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Lateef Daly -
ldaly1@bechtel.com |
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Posted in the
Marshall Islands Journal,
Friday, February 13, 2009 |
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The Big Catch
Blake, son of Ed & Kerry
Hamblin (Kwajers of 1990s, Environmental Engineers).
Ed wrote:
Blake caught this 3 pound 4 ounce largemouth bass on May 2,
2009, from one of our ponds. He is hooked!
Provided by
Ed Hamblin |
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| New Snack Bar at Kwaj -
January 2009 |
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| New Macys at Kwaj -
January 2009 |
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Facebook - Kwaj
There are a bunch of people from Kwaj -
mostly Class of '75 - '79 making friends on Facebook, can we get some more
Kwaj people on it? Thanks! Cherie Rodecker Groll,
laterdude@comcast.net |
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The Big Wave at Roi-Namur -
December 9, 2008 |
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Sylvia Sangiolo - Passes
Away
----- Original Message -----
From: Sangiolo, Thomas
To: 'Shermie Wiehe'
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 7:24 AM
Hi Shermie
My wife Sylvia died yesterday peacefully at Beth Israel hospital in Boston.
She was recovering from a mild stroke when it happened quie unexpectedly. I
haven't made all of the time arrangements but her wake will be this Friday
and Funeral on Saturday at the Healy funeral home and St. Catherine of
Alexandria Parish in Westford, Mass. I'll know the times later today when I
have my next meeting. To all those the Kwajers that knew my wife she
considered all of you her family.
Thomas L. Sangiolo
MIT Lincoln Laboratory
LSSC Radar Systems Manager
781-981-0508
781-635-5869
978-448-3775 home
sangiolo@ll.mit.edu office e-mail
tsangiolo3775@charter.net home e-mail |
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Hi to All from the Lee &
Betty Sawyer Family:
I believe everyone that I have included in this email is aware that our
daughter Alisa Lynn has pancreatic cancer and is currently undergoing weekly
treatments at the University of Vanderbilt cancer center. She was diagnosed
for this dread cancer this past summer and is holding her own in the battle,
but was recently upgraded from stage 3 to stage 4. We ask for your continued
prayers and spiritual support in this battle. Alisa and her two children,
Dillon 15 and Amber 17 are being cared for by Betty and I and Friends.
You can get a better description of her status by logging on to her newly
developed web site which was completely built by herself to announce her new
online cancer awareness business. You can read and see the details by going
to the following link:
http://colorshope.com
Again, god bless to all of Our friends and encourage Alisa by responding to
her Web site. She has worked very hard on this project and it would boost
her spirits to hear from each of you. Her email address is contained within
her web site
Betty Lee and Alisa, 217 Dove Hollow Dr., Meridianville, AL 35759, (256)
829-0124 |
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| Contact Information - Glenn
Matsumura Joanna Ramos, 411 Copper Lane, Jarrell, TX
76537,
joannaramos10@gmail.com |
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Glenn Matsumura died
Saturday, September 6th
From: Joanna Ramos
<joannaramos10@gmail.com>
Subject: Glen Matsumura
Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:16:56 -0500
To: <shermie@wiehes.com>
Attachments: 0 Printer Friendly Version
I just wanted to let you know that my dad died Saturday, September 6th.
Thank you for all your support and putting it on your website. Right
now my mom is going through a really rough time but I know that she
appreciates all the support you've given her.
Thank you, Joanna |
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News about Glenn Matsumura
- July 13, 2008
Glenn is in a nursing home for now. The day they moved him there, they had
to turn around and take him back to the ER - there was blood shooting out
from around his neck. What fun. They managed to stop the bleeding and sent
him back to the nursing home.
He is still in an awful lot of pain and on those pain meds that mess up his
head. [If I had more patience, it would be funny: I go out for a cigarette
and when I get back, he writes "where have you been for the last few days."]
The staph infection he had is clearing up and sometimes he comes outside
with me when I smoke. He cannot stay in the sunlight for more than a few
minutes at a time. He will have to use a lot of sunscreen for the rest of
his life ... either that or turn into a vampire and sleep all day and stay
up all night.
I taught him how to play Omaha a few months ago and soon we'll start playing
cards again. Right now, he gets too tired [and he can't cheat as easily as
he used to].
Gotta go now but will try to keep you guys updated. Mary -
matsumuramj@excite.com
News about Glenn Matsumura
- July 1, 2008
Shermie, sorry it takes so long for me to answer.
Glenn went through a 9-hour surgery on 17 June. When he "checked in" they
said they would just take out the tumor and see what's there but the doctors
were talking right outside his room and they already made up their mind they
would do the laryngectomy. They removed his larynx, rebuilt his esophagus,
and did skin grafts on his neck. No, the nipple is still there on his neck -
they didn't even try to make that better.
He has a staph infection now and is in so much pain they have him on
morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl patch, and I don't know what. They pushed the
muscle from the right side of his chest into his neck so he has a big bulge
there - just like the bulge he had when they pushed the muscle from the left
side in October.
Poor Glenn ... I wish they could put him in a coma for a month or so - until
the pain is mostly gone. But he's a fighter or just so stubborn it's
unbelievable.
I couldn't go near him for a few days because I have bronchitis and any kind
of cold or whatever could be really serious. He's suffered more than enough
- I don't want to add to it. Funny, I really miss having that grouch around
all the time. I guess I'm just a masochist.
I'll let him know you guys send your best - he really misses everybody.
Mary (Glenn's Wife)
News from Shermie about Glenn Matsumura
- May 12, 2008
I spoke with Mary Matsumura today and
she informed that Glenn is very strong and but not doing well. He wants to
talk to people but he can't and starts crying. Although, he has spoken to
his daughter very slowly on the phone, and she understands him. Mary say
that Glen misses everyone. He tries to speak and is almost understandable
without his tongue. The doctor was really impressed with his determination
to speak, but now he's really depressed but still fighting. Mary says,
"He's still stubborn as he always has been. He smoked over 40 years
and his lungs are still clean, believe it or not, an this puzzled the
doctors." Their daughter Joanna is back in Austin, Texas and their son
Michael is in Prescott, AZ.
The Matsumura's left Kwajalein in 1999 for a job in Japan for 5 years, 1.5
years in the Middle East, Arizona and then to Pueblo, CO.
Mary does not know the release date for him to go home and she plans to show
him how to use the laptop verses a desk top for him to read his emails.
Glen's email address is as follows:
matsumura13@excite.com. Mary's email is as follows: matsumuramj@excite.com.
Mary will be reading her emails several times a week. She also checks his
emails. She would love to hear from his friends to pass to Glenn.
Glenn Matsumura would love
to hear from you "Word has been
received from Glenn & Mary's daughter. Joanna. that Glenn is not doing well.
Glenn was diagnosed with Oral Cancer. His tongue is gone. The cancer has
moved into the throat. At this time Glenn would love to hear from you. He
can not talk, but Mary can and is willing to take calls for Glenn. Glenn and
Mary live in Pueblo, CO. Their phone number is 719-251-0969. We do not have
a home address as they recently move. We will be in touch with Mary in the
near future to get their address. Many of us knew Glenn either socially or
through work. If you knew him through work, you knew him socially. That's
just the way he was.'' |
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An Update
from Tom & Marie Overman - July 3rd, 2008
Marie and I hooked our travel trailer to our Dodge Ram 3500 diesel pickup
truck and left Naples, FL on Thursday, June 12th and headed towards a
stop-over in Bismarck, ND to see the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center there
before continuing west to Montana. No problems with the weather until we
turned north in Texas and reached Kansas. It was "interesting" to pull a
trailer through what the weatherman called "severe thunderstorms!" That
experience continued through Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota but we
were indeed fortunate to miss the worst of the storms on the way north.
However, the first night in Bismarck, ND, tornado sirens went off at about
2000 hours. We turned on the TV and found that a tornado had hit a small
town about 20 miles south of us! Lucked out again!
Finally, 10 days after leaving Naples, FL Marie and I arrived at a
campground in St. Mary, Montana where we were to stay for a week of hiking
in Glacier National Park. The "town" of St. Mary is about two miles from the
eastern entry to the park so it was quite convenient. I'm not sure if the
word "town" is accurate since there are only two gas stations, a couple of
motels and restaurants and no traffic lights! It was GREAT! The weather all
that week was superb with daytime temps in the 70's and nights down into the
low 40's.
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Upon entering
the park's visitor's center, we were disappointed to learn that due to
heavy snowfall duringthe first week of June, the road across the park
called "The Road to the Sun" was closed due to avalanches and would be
closed until after the 4th of July! That's the second time that it's
happened to us so take my advise and not arrive there too early during
the summer if you wish to take the 50-mile drive from the east side of
the park to the west side.
Our first hike was an easy 3-mile round trip to St. Mary Falls and the
higher Virginia Falls. Glacier National Park takes great pains to advise
hikers that there are plenty of grizzly bears in the park but on that
day, we didn't see any (that experience came the following day!)
The next day we made the decision to try a 7-mile roundtrip hike to
Grennell Lake to see the 1000-foot ribbon falls at the southern end of
the lake. So we drove about 18 miles north to the Many Glacier Hotel to
gain access to the trailhead. The park rangers tell you that the bells
that people carry to warn bears (grizzly and black) of your approach
don't really do much good. It is much better to shout or clap your hands
every few minutes so as not to startle the bears. Well, Marie is not
much of a talker that early in the morning so it shouldn't have come as
much of a surprise when within a short distance from the Hotel, a young
grizzly dashed up the hill behind us! He'd been down at the lake taking
a drink I suppose and wanted to get back up to greener pastures! From
that point on, there ensued a running LOUD conversation between Marie
and I!
Maybe it worked or maybe the bears were just bored with what we were
saying because by the time we reached Grennell Lake, we hadn't seen
another bear. There was still a lot of snow on the trail to the lake but
it was worth trudging through it and we were happy that we'd brought our
hiking sticks with us even though the trail didn't have a large
elevation gain.
We took a different route back (along the north shore of Lake Josephine)
and for a while, tagged along with a man and his four children. We'd
heard someone calling out something every few minutes earlier and found
out that it was this gentlemen yelling "Yo Bear!" to let any bears know
that his family was approaching. He said that they had not seen one bear
at that point. Good! So when he split off onto another trail, Marie and
I took over the task of calling out "Yo Bear!" and "Yogi Bear!"
Maybe Yogi Bear was a Hollywood idol for the bears because it wasn't too
long before we encountered two more grizzly bears. Fortunately, they
were several hundred yards away and seemed to intent on lying there at
the lake's edge getting a suntan to even look at us.
One has to cross over a wooden suspension bridge along the way and it
did sway quite a bit (much to Marie's discomfort).
It is only about a 50-mile drive from St. Mary, MT to Waterton Park,
Alberta, Canada so we headed north to treat ourselves to a day of rest
by taking a cruise boat from Waterton to Goat Haunt, Montana and back.
One crosses over the 49th parallel and the captain stops for a moment to
let the passengers see the 30-yard wide cut area that separates the two
countries. He said that this type of cutting is common over the entire
border (wherever there are trees to cut). Tough job for some guys with a
lot more energy than me!
After a few more days of hiking, we headed west on US Hwy 2 to
Kalispell, MT for a week's stay on the west side of the park.
Unfortunately, a front moved in from the south two days after arriving
at our campground and dumped huge amounts of rain that prevented us from
taking any hikes yet. If it was cold enough up at Logan Pass (the
highest point in the park), the poor crews with the heavy equipment will
probably have to redo all their work again! Oh well, even without being
able to hike here yet, it is better than enduring the heat and humidity
of a Florida summer!
Looks like the water's not warm enough for swimming yet! |
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Looking forward greatly to seeing old
friends at the 2008 Kwaj Reunion in Colorado Springs. Thanks Shermie and all
the great folks who have worked so hard to bring this event off!
Yokwe Yuk, Tom & Marie Overman,
tomoverman@hotmail.com
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Shermie,
I knew Joe from the '70's at Meck. I know he was there longer than that. I
think he also worked Roi and Kwaj. He did a lot of diving in his off hours.
Last week he sent me the URL of the Kwaj Reunion site and was so excited to
share it with me. Unfortunately he stripped the names off before forwarding,
so I don't know who sent it to him.
Karen
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "Richards, Karen L." <karen.l.richards@nasa.gov>
Joe sent me this webpage (Kwaj Reunion Webpage -
http://www.wiehes.com/reunions.html) because I was on Kwaj 61-66 and
72-77. It is with great sadness I have to report Joe has died.
NASA Dryden employee Joe Ciganek dies
Long-time NASA Dryden employee Joseph P. Ciganek and three family members
were found dead shortly after 5 p.m. Monday afternoon by firefighters called
to fight a fire in his Quartz Hill home. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's
Department is investigating the deaths of Ciganek and the two other persons
believed to be his wife's sister and her two minor children as a likely
homicide.
Ciganek, 60, had been employed by NASA at Dryden since January 1990 in a
variety of technical positions, including operation and maintenance of the
unique SR-71 simulator while it was installed here. He most recently served
as a management analyst within the Systems Operations Branch, Test Systems
Directorate.
Dryden employees are encouraged to keep his wife, Jocelyn, in their thoughts
and prayers during this very difficult time.
Karen Zost Richards, 661.209.6569 cell |
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Ex-husband, alleged accomplice charged in
Quartz Hill killings of 4
Murder charges are filed against pair detained in Mexico after the bloody
slayings of a NASA engineer, a suspect's former wife and her two children.
By Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
July 2, 2008
Prosecutors have filed four capital murder charges against a man and his
alleged accomplice who are accused of using a samurai sword and a baseball
bat to chop and beat to death the man's ex-wife, her two children and a
relative.
Jae Hwan Shim, 39, the former husband of the dead woman, and Steve Kwon, 27,
are accused of killing the victims June 23 and then setting fire to a house
in the 43200 block of North 45th Street in Quartz Hill to cover up the
bloody scene.
The pair were taken into custody over the weekend after Mexican police found
them near the border and took them to Douglas, Ariz., 90 miles southeast of
Tucson.
Shim and Kwon are accused of killing Joseph Paul Ciganek, a 60-year-old NASA
engineer and owner of the house; Jenny Young Park, and her children Jamie,
13, and Justin, 9.
Park and her children went to live with Ciganek and his wife, Jocelyn, after
the breakup of her marriage. Jocelyn Ciganek was Park's cousin.
Prosecutors said Shim is the second ex-husband of Park and has a history of
domestic violence. Shim was not the father of the two children killed last
week, but did have a 3-year-old child with Park. Shim left the child in
another person's care when he disappeared after the slayings, officials
said.
Jane Robison, a Los Angeles County district attorney's office spokeswoman,
said Shim was angry that his ex-wife had moved out and was dating the
children's martial arts teacher. Robison said Shim's anger escalated when
Park refused to sign passport documents for their 3-year-old child.
Investigators are also trying to determine whether Si Young Yoon, 34, Park's
boyfriend, may have met with foul play. Robison said Yoon's Acura sport
utility vehicle was found near the Quartz Hill home. Yoon was last seen
leaving his home on the day of the killings.
Shim and Kwon were charged with four counts of murder, burglary and special
circumstances of multiple murder and murder in the commission of a burglary.
Those special circumstances mean that they could face the death penalty if
convicted. Prosecutors have not determined whether to seek the death penalty
or life in prison without parole.
Within hours of the fire last week, sheriff's homicide investigators found
that the blaze was set to cover up the killings. Investigators recovered
from the house a samurai sword and baseball bat they believe to be the
murder weapons.
Ciganek's body was found in one bedroom; the other bodies were found in
another. He had been beaten and slashed numerous times, said Ed Winter, a
county coroner's spokesman. He said Ciganek and the boy died from
blunt-force and sharp-force trauma.
The woman and girl suffered multiple stab wounds, Winter said. The bodies of
the woman and two children were so badly burned that dental records were
needed to confirm their identities. |
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| A little news from John &
Mary Willcox We are now great
grandparents of Robert Allen Green, born May 13 2008 to Robert and MaryClare
Green. Robert is Grandson of John and Mary Willcox,
JJwillcox@aol.com,
(daughter was Jill Willcox Green). Jill Willcox Green is the grandmother. |
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U.S. Announces $21M Cutback At Kwajalein Missile Range - Pacific
Magazine, March 7, 2008 |
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Marshall Islands
Government dismayed by abrupt USAKA Reduction in Force
RMI News: http://www.yokwe.net/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2094
Marshall Islands Government dismayed by abrupt USAKA
Reduction in Force Barely 50 days have passed since the new government settled into its
first term of office when it was given notice by the United States of a USAKA (United
States Army at Kwajalein Atoll) Transformation scheme which will have direct and immediate
adverse impact on Marshallese employees in Kwajalein Atoll. In his briefing of the
President and Cabinet last Thursday, the USAKA/RTS Commander, Col. Stevenson Reed,
accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), Clyde Bishop,
laid out the details of the scheme and the impact of what he called 'transformation
activities" of USAKA.
The current RMI workforce of 1001 will be reduced to 912 by the end of this financial year
when 89 workers will be laid off, and 650 will work on a reduced hour basis to match
actual work requirement.
Those who will be affected the most are employees working in areas such as public works,
custodial, shipping and receiving. The end of FY08 will similarly affect the US Workforce
on island when 64 positions of the present 946 will be eliminated, and 350 with reduced
hours. The cumulative net loss to the RMI Govt in tax revenue resulting from the planned
lay off in FY 08 is estimated to be $ 400,000. The reduction in workforce is expected to
continue over four years, beginning from FY 08 through FY2011.
Col. Stevenson Reed stated in his briefing that the transformation scheme which will
result in workforce reduction was approved at the highest level and that there was 'little
room to wiggle.' He said it is part of a Department of Defense strategy to ensure USAKA's
relevancy and viability, and to increase its efficiency and capability through
technological improvements; a clear reference to the use of fiber optic cable technology
which will make it possible to distribute certain operations from Kwajalein to Huntsville,
Alabama.
The Minister in Assistance to the President, Christopher Loeak, said the subject was first
intimated to him by US Ambassador Bishop a few days before the briefing. He said that
while the RMI government appreciated the briefing from Col. Reed, the whole thing was a
surprise. Mr. Loeak said the Government has just come to learn that the transformation
scheme process has been under discussion by the various agencies of the US Government
since 2004.
The government, Minister Loeak said has no idea either whether the last government was
aware of the scheme and its implications. Or, if it was aware, why it did not bring the
matter to the attention of the Nitijela and the public. He said it is a remarkable
coincidence that the length of the period at which the lay-offs begins and estimated to
end is exactly the length of the period of the first term of office of this government,
that is from FY2008 to FY2011. He said the elements of our special and strategic
relationship embodied in the Compact agreement should have been enough to trigger an
earlier consultation between the US and the RMI government.
However, Minister Christopher Loeak, said he appreciated the frank statement from the
USAKA Commander and particularly the actions that are being considered by USAKA to
mitigate the impact of the reduction in Marshallese workforce. These include providing
incentives to the contractors to keep RMI workforce, initiating formalized training
programs to improve skill levels, and seeking other opportunities for future mitigation.
He said the government wanted to assure those whose livelihood would be affected that it
will do everything possible to help cushion the effect of the lay-offs. Government
officials met shortly after the briefing by the USAKA Commander to assess the impact of
the anticipated transformation activities, and to explore the various options to offset
the adverse consequences.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tony deBrum, said there is no doubt that the reduction in the
RMI workforce at USAKA over the next four years will have immediate impact on families of
the employees who will be laid off. He said the problem is a national issue and not a
matter strictly for the Kwajalein population. Many of the workers are originally from
other islands of the country, and what is going to happen to them will obviously affect
the support they have been giving their families members living outside of Kwajalein.
Minister de Brum said he was particularly dismayed by the fact that when he inquired from
the US military representative last year at the JCM meeting in Ebeye to confirm whether or
not there was going to be any reduction in the RMI workforce, the answer was in the
negative. He said the government is looking closely at a range of options to determine the
extent of their effective contribution towards providing viable solutions to the problem.
- RMI President's Office, Majuro, Marshall Islands, March 3, 2008 |
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| Surprise 50th Birthday Present The quilt in the attached photo was made in secret and
presented to me as a surprise 50th birthday present at the November 2007 Kwajalein Running
Club monthly "Fun Run". I will cherish the quilt and thought some of you KRC
veterans might appreciate the photo. Wendy Gray made the quilt at Kwajalein.
Wendy is a good friend of my wife Jane and volunteered to do the sewing. Wendy is the
woman at one side of the photo. The chubby balding guy on the other side is me. Debbie
Kirby did some of the center panel stitching with a special machine she has. Many of you
on the addressee list have at least one T-Shirt design in the quilt. The oldest
shirt is the 1980 RustMan One shirt, which is the very orange one in the top row.
The newest shirt is the 2007 RustMan 28 shirt right by Wendy's face. The other 30
shirts are of ages scattered in between. Cris Lindborg and Leigh Vander Veen account
for ten of the shirt panels and did even more designs than those included in the quilt.
Leigh is currently working on the 2008 RustMan 29 shirt design. She lives in CA near
Vandenberg AFB now, but will send the art over the internet. All the shirts in the quilt
are from either RustMan Triathlons, Columbus Day Runs or the New Year's Eve Midnight runs.
This is not all of the custom KRC event shirts from the last 28 years. I think that would
be more like ~75 shirts. Thanks Jane & Wendy! Bob Sholar, Kwajalein Island |
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| The news is out, the Yokwe Yuk Club is
history. Yokwe Yuk Club The Yokwe Yuk Club
was built in 1952 as an "Officers Mess & Club". It will close permanently at
end of October 2007 and await demolition funds. As far back as the early 1970s, the
building showed signs of damage from long term water intrusion into the reinforced
concrete. This was largely due to a design that allowed rain water ponding on the roof.
The water rusts the steel rebar and the rebar expands, cracking the concrete:
"spalling". There have been several major repair projects over the decades. The
kitchen area was shut down several years ago after a large piece of concrete fell in a
store room while the kitchen was in use. It was realized that someone could have been
killed. The bar area was declared safer and the Yokwe Yuk Club was reduced to just a Bar.
Recently, the spalling of the ceiling in the Main Entrance area has worsened. The Command
has just recently come to more clearly understand that there are several large 50+ year
old buildings on Kwajalein that place larger than expected loads on the Power System. Much
of this is due to the retrofit Air Conditioning and poor wall insulation. The Yuk and
Surfway are prime examples. With the tickler of shutting down the power to one of those
old hogs, plus the safety concerns, the Commander gave the order yesterday to shut the Yuk
and power it down. |
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Hourglass from September 1945 A few years ago, I had the opportunity to go through some of
my father's belongings at my mother's house. As a child I knew that he had been a radio
operator on Kwaj at the end of the war. Also as a child, I had seen a few photographs of
him, which have since disappeared. While I was visiting at home, I took a scanner and
notebook computer and scanned whatever I could get my hands on... In the papers was a copy
of the Hourglass from
September 1945. I found it interesting as an artifact and priceless as a piece of my
father's history and experience. Since that time, I've done a fair amount of web surfing,
and have found the page and various references to the Hourglass posted on this page. I
thought perhaps someone else would enjoy the opportunity to share it, particularly in
light of the content and date.
If it just so happens that anyone would have any information at all pertaining to my
father's service time on Kwajalein, I would be most appreciative.. beyond that, I would
just like to express my heart-felt appreciation for the sacrifices of those who have
struggled there, died there and continue to serve. God Bless...
My father was: Frank (nmn) Kremm, Radioman (PO3 I believe at that time), USN. He
continued in the service of his country, retiring from the Navy in 1970. He passed away
from cancer in 1970.
Sincerely, Frank J. Kremm |
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Wherever there's a female mountain goat,
there's bound to be an old Billy goat too!
View their latest pictures of Tom & Marie Overman's hiking adventures
>  |
|
Kwajalein 2008 Reunion -
Colorado Springs, CO
Planning in Progress!
August 1 - 4
(Fri-Mon), 2008
This reunion invitation goes out to all past and present residents,
young and old, of the Kwajalein Community and to the WWII Veterans of the Kwajalein and
Roi-Namur battles.
Link to > Reunions
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Aloha all!
Big news!
Elika KaiwI (Kwaj 1979-95) turned
50!
His wife Barbara, friends and family enjoyed celebrating the boy's birthday by having a
party, eating and enjoying spirits. It was a true Hawaiian fare in Rockledge,
Florida. The Rain
Gods were not invited. Swimming,
volleyball and horseshoes were all part of the fun, including knives and footwork of those
dancers performing at his party. Elika sang and serenaded his 50th party and It was
a night the birthday boy shined. |
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Happy Birthday Elika!
The Old Man's Email: ekaiwi@cfl.rr.com
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Roi-Namur
Coconut Crab
Photo provided by Jim
Bodmer, Roi-Rat
This one appears to be hungry. |
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Leilani Matea Aubuchon
| Leila was born on August 10, 2007, 10:55 p.m.
at Queen's Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii. Leila is healthy at 7 lb 5 oz and length
20". Catherine Leilani (Wiehe) Aubuchon and husband Jason Aubuchon are
thrilled. We're parents! |
Congratulations! Catherine (Kwaj 1980-97)
& Jason |
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| New Book in Print, written by my friend,
Steven C. Buren: Physics
and Geology of Earth. Twenty-Nine primary
Discoveries, Theories, and Observations that will make some major differences in the
examination of Earth. These discoveries identify the causes of many mysteries in Geology
as well as some plausible future events. The assembly of all Continents form a perfect
sphere 56% the size of the Earth. This evidence indicates that the Earth expanded to
current size in one move. The Mantle material drew into the sphere after the expansion,
through the Deep Ocean Trenches. This unique view of the Physics of Geology and
Meteorology may reveal our true history and future changes of Earth. Email comments
or questions to Steven Buren at: scburen@gmail.com |
|
| KWAJ Reunion Link Updated - June 30, 2007 > GO
LOOK |
|
| Shermie Then & Now PDF
& Word,
or html - from
Kwajaletter, Spring 2007 Edition,
Shermie |
|
| Passing of Zach Huckabay, a former employee of Global Associates (Resident Manager in Hawaii
1968 - 1980) and part of the resident management team for Global on the island during the
early seventies passed away on April 19, 2007. Notice provided by:.Warren Huckabay,
21422 SE 37th Street, Sammamish, WA 98075, (425) 392-8905 (h), (425) 830-5282 (c), email huckwarren@comcast.net - Obituary information - Obits & Notices |
|
KEARBY – ATKINSON’S FROST
PUNCH RECIPE - the famous Kentron Punch served at
Christmas and other special occasions. This was provided by John Willcox after he
came across the recipe in his old files. Caution drink only one cup or you
cannot drive. "Thanks John, for sharing this popular punch recipe of the early
70s when I was there working for Kentron, Hawaii, LTD, Shermie." John's email: JJwillcox@aol.com
| 24 oz. (1/12 PT.)
Strong Tea |
8 oz. (1/2 Lb.)
Sugar |
12.8oz. (1/2 fifth)
Light Rum |
64 oz. (2 qts..)
Soda |
| 24 oz. Frozen
Lemonade |
8 oz. Curacao,
Contreau or Triple Sec |
12.oz. (1/2 fifth)
Light Rum |
96 oz. (3 qts.)
Champagne |
| 12 oz. Frozen
Orange Juice |
12.8 oz. (1/2
fifth) Brandy |
15.6 oz. (1 fifth)
Vodka |
72 oz. (6 cans)
7-Up |
MAKES APPROXIMATELY 3
GALLONS |
|
|
| Looking for information, record marlin
catches at Kwaj Rob Gray (Kwajkid 1965-72,
2002-present) here. We are having a discussion regarding record marlin catches here
on Kwaj. As a kid, I remember a large marline catch that I have a picture (somewhere I
storage) of me standing on. I recall an 800# + Black Marlin in the 69-71 time frame.
Does anyone know or have any info on this? Rob Robert.Gray@smdck.smdc.army.mil |
|
Marriage Announcement - Shannon Stafford
& Jeff Klevorn
Shannon Stafford (Kwaj from 1986-1990) shannonds@yahoo.com and Jeff Klevorn (Kwaj
1986-1988) became engaged on New Years Eve and will be getting married on Saturday,
September 15th. They will be married in Hazel Green, AL and living in Toney, AL.
(approximately 15 minutes outside of Huntsville, AL). |
|
KWAJALEIN WORKERS RELOCATING TO ALABAMA
MAJURO, Marshall Islands (Yokwe Online, June 22) - Thirty-six employees at the Kwajalein
missile range facility, including 6 Marshallese, will be relocating to Huntsville,
Alabama, before the end of the summer. "Kwajalein Range Services is currently
working with the Marshallese employees, some with family members, on quality of life
issues such as English as a Second Language and drivers license, etc., to prepare them for
an easier transition to the United States," according to Colonel Beverly Stipe,
United States Army at Kwajalein Atoll Commander. Kwajalein Atoll has been a premiere
asset within the Department of Defense Major Range and Test Facility Base, leasing eleven
islands from the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Nicknamed "the world's largest
catcher's mitt," the Kwajalein lagoon is used for testing and tweaking of
intercontinental ballistic missiles launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in
California. Stipe said United States Army at Kwajalein Atoll is committed to moving
the majority of the operational space mission to Huntsville. Functions that can be
performed remotely will now operate out of Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, the hub of the
Space and Missile Defense Command Test and Evaluation Directorate.
United States Army at Kwajalein Atoll took a substantial budget cut in 2004, and the
assessment team helped find paths to the way ahead, Stipe said, according to the June
issue of the Eagle, a Defense Command newspaper. A new undersea fiber optic cable,
from Kwajalein to Guam with a direct link to the Mainland, scheduled for completion in
March 2008, will "enable United States Army at Kwajalein Atoll to distribute some
missions operations and positions back to Huntsville, said Stipe. Presently, the
supporting contracted; non-military workforce is comprised of 3,400 employees and family
members. 1400 are Marshallese who commute three-miles by ferry from Ebeye to the base.
Since news of the plans for site downsizing, relocation of the workforce has been an issue
of community concern at Kwajalein, stated the Kwajalein Hourglass recently.
In a town hall meeting, on April 12, John Pickler, said Kwajalein Range Services was
tasked by United States Army at Kwajalein Atoll to identify between 30 and 50 positions to
be relocated to the Huntsville facilities, find locations for staff and develop a
compensation package for relocating personnel. At that time, Picker said 35 positions had
been identified for
relocation, 16 people had accepted the relocation package and four of those positions are
currently vacant.
June 23, 2006
Larry Note: The Ronald Reagan Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll has been for many years has
been a major test site for all of the military services since WWII when it played a major
role in U.S. Atomic tests at Bikini and Enewetak. Many of the modern military weapons were
developed and tested at both WSMR and Kwaj.
For many years the Marshall Islands Government and local land owners have consistently
been demanding increased compensation utilizing the atoll for development testing -
Kwajalein has been one of the largest employers of local Marshall Island residents, but
modern technology has developed in such a manner the repeated demands for increased
compensation may make portions of such R & D testing most cost effective to be
conducted by other means at other military installations. However, Kwajalein's large
lagoon will no doubt remain the principal landing site for launch testing of
missiles. |
|
Chloe Jenay
Wilke
Chloe was born on April 24, 2006 at 12:19 p.m. at Angelo
Community Hospital in San Angelo, Texas. She was 19 inches long and weighed
7lbs-7ozs. Her mother, Angela (Willard) Wilke, Kwaj Kid 1989-93, KHS graduate of
1993, is married to Russel Wilke, who has a Doctorate in Science and teaches at Angelo
State University. Angi received her Masters in Nursing and is a nurse in the E.R. at
Angelo Community Hospital, Angelo, Texas, email adwilke@juno.com. |
Chloe Jenay Wilke |
|
|
FYI: Kentron, Hawaii LTD
Retirement Benefits
For those who have worked for Kentron, Hawaii, LTD at Kwajalein, the Retirement Pension
contact is as follows:
Pacific Life - Retirement Annuities |
Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. CST - 4:00 p.m. CST |
Toll-Free Number - (800) 800-9534 |
Fax Number - (402) 479-0102 |
Mailing Address: Pacific Life, PO Box 84307, Lincoln, NE 68501-4307 |
Delivery Address: Pacific Life, 421 South 9th Street, Suite 222, Lincoln,
NE 68508 |
Info - Email: info@pacificlife.com |
Web Site: www.pacificlife.com |
|
|
|
| Clara Renee Roth born
on Dec. 1st, 2005, 7 lb. 11 oz. Everyone is doing well. Congratulations to Kelly & Jeff Roth!
More pictures of Clara, double-click
following links: Clara & Mom - Clara 1 - Clara 2 - Clara &
Dad
Marika holds Clara |
Clara Rene Roth sleeping |
Beautiful Clara |
|
|
| KWAJALEIN TO INSTALL FIBER-OPTIC DATA
LINK, Jane's Missiles and Rockets, October 27,
2005. By the end of 2006, cable laying will have begun in a project to link the US
Pacific Missile Range at Kwajalein Atoll to the continental US... The new fiber-optic
cable will allow launches at the range to be controlled from the US facilities. A route
for the new cable is currently being surveyed between Kwajalein and Guam, which is already
linked to the US mainland via fibre-optic cable. Once the new link has been laid and
connected to the existing Guam-US cable, a low data-latency connection will be possible
between US facilities and those at the range. This will be available for use probably by
late 2007... Once a fibre-optic data link has been created between Kwajalein and a US
facility - probably at Huntsville, Alabama - it will be possible to conduct launches at
the Pacific Missile Range from a control room at Huntsville. At first, this may be done
for space launches; work is already under way on a first space launch from the Pacific
Missile Range... At a later stage, the data link will be used for ballistic-missile
defense trials. By separating the control facilities from the launchers, the number of
personnel who need to be sent to the Pacific would be minimized. Most engineering staff
could remain in the US, with only the engineers and technicians involved in preparing the
missile and installing it on the launcher being at Kwajalein. It would also be more
practical for politicians and high-ranking officials to watch Ballistic Missile Defense
trials, a factor that might help maintain support for US missile-defense programs. |
|
Granny held for $2.5m cocaine 19/10/2005 12:51
Majuro - A 57-year-old grandmother on a remote central Pacific island has been arrested
for allegedly trying to sell cocaine with a United States street value of about $2.5m. A
judge in the tiny state of the Marshall Islands on Wednesday refused bail for Meriba
Bulele, saying she was a danger to the public after police presented evidence that she was
selling 20kg of the drug to local dealers.
The cocaine was being sold at about 10% of the US street value and some of it was going to
workers on a nearby top-secret US missile testing range on Kwajalein Atoll. Police said
the cocaine was part of a much larger consignment which Bubele and her husband - who
committed suicide last month - found on a boat which drifted onto a small island near
their home on the island of Carlos in March 2004. Packages of cocaine have washed ashore
on the beaches of remote islands in the Marshalls at least five times since the early
1990s.
Police got a tip-off
A tip-off pointed police to the cache of cocaine the Bulele's had buried on Carlos, which
has a population of about 150 and is a 15-minute boat ride from the missile-testing range
and Ebeye, an island where many of the missile range workers live. Since mid-2004, police
have arrested more than 15 people on both Ebeye and the Marshalls capital of Majuro for
cocaine possession and distribution but the latest haul is the largest.
Charged at the same time as Bulele were an Ebeye resident Mark Kaia and two Americans,
Richard Kopache and Bruce Lundmark, who are contract workers on the missile range. Kaia
told police he sold about 34g of cocaine to Lundmark for $400 in early October. This
worked out at about $10 a gram, or less than 10% of the street sale price in the US.
Police said Lundmark had admitted that with Kopache between June and September this year,
he bought about 50 small amounts of cocaine for about $20 000 on Ebeye.
Preliminary court hearings for the four are set for November 11. |
|
| U.S. computer operator charged A missile site worker loses his job and his security clearance over
hacking allegations By Debra Barayuga, dbarayuga@starbulletin.com. A former
civilian computer operator at a federal defense test site on Kwajalein Atoll has been
charged with hacking into a U.S. government computer to disable the antivirus software so
he could play computer games and watch pirated videos. A criminal complaint filed
Friday in U.S. District Court charged Stephen C. Johnson, 27, of Alabama, with
unauthorized access to a government computer, a misdemeanor punishable by a year in
prison. Johnson made his first appearance in U.S. District Court in Honolulu Friday
and was released on his own recognizance. Federal Public Defender Peter Wolff told
the court that the case is expected to be transferred to Alabama, where Johnson lives, and
that he will enter a guilty plea to the charge. According to court documents,
Johnson worked at a communications center at the Ronald Reagan Missile Defense Test Site,
where he had access to nonclassified and classified government documents and computer
systems. He had been working there for about 10 months. During an interview
with the FBI on Oct. 5, Johnson admitted to using keystroke logging and password cracking
software to obtain and change his supervisor's password, and disabled the antivirus
software so that he could play computer games such as "Heroes of Might and
Magic" and "Red Alert: Command and Conquer." He also said that
everyday for the past five months, he connected a USB hard drive to the government
computer so that he could watch pirated movies that he downloaded from the Internet.
Johnson has had his security clearance revoked and has since been fired from his job.
Article URL: http://starbulletin.com/2005/10/09/news/story10.html
© 1996-2005 The Honolulu Star-Bulletin | www.starbulletin.com |
|
| Ex Kwajer Helps the Needy Kwaj 1977-79, 83-85, & 91-96, Marilyn (Olson) Fratangelo
founder of home for abused, neglected, or abandoned children in Alabama. Check out the
website at http://moriahchildrenshome.org |
|
| Fire on Ebeye, Kwajalein, Marshall
Islands Pictures of a fire that occurred on
Ebeye, Marshall Islands, Kwajalein Atoll, approximately March 31, 2005. I was
informed it was started from kerosene stove but luckily no one was hurt. These
photographs show the intense heat and damaged caused by the fire. I have received
many request for an address in sending donations to assist in helping victims of the
fire. I'm not aware of one as yet. If I do find one, I'll post it here.
Shermie |
|
It's a Girl!
We added another Schlueter to the roster!
When you space them out every 5 years you kinda forget about the sleep depravation and the
cost of diapers...might need another Kwaj tour sometime to pay for them. For the
record, her name's Aubree and she was a petite 5 lb. 13 oz. when she made a speedy arrival
on August 12th. I haven't figured out how to E-mail cigars, so here is a picture
instead. Hope all is well, Mark |
|
Aubree with her proud father
Mark Schlueter
|
|
|
Kathleen Russell and David Sawyer
|
Kathleen Russell,
Kwaj kid class of 79
married
David Sawyer, Class of 78
on Nov. 16, 2002.
Dave is back on Kwaj working for Lockheed Martin.
Kathy and her two boys plan on joining Dave on Kwaj early 2004.
Chris Russell
kwajkid76@msn.com |
|
|
Blake
enjoys the warmth of his mother's
arms and his sister Jayne smiles with joy |
|
|
|
Ed
& Kerry Hamblin
Kwajers of the 1990s
Announce the Birth
of their Son
Blake Andrew Hamblin
Weight: 8 lbs. 5 oz.
Length: 20 inches
Born: October 30, 2003
Time: 9:08 pm
ed.hamblin@tetratech.com |
|
LOCAL BOY
DOES GOOD!
Elika
Kaiwi, far right, and his band KELEIALOHA,
will be singing two songs on TV in the Miami area October 13, 2003 at 8 P.M. and October
18 at 7 P.M. This picture was taken after the show was taped at WLRN TV studio!
Elika worked on Kwajalein from 1979-95. |
|
|
 |
Jeff & Kelly (Chiu) Roth
Wedding day, July 4, 2003
Tinton Falls, NJ, Luther Memorial Church
Reception - Sunny Palace
Honeymoon - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Link to more photos > Mr. & Mrs.
Jeff Roth
Congratulations! |
|
| Note to Shermie Hi Shermie, I'm sitting here listening to you play "Ain't
Misbehavin". It's great. You played piano with a one time group Sid Gaddy put
together. There was Sid, Dick Shields, Jeff Childers, me (Dave Sublette) and I don't know
who else. We played about two hours on the stage at the Richardson in the mid-80's one
Sunday afternoon. I have a video of it!! I was a pretty poor trumpet player at the time.
Since then I've taken lessons for ten years and now play lead trumpet in a 15 piece 'Big
Band". One of the arrangements we play is "Ain't Misbehavin". I've been
retired ten years now and play my horn in several groups, sometimes playing up to 20 hours
a week. Enjoyed your website. Loved your piano. Thanks, Dave Sublette |
| GREETINGS TO KWAJ I WAS STATIONED AT KWAJ
IN 1957-1958 WITH THE UNITED STATES MARINE DETACHMENT. IT WAS A NAVY BASE AT THE TIME. WE
WOULD DRIVE AROUND THE ISLAND AFTER A TYPHOON AND PICK UP JAPANESE WW11 HAND GRENADES AND
OTHER WEAPONS THAT WASHED UP. THERE WERE SOME OLD JAPANESE BUNKERS JUST EAST OF THE
AIRSTRIP WHERE WE STORED THEM. WE WENT SNORKELING AND SWIMMING ON OUR DAYS OFF. THE
ISLANDERS THAT WORKED ON KWAJ WERE TAKEN OFF OF AND SHIPPED BACK TO EBEYE ISLAND AT NIGHT
SINCE ONLY MILITARY WAS ALLOWED TO STAY OVERNIGHT AT KWAJ. THESE PEOPLE WERE VERY POOR AND
LIVED IN SHANTYS. MANY OF THEM SUFFERED FROM RADIATION SICKNESS. KWAJ WAS A VERY
QUITE AND BEAUTIFUL PLACE AT THAT TIME AND WE ALL ENJOYED THE WONDERFUL TROPICAL WEATHER
AND BEAUTIFUL THE BLUE SKY AND CLOUDS THAT BROUGHT MANY INCHES OF RAIN. GOD BLESS YOU
LUCKY PEOPLE. ALBERT NEWTON SSGT/USMC RET, aluliu@juno.com |
| Note from Herbert H. Hice I was on Roi-Namur for ll Months, from the 5th of Feb. 1944 to the last
week of Dec. 1944. I was in Headquarters Squadron of Marine Aircraft Group 31, Thats M A G
31. I went ashore on the 5th of Feb. 1944. A young man who worked on Kwajalein and
Roi-Namur for 25 years has a website with lots of data. His name is Shermie Wiehe and the
title is Veterans of Roi-Namur, Kwajalein and the Pacific www.wiehes.com/vets/vets.html.
Shermie was gracious enough to put my history in the Marines on his website and my time
spent on Roi-Namur. Yes, I was on Roi-Namur when Charles Lindbergh came for a visit.
I and other Marines watched as Charles Lindbergh demonstrated to the Marine pilots how to
take off in the F4U Fighter with a 2000 lb. Bomb load. I was not a pilot, but I knew
a few of the Marine pilots and they said he used the landing Flaps to get more lift on
take off. That was in Sept. 1944 and that's a lot of years gone by to remember everything
(58 yrs.). I do not recall if Charles Lindbergh went on bombing missions over Wotje with
MAG 31 pilots, but I will always remember his visit to Roi-Namur. I did not get close to
Lindbergh because I was only a Staff Sergeant and he was always surrounded by BIG BRASS,
but it was a thrill to see him. |
Missing, Help Needed My uncle PFC Willie Cleo Thompson age
19 at the time was a member of a crew that went down in the Marshall Islands on February
14, 1944. He belonged to the Marine Torpedo Bombing Group233, Marine Aircraft Group11,
Marine Aircraft South Pacific. The crew also had a PVT Arthur Patrickus and was piloted by
1st Lieutenant James W Boyden. Their plane had failed to return after a successful mission
of mine laying in enemy harbors in the Marshall Islands. When we find my uncle it will
give the family much peace. Thank you, Winston D. Wilson 140 Springhill Drive Bardstown
Kentucky 40004, 502 350-3842, winston.d.wilson@worldnet.att.net.
Here is the latest on my uncle's plane. Thank You, Winston
This is correspondence
between Winston Wilson and Rod Pearce.
My uncle's plane went down when he was age 19 (Willie Cleo Thompson) when on Feb
14, 1944 as a member of the first marine aircraft wing fmaw #140 of the torpedo bomber
group 233 VMTB233 MAG-11 was missing in action after his plane disappear at Rebaul
with two others the plane had the markings on it 111 on its side. The plane was a
TBF-1 Torpedo bomber 1944 Gruman Wright 3-crew avenger mid wing monoplane single engine.
It lies somewhere in Simpson Harbor, 6 planes went down that day while dropping mines at
800 ft at a very slow speed in Simpson harbor there should be evidence of their evidence
and surely someone saw them while diving in the waters, Have you seen this plane or do you
know of anybody reporting the existence of the plane in the harbor. Thank You,
Winston Wilson 140 SpringHill Drive Bardstown, Kentucky 40004 502 350 3842 winston.d.wilson@worldnet.att.net
From Rod to Winston
Dear Winston,
Thanks for the info and will get back to you when my mate replies. Your e-mail
was to long for my on board system and only part of it came through. The last paragraph
that came through was "Well, maybe I will contact you further and ask
you." Any thing after that did not come through. Could you resend after that
sentence please? I often wondered about that raid on Rabaul by those planes. I
will do a dive on that plane again in October / November if you like and try and get a
I.D. for you. If my memory serves me correctly, and I I.D. it as an
American TBM Avenger. It is some 15 to 18 years but American I am positive
about, and a single engine and 2-3 seats. I will do everything I can for you on this
and even give it to a mate in Rabaul to get his teeth into and to follow it through,
also I shall inform SIL-HI for you. Give me about a week or until my mate e-mail's me
back. Thanks so much for the info. How did you get my name and how did you know I was
interested in this sought of thing. Please do me one favor and send a copy of our
correspondance to Richard Leahy at smleahy869@yahoo.com esp. all about the plane. I
work in very closely with Richard on these matters. I am unable to do alot of things on
this system as I am on a vessel in the middle of the waters around PNG. Hence have to ask
you to forward for me . Thanks, Regards, Rod.
-------------------------------------------------
Do not push the "reply" button to respond to this message if that includes the
text of this original message in your response. Messages are sent over a very
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The most concise way to reply is to send a NEW message to: P2V4260@sailmail.com. If you DO use your
reply button, be sure to delete the original message text and these instructions from your
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Two days previously
Rod, I really appreciate the help and again wanted to thank you, Winston
----- Original Message -----
From: <P2V4260@sailmail.com>
To: <winston.d.wilson@worldnet.att.net>
Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2002 2:06 AM
Subject: Uncles Plane.
Dear Winston,
Thanks so much for your e-mail. I often wondered how long it would be before someone asked
me about that flight. The answer is yes, I have found a plane of that description in about
30 feet of water if my memory serves me correctly some 15-18 years ago. I remember taking
the torpedo sight from the plane and still have it. I will find out more and let you know
shortly. As it so happens this is your lucky day. I have today along with your e-mail
received one from a mate who was with me on the day we found that plane and I will ask him
to fill me in on details, as after 15 years the memory goes dimmer. Another thing, I
will be participating in a sonar search of Rabaul harbor in October so will cert. keep my
eyes open. If you have the official report of the raid I would love a copy for my
files and it may shed some light on the flight and where to look.
Regards, Rod Pearce (Niugini Diving) This e-mail is direct to my vessel and the other
is the office.
-------------------------------------------------
Do not push the "reply" button to respond to this message if that includes the
text of this original message in your response. Messages are sent over a very
low-speed radio link.
The most concise way to reply is to send a NEW message to: P2V4260@sailmail.com. If you DO use your
reply button, be sure to delete the original message text and these instructions from your
reply.
This email was delivered by an HF private coast station in the Maritime Mobile Radio
Service, operated by the SailMail Association, a non-profit association of yacht owners.
For more information on this service or on the SailMail Association, please see the web
site at: http://www.sailmail.com
From Rod to Winston
Here is the last picture of PFC Willie Cleo Thompson who died February 14, 1944 at Simpson
Harbor Rabaul, New Britain. I appreciate your helps so much, Thank you again, Winston
Wilson
Thank you so much, I have been searching for years and asking various divers without much
success. I am eternally grateful to you and any information I have I will send gladly. The
archives and personnel records in St. Louis have not been very helpful as they seem to
lose records or are unable to found them. I have researched and talked with many people to
try and find Cleo. I have enclosed the last picture of him in this file. I am still trying
to get the report, which seems not to exist but has been written in a book.
Sent by email by Michael Moskow Original Message -----
From: Michael Moskow
To: Wilson, Winston VMTB-233
Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2002 8:57 PM
Subject: Your Uncle
Hello Mr. Wilson,
Well, I had a chance to look at my material pertaining to VMTB-233 in general, and the
mission on which your uncle was shot down, in particular. In answer to the most
important question of all. "Was your Uncle taken captive, and executed/murdered
with the other POWs at "Tunnel Hill"? I can state with a very, very high
degree of confidence. No, he was not. I am certain that he lost his life when his TBF was
shot down. If there is any small solace in it, know that he did not suffer as a POW of the
Japanese. You mentioned that his pilot and fellow crewman were 1 Lt. James W. Boyden
and PFC Arthur J. Patrickus, respectively. Those men were definitely on the mission of
2/14/44, but according to my records, your uncle was not in their TBF, because I show
their third crewman as PFC Bernard C, Pardun. Rather, my records indicate that your uncle
flew in a TBF piloted by 1 Lt. Alonzo N. Hathway, with Cpl. John J. Edwards as gunner and
his Avenger had the squadron number of "111" on its side. However, I don't
know the plane's serial number. I have no information about what specifically happened to
his Avenger, but I feel certain that it was shot down by AA fire, like the others, and
crashed into Simpson Harbor.
Here is information about the mission from Foster's book, "Hell in the Heavens":
Somebody back in Washington, D.C., had a bright idea to sow some mines in Simpson Harbor
at Rabaul with the purpose of impeding Jap shipping by their nuisance value. Consequently,
orders were received at Bouganville. One torpedo bomber squadron was assigned the mission,
but when the time came another was given the hop, because they had had previous experience
in laying mines.
At the briefing they were told, "Make it good, because Washington has its eye on us
tonight."
In the dark hours of February 14, 1944, the torpedo bombers of VMTB 233 and Major Roland
F. Smith's VMTB 232 took off on the operation that was to result in tragedy for 233.
The Commanding Officer of VMTB 233, Major Coln, found the Japs unusually interested in
what was happening that night. For several previous nights the bombers had followed the
prescribed route and altitude to drop their bombs, and the Japs were able to predict
easily enough where the Americans would fly.
The TBMs were to fly up in three groups of eight each. The first group lost one plane. As
they headed back home the C.O. tried to radio the other TBFs to warn them to turn back but
he couldn't make radio contact. The second group lost two planes. Before the third group
arrived at its assigned interval of nearly an hour, the B-24 which had been harassing
Rabaul to distract the attention of the Japs was shot down.
The third group of planes found every searchlight and AA gun in the area pointed their way
when they flew at 800 feet over the water at the slow speed of 160 knots to drop their
parachute-mines, weighing 1,600 pounds a piece. Plane after plane disintegrated in
mid-air and fell in flames. Only three of them got away. One pilot failed to be in the
correct location on his first pass and had the nerve to turn around and go back to do it.
He had the luck to escape.
And the next night the Army wanted them to go up again! One of the majors was ready to
give up his wings and his commission rather than have his boys try it again. There was
such a stink that the high command thought it wise to drop the affair.
My good friend and former classmate of cadet days, Cornelius, never came back from that
mission. A total of six planes and eighteen men were senselessly lost that night.
The military "chain of command" comes in handy in such untidy affairs. The
bright idea originates from on high and is transmitted through the generals and the
colonels to the majors who give the orders to the men who do the dying. It is all very
impersonal, so that if a mistake has been made, few are the people who know where to place
the heavy finger of responsibility - and the finger is rarely pointed.
To the best of my knowledge, a total of four men survived the loss of the six TBF's that
evening. (4 men of 18) Of the four, none survived captivity. One seems to have
been murdered at Tunnel Hill, two died of starvation / disease / medical neglect, and I
think that a fourth was murdered by the Japanese Navy some time in April. But again,
your uncle's name never, ever came up in any of the documents I've seen about the Rabaul
POWs, so I am certain he was spared those fates.
Well, maybe I will contact you further, and ask you some questions about your uncle.!
By the way, where did you find my name? Thank you again and I will look forward to
anything you find. Winston D. Wilson 140 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill Estates,
Bardstown, Kentucky 40004, 502 350-3842, winston.d.wilson@worldnet.att.net.
Thank you so much, I have been searching for years and asking various divers without much
success. I am eternally grateful to you and any information I have I will send gladly. The
archives and personnel records in St. Louis have not been very helpful as they seem to
lose records or are unable to found them. I have researched and talked with many people to
try and find Cleo. I have enclosed the last picture of him in this file. I am still trying
to get the report, which seems not to exist but has been written in a book.
Sent by email by Michael
Moskow Original Message
From: Michael Moskow
To: Wilson, Winston VMTB-233
Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2002 8:57 PM
Subject: Your Uncle
Hello Mr. Wilson,
Well, I had a chance to look at my material pertaining to VMTB-233 in general, and the
mission on which your uncle was shot down, in particular. In answer to the most
important question of all. "Was your uncle taken captive, and executed/murdered with
the other POWs at "Tunnel Hill"? I can state with a very, very high degree of
confidence. No, he was not. I am certain that he lost his life when his TBF was shot down.
If there is any small solace in it, know that he did not suffer as a POW of the Japanese.
You mentioned that his pilot and fellow crewman were 1 Lt. James W. Boyden and PFC Arthur
J. Patrickus, respectively. Those men were definitely on the mission of 2/14/44, but
according to my records, your uncle was not in their TBF, because I show their third
crewman as PFC Bernard C, Pardun. Rather, my records indicate that your uncle flew in a
TBF piloted by 1 Lt. Alonzo N. Hathway, with Cpl. John J. Edwards as gunner and his
Avenger had the squadron number of "111" on its side. However, I don't
know the plane's serial number. I have no information about what specifically happened to
his Avenger, but I feel certain that it was shot down by AA fire, like the others, and
crashed into Simpson Harbor.
Here is information about the mission from Foster's book, "Hell in the Heavens":
Somebody back in Washington, D.C., had a bright idea to sow some mines in Simpson Harbor
at Rabaul with the purpose of impeding Jap shipping by their nuisance value. Consequently,
orders were received at Bouganville. One torpedo bomber squadron was assigned the mission,
but when the time came another was given the hop, because they had had previous experience
in laying mines.
At the briefing they were told, "Make it good, because Washington has its eye on us
tonight."
In the dark hours of February 14, 1944, the torpedo bombers of VMTB 233 and Major Roland
F. Smith's VMTB 232 took off on the operation that was to result in tragedy for 233.
The Commanding Officer of VMTB 233, Major Coln, found the Japs unusually interested in
what was happening that night. For several previous nights the bombers had followed the
prescribed route and altitude to drop their bombs, and the Japs were able to predict
easily enough where the Americans would fly.
The TBMs were to fly up in three groups of eight each. The first group lost one plane. As
they headed back home the C.O. tried to radio the other TBFs to warn them to turn back but
he couldn't make radio contact. The second group lost two planes. Before the third group
arrived at its assigned interval of nearly an hour, the B-24 which had been harassing
Rabaul to distract the attention of the Japs was shot down.
The third group of planes found every searchlight and AA gun in the area pointed their way
when they flew at 800 feet over the water at the slow speed of 160 knots to drop their
parachute-mines, weighing 1,600 pounds apiece. Plane after plane disintegrated in mid-air
and fell in flames. Only three of them got away. One pilot failed to be in the correct
location on his first pass and had the nerve to turn around and go back to do it. He had
the luck to escape.
And the next night the Army wanted them to go up again! One of the majors was ready to
give up his wings and his commission rather than have his boys try it again. There was
such a stink that the high command thought it wise to drop the affair.
My good friend and former classmate of cadet days, Cornelius, never came back from that
mission. A total of six planes and eighteen men were senselessly lost that night.
The military "chain of command" comes in handy in such untidy affairs. The
bright idea originates from on high and is transmitted through the generals and the
colonels to the majors who give the orders to the men who do the dying. It is all very
impersonal, so that if a mistake has been made, few are the people who know where to place
the heavy finger of responsibility -
and the finger is rarely pointed.
To the best of my knowledge, a total of four men survived the loss of the six TBF's that
evening. (4 men of 18) Of the four, none survived captivity. One seems to have
been murdered at Tunnel Hill, two died of starvation / disease / medical neglect, and I
think that a fourth was murdered by the Japanese Navy some time in April. But again,
your uncle's name never, ever came up in any of the documents I've seen about the Rabaul
POWs, so I am certain he was spared those fates.
Well, maybe I will contact you further, and ask you some questions about your
uncle.!
By the way, where did you find my name?
Thank you again and I will look forward to anything you find. Winston D. Wilson 140
SpringHill Drive, SpringHill Estates,
Bardstown, Kentucky 40004, 502 350-3842 winston.d.wilson@worldnet.att.net
----- Original Message -----
From: <P2V4260@sailmail.com>
To: <winston.d.wilson@worldnet.att.net>
Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2002 2:06 AM
Subject: Uncles Plane.
Dear Winston,
Thanks so much for your e-mail. I often wondered how long it would be before someone asked
me about that flight. The answer is yes, I have found a plane of that description in about
30 feet of water if my memory serves me correctly some 15-18 years ago. I remember taking
the torpedo sight from the plane and still have it. I will find out more and let you know
shortly. As it so happens this is your lucky day. I have today along with your e-mail
received one from a mate who was with me on the day we found that plane and I will ask him
to fill me in on details, as after 15 years the memory grows dimmer. Another thing,
I will be participating in a sonar search of Rabaul harbor in October so will cert. keep
my eyes open. If you have the official report of the raid I would love a copy for my
files and it may shed some light on the flight. and where to look. Regards Rod
Pearce (Niugini Diving) This e-mail is direct to my vessel and the other is the
office.
----- Original Message -----
From: <P2V4260@sailmail.com>
To: <winston.d.wilson@worldnet.att.net>
Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2002 2:06 AM
Subject: Uncles Plane.
Dear Winston,
Thanks so much for your e-mail. I often wondered how long it would be before someone ask
ed me about that flt. The answer is yes, I have found a plane of that description in about
30 feet of water if my memory serves me correctly some 15-18 years ago. I remember taking
the torpedo sight from the plane and still have it. I will find out more and let you know
shortly. As it so happens this is your lucky day. I have today along with your e-mail
received one from a mate who was with me on the day we found that plane and I will ask him
to fill me in on details, as after 15 years the memory grows dimmer.
Another thing, I will be participating in a sonar search of Rabaul harbor in October so
will cert. keep my eyes open. If you have the official report of the raid I would
love a copy for my files and it may shead some light on the flt. and where to look.
Regards Rod Pearce (Niugini Diving)
This e-mail is direct to my vessel. the other is the office.
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----- Original Message -----
From: Shermie Wiehe
To: WINSTON WILSON
Cc: Hice, Herbert H.
Sent: Sunday, July 28, 2002 6:16 AM
Subject: Re: Message from Kwaj Community Web Site
Dear Winston,
Thanks for your information and I posted it on two links of the Kwaj Community Web
Site. I worked at Kwaj from 72-97 and many look at my site each week.
I posted your letter below on the site and I'm sure you'll hear from someone in interest
of your needs. I added the links, KwajNews & Vet Album, http://www.wiehes.com//kwajnews.html,
http://www.wiehes.com/vetalbum.html
Hope this is helpful in your research. I receive about a 1000 hits a month from Kwaj
information seekers on my site.
Have a nice day, Shermie Wiehe, http://www.wiehes.com (Shermie's Place)
----- Original Message -----
From: WINSTON WILSON
To: Kwajalein@att.net
Sent: Sunday, July 28, 2002 8:26 AM
Subject: Message from Kwaj Community Web Site
My uncle PFC Willie Cleo Thompson age 19 at the time was a member of a crew that went
down in the Marshall Islands on February 14, 1944. He belonged to the Marine Torpedo
Bombing Group233, Marine Aircraft Group11, Marine Aircraft South Pacific. The crew also
had a PVT Arthur Patrickus and was piloted by 1st Lieutenant James W Boyden. their plane
had failed to return after a succesful mission of mine laying in enemy harbors in the
Marshall Islands. When we find my uncle it will give the family much peace. Thank
you, Winston D. Wilson 140 Springhill Drive Bardstown Kentucky 40004, 502 350-3842, winston.d.wilson@worldnet.att.net |
VET News / Correspondence Letter
From: Jeanne Box/Gerald Wuetcher
To: herbiger@gmail.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2002 12:24 AM
Subject: Kwajalein
Dear Mr. Hice,
I got your e-address from a Kwajalein Web Site. My dad, Lark Box, was with
VMF 111 - MAG 31, and, like you, was on Roi on Feb. 12, 1944. Dad died 3 years ago
and, unfortunately, we were never quite able to find the right questions or time to get
him to talk seriously about his time overseas.
I recently received a copy of his records from the National Records Center -- but they are
pretty sparse. I have been trying to piece together my dad's movements with MAG 31 and I'd
appreciate any help you could give. He joined VMF 111 in Dec. 1943, and received a battle
star for the Gilberts operations -- but I'm not sure where he was in Dec. of 43. He was on
Roi on Feb. 12, but I'm not sure when he got there. He also received Battle Stars for the
Marshalls and Marianas operations.
Dad told us lots of stories about his time in the Marines --but they were always G-rated
and always had a funny ending. His best buddy -- Bonnie Daily - was also a Marine and they
were together through most of their time overseas. They could get together and spin some
tales -- but they were usually a little short on details. I'd like to be able to piece
together an idea of when and where VMF-111 went (to pass along to Dad's namesake grandson)
and I'd appreciate any help you could give.
Thanks, Jeanne Box
107 Old Hickory Lane
Versailles, Kentucky 40383
Dear Jeanne Box, Thank you for your inquire about VMF
111 Mag 31. I am in contact on a regular basis with LeRoy Rice and he was in VMF111 MAG31
on Roi-Namur, Feb. 1944. He may well know Lark Box and I will give him your E-Mail
address. I will also contact LeRoy Rice and ask him to get in touch with you. His E-Mail
address is jazzyrice@aol.com I will also send a copy of this message on to the young Man
who owns the Kwajalein Web Site, His name is Shermie Wiehe, And he may also be of help to
you. His web site address is http://www.wiehes.com/vetalbum.html.
I urge you to click on to this Web Site because VMF111 Devil Dogs are on there. Shermie
also has another web site link and that one is http://www.wiehes.com/kwajvet.html
Click on to this one also. Keep in touch and lets see if we can help you?
Semper Fi Herb Hice |
To Shermie From Anthony Molica Jr., PO Box 360 Hudson, NH 03051, (603)
598-1960, ajmolica@yahoo.com, Kwaj 69-71 and
74-76.
I have fond memories of Kwaj mostly as a 10 yr old (74-76). I enjoyed playing
baseball, having birthday parties at Emon beach, going to Ponape (now Pohnpei), walking to
Ebeye when the tide was low (the boy scouts), watching movies free at Ivy Theatre, eating
Coconuts, breadfruit and fried bananas. I enjoyed wearing shorts and sandals to school (I
walked there). I also played the piano and took lessons for a while on Kwaj.
My Dad managed to buy and ship a Red Wurlitzer electric piano.
As a young boy, I was inspired by my Dad telling me about Shermie and his band on Kwaj,
and remember meeting Shermie in 1975. I ended up majoring in Music at University
Mass in 1983 and eventually played in night-club and wedding bands in my 20s
(85-95). Now I own a recording facility in Southern NH and put on local concerts
occasionally with local musician friends, mostly gospel Christian contemporary
music. I work for an organization called Thrivent Financial for Lutherans as an
Investment and Insurance Representative for the greater Boston area and have a wife and 3
sons.
Well, when our family visited Ponape in 75, I was selected by the locals among many the
young visitors to be part of the local ceremonies by the natives. As a result I was
invited to try a brewed root drink which apparently made me feel quite good, my parents
said I must've gotten a good buzz off the stuff and slept like a baby that night. |
| To Shermie I ran across your website this morning and enjoyed it very much. I
was quite surprised to find a picture of me in Photo Album 2. In the picture titled "MSR Support team,
Meck Island, December 1975". I am the second person from the left in the bottom
row. I recognize most all the people in the photo, but do not remember all their
names. I was the Lead Engineer of the Digital Group for Raytheon. I left in December
of 1975 when the contract was over. I started to work at Meck Island for Raytheon in
July 1969. I left in January 1973 to help setup the first MSR in North Dakota. I
came back to Kwajalein in December 1974 and stayed until December 1975. I now live
in Melbourne Florida where I retired from the Kennedy Space Center three years ago. There
is a picture of me in in the picture titled "MSR Support team, Meck Island,
December 1975". I am the second person from the left in the bottom row. I
recognize most all the people in the photo, but do not remember all their names. I
was the Lead Engineer of the Digital Group for Raytheon. I left in December of 1975 when
the contract was over. I started to work at Meck Island for Raytheon in July
1969. I left in January 1973 to help setup the first MSR in North Dakota. I
came back to Kwajalein in December 1974 and stayed until December 1975. I now live
in Melbourne Florida where I retired from the Kennedy Space Center three years ago.
Clyde W. Rowe clyde.rowe@earthlink.net |
| To Shermie I was just lurking around found a Kwaj site (Planet-Ed) and found your
note. What a surprise. Let me now if your have heard from anyone on Semi-Tough
(Team), Frank Wallace, Mike Ainey, or Jeremy Toby. Love to hear something about
Tammy Bartholomew. Take Care, Roger Emerson, emersonr@charter.net, Kwajalein (73-76) |
| To Shermie from Marie Harrell. Your web page came in handy. The Edingers
were in town and Pat and Nancy used it to find my email and they, daughter Kirstin, Vicki
Acuff and I had a wonderful dinner together. It was great to reminisce about all the Kwaj
folks. They are doing very well. He works in the computer department of a bank and Nancy
is teaching music. Kirstin starts college in Florida this year. Thanks for helping
us all keep in touch. |
| To Shermie from Dennis DeSloover. I found your site during a www.google.com search of Roi-Rat I'm living in Bucyrus, KS. During my tour at Kwajalein, I lived in Reef
BQ, R101 from 1973-1978. You were my neighbor for awhile. I knew all of the members of
your band. Email: ddesloover@earthlink.net |
|
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