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| Subject: USS SILVERSIDES
To all who took the time to come to my defence in the lamented, unprovoked attack regarding my connection with USSI and Silversides, I sincerely thank you--and after a few short comments, I wish to relegate the matter to the dustbin of other unsolved enigmas.
(1) Barbara and I moved to Muskegon to be near our Son, HMI (FMC) Paul L. Kidd Junior, who is a disabled, Fleet Marine Corpsman from the Hell of Desert Storm; the fact that there was Museum Boat here had nothing to do with it--and at the time, we did not know that a museum building was being built 'to play around in.'
(2) As soon as we bought out home, we had a large 'rain locker' (that is a SHOWER to the uninitiated) in our basement, for the exclusive use of those wonderful, dirty, greasy Enginemen who show up from time to time, making sure that the FBM's will roll over, come Memorial Day Weekend. Our home is a way-station for all who wore the dolphins, and their wives, sweethearts, or 'significant others.' My 'Long-haired Mess Cook,' Barbara, always sets up the 'formal' dinning room with her best china, and she cooks meals for All Hands--meals that would rival the best efforts of some of our best Smoke-Boater Cooks.
(3) Yes, as has been said, I was really allowed to be COB on the last of my seven Smoke Boats. I only did 22 + years (all sea duty) due to receiving a Full Disability Retirement due to rheumatoid arthritis.
(4) My priorities have ever been: a. Barbara, the Kidds and Grand Kidds b. Our Church (c) Escolar Base, Silversides, and USSVI, in that order.
Peace and love to all!
DBF/PLK | |
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