USS COWPENS VETERANS ASSOCIATION - USS COWPENS REUNION P.O. Box 5224 Arizona City, AZ 85123 Forwarding address requested. THE ANNUAL REUNION TAKES PLACE JUNE 16 JUNE 18, 2016 IN COWPENS, SOUTH CAROLINA (of course).
Page 2 USS COWPENS VETERANS ASSOCIATION A NOTE FROM OUR PRESIDENT-CHAPLAIN, CARSWELL WYNNE OK you old salts, it s time to pack up and head for the big city of Cowpens. It is the 39th anniversary of the Mighty Moo Festival and our reunion. The Town of Cowpens have been making plans for us all year. If you don t come you will miss out on the wonderful brunch Mrs. Sara Bailey provides for us. Thursday afternoon we have our general meeting, memorial service and auction for items made by the members. Friday, at the Adopt-A-Crew dinner, we gather together with our family that adopted us. They bring the best country cooking you have ever eaten. Jan Humphries and her committee has always provided great entertainment for us. On Saturday, we get to ride in the parade on a beautiful float. We then gather at Memorial Park and participate in the Veteran s march in memory of all the fallen military. After this, Bobby and Brenda Dowis invites us to their beautiful home for a hot dog and hamburger lunch. Saturday night is the big night. We will gather at the community center for a great dinner and fun. See what you will miss if you don t come. GREETINGS FROM THE SECRETARY MAX BARKER It has been almost 21 years since I left active duty in the Navy and CG-63, and its been 11 years since I retired from the Army National Guard. Where did time go? Once upon a time, I hated haircuts and despised getting out of bed at 0600. Today, I have a flat top hair cut, and awakening at 0500 is the norm. While I am thankful for being allowed to service in the military, my most cherished military moments were on CG-63. During the last reunion, our committee made significant changes in how it conducts business. First, we are now asking family members and the general public to become Associate Members. We want the family members and friends of crewmembers to know they are a big part of our reunion. The committee also broke our glass ceiling and elected into office two non-crewmembers to serve as Vice-President and Treasurer. Previously, only crewmembers were permitted to serve in these offices. Our officers are now a more diverse group, better reflecting the differences of the reunion body.
Page 3 FROM JON MUSGRAVE, TRUSTEE When I entered the Navy, I did not know what I wanted to do. I enjoyed mechanics, so I became a Fireman and later advanced to Engineman Third Class. While on USS Cowpens, I was exposed to the needed discipline early in my military career, that has also carried over into my current position commanding my own commercial vehicle. I hope you take the opportunity to join us in Cowpens, South Carolina over Father s Day weekend for our annual reunion. TREASURER S REPORT FROM GISELLE FLEMING: Treasurers Report: Current association balance is $4956.22I, which includes payment of six Banquet tickets, 27 dues payments and memorial donations. The Giannini Family donated in honor of Joseph A. Giannini. SFC.Helen Fleming donated in honor of former treasurer, Cue Fleming, Bob Riley, Wanda and Jack Daniel, Cecil Bosarge and Joe Giannini Sr. Donald Hight donated in memory of Lt. Donald Higlivy. Carswell Wynne also donated in memory of Cecil Bosarge and Joe Giannini Sr.Thank you to everyone for sending in dues and Banquet payments. Giselle Fleming,
Page 4 USS COWPENS VETERANS ASSOCIATION President-Chaplain S1C Carswell Wynne (CVL25) 107 Mary Lane Warner Robins, GA 31088 478-923-8211 C.wynne01@cox.net Barbara Borzym 715 17th St. Ambridge, Pa 15003 724-266-2316 bborzym@comcast.net Vice President: Giselle Fleming 125 Dodge Ave. Akron, OH 44302 216-513-7337 gforcepr@gmail.com Treasurer: Secretary: CTO1(AW) Max Barker (CG63) P.O. Box 5224 Arizona City, AZ 85123 623-238-0415 maxbarker3028@gmail.com Trustee S1C Bill Kuntz (CVL25) 529 Sandpiper Lane Wadsworth, OH. 44281 (330) 331-7917 Trustee: LT. Ray Williams (CVL25) 1144 Wesley Mountain Dr. Blairsville, GA. 30512-2844 706-835-1841 raywill@windstream.net Trustee: Capt. Rob Marin (CG63) 9544 Trumpet Vine Loop Trinity, FL 34655 727-807-6588 rob.g.marin@gmail.com Trustee EN3 Jon Musgrave (CG63) 9916 Duerson Ln. Partlow, VA 22534 540-885-9539 jonmus38@yahoo.com
Page 5 USS COWPENS VETERANS ASSOCIATION CG-63 CREWMEMBERS MAKE AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE COWPENS FIRE DE- PARTMENT Approximately 20 current and former crewmembers of USS Cowpens (CG-63) altered the normal schedule routine of the ship s yearly reunion by accepting an invitation to tour the fire department for the Town of Cowpens. During the tour, we got the opportunity to view the station, and learned about the impressive capabilities the department provides to the town. A big thanks goes out to the Cowpens Fire Department personnel for the invitation and their hospitality. Shawn Waggoner is spearheading a funding raising campaign to help refurbish an antique fire truck that is in dire need of repair. If you wish to donate to this cause, please contact Shawn at 305-505-7909 or by e-mail at shawn@cowpensvet.com -- A NOTE ABOUT THE 2016 AUCTION FORMAT: Silent auction When: Thursday, June 16, 2016 3:00 pm 4:30 pm. ITEMS TO BE AUCTIONED OFF: Only hand-crafted items, those items related to the military, or cow decorations will be presented for auction. Please do not present items for auction that do not fall under these categories. All attendees are requested to bring an item for the auction. All proceeds will go to the reunion association. NOTE: Circumstances have forced us to make some changes this year regarding the auction. Your understanding,cooperation, and flexibility are greatly appreciated.
Page 6 Friday, June 17 th @ 6:30pm Cowpens Elementary School Moo Crew & Families just for you, and us! The Adopt-a-Crew Dinner is an evening of relaxed fellowship and we look forward to having you attend and participate. FREE for you to attend. Just come ready to eat and socialize. To better help us plan the meal, please complete the form below and mail it back to me with your information. Take Care travel safely, and may God Bless each of you. We ll see you in June! Much love to all Jan Humphries Crewman Name: Ship: CVL25 or CG63 (circle one) Plank Owner: Yes or No Number of guests attending: Names of those attending: Mail to: Jan Humphries, PO Box 801, Cowpens, SC 29330 Contact info: 864-542-6489 or mizcowtown@gmail.com
Page 7 USS COWPENS VETERANS ASSOCIATION ORDER FORM REUNION BANQUET SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2016 Banquet (adult): $30 X (# of guests) = Banquet (child-under 12): $15 X (# of guests) = Total $ Make checks payable to: USS COWPENS REUNION ASSOCIATION Send payment to: Giselle Fleming 125 Dodge Ave. Akron, OH 44302 Name: Phone: Street: City: State: Zip: $10 Membership dues enclosed Please remove me from the mailing list. I am unable to afford the $10 annual dues but want to remain on the mailing list. Newsletter delivery format: Electronic (e-mail: ) Paper Make checks payable to: USS COWPENS REUNION ASSOCIATION Send payment to: Giselle Fleming 125 Dodge Ave. Akron, OH 44302
Page 8 WHERE TO STAY?? USS COWPENS REUNION HOST HOTEL HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES 161 SHA LANE SPARTANBURG, SC 29307 864-504-3333 RATE: $83 per night (+ tax) Ask for the Cowpens Reunion rate NEARBY LODGING HAMPTON INN 121 TRAVELLER DR. SPARTANBURG, SC 29307J 864-577-9080 Two blocks from host hotel. MOTEL 6 105 JONES RD SPARTANBURG, SC 29303 864-573-6383 Quarter mile from host hotel. KOA 160 SARRATT SCHOOL RD. GAFFNEY, SC 29341 800-562-0362 10 miles from host hotel.
Page 9 PLAN OF THE WEEK - SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Wednesday, June 15, 2016 6:00 am - 9:00 am: Complimentary breakfast (Holiday Inn Express) 10:00 am - 5:00 pm: Event Registration (Holiday Inn Express Lobby) 7:00 pm: Greenville Drive baseball game (Flour Field, Greenville, SC) - (optional)* Thursday, June 16, 2016 6:00 am - 9:00 am: Complimentary breakfast (Holiday Inn Express) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm: Event Registration (Holiday Inn Express Lobby) 10:00 Reunion Executive Committee Meeting (Holiday Inn Express Lobby) 10:00 am - 1:00 pm: BMW Plant Tour (Greenville, SC) - (optional)* 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Silent Auction (Holiday Inn Express Lobby) 5:00 pm Dinner (The Flounder Restaurant) - (optional)* 7:30 pm Miss Cowpens Mighty Moo Pageant (Cowpens Ele. School) - (optional) Friday, June 17, 2016 6:00 am - 9:00 am Complimentary breakfast (Holiday Inn Express) 8:30 am Mighty Moo Golf Tournament (Woodfin Ridge, Inman, SC) - (optional)* 9:00 am - 10:15 am Crew versus Cowpens LL Baseball Game (Gordon Park, Cowpens, SC) 10:30 am Brunch at the Bailey s Home (Cowpens, SC) 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm General Meeting (Holiday Inn Express Conference Room) 2:15 pm 2:45 pm Memorial Ceremony (Holiday Inn Express Conference Room) 5:30 pm Group photograph session (former Bogan s Auto Parts Store, Cowpens, SC) 6:30pm Adopt-A-Crew Dinner (Cowpens Ele. School, Cowpens, SC) Saturday, June 18, 2016 6:00 am - 9:00 am Complimentary breakfast (Holiday Inn Express) 7:30-9:00 am Breakfast at the Methodist Church in Cowpens (optional) 9:30 am Gather for the parade (Dowis home in Cowpens, SC) 10:00 am Mighty Moo Parade (Cowpens, SC) Veteran s Walk (Veterans Park, Cowpens, SC immediately following parade) 12:00 pm Lunch (hosted by Bobby & Brenda Dowis, Cowpens, SC) 6:30 pm Annual Banquet (Cowpens Community Center)* Sunday, June 19, 2016 (Happy Father s Day) 6:00 am - 9:00 am Complimentary breakfast (Holiday Inn Express) TBD Time to pack up, head for home, and start making plans for 2017 (Don t forget to make your 2017 room reservations before you leave).
Page 10 HAPPY 25TH ANNIVERSARY USS COWPENS CG-63
Page 11 CHAPLAIN S CORNER: Each year we read a number of names of shipmates that have gone on before us. From 2002 unto now I have received 300 plus names. The names that we receive each year are read at our memorial service. The ones we have received this year are listed below. NAME SHIP EOW Leo Hoheisel CVL25 01/26/1995 Harry Walden, Jr. CVL25 10/04/2001 Wendall Schaller CVL25 11/23/2006 Floyd Hayes CVL25 12/20/2006 Virgil Wood CVL25 09/13/2010 Capt. Hershel Paul CVL25 10/17/2010 Dominick Coglianese CVL25 12/06/2010 George Francis CVL25 12/09/2010 Richard A. Lamphree CVL25 04/22/2011 Daniel Else CVL25 10/29/2011 NCC Peter Barrendse CG63 03/04/2014 LCDR Otis G. Kight CVL25 07/11/2014 Alfred Mills CVL25 08/24/2014 Clinton Gowell CVL25 02/09/2015 NAME SHIP EOW Cecil Bosarge CVL25 07/24/2015 Thomas Hall CVL25 08/19/2015 Joseph Giannini CVL25 09/03/2015 Earl Summers CVL25 09/16/2015 Merle Dean Chriss CVL25 09/19/2015 CT Dustin G. Hanson CG63 10/17/2015 SM3 Wayne L. Tucker CVL25 10/28/2015 Thurston Smith CVL25 10/31/2015 Howard L. Vieweg CVL25 10/09/2015 Harry Orr Jr. CVL25 12/06/2015 Joseph F. Minder CVL25 12/07/2015 LCDR Richard Jones CVL25 12/20/2015 Charles B. Nelson CVL25 01/05/2016 Lavern Devroy CVL25 02/05/2016 Glen Lewis CVL25 03/03/2015 Elmer Griffin CVL25 03/08/2015 Vernon Smith CVL25 03/27/2015 We pray God s blessing for each family of those listed above. Carswell Wynne, Chaplain Please report the loss of any USS Cowpens (CVL25 and CG63) crewmember to any reunion committee member.
Page 12 ARRIVING ON WEDNESDAY? EVENT: Hickory Crawdads (Texas Rangers affiliation) versus Greenville Drive (Boston Red Sox affiliation), WHERE: Flour Field 945 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601 WHEN: Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at 7:05 pm. TICKETS: $10 per person. To order, please mail check or money order payable to Max Barker PO Box 5224, Arizona City, AZ 85123 by May 1, 2016. Sorry, no refunds.