November 7, 2002
To: All Hands
From: Charles St.John
Subject: Reunion 2002, San Diego
Words can't explain the good feelings that were enjoyed by all who attended the reunion October 10, 11, 12 in San Diego, CA. Old friends were re-united, and new friendships were made as we gathered to tell old stories and remember back to our days that we served on the Boyd.
To get things started on the first day we all gathered in the hospitality room supplied for us by the Mission Valley Hilton. We enjoyed snacks of vegetable, cheese trays, chips and dips, while getting re-acquainted with our shipmates. I didn't realize that old men could talk so much, but we managed to get through it ok. There was a total of 73 at the get acquainted party.
The next day after having coffee and fresh pastries in our hospitality room, we all boarded the bus for a tour of San Diego, which by the way took two busloads. We toured down town, old town and Coronado with a stop for lunch at a waterfront restaurant. We had a good day and returned that afternoon for some much needed rest.
After coffee and pastries the next morning, we again boarded the bus for a tour of the San Diego Naval Base and to go aboard an active destroyer. We were met by a friendly group of sailors who allowed us to tour the USS Oldendorf DD 972, nick name Oly. We had a great time as we remembered back to our days on the Boyd.
The highlight of the reunion, in my opinion, was the Banquet. It just could not have been any better; with special guest Mrs. Ulysses S G Sharp (Nina). We thank Jerry Stutzman who led us through the evening as we enjoyed the dinner. I thank Philip Schneider, Douglas Morley, Robert Broadway, William Smith and William Prouty for a great job speaking to our group. I also thank Virginia Schneider and Betty Mortensen for a great job they did in keeping track of everyone as we entered the Banquet room. Total attending the banquet 87, shipmates 47, and guests 40. Well done (BZ) to everyone.
Sincerely,
Charles St.John
sailorman41@hotmail.com