Nashville Reunion I am sorry for the delay in this newsletter, but I have been working on the Reunion books. I am happy to say the book is done and they have been ordered. To try and save money, I found a site where I could put the book together and they would just print them. As soon as I get them, they will be mailed out to those who attended the reunion. Many good memories are inside. Our Reunion this year was in Nashville and, I have to say, it was one of the best I have attended. Our hosts, Noel and Anita, did a great job. I now can say I have seen everything. I knew this was a musical town, but live music in a McDonald's as well as music on the corners of the street when you are waiting to cross, just blew me away. It was a fun trip; I can only imagine if we were not limited by Covid. In any case, the people there just partied in the streets. Shipmates In Attendance: |
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- Charlie Estelle
- Don Herr
- Douglas Skinner
- Guy Veni
- James Wilson
- Jerry Grove
- John Ward
- Jorge Guerra
- Allen Cochran
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- Michael Clark
- Miguel Gonzalez
- Noel Cotton
- Robert Schmidt
- Robert Walker
- Ronald Swisher
- Thomas Bedwell
- Virgil Neuhart
- Walt Rogers
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. On Thursday, we toured the Historic RCA Studio B. Once the recording home of popular music titans such as Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Everly Brothers and many others. In addition, we went to the the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Mother Ship where the entire history of country music is showcased. While in the area we were able to walk around Nashville and take in the sites, food and music. Friday we sailed the General Jackson Riverboat up and down the Mississippi. We were entertained by some of the most talented impersonators. Later that evening we held our banquet, where Noel was given his host gift and also won the Ship's Plaque. Congratulations Noel! |
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On Saturday morning we held our Ship’s Meeting where it was confirmed that the reunion next year would be in Norfolk VA. YES, we are going back to our home port. The dates of the reunion are March 29th – April 2nd, 2022. So SAVE THE DATE! During the meeting it was voted on to clarify the type of organization to which we would distribute our funds in the event of dissolution. It now reads: 9. In the event of dissolution, all of the remaining assets and property of the corporation shall after necessary expenses, thereof be distributed to another organization that supports Disabled Veterans and their families that is an exempt organization under section 501c(19) of the internal Revenue Code of 1986 or corresponding provisions of any subsequent federal tax laws that. Click Here.to read the meeting minutes. Well, if you thought it was over you are wrong. That evening we went to the Grand Ole Opry and saw a fantastic show. We were entertained by Vince Gill, Jimmie Allen (This year’s New Male Artist Award Winner) and many more. It was a show that I will not forget. |
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Website Update If you have not visited the new Members Directory you should do so. It now includes your dues information so you can know when you last paid. Also you can search by last name, and by year onboard. You now have an option to include a picture too. If you want your picture added send it to me or use the website to upload it. If you wish to pay your dues online CLICK HERE or mail them to me. New Pictures We have a new Remember When Picture added to the site... John Ward. I have to say Francis Curran (69-70) sure took me up on my request for more pictures. I haven't counted them yet but I estimate he sent about 100. I have started to work on them, but this is going to take time. |
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Shipmates Corner We have some new members. Let's welcome them aboard. Terry Cox 1969 EM- Brian Johansen 1968 BM
- Thomas Bedwell 1968 MM
- George Silvestri 1971 FN
- Earl Dispennette 1967 RM
If I missed anyone, please let me know. To contact them, go to the members directory for their contact information. I want to thank Doug Skinner for sending me a boatload of empty printer ink cartridges. We brought them to Staples to recycle and received $40 which we will use to offset our costs in printing this newsletter. Thanks again Doug!! There were a lot of stories told at the reunion, however, they told them in the Hospitality room and for some reason I can't remember them. I know they were good because I do remember laughing a lot. In any case, don't forget to send them to me for the next newsletter. Here is a great story by Bill Womacks:
Hello Guy,
As a sailor for over 40 years “Mail Call” was one of my favorites (and I don’t use email). So here is another “Snail Mail” letter.
I wanted to tell you that after you let me know Ken Nesbihal’s email that he was my Mess-man in the bake shop on the “TOOT” I called him. When he answered with a “Hello”, I asked Ken? “Yes” he answered, and I started laughing and told him that his voice hadn’t changed much after 50 years, “MAN”. What a great conversation we had together filling in the years since we sailed together.
As the “TOOT” was to be turned over to Taiwan, China four – five months after I left, I asked Ken, “Who did they put in the bake shop as the baker”? He said “ME”😊. He had helped me bake, and they decided he could handle it. The downside to that he said is that he did it all alone.
I asked Ken if he planned on coming to the reunion in Norfolk in 2021. He said, “if you’re going, I’m coming!” I told him, if I’m alive, I’ll be there.
You should ask Ken to send you the photo of us holding a sea catfish that we caught using a long trout line. We were at anchor, and by the time we attached all the short lines with leaders and hooks to the line, the tide went out! We were lucky to get the one.
As you remember my asking if I could contact Don “Moulder” Brown. We were good friends and a lot of crew members gathered in the foundry. There I was met with a raw turkey on a pan that was burnt black from the furnace, oozing blood. When they asked me what they should do, I said “if you don’t want to get salmonella, throw it and the pan over the side”…which they did.
I hope that you weren’t bothered by the last tropical storm. I see that we have two more coming.
Well Guy, I’ll close off here for now by sending you and your family my best!
Bill Womacks
Recently I found this video that brought back memories from being at sea. Check it out by CLICKING HERE |
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TAPS In Memory of Our Deceased Shipmates
I received notice that Daniel C. Patterson (1970) EMFN, USNR passed on 5/28/2021 |
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Monthly Naval News Recap News Highlights of May: Indonesia's Tank Boat goes to sea, a major amphibious exercise in Japan, exercise Formidable Shield, HMS Queen Elizabeth starts her maiden deployment and Turkey’s ULAQ USV fires its missiles... News highlights of the past month: - Indonesia’s New Tank Boat Begins Sea Trials
Amphibious Exercise ARC 21 with Australia, France, Japan, United States - Formidale Shield: NATO Holds Defensive Life-Fire Missile Interception Exercise
- HMS Queen Elizabeth Set Sails for her Maiden Operational Deployment – CSG21
- Turkey’s ULAQ Combat USV Hits Target with Cirit Missile
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Did a Scottish Soldier Really Play Bagpipes at Normandy? Is the legend of the Scottish soldier who walked up and down Sword Beach playing the bagpipes and survived true? The truth is that it really happened. As the sounds of artillery exploded around them, as bullets whizzed by and the general din of combat echoed all around him, Private Bill Millin of the British 1st Special Service Brigade filled the air with the sounds of his bagpipes. | | |
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Ship’s Store Don't forget the Ship's Store is open 7 Days a week 24 hours a day. | | |
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Well That's it for Now.... Please remember to send me stories, pictures or anything you would like to see in the next newsletter as well as on the website. Thanks, Guy Veni |
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