InterNetwork Designs, whose offices are at 114 W. Colorado, Monrovia, California. InterNetwork Designs is owned by Mike Pollard, son of Shari (Fent) and Chuck Pollard, both M.A.D. Class of '51. InterNetwork
Designs is the premier ISP for websites and DSL in the Monrovia area. If you're nearby and still timing out on that slow modem, call Mike at
(626) 358-1057, or e-mail him at mpollard@
interdesigns.net You'll download up to ten times faster, and receive internet and email service for less than you're paying now for your second phone line, email, and internet access. Really!!


 

Letters

 

Gene Cameron '50
Silverton, OR
Godsacres@cafetoday.net

 

 

Posted 2-4-08

From Jim Regan 2-4-08 

Gary,

My brother-in-Law, Ray Brownwood ('48), recently wrote an interesting story to his family and friends about his WWII experience. I thought it might be of interest to his former classmates, especially those that served their country when he did. You might want to pass it on to the editors of the classes of '47and '48. I'm sure that many of our mates have had experiences that we would ALL would find of interest. When you read about the lives of our former students, it is no wonder we have been dubbed "the Greatest Generation."

Jr

 

SHEMYA and ATTU

Hi Gregg, My Three Sons and other Distinguished
relatives,

I’m not sure how many of you knew that my job in the
Air Force (‘48-‘52) was as a Control Tower Operator.
Other than being a pilot I think that job was the best
job that I could have had.

After Basic Training at Shepard AFB, close to Wichita
Falls, Texas I was home for a week then went to Scott
AFB by Belleville Illinois for training as a Tower
Operator. On to Hamilton AFB by San Rafael Calif. to
await a ship (oh my, did I get sea sick) headed for
Alaska. In March of ‘49 I arrived in Anchorage, Alaska
and was a Tower Operator at Elmendorf AFB until the
day after the start of the Korean War.
 

On June 26, 1950 I was sent to the tiny island of
Shemya which was close to the end of the Aleutian
chain. Shemya is two miles wide and four miles long.
The last Island out is Attu, which was about forty
miles to our west. South of us was the unoccupied
island of Agattu. These three islands, plus two really
small islands immediately west of us, which I thought
were big piles of volcanic rock, are called the Near
Islands.

In Feb. ‘42 the Japanese occupied both Attu and Kiska,
which was further up the chain. On Attu there were
forty three Alutes plus an American teacher and her
husband. They never knew what happened to the man, but
the teacher and forty three Alutes were taken to a
prison camp in Japan.

On May 11, ‘43 our US troops started the battle of
Attu, .which was the second most deadly battle of
WWII. You can read the story by clicking on Attu.  We
buried some 2,389 Japanese, mostly that we killed, but
some committed suicide. We took only forty three
prisoners. Our losses were something like 589 killed,.
1,189 wounded and about 1,200 suffered some sort of
frostbite many of which lost feet, legs or arms. When
we went to Kiska prepared to fight a battle there, we
discovered it was unoccupied! The Japanese had sent in
a ship in the night, under cover of dense fog, and
took off all their troops. I think we had one killed
there from friendly fire.

My tour at Shemya was 6/26/50 to 3/11/51 and was a
very busy time. I think I was there about six weeks
before I ever saw the sun. The northern route for the
Korean Air Lift was thru Shemya. Northwest Airlines
flew that route as their regular scheduled flights to
Tokyo on a year around basis. When the Korean War
started we needed troops there in a hurry. The Army
contracted several different air carriers to fly
troops to Tokyo, I think for a price of $1,000 a head.
The northern route was from San Francisco
(Fairfield-Susan?) to Seattle. to Anchorage, Shemya
and on to Tokyo. That was about 24 hours flying time
in DC-4's which they were all flying in those days.
There might have been a few DC-6's, but I only recall
DC-4's. The southern route was via Hawaii, Wake and I
don't know where else before getting to Tokyo. In the
summer when the weather was "good" most of the
carriers flew the northern route. During the winter
when the weather was "bad" all but Northwest headed
for the southern route which was about forty hours
flying time. From Anchorage to Shemya was seven hours
and on to Tokyo was another seven and one half
hours. We nearly always had thick fog and high winds.
Essentially all landings were by GCA (ground
controlled approach) on runway 28.

I found a great story on the internet about two
RC-135S spying on Russia  from Shemya. They rotated
out of Eilsen AFB near Fairbanks. I have spent several
hours over the last couple years reading that and
related stories. If you open Shemya you should be able
to find " Rivet Ball-Amber Shemya" by Lt, Col..
Kingdon Hawes. It is a terrific story about these two
planes monitoring missle launches and re-entry into
the Komendorski peninsula during the Cold War era of
the mid 60's.

After, or perhaps during, the battle for Attu in May
'43 our construction guys (probably the CB's) landed
on Shemya to build some runways ..Shemya is only two
miles wide and four miles long. The main runway 10/28
is 10,000 feet long. There are two short runways on
the west end of the island that are about 3,500 feet.
We built an asphalt plant on the south side of the
island where there was an abundant suppy of sand. We
brought in thousands of 55 gallon drums of oil. One
day as I was walking around I came upon this huge
stack of rusted oil drums. I stuck my index finger
into the ead of a drum and out shot a big stream of
oil. When the runways were coimpleted we actually
started bombing some of the northern islands of Japan
with B-24's. The only runway in use while I was there
was 10/28. My memory is so bad that it could have been
9/27, but  I do know that it was East/West.

Now the jets all fly directly from the West Coast
directly to Tokyo so there is no need for refueling
stops like Shemya. I think it was closed for good
about '92, but there is still apparently some
automatic weather reporting equipment there as I check
"Current Weather on Shemya" on a regular basis.

After I left the island there was some giant radar
antenni installed (probably early '60s) which must
have been part of the DEW (Distant Early Warning)
lines.

Anyway if you can find some time to read Rivet
Ball-Amber I think you will find it VERY
interesting!!!!!!!! And Gregg, you being a pilot I
think you''l find a warm spot in your heart for what
these crews went thru. Also I think your Dad did a
little spying on the Komendorski's when he went under
the Ice Cap aboard the Plunger.
 

 

As the items on here were getting pretty old I have moved Jim and Vangie's wedding pix from the '50 page to here.

The Wedding

Here is the cover pix from the CD that was handed out at the wedding, it appears to be taken from the deck of the Midway.

 

All I can say is "Looking Good", and the CD of "The Fureys" is really great too.

 

Sunday, I am adding a bunch more pix I pulled from the video I shot Sat.

Below, the bus delivering folks from the parking lot across the street.

 

Below the San Diego skyline in the background, kind of hazy but nice.

 

Below, Jim and guests watch Vangie walking down the isle.

 

Below, North Island in the background.

 

Below, upper deck view.

 

Below, a nice yawl heading out, not everyone was getting married.

 

Below, Jim and Marjean (new sis-in-law) jitter bug to Rock Around the Clock.

 

Below, all the MAD folks were gathering for a pix and I had to play ham.

 

Now back to the Saturday pix I put up.

You should have been there, if you weren't here are a few pix I took today,

Sat 10-21-06

The bus ride from the parking across the street, Jerome & Pat Johnson, Steve and Shirley Brodie.

 

The other newly weds, Harriet & Ian below.

 

Genelle & Bobby Cox below.

 

Vangie starting down isle below.

 

The wedding setting, right on the bay below

 

The KISS below

 

Married, Marjean clapping below

 

The new Mr & Mrs Regan below

The family Blue Grass Band that had played at the Dude Ranch when Jim & Vangie were there. They invited the band to play at their wedding and here they are below.

 

Jim making the table rounds at table 23 with Paulette & Don, Mary & George, Steve & Shirley and myself, Barbara didn't feel good this morning and her chair was empty. They had assigned seating and Bobby Cox had told me they had invited 400, below

 

Here Jim & Vangie are posing for some pix below

 

The first dance with Jim and Vangie below

 

Jim's daughter telling about Jim starting his trips to San Diego, she told a great story below

 

Posted 1-20-08

This is from Earl Mortenson's daughter, Cheri, guess the reunions really do have an effect on many people---

Love, Gene and Fran Cameron

"Awesome Wines Company"

Silverton, Oregon

cell: (503) 341-4876

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Cheri Appelhans [mailto:sheena@ruraltel.net]
Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2008 1:56 AM
To: Gene Cameron
Subject: RE:

 

Please make sure that everyone will be missed by my dad and I will miss the stories he comes home with every time he went to see the classmates.  They all had such special places in my dad's heart, and it showed every time he came back for such a wonderful time.  Be safe and have fun and keep making special memories..........Love you, Cheri 

 

-------Original Message-------

 

From: Gene Cameron

Date: 1/19/2008 12:43:32 PM

To: Cheri Appelhans

Subject: RE:

 

Yes, we received the photos and they were womnderful. We will share them with classmates at the Palm Springs outing next week--

Much love, Gene and Fran

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Cheri Appelhans [mailto:sheena@ruraltel.net]
Sent: Friday, January 18, 2008 6:30 AM
To: Gene Cameron
Subject: RE:

 

I can't explain to you how many times I know dad has been with me lately....I think he listens to me better now then he used to.....and I will ALWAYS keep  his memory alive, otherwise I would find myself dying too......Did you get the pics and pamphlets I sent???  Hope all is going well.....

 

Love always,

Cheri 

 

-------Original Message-------

 

From: Gene Cameron

Date: 1/18/2008 8:27:01 AM

To: Cheri Appelhans

Subject: RE:

 

Cheri: Isn't it amazing, we are always reminded of those we love! I, too, know there are 'angels' all around me, even as I go through my usual rounds each day. My 'Nancy' is still here, somewhere, but Fran lets me know it's o.k. to keep her memory alive----

How wonderful to have been 'lucky' in love twice in one's lifetime!

Gene and Fran

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Cheri Appelhans [mailto:sheena@ruraltel.net]
Sent: Friday, January 18, 2008 4:55 AM
To: bodie cooper; Charlie Bock; Don; Dorothy Heim; Gene Cameron; Gil & Rhonda Appelhans; glory; Jack Thomas; Jackie Goeken; Jennifer Wildeman; laurie mcewen; marge; Rhonda Goddard
Subject:

 

 

 

Especially the last part...

 

I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry. The pain of losing my husband of 57 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories. He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands.

 

He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on. Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two.

 

Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak. Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket.. hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks.

 

She saw me watching her and she smiled. "My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know." I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes. "My husband passed away eight days ago," I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. "Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have together."

 

She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away. I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone.

 

I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile! I had ever seen.. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine.

 

As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes. "These are for you," she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. "When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for." She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision

 

I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone. Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel.

 

Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are.  (Please read all of this, it is really nice)  This is a simple request. If you appreciate life, send this to your friends, including! the person that sent it to you.  Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings.  Thank you, Lord, that I can hear.  There are many who are deaf.  Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible.  Thank you, Lord , that I can see.  Many are blind.  Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising.  Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise.  There are many who are bedridden.  Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud.  Thank you, Lord, for my family.  There are many who are lonely.  Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced.  Thank you, Lord, for the food we have.  There are many who are hungry.  Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous.  Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work.  There are many who have no job.  Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest.  Thank you, Lord, for life. 

Pass this on to the friends you know.  It might help a bit to make this world a better place to live, right?  A friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift.  A friend is someone to treasure.  For friendship is a gift.  A friend is someone who fills our lives with Beauty, Joy and Grace and makes the world we live in a better and happier place.

YOU ARE MY FRIEND!

God bless you and yours.

Now send this to every friend you have and don't forget me.

 

This is from Gary Freeman 11-28-07

We are so very lucky to live in the USA and this poem says it truly for our warriors in the field.

 

A Different Christmas Poem
 

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,

My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
 

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,

Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,

Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,

So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream. 

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,

But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the

sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow. 

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,

And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight. 

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,

Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

'What are you doing?' I asked without fear,

'Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!' 

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,

Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light

Then he sighed and he said 'Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.'

'It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,

That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,

I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,'

Then he sighed, 'That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.' 

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',

And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,

But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

I can live through the cold and the being alone,

Away from my family, my house and my home. 

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,

I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,

Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..

Who stand at the front against any and all,

To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.'

'So go back inside,' he said, 'harbor no fright,

Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.' 

'But isn't there something I can do, at the least,

'Give you money,' I asked, 'or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done,

For being away from your wife and your son.'

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,

'Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long. 

For when we come home, either standing or dead,

To know you remember we fought and we bled.

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,

That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.'

 

PLEASE, Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S.service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

 

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN

30th Naval Construction Regiment

OIC, Logistics Cell One

Al Taqqadum , Iraq.

 

******************* Quotable Quote **************************

"Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain." ~~ Unknown

 

 

 

 

Here's a note from "Mortie's" daughter, Cheri--

Collectively, from all his friends, flowers were sent to the funeral. Cheri and her brother were pleased beyond words of the expression of love from his classmates.

I know there are several people who are still grieving their(our) loss---

Love, Gene and Fran

godsacres@cafetoday.net

cell: 503 341-4876

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Cheri Appelhans [mailto:sheena@ruraltel.net]
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 10:29 AM
To: Gene Cameron
Subject:

 

Hi Gene......Could you send this to Jim Reagan for me?  I was looking through the Mad Cats website and saw the tribute to dad and wanted to send this message to him, but unfortunately it keeps coming back to me.  Hope all is well with you and Fran.  Don't let the class forget dad at your reunion....

 

Love Always,

Cheri Appelhans

 

Jim,

I was going through the Mad Cat pages, and saw the tribute to my dad, Earl Mortensen.  It is very thoughtful and beautiful.  My father was a very kind and giving man who loved so many people.  I had really hoped that he would have been able to go to this year's class reunion, but although he may not be there physically I am sure he will be there spiritually.  Thank you for all the wonderful memories you all gave my father and for making the past few years exceptional for him....

 

Cheri Appelhans

 

 

Here's the latest message from Earl Mortensen's daughter, Cheri--

I'll let everyone know what services they are going to have as soon as I know.

 

Love, Gene and Fran Cameron

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Cheri Appelhans [mailto:sheena@ruraltel.net]
Sent: Saturday, September 22, 2007 4:01 AM
To: Godsacres@cafetoday.net
Subject:

 

My dearest Gene,

    Please let everyone of dad's high school friends know just how very special each and every one of them was to him.  Finding you all again made him feel young again, and I think the ole' boy even had a crush on some of his old high school girlfriends.  He would smile and his eyes would light up every time he talked about them.......just like a little boy.........Dad didn't realize he was dying until I told him, and then when I explained he wasn't going to get better, he relaxed and let God take care of things.......he didn't suffer, I even got a wink before he left me... He is and always will be the greatest man in my life and he will be greatly missed.....

 

When I get things figured out better, I'll let you know the details of his funeral.

 

Once again thank everyone for their unending prayers and unconditional love that made my father's passing a simple and beautiful thing....I will be forever grateful for you all........

 

Cheri

 

 

Earl Mortensen died 9-21-07, see the Ponderings page for details.

Received from Gene 9-20-07

Gary: Got a call from Cheri this evening, Mortie's stable, but still in ICU.

We'll know more tomorrow night how he's going to be---

Thanks for all you do for us, much appreciated.

Love, Gene and Fran

P.S. If I every had doubts about prayer before, I really believe now---

 

 

More on Earl Mortensen from Gene 9-19-07

Call from his daughter, Cheri, this morning, he's not doing very well. Dropping blood pressure, internal bleeding, lots of pain. He's in ICU for the duration of tests and observation. She'll call me with any updates--

Makes us realize how fortunate we all are with such good health!

Love, Gene and Fran

 

 

Another letter on Earl Mortensen, dated 9-17-07, not good.

And, now, more bad news--

Love, Gene and Fran   

-----Original Message-----
From: Cheri Appelhans [mailto:sheena@ruraltel.net]
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2007 12:34 PM
To: Gene Cameron
Subject: RE: Dad

 

I just spoke to dad's nurse......He is bleeding from the rectum now and they are planning on giving him blood........I don't know what is going on but I'll keep you informed. 

 

-------Original Message-------

 

From: Gene Cameron

Date: 9/17/2007 2:32:00 PM

To: Cheri Appelhans

Subject: RE: Dad

 

Cheri: Thanks for the update, I've forwarded your message to Paulette and the 'gang'--

Our prayers are still with you and your family--

Love, Gene and Fran

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Cheri Appelhans [mailto:sheena@ruraltel.net]
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2007 8:11 AM
To: Gene Cameron
Subject: Dad

 

Just thought I'd give you an update........I was so hoping that dad would get out today, but the other day he pulled a muscle in his right thigh walking up the stairs at the hospital.  He is now in severe pain, that as of right now is not controlled and his blood pressure has bottomed out again.  He was crying when I talked to him this morning.  I don't know what they will be doing for him, but I do hope they do something.........

 

Cheri

 

 

 

Letters regarding Earl Mortensen. 9-16-07

 

Got a call from Cheri, Earl Mortensen's daughter! Thursday morning, he was admitted to the hospital with a clot on his lung. After being in ICU for several hours, he came out feeling much better. Cheri called us at 7 a.m., and we promised her we'd pray for Mortie. I called later that afternoon, and Earl answered the 'phone! I said "Hi, Cheri", and he said, in his deep voice, "It's not Cheri, it's me!"

God listens, we just need to trust Him----

Love to all, Gene and Fran

godsacres@cafetoday.net

"Awesome Wines Company"

Silverton, Oregon

cell: 503 341-4876

 P.S. Gary: Sorry I didn't get back to you that day, it's been hectic!!!!