Wharf Rat's Home - A Shipmate Who Never Made it to Sea.

'It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.'

Preserving a piece of US Maritime History - invaluable

The USS Olympia is a cruiser that fought in the Spanish American War in 1898 and has been preserved in Philadelphia. She's a one of a kind ship, a national historic monument, and in danger. She needs approximately $10-15 million in repairs to keep her a viable museum for years to come. If you have the resources, or connections to those resources, please consider helping. (full disclosure - there is no financial benefit to me to ask the question - we need to save this ship for posterity). Please contact me at 612-599-1935 or bdskon@fedex.com if you have additional questions.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

The Gathering Foundation Announces the Passing of a P-51 Ace

Remembering a P-51 Mustang Ace http://www.gatheringfoundation.org/about.html
Capt. Robert J. Goebel: 1923-2011

Capt. Robert Goebel, a P-51 Mustang Ace, passed away February 20, 2011. Funeral services were held February 24, 2011 at St. Lawrence Martyr Church in Redondo Beach, California.

Capt. Goebel joined the U.S. Army Air Force just a few months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and quickly trained to earn his pilot's wings and 2nd Lieutenant's commission by June 1943. In March of 1944 Capt. Goebel moved to Italy with and the 31st Fighter Group and began flying Mustangs. In his 61 WWII combat missions Goebel shot down a total of 11 German aircraft.

He returned home at the age of 21 and attended the University of Wisconsin. From 1950 to 1966 Goebel re-entered the Air Force, during which time he worked on the Gemini launch vehicle for NASA.

Capt. Goebel is the father of nine children, and The Gathering Foundation extends its sympathy and condolences to Goebel family.