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VMB-613 Squadron Insignia

Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen

 

MARINE BOMBING SQUADRON SIX-THIRTEEN ASSOCIATION

45 Verano Loop

Santa Fe, NM 87508-3151

(505) 466-6549

Front View of PBJ

5 April 2008

Memo To:  All Super Patriots

Bob Polakowski called to inform us that we should be hearing from our contact for the reunion.  This individual a former WWII Marine has been instrumental in helping Marine organizations get oriented with the motels in our planned reunion area.

The reunion dates are May 14, 15, 16, 17 and leave on the 18th.  It will be held at the Crossroads Inn in Quantico VA.  Rooms are $69.00 (no tax), and have refrigerators, microwaves and coffee makers.  There is an outside swimming pool.  

To make Reservations at the Inn, call: Jackie Holder, Mgr - 1-800-965-9511, and mention that this is a VMB 613 Reservation and the Group Number for VMB 613 Reservations is Group No. 1197. 

You fly into Reagan International Airport and there are shuttles to the Inn.

Many plans are still being formed but we will have buses to take us to special events.  On Thursday we'll visit monuments, Friday H&I Headquarters, and attendees will see the Marine Corps Band and Silent Drill Team.

Some members have already started to alert us as to their ability to attend.

To maintain contact with Bob and let him know you are coming here is his address and telephone number:

Robert Polakowski

118 N Wilson

Kimberly, WI 54136

920-788-2988

Bob telephoned the other day to say that the Motel is doing everything possible to get room space for members who are endeavoring to make the reunion.  Space has become available at other motels not too far from the Main Hotel and when ever a room does become available at the Reunion Motel the Staff endeavors to contact a squadron member to make them aware of the opportunity for a room.


NOTES FROM MEMBERS

Heard from Joe Yakawich's son, LtCol Joseph Yakawich, U.S. Army, who had just returned rom Afghanistan a couple of weeks ago.  He had been talking to his Dad whom he said was plowing through the Montana winter just fine and is doing well.  He told his Dad he would pass on his regards to us.

Foster Cummings says hello and regards to all.  We discussed the amenities available at Quantico for the Reunion and based upon past reunion events the facility is able to accommodate our organization without any space problems.  He did mention that DC Clay is endeavoring to drive to the reunion with his brother as a co-pilot.

Heard from Peggy Gutshall who passed on the word that Gerry had his other knee replacement completed.  He was at the Lutheran Home for PT after the operation.  There are high hopes he can go to Health South for PT and if not there back to this convalescent home for a few weeks of rehab, before he comes home.

All their spring and summer plans will hinge on how soon he will be able to get around independently.

Heard from Jim Milhousen who says hello and regards to all.  He reported that he is having Macular Degeneration problems and is getting shots monthly in an effort to stabilize the matter.

Heard from Jack Barton who says hello and regards to all.  He reported that his health continues to hold up very well.  The Doctor told him he has another fifteen 15 years - but who's counting!

Jack hears from Bob Litzau every so often and all is well with him.  His biggest problem though is his winter fuel bill for heating.

Heard from Randy Clow who says hello and regards to all.  He has been in touch with Red Nelson who reported that he is working hard at Rehab.

Heard from Charlie Cosbey who says hello and regards to all.  He said that he remembers when he joined VMB 613 in Newport, Ark and the ride across Texas and the Pacific Ocean to the beautiful island of Kwajalein.  It was quite an experience for him since he had never been away from home before.

He added that he had good times in the Marine Corps and most of them were in VMB 613.

Charlie added that his health is very good except for arthritis, but he does get around with two canes.  For longer trips he is able to get around in a conversion van that transports a Bruno electric four wheel scooter with electric door and ramp.  This scooter allows him to move around the chopping centers with ease.

He and his son were able to get to Quantico to visit the Marine Corps Museum and took two days to see everything.  This was on the Marine Corps Birthday on 10 November.  He recommends that all members take this Marine Corps Museum Trip.

He was amazed to see that the Japanese rifles on display at the Museum were different than the one he brought home.  He said that his gun came from the assortment of rifles that our planes brought in from Ponape.

Gil Peavey says hello and regards to all.  All continues well with him and he is waiting for the spring and summer weather to arrive so that he can sit around and take in the warmer weather along with some walking.

Lester Robinson says hello and regards to all.  All continues well with him.

Heard from Tracie Bell and he sent along a correction to his e mail address which has been incorporated into our records.  He reported on their weather conditions which indicate that winter doesn't want to leave their section of the country.  They are all hoping that summer weather will emerge soon so that they can get out and enjoy some good weather.

Heard from Carmine Nasta who says greetings to all. Due to an accident wherein he broke his wrist, he also has a few other aches and pains and has to use a walker to get around.  He has been giving consideration to going to a Nursing Home or an Assisted Living Home.

Spoke to Red Nelson who sends his best to all.  He continues to have problems with his left arm wherein he can't use it properly, plus he has limited walking ability.

He is endeavoring to overcome this factor by slowly getting his system to accept system commands to move about.  These physical problems are attributable to the stroke his system experienced a few months ago.

He is also hoping that the medical establishment will be able to come through with some recommended routines which will alleviate the problem or problems.

Robert Yanacek recently spoke to Robert Shock and Herb Schwartz of Ordnance.  They are both doing fine.  The Shocks are currently living in Tennessee but are hoping to sell their home and move to Ohio.

Robert Shock shared a number of stories of life on Kwajalein with our Webmaster including an incident in which he was caught speeding as a Duty Driver.  When Lieutenant Colonel Nevils found about it, he wanted to bust him , but fortunately the wisdom and insistence of Sergeant Major Abrams prevailed and Shock only received a good chewing out.  Robert sends best wishes to all VMB-613 members, especially to Herb Schwartz and John Peterson his fellow ordnancemen.

Herb and Annette Schwartz are also doing well.  A few months ago Herb was suffering from a kidney problem, however, with some medication he is back on track and doing well.  Herb also shared some memories with our webmaster, specifically about the great time he had in returning to Kwajalein and Ponape in 1994.  Herb sends his regards to all VMB-613 members and has contacted Bob Polakowski about information regarding the upcoming reunion.


TAPS

Stan Richardson passed away on February 24, 2008.  A Memorial service was held on February 28th at the Northwood Presbyterian Church in Clearwater, FL and grave yard services were held on March 4, 2008 in Salisbury, MD.

Stan fought a long hard battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.


WEB NEWS

Our Webmaster, Robert Yanacek, received a number of e-mails from Mike Brady, grandson of VMB-613 photographer, Ed Zitkus.  Mike was very pleased to have found information on his grandfather and his experiences during World War II on our website.  He also sends his regards to all VMB-613 members, as well as, his thanks for their service to our Country.

Robert Yanacek also has been exchanging e mails with a gentleman by the name of Robert Craig who is researching the World War II-era in Newport, Arkansas.  Robert Craig was vry pleased to see all the information on VMB-613's tour of duty in Newport and the various photographs taken while we were in Newport.

He added that he is working with a group that plans to open a small museum in Newport with displays of various photographs and artifacts that recall the men who flew from the airbase.  Robert would like to contact any VMB-6123 members who be willing to share memories of life in Newport, specifically interaction with residents and “night life”.  Having grown up in Newport, he already has some information and had heard that the Marines would often visit a local watering hole known as the Bloody Bucket.  Anyone desiring to share their stories of Newport may do so by contacting him at: robt.craig@sbcglobal.net

Our webmaster also contacted Brooke Ligon, daughter of "Arky" Ligon and Robert Klinke, son of Alvin Klinke.  Both are currently making plans to attend the VMB-613 Reunion in May.


THE PLANE THAT ENDED WORLD WAR II

Beautiful restoration of one of the most historic aircraft of all time.  The Enola Gay has lead a somewhat checkered life.  It was dismantled in 1966 finally put under cover and security at the Smithsonian's Paul Garber Facility.  Until that time it sat at various storage sites savaged by souvenir hunters, animals, and the weather.  About 300,000 man-hours have gone into remedying that neglectful situation, plus researching and undoing a bunch of modifications made to this B-29 after Tinian.

Now completely reassembled and proudly displayed at the new Udvar-Hazy Museum at Dulles International Airport, Enola is externally complete.  Compared to today's jumbo aircraft it seems kind of small.  A variety of avionics and some panel restoration will continue over the next few years even though the public will not be allowed inside this aircraft.

But happily the National Air & Space Museum is planning an interactive virtual touch to the interior to be from the web.  Take a look...

Enola Gay


Remember that our new fiscal year started in January 2008.  If there isn't an (08) or higher two digit number appearing after your name on the mailing label on your envelope you should mail a check to us made out to VMB 613 in the amount of $20.00 for payment of dues.  Many thanks to those members who have already paid their dues.

Note: (07) denotes 2007, (08) denotes 2008, (09) denotes 2009.  Many thanks to the members who have already sent in their dues checks.


SQUADRON MEMORABILIA

THE LIMITED EDITION COLLECTORS ITEM, the squadron logo hat pin is still available for VMB 613 members and friends.  This pin is an inch in diameter and comes in a pewter finish or gold plated with a hand painted finish.  The colors are similar to the colored logo that was mailed out several months ago. Marine Corps Scarlet Red background, Gold Wings, Black Cannon and Maces.  Plus it is made in America.

Pewter finish logo hat pin - $4.50

Hand painted finish logo hat pin - $5.50

A new item is the license plate frame.  It is a composition material (special plastic) with a red background and gold lettering. The top of the frame has U.S. MARINES and the bottom VMB 613 WWII.  The cost is $5.00 INCLUDING PACKING AND SHIPPING.

USMC Heat Transfer Kit.  Has 6 large insignias and 6 small insignias.  Can use on caps, T shirts or any other cloth item.  These kits are $3.95 each.     

We still have the small VMB 613 number plate for the rear window at $5.00 each.  These now can be ordered with either a WHITE or RED background. 

The regular size VMB 613 license plate complete with mounting hardware is now available on special order for $20.00.

We are out of stock on the Red VMB 613 caps. Efforts are in process to find a qualified organization to supply us with a restock of the caps.

These memorabilia items can be ordered from Charlie Knapp.

Here is a VMB 613 Special from McGrogan's Patch Design.  A cloth patch five inches in diameter which is the standard WWII size.  This is the VMB 613 squadron logo patch in color.  The cost to VMB 613 members is $3.50 per patch.  Order direct from the following address:

      McGrogran's Patch Design

PO Box 2254

Hayden, ID 83835

Website: http://www.mcgrogans.com

Please continue the notes or letters all of which help to make the monthly letter more interesting. 

This is all for now.  Stay healthy.

Semper Fi,

Signature of Charles Knapp

Charlie 


ROSTER CHANGES

For security reasons, changes to the roster are not available on-line.  Please contact Charlie Knapp for address information.


VMB 613 E-MAIL DIRECTORY LISTING

A directory of e-mail addresses for members is available on-line in a password protected area of the site.  Please contact our webmaster to obtain your password. 

Note: Please check your address on the listing and let me know of any required corrections.  Some messages have been returned with a comment "unknown address."

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