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Master and Commander
Posts: 1262
Location: Va.Beach,Va. | Subject: Headed Home
It was indeed a distinct privilege to have attended the very moving ceremony at Arlington and the celebrations before and after.
Thankyou to all who helped to put all the festivities together.
I met so many old reprobates in the last couple of days.I won't try to list you all for fear of omiting someone.
I would suggest,however,that John Donaldson and Bill Walen get rid of thier non-functioning GPS units.
A special thanks to Olegoat,our tour guide ,host,and primary storyteller.
As for the rest of you,you know who you are.THANKS! |
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Master and Commander
Posts: 1814
Location: Boydton, Virginia | Subject: RE: Headed Home
Likewise, Paul. We sure did Warshot proud. He was with us in spirit, I am certain. It was a "Gathering of the Clan" of dolphin wearers and others whose loved ones wore them. The memorial service was dignified, honorable and very emotional. To get to speak with Ron's wife and family at the reception was very special. All spoke of the special bond that submariners have amongst ourselves. Did any of us realize that we were joining such a lifetime fratertiny when the Skipper first pinned dolphins on our chest? We have Ron Smith to thank for helping to mold that fraternity through his writings, speaking engagements and loyal dedication to SubVets WWII and USSVI.
In true Irish tradition, we later celebrated Warshot's life on St. Patty's Day with his spirit there among us (and perhaps egging on some of the wee shannigans that may be rumored here-about). In Warshot's honor, we turned back the clock for these past few days to when TORPEDOMAN'S MATE was the leading rate on submarines!! But how else could it be with such fine representatives of that perfect rate in attendance such as Art Smith, Ray Stone, Dex Armstrong, Paul Hartridge, and John Fulton?
Fair Seas and Following Winds, Warshot, We all will meet again some day.
Steamboat sends
Edited by steamboat 2009-03-18 6:42 PM
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Master and Commander
Posts: 1262
Location: Va.Beach,Va. | Subject: RE: Headed Home
well said,Steamboat.
Lumpy told me to post when I got home so she'd know I got there,
so here goes:
"HI Honey,I"M home"
OBTW, did anyone get a head count of the "Friends"side of the chapel?
I was impressed when the usher at the chapel said"Family to the right,Friends to
the left. I think it was Roy Ator who told the guy"We're ALL family".Wish I'd said that!
Edited by MAD DOG 2009-03-18 8:51 PM
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COMSUBBBS
Posts: 6180
Location: Summerville, SC | Subject: RE: Headed Home
Glad to finally get to tip a few with you, Paul and glad the GreyDog got you back to the beach okay. Hope to see you again soon, my friend.  |
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Master and Commander
Posts: 1262
Location: Va.Beach,Va. | Subject: RE: Headed Home
Ralph, believe me the pleasure was all mine.
I felt proud and privileged to be in the company
of an assemblege of "Swines of the Highest order".
I'm working on plans for a Chasn. run in the near
future. See you then.
MAD DOG  
PS:I didn't get kidnapped in Richmond on the way back.LOL
Edited by MAD DOG 2009-03-19 11:10 AM
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Master and Commander
Posts: 1814
Location: Boydton, Virginia | Subject: RE: Headed Home
Paul, What do ya mean kidnapped in Richmond? We all breathed a sigh of relief when we crossed the James River, away from "Occupied Virginia". Wheeew!!
Steamboat sends |
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Headed Home
