July 2009-1

U.S.S. LOWNDES - APA 154

July 2009 NEWSLETTER

Editor: Wm. Bud" Kautz-CCBW, 34782 Hiawatha Trail-McHenry, IL 60051-(815)3446326

redlabelbuddha@comcast.net

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The 2009 Reunion will be in Waukesha, Wl area.

Sept. 24^th thru Sept. 27^th based at the Milwaukee Marriott West Hotel.

The General Mitchell International Airport services the Milwaukee area.

To date I have not received many addressed and stamped post cards stating the

intentions of our shipmates regarding attending our reunion. Please return same.

I find it difficult to pick out

David in the group photo,

but rest assured he is definitely

in it.

Amazing how many of the WWII

veterans depend on wheelchairs

To get around.

Responses from our shipmates and their first mates have dwindled down to a trickle and it has been

difficult to get enough information for the news letters. We have to face the fact that we re all running

out of time and hope that our younger generation can take over.

The photos below are courtesy of David Long during his journey to Washington, DC via the

Honor Flight described by him on page 2 of this news letter.

July 2009-2

David Long

Something very interesting happened to

me. I was at a cocktail party about a year ago

and met a man who asked me if I was a WWII

veteran. He then explained Honor Flight to

me. He was vice president of the Rochester

chapter and asked me to fill out an application,

which I did. I completely forgot about it until a

week ago, when I received a call from a

gentleman from Rochester who asked me if I

could make a flight to Washington the next day

as there was a cancellation for sickness. I had

no plans and said I would. The next day I went

to Rochester with two buddies from Geeneseo.

We were met at the arport at 5:30 AM, given

orange colored shirts so we could be

recognized and then given breakfast. There

were 50 of us and 50 guardians. About 40

were in wheelchairs. We 3 were ambulatory,

but they still had one guardian with us. There

were about 150 people with "Thank you signs

cheering and welcoming us to the flight. Took

quite a while to load, with all the wheelchairs.

About 7:00 AM we loaded and off to Baltimore-

Washington Airport, then bussed to the WWII

Memorial. There were about 150 people at the

entrabce cheering and welcoming us. There

was another group from Alabama and they

sent about 80 or 90 school kids, by bus to

greet and thank the Vets. So far it was all

pretty impressive and when we saw the

Memorial it was really awesome. I know all

have heard about it, but it is something to see.

An added treat was that Senator Bob Dole was

there and we did get to visit with him and have

pictures taken. He is there many days from

11:00 AM to 1:00 PM just visiting with people

and answering any questions. We had lunch in

a big tent, donated by Arby s. Then toured the

Vietnam, Korean, Lincoln Memorials, Arlington

Cemetery and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Our last stop was the Marine Memorial and the

Iwo Jima statue. Group photos were taken and

a high school choral group sang a couple of

songs for us. They were very impressed seeing

WW II vets, very moving. Then on to the Hilton

for a dinner banquet. We were not allowed to

spend any money, we were given chits.

Arriving back in Rochester there were 300

people to greet us. We gathered in a large

room at the airport with a Marine color guard.

A Rochester native, Medal of Honor recipient

gave a speech. Again it was a very moving

experience. Nationally, 4,000 vets were

invited last year intend to take 10,000 this

year and25,000 the following year. The

guardians are really dedicated and have to

pay $300.00 apiece to cover their expenses.

That s dedication.

Thank you David for sharing your

experience with us. As of May 2009 estimated

living U.S. veterans by war:

World war I 1

World War II 2.31 million

Korean War 2.31 million

Vietnam War 7.13 million

Desert Shield/Storm

2.27 million

Honoring a fallen Warrior

Major General R. Martin Umbarger

spoke at a memorial service for Pfc. Julian

Harold Rogers, who had been missing in

action since 1944. His remains werte

discovered in Germany last year, and he was

buried with full military honors at Arlington

National Cemetery.

General Umbarger is the son of

Walter and Jackie Umbarger and had hosted

our reunion in Indianapolis in 2002.

Dotty Flood

It is with deep sadness that I inform

you that my sweetheart , and your shipmate,

Clark Martin died on Saturday, May 23, 2009 ,

early evening.. Advanced years (93) and

Parkinson s decease took their toll and he

finally gave up.

Please see page 3 and 4 for more

information regarding our esteemed

shipmate.

July 2009-3

Leo O'Brien

Thanks for the newsletter, it is always

a joy to receive it.We were both sorry to hear

of Frank DuBois and Ed. McKellar. Frank s

name was cause for some humor between

Arthur Rauseo and George Tuppan at the

San Diego reunion. One thought iit was

DuBua and the other thought it was DuBoys. I

don t think they ever came to an agreement.

Ed. McKellar was very gracious at our time in

Hawaii. He hosted a great luncheon at the

serviceman s rest area on the beach. I did not

recognize it until I was reminded we did

practice landings there. We are sorry we will

not be going to Milwaukee for the Lowndes

reunion. We are having a family reunion in

the middle of August. Between the expense

of it and our health, (just getting over

pneumonia) and troublesome knees it is wise

to skip the reunion. We members opf the

Lowndes crew and our wives are proud to

have been members of, The Greatest

Generation. We are so sorry to hear of Clark

Martin s death. He was always a gentleman. It

was nice that Dotty Flood let us know. So

many good people have left us. We visited

Arthur Rauseo a short time ago. He knew us,

especially Leo who wears his Lowndes cap

all the time. He loved seeing Leo with his cap.

His son, Jimmy, told us that Arthur s cap was

lost recently at the residence and everyone

was looking for it. He quickly had a few more

made up to save the day. Arthur s speech is

very garbled now. He seems happy there and

is in a safe place and getting good care. His

son visits him every day.

Dotty Flood

It is with deep sadness that I inform

you that my Sweetheart and your shipmate,

Clark Martin died on Saturday, May 23, 2009

in early evening. Advanced age (93) and

Parkinson s decease took their toll and he

finally gave up.

Please see page 4 for more

information regarding our esteemed

shipmate

Honoring a Fallen Warrior

Major General R. Martin Umbarger

spoke at a memorial service for Pfc. Julian

Harold Rogers, who had been missing since

1944. His remains were discovered in

Germany last year, and he was buried with full

military honors at Arlington National

Cemetery.

General Umbarger is the son of Walter

and Jackie Umbarger and with the assistance

of his wife, Rowana hosted our reunion in

Indianapolis, Indiana in 2002.

Don & LaVonne Morton

Thank you for the newsletters about the

Reunions of the U.S.S. Lowndes. And thank

you for your time served in the military. May

God bless you all. I am the brother of Ellis

Robert Morton, who served on the Lowndes.

LoreneStratton

Once again it looks like we ll miss the

reunion. We are very sorry not to see old

friends. Our oldest grandson came to Florida

and drove us to South Carolina to see five of

our great grandchildren. We enjoyed our time

there. I tried to call David and Odess Brinkman

but only got the answering machine. Our

daughter-in-law drove is home. I guess we ll

never be able t come to the reunions unless

they are closer to home.

Bud Kautz, Clark Martin & Leo O'Brien

Placing wreath at the Navy Memorial in

Washington, DC during the 1999 reunion.

July 2009-4

CLARK A. MARTIN

WASHINGTON, DC-1958

Born November 14, 1915 in Chicago,

Illinois. Passed into a new life on May 23,

2009.He graduated from the University of Virginia

in 1938 with a degree in Economics and later an

MBA from George Washington Univ. Enlisted in

the Navy in November 1940 at Norfolk, Virginia as

a Lt SC USN. Clark was serving on the USS

Pennsylvania during the Pearl Harbor attack.

Boarded the Lowndes at the commissioning at

Astoria, Oregon September 14, 1944. making him

a Plank Owner. His watch station was as the

supply officer and G. Q. station in the coding

room. Had the distinction as being the last crew

member to leave the Lowndes at

decommissioning in Norfolk, Virginia. As a Lt.

Comm. Later duty assignments included Naval

Aviation Supply Depot, Philadelphia, PA, USS

Palau (CVE 122), Bureau of supplies and

accounts in Navy department, Naval Supply

Depot, NSD Yokosuka, Japan, USS

Pennsylvania. Last active duty May 1961 at Naval

Station in Washington as a Commander, SC,

USN. Pre-Navy in banking and accounting. After

retirement from the Navy. For the next 20 years

He worked in finance and administration at

theUniversity of Virginia and Medical college of

Virginia; Budget Officer and director of Finance,

Henrico County, Virginia. At the age of 73 he

decided he was too old to solo crew his sailboat

and instead took up open-water scuba diving.

Clark continued his life of service as an officer in

the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and

returned numerous times to Pearl Harbor on Dec.

7 with his fellow survivors to commemorate the

attack. He was preceded in death by his beloved

wife of 43 years, Eve. He leaves to cherish his

memory a son and his wife, Craig and Joan

Martin, daughter-in-law Helen Martin, 5

grandchildren and best friend Dotty Flood.

"At the 1999 Lowndes reunion in Washington, DC

Leo O'Brien and your editor had the privilege to assist

Clark in placing a wreath at the Navy Memorial in

honor of our late shipmates. See Page 3.

William Bornhorst

Born Feb.26, 1928 at Covington, Kentucky

and entered Davy Jones locker April 24, 2009. at

Elizabeth Medical Center in Edgebrook, KY. He

enlisted in the Navy December 1944 at Cincinnati,

Ohio and he boarded the Lowndes January 9,

1945 at Pearl Harbor as a Seaman 1/c. He stood

watch on the gun control on the fantail. 20 MM on

the port side amid ship was his General quarters

station. Left the Lowndes October 31, 1945 in

San Francisco, California. Later duty

assignments o USS Hobson - DMS, USS Gentry

DMS. Last active duty was May 20, 1946. In

civilian life he was Supervisor with Cincinnati Bell

for 35 years. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy, 2

sons, James and William, 1 daughter Florence and

6 grandchildren. For various reasons Bill was

unable to attend any of our reunions.

After several years of researching the

furnished biographical data sheets it was

determined that Bill was the youngest Lowndes

crew member barely Beating out Ed. King and

Joel Rodriquez.

July 2009-5

USS LOWNDES ~ 2009 REUNION

Milwaukee, WI ~ September 24^th - 27^th, 2009

Welcome to Milwaukee

Milwaukee is the 22^nd largest city in the United States, bordering the western shore of Lake Michigan.

Metropolitan Milwaukee offers urban, suburban, ethnic neighborhoods, waterfront, industrial and rural settings

within minutes of each other. Milwaukee's big-city advantages are enhanced by a friendly small-town spirit and

Old World charm. The city's neighborhoods weave a patchwork of diversity, as characteristics of the German

heritage blend with influences of many other cultures. In the face of all the progress, the traditions and values

that make Milwaukee remain constant. Your reunion tour program will include some of Milwaukee s most

popular attractions. Begin at the Pabst Mansion, followed by a visit to the Lakefront Brewery, which will give

you a look and a taste of the beer industry which thrives in Milwaukee and is an important part of the city s

history. The tour concludes with an all-you-can-eat fish fry dinner, a wonderful chance to relax with your

friends and family. This reunion will offer an unforgettable visit to one of America s best loved cities, and give

you memorable experiences to share with family and friends.

Hotel Information

The reunion officially begins on Thursday, September 24^th and ends on Sunday, September 27^Ih. You

will be staying at the full service Milwaukee Marriott West which is located at West 231 North 1600 Corporate

Court. Waukesha, WI 53186. The Milwaukee Marriott West is in close proximity to many of the area s top

attractions.

Reservation Information

The room rate is $90.00 plus tax per night, based on single or double occupancy. For those of you who choose

to arrive early or stay late, the same room rate is available 3 days before and 3 days after the official reunion dates,

based on availability. Please make your hotel reservations NOW by calling the hotel directly at 877-651-7666

between 9-4 pm CST and ask for in-house reservations. Mention that you are with the USS Lowndes Reunion to

assure you are associated with your group. You may request specific room types when you call to make your

reservations (handicap accessible room, etc.). The hotel check-in time is 3:00pm; please don t expect to get into

your room before then. Make your reservations today; you can cancel up to 24 hours prior to arrival without

penalty. They will ask you for a deposit or credit card number to guarantee your room reservation. The hotel is

holding rooms until they sell out or August 14^th, 2009, whichever comes first. Don t delay.

Transportation & Directions

The closest airport is Milwaukee International (MKE). For those of you driving, the hotel offers plenty

of free parking. Contact the hotel directly if you need specific driving directions.

Travel safely and we will....

See you in Milwaukee

July 2009-6

USS LOWNDES

2009 REUNION EVENTS

EVENT A: PABST MANSION, LAKEFRONT BREWERY TOUR & FISH FRY DINNER

Your lour begins at the Pabst Mansion', the magnificent Flemish Renaissance Revival Mansion, home of

Captain Frederick Pabst, built in 1893. Captain Frederick Pabst was a world famous beer baron, accomplished

sea captain, real estate developer, philanthropist and patron of the aits; his home is a testament to his success.

Pabst chose the Flemish Renaissance style of his original homeland as the inspiration for the home. Today, the

mansion has been restored and furnished to reflect the dignity, graciousness, and affluence of the period in which

it was created. Boasting stunning interiors, elegant original furnishings, elaborate wall coverings, the finest

wood craftsmanship, intricate ironwork, brilliant stained glass, and rare art, the Mansion helped make the 1890's

the "Pabst Decade" in Milwaukee. You will then take the short ride to the Lakefront Brewery, a locally-owned

microbrewery specializing in handmade beers in the tradition of early Milwaukee brewers. After the tour, take a

seat in the Palm Garden, a unique warehouse-type atmosphere, where you will enjoy an all-you-can-eat fish fry

dinner.

FREE DAY TO TOUR ON YOUR OWN

Saturday, September 26^th

There is so much to see and do in the Milwaukee area we are leaving Saturday free so you can visit the sites

that interest you the most. You may want to consider the new Harley Davidson Museum, shopping at Old World

Third St., or touring the Miller Brewing Company.

BANQUET DINNER

Saturday, September 26^th (7:00pm at the Hotel)

Join your friends for your Banquet Dinner al the Hotel. Cocktails will be available from the cash bar ai 6:00pm;

dinner will be served at 7:00pm. Entree choices include Petit Filet Mignon or Chicken Cardinale (boneless breast

served with a lemon butter sauce). Please make your entree selection on the reservation form.

TOUR CANCELLATION INSURANCE

Protect yourself from unforeseen expenses caused by sickness, injuiy or any other causes that impact your

travel plans. This insurance enables a refund of Tour & Banquet expenses up until three (3) days before the start of

your reunion. If you need to cancel - please call our office immediately (817-251-3551) fora cancellation number. If

you have not purchased cancellation insurance all tour and meal money is non-refundable 6 weeks prior to the

reunion.

Important Reunion Notes: _z

~ Tours may be cancelled if a minimum of 30 people per bus is not met. In this case, full refunds will be given.

~ Please understand that a certain amount of walking is necessary from the bus to attractions and in some

instances to also see the attractions. Please consider your abilities before purchasing tours.

~ Be sure to bring photo identification (like a driver s license) on all events.

~ All tour times are subject to change. A final itinerary is available at registration.