Midrats - Spring 2024

1. President's Message            5. Treasurer's Message      9. Sara Kids

2. Vice-President's Message   6. Chaplain's Corner        10. Scholarship Update
3. Reunion Message                7. CV3 Heritage                 11. Special Recognition
4. Secretary's Message           8. Historian Message        12. Wrap Up

Please take a few minutes to read through all the messages.

1. President's Message
     Welcome to 2024 Saratoga Shipmates!  I hope everyone had a healthy and safe Holiday Season. It seems like just yesterday that we were enjoying ourselves at the reunion in Harrisburg, Pa.  Now that the Holidays are all behind us and football season is over, it’s time to focus on 2024 and we are actively working on our 2024 Reunion in Jacksonville, Fl.  After all… it’s only 7 months away.  We are already asking for more rooms as the number of reservations at the Doubletree Hotel are growing rapidly. I believe we will have a very well attended reunion in Jacksonville and if you miss this one, you will miss one of our largest reunions in years.
     One of my responsibilities as President, is to keep the membership growing so we can ensure the Association continues as a viable organization into the future. Our Board Members and I are always focused on that goal, and we are always pushing to get new membership at every opportunity. Over the last year, we have gained a sizeable number of members who served from the 80’s-90’s but we need to keep our foot on the accelerator.  That’s where each of you come into the picture. As I always do, I’m asking each of you to reach out to your former friends/shipmates and anyone else that served on Saratoga and encourage them to join and attend one reunion.  Once they attend a reunion, they will be “Hooked” and they will be glad they joined.  I have really enjoyed tracking down some of the guys who worked with me on Sara and some of them actually joined the association.  I really look forward to the time when we all get together again at a reunion and talk about old times.  I believe you will have the same satisfaction if you make an effort to track down one or more of your Saratoga shipmates.
     Another responsibility I have is to conduct our General Business Meeting at each reunion.  I cannot stress enough how important this meeting is and how important it is for each of you to attend that meeting.  This is where we make decisions that require votes from the membership. If you want to have an impact and a voice, please plan to attend and participate in our discussions.  Don’t forget, this year in Jacksonville is a voting year where we need to elect a new President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.  We always need bodies that are willing to get involved in the day to day running of the Association, and someone willing to take on one of these positions to “Make a Difference”.  So, I encourage each of you to think about the elections and decide if you would be willing to run for any of these positions.  We would love to hear from you and discuss any ideas or thoughts you may have. Please contact any Board Member if you are interested.
Besides electing new officers for the Association while we are in Jacksonville, we will be deciding on the 74^th Reunion location for 2026. So, each of you should be thinking of a great location that you can propose and also be willing to be the chairman to organize it.
     While the ship’s store is still temporarily closed, we are waiting to hear when items are all in position for us to open the on-line ship’s store again.  We are hoping to have that up and running before the end of March 2024. We are also planning to have the ship’s store open again at this 2024 Reunion in Jacksonville.
     I hope you are all getting as fired up about our Reunion in Jacksonville as I am. You don’t want to miss this one, it’s stacking up to be “one to remember”.

Mark Kikta - President

2. Vice-President's Message
     Greetings shipmates and Saratoga Family members. Since my appointment to Temporary Vice President, pending the forthcoming elections at the 2024 reunion, I have been busy reviewing and evaluating all the information I can consume on the USS Saratoga Association. Listed below is my assessment of some of my reviews thus far.
     First and foremost is the annual reunion. Folks this year will be the 72^nd reunion. Jacksonville here we come. I have to agree with others that maybe, “No other Naval Association other than the Saratoga Association”, has been around as long as we have and meet yearly as we do.
     The force is strong between Sara Shipmates. And my wife Susan and I look forward to seeing our close friends along with each and every one of you every year. A lot of work goes into making these reunions come together and fun for all who attend. Hosting last years reunion gave me a lot more insight and respect for the members of the Board and the Volunteers that help bring it all together.  I encourage you to view the website, register and attend.
     If you can only attend one event, make it the Farewell Banquet. But come early and enjoy the company of men who share a common bond: the USS Saratoga.
     Harrisburg had 21 first-time attendees. This year’s host, President Mark Kikta  (aka"Spineripper"), has his work cut out to surpass me. But I don’t put it past him to exceed that number. and he knows he can count on me to help him achieve it.
     Speaking of the website, how many of you notice that every Newsletter Headline includes the Saratoga website address? I encourage you to take some time to review the site and read the information there- in. So much information is available. If you have a question or possible improvement to the site, please contact me and, if warranted, I will present it to the Board at one of our quarterly meetings. In any case I will answer you to the best of my ability. Not everything can be as one would want but the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one or the few. I’m sure I heard that somewhere before!
     Association Membership. The subject speaks for itself. If you’re reading this edition of Midrats then you are most likely already a member. But if you know someone that isn’t and should be, I encourage you to reach out to them and invite them to join. Any family member can be an Honorary member with a one-time fee of $25. I personally would love to see the number of “Sara Kids” increase. I have presented the idea to my children. How about yours?
    Secretary Ed McCready does a wonderful job at maintaining the membership rolls and mailings and I’m sure he would appreciate hearing a Bravo Zulu from you. He has mine…. His contact information is on the website… 
     And finally, in regard to the upcoming reunion in Jacksonville, Florida. If you plan to attend, please look for your Executive Officers and volunteers that put this event together and make it a point to introduce yourself. We are always running around making things happen to insure you are enjoying the reunion. But we will make time to shake your hand, offer a welcome that you’ll remember, and want to come back too year after year. If you have something to contribute to one of our reunion raffles or silent auction tables, please bring it. Always room for one more nautical item.
     Till next time, keep a weather eye on the horizon (sure I heard that somewhere too!) and I’ll see you in JAX!.
Dennis Steinour - Temporary Vice-President

3. Reunion Host / Chairman’s Message:
                             

We are off and running with the 72^nd Reunion in Jacksonville, Fl.  

     I hope you are all considering coming back to your Saratoga roots to spend some quality time with old shipmates and embellish some amazing sea-stores for everyone’s enjoyment. So, as soon as you have time, go to our website and register for the reunion and sign up for our great tours offered this year. 
     On the first day (Wed) when you arrive, you can take the water taxi across the River to visit the USS Orleck Museum (former US Navy ship). For those who attended the last Jacksonville Reunion, the “Jacksonville Landing” across the river which was full of shops/Bars/Restaurants, is no longer there. A park is in its place. For evening entertainment, we will have our usual welcome dinner at the hotel.  For the last couple of years, this was a huge success, and this year should be a great one also.  Since we are in Florida, we are hoping to have a Poolside barbeque as the sun sets overlooking the St John’s River and the City of Jacksonville. This won’t be your average backyard Hot Dog and Hamburger event.  You will also have Smoked Chicken Wings, Honey Mustard Coleslaw, Loaded Baked Potato Salad, Bourbon Baked Beans, Homemade Kettle Chips and Homemade Southern Banana Pudding for dessert.  It should be a unique, fun and scenic kickoff event.
     The second day (Thurs) will be our all day Mayport tour, our trip back to our roots. We will tour Naval Station Mayport by bus, visit an active Navy Ship, have lunch at the Ocean Breeze Conference Center, Visit the Foc’sle Lounge (Former CPO Club) to see our mirror and Saratoga Nameplate and return.  After returning to the hotel, join us for the evening leisure boat cruise on the St John River. Cruising on the St John’s River is always a favorite and a highlight when in Jacksonville. Grabbing a drink on the boat and taking in the sights along the river are quite relaxing especially as the sun sets.
On Friday the Amelia Island tour will be an interesting, fun and scenic place to walk around, shop and grab some food.  The optional Cumberland Island tour is a must for those who want to see some untouched beaches and a basically uninhabited island along the coast. The last time I went there (some 20 years ago), I remember seeing wild pigs and lots of seashells etc. everywhere. Many natural sights which were quite fun to see.  Then you return to the hotel and grab some dinner at the hotel or places nearby (but don’t have any desert!).  At 1930(7:30pm) we start the live Murder Mystery play with Ice Cream Social at the hotel. We had so much positive feedback after we did the Mystery Theater in Mobile, we worked hard to have one once again for your enjoyment here in Jacksonville.  I don’t think you should miss this one!  It was a blast in Mobile!
     On Saturday we will have a lot of events planned for the day including our Religious Service early in the morning followed by our General Business meeting where we will elect New Association Officers and choose our location for the 2026 Reunion.  My wife Kathy is actively working on the program for the Wives Luncheon which she hopes to be as successful as last year. The Banquet Dinner is our highlight and last event for the reunion.  You can expect to have your pictures taken with Spouses and shipmates as usual, followed by a cash bar and reception before the formal dinner begins. 
     We are expecting to have the US Navy Band playing music during the reception as we did in Washington DC and playing the appropriate music to support the Color Guard presentation of the Colors.  After dinner we will have a DJ playing tunes for an evening of dancing. In years past, we’ve had a sizeable crowd hanging out after dinner and associated festivities for some relaxing, socializing and dancing, and I encourage the same here. If dancing isn’t your thing, please hangout and visit with your shipmates one last time since the reunion officially ends as the DJ stops playing.
     Also, besides the restaurant in the hotel, there are a number of places to eat within walking distance.  The Village Bread Café is a Breakfast and Lunch place open 7-3pm daily, Ruth’s Chris Steak house speaks for itself, a Jacksonville favorite and very popular “Southern Grill” open 6:30-10 daily and the High Tide Sandwich Shop 6-3pm daily. For those who may venture down to St Augustine on your free time, the Famous “Columbia” Restaurant is a must for lunch or dinner!
I look forward to seeing all of you in Jacksonville for a great reunion
                     

Here is the DIRECT link for registration:
https://militaryreunionplanners.com/SR/index.php?folder=Sara2024

4. Secretary's Message 
      Over the years the Association has been blessed with many people who volunteered to serve their shipmates. Every other year we elect officers at the Saturday morning business meeting - this year is an election year.  If you have a desire to give back, to serve your shipmates and to become involved in the administration, this is the year for you to step up. There are several advantages to becoming an officer in the Association, not least of which is the satisfaction you receive by genuinely helping your fellow shipmates. I have served as secretary for 10 years and it's time for me to step aside. 
   For the next Secretary, I will explain in detail what the job involves and the time commitment you should anticipate. I will also make myself available anytime you run into a problem, or something occurs that needs an explanation. Also, I will continue to handle some items such as preparing this email communication, you won’t be on your own. This is not a "sink or swim" kind of thing, I'm only a phone call or text away and will provide extensive training so you can hit the ground running with confidence. 
      I started as Secretary in 2014 while continuing my full-time job as the Account Service Manager for a nationwide optical supplier. I wasn't sure if I could continue to do my full-time job and do a decent job for the Association, but I was able to manage. I retired  from my almost 40 year career at the end of 2020.
     Ten years as secretary is long enough. The Association needs fresh ideas and new thinking to move into the future. I've made many changes in process management that benefited the organization, but my business acumen is limited and based on my knowledge of older technology. Our Association deserves a younger and more tech-savvy manager to take over.  I have reached the point I know it's time for me to step aside. 
     If you look at the bylaws online in the files section of the website, you will see the requirements for secretary. You need to be comfortable speaking with shipmates, using a computer, and familiar with Excel and Word programs since virtually all current records are electronic files. You will also need some shelf space for the archives. There are multiple binders of records as well as membership supplies. I will supply all existing electronic files and will explain their purpose as well as the equipment the Association provided such as label maker, laminator, etc.
    At the end of the day, the main requirement is the desire to be a critical part of something bigger than yourself. If you take pride in your abilities, have confidence, and would like to keep the Association moving forward, the time to consider it is now.
Give me a call (804-589-1170) or email (emc0853@yahoo.com), I will be happy to give you a thorough, behind-the-scenes introduction so you can make an informed decision prior to the reunion. 
Non sibi sed patriae / Semper Fortis
Ed McCready - Secretary 

5. Treasurer's Message:   Midrats - Veterans News
     First, as the USS Saratoga Treasurer, I can joyfully announce that your Association is in very good condition. Our Association General Fund has a very positive balance. The Scholarship Fund has enough to provide several awards in 2024. I am always available to talk about our accounts. Please reach out to me via my email.
     Second, I want to share with you some ideas about how to expand your world as a military veteran.
     Over the past 10 years I have become very involved with understanding veteran’s rights and benefits. So much so, that I joined the Veterans Administration as a veteran advocate. The VA calls us Veteran Service Officers (VSO). I enrolled in the extensive training and testing required to become a certified VSO with access to the VA data banks. In the beginning, I worked on just a few claims per year, and today I am involved in one or two per week. I am aligned with the American Red Cross, the Disabled American Veterans, and as an independent agent. Currently, I work three days per week with a team of five VSOs who handle more than 25 cases per week from the entry level to appeals.
     The point I want to make in this newsletter is that we all could and should be better informed. As a veteran benefits advocate, I hear many sad stories about, “if I had only known about that,” or “I wish I had applied sooner,” or “I wish that someone had told me.” My target is to reach veterans and their families and try to get them involved, and on their way to getting the benefits they deserve.
     In the past few years, many changes have taken place at the Congressional level that provides or expands medical coverage to veterans. I encourage every service member to join a military organization like the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), The American Legion (AL), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), along with many others, and read their publications and announcements faithfully. Most of these organizations have magazines or newsletters that are packed with information about current, local, national, and worldwide efforts, testimonials, legislative action, and stories regarding our military services. One such resource is a newsletter called Stars & Stripes. This military publication is always full of stories of interest. The following is a story from a February 2024 edition.

WASHINGTON — Millions of veterans exposed to hazardous substances during military service — from burn pits and sulfur fires to asbestos and firefighting foams — will become eligible next week for free or low-cost care at Department of Veterans Affairs health facilities, agency officials said Monday. Starting March 5, enrollment in VA health care will open to qualifying veterans from the Vietnam War, Gulf War, conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the global war on terrorism, or any other combat zone after 9/11, the VA said. Requirements are waived for veterans to first file a medical claim for disability compensation — and get the claim approved — to access health services at VA clinics, doctor’s offices and hospitals. Copayments for medical treatments related to toxic exposures will be waived for new enrollees. Fees can range from $15 to $50 depending on the type of medical service. Qualifying veterans are eligible for free or low-cost care for a range of health services, including primary care, surgeries, urgent care and emergency services. VA health care coverage also extends to specialized care, such as cancer treatment and kidney dialysis. “Bottom line, it’s now quicker and easier than ever for you to enroll,” said Terrance Hayes, VA press secretary. “You don’t need to be sick or file a claim to become eligible.”
Source - Stars and Stripes February 26, 2024.
     
Again, my point is to help all veterans and their families to become better informed. If you have any questions, please reach out to me by email. If you want to learn more about your rights and benefits go to VA.Gov

Mark K. Beecher -Treasurer   Email:  bizmark@mercurycat.com

6. Chaplain's Corner  -  “Are You Prepared?”                                                                                            

    As I was contemplating what to write for this article, I felt impressed to share with you my experiences being a prayer line responder.  A variety of  people call the prayer line requesting prayer for a specific reason and with who I enjoy talking and praying with whether it is marital, parental regarding children or grandchildren issues, suicide, deliverance from drugs and alcohol, job opportunities, which are very important in praying for them. However, for me, the most difficult calls and heart-breaking calls come from older individuals especially in their 80’s who are single, never been married, or widowed or widower, no children or living relatives and living alone. To some degree, they have decided to live this way but in other instances I do not believe they have taken into consideration the loneliness and the isolation they put themselves in for their own emotional wellbeing. We have been advised, seen or read in being prepared for our financial future,  preparing our wills, funeral arrangements, and preparing for our eternal destination. However, I have not read or taken a course in how to live to overcome loneliness and to avoid  living in isolation like the  87-year-old lady who never married, no living relatives and living in a house in the country 20 miles from town with no transportation, no church support, and limited if any friendships. Now, I realize there is more to this call than what I was being told in the five-minute call. However, what hit me the hardest is the importance of  having good meaningful relationships when one is in their  “golden years” before transitioning to their final eternal destination. Establishing relationships not just with family but within the local church
    (James 1:27; I Timothy 5:3-6 shares the church’s responsibility)  or other meaningful organizations like the Saratoga Association!  It thrills me to hear of the stories and continued relationships made amongst the members of the Association over the past 3 years since I have been with the Association!  
    Returning back to my prayer line experience, I believe many of these older callers use the prayer line as a means to experience “community” with someone who they are able to talk to due to their circumstances and loneliness.  Many of these callers I have spoken to several times over the months. So, here is the question which only you (and myself) need to answer; am I preparing in developing those good relationships so as not to live in isolation and loneliness for the future?  It is certainly on my mind.

   
I enjoy being your Chaplain! If I can be of any assistance to you with prayer or a word of encouragement, feel free to call, text or email me at 704-254-9271 or sbird516@gmail.com

God bless you all!

    
  CAPT Steve Bird, CHC, USN (Ret) - 1983-1985

7. USS SARATOGA (CV-3) – THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA

     The fifth Saratoga (CV-3) was, originally, laid down on 25 September 1920 as Battle Cruiser #3 by the New York Shipbuilding Company, Camden, NJ. Battle Cruisers were a type of Capital Ship, which was lighter and faster than the existing Dreadnoughts. In July 1922, and in compliance with the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922, Battle Cruiser #3 was converted to an aircraft carrier and reclassified CV-3 on 1 July 1922. The Washington Naval Treaty of 1922 directed that all US battleships and battle cruisers shipbuilding activities be cancelled. However, under the terms of the Treaty, unfinished ships could be converted to carriers. Saratoga, sponsored by Mrs. Curtis D. Wilbur, the Wife of the Secretary of the Navy, was launched on 7 April 1925 and commissioned on 16 November 1927. Saratoga, designated as a Lexington Class Carrier, joined her Sister Ship USS Lexington (CV-2) for assignment with the Pacific Fleet in 1928. Captain Harry E. Yarnell was the first Commanding Officer of CV-3. The beginning of a new era in the use US Naval Fleet Carriers and Naval Aviation had begun.

Captain Steven R. Medina, USN (ret)

8.  Historian Message   -   Saratoga I

    Hello Shipmates, this is my first attempt at something Historical for you to hopefully enjoy. I thought that the best way to start was at the beginning so here goes. This is particularly important because March 1781 is when Saratoga 1 was lost at sea a few days after the Ides of March. 
    Saratoga 1 was a sloop weighing 150 tons, launched 10 April 1780, commanded by Captain John Young. Because of insufficient ballast, Sara was unstable under full sails. The first weeks Captain Young sailed the shipping lanes while training the crew. On 9 September, the lookout spotted an unknown sail and Captain Young sailed toward the ship. He was able to identify the vessel as a British brig. For 3 hours the ships exchanged cannon fire and the brig finally sailed away. Saratoga returned home, blooded but not victorious. While heading home she encountered another British merchantman which quickly surrendered and Saratoga escorted the ship into the Delaware river. The British prize brought badly needed funds to the Continental treasury.
     In October, Saratoga encountered 2 ships, one of which was the "Charming Molly" and the other one was a small schooner, "Two Brothers". Captain Young ordered the ships to surrender but Charming Molly declined. The schooner fled but Captain Young closed the distance to the Charming Molly and a boarding party led by Lt. Joshua Barney, fought a short but fierce hand-to-hand battle. The British merchantman was forced to yield and Captain Young ordered a small crew aboard to take command to the merchantman. Then he ordered the helmsman to chase the schooner. The chase was short and the schooner struck her colors. The British crew revealed that they were part of a bigger fleet of merchantmen sailing for Jamaica. After repairs to Charming Molly, Captain Young sailed after the merchant fleet.
    Later that day, the lookout sighted 3 sails in the distance and Captain Young ordered the helmsman to pursue the ships. One of the ships ran while Saratoga engaged the other two. The Saratoga pulled into port and anchored in the Delaware off Chester, Pa. with her prizes on 14 October.
    Saratoga remained in port while refitting and training new crewmen that had been brought aboard to replace those that had stayed on the captured British ships - which was now part of the American fleet.
    Saratoga set sail on 15 December heading to Hispaniola to help bring badly needed French supplies to the new nation. On 20 December, Saratoga encountered the British privateer, "Resolution". Both ships fired at the same time. Resolution did very little damage, but Saratoga scored direct hits forcing the privateer to surrender. Saratoga escorted the British ship to Cape Henlopen and reached his destination on New Year’s Day 1781.
    During the months of January, February and March 1781, Saratoga continued to engage and defeat British ships.
    It was during March 1781 that Saratoga was lost at sea with all hands due to fearful winds. No details on her fate was ever discovered.    

Mike Curry - Historian  

9. Sara Kids

10. Scholarship Update

    
    A Reminder from your Scholarship committee, that the application time for 2024 is open, and will close on June 30, 2024.
    We want to thank each and everyone of you who have donated to this amazing program. Our ability to fund the Scholarship program is solely dependent on your generous donations. Please remember your donations are tax deductible.
    The Scholarship program was created in 2017 with the purpose of enhancing the legacy of the Association, as well as offering an additional benefit to being an Association Member. The Scholarship program is a tool to allow the name "USS Saratoga" to continue on in perpetuity.
    For Detailed Information, go to www.USS-Saratoga.com and open the scholarship link to learn more about the eligibility requirements and to apply online.

2023 Scholarships awards and corresponding school they are now attending:       

                   
Respectfully,
Frank R. Salinas Chairman USS Saratoga Scholarship Committee

11. A Special Recognition

   I would like to take this opportunity to offer a special recognition to one person who has contributed unselfishly to our organization for many years.  That person is our past President, Brad Senter.

   Our newest members may not know Brad, but the majority of us do, and he has been an inspiration to us all throughout his time in office. Brad served as the Association President for a period over 27 years, with the exception of a brief period of illness during his tenure. Over these many years, he cheerfully dedicated his life to the growth and successful daily operation of the Association.  We want to thank Brad for these many years of dedicated service and express our sincere appreciation for all he did for each of us, while keeping the USS Saratoga Association a well-run organization that has set the bar high at every endeavor.
    The job of President of our Association requires dedication of many hours to orchestrate our terrific reunions and coordinate the daily operations. Brad was the driving force behind the planning and execution of over 25 excellent reunions during his tenure.  As you know, we are about to enjoy our 72^nd consecutive reunion in Jacksonville later this year, and you can be assured that this long list of successful reunions didn’t happen on their own without a lot of “stick and rudder”.  Brad provided that “stick and rudder” for almost 30 years. He was also the glue that kept the Association together during some difficult times in the early years of his tenure.  There were periods of financial difficulty when the future of the association was seriously in jeopardy. Under Brad's leadership, the membership continued to grow, the financial situation continued to improve, and this Association gained a bright future.  Brad naturally motivated others to volunteer and participate as he drove the changes required to ensure the organization remained successful. Brad would roll up his sleeves and personally negotiate with Hotels, Tour Companies, Caterers, Bartenders, Bands, DJ’s, and Photographers and do whatever it took to make each reunion one to remember.  Brad was the president with a vision, and the ability to articulate that vision so it could be driven to completion.
    Under Brad's Presidency, examples of some changes we now enjoy are: a terrific website which is light-years ahead of most other organizations like ours, a fresh new modern Association logo and a highly successful scholarship program funded by member donations for families of association members that will keep the Saratoga name going in perpetuity. Additionally Brad presided over several key administrative changes which enhanced the Association and contributed to increased membership. This out-of-the-box thinking is now being adopted by other ship organizations like ours.
    There is no question that today, because of Brad’s exemplary leadership and total dedication to duty for close to 3 decades, we enjoy a forward-looking organization that is financially secure and clearly sets the example for other similar organizations to emulate.
   Those who will follow Brad in holding of the office of president in this organization, have some “BIG” shoes to fill.

   Thank you Brad for a Job Well Done, We salute you!

Mark Kikta

12. Wrap Up  "Set material condition X-Ray"

Thanks for viewing the Spring 2024 edition of Midrats. This year is our "Homecoming"  where we will once again renew our memories of Mayport and the Jacksonville area as well as reuniting with shipmates we haven't seen for decades. A lot has changed over the years. It's a good bet we won't recognize the geography!
Attending a reunion is a cathartic experience - it releases emotions and memories which have a profound therapeutic effect. If you're a regular attendee, you know - if this is your first reunion, go into it with an open mind and a willingness to experience something new. Who knows, maybe you'll make it an annual event!