NAVAL WEATHER SERVICE ASSOCIATION

An association of Aerographers & Mates,
Meteorologists & Oceanographers

NWSA Hampton Roads Chapter

 

hamptonroads@navalweather.org

 

 

President             Fay Crossley

Vice President     Frank Muscari
Treasurer             Bob Daigle
Secretary             Fay Crossley
Social Coord.      Dennis Pauly
CMAA                   Frank Muscari 

 

 


Chapter News

Source: Aerograph February 2023



HRC FALL FLING 

 

The meeting was held on Wednesday November 9, 2022, at one of our favorite watering holes,  

Lucky Oyster. Our Waitress was Honna, she did a fantastic job and the food was outstanding as always.

 

In attendance: (12) Jack Salvato, Ed Nelson, Louise and Chuck Steinbruck, Eve and Frank Muscari, Sylvia and Steve Shafer, Susan and Dennis Pauly and Donna and Fay Crossley.

 

There was no 50/50 due to absence of Treasurer.


Grace was given by Capt. Chuck.

 

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Frank Muscari.

 

Meeting was called to order by President Fay Crossley at  215pm. 

 

The Secretary’s report was sent via Email.  Motion was made by Dennis Pauly to approve as received, seconded by Jack Salvato, Motion carried.

 

In the absence of the Treasurer, the President gave the report.  In checking thee is $1431.19, 

Savings $2101.86 for a total of $3533.05.  A motion was made by Frank Muscari to accept the report, seconded by Dennis Pauly. Motion carried.  Treasurer will give more details at Winter meeting and expect double 50/50 collection plus dues is due.  So bring lots of $5.


Old Business:

1,,,,,Reunion #47, Frank and Eve have reluctantly decided that they can NOT attend the cruse.

2….Final vote to accept the HRC Bi-Laws, Dennis Pauly made a motion to accept the final draft, motion was seconded by Jack Salvato, motion was passed unanimously. The final document will be sent to NWSA and to each member.

3…..A discussion concerning collection of weather equipment and books took place. Gary Cox had sent some books to HRC, those books are now part of the Nauticus Library. Thanks to Gary for the Contribution and to Dennis Pauly, for the super effort that is ongoing to help the Nauticus/Wisconsin museum.


Dennis’ report following:

Dennis & Bob Daigle met with the Nauticus/Wisconsin reps twice since our July Quarterly meeting where the HRC membership was brought up to date as to our supporting Nauticus in their efforts to stand up an 'Upper Air' display aboard the ship. 

 

Also took advantage of the opportunity to meet and interview 6 former enlisted AG's who served aboard Wisconsin underway during Desert Storm (the last 'in-service' period for Wisconsin) as they were in town for Wisconsin's annual Ship's Reunion.  The 6 provided a plethora of info as to equipment used, etc., during that era.  They've promised to help with obtaining things like Radiosonde transmitters & balloons to help with the display; along with providing a video of their underway balloon launching/tracking ops.  

 

Ultimate goal is to help Nauticus to design/plan/set up this display aboard the ship so that visitors & especially school kids participating in their 'Maritime Weather' programs can see and 'feel' what it's like to launch and track weather balloons (FAA & City have already 'blessed' the scheduled launching of 200 gram, tethered balloons [500' max altitude.]

 

Nauticus Rep. Nate Sandel suggested HRC consider holding one of our Quarterly meetings there in either Nauticus' main conference room or aboard Wisconsin herself. 


New Business:

1…..A motion was made by Dennis Pauly, to make Lucky Oyster or Semipermanent Meeting location. Motion was seconded by Jack Salvato, motion carried. Please note military receive a 10% discount. Thanks Jack for info.

2…..Target date for our WINTER WONDER meeting is January 8/14 2023.

 

A collection of bags took place and my truck was overflowing. They were delivered to our Treasurer, who was overjoyed. Thanks to all, and keep those bags coming the Food Pantry loves them.

 

A ONE TIME collection of Egg Cartons also took place and the back seat was full. Our friend will be so grateful these will last her many years.

 

A discussion concerning the Military Health Care system took place, along with the VA’s contribution to it. Lots of Pros and Cons were detected.

 

Dennis Pauly, suggested we get more involved with the Wisconsin with possibly providing lectures and story telling at their Museum, if you would like to do something contact Dennis.

 

Ed Nelson, was on the decommissioning crew of the USS IOWA, ironically, his father was a plank owner with the commissioning crew. He said we would help with Wisconsin efforts. Ed told some stores and accounts, and recommended we all read the book Halsey’s Typhoon.

  

Ed Nelson, made a motion to adjourn, it was seconded by Jack Salvato, motion carried at 315pm.


Respectfully submitted:

 

Fay Crossley

Secretary




Click Image to Enlarge
Picture of Marge Cruise 12/22 with Fay Crossley’s Niece Lori and husband Bruce who sing with group in Colorado Springs called the Song Spinners.  

Have always thought of Marge as something of the Matriarch of the NWSA.  Marge had a passion for the group much like her husband Don.  

Don’t think Marge has been to a NWSA reunion in a few years as she has difficulties traveling.  She has even given up going to the retreat in Speculator New York, Camp Of The Woods.  Here first trip there was at 16 and has been there 80 times.  

Marge will enjoy her 100th birthday on March 8, 2023.  It would be nice if her mail box would overflow with greetings form the Navy Community.  

MARGE CRUISE 
2405 PATRIOT HTS #4315
COLORADO SPRINGS,  CO. 89904-5144
Picture of Marge Cruise 12/22 with Fay Crossley’s Niece Lori and husband Bruce who sing with group in Colorado Springs called the Song Spinners.  

Have always thought of Marge as something of the Matriarch of the NWSA.  Marge had a passion for the group much like her husband Don.  

Don’t think Marge has been to a NWSA reunion in a few years as she has difficulties traveling.  She has even given up going to the retreat in Speculator New York, Camp Of The Woods.  Here first trip there was at 16 and has been there 80 times.  

Marge will enjoy her 100th birthday on March 8, 2023.  It would be nice if her mail box would overflow with greetings form the Navy Community.  

MARGE CRUISE 
2405 PATRIOT HTS #4315
COLORADO SPRINGS,  CO. 89904-5144

Picture of Marge Cruise 12/22 with Fay Crossley’s Niece Lori and husband Bruce who sing with group in Colorado Springs called the Song Spinners. 

 

Have always thought of Marge as something of the Matriarch of the NWSA.  Marge had a passion for the group much like her husband Don. 

 

Don’t think Marge has been to a NWSA reunion in a few years as she has difficulties traveling.  She has even given up going to the retreat in Speculator New York, Camp Of The Woods.  Here first trip there was at 16 and has been there 80 times. 

 

Marge will enjoy her 100th birthday on March 8, 2023.  It would be nice if her mail box would overflow with greetings form the Navy Community. 

 

MARGE CRUISE

2405 PATRIOT HTS #4315

COLORADO SPRINGS,  CO. 89904-5144
Source: Aerograph November 2022

HRC rare meeting postponement

 

HRC has been required to postpone its OCT meeting until early NOV.



WISCONSIN – UPDATE

 

A couple of years back, our NWSA-HRC (Naval Weather Service Assoc-Hampton Roads Chapter) in concert with the Fleet Weather Center Norfolk folks, began exploring how we might help the City of Norfolk (re)equip the main Weather Office spaces near the ship's Bridge (04 Level.)  Unfortunately, the Navy decided about that time to go to a different philosophy re: how troops are utilized/deployed and instead of continuing assigning full complements of AG's to all ships that normally had them aboard, they went to mobile teams that hopped aboard when the ships got underway.  As a result, 'collateral duties' kind of fell by the wayside and efforts like this no longer got the time/attention they might have previously enjoyed.  We kind of looked at the Navy folks to help us acquire surplus gear, etc.; so the efforts just kind of fizzled.

 

  Fast forward to a few months ago and some of our members were asking what they might do with books, etc., that they had from their Navy days and didn't want to throw out, give to someone who didn't know what to do with them, etc.  Again, we thought of Wisconsin and if we might utilize some of these things in our own efforts to get the Wiscon spaces up and running for public tours. 

 

  So AGCS (Ret.) Bob Daigle and I went aboard to look at the spaces and see what, if anything, they might have in the way of equipment on hand.  Unfortunately, the spaces proved to be very difficult to access; especially for elderly/less mobile patrons and we also learned from some of the staff that they didn't think the City would really bother to make the OA Div. spaces part of the public tour even if they were fully furnished due to there already being an established and highly popular ('Command and Control') tour in that area of the Bridge that generates a handsome revenue and for which they felt tours of the Weather spaces might interfere. 

 

 

  The City's Battleship Manager therefore proposed we consider putting together a display of Balloon Launch Ops, since their Balloon Shack is located on the after section of the superstructure on the 01  Level with an Inflation Station on the Main Deck itself (all this on the Starboard side; just forward of the Aft 16" gun turret.)

 

  During all this, the Battleship Manager (Keith) mentioned he had a buddy who was an AG aboard Wisconsin in the early 1990's (around the time she was decommissioned the last time) and would ask him to contact me & make his brain available for picking; as his knowledge would (hopefully) help us identify the size of balloons, the receiving equipment, etc., that was in use at that time.  So I'm waiting for him to contact me. 

 

  Meantime, 'Nauticus' - the Naval & Maritime Museum the city owns and operates on the waterfront and at which Wisconsin is located - has an Educational Dept. that conducts classes for young students, and Maritime Weather is one of the subjects they want to study.  So . . .  the books you provided (as well as charts, etc.) are some of the things we should be able to provide them.  They've also inquired of the possibility of having some of our members conduct related talks from time to time, which I believe we can do (perhaps not myself since like you I only did one hitch and thus have very limited knowledge of the art of Forecasting {but if the students were older I could tell them where the good bars in a given port used to be.} ;) ) 

 

  At this point, unless the 'Balloon Shack' itself is made available and relatively easy access to it by the public is assured, the plan is to utilize a large display case mounted to the exterior bulkhead in the aforementioned 'Inflation Station' area for photos (vids?) of balloons, gear and shipboard launching operations.  There might also be some static displays: balloons, Theodolite, etc., that could be set out during tour hours since there is a storage compartment close by that should be able to accommodate such things.


HRC FOLKS // FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER

…..AKERS…..(Joan)…..As always Joan gives us pause with all she does. This time she fell. No broken bones but lots of stitches. Is in rehab, bet she has taken over the admin section by now. Daughter Sharron has had her own family issues and prayers are with her and her mom.

…..CLARK….. (Kathi)…..She is an amazing lady. Wish knew where she gets her positive attitude pills. Regardless of problem she is always smiling and worried about others. She was with Daughter Amber, and ended up in hospital. She is okay and back in Hampton area.

…..CROSSLEY…..(Fay and Donna)….Donna continues to have health issues, but some ae being pushed to the back burners. The trips to the “Y” are helping. Fay lost his brother so some trips to NY to help with the arrangements.

…..DAIGLES…..(Bob and Carol)…..Doing well. No health issues Bob “says” his Dr. told Bob he was in tip to shape. Carol’s brother and his wife paid a visit. Bob had fun with pool this summer.

…..LEE…..(Carmen)…..Carmen’s health has become an issue, she will prevail lots of thoughts and prayers heading her way. Daughter Pam is a big help.

MUSCARI…..(Frank and Eve)….Eve is busy with the Sweden Film Festival on OCT 18. Frank is always busy doing for others.

…..NELSON…..(Ed and Ruth)…..Funny how Ed is busier now since retirement from selling wine at Trader Joe’s. Maybe he will be slowing down with the golfing.

PAULY…..(Dennis and Susan)…..Dennis has been over worked and under paid as the Wisconsin project coordinator. Lots going on with the effort. He met 6 AGs from the crew. We hope Horses under Susan’s care are doing well.  

…..SALVATO…..(Jack)…..Had “the virus”. Was doing much better mid-September. Still worries about falling.

…..SHAFER…..(Steve and Sylvia))…..They are doing well. Was hunkered down during Ian, but didn’t get much. Steve has had some issues with Basal Cells but doing okay.

…..STEINBRUCK…..(Capt. Chuck and Louise)…..Getting use to their new digs. They were restricted to apt., in August due to “the virus” had meals delivered.

WRIGHT…..(Bob)…..Got over virus, but then family got into it. Hope all are doing well now.

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

Fay M. Crossley

HRC Secretary




Source: Aerograph August 2022
Click Image to Enlarge

Words of Wisdom


WISCONSIN

Would like to commend Dennis Pauly for his super effort in bringing to HRC, NWSA and even the NWS’ attention, the need for collection of the memories, the equipment and the history of what use to be in the Weather World.  The Wisconsin is an ongoing project.  We hope others will join with Dennis and HRC in helping the Nauticus/Wisconsin museum.  NWSA has posted articles, and information can be found on the Facebook AG site.



The HRC SUMMER SIZZLER

 

Was held at the Y NOT pizzeria in Virginia beach.  The food was good, and service was good, the meeting room was quiet except for our chatter. 

 

In attendance were:  -14-  Frank Muscari, Joan Akers and her Grandson Nathan Bucks, Jack Salvato, Carmen Lee, Dennis and Susan Pauly, Bob and Carol Daigle, Chuck and Louise Steinbruck, Kathi Clark and Fay and Donna Crossley.

 

50/50 ($50) was won by Carol Daigle.

 

Frank Muscari led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 

Capt. Chuck Steinbruck lead the group in a prayer of thanks.


-----AGENDA-----

a…..call to order, at 200PM, by President Fay Crossley.

b…..Treasurer’s report was given by Bob Daigle.  HRC has $1391.19 in checking, and $2101.60 in savings. Bob’s goal is to get to a total of $5000 before he ships out.    Dennis Pauly made a motion to accept the report as given, Jack Salvato seconded, motion carried.

c…..Secretary report was sent to all members Frank Muscari made a motion to accept the minutes as received, motion was seconded by Bob Daigle, motion carried.

 

d…..OLD business:

1…..Bi-Laws to be finalized.  A discussion concerning the corrections and modifications to the By-Laws. All corrections and modifications have been agreed upon except for Article X Dissolution, a single entry was originally thought to be the best approach.  Later consideration might be “some” donations.  Or, we might want to hold the contribution to the time was dissolution takes place and make our decision then.  A letter was received from Mr. Nelson suggesting we check out possibilities at;  charitynavigator.org, he goes on to suggest Disabled American Veterans Charitable Trust, Fisher House Foundation, Homes for our Troops, National Veterans Foundation and Tunnel to Towers Foundation.  Members are urged to submit suggestions and recommendations to the Secretary by the end of September.

       2…..#47 Reunion; Frank and Eve Muscari will be attending the reunion. Members were reminded to get questions and suggestions to Frank.

 

…..NEW business:

          1…..Venue for FALL FLING October 9-15, the Social Coordinator will do some research, and anyone with suggestions should contact Dennis. 

 

Dennis Pauly, discussed the history of the AG rating, he has been doing some research and wonders when the AG rating was established and what type of ships they might have been assigned to.  An interesting discussion followed, Jack Salvato joined the Navy in 55 and Fay Crossley in 59, Capt. Chuck was commissioned in 61.  So, there was some history to be found.  Dennis also, discussed the concerns about the Wisconsin and finding “stuff” for that ship, concentration will now be for the Upper Air area of the ship, any equipment will be great to have.  Anything that anyone has should be reported to Frank Muscari for pick up.   Determination as to what to do with this “stuff” will be decided at future meeting. 

 

A discussion about history, not just AG/Navy but general weather history or experiences was held.  It was thought a section of our meetings should be devoted to some kind of Education of weather history. Folk lore, and the like.  Members wanting to make a presentation are to advise the secretary about their plans, first come first serve. 

 

The Secretary would like to make note: from the Spring Meeting in April, to this meeting a total of 423 emails were received or sent.

 

ENCLOSURES

                              (Copies can be requested at  )

1…..Eileen Fifield Obituary

2…..Bill Sheppard Obituary

3…..Medicare info sheet

4…..2021 HRC Roster

5…..Possible article about Wx Equip for Aerograph

6…..Dennis letter to Norfolk Gov thanking for visit

7…..Dennis letter of report of visit to Wisconsin

8…..Proposed article for Aerograph and Web about visit to Wisconsin

9…..Wayne CO. NC. Veterans info Purple Heart Banquet

 

 

HRC FOLKS // FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER

 

…..AKERS…..(Joan)…..It spunky as ever.  She has great neighbors helping with many things.  Alongside her loving family. Great meeting her Grtanson. 

…..CLARK….. (Kathi)…..Continues to cope well with life.  She has an amazing attitude.  She had to deal with “the virus” and missed Grandchild wedding. She got to meeting on her own.  We all should take a lesson from her. 

…..CROSSLEY…..(Fay and Donna)….Donna having some health issues, back, knee and kidney.  Fay is doing well, amazed at how well his antique sales are doing. 

…..DAIGLES…..(Bob and Carol)…..They are doing well, go to gym routinely, and actually work out.  Little hiccup, both vehicles didn’t pass inspections, but they have deep pockets. 

…..LEE…..(Carmen)…..”There is light at end of tunnel”.  Paperwork concerning Dan about done.  Ashes were taken to his home in PA.  Lots of help from daughter Pam.

MUSCARI…..(Frank and Eve)…..Are doing fine and looking forward to the #47 cruise.  Family from Sweden are visiting.  Frank had a lot of electrical work completed at the house.

…..NELSON…..(Ed and Ruth)…..Ed is unable to come to meeting, golfing in Maine again, I think he is going to move there.  Letter received concerning Bi-Laws.   

PAULY…..(Dennis and Susan)…..They are doing great. 

…..SALVATO…..(Jack)…..Doing okay, going to therapy and “they” say doing okay, but slow, Jack isn’t convinced.  Still thinking about moving, kids will tell him when.   Jack continues to have balance issues.  

…..SHAFER…..(Steve and Sylvia))…..Steve is man of few words but full of great action.  Missed meeting due to activity helping with NC. Wayne CO. Purple Heart Banquet.  Thanks for your effort Steve.

…..STEINBRUCK…..(Capt. Chuck and Louise)…..Doing well but life has been hectic as they have moved.  6311 Granby Street #408, Norfolk, VA. 23505. Will see that NWSA gets update.

WRIGHT…..(Bob)…..Not doing so well, couldn’t make the meeting, tested positive!!!!

 

Bob Daigle made a motion to adjourn the meeting, motion was seconded by Frank Muscari, motion carried at 314pm. 

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

Fay M. Crossley

HRC Secretary








Source: Aerograph May 2022
Click Image to Enlarge


Random Quotes, Art of Getting Old and Be Careful What You Say


The HRC SPRING FLING Was held at one of our favorite watering holes, The Lucky Oyster. Food, as always, was great and service great as well, thanks to Jaclyn, our waitress.

 

In attendance were: -14- Ed Nelson, Jack Salvato, Joan Akers and daughter Sharron Young, Bob and Carol Daigle, Frank and Eve Muscari, Dennis and Susan Pauly, Chuck and Louise Steinbruck, and Fay and Donna Crossley.

 

Capt. Chuck Steinbruck lead the group in a blessing.

 

Frank Muscari led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Jack Salvato won the 50/50 drawing and pocketed $55, Generous Jack gave the Treasurer $10 to put in the coffers.


-----AGENDA-----

a…..call to order, was gaveled at 225PM by President Fay Crossley.

b…..Secretary report was sent to all members Dennis Pauly made a motion to accept the minutes as received, motion was seconded by Frank Muscari, motion carried. 

c…..Treasurer’s report was given by Bob Daigle.  

          1…..Collection for Dan’s favored charity, final report ., $300 was collected.

          2…..Bank has changed names of accounts, Treasurer will check on it.

          3…..Treasurer’s computer gave up the ghost so he lost one of the programs used for keeping track of the money, but he has the bank and his own system.

          4…..Checking $1306.19, Savings $2101.34.  

Motion was mad by Frank Muscari to accept the report, it was seconded by Ed Nelson, motion carried. Motion Carried.


d…..OLD business:

          1…..Bi-Laws to be finalized.  Suggestions for final total contribution, if and when HRC is to dissolve are to be sent to the President.  Research in to the reliability of each possible charity will take place.  At the Summer meeting the Bi-Laws will be finalized and are to be approved at the Fall Meeting and sent to NWSA. Some preliminary suggestions were, Tunnel to Towers, JCOC and Salvation Army.    

          2…..#47 Reunion; Frank and Eve Muscari will be attending the reunion.  Members with suggests that Frank might want to bring up at meeting are to be sent to Frank,  A discussion took place as to what should be done with old books.  The president will check with the Historian. 

e…..NEW business:

          1…..Venue for SUMMER SIZZLER. The Social Coordinator asked for suggestions from the membership. Target dates July 10-16.

ENCLOSURES ----- copies can be requested at fdcross@charter.net

1…..Steward obituary

2…..Pritchard obituary

3.....NWSA membership form

4…..Fay Shellback event – phew what a day

5…..Thank you note from Carmen – plant

6…..Hale obituary

7…..Treasurer’s letter to Vet House concerning Dan Lee donation.

8…..Letter received from Vet House concerning donation.

HRC FOLKS // FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER  

 

…..AKERS…..(Joan)…..doing well with the help of daughter Sharron and family.  Got a new TV, she and cat are best buddies.  Think she is writing a Bio. 

…..CLARK….. (Kathi)…..Has been falling some, and last one was out of the wheelchair which  has put her in the hospital.  She is doing okay though.  They are checking out everything before they send her home. 

…..CROSSLEY…..(Fay and Donna)….Had a great trip to Tucson, granddaughter got married.  Donna having some memory issues but doing fairly well. MRI found a tumor in her head, good news “suppose” to be easy fix.  Fay doing okay for old guy, but is having some balance issues.  

…..DAIGLES…..(Bob and Carol)…..Had nice trip to Florida to see friend and family.  Bob lost his sister. They both doing well and getting to the gym often.  Carol is directing extensive house cleaning chores. 

…..LEE…..(Carmen)…..doing well as can be expected.  She is getting things organized and starting to get out some, we hope she will make our summer meeting.

…..MUSCARI…..(Frank and Eve)…..Are doing fine and looking forward to the #47 cruise. 

…..NELSON…..(Ed and Ruth)…..They are following the “quiet life” which means Ed is on the golf course routinely. 

…..PAULY…..(Dennis and Susan)…..They are doing okay.  They welcomed new Great Grandson Remy, so the family is growing. 

…..SALVATO…..(Jack)…..Doing pretty good.  Fought for over a month with a virus, not “THE” virus and he won.  Feeling lots better and getting out some.  Jack lost his brother a few months ago.  Jack too is having balance issues. 

…..SHAFER…..(Steve and Sylvia))…..They are doing fairly well.  Steve had a Lymph-node procedure day before meeting so couldn’t make the trip to the beach.

…..STEINBRUCK…..(Capt. Chuck and Louise)…..Thinking about moving, might be to a marina community without a boat.  They are “hanging in there”.  Need to make a trip to Bedford, VA., so they can relax.   

…..WRIGHT…..(Bob)…..Doing well.  Since he lives along the NC outer banks he isn’t looking forward to the summer and tourists, seems the crowds make it so one can’t make any left turns.  He lost a crown (Tooth not on head) so couldn’t make the meeting.

 

Frank Muscari made a motion to adjourn the meeting, motion was seconded by Ed Nelson, motion carried at 310pm

Respectfully submitted:

 

Fay M. Crossley

HRC Secretary

HRC FOLKS // FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER  

 

…..AKERS…..(Joan)…..doing well with the help of daughter Sharron and family.  Got a new TV, she and cat are best buddies.  Think she is writing a Bio. 

…..CLARK….. (Kathi)…..Has been falling some, and last one was out of the wheelchair which  has put her in the hospital.  She is doing okay though.  They are checking out everything before they send her home. 

…..CROSSLEY…..(Fay and Donna)….Had a great trip to Tucson, granddaughter got married.  Donna having some memory issues but doing fairly well. MRI found a tumor in her head, good news “suppose” to be easy fix.  Fay doing okay for old guy, but is having some balance issues.  

…..DAIGLES…..(Bob and Carol)…..Had nice trip to Florida to see friend and family.  Bob 

.
Click Image to Enlarge

LTCOL Howard Lee, USMC RET

 Awarded Congressional Medal of Honor

 

   It is such an awesome feeling for me, at each of our Hampton Road Chapter meetings, to have Howard Lee in attendance. He accompanies Doris Stepaniak. You may recall that Doris is a life member of HRC and NWSA.  Howard just makes me feel good about everything.  Even though Howard is a Medal of Honor Recipient, there is much more to the man than this amazing award might command.

   Howard Lee was born on August 1, 1933, in New York City. He graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, New York in 1951, and from Pace College with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, on June 19, 1955. While in his senior year at college, he enlisted as a member of the Platoon Leaders Class in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.  In September 1955, he entered the 14th Officer Candidates' Course, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, Virginia, and upon completing the course the following December, was commissioned a Marine Corps Reserve second lieutenant. Lieutenant Lee completed The Basic School, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, in July 1956 and the Marine Corps Supply School, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, that September.  Upon completion of these courses, he was transferred to the Marine Corps Supply Activity, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for duty as Field Inspection Officer, Field Inspection Section, and later, Officer in Charge, Audit Section. He was promoted to first lieutenant in June 1957, and integrated into the Regular Marine Corps in January 1958.  Detached from the Supply Activity in September 1958, he was ordered to the West Coast, and served briefly as Troop Handler, 1st Replacement Battalion, Staging Regiment, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California, then was assigned duty as a platoon commander with Company F, 2nd Battalion 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, serving in this capacity until June 1959.  First Lieutenant Lee next served as the Battalion S-4 Officer with H&S Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, Okinawa, (US administration) Japan.  In February 1960, he was assigned duty as Guard Officer at the Marine Barracks, U.S. Naval Propellant Plant, Indian Head, Maryland.  After his promotion to captain on July 1, 1961, he was assigned duties as Platoon Commander and, later, Instructor, The Basic School, Marine Corps Schools in Quantico, where he remained until June 1964.  From July 1964 until February 1966, Capt Lee was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, serving first as Commanding Officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, then as Battalion S-3 Officer with H&S Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Division. During the latter period, he served aboard the USS La Salle (LPD-3), and in the Dominican Republic.

 

Vietnam War — 1st tour

   Ordered to the Republic of Vietnam in April 1966, Capt Lee served as Commanding Officer of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. He received the Bronze Star with Combat "V" for heroic action on June 26, 1966 – June 27, 1966. Then, on 8-9 August, 1966 that he distinguished himself above and beyond the call of duty in the vicinity of Quang Tri, for which he received the Medal of Honor. Wounded in that action, Capt Lee was evacuated to the U.S. Naval Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland. In November 1966, he returned to duty at Headquarters Marine Corps and assigned duty as TO/MOS Coordinator and, later, Assistant FMF Readiness Officer in the Operation Section, G-4 Division. He was promoted to Major (United States) in July 1966.

   On October 25, 1967, Major Lee was presented the Medal of Honor by President Lyndon Johnson in a ceremony at the White House.

 

Vietnam War — 2nd tour

  Following this assignment, Maj Lee completed the Command and Staff College, Quantico, Virginia, in June 1970, then returned to the Republic of Vietnam for his second tour of duty. For his service as Executive Officer, Provisional Headquarters and Service Company and with the 2nd Combined Action Group, III Marine Amphibious Force, he earned a Gold Star in lieu of a second Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V".  He was promoted in July 1972 to lieutenant colonel and retired in 1975 from the Marine Corps for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

  If you would like to read Howard’s citation please go to……http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_V._Lee.

Click Image to Enlarge

   Though Howard has no past affiliation with Naval Weather, we are proud at HRC, when he graces our tables as a friend and fellow serviceman.  At HRC’s special gathering on 2/10/13 one of the other special guests was so overwhelmed with the thought of being in the same room with “such a hero”, tears sparkled in his eyes.  We thank you Howard for your service and for being such a gracious friend.  We, at HRC, ask NWSA and its members to keep our heroes like Mr. Lee and all our service men and women, in their thoughts and prayers.   

     Submitted by Fay Crossley, HRC Secretary