USS SPROSTON DD/DDE 577
REUNION GROUP REPORT
DECEMBER 2001
Holiday Greetings to all Sproston Shipmates, Families and Friends. We extend best wishes to you all for a pleasant and joyful Holiday Season and we look forward to seeing many of you in Denver, Colorado in September 2002.
REUNION 2002 DENVER ....SEPTEMBER 18-22
Thanks to the efforts of our 2001 Reunion Chairman, Jake Vaden and his family, the Sproston Nashville Reunion was a huge success. It was, indeed, a unique reunion. The reunion was scheduled to start one week after 9-11. There was some doubt regarding our ability to have the reunion on schedule. As it turned out, it was the largest reunion in the history of the organization. There were 176 registrants, which included 84 shipmates and 92 family members and friends. The reunion got underway on Wednesday with the opening of the hospitality room and registration. The first event on Thursday was the poolside Memorial Service in remembrance of deceased shipmates. Dr. Charles Holland eloquently lead the service assisted by John Halase. The victims of the terrorists attack were also remembered. Many interesting and fun activities followed. On Thursday we visited the home of President Andrew Jackson and Bell Meade Mansion. On Friday, the group toured Nashville and in the evening attended the Grand Ole Opry. Saturday, we got underway aboard the General Jackson for a cruise, lunch and entertainment on the Cumberland river. Saturday evening, the traditional banquet was held with 173 in attendance.The evening began with a special ceremony honoring John and Betty Halase for their years of service to the Sproston Reunion Group. Messages of commendation and recognition were received from former Sproston Executive Officers and retired Admirals, James Sagerholm and Charles Horne. Fay Everidge, representing wives and family members presented Betty Halase with a crystal hurricane lamp. Jim Marlatt, representing the crew, presented John Halase with a plaque recognizing him for his service to the Reunion Group “above and beyond the call of duty”. Following dinner the group was entertained by an outstanding performance by The Nashville Community Concert Band, 61 musicians strong. The musical selections included The National Anthem, God Bless America, Victory at Sea and, of course, Anchors Aweigh. It was a very moving experience.The reunion concluded with the Farewell Breakfast on Sunday morning. As shipmate and friend Jack Brixey observed, “you know, every reunion you've just attended is the best”. Nashville was no exception. Again, our thanks to shipmate Jake Vaden....Well Done.
Once again all hands assisted in making the Reunion a success. Thanks again to our bartender Ralph “Yogi” Forsythe and all who assisted him. Each Reunion is a team effort and that's part of the fun, shipmates family and friends turn-to and help out with tasks that need to be done. Particularly, thanks to The Halases, The Marlatts, The Fitzs, Charles Holland (chaplain), The Everidges, Lola Vega and all of you who lent a hand when needed.
The following gifts were donated: We apologize for any omissions.
DONOR-------------------------------------------------GIFT
Orville Amos-------------------------------------Navy Color Guard
Jack and Ruth Brixey---------------------------Mr. Roberts video
Barbara Sue Coker (Joe's wife)----------------Large Flower Center Piece
Barbara Coker (Andrew's wife)----------------Hand made craft decorations
Patricia Edgar------------------------------------Three Art Lamay Paintings
Elmer and Fay Everidge------------------------Painting by Fay Everidge
Tony and Irene Filosa---------------------------Leather License Holder and Money Clip
Barry and Peggy Georges----------------------Desk Accessory and Wallet Organizer
Henry Johnson-----------------------------------Silver Music Box
James and Helen LaRoche----------------------Black Afghan
LaRoche and Dawson Families----------------Two Fruit Baskets
Donald and Lucile Kelly------------------------Pink Hair Pin Lace Afghan
Wayne Kluth and Darlene Faber---------------Fruit Delights
James and Marion Magyar----------------------Ladies 10K Solid White Tiger Eye Ring
William and Kay Naughton---------------------Collectable Crystal Bird
Bette Paul------------------------------------------Travelling Sailor
Samuel and Ruth Rankin-------------------------Bottle of Virginia Wine
Daniel and Kathleen Suchy----------------------Anchor Clock
Frank and Margaret Tenore---------------------18 Peg Board Games made by Frank
Jake and Millie Vaden---------------------------One Multicolored Afghan
Larry Vaden (Jake's Brother)-------------------Three Art Prints
Roberto and Lola Vega--------------------------American Heroes
Ike Winner---------------------------------------Two Quilts
DONATIONS
Based on the recommendation of Ralph Forsythe the proceeds from the bar were donated to the 9-11 Relief fund. The proceeds plus anonymous contributions and a contribution from the Reunion Group totaled $500. The Reunion Group also made a contribution of $500 to Tin Can Sailors, Inc. in support of their efforts on behalf of Destroyer sailors.
BUSINESS MEETING SUMMARY
At 1530, Saturday 22 September, The Annual Business Meeting of the USS Sproston Reunion Group was called to order by President, Jim Marlatt. The financial report, indicating a sound financial position, was presented by Treasurer John Halase and was accepted unanimously. In accordance with The Group bylaws the annual election of officers was conducted. The following officers were nominated and elected: Jim Marlatt, President; John Halase, Jr., Treasurer; Al Fitz, Secretary/Webmaster, James Magyar Assistant Webmaster and Elmer Everidge, Board Member. The next item on the agenda was site selection for Reunion 2002. Denver, Colorado was selected and Buddy Moore volunteered to host the Reunion.
Be sure and visit the Sproston website. We will continue to provide updated information concerning the Denver Reunion, as it becomes available. Secretary/Webmaster, Al Fitz has added lots of pictures from our Nashville Reunion-over two pages worth. We would like to thank Lawson Brown, Wayne Kluth, Paul Christian, Gary Marsh and Aubrey Sumter for providing Nashville pictures.
SHIPS STORE
We have a supply of shirts (medium, large & x-large), and hats (summer and winter) available for our shipmates. Hats are $6.00, and shirts are $11.00 (price includes mailing). Please send check or money order to John Halase Jr., 747 Oakridge Drive, Youngstown, OH, 44512 and your item will be mailed to you. Additionally, if you attended the reunion and did not receive a momento calculator contact John Halase.
MESSAGE FROM JOHN AND BETTY HALASE
“John and Betty Halase wish to thank the USS Sproston Reunion Group for the gifts and honors that were bestowed upon them on Saturday evening September 22 at the reunion banquet in Nashville TN. It touched the both of us to see all present, stand, applaud and recognize us. As I told the group, it is a labor of LOVE on our part and very easy to work with such a fine and dedicated group as our shipmates, their wives and friends. We enjoy visiting with you each year and look forward to visiting with all of you each coming year. We thank you all sincerely.”
DECEASED SHIPMATES
Several shipmates have asked for an updated list of shipmates reported deceased since the Charleston Reunion. A listing is attached to this report. If you have any additional information concerning deceased shipmates, please advise us.
BIKINI ATOMIC PROJECT
Shipmates and survivors of the Bikini atomic test project may obtain information concerning compensation eligibility by contacting Dr. Charles Holland, Chemical Technology Inc, Mailstop 3125, College Station, TX 77843-3125; email: cms5701@chemail.tamu.edu
Phone: 1-979-845-3371
“Fair Winds and Following Seas.”
God Bless you and God Bless America.
Jim Marlatt, President
1115 Leonard Ave.
Pasadena CA 91107
email jrmarlatt@earthlink.net
John Halase, Jr. Treasurer
email john.halasejr@gte.net
Al Fitz, Secretary/Webmaster
email afitz10368@aol.com