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05/19/2004 Entry: "Dave Hannon sponsors hole for John Akey and Chett Dillon"

On April 04, 2003, we all lost a great friend when Chett Dillon, former employee and steward for the local passed away. As the day of his anniversary drew near, I was thinking about him and with the oncoming golf season, all of the times myself and others had spent with Chett on the golf course. Being on the golf course with Chett was very different. A lot of times “Yooper” rules came into play, and many a time I or others would be walking down the fairway with Chett when he would simply disappear. You would be scratching your head wondering what had happened to him when all of a sudden he would come out of the woods or a nearby field from looking around for golf balls. I once played three holes with Chett out at Twin Oaks where the only time I saw him was on the tee box, and later on the green. In between I was completely by myself wondering if it was something I said, or a personal problem. Chett said it was neither, it was him just being a “ ball monkey” as he called himself. He was very good at it as at one time he told me he had well over 500 assorted kinds and quality from his endeavors and he was generous with sharing in his finds.

Prior to coming to Green Bay, Chett was employed in the Wausau office. At the time, John Akey was the local president, and Chett served as a steward for him while there. Chett always had a great respect for John, and was always thankful for his time spent with John. Several times when going to seminars Bill Sparks would arrange golf outings with him, John, Chett, and myself to play either before or after the seminar. Bill and Chett would travel together and stop to play somewhere, but you will have to ask Bill to describe those times as they may be a little to informative here.

Anyway, on May 2nd of this year the NALC had there 3rd annual golf outing for MDA. As is customary at these outings they were looking to find people to sponsor the different holes to raise money. When I heard this, I thought there was no better way to remember my friend and former early morning golf partner then to sponsor a hole in his name. For some unexplained reason, the connection Chett had with John Akey and the times we spent with Bill playing and talking came to mind, so I sponsored a hole, not just any hole, but I insisted upon the “signature hole” at Irish Waters, the 12th. This is a par three “island “ hole that Chett, Bill, and I had played together many times, results not remembered at this time. The enclosed picture of the sign that was displayed that day is shown here. I told the chairman for this event that as long as I was guaranteed the 12th hole, I will sponsor it in this manner every year. I cannot think of a better way to remember these two than in this manner. I also think that they would get a big kick out of Postal Employees, even though the majorities are carriers, taking a shot on the golf course with them.

This story ends with this. Right after the tournament this year, former local Pontiff “Big Sandals” Sparks, said he wanted us to play in it next year. He did not nor did anyone know what I had done until now. Of course I said sure I would. I would now like to announce that we will accept two applications to play with us next year. the only requirement is that you will have to put up with his holiness, and that you knew either John or Chett. Send your application in care of NEWAL P.O. 10324, Green Bay Wis. 54307. The decisions of the judges are final, and in case of a tie, NBA for the Clerk Craft and parliamentarian Lyle Kreuth, will make the final determination.

The date is again set for the first Sunday in May so Good Luck and let’s here from you.