ARCHIVES OF
"BREAKING NEWS ITEMS" 15 JUNE 2000 THROUGH 17 JUNE
2001
====================================================================
CLICK
HERE FOR 18 JUNE 2001 THROUGH TODAY
====================================================================
BREAKING NEWS
ITEMS
- 16 March 2001 to 17 June 2001
NEW LOOK
Abandoned! Viewers
prefer the easier to read fonts. I will continue to
tamper so don't be alarmed if your picture is
occasionally different.
RED NOSE
REVIEW
Our Editor-in-Chief
Dave Swaney reports the spring issue is in the works. If
you haven't received an issue recently contact Dave and
give him your current address. You will prevent our
wasting the postage cost and assure yourself of getting
the next issue. You can find Dave at DaveSwaney@aol.com
.
INTERESTING WEB
SITE
Some of you
received the following message recently. Those who didn't
may want to check it out :
Gentlemen:
I need some help. A
few of you may remember me from VF-162 from '66 to '69.
Hate to admit it but all of us who were Crusader drivers
qualify for the age group that the web site below seeks
to reach. I have been working on this web site for some
period of time and need input done by those who fit the
norm.
Please review
www.eelderly.com
and pass on
thoughts, either by email to jshaw@eelderly.com
or the
comment log-on at www.eelderly.com. Thoughts both
creative/constructive and suggestive of changes, would
help. Would also appreciate your ideas as to other areas
that we should include. My intention in sending this is
nothing other than what I am asking for.
Thank you for your
time.
Jim Shaw
NEW
PAGES
Thanks to
photographs provided by former squadron member Don Davis
and the work of Tom Elser, we are pleased to report on a
new page. The page lists a series of photographs from
VMF(AW)-235's
WestPac Tour
in '63. It
may be accessed from the last snapshot in the '60s
section of the Snapshots Pages, from the Home page menu
bar and temporarily from the page update list
below.
REPEAT
We already have a
new addition to our new series, VMSB-235
In South Pacific.
Thanks to the contribution of photos from Dick Cropley,
most of which were taken by Bob Carter, Tom Elser has put
together another episode in the history of Squadron-235.
Enjoy. This new page is accessed from the last snapshot
in the '40s section of the Snapshots Pages, from the Home
page menu bar and temporarily from the page update list
below.
These pages are a
unique means of providing multiple photos of a singular
cruise, tour or deployment accessible from one web page
that is easily expandable. If you would like to see
similar pages from cruises, deployments or tours from
your stint in 235 you can start by gathering up photos
and contacting Tom Elser or Tom O'Rorke. Our thanks again
to Don Davis, Dick Cropley, Bob Carter and Tom
Elser.
CLICK HERE FOR SOME
REAL AEROBATICS
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/whispers/super_flenker.mpeg
MPORTANCE OF ANNUAL
DUES
Don't be left out. If you have not
yet done so, please mail your dues to Jim. It's still a
bargain at 10 bucks. Mail to James E. Strawn, 4633 Bruce
Road, Chester, VA 23831.
F4 PRIZE
WINNER
Michael, the young model builder
from Germany (see Message Board) sent us these photos of
his completed Phantom II model. Outstanding work. I know
he would appreciate hearing from any of you Phantom
drivers.
Michael Ullmann, Weinbirnenstr. 17,
Phone/Fax: (0049)-07541/57246, 88048 Friedrichshafen,
Germany
M.Ullmann.RLM@t-online.de
====================================================================
BREAKING NEWS
ITEMS
- 24 February 2001 to 15 March 2001
RED NOSE AT THE
HELM
"Col. Mel Sautter has been reselected and will
continue as Commander of Darden-Schilt Squadron through
2002. With Sautter (also a Squadron 235 type)remaining in
place, The Tidewater Virginia Chapter of the M.C.A.A.
will maintain continuity as it builds up to the national
Convention at Norfolk's Waterside Shereton in September
2002"
from: Buck Peck in Norfolk by the sea...
Congratulations Mel
AN AIR FORCE THANK
YOU
Back in December we posted a
message for Bill
Eikner to help him track down information on his brother,
a Marine SBD pilot in WWII. Our site provided him with
the contact information he needed. His message
follows:
Tom,
By way of thanks
for your help, I am attaching two pix of 236 SBDs. The
first one was taken when the unit was ferrying the
aircraft from Torokina to Luzon in Jan '45. The only time
I have ever seen SBDs with drop tanks! 206 is
Schluckebeir, 208 is Larson and 209 is Schall. The second
pic is my brother with his gunner, Sgt. Frank Sparks on a
Rabaul strike.
Although I am 9
years younger than my brother, I, too, was bitten by the
aviation bug and flew in the USAF. So, Semper Fi to you
and your band of brothers...
Bill
See Bill's photos
on the SBD
page
ANOTHER USAF
REQUEST
Hello
Sir,
I'm trying to find
out a little more about my dad's service during WWII. I
believe he was at Ewa in 1941 (MAG21,as an aircraft
mechanic?) than the Southpacific,maybe China. He was
later accepted to flight school and was still flying
helicopters till a couple of years before his death in
1986. George V. Mikkelsen (USMC 1939-1960), any of you
folks serve with him?
Sincerely,
Mona Mikkelsen
(USAF retired)
YOUNG MODELER NEEDS
HELP
Dear Mr. O'Rorke,
I am a modeler from Germany and a Phantom-Phreak.
Since I saw the first photo of a Phantom from VMFA-235
and their eyecatching paint job I knew that I will build
a Phantom of VMFA-235. Know it is time that my dream came
true. In the moment I build a F-4J from VMFA-235 (see
attached photo). When I search in the Internet for more
informations I found your homepage and down load a few of
of the photos of the F-4J from VMFA-235. I would like to
ask if you have more informations (photos) about F-4J of
VMAF-235. Maybe you know a pilot who had flown F-4J with
VMFA-235? Are you interested to receive a photo of my
model when it was finished for publishing on your home
page?
Looking forward to your answer. Best regards from
Germany
Michael Ullmann
Weinbirnenstr. 17, 88048 Friedrichshafen, Germany,
Phone/Fax: (0049)-07541/57246
If any of you
Phantom Drivers can help this lad contact him at
M.Ullmann.RLM@t-online.de
. We will post a photo of his completed model when it's
finished. TSO
ANOTHER
Hallo,
I'm writing you
this mail because I want to built a F-4J in your
squadrons colours and I still need some information. I
have a F-4 model in 1/48 but the cockpit is not correct,
so I want to rebuild it and to paint the Lady in your
colours. Can you help me? I need pictures or drawings of
the cockpit especially of the RIO's place. And it will
help me a lot if you can send me a drawing of one of your
F-4's from the side so that I can enlarge it to the scale
I need. I know that there are decals of your unit but I'm
living in Germany! You can get tons of info about the
Messerschmitt or about tanks, but rarely about modern
Navy planes. And one more thing, can you give me the FS
number of the red on the nose or tale.
I tried to get this
info at every F-4 page there is on the net. But these
guys are only interessted in Air Force machines or the
way the Phantoms looked from the outside or which jet was
were on what day!?!?!?! Please help me! I know that I
have a lot of questions but I really want to build a real
VMFA-235 F-4J.
Thank you very
much
Alexander
Zeino
Berlin,
Germany
You Phantom Pholks
might just as well pass your information on to Alexander
as well at: AZeino@aol.com
REVISED
ROSTER
Your hard working
staff is busy updating the Squadron-235 master roster and
hopes to soon have it posted on the site. The revisions
on the Deceased Roster will be undertaken next. If you
have any information on recently deceased squadron
members please pass the info on. Email is
best.
The updated roster
will identify paid up members. This will allow those who
are unsure of their status to immediately detemine
whether they need to send Jim 10 bucks for 2001. See
below
MPORTANCE OF ANNUAL
DUES
Dont be left out. If you have not yet done so, please
mail your dues to Jim. It's still a bargain at 10 bucks.
Mail to James E. Strawn, 4633 Bruce Road, Chester, VA
23831.
====================================================================
BREAKING NEWS
ITEMS
- 11 December 2000 to 24 February 2001
NEW POSTING ON
MESSAGE/LOCATOR BOARD
Recently we
received the folowing from Bill Eikner:
My brother Lt. Jim
(Ike) Eikner was in VMSB 236 from Aug 44 till his death
at Mangaldan Feb 45. Prior to that, he was assigned to Hq
Sqd, FMAW at Guadalcanal & Bougainville. I am editing
a book based on his letters home and need to contact
anyone who knew him then. I realize that your unit rarely
crossed paths with 236, but hope that someone might
remember. Any help will be greatly
appreciated.
Thanks, Bill
Eikner
If you have any
information that may be helpfull to Bill please go to the
Locator Board to email your info.
RED NOSE
REVIEW
The Winter issue of
the Red Nose Review has gone to press. This issue
includes a copy of our roster complete with addresses and
phone numbers (where available). If you spot errors in
your information or in the information of others, please
contact Tom O'Rorke.
Dave Swaney, our
new Editor, is handling the RNR distribution for this
issue and Dave tells me that your copy will be in the
mail shortly.
Please remember
that this roster is for social purposes only. We ask that
you do not use it for commercial purposes of any kind.
Thanks.
MPORTANCE OF ANNUAL
DUES
Remember that The Red Nose Review doesn't come cheap.
The cost of printing, folding, labeling and stamping each
and every one of the 370 odd copies adds up quickly. We
depend on everyone to carry their fair share. Our web
site also costs money, so - if you have not yet done so,
please mail your dues to Jim. It's a bargain at 10 bucks.
Mail to James E. Strawn, 4633 Bruce Road, Chester, VA
23831.
====================================================================
BREAKING NEWS
ITEMS
- 30 November 2000 to 11 December 2000
SNAPSHOT PAGES
REORGANIZED
Out on the west
coast, Tom Elser has been hard at work behind the scenes.
He has reworked our entire collection of snapshots and
put them in a very logical order. Chronological. When
viewing the snapshots you will now find a master page
that instructs the viewer on how to flip through the
photos and also tells how they may be downloaded to your
computer.
Tom has divided the
pictures into the decades of the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s,
1970s and 1980s and beyond. He has made it so simple even
Lieutenants should have no trouble locating
photos.
For those of you
with photos that you wish to share with other squadron
members, Tom tells you just how they may be submitted.
There is still a little fine tuning to be done so if you
experience any problems in viewing the photos please
contact Tom. Be sure to explain the problem and tell him
what browser you are using. You may email him directly
from our E-Mail Page. Enjoy. And thanks,
Tom!
RED NOSE
REVIEW
We are searching
for news items for the upcoming issue. Please send any
hot news to Tom O'Rorke. He too may be reached via email.
Try the Contacts Page or the E-Mail Page.
MCAA
2001
As you know doubt
already know, the site of MCAA 2001 is San Diego. More
specifically the Town & Country Resort. If you check
out the recently updated LINKS
page you will find links to The City of San Diego and to
the Town & Country. The T&C site is a particularly
good one. It features iPIX, which gives you 360 degree
panoramic views of hotel rooms, pools, grounds and resort
facilities. If you don't have iPIX, you may download it
from the Town & Country site. Give it a try. It's
worth the trouble. You will also find excellent maps of
the resort and of the San Diego area.
MOVING?
Keep us in mind if
you relocate. A simple email message with your new
mailing info will assure your uninterrupted delivery of
the Red Nose Review. It will also save your editor a
great deal of grief.
ANNUAL
DUES
Keep the dues checks coming. If you
have not yet done so, send Jim $10 for your 2001 dues.
Same low price - 10 bucks. Mail to James E. Strawn, 4633
Bruce Road, Chester, VA 23831.
====================================================================
BREAKING NEWS
ITEMS
- 12 November 2000 to 30 November 2000
HAPPY
225th MARINES
MESSAGE FROM THE
COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS
10 November
2000
Today, around the
world, in gatherings large and small, Marines will
assemble, as they have for two hundred and twenty-five
years, to honor both our history and the memory of those
who have preceded us. It is fitting that we do so, for it
is our profound respect for our traditions and reverence
of our heritage that distinguishes us as a Corps of
Marines. This year is especially meaningful. Fifty years
ago, the free nations of the world united to stem
aggression in Korea; twenty-five years ago, the long war
in Vietnam drew to a close; and a short decade ago,
America and her allies liberated Kuwait. The thread
linking these disparate conflicts is the Corps itself,
and our performance on these distant battlefields added
new definition to our character while cementing our
privileged place in the hearts of our countrymen.
Just as the valor
of Marines on the battlefields of Korea, Vietnam, and
Kuwait contributed uniquely to our legacy, so, too, do
our actions today. We continue to write our history,
whether conducting critical operations in the
international spotlight or diligently attending to the
equally important, but unheralded work of taking care of
Marines and their families. We are, in fact, stewards of
past, present, and future. We, therefore, must remain
mindful that our actions today-guided by the lessons of
yesterday-will determine the fate of the Corps tomorrow.
As the Corps --
family in the truest sense of the word -- pauses to
celebrate our two hundred and twenty-fifth birthday, it
is proper that we take great pride in who we are and the
work we do. We are United States Marines and for two and
a quarter centuries we have defined the standards of
courage, esprit, and military prowess. On this occasion,
we should also remember that a grateful Nation cherishes
our service and joins us in celebration.
The spirit of the
Marines of Korea, Vietnam, and Kuwait still animates
those who wear the eagle, globe, and anchor today. Their
voices and those of all our predecessors join in a
familiar chorus and exhort us to uphold our standards and
honor our legacy. This we will do, for we have learned
well the lessons of our past and know that there is no
substitute for vigilance, strength, and resolve. Our
Nation and the Marines of tomorrow can depend on that
commitment.
Happy Birthday,
Marines!
Semper
Fidelis,
J.L.
JONES
General, U.S.
Marine Corps
MCAA
2001
As you know doubt
already know, the site of MCAA 2001 is San Diego. More
specifically the Town & Country Resort. If you check
out the recently updated LINKS
page you will find links to The City of San Diego and to
the Town & Country. The T&C site is a
particularly good one. It features iPIX, which gives you
360 degree panoramic views of hotel rooms, pools, grounds
and resort facilities. If you don't have iPIX, you may
download it from the Town & Country site. Give it a
try. It's worth the trouble. You will also find excellent
maps of the resort and of the San Diego area.
MOVING?
Keep us in mind if
you relocate. A simple email message with your new
mailing info will assure your uninterrupted delivery of
the Red Nose Review. It will also save your editor a
great deal of grief.
ANNUAL
DUES
Keep the dues checks coming. If you
have not yet done so, send Jim $10 for your 2001 dues.
Same low price - 10 bucks. Mail to James E. Strawn, 4633
Bruce Road, Chester, VA 23831.
====================================================================
BREAKING NEWS
ITEMS
- 11 October 2000 to 12 November 2000
SQUADRON-235
MCAA
2000 SNAPSHOTS
Check out this
special DC
2000 page
for photos from Washington. It may take moment to load
but be patient. It is certainly worth the wait to see
these dashing and handsome Marines.
MCAA
2001
As you know doubt
already know, the site of MCAA 2001 is San Diego. More
specifically the Town & Country Resort. If you check
out the recently updated LINKS
page you will find links to The City of San Diego and to
the Town & Country. The T&C site is a
particularly good one. It features iPIX, which gives you
360 degree panoramic views of hotel rooms, pools, grounds
and resort facilities. If you don't have iPIX, you may
download it from the Town & Country site. Give it a
try. It's worth the trouble. You will also find excellent
maps of the resort and of the San Diego area.
MCAA
2000
MCAA 2000 was a
great success. Unofficial turnout of about 650. The well
appointed and well stocked Ready Room provided a
comforting refuge from the hectic pace of golf, tennis,
meetings and fine dining. Our thanks to Jim Strawn, Hondo
& Donna Ondrick, and Vince & Val Falzarano for
another outstanding job.
Also, thanks to Don
Hanna and Billy Adams. Don shipped a full sized print (3'
x 4') of his great FJ silk screen picture showing Furies
in flight. Billy received the picture and delivered it
unscathed to the Washington Ready Room for all our
weekend guest to enjoy. Hondo unselfishly volunteered to
see it safely to San Diego for MCAA 2001. Thanks to Hondo
as well.
SQUADRON
DINNER
Good food, good
spirits, good company. While we had a nice turnout for an
excellent dinner Thursday night at the Potowmack Landing,
it was not as large as it has been at most of our
previous squadron dinners. Because we did not want to
compete with "Fun Night" on Friday, we choose Thursday
for our dinner. We learned that Thursday is not the ideal
night for a squadron dinner. The last minute attendees do
not have enough time to sign up after they arrive at the
symposium site, resulting in a somewhat smaller number of
participants. We hope MCAA will return to the policy of
leaving Fridays open for squadron functions.
HISTORIC
EJECTION
Check out Jim
Strawn's account of his speedier than normal
Crusader
ejection.
Here are the facts straight from the source on this
special page.
MOVING?
Keep us in mind if
you relocate. A simple email message with your new
mailing info will assure your uninterrupted delivery of
the Red Nose Review. It will also save your editor a
great deal of grief.
ANNUAL
DUES
Keep the dues
checks coming. If you have not yet done so, send Jim $10
for your 2000 dues. You may also send him your 2001 dues.
Same low price - 10 bucks. Mail to James E. Strawn, 4633
Bruce Road, Chester, VA 23831.
TOP 25
If you like the
Squadron-235 site, don't forget to vote for it by
clicking on the "Top 25" banner below.
====================================================================
BREAKING NEWS
ITEMS
- 28 September to 11 October 2000
MCAA
2000
MCAA 2000 was a great success.
Unofficial turnout of about 650. The well appointed and
well stocked Ready Room provided a comforting refuge from
the hectic pace of golf, tennis, meetings and fine
dining. Our thanks to Jim Strawn, Hondo & Donna
Ondrick, and Vince & Val Falzarano for another
outstanding job.
SQUADRON
DINNER
Good food, good
spirits, good company. While we had a nice turnout for an
excellent dinner Thursday night at the Potowmack Landing,
it was not as large as it has been at most of our
previous squadron dinners. Because we did not want to
compete with "Fun Night" on Friday, we choose Thursday
for our dinner. We learned that Thursday is not the ideal
night for a squadron dinner. The last minute attendees do
not have enough time to sign up after they arrive at the
symposium site and the result is a somewhat smaller
number of participants. We hope MCAA will return to the
policy of leaving Fridays open for squadron
functions.
HISTORIC
EJECTION
Check out Jim
Strawn's account of his speedier than normal
Crusader
ejection.
Here are the facts straight from the source.
Moving?
Keep us in mind
when you relocate. A simple email message with your new
mailing info will assure your uninterrupted delivery of
the Red Nose Review. It will also save your editor a
great deal of grief.
ANNUAL
DUES
Keep the dues
checks coming. If you have not yet done so, send Jim $10
for your 2000 dues.
====================================================================
BREAKING NEWS
ITEMS
17 September
to 28 September
COUNT DOWN - MCAA
2000
4 Days and
counting: MCAA 2000 convenes in Washington on 21
September. See the Schedule
page.
SQUADRON-235
DINNER
By late Wednesday
the 20th, we must give the restaurant our head count for
dinner Thursday, 21 September 2000. Fax me your menu
selections now and give me your check when you get to
Washington. Do it now. $35.95 a head. Go to the
Red
Nose Review
page for the
menu and other specifics.
Bar Bill
DO
NOT mail payment for your Ready Room bar bill. Pay at the
door. Send dues only to James E. Strawn, 4633 Bruce Road,
Chester, VA 23831. See the
Red
Nose Review
page to pay for
additional guest and other details. It's
$35.00 at the door.
Moving?
Keep us in mind
when you relocate. A simple email message with your new
mailing info will assure your uninterrupted delivery of
the Red Nose Review. It will also save your editor a
great deal of grief.
ANNUAL
DUES
Our Treasurer
reports receiving several more dues checks. Thanks, keep
them coming. Send Jim your $10 for your 2000 dues. His
address is under "Bar Bills" above. Write the check now .
You can come back to the computer later. We are open all
night.
====================================================================
BREAKING NEWS
ITEMS - 31
August 2000 to 17 September 2000.
COUNT DOWN -
MCAA 2000
21 Days and
counting: MCAA 2000 convenes in Washington on 21
September.
SQUADRON-235
DINNER
SIGN UP NOW:
Reservations continue to come in for our squadron dinner
Thursday, 21 September 2000. Potowmack Landing is the
place and the tab is a modest $35.95 a head. Sign
up NOW.
Go to the Red
Nose Review
page for the
menu and other specifics.
Bar Bill
Mail
Jim your $25 check NOW for your Ready Room bar bill.
James E. Strawn, 4633 Bruce Road, Chester, VA 23831. See
the Red
Nose Review
page to pay for
additional guest and other details. It's
$35.00 at the door.
Trader
Jon's
Trader's re-opens
Friday, 1 September 2000. After several years of dormancy
following Trader's death, the ole Pensacola watering hole
is back in bidniz. Get all the details courtesy of the
Pensacola News Journal article featured on
Trader
Jon's
page
Red Nose
Review
If you haven't received your Red
Nose Review Summer Issue 2000 by now, we probably have a
bum address. Contact T.
O'Rorke via email asap and
he will get your copy out right away. It was mailed 11
August 2000. To see the cyber version go to the
RNR
page.
Moved
Recently?
Keep us in mind
when you relocate. A simple email message with your new
mailing info will assure your uninterrupted delivery of
the Red Nose Review. It will also save your editor a
great deal of grief.
ANNUAL
DUES
Our Treasurer
reports having receiving dues from 70 odd members to
date. You can see that many of you still need to send Jim
your 10 bucks for your 2000 dues. See his address under
"Bar Bills" above. Go ahead and write the check now so
you won't forget to do it. You can come back to the
computer in a few minutes. Thanks.
NEW
PAGES
If you haven't seen them yet, check
out the new "Locator"
page and the latest on "Trader
Jon's".
====================================================================
BREAKING NEWS
ITEMS - 23 August 2000 to 31 August 2000
COUNT DOWN - MCAA
2000
Less than a month
before MCAA 2000 convenes in Washington on 21 September.
SQUADRON-235
DINNER
Reservations are
coming in for our squadron dinner Thursday, 21 September
2000. Potowmack Landing is the place and the tab is a
modest $35.95 a head. Sign up
NOW.
Go to
the Red
Nose Review
page for the
menu and other specifics.
Bar Bill
Time grows short
but it's not too late to get your $25 check to Jim for
your Ready Room bar bill. Mail right away to James E.
Strawn, 4633 Bruce Road, Chester, VA 23831. See
the Red
Nose Review
page to pay for
additional guest and other details.
Book
Reviews
John Fischer's
first book, the "Bug Smasher" can be ordered through
Amazon.com for $12.95 plus shipping. You can also pick it
up at your local Barnes & Noble. John is a
dues-paying member of Squadron-235.
Change of
Command
On 8 September
2000, former Death Angle, LtCol. James L. (Balls)
Stalnaker will take command of VMFA-314. All 235ers send
congratulations Jim. See
Archives
for
Ball's bio.
Red Nose
Review
If you haven't
received your Red Nose Review Summer Issue 2000 by now,
we probably have a bum address.
Contact T.
O'Rorke via
email asap and he will get your copy out right away. It
was mailed 11 August 2000. To see the cyber version go to
the RNR
page.
Moved
Recently?
Keep us in mind
when you relocate. A simple email message with your new
mailing info will assure your uninterrupted delivery of
the Red Nose Review. It will also save your editor a
great deal of grief.
ANNUAL
DUES
Our Treasurer
reports having receiving dues from 70 odd members to
date. You can see that many of you still need to send Jim
your 10 bucks for your 2000 dues. See his address under
"Bar Bills" above. Go ahead and write the check now so
you won't forget to do it. You can come back to the
computer in a few minutes. Thanks.
CAN YOU
HELP?
The following
letter was received through VMF235.COM:
Hello, my name is
David Russell and I am writing you on behalf of my father
Master Gunnery Sergeant Charles M. Russell. Mr. Russell
served in Danang (Sp?) with VMF 235 as an administrative
specialist. Perhaps someone from your association will
remember him? Perhaps someone may recall a special
birthday party held by the unit for a group of children?
Our entire family helped prepare a box of goodies for the
occasion.
The purpose of my
letter is to request that someone from the association
with a memory of this Marine send him a personal greeting
and information on joining the association. Mr. Russell
is Ill with cancer and hearing from an old comrade will
undoubtedly be a great and happy surprise for him.
Send to: MGYSGT
Charles M. Russell, 1404 Sunnyvale Court, NW Olympia, WA
98502 (he doesn't have e-mail).
Very sincerely
yours, David Russell, USAF (Ret).
====================================================================
BREAKING NEWS
ITEMS - 15 August 2000 to 23 August 2000
Red Nose
Review
Summer Issue 2000,
Volume XII - Number 2, was mailed to all hands 11 August
2000. An interesting note: On the third and fourth days
after mailing of the RNR; the Squadron web site,
VMF235.COM, received 96 and 99 hits respectively - record
highs.
Washington
2000
A dinner gathering
is in the works for for Thursday, 21 September 2000. Our
dinner last fall in Pensacola was so successful we have
had requests for a repeat. Billy Adams has sniffed out
Potowmack Landing, and it looks to be just what we need.
It is right on the Potomac River, reasonably priced at
$35.95 a head (tax and tip included) and convenient to
the Crystal Gateway Marriott. Their web site, complete
with photo, is accessible from the LINKS page on
VMF235.COM.
Join us at the
Potowmack Landing. Go to the
Red
Nose Review
page for the
menu and other specifics.
Bar Bill (in
advance)
Send your Readyroom check ($25 now
- $35 later) for you and your guest's bar privledges in
the Washington Readyroom, to James E. Strawn, 4633 Bruce
Road, Chester, VA 23831. See the RNR page to pay for
additional guest and other details.
Book
Reviews
Talent is in our
midst and we only just discovered it. John Fischer, who
drove the F8 while with VMF-235, also logged a few hours
in the famous SNB. JJ has recently had his first book
published and he named it after that famous 2MJ (two
motor job), the "Bug Smasher." You can order a copy
through Amazon.com
for $12.95 plus
shipping or perhaps pick up a copy at your local Barnes
& Noble. JJ weaves a tale of semi-fiction centered
around his SNB-5 experiences circa 1950 and Korea. Great
job JJ. JJ is on our EMail Roster if you want to reach
him.
More reading
material. Richard M. Thoreson, Lt. Col. USMC (Ret.),
while not a former Death Angel, has written an excellent
tale about a VMSB pilot and a VMF pilot and their saga in
the early days of WWII. The story is based on 60 actual
letters written by one of the aviators to his family in
Iowa. An excellent read that you can buy
through Amazon.com
or even better,
order the 235 special directly from "Swede" Thoreson.
Send him $12.95 total (S&H included) to 1407 W. Camino de
le Oca, Green Valley, AZ 85614. His email is:
rthor@rconnect.com.
Change of Command
(Date Correction)
We recently
reported that former Death Angle, LtCol. James L. (Balls)
Stalnaker was to take command of VMFA-314 in August. This
date has now been set for September 8th, 2000. Hangar Two
at 1400 . Congratulations Jim. Balls' bio
follows:
|
NAME:
|
James
Luther "Balls" Stalnaker
|
|
RANK/DOR:
|
LTCOL
980201
|
|
MOS:
|
7523
Naval Aviator F/A-18 pilot
|
|
DOB:
|
570601
|
|
HOMETOWN:
|
Phoenix,
AZ
|
|
EDUCATION:
|
BA
Journalism 1979 Drake
University
|
|
.
|
Masters
in Business Management 1997
|
|
.
|
Saint
Mary College, Leavenworth KS
|
LTCOL Stalnaker was
commissioned a Second Lieutenant in April of 1981 at
Quantico, Virginia through the OCC program. He was
directed to MCDEC at Quantico to attend the Basic School,
Delta Company for initial training. At the completion of
The Basic School in September of 1981 Second Lieutenant
Stalnaker was transferred to NAS Pensacola/NAS Whiting to
begin primary Flight Training with VT 3. At the
completion of primary training Second Lieutenant
Stalnaker proceeded to NAS Kingsville, Texas for Jet
Training with VT 23 and VT 21. He was promoted to the
grade of First Lieutenant in April of 1983 and received
his wings May 23, 1983.
On July 1983 First
Lieutenant Stalnaker reported to MCAS Cherry Point, North
Carolina for initial training in the A-6 Intruder with
VMAT (AW) 202. Upon completion of his training in
December of 1983, First Lieutenant Stalnaker was assigned
to VMA (AW) 224 Bengal's, MAG 14, 2DMAW at MCAS Cherry
Point. His assignments included Personnel Officer, CMCC,
S-2, Powerline Officer and Squadron Landing Signal
Officer during a three-year stint. This tour included two
WESPAC deployments to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. In January
1986, Stalnaker was promoted to the rank of Captain and
augmented into the Regular Marine Corps.
In December 1986
Captain Stalnaker was transferred to NAS Oceana to join
Carrier Air Wing Thirteen aboard the USS Coral Sea, for a
Navy Exchange Tour. His duties were Carrier Air Wing
Assistant Operations Officer and Landing Signal Officer,
while his flying duties were with VA 65 Fighting Tigers.
He completed two sets of work-ups and one MED Cruise and
was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for his
performance with the Air Wing.
Upon the completion
of his tour with CAG 13, Captain Stalnaker was ordered to
MCAS EL Toro and VMFAT 101 Sharp Shooters for transition
training to the F/A-18 Hornet in May of 1989. Upon his
completion of training in November of 1989 he stayed on
with VMFAT 101 as a Flight Instructor and Training
Landing Signal Officer, carrier qualifying new Navy and
Marine Aviators in the F/A-18.
On August 13, 1990
Captain Stalnaker was directed to join VMFA 235 Death
Angles which were being deployed to the Persian Gulf for
Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His duties
included Maintenance Quality Assurance Officer and
Assistant Admin Officer. During the Gulf War Captain
Stalnaker flew 36 combat missions including the initial
strike deep into Iraq on January 17, 1991.
Upon his return to
MCAS El Toro on April 4, 1991 Captain Stalnaker was
assigned to VMFA 323 Death Rattlers of MAG 11, 3DMAW. His
duties were AirFrames Officer and Assistant Maintenance
Officer. In March 1992, Captain Stalnaker attended
Tactical Air Control Party School at NAB Coronado, San
Diego California where he finished as the number one
graduate of the course.
In April 1992
Captain Stalnaker reported to 1st Battalion/5th
Marines/1st Marine Division Camp Pendleton California as
the Air Liaison Officer. Two months into his tour with
1/5 Captain Stalnaker moved up to assume the billet of
the S-3 until the end of his tour in December of 1992. As
the S-3 officer Captain Stalnaker prepared and trained
the Battalion to deploy to WESPAC and join the 31st
MEU.
On January 7, 1993
Captain Stalnaker rejoined VMFA 323 Death Rattlers at
MCAS El Toro. Captain Stalnaker was promoted to the rank
of Major on March of 1993. While attached to the
squadron, Major Stalnaker served as the Aircraft
Maintenance Officer for two and half years and the
Operations Officer for one year. This tour included a
cruise on board USS Constellation in the Persian Gulf
where he flew 23 combat sorties over the skies of Iraq in
support of Operation Southern Watch. At the end of the
94/95 WESPAC cruise Major Stalnaker help move the
squadron down to NAS Miramar, San Diego California where
he finished his tour on June 7, 1996.
In July of 1996
Major Stalnaker was transferred to Ft Leavenworth to
attend the Army's Commanding General Staff College(CGSC).
He completed CGSC June 6, 1997. While at CGSC he also
received a Masters in Business Management at Saint Mary
College Leavenworth, KS.
In June of 1997
Major Stalnaker was transferred back to NAS Miramar to
refresh in the F/A-18C. Upon completion of his training
he reported to his current assignment in October 1997
with VMFA-323 Death Rattlers as the Executive officer. He
was promoted to his current rank of LTCOL on February 1st
1998. He completed his sixth six-month deployment.
LTCOL Stalnaker's
personal awards include Single Mission Air Medal with
Combat V, Strike Flight Medal with Numeral 5, Three Navy
Commendation Medals, one with Combat V. LTCOL Stalnaker
has flown 3700 hours, 68 combat missions and 558 carrier
landings.
LTCOL Stalnaker is
assigned to MAG 11 and currently the S-1 Officer while
waiting to take command of VMFA 314 (The Black
Knights).
====================================================================
BREAKING NEWS
ITEMS - 05 August 2000 to 15 August 2000
Washington
2000
A dinner gathering
is in the works for for Thursday, 21 September 2000. Our
dinner last fall in Pensacola was so successful we have
had requests for a repeat. Billy Adams has sniffed out
Potowmack Landing, and it looks to be just what we need.
It is right on the Potomac River, reasonably priced at
$35.95 a head (tax and tip included) and convenient to
the Crystal Gateway Marriott. Their web site, complete
with photo, is accessible from the LINKS page on
VMF235.COM.
Join us at the
Potowmack Landing. Go to the
Red
Nose Review
page for the
menu and other specifics.
Bar Bill (in
advance)
Send your Readyroom
check ($25 now - $35 later) for you and your guest's bar
privledges in the Washington Readyroom, to James E.
Strawn, 4633 Bruce Road, Chester, VA 23831. See the RNR
page to pay for additional guest and other
details.
Change of
Command
We are pleased to
announce that former Death Angle, LtCol. James L. (Balls)
Stalnaker will take command of VMFA-314 in August. Jim
served in VMFA-235 flying the F/A-18 Hornet in 1991 and
1992. We are confident that he will have the 314 poges
squared away in no time at all. Congratulations Jim.
Semper Fi & Ride Nunc.
Book
Reviews
Talent is in our
midst and we only just discovered it. John Fischer, who
drove the F8 while with VMF-235, also logged a few hours
in the famous SNB. JJ has recently had his first book
published and he named it after that famous 2MJ (two
motor job), the "Bug Smasher." You can order a copy
through Amazon.com
for $12.95 plus
shipping or perhaps pick up a copy at your local Barnes
& Noble. JJ weaves a tale of semi-fiction centered
around his SNB-5 experiences circa 1950 and Korea. Great
job JJ. JJ is on our EMail Roster if you want to reach
him.
More reading
material. Richard M. Thoreson, Lt. Col. USMC (Ret.),
while not a former Death Angel, has written an excellent
tale about a VMSB pilot and a VMF pilot and their saga in
the early days of WWII. The story is based on 60 actual
letters written by one of the aviators to his family in
Iowa. An excellent read that you can buy
through Amazon.com
or even better,
order the 235 special directly from "Swede" Thoreson.
Send him $12.95 total (S&H included) to 1407 W. Camino de
le Oca, Green Valley, AZ 85614. His email is:
rthor@rconnect.com.
====================================================================
BREAKING NEWS
ITEMS - 07 July 2000 to 5 August 2000
Washington
2000
As was mentioned in
the previous breaking news items, the 2000 MCAA Symposium
in Washington is rapidly approaching. Make your plans to
attend and better yet, call an old friend and urge him to
join us. Go to the SCHEDULE page for a complete run-down
of the weekend events If you haven't reserved a room you
will find a direct web-link to the host hotel, the
Crystal Gateway Marriott, on the LINKS page.
Dues
One more time. If
you haven't paid your annual dues ($10) or your Ready
Room dues ($25 now - $35 later) pay now. Make your check
payable to Squadron-235 and mail to James E. Strawn, 4633
Bruce Road, Chester, VA 23831.
Top 25
Sites
We have moved up as
high as the nineteen slot so if you have not voted for
our site as one of the top 25 Marine Corps Web Sites,
vote now. Just click on the "Top 25..." banner below.
Clicking will cast your vote and take you to the list of
top sites. Check them out.
Book
Reviews
Talent is in our
midst and we only just discovered it. John Fischer, who
drove the F8 while with VMF-235, also logged a few hours
in the famous SNB. JJ has recently had his first book
published and he named it after that famous 2MJ (two
motor job), the "Bug Smasher." You can order a copy
through Amazon.com for $12.95 plus shipping or perhaps
pick up a copy at your local Barnes & Noble. JJ
weaves a tale of semi-fiction centered around his SNB-5
experiences circa 1950 and Korea. Great job JJ. JJ is on
our EMail Roster if you want to reach him.
More reading
material. Richard M. Thoreson, Lt. Col. USMC (Ret.),
while not a former Death Angel, has written an excellent
tale about a VMSB pilot and a VMF pilot and their saga in
the early days of WWII. The story is based on 60 actual
letters written by one of the aviators to his family in
Iowa. An excellent read that you can buy through
Amazon.com or even better, order the 235 special directly
from "Swede" Thoreson. Send him $12.95 total (S&H
included) to 1407 W. Camino de le Oca, Green Valley, AZ
85614. His email is: rthor@rconnect.com.
====================================================================
BREAKING NEWS
ITEMS - 15 June 2000 to 07 July 2000
417 copies of the
Red Nose Review were mailed Tuesday morning, 27JUN00.
Anyone who has had a recent change of address should let
us know asap. Inform Tom via snail mail, e-mail or
telephone: thor@gulftel.com; 800-282-4853. We appreciate
your patience. For the cyber version see the RED NOSE
REVIEW page.
Time for the 2000
MCAA Symposium in Washington is rapidly approaching. If
you have not yet made your plans to attend you should do
so now. For the complete schedule of events go to our
SCHEDULE page. You will also find information there on
the host hotel, the Crystal Gateway Marriott. A direct
web-link to the hotel may be found on our LINKS
page.
One other reminder.
If you haven't yet paid your annual dues ($10) or your
Ready Room dues ($25 now - $35 later) please do so. Make
your check payable to Squadron-235 and mail to James E.
Strawn, 4633 Bruce Road, Chester, VA 23831.
ÝÝ
If you have not
voted for our site as one of the top 25 Marine Corps Web
Sites you need to vote now. Do this by simply clicking on
the "Top 25..." banner below. Clicking will cast your
vote and take you to the list of sites. There are some
good ones.
We are saddened to
report the death of former VMF-235 Commanding Officer,
Colonel Arvin Blackmun. Col Blackmun skippered the Death
Angels from Jan 57 to Aug 57. Our sincere condolences to
his family.
Also, Don McIntire
reports the death of another former Death Angel, Colonel
Frank J. Ashe. Our condolences go out to Colonel Ashe's
family as well.
====================================================================