(02/2010)

Ken Sheppard passed away on May 15, 2008 after a 4 1/2 year battle with Myeloma cancer.  We as the family would like to reach some of his old Navy band unit # 155 for the USS Oriskany (CVA-34) in June to Sept in 1967.  Ron Rice was the Chief at this time. Ken played the tenor sex in the band.

Please contact Pat at  kpshep00@gmail.com with any information.

Thanks,

(02/2010)

I was in boot camp in San Diego starting July 31, 1972 and not headed to MU school as I did not  know it existed. About the 4th week, after worm Island, I was in the Drum and Bugle corps.( we actually went to UNLV to play the opening of their stadium.) One of the Chiefs encouraged me to audition for the school. I realize that was a long time ago and I am sure neither of us would remember each other, but I would like to thank all of the Chiefs and other MUs from the boot camp staff who were there at that time. ( I became a MU) My "E" mail is  wsterck@sgrllc.com.  Thank You!

(01/2010)

I am sure a lot of you know Hugh Ferguson from many of the Navy Musician reunions. Hugh, who lost his twin brother Herb last year, has been having some real challenges over the past number of months. I play in a dance band with Fergie in Gettysburg, Pa. We have been working on a Glenn Miller Tribute show , Feb. 12^th, featuring many of Glenn Miller’s original charts. Because of his health situation, Fergie has decided not to play the gig which he spent a lot of prep time on. I am sure he would appreciate hearing from some of his friends. You can call him at 1-717-337-1786 or send an e-mail at fergie@embarqmail.com.

(01/2010)

This is from Frank Forgione, Jr. on Facebook:

"Thanks to everyone for their kind words. My mother will be interred with my Dad on February 2nd 2010 @ 2 pm. Arlington National Cemetery. I will forward additional details as they become available."

(01/2010)

Very sad news to report.  Alberta Forgione (Mrs. Frank Forgione) passed away 1/16/2010 in Miami. She was a gracious, loving wife and mother and a true friend.   I personally will miss her beautiful smile, infectious laugh and unfailing sense of humor.  She was a gracious hostess at the Show Band parties.

(01/2010)

I've been searching for information on my older brother, William L. Zimmer (deceased) who was a trombone player in the Navy band in the 50's.    I recall him being at Great Lakes and also hearing stories about the "Med".    I believe he was on the Newport News at one time and perhaps the Forrestal(?).    He said he met Admiral Halsey at one point.

I've not been able to find him on any of the Navy band sites and would be interested if you could provide any information.

(12/2009)

Looking for Gitmo Band members 1960-62.

(12/2009)

So sad to hear of the passing of my friend and shipmate, Harvey O. Lloyd. We were stationed together in the Navy Steel Band from 1978-1981. What a character, always had a laugh or gag. 

Whenever the band was down (MID-GIG DEPRESSION)  while we were out on the road in those days, Harv would always play a practical joke and almost instantly the band would perk up again and morale was once again high.  He also had a great talent for getting things done for the supply needs of the band. In addition to his duties as as a steel drum instrumentalist, he was the band EPO. He would do all the leg work for us to be able to take advancement tests or inquire about the many other programs that the Navy had to offer. I will miss him more than I can imagine at this time. Up until his passing Harv and I were always bantering back and forth with hilarious emails and such. The last time I saw him was in 1985 at his retirement at the SOM. I was a student in the "I" Course. God rest your soul Harv. I will always remember you as Groucho!  I know you are giving them a great stand-up in heaven now.

(12/2009)

Just read on the NMA site that Duke Garrett, a great guy and a great trumpet player, passed away....we were in the Boston Navy yard band together in 58/59...He played with Lionel Hampton's band for a few years...sorry to hear this sad news.

(12/2009)

My father, Richard M "Dick" Slater, passed away on November 25, 2009. He was a Cloudbuster (percussion)  at Chapel Hill Pre-Flight School in 1944. If anyone remembers him and has photos, please get in touch.

Thanks!

Richard M Slater

4801 Kenmore Ave, #1213

(11/2009)

Does anybody know the whereabouts of Ed Rodgers?

(11/2009)

Does anybody know if there is a jazz or concert band in the central Florida area consisting only of former Navy musicians, and if so, how I can get in touch with them?  If not, is anyone interested in forming a band?  

 Thanks,

(10/2009)

I have recently joined the NMA and would like to see if any members of the band stationed

at Great Lakes Naval Training Center during years 1947 to 1949 are still around.

 

Roy R Salton, Loudon, TN - contact: r.salton@att.net or (865) 458-9171.

(10/2009)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAVY!!

(09/2009)

My Dad, Lester David Knowles,  was in the Navy Band from about 1941-48, played trombone. He also probably played piano doing jazz.

I know he was stationed for a time in Jacksonville Florida then went to the Pacific. Is there somewhere I could look him up? I am trying to track down any info and or pictures. He passed on some years ago so I can't ask him.

Thanks,

(09/2009)

As you probably know by now CWO Frank Forgione, seminal figure in our Navy Music history, father of the Navy Show Band, and Pearl Harbor survivor passed away July 27 at age 91.  I am heading a campaign to raise funds for a special floral arrangement for Frank, a large gold anchor and blue banner.  Anyone interested in paying tribute to Frank please send me a check.  I will see that the money is well spent and will include your name on a card for Alberta and his family.  You need not have been a member the BANDA UNITAS to take part.  His funeral will be November 10 at Arlington Cemetery.  Mike Vax (vaxtrpts@aol.com) is organizing a  reunion of show band members, past and present as a tribute to Frank.  

My mailing address is:  8265 Saddle Trail NW, Bremerton, WA 98311.  

(09/2009)

I am trying to locate a copy of a recording of the 1968 Concert with Frank Rosolino and Harvey Phillips and the Faculty Lab Band at Little Creek. I am an Army Band veteran (sorry)and would very much appreciate any help in locating a copy.

Thanks in advance,

Alan Altman

Dr. Alan S. Altman, Ed.D.

Social Sciences Department

Ronald W. Reagan / Doral Senior High School 8600 NW. 107th Avenue Doral, Florida 33178

Tel:1-305-805-1900

Adjunct Professor

Graduate Teacher Education Program

Interdisciplinary Arts Program

Instructional Design and Diversity Education Fischler School of Education Nova Southeastern University Kendall Student Center Suite #422-423

8585 SW.124th Avenue

Miami, Florida 33183

Tel: 1-800-541-6682  X 3417

         954-262-3417

aalan@nova.edu

(09/2009)

I been trying to find an old friend of mine - Jerry Lilliedahl - who was a Navy Chief Musician and

who served as Chief Arranger for the one time "Norad Commanders" at Colorado Springs, Colo.

while I was stationed there in the Air Force during 1965 to 1968.  That organization does not exist

any more and has been replaced by the US Air Force Band of the Rockies.  If anyone knows him

or his whereabouts, they may contact me by email or phone (865) 458-9171.

 

(09/2009)

(09/2009)

I am looking for Edward Brock--Baritone Player, who served with me on the Northampton CLC1 in 1957, also in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1959-60.

I am a NMA member.

Regards,

David W. Bender

French Horn (still playing)

(08/2009)

Looking for anyone stationed in Gitmo 1964-66.  Please get in touch email or give me a call at 407.671.7447.

(07/2009)

Looking for anyone that was at the SOM in the first quarter of 1957. I have a class picture that I want to put some names to.

Thanks,

(07/2009)

(07/2009)

Frank Forgione has impacted many lives with his ability to share, lead and inspire. He is still in the hospital and I am now in touch with Frank Forgione, Jr.

We have created a Facebook group for people to share memories and prayers for him and his family. Perhaps his family can share these thoughts with Col. Forgione or they will read them for themselves to feel the support and love we all have for this great man.

If anyone has pictures, that would be great. And I'm sure we'd all love to see some video.

 http://www.facebook.com/home.php?\#/group.php?gid=100703654854

Respectfully,

Lana Melendez

Graduate School of Business and Public Policy

(06/2009)

I am trying to get in touch with Navy musicians.  My dad is a Navy veteran and he is very sick.  I am trying to plan a beautiful ceremony for him, once God calls him back home. I want something more special for him beyond the traditional taps and flag ceremony which he is entitled to.

I know that he would be honored to have members of the Navy at his funeral.

We live on Long Island, New York.  I would appreciate if you could put me in contact with 3-4 members, who would be interested in helping me plan a beautiful ceremony for my dad.

You can reach me at 516-221-8524.  I would sincerely appreciate any assistance you could provide.  Thank you for your help.

(06/2009)

I am looking for Jim Curt, a sax player stationed in Seattle about 1975. I think he retired and is living in Orlando area. I was in Seattle 13 ND Band for 6 years on and on. I am living in Barron WI am retired from 1983 S F, CA my email address is calois@charter.net   See you all at the reunion in June.

(05/2009)

I am looking for Grant Mahoney.  I have been trying to send him emails for a long time and they keep coming back. Grant, if you should see this, email me at cjlandry@gulftel.com.

(05/2009)