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It is gratifying to learn that
the "last paid and year" inclusion on our mailing label is now showing some
success. About 30% of members who were late dues payers have now updated their
dues, this after only one newsletter. Again, thanks to Captain Tom Weaver,
90-91, CO, for his suggestions and to the USS GRAND CANYON (AD-28) Veterans
Association for their format. The officers and governors will have their board meeting on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 CREW'S NEWS Rose Reardon, Jack's widow, 43-46, 6th Div, ETM2, sent a note, "Sorry to be so late in sending in my 2007 dues. Time got away from me at the beginning of the year when my health gave me a bit of a problem. I still look forward to receiving the Sierran Newsletter. Have a great year." Frank Savino received this from Bob Matoka, 59-60, R-4, SFP3, "Hope to see everyone in Erie. Here are dues for 2007. And if they are already paid, then use the money for the Erie project." Burt Mann, 46-49, B Div, BT2, writes, "Sorry about the dues, 60 bucks should take care of things. Enjoy the news of the SIERRA as I did spend 3 years of my life there. Had a great group of friends but as I got to be disabled you don't keep up with things too well. I think of the guys in the forward fire room and engine room often, but guess most of them are gone now. Like the new way to let you know where you are on dues. Good Luck and God's speed." Received this from Virginia and Richard Knapp, 57-60, 2nd Div, BM3, "I am sorry that we did not pay our dues on time. Richard had some extensive surgery last year and had five stents put in his heart. He is doing better now and enjoys getting his SIERRA newsletter. Thanks for all you do. (DPR: Richard, I certainly hope you are on the road to a full recovery. You beat me by having one more stent.) Frank got this from a new member Lyle Christenson, 44-46, F Div, FC1, "It's been a long time since my nephew Scott Olson contacted you about my service aboard the USS SIERRA, but I haven't forgotten. I missed the commissioning ceremonies by a few days but I was on the original crew as a FC2 fresh out of advanced fire control school when the SIERRA departed Tampa Bay on April 13, 1944, bound for Norfolk. I never got my 'Piece of the Plank' nor a piece of the homeward bound pennant that we streamed as we departed Shanghai (after about four months of unforgettable liberty) on February 5, 1946. The rest is anti-climatic." This from Jim Cevora, 71-74, S-1, DP1, "You got me. When I received the SIERRA newsletter I asked my wife what color the label was. She said black. I said great, no dues until it turns red. That used to be a benefit for being color blind, but believe me I wasn't trying to get away with anything. I like the new label, no more excuses." Bob Filippi, 57-59, S Div, SN, writes, "Enclosed you will find my 2007 dues. I have not been to a reunion since 1994 but am looking forward to Erie. I just finished a book titled 'Halsey's Typhoon' written by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin. Takes place December 17-19, 1944 and mentioned the USS CASCADE and numerous other ships with locations in and around the Philippine Sea and Atoll. Some shipmates may be interested in reading this most entertaining book." From my old friend
Jim Darney, 56-57, R-3, EM3, "Enclosed are some dues. It is a good idea to post
dues on the newsletter." WELCOME ABOARD TO OUR NEW MEMBERS
Frank Schwerin, 55-57, R-3, IC1, had surgery for an aneurism in his stomach and is now recuperating. Our treasurer, Frank Savino, 53-57, 4th Div, MR2, would have by now had his surgery to also correct na aneurism in his stomach. Had occasion to speak with governor Herb Price, 55-57, Repair, PN2, who is feeling so much better and is looking forward to the reunion. Fred Smoak, 46-47, M Div, MM3, has Mesothelioma, lung cancer, and is serious ill. We were contacted by Mr. Trevel Howe of the law firm Waters and Krause of El Segundo, CA who represents Fred. He asks if anyone who served with Fred to please contact him at 310-414-8146. Anyone caring to send Fred a get-well card can send it to him at his home. (DPR: We wish all our shipmates a full recovery.) TAPS We
received this from the Rev. Msgr. Joseph S. Lizor, Jr. "As I was reading the
March issue of Military Officer I saw your note on the USS SIERRA (AD-18)
and thought I would drop you a note. I am a retired Army Catholic Chaplain
with 22 years of active duty. My father, Joseph S. Lizor, Sr., was a plank
owner on the SIERRA. He served as ship's baker and he told me he was one of
the oldest men on the ship. He had been drafted with 6 children. When I was
stationed at Ft. Jackson, SC my parents came down for a visit. While there I
took them down to the Charleston Naval Base. One of the sailors told us that
the SIERRA had just docked recently and was a few piers down from where we
were. When Dad told them he was a plank owner we were welcomed on board for
a private tour of the ship. Dad was so excited to see the ship again and
mother was thrilled to be able to go aboard the ship that Dad had served in
during the war. I am sorry to say my Father died on 27 February 1989. Hope
this information is of some interest to you." Also received in the mail was an obituary mailed from Milwaukee from unknown parties concerning Frank H. Peavy, age 62, who died on April 9,2007. Frank was not an association member but he served aboard the SIERRA during the Vietnam era. Our own members are as follows:
May Joseph Lizor,
Sr., Frank Peavy, Ed Carruth and Wallace Carley find safe harbor in heavenly
waters. Submitted By
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