LETTERS

Dear Dudley and Ruth:

Well, it's better late than never. First of all, I wanted to take this time to say to both of you what a wonderful job you both did on our last reunion in San Diego. The warmth you gave to all the new members made us feel very welcome.

After looking at the new members list under my name, I see you have me listed as a BT3 (67-68). It should be BT2 (6768).

Thank you again. See you in Virginia if all goes well.

Alonzo and Georgette Simmerman (67-68)

Dear Ed:

Thanks for reminding me. 1995 dues enclosed. Was wondering if there are any future plans for a reunion in the Pacific Northwest, i.e. Seattle, Tacoma, Bremerton.

Bill Bradley (60-61)

Ed note: Bill, 1 hope so. I wanted to go there last year, but by vote of the membership, we went to San Diego. Next year, at our reunion in the Midwest we will select a West Coast site for 1997.

Dear Ed:

I was a radioman aboard TOPEKA from February, 1960-December, 1963. I keep in touch with Lloyd Libby who was also a radioman. He sent me a copy of the February, 1995 newsletter. I did not know this association existed.

I can't tell you how excited I am. I also talked with Dick Walker about the August reunion, and I would love to attend and see old friends. I have so many fond memories of my experiences aboard TOPEKA.

Patrick J. Doyle (60-63)

Dear Ed:

Those 60's seem so long ago, but after reading letters from guys I remember like John Hojaboom, Joe Peregine, Robby Robbins, Larry Patriquin and Joe Heeney, faces and times I hadn't thought of for many years come back to me.

My good buddy and running mate was Dominick Musto from Pittson, PA. He may have moved to New Jersey. Would anyone know anything about him?

I have a son, Mike, and his wife Lori, who are career Navy and stationed in Rota, Spain.

Some of us aren't too crazy about flying, so how about a reunion closer to the center of the country?

Parker Butcher (63-66)

Dear Ed:

I just received the May, 1995 Association newsletter, saw my name in the newcomer column and felt all explanation was in order.

One evening about six months ago, while bowling in my league here in Portland, Ore., I noticed a gentleman bowling in the league next to us wearing a TOPEKA T-shirt. I cannot remember his name other than "John" something. He told me about the association. I explained my history with the ship, and he sent you my name. My story follows. (Ed Note: See "Remember When... ?")

If my experience qualifies me as a member of the Association, I would be more than happy to send the appropriate dues. I would also like to have a copy of the directory. I will not be able to attend the reunion in Norfolk, as much as I would love to, but I'll be looking forward to comments about it in future issues.

Bob Williams (1960)

REUNION 96 SITES

The Site Selection Committee for the 1996 reunion, to be held in the Central U.S., will present the following sites for consideration at the annual meeting ill Norfolk.

Albuquerque, NM
Kansas City, MO
San Antonio, TX
St. Louis, MO
Topeka, KN

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