Shipmates,
Captain Hatch informs us that the official request to have a 3rd ship named BELKNAP has been submitted.
At this point, we can begin to make individual requests in support of this initiative. Please see his thoughts below on how we should proceed:
“I think the next step is to get ready to send endorsements from Chuck and the Belknap Family as soon as we receive SECNAV confirmation.
Thoughts might include support of the basic request, honor for both the heroic efforts and the proud record of the BELKNAP over her three decades of service and pride in the family name for a third ship. If I can help on this, please let me know.
As we discussed before, support from former crew members should be sent to Mike.
A package of support letters would seem to me have a greater impact than a trickle. Maybe a couple of packages.
They too, can write to support the request, express what a great ship she was, how proud they were to serve on her (include years) and any noteworthy events.
These messages should be limited to a few sentences except in very special cases. The breadth of support is what is important in showing the pride in those who have served.”
As Captain Hatch suggests, you should write your letter of support and forward it to me so that we can submit a consolidated package to the proper authorities.
Probably, the best way to do this is to just send me an email with your request included, and “sign” it with your name, rate, and years aboard.
I will take these emails and copy your text to a Word document. We will then have a single document that has a separate request on each page.
If any of you feel strongly that you would rather write a personal letter, you may do that as well. Just mail the letter to me and it will become part of the package.
As Captain Hatch indicates above, the more support that is shown, the better.
Send snail mail to me at:
Mike Abbott 292 Brookhaven Drive Belleville, IL 62221 Let’s do this, shipmates, Mike Abbott FTCM(SW) USN Ret. 66 – 72; 78 - 82Last updated 25 June 2009