I arrived in Chickasaw, AL, at about 0730 on Monday to find Bill Arras opening the hatches for business.  We received four visitors.  Not a very busy day.  Then came Chuck Frawley to start stuffing the envelopes to be mailed.  Then came Bob Ostrander, followed by Gary Lyon.  It wasn't but ten minutes later when Captain Jornlin and his wife Lois arrived. 

Another surprise was the arrival of Collins Lawson, who was then followed by Dan Toole, along with his wife.  Bill and Gary were messing with the ballast, as you can see in the pictures, while Lois was counting tee shirts and Captain Jornlin was looking around for something for us to do. 

There wasn't too much going on, so I hope you don't fall asleep before you finish reading this, eh, report.  Gary and Gayle will be leaving this Wednesday, and Bailey Wrinkle will be taking over.  Anyway I did take a few pictures, so that may help keep you awake through this boring report(?).  My visit was a one-day round trip. 

     ~ Ron Maranto
 

REMINDER:  The ship, along with the Ship's Store, will be closed from December 15 to January 15.  Ship's Store orders received during that time period may be delayed.

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR ... Posted 27 November 2004

Yes, the holidays and the end of the fiscal year (for most people) are rapidly approaching.

Remember, you can now do your Ship's Store ordering online now, which makes for faster processing and the ability to make credit card purchases using our secure server.  There are many terrific items that not only make for nice gifts, but also help to keep our LST history and heritage alive.  Not to mention, they help out LST 325 at the same time!

But PLEASE, if you're ordering for the holidays, do so immediately!  We always try to ship as quickly as possible, but early ordering is the only way to insure getting your gift items on time.  We will make every attempt to deliver orders by Christmas if we receive them by Dec. 10.  Orders received after that date will be at the mercy of circumstances and the USPS.

Speaking of gifts, a membership in The USS LST Ship Memorial is also one worth considering (either for yourself or for others).  There are several membership levels available.  (They are not, however, available through the Ship's Store.  Please see the Membership page for more details and an application form.)

(By the way, we have been mailing out new membership cards to our current members.  If there is any mistake on your card, please contact our Secretary, Bill Kaupas.)

Please remember that memberships and donations are tax-deductible.  Most people use the calendar year as their fiscal year.  So if you order memberships and/or make donations, you have very little time left to include them in your 2004 tax return.

All of these things will help to make our 2005 East Coast Voyage possible.

   ~ Happy Holidays from your LST 325 Family!
 

By Bruce Jacobsen

Posted 17 November 2004
 

Vehicles filled the parking lot and adjoining fields.  Evident too, was the extensive media coverage.  The very well-attended event opened with the Presentation of Colors by crisp fully-uniformed veterans.  Many more were in the audience, easily recognizable by their attire.  The well-planned auditorium event included presentations by the Harlem High School Wind Ensemble and the Harlem High School Choraleers.  In addition, the Rock Cut fifth graders led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.  High school senior Kyle Gress read his VFW award-winning essay entitled "How to Honor Our Veterans." 

Captain Jornlin was able to wow the crowd with the retelling of the LST-325 return voyage adventure.  Naturally, a fair number of local dignitaries made thankfully brief remarks.  The event concluded outdoors with the traditional three-volley, 21-gun salute, followed by the playing of Taps at the spectacular eight-acre Field of Honor, which includes the Gold Star Mothers Monument in an adjoining area. 

The Field of Honor Memorial, with its huge five vertical elements, stands in recognition of all veterans who served in the five wars of the 20th century:  World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War.

The eight larger-than-life bronze statues remind us that our ethnically diverse nation was served in all branches of the armed forces by men and women with honor.  An infantry soldier, a sailor, a nurse, a paratrooper, an air force pilot, a medic, a tank battalion soldier, and a support service person symbolize them.  All are uniformed for different eras. 

Cast on the top of the short central column is the dedication statement, which recognizes the often-overlooked civilian population that is also deeply involved in a war effort.  Among the notable contributors are the Red Cross, Salvation Army, service center workers, air raid wardens, and all who worked in the defense industries. 

Fields of greenery surrounding the Memorial represent the peace and freedom which the veterans fought to preserve.  The intent of this Memorial is to convey the highest respect. 

During a hearty lunch, guests approaching the table were asked to see if they had the proper grip for a chipping hammer, and were asked to volunteer at the ship.  Then Captain Jornlin was back on the road for home and to prepare for the next day's early departure for Evansville for yet another engagement.

     ~ Bruce Jacobsen

CAPTAIN'S  UPDATE Posted 02 November 2004    Shown at right: Capt. Robert Jornlin, CO, USS LST 325

First, I am happy to report that I am close to being back to where I once was.  The Lord has blessed me and has restored my health.  I have my last doctor's appointment (I hope so -- at least for the accident) this coming Thursday, Nov. 4th.  My ribs have healed; my foot still bothers me some if I walk a lot, but all is improving.

I want to thank everyone who came down to the ship in October and worked.  According to "Boats" Voges, you got a lot of deck work done.  He said I would be surprised.  I am sure I will be.  I also know that we got some engine work done.  Then we ran the engines dockside and everything worked well.  They did find a leak in the starboard exhaust pipe in the shaft alley that will have to be fixed.  The first estimate is about $4,000.  The work month in October was very productive.  Thanks to all who worked.

I want to thank Bill Kaupas for getting a mailing out to 10,000 LSTers and LST supporters asking for help with the 325.  We need funds to keep repairs and upkeep going, along with dock fees and electricity bills.  We are asking for help to get us to Boston in May and June 2005.  For a donation of $20 you will get a one-year membership, which gets you free admission to the ship ($10.00) and three of the LST Ship Memorial's Newsletters  ("The Phoenix," not to be confused with the online newsletter).  This keeps you informed of all that is happening with your LST.  This is the only place you will get the full story, as our leadership in the National LST Association keeps most of the LST 325 story out of the "Scuttlebutt."  They give only partial and selected news about the ship.  [Ed. note: Please see the "Memberships" page.]

We had planned to go to Boston after the shipyard overhaul.  This would have raised an estimated $400,000. We were not able to do this.  After we pay for docking and electricity until next May, we will not have adequate funds to make the trip next year.

I could comment a lot about our national organization, but I know it would be a waste of my time.  It is interesting that at the Association membership meeting at this year's Convention, no minutes were taken as the tape recorder malfunctioned!  They are not counting the motion that was properly made and seconded, and then passed by a unanimous vote to have the two boards meet -- WITHOUT THE PRESIDENTS.  They are not recognizing this motion because the second was made before the motion was read back and neither the person making the motion nor the second gave their LST numbers!  I would like Mr. Gunjak to know that it is not a parliamentary rule in either case.  In fact, the second needs to be made in order for the Chair to recognize the motion.  [Ed. note:  Refer to "Robert's Rules of Order" §3 and §4 (respectively) regarding these two matters.  According to the Association's bylaws, "Robert's" is the recognized authority for parliamentary procedure.]  Regardless, Mr. Gunjak, your membership wants this meeting to happen and you, as President, are required to do what the membership wants.  I have no problem with this idea.  In fact, I think a lot of good could come out of a meeting of the two boards, and any disagreements resolved.

I want to thank Bill Arras for watching the ship during Hurricane Ivan, and to Bob and Rosemary Ostrander for handling the day-to-day operations on the ship.  We have Gary and Gayle Lyon taking over for the month of November, and the hero of Tennessee, Mr. Bailey Wrinkle, in December.  We are planning to close the ship from Dec. 15, 2004, until Jan. 15, 2005, except for groups.  Rosemary has said they will open up if you call the ship and make arrangements.  They have such a group coming on Jan 3rd, 2005.   Thanks also to Slade Hook for reducing our daily docking fee from $150/day to $115/day!  We greatly appreciate it!  He also helped secure the ship for the hurricanes.

We are having a Board of Directors meeting on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2004, at the Sheraton Westport Hotel, 900 Westport Plaza, St. Louis, MO.

I guess there is some confusion as to the number of on-board work hours required to qualify as a crewmember and/or to be qualified for the Boston Cruise or future cruises.  THAT NUMBER IS 80 HOURS OF WORK.  It has always been that number.  It takes two weeks of work on the ship. We count each day as 8 hours.  I do not know who took it upon himself without checking with the Board or myself to start telling people that it only takes 40 hours.  The 80 hours to qualify for the Cruise is just one criterion that the Personnel Committee uses to select crew members.   If someone has other qualifications or an expertise that we need, the Committee can, at its discretion, put an individual on as a crewmember without all of the 80 hours, or even none as they see fit.  Additional hours (in excess of 80 hours) would also be considered if two individuals are otherwise equal.  I am sorry for the confusion.  It is something that got started, and has been hard to get corrected.

I have had a person tell me that we do not keep our membership informed.  I don't know what else we can do.  We have the best website of any museum ship.  It has almost weekly updates, at least when there is something of interest to be reported.  We have sent out three issues of "The Phoenix" this year to all paid-up members.  Of course, you have to read it!  There will be three every year.  The ship has a phone, I have a phone, and so do the other board members.  If you have a question or suggestion, or want information, just call someone.  This same individual stated, "The ship belongs to the people who have donated time, labor, and donations since the ship left Crete."  Actually the ship belongs to all LSTers, but legally it belongs to the USS LST SHIP MEMORIAL, INC., of which many of you are members.  It has a board of seven members (not four) that run day-to-day operations and make decisions.  You can belong to the USS LST Ship Memorial and vote for the Board members.  The Board is currently made up of three Vietnam veterans, one Korean War veteran and three WWII veterans.  The current Board membership has been reelected, some three times, some twice, and by an almost unanimous vote.  Thank you all for your support.

All we need for documentation on the ship is our U.S. registration number, which is engraved on the tank deck underneath the Greek flag.  For this one individual, coming to work at noon and leaving at 3 pm, returning for a day, and coming back on the third day, sitting in the wardroom and then leaving at noon does not make 40 hours of work on the ship.  Sorry, it doesn't work that way!  If we talk about 80 hours of service, let's compare that with the board members who have at least 19,000 hours of work per person on the ship and maybe more!  My wife and I have given another 30,000 hours each off the ship, and so do some of the other members!  None of us are complaining; I'm just trying to put things in perspective for a few. 

I want to thank everyone again for their prayers, letters, and cards.   Each one helped me get through this difficult situation.  Your friendship is very important to me. 

God Bless all of you and God Bless America.

THANK YOU! 

     ~ Robert Jornlin, Captain, LST 325
           The USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc.

  - In time for the Holidays ... Online Shopping in the Ship's Store!
  - East Coast Cruise 2005
  - Membership Report
 

IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS ... ONLINE SHOPPING IN THE SHIP'S STORE!

You can now order your USS LST-325 products and souvenirs directly online, with a choice of payment options, including credit cards.  Now you have the convenience of quick, easy shopping at your fingertips.

Although you may still use the printed order form if you wish, this eliminates the hassle of printing out an order form, filling it out, writing a check, preparing an envelope and the cost of postage.

We think you'll find this a welcome enhancement to the Ship's Store.

You simply add items to your Shopping Cart (selecting sizes and/or colors when necessary).  Each time you add an item, you will go to a screen summarizing your order.  On this screen, you can change quantities or remove items from the cart.  You also have the options to continue shopping or proceeding to checkout.

We use PayPal as our credit card processor.  They have proven their reliability over a number of years now, and this is a very popular payment method on the Internet, with millions of satisfied users.

Please note that during the checkout procedure, PayPal will provide you with an option to enroll in their system.  The main advantage to this is that they will store your data for use in the future on any website that offers the PayPal option.  You should be aware that registration with PayPal is NOT REQUIRED to make a Ship's Store purchase.  You can simply enter your mailing and credit card information if you wish.

You should also be aware that your Shopping Cart keeps your items in it until you either checkout or delete the items.  This feature allows you to discontinue your shopping and then resume again at a later time.

Happy Shopping, and remember ... the holidays are just around the corner!

EAST COAST CRUISE 2005

Come sail away!  2004 crewmembers have a "first right of refusal" to sign up for the 2005 East Coast Cruise.  The Memorial will notify you by mail and each crewmember will have adequate time to complete their application packet.  Yes!  Another crewmember application is necessary -- providing primary and alternate sailing dates, and will require background information, an updated 2005 medical history and physical, appropriate releases and two passport photographs.  The application and information packet will be mailed to you in December, and must be postmarked no later than January 15, 2005, to be eligible.  After January 15th, available crewmember billets will be opened up to other crewmembers and new volunteers.  Remember, crewmembers must have completed 80 shipboard hours of service at some time to qualify as crew.  You'll be notified by mail of your application approval and shipboard billet status by March 1, 2005.

Note: Update your mailing address (if different from last year or if you're a new crewmember volunteer).  Please email me, fax to (972) 712-3186 or mail to: Bill Kaupas, 3332 Leighton Ridge Drive, Plano, Texas 75025

We are currently planning on departing Mobile Bay on May 17, 2005 with a return on July 4, 2005.

     ~ Bill Kaupas
 

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

"LST-325 continues to receive new and renewed membership applications in The USS LST Ship Memorial," said Captain Bob Jornlin.  Support for the ship is on everyone's mind.  Our 2004 membership goal is to reach 500 active members.  "Currently, we have 375 members -- an increase of 38 percent from last year," reported Bill Kaupas, Secretary of the Board.  The Memorial has kicked off a grass roots fundraising campaign and continues with its new and renewed membership drive.  Be sure to renew your membership by 2004 and get that tax-deduction!

Can "GAG" mean "Give-A-Gift??"  "Give an LST-325 membership gift," suggests Bill Kaupas.  If you have an LST shipmate that is not yet a Memorial member, or know of someone interested in our project, invite him or her to join.  Or better yet, give a holiday "shipmate membership" gift as a Seaman or Fireman for $20.00.  They'll appreciate your unique gift while they enjoy reading all about LST-325 in "The Phoenix" newsletter.

A personal note from the WebSkipper:  I'd like to encourage absolutely anybody and everybody to provide material for this page.  By no means are submissions here restricted to just certain individuals.  The whole purpose of this website (and especially this particular page) is to share information about our LST Memorial with the entire community.  Sitting here 2,000 miles away, I personally don't have a clue what's happening aboard the ship unless somebody tells me.  To date, I've posted absolutely every single tidbit of information that's come my way.  If you have any news to share at all, please just send me an email:  WebSkipper@LSTMemorial.Org -- all of us would be very appreciative, and we all want to know what's going on!

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Archives:

Archive for October 2004:

• 26 OCT 04 - More Party Pics! from Michael Smith
• 25 OCT 04 - Party Pics (Work Party, That is ...), from Ralph Bryant
• 24 OCT 04 - In Memoriam, Neal Hall Floyd
• 24 OCT 04 - "The Living Room Picture" by Kenny Adams
• 19 OCT 04 - Search for Permanent Port
• 19 OCT 04 - A Note from Bob Ostrander
• 17 OCT 04 - Capt. Jornlin Back on the Road Again
• 17 OCT 04 - Progress Report from Ron Maranto
• 02 OCT 04 - Bill Arras Spotlighted in the News
• 02 OCT 04 - "Cruise Book: Chapter 1" Will Soon be Available

Archive for September 2004:

• 29 SEP 04 - Commentary by Ron Maranto
• 26 SEP 04 - LST-325 Extends a Party Invitation, from LST-325 WebSkipper
• 25 SEP 04 - Capt. Jornlin Continues Remarkable Recovery, from Bob & Lois Jornlin
• 20 SEP 04 - FLASH, from Bill Kaupas
• 17 SEP 04 - Details and Pix of the Ship's Preparation, from James & Doris Edwards
• 16 SEP 04 - It's Looking Better All the Time for Our Skipper, from Lois & Bob Jornlin
• 16 SEP 04 - LST-325 Preparations for Hurricane Ivan, from Bill Kaupas
• 15 SEP 04 - LST-325 is in Hurricane Ivan's Projected Path
• 14 SEP 04 - Our Skipper Continues His Miraculous Recovery, from Lois Jornlin
• 11 SEP 04 - Capt. Jornlin Showing Steady Improvement, from Lois Jornlin
• 09 SEP 04 - Latest Update on Captain Jornlin, from Lois Jornlin
• 08 SEP 04 - Update on Captain Jornlin, from Bill Kaupas
• 06 SEP 04 - Capt. Jornlin Showing Improvement, from Lois Jornlin
• 05 SEP 04 - Update on Capt. Jornlin, from Bill Kaupas
• 03 SEP 04 - Captain Jornlin Hospitalized After Tractor Accident, from Bill Kaupas
• 01 SEP 04 - Memoirs of USS Snohomish County (LST-1126), from Capt. Ronald Campbell

CDR Jackson Carter was LST 325's Executive Officer before and during the voyage back from Greece.  In addition to his normal duties, he was an avid ham radio operator and enjoyed communicating during his down-time with other hams all over the world.  He also maintained a website for LST 325 which included all of his situation reports, as well as many photographs showing the hard work done in Greece getting the ship seaworthy – that site is a must-see for anyone who hopes to understand what it took to bring this ship home.  Most importantly, Mr. Carter was one of the finest human beings one could ever hope to meet.  He passed away just five weeks after finally realizing his dream.  This website now carries on the work – and the dream – where he left off, and in his memory.  Thanks, Jack ... for being you.    Fair winds!

In Memoriam Jackson Carter