REUNION INFO - Coast Guard CW Operators Assn. ZUT

REPORT

We gathered in Grand Haven, Michigan August 2 through August 5, 2006. The reunion was held in conjunction with the annual Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival. Although the number of attendees was less than originally anticipated, those who did attend indicated that they had a very good time. The association was treated royally and I have to say that all the people, groups and officials we contacted, were helpful, gracious, and extraordinarily accommodating. From the motel manager at the Best Western to the Banquet Manager at the Holiday Inn, we experienced nothing but positive attitude toward us as well as the Coast Guard in General. Especially helpful was the Festival Executive Director, Retired CG Commander Mike Smith. We presented Mike with one of the reunion T-shirts that he accepted with appreciation. The experience was 100% positive.

Those of us who attended were sorry that others were not able to come. There were several cancellations for medical reasons and a couple of other members found it necessary to depart early due to family commitments and, in one case, a death in the family. Thanks to Lee Morris who took pictures of the attendees.

Lodging: The Best Western Inn served as reunion headquarters. The majority of the attendees stayed at that facility. There were several RV’ers who used Jellystone Park Campground and traveled back and forth to the reunion headquarters. The hospitality room was used extensively. It should be noted the hospitality room was just another motel room but located in such a manner as to offer maximum accommodation to all attendees. We spent a good deal of time out on the back lawn.

Wednesday 2 August Retiree’s Dinner: This event was held on the grounds of the festival headquarters. It was very well attended and there were a number of “old” Coasties in addition to those of our group who attended. The festival director provided the association with gratis tickets to both the dinner and the entertainment following.

Thursday 3 August Retiree’s Breakfast: This event was held on the grounds of the Coast Guard station. The food was very good, served buffet style. A short cruise aboard the USCGC ALDER followed the breakfast.

Friday August 4 Breakfast meeting: The breakfast business meeting was held at Russ’s restaurant. The reunion coordinator received a fax outlining suggested agenda items prior to the breakfast. There were approximately 18 members attending. Dave Johnson formally presented the association with a ceremonial Coast Guard flag that will be transported to San Antonio for the 2007 reunion. Several suggestions were made and are outlined below:

Suggestions for the location of the 2008 (our tenth) reunion? Cape Cod, Groton, and Baltimore were suggested along with Petaluma and a cruise on the Mississippi river. These, and other, possibilities should be included in an upcoming newsletter so the members can vote on the location for 2008.
The best method of recruiting new members considering the fact that there are several generation of CG CW operators still out there. Mention was made of the fact that the current membership is not getting younger and unless we can sign up new members, we run the risk of disappearing.
Of the 318 members, 69 have reached the age where they need not pay dues. If this trend continues, we run the obvious risk of having no dues paying members. Solution?
A suggestion was made that we consider holding the reunions every other year instead of every year. General membership needs to vote on this.
A change in the structure of the organization was discussed. The current structure is considered to be too informal without a clearly defined chain of command. . Perhaps a President, Vice-President, secretary and treasurer would be appropriate. Membership needs to vote on this.
Donna Hansen volunteered to chair the committee charged with send flowers, cards and other remembrances to members who have lost loved ones or who are ill. She will need appropriate seed money. We appreciate her willingness to take on this task, which will relieve Jim Huffman of at least one of his many responsibilities.

The members determined that several of the individuals who were especially helpful during the reunion should be compensated with one of our mementos. We authorized the distribution of hats, cups, pins, and t-shirts to a number of individuals.

Friday 4 August Holland Trip: We visited the tulip farm and were admitted at no cost. The visit to windmill island was cancelled, as the entry fee was deemed excessive. We visited the state park for a view of “Big Red” which is said to be the most photographed lighthouse on the Michigan coast. After a stop for lunch at The Barn restaurant, we returned to the motel.

Friday 4 August Memorial: The Coast Guard Pipe band preformed at the Escanaba memorial. This is an impressive group much in demand for these types of events. They also participated in the Meijer sponsored parade on Saturday.

Saturday 5 August ZUT Net: The ZUT net was run from the flying bridge of the new USCGC Mackinaw. Feedback indicates it was successful. The support and cooperation of the Mackinaw crew was outstanding. They were presented with several items from the ship’s store to show our appreciation.

Saturday 5 August Grand Parade: Sponsored by the Meijer Corporation, the parade was held at the same time as the ZUT net which precluded some members from viewing. Those of use who did view the parade enjoyed it. The theme was entirely Coast Guard. The Commandant, District Commander, Master Chief of the Coast Guard as well as local commanders participated in the parade. A number of Michigan political figures also attended the parade.

Saturday 5 August Banquet: The banquet was held at the Holiday Inn on Spring Lake. Bob Spera gave the invocation. Since we did not have a guest speaker, it was decided that each attendee should relate a story with a radio operator theme. We spent an enjoyable hour reliving the “glory days”. A Chinese drawing for the door prizes and a 50/50 drawing followed an excellent buffet. Margie Stone was the big winner of the 50/50 and donated her winnings to the general fund. All had a grand ole time. The banquet director waived the $700 room fee because of the Coast Guard festival and our unique status. We presented him with a ZUT coffee cup as a token of our appreciation.