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SUBSIM: The Web's #1 resource for all submarine & naval simulations since 1997 |
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#1 |
Bilge Rat
![]() Join Date: Aug 2009
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Our condolances go out to Joan, Margaret and to their four daughters, as well as his many, many friends.
Cap'n Zeb was truly an Officer and a Gentleman, of the highest order. It's because of heroes like him and all of our servicemen/women, that we're able to enjoy the liberty and freedoms that we possess today, which he was so proud of in his service. If you'll indulge me.... we 1st had the honor, privalege and pleasure to meet Zeb when one of his Navy League colleagues and a mutual friend, Brian Klock, introduced my brother and I to him, to assist in raising money for the crew's activities during the week of the commissioning of the USS Texas, down in Galveston(back inthe Fall of 2006). As the story goes, during some of the rather contentious meetings on a few occasions, Brian was trying to sell the committee on a bunch of us O&G folks putting on a play for the Captains' reception(the night before the commissioning) to raise that money. Amateurs that we all were but seasoned at having raised over $1 million for charaties in the local Houston area, it was suggested to the committee that we combine with the crew and weave several scenes from "The Best Little Whorehouse"(renamed "The Chicken Ranch"), "Chicago", "Road to Key West" and of course, "South Pacific" into our presentation. Brian conveyed to me that, as you can imagine, the traditional Navy committee members were squirming about the whole "play" affair, not to mention anything referring to the Chicken Ranch(i.e.Tailhook redux), because First Lady Laura Bush and practically every Admiral in the Navy was going to be there. Finally, after listening to input from everyone on the committee, all eyes turned to Cap'n Zeb, and with his cheshire cat grin and folksy laugh, piped in "What's wrong w/the Chicken Ranch? There's probably nothing more represenative of the Navy". Obviously, that drew a huge laugh and from that point on, the play was on. Word was that he, the Texas crew and many of the cast members shut down several of the Galveston establishments during that week. Fittingly, he had a spot playing Admiral Nimitz during the play, when he conveyed to the audience, as has been noted previously, that "Submarines were now the Capital ships of the Navy". Truer words were never spoken. Just over a year ago, he invited several of us, through Brian, to come down and tour the USS Cavalla. We were in awe that this great sailor and gentlemen was not only conveying history, he lived it on that very boat. Fair winds, Blue skies and Calm Seas on your last patrol, from your friends Rae Lynn and John Wertz. Last edited by John Wertz; 08-08-09 at 07:22 PM. |
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#2 | |
VIP
![]() Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: El Paso
Posts: 28
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#3 |
Bilge Rat
![]() Join Date: Aug 2009
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My family(step-dad is Lt Cmdr John Shearin) met the Alfords in Gitmo in 1971. My sister, Lisa Smith, became "Baby Katie's" best friend. Because of that special relationship, we all became friends of Capt Alford and his sweet family. What a fun family- smart, witty, adventurous, and they totally loved and bonded with my Mississippi family. The Alfords treated Lisa as one of their's and included her on some fun Caribbean adventures. I still have her T-shirt and many pictures from one of them. Because Lisa and Katie couldn't bear to part at the end of the tours in Gitmo, the Alfords invited Lisa up to New Hampshire to live for the remainder of the school year. She loved every minute of it. We loved sharing her with them. Because my sweet Lisa died in a car wreck in 1976, while a freshman at the University of Southern Mississippi, Katie has become my angel, my confidant, my friend in Lisa's memory. Thank you Capt Alford for giving life to this special person. Thank you for your service to our country. I hope Lisa was waiting at the gate for you with a big smile, ready to begin heavenly adventures much like the ones you provided her with while she spent so little time on this earth. Thanks for the memories. God Bless your family!
Brenda Smith Nowell |
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#4 |
VIP
![]() Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Posts: 12
Downloads: 2
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Oh I so am getting a heart full of love and memories and I feel like Dad is just wrapping his arms around his little baby Katie now and saying "Hey I will let your best friend in life, Lisa, know you are well"- It is a special bond to know where we will be in eternity with the Lord and I know Joan and Dad had that special love for the Lord together. He used to tell me all about their bible studies together.
Katie |
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#5 |
Ocean Warrior
![]() Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Carmel, Indiana
Posts: 3,250
Downloads: 320
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R.I.P Capt. You served your country well.
__________________
Irish1958 ![]() |
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#6 |
Seasoned Skipper
![]() Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: London
Posts: 713
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I never had the honour and privilege to meet Captain Zeb, but I am filled with admiration for a man and gentleman who actually did what most of us can only imagine but never dare. The number and depth of warmth of the tributes pay better testament to Zeb Alford than I can ever do, other than to say:
"I take my cap off to you Cap'n Zeb. You have made so many lives both safer and richer. So long, Skipper". Raoul de Bunsen Laughing Swordfish |
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#7 |
Ocean Warrior
![]() Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 2,552
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A great man. I thank him for his service to our country. And may the Lord God rest his soul.
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