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U.S.S. TOPEKA CLG 8
Eleventh Annual Reunion
San Diego, California
August 16-20, 2000
Congratulations, Plankowners, at Y2K,
the 40th Anniversary of TOPEKA CLG 8 Commissioning
March 26, 1960 was a cold, wet day at the New York Naval Shipyard.
According to Captain Pinney, "The temperature at the end of the
commissioning ceremony, helped by rain and a 25-knot wind, was in the low
teens, and all 1,000 who had shivered on the dock, swarmed aboard to get
warm."
The commissioning was the culmination of a tremendous amount of work by
the pre-com crew. As George Ashford (Weapons) put it, "A group of
strangers came together to a huge lifeless hunk of steel… confusion...
signs of organization... commissioning day... A FIGHTING SHIP!
We are fortunate to have with us today a number of our shipmates
(listed below) who were aboard at the commissioning. Congratulations,
PLANKOWNERS, and Thanks for your contribution to making TOPEKA the fine
ship she became that we all remember this day.
| Jesse Aragon |
Steve Archbold |
James Bennett |
| John Bockius |
Joseph Buda |
Charles Campbell |
| Dick Campbell |
Bill Carver |
John Courtney |
| Walter Davidovich |
Don Ervin |
Don Habener |
| Will Hays |
Michael Hight |
Hal Hodson |
| Norbert Howe |
Adam Howey |
John Keith |
| Ervin Kolodzik |
Larry MacDonald |
Vince Manion |
| Raymond McHugh |
Raymond Michalski |
Loy Nix |
| Kenneth Noble |
Joseph Peragine |
Joe Ripley |
| Austin Schroder |
Andre Seaton |
Ronald Smart |
| Eddie Sowards |
Jimmy Starr |
Chuck Tinmons |
| Egon Werdelman |
John Woolston |
Bud Zimmerman |
BANQUET PROGRAM |
| Welcome |
Dudley Cass |
Presentation of Colors
MCRD Color Guard |
Jerry Judge |
| Pledge of Allegiance |
|
Laura Cass |
| Retire the Colors |
|
Jerry Judge |
| Invocation |
|
Al Ansorge |
| Dinner |
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| "Now Hear This" |
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Jerry Judge |
| Introduction of Plankowners |
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Jerry Judge |
| West Coast Swing Dancing Exhibition |
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Trish Connery and
Lany Tang |
| Closing Remarks |
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John Reynolds |
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Menu
Spinach Salad
Tender leaves topped with mushrooms,
Tomato, chopped eggs, and Honey Dijon Dressing
Entree: Roast Prime Rib
A full half-pound of delectable slow-roasted,
aged, perfectly-seasoned prime rib, butcher shop carved
for maximum flavor
Or - Herb Crusted Halibut
The harvest of the sea, folded in a seasoned herb and
garlic cruist, then baked to a tender juicy finish.
Baked Potato with Condiments
To include butter, sour cream and chives
Duet of Seasonal Vegetables
Freshly Baked Rolls with Butter
Fruit Tart
Sponge Cake topped with Lemon Bavarian and fruit.
Choice of wine: Chardonnay, White Zinfadel,
Cabernet, Merlot Coffee, Tea, Decaf, Iced Tea |