Frank Mullen's very unofficial source of poop, skinny and bitching for present and former U.S. Navy Musicians.
Saturday, July 1, 2006
Guest Book
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43 comments:
Anonymous
said...
I just re-connected with Andy Vermillio today after many years! I served under Jake Jacoby on Treasure Island from 1977 until he left, and finished my our under Bill Eggleton. I'd love to hear from some of the guys....especially Bobby Ferriera and Michael Richardson.....
Frank, I think your greatest musical moment was the special solo piano soundtrack you played, beer in one hand, while porno movies played in John Johnson's living room at someone's bachelor party.
Holy Sh**t, Frank you have done it again...... This is funnier than your dick sticking out at Marquart and I in Advance course at the School of Muchus... Bob "Boomer" Grindle....25 years ago!!!!! 7flt can't be beat....
I'm sorry I never had the opportunity to serve with you. I just retired from the Nav last Friday after 30-years. Pete Tassey was my guest speaker. I dig your site man, too cool.
Very funny stuff. Served 59'-'63-Hawaii. Saw you at '06 reunion. Now Retired High school band director with Leo Kieswether one of my students. Remember him?
How about a discussion on some of the moronic gigs we had to play?
I can remember when I was at Airlant in the early 70's they flew us to Charleston SC for the opening of a railroad. When we got there, got on a bus and drove for a while, ended up on a dirt road surrounded by woods, eventually came to a clearing and there in the middle of the clearing was 1 section of track.
Cool site...spent 4 years as an MU, mostly at Pearl Harbor partying in Honolulu - 82-86. Had a blast and nearly got popped for pot!! Drank many beers with Karl Wikstrom, Skip Klingaman, Louis Gantan, Kenny Cross, Tuck Daly, Oliver Shirley. Anybody remember me? If so, post a comment.
Franker: Also in the ZUM ZUM ZUM band is Bob Boyer. They did this gig about three months before I arrived at CINCSOUTH. Bob knows a few more of the folks in the band. Here's a definition for you: LUCKY BAG: A marine's ex-wife who is going out with a sailor. Love Navy Lyres, keep up the good work. Terry
Frank: As a fresh-faced newbie at the SOM you scared me, many times. You continue to do so. However...seeing as how Boomer Grindle is still alive and hasn't died of some rare form of VD, I am coming out of the closet, and telling everyone: BOOMER IS GAY!!
Frank, leave it up to you to have the cheapest, dirtiest, asslickin' blog site anywhere. You aint seen nuttin' yet - just wait 'til June at the reunion when I zap you with the howitzer - man, is it gonna hurt. Couldn't think of a more deserving recipient. Anyway, nice to talk to you, you worthless, incompetent, derelect of society. Lee hudson sends these beautiful words of salutation!!
THINK BATMAN TV SERIES ON THIS ONE!! DaDaDaDaDaDaDah!! Wha" you say, Could there be a clash of the MU titans at last? MAYHEM AT THE MEMPHIS MARRIOTT!!
BATTLE ON BEALE STREET!!
GODZILLA AND GHIDORA AT GRACELAND!
SHOOTOUT AT SUN STUDIOS!!
Will it be Armagedden when arch enemies Frank "THE DECIDER" Mullen clashes with Milton "HOWITZER Hudson at the 2008 NMA reunion? Stay tuned BAND FINKS, There's more to come at a later date!!
Frank! Recently found your site, and have been laughing my ass off! I was thinking back to the SOM (ahh, what a positive experience that was....) when I took bass lessons with you, since there was no bass instructor at the time, the Navy in its' omnipotent wisdom surmised that a piano player would do just fine. So at this one lesson, I was very young, very cocky, and totally unprepared (units...?...wasn't that when you went into a room and jammed with the boom box...?)....I couldn't play more than 3 bars out of the Bugs Bower book without clamming. You got so pissed off at me that you taped a piece of paper over the window of your door, put me at attention, and commenced to screaming and throwing things at me. Looking back on it, it is hysterical - at the time, it really was just what I needed. A little unconventional instruction goes a long way.
Certainly more sea stories to swap, but I just wanted to sign the log book. More later. Have a great Thanksgiving, Frank.
Great site! Ah, but I do miss the quick-witted & scorching sarcasm. Frank, although we’ve never met it was guys like you that very nearly kept me in the Navy Bland. I did, however, have the honor of serving with some like and fine upstanding citizenry during my brief enlistment in Charleston, which included fellas such as Jim Etters, James Lamb, & Doyle Church.
--Segue to sea story--
I vaguely recall a near-miss or two in the local exotic dance halls of the Holly City, most especially the night we were about to get our butts kicked for what I’m sure was an innocent procedural misunderstanding Dave Langett & I had with the bouncers, when Strom Thurman’s God son (Tommy Osborn) saved our assess from certain pummel in the parking lot when he produced an AK-47 in the nick of time. We, the bouncers, & the subsequent cops all ended up laughing over beers in the parking lot. They even gave us a ride back to the base.
Those were the days, and then there was Tailhook . . .
As Tom Gillete would put it, "I have just walked out of the closet" mumble mumble mumble... he he .... I am gay and happy and love to go to Tula's downtown Seattle and drink Irish whiskey and shoot the shit with Tex and listen to Jazz and then walk out at O dark thirty and get rolled.. What fun when one can still fill the thrils of Libs in one's own town... Boomer
Hey Gary Dunn, Hope you are fine. Saw your name on the OKC MU roster. MAC Came out to Everett last summer and we had a great time, Jimmy Mall is coming up here for a visit from Tacoma. Going to stay in a motel next to his brother's place, Everett Mall. We will then visit his other brother's place at Alderwood Mall. Jim Mall has a lot of brothels I mean brothers in strange places...
Hey Mr. Wert give me a call sometime.... I am alive and well and hang out at the Monroe Community Concert Band every Thurs. Except 22 May 2008. I need a lesson or two.. lol Boomer
Just stumbled upon this sight, saw a few familiar names. Used to car pool with Gary Dunn in Orlando, worked with Jim Etters in Pac Fleet.
I would love to hear from Thom Weller, Jonathan Moore, George Murray, Brian Freeman, maybe even Subic Salls. Just saw a picture of Bob Leketa, can't get much more ugly than him.
I served Navy Band Orlando, 84-88 then Navy Band Newport, 88-91 PacFleet 92-95
Sorry I never got to know you, but thanks for sturring up some memories. I served 87-98 in Charleston, Yokosuka and Great Lakes. All the guys I came up with are now leading the bands: Walt Cline, Duna, Chuck Rogiers, Carl Gerhard, Dave Evans, Pat Sweeten, Brian Walden (funny story about Brian when I was his PT Coordinator). Here's a list of the oldtimers that played an important role in my Navy career. I'd love to hear from them: John Engman, Tim Tucker, John Clemer, Scott Davenport, Jim Etters, Mike Beegle, Bob and Mel Leketa, Doyle Church. I'll check back often.
I stumbled upon this site, and noticed a name from the past (assuming it is the same person). :) Hi Keith. Remember me from Great Neck BC? I live in Fort Wayne, IN...for about a year now. Hope you and Maria are doing well.
24 years as a Navy Mujishun (the last 20 as an MU1) and I don't miss a day of it, although I do miss a lot of the HUNDREDS of friends I made. 12 yeas in Fleet bands and the last 12 at the "you'll never make it as a musician...here, go send out the mail and take some "pitchers' and do some artwork" Band in DC.
I don't believe I ever met you, Frank, but judging by your site, I wish I had. Then again, judging by my comments above, you're probably glad we never me.
Bob Goodyear '63-'64 S.O.M., Annacostia '64-'66 ComCruDesPac, San Diego and Long Beach '66-'68 NTC San Diego '68-'71 CinCSouth, Naples, Italy '71-'74 Navy Band Philadelphia (it only existed for 3 years) '74-'76 Navy Band Newport '76-'87 Navy Band, DC '87-'98 GSer at Naval Air Station in my home town...until BRAC closed it down. '98-'09 Bum.
Hi, Nice web site! My name is George Hand from Spring Hill, Fl I am still playing my French Horn in the Hernando Symphony and Richey Orchestras. I was at the School of Music in Washinton DC from Non 1957 to August 1958. Was in Unit Band #162 1958-1960. NTC Band 1960-61. Hello to all. George
Frank: Your memories of boot camp at Great Lakes in the winter are perfect. I went to boot camp there at the end of 1966 and later did two tours with the band. My fondest memory of boot camp was hanging laundry outside in the winter - clothes stops and all - then taking down the frozen garments to wear the next day. They should have included a label in all the underwear, "thaw before using". Great site, as always.
I just chatted with Al Warrick and he was looking for Bobby Ferrera and Don Plowman. This site , I told him about and might just get him an answer. Great site.
Frank, thanks for your hard work on this blog, less thanks for your sense of humor! In a week or two I should have some NMA Reunion 2009 videos up on YouTube.
Frank - you were one of the best teachers I ever had, and oh yeah, I even learned something about playing piano! Thanks for such a great site, and have a gi-hugic great time at the Reunion. Marianne Carlton
Thanks for this site. Enjoyed reading the comments. I was a Navy MU for only 4 years, with SIXTHFLT, but still keep in touch with several of the guys. I retired in 1990 as a CTIC(SS).
Hi, Can someone please share with me the e-mail address of MUC Louis Gantan. I just want to send him a special Christmas wish..As I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Ben P. Llanes MU2 (piano picker 1977- 1982) CINCPACFLT BAND)
This site is a blast! Been able to hook up with some of my 'shipmates' from 77-81 Guam and Norfolk. Best of times, worst of times.
Sea story - I was a professional wedding videographer for 20 years. Shot a lot of gigs at the Academy Chapel (I'm a native Annapolitan) and Mary Torrese (formerly Mary Church, Mr. Church's ex) was kappelmeister. When she found out I'd been a MU and studied under Ron Cohen in HS, she kicked all the rest of the videographers off the Academy list. Ya NEVER know... and RIP, Mary. -Jery Winters
ps - anybody know where John Brewer is buried in Texas?
Hi Frank - I did 4 and out. Great Lakes in the winter of '63 was….in the last century. The Univ. of Anacostia was a blast. Played a few gigs like the opening of Custers Last Stand and the Boston Tea Party. Tex Waldron, Bryce Conklin, Pete Graves and I did a COMSEVENFLT tour with Norm Lapell as Chief. We visited the P.O. club in Yokuska where…lo and behold we saw Barry Krout, Kowalski, and John Fluck keeping the bar in business ! After that, about 18 wonderful months at T.I. with Gene Huddleston, Casey Casebolt, John Pieffer, Pappy Gier, John Koob,Pete Williams Chief Griffith. Those were some of the happiest days of my short Navy hitch. But, the G.I. bill, Univ. of Dayton were too tempting. Spent the next 35 years in sales and management with ECOLAB INC.
I also was in the Com7th fleet band. Providence then the OK city. Met a few folks from the ship here in Las Vegas almost 50 years ago. Small world. In touch with Bill O'Donnell, John Polites and Tex Waldron. Drummer Dan McGarigle is gone. Dick Michelletti in CA. I moved from CA to Las Vegas in 2003. Started a little combo and keeping the chops in shape.
43 comments:
I just re-connected with Andy Vermillio today after many years! I served under Jake Jacoby on Treasure Island from 1977 until he left, and finished my our under Bill Eggleton. I'd love to hear from some of the guys....especially Bobby Ferriera and Michael Richardson.....
Jim Haler
jhaler@yamaha.com
Frank,
You are as humorous as ever. Great site!
Wendell Banyay
US Army, but I still have my chief's initiation card - one of my best awards fro 22 years of service.
Pete Tassey said...
Frank, I think your greatest musical moment was the special solo piano soundtrack you played, beer in one hand, while porno movies played in John Johnson's living room at someone's bachelor party.
Great site, I'm cracking up. I spent a relatively short time as an MU - just a 4-year tour, mostly in Sixth Fleet Band.
Frank- Finally a Navy MU website I can truly identify with! Just what one would expect from you, first rate all the way.
Holy Sh**t, Frank you have done it again...... This is funnier than your dick sticking out at Marquart and I in Advance course at the School of Muchus... Bob "Boomer" Grindle....25 years ago!!!!! 7flt can't be beat....
Frank-
I love the site! I wish I could have "served" with your crazy ass! Guess I came in 20 yrs too late......
Peace!
MUC Jim Ramsey
Frank,
I'm sorry I never had the opportunity to serve with you. I just retired from the Nav last Friday after 30-years. Pete Tassey was my guest speaker. I dig your site man, too cool.
Later...
Bobby
Frank,
Great blog! Very funny, and also brings back memories. I was in from 66 to 73 and recognize alot of guys you were stationed with.
Very funny stuff. Served 59'-'63-Hawaii. Saw you at '06 reunion. Now Retired High school band director with Leo Kieswether one of my students. Remember him?
How about a discussion on some of the moronic gigs we had to play?
I can remember when I was at Airlant in the early 70's they flew us to Charleston SC for the opening of a railroad. When we got there, got on a bus and drove for a while, ended up on a dirt road surrounded by woods, eventually came to a clearing and there in the middle of the clearing was 1 section of track.
Dave Fritz
Cool site...spent 4 years as an MU, mostly at Pearl Harbor partying in Honolulu - 82-86. Had a blast and nearly got popped for pot!! Drank many beers with Karl Wikstrom, Skip Klingaman, Louis Gantan, Kenny Cross, Tuck Daly, Oliver Shirley. Anybody remember me? If so, post a comment.
Todd Lemmis, MU3, Sax player
Franker:
Also in the ZUM ZUM ZUM band is Bob Boyer. They did this gig about three months before I arrived at CINCSOUTH. Bob knows a few more of the folks in the band. Here's a definition for you: LUCKY BAG: A marine's ex-wife who is going out with a sailor. Love Navy Lyres, keep up the good work.
Terry
Frank: As a fresh-faced newbie at the SOM you scared me, many times. You continue to do so. However...seeing as how Boomer Grindle is still alive and hasn't died of some rare form of VD, I am coming out of the closet, and telling everyone: BOOMER IS GAY!!
Great site!!! Thanks for some good memories!
Frank, leave it up to you to have the cheapest, dirtiest, asslickin' blog site anywhere. You aint seen nuttin' yet - just wait 'til June at the reunion when I zap you with the howitzer - man, is it gonna hurt. Couldn't think of a more deserving recipient. Anyway, nice to talk to you, you worthless, incompetent, derelect of society. Lee hudson sends these beautiful words of salutation!!
THINK BATMAN TV SERIES ON THIS ONE!!
DaDaDaDaDaDaDah!!
Wha" you say, Could there be a clash of the MU titans at last?
MAYHEM AT THE MEMPHIS MARRIOTT!!
BATTLE ON BEALE STREET!!
GODZILLA AND GHIDORA AT GRACELAND!
SHOOTOUT AT SUN STUDIOS!!
Will it be Armagedden when arch enemies Frank "THE DECIDER" Mullen clashes with Milton "HOWITZER Hudson at the 2008 NMA reunion?
Stay tuned BAND FINKS, There's more to come at a later date!!
Frank! Recently found your site, and have been laughing my ass off! I was thinking back to the SOM (ahh, what a positive experience that was....) when I took bass lessons with you, since there was no bass instructor at the time, the Navy in its' omnipotent wisdom surmised that a piano player would do just fine. So at this one lesson, I was very young, very cocky, and totally unprepared (units...?...wasn't that when you went into a room and jammed with the boom box...?)....I couldn't play more than 3 bars out of the Bugs Bower book without clamming. You got so pissed off at me that you taped a piece of paper over the window of your door, put me at attention, and commenced to screaming and throwing things at me. Looking back on it, it is hysterical - at the time, it really was just what I needed. A little unconventional instruction goes a long way.
Certainly more sea stories to swap, but I just wanted to sign the log book. More later. Have a great Thanksgiving, Frank.
Max Murray
MUCS (Lower Half),USN, RET
http://www.maxbass.com
Great site! Ah, but I do miss the quick-witted & scorching sarcasm. Frank, although we’ve never met it was guys like you that very nearly kept me in the Navy Bland. I did, however, have the honor of serving with some like and fine upstanding citizenry during my brief enlistment in Charleston, which included fellas such as Jim Etters, James Lamb, & Doyle Church.
--Segue to sea story--
I vaguely recall a near-miss or two in the local exotic dance halls of the Holly City, most especially the night we were about to get our butts kicked for what I’m sure was an innocent procedural misunderstanding Dave Langett & I had with the bouncers, when Strom Thurman’s God son (Tommy Osborn) saved our assess from certain pummel in the parking lot when he produced an AK-47 in the nick of time. We, the bouncers, & the subsequent cops all ended up laughing over beers in the parking lot. They even gave us a ride back to the base.
Those were the days, and then there was Tailhook . . .
Formerly MU2 “Buddy Mitch” Seal
As Tom Gillete would put it, "I have just walked out of the closet" mumble mumble mumble... he he .... I am gay and happy and love to go to Tula's downtown Seattle and drink Irish whiskey and shoot the shit with Tex and listen to Jazz and then walk out at O dark thirty and get rolled.. What fun when one can still fill the thrils of Libs in one's own town... Boomer
Hey Boomer,
Remember your 7th Fleet drummer?
Gary Dunn
Hey Gary Dunn, Hope you are fine. Saw your name on the OKC MU roster. MAC Came out to Everett last summer and we had a great time, Jimmy Mall is coming up here for a visit from Tacoma. Going to stay in a motel next to his brother's place, Everett Mall. We will then visit his other brother's place at Alderwood Mall. Jim Mall has a lot of brothels I mean brothers in strange places...
Hi Frank,
Jeez, I just found this site, quite by accident, and am diggin' it!! Hope to catch up with some old buds soon....Alive & well in Seattle.
Hey Mr. Wert give me a call sometime.... I am alive and well and hang out at the Monroe Community Concert Band every Thurs. Except 22 May 2008. I need a lesson or two.. lol Boomer
Just stumbled upon this sight, saw a few familiar names. Used to car pool with Gary Dunn in Orlando, worked with Jim Etters in Pac Fleet.
I would love to hear from Thom Weller, Jonathan Moore, George Murray, Brian Freeman, maybe even Subic Salls. Just saw a picture of Bob Leketa, can't get much more ugly than him.
I served Navy Band Orlando, 84-88 then Navy Band Newport, 88-91 PacFleet 92-95
Cool site....love to see the Evolutions video. Iwas in the Band when we filmed Clear and Present Danger, as well as the tattoo in Sweden.
And Wendell Banyay was my teacher at the school of music when I was in the Marines!
Mike Keeley USMC 84-87 USNB 88-97
Frank,
Sorry I never got to know you, but thanks for sturring up some memories. I served 87-98 in Charleston, Yokosuka and Great Lakes. All the guys I came up with are now leading the bands: Walt Cline, Duna, Chuck Rogiers, Carl Gerhard, Dave Evans, Pat Sweeten, Brian Walden (funny story about Brian when I was his PT Coordinator). Here's a list of the oldtimers that played an important role in my Navy career. I'd love to hear from them: John Engman, Tim Tucker, John Clemer, Scott Davenport, Jim Etters, Mike Beegle, Bob and Mel Leketa, Doyle Church. I'll check back often.
I stumbled upon this site, and noticed a name from the past (assuming it is the same person). :) Hi Keith. Remember me from Great Neck BC? I live in Fort Wayne, IN...for about a year now. Hope you and Maria are doing well.
Praying for you.
Pat
24 years as a Navy Mujishun (the last 20 as an MU1) and I don't miss a day of it, although I do miss a lot of the HUNDREDS of friends I made. 12 yeas in Fleet bands and the last 12 at the "you'll never make it as a musician...here, go send out the mail and take some "pitchers' and do some artwork" Band in DC.
I don't believe I ever met you, Frank, but judging by your site, I wish I had. Then again, judging by my comments above, you're probably glad we never me.
Bob Goodyear
'63-'64 S.O.M., Annacostia
'64-'66 ComCruDesPac, San Diego and Long Beach
'66-'68 NTC San Diego
'68-'71 CinCSouth, Naples, Italy
'71-'74 Navy Band Philadelphia (it only existed for 3 years)
'74-'76 Navy Band Newport
'76-'87 Navy Band, DC
'87-'98 GSer at Naval Air Station in my home town...until BRAC closed it down.
'98-'09 Bum.
Hi,
Nice web site! My name is George Hand from Spring Hill, Fl I am still playing my French Horn in the Hernando Symphony and Richey Orchestras.
I was at the School of Music in Washinton DC from Non 1957 to August 1958. Was in Unit Band #162 1958-1960. NTC Band 1960-61.
Hello to all.
George
Frank:
Your memories of boot camp at Great Lakes in the winter are perfect. I went to boot camp there at the end of 1966 and later did two tours with the band. My fondest memory of boot camp was hanging laundry outside in the winter - clothes stops and all - then taking down the frozen garments to wear the next day. They should have included a label in all the underwear, "thaw before using". Great site, as always.
I just chatted with Al Warrick and he was looking for Bobby Ferrera and Don Plowman. This site , I told him about and might just get him an answer. Great site.
Frank,
Outstanding site, especially for those of us unable to attend the reunions. Keep up the great work. It doesn't get better then this: )
Frank, thanks for your hard work on this blog, less thanks for your sense of humor! In a week or two I should have some NMA Reunion 2009 videos up on YouTube.
Just dropping in to say HI and locate shipmates from NTC San Diego '72-'75 and NTC Great Lakes '75-'79
Contact me at LBrown99@usa.net
to George Hand -
If you play in the Richey Community Orchestra, say hi to Denise for me - we worked MANY gigs together in my 25 years in Florida after getting out.
Frank,
Well done. This is a great site.
Frank - you were one of the best teachers I ever had, and oh yeah, I even learned something about playing piano! Thanks for such a great site, and have a gi-hugic great time at the Reunion. Marianne Carlton
Thanks for this site. Enjoyed reading the comments. I was a Navy MU for only 4 years, with SIXTHFLT, but still keep in touch with several of the guys. I retired in 1990 as a CTIC(SS).
Hi,
Can someone please share with me the e-mail address of MUC Louis Gantan. I just want to send him a special Christmas wish..As I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
Ben P. Llanes
MU2 (piano picker 1977- 1982) CINCPACFLT BAND)
This site is a blast! Been able to hook up with some of my 'shipmates' from 77-81 Guam and Norfolk. Best of times, worst of times.
Sea story - I was a professional wedding videographer for 20 years. Shot a lot of gigs at the Academy Chapel (I'm a native Annapolitan) and Mary Torrese (formerly Mary Church, Mr. Church's ex) was kappelmeister. When she found out I'd been a MU and studied under Ron Cohen in HS, she kicked all the rest of the videographers off the Academy list. Ya NEVER know... and RIP, Mary.
-Jery Winters
ps - anybody know where John Brewer is buried in Texas?
SCHOOL IS AWESOME
WONDERED IF ANYONE STILL STANDS THOSE DREADED 4 TO 7 AM WATCHES
Hi Frank - I did 4 and out. Great Lakes in the winter of '63 was….in the last century. The Univ. of Anacostia was a blast. Played a few gigs like the opening of Custers Last Stand and the Boston Tea Party. Tex Waldron, Bryce Conklin, Pete Graves and I did a COMSEVENFLT tour with Norm Lapell as Chief. We visited the P.O. club in Yokuska where…lo and behold we saw Barry Krout, Kowalski, and John Fluck keeping the bar in business ! After that, about 18 wonderful months at T.I. with Gene Huddleston, Casey Casebolt, John Pieffer, Pappy Gier, John Koob,Pete Williams Chief Griffith. Those were some of the happiest days of my short Navy hitch. But, the G.I. bill, Univ. of Dayton were too tempting. Spent the next 35 years in sales and management with ECOLAB INC.
I also was in the Com7th fleet band. Providence then the OK city. Met a few folks from the ship here in Las Vegas almost 50 years ago. Small world. In touch with Bill O'Donnell, John Polites and Tex Waldron. Drummer Dan McGarigle is gone. Dick Michelletti in CA. I moved from CA to Las Vegas in 2003. Started a little combo and keeping the chops in shape.
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