fog signal fall '08 - uscg lightship sailors08.pdflightship sailor of the quarter ......

PRESIDENT

• Larry Ryan

1st VICE PRESIDENT

• George (Skip) Coleman

2nd VICE PRESIDENT

• Bob Gubitosi

SECRETARY

• Dave Orszak

TREASURER

• Fred A. Pelger

DIRECTORS AT LARGE:

• Bernie Byrnes

• Rick Gryder

• Peter Marx

MEMBERSHIP

• Rick Dasch

VETERAN AFFAIRS:

• Bernie Byrnes

SPECIAL PROJECTS

• Bob Gubitosi

Arts and Graphics

• Dennis Cosmo, Past Pres.

Web Master

. Rick Gryder

Chaplain

• Rev. Adrian Van Houten

President’s Report 2

Secretaries Report 3

Short Sea Story 4

Meeting Agenda 5

Registration form 6

For info.

General Quarters General Quarters

9

THE FOG SIGNALTHE FOG SIGNALTHE FOG SIGNALTHE FOG SIGNAL I WILL NOT ABANDON YOU LIGHTSHIP NOT IN

CORRECT POSITION

Volume 5 Issue 22 Newsletter of The U.S. Coast Guard Lightship Sailors Association FALL 2008

Membership 2

3

Secretaries Report

4

Short Sea Story

5

Lightship of the Quarter

6

Lightship Sailor of the Quarter Veterans Affairs

7 8

General Quarters In Remembrance

9 10

My Brother Lightship Sailors, Members and Friends,

What a great time we all had in Hyannis on our 10th annual reunion. And how appropriate to dedicate

our museum collection on this tenth year, and out on Cape Cod.

We could not have asked for any greater hospitality than was afforded us by so many on The Cape. We

enjoyed great speakers and beautiful, but cool, weather.

For the most part, this edition will feature pictures and a reporters eye view of the various activities;

The General Meeting, The tour of ‘The Mid Cape’, the museum dedication

ceremony , our annual banquet with our entertainment in the form of our auction.

The first activity separate from the reunion, had to do with the Lightship Sailors Memorial in New Bed-

ford. As some of you know, the memorial was originally dedicated in 1999

and the original concept was that of the late Harold Flagg in memory of his shipmates lost on The Vine-

yard Sound Lightship #73 in 1944. Additional names were added from other lightship

tragedies known at the time of the dedication. The LSA has discovered additional names of lost light-

ship sailors, and previously were denied access to add these names. Through a joint effort of

Dennis Cosmo and myself, we have been successful in reaching an agreement with the City of New

Bedford allowing The LSA to adopt the memorial for all routine maintenance.

Seven members met to police the area, chip and remove rust and re-paint the structure. We replaced the

well worn flags as well. Those participating in this very important venture were Adrian

and Sharon Van Houten, Bill Collette, Dennis Cosmo, Bob Gubitosi, Bernie Brynes and Zac Ryan.

Our next step will be to add the missing names and have the existing names re-lettered by Rex Memo-

rial.

As this is an election year, we had three board members retire, Larry Strauss , Jay McCarthy and Roy

Dash. Larry served for 6 years, Jay for 4 years and Roy for 2 years. Elected for the next term were three

new board members, Skip Coleman, 1st VP, Dave Orszak, Secretary, Rick Dasch and Rick Gryder as

Directors at Large. Rick Dasch accepted the responsibilities of Membership Director and Rick Gryder

has been appointed as our Web Master.

We enjoyed a tour of the JFK and Korean War Memorials and went on to Chatham Station where we

were hosted on tours of both the historical Chatham Light and given access to tour the new 42’ rescue

patrol boats, and to compare the newest 42’ boats to the oldest 44’ boat still in service. The 44’ boat

was placed in service in 1963 ( the year some of us were discharged ). It is scheduled to be decommis-

sioned by Commandant Thad Allen in the spring of 2009.

The highlight of this years meeting was the dedication of The Lightship Sailors Museum Collection

inside the Coast Guard Heritage Museum, Barnstable, MA. Bill Collette, LSA Founding Member. LSA

Life Member and President of The CG Heritage Museum helped make this happen. Bob Trapani, Jr.

Executive Director of The American Lighthouse Foundation gave the Key Note speech. Ron Janard

presented a collection of artifacts from the remains of LV#1 for permanent display in the museum.

We enjoyed comments from David Neal, son-in-law of George Rongner and Francis Broadhurst, Histo-

rian of the CG Heritage Museum, our sincerest thanks for all that contributed so much to make this a

success.

It was our intention to make available a video of the dedication, due to a camera malfunction which we

regret, this will not be possible.

Please see a selection of pictures from the various activities on the following pages. I hope you enjoy

them as much as we did in making these arrangements.

Till the next edition, Keep a Good Light

LarryLarryLarryLarry

The Fog Signal

A Message from Membership by Rick Dasch To all hands, Having just completed our 2008 reunion in Hyannis, MA. My feeling, and the positive responses we have heard from our members is that this was by far, the best reunion ever in both attendance and content. The Dedication of our “Lightship Sailors Museum Collection” at the CGHM in Barnstable, MA. was great! As you browse through the “Fog Signal” you will be treated to numerous photos and stories regarding our reunion. I won’t go into any further details, as you will see them elsewhere in this edition. What I will take the time to mention is this. I am most happy to report that the NEW Paid Life Membership Level we started after Seattle, now has (19) nineteen members, that have paid the $300.00 once in a lifetime, Life Member Dues. The success of this level of Membership signifies the commitment and confidence our members feel for the continued success and growth of the organization. Of course, remaining at the same $25.00 fee is our Full Membership Dues Level. . Dues renewal is a very intricate part of keeping this organization alive and functioning. Expenses (just like at home) keep increasing, and we need everyone to do their part. Remember, from each $25.00 Dues payment made, $5.00 is deducted and dedicated to Lightship and Lightship History Preservation. As we all know, the Mission statement for the Lightship Sailors Association, Inc. is “… to preserve History of Lightships and the Sailors that Sailed on them….” Already, 42 Members have paid their 2009 Membership Dues early. In the “Annual Dues Renewal Notice”, I will list the names of those that have prepaid their 2009 dues; this will help to confirm to those members, that they don’t have to send in another dues payment. Sometimes in our busy schedules, we forget to note that we already paid our dues. Of course we always accept tax free donations. Due to space constraints, in order to get as many reunion pictures as possible into this issue. We will keep this message to a minimum. All Membership inquires should be sent to me; Fair Winds and Following Seas, E-mail: [email protected] OR Via US Mail:

Rick Dasch Membership Director 1-570-739-4066 Rick Dasch P.O. BOX 70

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FOR 2008

Bob Trapani, Jr.

Executive Director of The American Lighthouse

Foundation.

Commander John T. Kondratowicz, USCG

Deputy Commander at Sector Southeastern New England

Woods Hole, MA

The Fog Signal

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 2008-2010 TERM

Back Row L-R Rick Gryder, Rick Dasch, Bernie Brynes, George ( Skip) Coleman, Dennis Cosmo, Dave Orszak

Front L-R Bob Gubitosi, Pete Marx, Adrian Van Houten, Larry Ryan, Fred Pelger

MEMORIAL MAINTENANCE Adrian and Sharon Van Houten, Bill Collette Zac Ryan

WORK DAY IN THE MUSEUM Jay McCarthy & Dennis Cosmo

CLARIFICATION ON THE TERM ‘SNIPE’

As several derogatory and slanderous remarks were overheard in Hyannis regarding ‘Snipes”, the following should be given con-

sideration towards all that served below decks:”……snipes often are in very difficult areas usually requiring walking in deep mud,

…...then they are difficult to shoot’….Kansas Fish and Game ’08

The Fog Signal

Secretaries Report Dave Orszak

General Membership Meeting 2008

The Meeting was convened at 2:00 PM, on 16 October 2008 by Larry Ryan, President. The Chaplain gave the Invocation

and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Jay McCarthy, as Acting Secretary, introduced the Board of Directors. The Secretary’s Report of 2007 General Meeting

was read and accepted unanimously.

Fred Pelger distributed and explained his annual fiscal reports. The Hardship Fund was questioned and outlined by the

President. The reports were accepted unanimously.

Jay McCarthy gave the Membership Report. There were 206 paid members vs. less than four dozen in 2004. There are

157 veterans, 30 Associates and 19 Life Members. Other general data was reported regarding public relations, member-

ship recruiting efforts and demography of the membership. Jay was commended on his outstanding effort.

Bob Gubitosi praised the efforts of the Ladies Auxiliary. He then discussed the forthcoming election of new members to

the Board of Directors. He explained the open positions and their responsibilities.

Rick Gryder and Rick Dasch were nominated for Directors and accepted the nomination. The voice vote was

unanimous.

Dave Orszak was nominated for Secretary and accepted the nomination. The voice vote was unanimous.

The 1st Vice President duties were outlined but no volunteer was forthcoming.

The President announced that his position was available. No one came forward. All other Directors were introduced and

were reelected by voice vote.

Larry Struss summarized eight By-Law amendments proposed. All were accepted by voice vote. Details are available

in the By-Laws Appendix.

Larry Ryan explained the current status of the website www.uscglightshipsailors.org which will be owned by The LSA,

but held by the President.

Bernie Byrnes provided general VA information to the membership.

The President outlined the forthcoming social and tours scheduled the next day. Visits will be made to the Kennedy and

Korean Memorials in Hyannis, Chatam Light and the new 42 foot patrol boats.

A request was made for articles for the Fog Signal even though there was currently a backlog.

A general discussion about copyrights and impact on the LSA followed.

Bill Collette, President CG Heritage Museum was introduced and was reported as a life member of LSA. It was empha-

sized that this was a joint effort to set up the Lightship Section of the Museum.

Reunion plans for 2009 and 2010 were discussed. The LSA wants to balance East and West Coast elections and reun-

ions. Debates as to where to hold the 2009 meeting resulted in agreeing to hold the next meeting in Concorde California

(Oakland area) in mid-October. It was further agreed to consider the 2010 location at the 2009 meeting.

The President then gave an outstanding presentation of the History of Cape Cod Lightships.

The Coast Guard Lightship Memorial in New Bedford, MA is now under control of the LSA.

A presentation on LV1 was given and preserved pieces removed from the LV1 resting place were displayed by our guest

Ron Janard.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:11 PM.

On 18 October 2008, during the Banquet, the General Meeting was reopened. George (Skip) Coleman volunteered and

was nominated to the 1st Vice President position. The voice vote accepted the nomination. The meeting was re-

adjourned.

This is a true and accurate report of The LSA general business meeting for 2008

Respectfully submitted by Dave Orszak, Secretary

The Fog Signal

HOSPITALITY ROOM Norm Lemoine, Ed Juratic, Bob Gubitosi,

Penny Juratic and Kathleen Gubitosi

REGISTRATION DESK Jay McCarthy, Fred Pelger, Larry Strauss

MEET AND GREAT IN THE LOBBY Rick Dasch, Ron Janard, Pete Penfield

BUSINESS MEETING

Rick Gryder accepting nomination of Director at Large Rick Dasch accepting nomination of Director at Large

LIGHTSHIP

OF THE

QUARTER

The Fog Signal

Bill collette addressing the General Membership The special Power Point Program “The Lightships of Cape

Cod”

Ron Janard presenting the artifacts from LV1, as part

of the special program.

Group shot in front of The Korean War Memorial

Pete and Barbara Marx in front of the JFK Memo-

rial. Pete is usually behind the camera.

NOTICE: Not Part of Fish Market-Just out of the cold

LIGHTSHIP SAILOR OF THE

QUARTER

The Fog Signal

A view from the top of Chatham Light The oldest active duty 44’ patrol boat still in service, Chatham,

MA.

The newest 42’ in service

Color Guard from Station Chatham

LSA MUSEUM COLLECTION DEDICATION

MASTER OF CEREMONIES Jay McCarthy, 1st VP

Adrian Van Houten, Chaplain Francis Broadhurst, Historian

Coast Guard Heritage Museum

The Fog Signal

TOP: Adrian & Sharon Van Houten,

TOP LEFT: Symbolic Ribbon cutting, Larry Ryan,

Two of the six interactive pedestal mounted stations placed in the museum explaining Lightship duty.

L-RT; Francis Broadhurst, Bob Trapani, Bill Collette, and Ron

Janard presenting the rudder port from the LV#1.

USCG LIGHTSHIPS

U.S. COAST GUARD LIGHTSHIP SAILORS SEC-

TION

LIGHTSHIP ( a floating lighthouse )

LIGHTSHIP SAILOR ( a crewman on a Lightship )

INTRODUCTION

DEDICATED TO THE SAILORS THAT MANNED

LIGHTSHIPS FOR 252 YEARS, THAT THEIR SER-

VICE SHALL BE RECOGNIZED AND PRESERVED

IN PERPETUITY.

#1 Pedestal as you enter the Lightship Sailors section

GENERAL QUARTERS Chiefs Corner

The Fog Signal

We have a limited number of left over museum dedication programs as souvenirs, should anyone be interested.

These can be mailed out on requests. A donation to the LSA will suffice to cover our costs. Please contact Larry

Ryan for your request. ******************************************************************************************************

REUNION 2009 Consideration was given to nine different locations for our next meeting,

a vote was taken by the members in Hyannis to meet in Concord, CA ( North East Bay area ) in October, 22,23,24

2009. Details will be published in the Spring edition of The Fog Signal **********************************************************************************************************

DONATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO MUSEUM Everyone that contributed to the museum either through gifts or loans are entitled to a receipt for tax purposes.

In the event I missed anyone, please remind this editor.

As so many contributed to this meeting, in so many different ways, it is impossible to list everyone ( as I know I will for-

get somebody ). Please accept this as acknowledgement of your efforts. **********************************************************************************************************

NOTE FROM THE LSA PHOTOGRAPHER

It was our plans to have a video available of the Museum Dedication. We had a recorder failure that we were not aware of

until the program was over.

Rather than a video, we are now planning on building a composite CD of still shots that will be a combination of pictures

taken by several different members that have made their pictures available to us.

For those that have pictures that you would like to be considered, and for those that are interested in purchasing a CD,

please contact Larry Ryan ( info on front cover ) for more information.

Thanks, Pete Marx, Photographer **********************************************************************************************************

SPECIAL INVITATION To all that missed the reunion, meeting and museum dedication: The Coast Guard Heritage Museum in Barn-

stable is truly one of a kind. It is operated out of one of the most historic buildings in the country. Operated as a

not-for profit volunteer organization, very much like our own group.

They operate with a Board of Directors, headed by Bill Collette, President ( Lightship Sailor, Founding Member

and Life Member of The LSA )

The board has taken it upon themselves to preserve all facets of Coast Guard history, and it’s predecessor or-

ganizations. They have very generously set aside space to tell the story of Lightships and Lightship Sailors.

(As we have said before, there is no other single facility dedicated to preserving and explaining this era)

Everyone interested in Coast Guard History owes it to themselves to visit this Museum.

The museum is closed now for the winter season, make plans to see it soon.

SORRY.. LOOKS BACK

WORRY.. LOOKS AROUND

FAITH.. LOOKS AHEAD

PICTURE CREDITS: Pete Marx, Penny Juratic, Rick Gryder, Anne-Marie Trapani, Zac Ryan

Claudette Cot’e

Presenting an essay “Why We Honor Our

Veterans” Editors note: We need more participation from

Our Ladies Group in the future

Adrian Van Houten, Chaplain

And Auctioneer. Editors Note: A great time was had

by all, Thanks for all the donations.

fog signal fall '08 - uscg lightship sailors08.pdflightship sailor of the quarter ......

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