My wife, Cathy, and I are volunteers aboard my old battleship, USS Missouri (BB-63). I am one of the Volunteer Supervisors. During 2008, I had the privilege of working with "Wounded Warriors" (Marines) back from Afghanistan/Iraq. A group of those warriors volunteered to come aboard and help in the repair and preservation of the ship.
I am frequently called upon to speak to groups visiting the Mighty Mo. I spoke to 57 newly appointed CPO's at the third CPO Legacy Academy held aboard the ship (2008). On 30 Aug 2011, I was guest speaker for the CPO Legacy Academy Class of 43 new CPO's. Command Master Chief of the Naval Surface Group, Middle Pacific, Patricia M. Roebuck and 7 Senior Chiefs from local commands were also in attendance. I was asked to speak during the CPO Legacy Classes of 2010, 2011, two classes in 2012, and will be speaking with the two classes of 2013.
I was asked to be the Keynote Speaker at the Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony held aboard the battleship USS Missouri on 11/11/11. More than 250 people attended; including a dozen or so active duty Flag & General Officers. I heard one of the best renditions of our National Anthem, sung by a TSgt Laura Murdzia, USAF. I was completely surprised when, at the conclusion of the Flag ceremony performed by the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Old Glory Detail, the ceremonial Flag was presented to me. It was, to say the least, an awesome experience! Please see "Family New" section for some photos.
As a result of an article I submitted to AMVETS Magazine, the Commander of Post #1 in Honolulu, Hawaii contacted me. After a rather lengthy discussion, I was offered the position of Post Legislative Director and Editor of the Post's Newsletter. I agreed, with one proviso; I would be a volunteer.
Other Comments:
In 1970, I was personally selected by RADM Dean L. Axene to be his Writer and Administrative Assistant. I was later officially assigned the duties as his Enlisted Flag Officer Personal Aide. I was, at that time, the first and only Enlisted Flag Officer Personal Aide in the U.S. Navy and I was issued shoulder Aiguillettes signifying that I was a Personal Aide to a Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy.
I also served aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in the Operations Office (1957/59), a couple shore duty assignments, 10 years with NATO Commands (including NATO HQ Paris, France and Brussels, Belgium) and a tour of duty as a Naval Advisor in Vietnam (1966/67) with MACV/SOG.
I am a member of The Battleship Missouri Association and am a Plank Owner/Crewmember of the "Friends of the Mighty Mo." I am also a member of the USS Missouri Association Legacy Society. I am a member of the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) Association .
Universal Studios invited Cathy and I to the premier showing of this truly awesome film at the Ward Theater in Honolulu last evening. For those who enjoy sci-fil thrillers, this was "top of the line" stuff! I hope that the sometimes fickle Oscar folks award proper recognition to this thorougly entertaining movie. Director Peter Berg's Directorship of the move was nothing less than magnificent.
To my surprise, two of the scenes in which I was an "extra" actually made it to the screen. It gave me a peculiar feeling to see myself in a movie. It has been an experience that I shall never forget. By using the pause putton on my DVD player, I was able to take a photo of one of the scenes and have added it to this page.
Univesal Studios has tapped me to be a part of additional filming (aboard the ship) on 4/28 and 4/29/2012. I believe they are filming a "Special Features" clip which usually is included with the DVD purchase. I will be in a segment where Director Berg and I chat about my being a former crewmember of the ship during her first combat deployment to Korea in 1950. Should be quite a hoot.
The Special Features was printed onle on the Blue Ray DVD. I want to pass this event on to my great grandchildren, so we purchased a BR player and was able to take a photo of the scene in which I appeared. The photo included below shows me as the 2nd man from the right-hand side of the photo. I did not mind at all wearing dungarees rather than my khaki uniform. It was great fun!
