USS ESTES  AGC-12
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Reunion Planner Comments
 

We believe this reunion to be one of the best. It was well attended this year and our expectations were fulfilled with attendance of nine (9) new members and their spouses. We solicited the Branson Hospitality Group to arrange and conduct our reunion giving everyone an opportunity to enjoy the program. Our hospitality room was one of the best, separate and on site with plenty of room for our memoribilia. The Branson Windmill Inn furnished our rooms and an adequate continental breakfast each day.

The Reunion Schedule listed elsewhere in this report will give you our complete list of activities. The Pizza Party on the first evening was canceled due to excellent and adequate food provided during the welcome reception. On the morning of our second daywe were treated to a show at the Welk Theater, by the Lowe Family of Utah. A very talented and well presented musical show by the entire family. Our attendance as the "USS Estes of WWII, Korea and Vietnam Era" was recognized.

Later in the day a visit and tour of the Veterans Memorial Museum was a memorable part of the day. In addition to all the items used during all these conflicts, the names of those killed are recorded on the wall as the form of a wall covering. There on the wall under WWII is the name of Pharmacist Mate 1^st Class Helvey. The first casulty at Iwo Jima, buried at sea from the USS  Estes.

Later that evening we sailed again aboard the paddle-wheeler Branson Belle for dinner and a very entertaining show. Prior to boarding we were treated to a time for reflection and thanks for all those who ever served on the Estes in her twenty-five year reign. A secluded quiet area was provided to remember those departed ones with remarks by reunion planner Noah Joyner and Chaplain Dick Steenbergen followed by the playing of "TAPS."

On Saturday morning our annual business meeting was attended by the entire group. No one volunteered to take the reins for 2007. The executive and administrative structure of the organization will remain the same by member agreement. A reunion site for 2007 was put on the floor, none volunteered by the members. Noah Joyner placed in nomination the Northern Kentucky Reunion & Convention site, area of Cincinnati, OH on the Ohio river. Those present agreed and indicated they would try to attend in 2007. Group photos were taken later in the evening, three poses, one pose as a gift from Branson Hospitality.

Our final event was the Dinner Banquet at the hotel. The menu was a choice of Prime Rib, Chicken, or Vegetarian. The ladies were all presented and wore a floral corsage courtesy the Estes Association. After dinner there were remarks by anyone wishing to speak and we had a few. The Estes Association wishes to thank everyone and we hope to see you next year

Dick & Marge Steenbergen