Newsletter: March 2009

Memo To: All Those Enjoying Spring Weather

NOTES FROM MEMBERS

Had a great time talking to Nick Bozic. He is still limited to the amount of time he can spend moving around. He goes from the walker to the wheel chair in his many movements around the home. He has to watch his movements to assure that his chest pains and other bone problems don't get too far out of control.

He gets the opportunity to eat out at a restaurant with his son and daughter which provides him the opportunity to really see what is happening in the outside world.

He is still knowledgeable of the VMB 613 webpage. When he visits with his daughter she turns on the computer so that he can continue to refresh his memories of VMB 613.

When we got to the subject of sports he said that football was still his favorite. He endeavors to see as many games on TV as practical since he can't move his wheel chair around the football stadium seats etc.

Jack Barton sends his best to all the VMB 613 Marines - Semper Fi. He said that he is still amazing the Doctors - at 87 years of age he is still in good health.

He said that he had a note from Bob Litzau who reported that he is still upright. He and Betty sold their home and are moving into a Senior-living complex. He said that it is real nice.

Willis Roose reported that things are great in the Hoosier State. The foot of snow that covered their ground last week disappeared and real summer weather is now the vogue.

In reviewing, Nevil's Devil's are getting a little older and possibly scarce. He passed 84 last fall and by no means was he a junior member.

While digging in his sock draw recently he came across some VMB 613 photos - he was a bit thinner then but that was because they were only getting four beers a week. This brought the memory that Arthur Card did not drink – so everybody fought over his "chits."

He said that when they drive through Albuquerque (with its 17 exits) returning from Scottsdale, he will endeavor to "ring me up."

Deborah Nasta sends her Dad's regards to all. She was giving him a hand in finishing some administrative matters.

Jim Brotherton sends good health wishes to all. He said that there weren'tmany changes in Daytona - they just completed the Annual NASCAR RACE with about 200,000 people attending! He further stated that the track is about the only company making money.

Most of his golfing buddies are dying out and he had to quit playing because of back problems.

When he was younger they all told him that "Retirement" would be very pleasant. But they never said anything about the aches and pains, but we have to "Keep Up, Keeping On."

Marge McCune sent a message to us and reported that Don and she are fine. They had a quiet Christmas with family and friends.

In January the tempo picked up as they celebrated Don's 93rd birthday on Jan 8th. His daughter, 2 granddaughters and two great grandsons (ages 3 and 5) came from Seattle, WA and Austin, TX to spend time with them. His oldest granddaughter shares the January 8th birthday with him. The house was was jumping - they had so much fund, but too much noise for the cat - he went into hiding.

They send their regards to all of VMB 613.

Jim Garls sends his regards to all. He mentioned that the Post Office will be raising their rates again and he is going to verify the period or periods that organizations can continue to use the existing 42 cent stamp rate. The article in the newspaper on the rate change inferred that this could be done.

Bob Polakowski's daughter, Joan, continues to give thought to our 2009 reunion but reported that she still will have to fall back to the year 2010 due to demanding matters that take precedent.

She is still definitely willing to head up the reunion and all her planning from now on will be for that year. She will be very glad to receive any and all e-mails on members recommendations to make the reunion an outstanding event.

Bob Polakowski reported that Helen is doing fine considering what she has been going through. The doctor has postponed surgery for a few more weeks.

Foster Cummings says hello to all. Things are going well in his area and he hopes that the snow is gone for the season. The weather doesn't always cooperate though and with March coming on soon, the middle of March snow storm may be upon them.

Heard from Joe Yakawich who says high to everyone and sends his regards to all. He said that he is still hanging in there and doing OK. Arthritis is still giving him some problems so he has had to use special ointments to minimize the pain that arises periodically.

His son the Colonel continues to prepare to assume the position of Professor of Military Science (R.O.T.C.) National Guard at the State University. This assignment is very close to home which makes it possible for the family to get together more often than in the past.

Joe said he was getting ready to go fishing when I called so he was going onto lunch and then go casting.

In last months letter it was mentioned that our Reserve Funds for special contributions were getting low. I wish to thank the members for remembering this fact. Some members have dropped me notes saying that they had remembered to make their contributions.

WEB NEWS

Our webmaster, Robert Yanacek, received an e-mail from Cilla Rogers, daughter of Pilot Ted "Jolly" Rogers. Cilla found our website on Christmas Day and enjoyed visiting and learning about some of her fathers exploits during WWII.

She sends her regards to all members. Cilla also indicated that she will keep on the lookout for any photographs or items of interest in her father's collection and will pass them on for inclusion on our website.

Robert also received numerous e-mails from diver, Bill Remick. Bill was the diver who identified our aircraft on the bottom of Kwajalein Lagoon a number of years ago.

Bill mentioned that he received various photographs in the past from Farley Lund and John Gavin. He forwarded these photographs to Robert and they are now part of our website. The photos included shots of the airstrip and flight line on Kwaj and a number which showed the squadron's PBJs being stripped of their engines and other components on Roi at the end of the war.

Remember that our new fiscal year started in January 2009. If there isn't an (09) 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: (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.

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:

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

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

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."