Pensioner’s Wife Sends Note of Thanks
My husband, James “Capt. Jim” Oliver (who joined the union in November 1945 and is now a pensioner), and I would like to thank the union for all the bonuses and the health care you have given us.You will never know how we appreciate it, now that we are old and need help the most.
Again, our thanks to President Michael Sacco, the executive board, and all who are taking care of the pensioners. Also, a big hello to Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and Janice Hunicke, who is always so helpful in the Houston office.
I am proud to be the wife of a good SIU Seafarer for 47 years.
Georgette Oliver
Timpson, Texas
Remembering the Good Life of a Seafarer
This old man had a great life sailing on SIU ships during World War II and up to the year 1989. I joined the union in June 1943 and had the pleasure of dealing with a German sub in the Atlantic, of carrying troops into the Palau Island invasion, and transporting Army cargo into the invasion of Okinawa—as well as being on the first ship to go into Nagoya, Japan in 1945. We had 10,000 tons of beer which the occupation forces greatly appreciated.
I sailed with Delta Lines, Isthmian, Robin and Waterman, plus a few tramp ships. The last few years, I worked aboard G&H tugs in Galveston, Houston and Corpus Christi.
It has all been a wonderful adventure, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I am proud and pleased that the SIU has done a fine job of teaching and upgrading its members.
Life has been good, and every day is a wonderful day.
May you all go with a following sea, a tail wind and blue skies.
John Hanks
Austin, Texas
Editor’s note: The following letter was printed in the May 23, 2002 edition of the Clarion News
Another Look At WWII
I’m testing the free press of the Clarion News with my annual letter of Maritime Day, May 22, which very few Americas are aware of, which honors the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II.
During World War II, our government gagged the news media, claiming national security was at stake.
We were denied veteran status and G.I. Bill benefits until 1988. Our Congress waited until most of us were dead. World War II was a declared war. The merchant marine was the only all-volunteer service of the war.
Most of us accepted death over surrender. Our record: 866 ships lost to enemy action. By percentage, we lost more men than any other branch of the service.
One out of every 25 was killed in action. We lost 100 ships on the Russian run. Also, 400 ships were lost along the eastern seaboard in 1942 while Americans watched from our shores.
During the 1942 massacre, we slept with our clothes on and our eyes open. If the U.S. Merchant Marine had failed in the Battle of the Atlantic, our Congress would be speaking German right now.
Law firms have determined we lost more than $80,000 each in G.I. benefits. The state of Pennsylvania paid a $500 bonus to veterans of World War II, but our merchant marine veterans are still waiting. Me too.
Peter Salvo
Clarion, Pa.
Thanks for Years Of Happiness
In going through some of my husband’s papers, I found a picture taken at the Inland Boatmen’s Conference in June 1984.
My husband was so proud to have upgraded from deckhand to captain at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. A chance for him to go back and be a part of such a wonderful conference was just overwhelming for him.
He retired in 1992 following a massive heart attack. Also in 1992, the Coast Guard pulled his licence, and that was the end of a wonderful career.
His respect and love for the union were with him until the day God took him home on Saturday, April 6, 2002. The Thursday before he passed away, he called me to his bed and told me he had to leave the dock at 2200. The hospice nurse pronounced him dead at 2200 on the 6th. Does that tell his SIU brothers what his last thoughts were of? Thank you so much for his years of happiness.
Mrs. Robert W. Watkins
Rocky Point, N.C.
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