Midrats - Spring 2023

Welcome to 2023’s USS Saratoga Association Spring Midrats!
Bill Lack (President)
 
The reunion host (Dennis Steinour), Officers, and Board Members are busy organizing the 71st Saratoga Association Reunion, to be held at the Red Lion Hotel in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  Having never been to that area, I’m looking forward to Harrisburg. Linda & I have signed up for both the Gettysburg and the Amish tours. Hope that you'll join us.
 
I want to announce a couple of board changes. Frank Salinas has taken over as the Association’s Parliamentarian and Jim Krywucki has assumed the Master-At-Arms position. I’m also happy to announce that Brad Senter has accepted an “at large” position on the Association’s Board.  I’m very happy that Brad is willing to stay on and continue to help lead our organization.
 
The Association held a remote board meeting via Zoom, on 3/11. The board voted to approve the bylaws that have been out on the website since shortly after the 2022 reunion in DC. The main changes to the bylaws are some adjustments in the membership classifications, expansion of the number of members of the board, and the way the bylaws can be amended.  We have also fine-tuned the process for vetting our prospective vendors for future reunions in the bidding process and discussed ways to make more informed decisions about future reunion sites.
 
Some tidbits on this year’s reunion in Harrisburg.
 
The Association recently received a  print of the Saratoga from shipmate, John Britton.

 
 
This  23 X 27 numbered print (31 X 35 counting frame) was done by Bert N. Petri and comes with a certificate of authenticity. The print will be part of either the raffle or a door prize at the reunion in Harrisburg (whichever Fran and Nancy decide).
 
In addition to the usual events (Silent Auction, Raffle, Door Prizes) we’re adding a 50/50 (Split the Pot) in which the money raised will go to the Scholarship Fund.
 
The board is trying to figure out a way to have a scaled down version of the ship’s store in Harrisburg (assuming we still don’t have a volunteer for storekeeper). What this would likely mean is limited store hours and limited items/inventory and cash/checks only. We’re looking for input on what items from the Ship’s Store  we should bring to the reunion. If you have something for the “wish list”, drop me a note to SaratogaAssociation@gmail.com as to what you’d like to see for sale at the reduced Ship’s Store in Harrisburg.
 
In Harrisburg, we’ll be voting on the site of the 2025 reunion. If you’ve got an idea for a location for 2025 (and are willing to host the reunion), please drop me an email at SaratogaAssociation@gmail.com. The board is interested in hearing about future potential sites so we can question the reunion vendors about the viability of cities before they come up on the floor at the business meeting. This will enable us to make a more informed choice when we vote. (This doesn’t mean that this list would be the only cities that could be considered, just trying to have better information available when we vote. The floor will still be open for nominations.)
 
The Association is still looking for someone to step up and take over both the Ship’s Storekeeper and the Historian Positions. While these are positions that require some man-hours, the duties are negotiable and there are some perks that go along with them. If you’re possibly interested, please contact any of the officers or board members.
 
Speaking of reunions, I really enjoyed the pictures in the memory book from the DC reunion. I’ve found that as the years pass, I enjoy looking back at these reunion books more and more. Congrats and a job well done to Ed McCready, Mark Beecher, Fran Gower, and Mike Richardson.
 
The 2023/2024 Association Directory has been sent to the printer and should be hitting member’s mailboxes soon. Ed put together a team and they did a major revision on the directory and I think it’s the best we’ve had in my time as a member. Wait until you see it. Thanks to Ed and his team of Jerry Church, Len Ducouer, and Mike Richardson for all their hard work.
 
Wanted to post a BOLO (be on the lookout). We’re searching for a tip jar that was made for the Association and was used in the hospitality suite, but has gone missing.

 
If anyone knows what happened to it or where it might be, please let me know.
 
We have recently added some new information to the website…on the same page where you can now find the link to the bylaws, you can also some of the engineering plans and damage control plans from both the CV-3 and the CV-60, the background on the Missing Man/POW & MIA table that we have at the reunion, and a .pdf of CVA/CV-60 Cruise information.
 
As always, I want to remind you to be sure and keep your contact information current with the Association. It’s never been easier to do. Just go to https://www.uss-saratoga.com/membership and click on the “contact information change form” button and change your info. It’s as easy as that.
 
As I do in each of these Midrats, I want to ask for your help in building the Association membership. The only way we’re going to keep this organization strong is to reach out to former shipmates and convince them to come aboard. Whether we do that via one of the Saratoga Facebook groups (and there are a number of them, including squadron pages), veteran’s organizations, or just person to person…we all need to be reaching out.  That’s the only way we can keep this organization vibrant and alive. This is the most important thing we can do for the future of the Association.
 
Thanks, and see ya in Harrisburg.

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Secretary Message 
Ed McCready (Secretary)
 
Welcome to the Secretary message in the Spring 2023 Mid-Rats
 
Since the beginning of the new year, the office of the Secretary has been hard at work sending dues cards, creating new Life Member permanent cards, and helping with various projects for the Association. If you are reading this and have not yet sent in your annual dues, please take a minute to write a check or go online and complete the easy-to-use web form. We depend on our regular members to keep current with their dues and expect the annual commitment you made will be honored.
 
You may find it advantageous to consider Life Membership - depending on your age, it may make financial sense. If you decide to go the Life Member route, you will receive a permanent card and a very nice Life Member certificate. I order certificates once I have about 15 or so new Life Members – it’s more convenient for our printer and more fiscally responsible for the Association to have them printed in bulk. The certificate will look great in a nice frame on your “Navy” wall.
 
I also manage the Membership Directory. The new 2023/2024 directory is currently under development and this year we have several people helping – which is excellent. With ‘fresh eyes” and ideas we have made some welcomed changes for the 23/24 book to give it a new more up-to-date look. I am excited to get the new books published and hope they are received with enthusiasm from our members.
 
This year’s reunion will be the first time we have been in Harrisburg and only the second ever reunion in Pennsylvania. The last was in 1991! If you’ve never attended a reunion, or if it’s been a few years since you came, you might want to try it out. There is a new vibe you may like.
 
Many of our members choose to gift the Association some amount each year. It’s your call whether the donation goes to the General Fund or the Scholarship Program.  As we are a 501(c)(3) all contributions are tax deductible, and you will receive a receipt that you may use at tax time.
 
Call to Service: Finally, I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to once again remind you to get involved in the Association. Some of the most rewarding experiences you had in life were a result of getting involved. We always need help. Right now we are in desperate need of a Historian and Storekeeper. Both jobs are involved, both involve commitment, and both are very rewarding.  
 
Semper Fortis

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The USS Saratoga Association 
2023 Annual Reunion….
Dennis E Steinour (Host/Chairman)
 
With this release of the Spring Midrats edition. I wish to remind all Asssociation members and Facebook followers of events being offered at this year’s USS Saratoga Association Reunion in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
 
I encourage those planning or thinking about attending this year’s reunion to come early and stay late and to see and visit the many other things available in the central Pennsylvania area, in addition to the fantastic tours the reunion has planned to Hershey/Lancaster/Gettysburg.
 
At the top of everyone’s list is the opportunity to reconnect with fellow shipmates. This is usually done either on the tours or in the hospitality suite, over a cold beer or libation.
 
Our welcome dinner buffet and farewell banquet help to make these reunions extra special. There’s always something to catch your eye in our raffles and auctions.
 
Ed McCready started a new tradition at the DC reunion. On Thursday night, in the hospitality suite, everyone is invited (but not required) to bring or wear something from your Navy days. It was a lot of fun and many pictures are taken. 
 
Saturday morning starts with a worship service held by Chaplain Steve Bird. That morning is also our business meeting where you can have input on Association issues and help us decide where our 2025 reunion will be. It’s your chance to have a voice.
 
Of course,  we didn’t forget the spouses that attend. We encourage the ladies to attend the ladies’ luncheon. Where in addition to a dynamic speaker/guest you never know what might be planned.
 
All the colors of Fall will be in full swing in Pennsylvania at this time of year. Hope to see you there…..

Information is available and reservations can be made on-line at https://militaryreunionplanners.com/SR/index.php?folder=SARA23
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Saratoga on the History Channel
Bill Lack (President)

I was recently contacted by Lone Wolf Media and the History Channel about an episode of a show filmed for the History Channel that will focus on two aircraft that went missing that were attached to the Saratoga. They’re looking for some Saratoga sailors to provide input/content on our ship and it’s flight deck operations.
 
A Description of the show:
 
Lone Wolf Media and the History Channel are currently in pre-production for the second season of the History Channel Series Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters. In the series, they work with a team of experts including divers, scientists, and historians as well as people that have first person experience surrounding the missing plane or ship that they are featuring. Last year the New York Times wrote about one of the discoveries. 
 
Information being sought:
 
- Anyone who worked on the USS Saratoga (CV-60) in 1960 or the 60's in general, ESPECIALLY pilots and/or flight deck crew
 
- Pilots who flew A3 Skywarriors and landed them on an aircraft carrier, especially in the 60's and 70's, especially on the Saratoga
 
- Members of the Saratoga flight deck crew and/or Air Department from the 60's or 70's 
 
- An expert historian on either/both the original USS Saratoga (1780) and USS Saratoga, CVA-60, commissioned in 1956.
 
If you have the information/experience they’re looking for and would be willing to share it with them, drop me a note with your contact information and what your experience is. I’ll organize it all and send it on to them. This requires a fairly short timeline, so if you’re interested, please let me know, ASAP. Email me at SaratogaAssociation@gmail.com.

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Scholarship Committee
Stephen Katz (Scholarship Committee Chair)

Where are they now?
 
Here is a brief update on two of our earliest Scholarship recipients. These were awarded in 2018 and 2019.
 
We would love to make this an ongoing topic for future articles in MidRats and/or the Association newsletters. If you would like to give an update on a scholarship recipient, we would love to pass your information on to the Association.

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This update was submitted by their Mom, Mrs. Sweetak. I had communicated with her about an update on Jack and Grace. Jack Sweetak was one of the first two recipients and his sister Grace was in the second group of recipients.
 
Below are her comments:
 
Sorry for delayed response. Hope you are well.  Our family is really good!  Jack will finish his college degree this January.   He has 2 classes left, which he will finish during his Jan term in London.  He will have his degree in Business from Randolph Macon College in VA.  He is currently working this fall for Oasis Marina Management.   When he returns from London, he will go back to work for them either as a marina manager or with their marketing department.  Jack has been a dock hand at the Bay Bridge Marina the last 4 summers.  He loves being on the water, outside, and meeting so many different people.  We have loved the work stories he comes home with.
 
Grace will graduate this spring from Rollins College.  There is a small chance she will do a 5th year there.  She is undecided about that right now.  She is a starting player on the women's lacrosse team and has 2 extra years of eligibility because of covid.  If she graduates this year she will major in Physics with a minor in mathematics.  If she takes a 5th year, she will add a computer science minor.  Either way, graduate school and a PHD are directly following college.  She is looking at George Washington Univ, George Mason Univ and UPENN for her masters.
Grace did a physics internship at Rollins this summer.  She will be presenting her work at the American Astronomical Society meeting in January 2023 in Seattle.
 

Even with the challenge of Covid, both Jack and Grace have thrived in college. Great grades, good relationships with their professors, both have had study abroad opportunities,  and have bright futures.  Jack's continued interest in naval history is impressive.  Grace's curiosity and passion for all things space and stars is awesome.
 
And as always, they/we are grateful for the support of the Saratoga Association.   We all hope to attend a reunion one day!!
 
Jack added these comments:
From: jsweetak1@gmail.com
Date: February 27, 2023 at 9:42:55 AM CST
To: Steve And Amy <skatz37@tampabay.rr.com>
Cc: jsweetak@arcorp.net, dsweetak@embedded-zone.com, gsweetak@arcorp.net
Subject: RE: USS Saratoga*Jack & Grace Sweetak

Steve,
 
I hope you are doing well. I Just wanted to add some additional information to what my mom already filled you in on. 
 
This past week, I received notice from Randolph Macon that I have completed my degree in Business Management. 
 
Also, this past week I interviewed for management positions at Oasis Marina’s, the same company that I worked for this past fall. I am anticipating hearing back from Oasis by the middle of this week with possible opportunities!
 
As my mom mentioned, I have maintained a very strong passion for naval history. I continue to research and broaden my knowledge on the topic, and it has been one of my greatest passions. 
 
The family hopes to attend the reunion this coming October!
 
Thank you,
Jack Sweetak  

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A Few Minutes With - Frank Salinas (DP2 SW)
Frank Salinas (Parliamentarian)

Good Day Shipmates.  I am Frank R. Salinas and I am currently serving as your Association Parliamentarian.  So, when I was asked by our President, Bill Lack, to consider writing a short article for our newsletter, I thought, sure, let’s give it a whirl.  So here we go. 

My wife Liz and I currently reside in New Braunfels Tx.  Between us we have 5 children and 6 grandchildren.  We have enjoyed every minute we get to spend with our Saratoga Association members.  It is truly a privilege getting to know so many awesome people who have shared many of the same experiences.

So, a bit of background on myself and what led me to the Navy.  Prior to my enlistment, I was a teenager with no direction.  I chose to leave my childhood home at age 16 and start living my life.  I worked and continued going to school but I had no real direction and felt like I was spinning my wheels.  So, when I turned 18 I dropped out of school and enlisted in the Navy.  I was supposed to be joined by two of my friends who backed out at the last minute but I chose to take on the challenge.  I entered boot camp at NRTC San Diego on 22 November of 1989 and it started a whole new life for me.  I chose the Navy because it was what I knew most. My Father served as a Seabee in the Navy when I was young and I have been fortunate to come from a family where most of the men have served.

After boot camp, I went on to my Service School, also in San Diego, to become a DP (Data Processing Technician).  Upon completion of my Service school, I received orders to Washington D. C. NAVAIRSYSCOM - Cruise Missile Project.  I served there from 1990 - 1992 during which time we were tasked with programming all of the Tomahawk Missile routes for Dessert Storm Gulf War.  I then Separated from NAVAIR and was stationed on our glorious USS Saratoga CV-60.  I was fortunate to be able to sail on her final deployment during which we supported operations in the Med and Adriatic, during the Yugoslavian conflict and supporting UN operations.  My position as a DP provided me with many opportunities to interact not only with ship board personal but we also supported all of the squadrons and other teams with their IT related needs.  After completion of our final deployment, I was selected to be part of the decommissioning crew, which I can say looking back was a real honor for me.

After the USS Saratoga, I received orders to the USS Wasp LHD-1.  USS Wasp was also an amazing ship with an amazing crew. During my time onboard I made another Med cruise and also a winter North Atlantic cruise where we experienced 80 to 100 foot swells and arctic conditions.  We spent about 3 weeks in Norway supporting training operations and providing arctic training for our 3500 Marines on board.  USS Wasp had an incredible Op tempo at that time.  In my two years on board, I spent maybe a total of 45 days at home in Norfolk, the rest was at sea time.  After the USS Wasp I spent a short time supporting Special Operations boat crews but ultimately decided to separate at the end of my enlistment. 

I spent a total of 8 years in the Navy, which truly changed my life for the better in so many ways and has blessed me with many friendships that I still have today.

After the Navy, I continued to work in IT.  I was worked for Texas A&M University - Kingsville for 10 years as their Network Manager, and now I work for CPS Energy in San Antonio Tx.  I have been with CPS for 17 years. 

San Antonio is where Liz and I attended our first Association reunion and we have enjoyed  every reunion we have been able to attend and every Association member we have met at them.  Being a part of the reunion  provides a great way for me to stay connected to so many great shipmates, it has also provided me a chance to continue to serve.  It is a great honor to be a part of the Scholarship Committee and I have also served as Master At Arms and currently as Association Parliamentarian.  I look forward to continuing to serve in any way possible and look forward to continuing to get to know as many of our Association members as possible. 

I will close by saying thank you to each and every one of you for your honored service and may you and yours be safe. Liz and I look forward to the next time we can all come together again and catch up.  God Bless Shipmates.

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Newsletter
Jerry Church (Newsletter Editor)

If anyone wishes to have an article to be published in the Saratoga Association June Newsletter please e-mail me at churchgeraldc@bellsouth.net.

All officers and committee will be notified in early May of deadline.

Thanks

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Vet Tix… a great veteran’s benefit
Bill Lack (President)
 
If you’re a sports fan, a fan of concerts, theatre, or almost anything that requires tickets…you should be a member of Vet Tix. I stumbled on it a few years ago, since then, I’ve gotten free tickets to NHL games, MLB games, concerts, shows and more…all free (other than a very, very minimal fee).
 
Here’s the mission statement from Vet Tix:
 
Vet Tix secures tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, educational and family activities across the nation. VetTixers sign up online. We verify their service. VetTixers request tickets to events that interest them, then pay a small delivery fee to receive their free tickets.
 
I invite you to go out and join, it’s free and it’s a wonderful benefit to those currently serving and those that have served.  Joining is easy, all you need to do is provide them with a copy of your DD214, they verify it, and you’re ready to start attending events. It’s as simple as that.
 
Check it out at https://www.vettix.org/

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2023 Donors to the Saratoga Association General Fund and Scholarship Fund
 
The Association couldn’t continue to operate as we do without the donations of our shipmates, friends, and family who contribute to the General Fund and the Scholarship Fund.
 
We thank them for their thoughtfulness and generosity.

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Chaplain’s Corner
CAPT Steve Bird, CHC, USN (Ret) (Chaplin)
 
      The media is constantly bombarding us with the negativity of world events like the rising cost of inflation, the riots on an Atlanta police training facility, homelessness on the streets of San Francisco,  the war in Ukraine,  the Chinese spy balloon,  bank closures and the list is endless. Negative, depressing news seems to be broadcast every day. However, sometimes there is a surprising worthy and positive news event that brings a glimmer of hope and a smile at least on my face. On February 8^th, the media reported on what was a spiritual revival, renewal or outpouring at Asbury University, Wilmore Kentucky. It started after a chapel service as students stayed behind in worship of songs, scripture reading and confession of sins and continued until February 24th. This outpouring spread to other campuses like Cedarville University, Cedarville,Ohio; Lee University, Cleveland, Tennessee, and Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama. Asbury University personnel was being quoted of  this revival as being a “spirit of unity and confession.” Students said they felt peace and love.  This comes at a time when the movie and true story, Jesus Revolution, and  The Chosen was released in movie theaters.   
 
This is not new to Asbury University as they experienced a revival back in 1970 during the Jesus Revolution of 1968 -1972, as documented by  the Monday, June 21, 1971 issue of  Time magazine – “The Alternative Jesus: Psychedelic Christ”  (I highly recommend in seeing the movie and reading this article which you can find on line.)  I believe the majority of the Association lived during this time period and your life (like mine) may have been impacted by this “revolution.”  Scripture states in II Chronicles 7:14, “If my people who are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Even though this verse was specifically for the nation of Israel under the reign of Solomon, I believe it is only by the prayers of His people that have kept our great Country together. I Timothy 2:1-3 states, “ I exhort, therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men, for kings and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.”
 
Regardless of what political party is in power, God’s people are to pray for our leaders from the local, State and Federal levels. Just as a side note of church history, Paul wrote this letter to Timothy during the time of the Roman Emperor Nero, who was a cruel blood thirsty tyrant who impaled Christians and used them as human torches as light for his dinner parties.  
      During hard and extremely difficult times, God is still here! Even though we may not see Him working visibly, I believe He is working behind the scenes. Even as He created the heavens and the earth, He created each and every one of  us. I believe He has everything under control whether I realize it or not!
 
Romans 8:24-25 states, “For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.”  
 
I enjoy being your Chaplain! If I can be of assistance to you by an encouraging word or  prayer,  call, text or email me at 704-254-9271 or sbird516@gmail.com

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