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********************************************** ©Donald E. Bruner 04-2002
Diane J. Norton
PNC, USN (Ret)
My first month as President of the Fleet Reserve Association, USS Indianapolis (CA-35) Memorial Branch 130 was an
exciting one. Our Shipmates held a 2-bell ceremony during the meeting in July. Although this is a solemn occasion,
the pride and professionalism is abundant. The bell-ringer, Shipmate Harry Powell and the Chaplain, Shipmate
Whelchel do an outstanding ceremony. Our thoughts and prayers to the families of those departed Shipmates.
One widow who was at the memorial service stated, “I feel like he’s just on another cruise.”
We are expecting FRA National President Sweeney to attend our August meeting. I invite every available Shipmate to
meet with President Sweeney on August 6, 2007, at 1800. The VFW is planning light snacks for the meeting that night.
Please join us.
Our Shipmates reported that the semi-annual fishing trip to Lake Greenwood in Crane, Indiana, was a huge success.
Stay posted for an update for the next trip.
Eight Shipmates from Branch 130 marched in the parade honoring our namesake, the USS Indianapolis (CA-35).
The survivors of the USS Indianapolis were honored with their own parade on July 7, 2007, here in Indianapolis.
There was a dedication to a museum where artifacts from the Indianapolis will be permanently on display.
The Chaplain, Shipmate Whelchel, is planning on updating his page on this website. He has some great ideas and
should get that information posted soon. In the meantime I have added some information to the Chaplain’s website.
Check it out.
If you are not currently a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, I encourage you to log on to fra.org immediately.
If that doesn’t work, don’t get frustrated. Contact me or one of the Shipmates on our homepage and we will be happy
to assist in any way we can.
I invite everyone to visit our meetings. We meet the first Monday of each month at the VFW Post #5864, 333
S. Washington St., Greenwood, Indiana. (317) 888-2488. For more information please contact me at (317) 371-2813 or
email me at Dianenorton0414@sbcglobal.net
Yours in Loyalty, Protection and Service
Diane