admin — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 02:30:25 +0000

So it’s my first summer back on the east coast in a couple of years. In case you missed it, yes, I moved back to the east coast. In the end it was time to be closer to family again. It has been a great move. LA leaves a lot of good memories. There are all of the friends that I met out there, the productions I got to act in, helping the USS Iowa find a home, and meeting Lauren (the most important thing). These are the things that made LA such a success in my life.

For those of you who aren’t aware, the USS Iowa was awarded to Pacific Battleship Center. I’m really excited to be heading out to Los Angeles tomorrow for the ceremonies before it opens to the public on July 7th. All of the volunteers have been working really hard to get the Iowa ready for the opening. If any of you are in the Los Angeles area and want to help restore the Iowa visit www.pacificbattleship.com to see how you can help. If you don’t have time but would like to donate money there is information on how to do that as well. Even after she opens there will still be plenty of work to be done, because it will be opened incrementally. As work in designated areas is complete then more of her will be open for all to see. I look forward to walking her decks again next week. It’s great knowing that the memory of my brother and the rest of the Iowa-47, as well as all of the men that served on her, will be kept alive.

Have a very Happy and Safe Summer!

Jimmy Bopp