REUNIONS

That time has come again,
to meet with my old friends.
My buddies from the Navy,
to catch up on odds and ends.

The years are going faster now
and it always seems.....
That some of us have gone
to the land of golden dreams.

But we try to get together
and seek each other out.
We talk about the past a lot,
and the future too, no doubt.

We always re-hash our times gone by,
the times we served as one.
We eat or get another drink,
and take a walk outdoors.

We talk about our families,
kids, grand kids and friends.
And just being there together,
we all wish it never ends.

Someone takes out his wallet,
and passes pictures around.....
Of old Henry, his Siamese cat,
or Bert, his favorite hound.

Before we hardly knew it,
the time goes flying by.
But we'll do it all again soon,
so olde buddy, don't you cry.

REUNION #16

Hyatt Lisle
1400 Corporetum Dr.
Lisle, IL
May 14-17, 2009

45 Attendees (27 shipmates)

With several members on the Binnacle List, those in attendance on Thursday the 14th,
were received at our usual "Welcome Aboard" night with d'oeuvres and
cash bar.  This set the pace for what was in store for the weekend.

Four first-time attendees made their appearance with one being George Klauba, who
presented the association with a great portrait that he painted of the K.D. BAILEY.



This framed portrait (22 1/2" by 28 1/2") will he housed at the Vermilion County War Museum
in Danville, IL, along with other ship memorabilia and that of Major Bailey.

A visit to Naval Training Station, Great Lakes was scheduled for Friday.
Special seating had been arranged for the crew and we were duly
recognized at the graduation ceremony. 

Pride certainly was at a high peak during the ceremonies as we all watched
our future shipmates strut their stuff and certainly placed the old lump in ones throat.

Reviewing Officer Rear Admiral Robert D. Reilly, Jr., USN,
Commander, Military Sealift Command, made some moving closing
remarks to the graduates, remarks that should get them all off on the right foot.
                                                     
Lunch was at the Port O'Call Restaurant before having a
narrated guided tour of the base. 

Following Friday nights meal, we were entertained by the Chorus of DuPage,
a group of singers from nearby Naperville, IL.

On Saturday, we were off to downtown Chicago and a great narrated tour of
the Windy City.  We even caught a glimpse of Harpo Productions, founded
by Oprah Winfrey and the Sears Tower (now the Willis Tower)
plus many other attractions to many to mention or remember.

 We also visited the Navy Pier as we made our way down Chicago's famous Lake Shore Drive
after having visited the  Museum of Science and Industry.  This museum is a must-see.
Our travels even brought us by Soldier Field, home to the Chicago Bears.

Saturday evening featured our annual banquet and a heart-warming story told to us by
Captain Bob Small.  He was referring to when the USS DUPONT (DD-941), came
under attack in Vietnam in 1967, killing one and injuring several sailors.  As
Commanding Officer from 12-02-66 to 05-16-69, he had under his command
one such sailor by the name of SN Ed Foreman (GM1, USN-RET) whose
gun mount was struck.  As a result of Seaman Foreman's actions, he
received a Commendation Letter.  Not knowing that each other had
previously served aboard the BAILEY, 42 years had slipped by
and they meet again.  Captain Small serving aboard from
1951 to 1952, and GM1 Foreman from 1954 to 1957.
Ed was one of our first-timers.

On Sunday morning, following breakfast, a memorial service honoring
our deceased shipmates took place.  Following the ceremony,
we then headed here, there and everywhere with all-hands
 looking forward to our next reunion.

Crowne Plaza Hotel
11228 Lone Eagle Dr.
Bridgeton, MO
April 27-30, 2006
68 Attendees (39 shipmates)

Friday evening we dined to a St. Louis Ballpark (or St. Louis World's Fair) theme
dinner buffet.  Entertainment was provided by the Saint Louis Strutters,
a group of professional dancers whose ages ranged from 51 to 74.

Saturday morning started off with our annual business meeting before heading
over to Grant's Farm, a 281 acre estate now owned by the Busch family
and once farmed by Ulysses S. Grant. 

Following lunch it was off to the
Anheuser-Busch Brewery where we visited the century old Clydesdale
Stable among other things.  Even complimentary tasting was on tap for those
  who wanted to determine if their products taste great or are less filling.

Some folks opted to see the Cardinals - Nationals game
at the brand new Busch Stadium.

Saturday evening began at 1900 with our pre dinner cocktail hour and photo session,
which will be included in the 2006 Reunion Memory Book.  
Everyone had a wonderful evening of reminiscing.

Following breakfast on Sunday morning, there was a short closing ceremony
and memorial service honoring our deceased shipmates. 
Liberty commenced shortly after the ceremony.

 Holiday Inn Pittsburgh - Greentree
401 Holiday Drive
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
April 7-10, 2005
89 Attendees (50 shipmates)

Seven first time attendees were welcomed back aboard whose time
aboard spanned the years 1948 to 1969.  The 50 shipmates represented 18 states.

The festivities got underway on Thursday as shipmates reported back aboard and made
their way to the hospitality room for refreshments.  Their long awaited reunion
with their former shipmates was about to begin.

Friday night was a real treat in that we were served a traditional "Steel City"
 Party buffet.  There was plenty of chow to go around and some
made more than one trip back to the steam line.

Our usual host of characters made their way to the microphone to participate
in some karaoke entertainment.  These folks deserve a tremendous amount
 of credit for getting up there and to make the evening fun filled.

REUNION #11

Radisson Hotel Charleston Airport
 5991 Rivers Avenue
North Charleston, South Carolina
April 22-25, 2004
88 Attendees (51 shipmates)

Another great reunion with the addition of 8 first time attendees,
which included CDR James W. Gills [CAPT, USN-RET] who was CO from
November 1961 to January 1963.  Other former skippers present included
CAPT Herman Fritzke (66/67) and RADM Robert M. Collins (64/66)

The reunion started off on Thursday with registration.  Once checked in, the hospitality
room was a welcome sight where old and new acquaintances began to take place.
Later that evening "drinks" and "eats" took care of our first day.

Friday was tabbed "Discover Charleston Day."  A narrated riding tour was provided
to the local area, which afforded the opportunity to see this beautiful city
and to learn much about her rich history.

Later that evening a social hour preceded our dinner.  A traditional Charleston
"Southern Plantation" Buffet followed where no one left hungry.  Following dinner,
entertainment was provided by a DJ/KJ where some brave souls took hold of the
microphone and showed off their talents.  BAILEY's own Frank Sinatra (GMC Jack Hanlon)
was not available this year but was superbly replaced by Peggy Davis,
(wife of FTC Warren Davis), and Judy Maricque, (wife of MM2 Bill Maricque).
Carrie McMains (wife of SN Worth McMains) later did  a tune of her own.

FTSN Jerry Rogers (certainly no relation to Kenny Rogers)
belted out some super difficult tunes including his mom's favorite,
"What's New Pussycat" by Tom Jones.  Our leader, Bob Levine was not
coaxed to return to the stage as he was last year.  Benny Bencivengo (YN2)
was up to his olde tricks by showing off pictures of his dead aunt, his pride and
joy, and a couple of baby pictures.  He also provided paper roses for the ladies.

Saturday's tour took us to Patriot's Point where all hands got the feel of being back
aboard ship.  BAILEY sailors found themselves going aboard the destroyer LAFFEY (DD-724),
the submarine CLAMAGORE (SS-343), and the Coast Guard Cutter INGHAM (WPG-35).
Lunch was served in the CPO Mess aboard the USS YORKTOWN (CV-10).
Another trip was planned for the ladies where they took in a plantation tour.

Saturday evening started out with our pre dinner cocktail hour and photo session.
During dinner, Benny Bencivengo was once again up to no good.  This time
he pulled out a pen shaped object, which could be extended into a
three-foot long fork.  He'd approach tables and reach over shoulders
of those eating to stab lettuce from one's salad.

Sunday morning breakfast and a memorial service ended what was considered to
be an outstanding reunion.  Handshakes and hugs were plentiful which
included a few tears and the curtain was brought down.  Our trek back
home all across this great country of ours would include 22 states.

REUNION #10

Holiday Inn-BWI Airport, Baltimore, MD
April 24-27, 2003
126 Attendees (66 shipmates)

One word can best describe this reunion, and that is WOW!!!
What a wonderful get-together to welcome aboard 16 first timers which included 3 plank owners.

A great big BRAVO ZULU goes to Captain Bob Small, USN-RET (USNA-51),
and his lovely wife, Ruth.  They made it possible for us to see more of the naval
academy than one could imagine.  Most had difficulty keeping up with the
Captain as he went about his business making sure we didn't miss a thing.

The reunion started out on Thursday with registration. Then a beeline was made
to the hospitality room where old and new friends began to gather and once again
 the latest sea stories began to swirl.  Plenty of refreshments were made available.
Some folks even made the trek to Camden Yards for the Baltimore/Chicago game.

Friday was the day all were looking forward to.  After enjoying a big breakfast, we boarded
two buses for the short run to the Naval Academy.  After getting clearance to come aboard,
we headed to the Visitor's Center (Gift Shop) where our tour guides met us.  After watching a
short movie on the history of the academy, off we went to learn about our former naval heroes.

After  having lunch at the "O" Club, the tour continued as everyone watched the clock tick down
to when we would witness something none of us will ever forget.  Talk about your "Shock and Awe".
Everyone was blown away with emotion and pride.  The old familiar "lump-in-the-throat" routine
was present for many.  The U.S. Naval Academy Band, along with their drum and bugle corps
strutted their stuff.  Never did our National Anthem, Anchor's Aweigh or the Marine Corps Hymn,
sound any better.  After walking all day, none minded the fact that we had to stand some again as
the brigade passed in review with "eye's right" focused on Rear Admiral John B. Nathman, USN,
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Warfare Requirements and Program), who stood alongside
Vice Admiral Richard J. Naughton, USN, Superintendent of the Naval Academy.

Upon departing the academy, we swung by the Maryland World War II Memorial,
as we headed back to port where a Maryland style dinner awaited us.

After dinner, some very brave shipmates, including spouse's and guest's displayed their musical
talents with a karaoke disc jockey paving the way.  GMC Jack Hanlon (47-50) once again banged
out his yearly renditions of Frank Sinatra.  Even our association president Bob Levine did his thing.
Not once, not twice, but three times.  We all hoped that he'd get better and better with each passing song,
but not this night.  Bob promised not to come out of retirement in search of a musical career.  All hands
cheered that news but also applauded his efforts.  A great time was had by all.

Saturday found all hands heading in different directions.  Most headed for Baltimore's famous
Inner Harbor.  Anything you ever want to see and do can he had in this fabulous port city.
Some took to the harbor boats for transportation and headed to Fort McHenry National
Monument and Historic Shrine.  It was at this site on September 13-14, 1814,
when American forces repelled a British attack, and inspired
35 year old poet lawyer, Francis Scott Key to write
  "The Star Spangled Banner."  (turn up volume)

The annual KENNETH D. BAILEY banquet was held this evening, followed by a very interesting
presentation by guest speaker, Paul Stillwell from the U.S. Naval Academy.
His topic was Naval Oral History.

A plaque was presented to Captain Bob Small in appreciation for all his efforts
in making the reunion such a memorable and joyful experience.

Association president Bob Levine was presented with a flag which was flown on October
13, 2002 (our Navy's 227th birthday) from the USS CONSTITUTION, Old Ironsides.
The presentation was made for his continued dedication to his BAILEY shipmates
and also serving as our president in all 10 years.

Sunday morning a memorial breakfast was held for our departed shipmates.
 Liberty commenced shortly thereafter to expire on board sometime in
April 2004 at a port yet to be determined.

REUNION #9

 Adam's Mark Mobile, Mobile, AL
 April 25-28, 2002
94 Attendees (55 shipmates)

This years first time attendees totaled 10, and it wasn't long before they were
welcomed back to the fold by new and old shipmates.

Thursday evenings festivities got underway when former commanding officer,
RADM Robert Collins, USN-RET, (one of the first timers), was asked to
say "a couple of words".  He promptly stood and said, "a couple of words".

As he attempted to make his way back to his seat, he was called to say much more.
With such a sense of humor, it is no wonder he attained the rank of Rear Admiral.

Friday was labeled as "Discover Mobile Day".  A tour through the historic districts
of the city were shown as our guide explained the architecture, history, and customs
of the area.  Stops were made at one of the ante-bellum museum homes and Fort Conde.

Friday evening all enjoyed their "Bayou Bash" dinner.  After dinner the crew was
entertained by two of their very own.  With a karaoke disc jockey setting the pace,
the better half of FTC Warren Davis (50-52) (wife Peggy), got things started and
before you could say "K.D. BAILEY" the dance floor was packed.

With Peggy setting the tone, it was GMC Jack Hanlon (47-50) who really stirred
the crowd with his three renditions of Frank Sinatra.  Jack never sounded better.
The last time he brought the house down with his Sinatra tunes was when
we were in Minneapolis.

Saturday was "USS ALABAMA Day".  Before touring this great battleship
and all the other exhibits that were available, a memorial service was
conducted on the fantail, which was concluded when shipmate
QM1 George McDonald, was given the honor of placing a
wreath over the side in memory of our departed shipmates.

The BAILEY ladies spent their Saturday visiting the Bellingrath Gardens which is
located on the Riverfront land once trod by French and Spanish Colonies.
Lunch was provided on the "Southern Belle" as they cruised the Fowl River.

Saturday evening ended with our annual banquet, which was highlighted by
Admiral Collins when he was again asked to say, "a couple of words".
Group photo sessions ended the evening on a good note.

Sunday morning found the crew at a farewell breakfast,
which included a short closing ceremony.

REUNION #8

 Radisson Hotel City Centre, Indianapolis, IN
April 26-30 April 2001
116 Attendees (59 shipmates)

Fourteen new members were on hand for their first reunion,
which included two plank owners.

Highlight of the reunion was the memorial service held at
Major BAILEY'S grave site in Danville, IL. 

(When visiting Danville, there is a marker located on North Hazard Street south of Cherry Street). 

Members of the BAILEY family were on hand.
A wreath was placed at the grave and taps were sounded.  A Marine color
guard was provided and a contingent of active duty sailors were on hand.
Two TV stations were present as well as members of the press and various
veteran organizations, with the Marine Corps League topping the list.

Prior to the grave site ceremony, two bus loads of BAILEY sailors and their guests
were welcomed to the City of Danville by local dignitaries while local students
played "Anchors Aweigh" and other appropriate songs as we made our way into
the Convention Center.  At the conclusion of being "welcomed" to the city,
association president Bob Levine presented a beautiful plaque on behalf of the
officers and crew of the ship proclaiming Danville, IL as the honorary home port
of the USS KENNETH D. BAILEY.  The plaque is now on permanent
display in the Vermilion County War Museum, along with
 other ship memorabilia and that of Major BAILEY.

After lunch in the "Major BAILEY Room" at the local I&I Restaurant,
the caravan headed back to Indianapolis to get ready for our Friday night dinner
which was capped off with some outstanding musical renditions which
brought BAILEY shipmates to their feet on numerous occasions.

Saturday saw those same two busses touring downtown Indianapolis.  The
National Medal of Honor Memorial was a major stop on this day as we searched
for the name of Major BAILEY.  Other sites along the way included the
RCA Dome, home to the Indianapolis Colts; the Conseco Center, home to the
Pacers; and many many more sites too numerous to mention.  The highlight however,
for the Saturday tour, was visiting the Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway which
included lunch at the track as well as a guided tour of this famous speedway.  Also
included in this portion of the trip was a visit to the speedway museum.

Saturday nights dinner was highlighted by the presence of Mrs. Ruth Bailey-Clodfelder,
kid sister of Major BAILEY.  The book "Edson's Raiders - The First Marine
Raider Battalion of World War II", which depicts the heroic actions of Major BAILEY
and his fellow Marine Raiders, was presented to Mrs. Clodfelter.

REUNION #7

Sheraton Needham Hotel, Needham, MA
April 27-30, 2000
120 Attendees (67 shipmates)

The reunion got underway on Thursday by welcoming aboard nineteen (19) new members.

Friday's schedule called for a trip to historic Boston and a driving tour of
the famous "Freedom Trail."  After lunch at the Prudential Tower,
it was off to the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.

Friday evening was spent with good food and entertainment.  "Songs of America"
by an ensemble from the East Coast's Top Performance
starring Masquerade, provided fun for everyone.

Saturday morning found all hands  at the Charlestown Navy Yard, home to
"Old Ironsides," and a memorial service aboard the USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793).
After the service it was off to Quincy Market for shopping and lunch
before boarding the USS SALEM (CA-139).

One of the highlights of Saturday nights banquet, was the presentation of a plaque to
 Shipmate Tommy Goodwin (51-52), in appreciation for his hard work and
dedication as a member of the reunion committee.  Tom is also a volunteer aboard the
 CASSIN YOUNG and was instrumental in having the memorial service staged aboard this ship.
 

REUNION #6

Holiday Inn-Airport, Jacksonville, FL
April 15-18, 1999
146 Attendees (72 shipmates)

Our biggest and best get-together to date.  Twenty-seven new members made their
first reunion (including two plank owners) and a good time was had by all.

The festivities got underway Thursday evening over plenty of good food and drink
where old and new friendships were struck up again.

For many in the group, the return to Mayport on Friday was at the top of their list.
Some had difficulty in trying to remember the way things were.
After all, the BAILEY first came to Mayport on  June 16, 1959.

After chowing down at the "O" Club, the USS MCINERNEY (FFG-8), opened her
arms to the crew and gave us a great tour of the ship.  The young sailors who were assigned as
tour guides did an outstanding job.  All hands felt a great deal of pride of returning back
aboard ship and discovering that our Navy is still in pretty good shape
and continues to recruit outstanding  young people.

Entertainment was provided Friday evening by a group of young  dancers known as the
"River City Cloggers,: and for one shipmate in particular, Norm Nequist,  surprised
all hands by getting up the nerve to go on stage with the dancers and fit right in.

Saturday was spent touring St. Augustine and then our banquet was held that evening.
Highlight of the evening was when shipmate Carl Siegel presented the ship's nameplate to
 Ed Boland from Danville, IL (Marine Corps League) and the KENNETH D. BAILEY
Memorial Museum.  The nameplate will now be a permanent part of the BAILEY Museum.
Shipmate Siegel has had this nameplate since 1953 and was justifiably proud
knowing it has found a permanent home.

A Sunday morning Memorial Mass was held with Captain Bob Small leading the way
in song and prayer.   He always seems to come up with the right things to say
at these events and found him tugging at our heart strings.

REUNION #5

Holiday Inn - Grand Island, New York
June 4-7, 1998
82 Attendees (46 shipmates)

Highlights included welcoming aboard 8 new members and  a fun filled tour of Niagara Falls,
including getting underway on the Maid of the Mist.

A tour of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, which included going
aboard the USS THE SULLIVANS (DD-537), USS CROAKER (SS-246) and
USS LITTLE ROCK (CG-4), was most enjoyable.

A special memorial service was held on the fantail of the LITTLE ROCK to remember all
former BAILEY sailors now serving on the staff of the supreme commander.

At the banquet dinner, a special presentation (flag flown from the USS CONSTITUTION)
was presented to Shipmate Robert Nowak, association treasurer, for his
continued devotion and untiring efforts on behalf of all former BAILEY shipmates.

REUNION #4

Sheraton-Minneapolis Metrodome, Minneapolis, MN
Sep 18-21, 1997
81 Attendees (45 shipmates)

Highlights of this trip included welcoming 6 new members and touring of the twin cities,
which included such places as PLANES OF FAME, Historic FORT SNELLING,
and MALL OF AMERICA (including Camp Snoopy).

Musical entertainment was provided by the fabulous Kulhman Sisters.

At the Saturday night dinner, our special guest speaker was none other than
Tin Can Sailor President Tom Peltin,
 who became the first honorary crew member of the BAILEY.

The association made a $300 contribution to TCS.

Carl Siegel read an enlightening and humorous anecdote about the USS CONSTITUTION,
and how her rum supply was a very important part of her activities.

A plaque was presented to former CO Noel A. Burkey, Jr., for all of his help as counselor, source of good advise, and his continued fine service as our "Chaplain."

REUNION #3

Ramada Plaza Resort, Virginia Beach, VA
May 2-5, 1996
100 Attendees (58 shipmates)

On Friday, two buses were filled for our journey to
Historic Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg.

Our after dinner entertainment was provided by two young ladies known as "Heart's Desire".
Their encore rendition of "Proud to be an American" certainly put a lump in the
throats of many, and as I looked around, also spotted a few tears.

Saturday found those same two buses underway for Norfolk where we stopped at the
MacArthur Memorial before heading for chow at the Naval Station galley.

We were then given a guided tour of the base before going aboard the USS HAWES (FFG-53).
All were quite thrilled in seeing our newest nuclear carrier,
the USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN-74), sitting proudly in port.

Saturday evening saw Shipmate Carl Siegel being recognized for the BAILEY  banner
he had made for the association which will now become part of all future reunions.
  The banner depicts the BAILEY's launching, commissioning,
decommissioning and strike dates.

Plaques were also presented to Frank Olender for all his dedicated work
with the plank owner group,  and also to Bob Keating, for his service as association
secretary and committee member.

REUNION #2

Holiday Inn - King of Prussia, PA
Apr 27-30, 1995
116 Attendees (68 shipmates)

Friday was fun filled by touring the Philadelphia area and a visit to the navy yard.
On Saturday, the Valley Forge Historical Park was the scene
for a most enjoyable look back at our past.

As part of this tour, the grounds of the National Freedom Foundation were visited
which has, among other things, a layout of some fifty acres in size, with monuments
placed on the acreage at sites equivalent to the location of all the states.

These monuments commemorate those from each state who won the
Congressional Medal of Honor.

This layout was extremely large and while we did not visit the location of the Illinois
monument, one of our shipmates, Jimmy Grubb, made the hike and took some pictures
of the monument commemorating Major Bailey and others.

These pictures were presented to Mrs. Ruth Bailey-Clodfelder, sister of
Major Bailey, and her two daughters.

I hear Jimmy was always trying to score points.  Some things never change.

The highlight for this reunion occurred Saturday evening when Mrs. Clodfelder
addressed the group.  She pointed out aspects of her brother's life  which were
not known to many of us who served aboard.

Among those were that although Major Bailey is listed as having been born in Pawnee, OK,
the family stayed there only until Major Bailey was two months old when they moved to
Illinois.  Major Bailey was not an academy officer, but entered the service after graduating
from college.  Mrs Clodfelder brought with her Major Bailey's principal decorations,
including the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and the Congressional Medal of Honor.

All in all, the presence of Mrs. Clodfelder and her two daughters,
Sharon (Sherry) Pederson, of Merrillville, IN, and Sandra (Sandy) Tarrant of Fresno, CA
 added tremendously to the atmosphere of the reunion.

REUNION #1

Ramada Inn, Portsmouth, RI
Apr 21-24, 1994
77 Attendees (46 shipmates)

Our very first reunion was a grand success.  Our Welcome Reception on Thursday night,
was marked with generous portions of laughter, getting acquainted and reminiscing - - -
as well as ample supplies of hors d'oeuvres and refreshments.

Friday morning the group boarded their bus and headed for the City by the Sea, Newport, RI.
Our first stop was at Hammersmith Farm, Jackie Kennedy Onassis's home, and the
location where she and then Senator John F. Kennedy had their wedding reception.
This home also became the summer white house during those presidential years.
Lunch and a drive along Ocean Drive and the famous Bellevue Avenue, where everyone
caught a glimpse of those "summer cottages."  It was enjoyed by all.

Reveille was held bright and early on Saturday morning so all hands could get an early start
to Battleship Cove in Fall River, MA.  There we toured the USS MASSACHUSETTS (BB-59),
affectionately known as "Big Mamie." The USS JOSEPH P. KENNEDY, JR. (DD-850),
was also visited as well as the submarine USS LIONFISH (SS-298).

Many enjoyed visiting the KENNEDY (only GEARING Class destroyer as a museum)
because she resembled the BAILEY so much.

At the conclusion of our banquet dinner, Carl Siegel donated the original KDB
nameplate which he rescued from a machine shop scrap heap.
He had it mounted and presented it to the association.

Our first election of officers were held with the following results:

MM3 Bob Levine, President
ENS Bob Small, [CAPT, USN-RET], Vice President
ST2 Bob Keating, Secretary
QM1 Bob Nowak, Treasurer

Yes, the Bob's won out...