USS MAHAN ASSOCIATION

                                      DD102           DD 364          DLG 11             DDG 42          DDG 72

5 July 2011

Greetings  once  again.

As I sit here trying to wrap  my mind around the effects of 11 inches of rain in the last week and a half which has left Montana virtually under water at about 65 degrees, I’m wondering what effect global warming had on us.  Actually I think it is rather humorous.

It has been a pretty good year for the association as we have picked up quite a few new members.

Steve Brothers  OS1  DDG 42  88-93                     Nicholas Kozik  RM2   DLG 11  65-67                                     

Roland Ferreira  BM3  DLG 11   71-72                   Richard Delosa  GMG2    DLG 11   60-65               

Chuck Glasgow  QM2   DDG 42   77-81                 Paul Farmer  FC3   DDG 72     00-03                                

 John  McGrogan   GMM2   DDG 42    84-88         Robert Anderson  MM3  DLG 11   64-68                              

James  Eberhardt   BM2   DDG 42   82-86             Bob Hulsey   RM2    DLG 11   68-71

 

Again let me say to all a hearty Welcome Aboard.

 

We were also notified that the following shipmates were unable to answer up at muster.

Oren  St. John   SOM3  DD 364   18 June 2010               David Demarets  SM3   DD 364  27 July 2010         

David Ortmayer   RD1  DLG 11    16 Aug 2010                 W S Oldeburg    LT   DD 364  11 Sept 2010                     

Tabitha Morehouse   BM2   DDG 72   24 Sept 2010         Edward Petrosy  IC2  DLG 11   11 Nov 2010     

Victor Gardner   FTM2   DLG 11   21 Nov 2010                 Hans Pearson  MMC  DLG 11    Dec 2010                       

Robert Vines  FT2   DLG 11     3 Feb 2011                        Frank Fitzpatrick   GMG 2   DDG 42   16 Apr 2011        

David Altegg  RADM    DLG 11   18 Apr 2011

 

Also returned from the last mailing and marked as deceased were:

Mrs. Evelyn Craig   DD364   1 Oct 2010                        Richard Wantin    DLG 11      date unknown        

Elmer Goforth        information unknown                        Mrs. Margaretha  Edgecombe      Unknown

May they all rest in peace.

 

We also had 58 snail mail newsletters returned and undeliverable.   For each of these it not only costs us the postage to mail them out but it cost us 44 cents each to have them returned.  If anyone has any information  of  someone who has moved,   please  let  either  myself or the webmaster know.  Not only will this save us money but will also make sure that everyone gets their newsletter.

It has been a long time coming but due to a lot of work of several people which includes Russ Owens,   we have finally seen the name of Peter Holcomb, who was killed aboard Mahan DLG 11 on March 13 1966 added to the Vietnam Wall this Memorial Day.   Thanks a lot Russ and give our thanks to all others who worked so hard to get this done. 

We have also added Kathy (Holcomb) Todd to our associate member list.   She is a cousin of Peter Holcomb.      

Also I have a note from the webmaster for the attention of any of the DD 364 crew that might happen to have known or remember anything of Seaman 1/c Jack Hendricks.  His daughter Annie requests you call her at 615-253-2167.  She would like to find out more about him.

As you all know from the last newsletter we polled the association to find out where to hold our 2011 reunion.  Therefore Nashville, TN was selected.   It will be held  19-23 Oct.  2011.  All information will be included in this newsletter.  Forms are available on the web at http://www.ussmahan.org/2011%20Mahan%20BNA%20Rez%20Form.pdf .  Or go to Reunions and select Nashville.

I would like to make everyone aware that the Association now has its own patch and a minted coin that is available through the ship’s store.   Contact Russ Owens at 414-425-9213  or 12314 Woods Rd.  Franklin, WI  53132-1369 to get your association Polo Shirts, Ships Caps, Coffee Mugs,  Bumper Stickers, T-shirts, Association patches, and Association Coins.

The webmaster also informed me that a new, complete, association roster is available.  Please check and make sure that everything is correct.   You can get a copy from the web master or from me.

A message from the President:

Greetings,

I’ve just finished making my reservations for the reunion in Nashville, TN.  Once again, the Military Reunion Planners have set up a great itinerary for us to enjoy in a city we have not yet had a reunion.  I look forward to seeing you there.  Information for the reunion is on our website, ussmahan.org.  If you’re a  Facebook  fan, check out “USS Mahan Association”.  We are up to 78 members and growing.  A great way to connect old shipmates.

All the best.

Jeff

         USS MAHAN REUNION                                                                                                                                                    Nashville, TN    October   19th—23rd   2011

                                                                     Welcome to Nashville

Travel & Leisure Magazine recently named Nashville America’s Friendliest City!  Not only is Music City friendly, it has also been named 4th Best American City for Holiday Travel.  The USS Mahan Reunion tours will give you a chance to experience some of the top attractions in Nashville.   Tours include the famous GRAND OLE OPRY,  The GENERAL JACKSON SHOWBOAT, and a day trip to LYNCHBURG.  Your reunion program hits all of Nashville’s most famous attractions, while allowing plenty of time to relax and catch up with your friends.

                                                                   Hotel Information

The reunion dates are from Wednesday, October 19th through Sunday, October 23rd.  You will be staying at the Holiday Inn Select Opryland/Airport which is located at 2200 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37214

The room rate is just $99.00 plus tax per night based on single or double occupancy.  Rate includes complimentary breakfast buffet daily.  Please make your hotel reservations NOW by calling (866) 871-1171 between 9-4 pm EST and ask for in-house reservations.  For those of you who would like to arrive early, the same room rate is available 3 days prior to the start of the reunion and 3 days after the reunion.  You may cancel up until 48 hours before arrival at no penalty.  Be sure to ask for the USS Mahan Reunion rate to assure you are associated with your group.  You may request specific room types when you call to make your reservations (handicap accessible room, etc).  These are on a first come basis.  The hotel check-in time is 3:00pm.  Please, don’t expect to get into your room before then.  They will ask you for a deposit or credit card number to guarantee your room reservation.  The hotel is holding rooms until they sell out or September 9th, 2011 whichever comes first. 

                                                             Transportation and Directions

The closest airport is Nashville International (BNA).  The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service from the Nashville International Airport.  Upon arrival, use the courtesy phone located in the baggage claim.  For those of you driving to the reunion, the hotel offers plenty of free parking.  The hotel is conveniently located off Interstate 40 at the Broadway exit.  Ask hotel for detailed directions when making your reservations.

TRAVEL SAFELY AND WE WILL SEE YOU IN NASHVILLE.

                                              USS   MAHAN   2011 REUNION  

EVENT A:  JACK DANIELS DISTILLERY & LYNCHBURG TOUR 

                            Thursday, October 20th (9:00am-4:00pm)                                                                          

 Located in the heart of Tennessee is lovely Lynchburg, home to the world famous JACK DANIEL’S DISTILLERY.  Board your coach for the scenic drive through the rolling hills, pastoral farmlands, and historic hamlets as you make your way to the one and only distillery for Jack Daniels. Your day begins with the Jack Daniels Distillery Tour; learn the complete story of this famous whiskey, hear the anecdotes, and view the whiskey making process.  Following your tour, take the very short ride to the heart of Lynchburg.  Take a step back in time visiting the charming shops of Lynchburg.  There are many options for lunch on your own in Lynchburg.  This is going to be a great Tennessee day, don’t miss it.

                                              EVENT B; GENERAL JACKSON LUNCH CRUISE                                                                                                                   Friday, October 21st (11:00am-3:00pm)                                                                             

                Come onboard this huge, authentic paddle-wheeler for the most popular variety show in Nashville.  The music, comedy and dancing are terrific, not to mention the bountiful buffet!  You’ll also enjoy the views as you cruise on down the river.  Come and immerse yourself in the proud tradition of the great showboats of yesteryear and delight in the panoramic sights of the scenic CUMBERLAND RIVER. This continues to be one of the most popular attractions in Nashville and lots of fun for everyone.

                                                         EVENT C:  GRAND OLE OPRY                                                                                                                                       Friday, October 21st (6:00pm-10:00)                                                                  

                 This is the show that made Nashville famous!  The one, the only, the OPRY!  You never know which celebrities will turn up and perform, but one thing is for certain, it’s always a great show, with something for everyone.  Music, dancing and lots of laughs, makes this variety show a Nashville tradition and a crowd favorite.  You’ll have great seats so come see what all the fuss is about!

PLEASE NOTE: Please be sure to have dinner prior to departing for the show. 

                                    EVENT D:  COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME & STUDIO B TOUR                                                                                Saturday, October 22nd (9:30am-2:00pm)                                                               

                Your morning begins with a special guided tour at STUDIO B.  Historic RCA Studio B is one of the world’s most important recording studios.  More than 35,000 songs were brought to life by the Studio B magic, including more than 1,000 top ten American hits, and over 150 Elvis Presley recordings.  Board your bus for the short drive to the Country Music Hall of Fame, located in downtown Nashville.  Touring the Hall of Fame is self guided at your own pace.  You will have plenty of time to browse the Hall of Fame and its vast collection of memorabilia, which illustrates country music’s story as told through the turns of two centuries.  The Museum & Hall of Fame offers an insight into an important part of American culture and  history.  The Hall of Fame offers a restaurant for lunch on your own.

                                                                  DINNER BANQUET                                                                                                                                          Saturday, October 22nd (7:00pm at the Hotel)                                                        

                Join all of your friends for your Banquet Dinner at the hotel.  Cocktails will be available from the cash bar at 6:00pm:  dinner will be served at 7:00pm. Please make your entrée selection on the reservation form.

                                                     TOUR CANCELLATION INSURANCE

Protect yourself from unforeseen expenses caused by sickness, injury or any other causes that impact your travel plans.  This insurance enables a refund of Tour & Banquet expenses up until three (3) days before the start of the reunion.  If you need to cancel please call our office immediately (817-251-3551) for a cancellation number.  If you have not purchased cancellation insurance all tour and meal money is non-refundable 6 weeks prior to the reunion. 

IMPROTANT REUNION NOTES;                                                                                                                                     

--Tours may be cancelled if a minimum of 30 people per bus is not met.  In this case, full refunds will be given.                                                                                                                                                                                 

--Please understand that a certain amount of walking is necessary from the bus to attractions in some instances, to also see the attractions.  Please consider your abilities before purchasing tours.                                               

--Be sure to bring photo identification (like a driver’s license) on all events.                                                      

--All tour times are subject to change.  A final itinerary is available at registration.

RESERVATIONS ARE DUE BY SEPTEMBER 9th, 2011.  Late reservations accepted on a space available basis with a not refundable $10 per person late fee.  You should make a copy of this form for your records.  For information call weekdays:  817-215-3551 or e-mail  info@MilitaryReunionPlanners.com.  Requests for refunds must be made in writing and postmarked before due date above.  No refunds will be made after date, unless you have purchased Tour Cancellation Insurance.  Sorry, no refunds will be given starting 3 days before the reunion for any reason.  There is a $10 per person refund processing fee.   Your cancelled check is your receipt and proof of purchase.  There is a $25 return check fee for NSF.  For a written confirmation please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.  MRP will not be held liable for failure of vendors to provide contracted services or any injuries/accidents that may occur during the reunion.  Tours require a minimum of 30 people in order to operate.  Full refunds given for any cancelled event.

Here’s hoping everyone is having a good summer and that we will have a good turnout in Nashville.

Fair winds and smooth sailing to all.

Jerry