Ram......
Don't know if you remember me, I served with the SM crew for a couple of underway watches. I haven't heard from TJ in about a year...we exchange Christmes cards and write and I've been down to Eagle Pass a couple of times... "in my other life." I was filpping through the shipmate search and found you. I'm still a "short timer" ...( no thanks to Chief Wyatt...) Thank you for all your help and most of all your friendship while on thr King. I really didn't get the opportunity to thank everyone properly and personally before I left the ship in Subic. I hold all of you guys close to my heart and cherish the memories of each moment we spent together. If you get the chance plaease let me hear from you and I'll do my best to bring you up-to-date with my last few years.
Kilo Mike Alpha....(Keep Me Advised of course)
God Speed......
Burf SM3
Was really glad to hear from you and yes I remember you well. Where are you these days? would like to talk to you if you feel free to give me your number, ours is 512-515-6546 . We are in Austin . Would also like very much to contact TJ. Health isn't great but getting better. We are trying to find anyone that knew about the mail runs of the coast of Vietnam for VA purposes.I made some of these runs but can't prove it with any paper work or logs. How is your health? Al has had a stroke so it takes him longer to talk then when he was on everyones case. you might enjoy that. I heard from Frances SM3 thats how I found out about you and TJ . I knew you were from TX but don't remember where,and I did look for TJ in Eagle past but no one seem to know anything.I am still married to Dot it has been 46 years now and oldest boy Joe has retired from the USN as an AO1. He and Dan live in San Diego and Bob and Jim are in Austin 19 Grandkids and 7 Greatgrandkids. Sure hope to see you and talk for awhile. Maybe we can arrange something with TJ ,You and myself. Hell I'd go anywhere to see you guys . Well most anywhere.You were always the quite one at times I didn't know whith you likes me or just didn't want to talk to me haha!!!! Answer soon and we will diffently get together.
Your Buddy Ram
Ram.....
Good to hear from you. I've thought of you guys often.I fondly remember the yard at Hunter's when you, TJ, ButtKitt, and Kahler were over at your quarters ....while the boys and I were watching Hatari you guys slipped something in my orange juice (vodka, I think) That was the rankest "stuff" I ever tasted...but I think I went back for seconds and thirds....feeling goooood padnah. Let's see,I finished my degree at Univ of Houston. Worked in the oil patch in Houston until it went bust in '86. Got married and divorced during this time. She is a Dr. in the VA hospital in Houston. I got remarried about eleven years ago to the most beautiful and wonderful wife a person could ask for. I moved back to Beaumont to be near my Mom and Dad...Worked at Dillards as a Sales Manager...I am now operating my own business ...East Texas Metals... I recover silver from xray processors in hospitals. My step daughter is a corporate buyer for Dillards in Little Rock. My step son is a 2nd Lt with the 82nd Airborne at Bragg. Hoo Ah. He's career.
I'll see if I can find TJ's address...I don't have his phone number (unlisted). He is a school teacher in EP. We generally exchange Xmas cards every year.
It' really great to hear from you. It appears your family has blessed you and Dot with a bunch of grandkids. SUPER!!!! I would like to get together with you and TJ some time soon. That would be Great. My address is Don Burford, 205 Fuller, Silsbee, Texas 77656. Phone (409)385-7909.
Again, it is great to hear from you after all this time. Take good care of your self and Dot.
God Speed. KMA
Burf SM3
Believe I have a photo of you and other signalman. Were you about 5'8" and have a thin moustache? The other guy is 6 foot with short way, auburn, hair. Not capable of includin it with this message however. Photo taken in the S of J.