20th Annual Steinaker Reunion, April 26 - 29, 2012
Our 20th annual reunion was held this year in Virginia Beach, VA. We had 99 people attend the Saturday banquet and 54 registered shipments attending the reunion. The activities included a tour of the Norfolk Naval Station, including a tour of the USS Kearsarge, (LHD3), a luncheon cruise, and attendance at the Virginia International Tattoo. Saturday morning we held the annual business meeting. On Saturday evening we had the annual banquet which included a "live auction" with outstanding (free) entertainment. Everyone had an enjoyable time.
The 2013 reunion will be in Warwick, RI (Battleship Cove).
Meeting Notes: By Russ Noble
SHIPMATES, THE 2012 REUNION IS HISTORY. WE HAVE MADE PLANS FOR THE "21ST STEINAKER REUNION" IN 2013 TO BE HELD AT THE SHERATON PROVIDENCE AIRPORT HOTEL, WARWICK, R.I.
THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE REUNION ASSOCIATION WAS HELD IN 2012 IN VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA. AT THAT TIME, CHAIRMAN - JOHN EVANS AND VICE CHAIRMAN - JIMMY BUNCH AND SECRETARY/TREASURER-RUSS NOBLE WERE ELECTED TO SERVE AGAIN. ALSO KENNETH KOHNEN WAS NOMINATED AND ELECTED TO SERVE AS ASSISTANT SECRETARY/TREASURER TO HELP WITH THE SECRETARY/ TREASURER DUTIES AS NEEDED. THERE WAS NO UNFINISHED BUSINESS. NEW BUSINESS WAS DISCUSSED ABOUT HAVING THE 2014
REUNION IN PENSACOLA, FLORIDA. THE 2014 REUNION LOCATION WAS APPROVED BY ALL PRESENT.
A MOTION WAS MADE AND APPROVED TO MAKE A $500.00 DONATION TO THE TIN CAN SAILORS ASSOCIATION. SHIPMATE FRANK & SALLY CASCINI DONATED AN ADDITIONAL $250.00 TOWARDS THE TIN CAN SAILORS OFFERING. WE HAVE SINCE RECEIVED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM THE TIN CAN SAILORS ASSOCIATION FOR THE $750.00 DONATION AND A VERY NICE THANK YOU LETTER TO THE STEINAKER REUNION ASSOCIATION FOR THE GENEROUS DONATION.
A MOTION WAS MADE AND APPROVED TO RECOGNIZE ALL USS STEINAKER PLANK-OWNERS AND HONOR THEM BY THE "HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP" IN THE STEINAKER REUNION ASSOCIATION. THIS WAS A WAY TO THANK EACH OF THEM FOR ALL THEIR SUPPORT AND DONATIONS OVER THE YEARS IN HELPING MAKE THE ASSOCIATION WHAT IT IS TODAY. SHIPMATE KENNETH KOHNEN WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN STARTING/DONATING TOWARDS THIS MOTION TO HONOR ALL PLANK-OWNERS...SINCE THEN SHIPMATES FRANK CASCINI AND GERALD DICKEY HAVE DONATED.
A MOTION WAS MADE AND APPROVED TO OFFER A TOUR OF BATTLE SHIP COVE IN FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS AND THE LIZZIE BORDEN B&B MUSEUM. INFORMATION ON THIS TOUR IS REFLECTED FURTHER ON IN THE NEWSLETTER........
AT THE EVENING BANQUET - CHAIRMAN JOHN EVANS AND VICE CHAIRMAN JIMMY BUNCH WERE RECOGNIZED FOR ALL THEIR YEARS OF SUPPORT AND SERVICE TO THE STEINAKER REUNION ASSOCIATION.
NEW STEINAKER REUNION ASSOCIATION "LIFE MEMBERS" WERE RECOGNIZED: CDR ROBERT E. JOHANNESEN - CO 78-80, CAPT. LARRY I'ANSON, CDR DAVID BOYD, BILL COMBS, HERALD NEWNUM, GERALD DICKEY, FRANK HOMER, CARY BEACH, JAMES COLLINS, ROBERT DUSO, BILL RAUB, BERNIE STILLWAGON, AL TONDORA, ROBERT VARNES AND ROBERT WILLIAMS........ THANK YOU AND "BRAVO ZULU TO ALL"
BILL COMBS WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN PURCHASING TICKETS FOR THE 2012 TATTOO PROGRAM FOR THE WOUNDED WARRIOR PROGRAM. HE ASKED THAT THIS BE HIS DONATION, BUT A MOTION WAS MADE AND APPROVED TO REIMBURSE BILL COMBS FOR THE COST OF THESE TICKETS. AFTER THE MOTION - FRANK AND SALLY CASCINI MADE A DONATION TO THE ASSOCIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $750.00 TO COVER THE COST OF THESE TICKETS........ WE THANK BOTH THE COMBS AND CASCINI FAMILIES FOR THEIR SUPPORT......
THERE BEING NO FURTHER NEW BSINESS - THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED.
SPEAKING OF DONATIONS.... DURING THE REUNION PROCESS WE HAD A NUMBER OF SHIPMATES DONATE THEIR TIME AND MONIES.... NOTICEABLY WAS A GENEROUS DONATION TO THE STEINAKER ASSOCIATION BY CAPT. LARRY I'ANSON......... WE CAN'T THANK HIM ENOUGH FOR HIS SUPPORT!!!!!!!!
ALSO A SPECIAL THANKS TO - BILL AND CAROL RAUB, BILL AND MICHELE KELEHER, SHIRLEY AND BETTY REA, FRANK AND SALLY CASCINI, KEN AND THELMA KOHNEN - "WHO STEPPED IN AND SAVED THE DAY" WITH HELPING VIRGINIA NOBLE GET THE REUNION SET-UP AND STARTED WHILE RUSS WAS UNDER THE WEATHER....
WORDS OF THANKS GOES OUT AGAIN TO OUR HISTORIAN "BILL KELEHER" - WHO ONCE AGAIN HAS WRITTEN AN OUTSTANDING ACCOUNT OF THE 2012 VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA REUNION. HIS LETTER FOLLOWS THE REUNION NEWS/INFO........
A "VERY" SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OUR SHIPMATES WHO ATTENDED THE 2012 STEINAKER REUNION AND HELPING TO MAKE IT SO SUCCESSFUL. ALSO THE ENORMOUS GENEROSITY REFLECTED BY OUR SHIPMATES AT THE EVENING AUCTION!!!!!!! THE ASSOCIATION THANKS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!!!!
WE WERE HONORED THIS YEAR WITH EIGHT (8) NEW SHIPMATES ATTENDING THE 2012 REUNION. THEY RANGED IN RANK FROM REAR ADMIRAL, CAPTAIN, COMMANDER, SENIOR CHIEF PETTY OFFICER TO SEAMAN FIRST CLASS. ALSO IN OUR PRESENCE WAS "FRANK POGUE", A PLANK-OWNER, WHO SERVED ONBOARD THE USS STEINAKER FROM 1945 TO 1952. WHAT A TREMENDOUS OCCASION.......
THE ASSOCIATION RECENTLY ORDERED/PURCHASED ALL THREE (3) STEINAKER PATCHES, PLUS THE "ROCKER PATCH" - UNIFORM SHOULDER PATCH. THESE PATCHES WERE SOLD IN A GROUP OF FOUR (4) AT THE REUNION FOR $10.00. WE STILL HAVE SOME AVAILABLE FOR SALE FOR $10.00. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED SHOULD CONTACT "RUSS NOBLE" - SEC/TREASURER AT (231) 944-2148.
IF YOU WOULD BE INTERESTED IN HOSTING ONE OF OUR REUNIONS, GATHER SOME INFORMATION AND BRING IT WITH YOU..... REMEMBER THE MORE THAT GET INVOLVED THE EASIER IT IS ON THE REST OF US..................
SHIPMATES.... REMEMBER WE ALWAYS HAVE AN AUCTION AT THE BANQUET, SO WE REQUEST THAT EVERYONE BRING AN ITEM FROM THEIR AREA AND DONATE IT FOR THE AUCTION.... THANK YOU!!!!
THE REUNION ASSOCIATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OUR SHIPMATES WHO HAVE PAID THEIR YEARLY DUES AND ALSO MADE SUCH GENEROUS DONATIONS DURING THIS PAST YEAR!!!!!! THIS IS WHAT PAYS THE BILLS. WE THANK EVERYONE FOR THEIR SUPPORT.........
WHEN MAKING OUT YOUR CHECKS!!!!!! EITHER FOR DUES OR REUNION RESERVATIONS - PLEASE MAKE THEM OUT TO THE "USS
STEINAKER REUNION ASSOCIATION" AND SEND TO RUSS NOBLE.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
STEINAKER REUNION 2012 by Bill Keleher SOG2 1961-64
The 2012 reunion was held in Virginia Beach, VA from April 26 through April 29, 2012. As usual, our reunion committee provided us with excellent accommodations and a fully stocked hospitality room suitable for our informal get togethers and business meeting. It was no small coincidence that the hotel bar was exactly 27 footsteps from our room. The display tables were filled with emphera and memorabilia dating from the first days of the ship to the last.
Thursday evening was taken up by a demonstration of the skills of the Steinaker synchronized swimming team consisting of team leader Russ Noble and mates John Evans, Bill Keleher and Jim Bunch. All were attired in colorful trunks, T-shirts with USS 863, and matching bathing cap and goggle sets. This was followed by a singing performance by Jerry Blanchette and a comedy routine by Denny Jenkins. Judging by the applause and cat calls, our performances appeared to be very well received.
On Friday our party departed on a bus for a tour of the Norfolk Naval Station. Before being allowed on the base, we were eye balled by a young woman from base security. It deeply concerned us, especially when an anonymous voice from the back of the bus announced loudly...
“cavity search.” However, this group of older Americans needn’t have worried and we passed with flying colors. Many of us were quite impressed with the new vessels and some even stated “it sure would be fun to go to sea on that one!”
A bonus appeared in the form of a tour of the USS Kearsarge, an LDH. Apparently, it was a last minute concession to some of our members of high influence. It was quite interesting to observe how the “new Navy” is run. The crew looked so very young and diverse. Just beyond the
quarterdeck however, were two large signs. One was warning about the consequences of sexual harassment and the other about the dangers of being arrested for DUI or DWI. I guess this is a sign of the times.
Upon completing the tour, we were deposited at the pier in downtown Norfolk and what ensued was a very pleasant ride around the harbor, including a great lunch buffet, which was enjoyed by all.
Friday evening concluded with our attendance at the 2012 International Tattoo. Bands and performers from over 12 countries provided us with an evening of incredible entertainment and the performance was quite patriotic at times.
Saturday morning saw the beginning of what we assumed would be a short business meeting. However, due to the attendance and the myriad of subjects broached, it ran for close to four hours. Even so, there were some items missed and due to that fact, a slideshow created by John Ives documenting the Steinaker Viet Nam experience will be shown next year at Fall River. Incumbent officers were reelected and some additional help will be provided to Russ Noble by Ken Kohnen. Additionally, Steinaker reunion members approved a motion for the purchase of tickets for 10 naval personnel and their wives to attend the 2012 Tattoo. A special thanks to Bill Combs for the initial purchase and coordination. Also a big thanks to Frank and Sally Cascini for their generous matching donation.
Happy hour commenced at 4:30 and concluded with group photographs. Modern digital technology allowed us to choose from several photo options and the results were printed as we stood by. This new method is a far cry from sending the film to a distant lab, waiting weeks for
processing/printing and then not being entirely pleased with the outcome
Our dinner commenced with the pledge of allegiance followed by the customary Two Bell Ceremony. Russ Noble then appeared as his alter ego Batman and bestowed some gifts on selected attendees. This year the number of dinner/auction participants has risen and we were just short of 100. There was also a sharp increase in first timers and we were pleasantly surprised to see a significant rise in officer participation
which included a retired two star. After a fine meal, all were excited to get the auction started! Jim Bunch and I took the reins and proceeded to sell the very fine items so graciously donated by our shipmates and families. It would take too much space to list each item but you can get a glimpse by going to: www.usssteinakerreunion.com and perusing the pictures of the dinner. All in all, the outcome was beyond our expectations and sufficient funds were collected to ensure the resources for a successful reunion next year.
Sunday morning saw the departure of attendees some as early as 3 a.m.! The rest enjoyed breakfast in small groups and promised to meet again in Fall River. This author would like to congratulate our officers and volunteers who so selflessly donated the time and effort to make this 20th annual reunion of the Steinaker crew so successful. Thank you from all of us.
An interesting side note. On the way home Michele and I stopped to visit our friends Eric and Theresa Van Dyke in Pennsylvania. While discussing our reunion attendance, I told Eric that we toured the USS Kearsarge. Much to my surprise, Eric knew quite a bit about the
Kearsarge and the history therein. It turns out that Eric’s great-great uncle, one Raphael Semmes was the captain of the CSS Alabama, a confederate ship noted for successfully preying on Union shipping and naval vessels. The Alabama was finally sunk by the original Kearsarge outside Cherbourg, France but Captain Semmes was able to escape with part of his crew on the private British yacht Deerhound. Sometimes coincidence is really interesting.
The 2013 reunion will be in Warwick, RI (Battleship Cove).
Meeting Notes: By Russ Noble
SHIPMATES, THE 2012 REUNION IS HISTORY. WE HAVE MADE PLANS FOR THE "21ST STEINAKER REUNION" IN 2013 TO BE HELD AT THE SHERATON PROVIDENCE AIRPORT HOTEL, WARWICK, R.I.
THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE REUNION ASSOCIATION WAS HELD IN 2012 IN VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA. AT THAT TIME, CHAIRMAN - JOHN EVANS AND VICE CHAIRMAN - JIMMY BUNCH AND SECRETARY/TREASURER-RUSS NOBLE WERE ELECTED TO SERVE AGAIN. ALSO KENNETH KOHNEN WAS NOMINATED AND ELECTED TO SERVE AS ASSISTANT SECRETARY/TREASURER TO HELP WITH THE SECRETARY/ TREASURER DUTIES AS NEEDED. THERE WAS NO UNFINISHED BUSINESS. NEW BUSINESS WAS DISCUSSED ABOUT HAVING THE 2014
REUNION IN PENSACOLA, FLORIDA. THE 2014 REUNION LOCATION WAS APPROVED BY ALL PRESENT.
A MOTION WAS MADE AND APPROVED TO MAKE A $500.00 DONATION TO THE TIN CAN SAILORS ASSOCIATION. SHIPMATE FRANK & SALLY CASCINI DONATED AN ADDITIONAL $250.00 TOWARDS THE TIN CAN SAILORS OFFERING. WE HAVE SINCE RECEIVED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM THE TIN CAN SAILORS ASSOCIATION FOR THE $750.00 DONATION AND A VERY NICE THANK YOU LETTER TO THE STEINAKER REUNION ASSOCIATION FOR THE GENEROUS DONATION.
A MOTION WAS MADE AND APPROVED TO RECOGNIZE ALL USS STEINAKER PLANK-OWNERS AND HONOR THEM BY THE "HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP" IN THE STEINAKER REUNION ASSOCIATION. THIS WAS A WAY TO THANK EACH OF THEM FOR ALL THEIR SUPPORT AND DONATIONS OVER THE YEARS IN HELPING MAKE THE ASSOCIATION WHAT IT IS TODAY. SHIPMATE KENNETH KOHNEN WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN STARTING/DONATING TOWARDS THIS MOTION TO HONOR ALL PLANK-OWNERS...SINCE THEN SHIPMATES FRANK CASCINI AND GERALD DICKEY HAVE DONATED.
A MOTION WAS MADE AND APPROVED TO OFFER A TOUR OF BATTLE SHIP COVE IN FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS AND THE LIZZIE BORDEN B&B MUSEUM. INFORMATION ON THIS TOUR IS REFLECTED FURTHER ON IN THE NEWSLETTER........
AT THE EVENING BANQUET - CHAIRMAN JOHN EVANS AND VICE CHAIRMAN JIMMY BUNCH WERE RECOGNIZED FOR ALL THEIR YEARS OF SUPPORT AND SERVICE TO THE STEINAKER REUNION ASSOCIATION.
NEW STEINAKER REUNION ASSOCIATION "LIFE MEMBERS" WERE RECOGNIZED: CDR ROBERT E. JOHANNESEN - CO 78-80, CAPT. LARRY I'ANSON, CDR DAVID BOYD, BILL COMBS, HERALD NEWNUM, GERALD DICKEY, FRANK HOMER, CARY BEACH, JAMES COLLINS, ROBERT DUSO, BILL RAUB, BERNIE STILLWAGON, AL TONDORA, ROBERT VARNES AND ROBERT WILLIAMS........ THANK YOU AND "BRAVO ZULU TO ALL"
BILL COMBS WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN PURCHASING TICKETS FOR THE 2012 TATTOO PROGRAM FOR THE WOUNDED WARRIOR PROGRAM. HE ASKED THAT THIS BE HIS DONATION, BUT A MOTION WAS MADE AND APPROVED TO REIMBURSE BILL COMBS FOR THE COST OF THESE TICKETS. AFTER THE MOTION - FRANK AND SALLY CASCINI MADE A DONATION TO THE ASSOCIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $750.00 TO COVER THE COST OF THESE TICKETS........ WE THANK BOTH THE COMBS AND CASCINI FAMILIES FOR THEIR SUPPORT......
THERE BEING NO FURTHER NEW BSINESS - THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED.
SPEAKING OF DONATIONS.... DURING THE REUNION PROCESS WE HAD A NUMBER OF SHIPMATES DONATE THEIR TIME AND MONIES.... NOTICEABLY WAS A GENEROUS DONATION TO THE STEINAKER ASSOCIATION BY CAPT. LARRY I'ANSON......... WE CAN'T THANK HIM ENOUGH FOR HIS SUPPORT!!!!!!!!
ALSO A SPECIAL THANKS TO - BILL AND CAROL RAUB, BILL AND MICHELE KELEHER, SHIRLEY AND BETTY REA, FRANK AND SALLY CASCINI, KEN AND THELMA KOHNEN - "WHO STEPPED IN AND SAVED THE DAY" WITH HELPING VIRGINIA NOBLE GET THE REUNION SET-UP AND STARTED WHILE RUSS WAS UNDER THE WEATHER....
WORDS OF THANKS GOES OUT AGAIN TO OUR HISTORIAN "BILL KELEHER" - WHO ONCE AGAIN HAS WRITTEN AN OUTSTANDING ACCOUNT OF THE 2012 VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA REUNION. HIS LETTER FOLLOWS THE REUNION NEWS/INFO........
A "VERY" SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OUR SHIPMATES WHO ATTENDED THE 2012 STEINAKER REUNION AND HELPING TO MAKE IT SO SUCCESSFUL. ALSO THE ENORMOUS GENEROSITY REFLECTED BY OUR SHIPMATES AT THE EVENING AUCTION!!!!!!! THE ASSOCIATION THANKS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!!!!
WE WERE HONORED THIS YEAR WITH EIGHT (8) NEW SHIPMATES ATTENDING THE 2012 REUNION. THEY RANGED IN RANK FROM REAR ADMIRAL, CAPTAIN, COMMANDER, SENIOR CHIEF PETTY OFFICER TO SEAMAN FIRST CLASS. ALSO IN OUR PRESENCE WAS "FRANK POGUE", A PLANK-OWNER, WHO SERVED ONBOARD THE USS STEINAKER FROM 1945 TO 1952. WHAT A TREMENDOUS OCCASION.......
THE ASSOCIATION RECENTLY ORDERED/PURCHASED ALL THREE (3) STEINAKER PATCHES, PLUS THE "ROCKER PATCH" - UNIFORM SHOULDER PATCH. THESE PATCHES WERE SOLD IN A GROUP OF FOUR (4) AT THE REUNION FOR $10.00. WE STILL HAVE SOME AVAILABLE FOR SALE FOR $10.00. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED SHOULD CONTACT "RUSS NOBLE" - SEC/TREASURER AT (231) 944-2148.
IF YOU WOULD BE INTERESTED IN HOSTING ONE OF OUR REUNIONS, GATHER SOME INFORMATION AND BRING IT WITH YOU..... REMEMBER THE MORE THAT GET INVOLVED THE EASIER IT IS ON THE REST OF US..................
SHIPMATES.... REMEMBER WE ALWAYS HAVE AN AUCTION AT THE BANQUET, SO WE REQUEST THAT EVERYONE BRING AN ITEM FROM THEIR AREA AND DONATE IT FOR THE AUCTION.... THANK YOU!!!!
THE REUNION ASSOCIATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OUR SHIPMATES WHO HAVE PAID THEIR YEARLY DUES AND ALSO MADE SUCH GENEROUS DONATIONS DURING THIS PAST YEAR!!!!!! THIS IS WHAT PAYS THE BILLS. WE THANK EVERYONE FOR THEIR SUPPORT.........
WHEN MAKING OUT YOUR CHECKS!!!!!! EITHER FOR DUES OR REUNION RESERVATIONS - PLEASE MAKE THEM OUT TO THE "USS
STEINAKER REUNION ASSOCIATION" AND SEND TO RUSS NOBLE.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
STEINAKER REUNION 2012 by Bill Keleher SOG2 1961-64
The 2012 reunion was held in Virginia Beach, VA from April 26 through April 29, 2012. As usual, our reunion committee provided us with excellent accommodations and a fully stocked hospitality room suitable for our informal get togethers and business meeting. It was no small coincidence that the hotel bar was exactly 27 footsteps from our room. The display tables were filled with emphera and memorabilia dating from the first days of the ship to the last.
Thursday evening was taken up by a demonstration of the skills of the Steinaker synchronized swimming team consisting of team leader Russ Noble and mates John Evans, Bill Keleher and Jim Bunch. All were attired in colorful trunks, T-shirts with USS 863, and matching bathing cap and goggle sets. This was followed by a singing performance by Jerry Blanchette and a comedy routine by Denny Jenkins. Judging by the applause and cat calls, our performances appeared to be very well received.
On Friday our party departed on a bus for a tour of the Norfolk Naval Station. Before being allowed on the base, we were eye balled by a young woman from base security. It deeply concerned us, especially when an anonymous voice from the back of the bus announced loudly...
“cavity search.” However, this group of older Americans needn’t have worried and we passed with flying colors. Many of us were quite impressed with the new vessels and some even stated “it sure would be fun to go to sea on that one!”
A bonus appeared in the form of a tour of the USS Kearsarge, an LDH. Apparently, it was a last minute concession to some of our members of high influence. It was quite interesting to observe how the “new Navy” is run. The crew looked so very young and diverse. Just beyond the
quarterdeck however, were two large signs. One was warning about the consequences of sexual harassment and the other about the dangers of being arrested for DUI or DWI. I guess this is a sign of the times.
Upon completing the tour, we were deposited at the pier in downtown Norfolk and what ensued was a very pleasant ride around the harbor, including a great lunch buffet, which was enjoyed by all.
Friday evening concluded with our attendance at the 2012 International Tattoo. Bands and performers from over 12 countries provided us with an evening of incredible entertainment and the performance was quite patriotic at times.
Saturday morning saw the beginning of what we assumed would be a short business meeting. However, due to the attendance and the myriad of subjects broached, it ran for close to four hours. Even so, there were some items missed and due to that fact, a slideshow created by John Ives documenting the Steinaker Viet Nam experience will be shown next year at Fall River. Incumbent officers were reelected and some additional help will be provided to Russ Noble by Ken Kohnen. Additionally, Steinaker reunion members approved a motion for the purchase of tickets for 10 naval personnel and their wives to attend the 2012 Tattoo. A special thanks to Bill Combs for the initial purchase and coordination. Also a big thanks to Frank and Sally Cascini for their generous matching donation.
Happy hour commenced at 4:30 and concluded with group photographs. Modern digital technology allowed us to choose from several photo options and the results were printed as we stood by. This new method is a far cry from sending the film to a distant lab, waiting weeks for
processing/printing and then not being entirely pleased with the outcome
Our dinner commenced with the pledge of allegiance followed by the customary Two Bell Ceremony. Russ Noble then appeared as his alter ego Batman and bestowed some gifts on selected attendees. This year the number of dinner/auction participants has risen and we were just short of 100. There was also a sharp increase in first timers and we were pleasantly surprised to see a significant rise in officer participation
which included a retired two star. After a fine meal, all were excited to get the auction started! Jim Bunch and I took the reins and proceeded to sell the very fine items so graciously donated by our shipmates and families. It would take too much space to list each item but you can get a glimpse by going to: www.usssteinakerreunion.com and perusing the pictures of the dinner. All in all, the outcome was beyond our expectations and sufficient funds were collected to ensure the resources for a successful reunion next year.
Sunday morning saw the departure of attendees some as early as 3 a.m.! The rest enjoyed breakfast in small groups and promised to meet again in Fall River. This author would like to congratulate our officers and volunteers who so selflessly donated the time and effort to make this 20th annual reunion of the Steinaker crew so successful. Thank you from all of us.
An interesting side note. On the way home Michele and I stopped to visit our friends Eric and Theresa Van Dyke in Pennsylvania. While discussing our reunion attendance, I told Eric that we toured the USS Kearsarge. Much to my surprise, Eric knew quite a bit about the
Kearsarge and the history therein. It turns out that Eric’s great-great uncle, one Raphael Semmes was the captain of the CSS Alabama, a confederate ship noted for successfully preying on Union shipping and naval vessels. The Alabama was finally sunk by the original Kearsarge outside Cherbourg, France but Captain Semmes was able to escape with part of his crew on the private British yacht Deerhound. Sometimes coincidence is really interesting.
