On the 27th of February we assembled a
small group to go to the USS Ford FFG 54 to honor their first petty office
to be selected for the Gamewardens of Vietnam Excellence in Leadership
Award. Our group was small because it was on a working day and most of our
members still have to work for a living but all were with us in spirit.
The Ford made a special event lunch in
the Wardroom with Seth Landauer and his chain of command. It was lunch first
and award later but here on the web site you will have to see the lunch
last.
All of us that served together in
Vietnam worked together as a team so for this special award we worked as a
team to make this award memorable for every one.
First Captain Curtiss Johnson Ret read
the Gamewardens Award letter to the group and presented it to
DC3 Seth Lindauer
ENC Alan Stephens Ret then presented a
framed with print of a MK II PBR with the following inscription ---
GAMEWARDENS
OF VIETNAM
LEADERSHIP
EXCELLENCE AWARD 2007
DC3
– SETH A. LINDAUER, USN
Note: he was
selected in December but because of ship commitments the ceremony had to
wait
The all important Black Beret was
presented by Tom Restemayer GMG3 Vet.
Lastly QMCS Heinz Hickethier Ret gave a
bio of Mike Gregoire (First Mike) and read the letter written by him to Seth
Lindauer
December 13, 2007
DC3 Seth A.
Lindauer
USS Ford (FFG-54)
Naval Station
Everett
Everett,
WA 98207
Dear Seth,
Congratulations on
being named the first recipient of the Gamewardens of
Vietnam Leadership Award.
The legacy of the
Gamewardens is a proud one and their service in
Vietnam
was truly heroic. Such gallantry will never be lost to history
as long as the
United States of America
is fortunate enough to have Sailors like you carry on such a
proud tradition of Naval service.
I commend you on
the leadership you have shown in your Navy career and for your
commitment to preserving our Nation's freedom – keep up the
great work!
With warm regards
and best wishes.
Sincerely,
Mike Gregoire
First Gentleman of
Washington
The three most important men on the USS
Ford FFG 54 on the 27th of February 2008
L to R XO USS Ford LCDR Kevin L. Austin,
DC3 Seth A. Landauer and CO CDR John D. Wilshusen
LUNCH in the Wardroom
What an experience for us ex enlisted and a warm memory
for the officer among us
WOW no trays, seated service and great food ---
Definitely better than C-Rats
Names to be added later to the lunch pictures after I get all
the names and ranks. from the ship
