February  2004

If you didn't make it to Rapid City, you missed a great time. We stayed at the Best Western Ramkota, a really nice place, and it was convenient to find and the food was great also. The trips to Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, The Black Hills Gold Jewelry Factory, and Custer State Park, were all extremely interesting and the weather was just perfect. We missed the trip to Ellsworth AFB, Deadwood and the Oktoberfest, but know that many enjoyed those festivities also. Our thanks to Doug Williams and his lovely wife Mary, for being excellent hosts and planners for our reunion.

The 2004 reunion will be September 16,17,18, at Staunton, Virginia. This is located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley and is very accessible and close to Interstate 81. The reunion will be at the Holiday Inn and room rates are $82.00 per night. Phone number is 1-800-932-9061 or direct to the Staunton Holiday Inn at 540-248-6020. E-mail to the Inn is higcc@cfw.com. for reservations. When talking to the Holiday Inn, be sure to mention the USS Severn AO61 Reunion.

For those who may be interested in a campground, there is a KOA located approximately five miles from the Inn. If you want more information from our host shipmate, please contact; J.B. Graham, Jr., P.O.Box 721, Craigsville,VA 24430 - Phone 540-997-1215.

There are several antique malls in the area and close to the Inn. The Frontier Culture Museum, Woodrow Wilson's birthplace, and the P.Buckley Moss Museum , are local attractions of interest. A trolley tour of the local area is also available from the visitors center. The Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive border the eastern ridge of this valley and offer some of the most beautiful sights away from the commercial traffic of the interstates.

In Staunton we will have our normal raffle and perhaps a few special raffles. We will sell tickets during the days before our big night and then draw the winners. We ask that all those attending bring a wrapped gift valued at $5 to $10. The raffle helps to defray some of the costs of the reunion and goes into the general fund.

Also, a reminder is necessary about dues. Please send you dues, $20.00 for 2004 if they have not already been paid Send your dues to the Treasurer; GERALD KERSEY, 967 E. COUNTY ROAD, 350 S, S. LOGANSPORT, IN 46947.

If you have not visited the Severn website and you have a computer with internet connections, you should take a look! There are a lot of great pictures from the crew members of several cruises including sights and crew. Also, pictures of past reunions. Just try it: www.usssevern.com. Some good info from some old shipmates with their salty sea stories.

TAPS: On a sad note we inform you of the passing on 02/05/04 of shipmate Robert Stroup. Bob was a very dedicated career sailor and served as a MM1 while on board SEVERN. He and his wife Joan were present at the last two reunions. We will miss him. Please remember his wife and daughter Lisa in your thoughts and prayers.

www.usssevern.com                    Severn’s website