The 2005 luncheon at the Elba  Mar Boat Club went like clockwork.  The doors were opened at 1000 hours and the shipmates came streaming in to collect their MUSKETAR booklets on the autobiography (Navy) of 38 shipmates. All have been MUSKETAR'S of the day which later was MUSKETAR OF THE MONTH. Name tags were next and then the fun began.  Jim Osgood came from Seattle, Washington which was the big surprise for me. 

At 1030 hours everyone introduced themselves, what department they worked in, what years at the base and where they live now.  That took a little time as some had a long history of being at other ships and or stations which they mentioned.

At 1100 hours Captain John Lavra gave a talk on his experiences in the Navy which took in when he was shot down by ground fire behind enemy lines in Korea. You could have heard a pin drop during his speech.  It was a serious speech but he added a little humor to it also.  Be sure and read his autobiography in the booklet for those lucky enough to have one.  Lunch was next. We had the usual, soup, salads, hamburgers, Reuben's, BLT's and French fries.   When everyone had their fill John Smoke and I conducted the 2 Bell Ceremony for our shipmates that passed away in 2004 and this year. There were 14 names.  Next came the group pictures.  It's like a beehive getting the groups arranged to make sure we have it equal in 3 groups and everyone is in the pictures.  I remember 2 years ago Mick Glasser was in the back row and could only see his eyebrows.  Now I make sure the tall ones are in back.

I was tired out at 1400 hours and left with 6 of our shipmates up at the bar.  Rex Conner thought this was our best luncheon yet.  I don't know if he was just being nice or meant it.  Got to go now and get things ready for our next luncheon for 2006. We had exactly 50 by my count this year.
Don Fuller