Aloha Seadragon Alumni, 9/15/2018
The August 30-September 1, 2018 Alumni reunion was held in Branson, MO at the Hotel Grand Victorian. A large hospitality area and banquet facility were provided along with a delicious catered dinner. The Grand Victorian was very accommodating to our needs and a good choice for our (non-USSVI) event this year. Our guest speaker in Branson was Capt. Douglas Fuge who attended with his wife Sally. Capt. Douglas spoke about his service aboard Seadragon and his service prior to and afterward. We were enlightened by, and enjoyed, his presentation. Thank you Capt. Douglas!
I would also like to thank these people for their contributions to the reunion. John Schwab for making arrangements with the Grand Victorian, our food and for leadership during the overall event. Lynette Locatelli and Rick for making out name tags. Jeff Kramer for getting the mailings out to you all and Dennis D’Ambrogio for maintaining our website for us. These people, and I have also agreed, and been authorized by alumni, to lead our next reunion which will be on 8/26-8/29 of 2020, in Tucson, Arizona at the Hilton El Conquistador hotel. You will all be receiving email invitations, in detail, for this in December, 2019. The 2020 reunion will be along with the annual USSVI convention again at the same time and location.
28 Branson attendees included, Owen Carlson and wife Delores, Tom Teters and wife Sandra, Rick Locatelli and wife Lynette, John Wheeler, Jerry Gruenhagen and wife Marcia, Rick Bartley, Steven Feusier and wife Susan, Ed Kepner, Douglas Fuge and wife Sally, Ron Hurt and wife Annette, Kenneth Box, Jon Howery and wife Mary, Garland Holland and wife Diane, Bob Custer, John Schwab, Dick Keeble, Richard Yahl, Larry Yano, and Tom Vrchota.
As time goes on fewer 60’s and more 70s/80’s alumni attend these reunions. That is, as would be expected but we hope that more 60’s alumni will attend reunions again in the future. We also hope that 70’s and 80’s alumni will continue to attend and take on leadership roles that become available in the future. It matters because that is what keeps this organization going. It doesn’t take alot of time and can be very rewarding!
I believe the Grand Victorian and Branson were enjoyable experiences for all of us. While the Grand Victorian was very hospitable, the city had much to offer also. There are many, many shows and entertainment choices during the day and evenings to enjoy. And most of us did. There were also tours and unique activities in and around Branson. They including the unique COLLEGE of the OZARKS where most students work their way through this college by working for the college in shops, raising farm animals and crops, manufacturing, maintenance and sales. Its very interesting and commendable. Also, the city and surrounding area is BEAUTIFUL with its excellent roads and highways built on major rolling hillsides. I would highly recommend a trip to Branson for a beautiful, entertaining, relaxing and SAFE location to vacation!
Marcia and I hope to see you in Tucson!
Jerry Gruenhagen MMCS(SS)
Sec./Treas Seadragon Alumni Assoc.
3376 Pebble Beach Ct.
Green Bay, WI 54311
920 469-0176
jgruenhagen@new.rr.com
