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.Fond Memories and Thanks
On March 6, 2006, my husband, Capt. James C. Oliver, “crossed the bar.” I had open-heart surgery three months prior to his passing, and times were very rough. I want to thank the Seafarers Union for their kindness and their expertise in handling the paperwork. I cannot say enough good words about Janice (Hunicke) in the Houston office, who helped me through this difficult time and who is such a kind and good friend. She knew I needed help and made sure that everything was as easy as possible during this stressful time. I want to say “thank you” to the union for being there when I needed them.
I was married to Jim for 51 years and he had been an SIU member for nearly 61 years. He was a great seaman and an honest, good, hardworking man. He made us a good living both as a deep sea mariner and as a tug captain on the Houston Ship Channel. He served in World War II with the merchant marine and managed to escape death on several occasions. He faithfully read the Seafarers LOG and when he saw the new tugs that were being put into service he always said, “Boy, what I could do with one of those!” What I would give to see him steering one of those boats today.
Special thanks to SIU President Michael Sacco, whom I met with his brother on a few occasions at the Houston office while with Jim. My appreciation to SIU Vice President Dean Corgey, Assistant Vice President Jim McGee, G&H Towing and once again to Janice for their kindness and friendship.
May God bless all the mariners and the SIU.
Georgette Oliver, Timpson, Texas
Welcome Ashore
I write to express my most sincere thanks to all the staff at Camp Springs and Piney Point and thanks to God for the years of having the privilege of sailing the Seven Seas. I sailed for 28 years. You name it, I’ve done it and seen it, and I enjoyed every voyage.
I plan on becoming the captain, engineer and steward of my own ship called the Dock III. Anyone wanting to sail with me up and down the coast, call me at 757-639-DOCK (3625).
I will miss you all and will never forget beating all you guys at the job calls (smile).
Darryl White, Norfolk, Virginia
Dream Realized
I first went to sea in February 1961 and have worked in all departments. I sailed on foreign-flag ships off and on until the early 1980s. My first U.S. port was Galveston, Texas, and at that time I said to myself, “I would like to live in the U.S. and work on a U.S.-flag ship.”
I came here in 1983 and went to the U.S. Coast Guard but couldn’t wait for a ship. I had to take a land job but still kept in mind my dream to work on a U.S.-flag ship. Finally, in 2005, I retired from my land job and then went to school to secure the proper maritime paperwork. Then I went to the SIU.
My first U.S.-flag ship was the MV Honor. My second was the MV Liberty. My rating is GUDE.
Thank God I am living my dream, and God has blessed us with the merchant marine system. I wish Jamaica had the same system for mariners as the U.S.
Please give me a space in the LOG—my lifelong dream finally came true.
Vincent Keating, Bronx, New York
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