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Summary of the USS
SOLEY (DD707)
Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel
The reunion began on October 8 with no events scheduled as shipmates arrived throughout the day.� Most shipmates and guests arrived on October 8 or earlier.� In summary, there were 43 shipmates present with a total of 84 present.� Shipmates included widows Ernestine Eble and Helene Wallace, and present with them were their daughters Lynn Eble and Paula Wallace.� We are always happy and proud to have these dear ladies and their daughters attend.
The first event was on Friday, October 9.� We boarded a deluxe motor coach with our very
knowledgeable and outgoing tour guide, Linda.�
She provided lots of good information and told some great jokes.� Our trip was to the Bellingrath Home and Gardens
where we toured the gardens with the beautiful plants and flowers.� After a tour of the gardens we took a cruise
on the
On Saturday, October 10 the motor coach shuttled us to the
USS ALABAMA Memorial Park. �Our Memorial
Service was conducted on the fantail of the USS ALABAMA where we remembered the
50 shipmates that died since our last reunion in
On Sunday, October 11 we boarded the motor coach for a trip
to the
Upon return from
Jim Hawker presented information about a Memorial to Destroyer Sailors that Dave Latshaw was working on prior to his death.� It was moved seconded and passed that the USS SOLEY Association would sponsor this Memorial.� Dave Latshaw had raised the money necessary to purchase and place the Memorial Stone so our Association would not have to put out any money.� Jim will follow-up with the family of Dave Latshaw to get the necessary forms to complete.
Committee Members elected for the next reunion are as follows:
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����������� Assistant
����������� Treasurer�������������������������������������������� Frank Hawkins
����������� Assistant Treasurer����������������������������� Bob Piatak
����������� Secretary/Registrar����������������������������� R.E. �Skip� Sharpe
����������� Assistant Secretary/Registrar������������� Harlan Hamm
����������� Historian�������������������������������������������� Jim Hawker
����������� Assistant Historian����������������������������� Len Porter
����������� Ship�s Store Operator������������������������ Mike Kranack
����������� Assistant Ship�s Store Operator��������� Dave Cummins
����������� SCOOP Editor����������������������������������� Chuck Bruce
����������� Assistant SCOOP Editor������������������� Bill Smith
����������� Webmaster����������������������������������������� Frank Chesla
����������� Assistant Webmaster������������������������� Len Porter
Attendance was down significantly at this reunion and the Association failed to meet the minimum commitment to the host hotel.� This resulted in a substantial amount of money that the Association was required to pay to the hotel.� It was moved, seconded and passed that the Registration Fee (normally $25.00) would be non refundable at future reunions should the shipmate cancel their registration.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
Monday was a free day for everyone to site see, visit and/or prepare for the Banquet.� The Banquet was held Monday evening, October 12 at the host hotel.� We had a Mardi Gras theme with a Mardi Gras style buffet.� After dining we introduced Plankowners, 3 shipmates attending their first reunion, 3 shipmates attending the most reunions, Committee members for this reunion and new Committee members for the next reunion.� There was a 50/50 drawing, and drawing for raffle prizes and door prizes.�
A great time was had by all and we all look forward to the next reunion in the Spring of 2011.