Happenings USS FEE
RDSN John D. Coffey
9/27/1945 to 3/7/2024
There are special people in our lives who will never leave us. They might leave us in body, but never in mind. John Coffey was one of those people. The days John was with us might fade away, but his memories, moments, quick wit and laughter, will never fade away!
When we have collected John’s obituary information, we will post a special “In Memory of John” tribute on this website.
Condolences can be sent to John’s daughter Marni – mhicks904 at gmail.com.
Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial – June 6
Join us to celebrate the grand opening of the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans
Memorial. Honor RD2 Garry Hodgson, BM2 Gary Sage, RD3 Gregory Sage and
SA Kelly Jo Sages inclusion onto the Nebraska Memorial Panel along with the
other 396 veterans that gave their lives in the Vietnam War from Nebraska. On
display is a permanent memorial panel for the “Lost 74″.
Update: Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial Dedication
On June 6, 2024, the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans memorial will be dedicated in Papillion, Nebraska. Not only will those from Nebraska be honored but a separate panel of the lost 74 names is also included with the memorial.
The organizing committee is starting to make their plans and would like to know who from the Frank E Evans Association is planning to attend.
Please complete the attached form and provide back to Steve Kraus via email at kraussa754@gmail.com
Steve needs the information no later than Jan 30
Please fill out the form here – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfx6xbO8D1eK5yToW1btv9-_sXh_34G1uX3MIkuihbCCFv0zg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0&usp=mail_form_link
Legislative Update: HR3826
Please keep up your efforts to contact your Congressmember and urge support for HR3826 which would add the names of our Lost 74 Heroes to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. I’m happy to answer any questions you have on how to make this happen.
You can find their contact information here: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
SAVE THE DATE! REUNION 2024 – Spokane, Washington
Save the dates – September 11-14, 2024! More information to come.
Spokane by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Alpha Stock Images
Video for the Project 74
Please check out our new video regarding our efforts to add the names of the Lost 74 to the Wall:
REUNION 2023 SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS SEPTEMBER 27 – 30 2023
The land of Lincoln awaits your presence at this year’s USS Frank E. Evans Association Reunion. Our reunion starts Wednesday, September 27 in Springfield, Illinois at the Northfield Inn and Suites, the address is 3280 Northfield Dr. Springfield, Illinois 62702. Keeping the price as low as possible, yet providing a good place for our lodging, food and entertainment remains a high priority.
Shipmates, Members, Relatives of the Lost and Friends, your package will be in the mail the first week of June, if you do not receive a package by mid June, please contact Donna Kraus at krausdfm@gmail.com.
For our Australian Friends “Down Under” you can make you room reservation here Click Here to Book for the USS Frank E Evans Reunion
Project 74 Update – Disappointing Finish this Year
To say that we were disappointed to learn that neither of our Amendments were included in the NDAA cannot explain our frustration. As you may recall, our team had been working with the Ridge Group to advocate to congress to add two amendments; one amendment which would have added the names of the Lost 74 crew members to the Vietnam War Memorial wall and a second amendment designed to instruct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct an analysis of the issues related to adding the Lost 74 names. Neither of the Amendments were included in the final version of the NDAA.
While not knowing exactly what transpired in the halls of congress this past week, what we understand is that after navigating the Armed Services Committee, concerns and questions on the amendments arose from the Energy & Natural Resources and National Parks subcommittee. We know that significant restructuring took place in this committee according to articles in the news, we believe this is where our amendments were dropped.
Indeed, this is disappointing! However, there are silver linings. First, this effort was supported or not opposed by Armed Services, a hurdle we had not overcome in the past. So, getting our cause in front of the other committees represents some level of progress. Second, we have been apprised that the Leadership of the Senate intends to submit a letter directly to the GAO that instructs the analysis to be completed. This approach is within the rules and does not require an amendment to the NDAA. Third, we also found out through the Ridge Group that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is not against adding the names to the wall.
There is still work to be done. As we have said in the past “We will not give up the fight to get the 74 names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.” We will re-group early in the new year, as we better understand the process for the congressional leaderships letter to the GAO and how to best engage with the new congress.
York, Dennis
SN DENNIS R. YORK 25 November 1963-67
I Dennis R. York was born 24 July 1946, at Watertown, South Dakota. My hair was brown and my eyes are hazel. I enlisted in the navy at Sioux Falls, South Dakota 8 August 1963, and went to boot camp in San Diego, California. On 25 November 1963, I reported on board USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) to 1 Division. I was a Boatswain Mate Striker.
Dennis currently resides at 709 1 St. SW., Watertown, SD, 57201- st 4714. You can reach him at 605-880-0287.