since there were no nominations from any of the membership to run for a seat on the Board, Mike Anderson and Ron Spadafora have agreed to stay on for another term.

SEARCHING FOR

Jim McKee asked if anyone has heard from Jack Gemelke to please contact him. Jim's contact info is listed either on the "Searching For" page or on the Members List.

While you are at it, there are a number of names, although not recent, are still outstanding. If you can help out in these matters, please do. Likewise, if the "requester" has made contact with the person they were looking for, kindly notify the Webmaster so their posting can be moved to the "Found" list.

To view these items, in the left margin, click on "Searching For" to go to the web page. Details are highlighted in "yellow".

HOME PAGE

The various service ribbons that NAVCOMMSTA Londonderry and its predecessor commands were awarded are now on display.

In the left margin, click on "Home Page" to view this item.

OLD PHOTOS

Photos of Stanley Sienko during his tour of duty at the NOB, during 1942 - 1945.

Captain Ward, OIC and CO of NCS Londonderry, has submitted quite a collection of photos during his two tours of duty there. A lot of interesting photos of various military ceremonies, holiday celebrations and parties at Clooney, the facility upgrade at Clooney Base, including photos of the old Tech Control and Manual Relay, the transmitter deck at Rossdowney Base, and the construction and commisioning phases of Dungiven. There are five groupings, listed chronologically, with over 100 photos in all. I would like to personally thank Capt. Ward for sharing them with us.

As you look through these photos, if you recognize someone or want to clarify the caption, please send a note to the Webmaster. To make my life a bit easier, please indicate what photo you are referring to, along with the information.

In the left margin click on "Old Photos" to go to the web page, then look for the yellow highlighted items, and click on" VIEW".

SHIPS STORE

There are a limited quantity of the bronze "Challenge" coin still available. See "Item 6" on the Ships Store page of the Website. If you have additional questions, please contact our Treasurer, Ron Spadafora.

THE 500 CLUB

The webpage has been updated with additional new members for 2008.

To view these updates, in the left margin, click on "The 500 Club" to go to the webpage.

Your Webmaster,

Dennis Kolodziej

 

March 31, 2008

THEN AND NOW

In the Members List, "Then and Now" photos of Jan Reichert Karns, DT 75-76, have been posted.

OLD PHOTOS

Intersting read, along with a number of old photos of the various facilities of the NOB. An excerpt from "Building the US Navy's bases in World War II: History of the Bureau of Yards and Docks and the Civil Engineering Corps, 1940 - 1946". This article tells the construction story of the various Naval facilities in Northern Ireland and includes a map and photos.

In the left margin click on "Old Photos" to go to the web page, then look for the first yellow highlighted item, and click on "VIEW".

THE "500" CLUB

The webpage has been updated with the current list of 2008 members.

Members that have previously commited to support this effort, 2008 is now upon us.

Again, our personal thanks to those that have already stepped up to help with this worthwhile effort.

In the left margin, click on "The 500 Club" to go to this web page.

 

March 17, 2008

NEW MEMBER

Don "Hammer" Hetrick, RM, 1962 - 1965

Welcome Aboard!

March 15, 2008

NEW MEMBER

Edward "Turk" Derderian, ETN, 1962 - 1965

Welcome aboard!

TAPS

Ross Wardlow, RM, 71-76, passed away March 15, 2008 in Derry.

William E. Hodges USN (Ret), SHC, was stationed in Derry, passed away March 13, 2008 in Virginia Beach, VA.

In addition, a photo and obituary for SHC Hodges has been posted.

Please keep Ross and William and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this stressful time.

SEARCHING FOR...

Gary Blassingame, RM3, from 72-74

Eldridge Camille Delatt III or "Grit", RM2

In the left margin click on "Searching For" to go to the web page. Details are highlighted in "yellow".

 

March 14, 2008

NEW MEMBER

Rod Miller, PN, 1970 - 1972

Welcome aboard!

OLD PHOTOS

Rod Miller's photos (40) and (24), from 1970-72 are posted. In the left margin click on "Old Photos" to go to the web page, then look for the yellow highlighted items, and click on "VIEW".

SEARCHING FOR

Thomas Walsh, 1966 - 67

John & Mary Karmer, Steve Spencer, Sandy & Libby Higginbotham

Rich Bish, RM, 1969 - 71

In the left margin, click on "Searching For" to go to the web page, details are highlighted in "yellow". While you are on that page, also take a look at the other entries, perhaps you could help out.

THE 500 CLUB

Derry Journal photo of the 2007 awardees posted, along with link to Derry Journal newspaper article. In the left margin click on "The 500 Club" to go to the webpage to view these items.

For those that have supported this effort we would like to say Bravo Zulu (Well Done) !!! The Association has committed to this for 2008 and 2009. Please consider giving this program your support too.

Your Webmaster,

Dennis Kolodziej

 

March 9, 2008

NEW MEMBER

Janet (Jan) Reichert (now Karns), DT, 75-76

Welcome aboard!

2007 DERRY REUNION PHOTOS

If one picture is worth a thousand words, then this should fill volumes! My reunion photos, well most of them, are posted for all to see. I filled the captions in by memory, so if you are in the photo and I have either a question mark, or nothing listed. Please send me an e-mail, indicating what photo, and what the caption/name should read, and I will update ASAP. In addition, if there is a photo posted that you would prefer to have taken down. Likewise, please advise.

In addition, to make viewing easier, "click on" links have been set up for the photos that Roy Spencer previously submitted.

If you have Reunion photos, or any other photos for that matter, that you would like posted, please send them electronically to me, preferably in .jpg format. If you have any questions or they are in other media, please contact me directly.

These photos can be found by clicking on "Reunions" in the left margin, and then click on the respective "VIEW".

Enjoy.

Your Webmaster,

Dennis Kolodziej

 

March 6, 2008

NEW MEMBER

Robert "Dale" Foster, CYN, 1969 - 1971

Welcome aboard!

NOTICE OF ELECTIONS / NOMINATIONS

 

NEW LINK POSTED

Some of the membership are already aware of this. Roy Spencer sent out a link called propertynews.com, that is a site containing a satellite imagery maping system. This system has outstanding resolution and allows one to select either a "map" or a "birds eye view" of anywhere that you may want to traverse it about the town, such as Clooney Base, the town, your favorite pub, or even where you or your friends lived. This link can be accessed on the "More Websites" web page, highlighted under the "Derry Related Links". Hours of enjoyment can be found here. Bravo Zulu Roy!

SHIPS STORE - NEW ITEM AVAILABLE

There are a limited quantity of the bronze "Challenge" coins available. Further information, including photos of both sides, are contained under "Item 6" on the Ships Store page of the Website. If you have additional questions, please contact our Treasurer, Ron Spadafora.

BASE HISTORY PHOTO

A panoramic view of the Dungiven Transmitter site has been posted on the Base History page of the Website.

OLD PHOTOS

A number of photos have been graciously submitted by Ivor Browne, nephew of Jack Johnston, SK , (41 - 44), and his wife Gabrielle (McGavigan) Johnston, have been posted. These are circa 1942-1944, and include two issues of the Derry - NOB News, photos of the Lisahally Base, a number of Jack's shipmates, and an article from a 1942 Life magazine of the Londonderry Base.

Enjoy!

Your Webmaster,

Dennis Kolodziej

 

January 28, 2008

NEW MEMBER

John J. Ryan USN (Ret), RM, 10/72 - 6/76

Welcome aboard!

TAPS

Bridget Badham, Civ., (60's - 77), Base Telephone Operator, passed away January 20, 2008.

Juliette H. Waterbury, wife of Arthur J. Waterbury USN (Ret), RM (4/56 - 11/58), passed away June 14, 2007.

Jack Lindsay Johnston, SK, 41- 44, passed away July 7, 1988.

Gabrielle "Gaby" (McGavigan) Johnston, wife of Jack L. Johnston, SK, 41- 44, passed away January 14, 1989.

NOTICE OF ELECTIONS

Nominations will be accepted until the end of January.

Details are listed in the January 15 update, or contact the Nominating Committee, Mike Anderson or G.F. Frank Smith.

E-MAIL UPDATES

Thank you for those members that have submitted updates. See the "Members List" page for details.

WEBMASTER COMMENTS ... re the Taps listings:

I recall that Bridget was the first Derry person that I spoke to. Arriving late night at Belfast Aldergrove Airport, I called the base to arrange transportation. Bridget answered and thankfully accepted my collect call, where I explained my predicament and then asked her to transfer me to the MAA shack.

I received a nice e-mail from Ivor Browne, Jack and Gabrielle Johnston's nephew. He forwarded to me a number of photographs, not only of his uncle and aunt. But also photos taken at Lisahally, Derry, and Springtown. In addition to, two issues of the Derry NOB News and a four page article from Life magazine in 1942, of the Londonderry Base. These will be posted on the Website, shortly.

In addition, I received an e-mail from Art Waterbury, regarding his wife's passing, and an update on his children, grandchildren, and himself.

Please keep all these people in your thoughts and prayers. Also, thank you for your website contributions.

Your Webmaster,

Dennis Kolodziej

 

January 15, 2008

NOTICE OF ELECTIONS

Year 2008 Elections for the Alumni Board of Directors

According to the Alumni Association by-laws, annual elections are to
be held each year to fill expired seats on the Board. Thus, an
election will be held in February 2008 to fill the board member seats
currently held by Mike Anderson and Ron Spadafora.
Thus, elections will be held for two (2) seats on the
Board of Directors.

Those elected will each serve 1 two-year term of office (February
2008 through February 2010) and will be responsible not only for
running the Alumni Association for two years, but also for organizing
and running our 2009 Reunion.

According to the by-laws, following the election, the newly
constituted Board of Directors shall vote among themselves for all
officer positions on the board: President, Vice-President, Secretary,
Treasurer, and Trustee.

Because the overwhelming majority of the work in support of our
Alumni Association is done using personal computers and the internet,
each of the officer positions require some PC skills. For example,
the Vice-President assists in maintaining the internet website, the
Secretary maintains the mailing list database, the Treasurer
maintains the financial records and produces the annual financial
report, the Trustee assists the other officers of the Board in the
everyday running of the Association.

Thus we are looking for volunteers who are computer literate; that
is, you can comfortably use at least ONE, or more, of the following
(or similar) PC-based software packages. E-Mail, Microsoft Word,
Microsoft access (Database software), Microsoft Excel (Financial
accounting software), Dreamweaver MX or Microsoft Frontpage
(Website development / HTML software), Adobe PhotoDelux
(or similar software).

So, if you posses any one or more of these skills, and are committed
to seeing the Alumni Association continue as a viable organization,
and you would like to serve your fellow members, please consider
submitting your name of the name of a fellow member who you feel
would serve the Alumni Association in one of the officer positions
listed above. If submitting the name of a fellow member, ensure that
you have that members permission and that the member has agreed to
serve on the Board of Directors if elected.

How are you nominated? Just submit your name or a fellow members
name, along with what listed PC skill(s) you or they may posses to
the President, Mike Anderson, Chairman of the Nominating Committee
and to the Past President, G.F. Frank Smith.

You have until the end of January, 2008 to make a nomination.

Respectfully,

The Nominating Committee
Mike Anderson
MAnderson@antechsystems.com
G.F. Frank Smith
scfi44106@aol.com

 

January 10, 2008

NEW MEMBERS

James 'Jim' Harding, ET, 65 - 66

Haywood Edwin White Jr (Eddie), RM, 62 - 63

Welcome aboard!

SEARCHING FOR

Joe Spillman (wife Rita), RM 72-74, please contact Bill Halman at: bhalman@wayxcable.com

AD Johnson, Lubbock, TX, re your recent dues payment, would you please contact and identify yourself to the Webmaster.

NEW LINK POSTED

"Very Derry"

This link, submitted by member Byron Hodgkins, provides access to a collection of Quicktime Vitural Reality (VR) panaramas of Derry. The link can be found on the "More Websites/Favorite Links" page under the "Derry Related Links" section.

E-MAIL UPDATES

In response to the posting of undeliverable e-mails, a number of updates have been received. If you haven't been receiving the notices of website updates, please verify your e-mail address in the Members List for correctness AND send me an e-mail. It's possible it may not be in the distribution list. Likewise, if you had an address change, please submit an updated membership application so that our records can be kept current.

Thank you for your support!

Your Webmaster,

Dennis Kolodziej

 

December 29, 2007

NEW MEMBER

Joe Waters USN (Ret), CYN, 66-67

Welcome aboard!

December 25, 2007

To all our Association membership and friends everywhere, here's wishing you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

 

December 22, 2007

Additional photos (Ph #1 - #9) of Barney Westphal and shipmates at Myrtle Beach in Aug 2007 have been posted in the Taps section. Submitted by Len Kafer.

THEN AND NOW

In the Members List, "Then and Now" photos have been posted of Morris 'Pete' Peterson, ET 74-76.

LIFE MEMBERSHIP

William 'Bill' Halman USN(Ret), RM 72-74, has upgraded to life membership. Thank you!

 

December 17, 2007

Len Kafer's Tribute to Barney Westphal

The "Tribute to Barney Westphal", authored by Len Kafer and sent to the membership today, is available for viewing in the Taps section where Barney is listed by clicking on "TRIBUTE". Numerous e-mails have been received from the membership, moved by the tribute and thanking Len for the kind words and interesting story on Barney.

Bravo Zulu Len!

NEW MEMBER

Elmer E. 'Doc' Taylor, USN (Ret) HM (CAC/AC), 2/67 - 8/68

Welcome aboard!

NEW LINK POSTED

"The Best of Derry City"

The website owned by Declan Walls contains useful information on businesses in Derry. So why not pay it a visit.

Note: This item can be found on the "More Websites/Favorite Links" page, under the Derry/Northern Ireland Miscellaneous Links section. However it is NOT highlighted in YELLOW. One of mysteries of HTML programming yet to be solved, that makes this job so "interesting".

Last, but not least ....... "The Old School Radioman"

This poem (author unknown?) was submitted by NCS Derry alumnus, Arthur "Ippy" Ippolito. Perhaps for full effect it should be transmitted in .1A1 mode at 40 WPM. Required reading for all IT and CYN ratings. This item is "inappropriately" located at the bottom of the "Old Photos" webpage. Likewise, no YELLOW highlight (yet).

Enjoy!

 

December 15, 2007

SAD NEWS

Frank Smith received a call from Karl Nitschke indicating that our dear friend and shipmate Barney Westphal had passed away this morning. Additional details have been posted by Frank on the NCS Guest Book. Please keep Barney, his dear wife Margaret, and family in your thoughts and prayers during this stressful time.

 

UNDELIVERABLE E-MAILS

The following members e-mail address bounced back. If your name is listed below, please forward your new e-mail address to the Webmaster so that the Members List and Distribution List may be updated.

B = Joseph Banks; Dave Begey; George "Skip" Benjamin; Walter Bort

C = Frederick Callahan; Jim Carlstrom; Carol Ann Cole Frizell

D and F = Dave Dandino; Jim Dodrill; Alan Duncan; Raymond Flynn

H, J, and K = A.J. "Tex" Holder; Jerry Hudnall; George Jellerson; Annie (Orr) Klingebiel

L and M = Xavier James Leuci; Jim McKee; Patrick Morris; Mike Musser

P and R = Gary Paige; Mickey Petrisko; Susie Reed

S and T = Jeffery Sanderson; Monroe Schrader; Jack "Doc Summers; Zack Taylor

V, W, and Y = Zack Taylor; Joseph Voll; Steve Wislowski; Terry Lee Yarnell

Derry Reunion 2007 - PHOTOS

Roy Spencer has graciously provided the location to his photos taken during the Reunion that one can "cut and paste" into their browser. A link will be set up shortly.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=byfwwrzy.60dmyxha&x=0&y=-lxx2xr

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=byfwwrzy.22r91o5a&x=0&y=-4dug6d

December 12, 2007

Update - Barney Westphal

Barney's wife Margaret has indicated that he suffered another stroke, many seizures, and has been brought home with hospice care. Please keep our shipmate in your thoughts and prayers.

Margaret also sent notice of a recent change in their e-mail address, the link has been updated in the Members List. They can be contacted at : bmwestphal@embarqmail.com

 

November 28, 2007

NEW MEMBERS

TAPS

2007 DERRY REUNION

If you have digital photos, preferably .jpg, please send them to the Webmaster for posting to the Website.

NOTE

Additional information to follow shortly.

Please note other NCS Webpages such as the Members List, City/State Listing, Derry Brides, Taps, Old Photos, Searching For, and the 500 Club have been routinely updated.

At this time, please use the YELLOW highlight as the indicator in the various webpages for any new entries and updates.

Regards,

Your Webmaster

Dennis Kolodziej

 

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
U.S. NAVCOMMSTA Londonderry Alumni Association
P.O. Box 55118
 Virginia Beach, VA 23471-5118
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