USS WALKE (DD 723) ASSOCIATION
THE WALKE TALK Volume 93 – February, 2016
USS Walke AssociationOfficers President Alan Fear First Vice President Mike Young Second Vice President Gary Cooper Secretary/Treasurer Eugene Hansen Historian Richard Williamson Chaplain Erik Hansen Chief Master of Arms Charles Murphy Imm. PastPresident Frank Camacho Walke Talk Editor Carole Violette
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Have you stopped writing 2015 on your checks yet? How many resolutions have you kept? Oh, what we all endure when the New Year Baby arrives. Onward…
Scholarship news
Following up with my proposal at our 2015 reunion (as noted in the previous newsletter), I am working on several things pertinent to the development of the scholarship program. I gathered information from several military-friendly programs of similar interest to see if we could come under their “umbrella” organization. I have come to the conclusion that we would be better off forming our own program in order to maintain control of how funds are collected and distributed, which focus on our autonomy and flexibility. In talking with our Secretary/Treasurer, there are possibilities of securing the appropriate IRS classification that will fit our needs and would work to our best advantage. Again, if anyone has suggestions on how to proceed, please contact me. My phone # is 417-234-3580 and my email address is . I look forward to your comments.
REUNION
I’ve been googling the 2016 reunion venuesGene Hansen listed in the last newsletter. It looks like we are in for some good sightseeing, to say the least. I’m especially looking forward to touring the Biltmore estate and Blue Ridge Mountains. Everything seems to be very inviting and photogenic. Hopefully we will have many of you in attendance. Come on September…hurry up and get here!
We’ll see each other in Asheville, NC, September 25-29, 2016. Until then, fair winds and following seas.
Alan
USS Walke (DD-723)
Eugene B. Hansen
Secretary / Treasurer
PO Box 1695
Cashiers, NC 28717-1695
Cell: (828) 883-7231
Fax: (828) 743-9941
Shipmates,
Happy New Year! It is my hope that each of you had a great holiday season and I wish the best of everything for you in 2016.
It is that time of year when we invite you to pay the voluntary dues ($25.00) to the USS Walke Association. We use the dues to cover the cost of the newsletter and other administrative functions. Carole Violette continues to do a fantastic job with the Walke Talke, but it is not cheap to produce and mail those letters. If you are able, we request that you pay your dues and if you can add a little extra, it would benefit the Association greatly. Please fill out the attached form and return it to me, even if you are not able to pay anything at this time.
Also, please mark your calendars: The 2016 reunion will be held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains at Asheville, North Carolina. Check in on Sunday, September 25, 2015 and check out on Friday, September 30, 2015. Enclosed is the registration form and itinerary for a great week. In addition to the dues and information form, please send me the registration form with your payment as soon as possible.
For the reunion, we will be staying at the Comfort Suites at 890 Brevard Road, Asheville NC 28806. We have a block of rooms reserved at a rate of $99 per night. Please make your own reservations by calling 800-622-4005. Mention you are with the USS Walke reunion to get the special rate.
Additional reunion information is included on the attached agenda.
Thank you all for four support of and participation in the USS Walke Association
Walke on the Wild Side. Sincerely,
Gene
Eugene B. Hansen, Secretary Treasurer
From:
To: , ,
Sent: 12/15/2015 11:43:11 A.M. Eastern Standard Time
Subj: Mitoko and husband Kazusumi - USS WALKE DD-723 - Jne 12, 1951
This may bring back memories of June 12, 1951 - USS WALKE (DD-723) in the sea of Japan. I have been keeping in contact with Mitoko and her husband (Kazusumi) Yamachi for many years, Yesterday, I received the enclosed e-mail.
I think it would be a nice gesture if someone could be able to forward that e-mail to whoever will be able to get it published in the next WALKE TALK! I am sendingit to the 3 of you, with the hopesthat someone will be able to get it into the hands of the currentEditor of the WALKE TALK. (You may recall, she is the little orphan girl that attended the school, next to the dry dock that the WALKE was being repaired for our return to San Diego, after our explosion. We took up a collection of Japanese Yen from the crew and turned it over to the Principle of the School. She was the recipient of thatmoney.
Her name * address is: Kazusumi & Mitako Yamachi, 4-26-5 Akatautsumi Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan 7150-00-44.
Please let me know, by e-mail reply, if you can help! Thank You very much! Eli E. Hager (1951-1953)
From:
To:
Sent: 12/14/2015 5:27:23 P.M. Eastern Standard Time
Subj: Re: Here's My Email Address
Mr. Hager (or do you prefer Ike?):
As promised, I am sending you a couple of photos taken on 10/24/15. The first (KIMG0596) shows (from L-R): Mitoko, Kazuo Sato (my brother-in-law), Kazusumi (Mitoko's husband), Masakazu Kobayashi (Mitoko and Kazu's nephew and my cousin) and Masakazu's wife. The second one shows Kimi Sato, my sister, between Mitoko and Kazuo. It was a mini reunion.
You are more than welcome to share these pictures as well as my contact information with your former shipmates. I'll be happy to be the POC between Mitoko and the Walke crew members if any of you would like to communicate with her and her husband even if only to say 'hi, how's it going?'
I will let Mitoko know through my sister in Japan that you're going to have a wonderful Christmas with your son. Growing up, I had no idea what my aunt had gone through in her childhood because she was always cheerful and beautiful inside out. She still is as you can see. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you and your shipmates again to be her guardian angels way back in 1951.
Respectfully yours,
Miko Satoh
PASSINGS
Andrew E. "Sandy". Service'58-'61Beloved husband to Marsha (nee Rader). Father to Todd and Judy. Passed away Oct 2, 2015. Remains consigned to his beloved Pacific Ocean.
Submitted by Marsha Overholtzer
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In Loving Memory of, Rex Edward Farrington: "I fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the Faith," 2 Timothy 4:7 Our Rex slipped quietly into eternity and into the loving arms of Jesus on Sunday, July 12, 2015 at 8:20 am. He died at home in Montgomery, Texas surrounded by his family members and friends. After a long battle with cancer, he completed the last steps of his journey and now walks streets of gold forever at peace and in the presence of the Lord. Rex's spirit and memory will be carried on by Karen, his devoted wife, Ross, his son and Kristin his daughter-by-heart and an extended family of relations and friends. He leaves behind: Karen Moore Farrington- Wife of 22 years, Montgomery, Texas; Ross Edward Farrington- Son, Mongomery,Texas; Kristin Michelle Parish- Step daughter, Conroe,Texas; Ralph Edward Farrington- Father, Yampa, Colorado; Muriel Jane Elijah- Mother, Loveland, Colorado; Connie Dalton- Sister, Aurora, Colorado; Cathlene Marshall- Sister, Brush, Colorado; Bruce Teare- step brother, Rogersville, TN; Michael Teare- step brother, Canadensis, PA; & a bounty of nieces, nephews and close friends. Rex was born in Steamboat Springs, Colorado on July 18,1949 a gift of God given into the care of Ralph and Jane Farrington. He was full of life and possessed an adventurous spirit that carried through his entire life. He sailed the "Seven Seas" courtesy of The United States Navy and served his country proudly on the USS Walke from 1968-1970 during the Vietnam War. After leaving military service in 1972, he found his way into the commercial construction industry which once again satisfied the adventurer in him. His projects took him to many interesting places and he traveled many miles only to find himself back home in Colorado. In 1993, thanks to a little meddling on the part of two lovely ladies, one sister-in-law and one friend, he was introduced to Karen, a Texan through and through, and now his wife of over 22 years. It began with long distance phone calls and ended with Rex, Texas bound. Somewhere in there they were blessed with a son, Ross and the rest is history. Two hearts were joined and two lives set upon a single course. He had now put down roots for the first time in his adult life. He settled into the role of husband and father at the age of 44 and he did it proudly and enthusiastically. He worked and served in this community for over 22 years giving freely of himself to those he encountered in both his professional and private life. His journey grew harder as the years passed, but it only served to strengthen him and forge his faith into iron. By all appearances, Rex was a very basic kind of guy who worked hard, lived simply and was passionate about everything he did. Spiritually, he was very intuitive and had a very strong faith and commitment to God. This was his true passion and what carried him through his final days. Rex, we want you to know, you have taught us well and we only hope we can measure up to your example: "A life well lived, a race well run and a finish courageously executed." No services are scheduled as there will be a private family service
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Joe Richard Kirchharr1934-2015Joe R. Kirchharr, 81 of Pensacola, FL passed away on Monday, Dec. 21, 2015. Joe was born on Feb. 3, 1934 to the late Johnnie and Dovie Kirchharr in Uriah, Alabama. He was a United States Navy Korean War Veteran on board the USS Walke. He retired from Monsanto after 31 years of service as an electrician. Joe was also a 32nd degree Mason/Scottish Rite/Shriners where he was the Drum Major for the Highlander Bagpipe Band, a member of the Zelica Grotto Hall and a founding member of the Pensacola Korean War Memorial at Pensacola Veterans Memorial Park. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John Kirchharr; and four sisters, Clara Messick, Leatha Carnley, Barbara Jean Purvis and Shirley Ann Murphy.Joe is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Shirley Kirchharr; two sons, Ted Kirchharr and Dale (Kim) Kirchharr; four grandchildren, Katlyn Kirchharr, Colleen (Cesar) Moreno, Emily Kirchharr and Claire Kirchharr; sister in law, Carolyn Kirchharr; and his beloved dog, Buddy Rae. –
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Bernard F. Lees died peacefully on October 4, 2015, at Good Samaritan Society in Pine River, MN. Bernie was born on October 29, 1929, to John and Mary (Schmidt) Lees in North Branch, MN.
Bernie served in the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer from 1948-49 and 1950-53. He served on the USS Walke during the Korean War, earning a Purple Heart. He married Joyce Peterson in San Diego, CA, on October 7, 1950. He was a ceramic tile setter by trade from 1953 until his retirement in 1991. He and Joyce built their home on lake property where Bernie lived until entering the Heritage House in Pequot Lakes last year. Bernie and Joyce were active members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Backus where he served as Head Elder for several years. Bernie was preceded in death by wife, Joyce; daughter, Sandra Niosi; step daughter, Cheryl; great grandson, Noah; and five siblings. He is survived by wife, Lois (Johnson) Lees; children, Bruce Lees (Dawn), Kimberley Pfaff (Pastor Rick); eight grandchildren: Erik Lees (Christine), Lindsay Carpenter (Stewart), Chris Niosi (Paula), Sheila Al-Seltani (Mike), Clinton Niosi (Claire), Andrew Pfaff (Phuong), Benjamin Pfaff (Trina), Peter Pfaff (Ryoko); five great grandchildren: Jonah Carpenter, Jackie Niosi, Nuraine Al-Seltani, Jeffers Al-Seltani, Caleb Pfaff; step children, Barbara Hutsell (Rick), Jim Nelson (Tara); step grandchildren: Josh Olson (Jeannette), Catie Haag (Hans), Matthew; and step great grandchildren: Erika Stai, Alex Olson, Eva Olson, and Briney Haag.
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I’m asking all sailors and their wives to learn the words to Anchors Aweigh. Gary Cooper and I will sing it with them at meetings. Sailors should know their rally song.
This is really verse 2:
Anchor Aweigh, my boys.
Anchors Aweigh.
Farewell to foreign shores,
We sail at break of day-ay-ay-ay.
Through our last night ashore,
Drink to the foam.
Until we meet once more
Here’s wishing you a happy voyage home.
Let’s all join in song. Judy Henderson
Richard Williamson 224 Paradise Dr. Little Chute, WI. 54140
Walke website:usswalke.org
What does the USS Walke Association mean to you? Is it just a place to get information from the newsletter, or find out where the next reunion will be held so you can see a different city every year, enjoy tours, hospitality, without doing much planning, except how to get there?
In my ten years as Secretary/treasurer, I know one has to be dedicated to the task at hand. Keeping an eye on every detail, so only we have small problems.
As historian and doing the website, I have collected lots of information; much of it is on the website: usswalke.org.
Because of my age (82) and health, it is time for the Association to find a new person to be historian and do the website. When I took over as secretary/ treasurer in 2004, I knew nothing about using a computer, keeping records, or about building a website.
I know I have not used the website to our best advantage. There are ways to make it more users friendly.
You could publish the Walke Talke on the site, the disadvantage is you don’t know if the shipmates are reading it or not.
My daughter designed a data base
The Association has in years past sent out a new directory every year. In In 2010, I decided to send them out every two years and members could keep them updated from the newsletter to cut the cost. I can’t tell you how many calls I received over the years requesting a shipmates address or phone number.
To keep the records up dated. Member must keep the secretary informed of address, phone and email address changes. Also inform the Secretary of the death of any shipmate.
In order for the Association to stay afloat, All members who have a computer should go on line under Tin Can Sailors, Destroyer on Line Crew locator, Hull.com and any other website where you can find shipmates listed but do not belong to the Association.
A big surprise at the 2015 Walke Reunion
At the 2014 reunion in Springfield, IL, Richard was visiting with Jerry Fulk who was on board the Walke in 54-57, Richard asked Jerry if he had contact with Mr. Neal Scarlett. Neal was Richard’s division officer. Jerry said he lost track of Neal when he left the ship shortly after standing up in his (Jerry’s) wedding in 1957.
A few months before the reunion Richard Williamson, set out to find Mr. Neal Scarlett. He sent, Mr. Neal Scarlett’s name to Tin Can Sailors. About two months before the reunion, hereceived a notice from Tin Can Sailors telling about Neal. He lived in Long Beach CA. area. I gave this information to Jerry Fulk.
Neal informed me that he & his wife would attend the opening night and the banquet. I had no way of knowing if Jerry knew about this.
I met Neal & Scarlett at the door opening night.(I had not seen him since June 1957) The first thing Mr. Scarlett said to me” I remember you and the dishwasher”
As we talked, Jerry & Carol Fulk walked in. I stopped them and said:” I want you to meet Neal & Scarlett”.This was the 1st meeting since the wedding. They attended the banquet together as pictured above.
Richard, My hat is off to you for your plan to write an article for the Walke newsletter. Being the masterful historian that you are, I'm sure it will be well done. Unfortunately, have no photos that would be helpful to you in your project. However, it looks as if Jerry and Carol have you well covered. I do have some memories and thoughts, which perhaps you can use. I've included them below.
How well I remember that Saturday in May, 1957, when Carol and Jerry were married. Jerry and I were Junior Officers aboard Walke at the time. The ceremony was a beautiful one--held at the historic old Mission San Gabriel about 25 miles north of Walke's home port in Long Beach. I was transferred after a couple of weeks to the East Coast, and left the Navy three years later. I often wondered how they were doing over the course of the next half-century or so, but our paths never crossed. Many times I would tell my wife and familyabout my life aboard ship and "that wonderful young couple" whose wedding I was honored to attend.
You can imagine what a thrill it was to learn, through Richard Williamson, that Carol and Jerry would be attending the Walke's 2015 Reunion in Long Beach. What a delightful experience--seeing them after 58 years. As I said to the wife: "They're just as sweet a couple as they were back in May of '57." I guess the moral of the story is that they can strike ships like Walke from the registry, but they can't strike the fond memories of shipmates.
Regards and Best Wishes, Neil Scarlett
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