Letters From the Editor

(Sorry, Mom's in the hospital, so a short edition this month)  

Remembrances from  the reunion:

- Ruby Burleson's 10 minutes of hysterical laughter at one of my photos during the slide show.

- Bubba Smith and his "Go-cart."

- Sam Powell's "Bubba Stick."

- Gene "Willy" Williams trying his best not to tear up during the presentation of his "COB" award.

- The Doug Burleson taxi tour of Kansas, Missouri, and possibly Nebraska after a Mexican dinner.

- Frank Lydell forsaking his moniker of "The Goat" and "ramming" us through a wonderful reunion.

- The arguments over which way the Sky room was spinning.

- Nellie's seat belt

- Bubba Smith tucking his beard into his shirt to eat.

- The endless trips up, down, and sideways in the elevators.

- Dudley McMains' wonderful, heartfelt tribute to Shirley Cleland, Dale's wife.

- The standing ovation and cheers for Mrs. Stoneking and her children who showed up at the reunion after her husband passed away.

- Tex Reed's battle cry "I'm on a fixed income!"

- The anniversary cake for Gary and Sandy Wagers

- Nelly and Nancy stalking out after not getting served at Captain Davis' dinner.

Pecos

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Spinax Fund: Dave Hinkel

From Frank Lydell:

USS SPINAX SSR/SS 489
POST 2005 REUNION NEWS LETTER

We just completed our reunion in Kansas City and had a very nice turn out of over 40 crew members (85 including guests) with excellent accommodations. Several crewmembers attended for the first time and it was great seeing them after so many years. Mrs. Cheryl Stoneking, her two sons and daughter-in-law joined us. Her husband, now deceased, served onboard in 1956/57. She heard about the reunion and drove four hours to see and hear about the Spinax.

Overall I believe we had a successful reunion and want to thank everyone who helped put it together, volunteered their time and resources. We went into this reunion with less than $400.00 in the bank and finished up with over $2,000.00 in our account. We did not intend not enter into this to make money, just generate enough cash to cover reunion expenses and get ready for the 2007 reunion. I feel we have accomplished that! I want to extend special thanks to Captain Davis, Jack Hunter, Gene Williams, Dave Hinkle, Bruce Taft, Jim Nelson, Doug Burleson, Bob "Pecos" Larsen and their wives who supported them. This was truly a team effort.

We held business meetings to discuss a few important items. The following shipmates volunteered to serve as the 2007 Reunion Committee: Don Brooks, Cash Best, Darrell Ramsden, Ron Reiderich, Gary Wagers and Terry Whitecar. They will ensure everyone is kept abreast of all information concerning the next reunion. We considered an annual contribution/dues to help support the Spinax tradition and keep it alive including, future reunions, supporting the web site, postage and other miscellaneous expenses. We agreed on a $20.00 annual contribution from each member or family. We chose October as the “dues due” month. We also unanimously voted to appoint Dave Hinkel as “Permanent Treasurer.”

I am forwarding pictures to Doug Burleson and ask everyone who has pictures to put them on a CD disk and send them to him. He volunteered to put all reunion pictures on a DVD disk and we will send a copy to all reunion attendees. His address is: 216 Springway, Highland Village Texas 75077.

We had an outstanding dinner/ceremony enjoying cakes for Gary and Sandy Wager’s wedding anniversary, and Dave Hinkle’s birthday. Many members spoke during the ceremony paying tribute to shipmates, past and present, and their wives. Some shared the sea stories about the good times had aboard Spinax. Skipper Davis presented Gene Williams an exquisite glass award; he was selected as the “2005 Honorary Chief of the Boat.” A solemn “Tolling of the Bell” Ceremony for those shipmates who are on Eternal Patrol was conducted by Darrel Ramsden (Roll Caller) and Dave Hinkel (Bell Toller). All in all, we had an outstanding time sharing sea stories and recalling old times we spend on Spinax.

We all look forward to seeing everyone at the 2007 Reunion! Hopefully, many more shipmates will be able to attend.

Respectfully,

Frank Lydell
2005 Reunion Chairman