The First USS Paul F. Foster Reunion 2009
Reunion Gram #1
Aloha Shipmates,
I am writing to all who have registered for the 1st Paul F Foster Reunion. Many of you were shipmates with me but we are all shipmates of the Paul F Foster, a ship I truly enjoy sailing in and commanding.
We chose this time, the weekend of 19 September, and the location Port Hueneme, for the obvious reason that the ship is there and because there happens to be boxes of linen and dishes from the ship’s wardroom located in a warehouse on base. That linen and dishes will be distributed to the Foster crew members who attend this reunion. I believe you will enjoy taking home one or more pieces of memorabilia from the ship.
Having the Paul F Foster in Port Hueneme is one thing but having a shipmate on active duty whose department is responsible for the ship is something else. CDR Clay Glasheen (’93-’96) is that person. Early in the planning stage I contacted CDR Glasheen about the possibility of not only visiting the ship but also having a BBQ on the ship. He was all for it and he ran it by his CO and he concurred. Many of us will not only enjoy being aboard PFF again but also visiting the shoreside control station. I want to thank CDR Glasheen for making this possible and for his continued assistance as we have gone forward with planning this event.
We expect more than 70 shipmates, including two married shipmates, will attend the weekend of events planned for you. Of course we welcome the many family members who are attending – well over 100 total attendees. To view the list of attendees, please click on Whose Attending So far
I mentioned the events planned for the weekend. None of this, including the reunion itself, could ever have come together without Bryon Sayre (’92-’95). Byron has done a remarkable job. From updating a list of E-mail addresses received from Mike Dean (Plankowner) and contacting almost two hundred crew members, to developing an informative website(Redacted) to making all the local arrangement for the hotel, restaurants, BBQ and numerous other things necessary to put this weekend together, Byron has done it all. Using the traditional Navy flag hoist, BZ, WELL DONE shipmate. Please thank him personally when you see him at the reunion and I have a hunch you will see him often.
I also want to recognize the work of Mike Glenn (Plankowner), treasurer of this event, for all the time he has spent opening envelopes from all of you, depositing your checks and recording data. Thanks Mike.
The Crown Plaza hotel in Ventura where most of you are staying is located on the beach. It is a great venue for a reunion. There is plenty of activity within walking distance. Also, do not forget your swimsuit and while the Pacific Ocean off Ventura is not known for its warm water (65* expected), there is a pool at the hotel.
We are asking for volunteers for the following:
Thursday morning to prepare envelopes with reunion information for all attendees
Thursday, time TBD, help move chairs and tables from pier to ship for BBQ on Friday.
Thursday, 1500 to 1800 receptionist at registration desk in lobby. (Registration shifts to hospitality suite at 1800.)
Friday, 0800 to 1100 receptionist at registration desk in lobby. (Registration shifts to hospitality suite for remainder of weekend.)
We also ask for 2 couples to volunteer to operate the hospitality suite. The hours of operation to be set by the volunteers. It will be stocked and available starting at 1600 on Thursday and open at specific times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning.
I will end this here. There is more to highlight about the reunion, including base access, so you will see an additional “ReunionGram” or two before you arrive.
I am looking forward to seeing former shipmates and meeting new ones.
All the best and take care,
George
Mililani, HI
Reunion Gram #2
Aloha Shipmates,
This USS Paul F Foster ReunionGram #2 will be devoted primarily to the BBQ on Friday, September 17, 2009. First, however, I would like to cover some general items that I think are of interest to all.
What is the ship referred to today? Self Defense Test Ship. It is part of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division and comes under the Land and Sea Test Department. CDR Clay Glasheen, a USS Paul F Foster shipmate, is the head of that department. The ship’s Mission will be explained during Friday’s event.
What should I bring to wear? This reunion will be casual to informal. We are, after all, at the beach! For the BBQ on Friday, shorts may be worn but please wear appropriate footwear. For the men, please bring collared shirts as it is a requirement at many establishments and for dinner Saturday night.
Will transportation be provided to events? With the exception of the BBQ on Friday afternoon, all events are at the Crown Plaza hotel or in the immediate vicinity. If you cannot find anyone to carpool to the BBQ, please advise the reunion reception desk and we will find transportation for you.
How will I be able to access the base? A Port Hueneme Base placard will be issued to each crew member who is registered. These placards will be in the envelope you will receive on checking in at the reunion registration deck in the Crown Plaza hotel lobby or in the hospitality suite depending on the time of day. A list of names is being provided to Base Security and will be at the gate. A map will be provided from the hotel to the specific entrance gate. A parking area will be setup on the pier.
Are there any tours planned to places in the area? No, we did not have the resources to plan any tours. Some brochures of places of interest in the area will be in your envelope. We do not have anything scheduled on Saturday from 1000 to 1700 so please plan accordingly.
May I bring my camera to take pictures of the ship? Unfortunately, no cameras will be allowed on the pier or ship. NSWC PHD will provide a photographer during the BBQ. Once the photos are taken and cleared by security, a CD will be burned and a copy will be available for all shipmates.
The following is the agenda for the BBQ:
PORT HUENEME CA
BBQ Agenda
Friday, September 18, 2009
0800 -1100 Reunion registration desk opens in Crown Plaza hotel lobby. Everyone attending will receive an envelope with a Port Hueneme Base Pass and information about the weekend. EVERYONE WITHOUT A BASE STICKER MUST OBTAIN THE BASE PASS AT THE CROWN PLAZA HOTEL BEFORE ACCESSING THE BASE. The PASSES will be available at the hotel beginning at 1500 on Thursday, September 17.
0800 BBQ cooking team arrives at Ship. (Volunteers needed.)
0900 Set up and cleaning team arrives at ship. (Volunteers needed.)
1000 Paul F Foster crew members and families begin arriving at ship. Parking on pier. Touring the ship begins.
1100 Reunion registration desk closes in Crown Plaza hotel lobby.
1200 BBQ begins. Welcome to the USS Paul F Foster reunion and introductions by George Sullivan. Cdr. Clay Glasheen will introduce Captain John Ailes, CO, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division
1215 Chaplain (TBD) blesses food and gathering. Chow line is open.
1300 Begin shuttle to the Self Defense Test Ship Remote Control Center. Shuttle will run every twenty minutes until all crew members have seen facility.
1330 USS Paul F Foster wardroom linen and dishes available for pickup on the pier. Please, one item per crew member.
1500 Begin cleanup. Stack tables and chairs for return to NBVC Facilites. (Volunteers needed.)
1500 Touring the ship secures.
1630 BBQ secured.
As you can see it will take many hands to put on this BBQ. Specifically:
Thursday, time TBD, help setup chairs and tables on ship.
Friday, 0800, cooking crew at the ship.
Friday, 0900, setup and cleaning crew at the ship.
In addition to the BBQ, volunteer are needed as follows:
Thursday, 1500 to 1800 receptionist at registration desk in lobby. (Registration shifts to hospitality suite at 1800.)
Friday, 0800 to 1100 receptionist at registration desk in lobby. (Registration shifts to hospitality suite for remainder of weekend.)
Two couples to volunteer to operate the hospitality suite. The hours of operation to be set by the volunteers. It will be stocked and available starting at 1600 on Thursday and open at specific times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning.
Please E-mail me or Byron Sayre at (Redacted) if you wish to support this reunion.
Looking forward to seeing everyone in less than two weeks!
All the best and take care,
George
Mililani, Hawaii
Hello all!!!
Aloha Shipmates,
This USS Paul F Foster Reunion Gram #3 is devoted primarily to the overall weekend with a few notes about specific events.
First a couple of notes on the BBQ. We will be using the gate at the foot of Pleasant Valley Road which provides the most direct route to the ship. The nearest major cross streets are Pleasant Valley Rd. and Ventura Rd. The link shows an aerial shot of the base/harbor. The red star locates the Gate. http://www.mapquest.com/mq/2-A8_U If you zoom in on the map you will see the ship. Note the flight deck aft which has been added since the ship was decommissioned. That is the location of the BBQ. Please also note that cell phones with picture capability are not allowed on the pier/ship. For safety reasons, tours of the ship will be in groups.
Volunteers are still needed. We thank Amber and Ray Dodds for hosting the reunion reception deck Thursday afternoon.
Specifically:
Friday, 0800, cooking crew at the ship.
Friday, 0900, setup and clean chairs and tables on flight deck.
Friday, 0800 to 1100 receptionist at registration desk in lobby. (Registration shifts to hospitality suite for remainder of weekend.)
Two couples to volunteer to operate the hospitality suite. It will be stocked and available starting at 1600 on Thursday and open at specific times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning.
Please E-mail me or Byron Sayre at (Redacted) if you are interested in participating in any these tasks.
The “Plan of the Weekend” has been updated on the website. (Redacted)
There have been no substantive changes but rather a few tweaks of times.
Saturday morning Crew Meeting. The start time for this meeting has been changed to 0800 because we must vacate by 1000. The meeting will be in the Top Harbor room. The purpose of this meeting is to decide whether to form an Association. Spouses are invited to attend. The following Agenda is provided and attached. Also attached is a DRAFT set of By-laws.
PORT HUENEME CA
All Hands Meeting
Saturday, September 18, 2009
Top Harbor Room
0800 to 1000
Agenda
Do the crew members wish to form a USS Paul F Foster Association?
If yes, are three to four crew members willing to serve as the officers of the Association?
*Need to elect:
*President
*Vice President
*Secretary
*Treasurer
Directors – usually 3 – 7. Areas of country? Elected for 1, 2 & 3 year terms.
Non-elected positions: *Data base manager, Web Master, Chaplain, Newsletter Editor, Ship’s Store
*Need to decide how often the Association will meet – annually, bi-annually, etc.?
*Reunion Committee for next meeting – Chair plus minimum of two people.
If yes:
*Need minutes to be taken of this meeting. (Required to set up a checking/banking account.)
*Need to set dues to become effective January 1, 2010.
*Need a set of By-Laws. May be needed to apply for 501 (c)(19) tax status.
Need to incorporate/register USS Paul F Foster Association in a State.
Need to apply for a 501 (c)(19) IRS tax status. (Banks will usually waive fees and any interest is tax exempt.) (Up to a year to process.)
“To be exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(19), an organization must be either a post or organization of past or present members of the United States Armed Forces (USAF).”
(Agenda item with * must be complete at this meeting.)
Saturday evening Dinner. The dinner Saturday evening will be held across the street from the hotel at Aloha Steakhouse and will begin at 1700. Captain Kim Buike has agreed to be the Master of Ceremonies and conduct the raffle of the Paul F Foster wardroom dinner plates. Each crew member attending the dinner will receive a raffle ticket at the reception table at the restaurant. The meal is planned to be served about 1815. Bryon is sure you will find the attached menu to your liking.
Sunday morning breakfast and Two Bell Ceremony. The breakfast on Sunday morning will be in the Top Harbor room at 0800. Captain Tim Ahern has agreed to conduct the Two Bell Ceremony at 0900. For those who have not attended a Two Bell Ceremony, it is a simple nautical way of paying tribute to our deceased shipmates. Please provide the names of deceased shipmates to Captain Ahern before the ceremony.
Need for coolers. We could use extra coolers. If those who are driving can bring a cooler with them it would greatly assist in handling beverages at the BBQ and at the hospitality suite. Than you.
All the best, take care and safe traveling.
George
Mililani, Hawaii
Reunion Dinner Entrees
All Entrees include Fresh Sourdough and Squaw Bread,
Choice of Caesar Salad, Fresh Green Salad or Clam Chowder
Choice of Wild Rice, Steamed Broccoli, Garlic Mashed Potatoes,
Salt-Crusted Baked Potato or French Fries .
Top Sirloin
Prime Rib
Grilled Salmon
Grilled Snapper
Shrimp Scampi
Teriyaki Grilled Chicken
Herb Crusted Chicken
Stuffed Artichoke-Vegetarian Plate
DRAFT
By-Laws
1. Mission Statement:
The mission of the Association shall be to promote camaraderie among those who
served in the USS Paul F Foster DD 964 while a commissioned ship. The Association
shall encourage membership through a website and other means, and maintain a
data base of shipmates whether or not they are members. The Association shall
schedule activities such as (but not limited to) reunions.
2. Membership:
Any former crewmember of the ship is eligible for membership. Widows of former
crewmembers shall be offered Honorary Membership in the Association. Those who
served during her status as Self Defense Test Ship shall be offered Honorary
Membership. The Spouses of any dues paying eligible crewmember shall be an
Honorary Member with all Association Rights & Privileges. Annual dues shall be ten
dollars ($10.00) paid annually on or about January 1. Dues for membership in the
Association shall be set at membership meetings at reunions.
3. Nomination of Officers:
Any dues paying member is eligible for office in the Association. Nomination of
Officers will only be accepted from the floor. Only Shipmates can hold the offices of
President and Vice-President. Shipmates and spouses may hold the positions of
Secretary, Treasure and Director (3) or any appointed position.
4. Officers:
Officers shall be elected at reunions to serve a term of two (2) years. The President
shall have the option of a second (2) year term by nomination and election. There
are no term limits for other officers. Officers to be elected shall follow Roberts Rules
of Order and elections shall be by simple majority of those members present and
voting. Should the President be unable to fill his/her term, the Vice President shall
serve out the term. An effort should be made to elect Directors from different parts
of the Country.
5. Officers’ Duties:
The President shall act as the Chief Operating Officer of the Association. The
President shall call an annual meeting of elected and appointed officers, at a reunion
if scheduled, for the purpose of reviewing the Association’s business and financial
records. If a reunion is not scheduled during the year, the meeting may be
conducted by telephone or “GoToMeeting.com” (or equivalent). A meeting of the
membership shall be called by the President at each reunion with an agenda
published thirty (30) days in advance. A Treasurer’s Report shall be made at all
membership meetings.
The Vice-President in the absence of the President shall act in his place. The Vice-
President shall share duties with the President as appropriate.
The Treasurer shall maintain financial transaction records of the Association and
make an annual report to the Officers. The Treasurer shall also maintain banking
and checking accounts as required to serve the needs of the Association. All records
shall be maintained and reported in an approved computerized format (i.e. Quicken,
Peachtree, if possible). An excel spread sheet may be used if the format is approved
by a 2/3 vote of the officers.
The Secretary will record minutes of all meetings of the Officers and the membership. The
Secretary will maintain a membership list (in the absence of a data base manager) and write
correspondence as the need dictates. All membership applications or renewals shall be
submitted to the Secretary who in turn will send monies to the Treasurer.
6. Finances:
All elected officers and/or appointed committee chairpersons or committee members shall serve
without compensation. All reimbursements for expenses incurred must have received prior
approval in the form of E-Mail, FAX, or electronic means. All checks drawn on Association’s
account(s) shall be signed by the Treasurer with written (E-mail or hard copy) concurrence of
the President or Vice-President.
7. Appointed Positions:
Members serving in appointed positions serve at the “Pleasure of the President”. Such positions
may be Reunion Committee Chair, Data base manager, Web Master, Chaplain, Newsletter Editor
and Ship’s Store.
8. Reunions:
Reunions shall be held every XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
9. Amending By-Laws:
These by-laws may be amended only at reunions and will require a 2/3 majority of
those members present and voting.
10. Dissolution:
A two-thirds vote of members at a membership meeting is required to pass any
resolution of dissolution of the Association. Any action of dissolution must
conform to all prevailing laws. In the event of dissolution, the assets of the
Association shall be distributed to one or more regularly organized and qualified
tax-exempt charitable organizations.
Adopted: Saturday, September 18, 2009 at Port Hueneme, California.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Secretary