The SixGun 

 

 

 

 

 

Vol. XV Issue 32 Official Newsletter of the USS Charles S. Sperry DD 697 Association April 2011

 

 

President's Message          

 

As the date for our 2011 reunion approaches, we look forward to seeing everyone in Annapolis.

 

One very special event that has been planned is the visit to Arlington National Cemetery where the officers will have the honor of placing a wreath at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.

 

 While in the Washington area, our members should take the opportunity to visit the many national monuments, such as the Viet Nam Wall, The Navy Memorial, Air Force Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the World War II Memorial.

During our business meeting, several important issues will be considered, including: amendments or revisions to the bylaws; an update on the status of the financial situation; status of our recruiting efforts; and election of officers; and selection of site for 2012 reunion.

Warmly,

B. W. Jennings

 

 

 

Officers are donating ONE FREE NIGHT hotel room to a lucky attendee.

 

 

Attendees are encouraged to wear their USS Charles S. Sperry DD 697 caps and Sperry jackets on our tour of Arlington National Cemetery. The association officers will participate in the wreath ceremony at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.S CHARLES S. SPERRY DD697 ASSOCIATION

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT & BANK ACCOUNT ACTIVITY

MARCH 31, 2011

 

 

 

 

JANUARY 1, 2011                            BEGINNING BALANCE                                                                 $496.28

 

ACTIVITY FROM JANUARY 1, 2011 UP TO MARCH 31, 2011:             _________                        

 

JANUARY                                           INCOME: MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS                                        $260.00

 

                                                            INCOME: REUNION REGISTRATION                                         $171.90

 

FEBRUARY                                         INCOME: MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS                                        $100.00

                                                           

                                                            INCOME: REUNION REGISTRATION                                         $536.63

 

                                                           

MARCH                               INCOME: MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS                                                       $125.00

 

                                                            INCOME: REUNION REGISTRATION                                     $2,920.52

                                                           

                                                            INCOME: SHIP’S STORE SALES                                                   $157.35

 

                                                            EXPENSE: SHIP’S STORE SALES

                                                            ACE T-SHIRTS INVOICE #1910                     $-26.84

 

============================================================================

MARCH 31, 2011 ENDING BALANCE                                                                                               $4,740.84

 

 

 

 

A full report of the findings of the investigation into the Association’s financial records will be provided at the 2011 Annual Meeting of the U.S.S. Charles S. Sperry DD697 Association in Annapolis, MD.

 

Gary Chesser

Treasurer,

U.S.S Charles S. Sperry DD697 Association

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Remembrance

 

            Shipmates Allen Ward passed away on December 24, 2011; Nick Confer passed away on March 10, 2011; Ernest John Psencik  passed away on January 19, 2011; Tom Waid, Sr. passed away on March 23, 1993, and Cecil R. Cone passed away in 1981 and sailed through life's cruises meeting their share of calms, storms, adverse tides, and favoring winds. Their ship of life has now come to its final anchorage in a harbor unknown to mortal man.

 

            We who remain do not know the course to steer and we believe our shipmates setting their course by those beacons that were given to them have found their harbor safely. To those loved ones who our departed shipmates have left behind, awaiting their own day of departure and voyage to that same harbor of eternal mercy, we can offer our sincere condolences in this time of separation and loneliness.

 

Association founder's wife passes

 

Alice Page Irwin, wife of Robert M. Irwin, died March 28, 2011. She was a native of Raleigh, N.C.  Besides her husband of 65 years, she is survived by her sons, Kent Irwin and Wade Irwin; daughter-in-law, Karen Irwin; and grandchildren, Jessica and Justin Irwin, all of Norfolk; brothers, Leroy Page and wife Ann, Millard Page and wife Laura of Durham, N.C., Craven Page and wife Marlene of Bermuda Run, N.C., retired U.S. Navy Capt. David Page and wife Nancy of Florida and Dr. Allen Page and wife Barbara of Raleigh; and 10 nieces and nephews.

 

 

Crew's News:

 

Mike Schlomas contacted the association in regards to his father, Al Schlomas.  Al served on the USS Charles S. Sperry DD 697 while in the Navy Reserve in 1950. Mike is working diligently to get his father to join. Mike is seeking any information regarding his father's time aboard the Sperry. If you have information please email Mike at the following email address:  MartiniMik@aol.com

 

Do you remember this shipmate? If so, please contact Chris Pierce.

 

My father, Richard O. Pierce, supposedly served aboard the Sperry during WWII. He was Gunnery Officer and left the service as a Lieutenant, Junior Grade. Can you confirm service? He is suffering Alzheimer’s and is practically unable to communicate. Chris Pierce, 781 Minerva Lane,Lake Mary, FL  32746-6381, (407) 474-9872 (cell)

 

 

Be sure to bring your door prizes and silent auction items.

 

 

 

Sperry Widows Contacted

 

Some of Sperry widows were contacted this past year. Ella Schulp, widow of Eugene who served aboard the Sperry during 1961-1963 is doing well. She sends her best and hopes to make next year's reunion.

 

Iris Davis widow of Virgil Davis who served from 1944-1945 is selling her home to be closer to her children. Iris was always such a bright spot at the reunions.

John Higby's widow, Clara has joined the association as an associate member.  John proudly served from 1955 to 1956. Clara hopes to join the association at a reunion in the near future.

Audrey Wilhite is taking a cruise. She hopes to join us in 2012. Audrey is the widow of Roy Wilhite who served from 1954-1957.

Enterprise Rental will give a 5% discount to Sperry members when they rent a vehicle at the Baltimore Airport. Call 1-410-684-3295 and ask to speak to Katy. Identify yourself as USS Charles S. Sperry DD 697 Association member.

 

OFFICERS

 

President                                                                                                                    

B. W. Jennings                                                                                                            

Deer Park, TX 77536                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Vice President                                                                                                           

Jess Mayberry                                                                                             

Wentzville, MO 63385                                                                                              

 

Secretary                                                                                                                                                                                               

Barbara Jennings

Deer Park, TX 77536                      

 

Treasurer                                                                                                                    

Gary Chesser

Starkville, MS 39759

              

Appointed Positions:                                                                                

 

Web Master

Gary Chesser

Starkville, MS 39759                                                                                                 

 

Chaplain

Roy Welch                                                                                                                                                                               

Crossville, TN 38571

                                                                                                                                      

 

WEBSITE ADDRESS: http//usscharlessperrydd697.com