Reunion Highlights - Registration Form
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Don Nellis served his country well, and we will miss him. Aboard Topeka he was known as the "Gun Boss", and his leadership was as good as it gets. He understood a lot about human nature and he had the respect of all those who served with him. He had a brilliant career as a Navy Seal before we were privileged to know him as Baka Hachi's Weapons Officer. He loved life and always had a smile and a good story to tell. After retiring he continued his leadership among us by bringing together all his Topeka shipmates in San Diego. Because of his efforts the Topeka Reunion Association was born, and we have continued to enjoy each other's friendship as we meet each year in different parts of the country. After leaving Topeka he went on to have his own command aboard the destroyer Mansfield. He then earned his 4th stripe and was later assigned to a repair ship as its skipper. Who will ever forget his stellar performance as Maxine Andrews of the Andrew sisters in the fantail frolics at our San Diego reunion, and the repeat performance in Topeka, Kansas? We wish you God's speed skipper, fair sailing, and may the wind always be at your back.
John Reynolds USS TOPEKA REUNION ASSOCIATIONWhat do we do? We have a reunion each year. Each reunion is in a different part of the country. The locations rotate from the East Coast to the Central States to the West Coast. Each reunion has a host. The host is usually eager to show off his home location. He and others make arrangements at the city he nominated two years earlier and was voted as the preferred choice the pervious year. He makes the hotel choice and arrangements. (Usually looking for a quality location at the best possible price.) Tours are offered to points of interest in the local area. Arraignments are made for the golfers in our group. The 2006 reunion is scheduled for San Diego. We do need a presentation for 2007. That reunion should be in the central United States. LAUGHLINThere will not be a “mini” reunion in Laughlin this year. Please contact Ruth or Dudley Cass for information on future Laughlin reunions. GOLFERSAnyone interested in playing golf at the reunion in New York City? Please contact me so I can arrange some golf times for you. There is an outstanding course under the Throgs Neck Bridge with a view of the Manhattan skyline. Sounds like a plan! 2005 DUES ARE DUEDues of $15 for 2005 are due and should be sent to Jack Timmons, 2661 Poinsettia Dr., San Diego, CA 92106-1121. Checks should be made payable to the USS Topeka Reunion Association. If you have not paid your dues for 2005, please take care of this matter. Dues are used to pay for the printing and mailing of this newsletter three times a year, printing and mailing the annual directory of members, the costs of maintaining the web site, postage of letters and some “upfront” reunion expenses. If you are interested in saving money, you can pay $60 to cover dues for the next five years (saves $15) and you will get a new directory in January each year. This is the only dues reminder you will see in this newsletter. The address label on newsletters will indicate whether or not your dues have been received. Please send your dues to Jack Timmons. New Members (Since November)Robert L. Pedan LTJG (67-69) Bay Village, OH Taps
R. Tom Fleming, Jr.LT (61-62) 1/31/05 TAPSOf all the military bugle calls, none is
so easily recognized or more apt to render emotion than the call Taps.
The melody is both eloquent and haunting and the history of its origin
is interesting and somewhat clouded in controversy. In the British Army,
a similar type call known as Last Post has been sounded over soldiers'
graves since 1885, but the use of Taps is unique to the United States
military, since the call is sounded at funerals, wreath-laying and
memorial services.
EDITORIALNew York City, Manhattan, and the Big Apple whatever you call her she is an outstanding place to visit. It does not matter how you like to spend your vacation when you come to this grand city you will fulfill those desires. As you browse over the reunion highlights you will find some exceptional tours to begin your visit to New York City. These tours will bring you into Manhattan where you will be able to take a slice out of the Big Apple. Experience Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Macy’s, Ground Zero and much, much more. If you want to see more of the city I recommend purchasing a CityPass. With this pass you can visit six New York attractions for just $45.00. This pass is good for nine days commencing when you first use the pass. Check it out at www.citypass.com. The Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island tour will bring you into the lives of the 17million immigrants that passed through these gates to America. A short breathtaking boat ride across New York Harbor takes you to the “Lady in the Harbor,” an amazing bronze sculpture, which stands 151 foot tall on a 80 foot pedestal! Just another short boat ride will take you to Ellis Island. I have visited both sites numerous times and have been in awe each time. You could actually spend an entire day at Ellis Island alone. Of course what would a visit to New York City be without visiting the Intrepid? The Intrepid is located on the Hudson River in Manhattan. Explore her massive decks while enjoying the panorama skyline of Manhattan. Of course there is a boundless amount of attractions, not to mention the shopping! With only three days to schedule tours my task has not been effortless. I struggled with the belief that everyone has different interests ranging from the Empire State Building to the numerous museums available in this grand city. I offer my resources and knowledge to anyone planning on attending the reunion. If you have any personal requests or questions please contact me at any time. I will be happy to help. Please plan on attending the 2005 USS Topeka reunion in New York City, register early, arrive early and stay as long as you are able. Kathy Spatz, Editor STATUE OF LIBERTY
USS Intrepid
After World War II, the modernization of the Intrepid to an angled flight deck enabled the carrier to accommodate jet aircraft. During the 1960's, the Intrepid served as a prime recovery vessel for NASA, picking up both Mercury and Gemini capsules. Names and Telephone NumbersBoard of Directors Board Members: Dudley Cass, Don Anderson, Jack Connery, Ken Noble,
Tom Victory President Secretary-Treasurer 2004 Reunion Coordinator Newsletter Editor Webmaster Ship's Store SHIP'S STOREThese items are available
from the Ship’s Store, order now and come to the reunion already
dressed out. Most of the merchandise will be available in Charleston.
All orders should be sent to Linda Roberts at 7315 Valley Lane,
Hixson, TN 37343-2207. Linda’s phone number is 423-842-5147. Include
$5.00 shipping with each order and make checks or money order payable
to the Reunion Association and send to Linda with your order.
USS TOPEKA REUNION ASSOCIATION |
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Located on
12-acre Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty was a
gift of international friendship from the people of France to the people
of the United States and is one of the most universal symbols of
political freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on
October 28, 1886 and was designated a National Monument on October 15,
1924. The Statue was extensively restored in time for her spectacular
centennial on July 4, 1986. Liberty Island is federal property located
within the territorial jurisdiction of the State of New York.
Launched in 1943 the USS Intrepid, CV-11
served the United States Navy for 31 years. Nicknamed the "Fighting I",
she proved both and resolute.