2006 News

The officers and directors of The USS Kennebec AO 36 Association would like to wish all of you A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope to see many of you at the next reunion to be held October 11,12, and 13, 2007, in Washington, DC. We tentatively have a pretty good hotel and price lined up we just have to work out a few details. We would like to occupy 75 to 80 rooms. Please notify Jim Shurmack if you are planning on attending. It is very critical to get as many rooms confirmed now.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Gary D. Schlagel, Pres. USS Kennebec AO 36 Association

Reunion Month, OCT 26-29, at Red Lion Hanalei Hotel, San Diego, CA. Members can check the Membership Board Announcement area to find out more details. If you have questions .

As reported by Earl W. Rupp: It is with deep sorrow that I inform you of the passing of David Satterfield, LTJG. He was the Kennebec's Damage Control Assistant (DCA) in 1966-67 and my oldest friend in California. We met 40 years ago in Sep 1966 when I went aboard Kennebec as the Communications Officer. Dave was diagnosed with pancreatic Cancer on Sep 1 and died 10/1/06. He leaves behind a wife and adult daughter. Funeral Service Thursday, October 5, 2006 at 11:00 am St. Agnes Church, 3966 Chestnut Avenue, Concord, CA 94519. Contributions in David’s memory may be made to St. Agnes Church or the Cancer Foundation. Home address is: David Satterfield Family, 965 Maplegate Court, Concord CA 94521 .

As of Sept. 25th we have 51 Shipmates signed up for the 2006 Reunion to be held OCT 26-29, at Red Lion Hanalei Hotel, San Diego, CA. This is not counting the friends and spouses coming along with also. Members can check the Membership Board Announcement area to find out who's coming. If you want to come too, for more details.

Reunion T-shirts available: They will be light blue with dark blue lettering and art work. Our AO Rider is going to get a hashmark this year as he is now over "5". He should have had a hash mark last year. He has been a bare sleeve way too long. Since his right arm is the visible arm he has to be a right arm rate (World War II Era). The first one that comes to mind is Boatswain's Mate. This year he will become a BM3. If there are any other right arm rates that any of you "Old Salts" know of we can rotate rates every year. The price will be between $20.00-$25.00. I need for everyone that wants a shirt to let me know by Oct 6th or so. Let me know the size and how many. Pay me at the reunion. to place an order.

Approximately 60+ people are signed up for the 2006 Reunion. Members can check the Membership Board Announcement area to find out who's coming. If you want to come too, for more details.

Ben J. Shurmack, 89, of Fort Collins, CO and formerly of Grand Rapids, MI passed away at home on August 22, 2006 after a short battle with lung cancer. Ben is the father of the USS Kennebec Assoc. Secretary, Jim Shurmack. Our sincere sympathys to Jim and his family.

Todd Eugene Schlagel age 33, passed away in his home on August 8, 2006. Funeral was Saturday August 12th at 1030 hrs, Trinity Lutheran Church in Valley City, North Dakota. Memory service was Friday evening August 11th 1930 hrs to 2030 hrs. Todd is the youngest son of Gary Schlagel, President of the USS Kennebec Assoc. and his wife Leanne. Our sincere condolences to Gary and his family during this very difficult time.

Word from Bret Gruben (daughter) informed us that Roger S. "Rog" Gruben, EM3 (aboard Kennebec), EMCM, passed away on Sunday, June 6, 2006 suddenly and unexpectedly. Aboard Kennebec 1965-67. Our sincere sympathy to friends and family of Rog.

Word from Penny Rolfe (wife) informed us that Weldon A. "Art" Rolfe, Jr., FTGCM, passed away on May 27, 2006. Aboard Kennebec Oct 1962 - Mar 1968. Our sincere sympathy to friends and family of Art.

Lets not forget the brave men and women, both who served and currently in service. Remember them in thoughts and prayers.

Please pass this along.... to the rest of the guys from the USS Kennebec (AO-36).....
Memorial Day 2006 and the 6 month anniversary of the passing of Dick Hawkins:

First, gentlemen, I'd like to thank you all for being in the Navy and doing your part in protecting the freedom for the United States of America. I cannot imagine the hardships you went through while doing your duty. Bless you all for having a little fun on liberty when you could grab it. We all know that tomorrow could bring unknown changes and living each day as if it could be your last is imperative.

I'm sorry that so many of the citizens of our great country don't understand that it is because of you that they have the right to voice adverse opinions and often act the idiots that they do. Without you, they wouldn't have the lifestyle that they know today. As a friend of mine often says, "There is no law against stupidity in America." Then again, we are all probably blessed that is true for our own slip ups in the way we live our lives.

I'd like to truly thank you for is supporting Dick in his efforts to serve you as the creator of the Kennebec Association. It gave him a focus that also became a benefit to mankind through you fellows. Very few days went by once the Association was formed that he didn't do something related to you, even if it was to just check e-mail.

And lastly, I'd like to thank you all for supporting me during Dick's hospitalization and the memorializing his life. Your financial contribution really helped me stay afloat until the insurance situations had been settled. I was so truly touched by your generosity that I couldn't find a way to express it until now. You guys mean the world to me. I'll never forget how wonderful you have all been. I may find my way to the reunion in San Diego if things work out. It'd be so terrific to see you all again.

Have a blessed and safe holiday and thank you again for serving our wonderful country.

Sadie Hawkins, ABR, CRS, GRI