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| Reunion 2007 Banquet |
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An overwhelming crowd of well over four hundred fifty gathered Saturday evening in the expansive indoor/outdoor Royal Palms Pavillion to attend the Reunion SD2007 Banquet |
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The banquet was opened with Victoria Robertson leading the assemblage in our National Anthem, followed by a very emotional invocation by Swift Boat Sailor William H Franke |
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Before the meal was served, tributes were made by SBSA President Raul Hererra and California Congressman Brian Bilbray to those Swift Boat sailors still on patrol and the current US Military which resulted in resounding toasts affirmed by all who were present |
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| Everyone enjoyed combining dinner with conversations of times and friends remembered |
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As the deserts were being distributed and enjoyed, the Emcee for the evening appropriated the microphone and proceeded to offer his insights into just how well the reunion was or was not progressing up until that point. Our very own perennial Boston Swift Boat Master of Ceremonies, Dan Daly, was in exceptionally rare humorous form as no one in the crowd was able to escape his rapier sharp wit and well directed barbs. He kept everyone in stitches and rocking back in their seats in order to prevent having to roll on the floor in fits of laughter. Well done MEGAPHONE BRAVO!! Outstanding job! |
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After a few well chosen tongue-in-cheek words concerning some of the lesser known awards earned by the former Swift Skipper,
four-star Admiral and banquet keynote speaker during his tour in Chu Lai, Dan then settled down to give a serious introduction of Admiral Harold W. Gehman Jr. We were truly honored and privileged to have such a distinguished member of our service provide
his insight into how his tour on the boats not only affected his later successes, but also his perception of the US Navy in
general. We all listened with intense attention to his inspiring talk about the leadership lessons he learned during those
early years of his career and how they enhanced his ability to assist the Navy, and in fact all US Armed Forces, to recover
from the effects of the conflict we were engaged in. And from there to be part of a reorganization that resulted in the finest Navy and Military in the world. Winning not only the cold war, but also preparing for the many challenges facing our nation in this new century.
The Association was pleased and proud to present Admiral Gehman with a model of his Swift Boat, PCF-27, as a token of
our appreciation for his being an important aspect of making this reunion such a memorable event.
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The final items of business at the banquet were the presentations of awards for service within the association and to choose the winner of the model Swift Boat being raffled off via tickets sold in the Hospitality Room |
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