President's Message

As your incoming President, I would like to extend a sincere Thank You for a job well done over the past two years to Charles French for his dedicated leadership as President, and for their behind-the-scene support to Jim Yeager as Vice President/Secretary and Al Wittich as Treasurer. We also appreciate shipmates, Jim Yeager as Vice President, and Nolan Nelson as Secretary/Treasurer stepping up to help direct the activities of the association for the coming term.

The 2008 Reunion in Sacramento, CA was held from Thursday, October 9th, to Sunday, October 12th. Sharon and Nick Brumley did a superb job in organizing another successful gathering. The participants took advantage of many opportunities to renew and strengthen friendships from among the diverse activities. All who attended the Thursday reception were given personal photos as a memento. While the Sunday Breakfast and Memorial Service is the centerpiece of our gathering, the Friday excursion to San Francisco provided an exciting view of the City skyline by ferry boat and an unexpected performance of The Blue Angels as part of Fleet Week festivities. A Saturday excursion to Old Sacramento and the California War Memorial was a special treat, as well, before the evening banquet dinner. Sunday morning we had our Memorial Service and remembered the sacrifice of those that were lost.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Bob Klinefelter, Joe Lang, Larry Legg, and Danny McDonald who were unable to attend this year due to illness.

The 2009 USS Westchester County Reunion will be held in Colorado Springs, Colorado. More information will be available as arrangements are finalized. We hope you will make plans to attend!

Paul Maier