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OpNotes Add your Opnote by clicking here. Fellow ZUTers I've just established my own website http://www.pointdeception.com and would like to extend an invitation to you all to stop on by and sign my guest book and leave a message. On another matter, Andy my 2010 dues are headed your way via snailmail. Take care and have a great day. Jim Gilliam ex-RM1 ZUT68 ~ Jim Gilliam <jgill12775@optonline.net> Posted on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 11:50:50 (EST) Have any of you guys ever read a novel where the protagonist was a Coast Guard RM? No. Well, I would like to invite you to read Point Deception, my new novel just released November 2009. Here is a short excerpt from the book. SIXTEEN FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS, Kelly’s Coast Guard career took him from radio school in Groton, Connecticut to Hawaii and the Far East and then to a shipboard assignment in Norfolk, Virginia. A couple of years later he was transferred again, this time to a buoy tender in Cordova, Alaska and from there to the Coast Guard Radio Station on Kodiak Island where he remained for the duration of his eighteen month Alaskan tour. When his tour in Alaska was completed, Radioman First Class Tim Kelly’s request for assignment to Coast Guard Radio Station Galveston, Texas was approved. He had come full circle returning to the Texas Gulf Coast where he had been born and raised. This new assignment in Galveston would happily allow Kelly abundant opportunities to spend time with his estranged father in Freeport, as well as visit with his mother in Port Isabel—approximately four hundred miles further south. *** The office was located in a rundown strip mall within walking distance of the Freeport waterfront. The new lettering on the door proclaimed that this was the local office of the Seafarer’s International Union—James Kelly—Union Representative. Tim entered the outer office, stopping at the edge of the desk belonging to a cute brunette, who immediately put down her nail file and smiled up at him. “Hi I’m Tim Kelly is my dad in?” Kelly and his father had never been what you would call close. But then James Kelly had never been much of a father. Consequently there was a void in Kelly’s formative years that was only partially filled by male role models like Rodolfo Guzman and Dave Holt. James was an alcoholic ne’er-do-well. Kelly always felt that he had to make excuses for him. In Kelly’s words, “It’s kind of like the gambler and the crooked crap game. The gambler knows that it’s crooked, but it’s the only crap game in town. My father may not be the hero I would choose for the role but the bottom line is he’s the only father I’ve got.” At the end of the day James was his biological father and in spite of his many character flaws Kelly loved him. “I’ll tell him you’re here,” the cute brunette said as she hurried into the elder Kelly’s private office. James burst out of his office to give Kelly a big bear hug that momentarily took his breath away. Finally holding him out at arm’s length he exclaimed, “Let me look at you boy! You’ve grown into quite a man! Yes indeed you truly have!” “Mary Jo, could you bring us some coffee?” Seated in James’ small, cramped, cluttered office Kelly and his father were awkwardly trying to fill in the gaps left by years of separation when Mary Jo returned with coffee and doughnuts. “Thank you Mary Jo. Now, no interruptions unless it’s life or death; mine.” When she left Kelly turned to his father and asked, “So what’s the deal with this union thing?” “Well as you see. I’m not as young as I once was, and I wanted to do at least one thing in my life to give back something to the rank and file members of the shrimp fishing industry. I realize that I’ve not been any kind of real father to you, but I wanted to do just one thing in the years that I may have left to me, that possibly would make you proud of me.” Kelly did not reply. After a long awkward moment of silence the elder Kelly asked, “Would you like a little stiffener for your coffee?” He was holding a bottle of Irish whiskey that had suddenly materialized out of one of the desk drawers. “No thanks dad, it’s a little early for me.” Pouring a large dollop of Jamison’s Irish whiskey into his half filled coffee mug, James tilted his head as if deep in thought. “Where was I? Oh yes, the fat cats who own the fish houses and the shrimp boats have exploited the fishermen along the Gulf Coast for years. It’s, dangerous dirty work for poor pay and no benefits. Before I leave this life, I’m going to try and change that. My feeling is that if I can make a difference, no matter how small, it will be my legacy.” “That sounds good dad. How are the fat cats reacting to your efforts?” “Like, you might expect. I’ve received threatening phone calls and letters. I’ve been roughed up on occasion and the local cops, who are in the pockets of the fat cats, have instituted a campaign of blatant police harassment. In other words, my efforts are making some people extremely nervous.” *** Approximately two weeks later, “Good afternoon Coast Guard Radio Galveston, RM2 Smith speaking how may I help you sir or ma’am?” “This is the U. S. Public Health Service Hospital Galveston calling for RM1 Tim Kelly.” “Please standby ma’am I’ll put him on for you.” “Hey Kelly. Outside call line two.” “Got it Smitty thanks.” “Petty officer Kelly.” “Petty officer Kelly my name is Sandra Johnson I’m a nurse at the U.S. Public Health Service Hospital here in Galveston.” “What can I do for you nurse Johnson?” “I’m afraid I have some bad news for you petty officer Kelly. Your father James Kelly was the victim of an apparent mugging and has been transferred to this hospital in critical condition.” The rest of the conversation was a blur, ending with Kelly finally saying to Nurse Johnson, “I’ll be there as soon as I can.” “My name is Tim Kelly. I just got word that my father has been admitted.” “Yes Mr. Kelly you can take the elevator to the second floor to the ICU and one of the nurses there will help you.” “Thank you,” Kelly said as he bolted for the stairs, bypassing the elevator. Kelly pressed the door bell just outside the ICU and approximately fifteen seconds later was face to face with Sandra Johnson, RN. “You got here fast Petty Officer Kelly.” “Please call me Tim.” “Okay Tim put on this gown and mask and I’ll take you to your father.” “Is he conscious?” “Yes but he has been medicated for pain, so he might not be very coherent.” Kelly relieved that his father wasn’t in a coma or on life support replied, “Sometimes that’s his normal state, he’s Irish you know.” Nurse Johnson gave Kelly a quizzical look but said nothing. Kelly noting the look offered, “Sorry, the way I handle stress is with humor.” “I understand.” Kelly wasn’t prepared to see his father with his left leg up in traction, his right arm in a cast, his face badly bruised, and both eyes almost swollen shut. His first reaction was shock, almost instantly replaced with rage. “What the hell!” “Hi kid,” the words were barely audible through James Kelly’s cracked and swollen lips. “Who did this to you dad?” “Some wise guy from here in Galveston. He calls himself Coastie.” What the Hell, the movie The Guardian was about rescue swimmers and an old CG movie Onion Head starred Andy Griffith where he was a cook on a buoy tender at the start of WWII. I just figured it was time that CG radiomen got a shot. Would love to hear from you guys. My email address is jgill12775@optonline.net My webpage will be up soon pointdeception.com, please visit. Jim Gilliam ~ Jim Gilliam (JJ) ex-RM1 ZUT-68 <jgill12775@optonline.net> Posted on Saturday, March 06, 2010 at 12:00:25 (EST) Disregard my OpNote on December 23, 2009, regarding Yorktown. QSL'd my Comm-One today and some of you will be going to Branson in 2010. I have stated many times that I do not attend U. S. COAST GUARD functions in non U. S. COAST GUARD cities. It will be tough to top Grand Haven, but Cape May in 2011 could. That is if Atlantic city is not emphasized. Cape May must coincide with a Company's graduation. I have attended three in recent years and always coming away with a refresed appreciation and realization of today's "Guardians". No one "skates" through Coast Guard boot. Jerry, Rick (Luna, Lods), us three Chiefs from the USS ARNEB will have to wait to possibly get together at Cape May, even though we were not required to attend boot camp when when we lateraled as POs. Jerry give me a growl Email, I understand you have an off-spring that's a career Coastie. Me too, I want to determine if "my daughter can kick your daughters ass?" Again FYI, pull up CPOA Yorktown and note my CPOA open letter to the CPOA. It's on their home page under letter to the CPOA. 73s ~ Mike Kreynus RMCS(Ret) ZUT-473 <mkreynus@verizon.net> Posted on Tuesday, January 05, 2010 at 10:46:01 (EST) For those that haven't heard yet ... Retired RMCM Bob Marlow's key went silent on Christmas Day. I was fortunate to have known Bob while we served together on the CGC Cook Inlet in '61. Bob's home address is: 1217 Countryside Lane NW, Albuquerque, N.M. 87114-1834. ~ Fred A. Siegel <fred@fredsplace.org> Posted on Friday, January 01, 2010 at 14:03:33 (EST) Just a note to Fred: Great job on the new web page! You still owe me for taking that billet at COMCARIBRON, even though it was the best/worst job I ever had as a RM ;>) ~ Paul Krueger <coastiepk@gmail.com> hey Paul, Just like your assignment to COMCARIBRON, my tour as a detailer could also be described as my best/worst. 73s ~ Fred Posted on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 21:52:09 (EST) Here is a pdf link to ACP-131(E): ACP-131 ~ Paul Krueger <coastiepk@gmail.com> Posted on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 21:47:50 (EST) Received the following from Tom Wurz. "Andy, I just got word that RMCM BOB Marlowe(Ret) has terminal lung/liver cancer, his wife Pat says he won't leave hospital in Albuquerque, NM. I'm trying to find Jack Beiths email address do you possibly have it? I also had a nodule removed from my lung October 21 that was malignant, doctor then removed half my left lung. Doing fine now and no additional treatments are required." If anyone wants contact info email me and when I get it I'll forward it. ~ Andy <zut699@sbcglobal.net> Posted on Thursday, December 24, 2009 at 09:42:01 (EST) A ham buddy passed this along: Last I had was ACP131E, so thought maybe this would be of use. 73/ZUT, Augie ~ Arthur Whittum <opsboss721@verizon.net> Posted on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 21:57:02 (EST) Remember Seattle dinner, I stood up and offered to host our 2010 reunion at Yorktown, VA? I would offer focus on the USCG Training Center, the Revolution Park, Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and the Mariners Museum. Maybe forage to the world's largest PX at NOB NORVA. Attendance at a TRACEN graduation ceremony. Use of the CPO Mess. I would also desire to see us three Amigos who served together on the USS ARNEB, ending up as Coastie RMCM/RMCS, me, Jerry & Rick, getting together. Seattle was the most enjoyable U. S. Coast Guard reunion I have ever attended; mainly because of the get-togethers we had during the evenings in the hospitality room. To me, that is what a reunion is about, especially surrounded by all the Coast Guard stuff. What say Lambchops? Awaiting response. Questions? 804 263-1008. FYI pull up CPOA Yorktown and read my posted (open) letter to the CPOA ~ Mike Kreynus RMCS(Ret) ZUT-473 <mkreynus@verizon.net> Posted on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 13:42:40 (EST) Didn't want a whole month to go by with out an OpNote being added! In Andy's e-mail delivering the latest CommOne, he said he was looking for a high of in the teens at his house. Just couldn't let it pass without letting him know it's been in the 70's here in NW Fl. last few days with lot's of rain (5 plus inches). Normal temps high 50-60 low 40's. Remembering Groton/NY when we all were together as instructors 64-68 (Andy, Jim & Jim, Fred, Charlie Brogdon, Bill Dixon, Jeff Ellison, Hank, John Potts, John O'Shea. Of course also remembering Jack Malchoff and Dusty Rhodes now passed. Even further back, 1961, remember Jim Yount, my RM School instructor (Paul Vanderslice my classmate). Hope to see all in Branson or Cape May!! Great page Fred...and, again, thanks for helping me make Chief!! You are still helping us all!! Jack ZUT 1558 ~ John L Sprague <jsprague@dishmail.net> Posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 11:50:54 (EST) I sent an additional 9 Walmart cards, $225.00 worth to the folks in San Antonio this week for a final total of 49 cards in the amount of $1.225 in contributions to the Wounded Warrior program for Thanksgiving. Thanks to everyone for their contributions. ~ Andy <zut699@sbcglobal.net> Posted on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 09:46:09 (EST) Fred, the Website looks great! Thanks again for doing a fine job! Nice to have the ZUT Net posted also. All it takes is an amateur callsign to join the Net. Meets weekly on Thursday at Noon, Eastern 14.052 Kc. QNI/ZKE ~ Dave Johnson ZUT213 <zut213@earthlink.net> Posted on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 17:16:16 (EST) The ZUT-net Logs have been update. ~ Fred A. Siegel <fred@fredsplace.org> Posted on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 14:13:06 (EST) Jack Beth (ZUT 93) returned home from having his heart cath. The doctor said that he was pleased that he didn't find anything that requires further surgery. He's restricted to bed rest (or recliner) for the next 24/48 hrs. Get well, Jack. ~ Fred A. Siegel <fred@fredsplace.org> Posted on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 23:41:11 (EST) NEW FEATURE! We are now posting the weekly ZUT Net Logs on Comm-One.Org. This new feature has been added to the left-hand Menu or can be directly accesses here: http://www.comm-one.org/zutnet/ Enjoy! ~ Fred A. Siegel <fred@fredsplace.org> Posted on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 18:23:40 (EST) Well, I sent off 40 Walmart gift cards to the folks at the Fisher House/BAMC/Ft Sam Houston this morning. That was for a total of $1,000 in donations. Wouldn't you know that in this afternoon's mail I received an additional $150 in donations. So after the weekend, and a few more mail deliveries I will send off some more cards. You have no idea the experience of going to the local Walmart and asking for 40 gift cards. You get the strangest looks.... ~ Andy Scharf <zut699@sbcglobal.net> Posted on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 16:22:31 (EST) Patsy Thomas notified Jack and Kay Cunniff that Tom Thomas crossed the bar on November 8, 2009. Below is information about his funeral services. Tom's viewing will be on Wednesday and the funeral and mass will begin at 10 am on Friday. Tom will be at Arch L Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Rd. Louisville, KY 40218 and the hours are 4-8 on Wednesday and 11 to 8 on Thursday with the funeral on Friday at 10 am at St. Louis Bertrand Catholic Church, Louisville, KY. For more information, go to the following link: http://dignity.mem.com/ContentDisplay.aspx?ID=17712078 ~ Jim Huffman <zut801@mac.com> Posted on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 21:57:15 (EST) Just talked to Andy and at the moment he has $925 in hand for the Walmart cards and is expecting more. He will post a OpNote when he ships them to BAMC with the final amount. Many thanks for making some of our wounded warriors have a little happier Thanksgiving . . . ~ Jim Huffman <zut801@mac.com> Posted on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 20:32:08 (EST) Outstanding job Fred. It looks great. ~ Andy Scharf <zut699@sbcglobal.net> Posted on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 11:18:30 (EST) Our new website DNS has now been promulgated throughout the web. You no longer have to use the IP Address to gain access - www.comm-one.org now 'works'. Thanks to Jim Huffman for his quick action regarding the switchover. ~ Fred ZUT-481 <fred@fredsplace.org> Posted on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 22:26:38 (EST) Many recent Newsletters have been posted and the ZUT Roll Call & Membership Lists have been updated. Enjoy! ~ Fred A. Siegel <fred@fredsplace.org> Posted on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 17:37:46 (EST) Fred We are honored to have you take over our web-site. Comm-One and Comm-One.org are in good hands. Thanks to both of you for all of your hard work. It is most certainly appreciated. 73/88/ZUT /s/ #801 ~ Jim <zut801@mac.com> Posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 at 13:50:16 (EST) Welcome to our newest feature - Opnotes. Here you may just want to say 'hi' or let us know how you're doing. Personally, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Board for allowing me to assume the role of webmaster of Comm-One.Org. It is my intention to publish the very best website I possiby can for a group that deserves the very best. I also want to acknowledge the years of oustanding service our Webmaster Emeritus, George Datz, has contributed. Believe me, his devotion and hard work is obvious to anyone that looks 'behind the pages' here at Comm-One.Org. Thanks, George, I have BIG shoes to fill. A website can only progress if members and visitors contribute their ideas, comments, suggestions and thoughts to the webmaster. So, do not hesitate in sending me a note now and then. 73's ~ Fred A. Siegel <fred@fredsplace.org> Posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 at 01:36:09 (EST)