Hello shipmates:
 
     I want to remind everyone that if you haven't signed up for our May 1 to May 4 museum/ship workparty on the USS Salem in Quincy, Mass, time is running out. As of today (03/21/08) we have 104 participants. This will be the final workparty and without a doubt - the best!

    We have 40 shipmates sleeping in racks on the Salem - just like the old days. The rest are billeted at the Best Western Adams Inn in Quincy where we have a very favorable room rate of 119 per day which includes continental breakfast.

    Friday May 2nd is a turn to day - chipping paint, painting, brasso etc alongside your buddies. Lunch is provided by the museum on number 3 messdeck and then a gala dinner celebration also free to all shipmates, their family and friends will be hosted in the wardroom. Saturday will be busy. Dedication of the final portion of our museum and we will honored by the attendance of Captain Bob Leverone, XO 71-73. We then head to T1 for a group picture and then assemble port side of T2 for a memorial service to honor not just the memory of our departed shipmates, but to also give thanks for all our military from 1776 through today. Shipmates are encouraged to wear their uniforms or those of relatives, fathers, grandfathers etc. Its time to recognize the real fact that freedom isn't free and Americans have been putting it on the line for over 300 years!. Following the memorial service (lead by our lay chaplain John Noll ETN2 66-70), everyone will muster back in the wardroom for chow.
 
    So - if you have not yet decided to join us - the time is NOW. We will have to cut off registration by the first week of April in order to arrange food, supplies and other similar items. And don't forget - family and friends are very welcome..
 
Looking forward to hearing from you
Best regards
 
Al Siegel ETR2
OE Division 1967-1970
Newport News Museum Board Member
Workparty Coordinator