“Capt. Ed” Altman receiving his Coast Guard Guide License from Capt. Robert of Sea Academy, April 2008.

In the fast paced society we deal with each day, we, as a people, have lost our meaning in life. When I was a young boy I always enjoyed listening to the older generation and how things were in the “good ole days”. But in reality, those were not so good. There were hard times all around, with not much money or food. This new generation, or as I call it, “the entitled generation”, want things that we had to work hard to achieve. They have lost the concept of working hard and maintaining the family. The new generation has forgotten how we became a nation. I have asked several high school graduates where the Vietnam War was fought, and their response is always Korea or China. They have no concept of how our nation was formed and the sacrifices that were made to make the nation great.

I still enjoy listening to the older generation and now that I have gotten older, I am part of that generation. But no one has ever asked me about my “good ole days”. I have had a trailer in Port O’Connor for over ten years now, and I am very fortunate to be able to make many trips to the area. The town has grown extensively during the short time I have been there, but one thing has been consistent. I have not ever met an unfriendly person in the community. I enjoy going out fishing and chasing those spotted tails. I am not as enthusiastic as I was when I was younger, but a good day on the water is seeing the beauty God has given us. A good day constitutes a good day on the water and pulling the boat out of the water. And the best part of the day is meeting people. I have a Will Rogers attitude, “a stranger is someone that you have never met”. It’s like a time warp; people take the time to tell their tales, or talk about the one that got away. I am really fortunate my trailer is at The Two RV Park. I was one of the first ones in the park and the manager put my small, squatty trailer next to the cleaning station so I am able to see and talk to the people who come in with fish, or the lack of fish. I have my summer friends; and when they leave for the season, I have my winter friends. This makes every trip to Port O’Connor a special visit.

It was during one of my visits in the summer of 2010, I met an old man at the boat ramp at Clark’s. We had a brief conversation and he informed me that although he lived in Port O’Connor, he spent a lot of time in Chile. The following year I saw the old man walking on the pier at Clark’s. I recognized him from the previous year. He was flipping over boards with his cane and had come to watch the sun set. He told me that he was in World War II and that he had served in the Army. I informed him that I was the Veterans County Officer in Giddings, Texas, and as a war veteran he might be eligible for some type of benefits. He asked if I could meet him the next evening at Clark’s.

The following day, I could not wait to meet with Ed. In fact, I was extremely early, and I waited for him to show up in his old truck. We took our positions at the end of the pier. He told me that he had been in the Army, volunteering to serve even though he was not quite old enough. Less than a month after reporting for duty, World War II was over; but when the Korean Conflict broke out, he was one of the first to be drafted. Almost as soon as he arrived in-country, he was captured by the enemy.

I became really excited because in my job I had never before met a P.O.W. I started talking to him about making a claim as a P.O.W. and that he could receive benefits. He said he had tried that before and was not successful. Ed went on to tell me that as a prisoner of war, he was marched across Korea for 44 days. In charge of the prisoners was a Chinese officer, Lieutenant Lle, and, surprisingly, Ed and Lt. Lle became fast friends. It all began with a joke about “you stupid Americans” when Lt. Lle discovered that Ed’s Army-issued weapon was still filled with cosmoline.

Over the years, Ed and Lt. Lle kept in touch, even visiting with one another a few times. Ed said that when he visited China, he was treated like royalty. When Lle visited Ed on the Texas coast, he very much enjoyed going fishing and shrimping. After recounting the tale of his Chinese friend, the old man dropped his head and told me his friend had died several years ago. The sun was setting and it was time for him to go home. I asked him what he was going to do tomorrow, and he said he would be right there.

The next day we met again. Ed continued his story, surprising me with the fact that he had served in the military a third time. Five years after being discharged from the Army, Ed enlisted in the Air Force. After serving state-side for four years, he took a job with Lockheed Aircraft during the Vietnam War. He worked in that war zone helping to keep Air Force planes in good working condition. I felt like I was 15 years old again, as I listened to his stories. I asked him what he does now and again encouraged him to make a claim. He looked up at me and said he didn’t need the money that badly. I asked him what he did for money; the old man grinned and said he had flounder boats. During the season, he goes out at night and gigs flounder. “I don’t know for sure, but I think I am the oldest fin-fish license holder in Texas,” he said.

I asked him again about the time he spends in Chile. He told me he’d been in 29 different countries, but he likes Chile the best because the people are so friendly. He said in Chile they call him the “Bee Man.” He teaches beekeepers how to care for their hives* and how to eliminate the bee disease that is so prevalent in other countries. I asked him how he knew so much about bees, and he replied, “reading books and learning from experience.” Seems he had his own bee hives, producing a delicious light-yellow colored honey, years ago in Seadrift. He also owned a shrimp boat, shrimping out of Seadrift for about 20 years.

After leaving Seadrift, Ed moved to Sweet Home for a couple years, then on to Cuero where he had a good business raising and selling vegetables. He even sold his produce in Seadrift and Port O’Connor for a time.

About 10 years ago, he relocated to Port O’Connor and he informed me he has “enjoyed every minute of it”, making a lot of friends there. He loves to talk, to relate some of his life experience and to “try to make folks lives a little happier,” as he put it.

The sun set and again, it was time for Ed to go home. I thanked him for his service to our country and told him I enjoyed our talk. That was the last time I saw Ed and I still go by Clark’s to see if he ever came back. I was raised the old way: what a man says is his bond and I believe what you tell me unless I know otherwise. I attempted to find Ed in my veteran’s records, but without a social security number it is impossible.

On a later trip to Port O’Connor, I visited with some old World War II vets and they were telling me about how the community has changed and how people come in droves and drive their boats too fast and how some have lost the concept of being respectful to our fellow man. I asked the old timers if they knew this Ed Altman; they started laughing and said, “You mean Captain Ed?” Of course they knew him, and anything he told me, I could take to the bank.

They asked me if Captain Ed had told me about last flounder season, and I asked what happened. They started telling me that although flounder boats usually work as a two-man team, Ed likes to go out by himself. One night a freak storm came up and Captain Ed’s boat capsized in Saluria Bayou. Ed managed to grab hold of one of those houseboats in the pass and hung on for several hours until a passer-by found him. When talking to them about his ordeal, Ed told them that it was the third time in his life that he had almost drowned. Each time, he recalled, he experienced the same overwhelming thought: “Take a break, you can rest for a while.” He said it took all the strength he could muster to keep hanging on, keep swimming until he reached safety. They said, without question, Ed is the real deal.

It’s not very often that I am blessed with an opportunity to meet such a man. Every time I am in the area, I always go by Clark’s to see if Captain Ed is around. Individuals like him are the reason we are who we are today. If you ever get a chance to meet someone like Captain Ed, consider yourself lucky.

* Capt. Ed has helped bee keepers in several countries. If anyone locally has a question about bees or bee keeping, they are welcomed to contact him through the Dolphin Talk.

– Leslie Sherfy, December, 2012
– Updated by Joyce Rhyne, March 2013

American Legion gave a 7-gun salute at the opening ceremony of Calhoun County’s Relay for Life.

As I stepped away from the truck and walked towards the Calhoun County fairgrounds, my eyes were already tearing up. I was eager to attend Relay for Life; I’ve heard about it however never attended. My grandmother survived breast cancer when I was a young child; therefore events such as these have a special place in my heart. Even though she has been in remission for over twenty years, its presence never truly leaves.

Relay for Life is celebrated in more than 5,200 communities and 20 countries, the events comprise the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. On May 22, the American Cancer Society will celebrate 100 years of saving lives from cancer and creating a world with more birthdays.

It was a cool, crisp afternoon — echoes from the woodwinds, brass and percussion greeted me. The ballads which were played by Travis Middle School band members sounded throughout the fairgrounds.

I was surrounded by familiar faces, people I see every day and never knew had been affected by cancer. At that moment I felt a combination of emotions. I was saddened that it was because of this disease which brought us closer. My thoughts were interrupted by laughter as I walked around the track reading the luminaria bags. Families and friends sat around the track conversing.

Each luminaria, which is a paper bag that is personalized with a name, photo, message or drawing, is decorated in memory or honor of a friend or loved one who has been affected by cancer. Luminaria can also be dedicated in support of a Relay participant. They were lined up in rows around the relay track. Some were adorned with ribbons, buttons, stickers — each had a special message and I found myself intrigued by their designs and prayers.

Each team had set up a tent or a camper; they looked more than prepared to spend the night at the fairgrounds in support of their loved ones. The smell of barbecue filled the air; each team had gone above and beyond to decorate their area with posters, banners, plants and items to express their theme. Teammates wore T-shirts clearly setting them apart from others. I was beyond impressed with the event, which I later found out raised nearly $80,000.

The opening ceremony began and main organizer, Laura Delagarza, welcomed the 34 teams and over 450 participants. “Continue fighting,” she said. The American Legion fired a seven-gun salute in honor of the cancer survivors and those who have passed. The sun beamed down on us as if to give everyone its blessing.

By this time I had lost control of my emotions several times, the area was filled with an incredible aura. Hope radiated throughout the atmosphere.

As the survivors and family members of those who have been affected by cancer took turns on stage and gave their speeches. For some it took several deep breaths and for others, many tears to share their stories. “Stand by your family and stand by your friends,” said one family member.

“Move that mountain,” said Team Captain of Angels Among Us, Karinna Mendera. She shared her experience with cancer. “I’ve got this; in my mind I’ve already got beat it,” she told her family when she first found out about her diagnosis.

A family member from Team Rehab took the stage, the team is in honor of Nick Stephens, who was diagnosed with melanoma. “Live everyday like its your last,” he said each day until he lost the battle to cancer. The team, which has a New Orleans/Mardi Gras theme, expressed how important it is to know the importance of sun protection and the dangers of skin cancer.

Following the opening ceremony, the cancer survivors, wearing purple shirts with “I AM HOPE” written on the back, began the Survivors Lap.

Cancer survivor Melissa Compian (left) and “We Are Port O’Connor” Team member Rachel Redding make their way around the Relay for Life track.

During the Survivors Lap, all cancer survivors at the event take the first lap around the track, celebrating their victory over cancer while cheered on by the other participants who line the track. Relay For Life events also recognize and celebrate caregivers, who give time, love, and support to their friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers facing cancer. They join the cancer survivors during the second lap around the track; from that point on one teammate must be on the track at all times until the morning.

I’d like to thank all of the participants for sharing this experience. Even as I type this, tears swell in my eyes. It was truly amazing to witness this event.

“Volunteers are everything,” said event coordinator, Nancy Hillis during the opening ceremony. Indeed! Special thank you to all those who donated and sponsored this event. To all of the organizers and volunteers, you outdid yourselves! Till next time!

Justice League Fighting for a Cure, led by Team Captain Rex Allen Delgado, making their first lap around the Relay for Life Track.

About Relay for Life: In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, ultimately raising $27,000 to help the American Cancer Society fight the nation’s biggest health concern – cancer. A year later, 340 supporters joined the overnight event. Since those first steps, the Relay For Life movement has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, raising more than $4 billion to fight cancer. Find out more at: www.relayforlife.org

“We Are POC” Relay for Life team held Bake Sales to help raise money for the cause. Helping out on March 16 were Port O’Connor’s Smokin’ Nuts, offering their delicious barbecue dinners for a donation. -Photo by Jessica Helms

Fun was had by all at Hurricane Junction’s First Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, as decorated golf carts and other vehicles meandered through town and down the front beach throwing beads and candy to lots of excited kids and adults too!
Above: Jim Hooper presents Darrell McMahan and Bridget Sprague with the trophy for best float. Below: Donna and Brady Watson representing Port O’Connor RV Park.

Easter morning on Port O’Connor’s King Fisher Beach. More than 500 persons gathered at sunrise.
-Photo by Gerald Lichac

Erny and I recently returned from ten days in the Land of Jesus. We saw many of the places we have read about in Scripture, and now when we read the Bible, our mind’s-eye can fill in what has always been a blank. Our trip was through Educational Opportunities Tours, and we enjoyed the company of El Campo’s Pastors Danny and Susan Roberts and a lady from their church named Lori. There were a total of 52 people on our guided trip.

We arrived in Tel Aviv and boarded a bus that took us to the “Sea of Galilee” and a motel in Tiberius. It was from there that we toured that area of the Holy Land. We saw such places as the Mount of the Beatitude, the place Jesus fed the 5,000, the Jordan River, and John the Baptist’s home. In fact, we had a baptismal service at the Jordan. We saw many archeological sites and many churches built to remember these special sites. We even got a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, which is truly a lake with fresh water. We saw the Mount of Temptation, and we saw sheep with their shepherds and camels on which some in our group rode. We had the experience of people burning up their hair dryers because they had 220 volt systems there, unlike our 110 volt system. We learned about their cuisine and drank $3.00 Cokes, usually with little ice.

We left that area after three nights and went past Jerusalem to Bethlehem. We saw where they believe Mary gave birth to Jesus and the shepherd’s field where the birth announcement was made by angels. We stayed in Jerusalem and went from there to the sites in that area. We saw the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane, and walked the “Via Dolorosa”. We saw the place of the skull and the Ascension Tomb, where we celebrated communion together. We walked through the narrow streets in the Old City of Jerusalem and spent time at the Wailing Wall.

We traveled to the Dead Sea and saw people floating in a sitting position, reading a newspaper without getting the paper wet. It is so salty that one cannot sink into the waters. We saw the great fortress that Herod the Great built on Masada; in fact, we rode a cable car to its top. We witnessed the Upper Room and wondered what those walls would say if they could speak.

We saw the Golden Gate or Eastern Gate where it is believed that Jesus will return one day. We noted that it was walled up, but not because they are trying to keep Jesus out, but because on either side of the wall are three cemeteries – one for the Jews, one for the Moslems, and one for the Christians. We understand that people are paying $30,000 U.S. dollars and more to be buried by the Golden Gate, believing those resurrected closest to the gate will be judged first – maybe I am glad  I will be resurrected in America!

As we were nearing Jerusalem, I could correlate to John the Baptist jumping in Elizabeth’s stomach for not only did my stomach kick, but my heart skipped a beat as if I were in the very presence of our Lord and Savior. We were enthralled with the stunning beauty of the two cities for one could see Jerusalem and Bethlehem in one viewing. Being a sentimentalist, I did shed a tear or two or three…so now, I know there will be a floodgate of tears when I actually see Jesus in Heaven even through Scripture plainly states that there will be “no tears in Heaven”. Going to Israel truly was like going home! A home away from home! I think all five senses were on “red alert” for I wanted to see, touch, smell, hear, and taste everything all at once.

I cannot begin to explain how going to Israel has made the Bible come alive. Being a Bible teacher, and of course, we are all continual students, I wanted to tape our Armenian guide because my brain could not retain it all. I did the next best thing and took close to 2,000 pictures. In fact, many of our tourist companions wanted to get my email/Facebook information so we can share.

The food was certainly not our fast food, American style. Veggies and fruits were a major portion of all our meals. Texas claims to have the biggest of big, but the fruit were on steroids for they were not only huge but so flavorful. The diluted orange juice/grapefruit juice were so good that often we had two or three glasses. The falafel (a sandwich of fried chick peas and herbs) and the hummus (a blend of chick peas, sesame seed paste, lemon and olive oil) were my favorite meals.

We did see a McDonalds, but the happy meal ran close to $15.00. I was not that desperate! The Starbucks there was called “Star and Bucks”. Not sure why, but my desire for a Mocha Frapuccino Grande was diminished because of the Israeli version of the name “Star and Bucks”.

Our church family and friends were so excited for us as we ventured on this once in a lifetime adventure, that it made this vacation even more meaningful. Many gave us traveling tips, especially concerning the elongated flight and time differences. Israeli time is eight hours ahead of ours, but I never seemed to tire. I think it was the adrenaline rush of wanting to experience it all. The Wailing Wall was magnificent to see because of the many passionate prayer warriors seeking the face of God. It was awesome! There were prayer requests stuck in every crevice of that wall. We were told that periodically those written prayers are collected and stored in a book because they are so precious to the national leaders.

I could go on and on. All I know for sure is that if you have never been to Israel, I recommend it highly. I certainly can understand why one man in our group has been back to Israel seven times.

Maybe you will want to go and take me with you to be your American guide!