USS William H. Bates (SSN 680)
The sun sets on the American Cemetery in Manila, honoring soldiers and sailors alike, and reminding us that the pleasure of growing old with families and friends was not to be taken for granted in our chosen and unforgiving profession - Manila, Philippines - 1983
USS William H. Bates (SSN 680)
Congressman William H. Bates, namesake of our boat, revealed in correspondence in the SSN-680.org archives.
USS William H. Bates (SSN 680)
Seemingly endless tiles of marble, some familiar, others not, remind us of a future where all of us share the honor of Eternal Patrol. - Fair winds and following seas, Chief Postulka, 1999 - Rosecrans National Military Cemetery, San Diego, CA - 2009
USS William H. Bates (SSN 680)
White stone sentinels, ordered row by row, honor our shipmates, gone before us, on Eternal Patrol. - Rosecrans National Military Cemetery, San Diego, CA - 2009
USS William H. Bates (SSN 680)
Visitors stroll quietly through the American Cemetery Memorial in Manila, honoring those that went before us and made the ultimate sacrifice that we might know the freedoms we enjoy today. - Manila, Philippines - 1983
Jeffrey Schlenker
I was the operator of the motorcycle that end Jeffrey Schlenker life it was Aug 19 1979 on rosecrans st Point Loma, Ca. My life changed forever.Chuck Phillippe
Jeff Schlenker
Hi Chuck, I know it must seem bizarre receiving this message from me 40 years after Jeff’s death. My sister stumbled across this website for the William S. Bates, And I took it further by becoming a member of this website. When this happened to Jeff and Mark escorted his body home all I wanted to do was ease the pain by drinking which was very unfortunate as I was mentally not in a place to remember a whole lot of what Mark said about my brother. Jeff and I hadn’t talked for a while because he didn’t like my boyfriend, the last time he was home on leave we finally reestablished our relationship, but unfortunately we didn’t know that would be the end.I would still very much like to talk to someone who remembers my brother and can share memories with me. I would so appreciate it if you could be one of those people. Even after all these years I still miss of him and think of them every day.Sincerely,
Peggy Schlenker
What I posted is how AJ indicated it happened to me when I contacted him in the
County lockup, that is what I told his family as well.
Mike Roeder is on Classmates.com but has not responded to my note informing him of this website. I've had no luck finding Al Plourde or Mark Pedrin. At last check, the COB lived in central Kitsap County in WA, but again, no response to my emails trying to get him to sign on here.
Remembering Jeff: we didn't hang out a lot together, but the things I remember most were his incessant smile when he talked to you, and didn't he have a pretty sparse and scraggly beard when he tried to grow it ? (I should talk!) Jeff was a real friendly guy that seemed like he really enjoyed his short life. His death was difficult to deal with.
Jeff Schlenker
Hi Mark, I am Peggy Schlenker Jeff Schlenker‘s sister. I know it’s probably bizarre hearing from me after 40 years of Jeff’s death, but it still like it was yesterday for me. I appreciate everything you wrote about my brother and you described him pretty good, I would love to hear more of what you remember of my brother.Sincerely,
Peggy
A sad time for all of us. Shortly after that we transferred to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and AJ transferred off of the boat.
Brad Williamson: Thanks, Terry - any details we can gather can be used on his honors page.
Terry Fessner: Brad I'll try to find Mark Pedrin who accompanied the body to Jeff's family. Terry
Terry Fessner: Brad Jeff was killed at Point Loma. He and some others were out drinking and Jeff decided to ride a motorcycle as a passenger back to the Bates. Unfortunately a car hit the bike and Jeff wasn't wearing a helmet and was killed. I had the duty that night. Terry
Brad Williamson: Terry, I've added an Unconfirmed section to Eternal Patrol to see if we can get more input from our shipmates on those reported passed on.
Brad Williamson: Terry, do have any information, obituaries, newspaper clippings, or such that would confirm Jeff's death? I'll add him to the list, but we don't make it public until we have some 'formal' documentation, just to avoid the unpleasant possibility of being wrong.
Terry Fessner: Jeffrey Schlenker was a nuc machinist mate and was killed in San Diego in 1979 (Mark Pedrin was his friend). He should be added to the on eternal patrol