Hello, I live in Luanda, Angola, West Africa and our book group is discussing Doug Stanton's book tomorrow night (October 16th, 2007). I suggested the book to the group some months ago.... I had read it when first released and very excited to share this incredible story with my fellow book club members. I am pleased to see this website....and pleased for the families and friends of shipmates who can come here to learn more and share their experiences. My father served on a destroyer during the war (USS Schroeder DD501). My sisters and I have been fortunate enough to attend several of my father's ship reunions (he and his shipmates gather once every year in September) and sharing these experiences with my father is priceless of course. The world these days is a very small place indeed but please pass on to any interested that there is a tiny group of ladies in West Africa who tomorrow night will share discussion about this incredible story.....and I am sure pass on what they have learned to others. I am also particularly interested in the traveling exhibits for my daughter's school here in Africa. If anyone knows how I can obtain more information on this please let me know.

Glad to hear of your reading group in Africa's interest in the story!    To find out more information about the USS Indianapolis Museum go to the lnk http://www.ussindianapolis.us/     There are contacts on that link that perhaps can assist you.

A group of women who are taking the story to schools in Texas put on a POWERFUL presentation at the survivors' reunion in 2005. They have produced a beautiful video; I will try to find out how you can get a copy for your students there.                                 

Hi October and Everyone else here, It appears that people who sign up on here don't come back to visit often. I feel like I'm in a dark room without any visibility yet know that there are some people in here with me but without voices. Yes, I've recently dug into the sinking of the USS Indianapolis although I first heard of it about 2 years ago. I, like many of you, want to preserve the history and legacy of these valiant men. I have so much gratitude and respect for them that I want to be somehow tied to them. Does anyone know how I can personally write a letter to one of the survivors? I would greatly appreciate it! My personal e-mail address is niebo03@yahoo.com (617.538.5321) and I vow to keep comingn to this website until I can make contact with someone. I hope and pray someone will answer my call. I have e-mailed Mr. Kulya about the 137 survivors book but have not heard back yet. Sincerely, Jake Malobecki

The Museum here in Indianapolis has a traveling display. I don't know how far they travel, but it can't hurt to ask !!!  They may have on line resources, too.
How was your book club discussion ? Have you read " Only 317 Survived" ?

here's the web-site for the Museum.

ussindianapolis.us

Hi Jake. Have you received a response to any of your letters ? How are things going ? I hope you can write soon.


October

Hi October,
I apologize for being out of the loop lately but such is life.  I'll write you tomorrow.  By the way, I haven't written to any of the survivor's yet but it's still on my list of "things to do".  I better get cracking.

Take care,
Jake