THE GOLD SHIELD
Official Publication of The
Naval Criminal Investigative Service Association
NCISA
Volume 2013
Number 2
RETIREMENT
OF DIRECTOR
MARK D. CLOOKIE
Director Mark Clookie and wife Mona
The All-NCIS Clookie Family - Woodrow “Woody”, Wayne
and Mark.
1
NAVAL CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIVE SERVICE
Officers
President
Blair M. Gluba
[email protected]
In This
Farewell Message.................... 3
Vice President
Mark V. Politi
[email protected]
by Mark Clookie
Acting Director......................... 4
Arson Aboard the
USS Enterprise...................... 36
by Claude Rollins
by Mark Ridley
Looking Back 1962................ 38
Letter from President............... 5
Operation Touchdown........... 39
by Blair Gluba
Secretary/Treasurer
Neill Robins
Letter from the Editor............... 6
[email protected] by J. Brian McKee
Secretary/Treasurer.................. 7
Editor
J. Brian McKee
11 Charles Street
Malone, NY 12953-1209
1-800-479-1764
[email protected]
ISSUE
by Jeff Norwitz
The Su Chou Thomas Murder
Case....................................... 43
by Blair Gluba
In Memoriam.......................... 11
Introducing New NCISA Website..
............................................... 44
Guest Editorial........................ 13
NCIS-NCISA History Project 45
by Neill Robins
by Wayne Clookie
by Mark Politi
by Blair Gluba and Neill Robins
Appointed Acting Director..... 14
by Headquarters
Federal Retirement, Benefits and
Entitlements........................... 46
Layout by
Christine Disotelle
Personal Touch
Malone, New York
The Last of the Lock Pickers.. 15
by Bob Powers
by Ron Bright
Printed by
Industrial Press
Malone, New York
History of NCIS in Vietnam.... 18
by Douglass Hubbard
Special Recognition for NCIS
Fan ........................................ 49
Spy Who Came In From The
Cold........................................ 19
NCISA Northwest Intern Award
............................................... 49
Volume 2013, Number 2
Date of Publication:
1 MAY 2013
© Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Association (NCISA) 2013. All rights reserved. No part of THE GOLD SHIELD
or any of its contents may be reproduced,
copied, modified or adapted without the
prior written consent of the Editor J. Brian
McKee, NCISA, 11 Charles Street, Malone,
New York 12953, Toll Free 800-479-1764,
EMail: [email protected]
by Blair Gluba
Fragging in Vietnam............... 16
by Herman Hughes
by Nick Lutsch
Search for Amelia Earhart on
Saipan in 1960....................... 48
by Burke McMurdo
NCIS Unveils New Look......... 20
Chapter News........................ 50
2013 National Reunion.......... 31
NCIS Mementos..................... 62
by Burke McMurdo
NCISA 8 Recipes.................... 63
Mulligan and Reilly at the White
House..................................... 35
2
FAREWELL
MESSAGE
DIRECTOR
MARK CLOOKIE
Greetings from NCIS. As I write this last column, I cannot believe how quickly
my time in the Agency has passed. It seems only yesterday that I started out as a
new Special Agent in 1982. Having a brother who preceded me in NCIS gave me
an insider’s look into what a tremendous organization this is. Throughout my years
with NCIS, I have seen many changes, but what has not changed is the dedication
and professionalism of our employees.
Our mission is important and seems to increase each year, but our personnel are
up to the challenges. I can best sum up our impact to the Navy and Marine Corps by
highlighting a typical day in NCIS:
•
over 650 national security investigations or operations addressing
terrorism, espionage, illicit technology, sabotage, cyber crimes, and compromise of
classified information are on-going;
•
criminal investigations and operations are in-progress, including over 450
fraud, over 370 property crime, over 1,000 crimes against persons, and over 1,300
sex crimes against children and adults;
• our Multiple Threat Alert Center produces more than 40 intelligence products as well as sharing information with
Fleet, COCOM, and intelligence community partners and providing law enforcement, intelligence, and force protection
information to Marine Corps elements; and,
• NCIS Special Agents protect senior Department of the Navy leadership, COCOM commanders, and critical research
and development facilities and technologies.
In addition, we leverage strong partnerships with international, federal, local, and foreign law enforcement and security
organizations to protect our ships and personnel in ports or other US or foreign locations. We also present more than 20
briefings a day to prevent insider threat, promote counterintelligence, cyber, and force protection awareness, or prior to
foreign visitors. Finally, we maintain a worldwide presence and have more than 40 personnel deployed in harm’s way in
Afghanistan, Iraq, the Horn of Africa and aboard ships as Special Agents Afloat.
Beyond statistics, our Special Agents have made a difference in the lives of Sailors, Marines, and their families. Just
recently, an individual was indicted for murdering the daughter of Navy Sailor in 1984. While the Sailor was deployed,
his wife and children were moving from an apartment complex to on-base housing. The two daughters went outside the
apartment to play but only one came in. Less than an hour later, the other daughter’s body was found in the apartment
complex courtyard, having been assaulted and murdered. Despite an area search and interviews with neighbors, no suspects
or witnesses were apparent. Within the past few years, new technology emerged that separates male and female DNA and
this technique was used to analyze the young victim’s clothing and identify the suspect.
Last March, a lance corporal awoke after passing out from intoxication and found the barracks’ duty officer, a Marine
sergeant, sexually assaulting her. Witnesses said the duty officer had been checking for unlocked rooms that night and
supported the victim’s account. Although the victim could recall few details of the assault, NCIS linked the duty officer to
the victim through physical evidence, DNA analysis, and his cell phone that contained nude photographs of the unconscious
victim taken that night. NCIS’s investigation enabled senior leaders to identify and remove a sex offender from a position of
authority. At a General Court-Martial in January, the Marine sergeant pleaded guilty to numerous crimes and was sentenced
to confinement, reduction in rank, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and a bad conduct discharge. He is also required to
register as a sex offender.
As I depart NCIS, I feel extremely confident in the leadership, our Special Agents and analysts, and our professional
staff. They are well trained, dedicated, and committed to protecting Sailors, Marines, and their families and safeguarding
Department of the Navy secrets. They have built upon the strong foundation of exceptional dedication and experience of
our predecessors. As I join your ranks, I am humbled to have had the opportunity to serve such a distinguished Agency for
three decades and look forward to the continued friendships within the corps of retired NCIS Special Agents.
3
A LETTER Acting DIRECTOR
FROM THE
Mark Ridley
Best wishes to all from NCIS. We have certainly had some exciting times over the past
several months and I would like to update you on the activities of and challenges facing our
Agency. First, we had to say goodbye to a career Special Agent, a dedicated selfless server,
and a good friend, Director Mark Clookie. Director Clookie served 31 years as a Special
Agent, with the last three as Director. He made extraordinary contributions to the Agency that
will last for years to come. His restructuring of the headquarters to adopt a business model
focused on organizing, training, manning, and equipping our workforce allowed for quicker
response and oversight of operational issues as well as a more efficient use of resources.
Director Clookie’s focus on “I ACT”-- integrity, accountability, courage, and teamwork--reinforced the fundamentals of strong investigations and operations, indicative of top quality
organizations. Finally, Mark Clookie was a Special Agent first and he cared about protecting
the Sailors and Marines who volunteered to serve our nation and their families, wherever they
resided.
In February we honored our Special Agents and Civilians of the Year. Our five Special Agents of the Year were
recognized for leading a Somalia piracy investigation resulting in convictions for all 15 pirates, uncovering multiple hostile
foreign intelligence threats, conducting an exceptional criminal investigation in a high profile case, exposing fraudulent
activities that cost the government $20 million, and developing an operations center that oversees electronic surveillance
activities and tactical communications. Our four civilian awardees received recognition for their outstanding contributions
in administrative, intelligence, and technical support, including a major upgrade to our investigative report writing
system, significant criminal intelligence analysis, and assistance in a credit card skimming investigation that resulted in a
conviction and seven year sentence for the individual who had victimized 185 people aboard Naval Station Norfolk.
As extensively reported in national news, as with all government agencies we face challenges with funding. As of this
writing, we still have no operating budget for the next few years. We know our funding will be decreased but we have
planned accordingly. While we anticipate a decrease in our personnel strength, we believe our normal attrition rate will
satisfy most, if not all, of the reduction. As Congress, the Department of Defense, and the Department of the Navy set
fiscal priorities, we will re-evaluate our mission support to the Navy and Marine Corps. We are in discussions with senior
leaders to identify critical mission support. As the Defense Department and the Department of the Navy turn its focus
toward Asia, we are looking to adjust our structure to complement the Navy and Marine Corps deployments. As in the
past, wherever Sailors and Marines go, we will go.
Finally, I would like to thank all of those retired and active Special Agents who have contributed artifacts, photos, and
stories for our historical displays within NCIS headquarters. We have a formidable history and it is with tremendous pride
that I see our current employees learning of the amazing accomplishments of their peers and predecessors. Beyond the
historical timeline, we have also created displays highlighting significant investigations and operations covering general
crimes, cold cases, espionage, fraud, and combating terrorism as well as Special Agent deployments and service in Vietnam,
the Persian Gulf, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq. We have also updated the Memorial Wall honoring our fallen Special
Agents and Investigator and incorporated their etchings from the Law Enforcement Memorial. I encourage you to visit the
headquarters at your convenience to see NCIS—past and present.
Thank you again for all you do to support NCIS, our Special Agents, analysts, professional staff and their families. We
are honored to carry on the professional legacy of those who have gone before us and to serve the Department of the Navy.
Special Agent Mark D. Ridley, Acting Director, NCIS
4
A LETTER FROM THE
PRESIDENT
Thanks go to all those who continue to contribute to the success of our GOLD SHIELD magazine with outstanding
articles and photographs. Special thanks go to Editor J. Brian McKee, Diana Frantz and Neill Robins who contribute
many hours in the proofing and preparation
Kudos go to Vice President Mark Politi who continues hard at work on our new webpage which will be discussed
for implementation at the reunion in Savannah. And speaking of our 2013 reunion, Burke McMurdo and his committee
have finalized arrangements for the reunion which will be an outstanding event. Bob Robbins and the intern award and
scholarship committees have made several outstanding selections of worthy candidates. Bob has an article in this issue
with an update. Neill Robins is doing his usual outstanding job as our Secretary/Treasurer and devotes many hours to
minding our finances and recruiting new members. We are most fortunate that Diana Frantz has been able to serve as
our Outreach Coordinator and maintains frequent contact with our senior members and widows. Thanks go to Diana for
taking on our monthly “Senior Birthday Program” wherein we honor those members who have reached 70.
The NCIS Headquarters History Display project is complete and there is an article in this issue of our magazine
depicting some of the displays. Thanks goes to Retired Director Mark D. Clookie for authorizing the program and to
all those who contributed the many items from our history as ONI/NIS and NCIS. There are many one of a kind items,
such as foreign language credentials, awards and letters of commendation/appreciation. And very special thanks go to
MaryAnn Cummings, Communications Director, Kimberly Pivirotto, Website Content Manager and Danielle Ortiz,
Graphic Designer who designed and did the hands on work in setting up the displays.
The line of duty death of a law enforcement officer is also a tragedy and over the years many of us have attended
funerals or memorial services for those special agents and officers. I join with many of our members to encourage all
NCISA members to attend such services in their area and to represent NCIS/NCISA by the display of their badges with
a mourning band or a NCIS lapel pin. Recently we have arranged for the availability of a lapel pin with a permanent
mourning band. There is a short article regarding that matter in this issue of the magazine.
I want to thank everyone for their support to NCISA and the production of our GOLD SHIELD magazine.
Blair M. Gluba
NCISA National President
[email protected]
5
OPEN LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
By
Retired SA J. Brian McKee
I wanted to share with you a number of topics which
are addressed, in detail, elsewhere in this issue of THE
GOLD SHIELD.
First is the current call for nominations to fill the
various National Officer positions at this fall’s election in
Savannah. I hope that all of you will consider stepping up
and volunteering to serve NCISA as President, Vice President or Secretary-Treasurer for the next two years. Our Association is extremely active; a lot has been accomplished in the past two years; and there is a lot to do to further enhance our organization.
Secondly, our National Reunion is fast-approaching in September and I urge everyone to give good consideration to attending. It is filled with lots of comraderie, fellowship and the place where the “big business decisions”
are made to keep us moving forward. Register now and make your travel plans !
I would also like to commend our current officers for the great amount of time and dedication they have
given to NCISA projects - we all benefit by their efforts. Kudos are also due to Diana Frantz, our “Outreach Coordinator” for the huge amount of time she devotes to maintaining contact with our more senior members, our
widows and widowers and those who may be in need of a little encouragement and support. Diana does a superb
job.
Finally, I hope that you enjoy this issue of THE GOLD SHIELD and, as always, I urge you to provide me
with your feedback on how we can improve our magazine. We are “family” and our magazine and email net are
designed to strengthen our sense of friendship and support for our “alma mater.” Please take a couple minutes
every day to remember our departed brothers and sisters and those facing today’s many challenges.
God bless all of you.
J. Brian McKee
6
FROM THE NCISA
SECRETARY/
TREASURER
by Neill Robins
For the calendar year ending December 31, 2012 we saw our membership increase by 63
for a total of 966 members. And while we remain financially sound, you will notice that our
expenses exceeded our income by $855.68. (Note: In CY-11 our expenses exceeded our income
by $664.51.) This shortfall can be attributed to several of our operating costs, the most significant being our scholarships which we began awarding in 2009 and have increased through
2012. This has been noted by the National Officers and will be discussed in detail at the Business Meeting during the National Reunion in September, 2013.
You will see an article elsewhere in THE GOLD SHIELD wherein Vice President Mark
Politi discusses a new website currently under review that, when completely rolled out, will allow members to manage their contact information and to pay dues online. This capability will
greatly reduce the ever increasing administrative burden on the meager NCISA staff and will
help move us forward into the electronic age.
Following you will find listings of new members, recent NCIS retirees, and a record of individuals associated with the NCISA family who have passed since our last publication.
7
NCISA FINANCIAL REPORT
For Calendar Year 2012
Neill R. Robins, NCISA National Secretary/Treasurer
FUNDS AVAILABLE January 1, 2012:
Checking
$ 8,159.65
Certificate of Deposit (3) $ 41,322.88
Savings (Public)
$ 431.45
Savings (Money market) $ 165.87
Total funds available$50,079.85
INCOME:
Dues
$ 24,105.00
Donations
$ 825.00
Dividends
$ 501.44
Total Income: $25,431.44
EXPENSES:
Newsmagazine $ 10,641.27
Charity $ 1,500.00
Website
$ 1,387.00
Intern Award
$ 3,000.00
Chapter Rebates
$ 2,305.00
Flowers
$ 1,863.50
Postal
$ 392.92
Renewal letters
$ 846.85
Scholarships
$ 4,000.00
Supplies
$
44.51
History project
$
49.84
Misc
$ 256.23
Total Expenses:
$26,287.12
TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE
$49,224.17
CURRENT FUNDS DISTRIBUTION:
Checking
$ 6,874.53
Savings
$ 432.53
Money Market (savings)
$ 165.87
Certificate of Deposit (3) $ 41,748.15
Interest diff (12/17-12/31)
$
3.09
Total Cash on Hand 12/31/12$49,224.17
8
RETIREMENTS
Special Agent Scott BERNAT retired from the Norfolk Field Office on December 31, 2012
Special Agent Jeffrey BRACKETT retired from the CFRO (Virtual), Oceana on December 15, 2012
Special Agent David CHITWOOD retired from the Norfolk Field Office on July 31, 2012
Special Agent Mark CLOOKIE retired from NCISHQ on March 1, 2013
Special Agent Kirk DOWNS retired from the Southwest Field Office on April 30, 2013
Special Agent Mark GIORDANI retired from the Southwest Field Office on August 31, 2012
Special Agent Brook HEIDER retired from the Contingency Response Field Office on February 28, 2013
Special Agent Reginald HENDERSON retired from the Washington Field Office on January 31, 2013
Special Agent Gregory HULL-RYDE retired from the Washington Field Office on December 31, 2012
Special Agent Edward JEX retired from the Southwest Field Office on August 31, 2012
Special Agent Dennis LAMBERT retired From NCISRU Devins, MA on January 31, 2013
Special Agent Warren LEDERBERG retired from NCISRA Earl NJ on December 31, 2012
Special Agent Paul LEO retired from NCISRA Annapolis on August 31, 2012
Special Agent James LOFSTROM retired from NCISHQ on December 31, 2012
Investigator Donna LUCY retired from NCISRU St Louis on February 1, 2013
Special Agent Richard MINNICH retired from NCISRA Dallas on July 31, 2012
Special Agent Steve NEHR retired from the Europe and Africa Field Office on November 30, 2012
Special Agent Steve RANTS retired from the Hawaii Field Office on November 30, 2012
Special Agent Marvin REESE retired from FLETC on April 30, 2013
Special Agent Henry RONEY retired from NCISHQ on March 15, 2013
Supervisory Program Analyst Deborah SCHNEIDERS retired from the Southwest Field Office on
January 3, 2013
Special Agent Richard ‘Daniel’ SMITH retired from NCISHQ on December 31, 2012
Special Agent Bradley STEELY retired from FLETC on April 30, 2013
Special Agent William ‘Murray’ STRAIT retired from NCISRU Albany on April 6, 2013
Special Agent David TRUESDALE retired from NCISRA Dallas on January 2, 2013
Special Agent Jose VEGA retired from the Cyber Operations Field Office at Norfolk, VA on
December 31, 2012
Special Agent Kevin WAGONER retired from the Washington Field office on December 31, 2012
Special Agent Robert WATSON retired from the EADLANT Staff on February 28, 2013
Editor’s Note: Members should be aware that Headquarters does not provide retirement information to the NCISA. Members
contemplating retirement are encouraged to send a copy of their “Retirement GEN’ to NCISA National Secretary/Treasurer Neill
Robins as well as to the Editor (see page 2 for contact information) to ensure publication via NCISA Net as well as THE GOLD
SHIELD magazine.
9
Welcome Aboard to the new members
Since Our Last Publication:
Jeff Brackett, Virginia Beach, VA
Dennis Lambert, New Ipswich, NH
Harry Chamberlain, Linthicum, MD
James Lindner, Alexandria, VA
Barry Cocci, Gig Harbor, WA
Mary McFadden, Lorton, VA
Robin Corbin, Hendersonville, NC
John McKeon, Islip, NY
Michael Dinet, Pearl River, NY
Terri Porter, Lexington, VA
Martin Fotusky, Toms River, NJ
Jerome Quigley, Scottsdale, AZ
James ‘Steve’ Freshley, Little Mountain, SC
Henry Roney, Woodbridge, VA
Angelic Gier, Houston, TX
Yevgeniy Skvortsov, Washington, DC
Edward Goodwin, Edenton, NC
Joseph ‘Jerry’ Soriano, Lorton, VA
Reggie Henderson, Manassas, VA
Bradley Steely, Peachtree City, GA
Martin Herbst, Upper Marlboro, MD
David Truesdale, Cedar Hill, TX
Keith Hitt, Orlando, FL
Jose Vega, Chesapeake, VA
Gregory Hull-Ryde, Bowie, MD
Robert Watson, Chesapeake, VA
David King, Alexandria, VA
In Memory
Since the publication of the January 2013 Newsmagazine, notification has been received of the following deaths
within the NCISA and those whose passing is of interest to the NCISA Family:
Dorothy BOYER passed in June of 2012
Stella ORRANTIA, wife of NCISA member Frank ORRANTIA, passed in January of 2013
Robert ‘Bob’ BAKER passed on January 5, 2013
Sandra ABRAMS, wife of NCISA member Howie ABRAMS, passed on January 11, 2013
Thomas LIEHR passed on January 22, 2013
Daniel SWEENEY passed on January 29, 2013
Robert STEEL passed on March 4, 2013
Roger BROWNING passed on March 19, 2013
Peter DOWLEN passed on March 23, 2013
Thomas SHEDLICK passed on March 20, 2013
10
In Memoriam
Remembering Our Colleagues
DANIEL J. SWEENEY
22 April 1931 - 29 January 2013
Daniel J. Sweeney of Mystic, Connecticut, died on Tuesday, January 29,
2013 at the age of 81. Born in Fall River, Mass April 22, 1931, Mr. Sweeney
earned a B.S. from Providence College in 1953, and attended Georgetown Law
School. He married Eleanor Lynch in 1956. A patriot to his core, Mr. Sweeney
served his country in both a military and civilian capacity. In 1955, he was
commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Corps. He
went on to serve the U.S. Army Reserves for nearly four decades, during which
he graduated from the U.S. Army War College, and retired as Colonel.
As a civilian, Mr. Sweeney joined the Office of Naval Intelligence
(subsequently known as Naval Investigative Service (NIS)) in 1957. He served
Dan enjoying his favorite pastime
as Special Agent in Charge at posts in Newport, RI, Naples, Italy, New London,
CT, and in 1974 he was transferred to Honolulu as Deputy Regional Director of
NIS Operations throughout the Pacific. In 1980, Mr. Sweeney was promoted to Assistant Director at NIS Headquarters in Washington,
D.C., and he subsequently served as Inspector General for NIS operations worldwide. In his last tour of duty, Mr. Sweeney was assigned
as Regional Director at NIS Subic Bay, Philippines, and received many accolades for his leadership at a time of great unrest in the
country. Following his retirement from NIS in 1986, Mr. Sweeney served as Assistant Inspector General of the State of Connecticut.
Mr. Sweeney was devoted to his family, and despite a demanding career, always made time to attend sporting events and family
activities. He will be remembered for his terrific wit and great storytelling abilities. Never idle, he nurtured many passions and hobbies,
from golf and tennis…to reading and writing…to cheering the UCONN ladies basketball team and his beloved Red Sox. Above all, he
was an avid sailor; most at home on the waters of Narragansett Bay.
Mr. Sweeney is survived by his wife of 56 years, Eleanor (Lynch) Sweeney
and their three daughters: Shannon Sweeney Saunders and her husband, Dave, of
Hope, RI; Maureen Walsh and her husband, Jim, of East Greenwich, RI; and Kerry
Sweeney Harris and her husband, Jim, of Franklin, MA. He is also survived by his
four grandchildren, Christopher Bradshaw, Megan Bradshaw, Hannah Harris and
Callan Harris. He was predeceased by his parents, John Sweeney and Julia Sweeney,
siblings, John Sweeney, Mary Sweeney and Peg Resnick, and his two sons, Daniel J.
Sweeney, Jr. and John T. Sweeney.
Burial will be private at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. Please
visit www.mysticfuneralhome.com to leave an online message of condolence and for
directions to the funeral home.
Submitted by Mrs. Maureen Walsh, Daughter
Dan and NISRA Naples Criminal Investigator
Luciano Grando in Connecticut during Luciano’s
tour of the United States
11
J. Thomas “Tom” LIEHR
26 December 1941 - 22 January 2013
By Retired SA Blair M. Gluba
Retired Special Agent “Tom” Liehr passed away at the Health Center of Daytona Beach after
a struggle with brain cancer. Tom joined the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) as a Special Agent
at Resident Agency Chicago in the summer of 1965. One year later Tom entered on active duty
with the US Army and following commissioning as a second lieutenant Tom was assigned to
Heidelberg, Germany, where he met his future wife, Sharon (nee: Werner) who was stationed
there as a Department of the Army Civilian. Following duty in Germany, Tom was transferred to
Vietnam where he served as the Administrative Officer of 116th Combat Aviation Group. Tom
was exposed to Agent Orange during his tour in Vietnam which resulted in health difficulties
during the last years of his life. Following separation from active duty as a captain, Tom and Sharon were married and Tom returned
to duty as a Special Agent with the Naval Investigative Service (NIS). During a distinguished career with NIS , Tom served at El
Toro Marine Corps Air Station , Los Angeles, CA, Subic Bay Philippines, Barstow, CA, NIS Headquarters (Criminal Investigation
Division), Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Bremerton, WA, Yokosuka, Japan, and Mayport, FL. Tom served as the Special Agent in Charge
of several of his assignments and was respected as a professional and mentor to many new Special Agents.
Tom is survived by Sharon of Daytona Beach, FL and their daughter Jaymii of Ashville, NC.
Robert D. Steel, Jr.
May 26, 1919 to March 4, 2013
By Former SA George Reis
For over half a century Bob Steel was a close law enforcement mentor, colleague
and personal friend. He was born in Texas on May 26, 1919 and became a virtual orphan at age eight. He was shuffled about with relatives for most of his childhood, living
in barns and sheds during the Great Depression. It was education that offered him a
chance for the future and he completed his schooling at Sam Houston State College in
Huntsville, TX, working part time, and sometimes going more than three days without
food.
World War II had started so upon graduation he joined the Navy reserves becoming an ensign in January 1942. He saw action in the Asia-Pacific Theater and participated in the liberation of the Philippines, obtaining five battle stars during his service.
After the war he stayed in the naval reserves retiring as a Commander, in May 1979. He joined the Internal Revenue Service
for two years before becoming a Special Agent with the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) in June of 1948. He subsequently
entered the specialized field of lie detection graduating from Keeler Polygraph Institute in 1951.
Bob became an expert with the polygraph and contributed to law enforcement periodicals and was recognized by certification from the professional association known as the Academy of Scientific Interrogation. It was said by ONI Headquarters that Bob had the highest number of confessions of any examiner with the organization…a terrific mentor for me.
Bob and I did have individuals who were not happy with the results of their examinations. In fact, one day we had
three sailors that were scheduled to come back the next day because their tests were inconclusive. That night they tossed a
Molotov cocktail into our office where it exploded and started a fire. The fire department put the fire out quickly and there
was little damage. In the early morning hours Bob and I located the trio in their apartment in San Diego…all with gasoline
fumes on their breath due to siphoning gas from auto tanks for their bomb. Our arson case was closed with their admissions.
Bob and Judy, his wife of 25 years, were accomplished travelers visiting the Far East, Asia, Russia, China, South America, India, and Burma, just to name a few places they travelled. In retirement, it was not unusual for them to take three or
four cruises a year and it wasn’t until recent years that Bob’s physical problems precluded the travel they loved.
Bob died at his home in La Jolla, CA at age 93 on March 4, 2013. He is survived by his wife Judith A. Steel, and daughter Stephanie S. Johnson of Virginia.
12
Guest Editorial
by
Retired SA Wayne Clookie
SERVICE AFTER
NIS/NCIS
As many of you are aware as a result of the exceptional article
written by Dan Simas I worked for the San Diego County District
Attorney’s Office for 11 years, from where I retired in August 2011.
Retirement has given me the opportunity to be much more
involved in several areas of interest and service, as well as becoming
more active with NCISA.
During a recent NCISA meeting Barb and I were sitting with
Mike Bourke, Larry Ferrell and Ted Miller. I asked Ted what he was
doing in retirement. He informed me he is working as a docent at the San Diego Maritime Museum, involved with the Coast
Guard Auxiliary and another activity which seems to have drifted from my memory.
This got me to thinking.
I know Brian, Neill, Blair, Vic, Diana and countless others give of their time and talents to ensure NCISA and the Gold
Shield are both up and running and serving the retired NIS/NCIS community.
Nick Lutsch understands “Washington Speak” and frequently explains numerous tax and OPM regulations in a way that
even I can understand.
Bud Aldridge has worked diligently on the HR 218 issue that leaves so many retired Agents unable to carry in retirement.
Since retiring Barb and I are much more active in our church. I as an Elder, Usher, Leadership mentor and nursery
worker for two year olds. Barb is teaching a course called “precepts” at church, as well as working in the nursery. She has
trained our Golden Retriever “Scout” to work as a therapy dog, now that he is certified he goes to the hospital once a week
to offer some joy and comfort to the patients. I am also involved in a once a month food distribution program for military
families.
My older brother Woody is involved in several ministries at his church, is a volunteer fireman, reviews cold cases for the
local sheriff and volunteers in a hospice.
Now, if we can just find something meaningful for Mark to do.
Ted’s comments about what he was doing to help in his community lead me to wonder how many of you are using your
skills and time to make a difference in your community and continue to serve your country.
I think it would be both interesting and informative to see the breadth and depth of our retired service to others.
I will gladly offer to be the lighting rod for your responses from which I will compose a future article.
We have always as both an agency and individuals sought opportunities to serve others. I don’t believe that has changed
just because we are retired.
So let me hear from you and thanks for what you contributed as part of the NCIS family and for what you are doing now.
I can be contacted at [email protected]
13
SA MARK D. RIDLEY
APPOINTED ACTING DIRECTOR
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Headquarters has provided the following “bio” for SA Mark Ridley who was recently appointed by SECNAV as
Acting Director, NCIS
Special Agent Mark D. Ridley
Acting Director
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Mark D. Ridley was appointed Acting Director of the Naval Criminal Investigative
Service (NCIS) on March 3, 2013, by the Honorable Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy.
As NCIS Acting Director, Mr. Ridley leads the agency as it investigates and defeats
terrorist, foreign intelligence, and criminal threats to the United States Navy and
Marine Corps wherever they operate: ashore, afloat, or in cyberspace.
Prior to his selection as Acting Director, Mr. Ridley was appointed as NCIS
Deputy Director in Feb. 2010 and responsible for overseeing all agency operations and
investigations involving felony crimes, combating terrorism, and counterintelligence
and security as well as information sharing with other law enforcement and security
agencies.
A career NCIS Special Agent (SA), Mr. Ridley began serving the Navy in 1987, in
the Long Beach, CA, NCIS Resident Agency (NCISRA). In 1990, SA Ridley assumed
duties as the Special Agent Afloat aboard the USS Forrestal and responsible for the
full spectrum of NCIS support. SA Ridley also served in various field assignments in Jacksonville, FL, and Sasebo,
Japan and in supervisory positions as the Resident Agent in Charge (RAC) in Sasebo, Japan and a Supervisory
Special Agent at NCIS Field Office Carolinas, Camp Lejeune, NC. In 2001, SA Ridley became the RAC for NCISRA
Camp Pendleton, CA, managing NCIS activities at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton; Marine Corps Air Station
(MCAS) Miramar; Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego; and MCAS Yuma, AZ.
Selected as the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the new Marine Corps West Field Office, Camp Pendleton,
CA, in 2003, SA Ridley led NCIS activities associated with Marine Corps bases on the U.S. west coast. SA Ridley
became Deputy Assistant Director for Counterintelligence Operations in 2004, with responsibility for worldwide
counterintelligence investigations, operations and analysis. In Aug. 2005, SA Ridley was named Assistant Director
for the new Directorate of Intelligence, entrusted with the agency’s worldwide criminal, counterintelligence and
counterterrorism analysis mission. From July 2006 to Aug. 2007, SA Ridley served in a Senior Executive Service
position as Executive Assistant Director for Pacific Operations and in Sept. 2007, he became Executive Assistant
Director for Criminal Investigations.
A graduate of the University of Nevada with a degree in Criminal Justice, SA Ridley also earned a master’s
degree in Justice Administration from Norwich University. In 1983, SA Ridley was commissioned in the U.S. Army
Reserve and served six years. SA Ridley began his law enforcement career in 1984 as a jailer for the Reno Police
Department and later joined Washoe County Sheriff ’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff.
SA Ridley is a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives’ Executive Board,
serving as Special Assistant to the President for International Affairs and a member of the International Association
of Chiefs of Police International Policing Division Steering Committee. During his tenure with NCIS, Special Agent
Ridley has received numerous awards and honors, including the Naval Meritorious Civilian Service Award in 1996.
14
REMEMBERING RETIRED SA WILLIAM E. “BILL” DAVIS
THE LAST OF THE LOCK PICKERS
by Retired SA Blair Gluba
Recently I visited NCIS Headquarters and saw results of the hard work by MaryAnn
Cummings, Kimberly Pivirotto and Danielle Ortiz in making the historical display
program happen. Many items donated by our NCISA members are now on display and
include the “memento” retired Special Agent William E. (Bill) Davis left behind at the
time of his 1979 retirement from the Naval Investigative Service (NIS). Bill’s “memento”
was the lock pick set he used on special assignments.
Many of our senior members remember SA Bill Davis who was the ONI/NIS
expert in surreptitious entry methods and operations. SA Davis was hired in 1954
and early in his career was selected for special training in methods of surreptitious
entry and opening of locks, safes and other locking devices. Bill was assigned to
the ONI and NIS Headquarters
Special Operations Unit and
participated in many sensitive
counterintelligence, espionage and
criminal investigations. National
events in 1972 saw the end of
“surreptitious entry” operations and
Bill Davis completed his career at
NISRA Washington, DC in May 1979. At his retirement ceremony, Bill
presented the memento pictured here to NIS Headquarters – a set of
lock picks and a grand master key to the E Ring of the Pentagon set in a
block of Lucite with an engraved plate inscribed: Presented to NISHQ
from SA Bill Davis May 18, 1979 “The Last of the Lock Pickers.”
Many of us had the privilege of working with Bill and knew him as
a gentleman and a true professional. SA Bill Davis passed away June 20,
2008.
Bill Davis with Retired SA Bob Powers
15
a wire was
run from the
pole
across
the door to a
grenade that
was wedged
into the door
and the frame,
so that when
the
door
was
opened
the
grenade
would fall to
the
ground
and detonate.
I
spent
a
number
of
hours working
on the crime
scene. I took a lot of pictures and recovered a lot of fragments
from the grenade. The most significant piece of evidence was
the pole, from which the trip wire had been run to the grenade.
The pole had a piece of scotch tape on it with a jagged edge. The
pole was familiar to the Marines because it was the same type
of pole used on the small red, green and yellow flags that were
used for safety purposes, on the 155 Guns. My initial interviews
did not develop any witnesses, who had seen anyone in the
vicinity of the CO’S and XO’s tent. Between the crime scene
and interviews it was now around 2000 and time for me to look
for a place to sleep.
To back up a little, when I arrived at the crime scene,
I was met by a Marine MAJ by the name of MEMMER. He
told me that he had been named the Investigating Officer and
he wanted to know if I was with the press, since I was wearing
utility tops and chino pants. I identified myself as being with
NIS and told him that that I was there to solve this and that
he could take it easy. It was nice to be young and so sure of
oneself. MAJ MEMMER was probably the happiest guy in the
world to see a NIS Agent and he became an invaluable part of
the investigative team, providing me whatever I needed from
the Marines. I knew the Marine CID Agent was not going to
remain with me, since he told me early on that he was going to
return to Chu Lai and that he had to do that during daylight,
since driving at night was not very wise. I knew that MAJ
MEMMER was assigned to the Battalion, on the other side
of Route 1, so when I approached him on where I would be
sleeping he gave me two options. He could fix me up with
a place to sleep with the Battery or I could stay in his tent at
Battalion, where he had a small refer hooked up to a generator,
with cold beer. Where I was staying became a no brainer. As we
made our way out of the Company area, MAJ MEMMER told
me to follow his footsteps, since we had to go through a mine
field before reaching Route 1. We had to go through another
minefield on the other side of Route 1 to get to the Battalion
position. Upon reaching the Battalion MEMMER told me he
had been assigned there almost six months and that was the
first time he had crossed the street at night. Upon arriving at
FRAGGING
IN VIETNAM
by Retired SA Bob Powers
I was assigned at NISRA Danang, RVN from October 1966 to
November 1967. Before I was assigned to Vietnam, during the
time I was assigned to Vietnam and after leaving Vietnam I read
a lot in the press about fraggings, the crime of a US serviceman
injuring or killing another US serviceman, usually an officer or
a senior NCO, with a hand grenade. I have no idea how many
fraggings there were during the Vietnam War, but during the
period I was in Vietnam I had personal knowledge of only one.
The Agents assigned to the Danang Office supported
the one man NIS office in Chu Lai, located 56 miles south
of Danang, on a one month rotational basis. There were a
number of military units at Chu Lai; however, the largest
tenant was a significant portion of the First Marine Air Wing.
The assigned NIS Agent lived and worked out of the Marine
CID office. About half way through my tour in Vietnam I flew
from Danang to Chu Lai to begin my one month rotation.
I don’t recall all the cases I worked at Chu Lai but it was no
different than other offices in Vietnam. There were a number
of drug cases and I recall a rape of a young Vietnamese girl,
whose family was held at gunpoint by several Seabees, while
the girl was raped. Around two weeks into my assignment at
Chu Lai, about 0800, one of the Marine CID Agents, a GYSGT,
advised there had been a fragging at a Marine Artillery Battery
located about half way between Chu Lai and Danang. I took my
crime scene kit, which in truth was a camera, and the GYSGT
and I headed, by jeep, up Route 1, the main north south road in
Vietnam, to the Marine Unit.
It took us about three quarters of an hour to reach
the Marine Artillery Battery of 155 Guns, which occupied one
half of an oval position, the Battalion Headquarters was on the
other side of the oval and Route 1 ran right through the middle.
The crime scene was at a hardback tent, a wooden framed tent,
which was occupied by the Commanding Officer (CO) and the
Executive Officer (XO) of the 155 Gun Battery. The crime had
taken place between 0430 and 0500 that morning, and the XO,
who was the victim, had lost both his legs, and had long been
medevac’d to Danang. His bloody boots were still lying on the
ground outside the door to the tent. The CO related that he had
gotten up sometime after 0400 to go to the latrine, but when he
heard the rain on the roof of the tent he went back to bed. Shortly
thereafter the XO got up to go to the latrine and as he opened
the door to the tent there was an explosion causing the injuries
to the XO. From interviews and the crime scene I determined
that a wooden pole, about 2 ½ to 3 feet long, had been driven
into the ground at the hinged side of the door to the tent and
16
MEMMER’s tent I was shown my assigned position in a trench,
in case of enemy attack, and told to always wear my utility top if
we had to fall out to the trenches at night, because the Marines
liked to see that green color. I was told the VC had attacked
the position several weeks earlier and a number of them had
been killed in the wire outside the berm, which surrounded the
position.
The following morning I began interviewing
individuals the Command had identified to me as having been
in trouble in the past. After several interviews I interviewed
a PFC HURLEY, who had been on guard duty on the berm
the night and morning of the incident. Both the Battery and
Battalion were surrounded by about a six foot high dirt berm
that was located about 100 yards from the living/working areas
and the 155 Guns. I ended up talking to HURLEY for several
hours and it became clear to me that he was very familiar with
being on the wrong side of the table from law enforcement
officers. He admitted some pre service arrests and advised a
Judge had given him the
choice of going into the
Military or going to jail.
I know it does not count
for anything but I had
a feeling that HURLEY
was involved. HURLEY
worked in the Supply tent
and after the interview I
went to the supply tent
and
interviewed
the
Supply Sergeant. The
Supply Sergeant told a
story that his predecessor,
prior to returning to the
States, had offered to
sell a small refer, which
HURLEY agreed to buy
for approximately $25.00.
When
another
offer
of $30.00 was received, the outgoing Supply Sergeant told
HURLEY that he could have the refer for $30.00, HURLEY
protested and declined to pay the $30.00. Shortly thereafter
the refer disappeared. About a month after the former Supply
Sergeant had returned to the States, the current Supply
Sergeant was out behind the Supply Tent and he kicked a piece
of wood, which had rope attached to it. Upon pulling the rope
and doing some digging he discovered the missing refer. The
Supply Sergeant related that HURLEY admitted taking and
burying the refer, because if HURLEY could not have it no one
would.
HURLEY worked in the supply tent with several other
enlisted Marines. They and the Supply Sergeant were the only
individuals who had access to the secured part of the tent, where
all the supplies were stored before being issued. In searching
the secure area of the Supply Tent I discovered that the poles
for the flags, used on the 155 Guns, came in sets of three. In
searching through the sets of poles on hand, in the Supply Tent,
I found one set that contained only two poles and the broken
scotch tape on the poles clearly indicated that a third pole had
been removed from this set. I eyeballed the scotch tape on the
pole I had seized at the crime scene and the scotch tape on the
two poles I had seized in the Supply Tent and HURLEY looked
more and more like a good suspect. I interviewed all the
Marines who were on guard duty at the same time as HURLEY,
however, none provided any pertinent information concerning
HURLEY’S movements during the evening and morning of
the incident. MAJ MEMMER provided me transportation to
Chu Lai so that I could send off a Naval Message to obtain
HURLEY’S civilian arrest record and send the flag poles that I
had seized in the Supply Tent and at the crime scene to Camp
Zama, Japan, for laboratory examination.
During the course of the investigation I interviewed most of
the members of the 155 Gun Battery. I was given a small two
man tent, which sat in an isolated sandy area of the Battery
position. The only things in the tent were two chairs and a
small wooden field desk, and boy did it get hot in that tent.
Each Marine I interviewed
came armed with his personally
assigned weapon and I had
my holstered 357. During the
first week of interviews, while
interviewing an enlisted Marine,
we came under rocket attack. He
knew what was happening, long
before I did, and I still remember
sitting in the tent watching him
sprinting for cover wondering
what the hell am I doing here. No
one I interviewed wanted to have
anything to do with blowing
the XO’S legs off, but a number
of them volunteered their
involvement in other crimes,
I believe, to show their lack of
involvement with the assault
against the XO. One Marine
came carrying a large green trash bag. He immediately told me
he had nothing to do with blowing the XO’S legs and admitted
to being the largest dope dealer in the Battery. The trash bag
contained 20 to 30 LBS of marijuana. Other than burning the
marijuana and notifying the command I took no other action.
I did take statements from at least five Marines, who admitted
throwing grenades on their own position. The throwing of
grenades on their own position was known as “War Call” to
many of the enlisted Marines, below the grade of Staff SGT, in
the 155 Gun Battery. Sometime during the evening an enlisted
Marine, who was on guard duty on the berm surrounding the
Battery position, would tape one or two small primers , about
the size of a D cell flashlight battery, which were used on the
155 guns, to a grenade and throw it from the berm back toward
the Company position. Since everything inside the berm was
located about 100 yards from the berm the grenade would do
no damage other than cause an explosion. As a result of the
explosion everyone in the Company would have to fall out
to their defensive positions, thus the name “War Call”. After
17
taking my first statement concerning “War Call” I learned,
from the Command, that a Marine CI Team had been at the
Command, over a month earlier, investigating these unusual
explosions, with negative results.
The investigation, consisting mainly of interviews, continued
and as time passed things progressed. I received HURLEY’S
civilian arrest record, which was extensive and included an
arrest for assault with a deadly weapon and an arrest for assault
with intent to commit bodily injury. The lab results from
Camp Zama, Japan, which had been expedited, confirmed,
based on the tearing of the scotch tape on the pole from the
crime scene and the poles recovered from the supply tent, that
the pole from the crime scene had been removed from the
two poles seized from the supply tent. I began re-interviewing
the Marines on guard duty on the berm on the night and
morning of the incident. The Marine who had been on guard
duty on the berm in the same position as HURLEY, finally,
admitted that he and HURLEY had been smoking marijuana,
while on guard duty, and that HURLEY had left the berm
for about an hour, sometime between 0200 and 0300. With
the information we now had the Marine Legal Office at Chu
Lai felt we had enough information to arrest HURLEY. Pete
SEGERSTEN, who was then in Chu Lai, and I drove out to the
155 Gun Battery and attempted to interrogate HURLEY, who
immediately requested a lawyer. HURLEY was handcuffed
and placed in custody for the return trip to Chu Lai and
ultimately for confinement at the Marine Brig at Danang. I
remember HURLEY complaining about being disarmed and
handcuffed for the trip back to Chu Lai, since he would be
defenseless if we came under attack. I can’t recall what Pete
and I said to him but it was something like we would be sorry
if that happened, but the handcuffs were staying on. While
HURLEY was confined at the Marine Brig at Danang one of
his fellow Marines at the 155 Gun Battery sent him marijuana
through the mail, which was confiscated. That Marine was
interviewed and in addition to admitting to sending the
marijuana he provided a statement that HURLEY had told
him that HURLEY had been smoking marijuana on guard
post, had left his post and rigged the grenade at the CO’S and
XO’S tent. According to the Marine, HURLEY’S rationale for
committing the crime was that he was pissed off at the CO for
not being promoted to LCPL.
I never got to testify at HURLEY’S trial, since he accepted a
plea agreement. Hurley was sentenced to reduction to E-1, a
Dishonorable Discharge and five years confinement. I never
thought that five years was much of a penalty for blowing a
man’s legs off and destroying his life.
Let me make a slight disclaimer. This investigation was
conducted 45 years ago and I wrote this without benefit of
notes, based on my memory of the incident. I believe I got
most of it right, but I am sure my timeline and sequence of
how things happened during the investigation are not 100%.
A HISTORY OF NCIS
IN VIETNAM NOW
RELEASED AS AN
EBOOK
by Former SA Douglass Hubbard
Former Special Agent
Doug Hubbard reports
that his history of NCIS in
the Vietnam War, Special
Agent, Vietnam has just
been released as a Kindle
eBook entitled NCIS
History Special Agent
Vietnam.
Hubbard,
who was assigned to
various NISO Vietnam
offices between 1969 and
1972, advises that the
new electronic format
has allowed the inclusion of numerous previously
unpublished photographs of agents at work in the
unique Vietnam environment.
Photographs accompany the stories and are placed
where they best illustrate the events being described.
The book can be viewed either on a Kindle device or
smartphone with the Kindle application.
Or it can be viewed on any computer by downloading
the free software at the following locations:
To read on your PC follow this link: http://www.
amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kcp_pc_mkt_
lnd?docId=1000426311
To read on your MacIntosh follow this link: http://
www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kcp_mac_ln_
ar?docId=1000464931
NCIS History Special Agent Vietnam is available
from AMAZON at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/
B00APKZKQ4
Hardcopy published clothbound editions of Special
Agent, Vietnam are available from Awani Press, P.O.
Box 881, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 for $15, postpaid.
18
The Spy Who Came In From The Cold
(Literally)
By Captain Herman W. Hughes, USNR, Retired
As a newly promoted Lieutenant in the U. S. Navy in 1968, I was serving as NISOREP
(Officer-in-Charge) of the Naval Investigative Service Resident Agency (NISRA) Atsugi,
Japan. It was mid-winter and a near record snowstorm had paralyzed the base. All gates
were closed and no one was allowed to leave the base. All personnel assigned to NISRA
were stranded and decided to bunk in the BOQ or one of the Quonset Huts that served as
office space. The Senior Resident Agent, Robert A. Foy, spent the night with me in my onbase quarters instead.
Well after midnight I was awakened by the phone. I was advised by the caller that
something unusual was afoot and that I should get to the NISRA office post haste. I woke
up the SRA and the two of us made it through the snow-filled streets to the NISRA office.
Shortly after we arrived at the office another phone call came in from a U. S. Navy Lieutenant who said he had an East German intelligence agent in tow who wanted to defect to
the USA and was enroute from Tokyo to Atsugi by train. The LT had met the German at
the East-West Discussion Group, a quasi-intellectual group with highly suspicious ties to
North Korea and the USSR.
The SRA and I contacted the transportation office on base and requested a vehicle
Herman (Woody) Hughes on his boat
with snow chains. We were advised that none was available. The only vehicle equipped
with chains was a pickup truck being used by the Command Duty Officer. When contacted,
the CDO refused our request to borrow the vehicle stating that it could not be taken off base. We then commandeered the pickup
because the situation at hand had national security implications.
We drove the pickup off base and met the Navy LT and the East German agent. Since the pickup could not accommodate all of
us, the German had to ride the short distance back to the base in the bed of the pickup. The German was a large man, well over 6’
5” or so. Needless to say, he was not happy about the transportation arrangements. He was quite agitated by the time we got back
to the NISRA office on base.
The SRA contacted the base hospital and requested that a medical doctor come to the NISRA office to give our “guest” something to calm him down. When he arrived the doctor refused to give the man anything saying that he did not want to get involved.
Someone then suggested that the German be given something to drink since he was already somewhat “under the influence.” He
was supplied with some liquor which calmed him down considerably.
Upon questioning, the East German told us that he was in fear for his life. He related that he was actually a White Russian by
birth and was a Soviet intelligence agent undercover in Tokyo posing as a reporter for a newspaper in West Berlin. He said that
he had received a phone call earlier that day from his wife. She told him that their young son had been killed by a hit-and-run car
while he was playing in the street near their home in West Berlin. Our “guest” said that he believed that his son was killed by the
Soviets. He said he was being targeted by his Soviet handler who had previously threatened him and that he feared further harm
would befall his family. That’s as far as we got into his story before he fell asleep.
Not knowing whether to believe such a tall tale as this I decided that we needed to get him to someone higher up the food chain
so I called our Yokosuka office and talked to Don Gorham, a man that I had worked with when I was stationed at Headquarters
Naval Investigative Service in Washington, DC. I knew that he had previously worked for the Central Intelligence Agency. Talking
around the sensitive topic on the non-secure telephone I was able to convey that I had someone to whom his previous employer
might like to talk.
In time, the base commander at Atsugi provided a helicopter to deliver our “guest” to Fuchu Air Base. The SRA, accompanied
by another Agent, escorted the East German to the helicopter and accompanied him on the helo ride to Fuchu Air Base. The helo
was met by CIA personnel who took him away for interrogation. Our Agents were not allowed to sit in on the interrogation so they
were returned to Atsugi just about daylight.
Later that day the SRA was contacted by higher authorities and told not to make any written report of the incident. In fact,
he was told to regard the incident as if “it never happened.” As far as we know nothing official has ever been written about this
incident.
Footnote: Personnel serving at NISRA Atsugi at the time of the incident who were contacted by this writer in an attempt to “tell
it like it was” included Robert A. Foy, Anthony Perrin and Carl Sundstrom. The preceding account is accurate to the best of our
collective memories. However, it must be noted that this incident took place nearly 45 years ago and that memories tend to waver
and differ among the participants, especially as we age. We are left to speculate about what eventually happened to our “guest” and
what, if anything, became of the information he was able to provide. One of us speculated that he was dumped from the helo into
the Sea of Japan, but I doubt that.
19
Editor’s Note: Reprinted from the Fall 2012 issue of OVERWATCH, the official in-house publication of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
20
Editor’s Note: Reprinted from the Fall 2012 issue of OVERWATCH, the official in-house publication of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
21
Editor’s Note: Reprinted from the Fall 2012 issue of OVERWATCH, the official in-house publication of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
22
Editor’s Note: Reprinted from the Fall 2012 issue of OVERWATCH, the official in-house publication of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
23
Editor’s Note: Reprinted from the Fall 2012 issue of OVERWATCH, the official in-house publication of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
24
Editor’s Note: Reprinted from the Fall 2012 issue of OVERWATCH, the official in-house publication of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
25
Editor’s Note: Reprinted from the Fall 2012 issue of OVERWATCH, the official in-house publication of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
26
Editor’s Note: Reprinted from the Fall 2012 issue of OVERWATCH, the official in-house publication of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
27
Editor’s Note: Reprinted from the Fall 2012 issue of OVERWATCH, the official in-house publication of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
28
Editor’s Note: Reprinted from the Fall 2012 issue of OVERWATCH, the official in-house publication of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
29
Editor’s Note: Reprinted from the Fall 2012 issue of OVERWATCH, the official in-house publication of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
30
TIME IS RUNNING OUT – MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW TO ATTEND THE
2013 NCISA NATIONAL REUNION
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA
SEP 16 – 20, 2013
Submitted By: Retired SA R. Burke McMurdo
Since the last edition of THE GOLD SHIELD Magazine, plans
have been finalized for what we hope will be our best national reunion
ever – a fun filled week in Savannah, GA, one of the most beautiful,
enchanting and historically significant cities in the US. Known as
“The Hostess City of the South”, Savannah offers a broad range of
activities that the Reunion Committee has carefully considered over
the past several months in putting together a worthwhile and funfilled itinerary.
Attendees will arrive on Monday, 16 Sep, where a well-stocked
hospitality suite will be awaiting on the 15th Floor of the Hilton
Savannah De Soto Hotel (site of the reunion) located in the center
of the Savannah Historic District. We have purposely kept Monday
Savannah Fountain
open, so attendees can freshen up after their travel, check out the local
area and most importantly spend time with friends they haven’t seen for a while. On Tuesday, 17 Sep, reunion participants
who choose to do so will take a guided tour of Savannah, exploring America’s finest ‘living’ collection of eighteenth and
nineteenth century buildings in one of our nation’s largest National Historic Landmark Districts. Wednesday morning will
kick off with a golf tournament at the beautiful Southbridge Golf Club which has long been considered the most highly
acclaimed golf course in the Savannah area. For those non-golfers, a tour of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Heritage Museum
has been scheduled for Wednesday morning as well. The museum features over 90,000 sq. feet of exhibits, displays, artifacts
and aviation art, as well as beautiful gardens that surround the facility. As if this weren’t enough, a dinner cruise on the
Savannah River is scheduled for Wednesday evening. This two hour cruise will include a sumptuous buffet dinner, live music
and the opportunity to witness the sights and sounds of Savannah from the third deck of a vessel underway. Thursday, there
will be free time in the morning to visit those places in Savannah (antique shops, restaurants, historical sites, watering holes)
that you have noted in your list of “things to do.” On Thursday evening there will be a gala banquet offering a variety of menu
choices and a guest speaker yet to be determined. Check-out will be Friday morning, culminating what we hope will have
been a truly enjoyable experience for all.
Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. (who supports NCISA in setting up our reunions) has provided detailed instructions to the
general membership regarding how to register for the reunion, available tours, menu selections for the banquet and costs
associated with attendance. This information was disseminated in an e-mail from NCISA President Blair Gluba dated 30 Jan
2013 and by mail to those who do not have e-mail access. Additionally, in the last edition of THE GOLD SHIELD Magazine,
information was provided regarding the procedures for making hotel reservations. Those who plan on attending the reunion
are invited to contact the hotel directly to make their reservations. Arrival should be scheduled for Monday, 16 Sep 2013 with
departure on Friday, 20 Sep 2013.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO ATTEND THE 2013 NCISA NATIONAL REUNION IN SAVANNA, GA?
1.Contact the Hilton Savannah Desoto Hotel, Savannah, GA at (912) 232-9000 (Hotel Main Number). Tell them you are with
the NCISA group or “NCI”. Please be prepared to give the following information when making your reservations:
• NAME & IF SHARING ROOM, WITH WHOM
• ADDRESS
• TELEPHONE NUMBER
• ARRIVAL DAY & DATE/ DEPARTURE DATE/CONFIRM THE # OF NIGHTS
• # OF ROOMS & THE # OF PEOPLE IN RM.
• ADVISE IF YOU REQUIRE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE ROOM
• KING BED OR 2 DOUBLE BEDS?
31
RATE: $99 + tax (currently 13% + a $1.00 city occupancy fee).
CUT OFF DATE: 08/15/13. Reservations received after this date will be processed on a
space available basis, at the prevailing public rate.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Deposit is refundable if reservation is cancelled 24 hours
in advance of arrival date. Call 877-280-0751. Record your cancellation number.
Adjustments to departure date after check-in, resulting in a shortened length of
stay, will result in a $50 fee unless departure due to illness or family emergency. All
Hilton Savannah DeSoto Hotel
reservations must be guaranteed by credit card or first night’s deposit enclosed. Hotel
accepts the following card types: AMEX, Visa, MasterCard and Discover Or visit
www.desotohilton.com and enter the group code NCI in the Special Accounts/Rate field to obtain the discounted group rate.
WHAT’S NEXT?
2. Review the tour activities described below and determine the activities you wish to participate in.
CITY TOUR
Tuesday, September 17
Savannah has always been a city rich in history and culture. On this tour, you will explore America’s finest ‘living’ collection
of eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings in one of our nation’s largest National Historic Landmark Districts. Beautiful
streets and squares reveal more than 250 years of history, displayed eloquently in exquisite ironwork, ancient cobblestones,
splendid mansions, and picturesque cottages. Discover Savannah’s garden-like public squares, the crown jewels of General
Oglethorpe’s planned city. On the picturesque waterfront you will discover cobblestone-paved Factors Walk and River Street,
where old cotton warehouses have been converted into shops, taverns, restaurants, and museums. This tour also includes
admission into one of the historic homes or museums. Lunch and shopping will be on your own at City Market. This fourblock restoration features unique retail shops, fine restaurants, and the ART Center, a community of working artists.
9:00am board bus, 1:30pm back at hotel
$44/Person includes bus, guide, and admission. Lunch on your own.
MIGHTY EIGHTH AIR FORCE MUSEUM
Wednesday, September 18
Located only minutes from downtown Savannah, where the Eighth Air Force was activated in 1942, the Museum features
over 90,000 sq. feet of exhibits, interactive displays, historical artifacts & a magnificent collection of aviation art. See a visually
realistic mission experience, a World renowned Research Center and beautiful Memorial Gardens. The World War II B-17
Flying Fortress the, “City of Savannah,” is undergoing a complete restoration inside the Museum’s Combat Gallery. Come be
a part of history in the making! Enjoy a hot lunch buffet while at the museum.
9:00am board bus, 1:30pm back at hotel.
$57/Person includes bus, escort, admission, and lunch.
DINNER CRUISE
Wednesday, September 18
Sit back and relax on a two-hour cruise down the Savannah River. Enjoy a buffet dinner that includes Shrimp and Grits, a
carving station with beef top sirloin and orange marmalade glazed pork loin, peel & eat shrimp, salads, and much more!
After dinner, snap your fingers, tap your feet, or get up and dance to the tunes from the 50’s through today. Feel free to
venture to the third deck and enjoy the calm Savannah evenings with amazing sights and sounds of the historic city.
6:00pm board bus, 9:45pm back at hotel
$89/Person includes bus, escort, and dinner cruise.
Driver and Guide gratuities are not included in the tour prices.
Please plan to be at the bus boarding area at least five minutes prior to the
scheduled time.
All trips require a minimum of thirty-five people, unless otherwise stated.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY FOR ARMED FORCES
REUNIONS, INC.
32
Savannah River Cruise
For attendees canceling reunion activities prior to the cut-off date, Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. (AFR) shall process a full
refund less AFR’s portion of the registration fee ($10 per person), which is non-refundable. Attendees canceling reunion
activities after the cut-off date will be refunded to the fullest extent that AFR’s vendor commitments and guarantees will
allow, less the non-refundable AFR registration fee. Cancellations will only be taken Monday through Friday from 9:00am
until 4:00pm Eastern Standard Time, excluding holidays. Please call (757) 625-6401 to cancel reunion activities and obtain
a cancellation code. Refunds processed 4-6 weeks after reunion. Canceling your hotel reservation does not cancel your
reunion activities.
AFTER REVIEWING THE LIST OF ACTIVITIES…
3. Fill out the NCISA Reunion Activity Registration Form (enclosed) and forward, with payment, to Armed Forces Reunions,
Inc., 322 Madison Mews, Norfolk, VA 23510 ATTN: NCISA.
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR THE GOLF TOURNAMENT?
4. Registration for the golf tournament must be made with the tournament Chairman Ray Larabee NLT 15 Aug 2013. Ray
can be contacted at his home address, 4980 Canterbury Drive, San Diego, CA 92116, by e-mail at [email protected] or by
phone at 619-281-8176. Ray is also our point of contact for reunion
polo shirt orders. Priced at $20.00 each (men’s and women’s sizes), the
shirts come in light blue with NCISA patch and the date and location
of the reunion. Anyone wishing to order a shirt is welcome to do so.
We hope you will join us in Savannah for what promises to be
a memorable, fun-filled experience in a beautiful and historic city.
Remember, the cut-off date for reservations is 15 Aug 2013. So
don’t delay, call the hotel and fill out your registration form today.
Questions regarding the reunion should be addressed to Reunion
Coordinator, R. Burke McMurdo. Burke can be contacted at (425)
882-1416 or at [email protected]. We’re looking forward to
seeing you in Savannah!
Southbridge Golf Club
33
NCISA REUNION ACTIVITY REGISTRATION FORM
Listed below are all registration, tour, and meal costs for the reunion. Please enter how many people will be participating
in each event and total the amount. Send that amount payable to ARMED FORCES REUNIONS, INC. in the form of
check or money order or register online at www.afr-reg.com/ncisa2013 (3% will be added to online orders). Your
cancelled check will serve as your confirmation. Checks returned for insufficient funds will be charged a $20 fee. All
registration forms and payments must be received on or before August 15, 2013. After that date, reservations will be
accepted on a space available basis. All new registrations accepted at the reunion will be charged a $10 onsite
processing fee. We suggest you make a copy of this form before mailing. Please do not staple or tape your payment to
this form.
Armed Forces Reunions, Inc.
322 Madison Mews
Norfolk, VA 23510
ATTN: NCISA
Check #
Inputted
OFFICE USE ONLY
Date Received
Nametag Completed
Price Per
Person
# of
People
CUT-OFF DATE IS 8/15/13
TOURS
TUESDAY: CITY TOUR
$ 44
$
WEDNESDAY: MIGHTY EIGHTH AIR FORCE MUSEUM
$ 57
$
WEDNESDAY: DINNER CRUISE
BANQUET
THURSDAY: BANQUET (Please select your entrée below)
$ 89
$
Sliced London Broil with port peppercorn reduction
$ 42
$
Chicken Breast stuffed with spinach and artichokes
$ 42
$
Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
MANDATORY PER PERSON REGISTRATION FEE
Includes Hospitality Room and administrative expenses
$ 42
$
$ 15
$
Total Amount Payable to Armed Forces Reunions, Inc.
PLEASE PRINT NAME AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR ON YOUR NAMETAG
Total
$
FIRST ___________________________________LAST __________________________________________
SPOUSE NAME (IF ATTENDING) _________________________________________________________ __
GUEST NAMES___________________________________________________________________________
STREET ADDRESS_______________________________________________________________________
CITY, ST, ZIP____________________________________________PH. NUMBER (_____)_______-_______
EMAIL ADDRESS_________________________________________________________________________
DISABILITY/DIETARY RESTRICTIONS________________________________________________________
(Sleeping room requirements must be conveyed by attendee directly with hotel)
MUST YOU BE LIFTED HYDRAULICALLY ONTO THE BUS WHILE SEATED IN YOUR WHEELCHAIR IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE
IN BUS TRIPS?  YES  NO (PLEASE NOTE THAT WE CANNOT GUARANTEE AVAILABILITY).
EMERGENCY CONTACT___________________________________ PH. NUMBER (_____)_____-________
ARRIVAL DATE
DEPARTURE DATE______________________________________
ARE YOU STAYING AT THE HOTEL?
YES
NOARE YOU FLYING?
DRIVING?RV? 
For refunds and cancellations please refer to our policies outlined at the bottom of the reunion program. CANCELLATIONS WILL
ONLY BE TAKEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 9:00am-4:00pm EASTERN TIME (excluding holidays). Call (757) 625-6401 to cancel reunion
activities and obtain a cancellation code. Refunds processed 4-6 weeks after reunion.
34
Retired SA’s
Mulligan and Reilly at the White House
On a cold, windy day in January I had the pleasure of joining Retired Special Agent George D. MULLIGAN and his son,
George D. MULLIGAN, Jr., Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Military Office (WHMO), for
lunch in the historic Navy Mess located in the West Wing of the White House. The modern White House Navy Mess was established by President Harry S. TRUMAN in 1951 and is staffed by U.S. Navy culinary specialists who have provided food service to
the Commander in Chief since 1880.
George MULLIGAN served as a Special Agent from August 1963 to June 1986. His assignments included SAC Iwakuni,
Japan, SAC, Charleston, SC and SAC, Washington, DC. He also served tours in New York, NY, Hartford, CT, New London, CT,
Camp Lejeune, NC and Headquarters (twice). George resides in Northern Virginia and is about to celebrate his 80th birthday.
George MULLIGAN, Jr, a former Naval Flight Officer, has served in the WHMO since 2005. He was appointed Director in
October 2009 by President Obama. The WHMO includes the White House Communications Agency, Presidential Airlift Group,
White House Medical Unit, Camp David, Marine Helicopter Squadron One, Presidential Food Service (Navy Mess included) and
the White House Transportation Agency.
Peter REILLY, SA, NCIS (Ret)
Photograph of the MULLIGANS taken in the WHMO
35
photo from www.murdocoline.net
Arson Aboard
the
USS Enterprise
by Retired SA Claude Rollins
task force, although we did not dedicate them full time.
As summer gave way to fall two things occurred
which ramped up interest in these cases to stellar levels.
By the fall we had already begun to form a task force
dedicated to the Enterprise fires. One of the first things
they learned was that there had apparently been perhaps
as many as 25 small trash fires in the last several years,
which as far as we could tell, had not been reported to
NCIS. The second issue that came up was the news that
officials had advised they would not proceed with the
refueling unless the fires stopped, that is, that we identify
and apprehend the offender. The task force formerly began
its work in October 1991, working out of a space at the
shipyard provided by the CO of the ship, who continued
tremendous support throughout the investigation. The
task force leader was SA James Coady who at the time
was ASAC, NISRA Oceana. The other members were
SA Tony Suchy, SA Bill Heath and SA Scott James all
from the Tidewater area. I believe all are retired now,
with the exception of Bill. I might add that Tony’s wife,
Becky was our area dispatcher and special investigative
assistant, and provided great assistance, especially in
making agency checks on key people to be interviewed.
The task force was set, and certainly had what
many considered an impossible task before them. They
began with at least 5,000 suspects, consisting of the
crew and civilian shipyard workers. SA James began
immediately to work with the FBI Behavioral Division,
to develop a profile of our suspect. The result was a very
detailed profile which allowed the task force to reduce the
number of suspects from about 5,000 to 900. As an aside,
they also developed a paper entitled “Arsons aboard Naval
Ships, Characteristics of Offenses and Offenders”, which
was used in Special Agent Afloat Seminars. SA James also
worked with the ship and shipyard to develop a scanning
system so they could trace entry and exit of all personnel,
I am certain that many of you reading this article have
a story of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) to tell as you recall
times when you provided direct service to the ship. After
more than one half century of service, the Enterprise went
through several generations of Special Agents. Enterprise had
a number of firsts in her long history. That she was the very
first nuclear powered carrier heads the list. The Enterprise
was first in the number of reactors, eight for her, two for all
other carriers. The ship was also the longest naval vessel in
the world at 1,123 feet. She could also claim to be the oldest
commissioned vessel in the U. S. Navy, but technically, she
was second oldest, just a wee bit behind the wooden-hulled
USS Constitution. In 1990, Enterprise completed a 43,000
mile world tour and entered the Newport News Shipbuilding
and Dry Dock Co. for yet another first, refueling of her eight
reactors, and the largest, most complex refit ever attempted
at a cost of nearly $1.5 billion. Sadly, there was another
first to face the real possibility of not doing the refueling
due to an arsonist on board, who had set numerous fires.
That is where NCIS enters this story. It is the fall of 1991.
In that year I was Regional Director, MIDLANT
Region in Norfolk. In mid to late summer a NOCP came
in from the day Agent assigned to Enterprise regarding
a possible arson. A small trash fire had occurred with no
injuries or damage, and a case was initiated to determine the
cause of the fire. This opening document caused no real alarm
at that time, since fires during overhauls are not uncommon.
However, a short time later, as I recall, a second NOCP came
in, which could have been a photocopy of the first one.
Two trash fires in such a short period in which the cause is
unknown, raised the concern level a bit. We held discussions
regarding this, and decided to track these investigations
closely. The last thing Enterprise needed was a serial arsonist,
especially since she was undergoing the largest refueling,
and refits in naval history. We also began to establish a
36
employed. Store personnel advised that there had been
several small fires in one of the store’s restrooms while our
suspect worked there. According to the store personnel
the suspect set each of those restroom fires. The agents
examined the scene, and while the walls had recently
been painted, they discovered burn/scorch marks on
the underside of a shelf. This area was photographed.
This suspect was removed from ship, and we
had no other fires. Then late in the investigation a new
trash fire was discovered, followed by a second one a
great distance from the first. This, of course, added more
complexity to our already very complex inquiry. We
quickly identified a suspect. He had discovered one of
the original suspect’s fires, and received much attention
because of it. During interrogation this second individual
admitted setting both of these most recent fires, and
essentially described himself as a copycat fire setter.
After this, there were no more of these types of fires. The
Enterprise continued the refueling and refit, and our task
force completed all of its work and disbanded in October
1992. The ship completed her shipyard tour period on 27
September 1994. This is not quite the end of the story.
Later, the CO, Enterprise contacted us, and asked
if he could meet with the Task Force Special Agents and
their wives. He also invited any NCIS or other interested
persons to attend. We met at the large conference room
at NISRA Norfolk. The CO presented flowers to each
wife present in recognition of their sacrifices during
this investigation. He then presented special letters of
commendation to each SA on the task force. During his
remarks to those gathered, he said, in effect, that many
people had served Enterprise during this historic yard
period and he was grateful, but his greatest gratitude went to
NCIS, because we gave him the greatest service; the return
of the safety to his crew. I will not soon forget those words.
Enterprise was decommissioned on 01 December
2012, and began what the poets might call her sail into the
sunset. Thousands of Americans can look long and with
great pride at this final trip because of all they did for the
operation and maintenance of this great national defense
asset with over 50 years of service. I would submit that
no one can look longer or with greater pride on this last
sail, than the men and women of NCIS, for they truly did
return the safety of the crew to the command. I would
also argue they may well have caused the refueling to
precede giving Enterprise 20 plus year of new life and
changing naval history. It was an outstanding effort,
but of course NCIS has been doing things like this ever
since an obscure Navy Lieutenant wrote a memorandum
about Naval Investigations more than 130 years ago.
in another effort to reduce the number of suspects.
The rest of the Agents went in all directions in
an effort to re-create what had occurred or not occurred
at each of the fires hoping to develop good leads and
ultimately identify the guilty party (ies). There was no
forensic evidence, but each scene was photographed and
mapped for future use. All fire reports were reviewed, as
well as log entries kept by those on watch. The Agents
then began the labor intensive process of identifying
all personnel who just might have some pertinent
information. This included fire parties, those who
discovered fires, and watch standers, as well as divisional
and medical personnel. We knew that there had been
no injuries to date for the crew, but couldn’t assume that
was true for our fire-setter. Leads were sent as needed.
Finally, a crewmember was located and
interviewed who gave potentially case breaking
information. He related that about a year earlier, he was
walking down a passageway when a person emerged from
a space, turned toward him, and began running. When
he saw this witness, he quickly turned, and ran in the
opposite direction. The witness went to the space, and
observed a trash fire still burning. He ran out to give
chase to the fleeing suspect but was unable to locate him.
The witness could only give us a vague description of the
suspect, saying he never got closer to him than 30 – 40 feet.
The task force discussed this matter with our Staff
Psychologist, Mike Gelles, specifically about a hypnotic
interview. While under hypnosis, the witness not only
provided an excellent description of the suspect, he was
also able to “read” the stenciled surname above his shirt
pocket. The witness provided 4 of the7 letters in the name,
correctly placed, and from there they were able to identify
the suspect. The witness later identified him in a line up.
As a note of interest, the Agents did a composite from this
and other interviews, and that likeness was remarkably
close to our suspect. We interrogated the suspect, and
conducted a permissive search. He consistently denied
all involvement, and was later represented by an attorney.
During the search, we examined some of his clothing
which contained an insulation type material. If memory
serves, this insulation material matched perfectly to some
similar material at a fire scene. An exhaustive study of the
suspect’s work and watch schedule was conducted, and they
matched the times and dates of the fires. This individual was
on duty on the ship when each fire we could date occurred.
Following these encounters with the suspect,
task force Agents went on the road to examine his
background. In a town in Florida where the suspect
had lived and worked prior to his enlistment, the Agents
made inquiries at a supermarket where he had been
37
LOOKING BACK
1962
May 1961 - Photograph of Special Agents Assigned to DIO-9ND
Made At U. S. Customshouse, Chicago, Illinois
LOOKING BACK FIFTY YEARS
The following photograph of personnel assigned in May 1961 to the District Intelligence Office - Ninth Naval District was recently
provided by Former SA Bob Foy. Retired SA “Jiggs” Kaliher came up with the names of those personnel in the photograph and that
listing follows the photograph.
First Row - Left to Right
S/A W. E. GOODNOW RA-Denver
S/A J. M. PATTON, RA-Indianapolis
S/A C. J. KASCHUBE, RA-Denver
S/A A. T. BACKSTROM, RA-Chicago
S/A V. L. KALIHER, RA-St. Louis
S/A J. P. AKEY, RA-Chicago
S/A E. S. RICHEY, Supervising Agent
S/A A. E. ABRAMS, RA-Denver
S/A H. C. ULREY, RA-Kansas City
S/A C. J. MAY, RA-St. Louis
S/A R. L. VOLLRATH Asst. Suprg. Agt.
Agt R. D. GILL, RA-Chicago
S/A T. J. DONNENWORTH, RA-Detroit
S/A J. V. RICHIE, RA-Des Moines
Third Row - Left to Right
S/A S. N. NIEMALA, RA-Chicago
S/A R. A. FOY, RA-Milwaukee
S/A E. A. HENDRICKS, RA-Detroit
S/A V. CARNAHAN, RA-Great Lakes
S/A W. H. RECTOR, RA-Grand Rapids
S/A D. E. ATWATER, RA-Indianapolis
S/A W. N. MILLER, RA-Omaha
S/A S. T. KELLY, RA-Chicago
CDR J. A. MEYERTHOLEN, OIC-Hq
S/A R.A. MALTBY, RA-Milwaukee
S/A D. L. MCCOY, RA-Detroit
S/A W. J. SHADKO, RA-Chicago
S/A W. E FRY, RA-Kansas City
Second Row - Left to Right
S/A W. W. HOWE, RA-Omaha
S/A A. R. WOOD, RA-Chicago
S/A R. W. CARR, RA-St. Louis
S/A K. F. OEHRLE, RA-Des Moines
S/A C. H. FAIRBANK, RA-Minneapolis
S/A A. H. HILDEN, RA-Grand Rapids
S/A J. L. ROBEY, RA-Milwaukee
S/A G. E. RICHARDS, RA-Des Moines
S/A A. F. DEAHL, RA-Detroit
S/A M. A. HINCHEN, RA-Indianapolis
S/A R. E. STIHLER, RA-Chicago
S/A R. M. COOLEY, RA-Detroit
S/A N. H. DEMBECK, RA-Milwaukee
CDR N. O. BELANGER, 005A-Hq
LTJG R. L. WINES, 005A-Hq
Agt. W. E. BUSHEY, RA-Chicago
Mr. R. SCHALLER, 005-E-Hq
Fourth Row - Left to Right
S/A R. T. FAVOR, RA-Chicago
S/A D. C. SCHUNK, RA- Kansas City
S/A E. L. JOHNSON, RA-Great Lakes
S/A L. P. KING, RA-Kansas City
Agt G. K. WHITE, RA-Chicago
S/A J. L. ROBERTS, RA-Denver
S/A B. J. FROELICH, RA-Chicago
S/A J. G. SMITH, Asst. Supvg. Agt.
S/A J. C. BOYDEN, RA-Chicago
S/A P. J. ANDERSEN, RA-Minneapolis
S/A M. E. KEMERY, RA-Minneapolis
S/A W. J. JOHNSON, RA-Minneapolis
S/A E. K. ROTH, RA-Indianapolis
S/A T. J. KING, RA-Chicago
S/A H. L. FABRIZ, RA-Minneapolis
S/A C.M. KAMPTON, RA-Great Lakes
S/A E. J. COLLINS, RA-St. Louis
S/A H. P HANSEN, RA-Chicago
38
OPERATION TOUCHDOWN:
THE STORY OF WILFREDO GARCIA ESPIONAGE CASE
Submitted by retired SA Jeff Norwitz
The year was 1988. The “Cold War” was raging. And January temperatures in Moscow were as frigid as relations between
the US and USSR. In warm Kremlin offices, Soviet spymasters were elated. The past four years were an unprecedented
success stealing American secrets. Traitors such as Morrison, Howard, Pelton, Pollard, Walker, Whitworth, and Lonetree
delivered the Soviets an exceptional understanding of US intelligence and military operations. Some Russians even believed
that if war broke out, espionage had given them guaranteed victory over the decadent West.
Yet, as KGB leaders congratulated themselves, a message arrived from their Consulate in San Francisco reporting the
conviction of a US Navy sailor for espionage. The local newspaper revealed a scheme to pass submarine secrets to their
embassy in the Philippines. But a Navy spy had been caught before he consummated the crime. Angered, the Kremlin
learned how they were cheated from receiving a stunning cache of classified documents by the Naval Investigative Service
and the FBI.
Simultaneously at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, California Special Agent in Charge John V. Olson leaned
his chair back and recalled the past two years of work by his Special Agents and support staff. Olson scanned the general
court martial record of trial and smiled. MA1 Wilfredo M. Garcia, himself a security official, was convicted of espionage,
conspiracy to commit espionage, and larceny. Olson could finally relax. Since 1986, his NISRA was the focus of relentless
attention from Washington Headquarters and the NIS Northwest Regional Office at Treasure Island.
The closing Report of Investigation sat on his desk. It listed three case Agents and fourteen participating Agents from nine
offices in two countries and aboard an aircraft carrier. Case Agents were Michael Lynch, Jeffrey Norwitz, and Richard Hanf
(FBI). Participating Agents were F. Agas, Danny Fernandez, Cecilia Gomez, T. Goodman, James Kenworthy, E. Maniwang,
H. McCarver, J. Moreschi, Joseph Razzano, Gregory Redfern, Richard Stout, Patrick Lasola (AFOSI), Timothy Munson
(FBI) and Larry Wages (FBI). Having served almost thirty years in law enforcement, Olson had seen his share of complex
investigations. And this one topped the list.
Olson began to review the case. As sometimes happens, the espionage case against MA1 Wilfredo Garcia actually developed
from an unrelated investigation. In this instance, SA Cecilia Gomez successfully indicted a civilian Vallejo businessman
for bribery of a federal official and the US Attorney in Sacramento was moving
forward with serious charges. At the last minute, the accused business owner
wanted to bargain. He was willing to reveal a spy-ring working at the shipyard if
all charges against him were dropped. Consequently, an espionage investigation
was initiated with SA Michael Lynch as primary case Agent. This writer became
case Agent after SA Lynch transferred to Naples, Italy.
Spying at Mare Island? This was a startling development. Located twentyseven miles northeast of San Francisco, Mare Island Naval Shipyard was a
submarine construction and refit facility. There were usually three Sturgeon-class
boats there in various stages of overhaul. Shipyard safes were full of submarine
secrets – the sort of thing the KGB and GRU would pay dearly for. Here was an
opportunity to uncover potential espionage in lieu of the bribery prosecution.
The choice was clear but the process of turning this criminal defendant
into a cooperating witness was not. He had an extensive history of dishonesty,
collusion, and complicity in unlawful behavior. Controlling him as an asset was
Case agents Jeff Norwitz and Mike Lynch in
1988 shortly after conviction was announced. a challenge. Similarly, bridging hurdles between military and civilian, classified
and unclassified, and numerous stakeholders in the Navy and Justice Department
was quite intricate. But in his hip pocket, SAC Olson had a silver bullet. From
the time he was a young Special Agent he learned that liaison with counterpart agencies and establishing personal friendships
with others in law enforcement paid dividends.
As part of his liaison effort, Olson had cultivated the two Mare Island security forces. Naval Station Mare Island was
served by a police department with general patrol functions as well as gate operations. On the other hand, the shipyard
industrial area had its own investigations staff with security clearances and full access to the sensitive work areas. Known as
Shipyard Investigations Branch, it was headed by Mr. Tom Starr who was a well-respected and trusted friend of NIS. This was
39
fortunate because Garcia worked for Starr and had unquestioned admission to sensitive and classified shipyard operations.
Starr maintained strict confidentiality throughout the investigation and aided investigators in surveillance of Garcia and
others.
The FBI Resident Agency in Vallejo was headed by Senior Resident Agent Richard Hanf who was a no-nonsense street
Agent from the Hoover years. The FBI Vallejo Resident Agency was a small office and two Agents did it all. From whitecollar crime and persons crimes to foreign counterintelligence, SRA Hanf and SA Larry Wages were the ideal team.
Hanf and Olson met in 1983 and soon became good friends. The two had an unshakable trust and a common mission.
Catch bad guys. And they were very successful. Not only did they work hard but they played hard together. The base
handball court was the battleground. Olson’s attitude shaped the NISRA culture.
He demanded Agents develop relations with counterparts. Olson also empowered
Agents with independent decision-making. Hanf and Wages were frequently
found in NIS spaces and vice-a-versa. Hanf had been part of the original bribery
investigation and so was already “in battery” when the accused businessman
agreed to flip rather than go to prison.
The business owner became a cooperating witness (CW) in return for having
federal bribery charges dismissed and for receiving transactional immunity.
He immediately shocked Agents by identifying the suspect as a sailor and a
shipyard investigator who repeatedly passed classified documents to the CW who
subsequently copied and arranged for the documents to be taken to Manila. The
sailor had relatives in Manila who planned to sell the documents at the Soviet
Embassy there.
NIS and FBI Agents conducted comprehensive surveillance of Garcia which
corroborated CW’s information and collected evidence against Garcia. Photo and
SA Jeff Norwitz monitoring surveillance video surveillance, latent prints, plus court-ordered technical means captured CW
stakeout equipment.
meeting with Garcia on many occasions. However, because Garcia was a trained
security practitioner, clever techniques were necessary to gather evidence of his
complicity in espionage and large-scale larceny of government property.
At the same time, extraordinary work by NIS Agents in Manila and Subic Bay was ongoing. The initial plan was for
undercover Agents, pretending to be foreign intelligence officers, to buy the documents from Garcia’s relatives. Alas, these
efforts failed and Agents feared losing the documents altogether. After coordination with the US Embassy and Philippine
officials, SA Danny Fernandez obtained a search warrant for the
off-base residence. During a crucial midnight phone call, Olson
directed SA Fernandez to do whatever was necessary to secure
the classified material. NIS Agents and local Philippine police
entered the residence unannounced fearing the documents
would be lost. A near-gun battle broke out between police and
perpetrators yet SA Fernandez and the courageous NIS Agents in
Manila recovered the documents before passage to the Soviets.
Back at Mare Island, Garcia was apprehended once Agents
knew the documents were safe. Special Agents Lynch and Hanf
began what turned out to be an eight-hour interrogation of
Garcia. Using all manner of legal tactics and interspersed with
rest periods, the two finally obtained Garcia’s confession. The
signed admission was so legally sound, the defense stipulated to
the entire confession at trial.
Surveillance photo of Garcia as he departs from meeting with CW.
Garcia explained that his job as an investigator with Shipyard
Investigations Branch gave him notional access to the entire
industrial area. For example, classified information was occasionally reported unsecure and it was Garcia’s job to safeguard
the documents and investigate the compromise. Garcia would either not report the incident or make unauthorized copies
for himself. Likewise, he sometimes found himself in a secure area where classified material was openly available. He took
the documents unobserved. After removing them from Mare Island, he transferred the documents to the CW knowing they
would be taken to the Philippines.
Garcia was sentenced in 1988 to serve twelve years in prison, reduction to E-1, and a dishonorable discharge. In 1992
Garcia agreed to be questioned by the FBI for Project Slammer, a ten-year benchmark study which focused on interviewing
40
thirty incarcerated spies in order to determine their motivations and learn methods by which they committed their crimes.
He was released in 1995 from a federal facility in Texas.
From a national security standpoint, the Garcia case is cited in the US Senate’s “Report of the Select Committee on
Intelligence” (Jan 1987 to Dec 1988) evidencing the growing national security threat of espionage. The case was also
mentioned in the FY 1990-91 Director of Central Intelligence, Congressional Budget Justification, DoD FCI Program (p.19)
to defend increase FCI funding to the Naval Investigative Service Command.
The two principal Navy prosecutors each achieved remarkable career success. Then Lt Jonathan Fink, USN JAG, retired
as a Captain having held many JAG leadership positions. Then Lt Jane Gilliland Dalton, USN JAG, retired as a Rear Admiral
having achieved unparalleled respect in the Navy and in academia. This writer still communicates with Fink and Dalton.
Hanf retired from the FBI and Olson did the same from NIS. Yet, they remain close friends to this day.
The Garcia case highlights two immutable law enforcement axioms. Excellent personal relations result in excellent
professional and organizational successes. Furthermore, empowering subordinates drives innovation, creative solutions,
and career success.
NOTES
1 I/TOUCHDOWN was the case title while still classified. The case control number was 17DEC85-12MA-0433-3CNA/F
2 In the 1980s, NIS offices and their managers were titled differently than they are today. A NISRA was headed by a Special Agent in Charge.
3 The Mare Island Naval Shipyard was the first United States Naval Station established on the Pacific Coast. The Navy purchased the original 956
acres in 1853 and commenced shipbuilding operations in 1854. As shipbuilding technologies advanced from wooden sail vessels to steel construction
and nuclear propulsion, the shipyard underwent vast transformations during its years of operation. In the early 1920s, the Navy initiated construction
and maintenance of submarines here. During World War II, it reached peak capacity for shipbuilding, repair, overhaul, and maintenance. Following
the War, Mare Island was considered to be one of the primary stations for construction and maintenance of the Navy’s Pacific fleet of submarines. It was
responsible for the construction of over 500 naval vessels and overhaul of thousands of other naval vessels. In addition to shipyard operations, ordnance
manufacturing and storage was another key mission for nearly the same time period--including those used prior to the Civil War. Source: Department
of the Navy BRAC PMO <www.bracpmo.navy.mil>. Mare Island was closed in 1996 by the Base Realignment and Closure process. The NCISRA at
Mare Island was disestablished the same year.
4 The Soviet KGB (State Security Committee) and GRU (Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff) were very active in San Francisco
prior to the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. NIS Special Agents in the FCI arena worked closely with their FBI counterparts to safeguard submarine
technology and operations.
5 At trial, SA Fernandez relived the raid for the court and had all members spell-bound. It was clear the actions of the NIS agents prevented
passage to the Soviets.
About The Author....
Jeff Norwitz has four decades of national security experience at the military, municipal, federal levels and as an author and educator. Prior to joining NCIS in 1985, he was an Army 2LT guarding nuclear weapons and a Deputy Sheriff in Colorado Springs. His
NCIS tours took him to California, Virginia, Okinawa, and Rhode Island as well as afloat with USS Belleau Wood ARG. Jeff represented NCIS for 8 years at the Naval War College as a professor of National Security Studies and held the John Nicholas Brown Chair
of Counterterrorism at the War College during which time he lectured extensively across the country and overseas to allied militaries
and to international academia. Jeff has also lectured at the United Nations, Harvard University, and The Geneva Centre for Security
Policy. Jeff is a celebrated author. His articles have been published in the Naval War College Review, Military Review, Journal of
Homeland Security, Singapore Home Team Academy Journal, and Officer Review. His scholarly work also appears in Terrorism and
Counterterrorism: Understanding the New Security Environment (McGraw-Hill, 2003); American Defense Policy, 8th ed. (Johns
Hopkins University Press, 2005); Practical Bomb Scene Investigation (CRC Press, 2006); Defending the Homeland: Historical Perspectives on Radicalism, Terrorism, and State Responses (West Virginia University Press: 2007); Armed Groups: Studies in National
Security, Counterterrorism, and Counterinsurgency (Naval War College: 2008); and Homeland Security and Intelligence (Westwood:
Praeger Publishers, 2010). After retiring from NCIS in 2009, he and his wife moved to a remote mountain top in central Colorado.
Jeff has three grown children, one of whom serves in the United States Air Force. He maintains a web page at www.jeffnorwitz.com
41
42
ASSIGNMENT: FIND “MISS SUGAR” IN TOKYO
The Su Chou Thomas Murder Case
By Retired SA Blair M. Gluba
Those Special Agents who have worked cases of
an international scope have special memories of the
ones solved and successfully prosecuted. This case has
special memories as it not only involved simultaneous
investigations in both the United States and Japan but
involved two special friends – Special Agent Koji Watanabe
and Detective First Sergeant (Ret) Donald Cahill of the
Prince William County Virginia Police Department.
The case began on 31 January 1982 in Dale City,
VA when family members reported to the Prince William
County Police Department (PWPD) that they could
not contact Ms. Su Chou Thomas which was unusual as
they spoke almost daily. During a welfare check at her
residence, patrol officers discovered Ms. Thomas dead.
She was found with a scarf tied around her throat which
was affixed to a door knob. The scene was suggestive of a
suicide. However, an autopsy determined that Ms. Thomas
had been shot in the head and resulted in the recovery of a
.22 caliber projectile. Apparently the fatal wound had been
inflicted at close range and was masked by the victim’s hair.
Ms. Su Cho Thomas was a Japanese citizen who visited
Japan two or three times a year on personal business.
A homicide investigation was launched and a search
of the residence indicated that several items of jewelry
(including a diamond ring and a lady’s Rolex wristwatch)
were missing. Detectives canvassed pawn shops in Northern
Virginia and discovered that a Rolex watch believed to
have belonged to the victim had been pawned by Marine
Sergeant Timothy Dale Bunch soon after Ms. Thomas
was murdered. Sergeant Bunch had used a Marine Corp
Base (MCB) Quantico address on the pawn record and the
investigation immediately focused on Bunch as a person of
interest. PWPD detectives contacted NISRA Quantico and
learned that Bunch had been apprehended by NIS Special
Agents during a drug suppression operation and later agreed
to work as a confidential informant for NIS and local police
authorities. As a result of his efforts, several arrests were
made and Bunch was later transferred to Marine Corps Air
Station, Iwakuni, Japan for his personal safety. Additional
inquires determined that Bunch had been temporarily
reassigned to MCB Quantico to appear as a prosecution
witness in several trials at the time Ms. Thomas was
murdered. Additional investigation established that while
back at Quantico, Sergeant Bunch mailed a package to his
home of record which was believed to contain some of the
jewelry stolen from the victim’s residence and possibly
the murder weapon. It was determined that his parents
were divorced and that his mother lived in Kentucky
(Bunch’s home of record) and his father (a member of
the Indiana State Police) resided in Indiana. PWPD
detectives were dispatched to both locations to search for
evidence. The murder weapon was later recovered along
with a few items of jewelry at the home of Bunch’s mother.
At this time, I was the SAC at NISRA Yokohama
which had long-standing close rapport with the various
police agencies – especially the Tokyo Metropolitan
Police Department (TMPD). Early one morning ASAC
Koji Watanabe and I began reviewing incoming message
traffic when we noted an Action Lead Sheet (ALS) from
NISRA Quantico requesting assistance on behalf of the
PWPD. The ALS outlined the homicide case and noted that
during the death scene examination, one half of a Japanese
business card was discovered. The card bore the inscription
“Pearl Shop, Ginza, Tokyo, Japan” and printed in pencil
was “Miss Sugar.” Our assignment was to “…Locate Miss
Sugar in Tokyo…” Needless to say, SA Watanabe and I
viewed this assignment as a possible “mission impossible.”
Later that morning we travel to Tokyo to address our
request for assistance to the Criminal Investigation Liaison
Division of TMPD. Once there, a lengthy discussion
ensued and it was noted that “Sugar” translates to the
Japanese word “SATO” which is also a common Japanese
family name. Arrangements were made for assistance and
the next morning 100 detective teams (200 detectives)
began inquiries of all shops and stores located in the
Ginza shopping area where pearls and jewelry were sold.
By 11:30, “Miss SUGAR” had been located and taken to
TMPD Headquarters for interview. It was determined
that “MISS SUGAR” worked in a jewelry shop, knew the
victim and had sold her several items of expensive jewelry.
The victim patronized the shop a couple times a year
when she visited in Tokyo. One of the items purchased
by the victim was a South Sea pearl ring with custom
gold mounting. Detailed descriptions of the jewelry items
were obtained in a statement made by “Miss SUGAR.”
NISRA Quantico was immediately advised of our
investigation and a few days later we were advised that
PWPD Detective Donald Cahill and Prince William
County Assistant Commonwealth Attorney William
Hamblen were scheduled to arrive in Tokyo on their way
43
to Iwakuni to interrogate/arrest Bunch. NISRA Iwakuni
had been kept apprised of the investigation and we showed
the two visitors NIS hospitality over a weekend while
awaiting further travel via the Bullet Train to Iwakuni.
At the time, Sergeant Bunch was assigned to the base
Correctional Custody Center. Bunch was interrogated
by Detective Cahill and Mr. Hamblen and a subsequent
command authorized search of Bunch’s quarter’s
recovered $20,000 worth of jewelry stolen from the
victim’s residence (including the South Sea pearl ring).
Bunch was arrested, placed in the base Brig and
arrangements were made to transfer him to MCB Quantico
for release to Prince County authorities. He was escorted to
MCB Quantico by Mr. Hamblen and Detective Cahill. Bunch
was tried in the Circuit Court of Prince William County
and convicted of Capital Murder. He was sentenced to death
and following a number of appeals was executed in 1991.
moving to take advantage of available online technology
for the management of our Association membership which
is nearing 1,000 strong. This significant development will
enable us to manage and administer literally all facets
of Association business from one central location--our
website. We have completed our research and due diligence
and identified a platform developed by Wild Apricot,
Inc. as the best tool available that meets all of our needs.
The purpose of the website overhaul is to enhance our
members’ ability to communicate with each other by increasing
the website’s functionality making it more interactive. To say
the website has potential is an understatement as it offers many
options which are currently under review. Of note are the
ability to view a calendar of events, peruse an updated archive
of NCISA historical documents, photos etc., and experience
the convenience of an automated method for maintaining
members’ current contact information. One of the more robust
features of our new website is the ability for our membership
to pay their dues and make donations online directly via the
website. There are many other useful administrative functions
of the website that make it easier for the Officers to manage
the NCISA membership and better serve our members’ needs.
In addition to the enhanced communication options
available to the membership from within the website, Wild
Apricot enables the automated emailing of dues notices
to the membership. Increased security is also included as
each NCISA member will have their own personal login
credentials to gain access to the “Members Only” sections
with the ability to recover or reset lost or forgotten passwords.
There is even the capability for Members to upload
documents for archive purposes or perhaps as content to be
considered for submission to THE GOLD SHIELD magazine.
Additionally, the ability exists for our Chapters, who have
their own websites, to be ‘linked’ from the National website.
When we are ready to launch the new website existing
Members will be sent an email with a separate set of very simple
first time user log in instructions. Those seeking to become
members will have the ability to go to the website and complete
an online Membership Application Form. Once the application
is approved, they will be instructed how to log in to the
“Members Only” section and update their contact information.
We intend for our new website to become the NCISA focal
point for our members. Our goal of increased membership visits
to the website will be aided by regularly updated content and
various other notifications, etc. We are confident that our new
website will create an atmosphere of greater communication
and inspire our members to suggest innovative and practical
ideas for our Association to better serve our retirees. And
we welcome suggestions from the membership as to what
other features or enhancements they would like to see.
We want to extend our sincere thanks to a friend
of NCISA, Ms. Paula Sylvester of Boca Raton, FL
for her design and construction of the new website.
WRITER’S NOTE: True names were used in this article
with permission of Circuit Judge (Ret) William Hamblen and
Detective First Sergeant (Ret) Donald Cahill. The true names
of Timothy Dale Bunch and Su Cho Thomas were used as they
both have been identified in various public venues to include
print and electronic media, court records and records of appeal.
Unfortunately, Special Agent Watanabe has passed away.
INTRODUCING
OUR NEW
NCISA WEBSITE
By Retired SA Mark Politi
While our current NCISA website is live and functional, there
has not been much activity at the site, other than an updated link
to the newest digital version of THE GOLD SHIELD magazine
or an occasional update to our membership contact file.
During the past several years, and among the different
NCISA Officers and Chapters, there have been recurring
discussions of how to enhance our website. Then last year
retired SA Richard ‘Grodzo’ Grodzicki brought up several
suggestions which the National Officers began to consider.
It was at this time that I volunteered to take the ball and
run with it and now we are just about ready to launch.
This article is the introduction to our new NCISA website.
As technology continues to advance in the online
environment, we find ourselves faced with the decision to
participate or be left behind. The commitment to serving
our members’ needs is our highest priority. As such, we are
44
NCIS-NCISA
HISTORY PROJECT
Submitted by Retired SA’s Blair Gluba and Neill Robins
Danielle ORTIZ, Kimberly PIVIROTTO, MaryAnn CUMMINGS,
and NCISA President Blair Gluba
In April 2011, Director Mark D. Clookie indicated his
interest in documenting the history of the NCIS and requested
assistance from NCISA. A call for historical items to our
members resulted in the collection of over 100 items which
traced our history from the days when we were the Security
Division of the Office of Naval Intelligence, the formation
of the Naval Investigative Service and the establishment of
today’s NCIS. The historical displays are located in two of
the main hallways at NCIS Headquarters and available for
viewing by NCIS personnel and visitors.
The project was accomplished by the diligent work of
MaryAnn Cummings, Director of Communications, and two
members of her staff, Kimberly Pivirotto, Website Content
Manager, and Danielle Ortiz, Graphic Artist. Appreciation
goes to them for their outstanding work.
Special thanks go to those who have provided the many
items which document our history as a professional law
enforcement agency.
Kimberly PIVIROTTO, and Danielle ORTIZ
Photos by MC2 Charles T. Oki, USN
45
Nick’s . . .
OBSERVATIONS AND COMMENTS
ON FEDERAL RETIREMENT, BENEFITS
AND ENTITLEMENTS
By Former SA Nick Lutsch
ESTATE PLANNING
I may touch the “third rail” in this article but there
are issues that need discussion and illumination however
uncomfortable they may be. There is now hardly a week
that goes by without an email announcing the grave illness
or death of yet another friend or co-worker in NCIS. What
we only whisper is the knowledge that one day such an
email will have our name in the subject line. That part of
the equation is inevitable. What is less certain is how we
plan for this eventuality and what steps we take to ease the
burdens placed on those who have to pick up the pieces
and sort out what we’ve left.
Closing Stages of Life As we age, we have a
growing awareness of our impending mortality that
forces contemplation of the closing stages of our lives.
Fortunately, our careers have trained us to be objective
planners and often all that is required to move in the right
direction is education. Estate planning focuses on the
closing stages and can be broken into three general parts:
a. First, the stage where incapacity, physical or
mental, is involved and assistance is needed with our
affairs.
b. Second, is the stage where we are terminally ill.
c. Third and finally is the disposition of our
physical remains and assets.
you start to give money to the wrong political party or feed
the dog when you have no dog, your loved ones and/or close
friends will probably be the first to observe. Choose your
advocate with great care.
Planning for the second of the three stages is handled
by a document called an Advanced Health Care Directive.
Simply stated, this document informs all caregivers of your
chosen desires regarding how you wish to be treated in a
terminal stage of life and names a representative to act for
you; and, it generally addresses the medical procedures that
will or won’t be used in your case. The critical aspect of
these Directives is that they be acceptable to your personal
physician, your hospital, etc. Best advice is to check with
your personal physician after drafting one and, obviously,
be very selective regarding whom you designate as your
representative. Exemplars are generally available from most
States, hospitals and many religious organizations.
Planning for the third stage gets interesting. Generally,
you can do nothing. You make no choices, leave no
directions, have no instructions and basically dump the
whole mess on the State to handle. Using this option (called
dying intestate) is cumbersome, time consuming and very
costly. Doing nothing may well mean after it filters through
Probate and State statutes, that all or a portion of your estate
goes to the near-do-well nephew whom you detest and who
just finished up a five year jail sentence.
A second option entails the Will. Wills can range from
the simple to the highly complex. At its most basic, a Will
can be self-prepared. You may also opt for its preparation by
an attorney. If your estate situation has complexities, strong
thought should be given to the use of an attorney. Wills
normally require Probate – a process that is public, normally
time consuming and generally expensive. The public part is
one to carefully consider. Through probate, the world knows
your beneficiaries -- to include minor children. When these
children reach their majority (State dependent) and receive
To accommodate issues in that first stage, the
most common legal device is the Durable Power of
Attorney (POA) by which someone in whom we place
unquestioned trust is given the legal ability (“powers”)
to do for us, personal and financial, everything we would
routinely do for ourselves. The key operative words here
are unquestioned trust. Within such a POA is a provision
for determining incapacity – both physical and mental.
The physical part is relatively easy – example- agreement
of two doctors. The mental part is far more complex. If
46
about the “product” that you’ll get. Finally, you have a right
to the final, formal document(s). While you may choose to
have your attorney keep copies, ordinarily you should hold
the originals. Just be sure to keep them in a safe location
and tell someone trusted where they are. One final thought
on Trusts – to be at all effective, a Trust must be “funded.”
Funding a trust simply means registering assets (bank
accounts, home(s), whatever) into the Trust. Some assets
such as IRAs and 401ks cannot be placed in the Trust. The
process for “funding” is uncomplicated and for the most
part can be done by the Trustee (you) or it can be part of
the package you buy from an attorney. Either way, get the
attorney’s advice on proper titling and which assets to title.
Are We Done Yet? Not quite. Someone (your spouse,
your children, that friend in whom you placed your
unquestioned trust, whomever) is going to be left with the
job of finding all the pieces and parts of your estate to enable
the efficient and effective discharge of myriad responsibilities
relating to the handling of an estate. Acceptance of these
responsibilities renders them fiduciaries with specific legal
requirements. Help them. Where do they start? Where
is the paper? Where did you keep the important papers,
the checkbook(s), the insurance policies, the past year’s
tax returns, the passwords to accounts? Who should be
called? What are the phone numbers? Explain how any
online bill paying might have been used. Are there desires
regarding burial or a pre-arranged funeral? Here we’re no
longer talking about legal aspects; this is all about love. The
processes here are laborious and painful under the best of
circumstances. Commit to paper ALL those things that will
help. Tell them in writing as much as possible remembering
that they will be in a state of grief. Good instructions will
help ease the grief. Keep the document current and add to
it as circumstances change.
their inheritance, they could well find a few unsavory
“friends” looking to help them part with their new found
wealth.
The third option is use of the Trust. The Trust offers
significant benefits over the other options. It is private.
It avoids Probate and the latter’s expense and time
requirements. Increasingly, POAs are being met with
resistance - to outright rejection by financial institutions. A
good Trust will have a designation of a successor trustee and
incorporate all of that person’s enumerated “powers.” Trusts
are virtually always greeted by banks in an unquestioned
way. As a general rule, a successor trustee always has an
easier time than an executor of a will.
A so-called “pour over Will” almost always accompanies
a good Trust; the purpose of it is to take care of any minor
items not covered in the Trust document. Assets handled
through a “pour over will” are subject to probate. For
all the reasons stated above, there should be no asset of
consequence left to be handled by the pour over will.
This discussion on Estate Planning has necessarily been
quite brief with the intent to simply provide some guideposts,
provoke thinking and possibly spur some action. There is
an excellent, concise, fuller discussion of estate planning
available at the following website. I strongly recommend its
review prior to further action such as engaging an attorney.
http : / / m on e y. c n n . c om / re t i re m e nt / g u i d e /
EstatePlanning/?iid=EL
On the overall subject, I’ve referenced attorneys several
times in this article. They are a bit like doctors and need to
be chosen carefully. The law regarding estates, etc. has many
complexities and, like doctors, attorneys have specialties.
Pick yours with care. Get recommendations. Interview
them to obtain the information you need. Understand up
front the costs involved. Have a detailed understanding
About The Author...
Nick joined ONI in January ‘66 as a contract Agent in Boston. After a
series of SA positions he became the Deputy Asst. Director for
Administration and later the Asst. Director. He left NCIS in June ‘87
for a SA position with DCIS. In June ‘88, he was appointed an
Assistant Inspector General, DoD. He retired from government in
September ‘99. When not with his grandkids, he now pursues his dual
passions of woodworking and photography. He welcomes your questions and
comments and can be reached at [email protected] .
47
SA JOE PATTON’S SEARCH FOR
AMELIA EARHART ON SAIPAN IN 1960
By Retired SA Ron Bright
In our last “THE GOLD SHIELD” , Jan 2013, p 42, Retired SA Don Mitchell, now
in Honolulu, Hawaii, wrote an interesting article on the NIS capture of Japanese Army
stragglers on Guam in May 1960. Mitchell’’s interrogation revealed that the stragglers had
been hiding in the Guam jungle since the war ended in 1945. Mentioned in the article was
SAC Joe Patton, NISRA GUAM, whom many of the retirees will recall from their days in
Chicago.
But SA Joe Patton played a more important role while on Guam. He was the first US
federal Agent sent to Saipan in December 1960 to confirm reports made by a US Army soldier, Postal Clerk SGT Tom Devine. that he had observed graves of Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, while serving in the invasion force and occupation of Saipan from May
1944 to May 1945. Earhart had been missing since July 1937 after failing to complete a flight
from Lae , New Guinea, to Howland Island near the equator. Her disappearance began one
of the 20th Century’s greatest mysteries of what happened; numerous theories emerged
about her fate although the Navy’s official position was that she simply ran out of gas and
ditched near Howland.
Twenty three years later, Josephine B Aikyama., living in San Mateo, California, came forward in May 1960 recalling that
while a 11 year old school girl on Saipan she saw two white Americans landing in the harbor. She later positively identified
them as Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan. Both, she believed, were executed by the Japanese.This ignited a firestorm of interest
in Earhart’s disappearance.
Shortly after this news was released in the US, along comes Tom Devine, of West Haven, Connecticut, in October 1960
to report to the NIS office at Hartford, Connecticut, his observations and experiences on Saipan in 1944-45 that included his
sighting of the Earthart grave. He was interviewed by NIS SA Tom Blake and related that an Okinawan woman approached
him in the field one day and pointed out where two American flyers were buried, pointing to the sky. Through an interpreter,
Devine believed she was referring to Earhart and Noonan.
Devine provided photos of the area and pointed out various markers where he thought the grave would be. Blake sent his
reports from then DIO 3ND to Guam for investigation. The origin of the request was OP-09B22 memo of 2 November 1960. In
December 1960, SA Patton flew from NISRA Guam to Saipan to investigate Devine’s claim and verify the grave site. In his synopsis, see his report dated 23 December 1960, he found no evidence that Earhart landed at Saipan and was unable to locate the
specific grave sites as indicted in the photographs. It was signed off by H.G Hirschfield, Intelligence Officer. The Navy’s inquiry
at Saipan was concluded and no further investigation from Guam was initiated. I telephoned Patton circa 2002, but he couldn’t
recall the incident.
Later, Devine was shown Patton’s report, declassified from Confidential, which he objected to concerning its accuracy,
claiming that Patton was looking in the wrong places. Devine became obsessed with the search for Earhart and continued his
own investigation, publishing two books, “The Amelia Earhart Incident: Eyewitness” and “With Our Own eyes: Eyewitnesses
to the Final Days of Amelia Earhart.”
Of note, Devine went on to interview Earhart’s sister, Muriel Morrisey, in Medford, Connecticut., and reports how ONI
followed him in the city. I find that hard to believe. He also made other claims such as the man he saw order Earhart’s Electra
burned at Aslito Field, Saipan in July 1944 was none other than James Forrestal, SECNAV. (Devine believes Forrestal was also
thrown out a window at Bethesda Naval Hospital) He also claimed that Earhart’s briefcase was found on Saipan in 1944 and
was given to a Navy officer on the beach. He claims that the Navy has it but won’t release it.
Other familiar names appear in memos that were included in the DIO 3ND report by SA Blake on to Guam, such as Capt
L.G Findley, Head of Civil Affairs, SA Henry “Hank” Schultz and the initials “JWL” , which I think could be former Associate
Director Jack Lynch.
This is a bit of history , the Navy’s role after 1937, that has not produced any indisputable evidence that Earhart was captured by the Japanese and executed on Saipan. For me, I have continued to research the Earhart disappearance for the past 12
years and continue on today! Some of you may have seen my interview on the National Geographic program on the “Search
for Earhart” special in 2008. Even today, there are two researchers hoping to dig under the tarmac at the Saipan International
airport looking for the twin engine Electra 10E.
48
Ed. Note: Retired Associate Director Earl Richey provided the following concerning his old friend and Chicago colleague SA Joe Patton:
Joe started in Chicago in the early 50’s, after graduating from Michigan State with a degree in Police Science and brief employment as a
Railroad policeman. He went from Chicago to Kansas City, and after a few years to Guam. He returned to 9ND as SRA Indianapolis,
and then to SRA Great Lakes. He subsequently served as a supervisor at NISO Philippines, and retired from an SRA assignment in
Washington State in the late 70s or very early 80s. He then accepted a position as Chief of Police of a small town in Texas where he
remained for several years. He and his wife, Pat, then sold their home, placed their belongings in storage, and spent the next several years
touring around the U.S. He died several years ago.
NCIS FAN GETS SPECIAL RECOGNITION
No one has ever done anything like this for me.The emotional words of Dean Hoffman a young man with
special needs who was recently recognized in a letter from former Director Mark Clookie, designating him
Honorary Special Agent Dean, a member of a grief share group in Wyomissing, PA, first came to the attention
of NCIS through another grief share group member Diane Brown. Diane, herself a devoted NCIS fan,
happens to be the mother-in-law of retired special agent Joe Riccio.
When Diane told Joe about Dean’s passion for the NCIS television show and how he serves younger
special needs students as a bus monitor despite his own personal hardships, Joe reached out to Blair
Gluba and Leon Carroll for assistance. The response was
overwhelming, but not surprising by NCIS standards. Blair met
with Mary Ann Cummings and Director Clookie, who offered
to send a letter and some NCIS mementos, for presentation
to Dean by Diane during the February 22, 2013 grief share
meeting. Leon provided an NCIS television show photograph
signed by the entire cast, acknowledging Dean as their number
one fan.After the group’s opening prayer, Diane surprised Dean
with the Director’s letter, the mementos, and the NCIS castautographed photo. In the words of Honorary Special Agent
Hoffman, it was pretty cool.
NCISA NORTHWEST INTERN AWARD
by Retired SA Burke McMurdo
On 15 Mar 2013, an Outstanding Intern Award was presented
to Brendyn Schear who began her Internship at NCISRA Everett
(WA) during the fall semester of 2012. Brendyn was recognized for
her outstanding efforts in helping the NCISRA achieve its mission
requirements. Among other assignments, Brendyn reviewed
inactive cold cases, identifying possible leads. She also reviewed
crime scene documentation, case file preparation and organization,
data extraction on a complicated fraud case and assisted in other
administrative assignments. She was commended by her supervisor
for assisting the office in preparing for a successful NCISHQ IG
Inspection. A $1000.00 award recognizing her efforts, along with
a NCIS Badge gift set, was presented to Brendyn by Special Agent
(Ret) R. Burke McMurdo representing NCISA Northwest. The
presentation was made during a NCISFO All Hands Meeting hosted
by SAC Phyllis Wade.
49
CHAPTER NEWS
NEW YORK METRO
Submitted by
Retired Reserve Special Agent Dave Perry
Retired SA Leo Barron proudly reported that on 28 December 2012, his grandson, Thomas Knudsen, graduated from the
Police Academy and became a police officer with the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Tom is the oldest of Leo and
Lorraine’s NINETEEN grandchildren and joins Retired SA Ken Rodgers’ son who was recently promoted to Lieutenant with the
NYPD.
Our chapter truly embraces a large geographical area,
with only the New York/New Jersey Metro area having
a large enough concentration of members to conduct
meetings and/or luncheons.
We were very fortunate to have a successful Pearl
Harbor remembrance /early Christmas party on December
7th, with eight members present. The luncheon was held
at the 7th Avenue Café, an upscale Italian restaurant, in
Garden City, NY. We are most appreciative to Mike Alonge
for making the selection.
Chapter members in attendance were Mike and Jim
Davitt, both former Reserve NCIS unit commanding
officers, Bill Seidenstein, Jack Mckeon, John Beal, Mike
Honan, Buddy Hahn and myself, all former Reserve Agents.
We all had a great day with our old friends, sharing
our encounter with Hurricane Sandy and other “war stories”.
The food was excellent and our drinks were satisfying.
We were planning on having a St. Patrick’s Day party on
March 22, but we had to cancel at the last minute. We had
too many schedule conflicts. We will keep trying!
That’s all the news from here for now!
Retired SA Jim Chambers reports that after reading
the article in the last issue of THE GOLD SHIELD
on NISRA Guam’s role in the apprehension on Guam
of Japanese Army stragglers from World War II, he
was prompted to search for his old colleague SA
Martin J. “Marty” Fotusky who appeared in one of the
photographs associated with the article. Marty, now in
his late 80’s, was subsequently located residing in Toms
River, New Jersey. Marty retired in 1975 as the RA at
NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey. Jim and Retired SA Ernie
Mildner, neither of whom had been in contact with
Marty for over 45 years, recalled many fond memories
of working with Marty over the period of their careers.
Marty is now a member of the NCISA. Small world !
50
NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
Christmas Gathering at
NISRU Green Spring
Retired SA “Jiggs” Kaliher sent along these photos
taken at a gathering he hosted for fellow ONI/
NIS Alumni at the Green Spring Retirement
Community at Springfield, Virginia.
Front Row: “Jiggs Kaliher, Terry Donnelly, Dorothy Langager and Samiko Powers
Back Row: Bob Powers, Shirley Shifflett, Jack Donnelly, John Langager,
George Mulligan, Bob Dompka and Elinor Devanney.
Vic Palmucci
Bob Dompka and John Langager
In December a large group of NCR NCISA members descended
upon Primo’s restaurant in the Mount Vernon area of Northern Va, and
tried to eat the establishment out of business. Well Primo’s was up to the
task, providing a warm atmosphere and a never ending supply of good
Mediterranean food served family style. The NCISA members provided
the comradery, war stories and not just a few dubious “big fish” stories.
Chapter business was attended to with several current and recent NCISA
national organization leaders in attendance. Blair Gluba, NCISA National
President provided the brunch attendees with an update of organizational
activity and word
from NCISHQ.
As always a great
time was had by
all. It was agreed to return in the near future to the same venue to have
another go and eating the kitchen closed.
51
Mike Donnelly NCR Chapter President
FLORIDA CHAPTER
By Retired SA Bob Helbock, NCISA Florida Chapter President ([email protected])
On February 2, 2013, a Chapter business meeting/luncheon was held at The Evans Prairie Golf and Country Club,
The Villages, FL. Thirty-five members and spouses attended the function. The luncheon was the first organized by the
newly elected Chapter officers, and I would like to thank Vice President John Hopeck and Secretary/Treasurer Sandy
Mandell, as well as past President Mark Politi, for their input to the agenda items discussed during the meeting. As
usual, the social aspects of the gathering were primary, and attendance of Chapter members at the 16 - 20 Sept. 2013
National Reunion was urged with many of those present indicating their desire to attend that function in Savannah,
GA. During and after the luncheon, photographic coverage of the attendees was provided by Rayri Politi and Madeline
Helbock. Later in the evening those who elected to spend the night in local hotels, went to dinner at another restaurant
and completed the evening with dancing in one of The Villages supper clubs.
Chuck & Kathy Keller
Chuck & Kathy Keller, Madeline Helbock & Todd Hannah
Don & Peggy Masden
Dave & Jean Lasher
Emily Hopeck with Bob & Lisa Valentine
52
Jim & Mary Kay MacFarlane with Ray & Marilyn Maine
Joe & MaryEllen Holdreith
Madeline Helbock, Nancy Kuncis & Bob Stihler
Mark Politi, Bob Helbock & John Hopeck
Sandy Mandell, Dawn & Don Bruce
Rayri Politi in blue, Mary Kay MacFarlane and Marilyn Maine
53
SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
NINTH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO GET TOGETHER
On 18 Jan 13 the Ninth Annual San Diego Get Together was held at the Embassy Suites Downtown San Diego, CA. As usual
The Get Together was without form, direction and/or substance, it was just people getting together with the common denominator of service with NIS/NCIS in the San Diego area.
Attendees
1.
Val Arita
8.
Art Hymons
15.
Debbie Schneiders
2.
Stella Berg
9.
Ed Jex
16.
Tony Schneiders
3.
Alex Bedoya
10.
Melissa Johnson
17.
Al Sipe
4.
Wayne Clookie
11.
Joe Kohler
18.
John Smallman
5.
Brad England
12.
Laura Kohler
19.
Harry Stovall
6.
Nancy Gomez
13.
Ron Larsen
20.
Shirl Troxel
7.
Rich Grodzicki
14.
Janet Moller
21.
Chuck Warmuth
As the night wore on the conversations
centered around past accomplishments
and current events. Everyone caught
up with the latest gossip and spread a
few tales themselves. The San Diego
Get Together again served its basic
function as an informal meeting of like
minds and kindred spirits.
The next San Diego Get Together
will be at the same time and place on
17Jan14. However, with that being said, the stewardship of the function shall pass to Ed Jex ([email protected]) and Stella
Berg ([email protected]) both long time San Diego residents. The past nine years of hosting the San Diego Get Together
has been both rewarding and amazing, that it has survived; yet, I see every indication of another decade in the cards. Besides the
function needs hosts that can keep their eyes open after 7 PM. Fair winds and following seas.
R. A. Grodzicki (Grodzo)
54
The first of NCISA Southwest Chapter winter events was a potluck on February 8 at the home of Mary and John
Marquette. Along with the Marquettes, Judith and Dan Simas, Jan and Harry Stovall, Bonnie and Ted Miller, Char and
John Davies, Kate and DJ Heintz, Shirl Troxel and Allan Sipe supplied the appetizers. We all brought our beverage of
choice. The ladies supplied stories of their travels and adventures. The men supplied tales of their NIS exploits. A good
time was had by all.
On February 27, we gathered at the Adm Baker Golf Course Clubhouse for a luncheon meeting. Fifty or so of us
retired agents, support personnel and spouses were presented an insightful briefing on the current status of NCIS by the
SAC of the Southwest Region Field Office, Mrs. Susan Simon. Mr. Chuck Warmuth, SAC of the Marine Corps West Field
Office, also provided a greeting. We were treated by the presence of Leon Carroll and two of the actors from the NCIS
television show, Mr. David McCallum aka Ducky and Mr. Brian Dietzen aka Mr. Palmer. We all enjoyed a buffet lunch in
the clubhouse overlooking the golf course, followed by a short business meeting. The Hollywood personalities posed for
numerous pictures with the attendees, signed autographs, and spoke about their beginnings with the NCIS production.
Bringing together the Hollywood NCIS people, two NCIS organization managers, and scores of retired NIS/NCIS persons
and spouses made for a great event.
Allan Sipe, David McCallum, Leon Carroll
Al Jesse, John Davies, Carl Sundstrom, Carol & Ray Larabee
Alex Bedoya, Leon Carroll, Irish Flynn, Ed Jex, John Marquette
Chuck & Diane Warmuth, Harry Stovall, Al Jesse, Leon Carroll
Jack & Marjie Marine, Vicki Homfeld & her mother
Kate & DJ Heintz, Robin Parks
55
McCallum, Janet & Harry Stovall
McCallum, Deitzen Feb 27, 2013
Pete & Neva Anderson, Brian Dietzen
Pat Bowles, David McCallum
Roy & Jean Mosteller, Leon Carroll
Susan Simon addressing group
56
March 20 was the first day of Spring. It was a balmy, warm evening in San Diego. The setting was a very old wood-frame
building overlooking San Diego Bay and which houses the staff of the NCIS Executive Assistant Director Pacific, John Wagner.
The event was a mixer hosted by EADPAC which brought together elements of NCISHQ, including Acting Director Mark Ridley,
the SACs of the NCIS Field Offices in the Pacific area and West Coast of CONUS, the EADPAC staff, management personnel of
the local San Diego area NCIS field offices, and members of the NCISA Southwest Chapter.
The event culminated a SAC Conference hosted by EADPAC. The NCISA contingent consisted of about 15 members.
Many old friendships were reinvigorated, sea stories were retold, and the ties that bind us together were renewed.
Harry Stovall, Larry Ferrell, Dennis Usrey & Ernie Simon
Dennis Usrey & Mark Ridley
Mark Liptak & Chuck Wamuth
Allan Sipe, Mark Ridley & John Smallman
Cal Calhoun & Mark Ridley
57
NORTHWEST CHAPTER
Submitted by Retired SA R. Burke McMurdo
The NCISA Northwest Chapter met twice in recent months, first in October at a luncheon in Silverdale, WA and again
in December at a holiday gathering hosted by Chapter Secretary/Treasurer Bill Biscomb and his wife Liza at their beautiful
Bainbridge Island, WA residence.
After a short business meeting presided over by NCISA NW Chapter President Ron Bright, those attending the October
luncheon were provided an update on current NCIS issues by Phyllis Wade, SAC, NCIS Northwest Field Office. A briefing
was also provided by Mr. Rob Woutat, who is writing a crime book involving the murder of an active duty sailor who was
stationed at SUBASE BANGOR at the time. The prime suspect was the victim’s wife. NCIS had a hand in the investigation
due to the victim’s security clearance.
This year’s social highlight was our holiday get together at Bill and Liza
Biscomb’s home. As usual, Liza out did herself with beautiful decorations,
plentiful hors d’oeuvres and a world class meal of Chicken Cordon Bleu,
wonderful side dishes and delicious desserts. It was good to catch up on the
comings and goings of our Northwest retirees and kick back and relax in a
beautifully decorated and inviting atmosphere.
Seated around the table are Ben Johnson,
Henry Lingan, Bill Biscomb, Ron Bright, Phyllis
Wade and Rob Woutat
(Burke McMurdo not pictured)
Jocelyn Bright and Liza Biscomb
Louanne and Mike Jones
Chuck Bickley, Bill Biscomb and Ben Johnson
Louanne Jones and Shoko Fritchman
Ken Oglesbee, Ron Bright and Lee Fritchman
Henry Lingan
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Chuck Bickley, Cindy Bennett and Betty Lingan
Chong Hui McMurdo and Louanne Jones
Burke McMurdo, Bob Cathcart and Mike Jones
Dick Payne between Burke and Mike Jones
ARIZONA CHAPTER
NO NEWS AT THIS TIME
SAN FRANCISCO
No Report at This Time
59
TIDEWATER
(Submitted by Ed Young)
TIDEWATER CHAPTER PRESIDENT RECOGNIZED
FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE
NCISA Tidewater Chapter President Frank Guthrie was recognized in January
2013 by Virginia Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling for extraordinary community
service through receipt of the Patrick Henry Award. The February 10, 2013 edition
of the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot contained a story by reporter Eric Feber on the award.
Excerpts of Mr. Feber’s article as as follows:
A long-time Chesapeake resident received a prestigious state award from Virginia
Lt. Governor Bill Bolling for extraordinary community service.
Ruritan Club member Frank Guthrie received the lieutenant governor’s
Patrick Henry Award at a Ruritan National Conference held in late January 2013
in Covington, KY. The Award was presented to Frank on behalf of Lt. Gov. Bolling
by Ruritan National President Phyllis Lewter. Lewter stated that “for Frank to win
this award shows he works for the betterment of his community helping people in
tough economic times. It shows his commitment to good government and justice as
espoused by the award’s namesake Patrick Henry.”
“The Lt. Gov. is the only person who gives out this award,” said Ibbie Hedrick,
Bill Bolling’s deputy chief of staff. “It’s given at his discretion to distinguished and
Frank E. Guthrie
deserving residents of the state. He received the award related to his work through the
Ruritan movement and his overall commitment to community service,” Hedrick explained, “for being a past Ruritan National
President and for his work as a parliamentarian.”
Guthrie, a retired FBI, NCIS, and Federal Investigative Services Agent. has been with the Hickory Ruritan Club, Chesapeake,
VA for 42 years and served as national president in 1995.
He is also one of only 29 registered parliamentarians in the state of Virginia. Guthrie got seriously involved with procedure
and order at the behest of a friend, Kenn Carraway, husband of Chesapeake City Treasurer Barbara Carraway.
“I’ve always been interested in this,” he said of being a parliamentarian. “I help people who chair meetings, and I help them
conduct meetings in an orderly fashion. I help any organization, including city councils, churches and associations.”
Guthrie said receiving the Patrick Henry Award is a highlight of a rich, civic-minded life. “I’m just a little man from
Morehead City, NC, and I was elated to win this award,” he said. “I have received many awards in my lifetime, but this one was
very moving to receive it in front of my fellow Ruritan members.”
Under the leadership of Chapter President Frank Guthrie, the Tidewater Chapter of NCISA continues to meet bi-monthly
in Virginia Beach. With members living as far west as the Richmond area and south to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and
with standing invitations to those non-affiliated NCISA members in Southeast North Carolina, our Chapter provides an excellent
forum for our “veterans” to relive mutual experiences and enjoy seeing “old” friends once again. It is a great time for all.
In January we welcomed a new member, Retired Special Agent Scott Bernat (accompanied by his son Matt) and special guest
Dale Wells who works in the Support Section of the Norfolk Field Office Fraud Unit. Among the agenda items for this meeting
was a proposal to identify our last meeting of the year in November as a time to invite spouses or guests to join us for lunch. The
proposal was approved unanimously.
At our March meeting we were fortunate to have Scott Bernat, mentioned above, present an excellent overview of the NCISA
Force Protection Detachments Program. Scott worked with this program in Indonesia in recent years and was thus able to provide personal insights into the program, its goals, challenges and achievements.
We also noted at the March meeting that Chapter President Guthrie was honored earlier this year with his receipt of the Patrick Henry Award, given by Virginia Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling for community service.
60
We were especially pleased to have Retired Special Agents Jiggs Kaliher and Wayne Mixon in attendance at the March meeting. Jiggs, a founding member of the Tidewater Chapter, was visiting from his home in Northern Virginia. Wayne, who lives
in Swansboro, NC made a three hour trip to attend the meeting as he has done in the past Wayne noted that he is attempting to
form a new NCISA Chapter in Southeast North Carolina where more than fifty retired NCISA personnel reside. We wish Wayne
well in this endeavor and offered our support in his efforts.
Mary Ann Melcher, Carol Steele, Neil Watts
Rosita Dyck and Larry Remaklus
Frank Schmitt, Jim Thompson, Claude Rollins
Eddie Holland, Jeanette Eldridge, Gene Wright
Jane Long, Dale Wells, Jeanette Eldridge, Mary Jo Brewer, Mary Ann Melcher
Scott Bernat
Speaker at March 19th Meeting
Wayne Mixon, Jim Dervin
61
NCIS MEMENTOS
What’s New in NCISA Promotional Products?
Streepwear recently completed two new lapel pins for NCIS/NCISA members. Firstly, a new Gold Shield with
a “Mourning” band. A second design was done in Antique Silver for Agents. The new pins are online and available
for purchase as NCLP4 and NCLP5 respectively.
These new pins were created in response to a
request made by NCISA.
The new Teddy Bear, NCV958CT was also
prompted by a request from a NCISA member.
Another member has requested that we carry a
new NCIS Keytag. This will be one of our next
additions.
We are also on the move again. On 15 April,
we settle on a new home/office in Delaware. The
new address will be 133 Bay Hill Road, Magnolia,
Delaware, 19962. New phone/fax numbers
will be (phone) 302-538-6678 and (Fax) 302-538-6679. This information will be available on our webpage, www.
streepwear.com on the effective date.
You will also be seeing a large number of new clothing and accessory items being added as we update our
offerings. New fabrics, new styles, and new brands are continually becoming available. Our goal is to have more
options appropriate for all age groups.
Our online bulk purchase sections are growing quickly for field offices and our corporate clients. New lines
include Cutter and Buck, Balmain (pens), Cross (pens) Wenger and several others. We are using this time of
Sequestration to expand what we show online. Remember, even if we don’t show it on our webpage, if you can put
a logo on it, we can get it.
This cap, the NCZK130KH, with the new NCIS crest is quickly becoming one
of our most popular. It is low profile and has a leather strap closure. The structured
versions, NC852400BK and NC852400KH with Velcro closures are also proving to
be popular. We’re still embroidering the NCLOCAP for those that prefer the older
“Swoosh” crest. Some of us simply don’t like change.
Once again, we at Streepwear (Dan and Judy) truly appreciate your continued
support. We thank you and endeavor to meet your expectations for quality products
and service.
62
The Return of NCISA-8
BEEF & VEGETABLE STEW (Slow-Cooker)
AUNT NAOMI’S ST. PETE COFFEE CAKE
Ron Janson
Lois (Cain) Yates, Deale, MD
1 Cup + per serving. Serve with hot crusty bread.
Serves 6 - 8. Easy to prepare, favorite, hearty cool
weather main dish.
Ingredients
2 Lbslean beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 Cupsbaby carrots, cross-cut in ½-inch pieces
4 Mediumred potatoes, washed and quartered
1½ Cupscelery, cross-cut in ¾-inch pieces
6 Mushrooms, washed, stem trimmed and quartered
2 Clovesgarlic, crushed and rough
chopped
½ Cupdehydrated
chopped
onion,
re-hydrated
1 Tbspdehydrated parsley flakes
2
Bay leaves
2½ Tbspbalsamic vinegar
1 Can (15oz)diced tomatoes, low-sodium, undrained
1 Can (11oz)beef broth, low-sodium, undiluted
3 Tbsptapioca (thickening agent)
To taste
salt & pepper, (<1 tsp salt, <½ tsp pepper)
2 Tbspevoo - Extra Virgin olive Oil
Pam sprayas needed
1 package yellow cake mix
1 package instant vanilla pudding
½ cup cooking oil
1 cup sour cream
4 eggs
Beat ingredients with electric mixer for 10 minutes; time this, it’s
important.
Sugar mixture:
¼ cup white sugar
¼ cup light or dark brown sugar (packed)
½ cup broken pecans
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
Mix ingredients together and set aside 3 tablespoons.
Fold sugar mixture into cake mix.
Pour into ungreased tube pan.
Sprinkle reserved sugar mixture on top.
Bake in pre-heated 325 degree oven for one (1) hour. Cool before
removing from pan.
Directions
1. Spray cooker insert. Cut meat as needed into bite sized
cubes. Lightly brown in hot evoo using metal insert on
stove-top. Set stew meat aside to drain on paper towels,
wipe excess oil and fat from insert. Sprinkle 1½ TBS of
tapioca in cooker insert.
2. In insert; layer potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, celery
& stew meat. Sprinkle layers with remaining tapioca,
onion, garlic, parsley, tomatoes with liquid and salt
& pepper. Top with bay leaves and pour beef broth and balsamic vinegar evenly over top of mixture.
3. Cover and set slow-cooker on low setting for 7 to 7½
hours. Remove bay leaves and serve hot.
GRANDMA COOKIES
Dick Payne
MIX TOGETHER WET INGREDIENTS:
1 CUP OIL
1 CUP SHORTENING
1 CUP BROWN SUGAR
1 CUP WHITE SUGAR
1 TSP VANILLA
1 EGG
1 TSP CREAM OF TARTAR (IN 1 TBSP MILK)
MIX TOGETHER DRY INGREDIENTS:
3 ½ CUPS FLOUR
1 CUP ANY DRY FLAKE CEREAL
(SUCH AS WHEATIES/TOTAL/CORNFLAKES)
Nutrition facts
½ TSP SALT
Per 1 cup serving (less bread & wine): calories 245, Fat 10g 1 TSP BAKING SODA
(Sat. 3g), Cholesterol 71mg, Sodium 751mg, Carbohydrate 1 CUP OATMEAL
14g, Fiber 3g, Protein 24g.
1 CUP COCONUT
4. Suggested service: plate in shallow pasta dish, serve
with hot crusty bread and pinot noir.
COMBINE WET AND DRY INGREDIENTS
OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS FOR VARIETY:
1 CUP CHOPPED NUTS, 1 CUP CHOCOLATE OR BUTTERSCOTCH CHIPS, ¾ CUP CANDIED FRUITS, (PINEAPPLE,
ORANGE LEMON, DRIED APRICOTS, RED CHERRIES FOR
COLOR)
BAKE IN 350 DEGREE OVEN 12 MINUTES ON
UNGREASED COOKING SHEET
63