I just rceived this email from Kay Keith:
Update on W.B. (Dub) Keith. Dad served on the Hazelwood in 51-55 as a Gunner's Mate.
He is tolerating his Chemotherapy much better than expected and his prognosis is excellent. We are hopeful that by Christmas, he will be cancer free. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Kay Keith
katykats@sstelco.com
Sunday, September 26, 2010
7 Months to Reunion Date
Yes, it is only seven months until our reunion in Jacksonville. As noted in the preceding post there are 48 shipmates planning to attend at this date and I am sure there will be more. If you have not yet let me know if you are attending you can send me an email at dd531reunion@earthlink.net or drop me a note to 318 Salt Creek Drive, North Port, FL, 34287.
If you wish you can send me a check for the $30.00 registration fee which covers the hospitality room drinks, snacks etc. Also let me know how many will be attending.
Some good news. The hotel has REDUCED the room rate to only $82.00 (plus 13% tax) which is their new military rate. With the tax the room rate will be only $92.66 which is really good for such a class hotel with free airport transportation.
Hotel reservations must be made by those attending. In an earlier post you can learn how to make your hotel reservations.
If you have a pet the hotel is pet friendly but they do charge a non-refundable cleaning fee of $75.00 and have a 50 pound limit on the pet.
I still do not have the tours confirmed. The Navy base is shorthanded in their Public Affairs Office but I am working on getting a good tour.
Around the first of the year you will receive a packet of information about the banquet, tours, Hazelwood caps and other information. You will be able to select your banquet meal(s), tours and other items and then send the form to me with a check to cover all of your selections. If you have not paid the registration fee at that time it can be added to the amount due.
Raymond Berger found a You Tube video about the Fletcher Class destroyers and in the video there is a picture of the Hazelwood after the Fram conversion. The video is about 6 minutes long and the Hazelwood is shown about 4 1/2 minutes into it. Click on this link and you should get there. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRXgVVDsNb0
I am looking forward to getting more reservations so I can post your name(s) on the Blog.
Smooth Sailing, Jim Julian
If you wish you can send me a check for the $30.00 registration fee which covers the hospitality room drinks, snacks etc. Also let me know how many will be attending.
Some good news. The hotel has REDUCED the room rate to only $82.00 (plus 13% tax) which is their new military rate. With the tax the room rate will be only $92.66 which is really good for such a class hotel with free airport transportation.
Hotel reservations must be made by those attending. In an earlier post you can learn how to make your hotel reservations.
If you have a pet the hotel is pet friendly but they do charge a non-refundable cleaning fee of $75.00 and have a 50 pound limit on the pet.
I still do not have the tours confirmed. The Navy base is shorthanded in their Public Affairs Office but I am working on getting a good tour.
Around the first of the year you will receive a packet of information about the banquet, tours, Hazelwood caps and other information. You will be able to select your banquet meal(s), tours and other items and then send the form to me with a check to cover all of your selections. If you have not paid the registration fee at that time it can be added to the amount due.
Raymond Berger found a You Tube video about the Fletcher Class destroyers and in the video there is a picture of the Hazelwood after the Fram conversion. The video is about 6 minutes long and the Hazelwood is shown about 4 1/2 minutes into it. Click on this link and you should get there. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRXgVVDsNb0
I am looking forward to getting more reservations so I can post your name(s) on the Blog.
Smooth Sailing, Jim Julian
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Up to 48 Attending
Today I received a reservation from Ken Dickinson, 56-58, YNT3 and a few days ago I got a reservation from Frank DeClements, 61-65, Eng. These two bring us up to 48 who are planning to attend.
It is really heartwarming to see that nine from the 40's era are planning to attend. It will be great to have so many of the Greatest Generation joining us at the reunion.
Smooth Sailing,
Jim Julian
It is really heartwarming to see that nine from the 40's era are planning to attend. It will be great to have so many of the Greatest Generation joining us at the reunion.
Smooth Sailing,
Jim Julian
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sad News & Good News
Yesterday I called, Don Kukla, 58-65, Rate unknown, because John Angus, 59-61, Deck, said he lived in the Jacksonville area. His wife answered the phone and when she found out the reason for my call she let me know that Don passed away May of this year. I expressed our condolences.
Today I got a reservation in the mail from Frank DeClements, 61-65, Eng. It will be good to see him as I remember him from the Boston Reunion and I think he was at the Fort Wayne one also. Frank is 46th shipmate to make a reservation.
Smooth sailing, Jim Julian
Today I got a reservation in the mail from Frank DeClements, 61-65, Eng. It will be good to see him as I remember him from the Boston Reunion and I think he was at the Fort Wayne one also. Frank is 46th shipmate to make a reservation.
Smooth sailing, Jim Julian
Saturday, August 28, 2010
More news
I just got back from a trip "up north" and on the return, stopped in Jacksonville to firm up some more details of the reunion. When I got all of my held mail delivered, I found we now have two more shipmates planning to attend.
Murray Palladino, RM3, 43-46 and Ray Berger, RD2, 60-62 now brings our shipmate count up to 45. Keep those reservations coming and we will have a lot of fun seeing old shipmates.
While in Jacksonville I firmed up our contract with the Crowne Plaza JAX Airport Hotel. I was really pleased that they have agreed to let us have, at no cost, two adjoining hospitality rooms. We will have plenty of room for our Bull Sessions with seating for a lot of folks and tables for refreshments. They even allow us to bring our own refreshments to the rooms which is not normally permitted.
The rooms are on the first floor of the hotel and have doors that lead out to a courtyard where the "Smoking Lamp" will be lit.
For the banquet on Friday evening you will be able to select one the following:
12 oz. Ribeye - $34.00
Pecan Crusted Mahi-Mahi - $34.00
Chicken Marsala - $32.00
This includes the tip, all taxes, salad and dessert. A cash bar will be set up an hour prior to the dinner since we are not permitted to bring our own "refreshments" into the banquet room.
While I was there I even made my room reservations for Carol and I. I know it is early, but why not. If you wish to make them this early your are welcome to do so, but remember to tell them that you are with the HAZELWOOD REUNION and you will get the special room rate of $88.00 (Plus taxes = just under $100.00 per night.)
If you are not a member of the Priority Club, JOIN IT!! It is free and you get special perks and a special section of the hotel for rooms. Joining is easy by going to priorityclub.com or just call 1-888-211-9874. Have a Priority Number when you reserve your room to make sure you get the perks.
I know you may not be making your reservations this early but if you wish to you can call the hotel toll free at 1-800-2CROWNE or on-line at cpjacksonvilleairport.com
Their web site will also give you a lot of information about the hotel and its facilities.
All of this information will be mailed to you in Late December and also confirmed via email to those with email addresses.
I am still working on getting the Navy to give us a tour of a ship at Mayport Naval Base but that has not yet been confirmed yet. This war on terrorism is causing a lot more security issues. If something happens and we get cancelled on a ship tour, I have alternative plans in the works.
I think this enough information for you all to digest at this time.
Smooth sailing, Jim Julian
Murray Palladino, RM3, 43-46 and Ray Berger, RD2, 60-62 now brings our shipmate count up to 45. Keep those reservations coming and we will have a lot of fun seeing old shipmates.
While in Jacksonville I firmed up our contract with the Crowne Plaza JAX Airport Hotel. I was really pleased that they have agreed to let us have, at no cost, two adjoining hospitality rooms. We will have plenty of room for our Bull Sessions with seating for a lot of folks and tables for refreshments. They even allow us to bring our own refreshments to the rooms which is not normally permitted.
The rooms are on the first floor of the hotel and have doors that lead out to a courtyard where the "Smoking Lamp" will be lit.
For the banquet on Friday evening you will be able to select one the following:
12 oz. Ribeye - $34.00
Pecan Crusted Mahi-Mahi - $34.00
Chicken Marsala - $32.00
This includes the tip, all taxes, salad and dessert. A cash bar will be set up an hour prior to the dinner since we are not permitted to bring our own "refreshments" into the banquet room.
While I was there I even made my room reservations for Carol and I. I know it is early, but why not. If you wish to make them this early your are welcome to do so, but remember to tell them that you are with the HAZELWOOD REUNION and you will get the special room rate of $88.00 (Plus taxes = just under $100.00 per night.)
If you are not a member of the Priority Club, JOIN IT!! It is free and you get special perks and a special section of the hotel for rooms. Joining is easy by going to priorityclub.com or just call 1-888-211-9874. Have a Priority Number when you reserve your room to make sure you get the perks.
I know you may not be making your reservations this early but if you wish to you can call the hotel toll free at 1-800-2CROWNE or on-line at cpjacksonvilleairport.com
Their web site will also give you a lot of information about the hotel and its facilities.
All of this information will be mailed to you in Late December and also confirmed via email to those with email addresses.
I am still working on getting the Navy to give us a tour of a ship at Mayport Naval Base but that has not yet been confirmed yet. This war on terrorism is causing a lot more security issues. If something happens and we get cancelled on a ship tour, I have alternative plans in the works.
I think this enough information for you all to digest at this time.
Smooth sailing, Jim Julian
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Another Email
Shipmates, I recently received this email and thought you would like to see it. Jim Julian
"Dear Sir,
I found this picture among my father's collection of WW-II photographs, and I thought it might be of interest to you. This gruesome mess is identified as the destroyer USS Hazelwood, DD-531, as she appeared after being hit by a Kamikaze off Okinawa. It's incredible to realize that this ship actually survived this holocaust!
My father, Paul D. Guttman (1920-2005) was a Navy combat cameraman (PHoM 2/C), who served in just about every campaign, on land, at sea, in the air and even under the sea, from new Guinea to Okinawa. I do not know the circumstances of how or when he came to take this picture. As far as I know he was not a member of the Hazelwood's crew, nor was he ever attached to the ship as far as I am aware. He left hundreds of pictures such as this, many of which have never been published, which I am only now finally getting around to collating. He began sorting them out before he died, but he never finished the job.
Sincerely,
Robert Guttman"
I found this picture among my father's collection of WW-II photographs, and I thought it might be of interest to you. This gruesome mess is identified as the destroyer USS Hazelwood, DD-531, as she appeared after being hit by a Kamikaze off Okinawa. It's incredible to realize that this ship actually survived this holocaust!
My father, Paul D. Guttman (1920-2005) was a Navy combat cameraman (PHoM 2/C), who served in just about every campaign, on land, at sea, in the air and even under the sea, from new Guinea to Okinawa. I do not know the circumstances of how or when he came to take this picture. As far as I know he was not a member of the Hazelwood's crew, nor was he ever attached to the ship as far as I am aware. He left hundreds of pictures such as this, many of which have never been published, which I am only now finally getting around to collating. He began sorting them out before he died, but he never finished the job.
Sincerely,
Robert Guttman"
Saturday, August 7, 2010
E-Mails of interest
This is an email I received from Kay Keith, Dub Keith’s daughter. Dub served on the Hazelwood in 51-55 in the Deck crew. I have not listed Kay’s email or phone but if you wish to have either, email me and I will supply the information. (dd531reunion@earthlink.net)
"UPDATE
Dad can't have surgery because his lungs are not strong enough. Someone his age should have lung functions of around 70%, he has 43%. So, if any of you are still sucking on them cigarettes:
STOP IT NOW! He quit 5 years ago, but the damage had already been done.
He has a wonderful Radiation Oncologist that went to bat for him and got him approved for Cyperknife Radiotherapy. Medicare usually will not approve this for people with small call lung cancer, but she got it approved. This is cutting edge technology that uses a computer guided laser to target just the cancer cells and leaves the healthy cells intact. Traditional radiation just kills the whole area, plus it usually makes just about everyone sick. Cyperknife is a different type and doesn't have all the side effects. I take him to the hospital on Tuesday for the final lung scan to map out exactly where the tumor is for the computer mapping. He will have 5 straight days of this and that's all, versus 16 - 20 for the traditional kind. His chemotherapy will consist of 3 straight days in a row, once a month for 6 months. I am not sure when he will start chemo. For anyone who knows anything about chemo drugs, he will be taking a cocktail of Etoposide and Carboplatin, both are old standby, typical drugs used specifically for Small Cell.
I will try and keep you informed, but with all the running back and forth to Tulsa and keeping up with appointments, I am a little frazzled myself. Feel free to e-mail me or call me. "
* * * * * * *
Here is another email I received. Some shipmate may have some information for Diann. If you have some information for her, contact me and I will put you in contact with her.
"Hello, I am hoping you can help me..I joined your distribution list for the Hazelwood as my research has indicated that my father, Frank Imbriaco, served on the Hazelwood during WWII. My father passed away in 1989 and he rarely talked about his time in the Navy, but I know he served from about 1944 (he was 17 at the time) until the end of the war. Would it be possible for you to check your records to confirm that my father, Frank Imbriaco, spent his time on this ship? If you do not have this information, would you be able to let me know who I could contact to confirm and find out more about my father's experience in the Navy? Thank you so much for your time. Diann Imbriaco"
* * * * * *
And one more email that is asking for information.
"Dear Jim,
Thank you for agreeing to help me contact WWII veterans of the HAZELWOOD. I am writing a book that centers on the lives of a select group of WWII servicemen, and one of these young men was a HAZELWOOD sailor: Glenn Vogt, an electrician's mate killed in a Kamikaze attack off Okinawa.. For my research, I hope to draw upon their experiences, perspectives, and insights as well as their technical knowledge of the duties and operations of their ship - along with their memories of its battle history - as I attempt to understand and recreate Glenn's experience and the experience of the other HAZELWOOD crew. I am sincere, honest, and dedicated and am more than grateful for the assistance provided me by veterans and the family and friends of veterans of the war.
If you could relay this message to the WWII veterans of your ship, I would be more than grateful. They may e-mail me at this address (smith1.07@comcast.net) or call 815-223-2116. If however they would rather give you their numbers and addresses and have you give them to me so that I may contact them, that is also certainly fine.
I am the father of two daughters, a solid member of my community - and I respect the privacy, interests, and wishes of my interview subjects. I hope to hear back. Again, thanks very, very much.
My best,
Steve"
* * * * *
Only 8 ½ months until the reunion. Time is flying. Get your reservation in.
Smooth sailing, Jim Julian
"UPDATE
Dad can't have surgery because his lungs are not strong enough. Someone his age should have lung functions of around 70%, he has 43%. So, if any of you are still sucking on them cigarettes:
STOP IT NOW! He quit 5 years ago, but the damage had already been done.
He has a wonderful Radiation Oncologist that went to bat for him and got him approved for Cyperknife Radiotherapy. Medicare usually will not approve this for people with small call lung cancer, but she got it approved. This is cutting edge technology that uses a computer guided laser to target just the cancer cells and leaves the healthy cells intact. Traditional radiation just kills the whole area, plus it usually makes just about everyone sick. Cyperknife is a different type and doesn't have all the side effects. I take him to the hospital on Tuesday for the final lung scan to map out exactly where the tumor is for the computer mapping. He will have 5 straight days of this and that's all, versus 16 - 20 for the traditional kind. His chemotherapy will consist of 3 straight days in a row, once a month for 6 months. I am not sure when he will start chemo. For anyone who knows anything about chemo drugs, he will be taking a cocktail of Etoposide and Carboplatin, both are old standby, typical drugs used specifically for Small Cell.
I will try and keep you informed, but with all the running back and forth to Tulsa and keeping up with appointments, I am a little frazzled myself. Feel free to e-mail me or call me. "
* * * * * * *
Here is another email I received. Some shipmate may have some information for Diann. If you have some information for her, contact me and I will put you in contact with her.
"Hello, I am hoping you can help me..I joined your distribution list for the Hazelwood as my research has indicated that my father, Frank Imbriaco, served on the Hazelwood during WWII. My father passed away in 1989 and he rarely talked about his time in the Navy, but I know he served from about 1944 (he was 17 at the time) until the end of the war. Would it be possible for you to check your records to confirm that my father, Frank Imbriaco, spent his time on this ship? If you do not have this information, would you be able to let me know who I could contact to confirm and find out more about my father's experience in the Navy? Thank you so much for your time. Diann Imbriaco"
* * * * * *
And one more email that is asking for information.
"Dear Jim,
Thank you for agreeing to help me contact WWII veterans of the HAZELWOOD. I am writing a book that centers on the lives of a select group of WWII servicemen, and one of these young men was a HAZELWOOD sailor: Glenn Vogt, an electrician's mate killed in a Kamikaze attack off Okinawa.. For my research, I hope to draw upon their experiences, perspectives, and insights as well as their technical knowledge of the duties and operations of their ship - along with their memories of its battle history - as I attempt to understand and recreate Glenn's experience and the experience of the other HAZELWOOD crew. I am sincere, honest, and dedicated and am more than grateful for the assistance provided me by veterans and the family and friends of veterans of the war.
If you could relay this message to the WWII veterans of your ship, I would be more than grateful. They may e-mail me at this address (smith1.07@comcast.net) or call 815-223-2116. If however they would rather give you their numbers and addresses and have you give them to me so that I may contact them, that is also certainly fine.
I am the father of two daughters, a solid member of my community - and I respect the privacy, interests, and wishes of my interview subjects. I hope to hear back. Again, thanks very, very much.
My best,
Steve"
* * * * *
Only 8 ½ months until the reunion. Time is flying. Get your reservation in.
Smooth sailing, Jim Julian
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