Naval Weather Service Association

Hampton Roads Chapter
Norfolk, VA
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Naval Weather Service Association's 37th Annual Reunion
HAMPTON ROADS CHAPTER
NWSA 2011 REUNION
April 27 - May 2011
Virginia VA
Click Here for more details

Source: Aerograph February, 2010

President Marty Nemcosky
Vice President Ted Lemond
Treasurer Bob Daigle
Secretary Fay Crossley
Social Coordinator Frank Muscari
VA Representative Joan Akers

The HRC January meeting was held at Cagney’s

Restaurant in Norfolk on 10 January. In attendance:

Chuck Steinbruck and Louise Moore, Ron Pritchard,
John and Ive Chubb, Floyd and Joan Akers, George
Delano , Ted Lemond and Marily Johnston , Chuck
and Eileen Fifield, Ralph and LaRue Wright, Dennis
and Susan Pauly, Rob and Jessie Steiner, Marty
Nemcosky and Doris Stepaniak, Bob and Carol

Daigle and Fay and Donna Crossley. (24)

Possible Interesting notes:

Pre-meeting Meet and Greet went well. Dues for the 2010 year were collected by Treasurer Daigle. John Chubb won the 50/50 of $35, but he donated $18 of his winnings back to the club coffers. Collects of food and clothing were accepted by the V. A. Representative to be delivered to the Hospital. She had a car full, and delivered the goodies on 1/12. There was lots of chatting, but the restaurant has a room with doors. A prayer was offered by Chuck Steinbruck, everyone was very satisfied with their meal selections (Bob Daigle and Donna Crossley even had LIVER).

Roster updates were discussed, the Secretary will be responsible for corrections on a quarterly basis and see that corrections are sent to the NWSA B List.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER

1. Chuck Steinbruck announced that he and Louise have become engaged. The HRC is proud they made the announcement at our meeting. We wish them all the happiness in the world.

2. Bob Daigle gave the membership insight into the Navy activities and changes that are taking place. (BTW Bob hope to retire in June 2010). “Currently, the weather center in Norfolk houses 4 commands. It's currently planned to merge NAFC/NMFC & SGOT to one command. SGOT will move to a separate building, I think in the old weather center building we used to be in in the early 70's, prior to moving into this building in 72.

NAFC & NMFC will merge and become one entity on the ops floor. PDD to remain independent. At this time it's also planned to bring back the O6 billet and the CMC billet. All this to occur sometime in 2010. NAS Brunswick Maine is now closed and its anticipated weather support will end by 01 Feb 2010. All dets (now know as components) have contract observer, no military. The components with forecasters are civilian forecasters and some of the contract observers are also doing some forecasting but their primary job is observing."

3. Fay Crossley has sent corrections to the B list for Vern Gray and Phil Duncan, address and email changes. Meeting was adjourned about 1815.

From the Presidents Desk – Marty Nemcosky:

We started making preparations for NWSA # 37 shortly after the Jacksonville ’s # 35 reunion. The dates will be April 27 to 1 May 2011. Make sure to mark your perpetual calendars. We backed up a week to let all the Mothers enjoy their day on 8 May. We checked out the hotels and had a tough time deciding on the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center or Lake Wright. The Resort Hotel was very good to us in 1992 and 2000. When we negotiated the rate from $139 to $102 we voted for them again. Besides you all deserve a classy venue. We even get use of the Horizons room for our hostility (Hospitality) room. It has heads, sinks and all the amenities of home.

All of this while also thinking about NWSA #36 in Dallas/Ft Worth in 2010.

I had a hernia surgery on 4 Jan 10, which actually became two hernia operations. This was quite a change for me as I’m used to checking in the hospital with pneumonia about this time of the year. My friend Doris was in her Florence Nightingale role again, making sure I don’t lift anything heavier than a bowling ball. Am doing well.

... See MORE in the February 2010 Aerograph!

MARTY NEMCOSKY: Always giving to others and not concerned about himself, Marty had an operation January 4, and was still able to captain the Hampton Roads Chapter of the NWSA meeting on January 10. When I grow up, I hope I have his drive. We continue to wish him well and ask for a speedy recovery for him.

Source: Aerograph November 2009

President            Marty Nemcosky
Vice President            Ted Lemond
                                 Bob Daigle
Secretary                 Fay Crossley
Social Coordinator Frank Muscari
VA Representative      Joan Akers

Our October meeting was held on 04 October 09 at Cagney’s Restaurant located in Norfolk , VA. A new venue for us and one we totally enjoyed so well that our January 2010 meeting will be held there. Cagney’s offers great country cooking, outstanding atmosphere with a perfect area for meetings. In attendance: Marty Nemcosky with friend Doris Stepaniak, Fay and Donna Crossley, Bob Daigle, Dennis Pauly, Frank and Eve Muscari, Ted Lemond, Floyd and Joan Akers, Ralph and LaRue Wright, and Mike Joern.

CHAPTER NEWS:

Elections of officers were held and the following individuals were elected: President Marty Nemcosky (Incumbent), Vice President Ted Lemond (New), Treasurer Bob Daigle (New, former Secretary), Secretary Fay Crossley (New, former VP), Social Coordinator Frank Muscari (New), VA Representative Joan Akers (Incumbent)

From the Desk of “The Weather Mouse” Joan Akers

I am very quiet today. Marty called to tell me about Bertha Hubbard. She is no longer with us. Our friend in the Genealogical organization, Earl, died just a short time ago and our son in Ohio said a beautiful, bright 22 year old who was in his daughter's wedding on September 4th just died of pneumonia. My family friend of over 50 years became ill and over two months time died. This is a sad beginning to a letter to all of the folks in Meteorology, but it is so I can make a request.

Please, today, extend a hand of help; dial a number and say, "I love you. How are things and what can I do to help?" Go next door and see your neighbors. Smile at those you meet at the grocery store or anywhere else. This may be the last time you are able to do that for them.

Perhaps it is just that I am old, 78 this November, but I am watching my friends and acquaintances die off one by one. There are things I wish I had said or done. Visits I might have made or a shoulder I might have given for someone to cry on. Slowly my world of friends is shrinking.

A lot of us these days are caregivers. A lot of them are like me, keeping a spouse in the home, rearranging the house so he is comfortable. Think that is easy? Our children, Fred, Alexander, Sharon, Nachar, Karen, Nathan, they all took turns working on a bathroom not well done 45 years ago. Only 2 walls to the shower and no room to bend over. And they redid the bathroom so

the shower is useable, the walls are a lovely sandy color, the tile in the shower is expert workmanship. And it took many hours from all of them to do this.

They cleaned out Floyd's office, moved a 6 foot long, solid wood desk and removed the CB radio, tons of books and other things. And then they helped set up the new bed so Floyd did not have to go far to sleep.

We had "Better Living" come in and build a 14 by 18 sun room about two years ago. And now that is where Floyd spends most of his time. He ignores the new bedroom and prefers the sunroom with the birds, the sunlight and the moon and stars at night. The outside literally seems to come inside. Rain makes noise on the roof, mostly a very happy tippity tipping, but when the rain is hard it is a thunder of drums that drowns out everything else. His TV is there, a coffee table and a rocker, book shelves and a dog who likes to sleep under his bed. I wish all of the people who are older, slowing down or exhausted and ready to leave us had such a place.

So I am asking that we all say a prayer or two, stop and see the friends we have not seen in ages, make that call that could mean a lot to someone lonely. Send a card, walk next door and say "Hi". It is a small thing, doesn't take much time but it could mean the world to someone else.

Remind those who have lost loved ones that their love and care do not leave us. They are with us always helping to keep us safe and loved. Would you like to hear a story or two about that?

My grandfather died before my grandmother. One night she got her dress stuck on a slip strap and when she got it loose and took it off she told me my grandfather was standing there looking just as young and handsome as the day she married him.

A week before she died, she was lying in bed when my Aunt Sadie came to visit. Aunt Sadie went to sit in the chair next to the bed and my grandmother told her to get away from there, my grandfather was sitting in it.

My mother-in-law, 95 when she died, knew her husband, Orie, was there. She said many times he got her out of trouble. He comforted her and kept her safe.

When my father died, my son and I went home with my stepmother. She asked that we edge the yard. We tried and the edger would not start. While Fred and I stood in the garage doorway a ball dropped on my head. It had been hung on a string so my father could get the car in that very narrow garage. No one had touched it. We laughed and then tried the edger again. No electricity. I tried every switch and plug in the garage and then said, "Okay, Pop, quit playing." Fred tried the edger again and it ran. And the same thing happened in the front yard. No electricity no matter how I flipped the switches till I asked my Dad to stop teasing. And the edger ran again.

The next morning our son left for Newark and Marion and I sat down to breakfast. The overhead light suddenly went out. I looked at Marion, my stepmother, who said that had never happened before. Then I looked across the kitchen and there was my Dad standing in the doorway, leaning on his right shoulder and laughing. Marion could not tell he was there. I said, "Okay, Pop, you kept your promise to come back and let

me know things are all right when you die." And he disappeared; the light came back on and never again went off by it self.

I have discovered many people have stories like that. So please, my friends, make that call, stop by, send a card or just walk next door and say "Hi". If you smile at a stranger and say "Hello", it might be the only friendship they get that day. Yours might be the love and encouragement your friend needs that keep him or her from being so terribly alone. SMILE, say "HI", and you will see a brighter, better world. The Lord watch between me and thee, while we are absent one from another.

The Weather Mouse.

Jack Salvato just had his second cataract surgery on 3 September and it was very successful. It’s the first time in 26 years that he didn’t have to wear glasses. The reading part is still not where it could be but with a little luck that won’t be a problem much longer. It seems that Jack will need a knee replacement in the very near future. Our thoughts and prayer are with you.

In Memory Of

BERTHA L. HUBBARD

Open the gate wide, Saint Peter. Another of your favorite women, Bertha Hubbard, is coming home. She is a Navy wife so you know she is great. Bertha was a friend to all she met and shared so many things she made us feel like family. The roll call here will be silent as our names are called to order, but Saint Peter, you and God will be able to announce to all of heaven that Bertha Hubbard, excellent Navy wife and friend to all has joined the heavenly ranks. Our loss is your gain but it will not be too long and the rest of us will answer the call up yonder. Keep the light on and the gate open, and remember we send our love. The Navy Weather Service Association, all of us. “Pen by the Weather Mouse”

Submitted by Bob Daigle, Secretary

Source: Aerograph August 2009

President                 Marty Nemcosky
Vice President         Fay Crossley
Treasurer                 Mike Joern
Secretary                 Bob Daigle
Social Coordinator    Dennis Pauly
VA Representative    Joan Akers

Our July meeting was held on 04 July 09 at ADM and Mrs. Chubb’s. An annual event for HRC.

In attendance: John and Ive Chubb with family John Chubb III, Chris Chubb, Teresa Chubb and Sarah Chubb, Bob and Carol Daigle, Fay and Donna Crossley, George and Diana DeLano, Bob and Jessie Steiner with family Kathy Hampton, Faith Banks and Robert Banks, Frank and Eve Muscari, Marty Nemcosky with guests Doris Stepaniak, David Maresca, Cheryl Maresca and Allyson Maresca, Jack and Ann Salvato with family Greg Salvato and Jacqui Salvato, Chuck Steinbuck with friends Louise Moore, Beth Phillips and Mel Phillips (Chief Machinists Mate Retired), Ted Lemond with friend Marilyn Johnston.

From the Presidents Desk – Marty Nemcosky:

Thanks to Bobby Johnson and the Southeast Chapter for hosting NWSA # 35 in Jacksonville , FL. Even if we had to use our AG presence to break the Florida drought, it was a very successful reunion in respect to hotel selection and activities planned for the event. So it rained on our golf match a bit. Some stuck it out and finished. Some got rain checks and I pulled the plug rather than chance pneumonia #3 for this year. It was a good course & I really enjoyed it as far as I went. I had my quota (2) of pars for 9 holes even if I only finished four holes. There was a lot to do with casino cruises, a jazz festival and much more within walking distance of the hotel. I especially enjoyed the banquet buffet and DJ on Saturday night. I had a blast with my guest Doris, my daughters Sandie Haines, Rose Hibbetts, Mary Martin and granddaughters Jennifer Knight and Holly Haines. We filled out a whole table and I was the only guy there. You just can’t get any luckier than that. The singing sexy singers grew in size from 6 to 8. They added moves to their performance this year and they are getting better and very entertaining. Maybe next year at Dallas they will be able to compete with the Dallas Cheerleaders and sing with a Texas drawal at NWSA # 36. Closing out early Sunday morning was the somber Lone Sailor Two Bell Memorial Day Ceremony where we also remembered our own members and spouses. It was a very nice and thoughtful touch. The Hampton Roads Chapter sent Chuck and Eileen Fifield, Chuck Steinbruck and guest Louise Moore, Bob and Jessie Steiner, Marty Nemcosky and guest Doris Stepaniak as emissaries.

Some News from our Chapter:

Millie Orork Garcia recovered from a broken hip and is doing pretty well. She’s able to drive short distances and it is good to know she’s well. We're praying Bertha Hubbard recovers from surgery in her fight with cancer. Floyd Akers is undergoing therapy after a short hospital stay and seems to be in good spirits. Joan is busy taking care of Floyd, making it impossible for her to write her quarterly input. It was good to see Frank and Eve Muscari at the picnic. Frank has a new left knee and will soon get the right one replaced. We've seen Remy Pahl recently but she hasn't been able to attend meetings. Going to meetings hasn't been a problem for Ted Lemond, Jack Salvato, Marty and others. They meet at least once weekly at a local golf course. Ex AG Tom Horonzy with daughter Alicia dropped by to see Marty on their trip from Annapolis to Cowpens , SC. They rehashed sea stories since they last saw each other in 1972. Marty plans on recruiting him into NWSA soon.

Many HRC folks were vacationing out of the area for our Independence Day meeting and picnic at the Chubb’s up at Eastville on the Eastern Shore . Nevertheless, a good showing of guests boosted our attendance to about 32 souls and all enjoyed the amenities. We celebrated Jack Salvato and Bob Steiner’s birthdays. They can take advantage of the senior discounts now. Dick and Mary Dempsey were attending a Fleet Reserve picnic. Ed Nelson had to work. He’s at Trader Joe’s (taking a summer break from school) and invited all to drop by and see him. The main topic of the brief business meeting was the infusion of the immense responsibility of hosting NWSA # 37 in Hampton Roads in 2011. We are soliciting suggestions, ideas and druthers. Let Marty know because we're aiming to please as many as we can.

Birthdays – Jack Salvato reached a young age of 72 and Bob Steiner catching up to him at 69 year. Ive Chubb provided the cake for this great event. Also celebrating a birthday at 86 is Floyd Akers. Happy Birthday from all of us at HRC.

****** Here Comes the Cake******

John Tramack (CWO3 Ret): John has left the work force this pass May, after spending over 40 years keeping one step ahead of mother nature. His travels began when he joined the Navy on 02 Aug 1966, like most of us it started with Boot Camp at Great Lakes . Upon completion he remained at RTC as a recruit Company Commander Aide for 9 months. Attended AG "A" school at NATTC Lakehurst NJ from Sep 67 to Feb 68 then was transferred to NWSED Glynco GA advancing to AG3 in Mar 68. In Feb 71 he reenlisted and returned to NATTC Lakehurst for Upper Air School as an AG2. Upon completion of school in May 71, John was sent to NWSED Kenitra Morocco “one year of awesome duty”, at which time he departed in May 72 for USS Mount Whitney LCC-20, home ported in Norfolk , VA. His next stop was forecasting school at Lakehurst NJ , which he attended from Aug 74 to Feb 75. Upon completion, was transferred to USS Guadalcanal LPH-7 as AG1 and LPO. After the ship, another school followed, detaching in Feb 76 he headed for Human Resource Management School at NAS Memphis TN. Upon completion of this school John was assigned to Human Resource Management Center , Norfolk , VA advancing to AGC in Sep 79. Another ship followed, the USS Guadalcanal getting on board in Jun 80 as LCPO and advancing to AGCS in May 82. In Jun 82 a tour to NEOC Norfolk followed as OPS LCPO and C/SC. Highly deserving, John in Nov 87 was promoted to CWO2. Now an Officer it required that he’d be transferred, that landed him at NOCC Rota. He did return to NEOC Norfolk in Dec 90. Promoted to CWO3 in Nov 91 and transferred to NOCD Oceana as OIC in Jun 93. In Jun 94 was reassigned to NEOC Norfolk and that’s where John left the Navy, retiring in Sep 95. He landed a job with the Norfolk Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy Sheriff (working at the five star hotel) as he calls it. He held this position from Sep 95 to Mar 96. John (a civilian) returned again to NEMOC Norfolk as a Long Range Forecast (LRF) forecaster which he held from Mar 96 to Oct 06. By this time a new command had been created (Naval Aviation Forecast Center (NAFC) in FEB 05, he took a position as Aviation Duty Officer (ADO) at NAFC Norfolk. He held this position till his retirement on 31 May 09. J ohn has well over 40 years of Federal service encompassing many outstanding accomplishments. He plans on remaining in the local area enjoying retirement. Wishing you fair winds and smooth sailing. HRC Sec.

Below is John receiving the Civilian Meritorious Service Award, Presented by CDR Pete Smith, Commanding Officer Naval Aviation Forecast Center , Norfolk VA

(See Aerograph for Pics)

Submitted by AGCS Bob Daigle USN RET