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Letters

1/29/2013

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Lt. Jg. O'brien with his TBM Avenger Gunner and Radioman crew. Part of training Flight # 22 at NASFL.
From Lt. Joe O'Brien, USN WWII, Aviator of TBM's
Trained at the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale in 1945


"Thought you might enjoy enclosed photos. You may recall I was talking to one of the planes on Flight 19 as I returned from FAM HOP.  I also remember that I had been first pilot to fly one of the TBM's that would later be used by Flight 19 at the NASFL (BuNo: 45714). I had ferried it from the General Motors factory in Trenton, N.J over to the Franklyn Field in Norfolk, Virginia in 1944."

Observation: Lt. O'Brien's says that on 12 April 1944, his flight log diary shows he ferried TBM Avenger BuNo: 45714 from the factory to NAS Norfolk. Then a year later he went on to train at the NAS in Fort Lauderdale. The serial number would be FT- 3 which was part of Flight 19 Squadron. FT-3 was piloted by Navy Ensign Joseph T. Bossi, with crew S1c Herman A. Thelander as gunner, and  S1c Burt E. Baluk as radioman.

On 5 Dec 1945, Lt. Joe O'Brien says that he had left around 2:00pm for the exercise (FAM HOP = familiar hop), and was returning around 4:00pm to the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale where he was training, when he overheard Flight 19 on the radio. He sensed some trouble and tried to offer suggestions of flying into the sun in a westerly direction, but he had no idea they were in serious trouble, and the signals were getting weaker. He thinks now that if they were flying over the Gulf of Mexico instead of the Atlantic Ocean, that advice would have not worked. He was then ordered to land at NASFL, where he later learned of their disappearance.
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Second row on Lt. O'Brien's log book for April 1944 shows entry for TBM BuNo: 45714

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Woman driving truck during WWII. Photo from the Alexander Turnbull Library.
"Flight 19 - A Remembrance" by Keith Parker

"This story was told and retold to me through the years by my mother, always with great reverence:
A few months after World War II my father was still serving with the Navy in the Pacific and my mother, Cora Jane Parker, was the District Manager for Cities Service Oil Company. On 5 December 1945, she had just made a delivery of AV gas to the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale and was looking for the duty Lieutenant to sign for it. When she couldn't find him she asked around and was told he was in the Radio Room. She had been there before. She went there and when she entered, she was hit by an eerie sense of quiet, unlike the busy chatter that normally filled it. It was hushed and no one was speaking. The only sound was the crackle and static of the radio speakers. When the Lieutenant signed for the fuel delivery my mother asked about the strange silence in the Radio Room. The Lieutenant explained that a flight of torpedo bombers on a training mission had disappeared and they were waiting for any signs of transmissions from them.

Later that evening when my mother returned home she ran into a pretty young neighbor who complained to her that her date had 'stood her up' and went on to fault him in particular-- and flyboys in general-- for taking advantage of local girls. When my mother informed her that her date was probably missing in action and very likely would not be coming back, the young girl was saddened, embarrassed by the way she had been acting, and quickly changed her tune. Now, like many young women during the War, her man would not be coming home to her."


With remembrance,
Keith Parker

Observation: The United States home front during World War II, supported the war effort in many ways, including a wide range of volunteer efforts. Many women joined the workforce to replace men who had joined the forces. Gender roles were dramatically altered from then on. The increased likelihood that a woman was working outside the home in addition to her homemaking responsibilities was certain. Many women worked in volunteer organizations connected with the war effort. The above letter sheds a small light not only on the events surrounding Flight 19, but also on women helping at the home front during WWII.


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The Naval Aviator

1/29/2013

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Vintage illustration Copyright © Paul Rabut. Donated by NASFL member Gary Kilbride

The Naval Aviator
by Anonymous


Article and illustration donated to the NASFL by member Gary Kilbride.

He has been called by many names: The boy who never grew up;
A size nine head in a size seven cap; A dirty shirt, a fifth of whiskey,
And an uncontrollable sex urge; One of those idiots who fly off a postage stamp;
And on rare occasions, the nation's first line of defense.

He has been found on exchange duty with the French and Royal Flying Service,
On anti-submarine patrols and convoy escorts during World War I
Supporting Army and Marine operations during the "Banana Wars"
In Marine Green flying, fighting, winning and dying
At Wake Island and Henderson Field on Guadalcanal,
Turning the tide of war from Navy carriers at Midway,
The Coral, Philippine and Japanese seas;
Risking his life from "Jeep" carriers in the North Atlantic,
To the invasions of North Africa, Italy, Sicily and France.

Being the first to carry the war to the aggressors in Korea
And involved in every major operation in that action; Then carrying the fight
To the would be conquerors in Vietnam and all of Southeast Asia.
Making the Tonkin Bay Yacht Club one of the most exclusive
and honored groups in the world.

The first American into space
The first American into orbit
And the first man on the moon.

You will find him where the action is— from the South China sea
To the wilds of South America, to the storm tossed Atlantic,
To the blue of the Mediterranean, to the empty wastes of the moon.

The names with which he associated are watchwords
Of American's proud history-- Langley, Yorktown, Enterprise,
Midway, Forrestal, Freedom VII, Intrepid, Yankee Clipper,
Warrior— Yes. Warlike— No.

Scratch that hard, dedicated exterior and you'll find the biggest softy in the world. He always has time to help. His capacity for lending a hand to the less fortunate is probably the only thing that exceeds his bent for a good time. Check him closely and you'll more than likely find a tear in his eye at a Little League baseball game. He is tough, but he cares. No rocket will replace him. No American can do without him. You may not appreciate him but you can't ignore him. You may heap abuse on him and call him names, but the next time you need him, he'll be there. And though he may not understand why, he will keep his dedication, his courage, his desire to serve.

After all, he is a Naval Aviator.

Presented to Harold W. King
upon his retirement.
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Volunteer Opportunities

1/24/2013

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The Following Museums in Florida
are accepting Volunteers
for their restoration Projects

Naval Aviation Museum (Pensacola, Florida)
http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org
Volunteer Coordinator: voladmin.navalaviation@mchsi.com
National Naval Aviation Museum
1750 Radford Blvd., Suite C
Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL 32508
Phone: (850) 452-3604 or (850) 452-3606
Fax: (850) 452-3296

Naval Air Station Sanford Memorial
At the Sanford Orlando Airport
http://nassanfordmemorial.com/volunteers.htm
Contact: Sean Mahany at 407-415-1503

Fantasy of Flight - Polk City, Florida (near Orlando,FL)
http://www.fantasyofflight.com
1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E.
Polk City, FL 33868
(863)984-3500

National Navy UDT-Seal Museum (Fort Pierce, FL)
http://www.navysealmuseum.com/index.php
3300 North A1A, North Hutchinson Island
Fort Pierce, Florida 34949
(772) 595-5845

Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum  (Titusville, FL)
www.vacwarbirds.org
Featuring aircraft WW1 to Desert Storm
Aircraft Restorations

Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum
http://www.nasflmuseum.com/volunteer.html
Currently accepting volunteers for curatorial, cataloging,
and organization of exhibit projects.
No Aircraft restorations are available.
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Save Our History Show

1/23/2013

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From the Save Our History - Military Show
A Tribute to Veterans at the Pompano Beach Elk's Lodge
January 18th and 19th

The Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum displayed merchandise at this show in an effort to gather funds. All proceeds from sales at the NASFL Museum booth will benefit our Museum. This booth was courtesy of Florida East Coast Collector, Inc. which organized this event for its second year. Thank you to volunteers: Debbie Hamilton, Sue Presley, Angela Piraino, Minerva Bloom, John Casey and Forrest King for helping with the set-up & public relations!

This military show showcased battle re-enactments, civil war, World War I and World War II military encampment on grounds, military vehicles and motorcycles, live gatling gun shoot and civil war cannon fire.  See you next year!

Click on images to view larger

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Lori Parrish Visit

1/23/2013

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Lori Nance Parrish, Broward County Property Appraiser and former County Commissioner became interested in the NASFL Historical Association's plight led by Allan McElhiney because her father W.A. Nance, Jr., served in the Navy during World War II and survived when the ship he served on was sunk.  Lori felt she could do something to honor his memory by preserving a part of Broward County's history.

On May 20, 1998, the NASFL Historical Association was able to add the Link Trainer Building (our current Museum), to the US National Register of Historic Places. All the buildings from the former WWII base Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale were demolished (except for this one), to make way for the construction of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. In 1999 in support of the Association (which oversees this Museum), Lori was able to obtain a $200,000 grant from the U.S Transportation Department. With this grant the building was relocated to where it is today on Perimeter Road, next to the airport. Lori was an important participant in the long struggle to preserve the Link Trainer Building.  Ms. Parrish visited on January 17, 2013-- 14 years after her first visit to the site. She was impressed with our progress and along with founder Allan McElhiney, recalled the early struggles of this Museum.
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Hallway Progress

1/23/2013

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News on the large hallway at the NASFL Museum:
This was a physically tough and exhausting project. In total 6 layers of flooring covered the original hardwood floor in the hallway of the historic Link Trainer Building. Each layer had to be carefully peeled, and hundreds of rusty nails removed. The large area had to be worked in small sections at a time. This hallway connects the library, office, restrooms, and exhibit rooms of the Museum.

Richard Haddad led the project with help from volunteers John Bloom & Anthony Alberico. The bottom layer which was the most difficult to remove, was accomplished with the help of outstanding members of the Navy Reserve Captain Scott Hahn USN, Captain Bruce Fuchs USN, and CRD Rey Horta USN, who have been longtime supporters and volunteers of this Museum with Navy Heritage Project.  We are grateful to all of them for their help and service. Our hope is to restore the hardwood to its original beauty. For now, the floor is temporarily covered with carpet squares donated by the Aiport.

The second phase of this restoration project is currently taking place.

Click on images to view larger
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Captain Bruce Fuchs; USN, Captain Scott Hahn, USN; and CRD Rey Horta, USN
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Membership

1/23/2013

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NAVAL AIR STATION
FORT LAUDERDALE MUSEUM

Welcome New Members!

Denise Arico - Lifetime Membership
Rudy & Louise Oetting - Lifetime Membership
Dr & Mrs. Perry - Corporate Membership
Captain Jeanne Grushinski USN WWII
Kathleen Halloran
Bjorn Madsen (Denmark)
Pierre Roseman


Thank you for your support!

Become A member!
Membership Information
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For Marine Lutz

1/23/2013

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Lance corporal Janos Victor Lutz, with his dog Kobe.
From the Article by Mike Clary, Sun Sentinel Newspaper
4:38 a.m. EST, January 16, 2013

As a machine gunner in the U.S. Marine Corps, Janos Victor Lutz called John or Johnny, survived combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq while earning 13 service commendations and the respect of his buddies. "He was a Marine to the fullest," said fellow Marine Kevin Ullman. "He was someone who could lighten any situation with witty sarcasm." Ultimately, however, Lutz could not escape the demons he carried back home to Davie after his discharge 18 months ago. On Saturday January 12, just hours after a lunch with his mother in which he chatted about his classes at Palm Beach State College, Lutz swallowed a handful of pills VA doctors had prescribed to help him cope with post-traumatic stress disorder.  Lutz died in his bedroom, in the house where he grew up. He was 24.

" The front page article, Marine Loses His Battle with the demons of war in today's Sun-Sentinel is just so powerful and sad.  It stopped me cold.  Now I send you a poem to share, which seems to speak for this issue."
--from Poet David Plumb to the NASFL Museum

News On A March Full Moon
by David Plumb

Somewhere in a nearby yard a blue jay
yaks and yaks the morning quiet
way beyond the clicking news of smiles
and banks washing profits off casket walls.
Mid morning and the news reads
Sarandrea, Jessica Y., 22, Pfc, Army; Miami
First Cavalry Division. Killed in Iraq.

Marjorie Pollock is text messaging
by the organic oranges at Whole Foods.
Neal Bellenger holds a two pound
ground buffalo package in his left hand
a cell phone in his right.
The newlyweds contemplate organic cane
sugar as second ingredients in yogurt.
Daniel B. Hyde, 24 First Lieutenant, Army,
Modesto, California is dead in Iraq.

Beyond the three dollar collard greens
traffic zips and tears the afternoon.
No need to signal or cut off the competition.
It’s only three lanes and four hundred yards
to the gas station and a cheap hoagie.
A homeless man passes out a newspaper
at the traffic island. Put a little in the pot
please, and God Bless you Jeffrey Reed 23
Army Sergeant, Chesterfield, Virginia dead in Iraq.

Late afternoon stuffs the mind, wipes
pleasure off a job that may or may not
exist in a few days, or tomorrow.
Lorna Guzman, social worker for Women
in Distress hopes Day Care is taking care.
Keisha wants to tell the M.D.
with 40 patients a day that
she missed another period.
She has to get home.
She has a class tonight.
Patrick De Voe, he’s dead in Afghanistan
Twenty-seven, Private First Class
from Auburn, New York.
You know where that is, but then

It’s almost dinner time and Shirley
brings in take out hot and sour, lo mein
a side of barbecued wings.
Did you hear Tiger’s back?
TVs blink the news, the news, the news.
Who did what and who said if?
She’s a Democrat underneath.
How about that short horse in England?
They think it’s stuck in mud.
George Clooney may show up on ER.
You know Rush Lim and the other one
who took all the rich guy’s cash.
He’s going to plead and Jay Leno
will have his say later on.  

By the way, it’s a full moon.
Look out the window at the perfect sky but
don’t forget the names  whispered in the stars.
Jessica, Daniel, Jeffrey, Patrick
echo in blood, in guns, in storms.  
They’re coming home.
Thank you for all.

David.

Copyright © David Plumb
The Lost Pilot, poem by David Plumb
David Plumb's Bio
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A War Story Inspires Art

1/23/2013

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Grumman TBF-1C Poster Copyright © Matthew Yee.
Matthew Yee, a graphic designer with over 16 years experience in the industry and a longtime war-bird fan, has been recently working with aircraft illustrations-- which has been a field he has been longing for. Instead of traditional medium such as oil painting and watercolor, Mathew does his illustrations with computer graphics. When he creates his illustrations, he researches and studies the developments of each aircraft and the history associated with it. 

The TBF Avenger has been always one of Matthew's favorite aircraft. When he was doing the above TBF Avenger illustration, Matthew found our website and was deeply moved by Loyce Deen's story. He decided to do his Avenger illustration with Loycee Deen's plane. With Gregg Mastriforte's support (the creator of Loyce Deen Tribute page http://www.loyceedeen.org), Matthew was able to get in touch with Mr. Michael Cosgrove's (son of Lt. Robert Cosgrove who was the pilot of Deen's TBF); and also with Berth's (niece of Loyce Deen), and got their support for using photos of the crew on his artwork.

Besides this TBF artwork, Matthew also has a P-51D Mustang (with George Preddy's Cripes A' Mighty marking), and the work in progress of a P-38J (with Richard Bong's marking). If you would like to purchase or see more of his work visit him on facebook. You can find Matthew Yee's artwork at Facebook by searching keyword: iworxhop, or check his official website to see more of his works: http://www.iworxhop.com

Matthew Yee
iWORXHOP Design Studio, LLC
(847) 942-1627
E-mail contact
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Save Our History Show

1/16/2013

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"Save Our History - Military Show"
A Tribute to Veterans

at the Pompano Beach Elk's Lodge
January 18th and 19th (Friday and Saturday)
Battle re-enactments, civil war, World War I and World War II military encampment on grounds,
military vehicles and motorcycles, live gatling gun shoot and civil war cannon fire.

Parking is free, Admission $7.00, Food by Elk's Lodge

700 NE 10th Street
Pompano Beach, FL 33060
(East of I-95 between N. Dixie Hwy. and US 1)


The Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum will have a booth at this show, courtesy of Florida East Coast Collector, Inc.
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The Lost Pilot

1/10/2013

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On Exhibit now at the NASFL Museum: "The Lost Pilot" by David Plumb

Vietnam Veteran David Plumb. Lt.j.g. served as a Gunnery Officer aboard USS Newport News, CA 148 during combat Operation Sea Dragon and the Tet Offensive.

“The Lost Pilot” was first published in New Verse News Magazine.


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Copyright © David Plumb
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David Plumb grew up in North Adams, Massachusetts and attended Syracuse University. One evening he went to a party where someone was reading Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s Coney Island of the Mind. The next day, he began to write. After his tour as a U.S. Naval Officer he worked and hitchhiked to San Francisco, went to printing school, published Journal 31 and directed the Intersection Poetry Series. He taught at U.C. Berkeley before moving to Florida. He volunteers for the Alzheimer Poetry Project and coordinates writing workshops.


His writing has appeared in The Miami Herald, The Washington Post, St. Martin’s Anthology, Mondo James Dean, Voicesinwartime.org and The International War Veterans Poetry Archives. He has worked as a medical technician, paramedic, laboratory technician, tour guide and cab driver. He is an adjunct professor and the author of 10 books. Will Rogers said, “Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.” David Plumb says, “It depends upon on the parrot.”

E-mail the Poet at: David Plumb
News On A March Full Moon Poem by David Plumb


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Donations

1/10/2013

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The following items and artifacts were donated
to the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum
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  • A large Merchant Marine Flag was donated by Lt. Col., USAFAux Virginia Montalvo.

  • Military & Aviation posters, WWII photographs, and military books by USN veteran Harry Lattman.

  • Japanese keepsake album photographs and a magazine found in a sniper's cave in Saypan at the end of World War II, by Ray Rivera USN WWII.

  • Vintage art and poem "The Naval Aviator", and a U.S Navy A3D Sky Warrior model plane by USN veteran Gary Kilbride.

  • Military patches from U.S. Navy and Army, by FSU student Peter Bloom.

  • Vintage glass bottles from the 1940's and 1950's that were excavated from around the Naval Air Station practice grounds, by Mr. William Davids who is doing an Archeology project for the Museum.

  • Military books by Sgt. Major Gary Lee Littrell USN (Ret), a Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient.

  • "The Lost Pilot" published poem by South Florida poet, Vietnam Veteran Lt.j.g. David Plumb USN.

  • 100 miniature vintage models of aircraft built by Don & Helen Fallon.

  • Poster size Seabee line drawing created by Sgt. Paul Bradley USA WWII.




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Medal of Honor

1/9/2013

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Gary L. Littrell - Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Gary Lee Littrell, a retired United States Army Command Sergeant Major who, while a Sergeant First Class serving as an adviser to Army of the Republic of Vietnam's Ranger units during the Vietnam War, acted with extraordinary courage during a four day siege on his battalion — for which he received the Medal of Honor.
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Between April 4 and April 8, 1970, while serving on Advisory Team 21 of I Corps Advisory Group, in Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, Sergeant First Class Littrell was a Light Weapons Infantry Advisor with the 23rd Battalion, 2nd Ranger Group. The battalion was under intense mortar attack — all advisors except Littrell were killed. Unrelentingly, over four days, Littrell kept the battalion inspired, while he directed artillery and air support, distributed ammunition, strengthened faltering defenses, cared for the wounded, and shouted encouragement to the Vietnamese in their own language. For his "sustained extraordinary courage and selflessness", he was awarded the Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor was presented to Littrell in a White House ceremony by President Richard Nixon on October 15, 1973.

NASFL Museum member, Charles "Chuck" McLaughlin USMC Vietnam, who is a very active supporter of Veteran's issues, invited Gary for a tour of the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum. Gary Lee Littrell signed the large aviation "On Final Approach" mural by Bob Jenny, to join the signatures from Presiden't George H.W. Bush and Senator John McCain.
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Book at Amazon

Gary Lee Littrell donated books for the NASFL Museum's Library such as the Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty by author Peter Collier, and photographer Nick Del Calzo. This book was an instant national bestseller. Thank you Gary!

From the publisher: "This group portrait of most of the living recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor has an entry for each recipient, including a photo portrait at the time of the award, a summary of the medal-winning action and sometimes (though not often enough) the later career. The variety of actions documented by Collier will impress even fairly seasoned students of military history, as will the 250 duotone portraits. They range from thumbnail period snapshots to full page close-ups of the lions in winter. Van Barfoot, of Choctaw descent, overcame minefields and German tanks in World War II. William Charette was one of numerous medics who fought with a first-aid kit and raw courage. Air Force Maj. George Day was a Vietnam War POW who received his medal for tenacious resistance in the Hanoi Hilton. Eugene Fluckey of the USS Barb is the last surviving submariner of World War II to receive the medal. The six-foot-seven-inch Robert Foley won the medal in a bunker complex in Vietnam and retired as a lieutenant general. And Shizua Hiyashi had to overcome prejudice as well as Germans to have his DSC upgraded to the medal 55 years after he won it in Italy. Courage is a key component of every medal recipient, and so is loyalty to both country and comrades, superior skills and dogged determination."

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Embroidered Hats

1/8/2013

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New Item !  Embroidered Adjustable Hats from the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum are available now in several styles and colors. These caps are customizable, you can change the style, color or embroidered text ! Or simply get them like we created them. All proceeds go to the NASFL Museum !

Available in 3 Styles:
  • The Chino Embroidered twill cap has a pre-curved bill, cloth strap and an antique brass slide buckle closure with tuck-in grommet, so it fits well on anyone. Available in many colors !  Price: $19.95

  • High-quality, Embroidered Flexfit cap. Available in two stretchable sizes, it gives you a really comfortable fit. Our cap features a Permacurv® visor, silver underbill, fused hard buckram 8.89 cm. crown, 6 sewn eyelets for breathability and taped seams. Available in many colors !  Price: $22.95

  • Distressed Chino Enzyme-washed embroidered hat. Comfortable as an old friend, it's 100% cotton and has an unstructured style with 6 panels and a low profile. Make it the perfect size with the metal D-ring slider buckle and hideaway cloth strap. Available in many colors !  Price: $23.95
Click on any of these styles to buy from our Online Giftshop. 100% satisfaction!

NASFL Hats

More New Products from the NASFL Gift Shop:
Notepads, Stickers, Playing Cards, and Pillows

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Volunteers of the Month

1/8/2013

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Our volunteers of the Month for December 2012 are: Forrest King, David Baum and Anthony Alberico. Forrest and David participated in the organization of Senator John McCain's visit, the Flight 19 Memorial Ceremony, and the Open House that the Museum hosted. 

High School student Anthony Alberico participated in the restoration of the hallway floor (stripping old carpet and several layers of flooring); as well as in the making of custom bookcases. For this project, his group of eagle scouts will measure, gather donated materials from several companies, and then make the bookcases on site. 

Thank you to all these 3 special volunteers for their participation and hard work!
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Open House

1/8/2013

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Thank you to all the members, volunteers and visitors that joined us
for the Open House Holiday Party, December 22, 2012, at the NASFL Museum !
We enjoyed good company, good food and music ! See you next year !

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In Memory of Hank Petri

1/5/2013

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In Memory of Henry Charles Petri May 8, 1921 - December 4, 2012
Florida Sun-Sentinel Obituary:
PETRI, HENRY C. (Hank) 91, born on May 8, 1921 passed away on December 4, 2012 of heart disease. Speaking of heart, now Hank was a man who had immeasurable heart, honesty, loyalty and zest. A character unlike any other, he leaves behind family, friends, "no known enemies," and innumerable memories of a life well-lived. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, oldest of two children, to Louis and Lydia Petri, he attended Boys Tech but understood at a young age that he desired more. Influenced by his maternal grandfather, Henry Bartell, a wonderlust and big dreamer, he, too, had the adventuresome gene. He enlisted in the Marines hoping to fly but ended up in the South Pacific during WW II.

What he realized, among other things, from this experience, is that he wanted to live in a warm, tropical climate. Eventually, with his wife, Ruth, and two young daughters, Hank moved to Miami, Florida in December of 1950 and the family spent Christmas day on the beach! Hank had secured a job as a pest control routeman with Truly Nolen. He was excellent at his job because, among other talents, he had people skills. His customers loved him! So, he took the risk and went into his own business forming Petri's Positive Pest Control in 1956. He was an active member of his church, his community and several business clubs and organizations but,most importantly, he had the love and support of his wife, Ruth, whom he acknowledged to be his best asset. He served as President of the Florida Pest Control Association and was active in the Associated Pest Control Association. In 1962, Hank moved north to Pompano Beach realizing his dream of living on the water and near an airport. He had taken flying lessons while living in Miami and eventually owned his own plane, which he flew frequently. He became active in civic organizations in Pompano and in Broward County. In addition, he became a member of the Navy League rising to regional vice president. This involvement led to another love he always had had and that was for travel, especially to adventurous, exotic places.

Hank eventually had traveled to all seven continents, to places like Antartica, Papau, New Guinea and the Amazon River. He was a self-educated, extremely well read man who had more facts stored in his brain than most and, as a former boy scout, had had real life experience in survival and was a lover of nature. His caregiver, Bob, commented recently that the year and and a half he had spent getting to know "Papa" was one of the most extraordinary learning and wisdom gathering experiences of his life. So, his legacy will be the wonderful family he always said he was so fortunate to have, his wife, Ruth (deceased), his son, Gregg (deceased), his daughters, Deborah and Barbara, his grandchildren, Brendan (Shay), Christopher, Trevor (Sitara), Petra (Stuart), Cameron (Denyse) and his great-grandchildren, Allison, Dillon, Ryan, Jasmine, David, Kristen, Lauren, Juliette, Jayden and Elias. Also, important in his life, was his friend and business partner, Brendan E. Cavanagh, and his wife, Joanna, his sons-in-law, Guido Lucchesi and Ken Beyer, his employees at Petri's Positive Pest Control, especially the "girls" in the office. His family would like to express their gratitude to his physician, Dr. Bachoo Singh and his staff. Visiting hours and funeral services were held at Forest Lawn Cemetery on Copans Road in Pompano Beach and the funeral was at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 7, 2012.
You can Sign the Memorial Guestbook
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Old Seven Mile Bridge

1/5/2013

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This image shows the old Seven Mile Bridge and the new Seven Mile Bridge as well as Pigeon Key. Photo submitted by Brad White
In the Florida Keys, there is no name more famous than the iconoclastic Henry Flagler who dreamed and built the world famous Overseas Railroad in the early 1900’s. Called the 8th wonder of the world, this amazing ribbon of steel and concrete forever changed the history of the Florida Keys and linked the mainland of Florida to Key West. Both before and after Flagler’s railroad was partially destroyed by the “Storm of the Century” in 1935, tens of millions of Keys visitors have traveled along the railroad’s route – by rail before the Labor Day hurricane or by road up to present times. There is arguably no more important spot along the 120 mile Overseas Highway than Pigeon Key – Flagler’s construction headquarters and the start of the most spectacular (and beautiful) section of all along the overseas route – the famous Seven Mile Bridge.

The Seven Mile Bridge, in order to speed up construction, was divided into four parts. The first three, Knights Key Bridge, Pigeon Key Bridge and Moser Channel bridge, consisted of steel-girder spans laid on top of concrete foundation piers. The piers were secured to bedrock which in some cases was 28 feet below the waterline. A 253 swinging span was inserted for passage of boats between the Atlantic and Gulf. The fourth section of the bridge was called the Pacet Channel Viaduct and it consisted of two hundred+ 53 foot concrete arches. Today the Old Seven Mile Bridge (the original Knights Key Bridge) to Pigeon Key is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to the only authentic museum documenting construction of the Overseas Railroad. Between 1908-1912, as many as 400 workmen lived on the five acre Pigeon Key and this heritage is remarkably preserved as a special destination treat to all who traverse the 2.2 mile section of what locals now call the “Old Seven Mile Bridge”. Since 1982, when a new Seven Mile Bridge section was completed to accommodate modern traffic and taller ships, the section known as Old Seven Mile Bridge has served as a world famous fishing pier, jogging, and walking route, and of course the major path to Pigeon Key. In the last several years, tens of thousands of visitors were able to enjoy a ride on “Henry” – an authentic looking train designed to accentuate the visit to Pigeon Key. Currently, the tour train has not been used for several years.

Friends of Old Seven Inc., is a volunteer grass roots organization and a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that has been established to serve as a credible and official entity that is responsible for expressing public input to the ongoing processes revolving around the planning and reconstruction of the Old Seven Mile Bridge. Friends of Old Seven Inc. is working hard to establish a public/private partnership capable of planning for the eventual restoration and maintenance of the bridge, and then implementing said plans, in particular, the required funding. This joint effort involves Monroe County and its municipalities, the State of Florida (in particular FDOT and FDEP), businesses and public and private funding sources, as well as numerous local, national and international individual supporters.
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Click on Image for more information. Pigeon Key Poster to Aid Restoration of Old Seven.
18” X 24 Poster Created by Beach Town artist, Aurelio Grisanty.
The Retro Art Deco travel poster celebrates Pigeon Key and The “Old Seven Bridge”.
All proceeds benefit the Old Seven Mile Bridge reconstruction.

In the Florida Keys, an effort is underway to try to save a historic bridge from crumbling--and closing; CBS News Correspondent Peter King is in Marathon, Florida. All contents Copyright © Friends of Old Seven Inc.
Contents submitted by Brad White from Friends of Old Seven Inc.
Brad is the son of Lt. David White, Flight Instructor from the NAS Fort Lauderdale.

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Flight 19 Memorial

1/5/2013

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Image Copyright © David Baum

67th Anniversary US Navy Flight 19 Memorial


Honoring the WWII servicemen

During WWII, the Military had to mobilize with speed and urgency, thus the number of casualties at military bases was on the high side. A sad but equally historic note is the fact that 95 Americans lost their lives at the NAS Fort Lauderdale base during 1942-1945— the three most intensive training years of the war. The Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Historical Association proudly salutes all of the service members who perished while serving at this naval air station.
Memorial Ceremony Program Sample
- Click for larger view -
The historic WWII Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum hosted the 67th Anniversary of the US Navy Flight 19 Memorial, on 5 December 2012. The Master of Ceremony was Donald Prichard, Vice President of the NASFL Historical Association. In attendance were Broward County Aviation Department Directors, several historians and local politicians, including Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler, Broward County Commissioner Chip LaMarca and retired Mayor Jim Naugle, whose uncle Thomas "Tex" Ellison was a flight Instructor at this naval base. In all, about 160 people attended the ceremony.

Among the attendees were many veterans of wars, five of them were personnel of the former NAS Fort Lauderdale: Lt. David White, TBM flight Instructor who participated in the search for Flight 19; George Lord, Aviation gunner's mate on TBMs; Henry Torres, Sr., who was in charge of the Machine Shop at the Beach Target Range; Floyd Johnson, TBF Gunner; and Allan McElhiney USNR aboard the USS Asheville, a ship that tested weapons for this naval base. Also, Officers and crewmen of the USS Taylor (FFG-50) The Proud Defender participated with Commander Dennis Volpe, as well as members of the Stranahan High School Marine Corps JROTC Color Guard. The vocalist for this occasion was professional singer and entertainer Frank Loconto and the bugler assembly and TAPS was performed by Robert Young. This event was covered by the media.

Honoring Allan McElhiney

This Museum began with the vision of one man, who was a sailor in World War II, aboard the USS Asheville: Allan McElhiney, who in the course of more than 30 years has compiled a vast amount of documents, photographs, articles and artifacts for the institution he founded. This Museum is on the National Register of Historic Places, the only military museum in Broward county, and the only remaining WWII military building left in Broward county, thanks to his efforts.

We salute you Allan McElhiney.
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Historian Anthony Atwood & NASFL Museum President Allan McElhiney. Photo by Minerva Bloom.
Gallery of Images Copyright © David Baum Click for larger view
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    ​National Register of Historic Places. A 
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