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MARINE BOMBING SQUADRON SIX-THIRTEEN ASSOCIATION 45 Verano Loop Santa Fe, NM 87508-3151 (505) 466-6549
5 February 2008 Memo To: All The Snow Shovelers HAPPY NEW YEARS! 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. This person is a member of a WWII Marine Unit who has been handling arrangements for his own squadron, and is aware of the information that we need to know regarding administrative matters and other important things. He has told us that a two bedroom goes for $59.00. Another advantage of the location is that there is a lot to see without having to do much traveling. Bob also informed me that he is commencing to get in touch with management teams in the area to establish a listing of potential stops for review prior to starting the reunion activities. Some members have already started to alert us as to their ability to attend. NOTES FROM MEMBERS Here is the address for one of our Corpsmen that was recently sent to us: Arthur F. Parker 2278 Woods and Water Court Sebring, Florida 33872 863-385-8213 Foster Cummings sends his regards to all. He sent along a picture taken at his Annual Marine Corps Party. This picture had Foster Cummings, Bob Polakowski, and Joe McDonald all of VMB 613 in attendance. In addition two other Marines non VMB Members were shown. Verl Scott says hello and regards to all 613'ers and families. He reported that not too much excitement happens in his part of Michigan but he does listen to a lot of political talking on the TV. Now that they have started to get their January thaw they are able to get to their mail box again. About a year ago he didn't pass physical inspection. They found an aneurism in the aorta just below the kidneys so they opened the container and patched the tubes. He he is strong and active but still on pills, and is thankful for an extended stay. Heard from Lou Ramsey who sends his best regards and good health to all. He reported that he is in good health and on the advice of his two children, both pharmacists he has been taking one 81 mg aspirin daily. He maintains member ship in several veterans organizations to keep his mind active. He reminded that his e mail address suddenly disappeared from the monthly letter and that matter has been corrected. Jim Brotherton sends his regards to all. He reported that all is well with them except for some health problems that keep popping up periodically. He said he always thought that “War Was Hell” but poor health is worse. Part of that expression is kidding he added because in spite of various illnesses and semi-major breakdowns he is doing pretty good. He also added that Age 85 Ain't Much Fun!. We have to be thankful as long as we can get around on our own; see petty well and feel pretty good most of the time. George and Doris McDearmon say hello to all. They are settled in a 55 and older condo community in Cumming, GA. about 30 miles north of Atlantic. The area is in the foot hills of the Appalachian Mountain chain and Sawnee Mountain is within a couple of miles. They took a trip to Parris Island in October to attend the graduation of a young Richmond friend and stayed two days in the community of Beaufort. It was quite a different area from what George remembered in 1944. The recruits were very impressive, and they believe to be our country's best. George and Doris still enjoy good health, with some minor ailments. They are thankful that they can still travel and enjoy the southland. D. C. Clay says hello to all. Everything is continuing well in his area although the weather has been some what cooler early in t he morning for the past three weeks. Lloyd McDaniel says hello to all. He read with interest the material on Tyrone Power that was in the last Newsletter and it brought memories back to him. Lloyd was in Platoon 122, February 1943 which was the same time as Tyrone Power was at Parris Island. He was ahead of Lloyd by a few weeks, but everyone knew he was there with them. Lloyd's Platoon was just a few days short of going to the Rifle Range and Tyrone's had just returned. Lloyd's platoon was marched to the Mess Hall for breakfast one morning and as they stood in line to go in. This other platoon came up beside theirs. Tyrone and Lloyd stood about four feet apart but they could not talk, all he could do was eye Tyrone out of the corner of his eye. The platoons finally entered the Mess Hall and went through the Chow Line and Tyrone ended up sitting across the table from Lloyd. Of course the No Talking Rule was in effect, hence no talking between them. Over the years Lloyd has told people that he had breakfast with Tyrone Power. TAPS John Keith passed away on December 29, 2007. He was one of the first Marines of VMB 613 to try out the PBJ. Lt John Keith, Colonel Danser and another pilot (can't recall his name) went to Pautuxent and familiarized themselves with the aircraft before they were at Cherry Point. His tour of duty with VMB 613 ended in early 1944 when he was transferred to VMB 423 until the war was over. HEALTH REPORT I spoke to James “Red” Nelson who says HI TO EVERYBODY. Although now living at home he continues to have walking problems. The pain has decreased somewhat which indicates that the rehab treatments which include special exercises are doing some good. Major areas to improve continue to be his left leg, ankle, foot, and arm which are still partially paralyzed. He sounded outstanding considering his health problem. Received an update on Stan Richardson from Peach Richardson. Although the major infection that gave him problems has been eliminated from his system he is still bothered by pulmonary proboscis problems though. Stan is still endeavoring to stay ahead of the main health problem that has been bothering him, taking special medication. There hasn't been any major change in his health condition but Stan continues to improve his breathing routine to overcome his shortness of breath and is continuing to get more of his strength back. Other wise he continues to be alert and seems to be content. Stan is still physically limited to how far he can walk and really has to watch it because he doesn't have the strength to get up and move about in the manner that he likes to. He would like to be able to walk for long periods but his system won't let him. He continues to feel stronger and endeavors to try physical activity which he is unable to do for an extended period. He also takes daily treatment to improve his systems breathing. He is still enthused over his two Marine Corps caps that he has plus some other Marine Corps items. They change the appearance of his hospital room. Plus he has a choice of choosing one Marine Corps cap over the other for daily wear. Another Marine comes in and they share stories on the Corps which makes the world go a little faster. Stan continues to remain alert through all this though. I am sure that he would like to hear from you folks, his address is as follows: Stan Richardson Westchester Gardens Rehabilitation & Care Center Clearwater, Florida 33761 1-727-789-5143 WEB NEWS We received a letter from Harold Beal III, the son of Harold Francis Beal, Captain, USMCR who was inquiring about his father who was a pilot in VMB 613. His searching of our website gave him some information. His father never told him too much about his WWII experience and after his father's passing in October 1998 Harold finally found out he was in VMB 613. His mother does not recollect anything about his flying during World War II. He said he would appreciate any help that we could give. Our webmaster was able to find a picture of his father and forwarded it onto him. He also sent along to him some service information on his Dad, serial number and dates of service with VMB-613. He also sent along the online address so he can obtain his Dad's official service record information about replacement medals. His father was the replacement for Major O'Reilly and he arrived on Kwaj in June 1945. Harold Beal, III, like his father he is a pilot (non-military). He has flown many WWII propeller aircraft at various air shows over the past 40 years. He has flown, B-25s, P-51s, F8Fs, and he even crashed a German Me-109. Our webmaster also received an inquiry about Bob Love - not the pilot but an Ordnance Gunner who served in another PBJ Squadron. This person inquiring is trying to get information about his great uncle - if anyone can remember any thing about him let us know and we will e mail the information onto him. 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.
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,
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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