2023 Reunion dayton Ohio
The Amphibious Ships Reunion was held this year in Dayton, Ohio. It was by far the most laid-back reunion we have had since we started the Yancey reunion in Norfolk, Va in 1995. The reason for that can be summed up on one word, inflation. Obviously, a hotel in Dayton is much cheaper than those in any major city. Additionally, transportation fees for buses were outrageous. The cost of $90 per person pretty much was a no starter. Fortunately, the hotel was in close proximity of the Air Force Museum near the Wright Patterson Air Force Base so we were able to car pool.
The reunion began on Wednesday October 18th with registration in the hospitality room. As with all past reunions, the hospitality room was open for the entire reunion for shipmates to gather and reminisce about old times. The first official function was a buffet dinner on Thursday evening. Friday morning everyone gathered in the lobby to set out on the trip to the U.S. Air Force Museum for self-guided tours. The Museum consisted of 4 connected buildings and was huge. Each building had displays ranging from pre-World War II, Korea, and Viet Nam to NASA missiles. There was also Air Force One planes starting with Harry S. Truman. It was an interesting tour and well worth taking.
Saturday morning, we had a business meeting. Jerry Wotherspoon agreed to organize the reunion again next year and opened the discussion of possible destinations for next year. Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, NC were the favorites agreed upon. Also suggested was a cruise out of Tampa, Florida. Jerry will investigate these options and make the decision for next year.
Saturday evening was the reunion banquet. There was an abbreviated Memorial Service each ship being named without individual names being read. Following dinner, the Wright Patterson United States Air Force Band, actually a 6-piece group, entertained us with some great jazz music.
It was a nice reunion even without all the tours. In many respects it was more relaxing not having to be somewhere all the time and spending more time in conversation.
ATTENDEES
George Clifton
Paul Dunn
Elton Fauber
John Karlis
Paul Smith Jr.
Duane & Betty Malme and
daughters Sonja and Kim
Toby Gillespie and daughter Terri
Paul Dunn
Elton Fauber
John Karlis
Paul Smith Jr.
Duane & Betty Malme and
daughters Sonja and Kim
Toby Gillespie and daughter Terri
