Our 3rd Reunion
was an unbelievable success !!!!
(Details to follow)
Change of Command
As has always been the custom aboard
our USN fighting ships, commands and crew change frequently.
This is now the second command change I have experienced aboard
the Perry. The first change of command came when Cdr. Frese relieved
Cdr. Ball back in '57. Now for the second time, it is with pleasure
that Joe Malmendier accepted my nomination for President of our
Perry Association and was unanimously approved by our membership.
Let's give Joe a warm welcome and a lot of support during his
time at the helm.
Let us also welcome two more great
guys to our Association Board, Sid Brown our Jacksonville Reunion
Chairman and Board Advisor is now Vice President and Bob Hales
who served as a Crew Chief is now Secretary of our Association.
After an exciting tenure on the Board
and a lot of had work our Secretary Martin Deeney and our Vice
President / 3rd Reunion Chairman Will Pruett have asked to be
relieved of their duties for a while but will remain as Advisors
to the Board. From all of us, we truly appreciate your efforts.
We have also appointed the following
enthusiastic shipmates to our Advisory Board to help provide
equal representation throughout the States.
Let's welcome Dick Pittenger, Will Pruett, Martin Deeney, Fred
Kragler, Bob Noroski, Bill Beyhl, Dan Zabo, Rick Flanagan and
Roger Rae.
I know you will agree, our Crew Chiefs
did a great job of recruiting and keeping addresses up-2-date.
I almost forgot, I will assume the
responsibility of Treasurer.
I know I speak for all the Board
and Advisors when I say we will all be working hard to continue
to make our Association a success. |
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The 3rd Perry Reunion
Wow, what an experience. I can hardly
believe our reunions keep getting better and better. Actually
all our Reunions have been outstanding and wonderful but in somewhat
a different in manner. Basically I think the Reunion takes on
the flavor of the location and the vision of the Chairman. For
me, the outstanding event was our Armed Forces day Memorial Service.
This event, orchestrated by Will Pruett is a day I will remember
for some time to come. Words cannot describe it. You had to be
there to see the emotion generated from all that were lucky to
be part of this event. When Will first presented the idea to
me it sounded like something we should do. However, I had no
idea just how wonderful and moving experience it would turn out
to be.
Please let me briefly describe this
happening as best I can without boring you. Together with the
USS Portland we had about 300 attending this event. With the
room dimly lit, a Bag Piper playing 'Amazing Grace' lead a procession
of shipmates honoring the DMS17 shipmates lost at sea and our
Perry shipmates who sailed on to calmer waters. Each shipmate
in the procession held a lit candle representing a specific shipmate.
As the procession moved forward toward the dais, each name was
read aloud and the ship's bell was rung twice in their memory.
The candles were then placed on the dais and later extinguished
when each name was again read. The emotion and tears were everywhere.
This year we had about 120 attendees
with roughly 80% of us having attended two or more reunions.
Will kept us on out toes throughout the entire five days with
exciting shows, dinners etc. One evening when I phoned my daughter
and told her we were going to a 9AM Yakov Smirnoff show she said
I hope he's really good. I can tell you he was really great and
kept us laughing nonstop. At the end of the day when I finally
climbed into my rack I went out like a light. Haven't slept this
well in years. |
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Show 'N Tell
It all started when Leland Philips
asked if he could use the PA System to ask our shipmates if anyone
present was aboard the liberty boat when it capsized and many
Perry shipmates lost their lives. Since no one else at the reunion
experienced the capsizing I encouraged Lee to share this very
frightening experience with us. His very exciting talk encouraged
many other shipmates to tell us their sea stories. Please click
the following link to read about the capsizing experience. http://www.ussperry.com/letters.htm#lephillips
All of our DMS-17 shipmates also
gave a very interesting accounting of their experiences aboard
the Perry. They spoke about the time the Perry was ordered to
intercept a torpedo intended for a battle ship. Courageously
the Perry navigated in front of the torpedo and all hands prayed
as they awaited their faith. Miraculously the torpedo passed
beneath the Perry. It wasn't yet their time. Then came the event
when the Perry hit the mine that sunk her. These were very frightening
tales by some very brave men. For this, we salute you and express
our joy to have you all here with us at our reunion honoring
the DMS-17 and its crew. |
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Our Guest Speakers
We have always been lucky having
a dynamic guest speaker for our reunion. This time we were twice
as lucky because we had two speakers I could have listened to
them for hours on end.
Senator Bob Mitchler, Oswego, IL
- Navy CPO 1941 - 1952
The Senator was a very interesting
man and friend of President Harry Truman. His talk about patriotism,
values and changing times was given off the cuff and right on
target.
Dr. H.D. McCarty, Chaplain, BrigGen
(Ret) USAF, Senior Pastor,
University Baptist Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Another amazing man. We should also
add 'stand up comic' to his credentials. We were kept mesmerized
throughout his talk. He combined spiritualism, patriotism and
old fashion values and at the same time kept us laughing.
I wish we had taped these talks. |
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Peanut Brittle and Candy
Canes
Charlie Jenkins came through just
as you would expect him to. He brought an abundance of goodies
for us all to enjoy. Thanks mate for your thoughtfulness, and
my dentist thanks you as well. |
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Video Presentation
During our final banquet, Matrin
Deeney gave us a very exciting big screen video presentation
of the various branches of our Armed services. About ¾
into the movie Marty's straight man calls out, 'where are the
destroyers', and miraculously the destroyers appear. The real
neat thing about the video was Martins ability to incorporate
the photos of everyone at the reunion. While we were partying
at the hospitality suite, Marty was a busy beaver feverously
working on the presentation. Marty, what can I do to get a copy
of that video CD? Thanks a bunch for everything. |
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DMS-17 Discovery
At our banquet Larry Tunks gave a
very interesting talk about how he proceeded to take on the project
of locating the Perry. For now, let me say it's a remarkable
story that has the interest of CNN and the Discovery Channel.
Many divers have looked for her and came up empty handed. So
how on earth was Larry to find her? By his own words, Larry said
it a special feeling from above that directed him to the exact
spot. Divers in his party and others in the business said the
Perry would never be found where Larry wanted to dive. However,
true to his conviction and faith he discovered the Perry. She
rests on a mountain in 240 feet of water. I believe Larry said
the base of the mountain is recorded at 3,000 feet deep. Click
the following link to see some great underwater photos. http://www.ussperry.com/dms-17/morephotos.htm |
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Awards
We spent some time at our Banquet
recognizing some of our shipmates for their outstanding services
to our Association.
Both Sid Brown and Dick Pittenger
received very handsome walnut plaques for their services as Advisors.
I must say, they are great supporters of our Association and
were most helpful building the success we all enjoy.
Once again Ernie Peterson remains
undefeated in his quest to maintain his title of having traveled
the furthest distance to our reunion. However, I understand some
of the guys want to take that title from you and want to have
a reunion in Bow Washington. I don't think so! By the way, Ernie
also has a perfect reunion attendance. For this accomplishment
Ernie received a Port Hole key chain.
Fred Kragler was recognized for his
accomplishment as the best Perry recruiter. He always amazed
me by picking up another Perry survivor to add to our database.
For this, Fred also received a Port Hole key chain
We also auctioned off a Port Hole
key chain. I must say, this one took a lot of guts because the
prize went to the oldest shipmate. Larry Tunks, the world-renowned
deep sea treasure diver and discoverer of the DMS-17 started
the bidding by attesting to the age of 81. He was immediately
out bid by another DMS-17 shipmate, thank god, who attested to
age 85. Bless you guys and many happy returns.
Port Hole key chains were also given
to Joe Malmendier, Martin Deeney, Will Pruett, David Pruett and
myself.
 Everyone at the reunion received a desktop
digital clock as a memento of the reunion.
Bob Noroski wasn't presented an award
at our reunion. However, he received the best award of all by
knowing we all appreciated and loved his very special invocations
at our Memorial Service and Banquet. |
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The Admiral
I want you all to know that Rear
Admiral David Pruett personally replied to each email and get
well card he received from his Perry Shipmates. I can't understand
how it happened, but Will and I forgot to read David's very interesting
replies to each and every one of us. His personal replies to
us are just too numerous to put in this newsletter.
On behalf of all Perry shipmates,
we're all glad to hear you are doing well and want to congratulate
you on your forthcoming retirement. After 27 years of active
service to our country, how will the Navy ever get by without
you? I also hear you are going into the construction business
and if any of us need a new home built can we count on you for
getting a good deal. Best wishes and good luck in your new endeavor. |
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Branson Missouri
Branson is just a wonderful family
oriented entertainment City. It is the most friendly and patriotic
City I have ever been in. Every show ends with a flow of patriotism
and recognition of our armed forces and veterans. The shows are
sold out because they are simply great. You will never hear a
foul word or hear an off color joke. The next time I'm going
to Branson, I'm bringing the grand kids. |
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New Reunion Location Sites
Being Considered
Mobile, Al (Art Garafolo)
Pigeon Forge, TN (Rick Flanagan)
Fall River, MA
(Ernie Matseas)
Charleston, SC ( Steve Silk)
It's never too early to get a reunion
package in place for the Board's consideration. Every Association
member is invited to put a package together and earn the distinction
of becoming our 4th Reunion Chairman. With three reunions under
our belt, the task should be a bit easier. Some shipmates suggested
a cruise or a mid point mini reunion. Why not pick up on these
suggestions and take this opportunity to help your Association. |
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Summing Up Our Reunion
Gerald Schnoblen
This was my first reunion and I'm happy to say Cheryl and I reeeeeeeally
enjoyed the reunion and the friendship of all the shipmates that
attended. The planning crew did an excellent job of organizing
the activities, tours, shows, and transportation. I definitely
will make it to the next one.
I know it meant a lot to the sailors
of the DMS 17 to attend and be honored by the Perry DD-844 crewmen.
Everyone that attended seemed really
pleased. A JOB WELL DONE!!!
Take care,
GERALD
Sid Brown
Let me thank you for the bravo-zulu (navy term) for "well
done". It just keeps getting better. The Perry association
has become an organization that I am very proud to be part of
and I know this feeling holds true for all the shipmates involved
with the DD-844 reunion. I enjoyed the planning, sea stories,
seeing many faces and being just part of "it". It makes
me a very proud American and as a retired military person, I
can not brag enough to people that I come in contact with every
day life. I want to thank Steve Silk, Martin Denney, Joe Malmendier
and the many others that contributed to a function that we will
remember for a long time. It's going to be a big pair of shoes
to be filled for the next reunion. I know they will slip on very
easy or may be tight to start with but they will fit, we are
the "Perry crew"
"we can do"
Sid and Nancy Brown htc/usn/ret |
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A MESSAGE FROM YOUR THIRD REUNION
CHAIRMAN
Will Pruett, 46-47, SK3, USS PERRY DD 844
Like anything, I guess, the more
you become involved and the more you put into something, the
more reward and satisfaction you get. That's the summary of my
experience as the Chairman of our Third Association Reunion in
Branson, Missouri on May 14-18, 2003. As the reunion began, even
meeting folks on the 13th as we got ready for the reunion the
next day, and events began to unfold, I was a HAPPY CAMPER seeing
everyone enjoying themselves…laughing, bear hugs every few
minutes, looking for shipmates and doing it with a big smile,
and on and on. There were four very special HIGHLIGHTS for me:
1. The spontaneous and extemporaneous sea stories that broke
out (using the PA system) even before the Welcome Reception was
over, extending for over an hour beyond it's scheduled cut off;
2. Those emotional feelings listening to and becoming a part
of the DMS17 SHOW 'N TELL session telling their personal experiences
at Pearl Harbor with some damage but escape and the dramatic
images of their USS Perry DMS17 striking a water mine and sinking
on 13 September 1944;
3. The Armed Forces Day Celebration and unique Memorial Ceremonies
with an outstanding Bagpiper, CWO Kenneth Lightfoot, and outstanding
address by BGen (Ret) Dr. H.D. McCarty, Chaplain, USAF;
4. Finally, and perhaps the most fitting climax of the reunion,
our own Martin Deeney's Video presentation of "Tribute to
Today's Navy, Destroyers, etc.". THANK YOU, members present,
for a spontaneous applause and the cheers for the SEABEES when
it showed on the screen.
The greatest benefit to me personally
during this last year was the regular contact with many, many
shipmates via emails, phone calls and postal letters. I feel
as though I served by those sailors' sides "selling my ship's
stores from 1946 through decommissioning in 1973. So, if you
really want to get to know one another, get involved some way.
A good place to start is with your newfound shipmates. Stay in
touch periodically with as many as possible throughout the interim
period until our Fall 2004 reunion. THEN, do your best to attend
that FOURTH REUNION and enter into the enthusiasm of those days
you are there. Stay on the hunt for new shipmates.
The Association has raised its anchor
and is well out to sea. It is crossing into its adulthood. Thank
you, Steve Silk, for founding of the Association-and those who
joined you in the summer of '98 to get us under way. There is
a great journey on our maps; there is room for everyone aboard.
Shipmates from both USS Perry DMS17 and USS Perry DD844 make
up our crew, from every port in the USA.
If you have an eMail address and
have not shared it with us, please let our new Secretary, Robert
Hales, RM3, 64-66 (rjhales@hal-tec.com) know very soon. EMail
is such a convenient means of staying in touch with everyone
and MOST OF ALL in expediting Newsletters and carrying out speedy
communications at little cost.
I'm PROUD to be an American veteran
sailor that flies our flag and PROUD of having been a lowly sailor
on a great ship. Let's set a goal of 100 shipmates registering
for our FALL 2004 Reunion-wherever it may be. Until then, smooth
sailing and happy times. Let's stay in touch. Let me hear from
you - (willandbjpruett@aol.com), 2452 Pin Oak Street, Fayetteville,
AR 72701-0547, 1-479-582-3665.
Wilford R. "Will" Pruett,
SK3, 1946-47, (DD 844) |
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Business Meeting
At the meeting we voted and approved
the new slate of officers. We also accepted a modification to
our BYLAWS regarding our dues request and the disbursements of
our funds between reunion cycles.
At the close of the meeting it was
a very welcomed feeling to see most shipmates spontaneously coming
forward and offering to pay their dues. This was purely voluntary
and unsolicited.
Our Bylaws can be viewed on our website.
A copy of the Bylaws can be requested by any dues paying member
by writing to our Secretary Bob Hales.
At: Hal-Tec Corporation, 405 N. Reo St. Suite 240, Tampa, Fl
33609 |
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DUES REQUEST $ $ $
Our USS Perry Reunion Association
dues have been set at $10 between reunions. Any amount to help
cover expenses, such as those for newsletters and memorial donations
to the U.S. Naval Home, would be truly appreciated.
Please make checks payable
to: USS Perry Reunion Association
and mail your contribution to:
Steve Silk, Treasurer
USS Perry Reunion Association
47 Alpine Drive
Wayne, NJ 07470 |
If you cannot make a contribution
at this time we understand. However, please let us hear from
you by sending us an email or US Postal card to acknowledge your
intention to be associated with the Perry Association.
Special contribution will be greatly
appreciated and recognized. If you wish your contribution to
be earmarked to a special organization please be sure to let
us know.
On behalf of the all the Perry Shipmates
that have helped make our Association a huge success please accept
our thanks and appreciation for your continued support. |
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Reunion Photos
Shortly we will have many reunion
photos posted to our website. If you have a favorite photo and
would like it posted to website I'll be glad to post it for you.
Right now you can go to the following
link to view the photos taken by the Navy photographer from Shifting
Colors (Navy's magazine for retirees): http://www.angelfire.com/wv/pistol/Branson.html
EMAIL address
Please remember to keep your email
address current and help us economize our expenses by sending
your correct email address to steve@ussperry.com and or mstephens@hal-tec.comd |
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In Conclusion
I hope that our shipmates who could
not attend this reunion were able to get the flavor of the exciting
time we all had together. Please believe me when I say, "the
camaraderie doesn't get any better". So please be sure to
give yourself the opportunity to join us for the next one, wherever
it may be.
For everyone that was with us, I
hope you have enjoyed hearing about it again. If I missed something
or made an error please understand it was unintentional.
It has been my pleasure to serve
our Association as Skipper since it's inception back in '98 and
I enjoyed every moment of it. Seeing old friends get reacquainted
and making new friends is what it is all about. Lets all continue
to take that ride down memory together for as long as possible.
I appreciate your friendship and
look forward to your comments.
God bless and smooth sailing to you
all,
Steve Silk |
