11 September 2001…..GOD BLESS AMERICA!

WOLAA Web Site: www.wolaa.org

________________________________________________________________

Bill Meeker and Bill’s Bunch Tribute.

WOLAA hopes you enjoy the special Spring LEAF you are receiveing

that pays tribute to the many contributions for the WOL Family that Bill Meek-

er and Bill’s Bunch Achieved.

———————————————————————————————–

News From WOLAA

*Holiday Luncheon. As noted in the Winter 2014 LEAF, we will

have only one luncheon this year. It will be the Holiday Luncheon and will be

at the Argyle Country Club on Wednesday, 3 December 2014. MARK

YOUR CALENDARS NOW!!!! We hope we can have 125 attend. Santa Dee

is working on your holiday gift from WOLAA and promises great WOLAA

cookies for dessert. We will have our traditional super brief annual meeting

after the festivities to honor our By-laws and have our democratic election of

officers.

*Florida Reunion. Ken Caudle reported on the 2014 Florida

WOLAA reunion: “Sarah Happel hosted the Florida Reunion on March 25th at

the Nancy Lopez Country Club in The Villages, Fl. Although there were only 7

of us, we had a great time and a wonderful meal. There was no planned pro-

gram, but the discussions were lively and covered everything from applesauce

to yoga. We were absolutely clear that we would continue the reunions. Next

year’s reunion is tentatively planned for the March time frame and will be host-

ed by Bill Pickler at the Sherman Hills Golf Club in Brooksville, FL. Hope to

see you there.

By the way, if you don’t know, The Villages is a beauti-

ful metropolis in central Florida with a total area of about 30 sq.

mi. and a population of more than 100,000 senior citizens. It has

multiples of everything and is laid out so that most of the travel-

ing is done by really fancy GOLF CARS.

*Membership. We now have over 400 members in

2014. There are 84 previous members who have not rejoined. A

reminder letter will be sent to them in April 2014.

VOLUME XVI ISSUE II KEEPING MEMORIES ALIVE Spring 2014

Events *

*WOLAA Holiday Lunch-

eon @ Argyle CC Wed, 3

Dec 2014

*Proud Memory Gar-

den Visits TBD

*Dedication of Dr. Ben-

nett Display at FDA TBD

________________________

The LEAF is published quar-

terly by the WOLAA, Inc. for

its members.

___________________________

Editorial Staff:

JohnTino

George Hamlin

Ken Caudle

_______________________

WOLAA, Inc PO

Box 1002, Olney,

MD. 20830 Phone

(301) 439-3140 E-M:

mrspat218@aol.com

________________________I

This Issue:

Bill Meeker Tribute

Spring LEAF

News from WOLAA, Histori-

cal Preservation, Book Re-

views, Navy News, Alu-

mUpdate, Deceased Alumni

Supplements pp S1-S

The Leaf

White Oak Laboratory Alumni Associat ion, Inc.

VOLUME XVI ISSUE II THE LEAF PAGE 3

Historical Preservation, (Continued)

Also some former technical experts as well. If it were I, a presentation similar to ones we have both done

for NAVSEA, or OPNAV might be the most successful.”

Navy Memorial Plaque. The Navy Memorial Newsletter, “The Lone Sailor,” had an article on

the WOL Memorial Plaque, including a picture of our plaque. The article is shown in the Supplement page

S2

———————————————————————————————————————————.

Book Reviews Johnny Grams Mjt

Betty Gay shared several of the books she has recently read, “By the way, I read Do-

ris Kerns Godwin’s book ‘The Bully Pulpit’ about Teddy Roosevelt, William Taft, and the

era of the true investigative journalists. It was fascinating. I wish we had history books in

school that read as interesting as this one. I didn’t know that the Republicans had a Progres-

sive part of the party that advocated government regulations dealing with the work place, or that it led the

fight against Standard Oil and other big monopolies that were really restricting entrance to trade. The in-

fighting within the party between the old conservatives and the new progressives was very interesting. I

really like Godwin as an author. She also wrote ‘Lincoln, Team of Rivals,’ which was another fascinating

book. Both of these books have won the Pulitzer Prize.”

———————————————————————————————————————————

Navy News George Hamlin New Weapons. The Navy plans to deploy its first laser on a ship in 2014. It's an unusual weap-

on; one sailor can operate the prototype. In addition, the Navy intends to test an electromagnetic rail gun

prototype aboard a vessel within two years. We have discussed the rail gun here before; its projectiles can

reach Mach 7 and Dahlgren is involved in its development.

The program manager for directed energy and electric weapon systems says of the new weaponry, "It fun-

damentally changes the way we fight." And yet, futuristic or not, the cost is significantly less than smart

bombs and missiles; and there's no resupply issue.

Not everything is a plus, however; the rail run consumes electricity at a prodigious rate, while lasers are less

effective under dusty, turbulent, or rainy conditions.

Iran’s New Aircraft Carrier. George Hamlin titled this article, “Where is

Bill’s Bunch When You Need Them.” Newser reports a ship nearing completion in Iran,

and it causes a momentary doubletake. According to the US Navy, it's a low-class copy

of the Navy's NIMITZ-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The Iranians have gone so

far as to paint NIMITZ's number 68 near the bow.

This thing was spotted by satellite a few months back. It's not a real carrier, of course,

Iran hardly has the means to do that. "Based on our observations ... it's a large barge built to look like an

aircraft carrier," a Navy spokesman says. "We're not sure what Iran hopes to gain by building this." Offi-

cials do posit the theory that Iran might be planning to drag it to sea and blow it up. Why do that? There

might be "propaganda value" in a video of the exercise. The New York Times subscribes to this theory,

thinking the Iranians might do it if things don't go their way during negotiations over Iran's nuclear pro-

gram.

US officials don't think Iran could build a true aircraft carrier, and refer to it as the "Target Barge." There's

PAGE 4 THE LEAF VOLUME XVI ISSUE I I

Navy News (Continued) no nuclear propulsion, to begin with, and it's not full scale: about 2/3 the size of NIMITZ. But the builders

have gone to the extent of arraying fake jet fighters on deck. Asked why reveal this thing now, US officials

respond along the lines of reminding the Iranians that we have an eye on them. Those who are doing that

say that construction is close to finished; they think that the faux carrier will be shipped from the Gachin

shipyard to the Persian Gulf by rail; it's only a mile or so away.

Viet Nam POW Anniversary It has been 40 years since the American POW’s from the Viet Nam

War were released and came home. President Nixon decided to host a dinner for them. Twelve hundred

POW’s and their families attended the largest dinner ever held at the White House. It was held on the lawn

of the White House in large tents. President Nixon visited with each POW and let them have the run of the

White House. Bob Hope was the MC and John Wayne attended. Now 40 years later a reunion of that din-

ner was held at the Nixon Museum in California. An excellent You Tube video documents these events.

Well worth watching and a great reminder of the sacrifice and courage of each POW. Web address is as

follows

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=LemllfcAY8A&sns=em

—————————————————————————————————————

Alumni Updates. Marie Hurley wrote, “Dear John, John and I both enjoy the LEAF so much. We enjoy the book

reviews articles, and most of all, to read about our friends. When I look over the roster, I realize a lot of

them are gone. Can you imagine the conferences they have ‘up-there,’ or are they waiting for me to bring

the bourbon balls. Sure miss that bunch. John and I hit a rough spot last Fall. We both got sick at the same

time and the children decided we were old enough to give up our current home (We are 92 and 97.). We

are now living in assisted living. It is not as bad as I thought it would be. (No cooking, no cleaning, and

plenty of time for naps.) Sincerely, Marie and John” Editor Note: Marie was secretary in U Depart-

ment.)

Dr. Carl Mueller wrote, “Thanks for your recent note. I’ve enclosed an article of 13 December

2013 entitled, ‘A Phenomenal Miracle,’ that appeared in three newspapers in TN. 2013 was an awesome

year for me. The article will unfold the miracle that took place in my body. Use it as you wish. Regards,

Carl” Editor Note: In 2011, Carl was diagnosed with cancer. Later, it spread and was stated to be

stage 4. His faith in God resulted in a cure. The article is presented in the Supplement on page S4.

WOLAA is so pleased that Carl is well.

Ramsey Johnson wrote, “Received Leaf on 12 Feb. My response a bit tardy; we’ve been out &

about to Grand Cyn, Sedona, etc. In reference to Barry Pifer’s remarks in the Winter Leaf: I recall that

PADD was the acronym for Passive Acoustic Doppler Detector. It was a device deployed in the water (e.g.

at the end of a pier) to passively detect swimmer stroke noise of sappers who might be stealthily approach-

ing to place mines/explosives onto ship hulls. During assignments with NRDU-V I went with these units to

Vung Tau, Danang, and Cam Rahn Bay. I think the NRDU-V rep from the Panama City, FL lab was the

lead in-country person on this project.”

John Greene wrote, “Several years ago Maryland was ‘gung-ho’ to be at the forefront of gun con-

trol and held hearings to gauge public acceptance of ‘smart guns’. I will repeat what I told the MSP Com-

mander at one of those hearings. If "smart guns" are so desirable, please use the Governor's personal pro-

tective squad to test their effectiveness. I also pointed out that I worked at a place with many engineers that

were quite capable of making a device to ‘disable’ the signal of the ‘smart’ technology rendering the Gover-

nor's protection less than useful. Thereafter ‘smart’ guns were not mentioned at those hearing. Does anyone

want to bet their life on ‘smart’ technology so easily defeated?”

Ellen (Miller) Black wrote, “I have no idea if you are the correct person to contact, but I thought I

would start with you. My late father, Robert J. Miller, worked for years at NOL. While there in 1958, he .

WOL History

VOLUME XVI ISSUE II THE LEAF PAGE 5

Alumni Updates (Continued)

published ‘Factors Influencing Polaris Second Stage Motor Case Weight.’ I found the following listing

online, but it seems to be a blank lead.

http://books.google.com/books/about/Factors_Influencing_Polaris_Second_Stage.html?id=TOVlOAAACAAJ

I would love to find this book to share with my siblings. Although none of us are scientists, and I’m sure

the book is well out of our range of understanding, it would be wonderful to have a copy of our father’s

book in our possession. I cannot speak for my brother or sisters, but as we approach the 21st anniversary of

our Dad’s death, I miss him more than ever. Thank you for any help you can offer or lead you can pro-

vide. If this is not a simple request, please do not worry about it. I don’t want to take up any of your valua-

ble time. I just thought I’d give it a shot.”

The LEAF (MJT) responded: “Dear Ellen, I almost didn't open your email as I get so much spam

but then saw NOL. I worked directly for your Dad at the System Analysis Office at White Oak in Bldg 90

from 1966 to about 1970. We did submarine ASW analysis. One of my jobs was to build a sub on sub sim-

ulation models. Also, when he worked down town, he had me do a study on the weapon systems of our at-

tack submarines. I loved working for him. I probably have a few reports I did for your Dad; I will look

and see and let you know. Later, he moved to the Pentagon and worked for OP-95, which was their ASW

organization. I continued to have contact with him in the Pentagon. For many years, I have looked to the

right as we drive West on Randolph Road near his home. I wandered if he still lived there. I am sad that he

has been deceased for 21 years.

I looked at the title of the item you mentioned and believe it might have been a NOL Technical Report. Are

you sure it is a book. It looks like a topic that would have been classified in 1958, probably secret. (The

DOD had a declassification process which was a function of years since written. So, if a report, it is likely

declassified now). Polaris was in design stage then. I am not sure when the first SSBN sub went to sea; but

it was probably in early 60's. I believe the first SSBN sub was the George Washington so you could ck on

line. When the NOL closed in the 1997, the library records went to NSWC, Dahlgren. I might be able to

get a contact in library there so let me know if you believe it was a book or report. Also, the Ballistic Mis-

sile organization is located on Nebraska Ave near American University. They may be able to help us. I

will see if anyone has info on how to contact them.”

Editor Note: Then, I remembered DTIC (Defense Technical Information Center). All of the

WOL’s TR’s went there. I went on line and found Bob Miller’s report. It is releasable to the public.

I informed his Daughter of this and she is in the process of contacting DTIC.

Ellen Miller Black responded, “ Thank you so much for writing back - and so quickly, too. I feel

like I won the ultimate jackpot having reached someone my Dad actually knew, and obviously respected.

My career was spent as executive assistant to numerous CEOs and top level executives. I learned how to

get information and answers. I did a search on NOL, then found the White Oak Laboratory Alumni Associ-

ation, saw you were President and your email was listed. I figured, why not go to the top? It was, obvious-

ly, a good move on my part.

Sadly, Dad died way too young at only 68. He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in the summer of

1992 and had surgery and chemotherapy, but the cancer had spread too far already and he passed away in

March of 1993. After retirement, he and my Mom sold their Silver Spring home and Dad built one last

home - what they called a “log cabin” in Dillsburg, PA. (The “cabin” was large enough for all their grand-

children to visit at once.) After Dad passed away, my Mom purchased a small house in Frederick to be near

PAGE 6 THE LEAF VOLUME XVI ISSUE I I

Alumni Updates (Continued) children to visit at once.) After Dad passed away, my Mom purchased a small house in Frederick to be near

my younger sister and her family. When her needs became more complicated, she moved to an independ-

ent living facility near my older sister in upstate New York. She is now, at 87, on the waiting list for an as-

sisted living home. Dad was the love of her life (and she of his). Even though she was only 66 when she

was widowed, she was never involved with another man.

I must have been five-years-old when you started working with my Dad. I was actually born the year Dad

temporally moved our family to Newport (1960-1961), where I believe he taught a course at the Naval War

College. I would imagine he would have been a good man with whom to work. Obviously, we never knew

much about what Dad did, but knew his work ethic and his kind personality (underneath the grumpy exteri-

or).

The publication I referenced came up when I Googled my Dad’s name. Thank you for the information on

DTIC. I will contact them to get a copy of the report. The older I get, the more I wish Dad were around to

share my life (which has been quite happy). I suppose my reaching out to find things he had written or

things in which he was involved is my way to do this. By the way, you might appreciate this little gem of

advice my Dad gave me when I left for college. ‘When taking a written test, if you are not sure of the

spelling of a word, just write really messy so they won’t be able to tell that you don’t know how to spell

it.’ I think it speaks to who he was that he waited to give me that little tidbit until college.

Since you knew and worked with Dad, perhaps you would like to see my favorite photo of him from

1968. It was taken by Connie Chung when she was working for him as a secretary, I believe, while she was

attending college (feel free to correct me if I’m wrong about that). She was supporting the premise that

people showed their true personality while jumping. I think she proved her point - for Dad, at least. “

———————————————————————————————————————————

Deceased Alumni. Please inform Houston Cole of any information about deceased alumni. Phone (410) 489-2977. Or please

email or write WOLAA. The LEAF is pleased to print a tribute to our deceased alumni. Prepare and email/

mail to WOLAA.

Richard W. Holden. WOLAA received a note on 10 February 2014 from Marilyn Sayles, “Dear

WOLAA, Sorry it has taken so long to inform you of Dick’s death in March 2013. He always enjoyed see-

ing his former work pals. I’m glad you are still at Argyle; he initiated meeting there.” Dick worked in E

Department. Joe Hoffman and Dick were the leaders to begin the E Department luncheon, which grew into

the WOLAA luncheons. Ms Sayles attached the card shown on page 7 which summarizes Dick’s character

and love for golf.

Dr. William J. Yanta. WOLAA received a note from Art Rorabaugh, “I was quite surprised to

have received a letter from Judy Yanta that her husband Dr. Willaima Yanta had passed away on October 2,

2013 at age 73. Dr. Yanta worked in the Hypersonic wind Tunnels for many year as I had and was a great

person and engineer. His kindness and engineering contributions will not be forgotten.” He was the son of

the late Alex and Sophie Dworaczyk Yanta from Runge. After graduation from Runge School he attended

the University of Texas-Austin where he received his BS and MS in Aerospace Engineering in 1962 and

1964, respectively. He then received a NATO fellowship and received his diploma from the Von Karman

Institute in Brussels, Belgium in 1965. He began work at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory (later becoming

the Naval Surface Warfare Center - NSWC) in Silver Spring, Maryland, in 1965 where he worked for 36

years. During this time he went on to earn a Ph.D. in Engineering from the Catholic University of American

in Washington, D. C. in

1973. After retirement from government service, Dr. Yanta worked for Jacobs Engineering for

' votuME xvt tssuE tt THE LEAF

years. During this time he went on to eam a Ph.D- inin Washington, D. C. in 1973. After retirement fromgineering for seven yeaxs and also was

iryanta-was an internationally known of flow diagnostics and had specialized in the de-

velopment and application of optical and laser diagnos instn:rnentation for'use in hypersonic wind tun-

nels. He had served on ngmerorui Deparlment of Defense, national and intemational aerospace committees-

He published over one hundred publications, presentations and seminars. In 1974 he received the Depart-

ment of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award. In 1991 he received the prestigio-us NIWC Science

and TechnologyExcellence Award (Scientist of the Year). After retiring, he and his wife, JudS moved to

Inez, TX. In retirement he was a member of the Victoria County Master Gardener Association where he was

a Master Gardener. He also was a member of the Kanres County Historical Commission. In retirement, he

and his wife, Judy, traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada. He is survived by his wife, Judy;

his daughter, Rachel Lanning and husband, Rick; a grandsor5 Marshall Lanning; a step grandson, Austin

l,anning; his son, Mark yanta and wife, Fraru and her children, Justin, Erik, Kristen and Kahina; and nine

step g;at-granachildren; Judy's son" Timothy Johnson and wife, Lisa, and two step granddaughters, and

Jrdyb *n, Tho*as Johnson. He is also survived by his brother, Adrian Yanta and his wife, Cynthia' of

R'nge; six nephews and two nieces. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife,

Margaret Davis Yanta

PAGE 7 i

i

Tribute to Ilick llolden-

Join the hundreds of ship andsquadron reunion groups,individuals, families, and variousnaval associations that have thathave sponsored their plaque on theNarV Memorial's excitingCommemorative Plaque Wall.

Plaques are publically displayed andviewed by thousands of visitors,including veterans, families, friends,individual tourists and schoolchildren who visit Washington,D.C. each year.

Share the story of your proud ship,family memb er or association withthese visitors to the NaW Memorialor on our Website:t,I A/l /.naruymemorial.org.

We offer a special dedicationpackage for the sponsors of eachCommemorative Plaque whichincludes a very memorableDedication Ceremony in theArleigh and Roberta Burke Theater,a private screening of the currentAt Sea film and a lovely, reasonablypriced catered luncheon in thePresidents Room.

Two examples of 2A13 PlaqueDedications are the USS Tide AM-L25 Plaque dedicated on June 7 ,2013 and the White OakLaboratory Plaque dedicated onAugust 20, 2073. Each of therespective leaders of these twogroups took advantage of all theservices we offer for the dedicationof a commemorative Plaque.

Mr. Mark Zangara beautifullyorchestrated the USS Tide plaquedesign that focused upon thoseshipmates lost in the ship explosionon 7 June LgM. He also plannedthe ceremony so that thoseshipmates who needed specialaffangements were able attend andparticipate in this moving plaquededication event.

Mr. Marshal J. Tino, President of

uommemorative plaques at the Naw Memorialthe White Oak Laboratory AlumniAssociation, initiated andcoordinated the sponsorship anddedication of their plaque whichremembers the proud tradition ofresearch at the White Oak Campusand honors the thousands ofdedicated public servants serving atthat historic site.

Proud, smiling faces abor.mded asthe USS Tide Shipmates andWhite Oak Alumni Membersdeparted the NaW Memorialfollowing their plaque dedications.

lgl rnfgmation on sponsoring a commemorative plaque please contact paulHaley, Director of Planned Giving at 1 (g00) gzt-gggl, *t. zoo or by e-mail:paulhaley@nalrymemorial. org.

Testimony before Montgomery County Council Public Hearing for the White Oak Science

Gateway Master Plan as Item 8 re Possible Historic Designation of the Naval Ordnance

Laboratory Administration Building on Tuesday, February 4, 2014

M. John Tino, President, White Oak Laboratory Alumni Association (WOLAA) Inc.

WOLAA, Inc. P. O. Box 1002, Olney, MD. 20830. www.wolaa.org.

*Naval Ordnance Lab (NOL) to White Oak Laboratory Alumni Assoc. (WOLAA)

The Naval Ordnance Laboratory was formed in 1919 and occupied the Mine Building at

the Gun Factory in Washington, DC. In World War II, NOL developed mines and

torpedoes. They solved the “dud” torpedo issues which existed at the beginning of the war.

Toward the end of the war, B-29 bombers laid mine fields to block commerce into Japan.

This action was quickly “starving” Japan when the atom bombs were dropped. After the

war, a brand new Laboratory facility was built and opened in 1946 at White Oak, MD.

The site was selected because it was close to headquarters, was isolated so explosive testing

could be done, and was magnetically quiet so sensitive testing of magnetic sensors and

degaussing systems could be done. For the next fifty years, NOL had a significant R&D

mission to win the Cold War. The key was to utilize the new technology being developed at

NOL in the weapon systems projects. After the cold war was won, the BRAC process

closed all of the laboratory except the wind-tunnels in 1997. The WOLAA was formed in

1997 to continue the fellowship and family atmosphere of NOL for “alumni;” and to

preserve the proud memories and historical significance of NOL.

*Historical Preservation.

In 1997, WOLAA developed a plan for the preservation of the history of NOL. It included:

the preservation of Building 1, the lobby in Building 1, and the NOL flag pole; the use of

NOL fireplaces; and a Proud Memory Garden. In December 2000 a Memorandum of

Agreement (MOA) was signed between FDA, GSA, State of MD, LABQUEST, and

WOLAA. The State Preservation representative approved the plan for restoration of the

Fire Station and required “like” replacement windows be used in Building 1. Of interest,

all new bricks used at the FDA facility are same type brick used in Building 1 and came

from the same brick yard in Western Maryland.

On 30 September 2011, the Historical Preservation of the White Oak Laboratory was

completed with a formal dedication of the Proud Memory Garden and WOL Legacy wall

adjacent to the Garden. The entire Historical Preservation consists of the restored

Building 1, lobby, flag pole, fire station, and Building 130; Proud Memory Garden (plaques

and benches); legacy wall; NOL fire place in FDA Commissioner’s suite in Building 1; and

“The Legacy of the White Oak Laboratory”---a 400 plus page book published in 2000,

which documents the technical achievements of the WOL.

*Building 1 Architecture.

I am not going to discuss the architecture historical significance as the excellent staff report

produced by Sandra Youla provides that information. I will only say that when I reported

for “duty” at NOL in 1957 and climbed those wonderful stone steps, looked up to read the

words, “Naval Ordnance Laboratory” at the top of the building, that I knew I had found

my work home. I, as most NOL scientists and engineers, spent my entire career there-----

1957 to 1993---retiring as a Senior Executive and Department Head.

*Cold War History of NOL.

We believe NOL played a significant and historical role in ending the cold war. Our mines

were used to block North Viet Nam harbors bringing the North Viet Nam to the peace

table. If any of you read Tom Clancy’s Hunt for Red October, all the weapons used by our

submarines were developed at NOL---Mk 48 Torpedo, SUBROC Anti-submarine warfare

missile; Mk 113 Fire Control System. The Soviets clearly knew the superiority of these

weapons. The CAPTOR mine was the first “smart” weapon and could be used in deep

water to force the Soviets submarines above the Greenland/Iceland-UK gap; this forced the

Soviets to rethink their strategic ballistic missile submarine strategy. Explosive technology

and torpedo warhead developments provided the Navy with weapons that could destroy

the very difficult Soviet double-hull submarines. NOL developed fuzes for projectiles and

missiles which provided safe, reliable, and effective weapons for air, submarine, and

surface technology. Other special purpose ordnance was developed, especially for SEAL’s.

Research and technology in materials, batteries, and physics provided the weapons with

the ground breaking technology. Magnetic silencing and deperming of ships and

submarines were greatly enhanced allowing our ships to safely operate against bottom

mines in shallow water. This was critical in the Iraq wars. The wind tunnels and hydro

facilities at NOL were and are unique and played large roles in the development of ballistic

missiles. We are very proud of our roles in providing the defense of the Navy during the

Cold War. Just as NASA has provided technology to the private sector, NOL has also.

The Brown magnetometer was used by NASA on the moon (as were special explosives), by

screening detectors at air ports, and switching of traffic signals at road intersections. Most

of us know someone who has a stent to open heart arteries. The metal the stents are made

from-----NITINOL---was invented at NOL.

*Proposed Amendment.

WOLAA strongly supports the adding of NOL’s Building 1 as historical in the Master Plan

for Historical Preservation and adding it to the Location Atlas & Index of Historic Sites.

Thank you,

Marshall John Tino

Crossville Chronicle, Crossville, TN

December 9, 2013

A phenomenal miracle

By Dr. Carl Mueller Submitted

CROSSVILLE — I am so thankful to be alive today and to be able to bring a message of hope to all whoare fighting a battle with their health, emotions, finances and spirituality. That hope is found in God and in"The Power of His Word."

God and His word have always been very important to me throughout my life, including in the pursuit ofmy doctoral degree in chemical engineering from the University of Maryland, and during my 37-year careerwithin the Department of the Navy where I was involved in the research and development of advancedmaterials technologies for naval weapon systems. During this period, my source of strength andencouragement was always the words from James 1:5, "If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God whogiveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." During this time, God alsomiraculously healed me twice of very serious illnesses — once progressively when I was 10 years old andthe other was instantaneously when I was 39. So, I know without a shadow of doubt that God is real,awesome and powerful.

Since my retirement from the Navy in 1998 and then moving to Fairfield Glade, I have remained active inour community of Crossville, Cumberland County and also statewide. Since about 2003, I have beeninvolved in volunteer consulting with our city and county mayors working on a long-term economicdevelopment plan for Crossville, Cumberland County and the Upper Cumberlands. The end result of thishas been the formation and establishment of the Cumberland Business Incubator (CBI) on the Roane StateCampus in Crossville. The purpose of the CBI is to assist in the creation of small businesses and tofacilitate their growth. I continue to be involved with this venture and stay connected with all the majorparticipants.

In September, I was recognized and honored by the CBI, Roane State Community College and our city andcounty mayors for my vision and extensive work in the support of the incubator concept. This happeningwas a total surprise to me and is one for which I am very appreciative.

My wife and I are also very involved in our local church (Trinity Tabernacle) in various ministries. Aslicensed ministers with the Assemblies of God, we co-teach in Nashville on an annual basis a course titled"The History, Missions and Governance of the Assemblies of God." Together, we also mentor andencourage pastors and their wives of small churches in the Knoxville area.

In June 2011, I felt it was time for me to check out some serious pain that I was having in my left hip. Attimes, the pain made it difficult to stand and walk. Upon acknowledging this pain with my familyphysician, Dr. James Johnson (a knowledgeable and caring doctor here in Crossville) suggested that I haveX-rays taken. This led to a full-body bone scan, MRI and finally a CAT scan.

Friday, July 15, 2011, became a day that I will never forget. That evening around 7 p.m., our phone rangand it was Dr. Johnson calling to inform me of some life-changing news. He proceeded to tell me that theresults obtained from all the above tests indicated that I had cancer of some type because of cancerouslesions on my bones (right rib area and left hip). However, at that point, they weren't sure where the cancerwas originating from, but it was thought the most likely place was the prostate. Consequently, I wasscheduled for a biopsy of the prostate with Dr. Gary Wikert (an excellent urologist who has since moved toMaine) and again the results were devastating.

Biopsies were taken on July 25, 2011, of 14 different areas of the prostate. The initial photographsindicated that there was no sign of cancer. However, Dr. Wikert said if the pathology report indicatedcancer, that it was a fast-growing type. July 29, 2011, I was informed by Dr. Wikert that I had prostatecancer and that my Gleason Score was a 9 out of 10 (this is as bad as it can possibly get). I was informedthat this type of cancer was treatable, but not curable.

The prognosis of stage IV prostate cancer was not good. The uniqueness of my situation was such thatsurgery was ruled out, along with chemotherapy and radiation. The treatment recommended for me washormone therapy which involved a shot (Eligard) in one of my hips (initially every six months) along withan IV treatment (Zometa) every 3 weeks to help protect and strengthen my bones. My journey into theunknown began with my first hormone shot Aug. 4, 2011, given by Dr. Wikert and my first Zometa IV wasOct. 26, 2011, administered by Dr. Dirk Davidson (an outstanding oncologist). I was informed by my threedoctors that the hormone therapy treatment would be effective for up to two years (August 2013) and thenfollowed up by a treatment "to be determined," perhaps by the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston,TX. To make matters worse, the results of second full body bone scan in February 2012 indicated that Inow had three cancerous lesions — on my neck, right rib and a big ugly one on my hip.

In spite of all this discouraging news, my heart knew that God's word (the Bible) was my source ofstrength. I had confidence in God and in His word. The word became life to me and I read, memorized andconfessed the Scriptures daily. I clung to my faith in God, the Bible and the healing promises. When fearwould try to overwhelm me, I was reminded of the following scriptures as my source of encouragement:Psalm 56:3, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in God;" 2 Timothy 1:7, "God has not given us the spirit offear, but of power, love and a sound mind;" and Psalm 91:16, "With long life will He satisfy me, and showme His salvation."

My third full body scan in August 2012 again showed that I had three cancerous lesions on my bones. TheBible continued to be my main focus and I committed some 50 additional scripture verses to memory. Iwould review these scriptures each day and they were a continual source of encouragement and inspirationto me. In addition, many people were praying for me — both locally and nationwide.

Over time, I began to concentrate on five of these verses and they were: Psalm 30:2, "O Lord my God, Icried unto Thee, and Thou hast healed me;" Jeremiah 30:17, "For I will restore health to you and heal youof your wounds;" Luke 1:37, "For with God nothing shall be impossible;" Ephesians 3:20, "Now unto Himthat is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to His power that workethin us;" and Mark 11:23, "Whoever will say to this mountain, be removed, and does not doubt in his heart,he will have whatever he says." As days and weeks went on, I held on to these verses, especially Mark11:23, which became my power verse. Day after day, when I was by myself or walking my little dog,Mikko, I would say out loud, "Cancer, in the name of Jesus I command you to come out of my body and beremoved!" In time, as I will share, it became so.

Feb. 19, 2013, I had my fourth full body bone scan. The next day, Feb. 20, I had another treatment.Following the treatment, at about 2:30 p.m., I inquired about the results of my bone scan with theoncologist's assistant. She responded that she wasn't sure if they were available but that she would check itout on her computer. After about three or four minutes, she looked at me with a smile on her face and said,"How does normal sound?" I immediately responded by raising my hands and shouting, "Thank you, Jesus.It's an answer to prayer." I then asked to see the results of the two most recent bone scans (August 2012and February 2013) and they were brought up side by side on the computer screen. The lesion that hadbeen on my neck was gone. The one on my right rib area was gone and the ugliest one on my left hip wasalso gone. The conclusion, as determined by radiologist Dr. John Stallworth, was that for a person my age,the bone scan was normal and there was no evidence of metastatic cancer. With that determination, nearlyevery technician and administrative person in the cancer center came and hugged me and there were lots oftears of joy.

The following day in my personal devotions, God gave me another Scripture verse, Psalm 40:3, "He hasgiven me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and beastounded, and they will put their trust in the Lord." Since then, I have been singing a song of praise eachday concerning this report of my miraculous healing. God is so awesome!

Following the advice of my three fantastic doctors, Dr. James S. Johnson (primary physician), Dr. I.A.Mansur (urologist) and Dr. Dirk C. Davidson (oncologist), I have continued with my medical treatments.

Aug. 26, 2013, I had my fifth full body bone scan. Again, the results were great. Specifically, theradiologist, Dr. Keith Kimbrell, who analyzed the bone scan, concluded that the results were within normallimits for a person my age. He also concluded that there was no evidence of metastatic disease to mybones. Praise the Lord! Also, since February of 2013, the results of my blood work (CBC and CMP) havebeen absolutely fabulous. Factors such as white blood cell count, red blood cell count, Creatnine, BUN andPSA have been within the normal limits, as well as other important factors. I give God the praise.

In conclusion, it doesn't matter what you are going through, or how big your mountains are, when negativethoughts come, reject them and replace them with God's thoughts (i.e. the word of God). When you're inan attitude of faith, you are opening the door for God to work in your situation. If you will do your part andkeep believing and staying in His Word, at the right time, God will bring you out with the victory. Psalm30:5, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Remember, Jesus said thatwhatever your mountain is, you must do more than think or pray about it; you must speak to that obstacle.Start calling yourself healed, happy, whole and blessed. I have a set of three great doctors here inCrossville, but my God is awesome and He is a miracle-working God. Stop talking to God about how bigyour mountains are and start talking to your mountains about how big and awesome your God is. Inaccordance with Ephesians 3:20, you never test the resources of God until you attempt the impossible.

I recently heard someone say, "Believe the unbelievable and receive the impossible." For me, that is aparaphrase of Mark 11:23.

My wife and I have witnessed "A Phenomenal Miracle." We know that the power of God's word and theprayers of our friends and family locally and nationally touched heaven for me. God is still on the throne.He still heals and delivers His people. Why don't you believe God for greater things in your life?