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If you know a Veteran, someone in your family,
friend of the family, neighbor, who served their
country, take a brief moment of your day to thank them.
Thank them for the sacrifice they made
for the better good of their country.
We at Free Republic, and the USO Canteen FReeper Style,
are thankful for every service member
in our military, who has served our great nation.
So, to the men and women who answered the call,
in both times of war and peace, thank you.
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Message from Snow Bunny to all those who visit the Canteen.
This is how I think of the USO Canteen Freeper Style.
It is like a cottage down a road,
a place where a weary veteran can spend the night.
Since it opened, it is magical how so many
Freepers who post here, feel it too.
It has been so dear how the Freepers
kept making it a cottage - a home-type of place
that had a huge living room
for them to visit in and a dance floor, a library, etc.
Many Veterans have written to me,
saying that the Canteen is like home
to them for the first time since they served.
This is your Canteen -
a respite from our busy
and sometimes troubling world.
Make yourself at home.
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The USO Canteen Honors FReepers
who have served, or are now serving their country.
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You may have a loved one who has served in the past.
We at the FReeper USO Canteen would like to honor each and every one.
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US Navy
March 15, 1952 ~ March 1960
USS Kula Gulf
In 1951 my brother enlisted in the Air Force. We had a family business, a wholesale banana business. And the three of us ran it…..my Father, brother and I ( I was 18). The Korean war was in full force.
I had decided to join the Coast Guard. I went to the recruiting officer and signed up. When I got home my father asked me to hold off till we sold the business. After 6 months my father sold the business to a family. Then I was given notice to report for a physical for the draft. There were hundreds of men taking the physical. By the time it came to my last name which started with an S. there were 30 of us left.
The person in charge told us we could go because the quota was filled. But we would be getting notice in the future again and were told we could join any service if we wanted to before the next notice.
I went back to the Coast Guard recruiter and he said it was closed. So I went to the Air Force and they also told me it was closed. The only ones left were the Navy, Marines and Army.
I felt the Navy was the best choice for me.
My cousin was on furlough from the Navy and I asked him what he thought about the Navy, He said it was great he loved it.
So I enlisted in the Navy in 1952. I went to Bainbridge , Maryland to boot camp for 3 months.
Boot camp was ok, but the thing everyone hated was standing a 4 hour watch. Meals were served a mile away from the barracks. So everyday each sailor in our company would run to the chow hall to ask permission for our unit to eat and run back . Most sailors hated doing this. But I loved running so I didn’t mind it. I decided to ask if I could be the permanent chow runner, and be exempt from standing watch. He said it would be fine. (insert BIG smile here) so I was permanent chow runner for our company.
Then the Shit hit the fan. Most of the guys wanted my job. LOL
Then I heard it spread to the other companies, guys wanting to be the chow runner. Heh heh
We went to the gym each day and to do calisthenics. The non commissioned officer leading the exercises would finish off with push ups. And his thing was to see who could last the longest doing pushups. Most of the recruits would end after 10 or so. He ended stopping me after I would do 200. I loved doing them. LOL
My ship was the USS Kula Gulf CVE108. A small aircraft carrier which was a converted cargo ship. It had a great history from WW11
Our job was to train the Navy and Marine pilots for landing and take offs from the ship. It was pretty hairy, with the wind factor, ships speed, and weather conditions, there were accidents. Some planes went off the side of the ship, some would not hook up to the arresting gear ( cables across the ship to stop the planes) and into the barrier which was there to stop planes from going off the ship. But we had a good record otherwise.
Being an enlisted man, I did physical work. Such as pushing the planes unto the elevators which brought them to the hanger deck ( the deck underneath the flight deck).
Blimps landed on our ship to be refueled. And one time while the Blimp was tethered to the ship it pulled up , the line was still attached and it tore a piece of the Blimp off as it rose. It started deflating immediately. The Captain told the pilot to take it away from the ship and ditch! Before it hit the water, the pilot detonated an explosive in it destroying it , to preserve top secret information enclosed.
When we had Blimp maneuvers on the ship, my job was to catch one of the two lines attached to the blimp and tether it to the ship arresting gear. I was told not to hold on too tight to the line, because the blimp could take off without notice.
If it did I could be lifted high above the ship, look out world here I come! Hahaha Well one day it happened, I held on too tight within seconds I was 15 feet in the air. I let go and landed on the deck , tumbling without injury.
I reluctantly asked for another job. ROTFL
Months later we were to have maneuvers with Marines in Goosebay, Labrador. We are talking COLD here fellas. We had many Marines come aboard our fine ship in Norfolk, Va. , then we headed North to Goosebay. As we coasted in to the Bay, many icebergs were in the water. We went slowly so we wouldn’t be like the Titanic. Then we anchored out far from shore.
On our ship ( there were many ships, destroyers etc. ) a lot of our personal gear was disappearing. The Marines were stealing our stuff !!! But most of sailors got even later. Heh heh
The sailors on my ship put large safety pins on lines , threw them over the ship and pulled out huge fish without any bait. It was loaded with fish!
During the maneuvers two Marines fell overboard a LST (Landing Ship Tank). They died immediately from the cold. They brought them to our ship and put them in the refers ( refrigerators ) were our food was stored. Most of us lost our appetites during the rest of the time we were there.
Join the Navy and see the world and in Labrador it also meant a chance to see the breathtaking Northern Lights, Aura Borealis .
Every morning a pile of human feces was found in different locations on the ship. Printed above it on the bulk head in chalk the words “ PHANTOM Shitter Strikes Again!” He never was found.
( mind you this was before DNA)
I don’t think I could ever get THAT bored to do that.
Getting back to Norfolk, Va. , our home base, most of the sailors procured different Marine effects such a canteens, belts, etc. I found a bayonet. The trick was how to get off the ship with it. So I strapped it to my thigh with tape and as I asked permission to leave the ship, I said loud and clear to the Officer of the Deck.......
“Request permission to leave the son of a bitch sir”. He said permission granted and he did a double take as I left. This all happened in a few seconds, and since there are hundreds of men leaving the ship at the same time, well……..he didn’t know the difference. ( or maybe he agreed with me…snicker).
Immediately after anchoring at Hampton Roads , which was the Bay in Norfolk. They told us the ship was going to dry dock for 6 months in Philly. Many of the sailors would be transferred to different bases and ships. I was told I would stay on the ship. I did not like this idea. I want OFF! Hahaha
I heard that some of the men were transferred to Florida to NAS Jacksonville , Fl. So I talked to those men and asked if anyone would be happy to switch with me. One guy said he lived in Philly and would love to. So I got his name and headed straight to the First Mate of the ship. I asked him if he would do this. He said no, we can’t do it.
I said “What kind of a Service is this ? YOU put us where we don’t want to be so we can be unhappy????
I joined the Navy to see the world NOT the Atlantic Ocean!”
I started to leave his office, and he said “ Come back Nick, I appreciate what you told me about your brother being stationed in Florida with the Air Force. So I guess it would be OK. Your wish is granted.”
I LOVE the NAVY !
Stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. I was put in Aviation Electrician School. I graduated close to the top, since I had Sea Duty which no one else had I the class, Marines or Navy, I had first choice in my Billet.
My brother was stationed at Tyndal AFBase, Panama City , Fl. There was an opening 60 miles away at Eglin AFB , Fl.We had a ball it was great the two of us visiting each other.
At Eglin I worked at the Climatic Hanger where we tested vehicles, air craft and other things. The temp was 50 to 80 below zero at all times when activated.
It only too a few minutes before a person would freeze to death without a parka clothing or some kind of protective gear. I made a bet with the Petty Officers that worked with me that I could run through that hanger , which was 300 feet from door to door, with only a pair of shorts on. The edge was that I could kick the refrigerated type doors with my leg to get it open quickly. I did it ! I won the bet! But Burrrrrrrrrr it was cold.
An Air Force buddy of mine was working on a secret project in the hanger. A part of the Hanger that was hidden a curtain screen. He took me back there to look at it. I said “ what the hell is this! ???” He said “ A missile”.
15 years later the Air Force came out with this missile . Goes to show ya ! What a country !!!!
After a few months I got a job as a bouncer at a bar just outside the base, just so I could have extra money. It was against regulations of course , so my commanding Officer asked me to come into his office. I told him if he could come with his wife and some of the other officer I would love for them to be my guest at the Bar. I invited the Chief Petty Officer as we were close as well.
They all showed up and I told my boss I would pay for their bill. But Buzz my boss was a good boss and he said it was on him.
They drank Champaign all night, danced and had a ball at the El Rancho nightclub where I worked. The Chief Petty Officer shook my hand and with a slur to his speech said, “Boy this is the greatest time my wife and I have had in a long time.” Then proceeded to walk right through the screen door and fell on his face. The rest of the Officers couldn’t stop laughing.
The next day my Commanding Officer told me to keep the job, but just don’t tell anyone.
After I was separated from the Navy ( after 4 years), I was obligated to another 4 inactive duty. I went back home to New York and got a job at American Health Studio’s a gym. Worked my way up to manager of two studios, Newark, N.J. and Jamaica , Long Island in N.Y.
Even after reaching manager of the month three months straight out of 200 studios around the country. They were cutting my commission to where my instructors were making more money then I was.
I decided to make a move! One day an actor who worked out with me at the gym said he got a job in a play going around the country. I asked him if there might be an opening for me. He said no, but days later he called me and said he had to give up the job for something else. So I went down and replaced him in the play , that was to tour for a year. I then told my boss to shove it.
I am Greek and my last name for some is not easy to spell.
So for my next adventure in life it was
recommended to me to use my first and middle name.
That was my first initiation into my new career.
After 90 cities in a play called “ Lil Abner” , we arrived in Hollywood, Ca.
I bought a motorcycle in Oakland, Ca. And drove it to Hollywood. Once I hit Calif. I knew this was the land for me.
Harley Davidson chopped,
I sure loved this bike.
I wish I still had it today.
Next my life took a new turn. I got a part in the movie version of “Lil Abner”. So I left the play and said goodbye to the cast.
Hollywood is big on publicity photos and this one is of Mitzi Gaynor being held up by Chuck and I.
And this one is another one that appeared in Germany.
One day I had gone to Beverly Hills and by chance got in a touch football game with Elvis and a bunch of actors. Such as Pat Boone, Ricky Nelson, Bob Conrad, Jody Mcrea and others.
I played on the opposite team of Elvis. Elvis got the ball and ran around end , I dove at him and tried to slap his hips with both of my arms. But when I did he turned just at the right second and I hit him in groin. He went flat on his face and they had to carry him to the sidelines. After the next play he called me over. He asked me my name and said,
“You’re on my team from now on”.
For many weekends after that we played football and won every game. Then one day, Ricky Nelson brought 6 guys from the UCLA team and they beat us 12 to 6. There were no goal posts for the point after.
About 6 months later , a friend Michael Dante told me he was doing a movie with Elvis called “Kid Gallahad”. He told me they were looking for boxers as buddies for Elvis in the film. I got the job and it was 5 months of fun. Elvis was a terrific guy to work with.
This was a fun one to work on too. The film is called
“Island of Love” starring Robert Preston, Walter Matthau,and Tony Randall. I got to go to Greece to film it and was there for 3 months.
This is a TV show called “ Rat Patrol”. It ran for 2 seasons and was my introduction to being a stuntman.The show was shot mainly outside of Edwards Air Force Base in Antelope Valley, Ca.
One day after shooting a segment of Rat Patrol I met a Greek girl outside of the hotel where we were staying. I invited her in for a cup of coffee in the restaurant , and when we went in , the stars of Rat Patrol were there. Chris George , Gary Raymond, Hans Gudagahst ( now known as Eric Braden of the Young and the Restlesss) were sitting at their table with their friends.
Chris George was there with his brother Nick. They invited us to sit down with all of them. After awhile I said I want to say something. And I started in with “ The Lords Prayer” in Greek. As I went along, Chris George, his brother Nick and the Greek girl I had just met chimmed in with me and we all finished with “ Amen”. The other guests were astonished at what had just happened. I knew that all Greek children were taught The Lords Prayer and I knew they all would join in. It was a very nice moment.
The movie is “ Molly McGuires”, starring Sean Connery, Richard Harris and Samantha Eggar.
Sean Connery and I
Richard Harris and I. No, it’s not your eyes, the photo is blurry.LOL Samantha Eggar took the photo.
“ Norliss Tapes” was made for TV, starring Angie Dickinson and Roy Thinnes. I play Angie’s husband and I am a very bad man.
This is what Snow Bunny says Liberals look like. It is me decked out for my part in “ Norliss Tapes”
I got the part of “Street” in a film called “Hard Times”. Starring Charles Bronson, Jill Ireland, Strother Martin, and James Coburn. We filmed it in New Orleans. It is a film about street fighters during the depression. Men that fought bare knuckled in streets and warehouses or anywhere they could to make money. It was hard times then and many found this to be a way to make a living. Street , my character arrives in town from Chicago to fight Chaney (Charles Bronson) at the climax of the film.
Guess who wins. LOL
Walter Matthau was a heck of a great guy and a friend. This was the second film I did with Walter called “ Couch Trip”. This one I was his stunt double for the film.
Here I am, the taller one in the picture. My name in the script is Hideous Alien. This is from a TV show called,
“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”.
I am a big fan of Free Republic. There is nothing like it on the internet, but more importantly, there is nothing like it offline either. I am proud to be a FReeper and lurk every day at FR. FR is making a difference in this crazy world.
Back in July my wife and I had a chance to meet three Freepers that are friends. Blackie, SAMWolf, and 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub.
This is Tonkin and I .
My goal is to be one of the Canteen Bad Boys when I grow up.
 
In Las Vegas where we live, my chance came to be in a freep and we did it with all that was in us. About 60 cars and motorcycles all with the American Flag and posters drove up and down the Strip right before President Bush was elected. We went in single file and received more thumbs up then the middle finger salute.
While driving we all had our windows down and I yelled out about every 2 minutes……FREEDOM at the top of my lungs.
I couldn’t talk for a few days after that, but ya know what it was worth it! For almost 40 years in showbiz I could not talk politics or I would not get work. I LOVE my country and by God I will not let her go down without a fight.
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