The Official Newsletter of the

Greater Austin Council •

Navy League of the United States

March – April 2016 • Citizens in Support of the Sea Services • www.navyleagueaustin.org

Distinguished Speaker Dinner

SeriesWEDNESDAY

April 27, 2016Featured Speaker

Dennis Blocker, Historian and Researcher

Topic: The Heart of Hell: the Untold Story of Courage and Sacrifice in the Shadow of Iwo

Jima.

Continued on P3

Clifford Lemke enlisted in the Navy at the age of 18 and served on a gunboat during World War

II. When he came back from war, his fam-ily said he had changed.

What he experienced would cause him to have night terrors. After his wife passed away in 1998, Lemke took his own life the following year.

L e m k e ’ s daughter said she needed to know what really hap-pened to her father during the war so she asked her son, Dennis Blocker, to find out what happened. That re-quest would start a 15-year journey for Blocker. He traveled across the country, meeting and interviewing the survivors of his grandfather’s unit and their families. Blocker uncovered the details of a recon mission that took place two days before the Battle of Iwo Jima.

“The stories I was getting from these fellows, I had never heard anything like that before,” Blocker said. Unlike previous recon missions, the one his grandfather

took part in on Feb. 17, 1945, ended up turning into a battle. The gunboats were to provide safety for the Navy divers who were trying to clear a path for Marines to enter the beach. That day, buoys placed in the water by the Japanese had range finders.

The battle left 54 dead and 150 wounded. Clifford Lemke’s gunboat saw the most casualties, with 60 percent of the crew killed.“These guys laid it on the line,” said Blocker. “It had a benefit no one expected,” Because of this mission, lives were saved in the Battle of Iwo Jima.

With all his research and interviews, Blocker was able to get the story of Clifford Lemke and his comrades told in a new book called “The Heart of Hell: The Untold Story of Courage and Sacrifice in the Shadow of Iwo Jima.” The book not only gives many families closure but it tells a story many have never heard.

“All the families now know and they are going to know what happened,” Blocker said. “But more importantly, everyone is going to know what these boys did and it’s quite remarkable.”

Blocker: “The Heart of Hell has been released … it covers the story of the LCI gunboats of LCI Group 8. I have re-searched this story for over 15 years and after approaching author Mitch Weiss with

Seaman 1C Clifford F. Lemke and his wife Eleanor Lois Boyd

2 — The Anchor, March-April 2016 www.navyleagueaustin.org

2016 COUNCIL OFFICERSTim Hunsberger

President ....................512.970.9299

Vacant President-Elect

Glenn Looney V.P. Membership ...........512.327.7413

Mary Virginia Pittman-Waller V.P. Dev. & Mktg ................210.212.4500

Kathy Pillmore V.P. Communications .....512.292.1194

Max Miller V.P. Education .............512.695.6100

LuAnn Reyes Treas. & CFO .............512.203.4399 Thomas Uhl V.P. Military Affairs .......512.970.3989

Jeanie Coffey V.P. Legislative Affairs ....512.431.8573

Lisa Svabek Sullivan V.P. Youth Programs .......512.589.2909

Launtz Rodgers A.V.P. Youth Programs ...512.545.2920

Jim Lovering Chaplain ...................210.310.1825

Michael Murray Judge Advocate General ..512.472.5192

NATIONAL DIRECTORS Max Miller • Jeanie Coffey Tim Hunsberger • Glenn Looney Jack Ritter • Mary Ritter Mary Virginia Pittman-Waller

BOARD OF DIRECTORSKathy Pillmore, Chairman

Jeanie Coffey • Tim Hunsberger Mike Jackson • Don Jones Glenn Looney • Max Miller LuAnn Reyes • Launtz Rodgers Tom Uhl • Randy Patterson

Mary Virginia Pittman-Waller Jack Ritter • Lisa Sullivan

LIAISONSVacant

Marine Corps

CAPT Brian Teets, USNCO UT NROTC

CDR Brett Fereday, USNCO Navy Operations Support Center

The Anchor is the official publication of the Greater Austin Council, Navy League of the United States. It is published six times annually prior to an upcoming Distinguished Speaker Series Dinner. Archived copies of past Anchors may be found at www.navyleagueaustin.org.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT AT OUR NEXT DINNERAustin Woman’s Club, Chateau Bellevue 8th and San Antonio

(Parking entrance on Nueces between 7th & 8th Streets)Social 1815 • Dinner 1915 • Program 2015

Members & Their Guests- $30 • Military in Uniform & Their Guests - $20Cadets & Midshipmen and Their Guests - $15

CALL 512-203-4399 OR EMAIL luann@luannreyes.comONLINE via PayPal at www.navyleagueaustin.org

PLEASE NOTE: WE CANNOT GUARANTEE YOUR MEAL WITHOUT A RESERVATION2010 – 2014

As we progress

through the first quarter of 2016, the words that describe our increased activity at the national level are TEAMWORK,

IMPLEMENTATION and ENDURANCE.

TEAMWORK: After almost nine months of concerted team effort and enthu-siastic coordination between our Steering Committee, Region Presidents and many others to help get us automated, streamlined and ready to push for growth, results are start-ing to be visible in several areas, so look for announcements!

IMPLEMENTATION: The Member-ship Department goal and new processes going forward focus on having all new and renewal memberships processed within the week they are received and membership packets sent out at the end of the week in which they were processed.

Our Region and Area Presidents have continued to work with both the Member-ship Department and their Council Presidents to update council data for the transfer to our new Blackbaud database, including data from the submitted 2015 and 2014 council annual reports.

ENDURANCE: The changes we’re making across our organization are setting the tone for the long haul. Our organization has endured because of your commitment to our mission. As we bring our fight to increase

funding for our military through our America’s Strength campaign, we need your participa-tion now more than ever. We have letter templates you can use to write your congres-sional leadership to stress the importance of adequate funding. Our Sea Services are relying on our support to make a difference. There are other legislative issues to which you can lend you support and make your voice heard. Visit the “Write Congress” page on our website to learn more.

Membership Gain. With the imple-mentation of the new e-membership, we have seen an up-tick in our membership of 8 percent since January. If you haven’t been pro-moting this, it is an excellent way at $25 to get new members. My hat is off to all of you for your efforts to make the Navy League success-ful in all our activities around the world. (Ed.Note: GAC’s Glenn Looney has led the NLUS-membership effort.)

Convention Registration. Registration is now open for the 2016 National Convention on June 14-19 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Airport Hotel & Convention Cen-ter; please go visit our convention page for more information. As a friendly reminder, the cut-off date to reserve your room is May 11, 2016, so act fast! We are looking forward to a great pro-gram and a fantastic city. See you there!

Sea-Air-Space.Our Sea-Air-Space Ex-position. The Navy League’s Global Maritime Exposition will take place May 16-18 at the Gaylord National Convention Center at Na-tional Harbor, Md. We’re in the final preparation stages and almost sold out. SAS is shaping up to have another banner year. If you have never attended, it is definitely an event that will make you proud. Visit the expo website at http://www.seaairspace.org/for more information.

News From Our National PresidentExcerpts from NLUS President Skip Witunski’s News and Notes, March edition

Skip Witunski, President NLUS

www.navyleagueaustin.org The Anchor, March-April 2016 — 3

Guest Speaker, continued from p1

my 200 + interviews and hundreds of war era letters from the men he agreed to write the story. The book is amazing and is receiving great reviews from The New York Post, The New York Journal of Books and the National Museum of the Pacific War.” Blocker has shared his story at Auburn University, Alabama State Archives and National Museum of the Pacific War. The Council welcome Mr. Blocker and his grandfather’s story.

Critic Reviews

“The battle of Iwo Jima is well known through history books, John Wayne movies and from Joe Rosenthal’s iconic flag-raising photo. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Weiss (“No Way Out”) looks at what happened two days before the Feb. 19, 1945 full-scale battle, when a dozen gunboats moved close to shore on a recon mission — and were fired on by the Japanese, revealing their positions. Weiss captures the horrific fighting and the camaraderie among the men aboard one boat, Landing Craft Infantry 449.”

Billy Heller - New York PostList of Must Reads

“They met us there on that island beach, they met us with shot and shell, I thought I’d dropped from the top of earth, down to The Heart of Hell.”

—a survivor

“Needless to say, this is a well written, vivid account of a little known episode in World War II in which the men and women involved are the story. Their dedication and commitment to their ship and, most importantly, each other is an object lesson for those

of us who have come after. We must always remember the courage and fortitude necessary to sacrifice for the greater good.”

Thomas McClungNew York Journal of Books

“I am in awe of this story—once in its grip you read until two or three in the morning to learn the fate of this gunboat crew off of Iwo Jima. Mitch Weiss expertly braids the overall narrative of the Pacific War in with the historical record of LCI-449 and the individual stories of the officers and crew who served aboard

her while dreaming of returning to their lives at home. Perhaps the only glory in war is through remembering the horror of war. Is that how we find redemption for the sacrifices that were made? If so, this book redeems the horrible hell of war by heralding the selfless duty performed by these ordinary Americans.”

Marty Kaderli Admiral Nimitz Foundation and National Museum of the

Pacific War

The U. S. Navy Chaplaincy offers a unique opportunity to

serve God and country while extend-

ing one’s spiritual reach around the

world. In addition to working with people of

many faiths, Navy Chaplains have the privilege

of living and working side by side with their

flock. In this way the Navy Chaplain is able

to forge bonds never imagined in places never

dreamed. The U. S. Navy is actively searching

for qualified candidates to serve the Chaplaincy.

A Navy Chaplain Candidate receives on-

the-job training under the direct supervision of a Navy Chaplain

during summer breaks. This gives the theological student an op-

portunity go to the Fleet, to shadow Chaplains on ships, and to

have hands-on ministry opportunities at places like Bethesda Na-

val Hospital or Naval Base San Diego. Completing the Chaplain

Candidate Program qualifies for a significant pay increase once on

active duty

When deployed, the Navy Chaplain is immersed in the dai-

ly lives of Navy personnel. Serving God, country and faithfully

alongside the congregation. In what is best described as a minis-

try of presence, the Navy Chaplain is there to offer

guidance and insight in the moment, whenever it

is needed.

At times this may involve ministering to group

audiences in a scheduled worship setting, but often

it involves ministering to individuals on a very per-

sonal level. Under these circumstances the Chaplain

has the ability to build meaningful relationships and

become a trusted advisor.

The Chaplain may fulfill their higher calling anywhere on land

or sea—presiding over a religious ceremony on base, conducting

services from the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, or performing

baptisms somewhere in the middle of the desert. The Navy Chap-

lain’s job can literally be anywhere in the world. Reserve and Active

Duty billets are available and students in the process of starting or

completing graduate theological degrees are welcome.

For more information about becoming a Navy Chaplain Can-

didate, contact LTJG. David Tarasi, Officer Programs by email at

david.tarasi@navy.mil or call 512-364-4507

The U. S. Navy is “Shopping for Shepherds”

4 — The Anchor, March-April 2016 www.navyleagueaustin.org

Snapshots from the March, 10 2016 Distinguished Speaker Dinner Series(Photos left column, top to bottom) Guest speaker Walt Wilson receives a Council Challenge Coin from President Hunsberger. • Cadets from Vista Ridge High School NJROTC and Stony Point NJROTC compare note prior to dinner. • The Womans Club always provides a delicious meal. • Randy Patterson, Travis High School NJROTC

Sr. Science Instructor CDR Heywood and a Vista Ridge cadet. (Right column, top to bottom) Dinner guests and cadets get to know each other. • Tim and Justin Deuel visit with CDR Heywood. • Guest Speaker Walt Wilson talks about the Bulloch Belles. • Cadet officers visit with Joe Cruz(Center below) Chief Ysaguirre preps the Vista Ridge NJROTC Color Guard.

www.navyleagueaustin.org The Anchor, March-April 2016 — 5

Stony Point High School Navy JROTC Obstacle Course Team (shown above) at the unit’s Tiger Challenge Physical Fitness Meet, March 5, 2016.

La Vega High School Marine Corps JROTC unit participated in an Austin Orienteering Club event held February 27 at Commons Ford Ranch in Austin.

(Below) Council President Tim Hunsburger presents a challenge coin to CPO Justin Deuel. Deuel is a member of the William B. Travis Division U. S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps and was chosen as the NSCC Cadet of the Year. Deuel and his father attended the March dinner as guests of the Council. Deuel will be recognized for his achievement at the Navy League National Convention this summer in Charleston, N.C. (June 14 - 18.) He also took home a Certificate of Appreciation for his unit from the Council.

The Round Rock High School MC JROTC Drill Team, Physical Fitness Team and Color Guard participated in a meet in Tomball on Saturday, April 2. Pictured is the drill team.

The Council is looking for volunteers to help present our Youth Program awards

Navy League Austin sponsors all of the Navy and Marine Corps Junior ROTC units in area high schools from Brenham to Fredericksburg and Waco to New Braunfels, as well as our own Naval Sea Cadet Corps and Navy League Cadet Corps units and the Marine Corps League’s Young Marines. About 20 units in all receive monetary stipends to cover their costs of operation. We also offer scholarships to outstanding graduating seniors.

More importantly, we award the Theodore Roosevelt Navy League Youth Medal to a meritorious cadet from each of these units each year usually at their awards ceremonies held in April and May.

Typically the members of the Council’s leadership team attend these ceremonies, but with the newly added units and most of the presentation dates overlapping, there are not enough people to spread around...thus we’re inviting Navy League members or friends of the Navy League to represent the Council and make these awards to each Cadet recipient. Participation involves presenting the awards on behalf of the Navy League. No speeches are expected or required. If you can do this, please send an email to our VP-Youth Programs, Lisa Sullivan at lisa@infuse.com.

Let her know that you would be interested in presenting awards at the Navy and Marine Corps JROTC units in April and May. These are most rewarding experiences for the person making the award, as well as the cadet. Lisa will give you all of the options.

Thank you for your support!

6 — The Anchor, March-April 2016 www.navyleagueaustin.org

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

www.navyleagueaustin.org The Anchor, March-April 2016 — 7

April 27 Dennis Blocker

Dec 8 Jim Hornfischer

Potential Future Speakers (dates not confirmed)U.S. Coast Guard RADM Karl L. SchultzU. T. Austin Professor Tom HatfieldCongressman Michael McCaul, Homeland Security ChairmanRADM Rebecca J. McCormick-Boyle, Commander Navy Medicine Education and Training Command

Dates are subject to change to accommodate the speaker's schedule. For calendar updates go to www.navyleagueaustin.org

GAC 2016 CalendarTHANK YOU

to our November 5th Adopters

Max and Sylvia Miller Jack & Mary Ritter

Kathy & Bob PillmoreLauntz RogersJeanie Coffey

Tim HunsbergerPeggy Jones

Randy & Kaye PattersonJoe Cruz

Nancy & Glenn LooneyLisa Sullivan

Help us keep cadets from Austin and surrounding area JROTC, UTROTC, Sea Cadet and Young Marine units coming to our dinners.

Your adoption of one or more cadets at each dinner helps us to offset the cost of hosting these great young men and women.

(The Greater Austin Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your adoption certificate is your tax receipt.)

WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR RESERVATION, LET US KNOW THAT YOU WANT TO

ADOPT-A-CADET ($25 PER Cadet)

Chaplain's Corner Jim Lovering

Council Chaplain

George T. Jones Scholarship Fund

provides scholarships to graduating seniors in

Navy and Marine JROTC and Sea Cadet programs

Contribute Now!Send your tax deductible contributions to

Greater Austin Council NLUSGeorge T. Jones Scholarship Fundc/o Greater Austin Council NLUS8650 Spicewood Springs, #145-625

Austin, TX 78728

George T. Jones, 1926-2003

U. S. Navy WWII Veteran and Navy League Member

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Seems like a while since we last visited. The Pope has proclaimed a year of mercy and that has had many Roman Catholics trying to incorporate that message into their faith practice.

But Christ’s message still rings true for conversion and prayer. The conversion that is meant is not the modern change religion but a change of heart from behaviors that are hurtful to the soul, and requires a lot of prayer. In our busy and challenging lives,we

seem to have little time for prayer which will center us in spite of what the secular world would tell us. We all are on a faith journey and increased spiritual time is essential to more fulfillment in our short time of being on this earth. I can not proscribe a set sequence for this to be effective. But only urge you to start with small increments to achieve an increased spiritually in this increasingly hostile anti Christian world.

God Bless,Jim

Change of Heart

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The ANCHOR is the official newsletter of the Greater Austin Council of the Navy League of the United States. It is published six times annually and distributed free of charge to all its members and to other interested parties. The Greater Austin Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and as such is exempt from Limited Sales, Excise and Use Taxes per the IRS Code.

Citizens in Support of the Sea Services

The Navy League of the United States is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating our citizens about the importance of sea power to U. S. national security, and supporting the men and women of the sea services and their families.

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