Dave
Your USS Edson article is a literary masterpiece. Of all the Media, you have been the biggest cheerleader.

Having sailed with you in many Lightening races in the Saginaw Bay, along with crewing for Fred Neitzke, we both know the local waters.

I can remember the Defoe Ship Launches now behind Omini and next to GM Powertrain, with the water rushing skyward. I was always afraid that the ship would sink, with the unique sideways launch. I thought the beautifully ladies that broke the champaign bottles had powerful arms to cause the ship to dive into the water.

I am happy for our mutual lifelong friend Dick Janke. His dream was to bring a U.S. Navy Warship, as a lasting memorial to his big brother, who was lost at sea aboard the USS Simms, that was sunk by bombs by Japaneese fighter planes in the Coral Sea in the early days of World War II. The Purple Heart that hangs on his office wall, was presented to Dick's Mother with a letter from President Franklin Roosevelt in 1941. I am sure that aboard the USS Edson, there will be a place of Honor for this Bay City War Hero.

Also, in my opinion, for Dick Janke's lifelong work of raising funds by talking to corporations, foundations, business people, individuals, veterans, young people, chairity dinners, the Gray Fox cruises, raffles, he should be nominated for the Bay City Times Dick Hardy Award, as an outstanding citizen. I and proud to call both you and him as my best friends.