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Source: Aerograph November 2025
The Pensacola Chapter met at the Shrimp Basket Restaurant here in Pensacola. Those in attendance: Al Atwell, Paul Belt, Larry and Nancy Warrenfeltz, Pat and Libby O'Brien, Ed and Patti Straten, and Gerry Marsh and her invited guest Sharon.
The meeting was called to order 1450 hours.
Secretary's Report: Minutes from the 3 July meeting were unanimously accepted.
Treasurer's Report: There was no change in the treasury. Our balance is $22.77. The treasurer began collecting dues for the upcoming fiscal year, and we now have $72.77 in the treasury
Old Business: Patti Straten reported we have 28 individuals signed up for the April 2026 Cruise. That number doesn't include Rick McKay who has passage booked using his own account. There are 20 rooms available until the end of November. Celebrity Cruise Lines wants us to decide on the gap points, and Patti suggested we wait until our Dec. meeting. It was decided we need a logo and an itinerary for the cruise.
New Business: Pat reported the death of Bruce Glaes. This information came from the President Tim Kenefick.
Next Meeting: We will meet and Larry and Nancy home on 3 Dec.
Meeting adjourned at 1514 hours.
News from the Crew Ed and Patti Straten attended the Return with Honor event honoring POWs held at the Naval Aviation Museum. The event included over 700 attendees as well as excellent speakers. Ed's picture was taken and included in the Pensacola News Journal article.. See pics below. Patti sent in this information early because she and Ed are heading out to sea again. There's no land-lubbing in this pair.
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Pat and Libby O'Brien traveled up to Indianapolis in August and attended the USS Nimitz Association Reunion at the Marriott. On the way north, they stopped in Evansville for a couple of days and visited Libby's granddaughter and her family. Then they proceeded north to Carmel, IN, to visit Libby's grandson and his family. Following the reunion they went back to Carmel for a few more days of visiting. Jim Futtner flew into Indy from Hartford, CT, to attend the Nimitz Association Reunion, and he and the O'Briens did some sightseeing together. The highlight of their sightseeing was going to the Indy 500 Racetrack and Museum. They all say, If you are in Indianapolis, don't miss this experience. One day after arriving home in Pensacola, Libby was hospitalized for 6 days. She was totally out of it for the first couple of days. Docs decided she had a viral infection. Before going home, an MRI revealed she had a minor stroke. She is doing fine now and has had no residual effects. She and Pat just returned from a trip to the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa where she had a pelvic exam as a follow-up to her ovarian cancer. Exam showed no cancer present. At home, she received good reports from her neurologist and cardiologist, and her cancer prevention medications have been resumed. On the way to Moffitt, the O'Briens stopped in Tallahassee for a couple of hours to visit with Gerry Dufford. Chief Dufford, as Pat knew him, was with Pat at the AG Schools in Lakehurst in the early 70s Duff was Pat's defense counsel at Pat's Chief's Initiation in 1974. Pat laughs every time he recalls that day. He and Duff shared a lot of fond memories of Lakehurst. Duff is not nearly as spry as he used to be. He gets around with a cane, and he told Pat he still tries to play golf once or twice a week but it's not easy. Duff's wife Kathy is pretty much house bound and Duff stays nearby most of the time. Pat asks that you keep Duff and Kathy in your prayers. See pics of Duff with the O'Briens below. Pat continues to play golf and fish when the weather permits. He says he has more success fishing than he does at golf. Pat has a sit-on-top pedal drive kayak he uses for fishing. He fishes with ultralight tackle, and according to his son, he catches bait. Pat says the tug is the drug, small or not.
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As of the Aerograph deadline, Nancy and Larry Warrenfeltz were on their way north to Annapolis. The great Naval Academy Class of 1975 (The Flower Children of the Brigade) celebrated their Golden 50th Reunion 22-26 October. Larry promises pics in the next edition of the Aerograph. Bernie Bauer says
he is doing okay. He no longer attends Blue Wahoo baseball games or Ice Flyer hockey games, so the O'Briens don't see him near as much as they once did.
Al Atwell advises that he is hanging in there in spite of a few old age things like occasional skin cancer treatments and needing a cane to help him keep his balance . Beyond that his most significant challenge is finding something worthwhile to do every day since his wife passed away. He belongs to several veterans groups but says it was experience as a "weather guesser" that kept him heading in the right direction in some very challenging assignments during his 44 years of active duty.. And more recently he appreciates the help of Larry Warrenfeltz, other members of the Pensacola Chapter, and Editor Smitty in preparing a beautiful memory story of Al's wife, Helen, who served our country with distinction during the Vietnam conflict, Paul Belt is still swinging golf clubs and traveling. Pat's not sure where he and Cheryl may be at this writing.
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Source: Aerograph August 2025
The Pensacola Chapter met on 3 July at the Grand Buffet in Pace, Florida. Those in attendance were as follows: Larry & Nancy Warrenfeltz, Ed & Patti Straten, Pat & Libby O'Brien, Walt Kindergan, Gerrie Marsch, and Al Atwell
After enjoying some fine Chinese dishes, the meeting was called to order at 1338 hours.
Minutes from the 6 Mar. meeting were unanimously accepted.
Treasurer's Report: The quarter began with $142.77 in the treasury. We had one expenditure: Flowers for Helen Atwell's funeral. That cost was $155.71. Pat explained that he would assume $35.71 of this amount due to some confusion with the bill. Therefore, the expenditure for the Chapter is $120.00 leaving us with $22.71 in the treasury. Report was accepted as read.
Old Business: We all agreed that Reunion #48 in Bay St. Louis, MS, was a rousing success. Our thanks go out to F.J. & Bob Cutting for all the work they did to ensure that all hands had a good time.
New Business: Pat O'Brien was given 7 Reunion hats on leaving Bay St. Louis and forgot to bring them to the meeting. He said he would try to remember to bring them to the next meeting.
Reunion #49: Patti Straten reported that 26 people have signed up for the cruise. That number is 40 less than we had at Reunion #47. We are hoping that number increases as we go forward. Patti received a letter from Celebrity Cruise Lines offering more help. Discounts which were available early have expired, but there may be another discount opportunity coming. The last day to sign up for this cruise will be in December. More information is available elsewhere in this Aerograph News Letter. Libby O'Brien asked if we will get an extra room based on the number of rooms purchased. Patti said there is no definite info until all registered individuals are paid. It was suggested that the cruise information we have at this time be printed in the August Aerograph. All agreed.
Next Meeting: We will meet at 1300 hours on Thursday, 4 September, at the Shrimp Basket Restaurant on Davis Hwy.
Meeting Adjourned at 1410.
News from the Crew In June, Ed and Patti Straten drove to Glade Springs and Abington, Virginia, for a family week remembering Ed's older brother, Joe, a retired Master Chief, who was buried at sea. There was a Memorial for him at his favorite place, an old and historic restaurant called the Tavern. In July, they flew to Alliance, Ohio, to spend time with family members who had been unable to attend the Memorial. They also attended the Happy Together Concert in Biloxi which featured the Turtles, Jay and the Americans, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett, The Vogues, and the Cowsills. Talk about a musical stroll down memory lane! When at home, they have been busy planning the Weather Reunion Cruise, April 2026, as well as Patti's 60th Class Reunion in September. They had a fun visit from Cap and Lori Casperson who were traveling back home from visiting family on the peninsula of Florida. The Stratens were nice enough to invite Pat & Libby O'Brien to join them and the Caspersons for an evening of sea stories and pizza. Ed had another stent put in and Patti reports he is doing well.
Pat & Libby O'Brien say they are doing okay for a couple of old folk. Libby goes to her cancer center every three weeks for an infusion of Avastin. She's still bothered by a knee that should be replaced, and her latest malady is vertigo. Talk about the joys of old age. Pat's dad used to tell him and his sister, "Don't get old." They were left to wonder if he knew the alternative. Back in June, they traveled up to Virginia Beach and Niantic, CT, to visit family. While in Niantic, Jim Futtner drove down from Hartford and spent a day with them. When the O'Briens returned to Pensacola, they had driven a total of 3,071 miles. Nothing like a little trip up the coast and back. Ugh. Libby finally convinced Pat to have a hearing test. The evaluator told him he is a candidate for hearing aids. Pat said, Huh. He will be fitted for hearing aids in September. While fishing out of a rented kayak in Bayou Grande, the kayak tipped over. Pat lost some fishing tackle, prescription sunglasses, hat, and his Bubba Blade (knife). Thank God there was a gentleman having his morning coffee and perusing the bayou with his binoculars. He spotted the kayak and knew something wasn't right. He got in his kayak and paddled over to where Pat and the kayak were in the water. To make a long story short, he stayed with Pat until a larger craft came and got him out of the water. Needless to say, Libby was not happy when he told her of the incident.
Walt Kindergan reports he and Becky have not traveled in the past year. Walt has been serving as Interim pastor at a Lutheran Church for the past six months. Life is good.
Nancy and Larry Warrenfeltz enjoyed their annual beach road trip. On Father’s Day weekend, they left Pensacola for a week in Kill Devil Hills, NC, with Nancy’s family. It’s the one time each year they get their son and daughter and their families together in the same place. The photo below shows Larry and Nancy with all five grandchildren outside the Colington Cafe (their favorite restaurant).
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Oldest grandson Jacob had Boy Scout camp the following week, so youngest grandson Michael went with Nana and Papa Dub for another week with cousins in Wildwood Crest, NJ.
Rose and Arthur Frazier have had a hectic year so far. Rose had dental surgery in January and then a right shoulder replacement in February. Meanwhile they had to drive back to Milton, FL in January, for a funeral, just after the big snow storm left 9” on the ground! Many roads, including I-10 were closed due to snow and ice Then they flew to Oklahoma to meet their new grandson, Declan Troy Harjo, who was born late Jan. They cruised in the new year and had another in April with the state TOPS Recognition Days. In May they drove to Oklahoma to spend a few weeks with family. Their second oldest grandson, James Beasley, graduated high school, signed with SNU in Bethany, OK for track and academics full ride scholarship. James finished first in the class 2A 100m dash for the second year, 2nd in the 200m and also competed in the 4x2 and 4x4. Rose and Arthur enjoyed attending the state track meet and cheering him on. They also got to spend a lot of time with their 2 youngest grandbabies. The month of June saw a little bit of a break from traveling after 4 days in NC at the Adidas Track Nationals with James. Rose completed her rehab for her shoulder in early July with excellent range of motion, only to find out her right hip needs to be replaced too! That is scheduled for September 30th. They have 5 cruises planned through January 2026. They continue to try to enjoy life between medical appointments and such.
Pat sees Paul Belt occasionally on the golf course. He says he and Cheryl are doing well.
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Source: Aerograph May 2025
The Pensacola Chapter met at Calverts on the Heights in Pensacola on 6 March. Those in
attendance: Ed and Patti Straten, Gerrie Marsch, Paul Belt, Larry and Nancy Warrenfeltz,
and Pat and Libby O'Brien
The meeting was called to order at 1322.
Minutes from the 15 December meeting were read and approved.
Treasury is still at $142.77 with no expenditures or additions occurring.
Old Business: Larry passed out the latest news on the upcoming reunion at Bay St. Louis. All hands received a copy. Larry received the input from the Smitty (Aerograph Editor).
New Business: Ed Straten reported another email scam is circulating in his name.
Meeting adjourned at 1345 just in time for us to eat.
News from the Crew: Pat and Libby O'Brien thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and get well cards with regards to Libby's cancer. Pat reports she is doing well, and they plan on attending the reunion at Bay St. Louis. She received her last chemo treatment on 11 April, but still has to have infusions of Avastin once every three weeks for a couple of years. They have been extremely happy with the care she has received both here in Pensacola and that given at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. They drove down to Tampa on 8 April to see the doc who operated on her as part of her 6-week check up. He was very pleased with her progress, and said she could resume her normal everyday activities. In addition to attending the reunion, the O'Briens plan on flying out to Colorado Springs in May to attend a great grandson's high school graduation. In August they hope to attend the USS Nimitz Association Reunion in Indianapolis, Indiana. Pat reports that Jim Futtner will fly down to Pensacola and travel with the O'Briens over to Bay St. Louis to attend Reunion #48. Jim is still battling back problems, and says he has tried CBD Oil on his back and got relief that he wasn't really expecting.
Ed and Patti Straten are having a busy spring! They cruised to the Caribbean in April, enjoying ports in Key West and Cozumel although the weather was too windy for the planned stop in Costa Maya, ship time made up for it all. As always, outstanding crew and meals and so much fun! Patti spent several weeks in NH with her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren Braedyn, Jordyn and Ryan, playing Monopoly, and Sorry and Clue! She also was able to visit her cousin and sisters and her Aunt Pat who, at 89, just remodeled her back porch! Next on the agenda is our WX Reunion! At this time, we are so looking forward to seeing everyone! Following the reunion, we have an extended road trip to Virginia and Ohio planned to visit Ed's family. Then we plan to spend the summer relaxing in our condo in Pensacola!
Larry Warrenfeltz is spending his spring doing his favorite thing — watching high school and college softball. As the Umpire-in Chief for Florida high school softball, he dedicates much of his time to improving the umpiring in the state. Nancy says she would forward his mail to the softball field, but she doesn’t know where he might be. Nancy and Larry will take a break from softball for the Mississippi reunion.
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Source: February Aerograph 2025
The Pensacola Chapter held its December meeting at the home of Larry and Nancy Warrenfeltz. Those in attendance included Ed and Patti Straten, Pat and Libby O'Brien, Paul Belt and Cheryl Alter, Gerrie Marsch, Walt Kindergan, and Al Atwell.
Our meeting was called to order at 1300.
The Sec/Treasurer had emailed out the minutes of our previous meeting. The minutes were accepted with one correction; Becky Kindergan was added to the attendees list.
The Treasurer reported there were no deposits or expenditures since the last meeting and a balance of $142.77 remains. Suspension of yearly dues was voted on and approved for another year.
Old Business: As a follow up on the health of Tom Berkeridge, Pat O'Brien reported he is still dealing with blood clots in his legs, but is otherwise doing okay.
New Business: Larry Warrenfeltz reminded us of the upcoming NWSA Reunion in Bay St. Louis from May 5 - 9. Bob and F.J. Cutting are the host for #48. Info is available on the NWSA Website. Ed Straten informed us of scams becoming more frequent and veterans are taking a hit. He recommended caution when dealing over the phone or on the internet.
Our next meeting will take place on March 6th at Calvert's Restaurant on Scenic Highway.
Meeting was adjourned at 3:02 pm. A super holiday meal and game of Dirty Santa ensued. A great time was had by all. Thank you Larry and Nancy. See pictures below.
News from the Crew Pat and Libby O'Brien are dealing with Libby's cancer. Libby just finished her last chemo treatment and will undergo surgery at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa on 11 February. Pat feels she is doing well and asks for you to please keep her in your prayers. She's lost a lot of weight, and her hair has thinned, but didn't fall out. Other than that she's doing well. Pat says, "She almost looks like the girl I married." He and Libby have season tickets to the Pensacola Ice Flyer Hockey Games, but due to her cancer, they do not attend the games. It's at the games that they see Bernie Bauer, so they haven't seen him in awhile.
Pat and Paul Belt are members of the Sandcrabs Senior Golf Association, and as of their last meeting Paul was doing well. Pat stays in touch with Jim Futtner up in Hartford, Ct, and Tom Berkeridge who lives in The Villages in Florida. They are both dealing with medical issues but are hanging in there. Jim is undergoing battlefield acupuncture to help ease the pain in his back. Anyway, acupuncture pins are stuck in both of his ears, and to hear Jim tell it, "I feel like a Christmas Tree." He has had a couple of sessions and is scheduled for one more. Tom has recently recovered pneumonia, and says he doesn't need another 2024. He has had three COVID shots and still managed have COVID three times over the last year. Tom has also dealt with RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) which he says is twice as bad as pneumonia. He is still battling a blood clot in his right leg and is headed up to the VA in Gainesville to see if the docs there can come up with some type of resolution. As if all this isn't enough, he had to have kidney cysts aspirated. If his health improves, Tom hopes to make Reunion #48.
Al Atwell will soon be 95 years old and had his driver's license renewed for 5 more years. He's selling his house and renting an apartment near the Pace Memory Loss Clinic where his wife, Helen, is a patient. Two days after Christmas, he was moving furniture and over stressed his sciatic muscle and is now hobbling around using a Rollator Wheelchair and hoping to be okay in a couple of weeks. Hang in there Al.
Keep these old salts in your prayers. It was great to see Al Atwell at our Christmas party. We hadn't seen him in quite awhile. Al is 95 1/2 years old, and he drove to Larry and Nancy's home. We were all impressed. Ed and Patti Straten took a Christmas Cruise with all their grandchildren. See pics below.
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