The San Diego reunion is underway!
Tom has negotiated with the Holiday Inn Bayside for a special room rate
of $99.00 per night, single or double, and arranged for our "Free"
Hospitality room from Wednesday thru Sunday.
The hotel provides free shuttle
service to Seaport Village, Old Town, and Horton Plaza, and, of course, free
airport pickup 24 hours a day.
As a bonus for our numbers, the hotel
is hosting a reception for us for those arriving on Wednesday. The fare
includes beer, wine, well drinks and some goodies.
In addition, we have several events
already in place. Tom has scheduled a ship's tour (probably one of our newest
FFG's) for us thru one of our members, Ray Andell, who is still on Active Duty
in San Diego. Ray was aboard Brooke as an STG3 from 1985-1987.
It is possible that our schedule may
change for the ship's visit if the USS MIDWAY is up and running by Sept. for
reunion group tours. We'll know as the reunion gets closer.
Another plus at the hotel is the
Hospitality Room. We can provide our own refreshments/finger food and the
hotel will provide us with all the ice and water we need.
We can bring
our own cake to the banquet (now a tradition) and the hotel will cut and serve
it at no charge. The cake will be considered "dessert" and replace
what they would have normally included with the meal.
On banquet night, the hotel will
provide us with a color guard at no charge. We have the option to invite the
color guard for dinner on our dime but it is not required.
The hotel has FREE parking, a
restaurant, lounge, bottle shop and the room amenities include items such as
reefers, coffee makers, cable and Internet access.
The location is also great! It's right
on the water (well, across the street from it), so, if your time permits, a
waterfront walk is really nice.
In the next edition of our newsletter,
we'll elaborate more, with maps, etc., and the official
"registration" form for the reunion events. In the interim, if you
wish to book your reservation early, then call 1-800-662-8899 or FAX at (619)
224-3629. Their website is at www.holinnbayside.com.
Just mention the "Brooke" reunion.
Next item is the membership. We have
27 members signed up so far for our association. While that may seem a low
number, its surprising that 12 of those did not attend the Seattle reunion.
Which means, we still have about 20 more who pledged to join, but haven't sent
in membership app as of this date. So, you can see, we'll probably have about
50+ "official" members by our September reunion (that's about 100
attendees). (Note, you need not be a member to attend our reunion). I've
included a membership form in this issue and will probably have one in every
newsletter from this point forward. We have thousands of prospective members
from the 22 years that Brooke was in commission.
Now a note about our "Ship's
Store". We have finally reached a respectable number of shirts and, more
importantly, sizes, in our store. We now have IN STOCK about 47 shirts from
Med to XX Large.
We also have a significant number of
Ball Caps. In addition to our DEG ball caps we have FFG ball caps for those
who served during the 2nd half of Brooke's service. Sorry, but we couldn't
stock the shirts with FFG on them at present. We probably will a few years
down the road as the DEG members dwindle and the FFG member overtake us. (Yes,
it WILL happen at some point). But, at the moment, we have about 45 DEG ball
caps and 51 FFG ball caps.
We still have about 50 Brooke pens
left from our original order and intend to add Brooke Coffee Mugs and/or
hot and cold mugs. More info on that when we select a supplier.
Wrapping up this report......
Financially, we've done very well
during this first six months of existence. The sale of our ship's store items
at the Seattle reunion, the raffle at the banquet, donations from many
members, and now the on-going membership revenue, have enabled us to become
solvent. We have all the items paid for and have enough to pay our deposits
for the next reunion and buy some additional items for our ship's store.
Thank you for everyone for your
support in making the BROOKE ASSOCIATION HAPPEN! See you in San Diego in
September.
Steve Hunt
Secretary/Treasurer
*************************************************************************************
Message From Our President
Shipmates,
As we proceed into the year 2004 we can look back at 2003 as a
significant milestone for the sailors of USS Brooke. It was in September 2003
that we formalized our Association and thus created a means to carry on the
name of our beloved ship. This is the first opportunity that I have, as your
President, to share my thoughts with you about our Association and the goals I
hope to attain for our group in the coming year.
It was in September 2001 that the idea for a Brooke Association began
to grow. Several Brooke crewmembers, who were in San Diego at the time, had
gotten together for lunch and, as usually always happens when old shipmates
get together, the topic of “I wonder whatever happened to?” came up. I
think because of the impact of “9-11” (more on that later) and the obvious
amount of gray in our hair, we had gained a greater sense of our own
mortality. There seemed to be a need to contact our past and those people who
had influenced our lives in various ways. We discussed the possibilities of
putting together a “mini-reunion” of plank-owners. It was decided that, if
we could find enough folks, we would get together in San Diego in June 2002.
Thorough the use of various means, Internet, Navy newsletters, word of mouth,
etc., we were able to contact a couple of dozen plank-owners. Our first
“reunion” drew 14 crewmembers and their families. But the number of
attendees does not tell the true story of what took place over those four
memory filled days in San Diego. The fact that we could see friends and
shipmates, many of whom had not been in contact for almost four decades, was,
as the commercial says, “priceless”. There was a bond there that had not
been broken by time. A bond shared by men who had commissioned and served
aboard USS Brooke. The success of that San Diego gathering drove plans for a
second reunion in Seattle in September 2003. This time we would include all
those who served aboard Brooke during her 22 years of commissioned service. By
now our contact list had grown to 90 crewmembers. The turnout for the Seattle
reunion more than doubled the San Diego event (50 people including crewmembers
and family members) and there was unanimous support by the attendees to
officially form a USS Brooke DEG-1/FFG-1 Association. And thus our
organization was born.
Today, our contact list is approaching 120 crewmembers. Not bad for an
idea germinating over a lunch. But there are so many more shipmates out there.
Over 22 years of commissioned service almost two thousand sailors called
Brooke home. Our goal is to reach out to as many of those men as possible. It
has been 16 years since Brooke was struck from the Navy’s roles but her
memory will live on through us.
There are those who may question the rationale or reasoning for having
an association. What purpose is there in a bunch of old sailors getting
together and retelling sea stories from their youth? I submit to you my
friends that it is so much more than that.
We live in a world where “now” is what seems important and the past
is just that, the past. Who cares about what a bunch of “old men” did
decades in the past. Tell that to a Marine who assaulted Iwo Jima or an Army
infantryman who waded ashore at Normandy and they would shake their heads with
sadness. How quickly the current generation forgets the sacrifices made by
past generations to secure the freedoms we enjoy today.
My youngest son, who is a second grade teacher, drove this lesson home
to me. This past December 7th I asked him if he mentioned to his
class the significance of that day. He said no because it was not in the
“approved” curriculum. While he knew what Pearl Harbor meant (and he
better if he ever wanted another meal at my home) the school did not teach it
because it was not part of the normal teaching materials. Once my outrage
subsided I began to wonder if this was just the tip of the iceberg. Was this
an isolated incident within a local school district or was it nationwide? How
could anyone not “Remember Pearl Harbor” and the event that brought us
into WWII? Could it be possible that twenty years from now the sight of those
twin towers falling on September 11th would become “old news”?
Would the name Todd Beemer (Let’s Roll!) be relegated to historical
obscurity? But more importantly, would the lessons and sacrifices of the past
be forgotten? Not on my watch!
On December 20th I had the honor and privilege of speaking
at a luncheon for the WWII LCI (Landing Craft Infantry) Association. For those
of you who are unfamiliar with LCIs they were a little larger than ocean going
minesweepers. They had a crew of 15 and their mission was to land infantry
during an assault (think of an oversized Higgins boat). I have to tell you,
being in a room with WWII sailors (remember those guys who taught us the
ropes) and hearing the “sea stories” from sixty years ago made me proud to
have worn a saltwater tuxedo. Looking at their memorabilia and seeing those
pictures of young swabbies reminded me of why it is important to keep our
history alive. Future generations must never forget what it took for us to get
here today.
And that my friends brings me to the point of why our association is
vital. We were the life’s blood of that ship. For twenty-two years she
served our country in war and peace and we were her soul. Those of us who
manned her were influenced in ways that shaped our lives forever. After our
time in the Navy we went on to successful careers in every field. We became
doctors, lawyers, politicians, law enforcement, teachers, businessmen,
craftsmen, and professionals in many fields. But no matter who we became none
can deny that if, by chance, the name USS Brooke came up we, if but for an
instant, remembered our time on board and the shipmates that passed through
our lives.
Military friendships are unlike any other friendships. They are forged
through a common bond of experiences shared. Experiences unlike anything found
in the “civilian world”. Our “good times and bad time” were a little
different than those who never wore the uniform. And one only needs to spend
five minutes at a reunion to see the years dissipate and the memories of
“good times” come flooding back. We were all a part of something special
then and we have the opportunity to be part of something special now.
The USS Brooke DEG-1/FFG-1 Association is dedicated to keeping the
memory of our ship alive and recognizing those men who served aboard her. It
is my sincerest wish that our association can grow in the coming year. It is
said that there is strength in numbers. Our strength as an association is
through you, the members and I encourage you to join the “Brooke Gang”.
May the New Year bring you the best of everything and I hope to see you
in San Diego in September.
Fair Winds And Following Seas
Tom Adametz
President, USS Brooke DEG-1/FFG-1 Association
******************************************************************************************
****************************************************************************************
U.S.S. Brooke DEG/FFG-1
2nd Association Reunion
September 15-19, 2004
Holiday Inn, San Diego
Bayside
Schedule of Events
Wednesday:
Hospitality Room: 1200-2200
Check-in for Reunion
Holiday Inn Hosted Reception: Poolside 1700-1800
Thursday:
Hospitality Room: 0800-1730
Dinner Cruise: Board 1900 at "Harbor Excursion" downtown, foot of
Broadway at 1050 N. Harbor Drive. Buses depart Holiday Inn at 1800
Underway at 1900. Debark 2200 and return to hotel
Friday:
Hospitality Room: 0800-1730
Golf: Admiral Baker Golf Course
Tee Times: 0800-0815 (subject to change)
FREE TIME DAY - Tour downtown waterfront. Hotel provides courtesey
shuttle.....or Taxi it to the Zoo or Balboa Park, Enjoy the day!
Luau, Poolside: 1800-2200 Hawaiian Food and Entertainment
Saturday:
Hospitality Room: 0800-1730
Navy Ship Tour: One of our newest FFG's. Buses depart Holiday Inn 0930
Return to hotel approximately 1200
Annual Meeting 1500-1600 (Hospitality Room)
Banquet: Cocktails 1800
Dinner 1900
Program follows
Sunday:
Hospitality Room: 0800-1200 Juice and pastries
Memorial Service 0900
Check-out and departures
Next year - New Orleans!
Reservations now being
accepted!
Call now for the special
reunion rate of $99 per night.
Phone 1-800-662-8899 or fax
@ 1-619-224-3629
Just mention the Brooke
reunion......
Rates are good before
and after the reunion, so come early and stay late!
**************************************************************************
Recon to New Orleans
Attention
all hands! There will be a Recon mission to New Orleans this May to select a
2005 Brooke reunion hotel site. Everyone's welcome to join us for a
"mini-reunion" get-together May 6-10 (Thursday-Monday). We don't
have a hotel selected yet, but will have by the next newsletter in April. Call
or e-mail us if you'd like to attend. (It's also our 33rd anniversary and our
honeymoon site). Steve & Linda Hunt. (253) 471-7766 or e-mail to: thehubbahubba@aol.com.
It'll be a great fun weekend in the Big Easy!
**********************************************************************************
Wanted!
"Home Movies from the
Brooke"
Regular 8 - Super 8 - 16 mm
We'll transfer them onto
VHS or DVD FREE of charge! (All film will be returned with your Free Copy). It
is great entertainment at all Brooke reunions.... And we might sell a few
copies for our Rec Fund! Note: We've already created one video from a Westpac
Cruise in 1977. It inclludes some missile shoots, Gun & ASROC firings and
towing exercises. Order your copy now!
************************************************************************************
Also Wanted......
Seattle Reunion Videos!
We only have two short
Seattle reunion videos and need your help to create a new video of our first
"official" reunion. So, those of you who shot video (any format)
during the reunion, we would appreciate a copy of your efforts. If a copy is
not available, then send s your original and we'll make a copy and return your
original within 1-2 weeks. We can then combine portions of all videos into one
nifty tape for future reunions. All those who provide video footage, or
photos, of this past great event will be entitled to 1 (one) FREE copy of the
finished product! Just send them to:
Steve Hunt,
Secretary/Treasurer
P.O. Box 1692
Tacoma, WA 98401
***********************************************************************************
*********************************************************************************************
Our Membership is
growing!
Current Membership List:
Tom Adametz - STG 1965-1968
Steve Hunt - STG 1965-1968
Richard Witt - RM 1965-1967
Duane Schinn - BM 1965-1967
Jimmy Hanna - PN 1965-1968
Ron Roszkowski - OS
1984-1988
Ken Clayton - BT 1965-1967
B.J. Bjelland - SK
1971-1973
Jerry Wilkerson - GMM
1965-1968
E.J. "Buddy"
Harris - STG 1965-1968
John Limbaugh - STG
1965-1968
John Anamosa - Chief Eng.
1981-1983
Gene Shuttleworth - GMM
1964-1969
Roy Cook - Missile Off.
1965-1967
Bill Johnson - STG
1964-1970
Foster G. Dunlap - STG
1964-1967
Ed Wilson - HM 1982-1986
Larry Whitaker - STG
1966-1970
Terry Wolfe - Lt. 1964-1967
Del Turner - ASW Off.
1965-1967
David Allen - BM 1976-1978
Brian McQuillan - FTM
1981-1985
Ed (Rita) Giblen - SM
1965-1968
Donald (Gene) Franck - RM
1976-1979
Billy Morrow - Ops Off.
1964-1967
Scott Youngren - ET
1966-1968
Richard Blackington - First
XO 1964-1967
************************************************************************************
*******************************************************************************************
Regular Membership dues to the Association
are $25 per year. Associate membership (no fee) is available for all surviving
spouses of Brooke Crewmembers.
Your current membership
expiration date is to the right of your name on the address label on the
newsletter. To continue "Port & Starboard" please remit your
dues payment in accordance with published dues schedule, payable to the USS
Brooke Association and mail to our Treasurer at the address below:
Steve Hunt
USS Brooke DEG/FFG-1
P.O. Box 1692
Tacoma, WA 98401
******************************************************
For more information please
visit our website @
www.USSBROOKE.org
