Shipmates, the 2019 reunion is finished. We have made plans for the 28th STEINAKER REUNION in 2020 to be held at the Gettysburg, PA……………………….
The annual meeting of the USS STEINAKER Reunion Association was held on the 27th of April 2019 in Savannah, GA with approximately 60 shipmates and ladies present.
Meeting called to order by the Chairman, Frank Price. Elected officers present were Frank Price, Vice Chairman, Robert Ward and Secretary/Treasurer Kenneth Kohnen. Board of Director present was Jimmy Bunch. We also recognized 1 of our Commanding Officers: CAPT George Philipps 1974-1976 who was present at the reunion. Chairman Frank Price welcomed shipmates and noted the impressive attendance for the 2019 business meeting. The minutes were accepted as published in the annual newsletter. Received and approved the report of the Secretary/Treasurer after Jimmy Bunch and Robert Ward audited the checking account.
There was no further unfinished business. The Chairman moved to new business. The election of officers was held. Frank Price was nominated and elected as Chairman; Robert Ward was nominated and elected as Vice Chairman. Kenneth Kohnen was nominated and elected as Secretary/Treasurer. A vote was taken to maintain the current Board of Directors.
Chairman, Frank Price discussed plans for the 2021 STEINAKER Reunion. Discussion about Charleston, SC; Columbus, OH; Virginia Beach, VA; and Philadelphia, PA were discussed and mentioned the dates would be on 1st or 3rd weekend in May 2020.
Members present voted to hold the 2020 STEINAKER Reunion in Gettysburg, PA. The reunion dates of 30 April through 3 May 2020 were approved, if feasible.
Members present voted to have the 2021 STEINAKER Reunion held in either Philadelphia, PA or Virginia Beach, VA. Both will be presented and voted on at the next reunion.
Thursday night “Welcome Aboard Reception” was sponsored by Sally Cascini in honor of Frank Cascini. Robert Johannesen made a generous donation towards the banquet. A heartfelt thanks to all for their generous donations and support of the Steinaker Association.
Chuck Spencer discussed the Steinaker parts that have been received for distribution to the USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. and USS Orleck. It was also noted that the USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. work day would be from 16 – 19 May 2019. All are welcome to be part of the fun!
Discussion was held concerning donations. A motion was made by shipmates to donate to the following organizations: Tin Can Sailor’s, Inc. $1,000.00, USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Association $1,000.00, Carolyn Combs FRA Auxiliary Scholarship Fund $500.00, USS Orleck Naval Museum $500.00 and Folds of Honor $500.00.
Banners were presented to the following shipmates or spouses for their years of supporting the USS STEINAKER Reunion Association: Jack McGrath, Tim Simcoe, Bill Clearo, David Mentzer, George Weeks, John Woynics and Annabel Sacks. Thank you for your continuous support!
Drawing of six (6) Free Room nights at the Hampton Inn & Suites Savannah Midtown. Winners were: John Woynicz, Gordon Campbell, Bill Grason, Bob Patton, Jim Sheedy and Joe Sanders - Congratulations!
Bob Silkett and Bruce Macdonald were the winners of a free 1-year membership to Tin Can Sailors.
Discussion was held about the Saturday night auction, the silent auction, and the 50/50 drawing.
The formal business meeting was adjourned. After a five-minute break, shipmates gathered for introductions and acknowledgements by STEINAKER shipmates.
There being no further business the 2019 Annual Meeting of the USS STEINAKER Reunion Association adjourned until 2020.
Secretary/Treasurer Ken Kohnen made mention of the shipmates who sent dues/donations in support of our shipmates but were unable to attend for various reasons: Charles Barclay Jr. 62-65, David Bundy 65-67, John Bushaw 70-72, Gerald Dickey 54-57, Rick Fadely 65-68,
Edward Gibbon 61-64, Richard Greenamyer 68-70, Paul Heiland 50-51, Harry Hodum 60-63, Denny Jenkins 58-61,
Robert Johannesen (CO 78-80), Richard Kachulis 61-63, Donald Laferriere 63-64, Charles Lehr Jr. 50-52, Billy Meringer 78-81, Jon Miller 66-68, Larry Moody 69-71, Russ Noble 61-62, Dave Odishoo 55-59, John Parsons 69-72, Eric Pfeiffer 78-82, Edwin Pirie Jr., 77-82, Shirley Rea 56-58, James Rennebaum 66-69, Gus Seehorst 77-80, Gary Shultz 62-64, George Skudera 56-59, Steven Sokolowski 60-64, Ron Thur 61-64, Wesley Vincent 61-69, Alan Weeks 69-70, and Robert Wright 58-62. Your support is greatly appreciated and hopefully we will see you all at the next reunion.
To everyone participating in the auction your generosity was greatly appreciated.
Signed:
Kenneth Kohnen
Secretary/Treasurer
USS STEINAKER Reunion Association
The annual meeting of the USS STEINAKER Reunion Association was held on the 27th of April 2019 in Savannah, GA with approximately 60 shipmates and ladies present.
Meeting called to order by the Chairman, Frank Price. Elected officers present were Frank Price, Vice Chairman, Robert Ward and Secretary/Treasurer Kenneth Kohnen. Board of Director present was Jimmy Bunch. We also recognized 1 of our Commanding Officers: CAPT George Philipps 1974-1976 who was present at the reunion. Chairman Frank Price welcomed shipmates and noted the impressive attendance for the 2019 business meeting. The minutes were accepted as published in the annual newsletter. Received and approved the report of the Secretary/Treasurer after Jimmy Bunch and Robert Ward audited the checking account.
There was no further unfinished business. The Chairman moved to new business. The election of officers was held. Frank Price was nominated and elected as Chairman; Robert Ward was nominated and elected as Vice Chairman. Kenneth Kohnen was nominated and elected as Secretary/Treasurer. A vote was taken to maintain the current Board of Directors.
Chairman, Frank Price discussed plans for the 2021 STEINAKER Reunion. Discussion about Charleston, SC; Columbus, OH; Virginia Beach, VA; and Philadelphia, PA were discussed and mentioned the dates would be on 1st or 3rd weekend in May 2020.
Members present voted to hold the 2020 STEINAKER Reunion in Gettysburg, PA. The reunion dates of 30 April through 3 May 2020 were approved, if feasible.
Members present voted to have the 2021 STEINAKER Reunion held in either Philadelphia, PA or Virginia Beach, VA. Both will be presented and voted on at the next reunion.
Thursday night “Welcome Aboard Reception” was sponsored by Sally Cascini in honor of Frank Cascini. Robert Johannesen made a generous donation towards the banquet. A heartfelt thanks to all for their generous donations and support of the Steinaker Association.
Chuck Spencer discussed the Steinaker parts that have been received for distribution to the USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. and USS Orleck. It was also noted that the USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. work day would be from 16 – 19 May 2019. All are welcome to be part of the fun!
Discussion was held concerning donations. A motion was made by shipmates to donate to the following organizations: Tin Can Sailor’s, Inc. $1,000.00, USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Association $1,000.00, Carolyn Combs FRA Auxiliary Scholarship Fund $500.00, USS Orleck Naval Museum $500.00 and Folds of Honor $500.00.
Banners were presented to the following shipmates or spouses for their years of supporting the USS STEINAKER Reunion Association: Jack McGrath, Tim Simcoe, Bill Clearo, David Mentzer, George Weeks, John Woynics and Annabel Sacks. Thank you for your continuous support!
Drawing of six (6) Free Room nights at the Hampton Inn & Suites Savannah Midtown. Winners were: John Woynicz, Gordon Campbell, Bill Grason, Bob Patton, Jim Sheedy and Joe Sanders - Congratulations!
Bob Silkett and Bruce Macdonald were the winners of a free 1-year membership to Tin Can Sailors.
Discussion was held about the Saturday night auction, the silent auction, and the 50/50 drawing.
The formal business meeting was adjourned. After a five-minute break, shipmates gathered for introductions and acknowledgements by STEINAKER shipmates.
There being no further business the 2019 Annual Meeting of the USS STEINAKER Reunion Association adjourned until 2020.
Secretary/Treasurer Ken Kohnen made mention of the shipmates who sent dues/donations in support of our shipmates but were unable to attend for various reasons: Charles Barclay Jr. 62-65, David Bundy 65-67, John Bushaw 70-72, Gerald Dickey 54-57, Rick Fadely 65-68,
Edward Gibbon 61-64, Richard Greenamyer 68-70, Paul Heiland 50-51, Harry Hodum 60-63, Denny Jenkins 58-61,
Robert Johannesen (CO 78-80), Richard Kachulis 61-63, Donald Laferriere 63-64, Charles Lehr Jr. 50-52, Billy Meringer 78-81, Jon Miller 66-68, Larry Moody 69-71, Russ Noble 61-62, Dave Odishoo 55-59, John Parsons 69-72, Eric Pfeiffer 78-82, Edwin Pirie Jr., 77-82, Shirley Rea 56-58, James Rennebaum 66-69, Gus Seehorst 77-80, Gary Shultz 62-64, George Skudera 56-59, Steven Sokolowski 60-64, Ron Thur 61-64, Wesley Vincent 61-69, Alan Weeks 69-70, and Robert Wright 58-62. Your support is greatly appreciated and hopefully we will see you all at the next reunion.
To everyone participating in the auction your generosity was greatly appreciated.
Signed:
Kenneth Kohnen
Secretary/Treasurer
USS STEINAKER Reunion Association
27th Annual
USS Steinaker Reunion
by
Bill Keleher SOG2 ’61-’64
Savannah in the spring of 2019! So nice to arrive in warmer weather after a cold winter. The 27th annual reunion of the USS Steinaker has now been concluded and I must say that it appears to this writer that these gatherings get better and better as the years pass. Perhaps it is because of our experience in learning to run these events has taken hold.
Thursday the 25th saw the arrival of the early birds and the registration of some new members. This is always encouraging and a testament to the work of our association officers in getting the word out to potential new crewmates. In my discussions with some of the newbies, they stated that they were surprised at how much fun the whole thing is and how they wished they had “discovered” us sooner.
Thursday night the big event was a meet and greet cocktail gathering sponsored again by the gracious Sally Casini. A generous gift in memory of her husband and our departed shipmate Frank Cascini. A great way to start the week-end of events.
Friday morning our group filled three trolleys for a tour of Savannah. Though the seats were a little hard on some shrinking derrieres, the tour guide was most knowledgeable concerning the local history. I have to admit though, that one of the highlights of the drive was the van door that was struck on our way through a very narrow street! Another inch and it would have been torn off. This was NOT pilot error however, as a gust of wind caught the door in the middle of our passage.
Our group was next deposited at the waterfront and assembled to board a paddlewheel vessel for a go around the Savannah harbor. Included in this was a fine buffet lunch. Those on deck witnessed our passing starboard to starboard with a giant Cosco container ship. That channel looked awful small in those moments. Arriving back at the dock, our tour trolleys took us back to the hotel.
Friday evening saw a special event prepared by yours truly. Since I was given only a couple weeks notice, I scrambled to come up with something that would hold the interest of this very discriminating crowd. With that in mind, I collaborated with Frank Price to schedule an evening of food and movies. Thus was born a showing of independent short films with dinner included. Needless to say, there were a few surprises built into the program. As a result of modern technology, readers of this letter will be able to view the entire program by clicking on the links provided below! The final surprise was the presence of one of the major actors featured in the three of the films and the commercial. Perhaps if you know this fellow, you could let me know at:
[email protected]
By the way, he graciously stayed to autograph replicas of a prop used in the movie “Sudden.” This resulted in an additional $70 raised for the Association coffers.
1) Something Fishy A Twisted little film 6:30
https://youtu.be/shNEL1FtS_0
2) The Expert 7:34 Think U S Congress
https://youtu.be/BKorP55Aqvg
3) Dear Helen 13:26 Family dynamics and estrangement
https://vimeo.com/276518155/50021a9e90
4) Alternative Math 9:05 Schools of today and political correctness
https://youtu.be/Zh3Yz3PiXZw
5) The Wishgranter 4:48 Fantasy animation
https://youtu.be/zON0wDD7VJY
6) Commercial :30 Look for surprise
https://youtu.be/mUySO_3JoEI
7) This Side Up 2:46 Seniors and technology
https://youtu.be/BCC7rFxo6QA
8) Witness 8:10 Young man prays to experience a modern day miracle
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1veBMPG9wDbm_wyaDeC8NVhKvdndQmPTR/view?usp=sharing
9) Bad Peter 8:56 What happens when Apple takes over
https://youtu.be/VYxo-uymPUY
10) Sudden 8:00 A lonely old man gets a job as a home health aide
The final move “Sudden” can only be viewed by accessing Amazon. If you have Prime you can view for free but if you don’t have Prime, you can get the movie for $.99 and you can keep it. A great bargain for under a dollar!
Saturday morning was the usual business meeting which you may read about in another section of this report.
Our banquet Saturday night was a huge success. We had around 100 attendees and following a pretty good dinner, the usual shenanigans started. Jim Bunch and myself, the regular auctioneers, sold a myriad of interesting items. At one point in the proceedings we had a first. An actual mystery bidder who phoned in from some unknown place in the world. I suspected a Chinese consortium from Hong Kong but no actual proof surfaced. It did result in a nice price for a coveted item! All told, we were successful again in collecting some serious cash for the continuation of our organization. There were a lot of laughs and judging by that, I suspect most attendees had a great time. Especially the lone “Army Guy.”
Sunday morning was scattered as everyone was leaving at different times. Breakfast in the lobby and saying of good-byes to treasured friends and shipmates. A sayonara for now, but a new hello in Gettysburg PA next year.
USS Steinaker Reunion
by
Bill Keleher SOG2 ’61-’64
Savannah in the spring of 2019! So nice to arrive in warmer weather after a cold winter. The 27th annual reunion of the USS Steinaker has now been concluded and I must say that it appears to this writer that these gatherings get better and better as the years pass. Perhaps it is because of our experience in learning to run these events has taken hold.
Thursday the 25th saw the arrival of the early birds and the registration of some new members. This is always encouraging and a testament to the work of our association officers in getting the word out to potential new crewmates. In my discussions with some of the newbies, they stated that they were surprised at how much fun the whole thing is and how they wished they had “discovered” us sooner.
Thursday night the big event was a meet and greet cocktail gathering sponsored again by the gracious Sally Casini. A generous gift in memory of her husband and our departed shipmate Frank Cascini. A great way to start the week-end of events.
Friday morning our group filled three trolleys for a tour of Savannah. Though the seats were a little hard on some shrinking derrieres, the tour guide was most knowledgeable concerning the local history. I have to admit though, that one of the highlights of the drive was the van door that was struck on our way through a very narrow street! Another inch and it would have been torn off. This was NOT pilot error however, as a gust of wind caught the door in the middle of our passage.
Our group was next deposited at the waterfront and assembled to board a paddlewheel vessel for a go around the Savannah harbor. Included in this was a fine buffet lunch. Those on deck witnessed our passing starboard to starboard with a giant Cosco container ship. That channel looked awful small in those moments. Arriving back at the dock, our tour trolleys took us back to the hotel.
Friday evening saw a special event prepared by yours truly. Since I was given only a couple weeks notice, I scrambled to come up with something that would hold the interest of this very discriminating crowd. With that in mind, I collaborated with Frank Price to schedule an evening of food and movies. Thus was born a showing of independent short films with dinner included. Needless to say, there were a few surprises built into the program. As a result of modern technology, readers of this letter will be able to view the entire program by clicking on the links provided below! The final surprise was the presence of one of the major actors featured in the three of the films and the commercial. Perhaps if you know this fellow, you could let me know at:
[email protected]
By the way, he graciously stayed to autograph replicas of a prop used in the movie “Sudden.” This resulted in an additional $70 raised for the Association coffers.
1) Something Fishy A Twisted little film 6:30
https://youtu.be/shNEL1FtS_0
2) The Expert 7:34 Think U S Congress
https://youtu.be/BKorP55Aqvg
3) Dear Helen 13:26 Family dynamics and estrangement
https://vimeo.com/276518155/50021a9e90
4) Alternative Math 9:05 Schools of today and political correctness
https://youtu.be/Zh3Yz3PiXZw
5) The Wishgranter 4:48 Fantasy animation
https://youtu.be/zON0wDD7VJY
6) Commercial :30 Look for surprise
https://youtu.be/mUySO_3JoEI
7) This Side Up 2:46 Seniors and technology
https://youtu.be/BCC7rFxo6QA
8) Witness 8:10 Young man prays to experience a modern day miracle
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1veBMPG9wDbm_wyaDeC8NVhKvdndQmPTR/view?usp=sharing
9) Bad Peter 8:56 What happens when Apple takes over
https://youtu.be/VYxo-uymPUY
10) Sudden 8:00 A lonely old man gets a job as a home health aide
The final move “Sudden” can only be viewed by accessing Amazon. If you have Prime you can view for free but if you don’t have Prime, you can get the movie for $.99 and you can keep it. A great bargain for under a dollar!
Saturday morning was the usual business meeting which you may read about in another section of this report.
Our banquet Saturday night was a huge success. We had around 100 attendees and following a pretty good dinner, the usual shenanigans started. Jim Bunch and myself, the regular auctioneers, sold a myriad of interesting items. At one point in the proceedings we had a first. An actual mystery bidder who phoned in from some unknown place in the world. I suspected a Chinese consortium from Hong Kong but no actual proof surfaced. It did result in a nice price for a coveted item! All told, we were successful again in collecting some serious cash for the continuation of our organization. There were a lot of laughs and judging by that, I suspect most attendees had a great time. Especially the lone “Army Guy.”
Sunday morning was scattered as everyone was leaving at different times. Breakfast in the lobby and saying of good-byes to treasured friends and shipmates. A sayonara for now, but a new hello in Gettysburg PA next year.