USS Iowa

our first look at the USS Iowa

I was privileged to attend the recommissioning ceremony for the USS Iowa last week, on July 4 to be exact. It was an emotional day. I was there with 5 of my brothers and sisters and my parents, and we went because my dad served on the Iowa in the Pacific during World War 2. He was a very young sailor, joining the Navy at 17, who called the battleship home for 3 1/2 years. His assignment was to fire one of the many 40mm anti-aircraft weapons on the deck when they were under attack.

I found this picture of the 40mm Bofur, I think this is the type of gun my dad shot.

another picture of the Iowa in the 40's

one more from back in the day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Several years ago, a young college student interviewed my dad about his experiences during the war. Here are some excerpts from that interview (with some very minor editing by me):

[My dad] boarded the ship when it was brand new and had just come back from its shakedown cruise. 
As part of the 3rd Pacific Fleet, led by the hard-nosed and infamous Admiral Bull Halsey, the USS Iowa departed for the Pacific theater of operations on January 2, 1944 as the flagship of the 7th Battleship Division. Remaining in the Pacific until the end of World War II, returning only once to Bremerton, Washington for repairs, the Iowa valiantly supported hundreds of air strikes against its formidable foes of the Rising Sun, the Japanese. [My dad] remembers the voyage well as they embarked from Norfolk, Virginia and headed down through the Panama Canal. He recalls how the ship was only a few feet smaller than the channel locks and barely managed to squeeze through them. They then headed for Hawaii to upload supplies and ammo for the inevitable battles ahead.

The first battle came just weeks later on January 29, 1944 in the Marshall Islands. Then in February they were in the Carolina Islands, and Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam in the Marianas. Missions continued as the Iowa supported air raids in Hollandis, Aitape, and Wake Islands to support Army forces on Aitape, Tanahmnerah Bay, and Humboldt Bay in New Guinea. During one of those battles he was credited with shooting down a Japanese torpedo bomber, an aircraft that flew in low and dropped torpedoes in an attempt to hit and sink the aircraft carriers. Through heavy smoke, he shot his 'Heavy 14" 40mm anti-aircraft gun. He heard the fire control tower announce over the loud speakers, "Nice shooting Heavy 14." After taking control of an island, they would often go ashore to resupply the Army troops on land. On one particular occasion, he remembers the sobering task of fishing the bodies of dead American soldiers afloat in the waters and removing their dog tags. "It was a putrid smell, the human flesh smell." He recalls it as a very distressing moment for him because their families would never know what truly happened to their soldier. While on the island, he remembers trying to crawl through the buffalo grass, afraid to move one blade in fear that a Japanese sniper might pick him off at the sight of moving grass.

He was aboard as the Iowa assisted in the invasion of the Philippines, saw action in Okinawa, and participated in strikes on the Japanese homeland. 
On August 29th the Iowa, accompanied by the entire Task Force entered Yokohama Naval Base in Tokyo Bay. The Iowa anchored only 300 yards from USS Missouri where [my dad] witnessed the entire ceremony of the signing of the peace through the binoculars mounted on his "Heavy 14" gun mount.

With these thoughts in mind, and in the presence of so many other former sailors, tears came easily.
 We met wonderful people, dad was interviewed by reporters, and finally we got to go aboard the
"Big Stick", as the USS Iowa was called.

looking back from the front end of the ship

looking forward from the rear of the ship

dad says he could often find a quiet place to be alone here in the rear

We were all terribly disappointed to learn that no wheelchairs were allowed on board. We spoke to anyone and everyone we felt might be able to bend the rules, all to no avail. When the crowd thinned out, dad agreed to let Gene and Greg help him walk on.

he got to 'man the rail' once again

back on deck so many years later

That was the best part of the day, seeing my dad back aboard the USS Iowa.

A few more pictures of the USS Iowa

Thank you dad, and to all who have served the cause of freedom and liberty as part of the United States military. We owe much to each of you.

My weekend

Saturday my brother Jim got married and it was a celebration.
My day started early, so as I drove to the Salt Lake temple the sun was climbing over the mountains and it's light was just spilling into the valley. The freeway traffic was very light so my drive was relaxing and as I listened to my "Sunday Music" playlist I was deep-down happy.
Once in a while, more frequently lately, I am amazed at the love our Heavenly Father has for us. Just as Alma taught, 'I have all things as a testimony...'(Alma 30:41) of the love of God for his children. His blessings and tender mercies are all around us, and they were so obvious to me as a drove, I felt the joy that comes only from heavenly sources.
Our time in the temple was short but full of love and happiness. When I saw my dad come in tears came unexpectedly. He was in a wheelchair, looking less like the hero of my childhood, but still the man who taught everything worth knowing. He and mom continue to inspire me to stand taller, reach higher, and love more deeply, unconditionally, and constantly. For the second time ever I was in the holy temple with my parents and all of my brothers and sisters.
I watched Jim's face as  he looked at his sweetheart and became her husband for this life and all eternity; I am so very proud of him.

the newlyweds

Outside the temple there were lots of loved ones gathered, pictures taken, hugs, laughter, and happiness.

My dad with my nephews Greg, Kyle, Kendall and Nick

That afternoon serious last minute preparations were underway for the reception/party. Due to extremely windy conditions the venue was changed from mom and dad's backyard to the church next door. In spite of the last minute changes it was a beautiful evening with family and friends.

the cupcakes were delicious, and everyone got at least one lei

Just before starting for home I checked in with mom and dad as they were settling in for the night and we had a few quiet minutes to visit. It's difficult to watch those we love go through difficulties. My parents continue to teach me now as they face the changes that come with aging. Mom is totally devoted to dad, she is focused on taking care of him and making him happy. Dad never complains, and though he often looks at me like he is trying to remember who I am, he always tells me he loves me. I've been know to say that I don't like people to meet my parents because when they do they expect so much more of me.
The older I get the more I am convinced that family is everything. This past weekend was full of family and I loved every minute of it!

Being a mom

Being a mom is one of the most wonderful, joy-filled parts of my life. That's not to say that it has been easy or that I have been good at it, but it has been the source of my greatest happiness and satisfaction.

At one of my last doctor visits before Steve was born, my doctor surprised me a little by commenting on what a miracle the whole birth process is. I totally agree with him, and I am so grateful to have been able to have had that experience.

Like most moms I know, my children have brought me to my highest highs, and my lowest lows. Being their mom has tested my creativity, patience, endurance, and empathy. There have been sleepless nights, more worry than I care to remember, many hours in the kitchen cooking and cleaning up, and much time on my knees pleading for guidance and help from my Heavenly Father. There has also been much laughter, wonderful conversations, pride in their efforts and accomplishments, and much joy just being together.

My fondest dream is to be with my family. We are now spread out over 4 states and rarely are we all together at the same time. But that is what I long for, to have my children around me with their husbands and wives and children. I no longer consider myself the mother of 5 but of 9; and very happily the gramma of 10. They seem to be part of me ~ maybe that's natural for a mom,  the 9 months waiting for the birth of a child creates a life long bond that is never severed. 

We read in scripture that 'This is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.' It is evidence of our Father's love for us that He has created this plan for us, that we are able to participate in it,  at such an enormous cost to Him and our Savior. And what a privilege it is to play a small part in that plan, to help others along that path, as we form our own families and welcome God's precious children into our homes.  Being a mom has given me insights into how our Father loves us, how completely He wants us to be happy and to be with Him again.

If I could go back in time and re-do my mothering years, I would do many things differently; I made mistakes that I regret.  But I don't think it possible that I would love my children any more than I do now. I think that is the most important and pervasive thing I have learned from being a mom ~ how to love.

So thank you Rachel and Dave, Scott and Donna, Rick, Robin and Dennison, and Steve and Krista. I love you more than you know, more than life itself.

A few pictures to share

We have been busy since last fall! And we have had lots of fun.
Rick made a quick trip to see us at Christmas time, we loved having him and May and his dog Mateo with us.

Vienna sure snuggled up to Uncle Rick!

Dennison and Robin also came in December, what a wonderful time we had. The time went too quickly as it always does with those we love.

The boys brought their boots, but we had no snow for them to play in

slumber party in the basement

 I got a tasty surprise from my sweetheart on Valentine's Day.

Dave, Rachel, Ani, Liam, Kier, and Ike made a quick trip to see us in March, we had lots of fun really fast.

And now that Spring is here, our yard is waking up. We didn't have much of a winter but it's still nice to feel the warmth of the sun and see the brave daffodils and tulips bloom again. We spotted our first strawberry blossoms a few days ago!

And lastly, here is my "new" sewing machine, and a treadle cabinet we got to put it in. It's a work in progress so watch for an update.

Bible videos

I just watched this short video of one of my favorite New Testament stories.
I love the statement of the Savior that He will give Living Water.
There are many other videos like this at http://www.lds.org/bible-videos/?lang=eng.
I hope you enjoy them!