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Newport, RI
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Another reunion has come to an end. It was another absolutely great time. Everyone at the reunion had a smile on their face and a story to tell of where they just came from or where they were headed next. If you have never been to a USS Richmond K. Turner reunion or for that matter, any other military reunion, it is something that you really need to experience. It is a weekend / week that you will never forget. You will rekindle friendships with former shipmates and create new friendships with shipmates from other era's that will last a lifetime. The hospitality suite was set up in a large meeting room on the 2 nd floor of the hotel, just off of the elevator. It was the meeting hub of the reunion. It was kept stocked with beer, wine, soda, water and snacks by Ron Mock, Jim Jensen, Jesse McNear, and their fun-loving wives. We displayed past and present pictures and photos, cruise books, and other ship memorabilia. There were more sea stories told and friendships made at this location than anywhere else, and the laughter coming from the card game tables was present every night. We had arranged several events and tours, which were attended by many of the crew and their guests. Thursday night's event was a Murder Mystery that was held at the Astor's Mansion; one of the many large Mansions of Newport. Friday morning was the Tour of Newport, the Naval Base, and the War College Museum. The Newport Tour took us through Newport and the surrounding area, showing us all of the Mansions, Shorelines, Historic Districts, and Fort Adams. We then went onto the Naval Base for a guided tour of the Base and while we were there, we stopped at the War College Museum, which showed us the history of the College and the many naval battles fought throughout its history. Friday afternoon was the spectacular tour of the “Breakers” Mansion followed by a half mile hike along the Historic Cliff Walk with breathtaking views of the ocean. We ended Friday night with the Newport Dinner Theater. It had one of the largest buffets you have ever seen and the food was delicious. After dinner we moved over to the theatre to take in a play, which was followed by a Vaudeville / Cabaret stage act, where we enjoyed humorous skits, music solos, and a barrage of Military Songs that brought our veterans and their guests to their feet for a standing ovation. Saturday morning, all of the men attended a ship's meeting. A few decisions were made about the Association Officers and Reunion Committee along with new information that was given to us by the Association President, Bill Kyle. One change was made to the Association. It now stands as follows: Officers: Bill Kyle – President, Gene Young – Vice President, John Weaver – Secretary, Eric Miller – Treasurer, Ron Mock, Jim Jansen, Robert Toussaint – Board of Directors, and Eric Miller, Reunion committee Chairman. Our next reunion is tentatively scheduled to be held in September or October of 2011 somewhere between Pensacola, FL and Corpus Christi, TX. Members of the reunion committee will be visiting several areas along the Gulf Coast over the next 6 – 10 months and we will make our decision sometime thereafter. There was also a very successful Silent Auction held Saturday morning in the hospitality room. We asked everyone to try and remember to bring something along from home and/or their area of the country. Several examples of items to bid on were: several gift baskets filled with goodies, Pittsburgh Steelers T-Shirt, Canvas Framed Picture of the USS Richmond K. Turner signed by all attending shipmates, Oregon Sweatshirt & T-Shirt, Arizona Jewelry, Louisville Slugger Baseball Bat, Tabasco Gift Box, Maple Syrup, paintings, bottles of wine, and much, much more. Just like in Branson, it was a big hit and will be on the schedule for our 2011 reunion. Our Saturday evening banquet was held at the Officer's Club on the Naval Base. Jackets, ties, low cut dresses, high heels, and lots of moussed hair and hair spray. It was truly a sight to behold. We started the evening with a reception at 5:00 PM, which included a photographer to take pictures of the attendees, as well as a Host Bar and hors d'oeuvres. The Mayor of Newport arrived sometime around 5:30 PM and presented the Association with a plaque of the city. She then spent an hour or so mingling with the crew. The 21 piece US Navy Band began playing at 6:00 PM. They were without a doubt an incredible addition to our reunion. Most attendees said that they had goose bumps while listening. The band led us right into our dinner at 6:30 PM. After dinner, we had our 2 Bell Ceremony and the playing of taps for all of our deceased shipmates. Master Chief Electricians Mate George Folk was our guest speaker who kept all interested while talking about his many years in the Navy and his days on board the USS Richmond K. Turner. George was followed by Bill Kyle and Admiral Simon, giving the attendees updated information as well as sharing fond memories of time spent on the ship. Immediately following, we began the 1st. Annual Joke Telling Competition which was won in a close vote by Ron Mock. Runners up were Larry Gordon, Stan McKim, and Robert Watkins. These brave comedians deserve a big “thank you” for participating in this first time event and giving the audience a few good laughs. There was also a 50/50 drawing and lots of door prizes and giveaways. The end of the night came much too quickly, but a good time seemed had by all. Sunday morning was our farewell breakfast, the day we were all hoping would never arrive. It was the day when we all had to say our good-byes. It was the day that we all made our promises of future visits, e-mails, and phone calls. A day filled with hugs, kisses, and handshakes. At each reunion, you will leave with more friends than when you arrrive. What would it take to persuade more of you to join us in our future reunions? They are more enjoyable than can ever be explained in any e-mail or on any web page. It is impossible not to have a great time. It is a time when Officers are no longer Officers and Enlisteds are no longer Enlisteds; just one large group of the USS Richmond K. Turner shipmates. Home | Message Board | Mail Call | Anchors Aweigh | Memorabilia |
