Quarterly Newsletter & Membership Letters...

...and Membership E-mails

Quarterdeck The Association Ship's History Ship's Store Roster Membership Profiles-Plank Owner's List Profiles A to E Profiles F to J Profiles K to O Profiles P to S Profiles T to Z Plank Owners New Member Profile Worksheet In Memoriam Quarterly Newsletter and Member Letters and E-mails Requests for Information Reunions Past and Future

Quarterly Newsletters If you would like to read the 2nd Quarter 2008 Newsletter, click HERE... Please be patient when downloading. The Newsletter is in Adobe Reader format and may take several minutes to download.   Membership E-mails Jim Hanner wrote on June 19, 2007: ...would you post to the Memorial page the name of Richard L. Spray, EM3, who passed away on January 21, 2005.  I had a very nice visit with his daughter Janet Masimer and expressed our sympathy on her dad passing. Received May 29, 2008 from Sandie Siciliano.  Sandie has been corresponding with a descendant of Admiral Fiske. There is a photo of the young woman and her grandfather.   All Shipmates, Thought you might like to see this picture.  Amanda buys from Ship's Store to give to her grandfather ... photo attached - we have become friends since we are/were ETs ... lots in common.  Her grandfather is Julian "Buddy" Fiske of Augusta, Georgia, descendent of Admiral Fiske, the ship's namesake. Amanda is an ETN2 onboard the PCU George H W Bush in Newport News, VA , scheduled to be commissioned around the end of this year. Original Message From: "Amanda Jenkins"   Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 12:57 PM Subject: Newsletter Photo! Sandie,> When we spoke months ago, you had asked me to send you a picture of myself in uniform with my grandfather in his USS FISKE hat. Well, I finally made it down to see him in Georgia this weekend, and I got you a picture. I apologize for the ridiculously long delay. You are welcome to use it if you still have a need for it.  I will be ordering more things soon for my parents and grandparents (I wore my FISKE shirt this Memorial Day weekend and they were all jealous). I look forward to speaking to you in the future and again apologize for the long wait. Amanda ET2 Jenkins

Received today, March 28, 2008 from Historian, Gil Beyer.

A question about medals and awards.  Click on the picture below or follow the link at the end of Gil's message and check it out...

Guys,

Asked me a question that can be best answered through this site. He wanted to know how to go about getting any awards that were earned during their service.     Thought we might put this info into the newsletter and on the website.

 http://www.history.navy.mil/medals/index.html

Gil

Received the following feedback from a shipmate about a disease we should be aware of:

Hi Gil
My name is James Hoffhine and I served on the Fiske from Mar 63 to Aug 66, first in the deck force and later as an IC Electrician 3 class.
 
After reading this months news letter and seeing that there was a note on Mesothelioma I thought I should write and offer to answer any questions that my shipmates may have.
 
In May of 2001 I found out I had advanced stage two of Mesothelioma and was told I had 6 months to live.  I had surgery and radiation treatment in June 2001 and had Chemotherapy treatment in October 2006 through January 2007, so I have some first hand experience and knowledge on the subject.
 
If any one has questions I will be more than happy to answer them as best I can, as well as give support.
 
My e-mail is mikeic3@hotmail.com
 

Received the following from Charlie Thompson in November 2007:

Dear Mr. Thompson,

My grandfather, Leroy Wallace Warnock sailed aboard the Fiske in the 1950's, I believe. Unfortunately, I don't have much more information as to where he went, or what his job was exactly. He was from Pontiac, Michigan and he would have been in his early twenties when he served. He went on to work for Consumer's Power as a Supervisor in Michigan. He loved the Harmonica as well, which might have made him stand out. He died in 1989. If there is any way to put up a post, to have any one contact me if they knew him, I would be so grateful. My two brothers are currently serving in the Navy as well. Any help, big or small, would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to post my email address. I wouls love to hear some old stories about his service days. Thanks so much and take care,

Richelle Lynn Warnock, B.A
Western Michigan University
Unified Clinics
Medical Records Assistant/ Medical Office Assistant
(269)343-4832, personal
(269)387-7033, work

On August 8, 2007 we received sad news that Charlie Thompson's son Jacob was killed in action in Iraq. Go to www.mankatofreepress.com/local  for a news report on Charlie’s son.  You may send condolences to Charlie’s address it is: 601 Cornelia Street, North Mankato, MN 56003.  The Association will be sending memorial flowers.

Received the following e-mail on March 22, 2007:
This may be worth putting on the site as a cautionary note to all shipmates:

Today I received an email in my inbox which looked suspicious to me. It was from a "devalentine"   (Not our storekeeper) and the subject was "USS Fike ships store items for sale". The spelling was wrong but I clicked on the email anyway and a box came up stating the sender requested a "Receipt" and called for a click on a "yes" or "No" to send a receipt or not to send a receipt. I clicked "No" and deleted the email. My suspicions are that if I clicked on the "Yes" it would have sent my ISP address to the sender and I would either start getting a lot of spam or viruses. Been there and experienced that before - don't want it again.

Geo. "Dave" Dampier BT-2 -19'60-'62

On September 4, 2006 we received the following sad news concerning the passing of David R. Jones, PN3:

Dear Sirs,
Sadly, I must inform you of the death of my Dad..David R. Jones of Wilkes-Barre, PA...Dad had been hospitalized in late July, for heart surgery, and died about 2 weeks later of complications in the hospital.. He was surrounded by  his wife of 48 years, (Alice),and all his children, at the time of his passing on Aug 9,2006.. Dad had fond memories of his years on the Fiske, and I will always remember his sea stories.. He was very proud of his ship and his service in the US Navy. At his funeral I made sure we had his favorite recordings of the Navy Hymn sung by the Navy Choir, and we said goodbye with repeated playing of "Anchors Aweigh"...We also made sure his USS Fiske DDR-842 Cap was displayed, next to his Fire Department helmet and his Shriners Fez....My Dad was a wonderful man and I miss him very much..66 years old was way too early to lose him,, but he will live on... in our hearts and memories...IF any shipmates wish to write me with any memories of Dad, please give them this email address:drjlrj34@msn.com....or my other address..jeb212121@yahoo.com. Thank you very much for your time.
Respectfully yours,
David R. Jones III...PS..I have always considered myself a Fiske Brat, since Dad was on a MED Cruise when I was born..7/16/59. Mom still has the telegram he received aboard ship....Once again. Thank you.....

On June 29, 2006, news accounts reveal that the 26 million Vet records stolen, have been recovered. Apparently none of them had fallen into the hands of those who would use them illegally. The earlier article appearing on this page has been removed.

On May 29, 2006 we received the following from John Frazer regarding Al Salfer:
Al is out of the hospital, recovering at home. I spoke with him a few days ago and he says that he is getting better and stronger day by day. He still has issues that he strives to get over, some of which he will just have to live with.
 
He now has the use of all of his extremities. He lifts one arm above his head with little effort, the other one is a little more difficult. He said he is able to walk a mile or more so that's good. He says his biggest problem seems to be his mind. This was evident in his manner of speech. He seemed to need to carefully think to find each word as we spoke. There were a few times that his wife, Roseanne needed to prompt him to get him started in what he wanted to say.
 
In  my opinion he has made Great Strides in the short time since his major stroke. We can only hope and pray for continued progress.
Fiske Shipmate,
John Frazer

Received 5/16/06 the following from Glenn Furgeson, via John Frazer:
Hey Chief,
 
Don't know if you remember me or not.  I was the Log Room Yeoman and was assigned to the Engineering Department.  I used to hang out with Richie Foreman, but after re-enlisting, school, etc., I lost track of him.  I was wondering if you have any information regarding his whereabouts.
 
This web site sure brings back a lot of good memories.  Wish I could do it all over again.
 
Glenn Ferguson

Shipmates, please read the following from John Frazer about Al Salfer. Do what you can.
I talked with Al's wife, Roseann, Friday to find out what Al's progress or lack thereof might be. She told me the following:
 
Al is very unhappy with his current situation and wants, really wants, to come home. He is talking some and , I guess finds other ways to communicate. He gets about three hours a day of physical therapy, much of which is very painful to him and brings him to tears. She said that he is now able to move his legs some and can lift one arm up and over head level His moral is not good but when family or friends come to visit he does put up a somewhat good front considering his condition. He would probably appreciate a card or a note and all the prayers we can muster for our shipmate. He is in St. Luke Hospital there in Jacksonville.
 
I asked her if she gets into the computer for e-mail. she does not but said that their son might do that. Whether or not he actually does - I have no idea but it is worth a try. arsalfer@aol.com is the address.
 
Roseann is a very tired lady. She is trying desperately to keep up with Al's problems running the household and keeping family and friends informed as to Al's condition. She needs to know that she has our support in this very difficult time. Prayers help! They really do!!!
John Frazer

Received a follow-up e-mail from John Frazer regarding Al Salfer. Please read this message and provide any type of support you can:
Fiske Shipmate Al Salfer, '62 - '64, went under the knife about 10 days ago (march 29) for replacement of an aorta valve and some other heart repair work. He had been experiencing problems there and this was to solve those problems.  I spoke with Roseann, his wife, yesterday and she is very tired and very much worn down because Al is not doing very well at all.  It seems that he had a massive stroke during the surgery that affected both sides of his brain. She told me that he lost speech and can not move his arms or legs. She is hopeful, however since he is beginning to talk some. At the same time she is very apprehensive due to the length of time since the surgery and he still doesn't move the extremities. She said that he told her that he is tired and just wants to go home.
 
I'm not encouraged by what she had to say. BUT- A LOT can happen through the effects of sincere prayer. I ask each of us, his Shipmates to do some heartfelt prayers for our Lords healing hand to be brought to bear on Al. Fiske personnel know how to fix what's broke! Lets just ask for a bit of God's help to fix Al Salfer.  Thanks  bunch!  You guys are true professionals!
John Frazer

Received the following E-mail, message dated March 23rd, from Al Salfer, via J. Frazer:
Hi John:
Talking about God, I can use some prayers next week. I go in on the 29th of March for 3 by-passes and a new aortic valve. I am getting the 20-year bovine type.
Take care you guys,
Al Salfer

Following are three pages from CDR Butt's Familygram of 1963, courtesy of John Frazer, EMCS. They have been reduced to thumbnails. To read the letter, click on the picture. You will probably have to adjust the size of your browser screen to see all of it. Or, send each of them to your printer.

Received an e-mail from the son of a shipmate concerning his passing.
I am the son of a fellow shipmate that served aboard the USS Fiske from
1956 thru 1959.  His name was James William Clever his rate I do not
know other then he was a machinist mate during his tenure on the ship.
He departed on his last cruise on January 8th 2006.  I would welcome any
ones recollections of our father either through any photos or e-mails
that any may have of him. james.clever@ros.com
James Clever

Received the following e-mail via Charlie Thompson today January 18, 2006. It relates a story of Fiske shipmates helping one another:
From: Jerry B. Moseley, YN3
I was in Hurricane Rita in Beaumont, Texas......Joel M. Bodian, a shipmate from USS Fiske contacted me the night the storm hit to check on me.......Over the next few days, I was laying ill in an apartment that had lost its roof....Joel, phoned people for two days to get me evacuated......Finally, I was dragged unconscious down a flight of stairs . From there,
I was transported to San Antonio , Texas where I lay on an Army cot for 3 days in an abandoned Levi Straus factory.
From there, I was evacuated by bus to Waco, Texas. I arrived on the floor of the bus. I was in kidney failure and congestive heart failure......I spent 5 days in Providence Hospital, and I was then transferred to a nursing home (Ridgecrest).....Joel Bodian, SF-3, whom I had not seen in 38 years....came down to Waco and took me by wheelchair and airline to Troy, NY. There, His lovely wife Maggie, had outfitted me in a beautiful apartment, at no expense to myself.

I am back to making regular visits to the VA and I walk only with a cane.....I think my shipmates all over America should know that Joel is one splendid example of one Fiske Sailor taking care of another.....Our story was printed in the Waco Tribune Herald the Troy Record, and Wten (ABC-TV ) News.

Joel deserves a "Well Done" from the crew of USS Fiske.....Jerry B. Moseley YN-3 =

Received the following from Jim Rapson today, Saturday, January 14, 2006 regarding Fiske Chaplin, Frank Stancil. Please read and follow up:
To all,
I just had a wonderful conversation with our Chaplin, Frank Stancil.  He was
diagnosed with throat cancer back in October 2005 and has undergone an
extensive round of radiation and chemo through November and December.  He
has not had solid food in two and half months but is looking forward to
going back to solids within a month.  He says he feels good although a
little weak from all the treatments.  He greatly appreciates our thoughts
and prayers and is looking forward to the next reunion in 2007.  I told him
that he had better be there as he has a job with the Association and we all
want to see him there.  If you can, give him a call or drop him a card.  His
voice is a little weak but still has that resonance quality to it.  He has a
great positive mental outlook toward his recovery and I hope everything
works out well for him.
Jim

Received the following Navy Times article from 1963 from Don Valentine on January 10, 2006
The picture has been reduced in size to a thumbnail. Click on it to see the whole article.

Received the following from Charlie Thompson on January 8, 2006:
Charlie,

My name is Susan Loether, and I am the niece of Herbert I. Student.
My Uncle Herb proudly served on the USS Fiske and shared many stories about his years in the service with us.

Regrettably, my Uncle Herb passed away on September 30, 2005 after a long battle with Lymphoma.

I'd like to send my own $10 donation to take his place in the Association.

You should also know that many years ago, Herb did receive some financial help from the Navy Relief Society. He also remembered them with a bequest in his Will.

With sincerest regards,
Susan Loether

Gil Beyer has assumed the duty of Ship's Historian. His plan is to update all the current information with new information gathered from shipmates. If you read the Ship's History and can add details about any ship movement not mentioned, or correct a detail in the current history, please use the following link to e-mail Gil. And, if you have pictures of any Fiske activities and would like to have them collected on a CD or posted to the History Page, send it along to Gil.
Here is Gil Beyer's e-mail address: Gil Beyer <vintage@sisna.com>
And, here is a portion of his e-mail concerning the idea:
"Since I have been given the honor of being appointed 'Ship's Historian' I have a couple of ideas that I would like to run by you.

I believe that a ship's history is much more than a chronology of when and where. Over the course of years a ship is given 'life' by the people that served onboard her from commissioning to scrap heap. With this idea in mind I wonder if there is some way we can ask all association members (and visitors to the site) to contact me if they wish to share photos, documents et cetera that I can copy and include in the official association history.

I figure we can move this info into the 21st century and make it more accessible for all our members. Let me know if you think this might be 'doable'.

Gil Beyer

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