Dear DeHaven Shipmates and Friends,

 

I want to thank all of you who attended our thirteenth USS DeHaven Reunion in San Antonio,Texas. Due to your attendance and support the reunion was a success. Of the twenty-six new members who attended for the first time, half of them had just signed up with our association since April of this year.

 

The hospitality room as a very busy place during the reunion, beginning at 6 AM with coffee and not usually closing till midnight as everyone looked at the memorabilia and swapped sea stories with each other. While in the hospitality room I felt real fortunate to have with me ten sailors who served aboard with me in 1946 - 1947.

We'd like to hear your remarks about the reunion. Send them to me at sam@ussdehaven.org .

 

I have asked Jerry McKinnon, Scott Martin, David Oppenheimer and Sam Bowers to assist me in getting the design for our plaque for the Nimitz Museum. Jerry returned to the museum and talked with Marty Kaderli, the Nimitz Museum membership Secretary. She said that after we had the design approved by them they could have the plaque ready for a dedication in three months. I'll let you know in advance so if any of you would like to attend the dedication you would have time to make your travel arrangements.

 

Due to generous contributions at the reunion and checks received since, we now have $3300 for the plaque.

 

Since I have arrived home we have signed up four new members so we are continuing to grow.

 

I'll keep you informed of the business of the association by means of the newsletters and here on-line.

 

Sam Penington

President DeHaven Sailors Association