NEW MEMBERS

Merril Crone

Bell ringing for Deceased 2003

* Indicates not a member but was on Lex

Women

The 2003 reunion in Jacksonville, FL.was chaired by, member Dan Conran assisted by his two sons. (Former Naval officers) They did a great job.

JACKSONVILLE REUNION

Tuesday, October 7^th                              Registration Desk – Lexington Hospitality Suite

            Welcome Reception:      6:00PM to 9:00 PM Food and Drinks were available.

Wednesday, October 8^th             Tour #1 Historic St. Augustine tour – 9:00AM to 4PM

St. Augustine we found out was the earliest settlement in the US. It was founded by Ponce de Leon

We were told he was navigator on Columbus first trip to the new world Ponce de Leon was looking for the Fountain of Youth. I drank as much water as I could find. I don't think I found the right supply because no one noticed any change in me. We saw the old fort Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest wooden school house in the US along with many other interesting things.

Tour #2 Night-time cruise on the LaCruise Casino ship. I didn't go no this tour. I was told it was for the hearty, as it took some time to get to the ship and it was a way out on the ocean where it was a little rough.

Thursday, October 9^th  Tour #3 Shopping Tour – 10AM to 3PM. I'm not much of a shopper, it was OK if you liked shopping.

Tour #4 Dinner Cruise on the St. Johns River. This tour on the river gave us a good look at the city and the surrounding area at night There was some trouble. That was the people that ran the ship had signed up more people for the cruise than the ship could hold. Some got off to make room and we got under way.

Friday, October 10^th Tour #5 Mayport Naval Station Luncheon at the Officer’s Club and USS John F.KennedyCV67

We had sailors take small groups on the tours of the flight deck and hanger decks. They knew their ship and could answer most questions asked. She is the last of the steam boiler power carriers. Has a displacement of 80,000 tons. She is 1,052 feet long with a crew of 5,222 (with the air wing)

Tour #6 Night-time cruise on the LaCruise Casino ship Same remarks as before.

LOOKING FOR

Looking For Info:  A lady is looking for information about her uncle – Frederick W. Kuhn

served on the Lexington during World War II.  He was a graduate of the US Naval Academy at

Annapolis.  Anyone with information contact Lloyd Friedli.

Looking for Info:  Anyone know, or have information about Leon Judson Conklin?  He was

on board during World War II – anyone who may have known him contact Lloyd Friedli.

Sears and the military .......

I Assume you have all seen the reports about how Sears is treating its reservist employees who are called up? By law, they are required to hold their jobs open and available, but nothing more.   Usually, people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being called up...

Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all called up reservist employees for up to two years.  I submit that Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen and should be recognized for its contribution.

Suggest we all shop at Sears, and be sure to find a manager to tell them why we are there so the company gets the positive reinforcement > it well deserves.    Pass it on.

From "The (Philadelphia) Inquirer"   Posted on Sun, Sep. 21, 2003  

Guards stay at Tomb of Unknowns By Robert Gutsche Jr.

ARLINGTON, Va. - For the first time ever, soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery were given permission to leave their post at the Tomb of the Unknowns, in the event Hurricane Isabel became too dangerous.None left."We made the decision we were going to stand where we were," said Army Sgt. First Class Fredrick Geary, 37.

Around the clock each day for about two hours at a time, seven soldiers take turns manning the tomb where the first unknown soldier was buried in 1921. But Thursday night, during the height of the storm, Sergeant of the Guard Geary took it upon himself to march for 51/2 hours before the tomb against heavy rain and 60-m.p.h. wind gusts. The wind was so strong that it felled at least 24 trees on cemetery grounds, most were more than 20 years old. In turn, three headstones were crushed. Crews began working at 4 a.m. Friday to clean up the 612 acres scattered with downed trees and limbs. The tombstones could be replaced within two weeks, officials say.

Looking at the tomb on Friday, Geary, who led the charge to stay, choked up: "Did they volunteer? Did they get drafted? How did they die? They did their job and this country paid them back by not remembering who they were. We have a job to do here, and at no time was a life in danger.

"It was my life. I was just doing what I believed to be right."

The poem below reminds us again the debt owed to our servicemen and women, and to their families.

Thanks to Charles Ryberg for sending me this

Thanks to both Ron Haag and Charles Ryberg for sending me this.

Old sailors sit and chew the fat

'bout how things used to be

of the things they've seen

and places they've been

When they ventured out to sea.

They remember friends from long ago

and the times they had back then

of the money they've spilled

and the beer they've swilled

In their days as sailing men.

Their lives are lived in days gone by

with thoughts that forever last

of Dixie cup hats

and bell-bottom blues

and the good times in their past.

They recall long nights with a moon so bright

far out on a lonely sea

and the thoughts they had

as youthful lads

When their lives were unbridled and free.

They know so well how their hearts would swell

when the flag fluttered proud and free

and the stars and the stripes

made such beautiful sights

as they plowed through an angry sea.

They talk of the bread ole' cookie would bake

and the shrill of the boatsun's pipe

and how the salt spray fell

like sparks out of hell

when a storm struck in the night.

They remember mates already gone

who forever hold a spot

In the stories of old

when sailors were bold

and lubbers were a pitiful lot.

They rode their ships through many a storm

when the sea was showing its might

And the mighty waves

might be digging their graves

as they sailed on through the night.

They speak of nights in a bawdy house

somewhere on a foreign shore

and the beer they'd down

as they gathered around

cracking jokes with a busty whore.

Their sailing days are gone away

never more will they cross the brow

But they have no regrets

for they know they've been blessed

'cause they honored their sacred vow.

Their numbers grow less with each passing day

as their chits in this life are called in

But they've nothing to lose

for they've all paid their dues

and they'll sail with their shipmates again.

I've heard them say before getting underway

that there's still some sailin' to do

and they'll exclaim with a grin

that their ship has come in

and the Lord is commanding the crew.

NOTE

Not in deceased list but worth mentioning.

Jeanne Grindrod mother passed away.

She was 108 years old.

Ed and Jeanne Grindrod have been members for a long time.

Saturday  Business Meeting. 10-11-03 8 AM The meeting was opened with a prayer by Bill Royer  The members then gave the pledge of allegiance to the flag. This was followed by the Bell Ringing Ceremony and the list of the deceased members was read. At this point members attending their first reunion were asked to stand. Each gave their name, where they were from, the Division they were in and the years they were on the Lexington. The members gave them a rousing hand. Bill Royer mentioned that minutes of last years were in the newsletter following the reunion, .Bill Royer asked the members to approve the minutes of the 2001 meeting. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as read. The members voted their approval.

Bill asked the Treasurer Lloyd Friedli to give his report. Our expenses were, we would have about $31,000 in the treasury.

Last years donations were:

Navy Memorial                         $100

Pea Coat Memorial                   $250

Lexington Museum                   $1,500

Sea Cadets (Denver)                 $750

Lexington Ma. Lyon Club           $250

The Lexington Ma. Is to help pay for the Lexington Green upkeep.

This years recommended donations were:

Navy Memorial                          $100

Pea Coat Memorial                    $500

Lexington Museum                    $1,500

Sea Cadets (Denver)                   $750

A motion was made and seconded to approve these donations. The members voted their approval.

In addition to these donations the shipmates donated an additional $195 to go to the Pea Coat Memorial. This was a way of saying thanks to Joe for the Pea Coat Memorial pins he passed out.

OLD BUSINESS It was mentioned the the Lexington Museum in Corpus Christi, TX. Was declared a National Land Mark

NEW BUSINESS .Lloyd Friedli reported that he had sent out letters to all members asking to reply with information of  the articles they have or what they had already sent to the Lexington Museum. The reason for the letter was to get an idea of what space would be required to create a room onboard ship for our association. The room or rooms would highlight three periods of the Lexington crew.

1.       CV16 period, 2. CVA16-CVS16 period and the 3 CVT16-AVT16 period.

He made a trip to the Lexington Museum to go over the planning of this with the Museum people. He asked that $5,000 be approved for this room. The members voted their approval.

              Bill Royer then asked if anyone wanted to chair the 2005 reunion. Lloyd Friedli suggested Corpus Christi, TX. He thought our association's room might be completed by then. Al Rogers said every one enjoyed going to the ship, but out side of the ship there wasn't to much else to see that we hadn't seen before. John Plude said that he had worked up a reunion for another ship he was on for Baltimore. He said that he had much of this information still on hand. After a little persuasion he agreed to chair the 2005 reunion in Baltimore and the Washington, D.C. area A few members said they would assist him.

A motion was made and seconded and the members voted their approval.

It was reported that time has taken it's toll on the Lexington CV2 Association and has reduced their membership. A motion was made and seconded to let then join our group. This motion was approved.

Lloyd Friedli reported that he has contacted some one who is going to make a large (9 foot Long) model of the Lexington CV16 for display at the Lexington Museum. It would look like it did when it went into Tokyo Bay.

In all these years Charlie Ryberg missed his first reunion and for a good reason, he had a kidney transplant. For the last 3 years he has had to go 3 times a week (3 hours each time) for kidney dialasis. When he went to reunions he had to make arrangements in advance. That's all over now. Here is the message I got from Jan.

It is like a miracle that you would never believe could happen to you.  The kidney is working very well.  He is having a problem with anemia but they say it is par for the course and are treating it with procrit and iron pills to bring up his blood count.  He is doing pretty well for a man his age, 79.  Once he regains his strength, watch out guys here he comes.  Charlie and I want to thank you all for all the emails and get well cards that were sent.  God bless you all for your sincere thoughts and considerations.  We may have missed the reunion but we were there all the way, even in spirit.  Love you all....... Charlie and Jan

Good of the Association

Tom Reese took the floor. He reported that the 2 X 7 foot picture of the Lexington representing the Esssex aircraft carrier is completed and will be put in storage until the Carrier Midway gets to San Diego. Some time in December.

Lloyd Friedli then gave this report on the 2004 Reunion

2004 USS Lexington CV 16 Association Reunion

Colorado Springs, Colorado

WHEN:                       Tuesday, September 7 through Sunday, September 12, 2004

WNERE:                    Double Tree Hotel 1775 East Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. Colorado, Springs, CO 90906

AIRPORT:                   Serviced by major airlines; Approximately 15 minutes from hotel; complimentary airport shuttle service to and from hotel

ATTRACTIONS:           Pikes Peak via Cog Railway

U. S. Air Force Academy

U.S. Olympic Complex

Seven Falls

                                  Garden of the Gods

                                  Royal Gorge

                                  Old Colorado City

                                  Flying W Chuckwagon Supper and Western Show

                                  And many others!

Come     join your shipmates, their families and guests at what we think will be another great reunion More information will come in future newsletters.

A motion was made to adjourn, this was seconded. The members voted their approval.

Saturday  Evening: The banquet was opened with the pledge of allegiance to the flag. A prayer was said by Bill Royer. An excellent dinner was served. There was an open bar for refreshments.  

The after dinner speaker was the last Captain of the Lexington Captain Kennedy. Al Rogers gave his ever inspiring rendition of "Remember Me, I'm Your Flag"

There was dancing to a DJ, for all the light footed. A lot of the good old songs were played.

Sunday Memorial Service

The service was opened by Bill Royer with a Prayer followed with the Pledge of Allegiance Nina Rogers lead the singing of the hymn O Beautiful for Spacious Skies

Bill Royer Read "A Veteran Died Today"

The Memorial Message was given by Sr. Chaplain Capt. H.W. Burrell

We then heard "Brotherhood by Otto Romainelli This was followed with the singing of the Hymn "Eternal Father" and then a Parting Prayer.

Another Item

Did you get the word of Target that they have been the victim of a lengthy email smear campaign initiated by a person who didn't receive a donation that he requested...?....So it appears they are good people and we shouldn't boycott or otherwise give them a bad time.  They support all veteran and military organizations on a national scale..Al Rogers

Media-Releases 'Veteran's Response-10/14/03

Thank you for contacting Target Stores to inquire about our support of veterans.  Unfortunately Target has been the victim of a lengthy email smear campaign initiated by a person who didn't receive a donation that he requested.  This email campaign grossly misrepresents our support of veterans.  Due to the nature of the Internet and e-mail communication, this false information has taken on a life of its own and has been perpetuated and modified many times by unknown writers.  The National Veterans of Foreign Wars posted a press release on their Web site on December 6, 2002 to help clarify this issue and show their support of Target at http://www.vfw.org/news/target.htm.

Target is owned by Target Corporation, a company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota since it's founding by George Dayton in 1902.  Our company has supported many charitable causes throughout its history, and that includes veterans organizations.  For years, Target has donated funds and volunteer hours to local and national veteran and military organizations around the country,Charitable Giving Examples

Target is a sponsor of the national 2003 tour of "The Wall that Heals," a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund outreach initiative that honors our veterans and has a strong educational component for schools.  For more information, please visit the Web site at http://www.vvrnf.org/travelingwall/index.htmI

In addition to supporting veteran and military organizations on a national scale, we also support local organizations. Target Corporation is proud to count many veterans and military reservists among its more than 300,000 team members nationwide, To help support these team members, Target Corporation provides benefits for activated reservists, including pay differential, that surpass those benefits required by law.  The Reserve Officers Association has recognized our company for these benefits.  The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve also lists Target on their Web Site

ILLINOIS LEXINGTON PICNIC (Last Summer)

We had a good time. Good food and good friends. Here are the people who attended             

John /La Verne Miller (WI) 

Gene/Diane Miller (WI)

Bill/Helen Royer (PA)

Nick Gorish (NJ)

Marcella Wheatley (KY)

Dick/Wanda Fink (IN)

Don/Bernice Mc Indoe (NY)

John/Floy Goode (FL)

Debby Goode (OH)

Bob Hosang and Sons (MO)

Lloyd Friedli (IL) 

Harold/Wanda Tendick (IL)

Dick/Nancy Battershell (IL