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USS DeWert Reunion
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SS DeWert’s first official reunion was held in November 2021 at the fabulous Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina and the Patriot's Point Museum and by all accounts, everyone had a great time. The official quarterdeck mat made its appearance and remained as a welcoming sign for everyone who passed by. (Thanks to Mike Hollingsworth for transporting that heavy thing to the reunion.) Folks filtered in throughout the afternoon and it was fun looking up and seeing familiar faces walking through the doorway. Right next door was the Reel Bar that became the other unofficial gathering spot. It wasn't long before laughter became the predominant sound at that end of the resort. As evening came, we met up on the patio for a delicious spread of coconut shrimp, bacon wrapped scallops, artichoke dip, pimento cheese, warm brie with toast points, and some of the most delicious chocolate brownies ever made. Operations Specialists (OS) (left to right) Delta Hinson, David Adams, Buddy Parson, President of the USS Derek Leistra, Richard Dondero DeWert Reunion Association, made his two distinctions. One, she has a sixth sense for selecting any gift introductory remarks, followed by Delta Hinson who took over with that was alcohol related. That being said, the second is that she a trivia contest that covered the life of the ship. Congrats to Greg also had the most gifts stolen from her. I believe the total was six Doan for answering the most questions correctly. Fast fingers and a steals. Afterwards folks gathered at the fire pits and inside to vast collection of DeWert pictures on his phone may have been a continue catching up. factor in Greg’s win. Friday found small groups getting together for breakfast out on We then moved indoors for a White Elephant gift exchange. the town, touring the Patriot’s Point Museum including the USS Folks brought wrapped gifts from their neck of the woods and the Yorktown and the USS Laffey. The latter is a WWII destroyer that exchange began. If you've never participated in one of these it's a absorbed 6 kamikaze hits and survived, limping her way back from lot of fun. As people take a turn they can either select a wrapped the Western Pacific to the states. Several groups headed downtown gift or "steal" one that's already been opened. Pat Parson holds on a beautiful sunny, but cool day to explore all that downtown Charleston had to offer. Others headed to tour the Civil War era submarine Hunley and visit historic cemeteries that date back to the 1700s. Friday evening found many gathering for a dinner cruise around Charleston Harbor. The meal was outstanding and feeling the deck move a bit underneath you brought back memories of dining on the mess deck while underway. Cruising under the new, and much larger, Ravenel bridge was a very impressive sight that signaled the end of the ride. Arriving back at the pier we headed back to the hotel and quite a few headed to the Reel Bar for a nightcap and more stories. Saturday dawned clear and cool with a breeze off the water. Thankfully there was a full breakfast buffet set out that was a great way to start the day. Following breakfast we held the DeWert Reunion Association business meeting. The constitution and bylaws were reviewed and accepted. Per the by-laws, the officer's positions are elected to separate terms so we are not replacing the entire LCDR Larry Parker and Kristine Parker.
44 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com
