LATEST UPDATE: 07 February 2007
USS W.S. SIMS DE/FF-1059
LAS VEGAS REUNION 2004
Pictures and Testimonials

There we were in the entertainment capital of America -- LAS VEGAS!  In October 2004 we hitched our tail-hook to the AARP LIFE@50+ Expo for our USS WS Sims 2004 Reunion.  Meeting at the Expo gave us many things to do, including tours all over Las Vegas and Nevada, celebrity workshops, and concerts with Smokey Robinson and James Taylor.  We also made are our own fun.  Former shipmates and wives came from all four corners of the continent. They came by truck, car, plane, motorcycle, and RV. Most took in spectacular shows on the Strip. We ate at sumptuous buffets, elegant restaurants, and found the 99 cent foot-long chili dogs. We also imbibed our favorite beverages. Everyone pulled at least one slot-machine handle -- and a few actually hit a jackpot!

Dennis and Geri Walterman took the opportunity to seek out one of Las Vegas' finest wedding chapels to renew their vows, before all the excitement started. Congratulations y'all!

Click on photos below to enlarge (warning: several are 100kb or larger)
Many thanks to Steve Donofrio, Bob Macaruso, Dennis Walterman, Steve Sickels, and Rob Muirhead for sharing their photos.

Most shipmates and wives stayed at the Flamingo Hotel --  so, we kicked off the reunion with a Thursday night ice-breaker at Jimmy Buffet's famous Margaritaville Cafe on the hotel's main floor. What a terrific opportunity to hook up after as much as 30 years. Everyone looked great and we all picked right up from where we left off in the 1970's and 1980's. Bob Douglass even got a glimpse of the Chief Parrot-Head himself, who was in the house briefly. Everyone came brightly colored and sporting our reunion ball caps. The music was thunderous, and volcanoes spewed out beautiful natives!

Mike Algeo	Mike Algeo, Bob Astrella, & Dave Andrews	Ardey & JoAnn Clark	Beth & Ken Erhard
Rob "Barney Muirhead, Bob & Barbara Douglass	Ardey Clark & Ken Campbell	Rod & Sandi Hollis	Ken, Bob, & "Friend"
Pat & Dave Andrews	Dennis Walterman	Geri Walterman	Bob & Angela Macaruso
Steve Donofrio, Bob, and ...	Dave Bridges	Larry McWhorter	Marsha & Ken Campbell
Gail & Dale Matthews	Gail, Dale, Ken & Marsha	Dale & "Barney"	Our Illustrious Leader
Dale, Rob, & Dave	JoAnn Clark & Beth Erhard	Steve Sickels & Larry	Ready for WHAT?
	The Margaritaville Cafe

On Friday night, after tours and sight-seeing, a little gambling, and some AARP workshops; most of the crew connected up again at the seafood buffet in the Rio Hotel and Casino.  We gorged ourselves on lobster, crab, and shrimp, while washing it all down with a few adult beverages. Then we headed out for celebrity entertainment in the hotels. A couple of folks hit some jackpots in the casinos. No one was bored -- we were making every minute count to renew old friendships and relive memories and funny experiences. However, our spies caught one of our Reunion Revelers (>>), who missed the fish fry because he said he "got lost," off cavorting with a certain J.Lo celeb!  

Our most memorable part of the reunion came on Saturday. The first Commanding Officer of the USS WS SIMS, Capt. Charles M. Plumly, and his wife Sibyl, were honored with a luncheon at the New Frontier Hotel. Captain Plumly was our featured guest and speaker after another scrumptious hot lunch and a few more adult beverages. This venue also gave us a chance to lay out our memories: cruise books, picture albums, and other memorabilia -- to share and reminisce. We laughed and teased each other about experiences and times aboard the Ol' Silly Willy. Nearly everyone had a camera to capture the moments. We huddled together for snapshots in groups and divisions, and with our wives -- remembering that these guys were some of the best friends we've ever had!

AS Division	OPS Division	Reunion 2004 Crew at the Luncheon for Capt. Plumly **
Gail & Dale Matthews, Sibyl & Charley Plumly	Gail & Dale	Jack & Kathy Hopkins	Marsha & Ken Campbell
Dave & Pat Andrews	John Hughes, Ken Erhard, & Steve Sickels	Memories on Display	Great Grub at the New Frontier!
			Larry McWhorter & John Hughes
Harold Minyard	Keith Points Us in the Right Direction	Capt. Plumly's Remarks	Capt. Plumly with Ardey Clark
... and with Rob Muirhead	... and with Dennis Walterman	... and with Keith Bradshaw	... and with Jack Hopkins

No doubt this reuniting opportunity was very special to one and all.  Everyone commented that the only regret was that we didn't have a 100 people at the reunion.  But, we pledged to make that a reality in the future with an all-hands-on-deck effort to triple our ranks for the next reunion gathering. So, stay in touch and make a commitment to join us next time.

** Pictured in Reunion 2004 group photo (left to right): Top Row - Dale Matthews, Dennis Walterman, Rob Muirhead, Ken Campbell, Ken Erhard, Capt. Plumly, John Hughes, Larry McWhorter, Bob Douglass, Harold Minyard, Dave Andrews, and Jack Hopkins. Lower Row - Rod Hollis, Keith Bradshaw, Steve Sickels, and Ardey Clark.  Not Shown - Steve Donofrio, Bob Macaruso, Dave Bridges, Mike Algeo, and Bob Astrella.  

Former Shipmates that Attended the 2004 Reunion --

Testimonials Received --

"What a great time! I can't tell you how much it meant to Sibyl and me to see you all again. Nice to be honored and welcomed -- thank you!  I really did enjoy reminiscing about GITMO. Those were the days, we had lots of fun and we'll never forget them.... Thanks again, men."

Charley and Sibyl Plumly


"Meeting all the guys was a wonderful experience. We enjoyed ourselves tremendously. It was our first trip to Vegas , so we were just amazed by it all. Our renewal vows were an awesome startto a great four days. we are looking forward to the next reunion."

Denny and Geri Walterman


"Likewise, I had a very good time. Keeping to my promise I did find a fellow snipe alive and well in Munroe Falls OH -- John K Cingle. Many a good time was spent with John on and off the SIMS. I can not wait for the next reunion. My only thoughts are on waiting till 2006 is okay. Although I just as soon have one every year. After all none of us are getting any younger!"

Ardey and JoAnn Clark


"We  sure did have a great time!!"

Ken and Beth Erhard


"A great time was had by all.  Thanks to Rob Muirhead and Dennis Walterman for their efforts."

Dale and Gail Matthews


"Sheech!! I thought all of you looked old until I saw myself standing there in the ASW [Division] picture. Where is the justice!"

John Hughes


"Thanks to all, that made the reunion possible. It was great to see 'old' faces again and meet other former SIMS sailors. The gathering, at the Margaritaville Cafe was inspirational... I am sure everyone enjoyed the luncheon for Captain Plumly, since nearly everyone stayed [around] after we gave up the room... I am already planning on making the next reunion. Hopefully we will continue to have an increase in attendance. Best wishes to all!"

Larry McWhorter


"As we all bellied up to the Chow Line during the Plumly Luncheon,  I did say something to the effect:  "OH, so THIS is what it was like in the Officers' Mess! " It is MUCH better than the old breaded surprise and [SOS] that we Enlisted used to get!  Fun time. Great effort from and kudos to both Dennis and Rob."

Keith and Jody Bradshaw


"I had a real good time in Las Vegas, and it was a real pleasure meeting all of you guys that I had not met before. I was surprised, and delighted to see that out of the 10 or so of us that met at the Margaritaville [Cafe], I knew 3 of them. (all snipes). I sure would of liked to stay longer and meet more of the crew... Keep in touch and let me know when and where the next reunion will be."

Mike Algeo


"Cristine and I had a fantastic time in Vegas. [It] was great seeing some of the old Sonar Gang. Sure wish more of them would have been there but maybe next year. Already looking forward to the next one."

Steve and Cris Sickels.

(Send us more of your quips and observations, so we can add them here)