O Volume 28 -No. 3 September, 2015

2016 REUNION - NORFOLK, VA The 2016 USS Ashland LSD Association reunion will take place at the Lake Wright Quality Suites and Sleep Inn, 6280 Northhampton Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia on June 22, 2016 thru Saturday June 25, 2016. Preliminary information concerning the reunion is included in this issue. The Ashland rate will apply for five days prior and after the reunion, based on hotel room availability. Registration forms and complete information will be included in the January 2016 issue of the Ashlander. Please remember to register by mail or e-mail as early as you can, you do not have to send payment at registration, pay at the reunion. The important thing is that you register with Bob Parrish,(who is coordinating the reunion) to assist him with the event planning. Cut-off dates will be spelled out in the next issue of the Ashlander. KEEP THEM IN MIND. If you have any questions, then contact Bob Parrish by phone or e-mail. Bob's contact information is contained on page 2 of this issue. USS ASHLAND LSD -48 US scrambles Amphib USS Ashland 31st MEU Marines to Saipan for FEMA typhoon relief mission. (August 7, 2015) USS Ashland returns to Saipan with supplies to restore water power to island. (August 11, 2015). Go to: https://shar.es/1tC9c8 for full stories.

ELECTION At the Business Meeting held on Saturday, June 13, 2015, the following Officers were elected to a two year term. President, Robert Parrish; First Vice President, Harlan Engel; Second Vice President, Ronald Thompson; Treasurer, Gene Miller; and Secretary, Don Nita Schorr. TRAVELING FLAG The last bid for the Traveling Flag at the Indianapolis Reunion was Calvin Nichols. Calvin's name will be added to the flag case. FERGUSON/ADAMS AWARD The 2015 Ferguson/Adams Award was presented by President Davie Chapman to Jeannine Miller in recognition of her involvement with the Ways and Means Committee for several years. Ways and Means Committee An integral part of our fundraising are your donations. This is an opportunity to provide a unique item from you or your geographical location. The Ways and Means Committee is of grateful for anything you can donate to support the Association. NOTE This issue and earlier issues are available on the Ashland Web Site. If you can use the internet to view the Ashlander, please do so. A number of you have agreed to view the issue on the web site and have been deleted from the mailing list---we are looking for more !!!!! See: www.legion.org/reunions. then look under (ashland lsd 1/48)

Officers, Board of Directors and Chairpersons President Robert E. Parrish, 1416 Broadway St., Lincoln, IL 62656 (217) 871-9706 rep1933@yahoo.com Honorary President Commander Daniel P. Duhan, Commanding Officer, USS Ashland LSD-48, FPO AE 96660-1736 First Vice President Second Vice President Harlan J. Engel, 531 1st St. NW, Hartley, IA 51346 (712) 728-3275 harlanengel@tcaexpress.net Second Vice President Ronald C. Thompson. 4500 Roberts Drive, Ashland, KY 41102 (605) 325-7970 ronjaneky@yahoo.com Recording Secretary Don Nita Schorr, 927 Country Club Rd., Sparta, IL 62286 (618)443-4789 williamjschorr@gmail.com Treasurer Gene J. Miller, 34 E. Ash St., Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 627-3746 gjm34@att.net Newsletter Editor Vacant --Temporary Editor Gene Miller (see above) Webmaster - Temporary Jimmie Barnes Historian (LSD-1) Jimmie Barnes, 5460 Karen's Terr., Homosassa, FL 34446 (352) 62d1-0617 jbarnes17@tampabay.rr.com Ship's Store Robert Parrish, 1416 Broadway St., Lincoln, IL 62656 (217) 732-9705 rep1933@yahoo.com Master at Arms Harold S. Lee, 201 Ellingson Bridge Drive, Decorah, IA 52101 (563)546-7941 Chaplain Ronald C. Thompson, 4500 Roberts Drive, Ashland, KY 41102 (606) 325-7970 ronjaneky@yahoo.com Ways & Means Committee Jeannine Miller (See Gene Miller above) Eleanor Nichols, 4505 Mosaic Ct., Louisville, KY 40299 (502) 267-9242 Norma Webb, 108 Forest View Ct., Cox's Creek, KY 40013 (502) 348-8142 2016 Reunion Coordinator Robert E. Parrish, 1416 Broadway St., Lincoln, IL 62656 (217) 871-9706 rep1933 @yahoo.com "The Ashlander" is a publication of the USS Ashland LSD Association, Inc. The Association is a non-profit, historical and educational organization dedicated to promoting the fraternal, civic, patriotic and historical memories of those who served or may serve aboard the USS Ashland and among the public at large. It is intended that the Association will be a viable organization for both ships bearing the name USS Ashland LSD-1 and LSD-48. Voluntary dues are used for publishing and disseminating the "Ashlander" and for annual reunions. Please send dues ($15.00 per year) to the Treasurer and material , comments, etc., to the same as temporary editor.

From the Office of the President Fellow Shipmates, I hope this finds all our members in good health and enjoying the summer. As I begin my second term as your President, I have great concerns on the life of our Association. Our attendance at our annual reunions has dropped below forty in attendance and it is getting where we no longer know two years in advance where we will hold the reunions. The members of the 40's, 50's and 60's are getting fewer and we need the members who served on the 48 to step forward and get involved in our Association. Also, fewer members are willing to be the host for a reunion. We need some new members to take over our Association leadership in order for it to survive. Many of the members of the 40's and 50's who started our Association have passed away. If you look at the list of Officers, Board of Directors and Chairpersons you will see that most of them are members and wives of the 50's. If we don't change this in the next few years our Association will die. DO YOU WANT THIS TO HAPPEN? If not, plan to attend the 2016 reunion in Norfolk, Virginia on June 22nd to 26th and get involved with your Association. Information can be found on this reunion in this issue and we ask that you plan to attend and get your rooms and send your registration form in as soon as you can. Remember, you do not have to pay at the time of registration. Also, if you live in the area and only want to attend the annual meeting and banquet on Saturday, we would love to have you attend. We need everyone's help to keep our Association going. Your President, Bob Parrish WAYS AND MEANS THANK YOU!! Our group gets smaller, but the support is great, with lots of laughter to go with it. Hopefully, we can carry on this tradition in the future. Happy Holidays and see you in Norfolk in June 2016. TO VIEW THE ASHLANDER ON LINE: Input www.ussashland.org then click on USS ASHLAND NEWS which will bring up the homepage. Click on Ashlander online to view the newsletter.

Dues received since last issue for 2015/2016 and beyond Banowetz, Raymond (2) Lindhorst, Charles H. (2) Burton, Prinest (5) Miller, Gene (1) Chapman, Davie (4) Parks, Raymond (1) Doig, James (3) Parrish, Robert (1) Engel, Harlan (1) Schorr, William (1) Giese, Paul (2) Sicker, Dario (3) Houck, Gary (3) Talley, Raymond (1) Keith, Douglas (3) Thompson, Ronald (6) Leuthuer, John (3) Webb, Thomas (3) Leaper, Norman (4) White, Nathan, Jr. (1) Lee, Harold (1) Legend: (1) Dues paid thru 15/16 (2) Dues paid thru 16/17 (3) Dues paid thru 17/18 (4) Dues paid thru 18/19 (5) Dues paid thru 19/20 (6) Dues paid thru 20/21 Deaths: Albright, Fletcher F., S1C, aboard 61/63, date of death April 24, 2015 (Ret as CPO USNR) Densler, Donald F., RD3, aboard 63/65, date of death June 12, 2015 Hendricks, Jeanette, wife of Richard, EM2, aboard 52/55, date of death February 14, 2015 Pett, Fred, SK2, aboard 43/45, date of death May 12, 2015 Rice, Edna V., wife of Edwin C., QM2, aboard 43/45, date of death May 19, 2015 Rumker, Andrew P., S1C, aboard 44, date of death December 26, 2014 ******************************************************************************** Reunion Info request via HullNumber.com Shipmate Name: Timothy Ludwig Email: timothy.m.ludwig@gmail.com Message: My father, Robert M. Ludwig (Bob) served onboard the USS Ashland in 1951. If anyone knew him, please contact me. He passed in April of 1999. Thank you. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ASHLAND HAS A FACEBOOK PAGE!!!!!!! On your Facebook page, at the top left where it says Search Facebook, type in USS Ashland LSD-1 and the page will open. This page takes the place of the E-News on the Web page. (Jimmie Barnes)

2015 REUNION The 2015 USS Ashland LSD Association reunion was held in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 11th to the 14th, with sixteen members and two guests in attendance for our 30th reunion. Our numbers have been dropping over the past five years and we would encourage members who have served on the 48 to attend and be involved in your Association. We had five members from the 40's, eight from the 50's and three from the 60's. We missed the Osborns and hope John has reovered from his illness. It was great to have Dario Sicker and Ray Parks from the 40's once again to be able to be with us. We had our Memorial Service on Friday at the hotel with retired Army Chaplain Karen Diefenderf giving our Memorial Message. Once again she did an outstandingd job with her message and gave the history of the USS Ashland LSD-1 and 48. Our President, Davie Chapman, did the remembrance and our Chaplain Ron Thompson, gave the prayer and benediction. We would ask all our members to report the death of any of our members or wives, to Gene Miller so we can include them in our Memorial Service. Our annual business meeting was held on Saturday morning and the annual dinner on Saturday night. We asked for a host for our 2016 reunion with no takers. Bob Parrish then stated he received information from Norfolk, Virginia and Columbus, Georgia. He stated he would work with Visit Norfolk or Convention and Visitors Bureau of Columbus. It was voted to have our 2016 reunion in Norfolk, Virginia. During the free time some of our members got together and took their own tours of Indianapolis. As one of your reunion hosts, I hope all had a great time and hope to see everyone in Norfolk for our 31st reunion. Let everyone try to attend and encourage other members to attend and be involved with our Association.

2016 REUNION INFORMATION

The 2016 Reunion will be held on June 22nd to June 26th at the Lake Wright Quality Suites and Sleep

Inn in Norfolk, Virginia.

This year members wil have a choice of the type of room to stay in. We have selected Quality Suites

Lake Wright and Sleep Inn Lake Wright (connected with one main lobby). We have a block of 15

rooms at Quality Suites with 2 Queen beds or a King, and 10 rooms blocked at Sleep Inn with 2 doubles

or King. The Quality Suites is a true two room suite and the Sleep Inn a more simplified guest room.

They also have handicappped rooms in both hotels offering a selection of different shower and tub

types. Included is a complimentary full hot breakfast buffet each morning. Available for all guests are

a mini convenience store, fitness center, indoor/outdoor swimming pool, guest laundry facility,

electronic door locks, interior corridors and ample parking. The Lake Wright lobby bar and

restaurant "Que" is open daily. They are also pet friendly.

The cost per night to stay in the Quality Suites is $103.46, inclusive of 14% sales tax plus $2.00

occupancy tax. The cost per night to stay in Sleep Inn is $92.06 inclusive.

They are located at 6280 Northhampton Boulevard, with check-in at 4:00 P.M. and check out at 11:00

A.M.. Guests must CALL THE HOTEL DIRECT and mention they are with the USS Ashland LSD

Association when making their reservations to insure they are included in the block at the group rate.

Toll-free reservations: 800-228-5157. individuals make their own reservations and are responsible

for all their own expenses. A valid credit card is required to make and guarantee reservations. Our

rate is available 5 days before and after, based on hotel availability. Rooms will be released from

group block back to hotel on cut-off date of May 22, 2016.

If you have to cancel your room reservations you must do it by 4:00 P.M. local hotel time of the day

of arrival to avoid a cancellation penalty. Individual changes and/or cancellations can be made up to

24 hours prior to the date of arrival to avoid a one night room and tax penalty.

The Lake Wright provides complimentary airport shuttle service daily to and from Norfolk

International Airport, 24 hours per day. Their courtesy telephone is located at the baggage claim area.

They are just 3 miles from the airport. RV parking on premises is available at no charge.

Tenative Schedule

Thursday, June 23, 2016 9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

Board motor coach with guide to enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay as

you learn about the history of Virginia's largest city and get the pulse of current day Virginia Beach.

Ride down the resort strip and see the historic Cavalier Hotel as well as the beautiful homes located

along the North End.

See the First Landing Cross at Cape Henry where the English colonists first came ashore in 1607 prior

to settling at nearby Jamestown. Walk out on the overlook to see where the bay and the ocean

meet, and where the famous Battle of the Capes took place during the Revolutionary War.

Enjoy a stop at the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, built in 1792, this lighthouse was active until the late

1800's and is currently a Virginia Historic Landmark. Guests may choose to climb to the top of the

Lighthouse (small admission fee, pay on own) or shop in the gift shop for all things Lighthouse related.

Next, visit Naval Station Norfolk. - the largest naval installation in the world. Home port to 78 ships,

ranging in size from aircraft carriers to submarines, 26 aircraft squadrons comprised of 133 aircraft and

headquarters of the Atlantic Fleet, this naval complex occupies over 8,000 acres of land and is home to

more that 100,000 military personnel. Tour will take you past the 14 piers and through the Naval Air

Station. You will also drive by the historic homes built for the 1907 Jamestown Exposition on

"Admiral's Row" which now house the flag officers.

Lunch will be included at one of the clubs on base.

Friday, June 24, 2016 9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

Board motor coach with guide to visit Norfolk's exciting downtown waterfront for a tour of

Nauticus, a unique and thriving campus of visitor attractions that explores the economic, naval and

natural powers of the sea. Features here include a series of ingenious interactive exhibits, shows and

theaters with various films.

A true highlight of your visit will be a self-guided tour of the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the famous

Iowa-class ships. This great ship saw action in WWII, the Korean War and most recently in the Persian

Gulf War. Wisconsin is permanently berthed beside Nauticus where it is easily accessed by a

connecting walkway. Explore the main deck and recently opened portions of the interior.

Memorial service will be held on board the Wisconsin

Also housed on the Nauticus campus is the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, one of ten museums

officially operated by the U.S. Navy. Enjoy lunch on your own a the Nauticus Cafe and shop in the

beautiful gift shop for nautical themed items.

Following lunch, visit the MacArthur Memorial for a glimpse into our country's history. View the

oustanding collection of artifacts, documents, photographs and memorabilia housed in Norfolk's

historic city hall which traces the life and times of five-star General Douglas MacArthur.

The General and Mrs. MacArthur are entombed in the rotunda of the memorial. Nine separate

galleries arranged in two levels circle the rotunda and tell the story of General MacArthur and the

millions of American men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces from the Civil

War through the Korean War. A gift shop is located on the premises.

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The preceeding information is provided by Phillips DMC, a full-service destination management

company, serving military reunion groups. Phillips DMC is assisting with this reunion.

We will have to furnish counts of participants early in May of 2016. Prices will be included in the

January Ashlander registration forms.

NOTE: All passengers visiting any military installation MUST haver a picture ID (driver's license,

military ID, passport), and no bags other than pocketbooks or camera cases will be allowed on base.

Do not bring any pocket knives, scissors, or nail files on the base tour. All persons are subject to,

personal search.

A complete schedule of activities and costs will be included in the January Ashlander.

PLEASE DECIDE TO ATTEND THE 2016 REUION. MAKE YOUR HOTEL RESERVATIONS EARLY AND

SEND YOUR REGISTRATION INFORMATION TO BOB PARRISH EARLY.. WE NEED YOUR ATTENDANCE.

NOTE: The lowest contract price we are being offered is based on a minimum of 35 attendees. We

need you to register early and we need full participation. Please make every effort to attend.

REGISTRATION FORM

Please complete this form and mail to the address below so your addresss and information on the rosterand

mailing list is correct and verified. want to send any information to an incorrect addfress.

NAME__________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS:_______________________________________________________________________ CITY:_________________STATE:__________________ZIP CODE:__________________________ PHONE: ( ) __________________ Spouses name (if applicable)________________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS_________________________________________________________________ When Aboard the Ashland_________________________________________________________ Rate/Rank (When leaving the ship)_________________Division___________________________ Mail to: Gene J. Miller, 34 East Ash Street, Lombard, IL 60148-2602 _______________________________________________________________________________ The Association dues are $15.00 per year for a single member or a couple. We consider spouses as full members of the Association. The dues year begins each year at Annual reunion time. Dues to the Association are voluntary by our bylaws but we always hope you will support our efforts. The dues collected help pay for printing and mailing out the Newsletter, locating former crew members, planning the Annual Reunion and other expenses in running the Association. Please complete this portion of the form and mail to our Treasurer. $________Enclosed is/are dues for ( ) year/s. I understand that the dues year begins at the annual reunion and will cover up to the next Annual Reunion. NAME:________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS:______________________________________________________________________ City, State and Zip Code:__________________________________________________________ Make any checks payable to USS Ashland LSD Association, Inc. Mail checks to: Gene J. Miller, Treasurer, 34 East Ash Street, Lombard, IL 60148-2602