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LATEST UPDATE: 05 November 2005
USS W.
S. SIMS DE/FF-1059
JACKSONVILLE REUNION 2005
12-16 October 2005
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(Click on Jacksonville skyline to view
and order copies of professional photos from reunion.)
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All attending will agree we had
a "Mighty Fine" time in Jacksonville Florida, 12-16 October 2005.
We accomplished all that we set out to do from visiting our
homeport and the USS John F Kennedy, to site seeing in St. Augustine, to
shopping in Amelia Island, to sojourning up the St. Johns River at sundown,
to savoring a Prime Rib dinner while skewering each other at the concluding
Gala Banquet.
Rob "Barney" Muirhead
(STG2, 1969-73) and Dennis Walterman (OS2, 1969-73)
are now collecting, cropping and editing digital memories of our
reunion to be posted here soon. We hope you will take the opportunity
send us your unique and candid photos and comments about this extraordinary
event.
Please return to this
webpage often for continuing updates. Email photos, thoughts and
comments to  DENNIS
WALTERMAN and
ROB MUIRHEAD.
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Here
is the list of shipmates that attended Reunion 2005! |
Dave
& Pat Andrews
Ernie & Faye Bernard
Joseph & Kay Bruni
Mike & Charlene Brusoe
Ken & Marsha Campbell
Joe Cepparulo
Roger & Lorrie Chaney
Ardey & Jo Ann Clark
Steve Donofrio
Sheldon Drabik & Kathi Gram
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Jack & Debi Fullerton
Robert & Shelby Hicks
Ken & Jeana Homola
Jack & Kathy Hopkins
Orion & Pat Keifer
Jim King
Bob & Beatrice Lee
Chuck Lewis
Bob Macaruso
Lee & Carol McBryde
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Larry McWhorter
Jim & Elaine Miller
Rob "Barney" Muirhead
Charles & Sibyl Plumly
Dave Pratt
Jake Royek
Jim & Beth Schultz
Steve Sickels
Paul & Andrew Viscovich
Dennis & Geri Walterman
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And
what did they say about Reunion 2005?
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"Got
back to Boston safe and sound, Sunday. I gotta tell you
what a great time it was. To all those who made it
possible, I salute you. It was great to see old shipmates
and talk with men who were aboard at different times than
I was.... I did one tour and have nothing but respect for
those who
retired after serving our country... I enjoyed
myself immensely and look forward to seeing all at the
next reunion. Take care and God Bless."
-- Bob Macaruso
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"Lorrie and I just
returned from our first WS SIMS reunion. We both had a
wonderful time. We met new friends as soon as we entered
the door, and
reunited with old friends. For anyone who has thought
about attending a reunion and has not...I highly recommend
it! I'm already planning on attending next years event and plan to search out as many
shipmates as possible during the year. Special thanks to
Dennis, Barney, Dave and
everyone who worked hard to set this up."
-- Roger Chaney
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"Great
time! Barney, Denny, and Dave - plus all your helpers -
did a swell job. Sib and I thank you from the bottom of
our hearts."
--
Charley Plumly
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"11:45 pm EST -- Just
got home from Jax ... beautiful ride home -- full moon...
hardly any traffic and best of all another load of great
memories (of) some great people! To all my shipmates IT
WAS GOOD TO SEE YOU! Once again, a well done to the
organizers, and (I) can't wait for the next one.
If I missed anyone I would like to extend (an)...
invitation to all Sims sailors to stop at White Springs
(FL) and visit, if I can be of assistance if you're close
by feel free to call ... or e-mail me -- would love to
hear from you."
-- Jim King
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"One final BRAVO ZULU for a
job well done!!"
-- Bob Hicks
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"Barney, first let me say
that you and Dennis really outdid yourselves with this
year's reunion. I have been to other reunions, but they
couldn't hold a candle to what you guys set up. I and
everyone who attended had a great time (and) lots of
laughs -- lots of good memories. Thank you for your
efforts on behalf of all the guys and their
ladies...Once again, BRAVO ZULU."
-- Bob Lee
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"I just wanted to send you
a quick personal note and say thanks for all your
hard work. For what it is worth I agree that we need to
try and get more people involved to help ... and I think
having a woman (involved) could add a new perspective. I
can tell you that I heard nothing but good things from
everyone... Thanks!" -- Ardey Clark
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"I had a great time at
the reunion this past weekend. I got reacquainted
with some old shipmates, met a lot of "mighty
fine" new shipmates, and had a great time on the golf
course with two shipmates and a former skipper from the
Sims. I am sure I would have enjoyed serving under
Captain Hicks. It was great to see our commissioning
Commanding Officer, Captain Plumly and his wife Sybil.
The hospitality room was a great place to gather and hash
over old times before proceeding onto other events for the
evening. The paddlewheel boat cruise up and down the
St. James river and the banquet the following night were
just tremendous. I especially liked the
entertainment at Dave and Busters. Those simulator race
cars could really fly.
Hit 'em straight Bob, Ardey, and Jake. I am sure
there will be a rematch next year when we all gather for
another "mighty fine" reunion. Maybe we
can get another four or more golfers out there with us
then."
-- Steve Sickels
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"Again, Denny and Barney
did an outstanding job. The hospitality suite was
the highlight of the reunion. It was great seeing
"old" shipmates and their wives. I made
many new friends and am looking forward to making more
friends, at the next reunion."
-- Larry McWhorter
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"Dave and I want to thank Barney and Denny for a job well
done. Dave had the greatest time sharing sea
stories with everyone and hearing new stories from guys
he didn't have the pleasure of serving with. I had
a great time visiting with the wives and establishing
new friendships. We are looking forward to next
years reunion and WE WILL BE THERE !! This was a GREAT reunion. The hospitality suite
was a great idea and should definitely be continued at subsequent reunions. Great to hear that so many
have gotten home and enjoyed it as much as we did.
God Bless!"
-- Pat & Dave Andrews
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"Just wanted to say thanks to
(Barney) and Denny for a wonderful reunion. It's been
34 years since I've seen some of the "old"
crew. Looking forward to next year's reunion.
See you then!!! Thanks again. "
-- Joe Cepparulo
"It was great to
see old friends and meet new friends. I felt so
welcomed. See you guys next year."
-- Mike Brusoe
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"A special BRAVO ZULU is extended to Barney
and Dennis for out doing themselves this year! From the first night get together
in the Hospitality Room right thru the Gala Banquet Reunion Dinner, everyone had
more options to stay amused whether it was sightseeing, golfing, arcade games,
paddleboat sunset dinners or out running the Shore Patrol in Mayport! (Just
kidding on the last one.) It was yet another great opportunity to meet and
greet some long lost shipmates and meet others from different eras to share, reminisce
and laugh at some of the best sea stories I've ever heard. I look forward to
doing it all again sometime. And doing so with more and more shipmates as we go
on."
-- Steve Donofrio
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"Debi and I had a great time... I think
one of the things we liked most about the Sims reunion is that everyone was
friendly and mixed well with others regardless of the era that they served on
the Sims. There was no competitive airs present like that that almost
always accompanies high school or college reunions... There were just plain
folks talking about plain things, mostly what they had in common -- the WS
Sims!! We will be back to future reunions as our time, and
the reunion's locations, allows."
-- Jack Fullerton
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Highlights
of Our Activities in Jacksonville
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WEDNESDAY
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Our Reunion
headquarters hotel was the Hilton Riverfront.
They provided us a Hospitality Suite to "meet and
greet" -- renew old friendships and
make new acquaintances.
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Our
first night included a Welcoming Reception
hosted by the hotel in our Hospitality Suite.
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THURSDAY
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A morning memorial service at the Mayport NS and
a tour of
the USS John F Kennedy (CV67) was topped off with a delicious
private buffet lunch at the Ocean Breeze Center.
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After another reception,
some scalawags headed to
the Sun Cruz Casino, while many others made a
bee-line for Dave & Buster's for a good meal and some
adult arcade fun.
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FRIDAY
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After breakfast in the Hospitality Suite, many shipmates
and wives set out for the day to historic St.
Augustine.
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The evening was capped with a trip up the St John's River under the stars, aboard the Lady
St. Johns. The brilliant red sun set as we enjoyed a
pot roast and ham dinner.
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SATURDAY
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Our
golf enthusiasts joined hosts Steve Sickels and
Bob Hicks for a round of golf
at the newly renovated Windy Harbor Golf Club
(formerly Mayport GC). Others applied the SPF-15 and
headed for the day to sunny Amelia Island for shopping and
site seeing.
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Our Jacksonville 2005
Reunion concluded with a Gala Banquet! The
Hilton hotel provided a scrumptious meal of Prime Rib and Chicken Marsala
while we shared sea stories and memories of over 20 years on the USS WS
SIMS. Commanding Officers Plumly, Hicks, and Schultz; and XO Bob Lee
were
our honored quests. Each shared some treasure thoughts about are
time together on the "Mighty Fine 1059."
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SOME MEMORIES OF REUNION 2005 !
(more to follow -- check
back)
Click on image below to enlarge
(caution: av. size 90kb)
SIMS shipmates and wives visit the USS John F Kennedy during tour of
Mayport |
Lunchtime for Campbell's, Chuck, Joe, Clark's, Homola's, and
Andrew's in St Augustine |
Fullerton's and McBryde's enjoy dinner cruise up the St Johns
River |
Lee McBryde, Roger Hanna, and Jack Fullerton |
Steve Sickels, "Doc" and Kay Bruni |
Jack and Kathy Hopkins |
Below Deck on the Lady of St
Johns dinner cruise (Larry McWhorter right) |
Ken Homola and Bob Macaruso |
Upper Deck on the Lady of St
Johns |
Best buddies Bob
Macaruso and Steve Donofrio |
Ardey Clark, Kathi Gram,
Sheldon Drabik, Lorrie and Roger Chaney |
Checking out the Classic Car
Show at Amelia Island |
Tight fit at for all during a
meal at Dave & Buster's |
Roger Hanna, Chuck Lewis, and Dave Andrews on the USS JFK bridge |
Joe Cepparulo, Lorrie Chaney,
Dave Andrews |
Roger and Andrea Hanna examine
the controls (Marsha Campbell back) |
Pat Andrews, JoAnn Clark |
Roger and Lorrie Chaney visit
with "Skipper" Jim Schultz |
Geri Walterman |
Jim and Elaine Miller enjoy
some hospitality |
Jim King, Ardey Clark, and Joe
Cepparulo |
Andrea Hanna, Jake Royek, Bob
Macaruso, Chuck Lewis ("Frio" hidden) |
Kathi Gram with Sheldon Drabik
(Roger Chaney in background) |
Hospitality Room "Summit
Meeting" with Homola's, Joe, and Clark's |
Ken and Marsh Campbell |
Capt and Sibyl Plumly enjoy the
banquet with Pat and Dave Andrews |
Pat and Dave Andrews emcee the
Banquet (BZ!) |
Bob Lee reflects on some great memories |
"Skipper" Jim Schultz
shares a SIMS story |
Steve Sickels adds his wit and
recollections |
Steve Donofrio shares a
touching verse |
Jack Hopkins reflects on his
recollections |
Ken Homola shoots a few
harpoons |
Ardey Clark volunteers a few
choice words |
Elaine Miller recruits the SIMS
ladies |
Paul Viscovich (center) and Jim
Miller (right) |
We got nearly all assembled for
a group SIMS crew picture at the Gala Banquet |
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| A
CDROM with nearly 800 photos taken at REUNION 2005 can be obtained by
contacting DAVE ANDREWS at PatnDave@aol.com. |
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