September 15-18, 2005

Eighty-nine plus crewmembers and guest arrived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to celebrate their time on board USS Eugene A. Greene (DD/DDR-711). The Reunion Association hosts, Nancy and Jerry Stern along with Ersul & Ginger Sowers and Glenn & Laverne Herman, put together a wonderful reunion. The Reunion was held at Sheraton Milwaukee Hotel in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Thursday was registration and the Hospitality Room was open for reminiscing and the renewal of old friendships. Many pictures and ship items were on display. On Friday the crew departed the hotel early to attend a Recruit Graduation and Review t Naval Training Center (NTC) Great Lakes. Over one thousand new Seaman graduated from "Boot Camp". After the graduation ceremony and a tour of Naval Station Great Lakes, a grand buffet lunch was served at "Port O' Call" restaurant.

Saturday the Greene Association Business Meeting started promptly at 8:15 AM. By unanimous vote it was determined that the next Reunion would be held in Washington, D.C. on September 19 -23, 2007. Ersul Sowers will be the host for the next reunion. All were reminded that Association dues will be collected at the end of 2005. Dues are $15.00 and should be mailed to Laverne Herman.

Saturday included a walking tour of Miller Brewery and a bus tour of the City of Milwaukee. That evening everyone gathered before the banquet for a photo and musical sing-a-long with Bob Clark at the piano. The formal banquet was held in the Milwaukee Room. Jack Plasterer honored all USS Greene's deceased shipmates. Admiral Dirk Debbink, Reserve Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff, U.S. Pacific Fleet, was our guest speaker. Admiral Debbink spoke about the similarities of the old and new Navy and the challenges for the U.S. Navy in the future. The evening ended with the drawing of donated prizes.

Sunday morning was a time for farewells and good-byes as shipmates departed for their homes. It was a wonderful reunion and a weekend that will long be remembered. See you in 2007.

Regards,

R. J. Clark