Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer’s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.Former Seafarer Recommends New NCL America Cruise
I retired from the SIU and then joined the Masters Mates & Pilots in 1951 after receiving my third mate’s license. As an unlicensed quartermaster, I sailed on the Alcoa Clipper and then as an officer on the Alcoa Corsair. They were good jobs. We carried 98 passengers on 16-day Caribbean cruises.
It was such a pleasure for me and my lady friend to take a cruise on the Pride of America last April around the Hawaiian Islands. I was able to get acquainted with the captain, officers, crew and other personnel. It was so much different from the foreign-crewed ships I’ve been on since I retired in 1984.
I think it is great that NCL America has two ships and another coming soon to cruise the around the Hawaiian Islands. I think everyone on the Pride of America is doing a great job, and they all seem to be happy. I would recommend the Pride of America to anyone who would like to take a good cruise.
Darley C. Bodden
Port Neches, Texas
Bon Voyage to the Seafaring Hoggies
The last of the “Hoggie” brothers, George Hatgimisios, died May 14, 2006. Kosta (Gus) was the first to start shipping in the 1940s. He was on ships going to Russia and was torpedoed twice.
Then “Hoggie” (John) joined and became a union official in Baltimore. Peter shipped as chief steward, and George joined them when he came out of the Army after serving four years in World War II.
This was truly a seafaring family. All the brothers were cremated when they passed away, and were buried at sea.
Bon voyage to the Hoggie brothers as they sail the celestial seas.
Anna (Mrs. George) Hatgimisios
Coconut Creek, Fla.
Bravo Zulu for Gordon Transition to FOSz
I would like to express my personal appreciation to the Seafarers International Union, and particularly to Georg Kenny and Sam Spain in the Norfolk hall for the excellent effort and outstanding performance of the union in the recent activation of the USNS Gordon.
The ships were fully crewed and transitioned to FOS about one day early. The ship not only transitioned to FOS timely but also departed the pier on mission before the end of the 96-hour transition period.
This outstanding performance demonstrates the union’s dedication to the security and defense of the United States and solidifies the value of the unions to the nation’s security. I would like to thank you and the other members of the SIU leadership team for your outstanding support. Bravo Zulu.
Thank you and congratulations on a fine performance.
Franklin Gary King
President, 3PSC
Thanks from Scholarship Winner – I
My name is Allison Barra and I am a 2002 recipient of the Seafarers scholarship (dependent of Louis D. Barra). I just wanted to express my sincere gratitude to the SIU for all of its help and support over the last four years.
I graduated first in my class at the University of Florida a semester early and have been working at a law firm until this August when I will begin Law School at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. The scholarship money I received from the SIU allowed me to focus on my studies and perform service in my community while in college.
I was able to volunteer with many organizations such as the Red Cross, St. Francis Homeless Shelter, Project Mascot Youth Mentoring Programs, Keep Alachua County Beautiful and Domestic Violence Shelters as a Service Ambassador. I also had the opportunity to intern with a circuit court judge as part of my curriculum and write a senior honors thesis.
Without the support of this scholarship, I wouldn't have had as much time to truly engage in active citizenship and fully appreciate the “college experience.” I am forever grateful to the generosity of this institution and I hope that this year's recipients are able to fully utilize this resource.
Thank you for your time, and I hope that you we will be able to share my thanks through the Seafarers LOG.
Sincerely,
Allison Barra
Thanks from Scholarship Winner – II
The support that the Seafarers Union has provided me has allowed me to graduate without having to take out any school loans in four years. On April 29, I received my bachelor of science in cell and molecular biology at Grand Valley State University.
I have decided to continue my education and have been accepted into the University of Wisconsin at Madison to pursue a Ph.D. in biochemistry and cancer research. Additionally this summer, I will be interning at a cancer research institute until I attend graduate school this fall.
My parents joke that I am a “professional student.” Again, the scholarship has been so helpful in lifting an incredible financial burden, and I am thankful to have been so lucky to have been selected to receive it.
Sincerely, Brittany Stropich
(2002 scholarship recipient, daughter of Steve L. Stropich)
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