Trena Bennett, Leanne Braddock, Jerri Osborne for heading up the W.O.W. craft sale. They collected $840.00! We hope that others contribute to the 2020 reunion to make this a successful tradition. Guys, you can contribute too!
Kurt Ausbeck for the hours he spent behind the ships store table. We took in almost $2500.00 in sales!
Debbie Ausbeck and Kathy Mashanic for handling the raffle and 50/50. Another $1000.00 in our pockets. Thanks to all that brought something from home to keep this tradition alive.
All told, we raised $2400.00 to support the trailer. I told those in attendance that we had received a challenge by an anonymous donor who pledged to match all donations up to $2000.00. Prior to the reunion we received three donations totaling $1150.00 and with the $2400.00 from Branson we more than met the challenge. However, the need for support continues. The trailer is over 10 years old and beyond the regular maintenance, it needs some TLC. The decals are beginning to fade and wrapping it with a fresh design is on the schedule. We want to increase the exhibits and stay on course to repair and refresh those we already possess. Please consider the association when you are looking for causes to receive your charitable donations. And, of course, they're tax deductible!
Nancy Carlson for organizing and acting as chaperone for the ladies who toured the Titanic Museum. I heard it was a great time!
There were others that helped as they could from keeping the hospitality room tidy to assisting in the set up and tear down of the artifact display. Thanks to all that pitched in!
A special mention to Bill Van Leeuwen. First to register for the 50/30 2016 reunion and first to register for Branson. Will you do it again for 2020, Bill?
We have 5 extra group pictures and 7 plates with the reunion logo if anyone is interested. Let me know and we'll figure out shipping costs to you.
For those who were not at the business meeting or the banquet, please let me introduce the board:
Vice President - Richard Molck. Richard served in the same position for the 2016-2018 term. He is the curator of our museum trailer as well as custodian of all the artifacts in our possession. Richard previously served on the ships store committee and was responsible for the acquisition of items as well as storing and fulfilling orders. Richard conceived the idea of acquiring the Wainwright as a museum ship and started the Save Our Ship campaign. When it became apparent that that would not happen, he arranged access for the removal of the artifacts and the eventual purchase of the trailer. He is responsible for the update and maintenance of the website.
Secretary-Ed (Cookie) Cookenham. He is a member of the past president's council. Ed is our membership chair and working with Rod Shafer, maintains the roster. He does a great job of using available resources to track down shipmates to make sure our information is accurate. Ed served two terms as President and we are fortunate to have lured him out of retirement.
Treasurer-- Robert Bennett. Rob is also a member of the past president's council. During his term he worked diligently to increase our paid membership. Rob filled the Secretary position for the 2016-2018 term. The Lockee Award was his idea and as a result the association has another method of recognizing those that benefit the association. Rob was the guiding force behind a campaign to have another hull bear the name Wainwright. This was on our to-do list last term and will remain on that list.
Donald "Skip" Greene - Master at Arms. Skip returns to this role from the 2016-2018 term and after serving in this position several years ago. As the biggest guy in the group, he is well suited to this role! Skip, along with Harry Chaffin, was instrumental in having our trailer be part of the Old Soldiers Parade in Alpharetta, GA. As one of the longest running veteran's parades in the nation, it has been our privilege to be included for the past 8 years. We hope to be there again in August. Skip also hosts an "after-parade" event in his home. Good eats!
Kurt Ausbeck will continue to serve as store keeper and Rod Shafer will continue as our newsletter editor. Kurt also works with Richard to preserve the artifacts. The wooden cases, the electrification of the items, etc. is his work. BZ, Kurt. You deserved the Lockee Award! As of last term, Rod re-formatted the Constant Contact e-newsletter and works with Cookie to keep the roster up to date. Don Scott remains as our chaplain. As well as leading us in prayer, Don also sends condolences to the families of departed shipmates on behalf of the association.
As you can see from the above, all the board members and committee heads have been in leadership positions for a while. I was treasurer from 2000 until 2014. I said this during both the business meeting and the banquet but, if our association is going to survive, we need the "younger" men to step up and bring their ideas with them. The time commitment is minimal and the ability to serve is rewarding. Sound corny? Maybe, but for me at least it has been a way of reconnecting with sailors who served with me and for making new and fast friends from later crews. Please reach out to me or any member of the board for additional information. We also want to involve the kids and grandkids, both to ensure we continue to exist but also to keep the history of Wainwright and the Navy alive.
So, on to Washington DC in 2020. We are already in conversation with the Westin Hotel near Dulles Airport and even though we're two years away, that time will go quickly. There are so many things to do and see from museums to monuments to Congress and the White House we'll have plenty of choices! I'm excited and I hope you are, too.
