Distinguished Speaker Programs

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The ANCHOR The Greater Central Texas Council Navy League of the United States January February 2009 Citizens in Support of the Sea Services www.centexnavyleague.

1 The ANCHOR The Greater Central Texas Council Navy League of the United States January February 2009 Citizens in Support of the Sea Services OFFICERS Bruce Byron President Randy Patterson President-Elect Jim Brotherton Past President Roy Walker Chaplain Michael Murray Judge Advocate Brian Colfack Secretary Ray Roark Treasurer Sam Williams VP Administration Randy Patterson VP Education Jeanie Coffey VP Legislative Affairs Lee Hagan VP Operations NATIONAL DIRECTORS Glenn Looney Max Miller Jack Ritter BOARD OF DIRECTORS Max Miller Chairman Jack Mayo Secretary Jim Brotherton Bruce Byron Peggy Jones Glenn Looney Kathy Pillmore Randy Patterson Jack Ritter COL Steve Smith LIAISONS Brian Colfack Military Services Coalition Steve Smith Marine Corps Jack Ritter UT NROTC CAPT Mike Spence, USN CO UT NROTC Lee Hagan Navy & Marine Corps JROTC Jack Mayo Commissionings OUR NEXT Distinguished Speaker Programs THURSDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2009 Mr. Donald Kehn, Author A Blue Sea of Blood: Deciphering the Fate of USS Edsall Donald M. Kehn, Jr. is the official historian for the USS HOUSTON (CA30) Survivors Association. He has contributed to works by James D. Hornfischer (Ship of Ghosts) and Vincent P. O Hara (The US Navy Against the Axis; Surface Combat ), Mark Felton s new book on Axis submarine operations, and the latest work by William Bartsch on the USAAF campaign in Java. Kehn lives and works in Houston. About the book On the morning of March 1, 1942, the destroyer USS Edsall (DD-219) split off from the USS Whipple (her sister ship) and the tanker USS Pecos and headed in a northeasterly direction toward the beleaguered island of Java. Under orders to deliver 32 members of the Army Air Forces to the southern port of Tjilatjap, she was never seen or heard from again by U.S. forces. After the war, near the remote Kendari airfield on the Indonesian island of Celebes an area known for numerous alleged Japanese war crimes U.S. authorities recovered a number of bodies. These remains were eventually identified as Edsall crewmembers and AAF personnel. The full story of what really happened to this vessel, and the fate of her crew and passengers, has never been told. Based upon exhaustive research of the historical record, A Blue Sea of Blood sheds light on this enduring mystery, bringing to the surface one of the most heroic naval battles as well as one of the most tragic outcomes of World War II. DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER PROGRAM Austin Woman s Club, Chateau Bellevue 8th and San Antonio (Parking entrance on Nueces between 7th & 8th Streets) Social 1815 Dinner 1915 Program 2015 Members & their Guests- $25 Military in Uniform & their Guests - $20 Cadets & Midshipmen and their Guests - $15 Reservations: rglennl@alumni.utexas.net

President s Message Once again we turn into the wind to launch another program year; once again we hoist the sails on our quest to support our sea services.

As a way of introduction for those I haven t met, I am the fellow who has been hawking drink tickets for the last several years.

2 President s Message Once again we turn into the wind to launch another program year; once again we hoist the sails on our quest to support our sea services. Now more than ever it is critical that we educate our citizens as to the vital nature of sea power. As a way of introduction for those I haven t met, I am the fellow who has been hawking drink tickets for the last several years. I m a 1970 graduate of the UT NROTC program and spent four Bruce Byron President, Greater Central Texas Council of the Navy League of the United States glorious years as a black shoe in WesPac on the USS Hepburn (DE-1055) and off the east coast as XO of aging oceangoing tug boat USS Luiseno (ATF or attack tug fast -156). As your new council president, I will strive to build upon our past successes and expand the region s awareness of the sea services: Navy, Marine, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine is shaping up as an important year for the Greater Central Texas Navy League Council. We continue to expand the number of units supported and the support we provide them. Starting with the very basics of our identity, your board of directors has approved changing our name to Greater Austin to avoid confusion with the growing number of Central Texas councils. Our dinner programs, always a strong suite of this council, will again feature speakers to educate, inform and inspire. The next program will be Feb. 12 featuring Donald Kehn, Author of A Blue Sea of Blood: Deciphering the Fate of USS Edsall. This will be followed by five other programs designed to highlight all the sea services and the important role they play in our national economy and defense. With the start of a new presidential administration, this council stands ready to provide its input to the community on how best to preserve and promote our sea services. The council has invested much effort at developing rapport with our congressional delegation so that our voice can be heard. This year I will be asking the council to redouble our efforts to increase membership and community visibility. To that end, I will be searching for a theme that allows us to talk to the community in terms that they will understand and support. So batten down the hatches as we cast off on another cruise to support our country s sea services. With your help, we can make a difference! Bruce Board Approves Council Name Change At the 15 January 2009 council board of directors meeting, the board considered and approved a name change for the Greater Central Texas Council (GCTC). The adopted name will be Greater Austin Council subject to approval by the general membership and the Navy League of the United States. According to Glenn Looney, GCTC past president and Central Texas Area President, the Greater Central Texas Council name has served us well and it was the best name at the time of its adoption in However, several factors dictated a name change: The Navy League created the Central Texas AREA in 2003, which contains four Navy League councils including GCTC. Consequently, we now have a Central Texas Council and a Central Texas Area, which causes confusion with national staff in the assignment of members to GCTC and requires that we informally call ourselves the Austin Council so that it is understood where we are centered. Other Navy League officers, councils and members have often referred to GCTC as the Austin Council and recently, with the establishment of the Fleet Admiral Nimitz Council in Fredericksburg, much of the central territory of GCTC was annexed by the new council. Further, over 90 percent of GCTC members live in Travis County or an adjacent county, which may more properly be termed Greater Austin. Perhaps, more importantly there are a multitude of organizations called Central Texas, as there are organizations called Capital Area, but not nearly as many called Greater Austin. The direct connection to Austin by name will generate more interest by the media, city, and other Austin entities with whom we wish to affiliate and be mutually identified. The GCTC was originally founded as the Austin, Texas Council during the 1960 s. The current name will be retained and used while the paperwork for the change is completed. This requires the council leadership to deal with Navy League Headquarters, the IRS, Texas Secretary of State and website/internet service provider and it may take a few months to accomplish. Looney adds, Nonetheless, it is still the best landlocked council in the Navy League, whatever its name. America s Balance Sheet $2.6 TRILLION Total household savings in France $4.8 TRILLION Total household savings in Britain $9.8 TRILLION Total household saving in Japan $29.1 TRILLION Total household savings in the United States Economist David Malpass, writing in The American magazine, citing quarterly statistics published by the Federal Reserve that track U. S. household assets such as houses, caars, stocks, pensions and life insurance, and liabilities such as mortgages, credit-card debt and loans. The American Legion Magazine/February The Anchor, January-February

Salazar joined the UT staff in September 2006. His retirement is official as of 6 February 2009. Captain Spence is a 1980 graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy.

3 New CO set to take over the reins of the University of Texas NROTC program. Captain James M. Spence, USN CO, NOSC Austin and his wife Carla arrived in Austin in late August to replace the retiring Captain Gabe Salazar as UT s NROTC commanding officer. Salazar joined the UT staff in September His retirement is official as of 6 February Captain Spence is a 1980 graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy. He received his wings in 1982 and amassed more than 900 carrierarrested landings and 3900 flight hours as a fighter pilot on board the carriers Eisenhower (CVN 69,) Roosevelt (CVW 71,) Saratoga (CV 60,) Kitty Hawk (CV 63,) and the Carl Vinson (CVN 70.) He graduated with distinction from the Naval War College in 1994 and served in several executive and command positions including joint duty at Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE,) on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, at Central Air Force, Combined Air Operations Center in Saudi Arabia, and U. S. Naval Forces Central Command in Bahrain as assistant chief of staff, plans and policy and Maritime Operations Center Director. Captain Spence has been awarded the Legion of Merit (3 awards,) Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards,) Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards,) Air Medal (1 individual w/combat V and 3 Strike/Fight,) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals (5 awards including Combat V ) and various campaign and service awards. The Spences are looking forward to their tour here and are excited about joining the Central Texas Navy community. New Year s resolutions could be very rewarding It s 2009 and time to adopt our Navy League member New Year s resolutions. Here s a list to help you get started: 1. I will renew my membership on time this year and consider a multi-year or lifetime membership. 2. I will recruit and sponsor at least one new Navy League and Council member. Glenn Looney NLUS National Director and Central Texas Area President 3. I will recruit and enroll at least one Community Affiliate or Corporate Member to the Navy League and Council. 4. I will attend one or more council Distinguished Speaker programs. 5. I will visit the Council web site at and the Navy League web site at navyleague.org regularly. 6. I will make a contribution to the Council General Fund and/or the George T. Jones Scholarship Fund to help enable the Council s support of the Sea Services. 7. I will donate my Sea Power magazines to libraries, schools, barber shops/hair dressers, medical offices, schools or to the council for distribution to the JROTCs, Sea Cadets, and Young Marines. 8. I will volunteer to serve as a council officer or on a working committee. 9. I will volunteer to represent the council and present the Navy League Youth Medal to a Navy or Marine Corps JROTC at their annual spring awards ceremony. 10. I will become well versed on the mission and purpose of the Navy League and the importance of sea power and educate others. If you have read this far, and agree to adopt and fulfill at least five of the ten resolutions, you and your significant other will be my guest at the Thursday, 12 February 2009 Distinguished Speaker Program if you are the first to call me at or rglennl@alumni.utexas.net. Members of the board of directors and council executive staff are not eligible. If you are non-member and first to contact me, I will purchase your one-year membership in the Navy League and Council in lieu of the event. Each of these offers is a $50 value. Fair winds, Glenn The Anchor, January-February

Snapshots from the November 5th Distinguished Speaker Program &Dinner (l-r) Jim Brotherton, Bob

Kathy Pillmore accepts the 2007 NLUS First Place Medium Council Public Relations Recognition

Members of the UT NROTC Honor guard (l-r) MIDN 2/C Kevin Stelter, MIDN 3/C Christopher Smith,

4 Snapshots from the November 5th Distinguished Speaker Program &Dinner (l-r) Jim Brotherton, Bob Collins (Classmate of RADM Smith) and RADM Steven Smith, USN Ret., November s distinguished speaker. Glenn Looney and Max Miller proudly display the NLUS Medium Council First Place Mackie Award for the Council s website. Jim Brotherton also received the 2008 Meritorious Council Award at the dinner. Kathy Pillmore accepts the 2007 NLUS First Place Medium Council Public Relations Recognition Award. Members of the UT NROTC Honor guard (l-r) MIDN 2/C Kevin Stelter, MIDN 3/C Christopher Smith, MIDN 4/C Tara Elliot, MIDN 3/C Payden Henry, MIDN 3/C Christopher Cardinal. (l-r) RADM Weldon Koenig,USN RET President of the Midshipman s Foundation; CAPT Dan O Neil, USN, and treasurer of the UT NROT Alumni Board, CAPT James M. Mike Spence incoming CO of the UT NROTC and CAPT Gabrial R. Salazar, outgoing CO of the UT NROTC. 4 The Anchor, January-February

Snapshots from the December 4th Distinguished Speaker Program &Dinner SGT Michael

Carrie at the December Lasseter, a WWII vet himself, organized the very successful

GCTC Vice President-Education, Randy Patterson, served ably as the Master of

GCTC s outgoing president, Jim Brotherton and incoming president Bruce Byron chat

5 Snapshots from the December 4th Distinguished Speaker Program &Dinner SGT Michael McKenzie and CPL Chelsea Rankin, members of the of the Young Marines Honor Guard who posted colors for the meeting. Twenty-six WW II veterans were recognized in a poignant ceremony at the December 4th dinner. WWII Veteran Tom Lasseter, GCTC member and past president shown with his daughter, Carrie at the December dinner. Lasseter, a WWII vet himself, organized the very successful veterans recognition event. GCTC Vice President-Education, Randy Patterson, served ably as the Master of Ceremonies for the veterans recognition program. GCTC s outgoing president, Jim Brotherton and incoming president Bruce Byron chat with December s distinguished speaker, RADM Dan Davenport. William H. Mays, just one of the vets recognized, received a Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart for his WWII service. He s shown here with family members who attended the dinner with him. The Anchor, January-February

Good Reading by Randy Patterson The Irregulars: Roald Dahl and the British Spy Ring in Wartime Washington Many of us are interested in history, especially the parts we have lived through, and we

One of these books about events we all have some knowledge of covers the World War II exploits of the English author Roald Dahl (1916-1990).

According to Jennet Conant, in her book The Irregulars - Roald Dahl and the British Spy Ring in Wartime Washington, he was much, much more.

I have endeavored to pull the curtain back on one small part of this shadowy episode in order to tell the story of young Dahl s incredible experience as one of Bill ( Intrepid ) Stephenson s agents

have also used my own judgment about the veracity of some events that follow and apologize in advance if it turns out I, too, have amplified any myths in the process.

wartime society centered in Washington, New York, London and even Hollywood.

6 Good Reading by Randy Patterson The Irregulars: Roald Dahl and the British Spy Ring in Wartime Washington Many of us are interested in history, especially the parts we have lived through, and we enjoy some of the good books that try to interpret events and the people that made them. One of these books about events we all have some knowledge of covers the World War II exploits of the English author Roald Dahl ( ). Dahl is probably best known as an author of children s books (James and the Giant Peach, or Willie Wonka and The Chocolate Factory). According to Jennet Conant, in her book The Irregulars - Roald Dahl and the British Spy Ring in Wartime Washington, he was much, much more. As Conant states in her preface to this book, It is extremely difficult to write about any secret operation, let alone one that is still partly obscured in the murky netherworld of espionage. I have endeavored to pull the curtain back on one small part of this shadowy episode in order to tell the story of young Dahl s incredible experience as one of Bill ( Intrepid ) Stephenson s agents of influence in America I had to sift through a wealth of material, some of it conflicting; and in the end some gaps were unavoidable a number of discrepancies could not be satisfactorily explained I have also used my own judgment about the veracity of some events that follow and apologize in advance if it turns out I, too, have amplified any myths in the process. In spite of this caveat, which may be a rare admission from a contemporary author, Conant has crafted an easy read, weaving well-known personalities into the intrigue, politics, espionage, and wartime society centered in Washington, New York, London and even Hollywood. The cast of characters, in addition to the dashing Dahl, includes those you might expect: FDR, Churchill, Stephenson and many others, but also chronicles the escapades of Lyndon Johnson, Charles Marsh (a Texas oilman and owner at the time of Austin s American and Statesman newspapers), Ian Fleming, Ernest Hemingway, Vice President Henry Wallace, Eleanor Roosevelt, Walt Disney and the columnists Drew Pearson, Walter Lippmann and Walter Winchel, along with a number of other supporting players. Conant has carefully researched (bearing in mind her warning in the preface) the available material and weaves a tale of intrigue, seduction, political maneuvers, and international adventures about the workings of a fascinating period of American and British History. Get a copy and enjoy! At the January 14, 2009 Board of Directors meeting: New officers were elected. Max Miller will continue as chairman and Jack Mayo as secretary. Members voted unanimously to donate $100 to the George Jones Scholarship fund in memory of Don Knapp who was a member of the Alamo Council and a major contributor to the success of the Navy League in Central Texas. Members agreed to support the Navy League National Convention to be held Oct. 27-Nov.1 in Corpus Christi. A donation equal to and not to exceed $5 per council member ($1,350) was approved. Members voted to approve a change in the council name to the Greater Austin Council. (see related story on page 2.) George T. Jones, U. S. Navy WWII Veteran and GCTC Member Don Knapp Long-timeAlamo Council Vice President and Treasurer BOARD NOTES George T. Jones Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to graduating seniors in Navy and Marine JROTC and Sea Cadet programs Contribute Now! Send your contributions to Greater Central Texas Council NLUS George T. Jones Scholarship Fund c/o George K. Haley 5616 Gorham Glen Lane Austin, TX Donations are tax deductible 6 The Anchor, January-February

7 JROTC, UT ROTC YOUNG MARINES & SEA CADETS UPDATE Stony Point High School NJROTC will sponsor its third annual Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 9am to 5pm at the Stony Point HS 9th Grade Center, 1901 Sunrise Road in Round Rock. Individuals interested in competing or making a donation to support the event should visit stonypointnjrotc.or or contact Julie Lewin at On-site registration begins at 9am and judging will take place at 2pm. The fee is $20 per team per entry. Attendance for the public is free. Teams will vie for honors in one of two categories: Chili Appreciation Society International Sanctioned or Anthing Goes. Awards will be presented in four categories: CASI-Sanctioned, Anything Goes, Showmanship and People s Choice. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample entries and cast their votes for their favorites. Individuals interested in judging may sign up at the cook-off. YOU CAN BE A WINNER TOO! Just be sure to purchase your raffle tickets at the next Navy League dinner. George Haley did and he took home a Navy League coffee mug from the November dinner. There s always a variety of interesting prizes and the money helps your council in its support of the sea services. GCTC Calendar 12 Feb Distinguished Speaker Program Don Kehn, author of A Blue Sea of Blood: Deciphering the Mysterious Fate of the USS Edsall 16 Apr Distinguished Speaker Program 1 3 May NLUS Lone Star Regional meeting in Fredericksburg. Open to Navy League members and their families. 11 Jun Distinguished Speaker Program John Knox, vexillologist and member of the Patrick Henry Chapter of the Texas Society of Sons of the American Revolution, presents a Flag Day Program. 30 Jul Distinguished Speaker Program 17 Sep Distinguished Speaker Program 27 Oct-1 Nov NLUS Convention at Corpus Christi 5 Nov Distinguished Speaker Program 3 Dec Distinguished Speaker Program Is there a speaker or topic you would like to see featured at a future GCTC dinner? Contact your council leadership and let them know. THE ANCHOR IS NOW ACCEPTING ADVERTISING! The Anchor is distributed electronically to over 400 Navy League members, elected officials and interested parties, and publishes more than 150 copies that are mailed to members and distributed at council meetings and other locations. Copies are also posted and archived at You can get your name in front of a highly-targeted audience for a very reasonable rate while supporting your Greater Central Texas Area Council. ADVERTISE TODAY! Go to /newsletter. asp for rate information, ad sizes and deadlines The Anchor, January-February

The ANCHOR Kathy Pillmore, Editor 10001 Jupiter Hills Drive Austin, TX 78747 email: kpillmore@austin.rr.

It is published semi-monthly and distributed free of charge to all its members and to other interested parties.

FIRST CLASS MAIL RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Supporting the U. S. Sea Services CORPORATE SPONSORS COMMUNITY AFFILIATES Texas Research International, Inc.

Bring it and your new member to our next council meeting, or mail the form, together with the fee (check or money order payable to NLUS,) to Kathy Pillmore,

YES! Please enroll me as a Navy Leaguer Today I am a U.S. Citizen I am not a U. S. Citizen Name: (Mr., Mrs., Dr., Etc.

, Suite, P.O. Box) Date of Birth City State Zip Code (+4) Type of Membership (please check one) Individual One-Year Membership...$50 Joint Husband/Wife One-Year.

8 The ANCHOR Kathy Pillmore, Editor Jupiter Hills Drive Austin, TX The ANCHOR is the official newsletter of the Greater Central Texas Council of the Navy League of the United States. It is published semi-monthly and distributed free of charge to all its members and to other interested parties. The Greater Central Texas Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and as such is exempt from Limited Sales, Excise and Use Taxes per the IRS Code. FIRST CLASS MAIL RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Supporting the U. S. Sea Services CORPORATE SPONSORS COMMUNITY AFFILIATES Texas Research International, Inc. Ricon Products HELP US BUILD OUR MEMBERSHIP Use the form below and sign up a new member. Bring it and your new member to our next council meeting, or mail the form, together with the fee (check or money order payable to NLUS,) to Kathy Pillmore, Jupiter Hills Drive, Austin, TX 78747; or Glenn Looney, 14 Chapin Lane, Austin, TX Your new member will be added to our mailing list immediately. YES! Please enroll me as a Navy Leaguer Today I am a U.S. Citizen I am not a U. S. Citizen Name: (Mr., Mrs., Dr., Etc.) First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name Name of Spouse: (Mr., Mrs., Dr., Etc.) First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name Address: Number, Street, Name (Apt., Suite, P.O. Box) Date of Birth City State Zip Code (+4) Type of Membership (please check one) Individual One-Year Membership...$50 Joint Husband/Wife One-Year...$85 Individual Two-Year Membership...$90 Individual Three-Year Membership...$125 Individual Life Membership...$500 Joint Husband/Wife Life Membership...$750 Some NLUS Councils may charge local dues Method of Payment Check enclosed (Make payable to NLUS or Please charge my Visa MC AMEX Home Phone Business Phone Card# Exp. Date Sponsor s Last Name Sponsor s Membership # New Member s Council Signature Billing Zip Code

Distinguished Speaker Programs

Distinguished Speaker Programs The ANCHOR The Greater Central Texas Council Navy League of the United States March April 2009 Citizens in Support of the Sea Services www.centexnavyleague.org OFFICERS Bruce Byron President Randy Patterson