U.S.S. BROOKE DEG-1/FFG-1
ASSOCIATION
REUNION
BRANSON, MO
SEPTEMBER 25 - 28, 2019
SCENES OF BRANSON
U.S.S. BROOKE CREWMEMBERS, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS
CLAY COOPER THEATRE
SEPTEMBER 27, 2019
CLARION HOTEL BRANSON MISSOURI
The U.S.S. Brooke DEG-1/FFG-1 Association held it's seventeenth reunion at the Clarion Hotel, Branson, MO., September 25 - 28, 2019. Sixty five shipmates, family and friends attended the annual gathering and along with five members, family and friends of the National Sonar Association. 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 our first night we also held our "Pizza Night" and traditional cake cutting ceremony and it was a great way to set the tone for the events to follow.
Unlike our past reunion in Branson, in 2014, we decided to "tone it down" a little this time. Rather than pack in a half dozen events per day we settled on limiting it to three or four. By doing this we prevented our group from being worn out like rented mules. In other words, we paced ourselves. On Thursday morning we began our "Tours" with a trip to the IMAX Mall where there was plenty of browsing and shopping at the various stores in the mall. We then had lunch at McFarlain's restaurant where the food is always fabulous and that one "special" table rises to the occasion.
After leaving the mall we arrived at the Branson Railway station to board our train for the scenic train ride. If you enjoyed railroad history or better yet, trees, this was the tour for you. In all seriousness though, the tour was very informative and we did get to see some of the scenic areas around Branson.
We returned to the hotel after the train tour and kicked back until it was time to depart for the Hamner's Variety Theatre and their evening performance. The performance was very entertaining and kept with the local and patriotic theme that Branson is known for. After the show we returned to the hotel for a much needed evening of rest.
On Friday we started our "touring" day by heading to the Historic Downtown Branson for some additional shopping and sightseeing. Our next stop was the Clay Cooper Theatre for an absolutely fabulous afternoon show. Again, the country and patriotic theme was very appealing to our group. Returning to the hotel after the show, we rested until it was time for dinner at the Grand Country Buffet. This is one of Branson's sightseeing staples and there is enough variety of food, as well as ample amounts, to satisfy even the most picky eater. After dinner, with tummies full, we headed off to another show; The Baldknobber's. This was another variety show that has played in Branson for many years and it certainly did not disappoint. At the end of our second full day of events we were certainly ready for some rack time.
Saturday our group took off for an early morning show (they seem to have them at all times of the day in Branson) called the Magnificent Seven Variety Show. After the show the gang headed to Pasghetti's Italian Restaurant for some lunch and then headed back to the hotel to rest up for the Saturday evening banquet.
The banquet was a resounding success for all those in attendance and was concluded with our annual raffle. Thank you to everyone who brought some great prizes from your home states. We ended the evening and the formal aspects of the reunion by raising a toast to our shipmates who have passed on.
We have tentatively selected San Antonio, TX as the location for the 2020 Reunion we look forward to seeing many of our shipmates in celebration of Brooke once again next year.
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)
David and Barbara Allen (AK)
Russ Belcher (MO)
John and Nancy Bingle (NV)
Art and Grace Burns (WI)
Lori Casale (TX)
Bob and Alicia Cook (TX)
Jim Daugherty (MO)
Jeff and Laura Dial (TX)
Len Doty (IL)
Jim and Vivian Elliott (VA)
Ralph and Tisha Garcia (MO)
Jim and Linda Gorton (NY)
Colorado and Marilyn Green (MS)
Jerry and Estelle Hamling (WA)
Jimmy Hanna (TX)
Joe and Kathy Herron (WA)
Rick and Linda Holmes (WA)
Hank and Debbie Howery (CA)
Steve and Linda Hunt (WA)
Ron and Doreen Kohler (SC)
Steve Letourneau and Vickie Goodness (AL)
Betty Lucas (WA)
Jim and Wendy Rattigan (TX)
Dan and Vicky Renne (KS)
Rick Rosell (MO)
John Russo (FL)
Leroy and Janet Schultz (OR)
Del and Dwyllis Secrest (WA)
Brian and Leslie Smith (RI)
Helen Spivey (VA)
Paul and Michelle Strawbridge (TX)
Brian and Peg Turner (FL)
Yvonne Turner (TX)
Bill and Barb Ulmer (CO)
Kim Whitaker (VA)
Larry and Nancy Whitaker (VA)
Ricke and Mary Whiteside (KS)
Mitch and Donna Yeager (IA)
Scott Youngren (ID)
IN ORDER TO SPEED UP THE DOWNLOAD TIME OF IMAGES, REUNION PHOTOS HAVE BEEN BROKEN DOWN INTO INDIVIDUAL DAYS
While I received many photographs, they may not include all of the folks who attended the reunion. I used my best judgment to select photos that were clear and included as many of the people who attended. If there was a photograph that was unflattering, I excluded it (unless it was so darn funny that I had to put it on the "not ready for primetime" page.
Wednesday, September 25, 2019 (Welcome Aboard)
Thursday, September 26, 2019 (McFarlain's, Scenic Train Ride, Hamner's Variety Show)
Friday, September 27, 2019 (Downtown Branson, Clay Cooper Theatre, Baldknobbers)
Saturday, September 28, 2019 (Pasghetti's)
Saturday, September 28, 2019 (Reunion Banquet)