Year 2013 Reunion - Our 33rd

Our 33rd reunion in Waterloo, IA was a great success! Thanks to The Ramada Hotel in downtown Waterloo for the special attention to every detail they provided during our stay.

Thank you to our hosts Paul Reuter and his first mate Louise for coordinating with Charlie Smith, and communicating with Lonnie Elmore of the Waterloo Convention and Visitors Bureau, for a fun-filled 4-day reunion.

Wednesday

Wednesday was the arrival day for most. We began with registration in our Hospitality Room – The Red River Corral Room at 0900 and continued through the evening hours. It was great to meet again with our old friends and shipmates.

On display this year were some significant new additions to our memorabilia display tables. A beautiful 4-foot replica of the Fletcher Class “Robbie” aka ‘The Lucky Lady’, was donated by Mildred Solis, widow of Manny Solis.  This model is well-designed, well-constructed and of superior craftsmanship and it is a wonderful addition to our memorabilia!
A bronze 3-dimensional plaque depicting the USS Robinson’s engagements in significant battles and operations in World War II was impressive. It was donated by Michael Rasche of Asheville, NC, when he discovered it in the basement of the home he recently purchased. He searched the internet, and came up with our contact information, and shipped the treasured plaque to us. Both of these items will travel to future reunions!

Thursday

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we started our full, busy and eventful day. First was a tour of the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, a component of the Grout Museum of History and Science District, where we were greeted by Christy Decker, director of tour groups, who was very personable and informative. Featured here were many interactive exhibits showcasing the role of Iowans in the military and at home from the Civil War to Present conflicts. The five Sullivan Brothers from Waterloo, who died together in WWII, are featured with many family artifacts. Outside, in front of the museum, was an 8-foot statue of the ‘Lone Sailor,’ a perfect photo-op for all who appreciate this wonderful legacy. We enjoyed a delightful lunch in the lobby of the museum, and then some of us continued visiting the museum, while others did some touring of downtown Waterloo, or headed back to the Hospitality room to get ready for the evening’s dinner buffet and play.

Connected to the Ramada Hotel via a skyway, is the Sullivan Brothers Convention Center, where we gathered for dinner in conjunction with the performance of “For Love or Money” an interactive murder mystery. We were the guests of Mrs. Getty “Luvie” von Trump a millionairess. She was a gracious hostess, but there was an aura that something was not quite right. She reached out to the audience for a suitable heir to her fortunes in case the premonition she had of her early demise should come to pass. Art Bowne, George Schureman and Cliff Robertson were selected as heirs-to-be. Alas, Luvie met her demise, and members of the audience became instant detectives. Eventually all Shipmates were cleared and the actual culprit was pinpointed!

BANQUET HIGHLIGHTS

We gathered in the Convention Center for our banquet. Art Bowne emceed the evening, and Craig Robertson, son of Fred and Lois Robertson delivered the invocation, and paid a loving tribute to his mother (our friend, Lois) who had recently passed away.

Before commencing with the Fallen Shipmate Ceremony, our thoughts and prayers reached out to the families and friends of Fred Robertson, Dick Gruny, Luke West, Ray Querey, Ken Kuzenski, R. Ferguson, M. “Andy” Anderson and all those facing health issues.

Dick Gruny was saluted for his selflessness and over 20 years of service to the USS Robinson’s reunions and organization. LT Dick Gruny was certainly an “impact” player!

Table of the Fallen Shipmate

Attention was given to The Table of the Fallen Shipmate, and the traditional reading of the Fallen Shipmate plaque was read. Then each fallen shipmate’s name was announced.
In memory of each and every shipmate who served aboard the USS Robinson DD562, who could not be with us tonight because of joining the "Greatest Admiral" of all, our God in Heaven.
The single place-setting has you join us,
Both in Memory and Spirit, and reminds us
Of sharing your Treasured Company.
The single rose signifies the Love,
Dedication, and Call to Duty for having
Served the Best Nation in the World.
Your shipmates Miss You, Thank You, and Salute You and Your Family.
Rest in Peace.

Paul Reuter and his chief advisor, Louise were recognized for hosting this year’s occasion, as well as the efforts of video man Jim Tomkinson and photogs Bud and Betty Carlson. The MC recognized the newly elected Board of Directors and Officers, our distinguished invited guests, Lonnie Gilmore and Kelly Sullivan Loughren and special attention to Evonne Wymer who represented her late uncle, Emery E. Anthony of WWII.
Our WWII Shipmates and their ladies and/or guests were asked to stand at their table, take a bow, and allow us to show our appreciation for what they endured back in the forties. Ray Burras, Fred Robertson and Bill Murphy were recognized.

AFTER DINNER ACTIVITIES

Charlie Smith thanked Lonnie Elmore, of the Waterloo Convention and Visitors Bureau, for her efforts in making the Waterloo experience a memorable event.

Our guest speaker Kelly Sullivan Loughren was welcomed to the podium with an enthusiastic round of applause. She is the granddaughter of Albert Sullivan, one of the Five Sullivan Brothers. Kelly shared her family’s history through life experiences, and had her audience laughing with her, and occasionally shedding a tear with her. She spoke of the importance of recognizing and respecting the sacrifices of our veterans. Art was sure to indoctrinate Kelly into the prestigious sorority of the “Gals of the Robbie” by offering her the Robbie Ship’s Hat of Distinction. She happily accepted it!

Friday

Friday began with an early breakfast before boarding the coach for the John Deere tractor assembly plant tour in Waterloo. Our tour guides were retired employees who were very knowledgeable of the entire operation. We rode throughout the plant on a trolley pulled, of course, by a John Deere tractor. Every stage of assembly, from painting to drive-train installation to wheel and tire match-ups was mind boggling. We were provided with head sets and microphones so we could listen to and ask questions of our tour guide. Seeing the finished product roll off the line with the purchaser behind the wheel was phenomenal!  After visiting the John Deere museum and gift shop, we were on our way to the Iowa National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility. We were greeted by officers and enlisted personnel of the facility, who sat and ate a hot lunch with us, chatted about the ‘old days,’ and the ‘way-it-is-now’, and then gave us a very informative, hands-on tour of the facility. Upon returning to the hotel, The Board of Directors and Officers met at 1520 for their business meeting.

Saturday

The Crew’s Meeting was held at 0730, and our lone ‘virgin,’ C. Alan Rapalee was recognized.

Ladies’ Meeting
“The Gals of the Robbie” met for their meeting. We all agreed that our stay in Waterloo, Iowa had been busy and exciting. We welcomed our newcomers Evonne Wymer (niece of Emery Anthony WWII) and Keely Stokes (daughter of Tom Womble.) After admiring each others projects representing their state, we discussed what to do in Savannah, Georgia in 2014. It was decided that each ‘gal’ would bring an item that represents the definition of ‘southern’ and Savannah. Examples were; parasols, fans, handkerchiefs etc.

Memorial Service
At 0930, the Robinson crew and guests went to the Veterans Memorial Hall to participate in a most dignified, solemn and emotionally moving memorial service. The setting included memorial monuments and markers of granite and bronze commemorating all wars from the Civil War to the current Middle East War on Terrorism, a rifle-ready Honor Guard standing nearby, as well as a manned Ship’s Bell, a table setting symbolically honoring all Fallen Comrades and the speaker’s podium. Secretary Art offered a short prayer and read the name of every Shipmate known to have fallen this past year, after each name was read, a loud ceremonial “GONG” echoed farewell.

The Honor Guard then fired off a 21-gun Salute, honoring those making their “last call.” The service concluded with the bugle’s everlasting sound of “Taps.” There was not a dry eye in the crowd!

 Even with a number of last minute cancelations, 63 Shipmates/Guests found their way to Waterloo. First timers were Clarence “Alan” Rapalee and his guest Shirley “Kaye” Mealey who hail from nearby Des Moines, IA. A brief visit and ‘hello’ from Sid and Darlene Barnes was a pleasant surprise.

In attendance, the shipmates, first mates and guests who attended this 33rd Annual Reunion were:

1981 South Bend, IN
1982 St. Louis, MO
1983 Denver, CO
1984 St. Louis, MO
1985 Seattle, WA
1986 Baltimore, MD
1987 New Orleans, LA
1988 San Diego, CA
1989 Dallas, TX
1990 South Bend, IN
1991 Post Falls, ID
1992 Charleston, SC
1993 St. Louis, MO
1994 Denver, CO
1995 Covington, KY
1996 Myrtle Beach, SC
1997 Harrisburg, PA
1998 San Diego, CA
1999 Covington, KY

2000 Daytona Beach, FL
2001 Peoria, IL
2002 Gulf Breeze, FL
2003 Buffalo, NY
2004 Baton Rouge, LA
2005 South Portland, ME
2006 San Antonio, TX
2007 Branson, MO
2008 Boston, MA
2009 Newport News, VA
2010 Branson, MO
2011 Myrtle Beach, SC
2012 Nashville, TN
2013 Waterloo, IA
2014 Savannah, GA
2015 Washington, DC
2016 Omaha, NE
2017 Philadelphia, PA
2018 Lafayette, LA