Newsletter: September 2007

Memo To: Tired Summer Fishermen

REUNION 2008

Bob Polakowski has been doing some research on a location for our next reunion and has tentatively selected The Cross Road Inn at Quantico. This location is also close to the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

He will be in contact with a WWII Marine, who is handling arrangements for his own squadron, to get more information regarding administrative matters. He has been told 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.

It would be appreciated if members would let me know if they are interested in attending so that we could discuss the logistic matters with The Cross Road Inn. A response prior to 31 October would be appreciated so that plans, arrangements etc. could be started.

NOTES FROM MEMBERS

Many thanks to members for sending Ponape photos to Andrew Germinaro of Ponape to use in his family album that is currently in the process of a family video preparation.

Frank Kos sends his regards to all. He said that after release from active duty he attended college, graduated and was commissioned a 2nd Lt in the U.S. Army. After taking care of his military obligation he went to work for Boeing Aircraft and worked there for about thirty five years.

Foster Cummings sends his best to all. All continues well with them. He has been in touch with Joe McDonald and Rita and all is well with them in New Hampshire. He has also been in touch with Bob Polakowski who sends his regards to all. Everything remains well with them in Wisconsin.

Bob Polakowski reported in and sends their best to all. He and Helen will be attending the Boston Marine Birthday Ball with Foster and Doris Cummings, as well as, the Cummings Marine Corps Birthday Bash at their home. They are really looking forward for both events.

Jack Schwertfager says hello and regards to all. We had quite a conversation about his golfing routine which has come to a halt. He injured toes on one of his feet which hinders his walking across the green. Unfortunately he can't get a good estimate as to when the injury will be completely healed.

Joe Yakawich sends his regards to all. All remains well with the family and his wife is planning a week long trip to California with their youngest daughter.

His son, Lt Col Joseph Yakawich, US Army, is on his way to Afghanistan. He wants to be a Professor of Military Science when this tour ends. Hopefully it will be at West Point.

Joe sent a picture of his Year 2006 Art Presentation Room wherein he was the Featured Artist. This picture is attached to this letter.

The squadron made a gift donation to the American Cancer Society in memory of Francis DeMint. His daughter Janet sent along this message:

To the guys at VMB 613 :

The kindness expressed by your gift to the American Cancer Society has been received with heartfelt appreciation. Dad would have been honored.

Janet DeMint

HEALTH REPORT

Received word that James “Red” Nelson was in the hospital recuperating from a stroke. His left leg and arm are paralyzed and he goes to rehab three times daily. He is in the ICU Unit. A reevaluation program has been set up which will give him a lot of physical assistance. He had a phone line in his room and I was able to get through and talk to him. He sounded outstanding considering his health problem

Received an update on Stan Richardson from Peach Richardson. He is still endeavoring to stay ahead of the health problem. 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.

To change the appearance of his hospital room he has a Marine Corps cap hanging at the head of the bed, plus his new one a gift from Doc Protheroe, and has a couple of other items with Marine Corps insignia in the area. 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

Robert Yanacek our webmaster was able to locate Frank Kos, navigator, who sent along a picture of William Farley. This submittal of the picture of William Michael Farley completes his effort to locate pictures of all members of VMB 613 who were killed in action on the Ponape raid.

Farley's photo is now on our website. This picture is also part of this newsletter but in black and white as opposed to a superior copy that is available in the foregoing link reference.

Robert was also able to get in touch with Bob Shock who had moved. As soon as their new address becomes available it will be passed on to all.

Remember that our new fiscal year started in January 2007. If there isn't an (07) 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.

Note: (06) denotes 2006, (07) denotes 2007, (08) denotes 2008. 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 have a limited number of Red VMB 613 caps, the cost is $10.00 each and are being sold on a first-order, first-serve basis.

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."