U.S.S. BROOKE DEG-1/FFG-1

ASSOCIATION

REUNION

PORTLAND, OR

SEPTEMBER 25 - 29, 2013

 

 

SCENES OF PORTLAND, OREGON

U.S.S. BROOKE CREWMEMBERS, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS

BOARDING THE "PORTLAND SPIRIT", PORTLAND, OREGON

SEPTEMBER 27, 2013

SHILOH INNS PORTLAND AIRPORT

     The U.S.S. Brooke DEG-1/FFG-1 Association held it's twelfth annual reunion at the Shiloh Inns Portland Airport, Portland, OR September 25 - 29, 2013. Fifty eight shipmates, family and friends attended the annual gathering and this year along with sixteen members, family and friends of the National Sonar Association. This was the third year we have had the NSA hold their reunion in conjunction with ours, we ended up with a another solid turnout. As per our standard opening night routine we held our "Welcome Aboard" reception in the Hospitality Room. The opportunity to share the camaraderie and renew friendships for the "Brooke Family", continued the tradition getting our reunion off on the right foot. On day 2, Thursday, we set off for the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum early in the morning where we enjoyed an IMAX presentation and a tour of the many vintage aircraft on display. The highlight being Howard Hughes' experimental "Spruce Goose". In the afternoon we toured the Tillimook Cheese Factory. This is a facility that turns out over 168,000 lbs. of cheese a day and their ice cream is fabulous. As we returned to our hotel for our "Pizza Night" and annual cake cutting ceremony it looked for a moment that it might turn into "Mid-Rats" as we were bogged down in lengthy traffic. But thanks to our bus driver and a lot of patience we were still able to get the event in. By bedtime, which seems to be coming earlier and earlier as we age, most folks were quite ready for a good nights sleep.. On Friday, day 3, the rain, which would continue for the next several days, set in. But what is a trip to the Pacific Northwest without the ever present rain? Our gang was not deterred by a little precipitation and we set off for Fort Vancouver bright and early. The tour of this National Historic site was quite enjoyable despite the rain. The Ranger who provided the tour was very knowledgeable and provided us with a very informative tour. Upon completion of the tour we headed for Portland where we boarded the Portland Spirit for an afternoon lunch cruise on the Willamette River. Again, a very enjoyable event for the group. By the end of the day we were ready for some down time. On Saturday we did not schedule any formal daytime events to give our folks some time to choose between touring some of the many venues that Portland had to offer and shopping at the local stores.

The Saturday evening banquet was a rousing success with over seventy people in attendance. As in the past several years we brought in "professional" entertainment and the gentleman who performed the combination of comedy, juggling and magic did not disappoint. With laughter and fun we ended our 2013 gathering on an upbeat note!

                     On Sunday morning we held our annual memorial service to remember shipmates departed and then shared farewells until next year in Branson, MO. As with each of our previous reunions old friendships continued, new friendships were made or renewed. As always, my hat is off to all of you who traveled many miles to see old friends and share your experiences of Brooke with others. We hope you had a wonderful time and that we didn't tire you out too much. At each of our reunions we try to create a mix of events to keep our attendees engaged and entertained and this year was no exception. Once again we will try to improve our events in Branson and we hope you will be able to join us.

The following pictures are a representation of the four memorable days we spent together and I have tried to capture the best memories of that wonderful time. As with each year's photos, and the captions beneath,  I take full responsibility for my attempt at wit, or lack thereof.

Tom Adametz

 

REUNION ATTENDEES

(In alphabetical order with their home states)

Tom and Harriet Adametz (CA)

Marc and Rose Apter (VA)

Curt and Barbara Beebe (OR)

Rex and Trisih Chase (TN)

Forrest and Glenna Chapman (ID)

Robert Cook (TX)

Jeff and Laura Dial (TX)

Jack and Ginger Kirby Dewitt (SC)

Jim and Vivian Elliott (VA)

Betty Fugazi (WA)

Don and Cherie Geyton (CA)

Rita Giblin (CA)

Melinda-Kromray Giblin (CA)

Kemis Enright Giblin

Gary and Judy Grudem (CA)

Jerry and Estelle Hamling (WA)

Jimmy Hanna (TX)

Rick and Linda Holmes (WA)

Scott and Linda Holmes (CA)

Steve and Linda Hunt (WA)

Jack Lakely (WA)

Mary Joy Lilly (WA)

Arthur Locke (WA)

Betty Lucas (WA)

Tony and Robin Precie (CA)

Alicia Rivers (TX)

Pam Ruiz (TX)

Leroy and Janet Schultz (OR)

Del and Dwyllis Secrest (WA)

John Shumlas (IN)

Brian Smith (RI)

Kathy Taylor (WA)

Del and Yvonne Turner (OR)

Bill and Barb Ulmer (MO)

Bob and Betty Wasielewski (CA)

Larry and Nancy Whitaker (VA)

Scott Youngren (CA)

 

 

REUNION VIDEOS CREATED BY SCOTT YOUNGREN AND POSTED ON YOUTUBE

USS BROOKE 2013 REUNION

http://youtu.be/OGUmbe4fnWA

USS BLUEBACK

http://youtu.be/oP_-bcroSPQ

SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER HIGHLIGHTS

http://youtu.be/R29hBJTsups

 

 

 

        

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