 Deaths Reported in 2004
Frank C. Adams, GMG2: Aboard 1963-64 on January 11, 1991
Floyd R. Austin, SN: Aboard 1946-47 on July 7, 2004.
Harry L. Bearden, S2: Aboard 1942 on September 29, 1963
Myrl C. Bell, EM2: Aboard 1965-67 on July 31, 1976
Tasiano Bell, CST: Aboard 1946 on July 23, 1989
John L. Bethel, StM1: Aboard 1943-44 on January 4, 1982
David M. Bickford, RTIC: Aboard 1944 on January 8, 2004.
Donald R. Boulds, PhM2: Aboard 1945-46 Feb 2, 2001.
Argus D. Byrd, CRM: Aboard 1942-43 on January 28, 1990
Lester W. "Bill" Chockla, S1c: Aboard 1945 on June 28, 1992
Robert J. Copley, CMM: Aboard 1942-45 on September 14, 1981
Raymond L. Curling, DCCS: Aboard 1970 on August 24, 1990
Samuel F. Gray, MM2: Aboard 1942 on January 14, 1977
Donald L. Lemons, SA: Aboard 1951-52 on June 18, 1988
Eddie L. Loyns, Jr., RM2: Aboard 1948 on October 23, 2002.
Charles W. Mogensen, S2c: Aboard 1945-46 in 1964.
Donald R. "Mac" McAllister, BT2: Aboard 1951-54 on March 5, 2004
Harold W. McCormick, Cox: Aboard 1942 on January 29, 1985
Wallace T. Mosley, SF1: Aboard 1944-46 on December 17, 2003
Zigmond W. Pohopin, S1c: Aboard 1943 on January 27, 1985.
Oscar J. Raasch, CMM: Aboard 1942 in March 1977
Dan (n) Sample, CBM: Aboard 1942 on March 18, 1982
John H. Sugalski, Cox3: Aboard 1945-47 on December 3, 2004.
Allen R. Thompson, SA: Aboard 1950 on November 13, 1999
Robert E. White, GM1: Aboard 1942 on February 8, 2001
Charles E. Wilber, CWO3: Aboard 1942 on February 8, 1990
George A. Wormwood, Jr., BMC: Aboard 1942-45 on February 27, 2004
Two More 2004 Reunion Photos Added; One Is a Classic
Dec 15 - Dale Pastore submitted two more reunion photos. All fans of Sunshine the bartender will enjoy the one of her.
Denny Solberg (Aboard 1966-70) Home After Gallbladder Surgery
Dec 8 - He is recovering nicely after being hospitalized one week. He also had some other complications and advises it should take a month to recover. Mr. Gallbladder did not go home with him.
2004 Reunion Group Photos Mailed
Nov 27 - A few were accidentally mailed without postage. Your Association owes you 83-cents. Thanks to Jim and Linda Shurmack for providing the photos
Many Kennebec Photos Are on Google
Nov 23 - Many of the photos shipmates have submitted can be easily viewed by using the Google search engine at www.google.com. Search on "uss kennebec". On the top line, click on Images. This works for any subject.
2005 Kennebec Calendars
Nov 1 - All calendars were mailed in October to those whose dues are paid through October 2004.
2005 Calendars Were Mailed In October
Oct 31 - Members whose dues are current and who did not attend the reunion had their calendars mailed
to them in October. Your membership expiration is the last day of the month shown on the bottom of the Association page.
Judy Higbee Dies of Breast Cancer
Oct 25 - Life Member Ed Higbee advised that his wife, Judy, passed away July 18, 2004 from breast cancer.
He reminds all spouses to get early check-ups.
Officers for 2004 To Remain in Office; Two Board Members Added
Oct 22 - All Association officers and board members were nominated and elected to serve again during 2005. John Hollowood and Jim Shurmack were added as new board members. Jim is now the Association videographer/photographer. Sadie Hawkins previous performed those functions. Thanks, dear, for a job very well done!
2005 Reunion City to be Voted During February 2005
Oct 22 - Members at the 2004 reunion membership meeting selected Branson, MO; Las Vegas, NV; Seattle, WA and Washington D.C. area as the four finalist cities. All Association members whose dues are paid through February 2005 will be eligible to vote for one or more cities in which they would probably (75%) attend. Voting will be held from February 1-28, 2005.
eBay Link To Kennebec Items For Sale Added
Oct 21 - Do you collect Kennebec memorabillia? There is now a link to eBay, the auction site, for any USS Kennebec items. The link is on the Association page and is strictly for the enjoyment of shipmates and not endorsed by this Website. We frequently bid on eBay. And sometimes win.
Reunion Begins In New Orleans
Oct 7 - Dick and Sadie Hawkins were pleased to welcome Don and Ellen Cleary in the afternoon and evening of October 6 enroute to the reunion. They left in the middle of the night to catch their flight. It was a short, but very enjoyable, visit. If all of you have as much fun at the reunion as the four of us had it will have been a great success.
The Reunion Hour Approaches
Oct 5 - It appears our final count will be 96 reunion attendees.
Jimmie Brookey Recovering From Vertebrae Surgery
SEP 29 - Jimmie called me today and said he is recovering nicely from vertebrae surgery. The 4-hour operation was performed in Oklahoma City and Jimmie expects a full recovery. The second vertebrae was the worst.
Ron Waner Recovering From Back Surgery
SEP 25 - Ron advised he he had back surgery August 23 and is recovering nicely. He is not back to work but he and Carol are looking forward to attending the reunion. He said his surgeon looked like he was about 15 years old but was actually 32. Don't worry, Ron, none of the rest of can can tell how young people are anymore!
2005 Calendars Go To Printer
AUG 31 - The Association 2005 calendars will be passed out to attendees at the New Orleans reunion and mailed to non-attendees whose dues are paid through October after the reunion. Last year, there were 17 shipmates pictured. Will you be on the calendar this year!
Nothing of importance happened.
Nothing of importance happened.
141 Probable 2004 Reunion Attendees
MAY 27 - 80 shipmates, 56 spouses and 5 guests are already on the list of probable reunion attendees in New Orleans from October 7-9. If you voted for other cities, please let me know if you are interested in New Orleans. Remember, the main purpose of reunions is to reunite with shipmates before we are all too old or sick to travel. See Members Only to view list.
Joe Hearn Doing Well After Surgery
MAY 19 - Joe's wife, Marie, reports he had surgery on May 4th but is coming along nicely. Joe served aboard 1943 and early 1944 in the gunnery division.
Shipmate Bob Eklund Survives Terrible Auto Accident
MAY 18 - I spoke with Bob today. He was involved in a one-car accident in Florida about two weeks ago and
helicoptored to Daytona for medical attention. The Ford Focus he was driving was a total wreck. He is already home
from the hospital and would enjoy hearing from shipmates. He is in great spirits, optimistic about his future and just glad to be alive. He suffered a broken neck but had surgery to keep from being paralyzed. He also has fractured ribs. He is another man who was aboard during the 1961 recommissioning who has survived a miracle car accident. He said he will send some photos of the wreck.
2004 Reunion Hotel Reservations Now Being Taken
MAY 18 - The Four Points Sheraton in Metairie has given us the 800 toll-free number to code to call to make
reunion hotel reservations. See Members Only.
Do You Have an AO-36 License Plate?
MAY 1 - The first person to submit a photo of a Kennebec license plate will be featured on a Web page. Link to
my USS Taluga (AO-62) home page for an example. USS Taluga (AO-62)
Pete Muzyka Art Exhibition April 3 - May 15 in Monticello, GA
MAY 1 - Pete (MM3 aboard 1965-67) is having an art exhibit in Monticello, GA from April 3 through May 15. He donated prints of his work for the 2001 reunion. He would love to see you there! 
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Tom Skindzier Returns Home From Hospital
APR 13 - Tom's daughter, Leanne, advised "Just wanted to thank all the crew of the Kennebec! As my dad always said...they are a special bunch! Your prayers worked! My dad was released after 10 days in the hospital. One of his arteries were 80% blocked but they were able to put a stent in it. Everything was going ok and he was suppose to be released when that night his heart had an irregular heart beat. They said he could have died but luckily the heart started back up. He needed a pace maker that had to be put in him the next day. He was able to come home on Saturday before Easter. He has congestive heart failure and his is very weak but getting stronger each day.
We celebrated his 74th Birthday at the hospital so on Easter we were so happy to have my dad home!
I brought all the cards and letters to the hospital and it really helped to put a smile on his face!
Thank you all so very much!"
Don Zinkle Recovering From Prostate Surgery
APR 8 - He emailed "Am recuperating now and should be as
good as new in about 4 more weeks."
John Shepherd Home From Bypass Surgery
APR 4 - John's email stated, "I went in Tuesday (March 30) and had a four-way done and they said I
could leave Thursday, my wife said. I guess I told them no, was too soon so they
let me out Friday at 3:30. Got to go; tired."
Tom Skindzier Hospitalized With Heart Attack
APR 1 - Tom's daughter, Leanne, advised "he suffered another heart attack last night. He is in stable condition right now. He really enjoys getting all the e-mails from his friends and was so happy that you found him and he was reunited with his buddies.
My dad always said that the Kennebec crew were the best bunch of guys he ever knew. Could you ask everyone to remember my dad in their prayers."
Pete Muzyka Art Exhibition April 3 - May 15 in Monticello, GA
APR 1 - Pete (MM3 aboard 1965-67) is having an art exhibit in Monticello, GA from April 3 through May 15. He donated prints of his work for the 2001 reunion. He would love to see you there!
Nancy Bostic Hospitalized With Heart Bypass Surgery
MAR 31 - This email was received from Michelle, granddaughter of Lee and Nancy Bostic, "Nancy has been in the hospital for close to a month now. It has been a bumpy road but is slowly getting better. So, if you could say your prayers for a speedy recovery Grandpa and I would really appreciate it."
John Shepherd's Heart Bypass Surgery Goes Well
MAR 31 - Walt Norkus emailed, "I heard from his wife, Nancy, yesterday and the operation went well."
October 7-9 Reunion Hotel Announcement
MAR 30 - A contract was signed today with Four Points Sheraton in Metairie for the 2004 reunion.
Details are in Members Only.
John Shepherd, DC3: Aboard 1965-68 to Have Quadruple Bypass Surgery
MAR 28 - He wrote "I was in the V A hospital in San Francisco in 1977. It was out on the
point overlooking the entrance of the Golden Gate. I was in for heart trouble
and had a heart cath there. I was in there for nine days. The care was good at
that time. I had a heart cath again about two weeks ago and am going in for a
4 way bypass this coming Tuesday. Will be looking forward to seeing everyone
in Oct down on the Gulf of Mexico."
DVD's Soon Available of Kennebec and Reunions
MAR 28 - Shipmate's 8mm film & VHS tapes have all been converted to DVD. They and the 2002 and 2003 reunion banquet/entertainment sessions will be offered to Members Only. The ten DVD's will be reduced to as few as possible and offered to shipmates in May. Seven 30-second to 2 minute clips are available in Members Only and more will be added. It looks great on cable modem but I have no reports yet on dialup connections. This rookie video editor is still learning and working things out!
New Shipment of Life Member Pins Arrive
MAR 27 - New life members who didn't receive their pins yet should have them shortly. We had to use a different manufacturer and these pins are slightly different but nice. Still made in China!
Paul Bagley To Have Major Foot Surgery April 15
MAR 26 - "Bags" was BM3 during 1963-66. He will be in the San Francisco V.A. Hospital for a major operation on his left foot. He hopes to be well enough to attend the upcoming reunion this fall.
2004 Reunion Hotel Selection Near
MAR 26 - The New Orleans Convention Bureau submitted our reunion requirements to hotels in the airport, Kenner and Metairie area. These areas will be favored along with another closer to downtown New Orleans which was recommended by a shipmate. We expect to have a free shuttle from and to the airport. As of today I've heard from seven hotels and most room rates are less than the San Francisco airport area. It is expected a contract will be signed by the end of March.
Octogenarain and Nonagenerian Life Membership Requirement Changes
MAR 18 - The Board of Directors voted to reduce the age requirement by 5 years for these two groups. A shipmate who has reached the age of 75 (was 80) and paid $15.00 or more in membership dues is excused from paying future dues. A shipmate who has reached the age of 85 (was 90) and applied for membership will be excused from paying dues.
61 Daily Comic Strips Available On Association Page
FEB 11 - Beetle Bailey and 60 other daily comic strips are now available as a link on the Association page. 30 days worth of strips are available meaning you can read more than 1,800 comics.
Nonagenerians To Be Awarded Free Memberships
FEB 2 - The Board of Directors unanimously passed the following motion, "A shipmate who has reached the age of 90 is excused from paying dues."
2004 Reunion City Is New Orleans
JAN 31 - New Orleans edged Branson, 52-48, as 100 Association members voted during the month of January. Two ballots were disqualified because membership dues were not current. Colorado Springs received 21 votes and Rapid City 19 to round out the voting.
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