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This Page was last updated:  08/19/2010
 

The Constellation Prayer List

Please keep our shipmates and family in your thoughts:

A note from Jerry OConner:

My dad is doing okay while he is on his second chemo treatment for non Hodgkins Lymphoma.   He has to rest alot and take it easy while the chemo fights off the cancer.  He has a fairly good appetite but doesn't eat to much at one time.   What more can I say about someone who is age 84 and had a tripple heart bypass in February.

Bill Burke's Family
We just returned from our family vacation in Missouri and had a call from Bill's son saying that Bill (Burke) passed away August 7th.  The funeral was August 9th.  He was 77!!!  I talked with Bill's son, Allen, and he said that he and his brother are having a hard time......
See you at the reunion!!!
Barbara

Bell, Maurice G., 12 DEC 2009 (Sorry that this one got by us)
Honorary Member

BELL Mr. Maurice Glenn Bell - Funeral services were held on Monday, December 7, 2009 at 12 Noon from the chapel of Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home with Dr. Keith Thomas officiating. Pallbearers were Richard Hubbard, Glynn Craddock, Sherman Williams, Darrell Neese, Gene Howard and Chris Pierson. Personal remarks for the family were given by Ray Hall, III. Music by Rev. Ron McCarson, Lisa Normand Davis and Butch Franklin. Military honors were rendered at the graveside by American Legion Post 164, Citronelle, AL. Mr. Bell was a life member of the VFW Post 7320 in Saraland. Interment was in Mobile Memorial Gardens. Funeral arrangements by Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral home, 6040 Three Notch Rd. Mobile, AL 36619.

Maurice G. Bell was a survivor of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis CA-35, sunk on 29 JUN 1945 by Japanese Submarine I-58 off the Philippines.

The following Article appeared in the Press-Register in Mobile, AL

MOBILE, Ala. -- Maurice Glenn Bell, who endured the shark-infested waters of the Philippine Sea in 1945 after the sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the fatalities of hundreds of other sailors, died today. He was at home, surrounded by his family.

The Mobile native, who had told his harrowing story to the nation on Ken Burns' PBS series "The War," was 84 years old.

In a 2007 Press-Register interview, Bell recalled being a seaman first class aboard the USS Indianapolis when the heavy cruiser was struck by a torpedo from a Japanese submarine: "Sunday night, just a few minutes after midnight, there was a loud explosion. That was the first thing we knew about a submarine."

A second torpedo struck. With its 1,197 crewmen and officers, the Indianapolis sank in about 12 minutes.

The next five days, to hear Bell tell it, were a nightmare, with men dying from drowning, exposure, and shark attacks. Only 321 would be pulled out alive.

"He'd use his story," said Bell's grandson, Ray Hall, "to give others hope and motivation never to quit, always to have hope, to have faith."

Said John Tyson, Sr., WWII veteran and commander of the American Legion Post 3, where Bell was active to the end: "His story showed the fortitude in a war, always the enthusiasm of the younger generation doing what they had to do."

VA offers newest edition of benefit handbook
 
WASHINGTON (AFRNS) -- The 2010 edition of the Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors is available online at www1.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp. 

Produced by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the handbook’s chapters cover such topics as VA pensions, home loans, medals and records, special veterans groups, and other federal benefits.
 
People can view the handbook by individual chapters and sections, or download the entire document, in English or Spanish, in .pdf format. (Courtesy of VA)
 
First Woman Takes Helm of Carrier Group
July 31, 2010
Daily Press, Newport News, Va.
When Nora W. Tyson entered the Navy in 1979, women were not allowed to go to sea on aircraft carriers.

The idea of a woman commanding a mighty carrier strike group? That was certainly for another day.

That day arrived Thursday for Rear Adm. Tyson, who made history in assuming command of Carrier Strike Group Two in a ceremony on board the USS George H.W. Bush.

The strike group consists of the Bush, America's newest carrier, four guided-missile cruisers; Destroyer Squadron 22, which includes six guided-missile destroyers and two frigates, and Carrier Air Wing 8, with eight squadrons of aircraft.

In accepting her new assignment, Tyson spoke of the challenges that the Navy faces and said she was humbled to be selected. Talking later with reporters, she downplayed her history-making step.

"As far as the trailblazing piece, I understand I am the first woman on the job," she said. "But I'm a professional just like my fellow officers are, and my fellow strike group commanders."

Adm. Gary Roughead, the chief of naval operations, said her appointment should send a signal "that there is no limit as to what you can do."

In April, the Navy announced a policy change that will allow women to serve on submarines. The first group of female Sailors has since been accepted.

In June, the Navy announced its four Sailors of the year, and women swept the field for the first time.

"It's been a tremendous year for women in the Navy," said Regina Akers, a naval historian with Naval History and Heritage Command.

Thursday's ceremony prompted Akers to recall other women who have broken barriers in the Navy, starting with Joy Bright Hancock. Born in 1898 and serving in World War I as a yeoman, she lost two husbands to aviation accidents while still in her 20s.

Later, she became a respected member of the Bureau of Aeronautics, a leading early figure in the Women's Reserve of the U.S. Naval Reserves, nicknamed the WAVES, and one of the first women officers in the U.S. Navy. She died in 1986.

Reflecting on Tyson's new assignment, Akers said her first thought was, "Wow, what would Joy think?"

Other Navy women have broken barriers as well. Barbara Allen was the first female aviator in 1974. Brenda Robinson was the first black female aviator. Rosemary Mariner was the first woman to command an operational aviation squadron.

"In a larger context, this is just another effort by the Navy to further diversity," said Akers.

Tyson said she's thought about whether she'll face more scrutiny. She said it all comes down to professionalism.

But while women have made progress in the Navy over the years, Tyson's appointment marks a dramatic step forward, said James V. Koch, president emeritus of Old Dominion University who also teaches World War II history.

"This is an exceedingly responsible position in terms of the pressure and the kinds of life-and-death decisions that have to be made," he said. "I think there is more pressure and more responsibility than a staff position in the Pentagon, even though the rank of that person might be higher."

Because carriers are a symbol of America's military might, "one is constantly on the front lines when you are a commander of a task force. And the tradition of the Navy is that whoever is in charge is responsible," he said.

Tyson acknowledged as much during her speech.

"This," she said, "is not an easy position to be in."

Incoming USNA supe vows new ethics focus

By Philip Ewing - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Aug 3, 2010 17:02:53 EDT

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The new superintendent of the Naval Academy vowed Tuesday that ethics would be his top priority as he assumes command from a predecessor leaving the Navy amid revelations of lavish spending and a “slush fund.”

Vice Adm. Michael Miller, wearing a newly added third star, did not directly mention the Navy Inspector General’s findings that ended the career of outgoing supe Vice Adm. Jeffrey Fowler, but Miller did stress that his main focus will be on basic principles.

“This institution is about leadership,” he said. “To effectively lead, our midshipmen must engender the trust of those who follow them, and honor is at the core of building that trust. I’m confident that an ethical foundation must come first, and that will be our starting point while I’m here.”

Miller relieved Fowler of command in a lighthearted ceremony in the academy’s basketball arena, full of jokes and shout-outs to the friends, family and old classmates who were in attendance. In keeping with Navy tradition, it ended with Fowler and his family being “piped ashore.”

The change of command ceremony was originally slated for September, Fowler told the academy Board of Visitors on June 28, but the change-over was moved up by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead, “to better position the Naval Academy for success in the upcoming academic year,” officials said July 15.

During a closed portion of that June 28 meeting, Fowler revealed to the board that a Navy Inspector General’s investigation, finished months before, had faulted him and other top academy officials for excessive spending on luxurious gifts and parties, much of it to appease football coaches, boosters and alumni. Inspectors did not find Fowler or his subordinates had broken any laws, but he received “administrative action” from commanders and the academy’s top fundraiser was suspended for five days without pay.

A portion of the Board of Visitors met July 21 in Washington to “gather information” about the IG investigation and “Navy-directed corrective actions,” in a closed session not announced until after the fact. Board chairman Michael Hightower said in a written statement that federal law permits public boards to hold “preparatory meetings” for which they don’t need to give public notice and are not subject to open meetings laws.

But none of Tuesday’s speakers, who also included Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert, mentioned any of that. Instead they praised Fowler and his wife, Katie, for three decades of service to the Navy and a legacy of emphasizing “leadership” in Annapolis. During Fowler’s tenure, the academy changed the wording of its mission statement so that its goal went from “producing graduates” to “graduating leaders.”

As for Fowler himself, he assured the audience that he leaves the Navy a happy man:

“Let me sum up my 36 years of active duty in one minute,” he said. “My life has been a dream come true. I wanted to see the world. Live an adventure. Find the girl of my dreams, raise a wonderful family, and make a difference to those coming behind me. … I have no regrets. I have such happy, amazing memories.”

On the Health Front:

Using Herbal Supplements Wisely

Consult your healthcare provider before taking herbal remedies. Herbs can interact with your medications and may be harmful for certain health conditions or medical procedures. When you see your doctor, be sure to inform him/her of which herbs you are taking.

•Do not assume a product is safe or effective. Herbs are not overseen by a federal regulatory agency for guarantee of quality control or safety.
•Although touted as natural and safe, herbs act as drugs but often lack appropriate scientific study.
•If you buy herbs purchase them from a reliable source. Labels should include ingredient list, precautions, manufacturer's name and address, batch or lot number, manufacture date, expiration date, and dosage information.
•Do not take herbal supplements in place of your current medications.
•Introduce one herb at a time to monitor how well the supplement is working and side effects. Using multiple herbal supplements puts you at a greater risk for side effects and medication interactions.
•Do not give herbs to infants or young children.
•Do not take herbs if you are pregnant, nursing or planning a pregnancy.
•Use extreme caution with herbs purchased in other countries or through mail order.
•Herbs can be part of an overall health maintenance program. Before taking any herbs, investigate a product thoroughly.
•Check with your doctor, pharmacist or dietitian to be certain any herbs you are taking will not interact with other medications.
 


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