VOLUME 49 NUMBER 3 WWW.USSESSEXASSOCIATION.COM December 2018

The Chaplain’s Message

I want to thank our shipmates that participated in the memorial service at Las Vegas. Thank you very much. Thank you

to everyone who was able to attend the memorial service. It is a tribute to all our shipmates that took time out of their

day to honor our fallen shipmates.

Veteran’s Day Prayer

Father, we thank you for our veterans. We thank you for their willingness to risk all, so that our nation might dwell in

peace and security. May they receive the honor and recognition they deserve. We pray that you will heal the physical

and psychological wounds some of our veterans have suffered. Bring peace to those who mourn the loss of our

comrades. May our nation always respect and acknowledge those who have served their country so well.

Thanksgiving is a time to think about all the blessings the Lord has given this great land of ours. A road trip across our

country will wake you up to the beauty of our land and all that we have to be thankful for.

Christmas is a time to enjoy our freedom to worship as we please. Our country was founded on religious freedom. We

need to stop and thank our Lord for what He has left us. Our talents come from God. We must remember Christmas is a

time to celebrate the birth of Christ and to put Christ back into Christmas.

The new year is a time of a newfound purpose in life, a chance to explore new ideas or start new jobs. It is a time to

retire or decide to do volunteer work to help others. New Years is the time to change and start doing good.

I would like to wish you Happy Veteran’s Day, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and a Happy, Blessed New Year.

God Bless you and God Bless America.

2

NOTES FROM THE EDITOR Vol. 49 December 2018 NO. 3 CHANGES TO ROSTER:

THE BUCCANEER is a periodical publication published a

Minimum of three times annually by the USS ESSEX CV/CVA/CVS-

9/LHD-2 ASSC. INC., a non-profit organization. Members are

compose of those who have served on the above ships at various times

from 1941 to present. Offspring of those who served are also qualified

for full membership. Spouses and others who are sponsored by a

member may become an Associate Member but without voting

privileges.

Note: All photos, prints articles, biographies, events, naval newsletters,

humor, cartoons, and all other newsworthy material should be sent to

the editor as clearly and comprehensive as possible. All material

forwarded for publication will be used when space and time permits.

We have designed the Buccaneer to provide you with as

much information, news, humor and coming events as

possible. This is your newsletter so please forward us

feedback as to articles and material you would like to see.

We will keep all future issues to a maximum of 16 pages or

less. This will keep our postage expenses to a minimum.

With a tighter format, while using the front and back cover

to eliminate wasted space, we should have as much if not

more material to present to the reader.

*** CONTENTS*** 1- COVER- CHAPLAIN’S MESSAGE

2- NOTES FROM THE EDITOR, CONTENTS/OFFICERS

3- EYES OF THE CHAIRMAN

4- USS ESSEX 2019 50th

REUNION HOTEL INFO.

5- SEPT. 2018 REUNION MINUTES

6- SEPT. 2018 LAS VEGAS REUNION REVIEW

7- SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

8- SCHOLARSHIP DONATION FORM…NOTICE

9- MEMORIAL & HONOR

10- WELCOMEABOARD,TAPS, SICK BAY,ROSTER CHG

11- TREASURER’S REPORT

12- ESSEX ORGANIZATION DUES NOTICE

Chairman Bruce Sims

Vice Chairman Berlyn Ware

Secretary Donald Szulist

Treasurer Robert D. Peters

Chaplain Bob Nause

Historian Richard M. Scales

Ship’s Storekeeper Tom Ferelli

Buccaneer Editor Tony Medina

Master at Arms Ed Mrozinski

*Bob Nause–Chaplain /570-788-3157/ bbbobn@ptd.net

28 Country Club Ln., Sugarloaf, PA 18249-9733

*Tony & Maria Medina-Editor /239-313-7833

Bucessex9@comcast.net 3261 Antica Street Fort Myers Fl.33905

*Donald Szulist-Secretary 1916 Sonoma Ln. Lemon Grove CA 91945-3534

619-708 8836- szulistd@gmail.com *

*Robert D. Peters-Treasurer/ rspeters@wideopenwest.com

2329 Princeton Berkley, MI 48072-3020

Eugene Schmidt- Assistantt Treasurer

Schmidt.eugenej@att.net 616-534-7170

3823 Wyoming Ave SW , Wyoming MI.49519-3659

*

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Class of 2018

Bob Dreher Scott Packer Tom Ferelli

Class of 2019

Tom Connell Eugene Schmidt Bill McCaffrey

Class of 2020

Tom McNally Richard Scales Ryan Harrison

FORMER CHAIRMEN

Joseph DuErmit Norm Thompson Robert C. Zeller Jr.

Robert Walker Frank O’Connor Dan Genet

William Pihl Robert J. Flynn Gordon Kreiner

Bill McCaffrey Don Fortin Bob Watson

2019 DUES ARE DUE! PLEASE SEND YOUR DUES TO

EUGENE SCHMIDT

HIS ADDRESS IS ON THE BACK COVER OF

THIS PUBLICATION

BUCCANEER SUBMISSION DEADLINE Last day of October for December issue.

Last day of February for April issue.

Last day of June for August issue.

FROM THE DESK OF THE CHAIRMAN

AHOY SHIPMATES! First of all, let me say how much I appreciate your confidence in electing me as your chairman for the next three years. Although Harriett and I were unable to attend this year’s reunion, we understand it was a home run. Several members I have spoken to expressed that they had a wonderful time. Participation was up, tours were full, food was great and room rates were excellent. What more can you ask for! I understand we had more LHD2 members to attend than ever. Looks like Tom Ferelli knocked it out of the park. Well done, shipmate! As most of you know by now, our 2019 reunion will be held in Louisville, KY. This will be our 50 th reunion and Louisville is the place where it all began. We plan a big celebration and will expect a large crowd. If you have never experienced one of our reunions, now is the time. We will keep you updated as time draws near.We are always looking for new and different places to hold our reunions. If anyone has a suggestion on a new and exciting place to go, please get in touch with Dan Genet, me or any of our officers or board members. Berlyn Ware, Eugene Schmidt, Norm Thompson and I along with others attended the USS Yorktown reunion in October to meet with their chairman and other board members to discuss the possibility of holding a joint reunion in the future. Our meeting was productive and we will pass along the details in Louisville. It will be my goal to work with Berlyn Ware, vice chairman, and our officers and board members to move our association past 2020. If any member has a comment, suggestion or idea (good or bad) to improve our association, please let me know personally so I can act accordingly. Wishing everyone the very best holiday season ever. H. Bruce Sims Chairman

3

USS ESSEX Association 50th Reunion

Our 2019 reunion will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport located at 2735

Crittenden Drive, Louisville, KY 40209 the week of August 11 to August 18, 2019. To make your

Hotel reservations please call the Hotel Direct at 502.637-2424. You MUST indicate the group

name USS ESSEX Association in order to receive the group rate. Our room rate is $109.00 a night

plus tax which includes, Transportation To & From the Louisville Airport and Hotel Parking.

Please make your Hotel Reservation & Reunion Brat Registration EARLY The Reunion Brat must receive your Registration Form by July 12, 2019. Due to people waiting to

the last minute to make their reservations, The Reunion Brat has to charge a late fee of $20.00 per

person; she doesn’t want to do this but has no choice because of late mailers. MAIL EARLY

The Hotel is about 10 minutes from the Louisville Airport (Airport code is “SDF”). If your

using a computer to search for Airfare you can try KAYAK.COM to search numerous airlines at one

time, when you select an airline it automatically switches you to that airline to make your reservation.

Note: Southwest Airlines does not participate in Kayak. After landing and picking up your

luggage, call the Hotel at 502.637-2424 for pick up. Pick up will be outside of baggage claim in the

Hotel pick up zone.

On Tuesday and Thursday evening we will have a specialty food night. The below prices

have been reduced because the association is paying $5.00 towards the cost for both of these dinners.

This benefit comes from the Money we raise at the Annual Ladies Auction. PLEASE remember to

bring the items you want to donate to the Auction. Available on both nights is a Vegetarian Meal,

‘Vegetable Wellington’ (Red & Yellow Peppers, Squash, Zucchini, Onions with Italian Seasoning

Baked in a Pastry Puff with Wild Rice) Dinner Rolls & Butter @ $15.00 P.P.

Tuesday we will be having ‘Kentucky Hot Brown’ with a side of Broccoli, Family Style

Mixed Green Salad with Assorted Dressings, Dinner Rolls with Butter, Mint Julep Brownies, Coffee,

Tea and Water @ $15.00 P.P. Note: A Kentucky Hot Brown consist of, thick cut Texas toast topped

with sliced Turkey breast, Bacon, Tomato slices and a white creamy Mornay Sauce.

Thursday we will be having ‘Grilled Chicken with a Bourbon Glaze’, Family Style Mixed

Green Salad with Assorted Dressings, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Dinner Rolls

with Butter, Lily Parfaits, Coffee, Tea and Water @ $17.00 P.P.

There is NO discount in the Hotel Restaurant this year. The Hotel Restaurant serves a

Breakfast Buffet at $11.95 plus tax and Dinner from a menu. There are Three Restaurants within

walking distance. The Cardinal Café in front of the Hotel serves Lunch & Dinner. To the right as

you walk out of the Hotel and across a side street is Cracker Barrel which serves Breakfast, Lunch

and Dinner. Across the street from Cracker Barrel is a Burger King.

NOTE: You can cancel your Hotel reservation up to 24 hours before your Check in time & Date.

Also, when booking your airfare on the computer and your satisfied with the price there is a box at

the end to purchase insurance, it’s up to you.

The following is a list of possible tours that we are working on. 1- A Tour of Bourbon Distilleries,

2- A Casino Trip, 3- Farmington House, 4- Mega Caverns, 5- Caldwell House, 6- Dinner show,

7- Train ride, 8- Dinner Cruise on the Ohio River, 9- Church Hill Downs, 10- AAA Baseball Game.

Dan Genet 954.899-2170 Reunion Coordinator

USS ESSEX (CV/CVA/CVS-9, LHD-2)

GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

Las Vegas, NV

30 August 2018

With Chairman Gordon Kreiner presiding, those in attendance were Bob Nause, Norm

Thompson, Bill McCaffrey, Tom Ferelli, Bob Dreher, Dan Genet, Thomas Connell, Eugene

Schmidt, Thomas McNally, Robert Zeller, Robert Peters, Berlyn Ware, Tony Medina and Don

Szulist

Secretary’s report by Don Szulist Total Membership is 480 and has increased by 22 since

September 22, 2017. Our roster continually changes as information is received.

Robert Peters, Treasurer noted that the annual audit has not been held earlier due to the lack

of personnel with signature authorization being available.

Bob Nause, The Chaplain mentioned difficulty receiving the complete information from

family members, when information is sent into him for illness, or other occasions.

Tony Medina the Buccaneer editor, noted that he was assisted by his wife Maria.

Tom Ferilli the Ships Store Operator gave a brief accounting of the profits associated with

sales.

Gordon Kreiner, stated that the Treasurers position was up for replacement and no

volunteers came forward.

The Class of 2018, Board of Directors, Bob Dreher, Tom Ferelli and Scott Packer are up for

replacement. Scott Packer volunteered to continue with their duties, Ron Bowen accepted the

other position.

Chairman Gordon Kreiner asked if there was any further business to discuss, and nothing

was noted. A motion was made and seconded to Adjourn.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by Secretary, Don Szulist.

5

2018 Reunion in Las Vegas, Nevada

The 49th Annual reunion is in the books and I hope that everyone that attended had a

wonderful time. There was a lot going on at once with the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas and

all it had to offer. We had a great Hospitality room and Ship’s Store area at Bally’s Las Vegas.

The management team of Lauren Pries and Dan Mendoza were very helpful and instrumental in

making it a success.

There are many people to Thank along the way. The number 1 person is Dan Genet and

the contract work he did. Next, under the watchful eye of Bob Peters, the financial picture. To

Eugene Schmidt, Don Szulist and Tony/Maria Medina for helping with a lot of details and also

helping to get the word out along with their regular responsibilities. Not to mention Dianne

Genet and Connie Ferelli who kept Dan and I in check along the way and helped in many other

ways as well.

To Brad & Laura Wright and Sal & Christine Rotolo, my friends and LHD-2 Shipmates in

Las Vegas, provided invaluable help in the set- up, logistics and a lot of other ways that helped

make this reunion a success. A Personal thanks to Capt Ron Berg and Pat Berg for making it

special for our LHD-2 “Plankowners” and of course for the many “Iron Gators” that came in and

enjoyed seeing each other after many years.

I want to acknowledge some of the others such as Bob Nause, Norm Thompson, Bob

Dreyer for making it a memorable Memorial Service that honor our fallen shipmates. Especially

thankful for Scott Packer and Ron Bowen of LHD-2 that were part of the Bell Ceremony, thank

you for participating.

Lastly to Betty Henderson, Nancy Ware, Connie Ferelli and Rita Scales, the Ladies who

always make our Annual ladies Auction night a success. Also a mention of our resident

Auctioneer Dan Genet and Assistant Rich Scales who do a terrific job in that role. I hope you

enjoyed Las Vegas. See you in Louisville,Ky.

Tom Ferelli

**NOTE FROM THE EDITOR **We did not have space to post photos of the Sept.2018 Reunion

in Las Vegas, if you are interested in viewing pictures ,go to the Essex Website you’ll be able

to view some . www.ussessexassociation.com.

6

USS ESSEX ASSOCIATION

COLLEGE SCHOLORSHIP OPPORTUNITY

CREWMEMBER DESCENDANTS

OPENS: JANUARY 1 POSTMARK DEADLINE: APRIL 30

AWARDED: JULY 1

Ethel Walker Scholarship Program

The ESSEX Scholarship program is designed to financially assist ESSEX crew descendants to attend college. The Scholarship program provides the successful candidate $1000.00 to be used towards their college tuition. The Association will provide one $1000.00 scholarship per calendar year. We hope that everyone takes advantage of this program. The application will be available January 1, each year. The postmark deadline for submission each year is April 30. The selection and award of the annual scholarship will be held July 1 each year, allowing time to make arrangements for the beginning of the school year. To obtain rules and application forms – contact Chairman Bruce Sims, Vice Chairman Berlyn Ware, Secretary Don Szulist, or Assistant Treasurer Eugene Schmidt. This info will also be in the newsletter, the “BUCCANEER” and on the website www.ussessexassociation.com . If you’re interested in applying, please fill out the application as directed and mail your application with a copy of your acceptance letter to: USS ESSEX ASSOCIATION 581 Conkle Rd Hampton GA 30228 Mark Envelope; “Scholarship” 7

Thank you, to Tom Connell for funding the first year of the Ethel Walker Scholarship with a donation of $1000. 00

Greetings Essex Family; Just a reminder that our friend Bob Miller Sr. "The Judge", has another birthday on Dec. 5th. Carolyn and I stopped by a couple weeks ago and took an early cake. He will be 98 and the fire marshal has ruled out candles on the cake. He mentioned to me that when judgement day comes. it's not what you got, but what you gave. He's gave his all. Thanks for you participation. Stay well and be safe. His address is Robert L. Miller Sr. 17526 Douglas Rd. South Bend, IN 46635 Norm

8

DONATE TO THE

USS ESSEX SCHOLORSHIP FUND

Ethel Walker Scholarship Fund

Donation Amount ________________________ From: Name _______________________ Street Address _____________________ City ______________________ State ______________ Zip Code__________ Phone __________________ E-Mail address _________________________

Please make check payable to: USS ESSEX Association and send with this form to;

Assistant Treasurer, Eugene Schmidt, 3823 Wyoming Ave SW, Wyoming, Michigan 49519-3659

MEMORIAL & HONOR LIST

MEMORIALIZED HONORED/NOTE DONOR___________

Joe Keeling Ron Greenslate

In HONOR or MEMORY Form

In Memory of

In Honor of______________________________By_____________________________

In Memory of

In Honor of______________________________By______________________________

Name________________________________Street/Apt.___________________________

City__________________________________St & Zip ___________________________

Please make check payable to: USS ESSEX ASSN. and send it to Assistant Treasurer,

Eugene Schmidt

3823 Wyoming Ave SW, Wyoming

Michigan 49519-3659

Thank You

(All donations will go into the general fund unless noted) Donation $____________

9

WELCOME ABOARD

NAME SHIP DIV/S ABOARD

George McNamee LHD-2PO Medical 1991-1994

James Peters Son of Robert Peters

Paul M. Allen USN Retired Aviation Supply 6/54/- 6/56

Rick Elliot LHD -2PO H Medical 1992-1995

Paul Koch LHD-2 PO S-3 1991-1995

George M. Dingler CVS -9 CVSG-60 1962-1963

TAPS

Joe Keeling 6/28/2018 reported by Jsy Kruse

SICK BAY

Let’s keep in prayer our fellow shipmates and any family members struggling with their

health or just feeling under the weather during this holiday season.

CHANGES TO THE ROSTER

Behrmann, Louis Harbor Place at Gig Harbor

1016 29th St. N.W.

Gig Harbor, Washington 98355

Cizmadia, Jody 7256 Victory Rd. Bokeelia Fl. 33922

H. Bruce & Harriet Sims 116 Allium Ct. Griffin ,GA 30223

10

U.S.S.ESSEX CV/CVA/CVS-9/LHD-2, Inc.

January 1, 2018-November 30, 2018

Assets Income

Balances January 1, 2018

Checking $24,037.86 Dues $3,100.00

Hi Yield 22,839.97 Donations 1,704.81

CD - Ship Store 5,131.00

Prepaid Expenses 0.00 Registration 2,745.00

Beginning Cash Balance $46,877.83 Tours 1,094.13

. Banquet 00.00

Income $15,456.61 Auction 1,550.00

Less Expenses ($12,388.88) Hospitality Room 0.00

. $49,945.56 Life Membership 0.00

Income on Investment 2.67

Miscellaneous 129.00

Total Income $15,456.61

Expenses

Special Funds 0.00

Printing 345.77

Postage –Freight 955.59

Salaries 0.00

Clothing-Ship’s Store 2,578.85

Office Supplies & Equip. 428.12

Telephone 0.00

Refunds 280.00

Income Tax Paid 0.00

Social Security Tax paid 0.00

Medicare Tax paid 0.00

Reunion-Association 6,183.54

Repair Service-Contracts 838.87

Miscellaneous 778.14

Reunion-General 0.00

Total Expenses $12,388.88

Balance June 30, 2018

Checking $27,002.92

Investment 22,942.64

Prepaid Expense 0 .00 Total Income (loss) $3,067.73

___________

$49,945.56

Prepared by Robert Peters, Treasurer 11

USS ESSEX ASSOCIATION

1916 Sonoma La.

Lemon Grove, CA 91945-3534

TO:

USS ESSEX ASSOCIATION

DUES NOTICE PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY and MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE U.S.S. ESSEX ASSN. DO NOT MAKE PAYABLE TO

BOB PETERS . Membership cards will be issued and mailed by the Secretary.

M a i l t o : E U G E N E S C H M I D T 3 8 2 3 W Y O M I N G A V E . S W , W Y O M I N G M I 4 9 5 1 9 - 3 6 5 9

Please check here only if this is a change in your address, phone number or email address. Remember, most

of the time your phone # will also change when you move.

Name ___________________________________________________________________________________

Street Address _____________________________________________________________________________

City / State / Zip ___________________________________________________________________________

Phone # ______________________________ Email Address _______________________________________

(Please circle the appropriate year you’re paying)

2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 Other (Explain Below) _____Years @ $25.00 per year $ ________

Other $ _______

Donations $ _______

TOTAL $ _______

You will not receive a dues notice by mail. Your only dues notice will be on our web site at www.ussessexassociation.com and printed in this B u c c a n e e r t h r e e t i m e s a y e a r .

Dues not paid by 31 December of the current year due will be dropped from our active roster. All mailings, including the B u c c a n e e r ,

will be discontinued. The date on your membership card indicates the year you are paid thru. Therefore, please keep your card handy to

refer to your dues status and entry into our Annual General Membership Meeting. Please tear out or copy and send with your remittance