USS Intrepid Association, Inc.
FCMs...being a member, what does it mean to you?
Just as our Association's 'purpose' states, being a member helps me..."to help promote and assist in the preservation and rememberance of Intrepid and to honor all of those who served aboard her", and it also gives me the opportunity to maintain a relationship with former shipmates and to meet and work with other FCMs to do the same.
I am proud of the opportunity that I had to serve as Association President (2003-2005), and to have provided a venue, by way of this Website and my OnLine Report (May 20, 2010 = 6th Anniversary of the OnLine Report), to give our members the same opportunities given me, and also to help them support our Association in any way they can.
Let Us Not Forget Those Who Have Gone Before Us
FCM John A. Simonetti, AMS3, V6 Division, May, '61 - Sept, '62, OnLine Report Publisher/Editor May 16, 2010
What your Board Members say...
For the past 12 years I've had the privilege of being 'Santa' to many underprivilage children at our Association's annual “National Children's Christmas party"...that's what is called 'giving back'. Also, as a member, I was able to secure Two Helos that flew off our ship, with the help of the Museum & contributions from my Airdale buddies and friends, that were in my squardron HU-2. But most of all, being able to convey the History of Intrepid to our young people who will learn...that “Freedom is not Free”.
FCM Marino L. DiLeo, ADR2, HU-2, NY State Chapter Representative May 19, 2010
I am honored to hold three positions with the Intrepid Association.
I have been the Midwest States Chapter Represenative for more than 10 years; on the Board of Directors for 3 years and recently given the position of Chairman of the State Chapter Representatives.
The Association keeps the spirit of our ship alive. We are very fortunate to still have our ship and for all the lifelong friendhips that we have made over the years due to the Association.
FCM Charles 'Chuck' Coppess May 22, 2010
I guess having served on board one of the greatest ships in the world is an honor in itself, even though some of us wouldn't admit it at the time. I, and my shipmates, from the time we went aboard until the time we left, knew what went on. We also heard stories about the ship's history before our time. Now with the Association, we hear eyewitness stories about the ship before, during and after our time aboard, and admit it or not, how proud we are to have been a small part of that history.
The reunions are also really great, as you learn a lot, first hand, about divisions you really didn't know existed during your tour. The people who attend these reunions are very open and friendly.
FCM Frank Schoener, AB3, State Chapter Rep Texas and Rocky Mtn. States July 28, 2010
One, of many benefits for me, being a member of this Association, was meeting men I didn't know back then, men who also served and survived Intrepid's WWII battles. FCM's like Winston Goodloe, who fought the fires and helped recover bodies of my fellow Radarmen who were killed during the November 25, '44, kamikaze attack, and FCM Don Bee, when, with his instant reaction, manning a foam fire extinguisher when the Jap kamikaze bomber crashed off the starboard bow...spewing flaming gasoline and shrapnel on the hangar deck...along with his buddy, helped prevent a major disaster and had the fire extinguished before the Damage Control party got there.
I've met other WWII battle survivors like Ed Coyne, Lou Valenti and Felix Novelli whom I served with on our Association's Board of Directors, and so many other men who served during Intrepid's many years of historic and honorable service who are now my good, shipmate buddies...All the best, to all.
FCM Ray Stone, Plankowner, Radarman 2/c, USS Intrepid (CV-11), '43-'45 May 20, 2010
What your Chapter Representatives say...
Being a member of this Association, I have had the privilege of getting to know so many shipmates from various eras, especially those from WWII.
Their stories capture my imagination and my profound respect. And, it gives me the opportunity to find and share quality time, with guys from my era and my division, which is top on my list.
FCM Gene Mohler, CA Co-State Chapter Representative May 19, 2010
I've been a member since 2002. The best, and most important part, to me, is attending reunions all over the United States. I've had the opportunity to meet and become friends with FCMs... from Plankowners, to those who out it out of commission.
Since becoming a Co-Chapter Representative, with FCM Gene Mohler, and his wife, Jean, we've set up two reunions on land, and are working on a cruise to Hawaii. It is truly a labor of love, with the reward of seeing old shipmates reunite after many years. The longest was when two FCMs from Brooklyn met, who had not seen each other since '46, when they were discharged. We were also there when two FCMs from the WWII ship's laundry discovered each other sitting at the same table at our San Diego reunion in 2008.
The pride of being a FCM of the INTREPID, with the history of being one of the best carriers in the fleet, is a feeling that cannot be duplicated unless one has been a sailor on a ship. I look forward to meeting more FCMs in the future. Smooth sailing shipmates.
FCM Wayne Erven, W-3 USN (Ret) May 20, 2010
What your fellow members say...
Being a member of this Association, gives me the opportunity to attend State Chapter Reunions were I meet a lot of my old buddies (along with a lot of old memories), and also meet other former crew members, and their wives, that I, and my wife have never met before. Over the years we've become very close friends with a few of them and have visited with them at their homes.
I feel honored in meeting some of the wonderful men that served in WWII and will always appreciate their service aboard the Intrepid during those trying times.
All of this would never have happened if it weren't for our Association. I am thankful for this opportunity and wish God's blessing to all.
FCM Rich Oberheim, AB3, V3 Div., Recommissioned Plank Owner, Jan '54-Aug '57 May 20, 2010
Being a member of this Association has been an experience nothing could match.
Meeting other members; exchanging experiences and being a part of the history of the Intrepid...can't be beat, and I thank GOD for letting me be a part of it.
FCM Dave Borland, Pittsburgh, PA, DK3, S-4 Division, July '62 - May '64 May 30, 2010
Fellow Members...What does it mean to YOU?
...and, if you wish, provide a pic of yourself that I can post with your comments.
Thank you,
FCM, John Simonetti, OnLine Report Publisher/Editor