WELCOME ABOARD to shipmate Dennis Sawyer, FTM2, 63-66 FG Div, resides in Gresham, OR. Hope to see Dennis being able to attend a reunion in the near future. This brings the total of Shipmates/Honorary Members to 522.

WELCOME ABOARD to Honorary Member James D. Rockwood "Jamie", resides in Independence, MO. Son of Jim & Dottie Rockwood. We will be meeting him at the reunion in Colorado Springs, CO. This brings the total Shipmates/Honorary members to 251.

Does anyone know what "command reports", and where I can get one for November 14, 1968.-thanks

idrgrant@gmail.com

WELCOME ABOARD to shipmate Warren Leonard, BT2, 63-66, spouse Bonnie, they reside in Galax, VA. They attended the reunion in 2001 in Biloxi, MS and intend to come to the reunion in Colorado Springs.

We have been informed by shipmate CAPT Tom Felton about the passing of his wife on Dec 18th 2011. Our sincere condolences to Tom and his family. Patricia will be added to the Gals DECEASED ROSTER. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE.

I have Parkinson disease-and would like to know if any other shipmates have it and were approved for disability through the Agent Orange connection, presumptive or not.

Just read Al Curtices' Thanksgiving Day story below. What a great story!
Very thoughtfull of those people who made the offer to us young kids so far from home on Thanksgiving. And cudos to Al for being smart enough to take advantage of such a great offer.
Happy New Year everybody,
Ted

Happy New Year to all of our Galveston friends

WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR IN 2012.

Linda & I would like to wish all the Shipmates,& Gals,to have a very Merry Christmas,an have a Happy New Year. Hope to see everyone in Colorado.

Donna and I want to wish each and everyone of our shipmates and gals, A Very Merry,and Joyous Christmas,and a Happy New Year. Looking forward to seeing everyone in Colorado Springs.

We have been informed by Patricia about the passing of her husband and our shipmate William HITCHCOCK, GMGC, *58-60 (Plankowner). He is added to the "DECEASED ROSTER" and will be remembered in the two(02)bell ceremony at the reunion dinner in 2012. Patricia is added to the "HONORARY MEMBERS" roster. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

We have been informed of the passing of a shipmate Eric Leach, EMFN aboard the GAL 58-60. He is added to the "DECEASED ROSTER" and will be remembered in the two (02) bell ceremony at the reunion dinner in CO. His wife Bessie is added to the "HONORARY MEMBERS" roster. Our sincere condolences to her and the family. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

Here’s wishing All of our Galveston Shipmates and their families a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah

I remember a T'day while in the Navy. First one while aboard the GAL. It was '65 an the GAL had tied up to a buoy in Hong Kong harbor. The word was passed for those wanting to spend time with an American Family for T'Day. I, being lowly SN and first time in HK decided to participate in the experience of a dinner with Ex-Pats.
Turned out to be a missionary family in HK, that I and a couple other sailors drew lots for. There were other families who did the same for other US serviceman away from home too. There were also several other ships in port with us. So, I spent an evening enjoying company with this family and as I remember four other sailors. The host had prepared a traditional T'Day dinner with all the trappings. We, as young Americans, were on the best behavior (as instructed by the Chaplin), in whites and practiced polished table manors(no swarin, spittin or chasing the daughters). I had to make sure I didn't spill on the uniform cause I wanted to go drinking afterward in HK.
The family's( I've forgotten their name)home was in Kowloon and I had not been there before. So, in that respect it was a new adventure. Great time and food was had, with songs at the piano after dinner. No TV football or drinking though. But, because of the "Cinderella Liberty" hours I wasn't able to get to any bars that night. Had returned to the GAL with just a full belly from Turkey and Pies. Had fun in the foreign port on a T'Day, way back when.