14th Annual Ship's Reunion
Reunion 2007: AGTWHBA (A Great Time Was Had By
All)
Well, there's another one in
the bag. We're not talking about a sailor... we're talking
about great reunions!
A record-setting 181 shipmates, spouses and guests attended this
four day event which concluded on Saturday evening in grand
style in a elegant ballroom facility decorated with USS Rich
imprinted placemats, napkins and wine glasses for each to take
home as a memento of the occasion.
Reunion Host Don Hake and his wife Maureen did an outstanding
job in attending to the details for our visit. Everyone enjoyed
munching on foods unique to the area... kettle-cooked potato
chips, hand-made pretzels, Lebanon bologna and various types of
cheeses. Also a new record in hot dogs consumed. Yes, hot
dogs. It seemed the hot dog cooker was running non-stop as
the group "woofed" down 311 pounds! (Maybe the association
should purchase a few shares of Oscar Meyer stock.)
The reunion began with a contingent of shipmates appearing
before the York County Commission to receive a proclamation
"recognizing the men who served on the USS Rich as they gather
to renew old friendships, exchange stories and reminisce over
the glory days of the USS Rich."
This was our first stay at a
Hampton and if this hotel doesn't rank #1 on our list of places
we've held reunions, it certainly is ahead of whichever is in
second place. The Hampton staff was friendly, cheerful and eager
to provide for our needs. From the Front Desk crew to
Housekeeping, Maintenance and the team who provided the
delicious breakfasts every morning... these fantastic folks
define the term "Hospitality".
In addition to our Hospitality Room, there were two lobby areas
which were perfect for small group get-togethers, mini-meetings
and breakfast of course. The Hampton provided a 24/7
coffee bar (more accurately, a soft beverage bar)
Ruth at the Front Desk
which saw a lot of action during our stay. Of
course we reciprocated with offers of food sharing and without
mentioning names, we had our very own late night "Hot Dog Princess".
(GO 'NOLES!)
We would be remiss in not
mentioning Louise, Lucetta, Captain Don and the team over at
Wisehaven Banquet and Expo Center.
Their facility and staff were most accommodating us with a
stunning place for our Memorial Service and Banquet.
The food was delicious. Thanks guys!
A huge Thank You to York, PA, and the Hake family (the whole
family). Bravo Zulu... well done!
Shipmates: Send us your reunion photos on
a CD and will post them for all to enjoy. (Especially the group photos!)
Postal:
Reunion 8926 Phyliss Ave Sarasota FL 34231-7722
Plank Owners: Bob Stripe, Fred
Rockwell, Ed Roggenbuck
