From: Depoe Bay, Oregon
E-mail: stevesparks@centurytel.net
Charlie called me a few weeks ago just as he was walking out of the house to see his physician. He was excited about getting my book, Reconciliation: A Son’s Story, a signed copy of course. He also wanted to send his grandchildren copies of the book. I didn’t hear back so checked on the blog a week or so ago and noted he was in the hospital. I hated to check back in because my gut was telling me that he may not make it.
Hope he is with my Dad, Vernon H. Sparks, and all his shipmates, who served with him during the USS Belle Grove War Cruise of which is captured in my book. Charlie sent me an email sharing his experience with “Bosn Sparks,” which was very moving and caused me to cry to think about my Dad along with all of his shipmates during this time when the USS Belle Grove spent 25 months at sea in seven campaigns, including Iwo Jima before receiving first liberty. The BG War Cruise map is on the cover of my book and exhibited inside along with a story by Cliff Viereck (edited version approved by Cliff), describing the Iwo Jima invasion.
My family will be forever thankful for Charlie Minter as the only surviving shipmate of Dad while writing my book. I was able to know Charlie following phone conversations and email. I felt close to him because he knew Dad and respected him so much during their time together in WWII..
God bless Charlie Minter.
Steve Sparks
Author
Reconciliation: A Son’s Story
ps please forward an address so I can send Charlie’s promised signed book from me. It can be passed along to family members to read and treasure for generations to come. Hardcover copies are also available on Amazon.com
