USS HULL ASSOCIATION (DD350, DD945)

NOT TO LEAVE THE SHIP – SPRING 2012 NEWSLETTER

VEGAS BECKONS - SO, VIVA LA 2012 REUNION

AND HERE’S THE DEAL

The clock is ticking and the deck is stacked in favor of HULL Association shipmates.   The Fifth Bi-Annual Reunion of the Association is locked in to a sweet heart deal better than any one-armed bandit could deliver on or off the Strip.  Reunion Vice Chairman Bob Modell has hammered out a room rate of $32 a night plus resort fee & tax at the Orleans Hotel/Resort.  The dates are October 16, 17, 18 and check out the morning of the 19th.  HULL gets the Presidential Suite as the Hospitality Room again, plus private buffet breakfast and banquet dinner.    Conveniently near the famed Strip, the Orleans has pools, bowling alleys shops, spas – well, a lot of you remember it.  First-timers will love it.   The association has a block of 50 rooms and you are urged to reserve your room now to obtain the preferred rate. Due to hotel contract commitments, we are setting the the cut-off for reunion registration at August 1, 2012

 (click here for the details)

 

Neil Baliber, Lou Colella, Carl Decker & "Buzz Schulman (back) reminisce at 2010 Reunion

 

 

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Let the good times roll!  Our Reunion is just around the corner.  October will be here before we know it. It’s time to think about travel, block out the time and get ready for another memorial gala. Remember, it’s all  about getting together with shipmates, and remember the ‘stand out’ times on the USS HULL. I am sure we all had not-so-good times - but the good always seems to prevail. It will be a year on November 12th, that Dora received her liver transplant.  She’s making good progress and we thank you all for your prayers.

 

MMCM (SW) Michael A. Gallegos USN RET.

President, USS HULL Association

 

 

'HISTORIC' HULL REUNION

Shipmates, this is the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 – and another reason to make a date in October to join us.    The “Hull” namesake, Isaac Hull commanded the USS Constitution to a resounding victory over the British frigate Guerriere,  That  gun battle destroyed the ‘invincible’ reputation of the British Navy. It was the launching for the U.S. Navy and the  service hasn’t looked back since.

 

 

FROM THE DD-350 GANG

From down deep in the Philippine Sea lies the USS HULL DD-350 with many of my shipmates lost during Typhoon Cobra in 1944.  Across this great nation lie many more.  A few of us are still around.  We haven’t changed, but what about the Navy?  Sure, “technology” is great – but what about “tradition?”  What would my shipmates who aren’t around think about traditions gone?  When we crossed the Equator as first-timers or “pollywogs” we’d crawl through a collection of ‘slop’ and whacked on the fanny by shipmates who’d been there before us.  We’d crawl on our knees, kiss King Neptune’s greased belly and drink a cocktail of who knows what?  And, where’s the torpedo juice these days for long periods at sea?  How would a dozen of us DD-350 shipmates left around fit into the drab sameness of “cammies.”  And how would they find us if we fell overboard in that kaleidoscope of colors – even if the ship performed a Williamson Turn?  As always, I’m looking forward to this Reunion.  My wife Kay is doing better these days, but probably not well enough to travel.   And, shipmate Bob Cole, a Pearl Harbor survivor from Florida and his wife are planning to be there.  Thanks again for the wonderful way the HULL Association has welcomed in and treated us DD 350 shipmates! 

Pat Douhan

Editor’s Note:  It’s been our distinct privilege and pleasure Pat!

HULL FACEBOOK PAGE?

Some ship associations are using the popular social media site Facebook as a way to keep in touch with members, gain new members and promote interest among current shipmates.  This will be a one of the items for discussion during the Business Meeting in October.  Another reason to make your plans today and make your voice heard.  HULL was part of YOUR military career and we want YOU to continue to be a part of what we do.

 

RAT PACK VEGAS REUNION

 

(click picture to run or save video)

 

It’s been remade by Hollywood a couple of times, but just like most studio re-do’s the revised versions of “Oceans 11” just aren’t the same. Above are original Rat Pack members Dino, Frank, Sammy and a few of other comedians and actors – all members of   a make believe unit of World War 2 Army paratroopers bent on breaking the banks in Las Vegas.  If you’re getting the Internet newsletter “click” on the picture above and rekindle the memories.

 

Don’t let the Army beat out the Navy.  Make your 2012 HULL reunion plans now!

 

NEWSLETTER ITEM - FROM THE TREASURER

 

A number of our members are concerned about SPAM to the point I receive back the following: "I apologize for this automatic reply to your email. To control spam, I now allow incoming messages only from senders I have approved beforehand.  I apologize for this one-time inconvenience. Click the link to fill out the request: xxx@xxxx"

 

This is not a "one time" event.  If you want newsletters etc add me to your acceptable receipt list. I use the following email address:

jmckech2@san.rr.com , Bmckech1@san.rr.com , Hulldd945@yahoo.com

 

Also allow: bankrbob@pacbell.net for replies

 

Reunion Raffle - Let us know if you have any donations for the Reunion raffle.  Last time we even had a couple cases of San Miguel