2017 Robbie Reunion

Our 37th Annual Reunion was held September 14-17, 2017, in Philadelphia (Exton), PA. Such an historical area, that we merely scratched the surface with the limited time of our visit. Thanks to the efforts of George Schureman who along with Charlie Smith located the Clarion Hotel at Exton, the site was very suitable for our needs.

Thursday was arrival day for most, registration was held in the Hospitality Room (Brandywine Room), where everyone could meet and greet shipmates, first mates and friends. There was time to peruse the memorabilia on display; photos, Robbie's bronze plaques and the Navy Memorial Dedication plaque, ship's 4 ft. model, Adm. Zumwalt's collectables and an autographed copy of CDR Rick Campbell's acclaimed Ice Station Nautilus (to be raffled off), announcement of the CDR's newest release, Blackmail, personal notes from shipmates and friends who couldn't attend (posted on the bulletin board) and much, much more. 

1600 hours was bus loading time for a memorable trip to the nearby notable Shady-Maple Smorgasborg, a restaurant capable of seating up to 1200 hungry patrons! The variety and quality of entrees was amazing. Steam table after steam table after steam table – each loaded with gastrological delights to suit anyone or everyone's tastes. Then there were the dessert offerings, provided that room was remaining after devouring the main course(s). Shipping-over chow!

Group at Independence Hall

Visiting the Liberty Bell

Friday's activity was a trip and tour to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.  How awe-inspiring to find oneself in the same room where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were created! To think that George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin and many others who were instrumental in shaping our country's core of freedom and justice, frequented these hallowed grounds. The Liberty Bell, an international symbol of freedom, remains a 'must see' for all who visit the city of brotherly love.

Saturday
The Crew's meeting was called to order by the secretary at 0800 hours. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence for our recently Fallen Shipmates, whose names were read, was observed. Also remembered were Shipmates known to be in harm's way and fallen First Mates.

Recognition, thanks and a round of applause was directed to Shipmates and First Mates who work behind the scenes toward the continued success of our organization. Secretary Art Bowne reminded shipmates to submit memorabilia to our Historian, Walter Vereecke and articles/photos of interest to Spence and Carolyn Meade, our Web-Master/Madam.

Nominated site for our 2019 Reunion was Peoria, IL, (Jerry Harshbarger). Tentative dates are September 12-15, 2019.

The 'Ladies of the Robbie' also met Saturday at 0800 hours, welcoming newcomers Linda Zimmerman (Tom Clegg's sister) and Meg Michaelis (Hugh & Margaret Helmly's daughter).

Thanks to the Ladies for all their generous donations that will ensure the animals of the Brandywine SPCA may be cleaner, warmer and well fed for a period of time. “Good job, Ladies!”

It was decided that for next year, a monetary collection be donated to a worthy cause.

A closed group page (USS Robinson DD562) has been set up on Facebook. If interested, go to the site on Facebook and request membership. Membership is limited to Veterans, spouses and families of the Robbie. You may post pictures, information and/or stories. Contact Patsy Smith if you have questions regarding this activity.

*** BANQUET HIGHLIGHTS ***

We gathered in the Malvern Room to be seated at a beautifully decorated banquet facility. Following welcoming and introductory remarks by the MC, Chaplain Charles Smith delivered the invocation. Attention was drawn to The Table of the Fallen Shipmate and the traditional reading of the Fallen Shipmate plaque. Each fallen shipmate's name was then 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.

“Last Call”

Also remembered was the loss of first mates Linda Boaen (Everette), Jean Roberts (Gene), Joyce Souba (Fred) and Judy Wainscott (Marcus 'Smokey'). 

NOTE: It was recently discovered that EDWARD FRAME was placed on the “Last Call” list above. It was Ed's dear wife Shirley Frame who passed away. We apologize for this misinformation and extend our condolences to the Frame family and friends. Ed was kind enough to call and give us the straight scoop!

Departed for Calmer Waters

Robbie netters were recently informed of the passing of Shipmate Gene Ferguson (K). We thank his brother and fellow Shipmate, Bob, for contacting us.

News of the loss of Anne Bartlett (Eldon, WWII), was also received in the past year.

We mourn, also, the passing of Sally Kuzenski (Ken, K).

Our sincerest condolences and prayers are extended to the families and friends of those listed above.

The Program, Continued

The MC recognized the site locator and hosts. He then asked each of the following to stand to be recognized; Spencer and Carolyn Meade as our Robbie Web-Masters, Tom Clegg continuing with the Robbie Net and both Tom and Peggy Clegg for remembering your special occasion with their 'sunshine' cards. A name you see every year was also applauded, that being Jim Tomkinson, our resident Cecil B. DeMille. This was the 29th consecutive year for Jim and Maye!

Very special recognition was directed to Jeri Schwerin and Carolyn Luehmann (daughters of Frank & Joanne Schwerin) not solely for attending, but whose efforts and generosity in delivering volumes of Frank's Robbie History for our memorabilia collection.

A round of applause was extended to Patsy Smith for her tireless efforts in setting the banquet atmosphere with decorations and hand-crafted table centerpieces. (These items later became gifts to our younger generation guests!)

Introductions of this year's guests was quite lengthy because of the very populated Querey and Schureman families. The two tables each had 9 seated. How refreshing it was having the presence of both the young folks and the additional 'mature' folks! Two very beautiful families!!!

The newly elected Board of Directors, Officers and appointed positions were announced.  The Board of Directors for 2018 are: Tom Clegg, Jim Ernsberger, Jerry Harshbarger, George Schureman and Luke West.  Appointed were; Art Bowne, Secretary; Charles Smith, Treasurer; Walter Vereecke, Historian; Luke West, Master-At-Arms and Pete Masella, Parliamentarian. Congratulations to all!

*** THE 'CHOW LAMP' IS LIT ***

Roast Prime Rib of Beef au jus w/horseradish sauce
Stuffed Chicken Breast w/spinach
Grilled Salmon
Each entree was served with a Garden Salad w/dressing,
Dinner Rolls & Butter, Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Seasonal Vegetables.
Choice of Cheesecake or Fruit Cup w/yogurt for dessert

*** AFTER DINNER ACTIVITIES ***

Patsy & Charles Smith compiled a sheet of Cajun Names for next years' reunion in Cajun Country. Very few of the more than 70 items listed sound the way they're written! Study and bring this list with you!

The MC honored the anonymous request to give a reading of “A Sailor Died Today.” This had been presented at several previous reunions and serves to remind us of those unsung heroes who stand and deliver for the cause of freedom (then fade away without notice) as opposed to the empty promises of certain politicians (whose bodies ceremoniously lie in state.)

*** RAFFLE ***

Time for Patsy Smith and Sharon Harshbarger, our Rafflettes Supreme, to top off the highlight of the evening. Marvelous gifts ranging from the very last and final Kaiser-crafted oil painting of the Robbie (signed by every shipmate in attendance) to CA$H, gift certificates, his/her jackets donated by Richard's Military Post Exchange and an assortment of donated items were ready to be handed over to the lucky winners. Sue Souba and Family requested that their monetary check be raffled off in honor of Fred & Joyce Souba. Thanks to all shipmates, first mates, friends and organizations for their very generous raffle donations. Thanks, too, for all of you who purchased raffle tickets to support this very rewarding event.

Mexican Train    

It wouldn't be a Robbie Reunion without the Ladies playing Mexican Train! Kelly Philbrick, Sharon Harshbarger, Millie Gelmini, Hannah Plummer, Betty Jost, Carolyn Meade and Joanne Kaiser get the games started!

Sunday

Spence Meade, Betty Jost and Gloria Mullen wait
for the bus for the Valley Forge Tour.

George Washington's House

After eating a hearty breakfast, the group boarded a bus departing for a guided tour of Valley Forge. Our group walked the grounds and witnessed the structures that became the fourth largest city in America, with 1500 log huts and two miles of fortification. Lasting six months, the encampment was as diverse as any city, with people who were free and enslaved, wealthy and impoverished, speakers of several languages, and followers of several religions.

Valley Forge Tour

Congress fled to York, Pennsylvania. General George Washington was left with the task of keeping alive the hopes of independence. He decided to leave his troops winter in Valley Forge, a day's march from Philadelphia. They could train and recoup from the year's battles while winter weather, impassable roads, and scant supplies stopped the fighting. The concentration of soldiers in one vast camp became costly when diseases like typhoid and influenza spread through the camp killing nearly 2000 people.

Gen. Washington inspired his men through his own resilience sense of duty. He persuaded Congress to reform the supply system and he attracted experienced officers to the cause, including Baron von Steuben, who taught the soldiers new military skills and to fight as a more unified army. Even though the war lasted five more years, history cites Valley Forge as being the key turning point towards our independence.  (Credit & thanks to the National Park Service)

The shipmates, first mates and (guests) who attended this 37th Annual Reunion are listed.

Art Bowne     Tom & Peggy Clegg and (Linda Zimmerman)
Vern & Marge Compton    Jim & Mary Ellen Ernsberger and (Stephen Swank)
Frank & Carolyn (Sabatini) Ettari
Perrin Farrar and (Betty Jost, Hannah Plummer, Perry & Nancy Farrar)
Millie Gelmini      Jon Gould      Elvin & Mary Guillory
Jerry & Sharon Harshbarger     Hugh & Margaret Helmly and (Meg Michaelis)
Joanne Kaiser and (Kelly Philbrick)      Don Loder       John & Karen Lucas
Pete & Margie Masella and (Phyllis & Catherine Kaczor & Todd Lowlor)
Spencer & Carolyn Meade       Hal & Gloria Mullen
Renee Querey and (Ray, Cristen, Colin, Mary, & Anna Querey AND
Theresa, Cate & Owen Conaty)
George & Eleanor Schureman and (George Jr., Edith, & Rebecca Schureman AND
Dorothy (Dottie) Elliot, DeAnna (Peanuts) Mellace, & Michael & Susan Ward)
Jeri Schwerin & Carolyn Schwerin Luehmann
Charles & Patsy Smith       Jim & Maye Tomkinson     Walter Vereecke
Robert Welsh and (Robert Welsh, Jr.)       Luke & Sue West

Looking forward to seeing you for our 38th Reunion
September 13-16, 2018
at LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA

Calm Seas and Smooth Sailing!

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