Preflight Memories...by Jim Stark

Prefight was a rude awaking for this cocky college kid. The day I walked into that indoctrination battalion, I honestly thought I had mistakenly entered a POW compound. Man, what a shock that was! And when Sgt Hoffman told us that getting a sunburn was a court martial offense, I believed him.

Therefore, this memory has stuck with me all these years. Several of us—and I can’t remember who else was involved—went to the beach on one of those rare free afternoons. We knew not to stay long because of the dreaded sunburn threat, but we all rolled around in the sand at the water’s edge, enjoying the cooling waters. Then someone noticed that we were all covered with black oil stains, spilled by the Gulf tankers.

We all hurried back to the barracks and jumped into the shower. Soap didn’t remove the oil, so we used lighter fluid and stiff brushes. Our skin was raw, probably worse than getting a sunburn, but I don’t think there were any repercussions from our day at the beach. Now, who was with me? Was it you Bob Stoddard, Gordy Meyer, and Mike Sanjenis…or others? I’d like to hear from you.

Gathering of Eagles...errr Bogies

As you see in the above picture, another small get together occurred in Florida on 2/17/10. Pictured left to right are Jim Stark, Gordon Meyer, Joe Obusek, and Tom Fritz.
Jim, Gordy and Joe just finished a round of golf and Tom joined them afterwards to hear about all the birdies, pars and 300-yard drives—NOT.

Tom, whom we had not seen previously, filled us in on his intriguing 36 year, Navy career. The most surprising part, we learned, was that while all the rest of us greenhorn cadets were trying to learn to march—hup, two, three, four—and handle the M-1 rifle, Tom had secretly been a Marine for four years! “I didn’t want the DIs to know that, because I knew I would be singled out,” he said. So Tom just pretended to stumble around like the rest of us.

Clandestine behavior turned out to be Tom’s specialty, as he spent most of his career involved with VQ squadrons and in fascinating intelligence operations. Captain Tom was a spook, and if you want to hear some spellbinding stories, buy him a beer and find a quiet corner for a conversation.

Tom Fritz has been dealing with some serious health issues and we wish him continued success in that area.

Joe Obusek highly recommends all Navy vets join the Association of the United States Navy (AUSN). This organization was previously concerned with Navy Reserve interests, but in 2009 broadened its focus to include all Navy matters. AUSN is an advocacy organization that has huge impact on veterans’ health care issues and other benefits. Membership is $40 per year and includes a monthly magazine. Check it out at http://www.ausn.org/

I would also recommend everyone consider membership in the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. The Foundation puts out a biannual magazine that I read cover-to-cover the day it hits my mailbox. Stories inside are written mostly by WW II pilots with great pictures and other features. I love that publication! Membership is $35 annually. Check it out at http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/

I’m putting some thoughts together on a reunion in 2011 and will be asking for your thoughts on the details shortly.

Go Navy and 28/62!

Old Friends Meet

Hi Guys,

Joe Obusek, Pete Moffett (and his son, Matt), Gordy Meyer and I, recently met at a golf course in Florida to play a round together. That’s a round of “golf” for you with dirty minds. Joe is the “stick,” Pete was our course official, and Gordy and I relived our days at Whiting Field, when on non-flying days we used to play 54 holes of golf. Back then, we established “7” be the par for every hole. It is gratifying to know that after 48 years, Gordy’s and my game has not changed one iota. What a great get together!





Joe (L) Gordy (R)



L to R, Meyer, Obusek, Moffett, Stark