USS DAVIDSON 2008 REUNION RECAP

The 8th annual USS Davidson reunion actually began several days early this year due to the almost doubling in size of attendance from last year.  Due to our size, we took over one whole section of the Grand Country complex.  Karen and I were allowed early access to the meeting room.  By 9 PM Sunday, we had the room set up, walls covered with maps and drawings and ready to go.  With a couple of days free, we were able to take in some shopping, do some sight seeing and see some shows.  We opened up early on Wednesday and had crewmembers coming in all day as word spread that the meeting room was open.  This gave us a chance to actually meet and talk to new attendees and see the old timers.  Even though our times were years apart, we had many stories and the ship to talk about.  Karen and I were kept busy collecting dues, selling souvenirs and answering questions.  By 10 PM Wednesday night, 37 crewmembers had checked in with us…half of what we were expecting.

The official starting time was 1 PM Thursday but the doors were open at 7 AM.  Registration continued through the day.  It was evident throughout the day that with attendance of past crews and the added effort of Mike Peck to find and encourage the 70-74 crew to attend that we were headed for a record attendance.  By 6 PM, we had a packed room ready for pizza.  Thirty-six large pizzas were eaten in 30 minutes with only four slices left over!  The balance of the evening was devoted to talk and we broke up at 11 PM with some going to bed after a long driving day or long flights.  Others continued on into the night breaking into small groups in their rooms.

Friday came early for us with me greeting crewmembers that I had only talked with over the phone.  It was nice to finally put faces on the names.  Coffee and donuts were ready by 7:30 as Dan Kroeger and Matt Bozek picked them up for us.  Karen continued to attend to the registration table and by the end of the day, we had 72 former crewmembers along with 65 wives, family and friends staying at five different resorts.  We had crew from 27 states and Japan.

At 9 AM Friday, the business meeting was brought to order with D. L. Burris conducting the memorial service and our new ship’s bell was rung for the first time to honor the 89 crewmembers who have passed on.  Jim Moczarny read the names of the deceased and Mike Peck rang the bell.  Russell Crosby read the poem “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred Lord Tennyson.  The business meeting continued on with the treasury report given by Karen.  A few statements were made about the past year’s activities.  Our agenda was changed somewhat when it was brought to our attention by Mark Borofsky that new reports were coming out about the 20 million gallons of Agent Orange sprayed on Viet Nam and the run off from it into the rivers and coastline.  We are being told now that the evaporators that filtered our water used for drinking and food preparation did not filter out the Agent Orange.  Our website is now being set up to provide links to supply you with information.  A show of hands disclosed that from one fourth to one third of those in attendance had possible symptoms or related medical problems.

Karen and I made our announcement that we are stepping down from our offices of President and Treasurer effective at the end of the 2009 reunion after eight years.  We will continue to help whoever takes our places and make the transition as smooth as possible.  Those interested can contact me at [641] 792-3930 or colking@pcpartner.net.  With the splitting up of these offices and duties, the running of the Association can be quite easily managed.

A short DVD tribute to plank owner, historian and good friend, Deke Keller who passed away earlier this year, was shown.  Movies were shown the rest of the day up to the time when we formed up for group pictures taken by Flash Photo of Branson.

Following a two hour break for the crew to eat, we assembled in the meeting room for our ever popular “Getting To Know You” program.  The program proved to be so popular that it lasted over two hours with the crew telling about themselves, their families and their time on board ship.  This is the third year for the program and it amazes me what the crew has done and the humorous comments that they make.

Later many of the crew continued to stay in the meeting room and talk while others assembled in various hotel rooms to talk and have adult beverages.

After a short night, Karen and I opened up for coffee and donuts at 7 AM Saturday and sure enough, crewmembers were waiting to get in.

Saturday is our traditional free time for the crew and their families to get to know Branson, see shows and attractions and sample some of the hundreds of restaurants in the area.  The meeting room was open all day for the crew to come and go, watch movies and talk.

At 1 PM, the ship’s store was closed, the maps taken down from the walls and everything was boxed up and loaded into the car.  Karen and I were finally able to talk at length to some of the crewmembers and wives we hadn’t time to before.

Several movies were shown in the afternoon.

The crew, wives, family and friends assembled at 7 PM for our very popular raffle.  After two hours, the final prize was given out.  Steve Moulton, Dan Kroeger and Matt Bozek were on their toes the whole time keeping the raffle running smoothly.

The balance of the evening was devoted to saying good-bye to those who had to leave early Sunday morning.

Sunday was another early day with 50 of us gathered at the Grand Country Buffet for our good-bye breakfast.  Final comments were made about the reunion while others made plans to keep in touch and meet back in Branson again next year.  With that in mind, several made their reservations before leaving.

This has been a very successful reunion but lots of work and many decisions must be made before October 2009.

See all of you again next year and get the word out to others.

Robert [Tweetie Bird] Schippers