April 2009 Bole Reunion Held In Seattle WA
Big 2007 Reunion Held In Jacksonville FL
The USS John A Bole Association held its 11th national reunion in Jacksonville Florida. The October 2007 reunion was a resounding success with over 250 shipmates and family attending. Our reunion headquarters was the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk hotel. During the reunion we visited a number of tourist venues in the local Jacksonville, St Augustine area. In addition, we also enjoyed a leisurely evening dinner cruise on the Jacksonville’s St Johns River.
One of the real high points of our Bole reunion was our specially arranged visit to the Mayport Naval Station and the USS Carney (DDG 64). The USS Carney is the Navy’s 14th Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer. The Carney was preparing for an extended deployment and we had the rare opportunity to tour this deadly capable ship and observe her professional yet friendly crew. Not many reunion groups get to go aboard a top of the line Navy ship anymore, and we were pleased the Navy granted our association this rare honor.
Our Bole Memorial Services were held at a very nice location on the St. James River, next to our hotel. The reading of the names of passed Bole shipmates was profound as previous reunions. Sailors from the Jacksonville Naval Air and Naval Base along with the VFW assisted us in this memorable occasion.
The reunion dinner banquet and dance was held the final evening of our reunion. Our banquet dinner speaker for the evening was the Commanding Officer of the USS Carney, CDR Glenn Kuffel, Jr. Commander Kuffel spoke about serving on the Carney and how she differs from the Sumner Class Destroyers of old like the John A Bole. In addition, he discussed the many differences between the Navy life of the present —and of the past (for health reasons, greasy cheeseburgers are no longer served on board ship). During the dinner banquet we also paid tribute to our past Association President Jim Blackburn. Jim sadly passed away in 2007 after a long illness. Tom King presented a commemorative plaque to Jim’s wife Mickey, and her son Dan. Dan spoke to the group about his father, and it was very touching moment for all who knew Jim. Another plaque award was presented to Ron Berry, for his work and contributions to the association since he came aboard.
Sad News - Jim Blackburn
After a long illness, Bole Association President Jim Blackburn passed away February 6, 2007 at his home in East Peoria IL. Jim served as our Bole Association President for 15 years. Our best wishes go to his widow Mickey and his family. Jim will be greatly missed by all his Bole Association shipmates.
A Special Message to all Former Crew Members of the
USS JOHN A BOLE
It is with great honor for me to salute those who, through their selfless service, did so much to defend our nations interests and freedom. USS JOHN A BOLE played a critical role in the Pacific theater from the closing months of World War II through the Vietnam War. From air strikes at Wake Island to gunfire support in Korea, from patrols of the Taiwan Straits to plane guard duty at Yankee Station, you, the men who served aboard the JOHN A BOLE were there, valiantly demonstrating America's strength and resolve. Gathering's such as yours are important, not only for you, but for our country as well. They strengthen the legacy of loyalty and tenacity which present-day Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, and Marines are dedicated to uphold. On behalf of the men and women of the U.S. Navy, please accept my personal salute and warmest wishes for an enjoyable reunion.
Sincerely,
Jay L. Johnson Admiral, U.S. Navy
Former Chief of Naval Operations
USS John A Bole Association Roster
An updated Bole Association roster along with a known list of all deceased Mates will be published and sent later this year. By only publishing an updated roster annually its keeps printing and mailing costs at a minimum and yet is timely enough to keep all of our rostered Mates informed. Please verify all of the information on your latest roster and submit these changes and/or additions to Tom King, our Database Administrator. Incorrect information we frequently find includes incorrect telephone area codes, zip codes and email addresses. Tom is listed on your roster for submitting changes and/or additions. Do you know the names and addresses of any Bole shipmates not listed on our Bole Association database list? If so, please send them to Bole Association Secretary Ron Shipley.
