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July 1, 2002 |
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Dear Shipmates, Family & Friends, We are back from the successful Survivor's Reunion (6-8 June 2002), which was at the Landmark Resort in Myrtle Beach SC. Survivors and spouses attending were: Joe & Alta
Podorski This was Bill's (Medlin) first Reunion. Before we located him, he had little knowledge of the facts regarding the sinking of the USS RICH. Medlin became affectionately known as "Wild Bill". Yes, the true RICH spirit lives! Send him greetings at 1200 Bartow Avenue, Clewiston FL 33440. Friends and Guests attending the Reunion include: Dot Cole Thanks to H. B., Doris,
Guy, Frances for supplying and helping with the Hospitality
Room. Cindy (Sims) was a big help also. They have volunteered
(think drafted) for the Hospitality Room for next year (2003). Joe &
Alta (Podorski) and Robert & Shirley (Aluni) were in charge of
the "Wine & Cheese" reception. What a great job they did! They (also)
volunteered for next year. Thanks! Without volunteers like these, the
reunions wouldn't run so smoothly. Yes, the help is greatly appreciated...
and needed. B. M. Scott - health
Sally never forgets us.
Captain Michel de Monval
French Naval Attache The form already has information about the
USS RICH filled in. Fill out your personal information only. sign and
mail.
Minutes: USS RICH Business Meeting 7 June 2002 Landmark Resort Chairman Ed Black presided. Secretary Dot Cole handed out minutes from June 201 meeting. No corrections or additions were voiced. We had a copy of the local newspaper, The Myrtle Beach Sun, with a story about the Survivors. A Sun Reporter came to the hospitality room the day before and interviewed the men. Everyone welcomed Chief Holler and his new bride, Doris. Treasurers Report - Chairman Black thanked everyone for their contributions. The financial records are always open, and anyone is welcome to see (or audit) the books at any time. There is enough in the treasury to cover cost of the Myrtle Beach Reunion and pay publishing cost and postage upcoming year. With the increase in postage, cost may necessitate three Newsletters per year instead of the usual four. We’ll keep you posted. Combining the Reunion? - Roy Hudson reported on the results of the Combined Reunion of the USS BATES, USS BULL, & USS AMESBURY last year in Albany NY (1 Oct 2001). Roy represented the USS RICH, which was also invited. In the Memorial Service he dropped a wreath overboard the USS SLATER for the RICH, and Jane (his wife) dropped flowers for crew members lost in the sinking. Roy had a letter from Stan McMillian, coordinator of Escort Division 19, inviting us to join the combined reunion on 16-20 Oct 2002 at the Landmark Resort, Myrtle Beach SC. Stan’s invitation was discussed at great length. There are many pros & cons to joining a larger group. It was determined to be premature to make the decision right now. Joe Podorski made a motion to stay as we are for one more year - seconded by Ed Black and accepted by voice vote. A reunion with other ships was discussed last year (2001). Also, there was discussion (last year) of joining with DESA for our Reunion. Website - George (Fryberger) says that if any pictures or write-ups of experiences are sent to him, they will be put on the website. We have received many excellent comments on the excellent quality of the website. It is user-friendly and loaded with historical information. George says that guest-book comments are now added at top of the list, not the bottom, as previously done. General - Doris Sims stated that Wal-Mart made a donation for the USS RICH Hospitality Room... for which we are grateful. Shop Wal-Mart! M. H. Green brought 14 USS RICH Caps. All were gone the first day. Many were bought for the grand kids, etc. M. H. will order 10 more Caps, so we will have some on hand. Dave Hibbs brought forms to send-in for military records and for medals (Enclosures 6 & 7). The forms are enclosed in letters to the crew and family of the crew, not friends of the crew. Proclamations from the Governor of South Carolina and Secretary of US Navy (Washington) were read. Master list of the USS RICH members will be mailed in a future Newsletter. Ed Black is combining Vol I and Vol II of USS RICH - LAST VOYAGE, with updates. The new book is ready for printing (almost) and will be a hardback suitable for presenting to any library. The book should be ready by Fall 2002. Officers for Next Year (2003) - M. H. Green made a motion to keep the same officers we had for 2001 - Roland Freeman seconded the motion. Voice vote carried. Chairman - Ed Black
After discussing next year’s reunion between Myrtle Beach, Virginia Beach, New Orleans, & Bedford VA, it was voted to go back to Virginia Beach VA, because the location is convenient for most. LT JG Thibaut Del Guidice spoke a few minutes thanking all the survivors for helping free his country. He will be a guest at the luncheon today and present the “Thank You” Citations from the country of France. The Citation references survivor’s contribution to the Normandy Invasion. Frank Doody moved the Business Meeting be ended - seconded by Joe Podorski. Voice vote carried. Chaplain Ray Holler dismissed meeting with a prayer. Dot Cole, Sec. Ed Black - Dot Cole |
