Hopes for a STARK Memorial Wall

I would very much like to share some information about the potential of a STARK Memorial for the USS STARK Sailors that perished on May 17th 1987. I lack the depths to explain in words the importance this would mean to me and my other STARK shipmates. Please see the letter below and help me get this information out to the Primary Next of Kin. I would be honored to help assist with this project.

Most Respectfully,
Mark Wasnock, SCPO, USN(Ret.)

The below information is from the Facebook Group USS STARK

Good Afternoon,

My Name is Dion Beauchamp and I have been working with Tony Ross to develop a plan to make the STARK Memorial Wall a reality.

It seems Tony and I have put the cart before the horse in regard to the idea of the STARK Memorial Wall. To make this memorial a reality, we need 19 of the 37 Primary Next of Kin (PNOK) to agree to a STARK Memorial Wall. (All 37 if possible) before we can be taken seriously. If you know of a USS STARK Association that already exists please forward me the contact information.

If there is not currently a USS STARK association, I would like each of you on this email to contact the PNOK of a Patriot Shipmate who perished May 17th 1987, and forward them my contact information. I need the PNOK to contact me with their relationship to the fallen shipmate and whether or not they agree to the STARK Memorial Wall Concept and if they agree to have their family members picture on the Wall. (This must be in a letter format)

Tony has done a great deal of work and research to the feasibility and cost of a STARK Memorial Wall, However, we simply cannot proceed without the PNOK support.

I am not contacting you as the Command Master Chief of DESRON 14, or as a Master Chief with any affiliation to Naval Station Mayport, but simply as a private citizen that desires to make the STARK Memorial Wall become reality.

The Greater Mayport Chief Petty Officers Association and many independent Chief Petty Officers Associations aboard Naval Station Mayport have agreed to donate/sponsor the STARK Memorial Dinner. These Associations are showing support of the Memorial dinner; however this event is not endorsed or sponsored by Naval Station Mayport.

I have to explain all of this because I want everyone to be clear on who you are being contacted by. Tony and I are coordinating this effort as private citizens and in no way want to misrepresent ourselves. We have no agreement with any organization (including, but not limited to NS Mayport), to sponsor the STARK Memorial Wall.

So here is what we have to do:

1. Make contact and verify all 37 PNOK and confirm that the WALL Idea should proceed.

2. Develop a vehicle by which all donations and monies can be tracked. This would be a board type of association or foundation that has a 508.1(C) current and in effect.

3. Appoint a project manager to put together a professional proposal, site surveys, cost analysis, work with NAVFAC and other organizations on the base to obtain permits etc....

4. Officially bring the proposal for the STARK Memorial Wall to the NS MAYPORT CO.

At this point we have proposed an idea; however without PNOK support and a true plan, we can not proceed any further. Please help us make the STARK Memorial a reality.

Very Respectfully,

Dion Beauchamp