Comments/Postings
Total of 6 Postings to Date - Last One Posted 06/17/2000
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If so, please e-mail Diana Fackler as to what you would like posted.
IN THE BEGINNING - Posting by William L. Guyette
Being one of the original forty-eight (48) and the first Treasurer, and as eight (8) years of Recording Secretary, I believe that facts are being distorted by the present administration and should be addressed, especially in the origin of the Sampson WW II Vets.
My family and I, campers for many years, using the New York Sampson Campground, read a notice on the camp bulletin board posted by Bill Russell. He was attempting to organize a reunion of the Sampson Sailors. I responded and was subsequently notified by Russell a meeting as being scheduled at the VFW in Seneca Falls on September 12, 1987.
On that day, over sixty (60) ex-boots attended the meeting. Forty-eight (48) signed on as members of the Sampson WW II organization. Russell was elected president and was given the task of organizing our group - preparing bylaws - appointing the first group of officers and trustees - planning our future course and purpose.
The purpose and course were well defined in the next two (2) years with Russell and his wife corresponding with the original forty-eight (48). Russell inspired the members to seek out ex-boots and sign them as members. During the eight (8) years which followed, our purpose and course were kept in sight by Russell. The organization, now having a membership of over 4,000, made our purpose and course achievable. There are too many persons involved to name each individually.
Mr. Russell resigned as President in his eighth year of leadership due to ill health. He, however, did instill his enthusiasm in the members. It is through their efforts that the organization has grown. It is a sad state of affairs that the present (BULL)etin fails to recognize how the achievement of the Sampson WW II was accomplished.
Most of the workers want no plaudets. There is no reason that anyone should claim the achievements and accomplishments of someone else as their own. It took the work of all the members working together to make the organization what it is today.
THE "FOUNDING" OF THE ORGANIZATION - Posting by Diana Fackler
Some of you may remember me as the past Business Secretary of the Sampson WW-2 Navy Veterans. I had held that position shortly following the time the organization was founded by William Russell until my resignation in November of 1995.
What you might not know is how I got involved in the organization. My father (Paul McKee - Past Treasurer) had been camping at the Sampson State Park when he noticed a posting on the bulletin board for a gathering of veterans who attended the Sampson Naval Training Station during World War II. The contact person was WILLIAM RUSSELL of Corryton, TN. As this pertained to my father, he promptly called and made arrangements to attend the gathering at the Waterloo VFW Post 6433.
Through the efforts of William Russell, it was at this gathering that the organization was born. If he had not taken the initiative to arrange for this gathering, there would not be an organization today. There are literally thousands of Sampson veterans who live within a 50 mile radius of Samposn and NO ONE came up with the idea until Mr. Russell started it.
Mr. Russell was elected President at the gathering of approximately 150 Sampson Navy Veterans and 48 members signed on as charter members. This brought great joy and enthusiasm to those who signed up. As President and Founder, Mr. Russell was in charge of drawing up draft by-laws. He also began a newsletter which he and his wife (Manola) diligently and unselfishly worked on for several years following.
Several months prior to the inception of the organization, the late Ray Shaffer (past vice-president) and Mr. Russell discussed the Museum idea. The museum idea was discussed with the Park Superintendent 2 years prior to the first meeting. The park superintendent was the first one to suggest that Mr. Russell give consideration to the old brig building due to the location.
Shortly after the founding of the organization, Mr. Russell indicated the need for secretarial/clerical help. This is where I came into the picture as I immediately volunteered to help and after several months of service, I was officially put on the payroll as Business Secretary. However, a great deal of work still continued to be done by Mr. Russell.
Mr. Russell wrote the initial draft for the by-laws and sent the document to all board members for suggestions and possible approval. Very few suggestions were made. No official business could be conducted in the name of an organization unless they have by-laws. Other accomplishments include:
*Recognition by Office of the Secretary of Defense as a Veterans Organization.
*Tax exempt status as a Veterans Organization from IRS.
*Application to the postal authorities for a 3rd class bulk mailing permit. Permit granted in a letter dated on April 7,1989.
*Application made for Certicicate of Incorporation, State of New York, on November 14, 1988 which was subsequently approved.
*Tax exempt approval from State of New York issued on
April 20,1989
*Tax exempt approval from State of Tennessee issued on
March 16,1989
*Tax exempt approval from State of Florida issued on
April 16,1993
*Publication of newsletter several times a year - this grew from a 1 two sided legal page to approximately 48 total pages
*District meetings in different areas of the country as well as the annual Snow Bird reunion in Florida
*By-Laws re-written to provide all members the opportunity to nominate and vote for all elected positions via mail ballots
*Boat and the gun (bothmilitary surplus items) were obtained due to the approval by the Secretary of Defense.
*Scheduled Board meetings at least once a year
*Financial audit of the books
Please note that military surplus items cannot be obtained unless the organization is recognized by the Department of Defense. An application must be submitted accompanied by the by-laws prior to receiving these items.
The idea of a National Veterans Cemetery at Sampson was proposed by Mr. Russell in 1991 or 1992. No proposal was acceptable that excluded the Sampson WW2 Navy Veterans.
Mr. Russell was definitely a real "go-getter," and was always there for the membership. He personally answered every letter he received and constantly put forth expenses without seeking compensation. The organization was his #1 priority. It was through the guidance and leadership which he put forth that made the organization what it is today. The organization grew from those original 48 members to over thousands. He rallied for associate and sustaining membership as well as members under the category of "Friends of Sampson."
Somewhere along the line, the Museum idea became the # 1 priority. There is nothing wrong with the museum as long as the project does not distract from service to the members. This was a great idea but what several do not understand is that without the organization, there would not have been a Museum. And, without William Russell, there would not have been an organization. No one else was willing to go that extra mile to get things going. William Russell literally put his "heart and soul" into this organization and deserves the recognition as Founder of Sampson WW-2 Navy Veterans, Inc. that is rightfully his. It was his initative and foresight that put the Sampson WW-2 Navy Veterans, Inc. on the map.
I resigned from my position when Mr. Russell announced his resignation in 1995. I was asked to stay on but I could not, and would not, work for the administration that was taking over because of the difference in their ethics, etc. I have never regretted that decision and am very thankful to the organization for the true friendships I have made.
I would be more than glad to discuss this in more detail for anyone that might be interested. My e-mail address is: Sqkswmn007@aol.com.
THANKS TO OUR FOUNDER . . . - Posting by Calvin Chamberlain (Deming, NM)
The night of 12 September 1943 was the start of 2 years, 6 months, 24 days of my naval career. It started in the Reading Terminal, Philadelphia that night. There was two old cars that were hooked on to the back of the Montrealer (a somewhat plush sleeping car train) which would carry us to Scranton, PA to be unhooked and added to a Leigh Valley train to continue to the great unknown (Sampson N.T.S.). Man, was it cold and uncomfortable. The engine couldn't put out enough steam to reach our car. It was the worst trip of my life of travel.
G Unit 8, Choir Co. 518 became my home for the next 7 weeks. Between signing, eating and gantline guard duty at night (brrrr...COLD) plus calisthenics with the enfield rifle, I gained 30 pounds. My lower bunkmate, Ben Chidester, went to war as a corpsman with the Marines in the South Pacific. We are still the best of friends. After graduation came OGU and beerhall duty - five cent beers. . . remember?
I was assigned to join a makeup crew for a new battle cruiser (the USS ALASKA CB-1) which was being made up at Newport, RI. From there to the Philadelphia Navy Yard and the commissioning of the ALASKA. Off we went to help out on the first carrier air rade on Japan, then off to Okinawa and Iwo Jima, China and Korea.
Now 42 years later, along comes William (Bill) Russell with an aad in the Legion magazine asking to hear from any and all who at some time spent days at Sampson N.T.S. From that innocent request, look at what happened. Who would have thought 3000+ members (a fairly large amount but really a pithy amount of members compared to the total who passed through its portals) have made the Sampson WW-2 Navy Veterans, Inc. organization something to be proud of. No other former member of a training station (Great Lakes, San Diego, Bainbridge, etc.) can boast of the accomplishments of our members. So much is owed to so few.
THANKS to our founder, Bill Russell, and his wife, Manola, who worked tirelessly for the first 7+ years to get the organization off the ground; and a salute to those who have taken us to this time.
THANKS BILL & MANOLA FOR BEING THE BEST OF FRIENDS!
NOSTALGIA . . . - Posting by Larry L. Hawkins
I have forgotten how many years it has been that I became a life member of the Sampson organization. I believe that it was 1993 that I flew to Syracuse and then drove to the reunion in September of that year. I
remember going around the base trying to relate how things were when I was there in 1945. I was in Boot Company 424 in Barracks Lower #12 of F (Farragut) Unit from 24 January until about 6 April 1945. I say about,
because I was so happy to get out of there "at that time" that the only thing I remember was that I was home on Boot Leave for my 19th birthday on 8 April 1945! I was fortunate to be recommended by my counselor, the Specialist "C", and after several interviews by officers, was selected to go to the V-12 Program. I regret that I do not remember his name, but do remember that he was a school teacher from upper New York. After a week in the OGU, I was sent to Temporary Ship's Company in the Training Aids Section out at the Main Gate. I showed training films to the other recruits, but mainly to the school
candidates in the Radio, Signalman, etc. schools. When I found out that I was going to be there for about three months, I wrote to my Dad and asked him to crate my Cushman Motor Scooter and ship it to me there at
the Main Gate. Which he did. They even delivered it right to the loading platform that used to be right behind the Training Aids Section in perfect condition after being shipped by rail in an open crate. I
think I must have been the only Apprentice Seaman at Sampson that had his own transportation. I used it to go on liberty in Geneva, and even rode it to Rochester to go back to Indiana for a weekend once. I will never
forget that incident. When I came back from the weekend I went to the parking garage where I had put the Scooter, they had parked it just like an automobile. Then I started out for Sampson about midnight due for muster the next morning at 0700. However, I had forgotten to fill it up with gasoline before I had left for Indiana. It held about a gallon and a half. (I had Ration Coupons for a motor cycle because I had used it for farm work before being drafted). About two blocks away from the parking
garage I ran out of gasoline! So, there I am at about 0130 on a Monday morning trying to get to Geneva and Sampson by 0700! Along came a "man" in an automobile who wanted to take me to a "party." I explained that I
had to get to Sampson by 0700 and that I didn't have time to go to a "party." He was gay, of course, but he took me to a gasoline station that was open all night. I left the scooter parked there on the sidewalk
at about 0200 in the morning on a vacant street in Rochester, while I rode with this "man" to the gas station. There they gave me a can for the gasoline I bought. The "man" took me back to the scooter, still
wanting to know if I wanted to go to a party, I put him off by telling him again that I just had to be back at Sampson at 0700. The scooter was just where I had left it and the fellow made sure that it would start after I put the gas into it. Then he left with regrets, I guess, and I took the can back to the station and headed out for Geneva. I still remember the warm spring night riding back to Sampson via Geneva. I don't think that I encountered more than four automobiles during the whole trip. I did get back before muster. I know the Main Gate Sentries
were jealous of me every time they passed me through. I had all the documents!
I have thought about that incident many times in the last few years and how it would happen today. The scooter would probably have been stolen from the parking garage, the "man" would not have come by and been so helpful, he would not have taken me to an all night gas station, the station would not have trusted me to bring back the can, and my scooter would not have been parked there on the sidewalk when I came back with the gasoline. How can I compare today's values with those of a nation at war? God bless the people of Rochester, New York of those days.
After two semesters in the V-12 Program, I was selected for the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, where I graduated in 1950
and was commisioned Ensign. All told, I spent 31 years in the United States Navy!
A REAL EXPERIENCE - Posting by Bill Russell
For unknown reasons, I always wanted to be in the Navy. That within itself is strange since no one in my family had ever been in the Navy. My father was in the Army (Infantry) in WWI and served in France. He could not understand why I wanted to be in the Navy.
I went to the recruiting station in Evansville, Indiana in March of 1943 and tried to enlist. To my surprise, I was told that I was mildly color blind and that they could not accept me at that time. I was also advised that the Marines would be happy to have me. I wanted no part of that! I waited a few months before I registered as being eighteen years old (which I wasn't). Things happened fast after that!
My introduction in the military started two days after my eighteenth birthday, March 1, 1944. I boarded a train in Carmi, Illinois and headed for the induction center in Chicago which was 300 miles north of my home town. Once we arrived in Chicago, things really started changing in a hurry. I was fortunate in more than one way. To start with, I was given the opportunity to select the branch of service I wanted, i.e. Navy, Army, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, etc. Of course, I said Navy. As it turned out, I soon found out how lucky I had been. Immediately after the Navy recruiter stamped NAVY on my pages, a marine recruiter approaced me and asked me if I would change my mind and volunteer for the Marine Paratroopers. I asked him why he wanted me in the paratroopers and he said that I could see gun emplacements from the air where normal sighted people could not. I also remember my response, which was, "I have no desire to see gun emplacements from the air."
We thought we would get to stay at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station for basic training. It never worked out like that at all. About half of our group were sent to the Farragut naval Training Station, Farragut, Idaho. The rest of us went to Sampson by way of Detroit and Bufalo. To the best of my knowledge, we arrived at Sampson on March 4th. I was assigned to Company 274, Unit D. It was a mad rush from early in the morning (before daylight) until night. Basic training wasn't that easy at Sampson.
After basic training a whole train load of us were sent to Norfolk, VA. We arrived in Norfolk on or about April 15, 1944. Of course, we all expected to be assigned to a ship. The Navy is full of surprises! Several hundred of us were sent to Puerto Rico and I was stationed at the Roosevelt Roads Naval Operating Base near Fajardo. I volunteered for the ordinance department and was eventually promoted to a Gunners mate 3/c and placed in charge of the small arms range.
I met a very nice young Lady while stationed in Puerto Rico and we were married in September, 1945 (we still are). I was discharged at Lido Beach, LI, NY in May, 1946 and returned to Illinois. My wife was a teacher and taught Special Education for thirty five years. I was employed by the State of Illinois as an Activity Therapist. We moved from Dixon, Illinois to our present location (Tennessee) in 1982.
In a closing comment: Life has a funny way of dealing the cards but I wouldn't change anything if I had it to do all over.
A DAY FOR GIs WHO DIED WITHOUT GLORY -
Reprinted from the New York Sunday News (4/30/89) and Posted by Gilbert Miller
U.S. flags flew at half-staff and 14 American war veterans bowed their heads in memory of 749 comrades killed by German torpedo boats as they trained for the D-Day invastion.
The service, which took place next to a Sherman tank salvaged from the shallows off Slapton Sands in Devon, ended a day of tribute to the American servicemen who died on April 28, 1944.
The soldiers had been preparing amphibious landings as training for hte June 6 D-Day invastion of Normandy when nine enemy vessels chanced upon the 30,000 American troops in the English Channel and torpedoed three of their landing craft.
The massacre was hushed up at the time to preserve morale. After the war, it remained secret until Ken Small, a local innkeper, investigated why American servicemen's possessions kept washing up on the beach. Small recovered the Sherman tank in 1984, and persuaded local authorities to turn it into a permanent memorial. The dead Americans were officially honored at a ceremony in 1987.
John Fedyszyn, 62, of Dunkirk, New York, was on LST 507 when a huge explosion rocked the ship. "I was in these waters for six hours until we were spotted and picked up and I was only 17 at the time," he said. "It is great to be back but it's very emotional and I am a little tearful."
When I was rescued from the sea, the first thing I noticed was seeing my shipmates lying on the deck dead," said Kenneth Bloch, 64, of Hicksville, New York. "For me, this is my way of paying my tribute to all my friends."
The following was written by Gilbert Miller, SM3/c of Thendara, NY:
Heading North
from Teighmouth, England
to Weymouth Portland
We left Teighmouth for north to Weymouth Portland harbor. Five LCMs, 50-foot, and this is what we found on the morning of April 28, 1944. We picked up nine dead sailors and the 10th one, his belt broke and went down, never found again. I have no idea how many men the other LCMs picked up. There were three ships, LST 507 and LST 531. What the other one was I do not know.
