USS BELL
ASSOCIATION (DD587)
APRIL, 2015
IN THIS ISSUE:
Ø MAILBAG
Hello Everyone,
It’s reunion time again and I hope all that can will join us this year to
celebrate those still with us and honor those who have been taken away. I so
look forward to seeing each and every one that can meet and I enjoy the joy seen
on the faces when someone enters the hospitality room on the first day. Deciding
where to have a reunion is a thorough investigation to check out the location as
I get invitations to visit a large number of cities that want to host a reunion
for the USS BELL group. This year I happened to visit Columbus, Georgia and
after being shown around the city and also being able to visit Fort Benning to
see a Ranger in Action demonstration after which we were taken to the Mess Hall
for lunch and then a tour of the base. I chose Columbus because I thought the
group would like to see some of the museums and also visit Fort Benning and be
able to see one of the Ranger in Action demonstrations as some of the other
things they have available there. I was surprised at all the historic sites in
the Columbus area and I also visited the National Civil War Naval museum at Port
Columbus. Also, there is a new National Infantry Museum where we had a guided
tour and it covers the wars from WWII to Vietnam with sights and sounds.
I was so impressed I thought it would be a nice location to gather for our
reunion this year and have selected the Hilton Garden Inn for the hotel as it is
quite a unique hotel with a lake that you can take a stroll around and if you
get tired there are benches available to rest. The lake has ducks and geese that
call that lake home. I found it to be a peaceful place to visit. The Convention
and Visitor’s Bureau couldn’t have been more helpful and they have worked very
hard to make visitors very welcome. Weather should be very nice and September is
usually a very pleasant time in this area. I am attaching a Registration Form
that need to be returned by August 1, 2015 in order for me to give the tour
participants how many to prepare for. I so look forward to seeing our shipmates,
family members and friends of shipmates.
Here are some of the things we are going to try to visit while in Columbus –
Visit the new National Infantry Museum for a guided tour with time to revisit
parts that are of interest to each one, visit the Civil War Naval Museum, travel
to Warm Springs to visit the Roosevelt Little White House and a guided tour of
the grounds, Fort Benning for a Ranger in Action demonstration and hopefully
have lunch in the Mess Hall and get a windshield tour of the base, and our last
day saved to gather in the hospitality room for visitation and have our always
fun auction. (Don’t forget to bring something for the auction) and our banquet
in the evening and if weathers cooperates we can have the dinner on the patio.
NOTICE: Just a note to tell you that I have seen Wayne’s jewelry donation for
our auction this year and it is a real beauty. I think eyes will pop when you
get your first look at this beauty. Wayne has been so supportive of the BELL
group and we have so enjoyed him attending our reunions and support his friend
and all of us in such a wonderful way. Wayne has been so loyal to us and has had
some sickness of his own that has kept him from being able to attend all the
reunions but I hope he will always be a part of our BELL group for many more
reunions. We love you Wayne.
MAILBAG
…..……Thanks so
much for the Christmas card you sent to my Mom, Dottie Pike. She loved hearing
from you. Mom turned 90 years old last October. We gave her a special party –
balloons & BBQ “Ha”. After that, she decided it would be best to move into
assisted living. She has trouble walking and uses a walker and wheel chair. She
has been living with me since 2009 after she had open heart surgery. So this was
a big change for both of us. Summit Place of Daniel Island is really nice with
lots of activities. She plays bingo, Wii bowling and even dances in her wheel
chair. Please keep in touch. Dottie & Linda
If you would like to send a “happy card” to Dottie I’m sure it would brighten
her day. Linda’s address is Linda J. Hutchinson, 6949 S. Kenwood Drive, N.
Charleston, SC 29405. Dottie’s husband was shipmate John Pike.
……….It was so enjoyable speaking with you last week. As I mentioned my father,
Jerome Bingham, was a big fan of yours. He greatly enjoyed reading your
Newsletter. (As I do also!) I will be sending you some photos in the next couple
of weeks. Thank you again for all you do! Sincerely, Marie Bingham.
Hello Marie. It was such a pleasure getting your card. I really like to hear
from family members and look forward to the pictures arrival. Also, just from
the heart a big “thank you” for your so generous donation to the Bell group. We
would also like to have you join us for a reunion anytime.
……….Thanks for all your work and for all the things you sent me. On the
Association Roster my address is not complete. It should be 7811 and my
telephone is 239-455-6610. The one on the roster is my son’s, so that’s ok. The
date Lester died was November 7, 1977. You do a lot of work. Thanks again. I’m
not walking very well but I hope I get to come to a reunion one day. I’m just 92
this year! “Ha”. Hope to see you this year. I’m sending a little money. Hope it
helps. Best wishes, Neysa
……….I’m happy to send you my dues at age 96. Had a very good year and wish you
all the best. With Love, Fran Vershowski. Oh Fran. You are so sweet and as usual
I always enjoy your letters and would certainly love to see you sometime and get
a big hug. Ann
……….Hi Neysa. The reunion will be closer to you this year so tell your son he
would enjoy the location and he should bring his beautiful Mother and I know he
would enjoy this year. Ann
……….Sorry, computer trouble. I’ll go to work later and copy the obit. My
grandfather, Navy Lt. Urban Edward Schaffner enlisted as a Seaman Apprentice in
1933. He served on the USS Porter during Pearl Harbor where he was a Navigator.
He was a commissioning officer on the newly built destroyer USS Bell in
Charleston. He was a skipper and had to have it sunk due to damage in the Coral
Sea. He was also a Navigator on the USS Hornet which also sunk. He also surveyed
the coastal lines of South America. As a side note, the story goes that after
one ship sunk, a Canadian ship picked him up and he was MIA due to lack of
communications for an extended amount of time, like a year or more. Yes my
family are proud Navy people. My Grandfather was the first to swear in a
daughter and a son at the same time. Or something to that effect. He also served
as an Emergency Instructor in New Mexico at a naval base. Thank you. Rachel
Daugherty, Granddaughter of Urban Schaffner
……….Ann, this is money to bring my dues up to date. If this is more than enough,
keep the extra for whatever you need it for. Francis Harpole
(Thanks Francis, it’s so nice to hear from you. Love you, Ann).
WITH SYMPATHY
.………Shipmate
James William Faith at age 88 of Calhoun, Georgia, passed away on January 21,
2015. Jimmy as he was known was a retired Baptist Minister, and ministered
several churches in Gordon and Bartow County. He was also retired from Lockheed
Aircraft after 38 years of service. He loved working with wood and had crafted
several violins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Reed and brother,
Charles Vernon Faith. Survived by his four daughters, Nancy Luckett, Sherry
Chapman, Kathy Nielson and Gina Daniel who attended many of our reunions and
took part in the activities.
………If you wish to send a card, the daughter’s addresses are listed on your
Member Roster.
………Just a few words to let you know that Ben Lipkin died on August 27, 2013. He
was very proud of being in the Navy and aboard the USS BELL. His family greatly
misses Ben. Sincerely, Bernice Lipkin
……….I found your name and address among my brother’s papers related to the USS
BELL. I hope this is correct, as I want to inform the BELL reunion committee
that my brother, Maurice C. Moe passed away suddenly on March 20, 2015. He had
been feeling poorly for some months, but his death came as a shock. He always
enjoyed going to the reunions. Sister Eleanor M. Collins, 4042 Haines Road, Unit
201, Duluth, MN 55811……….”We have missed our “MOE” very much and appreciate
greatly you letting us know. We send our deepest sympathy and invite you and any
family members to join us at a reunion as we will always miss our shipmate and
dear friend.
……….Tom Gutierrez, 89, of Aurora, IL, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2015 at
his home. He was born March 7, 1926 in Mississippi. Thomas attended East Aurora
High School and served in the US Navy during WWII. He retired from Austin
Western and Fermi Lab. Thomas was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus
and was also an active member of St. Therese Church. He is survived by his wife
Guadalupe Gutierrez of Aurora, Il; his three children Sharon (Mel Goggins)
Hickey of Sparta, TN, Danny & Pam Gutierrez of Oswego, IL, and Arthur & Judith
of West Chicago, IL; 8 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren, his sister
Theresa Chadez of Aurora, two brothers John Gutierrez of Chicago, IL, and Peter
(Marie) Gutierrez of Aurora, IL; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close
friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife Ethel (Kies) Gutierrez; his
parents Elidia (Velazquez) and Aurelio Gutierrez, his sister Carolina Gutierrez;
and his brother Aurelio Gutierrez. Tom was always anxious to attend every
reunion and usually his family was always the first ones to arrive. He will be
truly missed as well as is all our Bell family members that have left us so
sadly. My friend Jean Berry that attends the reunions with me to give me a hand
and has always enjoyed being a friend of the BELL and we took a drive up in the
mountains to see the changing of the leaves and decided to visit Clifford Ball.
We wish Clifford could come to a reunion and visit with the Bell family. We had
such a nice visit and got to meet a shipmate we had not met before. Now that
everyone has a Bell Member Listing it’s even easier to keep up with buddies and
I hope you all are keeping up with some of your BELL friends.
……….I am attaching a Registration Form for the upcoming reunion which will be in
Columbus, Georgia and I will need it returned to me with your payment for the
activities you would like to attend. For information, the activities are for
those that would like to visit the places selected but they are not mandatory
but are for your enjoyment. The Hospitality Room is available from the time of
arrival until leaving. The Hospitality Room has plenty of pictures to look at
and lots of the USS BELL History for reading. I have now received all of the
DECK LOGS of the BELL’s journey. All the information about the activities and
location will be in the attachment.
……….We now have a copy of a beautiful painting that was painted by Shipmate
Wally Moore. After talking with his daughter and daughter of Martin Corbell it
seems that Wally gave it as a door prize at one of the earliest reunions and
Martin Corbell happened to be the winner and his daughter was trying to find out
why it was hanging in her parent’s home. She called me and asked if I could give
her some information on how to contact a member of Wally Moore. I did have the
name and address of Wally’s daughter and the two of them connected. With that
being done, a copy of this beautiful painting is now with me and will always be
displayed at our reunions and at some time will go with the USS BELL artifacts
to one of the WWII museums for future generations to enjoy also. It’s a real
beauty and I hope a lot of our BELL people will be able to see it.
The Hilton Garden Inn is located at 1500 Bradley
Lake Boulevard in Columbus, Georgia 31904. Being a full service hotel, the
Hilton Garden Inn offers 120 guest rooms and suits designed with comfort in
mind! Guests are treated to comfortably appointed rooms that include a microwave
oven and refrigerator, and their patented Garden Sleep System beds topped with
feather duvets. For a delicious meal, savor American fare at the Seasons on the
Lake restaurant or stop by the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry and grab a quick snack to
prepare in your room. Between meetings and events, try a few laps in the indoor
pool or maintain your active lifestyle in the state-of-the-art fitness center.
DATES - The 2015 reunion will be in Columbus,
Georgia with arrival day September 15, 2015 and departure date is September 20,
2015. To make your hotel reservation you may make by phone at (706)-660-1000 and
tell them you are with the USS BELL REUNION Group or you will be able to e-mail.
REUNION RATE - Standard King and Standard Queen
Rooms - $99 plus applicable taxes – Includes Two (2) Complimentary Deluxe
Breakfast Buffets per Room per Night. Reunion Rates will be available three days
prior to reunion start date. Complimentary Personalized Group Web Page Specific
to reunion Dates and Rates.
RESERVATIONS – Members will make reservations via
Internet or directly with hotel and be responsible for all room charges and
incidentals.
HOSPITALITY ROOM (Azalea I) – Room rate will be
waived for Hospitality Room for duration of reunion ($250 Value). Daily refresh
fee is waived. Refresh fee consists of removal of trash, changing of linens,
replenishing of ice, etc.
REUNION BANQUET – Azalea II – (Private use of the
Azalea Patio Overlooking Lake)
ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION – Six handicap rooms. All
rooms are equipped with hand rails/bars in shower and around toilets
OTHER COMPS – Complimentary Hotel Parking –
Complimentary Airport Shuttle – Group banners hung by hotel staff. After arrival
at the Columbus airport just call the hotel and a driver will come to pick you
up and bring you to the hotel.
HOTEL AMENITIES – Full service restaurant for
breakfast and dinner with Evening Room Service. Pavilion Lounge – Indoor heated
pool and Jacuzzi – 24-Hour Pavilion Pantry and 24-hour Business Center –
Complimentary Parking – Valet and self-laundry – Complimentary Wireless Internet
– Walking Trails – Three outdoor patios – two overlooking the beautiful lake
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL OR
AN EMAIL - ANN POOLE – 770-938-1803 akpoole@comcast.net
1.
PLEASE MAKE YOUR HOTEL RESERVATION AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE AND RETURN YOUR
REGISTRATION FORM TO ME BY AUGUST 1, 2015 WITH YOUR ACTIVITY PAYMENT SO I CAN
KNOW HOW MANY WILL BE ATTENDING AND ORDER THE MEAL TICKETS.
2.
ALL MEALS AT THE HOTEL WILL BE PREPARED FOR OUR GROUP. EVENING MEALS WILL BE
THEME DINNERS SUCH AS ITALIAN NIGHT, MEXICAN NIGHT, ETC.
3.
IF YOU NEED A WHEEL CHAIR TO USE WHILE AT THE REUNION, PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHEN
YOU RETURN YOUR REGISTRATION FORM. IF YOU LET ME KNOW THE CONVENTION AND
VISITORS BUREAU WILL HAVE A WHEELCHAIR SENT TO THE HOTEL FOR YOUR USE AT NO
CHARGE. IT WILL BE AT THE HOTEL WHEN YOU ARRIVE.
WHEN HAVING BREAKFAST YOU WILL FIND COOKED
BREAKFAST FOODS TO HELP YOUR SELF AND IF YOU WOULD LIKE SOMETHING SPECIAL LIKE A
HOT AND FRESH OMELET OR BELGIUM WAFFLE, ETC. JUST ASK A WAITRESS OR EVEN THE
CHEF AS HE IS RIGHT OUT THERE COOKING IN THE BREAKFAST AREA. I HAD A LATE LUNCH
AND THEY HAD TOMATO BASIL SOUP AND I ASKED THE WAITRESS IF THEY HAD ANY
CORNBREAD AND SHE SAID NO BUT CHEF WILL COOK YOU SOME. A FEW MINUTES TWO
CORNBREAD MUFFINS APPEARED AT MY TABLE. SERVICE WITH A SMILE. ALL OF OUR DINNER
MEALS WILL BE AT THE HOTEL AND WILL BE PREPARED FOR US.
OUR MENU FOR TUESDAY WILL BE – THE BROADWAY DELI
BUFFET - Potato salad, assorted breads and rolls, sliced meat selection to
include Deli Sliced Roast Beef, Smoked Turkey and Ham, Provolone, Swiss &
Cheddar Cheese, Mayo and Mustard, sliced tomatoes, onion, shredded lettuce and
dill pickle spears, Specialty Dessert Bars, Coffee and Iced Tea.
MENU FOR WEDNESDAY – PIZZA NIGHT - Several
different kind of pizza, salad food and dessert. Coffee and tea.
MENU FOR THURSDAY – SOUTH OF THE BORDER BUFFET –
Tortilla Chips & Salsa, Garden Green Salad with assorted toppings and choice of
dressing, Spicy Ground Beef, Grilled Sliced Chicken (served with Peppers and
Onions), Diced Tomatoes, Sour Cream, Grated Cheese, Sliced Jalapenos and
Guacamole, Soft Flour Tortillas, Spanish Rice, Refried Beans, Chef’s Choice of
Dessert, Coffee and Tea.
MENU FOR FRIDAY – AN ITALIAN FEAST – Baked Parmesan
Garlic Bread, Caesar Salad, Chicken Parmesan sautéed and serviced with Lemon
White Wine Herb Butter Sauce, Baked Penne tossed with Marinara Sauce, Sausage,
Pepperoni and Mozzarella Cheese, Poloniase Vegetables, baked with butter and
seasoned bread crumbs, Chef’s Choice of Dessert, Coffee & Tea.
REUNION BANQUET – TASTE OF THE SOUTH – Farm Raised
Catfish, Corn Meal Battered and Deep Fried to a Golden Brown and Served with
Tartar Sauce, Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast, Shredded Pork BBQ,
Buttermilk Biscuits and Cornbread Muffins Served with Honey & Butter, Poppy Seed
Cole Slaw, Sliced Tomatoes, Red Onion Rings, Sweet Pickles, Sliced Cucumbers,
Green Beans, Whole Kernel Corn with Pimentos, Baked Beans, Fruit Cobbler , Pecan
Pie, Coffee and Tea.
USS BELL REGISTRATION FORM
FOR THE COLUMBUS, GA. REUNION
SEPTEMBER 15 – 19, 2015
TUESDAY - SEPTEMBER 15, 2015 – ARRIVAL DAY - MENU – BROADWAY DELI BUFFET -
$15.00 PER PERSON ALL INCLUSIVE
WEDNESDAY -SEPTEMBER 16, 2015 – VISIT THE NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM – WE WILL
HAVE TWO GUIDED TOURS AT THE MUSEUM AND WE WILL HAVE LUNCH AT THE MUSEUM
RESTAURANT. TOURS AT THIS MUSEUM WILL BE $10:00 PER PERSON.
AFTER LUNCH WE WILL DEPART THE INFANTRY MUSEUM TO VISIT THE CIVIL WAR NAVAL
MUSEUM. WE WILL HAVE A UNIFORMED GUIDE FOR THE NAVAL MUSEUM. FEE WILL BE $7:00
PER PERSON. RETURN TO HOTEL FOR DINNER – PIZZA NIGHT WITH PIZZA, SALAD AND
DESSERT.
THURSDAY - SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 – VISIT THE LITTLE WHITE HOUSE IN WARM SPRINGS,
GA. DEPART HOTEL AT 10:00AM. LUNCH WILL BE CATERED AND WILL PICNIC IN THE PARK
IF WEATHER PERMITS. WE WILL VISIT THE MEMORIAL MUSEUM, FLAGS & STONES, SERVANTS’
QUARTERS, GUESTS’ HOUSE, THE LITTLE WHITE HOUSE, LEGACY EXHIBIT, GIFT SHOP,
POOLS AND SPRINGS. THERE WILL BE WHEEL CHAIRS AND CARTS FOR ANYONE THAT MIGHT
NEED ONE. FEE FOR BUS TRANSPORTATION, ADMISSION TO THE LITTLE WHITE HOUSE &
LUNCH ALL INCLUSIVE FOR $45.00 PER PERSON. OUR TRANSPORTATION WILL ALWAYS BE THE
BIG BUS FOR COMFORT. DINNER WILL BE A SOUTH OF THE BORDER MENU - $20.00
FRIDAY – SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 – VISIT FORT BENNING FOR THE RANGER IN ACTION
DEMONSTRATION, LUNCH IN MESS HALL, AND WINDSHIELD TOUR OF FORT BENNING. LUNCH AT
MESS HALL WILL BE $6.00 PER PERSON. DINNER TONIGHT IS AN ITALIAN FEAST - $21.00
SATURDAY – SEPTEMBER 19, 2015 – DAY OF REST AND RELAXING. HOSPITALITY ROOM OPEN
FOR VISITING, CATCHING UP ON WHAT’S HAPPENING, LOOKING AT PICTURES AND
ARTIFACTS. HAVE A BIG BREAKFAST AND WITH SNACKS IN THE HOSPITALITY ROOM AND IF
NEEDED THE DINING ROOM WILL HAVE FOOD. OUR BANQUET IN THE EVENING WILL BE “A
TASTE OF THE SOUTH” WITH A LOT OF WELL PREPARED FOOD. IN FACT, I THINK I AM
GOING TO INCLUDE THE MENUS THAT WILL PREPARED FOR OUR EVENING MEAL. OUR BANQUET
IS $37.00 PER PERSON ALL INCLUSIVE.
OUR TRANSPORTATION WILL COST $10.00 PER BOARDING FOR EACH ACTIVITY EXCEPT ON
THURSDAY IT WILL BE INCLUDED THE TOTAL FOR THE WARM SPRINGS TRIP.
You can either print this page and cut off the USS BELL RESERVATION FORM below or click here to download it as a PDF file.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- cut
here
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USS BELL RESERVATION FORM
TUES - NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM - TWO GUIDED TOURS – $5.00 EACH – BUS FEE $10.00
NAMES ATTENDING__________________________$20.OO PER PERSON - $____________
WED - CIVIL WAR NAVY MUSEUM WITH UNIFORMED GUIDE - $7.00 EACH – BUS FEE $10.00
NAMES ATTENDING_________________________$17.00 PER PERSON - $______________
THURS - WARM SPRINGS TO VISIT ROOSEVELT’S LITTLE WHITE HOUSE – FEE INCLUDES ALL
TOURS, PICNIC LUNCH, MUSEUMS, GARDENS, ETC – ALL INCLUSIVE –
NAMES ATTENDING __________________________$45.00 PER PERSON $_____________
FRI – VISIT FORT BENNING FOR THE RANGER IN ACTION DEMONSTRATION, LUNCH,
WINDSHIELD TOUR OF BASE - $10.00 FOR BUS – LUNCH AT MESS HALL - $6.00 – TOTAL
$16.00
NAMES ATTENDING____________________________$16.00 PER PERSON
EVENING DINNERS – TUESDAY – BROADWAY DELI BUFFET –$15.00 PER PERSON -
___________
WEDNESDAY – PIZZA NIGHT-SALAD, DESSERT, COFFEE/TEA - $10.00
PER PERSON____________
THURSDAY – SOUTH OF THE BORDER DINNER - $20.00 PER PERSON ____________
FRIDAY – ITALIAN FEAST –$21.00 PER PERSON ___________
SATURDAY – FAREWELL BANQUET - $37.00 PER PERSON ______________
PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
AS I HAVE TO KNOW HOW MANY WILL BE ATTENDING IN ORDER TO GIVE THE NUMBER OF
MEALS THAT NEED TO BE PREPARED FOR EACH DAY. THANK YOU AND HOPE TO SEE YOU IN
SEPTEMBER