THE SIGNA SOCIETY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP87S00869R000200240004-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 32
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 7, 2010
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: October 1, 1982
• Content Type: MEMO

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ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET ,, '?'.~r'',
s(BJKT: (Optional)
The SIGNA Society
FR
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No.
ST
OS 2
2185/1
10
Director of Security
4E,-60 HQS
DATE
STA
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OCT 1982
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MEMORANDUM FOR: Special Assistant to the
Director of Central Intelligence
Director of Security
STAT
The SIGNA Society
1. In response to your note of 20 September, the following
is offered in the hope it will assist the DCI in his presenta-
tion. Incidentally, we are most appreciative of the DCI's
interest and fully understand the severe limitations on his time.
2. The SIGNA Society is reserved for retired CIA Security
Careerists. Its population runs the gamut of individuals who have
been inactive for some time to fairly recent retirees who are
actively engaged in work, usually related to security. Bob
Gambino, the current president, now is the Deputy Inspector
General for the Synthetic Fuels Corporation, a position which
required Congressional approval. Bob was the Director of
Security for CIA from 1975 to 1980. Another distinguished
SIGNA member is Marv Gentile, a former Agency employee who
held a position at the Department of State equivalent to our
Director of Security, served a tour as Chairman of the DCI
Security Committee, and currently holds a responsible position
with General Electric. Some SIGNA members are still associated
with the Agency in contract status and contribute significantly
as "on-call" investigators and in other security specialties.
3. Given the limited time the DCI can reserve for an
address, it is my strong recommendation that he concentrate on
the leak problem. Some talking points related to the damage
caused by leaks, the difficulties in containing them, and sug-
gested countermeasures follow:
a. Damage Caused by Leaks
The epidemic nature of leaks, more
than 250 reported and investigated in the
Intelligence Community in 1981.
OS 2 2185/1
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STAT
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The damage to the national security
posture, the country's intelligence capa-
bility and the credibility of the Agency.
? The diminished ability to recruit
certain assets overseas.
? The lowered morale of overseas
operational personnel and an increasing
difficulty in retaining their services.
0 The loss, through disenchantment,
of cooperation of private firms that parti-
cipate in nonofficial cover arrangements.
The loss of institutional effective-
ness caused by leaks, which is manifested
by backtracking and wheelspinning that
would not occur if time and energy spent in
damage assessment and repair of negative
impact on operations were more productively
directed toward getting the job done.
b. Difficulties in Containment
? Despite considerable emphasis by the
Administration on containment, confusion
persists in equating the whistleblower with
the leaker. The former seeks justice; the
latter serves himself and his personal
interests.
? Existing espionage laws do not lend
themselves to legal sanctions; application
of existing statutes is perceived as
overkill.
? Prosecution often would involve
disclosure of classified information.
? The public and the press are sen-
sitive to First Amendment considerations
and tolerate or practice publication of
anything deemed newsworthy.
? So-called authorized leaks
contribute to cynicism and a perception
that good leaks or bad leaks are different
only in the context of whether or not they
help a particular Administration.
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c. Preventive Measures
? New legislation focused explicitly
on criminal penalties for unauthorized dis-
closure of classified information.
? Establishment of Government-wide
policy/regulations that would permit
application of administrative sanctions
against leakers, up to and including
termination.
Security indoctrination of all
persons, including appointed officials,
of the absolute necessity to safeguard
classified information to which they are
privileged to have access.
Effective and uniform control of
media briefings and contacts.
? Adopt secrecy agreements contain-
ing prepublication review requirements.
? Pursue leak investigations with
vigor and determination, not ruling out
use of the polygraph when the severity or
frequency of leaks so warrant.
? Direct whistleblowers to Inspectors
General or oversight boards/ committees;
deprive the leaker of the umbrella of
responsibility that should be reserved for
those honestly concerned with legality,
waste, etc.
? Gain interagency cooperation and
joint action on leaks; a first step would
be development of a comprehensive, shared
database.
? Dedicate more professionals to
the leak problem; neglect cannot be
tolerated when our most sensitive intel-
ligence sources and methods are in
obvious jeopardy.
4. I would suggest that any topics other than leaks be
afforded very brief treatment. With respect to the Intelligence
Identities Act of 23 June 1982, it is suggested identification of
covert personnel can be treated as a particularly heinous leak.
Those individuals responsible for identification of assets are
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dedicated to destruction of the American intelligence capability
and, notwithstanding their protestations of benevolent intent,
aim to disrupt, discredit and eventually render the Agency
impotent. In the process, they endanger the life and well-being
of our people and expose them to harrassment or deadly violence
by the opposition or the lunatic fringe of service to nothing but
anarchy, turmoil and destruction. I believe it is sufficient, in
any comment concerning FOIA, to note abuses permitted under the
current legislation and point out benefit of change, (reducing
the possibility of inadvertent disclosure of classified informa-
tion, construction of a damaging mosaic, and relief from the
mandate to release sensitive but unclassifiable information).
5. Should you require any additional information on SIGNA
probable talking points, or specific information regarding leaks
and/or enacted or prospective legislation, I will be happy to
provide it either verbally or formally. I agree completely that
a short and generalized presentation followed by a brief question
and answer session would be best. The DCI will find the SIGNA
group to be an audience of sympathetic and supportive profession-
als; it is not necessary that he gear himself to interrogaon of
the "Meet the Press" variety. STAT
Distribution:
Orig - SA/DCI
1 - ER
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MEMORANDUM.FOR: v+ructior of oecurity 20 Sept 821
The t I agreed to spend a few minutes with the SIGNA
group on 7 October. Since the DCI will have just
returned on 6 October from a few weeks abroad, his
schedulet will be very tight; thus 15 minutes is
the'most you can expect for his presentation.
Pls provide a representative list of attendees, with
info on the SIGNA Society and the type of work some
of these members are involved in. Also, we'd appreciate
suggested "talking points" for the DCI's preserfation.
As you mentioned, "leaks" continue to haunt us; thus
some words on the Administration's emphasis on trying
to prevent leaks and,-when they happen, to investigate
them to locate the perpetrator(s). Identities
Legislation and upcoming FOIA should also-be given a
few paragraphs.
T' d suggest about a 7-8 minutel presentation, follSred
cc: DD~
STAT
STAT
STAT
FM i 01 EDITIONS IOUS
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FORM 610 use E Mo s~ DCI
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The SIGMA Society DD/A Registry
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EXTeN51oN No.
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4E-64, Hdqs. ?"'E 17 SEP 1982
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17 SEP 1952
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Central Intelligence
Deputy Director of Central Intelligence
Executive Director
Deputy Director for Administration
FROM: STAT
Director ot Security
SUBJECT: The SIGNA Society
1. This memorandum is for information only.
2. Based on information from it is my STAT
understanding that you have agreed to address the Ninth Annual
Convention of SIGNA in the Agency auditorium at 4:00 p.m. on
Thursday, 7 October 1982. Mr. Robert W. Gambino, current
president of the SIGNA and former Director of Security for CIA,
has asked that I express his appreciation for your acceptance
of the Society's invitation. The convention, drawing members
from throughout the United States, will be held 7-8 October 1982.
3. The SIGNA Society, established in April 1970, is an
organization composed of retired CIA security officers. It has
a current membership in excess of 250. Its current president
was Director of Security from 1975 to 1980. The Society, which
by charter is nonprofit and nonpolitical, is most supportive of
the Agency and assiduously defends it.
4. In view of the composition of the audience, it is
suggested. you provide some general comments on the current health
of CIA and a forecast for the immediate future. Additional topics
of interest may be:
? Role of the alumnus to the intelligence mission.
? The Administration's strong stance on the
importance of security.
? The recently signed legislation on the protec-
tion of identities of those under cover.
? Extended use of the polygraph.
? Leaks.
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5. I am confident that you will find the SIGNA members a
most appreciative and responsive audience. I am certain they
will be honored and gratified by your presence at and contribu-
tion to their convention.
Distribution:
Orig - DCI
1 - DDCI
1 - ExDir
1 - ER
1 - DDA
STAT
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ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET
SW
ECT: (Optional)
The SIGNA Society
F
EXTENSION
NO.
ST
ST
Deputy Director of Security (P&M
4E-60, Hqs.
DATE 2 3 SEP I5di
T0j (Officer designation, room number, and
buil ing)
DATE
OFFICER'S
COMMENTS (Number each comment to show from whom
RECEIVED
FORWARDED
INITIALS
to whom. Draw a line across column after each comment.)
C/PPG
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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9.
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12.
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1-79 610 EDITISU-
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2 3 SEP iHi82
MEMORANDUM FOR: Chief, Policy and Plans Group
SUBJECT: The SIGNA Society
1. On 22 September 1982 the Director of Security suggested
the following:
the Office of Security directly to
- not the DCI.
STAT
* Suggested that the DCI consider various topics,
including the Privacy Act and Identities legis-
lation, but in view of the time limitations,
"which we understand," it was decided to focus
on the leak problem.
* Extract appropriate "bullets" from the
speech on leaks, dated 16 July 1982.
* Indicate that SIGNA membership reflects a wide
variety of occupations, many of whom are fully
retired and quite inactive, to others who have
established second careers.
* Mention Bob Gambino's position with the Synthetic
Fuels Corporation (which involves Congressional
approval) and touch upon PZarv Gentile, a recent
past president, who is involved in industrial
security work.
2. The principal point seems to be that the DCI could not
adequately cover several different issues in an 8 minute presenta-
tion, and it would be better to provide him with ammunition on the
leak problem - a major area of security concern.
Deputy Director of Security (PFM)
STAT
STAT
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(Name, office symbol, room number,
building, Agency/Post)
Data
22 OCT
19B2
10
Note and Rat
Per Converse
m
See Me
Signature
STAT
STAT
041-102 OPTIONAL FORM 41 (Rev. 7-76)
Pnserib.d GSA
e ,,, , FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.206
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DO NOT use this form as a RECORD approvals, concurrences, disposals,
clearance% a miler actions
FROM (Name, ors. symbol, Agen t) Room No.-Bldg.
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711
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11 .4 '
2
19
14r Plr'
6
STAT
412/
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IF
UflVE TARIAT
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The Honorable William Casey
Director, Central Intelligence Agency
CIA Headquarters Building
Langley, Virginia
Dear Director Casey,
On behalf or the Signa Society, I wish to thank you
for speaking to our Annual Convention, on October 7, 1982.
Your appearance was the highlight of our convention, and
all members are grateful to you for sharing your thoughts
on matters of continuing interest to us.
As you know, the Signa Society is very supportive of
the Agency's missions; and we are extremely pleased and
encouraged by the Agency's progress under your leadership.
We are also very appreciative of
help in making arran ements for our visit to CIA Head-
quarters. We know is doing a great job for you and
the Agency.
Best regards for continued success.
Sincerely,
Robert W. Gambino
President
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i r Q,c Fc?~! iT
STAT
STAT
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COMUS INN LUNCHEON
Wednesday, June 29, 1983
Comus Inn
Comus, Maryland
***Buffet***
Salad
Swedish Meatballs
Baked Chicken
Baked Ham
Vegetables
Potatoes
Rolls
Coffee - Tea - Milk
Cash Bar .................... 1130 Hours
Buffet Luncheon ............. 1230 Hours
Cost of Luncheon ...... $7.50 per person
Directions: Take the Capital Beltway
to 1-270 North. Proceed about 20
miles--plus or minus, whereupon you
should spot a sign with the legend:
"Sugar Loaf Mountain-Next Right."
This is your turnoff and as you ap-
proach it the sign will read: "Hyatts-
town/Barnesville - MD-109." Drive
about three miles; the Comus Inn
is on your right.
bow
As we near the half-year post tor
the current SIGNA officers, we want
to take this opportunity to update
you on some of our activities. We
have told you of some of our early
objectives and I believe you have
already noticed some of our accom-
plishments.
In taking a hard look at our finan-
cial position, we have given careful
consideration to the recommendation
made by Henry Thomas during his annual
audit of our records. Updating our
mailing list was foremost among them.
We have been constantly reviewing
our records in an effort to contact
members delinquent in paying dues
yet have been receiving our news-
letters and membership directories
for an extended period of time.
We felt that this lapse was an over-
sight and sent out reminders on a
selective basis. Batting 500 on
this wasn't too bad and those members
appreciated our calling attention
to thier oversight.
We don't want to lose any members
because we cherish the memories of
our common past. But we now feel
that we have gone about as far as
we can go in fairness to all of you.
We intend to continue the policy
of maintaining as members in good
;,standing the widows of our late
(Continued on page
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FINANCIAL UPDATE
(1 June 1983)
Dues collected since 1 January 1983 $1,810.00
Interest on money deposited 44.80
Dues pre-paid in 1982 for 1983 200.00
Dues pre-paid in 1983 for 1984 80.00
Donations to Memorial Fund since 1 January 1983 5.00
Disbursements from Fund same period -0-
Balance in Memorial Fund
Disbursements since 1 January 1983 for:
Printing, mailing and one-time incidental
expenses for newsletter; rental of P. 0. Box;
SIGNA West printing and mailing expenses (59.97)
Bank balance
Number of active, dues paying members 247
Number who have paid 1983 dues 192
FROM THE PRESIDENT
(Continued from page 1)
members as well as our former co-
workers who are experiencing undue
hardships.
Our social calendar is taking shape.
The "Night at the Races," thanks
to Len Payne, was a huge success.
The Comus Inn buffet luncheon takes
place on the 29th of June and Bill
Kotapish has promised us a "Spectac-
ular" during our Fall convention.
You will notice that we now have
a full complement of officers, and
I will take this oportunity to thank
them all for their all-out efforts
to keep the ball rolling.
I look forward to seeing you all
at our next outing.
894.61
2,440.02
MURIEL JONES
McLean, May 19--It was learned here
today that Muriel Jones died on May
1st. She was the wife of Richard
E. Jones, former SAC/SFO and ASAC/DFO.
To Dick, his family and friends we
extend our heartfelt sympathy.
SPECTRUM learned of Muriel's death
via a brief note to Mike Gaughan
from Ed Jovick in San Francisco and
regrets the information is so limited.
Fellow members can reach Dick at:
2000 Pine Knoll Drive (Apt 4)
Walnut Creek, CA 94595
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Thursday, March 17, 1983
The Miami Herald
Republican officials
keep jelly beans
in the party
By JOE CRANKSHAW
Herald Staff Writer
During the Martin County Fair
last week, the Republican Party put
a big jar of multi-colored jelly beans
- a favorite snack of President
Ronald Reagan - on display and
invited fairgoers to guess the num-
ber of beans in a jar.
The winner would be awarded
the entire supply, amounting to a
small hill of beans, the GOP said.
Now the party is afraid someone
will spill the beans by telling who
won the drawing.
The reason for the embarassment
is because the winner is rles
Kane, GOP chairman in Martin
(ty, according to a source.
Kane proved himself a man who
knows his beans. He studied the big
glass jar, guessed 2,748 beans.
There were 2,750 beans in the jar,
according to Sherri Plymale, presi-
dent of the Women's Republican
Club of Martin County and vice
chairman of the Republican Execu-
tive Committee.
It was all on the up-and-up, says
the source who asks to remain,
`Last year, a Republican committeewoman
guessed the number exactly. So this thing hasn't
turned out the way we planned it.'
Sherri Plymale, vice chairman of Republican
Executive Committee
anonymous because he doesn't
want to have to change his political
affiliation. Kane, the source says,
did not know the number of h 'ns.
Plymale was the person doing the
drawing.
Plymale reached into the box of
entries and pulled out three slips.
LauIZEnCF. A. I. LOWS2, J't ident
announces the election of
;I,k. Lb. fJ V.a
as g7ice-#cesidznt - ,Sales
ilntw2nationaf ga.auEI' gsioci,atEs, Onc.
sewing tiauelezs f?om two locations
350 ,South (?entEZ ,St-et 5031 < outIt cMcCa' tan Doulevazd
,Suite 120 =Smitfitidge ~laza
Jeno, ,Nevada
~ele/xlzone /702) 329-2959
^
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AUDITOR ^
^ Henry E. Thomas, III ^
^ ^
^ HISTORIAN
^ Charles V. Belt ^
MENEE^t^^^^M^^^^W
3 -
,.One of the slips contained Kane's
astute guess.
"There were 2,750 beans in the
jar," Plymale said Wednesday. "He
guessed 2,748. The next closest was
2,762.
Kane was upset, Plymale said.
"He said his winning wasn't very
good public relations for the party.
He was unhappy."
Plymale said this is the second
year that the party has held the
contest and the second year that a
party official has won.
^^^^^.^^^^^^%
Officers and ^
Directors ^
PRESIDENT
Calvin E. Davis
VICE PRESIDENT
Margaret N. C. Bowman
TREASURER
Michael J. T. Gaughan
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
William L. Herron
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE
Edward A. Cahill
Paul J. Hewgill
COMMITTEES
VISITATION OF SHUT-INS
Ervin W. Schmidt
Marguerite D. Stevens
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4 ,-? ---.__-,& IV. -&,w t
AUGUST LUNCHEON
Fort Myer, Virginia
10th Annual SIGNA Convention
13 and 14 October
'
13h
Thursday, Octobert
Business Meeting
Cocktail Party
4Friday, October 14th
I
Golf Tournament
Robert Heinbaugh, Chairman
Dinner Dance and Cash Bar
Westwood Country Club
CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
Note: The exact date,
directions pertaining
events listed above wi
in further SPECTRUM
ments.
time and
to the
11 appear
announce- A
THANK YOU
In her position at the ice company,
Ann L. Bullock had occasion to read
the last issue of SPECTRUM, my first
attempt at getting off a newsletter.
She said she found it interesting
for "I have worked with many of those
who are now retired." She also said
I was off to a good start and offered
a suggestion: The business cards
I use to fill up space, it seems,
appear to be "floating" in a sea
of white. "They would stand out
much better if you would just outline
the card around the border."
Ann and I have never met. But
I am indeed obliged to her for having
taken the time to drop me those few
lines and giving me that fabulous
tip! Your letter, Ann, was a source
of encouragement and let's hope I
remember to draw borders on all busi-
ness cards I insert. Thanks again,
Ann. Thanks also to Jim O'Connell
and Bill Cotter for encouraging me
in my new role as scribe!
-9-
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R E S I G N A T I O N
Due to the press of a full time job and an increasing number
of personal commitments, it is with considerable regret that I am compelled
to give up the chairmanship of SIGMA WEST, effective 1 May 1983.
The workload at Ford Aerospace has literally doubled during the
past few weeks with added assignments and there are a number of other matters
which take up much of my free time. My one year term of office has now run
close to 18 months and I sincerely hope someone else can find time to keep
SIGMA WEST alive and well. It's a good group and nice to get together a few
times a year. We have many memories and many laughs to shar e.
Last December, our Nominating Committee tried unsuccessfully
to come up with a few nominees to sublit to the membership.
It's been an honor and a privilege to serve such a fine
organization.
Ed. Note: SPECTRUM not entirely sure
of propriety in printing Art's letter
of resignation. We have done so
for two reasons: First, to let Art
know how much the membership appreci-
ates his organizing SIGNA West and
keeping them together these many
months with luncheons and activities;
secondly, so that the letter will
serve as a missive to inform the
membership of our loss and, hopefully,
to bring forth a volunteer to succeed
Art as the SIGNA West Chairman.
-5--
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CHESTER C. CRAWFORD
It is our very sad duty to
report the death of fellow member
Chester C. Crawford. Chet died 1
March in Fairfax Hospital, Virginia
at the age of 63 and was buried at
Rock Creek Cemetary on 4 March after
an impressive memorial service.
The large room in the funeral
home was filled to overflowing, making
manifest the love, respect and affec-
tion held for Chet and the feeling
of a deep personal loss by all who
knew him. He was certainly not the
sort of person one would soon forget.
As Bill Kotapish eulogized his "first
boss and close friend" tears came
to many eyes.
Cherished memories of Chet
will remain with us always. To his
family we extend our deepest sympathy.
The eulogy Bill gave with such elo-
quence colorfully recounts Chet's
wondrous ways.
CHET CRAWFORD
BY
BILL KOTAPISH
"THOUGH NOTHING CAN BRING BACK THE
HOUR, OF SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS, OF
GLORY IN THE FLOWER.. .WE WILL GRIEVE
NOT BUT RATHER FIND STRENGTH I N WHAT
REMAINS BEHIND."
LAST TUESDAY, THE QUALITY
OF LIFE FOR EVERY PERSON IN THIS
ROOM WAS DIMINISHED BY THE LOSS OF
CHET CRAWFORD. THE SAME IS TRUE
OF MANY OTHER PEOPLE WHO COULD NOT
BE HERE WITH US TODAY.
CHET CRAWFORD WAS QUITE A GUY.
WHETHER YOU SAW HIM AS A LOVING
HUSBAND AND FATHER--WHICH HE WAS--
OR AS A LOVING SON AND BROTHER--
WHICH HE WAS--OR VIEWED HIM AS A
LOVING FRIEND WHICH I KNEW HIM TO
BE... .HOWEVER YOU LOOKED AT CHET,
THE SIMPLE TRUTH IS THAT HE WAS
A UNIQUE, WONDERFUL AND UNFORGET-
TABLE MAN.
I FIRST MET CHET IN 1951.
HE WAS, IN EFFECT, MY FIRST BOSS
AND I LEARNED MORE FROM CHET THAN
I EVER LEARNED IN ANY COLLEGE CLASS-
ROOM OR FROM ANY TEXTBOOK. WHILE
OTHERS PRACTICED MANAGEMENT BY OB-
JECTIVES OR MANAGEMENT BY BUDGETS,
CHET PRACTICED MANAGEMENT BY LOVE.
CHET REALLY LOVED US. AND
THE FEELING WAS MUTUAL. HE TOLD
US WE WERE TEN FEET TALL AND WE
BELIEVED HIM. HE TOLD US THAT AS
A TEAM WE WERE UNBEATABLE--THAT
WE COULD ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING--AND
WE BELIEVED HIM.
BECAUSE OF CHET, DOZENS OF
CAREERS WERE LAUNCHED WITH A PHIL-
OSOPHY OF CONFIDENCE, TEAMWORK AND
JOY OF LIFE. AND NOW, THIRTY YEARS
LATER, FOR MANY OF HIS BOYS IT'S
STILL GOING ON: THE CONFIDENCE,
THE TEAMWORK, AND THE JOY OF LIFE.
THANKS TO CHET CRAWFORD--QUITE A
GUY.
FOR MANY YEARS CHET WAS THE
ARCHITECT AND DRIVING FORCE BEHIND
A PROGRAM THAT WAS DESTINED TO BECOME
ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT IN THE
HISTORY OF GOVERNMENT SECURITY.
SO, AS A PROFESSIONAL PERSON, CHET
WAS A SUCCESS.
BUT THAT WAS NOTHING COMPARED
TO CHET'S SUCCESS AS A HUMAN BEING.
HE KNEW US ALL. HE KNEW OUR FAMILIES.
WHEN THERE WAS TROUBLE IN OUR HOMES,
CHET CARED. HE REALLY CARED.
I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS IN A
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CAR POOL WITH CHET YEARS AGO. MY
WIFE FRAN WAS WORKING AT THE AGENCY
AND SHE WAS PREGNANT AT THE TIME
WITH OUR FIRST BABY. FRAN WAS IN
THE CAR POOL TOO. EVERY DAY CHET
WAS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT FRAN'S WELL
BEING.
WHEN I HAD NIGHT SCHOOL, CHET
WOULD WALK WItH FRAN UP FOUR FLIGHTS
OF STAIRS TO OUR APARTMENT IN TAKOMA
PARK TO MAKE SURE SHE WAS OKAY.
THAT WAS CHET--QUITE A GUY.
I DON'T HONESTLY KNOW HOW ONE
MEASURES GREATNESS IN A FELLOW HUMAN
BEING. BUT IF THE CRITERION IS THE
ABILITY TO INFLUENCE OTHERS IN GOOD
AND DECENT DIRECTIONS, THEN CHET
CRAWFORD WAS A GREAT MAN.
CHET HAD A GOOD LIFE: A WONDERFUL
FAMILY, MORE FRIENDS THAN ANYONE
I KNOW, PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
AND LAUGHS. LOTS AND LOTS OF LAUGHS.
NEVER KNEW ANYONE WHO TOLD
A JOKE BETTER THAN CHET. DIALECT
JOKES. STRAIGHT JOKES. HE TOLD
THEM ALL. AND HE TOLD THEM BEAUTI-
FULLY. HE LOVED TO LAUGH. AND HE
LOVED TO SEE US LAUGH. LET'S REMEMBER
THAT ESPECIALLY WHEN WE THINK OF
CHET. AND WE WILL THINK OF CHET--
ALL OF US WILL. ALWAYS. BECAUSE
TO DO SO WILL, ONCE AGAIN, ENRICH
,OUR LIVES.
"THOUGH NOTHING CAN BRING BACK THE
HOUR, OF SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS, OF
GLJRYIN THE FLOWER.. .WE WILL GRIEVE
NOT BUT RATHER FIND STRENGTH IN WHAT
REMAINS BEHIND."
ST. PATRICK"S LUNCHEON
Fifty-three of the Washington
area crowd made the St. Pat-
rick's Luncheon on 15 March.
Unfortunately there were no
pictures taken so we cannot
show the rest of the member-
ship how well everyone looked.
7-
Accompanied by their lovely
wives were stalwarts Ed Kane,
George Ladner, Frank Scanlan,
Hi Steele and Erv Schmidt.
Jim Green was there with his wife
and Alice Cronin.
Bill Kotapish, SIGNA's unique
patron, accompanied by ReLda White
were guests of Cal and Pat Davis.
Also on hand were two other
staffers soon, we hope, to
join our ranks: Jack Pflieger and
George Schwegmann.
It" Its always good to see Mar-
guerite Stevens, Maggie Bowman
and Esther Yates. The luncheon
debut for John Meehan, Jim Byrne
and Bruce Solie, we hope, will
turn out to be the first of
many.
Bill Cotter and Jim O'Connell
showed, along with Tom Carroll,
Bill Royer, Mike Sydorko, Win
Umbach, Bob Ventres, Harlan
Westrell, Jack Williamson,
Tom Brown, John Myers, Tom
Ogden, Ernie Kropff, Dave Herr-
ling, Ed Scholtz and Mike Gaughan
And if this reads like a litany,
so be it; but at least John McIn-
tyre out in St. Paul knows
who goes to the luncheons!
Boris Bogranoff, Ken Carroll,
Frank daCruz, Barney Doran
and Len Payne were also there
with their wives.
Great having Hollis Whitaker,
SIGNA West's minister without
portfolio, join us. The distance
some people will travel for
corned beef and cabbage! Perhaps
next time he can arrange to
have Eileen accompany him?
We missed seeing Jim Fitchett,
Ralph True and Harry Murphy.
Maybe next time....
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&&W
tions during World War II written
by Navy Captain W. J. Holmes, is
an eyewitness account of the Combat
Tied to a previous engage-
ment that he couldn't break, George
O'Rourke missed seeing "the old
gang" at the March luncheon. But
he tells us that he and the other
O'Rourkes are "keeping reasonably
healthy and happy." And we say
that's just about all that really
matters.
We're not aware how many
of our members know this, but George
and a fellow Signaite, Drew Kohler
from Hawaii, have been playing
chess for some time by mail. Right
now they're involved in two games
which began on 15 November 1982.
And they're only on the 13th move!
(At any rate, their progress was
such on 22 March 1983.)
The average chess game con-
sists of some 35 to 45 moves, lead-
ing us nonparticipants to see that
they have a long way to go. Moves,
however, are accompanied by letters,
so they keep pretty well posted
on the activities of one another.
Drew's most recent letter
to George informed him of a ceremony
that took place at the Pearl Harbor
Naval Shipyard on March 11th honor-
ing Drew and the other officers
and men of Combat Intelligence
Unit, Fourteenth Naval District. The
inspired efforts of this unit played
a major role in breaking the enemy's
principal naval codes enabling
U. S. Naval forces to attain key
victories that were the turning
points in the war in the Pacific.
Rear Admiral Stanley J.
Anderson, U. S. Navy Commander
Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, unveiled
the plaque as illustrated.
Double-Edged Secrets, a book
on U. S. Naval Intelligence Opera-
Intelligence Unit which collected,
analyzed and
intelligence t
II. Then Navy L
--a linguist--w
dissemi
hroughou
ieutenan
as one
nated naval
t World War
t Drew Kohler
of those as-
signed to the
Combat
Intelligence
Unit during
those
trying days.
The reading of
Double
Edged Secrets
I most heartily
commend
to all.
Drew also plays chess with
Captain Holmes!
COMBAT INTELLIGENCE UNIT
14TH NAVAL DISTRICT
WORLD WAR Ii
IN 1941-42, IN THE BASEMENT AT THE FOOT OF THESE STAIRS,
DEDICATED OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE COMBAT INTELLIGENCE UNIT,
14TH NAVAL DISTRICT, UNDER THE INSPIRED LEADERSHIP OF
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER JOSEPH J. ROCHEFORT, USN, ANALYZED
JAPANESE NAVAL RADIO TRAFFIC AND PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN
BREAKING THE ENEMY'S PRINCIPAL NAVAL CODES. THEY THUS
EXPOSED ENEMY PLANS AND OPERATIONS, THEREBY ENABLING
U S NAVAL FORCES TO ATTAIN VICTORIES IN SUCH FEY BATTLES
AS CORAL SEA AND MIDWAY, TURNING POINTS IN THE WAR IN THE
PACIFIC.
trv and Jeri Schmidt were for-
tunate enough to blow town the
day before February's 24-inch snow.
As Erv puts it, "Everyone has a
right to get lucky once in a while."
Though not ones to cast dis-
credit upon any single group, they
seem prone to believe that in tout-
ing the warmth of Florida's sun,
the Chamber of Commerce may be
stretching the truth a wee bit.
For out of four weeks, only about
three days were warm enough to
strip down to a bathing suit.
But the warmth showed through
with visits to many friends: a
pleasant evening with Joe and Natalie
Bednar in their lovely condo, a
good luncheon stop with Bill Knott
and a lovely call at Ken and Valerie
Clayton's beautiful place. In Edgewater they
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surprised Dave and Helen McGinnis who
operate "a very fascinating honey
processing business." Erv and Dave,
incidentally, date back to OSS!
Should any of our members plan
on visiting EPCOT, Erv suggests,
"better wait until it wears down
a bit...the crowds are unbelievable;
attendance has exceeded all expecta-
tions."
Now back at their home in Rock-
ville, Maryland, busily dusting the
cobwebs off an unused snow shovel,
they reflect on their trip South
and regret not having enough time
to see more SIGNA friends.
-q-
Mike Gaughan had a few lines from
Jim Farr (Temple Hills, Maryland)
who wrote of a visit to the Hawkeye
State last summer: "My world travel
consisted of going to my home town
in Iowa to visit old (I mean old)
friends. The younger ones are in
their seventies and still farming
or on the golf course. Some still
fly their own planes. Others I visit-
ed were shut-ins or in the nursing
home."
*** Wasn't it Thomas Wolfe who wrote,
You Can't Go Home Again?
Jim says hello to Tom Cole, Morgan
Hodge, Wes and the others....
Jack Windham (Hyattsville, Maryland)
writes Mike Gaughan that he's experi-
encing "good health" and says "hello"
to everyone.
Virginia and Mike Gaughan
spent Easter at Pinehurst, North
Carolina and while there visited Fred
and Helene Bucci . The Buccis are
renting a condominium located right
on the fairway of one of the six
golf courses run by Pinehurst, Inc.,
and have been busy drawing up plans
for their new home on which con-
struction will have begun in April.
Fred is busy practicing law out
of his office in Fayetteville three
days a week, Monday and Friday being
devoted to golf. Helene has been
so busy with other things she has
not as yet gotten around to golf.
She has done some volunteer modeling
(Her picture was in the local paper)
and volunteer church work at their
growing parish, cooking exotic cakes
and candy and walking five miles
a day. Fred and Helene look great,
are happy in their new environment
and send their best to everyone.
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On forwarding his '83 dues, Rufus
Hasty, who's been away from the Wash-
ington area for over four years,
informs us he's now back in Fairfax,
Virginia and looks forward to renewing
old acquaintances.
Dick Sampson of Palos Verdes, Cali-
fornia and Dick King from Denver, Col-
orado tell us they enjoy receiving
SPECTRUM and learning about many
former friends and associates.
Chet and Mary Hoatson went back east
in May to attend the wedding of their
youngest son, Mark. Hollis and Eileen
Whitaker were to be on hand, as well
as many friends and relatives from
the Michigan area.
John Knauf, 14 year old son of
SIGNA member Marie Knauf and the
late Bob Knauf, won the 1983 Colorado-
Wyoming spelling bee in April in
Denver. He will represent that area
at the National Spelling Bee in Wash-
ington, D. C. in June.
John won on the word, "wiliwili,"
a red-flowered tree that grows in
Hawaii. He is a top student at St.
Mary's Academy near Denver and also
excels in basketball, football and
baseball.
We hope Larry Spellmeyer has been
getting the newsletter. We've been
mailing them to his previous address
and so far none have returned. Good
to have your current address, Larry.
Maggie Bowman reports that Euna Mae
Bunn's son, Nelson, was married back
in April at Snow Hill, North Carolina.
Len Payne put it all together again.
Sixty SIGNA hands had a great night
at Rosecroft. The food was great,
seating terrific, horses slow....
Jack Williamson's bathing it these
days. Wife, Josephine, is out west
visiting Special. Agent son, Ty, at
SFO and daughter, Karen, Courier
for a West Coast projects office
at LAX. But before Jo went "wheels
up" she left a list of honeydew chores
for Jack: Honey, do this; Honey,
do that... But Jack takes it all
in stride frequenting, every now
and then, various Chinese restaurants
to acquire a new slant on things.
0000000000000000000
0 AWE CARES 0
0 0
Q It may not be as comforting as
encouraging words of a doctor, or
0 the tender hands of a close relative,
0 but we think it may help a little
Q for you to know that we, members
0 of SIGNA, are thinking about you, in-
clude you in our prayers, and wish
0 you were well. This goes for...
0
Q ROBERT C. DIEDRICH, he can't come
O to our luncheon at Comus Inn. He
has emphysema as well as Parkinson's
0 disease. His wife, A.M., says "no
0 fun."
0
0 EVELYN BENSON, she had eye surgery
this spring and appears to be on
0 the road to recovery. Meanwhile,
Q Turk has everything under control
O at their Palo Alto home.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
O BOB SHELDON, had a stroke in '73,
0 broke a hip in '78 and now has Parkin-
0 son's disease. He is in Northern 0
Q Virginia Doctor's Hospital. This 0
O is rough on Pearl too, who has been O
with Bob day after day until 3 - O
0 4 P.M. Doc has told her she must
0 not spend that many hours.. .she needs 0
O to take care of herself also. 0
0 There may be others out there not O
0 up to par. Please let me know so
Q we can share our concern with all our 0
O members. 0
0 Erv Schmidt O
0 0
000000000000000000 0
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HARLAN A. WESTRELL
6707 BUTTECMKNI LANK
?ETMESDA, MD. 20034
1701, 366.0447
Is there a red check mark on the back
of this SPECTRUM newsletter? We hope not.
But give a look, aredda... If there is, it
means you overlooked paying '83 dues!
- _ _---
el~~el~~e1e1e1\e1~~Nele1~~~~Ne1~Ne)HNM
~II
Usatrex International
Worldwide Security Consultants
Paul J. Hewgill
Chairman
6723 Whittier Ave.
Suite 303-C
McLean, VA. 22101
The ability to tell a man
to go to hell
So that he looks forward
to the trip.
MYSTERY LUNCHEON
WE APOLOGIZE TO ART BREW
AND THE SIGNA WEST CROWD FOR
FAILING TO INCLUDE THE DATE
OF THEIR SPRING LUNCHEON IN
THE MARCH ISSUE OF SPECTRUM.
WE IS ACTUALLY ME. AND
SINCERELY HOPE MY OMISSION
OF THE DATE DID NOT DIMINISH
THE NUMBER ATTENDING THE LUNCH.
--The Editor
Send Us
Your News!
Dear Conspirators,
I want to express my sincere thanks to all who made s'
"semptyeth" birthday party such a wonderful surprise. I have
two huge scrapbooks filled with letters, cards, and poems,
all bringing back great memories.
Nancy had made a big banner saying "HAPPY SEAPTYETH WES"
which was hung in front of the hall at the party. After the
party Karen, John and Nancy brought the banner home and hung
it in the front yard. The next day the Thai diplomatic family
who live across the street all came over with a present. Cap-
tain Karunyavani said they knew from the sign that it was my
birthday but that they had looked for "semptyeth" in all their
English dictionaries and couldn't find it.
In appreciation, or maybe in some cases retaliation, I
have written the attached poem.
%XQ,a~
AKA - --/sw , s Ar-~
Wes's 70th birthday was near, and all through the house
A conspiracy was brewing by family and spouse,
So out through the land a message was sent
Inviting Wes's friends to the coming event.
A big party was planned as a complete surprise,
A secret event of which Was was not wise.
Replies came by letters, cards and even by cable,
All telling they'd sure be coming if they were able.
All told of events in the birthday boy's life,
Some of which had never been told to his wife.
Now the day was approaching, and the tension was mounting,
Had Wes penetrated the surprise on which all were counting?
A birthday dinner was scheduled as part of the ruse,
And maybe Karen's wedding plans would also help to confuse.
When Was entered the hall, one thing was certain,
He sure hadn't penetrated the conspiracy curtain.
His mouth fell open, and no words did he utter,
His speech powers had left him unable to mutter.
Then "There's Norman," "There's ?aura," "Pappy" and "Paul!"
"Johnny Otomo, last seen in Japan, 1945, in the Fall!"
Bowlers, fellow retirees, and friends from all over the land,
Some four hundred in all to give Sempty a hand.
So thanks for the words of extravagant praise,
If Was was still working, held ask for a raise.
Faced with such great and brilliant testimony,
Who could say it's a lot of baloney?
Thanks a million,
qt~eA - b--&,~
*With apologies to the great poets like Keats, Tennyson,
Whitman, Browning, Burns, Goethe, Ventres, and especially
Clement C. Moore.
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I like the way our new Editor re-
vealed his change of address in a
note to me. "...since the 15th of
May I've been in the throes of a
move from the hinterland of Woodbridge
to the urban area of McLean. Packing
boxes are scattered all over the
apartment and it's like Coney Island
at low tide. But it's good being
in these environs. I'm situated
about 100 yards from the McLean Post
Office and about the same distance
from a cold brew at the bowling alley."
(new address: 1350 Beverly Road #307, i
McLean, Virginia 22101)
r
"Incredible!
New Members
SPECTRUM is pleased to greet the
following new members to the SIGNA
muster roll:
Philip L. Warner
4 Burger Street
Hancock, N. Y. 13783
Gerald L. Heatley
Route 1, Box 325
Roper, N. C. 27970
James D. Byrne
7229 Timber Lane
Falls Church, VA 22046
To Phil, Jerry and Jim we say,
"Welcome Aboard!"
Ed mane's just toying with Borg!"
/Z -
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ELECTION RESULTS
April 14, 1983: SIGNA member John
D. Noble of Reno, Nevada has been
elected vice president-sales and corp-
orate secretary of International Travel
Associates, Incorporated.
Noble, a 10 year resident of Reno,
is a retired executive of the federal
government. He is president of the
downtown Reno Kiwanis Club, a member
of the Prospectors Club, and active
in the society of former FBI Agents,
the Air Force Association and the
Retired Officers Association.
International Travel Associates
has two offices in Reno and will be
opening a third in Carson City this
May. Noble will. work out of the down-
town Reno branch.
SPECTRUM
THIS IS ONLY THE SECOND ISSUE OF SPECTRUM. And since
its sole purpose is to inform and please the membership,
we'd like our members to have a say about its content.
Give us some ideas on what you'd like to see:
In response to the many requests
from our Hibernian members, we are
pleased to proclaim this accurate
drawing of a Russian Leprechaun
colorfully captured by the American
Embassy in Moscow on the occasion
of their second annual St. Patrick's
Day celebration.
_/3-
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SIGNA WEST
,16NA WEST Chairman, Art brew, was
Bood enough to send me a copy of
his very well written and interesting
Spring newsletter along with several
pictures Turk Benson took at their
successful Spring Luncheon at Palo
Alto. Twenty-one attended, with
many travelling considerable distances.
The following was lifted from Art's
bulletin:
aka s --oc:u look at the Golden
(,ate Bridge above. The next time
you come to San Francisco it might
be under water. People in Reno are
being advised not to come to the
Ocean this year, it's coming to them.
In a word, it's been wet....
Marie Knauf, looking better than
ever, travr- ?_7 - . _-.11 the way from
Denver, presented a bottle
of vintage (1983) California wine
by Hollis Whitaker (up from Los
Angeles) for making the longest trip.
The Richardsons made the long
trip again from Pine Mountain Lake,
near Yosemite, and Maggie Bowman,who
won the wine last year, was expected
up to the last minute, but couldn't
get a flight out of National in Wash-
ington. She was indeed missed.
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Turk Benson once again provided
some delightful background music
with his accordion and played (approp-
riately) "It Ain't Goin' Rain Anymore."
Evelyn still isn't fully recovered
from a bad eye injury late last year
and it was good to see her at the
luncheon.
Steve
field,
and Robbieburr Berger from Fair-
California were welcomed on
board. Steve,
Colonel and
correspondent,
a retired Air Force
former field office
worked closely with
the Organization for many years
stationed at Travis Air Force
near San Francisco, working
while
Base,
many
miracles getting critical airlifts
in and out across the Pacific.
/S-
Hollis, who had attended the St.
Patrick's Luncheon in Virginia said
the turnout in the East was greater,
but the group in the West was better
looking.
CHARLIE CHAN -Ad 'MARIE KNAUF
Highlight of chc luncheon was a
fine talk by an old friend of Security
and long time staffer, Charlie Chan,
who is now retired in San Mateo.
Charlie spoke on a new book he's
writing entitled, "The Forgotten
War," covering the important, but
little publicized China-Burma-India
Theatre in World War II. He's col-
laborating with James Holland and
expects to have it published by Decem-
ber of this year. Sheff Edwards
Brought Charlie into the Organization
in 1946 and he remained for more
than thirty years. After Charlie's
talk, a question and answer period
followed. John Raines had a chance
to practice his Chinese language
ability with our guest speaker and
Charlie assured several skeptics
that John speaks very good Chinese.
MAXINE CASEBOLT and HOLL,IS WHITAKER
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Chet and Mary Hoatson were in Calif-
ornia in February visiting the Whita-
kers in Los Angeles and Maxine Case-
bolt in Oakland. They got together
for lunch with George Dombrowsky,
Floyd Hillier, Art Brew, Bob Morris
and Maxine at the Swiss Chalet in
Palo Alto. Bob was out on TDY from
Headquarters. After California,
the Hoatsons headed for the Lake
Tahoe area to visit the Walt Lloyds.
They love it in Colorado and Chet
is even talking of getting up a Rocky
Mountain version of SIGNA if he can
round up enough people in that area.
For starters there are Jim Wakefield,
Marie Knauf, Jerry Herman, Jim McCord,
Dick Clark and Rosalie Banne.
ED JOVICK, EVELYN BENSON, EDA CARNIGLIA
and ED STEWART
Mike Gaughan asked SIGNA WEST to
find out if the old U-2 crowd is
planning another reunion somewhere
this year. John Raines reports that
the 'Roadrunners,' as they call them-
selves,
will
meet
at the
Frontier
Hotel in
Las
Vegas
8,
9, and
10 Sep-
tember.
John
hopes
t
o mail
out no-
tices to
interested
parties. Some-
how Las Vegas sounds appropriate.
-A"
Evelyn Hutchison and Marie Knauf are
giving serious thought to attending
the SIGNA Convention in Virginia
this Fall. They were together in
Frankfurt and stay in touch.
RITA STEWART, EDA CARNIGLIA, TURK BENSON
Ed and Helene McGrath made a swing
through the west and southwest recently
on vacation. Not only did they en-
counter a bit of rain, but unfortun-
ately their McLean home was burlarized
during their absence.
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Al Thompson had minor surgery and
came through in fine style. Al's
boss at ESL reported that Al was
back to work in a couple of days.
Must be that tennis and jogging
that keeps Al looking so young.
More likely Estelle. Back in the
early seventies when Al was stationed
in Miami he was cutting the lawn
one day and a door-to-door salesman
came by and said, "Son, can I talk
to your father for a minute?" True
story. (George Bessey doesn't believe
it.)
EVELYN BENSON, MARIE KNAUF, RITA
STEWART
Charlie Anderson, now retired from
Ford Aerospace and living in Campbell,
California, is a man of considerable
willpower. He not only gave up a
life long cigarette habit but also
lost 35 pounds. Looks great.
Dick and Ruth Kuh were in the
Silicon Valley recently and had
dinner with their son, John, and
his new bride, and the Brews. Dick
is back in great shape after his
operation last summer. Ray Koszella
heads up Dick's Lockheed operation
in Palmdale, but Monica only sees
him on weekends when he returns
to their home in Thousand Oaks.
:U JOVICK, CHARLIE CHAN, ESTELLE and
AL THOMPSON
Ed and Rita Stewart plan to vacation
in Florida soon. Rita doesn't like
to fly and it's a long drive!
Known to perhaps only a few of
you because he was quite young was
Mike Benton, an extremely able young
man who had been assigned to Miami
and Los Angeles Field Offices in
the seventies. He left the organi-
zation in 1977 to attend law school
full time in the state of Washington.
We were very saddened to hear that
Mike died last year and his wife
passed away a few weeks later.
They had two adopted children.
Mike's star shone very briefly,
but very brightly.
John Noble was asked to look into
the possibility of a SICNA WEST
excursion to Reno in the Fall and
came up with several possibilities
circa Iat September. John sends
-/I-
I
~'~:AI I nri ',.AL 1
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"Greetings" to all the gang. Art
thanks John for all the information
and suggests that SIGNA WEST along
with SIGNA, if not this year, perhaps
consider Reno as an idea for a nation-
al convention in 1984 or 1985.
Dick and Muriel Jones have missed
a few SIGNA WEST functions recently
and expressed their thanks for the
nice card signed by everyone for
Muriel at Christmas Dinner in Pleasan-
ton. Dick reports that Muriel is
improving and they hope to rejoin
us soon. We certainly hope so.
Bill Milligan passed through Calif-
ornia recently to visit his youngest
son, Rob and bride, in Palo Alto.
He then flew to Hong Kong for ten
days with relatives of his late wife,
Priscilla. Bill looked well and
plans to stay in Stuart, Florida
indefinitely. He just missed the
Hoatsons' lunch by one day.
Joe and Teresa Brannigan have their
beautiful Columbia, South Carolina
home up for sale and hope to move
to a nearby lake. Joe says he's
busier than ever as a correspondent
for the Miami office.
ED STEWART, HOLLIS WHITAKER, ART
and ELLEN BREW, MARIE KNAUF and RITA
CTFWART
BILL BLudworth, as is his custom,
spent the winter in San Diego. It
might have been warmer and drier
back home in Memphis.
George Wiggins is making plans
to attend the AFIO (Association of
Former Intelligence Officers) Conven-
tion this October in San Diego.
Jean Richardson is beaming these
days. She says she has a 'dream'
of a part time job in Sonora, Califor-
nia as district representative for
Congressman Richard H. Lehman of
California's 18th District. He has
offices in Fresno, Stockton and Sonora
to handle constituent mail, complaints,
grants, visits and other business.
Sonora is close to Jean and Walt's
beautiful home in Pine Mountain Lake
and one of the bonuses of the job
is an occasional business trip to
Washington, D. C. (Maybe mid-October,
Jean?)
Ag
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