pg1 Belknap Winter 2007/8 Newsletter

Editor's Ramblings

To All Shipmates:

To All, Happy 2008. It is hoped that this newsletter finds all shipmates, and their loved ones healthy and we pray for continued health and welfare for all. Another year has passed and another successful reunion. This time, once again in our un-official home port of Norfolk, Virginia. It seems we have a terrific turn out in Norfolk, no one seems to understand it, is it that our shipmates are homesick or more of them live in the Tidewater area? The editor votes for more people in the area.

An election of officers was held with Chuck Taylor being elected as President, (well deserved after all the work done as Reunion Coordinator for the past three years), Vice President is a reluctant Skip McCarroll, Secretary remains the rock steady Steve Elledge and finally the money man, our trusted Treasurer is J.J. Milnes. Our past President is the crusty old marshmallow Dick Lemon. Appointed Officers are, Webmaster, Richard Botteron and the Reunion Coordinator for 2008 is the Old Salt of the Seas, Al Sniff. Our historian is the un-flappable Ross Hatch. Chuck Taylor kept the position of Ship’s Storekeeper since no one else seems to appreciate the opportunity to volunteer for this position.

Needless to say we need to keep up the effort to contact shipmates that have attended reunions and those who have not. Entice them into joining us. Ask anyone who attends the reunion and they will tell you that it is great to see old shipmates, tell lies and rag on each other just like old times.

USS Belknap Ladies Auxiliary Commissioned

The Association voted unanimously to establish a Ladies Auxiliary. In the past prior to women being allowed onboard ships, a lot of sailors were supported by their ladies, raising the children, taking care of the home, and car, while many holding full time jobs, and often as not without receiving the recognition they deserve. The Association is no different, our ladies have supplied support since the establishment of the Association and it is only rightfully that they have more of a say in the operations of the Association. Pat Joseph was elected as President of the Ladies Auxiliary with Lori Apuzzo elected as Vice President. Pat and Lori will become a voting member of the Executive (continued on page 2) Board. The Ladies Auxiliary will continue to be responsible for setting up and running of raffles, determining decorations, etc. and to assist the reunion coordinator in setting up the reunion as necessary. Pat and Lori reported that they had a good number of ladies sign up to join the group and they are looking for more. They report that they are in need of volunteers to help out at the next reunion in Mobile. If anyone is interested, you can contact Pat by either email, telephone or snail mail. She can be reached by email at: webmaster@ussbelknap.com?
Subject=Ladies Auxiliary.