Friday, July 8, 2016

15th Anniversary of the Return of the USS LST 325

Our Gold Crew were the 28 men +1 photographer that sailed the LST 325 home from Crete Greece to Mobile Alabama January 10th, 2001.  At the time, their average age was 72 with Captain Jornlin being the baby at 62.  Since 2001, we have lost many of these dear men.  This year is the 15th anniversary of their return and we wanted to show our appreciation.  We invited all the men and their adult children to attend a reunion on ship.  Many were unable to make it due to health or other reasons, but we still heard lots of great stories. 


Don Lockas comes aboard with his wife and daughter.


John Calvin arrived very early and met Don in the Ward Room.


A heartfelt reunion.


Owen Chapman and his excellent Galley crew worked hard to prepare hors d'oeuvres and a Prime Rib dinner for the event.



The spread was amazing!




Everyone gathered around to hear stories and to visit with old friends.  Lauren Whiting and Dominick Perruso also made the trip.  Dewey Taylor's daugher, Linda Moore and her husband made it as well on his behalf.


The next day was the ShrinersFest 2016 Reenactment.


The men out in front of the Wheel House had the best seats to watch the show!


Everyone came up to say hello again and to visit.



Lunch was served and everyone had a wonderful meal from our hardworking Galley crew!



It was truly a wonderful event and we were all very happy!  Sometimes we forget what people go through to make things happen, from protecting our freedom to bringing back a national treasure.  Honor those in your life that have worked hard to provide the things you enjoy!


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