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"The Thoroughbred of the Fleet" Visits an Old War Horse

"The Thoroughbred of the Fleet" Visits an Old War Horse

Published 05-09-08

Submitted by USA Cares, Inc.

RADCLIFF, KY - May 9, 2008 - William F. "Bill" Roller served on the nuclear submarine USS Daniel Webster as a nuclear weapons technician during the Vietnam era. Today the crew of the USS Kentucky, "The Thoroughbred of the Fleet" presented him with a photograph of their sub and had a good, mutually appreciative discussion of how life under the sea has changed.

After his Navy service aboard the USS Daniel Webster, Bill Roller went on to earn a Masters Degree in South Carolina, a PHD in statistics at Virginia Tech, worked at the National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) and then as a professor at five universities. He decided that starting a yacht wiring business might be an ideal retirement job and a good excuse to live aboard his boat in the Virginia Beach area. He has now officially retired and lives in Elizabethtown to be near his oldest son, Randy Roller, and his eight grandchildren and one great-grand child.

According to Randy "Dad really loved his time in the Navy and these USS Kentucky crewmembers coming to visit him really made him happy. When he was still in the Navy I went to visit him and see The USS Nathan Hale submarine he served on. When I saw the size of the bed where he slept, I joined the Army because I thought I might sleep better."

Pictured from left to right are Justin Anderson, Weapons Officer, Ben Pearson, Commanding Officer, Bill Roller formerly of the USS Daniel Webster, James Elmstead, A-Division, Chad Brown, SK-Division, Scott Moore, Chief-of-the-Boat.

About the USS Kentucky

The submarine USS KENTUCKY (SSBN 737) is the third U.S. Naval vessel to be named in honor of the Bluegrass state, and the twelfth Trident submarine commissioned. Stationed at Naval Base Kitsap "“ Bangor, she was christened with a custom blend of Kentucky bourbon, mixed for the occasion, as opposed to the traditional bottle of champagne. The USS Kentucky’s primary mission is one of strategic deterrence. It was designed specifically for stealth, long periods of endurance at sea and has the ability to deliver high-impact warheads from its 24 missile tubes.

About the USS Daniel Webster

USS Daniel Webster (SSBN-626), a Lafayette-class ballistic missile submarine, was the only ship of the United States Navy to be named for Massachusetts Senator Daniel Webster. The submarine was commissioned on 9 April 1964 and decommissioned on 30 August 1990. The Lafayette class of submarine was an evolutionary development from the Ethan Allen class of fleet ballistic missile submarines that were slightly larger and generally improved. In the mid-1970s they were upgraded to carry the Poseidon C3 missile.

About USA Cares

USA Cares is a worldwide non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization serving military service members of all ranks and branches and their families with direction and advice along with grant assistance for quality of life issues caused by military service. Continuing into their sixth year of noteworthy accomplishment, USA Cares has received requests from thousands of Service Members and families with millions of dollars in organizational and found resources. In partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation, USA Cares has also saved hundreds of military homes from foreclosure across the Nation. Funding for the organization is provided through the generous contributions of corporations, organizations and individuals. USA Cares continues to operate at a 90 percent ratio of contributed mission dollars. For more information on USA Cares contact us at jrevell@usacares.org and visit www.usacares.org.

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USA Cares, Inc.

USA Cares, Inc.

USA Cares exists to help service members and their families across America and around the globe. USA Cares provides support with relevant and direct assistance that improves challenging situations and betters the life and well-being of America's service members who ask so little, yet give so very much. Helping service members and their families with quality of life issues using grants, counseling and mentorship.

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