NAVAL WEATHER SERVICE ASSOCIATION

An association of Aerographers & Mates,
Meteorologists & Oceanographers

NWSA Hampton Roads Chapter

 

Email Chapter

 

 

President             Chuck Fifield [Contact]
Vice President     Bobby Steiner
Treasurer            Bob Daigle
Secretary             Fay Crossley
Social Coord.       Frank Muscari
VA Hosp. Coord.  Joan Akers

CMAA                   Frank Muscari 

 

 

NWSA Reunion #37 Final Report - April, 2011

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Chapter News

Source: Aerograph May 2012
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Spring Member Activity and News; Board Meeting Notes

Capt USN ret Chuck Steinbruck:    The avid sports fan attended part of the March Madness in Richmond watching the CAA Basketball Tournament. ODU won but one game though. Louise and Chuck will attend #38 then head for an Alaskan tour and cruise.

AGC USN ret Fay Crossley:  Visited CDR USN ret Don and Marge Cruise and found their new digs to be fantastic. Give them a call before stopping in for a visit, they are on the go all the time. Fay’s nephew Kent Crossley (retired Army COL) enjoyed Don’s history lesson. Fay and Donna also visited ADM USN ret John and Ive Chubb, they are doing fine, wow, talk about being on the go. 

AGCS USN ret Bob Daigle:  During much of March, Bob and Carol traveled to Florida, went on a Cruise and visited family after the cruise. They hope to do it again one day.   Bob gave a brief review of the cruise and especially enjoyed the tour of the ship, which cost him $150 but it was well worth it.

AGCM USN ret Michael Joern:  Is constantly busy with his “civilian” job. During a recent business trip to Mississippi he sent back the following:  “I visited with RDML White, COMNAVMETOCCOM. It was announced earlier this week that he will be promoted to RADM White and will relieve RADM Titley as Oceanographer/Hydrographer of the Navy sometime this summer. Time to be determined; based upon RADM Titley’s pending move/retirement. RADM Titley may have the opportunity to assume command of another organization - like RADM Gaffney.”

AG1 USN ret Frank Muscari: Is also busy with wife Eve. They have been on roads trips visiting family and friends.  Their son was involved in an accident but will be okay.
 
HRC Member Retires again

AGCS USN ret Bobby Steiner, will retire from the contract job at Wallops Island on 5/1/2012.    Bobby joined the U.S. Navy on 25 February 1959. Attended basic training Naval Recruit Training Station, Great Lakes IL. Upon graduation in early May of 1959 he was assigned to NATTC Memphis, TN. to attend AQ (Aviation Fire Control Technician) School. Not a good classroom student, great in the lab (practical electronic skills) Mutual agreement to send him to sea. Reported aboard the USS WASP CVS-18 home ported in Boston MA. in August 1960. Applied for the STAR Program and reported to AG”A” School, NATTC Lakehurst, NJ. In May of 1961. Advanced to AG3 upon graduating “A” school in September of 1961 and entered Radiosonde “C” School October 1961. Reported aboard USS Boston CAG-1 home ported in Boston, MA. November 1961. On to Staff duty in the Environmental Sciences curriculum at the Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, CA. in May of 1963. Future assignments included NWSED Adak, AK (10/65-5/68): FWC Norfolk, VA. (6/68-5/70): AG “B” School, NATTC Lakehurst, NJ (6/70-10/70): Antarctic Support Activities (CTF-73 Detachment “C”, NAS Norfolk, VA. (1/71-9/73): NWSED Patuxent River, MD. (9/73-6/77): USS Forrestal CV-59 (7/77-6/78): Commander Sixth Fleet, Staff Meteorologist (9/78-12/79): USS Tarawa LHA-1 (1/80-7/81): NOCD Kadena, Okinawa, Japan (9/81-12/83): FWC Pearl Harbor, HI. (1/84-12/85): FNOC, Monterey, CA. (1/86-2/89): Transferred to the Navy Retired list on 1 March 1989.

Since retiring from the US Navy Bobby worked as a flight forecaster at NOCD NAS Willow Grove, PA. NOCD/NLMOD NAS Patuxent River, Md. As a Met Tech as NWS Vollens/Lynchburg, Va. and NWS Saint Paul Island, Alaska. He then worked in various positions in the civilian community in and around Richmond, Va. Since December 1999 he has been employed as a contract meteorologist at NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, Va. Bobby lost his wife Jessie in July of 2011, he plans on doing some traveling and taking it easy for the next year or so, and then he may start a new life in another location. Congratulations Senior Chief, couldn’t be happening to a better and more deserving shipmate.
 
HRC Board Meeting
Held at Kelly’s in Chesapeake 
March 4, 2012
The officers of HRC meet prior to each scheduled Membership Meeting in order to outline the plans for the meeting. All officers were at the 03/04/12 meeting except Frank Muscari who was traveling to Florida for a class reunion.
Old Business: 1. Bob Steiner will review our plans for a social outing to Wallops in August. 2.  Joan Akers will read a letter she received from the VA hospital thanking her and HRC for their donations. We will also collect funding for a donation to the Salvation Army at the 4/15 meeting. Dues will be collected.  President Fifield will contact the Weather Facility at Norfolk to set up a possible way to honor the Sailor of the year from that facility.
New Business:  1.  Review of NWSA (AMS) scholarship procedures. 2.  HRC AD and money have been sent to #38.  3.  Review of Wright 90th birthday. 4.  Aerograph delivery review. 5.  Possible nominations for NWSA officers. 6.  Who is attending #38, so far, Fifields, Steinbrucks, Steiner, Muscaris.
(Attachment 14 is full minutes of that meeting) 

Minutes of the Meeting
Held at Cagney’s in Virginia Beach
(Spring Meeting - April 15, 2012)

In attendance:  (23) Chuck Fifield, Pat Scott, Kathe Clark, Dan and Carmen Lee, Ted Lemond, Marilyn Mcdonald, Ive Chubb, Ralph and LaRue Wright, Frank and Eve Muscari, Bob Wright, Chuck and Louise Steinbruck, Jack and Ann Salvato (who celebrated their 12th anniversary by coming to the HRC meeting), Joan Akers, Nachov Boutin (Joan’s grand daughter) , Fay and Donna Crossley and Bob and Carol Daigle. Regrets were received from Da Silva, Joern, Shaffer, Harder, Paully and Steiner.

Copies of listed attachments can be obtained by contacting HRC secretary and requesting they be mailed.

Prior to official start of meeting:
1.  Attachments were passed around the meeting room. They were; 1 - a copy of our AD for #38 booklet, 2 - Ralph Wrights 90th birthday pictures, 3 - HRC Spring Board Meeting pictures and 4 - pictures of the Paully Ranch House foundation dig, (why Dennis and wife couldn’t attend meeting).
2.  The Prayer was given by Chuck Steinbruck.
3.  The Pledge was led by CMAA Frank Muscari.
4.  The 50/50 which netted $45 to the winner Chuck Fifield ( he graciously donated the winnings to our one time extra charity function that was requested by Frank Muscari (the Salvation Army)

The Meeting was called to order by President Chuck Fifield at about 335 PM.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
1  A motion was made by Frank Muscari and seconded by Ted Lemond that the secretary report be accepted as transmitted via Email to the Membership. It was approved.

2.  Bob Daigle gave a treasurers report which showed HRC to have $3383.65 in Checking plus Savings.

3.  Joan Akers read letters that she has received from the VA Hospital and the Virginia Beach SPCA for her and HRC efforts to help those organizations. They are attachments 5, 6, and 7.

4.  Bob Steiner passed along through Bob Daigle an update concerning the Social Outing planned for 20 August to Wallops Island. Members are to indicate their TENTATIVE intent to go to the outing through the Secretary. Tentative plan is to go to Wallops at least the day before the tour, staying at the Navy Lodge or other hotel facilities. Gathering at a designated area and boarding a tour bus. More information will be forthcoming but please let us know if you are going to want to go.

5.  The tour to the FWC Norfolk office is on going and President Fifield will get information on that tour soon.

6.  The president read a letter he received from our extra charity project last year of collecting cans for an Eagle Scout Project.  Our can drive that was held on 10/9/2011 has produced fruit. Ben Jumper sent a thank you note March 6, 2012. The cans were used to create a bronze plague as part of his Eagle Scout effort. The project has been approved and Ben awaits his ceremony to become an Eagle. Thanks to all that helped with the project. Ben’s note and pictures will be part of these minutes. Fay will attend the Honor event on 4/21 as HRC representative.  (attachments 8, 9, 10 refer)
 
NEW BUSINESS:

1.  The membership is encouraged to inform NWSA their willingness to receive the Aerograph by Email, rather than Snail mail.  Editor Jordan has difficulty with so many bulk mailings.

2.  A discussion concerning the review and update of the HRC Roster was completed. The next phase will be for each person willing to do so, to take one page of the current roster and check each entry and also to attempt to gather more names that aren’t listed.  Those willing to do this are to contact the Secretary and Roster page(s) will be mailed to them, upon correcting the page(s) they are to be sent back to the Secretary.

3.  Anyone interested in being considered for NWSA officer(s) they are to contact President Fifield ASAP. 757-549-2803.

4.  A quick survey was conducted to see if Membership was using the NWSA Web Site. 1 to 2 were using it on a daily or weekly basis, while 3 or 4 used the site once a month. The rest of the membership at the meeting use the site seldom. (next meeting we will try to come up with suggestions to improve usage.) 

5.  Chuck Steinbruck reviewed the scholarship program. NWSA gives all funding to the AMS, who in turn awards scholarships. It was felt this would increase the amount of money awarded to deserving students. Applications are on the NWSA Web Site.

6.  So far Fifields, Steinbrucks, Steiner are attending #38.

7.  An opportunity comes up now and then for one time day observers being required. This is through the National Weather Service in Wakefield. Fay has asked them to contact him when there is a requirement so HRC members might be able to take advantage of the perks. Fay will send out notices as they are received.   AGCS ret Daigle and AGC ret Crossley were official weather observers at a Norfolk Tides game (They beat the O’s 6 to 4)  on 4/4. 

8.  Joan Akers was provided a newspaper clipping concerning VA homeless shelters. The VA Hospital in Hampton has lost funding for their safe house. Joan will contact the VA and see where HRC can help with an effort to restore the funding or whatever might be required. (attachment 11 refers)

9.  Fay is in contact with AG1 USN ret Bernard Killinger, in the hopes we can be of assistance to him and that he might enjoy coming to a meeting now and then.  Bernard retired in 2005 and now lives in Gloucester VA. (Attachments 12 and 13 refer)

10. A article was found in the Williamsburg paper requesting help getting donations to the VA Hospital from that area. The Secretary responded to the article, it is hoped it will be fruitful and we will get more stuff to take to the VA. (Attachment 15 refers)

11. HRC would like to start collecting Biographies from its members. Please write about your Navy history in chronological order. Try to keep the effort to one page.  Send these to the Secretary, maybe we can make a book or something.

12.  The next Board meeting will be held on the Eastern Shore. The Secretary will come up with some dates and places and get that info to the Officers.

13.  The next HRC meeting will be our Annual Picnic at the Chubb Ranch. More information will be forth coming. It will be Saturday July 7. Start time is 1230 PM until whenever, plan on bringing your best grub. Please contact Frank Muscari if you CAN or CAN NOT attend. 757-587-0555 or fdmas1@verison.net

14.  Joan Akers has a friend that is in need of work. He will do odd jobs and is very reliable. If you need some help give Joan an call. 757-420-5901 or dunroming@cox.net

15.  At the end of the meeting the total collection for the Salvation Army stood at $150, but there is still time for you to donate. Contact Bob Daigle with your contribution, channels will be open until 4/21. Call Bob at 757-468-3741 or bedraggle@cox.net   Next meetings special charity will be Hospice (we hope to help those that have helped Bev Scott though some rough times)

16.  Marilyn and Ted will be hosting a party in Pungo late Sept or Early Oct, more information will be coming.

17.  If you plan to attend the June 8-12/2012 OPSAIL event on the Eastern shore Ive Chubb has information and possible rooms. Contact the Chubbs at 757-624-5469 or jechubb@verizon.net

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER

Bev Scott called the Secretary in late February to say she was doing fine and thanked HRC for the out pouring of good thoughts during her hospital stay and recovery. Bev is under Hospice Bridge care. Joan Akers visited Bev and called once interrupting Bev’s card game.  Bev’s daughters Pat and Kathe attended the 4/15 meeting to deliver a letter and card from Bev….”to my dear friends:  I’m so sorry that I cannot be there with you today, I’m with you in spirit. You all have been such good friends to both Bud and myself. I thank you for the great memories and companionship through the years. Enjoy your time together today and I hope to join you next time you meet. Love Bev” (Attachment 16 refers)

CWO4 USN ret Mel and Marty Harder, Marty’s follow up exam 3/7/12 were very encouraging. They were unable to attend the 4/15 meeting due to a birthday part for Marty.  We wish to extend a Happy Birthday to her as well.  Remember them in your thoughts and prayers.

AGCS USN ret John Shay wishes to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers extended to his Wife Dorothy. Dorothy continues to be in the Rehabilitation facility, John visits daily. Very slow improvements have been noted.

AG1 USN ret Bob Wright: Will be heading back to PA on 4/20, but he promises to come back to HRC for meetings. Fair winds and following seas Bob.

AGCM USN ret Chuck Fifield’s wife Eileen was unable to attend the meeting, she was just tuckered out from all the traveling they have been doing lately, and more to come. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

At about 430 PM a motion was made to adjourn by Bob Wright and it was seconded by Frank Muscari.  Motion passed.  However, folks lingers chatting and telling sea stories until 600. 
Submitted by Fay Crossley
HRC Secretary

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HRC's LCDR Ralph Wright USN RET Celebrates his 90th Birthday!!!

 


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Source: Aerograph February 2012

 

President              Chuck Fifield

Vice President     Bob Steiner

Treasurer              Bob Daigle

Secretary              Fay Crossley

Social Coord.       Frank Muscari

VA Hosp. Coord. Joan Akers

CMAA                   Frank Muscari

 

Minutes of the Meeting Held at Cagney’s in Virginia Beach (Winter Meeting - January 8, 2012)

In attendance: (21) Bob and Carol Daigle, Frank and Eve Muscari, Bob Steiner, Tammie Pierce, Fay and Donna Crossley, Dennis and Susan Pauly, Ted Lemond, Marilyn McDonald, John and Ive Chubb, Chuck and Eileen Fifield, Bob Wright, Chuck and Louise Steinbruck, Joan Akers and Doris Stepaniak.  Regrets were received from the Lees.

The festivities started off with the reading of a letter for Joan Akers concerning her dedication to the VA hospital.  

LETTER OF COMMENDATION

January 8, 2012

Joan Akers

 

It is my honor and great pleasure to present this token of our esteem to Joan, our ambassador of goodwill and outreach to all our neighbors.  Her service to the community at large is never ending.  The numerous acts of mercy and kindness she has and continues to perform has reflected positively on the Hampton Roads Chapter of the NWSA.

1. To our hospitalized veterans, she brings love, friendship, small gifts, and knowledge that they are not forgotten.

2. To the lesser of God’s creatures who are in need, she brings food, companionship, and comfort.

3. To the members of our chapter, she brings the sunshine and warmth of her loving personality

Therefore, it is my humble pleasure and duty, on behalf of the Hampton Roads Chapter of the Naval Weather Service Association, to present to you, Joan, this small token of our love and esteem.. Well Done!!!

Charles E. Fifield

President,

HRC NWSA

 

The meeting was dedicated to Joan.  Members all brought a mountain of stuff for Joan to take to the hospital.  She could hardly get into her car to go home.

2012 dues were collected by the Treasurer, those not in attendance are reminded dues of $5 per person should be paid to Mr. Daigle.  The 50/50 money was collected at the same time.  $40 was won by Frank Muscari.  He plans on using it for extra “fun” at #38.

Grace was given by Chuck Steinbruck. Pledge of Allegiance was lead by our CMAA, Frank Muscari.  Meal orders were taken by our most qualified waitress.  

Meeting was called to order by President Fifield at about 4 PM.  The by-laws were reviewed and accepted by the membership.  Some corrections are to be made and the President will sign the by-laws upon receipt of corrections.

Elections of officers were conducted, President Fifield, Treasurer Daigle and CMAA Muscari will continue in those positions for 2 more years.  At the January 2013 meeting Vice President, Secretary, VA Representative and Social Director will be elected.

The Treasurer’s report was given.  The HRC has a total of $3331.00.  This was approved as read unanimously.  The Secretary’s report was approved as corrected, (page two paragraph two last line “shorted” should be “Shorten”).  A review of the Board Meeting that was held at Suffolk VA, on December 4, 2011.  Minutes from that meeting were emailed to the membership.

Old Business

The Vice President reported on the possibility of a Social Gathering at Wallops Island.  The day would start about 9AM and end about 2 to 3 PM.  The gathering could not be done during a launch, any Tuesday or Wednesday outside of launch dates would be acceptable.  Bob Steiner will have much more information concerning this event at the next meeting.  A bus would be required to ease security requirements.

VA Representative was overwhelmed with the donations that she received during the meeting.  She reminded the membership the donations are well received and more are requested at the next meeting. President Fifield reminded the gathering, the VA donations are our permanent charity.

The Secretary neglected to report during the last meeting concerning a letter of thanks received by Joan Akers on 8/10/2011 from the Virginia Beach SPCA. The letter thanked her for the help that she (and HRC) gave to their organization.  The letter was signed by Renee Duval Fairchild the SPCA Development Director.

A thank you note was received from Bobby Steiner thanking HRC for the contribution to the Scholarship fund in his late wife Jessie’s name.

New Business

The membership was asked by President Fifield for recommendations for the April Meeting.  The gathering unanimously selected Cagney’s again, at the suggestion of Joan Akers.  That meeting will be held Sunday April 15th starting 3PM.  Change in date due to Easter.

President Fifield will look into perhaps honoring the Fleet Weather Center’s Sailors of the Year at one of our meetings,

Frank Muscari suggested in addition to the VA routine charity work that the next meeting be dedicated to collecting funds for the Salvation Army.  This was accepted by the membership.  At April’s meeting the membership is asked to generously fill out checks made out to HRC, the Treasurer will then send that funding to the Salvation Army

Ted Lemond thanked everyone for coming to his 11/11/11 80th birthday party, they were, the Daigles, the Chubbs, the Fifields, Doris Stepaniak, the Wrights, the Muscaris, Jack Salvato and the Nelsons. Ted also thanked Marilyn McDonald for the party and she put together a fantastic album for the membership to review.

The secretary will come up with a date and place for the next Board Meeting.  The Muscaris and Daigles will be gone much of March.

The secretary was contacted by Oceans 12 personnel. They are a group of Oceanographers and Meteorologist that are having a reunion in Virginia Beach October 14 to 19. If you are interested you can check their web page at www.oceans12mtsieeehamptonroads. Org

For The Good Of The Order

Frank Muscari received a call from Larue Wright saying that Ralph had fallen while getting out of bed the morning of the meeting.

 

Dorothy Shay  Last report Dorothy had been taken to ICU with severe dehydration.

Bob Daigle continues to be plagued with shingles, some improvements have been noted, he is still taking medication.

HRC Membership is reminded to keep the secretary informed as to those in need of our thoughts and prayers.  The NWSA Web Page, (google Naval Weather Service Association, click on About the NWSA, then click on home (left edge). Under prayers requested click on details.  If you have a request, the secretary will send these into the web master.

At about 525PM a motion was made to adjourn by Bobby Steiner and seconded by Frank Muscari, motion passed. 

                                                             Submitted by Fay Crossley, HRC Secretary

 

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YNC Ted Lemond USN RET (Above) delivers about 50 pounds of donated items to a representative of the VA Hospital. This is a part of an ongoing program by the Hampton Roads Chapter of the NWSA.

                                                                                      Thanks to AGCM Fay Crossley USN RET

 

Thanks to all that brought in these donations.