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USS Neches AO-47 Association USS NECHES AO-47 ASSOCIATION 2011 San Antonio Reunion
The 2011 USS Neches reunion was a resounding success. As the coordinator, of this reunion, I would like to take the credit for making it such a success but that would be dishonest. All the accolades need to go the Hanlon family, Margie, son Johnny, daughter Myra Gregory and her husband Bruce. Last winter they drove me to San Antonio, to check out the many things to see and do that would be interesting to everyone attending the next reunion. While there we visited several hotels and selected The Four Points by Sheraton down town. Then it was on to Fredericksburg and the Nimitz Memorial Museum where tentative arrangements were made to spend one reunion day touring the facilities. Back to San Antonio, they suggested a tour of the famous Alamo preceded by a visit to the IMAX Theater showing the battle for the Alamo. A tour of the city’s famous River Walk with a boat ride and dinner at one of the many fine restaurants that boarded the River Walk. This was just a glimpse of the many interesting places to go in this most uniquely designed down town area. With all this in mind, it was not difficult to prepare our itinerary for the two tour days of the reunion. As you can see, it was the help I received from these four that made this reunion come together. As is usual, many members and guests arrived early on Tuesday September 6 and more on Wednesday the 7th. I was unable to get a flight to arrive on the 6th and once again Margie and Myra came to the rescue and by the time I arrived mid afternoon on Wednesday, the hospitality room was set up and ready for business. Myra must have spent many hours creating the clever and special snacks and decorations for the hospitality room. The Neches Association is blessed with all her many talents. Thursday was the day for signing in and receiving the name tags, hats and t-shirts. There were 64 members and guest attending this year’s reunion and they came from all parts of the country. We have such a wonderful group of people. Friday morning we were bused to Fredericksburg and the Nimitz Memorial Museum, where we toured both facilities and had our memorial service. Johnny Hanlon prepared and performed the memorial service which included announcing the five members who passed on since the last reunion. A beautiful wreath was placed by the podium, that was prepared by Betty Walton and a stroke of the Ship’s Bell for each name as it was mentioned. The bugler sounding taps and the folding of the flag made this part of the memorial a very moving experience. Many thanks to Johnny for his making the memorial one of the highlights of the entire reunion. Then John Prewitt and I unveiled the Neches Plaque that had been attached to the Wall of Honor. Members and guests scattered to several quaint but delightful restaurants around town. After the lunch break, we completed the tour of the museum. Back at the hotel we gathered in the revamped and beautifully decorated hospitality room for a buffet, prepared by the hotel chef, that would rival any fine restaurant’s cuisine. After dinner the hotel staff quickly restored the room for all who wanted to play games or work on the impossible to complete State of Texas jigsaw puzzle. Some went to the River Walk and took the boat ride through all the curves and overhanging foliage, lighted by tiny lights that made the boat ride so special. The boat driver was also a guide and explained the many features of the River Walk. For anyone visiting the city of San Antonio, the River Walk is a must see adventure. As at all reunions, Saturday morning was devoted to the business of the association. Johnny Hanlon gave the invocation and the new members or first time reunion attendees stood and introduced themselves. John Prewitt gave the tentative financial report and we then discussed where the next reunion would be held. Mack Hughes, who was unable to attend this year because of a conflict in scheduling, had me propose Memphis, Tennessee for him. It will be held in mid September 2012 and I will include a rough outline of the activities in the Winter Newsletter that will be mailed in early February 2012. It promises to be another interesting and exciting reunion. Now is the time to plan to attend and make sure you schedule your other activities away from that time. The Saturday afternoon activities included a visit to the ancient and historic Alamo, preceded by a movie at the IMAX theater depicting the battle of the Alamo. There was time for lunch at the historic Buckhorn Restaurant which also housed the Texas Ranger Museum. The food was outstanding and the tour of the museum was interesting and educational. Later, back at the hotel, we gathered at the gazebo next to the hotel pool for group photos. Then it was on to the top of the Tower of the Americas for a banquet that was so elegant and specially prepared for us. Johnny Hanlon, with the help of his wife Terrye, presented the “Fallen Comrade” table memorial for those who have passed on. Those who passed on since the last reunion were: J. D. Barrett, Lester Anderson, Murray Pruett, Wendell Rapier and Darrel Ruebsamen. It was then time for the presentation of the Anchor Plaque to Treasurer John Prewitt for all his dedicated contributions as treasurer of the association. Sunday morning, in the cafeteria, was the time for the goodbyes and well wishes for a safe trip home and the hopes of seeing all at the reunion next year.
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