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(1/12) From Randy Mitchell (posted on Facebook's Cryptology Marines): I have completely redone all of my pictures taken at my various duty stations, sorted by duty station. Even if you've seen them there might be something new - or someone or someplace you could help identify.
Please email me at randysm123@gmail.com putting 'send link' in subject line.
I no longer have a universal link so each link has to be sent separately.
(1/11) Again, it is our sad duty to report the passing of another one of our own. Passed on by Keefer Knill through Facebook's Cryptology Marines:
"I just saw this from Albert Shorkey on the CT Marine Guestbook:
I have the unfortunate news that MGYSGT Bernard A. Shorkey (Ret.) passed away on Nov.24 2011 from cancer. He passed away in Vero Beach, Fl with his family at his side. For those who knew him say a Semper Fi for him . He served with pride and conviction for 26 yrs in The MARINE Corps and 3 years in The U.S.Army."
And from Tom Hunnicutt:
Master GySgt Bernard A. Shorkey
Military Biography
"Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt) Bernard A. Shorkey served three years in the U. S. Army and entered the U. S. Marine Corps in 1957. In January 1961 Sergeant Shorkey was assigned duty with 1st Radio Battalion (1st RadBn) and stationed at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. In early 1962 he was assigned duty with Sub Unit One, 1st RadBn and detached to Pleiku, South Vietnam, for approximately six months. This was the first Marine Corps unit to enter the Vietnam War and it remained in South Vietnam longer than any other Marine Corps unit, departing April 1971. Sub Unit One was disestablished in March 1969 when the 1st RadBn arrived in Da Nang. At that time Sub Unit Two was established in Hawaii. Sometime around May 1962, Sgt Shorkey assumed duty with 1st RadBn in Hawaii. In 1965 he was assigned duty with Company E, Marine Support Battalion (CoE, MSB) at Kamiseya, Japan. In 1980 MGySgt Shorkey served as the Senior Marine NCO with Co K, MSB, in Pensacola, Florida, until his retirement in 1983. At that time he moved to Vero Beach, FL. He passed away on November 24, 2012.
Remarks: This is a limited military biography of MGySgt Bernard Shorkey. However, therefore, I offer some personal remarks concerning him. We served together as Sergeants (E-5) at Company E, Marine Support Battalion, Kamiseya, Japan from 1964 - 67 and without question was an outstanding NCO and Marine. I never heard a bad word about him from other NCOs, Officers or our troops. He led by example and was an inspiration to all who came to know him. Just a few short years ago Lt Colonel James Rayburn, Commanding Officer, Co K, MSB told me Shorkey was one of the finest NCOs the Corps had ever mustered, as he demonstrated a unique awareness and ability beyond his expectations. I told Jim, this sounds like the same Shorkey I knew back in 1965 when we served together at Kamiseya, Japan."
(1/7) On 5 January, reported by quite a few of out members, J.J. Leake passed on to "...Heaven's scenes...." The following is from Craig Vanatta and forwarded by Chuck Weeks:
"Jim passed quietly during the early morning of January 5, 2012. He was being cared for at home by his son "Bobby". The family requests that any gifts be made in "Jim's" name to the Onslow County Women's Center,
226 New Bridge St., Jacksonville, NC 28540. Further questions about this, 910-347-4000.
Viewing for Family and friends will be Monday, January 9, 7 - 9 pm, at Johnson Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Funeral will be Tuesday, January 10, 11 am, followed by a graveside ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, Camp Johnson, NC.
If someone could contact other veterans to let them know of Jim's passing it would be appreciated.
Also, Jim's son "Bobby"(bigbobbyii@yahoo.com) would like to have a listing of all Jim's duty stations throughout his career. Somebody out there probably has this on file MCCA or something... if you could help? Bobby would really like to have this."
From Tom Hunnicutt:
Military Service Biography
Master Sergeant James J. Leake began his military career Marine Wireman (2511). Promoted to PFC in 1956 he was transferred to H&S Battery, 12th Marine, 3rd Marine Division, FMF. Prior to being transferred to E. Company 2nd Bn, 3rd Marine Division, he was promoted to Cpl in 1958, and assigned duty as a Radio Manual Morse Operator (2533). In 1958 he was further transferred to Marine Barrack, Hasting, Nebraska as a Marine Sergeant until 1959. At that time he was then transferred to 1st Recon Bn, 1st Marine Division, FMF at Camp Pendleton, California. In 1959 to 1961 he served aboard the USS PRINCETON (LPHS) as a Communicator (2533). In 1961 through 1963 he served with A & C BTRY, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. He was then transferred to K Company, Marine Support Battalion (MSB), Pensacola, Florida. In 1964 - 1965 he was assigned to H Company, MSB, Key West Florida (2533). In 1965 - 1968 he was assigned to F Company, MSB, Karamasel, Turkey and Bremerhaven Germany. Promoted to Staff Sergeant in 1968 his MOS was re-designated 2571 (Intercept Operator) and transferred L Co. MSB, Phu Bai, South Vietnam, as a Intercept Chief. From 1969 to 1970 he was stationed 2nd Radio Bn, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and promoted to Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt). In 1970 - 1971 he attended Cryptanalysis (CA) School, Fort Devens, Massachusetts.
In 1971 he was transferred to 1st Radio Bn, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and assigned to the Electronic Warfare Platoon. In April 1972 he was detached with Detachment N, 1st Radio Battalion, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade (9th MAB) and assign duty as a CA intelligence (Code and Cipher Analysis). In early summer 1972 he was transferred to the USS NEWPORT NEWS, Gulf of Tonkin as the CA Chief. Upon returning to Hawaii from South Vietnam he was assigned duty at the NCOIC of the 1st Radio Battalion Motor Pool, which involved highly classified electronic communication equipment and vans. In 1973, now Master Sergeant (MSgt) Leake was transferred to Co. E. MSB, Misawa, Japan through 1976. At that time he was further transferred to Co. A, 2nd Plt and then EW Plt, 2nd Radio Battalion, FMF, Camp Lejeune. NC where he served as the Operations Chief until his retirement.
Personal note concerning Master Sergeant Leake: In addition to being a true friend and brother Marine, I can state without exception he was one of the finest Marnies I have every known or work with. During his days with 1st Radio Battalion we shared our music, which was an ongoing hobby for both of us. However, as the CA Chief aboard the USS BLUE RIDGE, Jim worked for me prior to going out on his own. Nonetheless, in a short time he became one of the best of the best when it came to code breaking, which BrigGen Edward Miller (CG 9th MAB) used daily while making battle plans. There simply was not a lazy bone in Jim's body and he demonstrated this time and time again, which demonstrated his unique ability to master all he set out to master. Indeed he will be missed and thus, I send forth my prayer to God to keep Master James J. Leake on the Honor Role, as he served both God and country well.
Semper Fi,
Tom Hunnicutt
(11/13) In case you've forgotton how much we used to make as a Private (under 4 mos), etc., here's a reminder from January 1960. For you saltier folks, I suppose it was even less. Came across it going through some old orders. (webEd)
(11/9) As some of you have already heard, Jim Park accepted his final set of orders on November 4, 2011, and has passed on to "... Heaven's scenes..." He was just a great friend and will be missed by all those who knew him. I have put up a small collage of photos here courtesy of Gary (Deke) Decocq and Mike Baker. (webEd)
(10/31) Just to let everyone know, I've received the disk full of photos from Laura and I've put up three slideshows in addition to the teaser photos on the Reunion Table of Contents page.(webEd)
(10/29) Just to let everyone know, I've put up a few photos from the last reunion. Navigate to the Reunions Page and click on the link under the 2011 Reunion Info title. Laura has sent me a disk full of photos and as I get to them, I'll post them via that link. (webEd)
(10/27) In case you haven't seen this yet, please click here to view a very moving slideshow of "Remembering the Brave" filmed at a dinner at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The photography and slideshow were done by Jensen Sutta Photography.
(8/29) Some more info via email by Jay Adams. Please click here to view action taken by the Board of Directors in relation to the fire tragedy mentioned earlier.
(8/27) Passed via email by Jay Adams and Don Whisnant, one of our own needs help after a terrible tragedy. Please click here to read the forwarded message of 1st Radio's Commanding Officer LtCol Parry.
(8/17) A little history on our Hymn from the FRA Today...
(8/5) Info passed on by Pete/Bill Runnels on the 6th Annual 2nd Radio Battalion Reunion... (click here)
(7/24) Cryptologic History Symposium Announced, October 6 & 7, 2011. Click here for the Registration Package.
(7/7) Sgt. Lucas T. Pyeatt Posthumously Awarded Intel Medal for Valor...
(6/26) Stars and Stripes: Hot skinny on new Tricare fees, end to combat pay 'windfall' voted...
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| (4/17) Click on the FRA's cover graphic to the left to link to either the PDF or RTF version of the current edition of FRA today (it takes a bit to come up; it's the whole magazine). The main story is of Agent Orange, its history, what's currently being done about exposure to it, and what you do to claim VA benefits. In addition, there is news about other exposures: Atomic Veterans, Project SHAD, Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses, and Burn Pits on page 23. On page 24 is news on the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune. Also, check out on page 5 the FRA's National Executive Director's take on Military Healthcare Protection: "Freedom isn't Free ... and Neither is Health Care." The first paragraph says it all: "The Military Healthcare Protection Act (S. 604) in the 110th Congress stated, in part, 'The demands and sacrifices [of military service] are such that few Americans are willing to bear or accept them for a multi-decade career; and a primary benefit of enduring the extraordinary sacrifices inherent in a military career is a range of extraordinary retirement benefits that a grateful nation provides for those who choose to subordinate much of their personal life to the national interest for so many years.'" There's a lot more info contained within, including a Taps section at the end. |
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