Celebrating 100 Years of Service

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1 Newsletter of the Battleship Texas Foundation Spring 2014 Celebrating 100 Years of Service A photo Essay of the Event The Texas served her country as a war ship, an escort ship, a training ship, a gunnery platform, a Flag Ship, a diplomatic envoy, a test bed, home for thousands of sailors... and she is still serving as an educational and Museum ship

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3 The TEXAS was in full dress for the occasion. Patriot Guards greeted the Crew and visitors.

4 Veteran Crew and Families Joined the Centenial Celebration

5 This cute little guy stole the show.

6 The Marine Honor Guard Marches in as Visiting Vets watch.

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15 N A D V Battleship Texas Radio and Flag call letters

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19 First Texas Volunteers By Don Fischer Restoration The First Texas Volunteers restoration/deck crew worked feverishly to complete wood deck repairs on the Forecastle for the upcoming crew reunion and centennial celebration during this past quarter. The push was successful and the forward portion of the ship was completed and ready for the scheduled events. Remaining portions of the Main Deck were also painted so that everything was uniform and fresh. The regular staff also performed wonderfully, working long hours painting the hull, the forward main turrets and guns, and major portions of the superstructure. The 31 former crew members and their families, who attended the celebration and what was the final reunion of the crew, were impressed with the ship s appearance and extremely appreciative of the efforts that went into the event. While not a restoration or maintenance item, it is also appropriate to mention in this short update that FTV members worked diligently assisting and escorting the veterans and providing tours to the veterans families during the official centennial and reunion ceremony. During the public celebration, FTV again provided docent services for the large crowds and gave tours to special guests during the evenings festivities. Now that these very special events are over, work will naturally gravitate to other important projects. Much of this will be repairs and painting to the superstructure and public areas on the Second Deck. Prospective restoration projects are currently being reviewed for selections in the weeks ahead. However, FTV decided to fund the contracted restoration of the ship s two 36 search lights, which will cost about $16,000. It is hoped that this work can be accomplished during early summer. Hard Hat Tours The March Hard Hat Tour, the fourth of the season, was held on Saturday, March 29 with a fine turnout, making up for a lackluster January tour. Critiques showed that everyone had a great time and resulted in several attendees requesting information about joining FTV. A total of $2,945 was earned during the Tour. The next Hard Hat Tour is scheduled for October 25, 2014 Please contact the Foundation office at (713) to make reservations.

20 One Riverway, Suite 2200 Membership Application I am pleased to support the USS TEXAS with my membership in the Battleship TEXAS Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) non profit organization. Individual $35.00 Name Family $45.00 Supporting $ Benefactor $ Corporate $2, Address City State Zip Phone Fax USS TEXAS Veteran $ Check here to receive your Dreadnought by . Membership Benefits Individual. $35 Entry level membership entitles Member to receive a free subscription to the BTF quarterly newsletter The Dreadnought and a free subscription to TPWD s bi-weekly newsletter The Battle Report (if you provide your address). Family. $ 45 Everything above, plus invitations to San Jacinto Site activities and special events. Supporting $ 150 Everything above, plus one (1) Hard Hat Tour. Benefactor. $ 500 Everything above, plus two (2) Hard Hat Tours Corporate. $2,000 Everything above, plus publication of your Mail to: BATTLESHIP TEXAS FOUNDATION One Riverway Suite 2200 Houston, Texas Phone