Top Row - John Karlis, Jeff, Jeff Amundson, Paul Smith Jr.
2nd Row - Gene Burnett, George Clifton, Gene Hill, Kim Rowland, Sonya Malme, Toby Gillispie
Front Row - Sue Burnett, Connie Boyd, Duane Malme, Betty Malme
2nd Row - Gene Burnett, George Clifton, Gene Hill, Kim Rowland, Sonya Malme, Toby Gillispie
Front Row - Sue Burnett, Connie Boyd, Duane Malme, Betty Malme
2022 Colorado Springs Reunion Recap
The reunion began The reunion began on Sunday October 9th at the Embassy Suites in Colorado Springs. This was the 3rd Amphibious Ships reunion and the Yancey’s 26th reunion. As guests arrived and registered the hospitality room was open for all to renew acquaintances prior to the hotels evening reception and the Welcome Banquet at 7:00 PM. In the absence of Skip Sander, George Clifton and Jim Rosenow welcomed all before dinner was served. After dinner Ray Casey addressed the group and provided information for tours and answered questions.
Monday morning began with breakfast before the buses were boarded for the tour of the Air Force Academy which was a little disappointing as the famous chapel was closed for renovation. We watched a movie at the visitors center and viewed other buildings and outdoor facilities from the bus. Our next stop was the famous Gardens of the Gods which featured many different rock formations and was very picturesque. We stopped at the Trading Post, built in 1929, for lunch and shopping. The food was good and they had everything from tee shirts to arts and crafts. Next, we drove through Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs on our way back to the hotel.
Tuesday was a nice sunny day for our trip up to the top of Pikes Peak. This was viewed by many as the highlight of the tours. As we made our way to Manitou Springs and the Cog Railroad station the temperature was about 70 degrees. We boarded the train for our 9-mile 1 hour trip to the top of Pikes Peak. The scenery was great and we saw some wildlife along the way. However, after reaching the 14,115-foot peak and exiting the train we stepped into 25 degrees and 25 mile per hour winds. Although warned ahead of time and wearing warmer clothes I still think most of us were a bit surprised and uncomfortable. Most headed for the visitor center and remained inside until boarding the train for the trip back down the mountain. It certainly was an adventure but one that many over 70 should consider carefully. Our next stop was in Old Colorado City for lunch and shopping, however, most opted to return directly to the hotel.
Wednesday was another bright sunny day in the 70’s. Our tours departed for both Dragon Man’s eclectic Emporium and the National Museum of WWII Aviation. Only about a dozen chose the Dragon Man tour and said they enjoyed it. Most of us continued to the Air Museum. This was an interesting 2 hours walking tour guided by an ex-Marine pilot who was extremely knowledgeable. He was able to provide us with much of the history behind the planes on display in the museum. We then had lunch at the Airplane Restaurant before returning to the hotel to relax and prepare for photos and the banquet.
At 7:00 the banquet began with George Clifton again welcoming everyone and thanking them for attending this year reunion. Not much information was yet available about next year so all were informed they would be contacted through normal channels once a date and destination were determined. Next Steve Malloy led us in an acapella version of the National Anthem followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Jim Rosenow presented the Missing Man Table and a moment of silence for our departed shipmates. He then recognized the 5 widows in attendance who then received a round of applause. After saying Grace it was time to eat and say our goodbyes until next year.
Monday morning began with breakfast before the buses were boarded for the tour of the Air Force Academy which was a little disappointing as the famous chapel was closed for renovation. We watched a movie at the visitors center and viewed other buildings and outdoor facilities from the bus. Our next stop was the famous Gardens of the Gods which featured many different rock formations and was very picturesque. We stopped at the Trading Post, built in 1929, for lunch and shopping. The food was good and they had everything from tee shirts to arts and crafts. Next, we drove through Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs on our way back to the hotel.
Tuesday was a nice sunny day for our trip up to the top of Pikes Peak. This was viewed by many as the highlight of the tours. As we made our way to Manitou Springs and the Cog Railroad station the temperature was about 70 degrees. We boarded the train for our 9-mile 1 hour trip to the top of Pikes Peak. The scenery was great and we saw some wildlife along the way. However, after reaching the 14,115-foot peak and exiting the train we stepped into 25 degrees and 25 mile per hour winds. Although warned ahead of time and wearing warmer clothes I still think most of us were a bit surprised and uncomfortable. Most headed for the visitor center and remained inside until boarding the train for the trip back down the mountain. It certainly was an adventure but one that many over 70 should consider carefully. Our next stop was in Old Colorado City for lunch and shopping, however, most opted to return directly to the hotel.
Wednesday was another bright sunny day in the 70’s. Our tours departed for both Dragon Man’s eclectic Emporium and the National Museum of WWII Aviation. Only about a dozen chose the Dragon Man tour and said they enjoyed it. Most of us continued to the Air Museum. This was an interesting 2 hours walking tour guided by an ex-Marine pilot who was extremely knowledgeable. He was able to provide us with much of the history behind the planes on display in the museum. We then had lunch at the Airplane Restaurant before returning to the hotel to relax and prepare for photos and the banquet.
At 7:00 the banquet began with George Clifton again welcoming everyone and thanking them for attending this year reunion. Not much information was yet available about next year so all were informed they would be contacted through normal channels once a date and destination were determined. Next Steve Malloy led us in an acapella version of the National Anthem followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Jim Rosenow presented the Missing Man Table and a moment of silence for our departed shipmates. He then recognized the 5 widows in attendance who then received a round of applause. After saying Grace it was time to eat and say our goodbyes until next year.
List of Attendees
Jeff Amundson
Gene and Sue Burnett
Connie Boyd
George Clifton
Russ Gleason and daughter Ruth
Toby Gillispie
Gene Hill
John Karlis
Duane and Betty Malme
and daughters
Sonja Malme & Kim Roland
Richard Orr
Paul Smith Jr.
Jeff Amundson
Gene and Sue Burnett
Connie Boyd
George Clifton
Russ Gleason and daughter Ruth
Toby Gillispie
Gene Hill
John Karlis
Duane and Betty Malme
and daughters
Sonja Malme & Kim Roland
Richard Orr
Paul Smith Jr.
