2009 / 2010 / & DDG-103 Commissioning

Well, we are once again at the beginning of a new year. The year 2009 was very special for approximately fifty former Truxtun shipmates as we gathered together on April 25th at the Naval Weapons Station in Charleston South, Carolina. We came together to celebrated with her Commanding Officer, Commander Timothy Weber, and ships crew the commissioning of the USS Truxtun DDG-103. It sure was a different feeling being on the wharf watching this ship come to life than it was on May 27, 1967 when we watched our family and friends from the ship.

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Reunion 2010

The year 2010 brings to us our sixth Truxtun Association Reunion in our host city Rapid City, South Dakota. The dates for this reunion are Wednesday, September 08 through our departure on Sunday, September 12th. We are in the final stages of planning this event and should have information available on this website shortly.

It has been brought to my attention that in our last newsletter I failed to include the states of Iowa and Nebraska as having unique and interesting places to visit. I am deeply sorry. So, I shall correct that oversight. Here we go. Did you know that LaMars, Iowa is the ice cream capital of the world? LaMars is the home of Well’s Dairy and Blue Bunny brand ice cream products. Yes, they have a company store too. Waterloo, Iowa is the home of John Deere Tractors and they have free factory tours. Forest City, Iowa is the home of Winnebago Industries, and Pomeroy, Iowa is the home of ‘The Kaleidoscope Factory’. As with all companies it is wise to check their websites and call to verify tour times and to ensure factory tours are still offered to the public.

On to Nebraska, For the Quilters, did you know Lincoln, Nebraska is home of the Quilt Museum. If you are interested in the latest in DNA Technology and Life Science, The Beadle Center on the campus of the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska is a state of the art research center. The 2nd Wind Ranch Windmill Collection might catch your interest if you like windmills, and there are the Cabela’s stores in Kearny, LaVista and Sidney for the sportsman.

Here is some preliminary information for your planning:

• Our reunion will be on the second weekend in September, 2010. The dates are September 09, 10, 11, and12.
• The average high and low temperature during this period is 73*F and 45*F. Altitude is 3,200 feet and a light jacket or sweater is recommended for the evening.
• Rapid City Regional Airport is service by four airlines, Allegiante Air, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and United Airlines from their hubs in Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Chicago, and Phoenix.
• There are several national chain car rental agencies including Hertz, Budget, Alamo, Avis, and Enterprise plus others.
• Rapid City is in the Mountain Time zone.
• There are also campgrounds in the area (KOA, Flintstones Bedrock City, and Lake Park Campground).
• There is a City View Trolley which provides a narrated tour featuring various points of interest in and around the city. The cost is $2.00 per ticket with unlimited on/off per day. Yes, the fare is reduced for Seniors and those with a Medicare card.

Shipmates All

Do you correspond with fellow shipmates that served with you aboard Truxtun? Please pass the word to them about our association and website. Our membership is open to all who served aboard a ship named Truxtun regardless of the hull number.

From the President

Before I close I have two more important items to discuss. They are association dues and communication.

Our annual association dues are $15.00 per year and our fiscal year runs from October to October. A portion of your dues cover the registration and maintenance of The Truxtun Association Website. While we conduct almost all of our correspondence over the internet, we still have a small amount of US Postal expense. The remainder is returned back to you in the form of refreshments, party trays, reunion pins, and raffle prizes at our reunions. Your association’s officers are all volunteers, therefore, there is no payroll. With that said, have you paid your association dues?

Communication is important in any organization large or small. We live in an age where communicating is only a key stroke away. The MAILER-DAEMON often is our first indication of an e-mail delivery problem. Our webmaster has no way of knowing you have changed your postal address, changed internet provider, or you are using a different e-mail address. Therefore, it is your responsibility to keep us informed of any changes. The webmaster will be more than happy to update your information.

More information will be coming. So check our website for the latest information. 'Til then..."

"Keep in Touch!"
Ted Poremski, President
President@TruxtunAssn.org