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2004 REUNION NEWSLETTER
November 10, 2004 strohk@sssnet.com PH. 330-767-3666
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The 2004 DJB 808 Reunion is over and I trust everyone had a safe trip home. Fifty-one (51) shipmates attended along with wives and guests for a total of eighty-eight (88). A few arrived on Saturday and got a head start. Registration opened Sunday afternoon in the hospitality room which remained the center of activities the entire time. A variety of beverages and snacks were enjoyed while shipmates spread cruise books, pictures and memorabilia on the display tables for all to view. Homer Evans GM3, 54-58 provided name tags, and if he had your Navy picture, it was also on the tag. He also provided pens with DJB 808 imprinted. Thanks a million Homer !!!!!
The Business meeting was held Monday at 10am. Ron Clawson RM3, 55-57 retired as reunion coordinator. Robert (Ed) Hudson, MM2 55-59 offered to host the next reunion in Cape May, New Jersey. He is Commander of the Local VFW and said he could set up activities in the area. Karl Stroh MM2, 55-58 and John Rusinek MM2, 54-57 offered their services as co-coordinators. Karl Stroh will take care of database and finances.
Ron Clawson was thanked for his service as past reunion coordinator and Ray Sorrel STG2, 62-63 for maintaining the DJB website. Ray said the annual cost is around $100 for the web site but he enjoys doing it and doesn't want reimbursed. Thanks again Ray!
The ship's bell “history plaque” at the church in Florida is worn down to the point of being unreadable and needs recast. Someone is going to get a price from the church on recasting the plaque and report back to us. It was suggested that needed costs for recasting the plaque be posted on the web site and donations collected. It was interesting to learn that the bell actually belongs to the US Government and is only on loan to, and under the care of, the church.
Monday afternoon most shipmates and wives visited Patriots Point and the USS Laffey DD 724, a Sumner class destroyer, similar to the DJB below decks but different topside.
Tuesday was open for touring the Charleston area or shopping. A buffet banquet was held that evening at the hotel. Appreciation Awards for finding new members were awarded to Homer Evans, John Rusinek and Myself. An appreciation award was presented to Ray Sorrell for maintaining the DJB website and to Ron Clawson for his work as reunion coordinator.
A raffle was conducted by myself, Leroy Metz, John Rusinek, Homer Evans and Ed Erbe.
$655 in raffle proceeds went to Navy Relief in the name of all DJB 808 Shipmates.
All had a great time at the reunion. I encourage more shipmates to come and experience the great sensation of renewing old friendships and making new friends. It doesn’t matter what years you served aboard, you will be welcomed with open arms, and best of all, go home with a great feeling you will never forget. Over the next year John and I will be discussing and refining plans for the next reunion. We'll try to get everything nailed down so everyone can make their plans to attend well ahead of time. Thanks to all the shipmates who attended, making this reunion a great success. A special thanks to all the wives of shipmates who chipped in and helped out with registration, etc.
Karl Stroh, MM2, 55-58
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Notes
* Ron Clawson still has monogrammed DJB hats and shirts for sale. He has plenty of hats with both ship and Octopus for $7.50. Shirts with ship, L and XL. Shirts with Octopus XXL for $13.50. The shirts are soft denim. Phone Ron at 251-928-9109 to order a hat or shirt.