2025 Board Member Candidates

Find the bios for the 2022 Board Member Candidates listed below. Take a look for yourself!

John Tallent

I joined the Memorial in April, 2012. I have served on the Board since 2015. Since 2017 I have been honored serve as Deck Officer of the 325 and as President of the Memorial Board of Directors. I’ve participated in all the Cruises since 2012, the return from dry dock in 2013, as well as most of the Work Weeks and special events.


I served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1966 to 1972. I was part of the Crew returning USS Sphinx (ARL-24) to active duty for the war in Vietnam. Sphinx was originally laid down as LST-963 and converted for repair service. I was a Shipfitter - Pipefitter. We were part of the Mobile Riverine Force, TF-117 in the Mekong River Delta and I returned home in 1969 as a Petty Officer 2nd Class (E-5).

I retired in 2017 as Corporate Vice President for a large ranching and agricultural firm based in Florida. My responsibilities included major land transactions, management of land-related litigation, negotiation of leases and contracts, management of a large ranch in west Texas and annual budget responsibility running to several millions of dollars.


I cherish being a part of the crew of the 325. I relish the work. I get to use the skill sets from my past for something that benefits the future. I enjoy the camaraderie among the crew and I am overwhelmed by the response of the American people to this marvelous ship and her crew.


My purpose in seeking re-election to the Board of The USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc. is to continue using my managerial skill set to benefit an outstanding organization that’s engaged in the challenging task of preserving and bringing an important part of America’s history to the American people.


It would be an honor and a privilege to continue serving the LST-325 as a Board member and I would appreciate your vote. Thank you…John Tallent

Terry Tull

I, Terry Tull would like your support in the upcoming board election.

I proudly served in the Navy for a 6-year enlistment which ended in 1969. During this time, I served 2 years active duty on LST 980 In Vietnam. At the end of my tour in Vietnam I was an EN2 rate.

 

After my return from Vietnam I owned and operated a Chrysler Corporation Dealership. I spent my whole career working in this business. Through hard work, dedication and passion I was able to run a successful business while maintaining a high degree of integrity. In 2001 I sold the dealership and retired.

 

In 2003 I started my volunteer work with the LST 325. I began this service by working in the engineering department. While working in the engineering department I have worked on many projects to ensure the successful operation of this department. I have proudly served several years in this department. I currently have the opportunity to serve as Chief Engineer. In this position I have had the privilege to oversee several projects to make sure the LST is Coast Guard compliant and continues to operate efficiently.

 

I have completed all tasks as requested and worked as a team player to get the job done. I have had the privilege of serving as a member of the Board of Directors for several years. During this time, I was elected to the position of Treasurer. This responsibility is not taken lightly and is run with a high degree of integrity.  As Treasurer I oversee the ships investments through Edwards Jones. I arrange and complete necessary monetary transactions prior to each cruise. I monitor the ticket sales and gift shop while on the cruise to ensure the accuracy of sales and income.

 

I wish to continue severing in these roles and contributing to the success of the LST 325 and preserving her history.

Your continued support is appreciated. 

Amy Grey

I, Amy Grey, would like to introduce myself and ask for your support in the upcoming board election.


After working in the banking industry for 15 years, I went back to college while raising a family and working full time. I am a 2008 graduate of Davenport University earning a Bachelor of Applied Science Business Studies degree.

I retired from 1st Source Bank in Northern Indiana after 26 years of service. During that time, I worked in various positions, most notably including Production Control Specialist, Electronic Funds Transfer Manager, and IT Project Manager.


I learned about the LST 325 in 2022 when a convention brought me to Evansville and I toured the ship. I was approached and said “yes” to the opportunity of being one of the first “Rosies” during the same year. I became a member and have participated in several work weeks as part of the Engineering crew.

This year was the first time women were allowed to cruise with the ship during its fall tour. It was my great honor to be part of that crew. My responsibilities during the tour were to be a part of an engineering watch team as we cruised to Pittsburgh and to assist the Treasurer when in port to collect and account for the day’s receipts.

I meet the qualifications required of board members and wish to serve the organization as an active member of the board. I enjoy the camaraderie and friendships I have made while serving the ship as an active volunteer. Please consider supporting me in the upcoming board election.

Susie Bloom

I’ve been involved in the LST 325’s activities since 2003. I have performed many duties on board the ship. Whether it is cleaning parts, scrubbing deck plate in the engine room, scraping or needle gunning, painting or just cleaning, I try to do my part. I’ve worked many of the LST Conventions held throughout the years with other volunteers. I chaired the Pittsburgh reunion in 2010. Recently, with Chris Donahue, we chaired the 75th Anniversary of D Day with international guests and the 20th Anniversary/Crew Appreciation in Evansville with representatives from all eras of the LST 325’s lifetime.  I became an Honorary Crew Member in 2010 and was honored by that recognition.  I also work from home - researching, writing and continuing my LST education.  My work for LST 325, the USS LST SHIP MEMORIAL, Inc. has always been fulfilling; learning, making so many friends, new experiences and so many unexpected connections with others has truly blessed my life.


I retired in 2017 as Director of Elections in Fairfield County, Ohio. During my employment, I was on the State of Ohio’s Ohio Association of Elections Officials Legislative Committee, actively working to make Ohio’s Election Laws clear, fair to all people and easier to administer. I mentored new Directors and their Deputies, conducted District Meetings and worked State-wide conferences. In my home County, I constructed and administered budgets of several million dollars, oversaw all work processes, developed written procedures and supervised employees to achieve the exacting work of Elections.


Prior to my time in Elections, I was a Regional Billing Supervisor, Western Division, for Professional Lease Management, Inc., Railcar Maintenance Division. While my main duties there were to ensure all repairs were billed at the contracted rates and that the repairs were listed properly, I also learned a great deal about the railroad cars themselves. I traveled extensively doing training for the many shop locations and experienced so many wonders of our Country. One thing I can say decisively, those V12-567’s sounded so familiar the first time I heard them on LST 325!



As a result of the elements of my personal history, LST 325 has been a great adventure from that first trip to see her in 2003. I want to use my abilities to benefit LST 325, honoring our Veterans, my father’s Navy service on LST 125 and the thousands who served and built these marvelous ships. It would be a privilege to serve the LST 325 as a Board Member. I believe my depth of experience and skill set would bring value to the Board and I'd appreciate your endorsement and vote. 

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