USS BELL
ASSOCIATION (DD587)
JANUARY, 2009
IN THIS ISSUE:
USS BELL “MORNING PRESS” ARTICLE
THE U.S.S. BELL COOKBOOK HAS ARRIVED
AND IS READY FOR SALE!
Anyone
wishing to purchase a BELL cookbook may now do so. You may request them by emailing me at
akpoole@comcast.net; by sending mail to me at 3978 Ashleywoods Court,
Tucker, GA 30084; or by calling 1-800-842-BELL (2355)
Access Code is 00 (zero zero).
The cookbook
contains over 350 favorite recipes donated by BELL members, family members,
friends of the BELL and other interested parties. The price per book is $15.00 plus $2.50
postage.
Here’s wishing one and all a very healthy and happy New Year.
Well, here we go into another year and as we continue to salute all the veterans
that have served not only on the U.S.S. BELL, but have and are serving in all
parts of the world today, we pray for their safe return.
We are eternally grateful for all who have served our country.
The reunion in San Francisco was truly an enjoyable time. It is so rewarding being with all those
who attend and we also miss those who could not be with us. We had a nice tour of the city of San
Francisco and even with it being Fleet Week and a very large crowd; we were able
to have an enjoyable time. Our bus
drivers were very good at getting us around the city. We had reserved seats on the waterfront
to observe the fly over by the Navy Blue Angels and the Canadian Snow Birds. There were also acrobatic maneuvers by an
Oracle pilot and it was amazing what he put that plane through. We were kept
busy trying to keep up with those amazing jets and the pilots flying skills.
Shipmates attending included Jimmy Faith, Al Lewis, Mario
Capitanio, Tom Gutierrez, Maurice Moe,
Mark your calendars.
September, 2009, we will meet in
Naperville, Illinois, for our annual reunion.
Check-in date is Thursday, September 24th and check-out is
Monday, September 27th.
Those of you that attended the reunion and picked up the information on the 2009
reunion, please note that the arrival date and departure dates were incorrect.
Accommodations have been reserved at the Holiday Inn Select Naperville. Room rates are $89.00 plus tax per night
for either a King/Queen room or a Two Double Bed room. King Suites are available for $109.00 per
night plus tax. Reservations must be
made by August 25, 2009. To make
your reservation, please call 630-445-6314 and request “USS
Bell Reunion Room Block”.
Naperville is a very nice suburb of Chicago. It
is the oldest city in DuPage County, but is one of the most vibrant and dynamic
communities in the country. The city
keeps its rich history alive by preserving its chronicled past, yet remains on
the cutting edge of technology with its high-tech corporate corridor.
It has the small town flavor with shops and restaurants along tree-lined streets
in the downtown area. The scenic and winding paths of the Riverwalk and a
five-mile landscape adorned journey along the DuPage River add to its charm.
I will provide transportation information in the next newsletter.
MAILBAG
…..Thank you for the t-shirt and cap that you sent Elmer. That was very thoughtful of you and all
his Bell friends. Although Elmer
isn’t out in the sun much anymore, he still loves wearing the cap and as of now,
that is his favorite cap and he’ll be wearing it a lot.
He wore the t-shirt to the grocery store and already several have asked
about the logo. You can be sure that
Elmer swells with pride when he explains it.
He’ll have a lot of use and enjoyment out of both. I can’t thank you enough for all the
pleasure you are giving him. Thank
you and GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THE CREW.
…..Wilma & Elmer Angus -2100 Kings Hwy, Lot 650, Port Charlotte, FL 33980
…..I’m writing on behalf of Elmer Angus, Seaman 1st
Class, U.S.S. BELL. He was a gunner
on the fan tail, 20 mm. He loves
your news letters and appreciates getting them all the time. He went to the reunions for many years,
but hasn’t now for the last 10. His
memories of the reunions are full of happy times and he does miss them. He is a semi-invalid now having suffered a
heart attack in 2003 making it so he can no longer travel at all. He also has severe arthritis in his legs,
hips and back so that he walks with a walker or in a chair. He developed Diabetes many years ago so
now since the by-pass surgery his diet is very restricted. He wanted you all to know why his isn’t
there with all his friends, letting you all know; he’s still missing all of you.
…..Elmer Angus, Jr. – 2100 Kings Hwy, #650, Port Charlotte, FL 33980
…..It’s time to renew my membership. I want to keep in touch even though I
doubt if I could ever attend another reunion!
I’m growing old gracefully and within the year will celebrate 90 years –
67 of those spent in our “Honeymoon” cottage.
Ed’s been gone for 19 years now. Just welcomed my 21st Great
Grandchild. A loving family and a
great companion make for a beautiful life.
Wishing you the best, Ann. I
appreciate what you do for the Association.
…..Fran Vershowski, N9169 Hickory Street, East Troy, WI 53120-2207
…..I so enjoy the newsletters you send. I don’t recognize any of the names any
more. Please change my address from
P. O. Box 783 to 1310 Horseshoe Creek Rd., Davenport, FL 33837. I haven’t moved, just dropped the added
expense of a box. Thanks.
…..Penny (Mrs. George) Atkinson
…..I had a phone call from Bill Cavanaugh. They could not attend the reunion because
they were in the process of relocating.
They are both well and now reside in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Their new address is Somerby of Mt.
Pleasant, 3100 Tradition Circle, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466 and phone number is
843-654-1387. We look forward to
seeing them at the Naperville reunion.
…..Ann Poole
…..Just recently I received a phone call from Kenneth & Lucy Lamb.
Kenneth has been very sick with pneumonia but is doing much better now.
He was in the hospital for a while and went through a pretty rough time.
He and Lucy were always so much fun and his humor has returned.
Lucy is doing well except for a foot problem at this time. Ken and Lucy would have loved to join us
in San Francisco but unfortunately his sickness kept them from being able to be
with us. They have lost three of
their children since we last saw them at the Cleveland reunion. Our thoughts and prayers are with them
and hope they are well enough to be with us at the next reunion.
…..Kenneth & Lucy Lamb, 10934 Cristobal Way,
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670.
Just wanted to pass along some information
a friend sent to me.
Those who think that America is an
arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought. Our founding fathers used GOD’s word and
teachings to establish our Great Nation and I think it’s high time Americans get
re-educated about this Nation’s history.
Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in and even more proud
of those who serve to protect our “GOD GIVEN” rights and freedoms.
To understand what the flag draped coffin
really means…..Here is how to understand the flag that is laid upon it and is
surrendered to so many widows and widowers.
Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the
sum of the numbers in the year 1776?
Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays
meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13
times? You probably thought it was
to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!
The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.
The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.
The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the
ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain
peace throughout the world. The 4th
fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it
is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine
guidance. The 5th fold is a tribute
to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country, in dealing
with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country,
right or wrong.” The 6th fold is for
where people’s hearts lie. It is
with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God,
indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed
Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies,
whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic. The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who
entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of
day. The 9th fold is a tribute to
womanhood, and Mothers. For it has
been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of
the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. The 10th fold is a tribute to the father,
for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country
since they were first born. The 11th
fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and
glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The 12th fold represents an emblem of
eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy
Spirit. The 13th fold, or when the
flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their
nation’s motto, “In God We Trust.”
After the flag is completely folded and
tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the
soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines
who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades
and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the
rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.
There are some traditions and ways of
doing things that have deep meaning.
In the future, you’ll see flags folded and now you will know why. Share this with the children you love and
all others who love what is referred to the symbol of “Liberty and Freedom”. May God protect us always.
USS BELL “MORNING PRESS” ARTICLE
Here is a copy of a “Morning Press” article dated Friday, March 3rd
(year not available) received from Kenneth Lamb’s daughter Roseann.
“The BELL has been busy during the last four months. A glance at the ships engineering log
shows the BELL has been one of the busiest ships in our Navy during the past
four months. We steamed 37,886 miles
during November, December, January & February.
This is an average of more than 9000 miles per month with no time out for
overhaul. We entered the Pacific
about the 10th of November. During
the past four months we have been on eleven carrier strikes as follows: 3 strikes on Kavieng, New Ireland –
December 25th – Jan 4th;
1 strike on Kevajalern, Marshall Island – Jan 29th; 4 strikes on Eniwetok, Marshall Island –
Jan 30-31 and Feb 1-2; 2 strikes on
Truk, Caroline Island – Feb 16-17; 1
strike on Tinian & Guam, Marianas Island – Feb 22.
“These eleven carrier strikes have probably caused the Japs far more
damage than their sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. Truly we have helped ‘avenge Pearl
Harbor’ and we are only starting on the ‘Yellowbellies.’ While the Air Force deserves the major
credit for these carrier strikes, the carriers couldn’t be out there unless the
BELL and other DD’S were right along with them to give them anti-submarine
protection, deliver the mail and supplies, pick up aviators, etc. Every officer and man on the BELL
contributed materially to making the eleven strikes successful. It is the great work from the firemen and
seamen to the Admiral that puts these strikes over.
“Just how many bronze stars we all rate in our service bars, we are
not sure, but it is not less than two and we are of the opinion it is four.
Well done, USS BELL, you have been in the front line of battle for the past four
months and have never faltered. You
are a gallant fighting crew of which our country can well be proud.”
Some interesting facts donated by Shipmate Ed Flowers.
…..More than half the coastline of the entire United States is in
Alaska.
…..The Amazon rainforest produces more than 20% of the world’s
oxygen supply. The Amazon River
pushes so much water into the Atlantic Ocean that, more than one hundred miles
at sea off the mouth of the river, one can dip fresh water out of the ocean. The volume of water in the Amazon River
is greater than the next eight largest rivers in the world combined and three
times the flow of all rivers in the United States.
…..Antarctica is the only land on our planet that is not owned by
any country. Ninety percent of the
world’s ice covers Antarctica. This
ice also represents seventy percent of all the fresh water in the world. As strange as it sounds, however,
Antarctica is essentially a desert.
The average yearly total precipitation is about two inches.
Although covered with ice (all but 0.4% of it, i.e.) Antarctica is the
driest place on the planet, with an absolute humidity lower than the Gobi
desert.
…..Brazil got its name from the nut, not the other way around.
…..Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world combined. Canada is an Indian word meaning “Big
Village”.
…..Next to Warsaw, Poland, Chicago has the largest Polish population
in the world.
…..Woodward Avenue in Detroit, Michigan carries the designation M-1,
so named because it was the first paved road anywhere.
…..Damascus, Syria, was flourishing a couple of thousand years
before Rome was founded in 753 BC, making it the oldest continuously inhabited
city in existence.
…..Instanbul (AKA Constantinople), Turkey, is the only city in the
world located on two continents.
…..Los Angeles’ full name is El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de
los Angeles de Porciuncula – and can be abbreviated to 3.63% of its size:
L.A.
…..The term “The Big Apple” was coined by touring jazz musicians of
the 1930’s who used the slang expression “apple” for any town or city. Therefore, to play New York City is to
play the big time – The Big Apple.
There are more Irish in New York City than in Dublin, Ireland; More Italians in
New York City than in Rome, Italy; and more Jews in New York City than in Tel
Aviv, Israel.
…..There are no natural lakes in the state of Ohio, every one is man
made.
…..The smallest island with country status is Pitcairn in Polynesia,
at just 1.75 sq. miles.
…..The first city to reach a population of 1 million people was
Rome, Italy in 133 B.C. There is a
city called Rome on every continent.
…..Siberia contains more than 25% of the world’s forests.
…..The actual smallest sovereign entity in the world is the
Sovereign Military Order of Malta (S.M.O.M.).
It is located in the city of Rome, Italy, has an area of two tennis
courts, and as 2001 has a population of 80, 20 less people than the Vatican. It is a sovereign entity under
international law, just as the Vatican is.
…..In the Sahara Desert, there is a town named Tidikelt, which did
not receive a drop of rain for ten years.
Technically though, the driest place on Earth is in the valleys of the
Antarctic near Ross Island. There
has been no rainfall there for two million years.
…..SPAIN literally means “the land of rabbits.”
…..St. Paul, Minnesota was originally called Pig’s Eye after a man
named Pierre “Pig’s Eye” Parrant who set up the first business there.
…..The deepest hole ever made in the world is in Texas. It is as deep as 20 empire state
buildings but only 3 inches wide.
…..In the United States, the Interstate Highway System requires that
one mile in every five must be straight.
The straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other
emergencies.
…..The water of Angel Falls (the World’s highest) in Venezuela drops
3,213 feet. It is 15 times higher
than Niagara Falls.
It has been said that one should learn
something new every day.
Unfortunately, many of us are at that age where what we learn today, we forget
tomorrow. But, give it a shot anyway!!!
