Greetings to all Muske-Tars on the Internet

Before I list who was at muster yesterday let me tell you about how the Plan Of The Day went.  Although we listed 1000 as the hour scuttlebutt would commence many of the S/M's that traveled some distances were ready for coffee at 0930 and the hatches were open and ready.  We were well into reminiscing when it came time for the Pledge of Allegiance.  At 1025 sharp 38 old Sailors, 1 Marine and 2 companions stood at attention with their right hand over their heart, faced the American Flag and repeated the Pledge together.  Soon after with a mic in hand I was privileged to assist with each one introducing themselves to their fellow shipmates. Some were short with name, years at Grosse Ile and department while others went into more detail of their Naval Career.  We started doing this last year when John Smoke told me the Lions Club do it at their meetings.  At 1130 the ladies were bringing out the baked chicken breasts, stuff cabbage rolls, mashed potatoes & gravy, salad, green beans and apple cobbler.    With the OK from the cook Duane Jeffrey gave "Grace" before we lined up. Duane has a radio station in Tennessee and has a Gospel Hour. I thought it was appropriate for D.J. to be involved (Duane@TnGospel.com)  The meal was $7.00 and I didn't hear one complaint about the price but they did praise the great lunch.
Time to clear away the tables and get to the group pictures!  Most knew the routine and we had 3 groups again this year. Group one were from the 1940 era, 50's group two and 60's group 3.  I was busy & missed group one.  I hope to have pictures for Stan Outlaw so they can be put on the nasgi.org website soon.  At 1300 was the somber "Two Bell Ceremony" in memory of our departed S/M's in 2005-2006 This was performed in accordance with the Rituals & Standing Rules of the Fleet Reserve Assn..' 
Don Hartop was our Acting Chaplain and Herb Beecham was the Bell Toller.  The mic was open at this time for anyone that had a story to tell and many volunteered to tell their experiences at the base.  Lyle Eastom was presented with a large book "History of the United States Navy".  John Lawson a Marine and past airport manager did the presentation. Lyle retired after 51 years at the base both as a Naval Station and civilian airport.  At 1400 things were winding down and a few remained to exercise their elbow at the bar. 

The following were at Muster: Fred Barnes, Herb and Dale Beecham, Rex Conner, Joe Consiglio, Lu Conti, Lyle Eastom, Bob Erdman, Don Fuller, Tom Howard, Geo. Irving, Mike Kegley, Hugh Kubesh, Rex Lawcock, Phil Lightfoot, Earl Long, Bob Madden, Jack Mansfield, Bob Martin, Rod Martin, Bob McConnell, Tony Musico, Chuck Modzinski, Joe O'Doherty, Eddie Phillips, Harold Ricker, John Sanger, Bull Schrader, Willis Shelton, Don Shook, Ray Spencer, Joe Variot, Ken Wilson.

Other new Shipmates attending not on the May 2006 roster are:
Jerry Cool, John Farrell, Paul Floccari, Duane Jeffrey and Merle Kachenmeister.

Hope you enjoyed reading the above and perhaps next year I can add your name to the attendance.
Your Chief Muske-Tar - Don Fuller HMC Ret.