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WEBMASTER'S NOTE: I received this e-mail a short time ago and have been negligent in posting it on this site. I apoligize. In case some of you are not aware of it, I understand there are only two(2) Gearing class destroyers left in the United States and they are both memorials. This e-mail concerns one of those 'cans'. Please read the following:
To all Destroyer Sailors
(Please pass this along to your members)
A little over two weeks ago, the USS Orleck (DD886), historic ship of Orange, TX had a severe emergency when the ship sprang a leak and almost sank. It seems that somewhere along the way during service in the Turkish Navy, a puncture had occurred and the hole was repaired with a wooden plug. Last week, without warning, the old plug gave way and the ship began to fill with water.
Only luck and the scrambling efforts of a large number of volunteers from around the area of Orange, Texas, saved the ship from settling on the bottom of the Sabine River. They pumped the water out with every pump they could find, until divers located the leak and repaired it.
Almost everything is back to normal now, but the unexpected event has drained the bank account of the people who are caring for the ship, and exactly at the wrong time. They have a major insurance bill to pay soon, and it must be paid.
I am writing this message to ask for some immediate financial help from everyone in your association. I am trying to find 1000 good men who will send in $10 each, over the next 30 days. All contributions are tax deductible with this foundation. This is an emergency situation and everyone's help is truly appreciated.
Make a check payable to the Southwest Texas War Memorial & Heritage Foundation."
Send it to:
STWM&HF
PO Box 3005
Orange, TX 77631
An alternative method of making a donation to this cause, would be send your check to the Tin Can Sailor Destroyer Museum Grant Program and ask that it be earmarked for the Orleck.
The Tin Can Sailor Organizationhas helped all the destroyers, in the historical fleet, for many years. They are aware of the situation on the Orleck and have already made an emergency contribution to the Texas organization.
I might add here, that joining the Tin Can Sailor for $15/yr. will help continue your support to these historical ships. It is a great organization and the destroyer newspaper is fantastic.
If you wish to donate this way, please make your (tax deductible)check to The Tin Can Sailor, and mail it to:
The Tin Can Sailor
PO Box 100
Somerset, MA 02726
If you have any further questions, you may contact Tom Depwe, President of the STWM&MF at:
tdepwe@ih2000.net
Or contact Tom Peltin, President of The Tin Can Sailor at:
tom@destroyer.org
Let me know the names of those who donate and the amount, and I will have it posted on the Orleck forum message board.
Thanks for your help,
Ron Bradrick, USS Rupertus (DD-851) Association
RupertusDD851@aol.com