Sitting this coronavirus out is getting tough. I’ve been trying to think of something to write about, a blog topic that might provide something new to think about. Right now we are fundamentally dead in the water. I can’t even do any research beyond the internet that involves phone calls or emails with universities, libraries or museums – they’re all closed. There’s a bronze plaque sitting here in my home office that I had hopes of getting in the waters of the Kula Gulf this year. Many of you paid for me to have this made and I can’t let you down, or let down the men who died. It will happen some way, some how – until then I’ve been thinking about ways to make connections.

Even though we are not able to visit with extended family members or friends we do still have the advantage of phones, the internet with Skype, Zoom or Facetime – and email. As I’ve proceeded with this project I’ve always encouraged the kids of STRONG to contact one another. Many of you have such interesting stories about your father, grandfather, uncle, husband, brother – and I believe now that we have a lot of time on our hands we can reach out and make a new connection with other STRONG family. I’ve already been in contact with every STRONG family member who has ever contacted me. Many of you I’ve talked with on the phone or met in person, which is just the best! Wish I could do that with more of you. The in person connection, meeting you either locally (hi Connie!) or at the reunions has meant so much to me and to Greg. There aren’t words. I’d love for more of you to feel this connection and learn from others.
On the website I have a page titled “STRONG Contacts” dedicated to the emails of family members listed with the name of their sailor and the relation. All of these folks have agreed to contact, so pick one and see what happens. Some of you are relatively new to the group, so if you do not have your name on the page then I will be happy to add it with your permission. Keep me posted if you do make a contact. I’d love to hear what you might learn. And keep me informed of how you’re doing in all this. I worry, and I like hearing from you!
Tammi