U.S. Navcommsta Londonderry Alumni Association

October 18-21, 2006: "The Circa 1960 Group Mini-Reunion" at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Virginia Beach, Va.   (To view a listing of people who attended this reunion, click on: Who Attended)

        This Mini-Reunion was organized by member Len Kafer (and his lovely wife, Paula) for the group of sailors who were stationed in Derry during the late 1950's and early 1960's. But, they always invite ALL members who might wish to join them in the fun. They do know how to throw a great party!
        The dates were Wednesday, October 18, through Saturday, October 21, 2006. The headquarter's hotel was The Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, at 3900 Atlantic Ave, located right on the beach.

"Orlando in 2005" Reunion  May 12-14, 2005, at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Orlando, Florida

Reunion write-up provided by President G. Frank Smith:    It was now 12 May 2005 and the big day had arrived. It was reunion time in "O" town. The registration and check-in was conducted from 1-4PM in the hotel lobby. At that time everyone received their reunion packets for the festivities for the next couple of days of the reunion. We had a very nice turn out for the reunion. We had a "Hospitality Room" available for the enjoyment of our members where they could relax and have a few cool ones with their friends if they did not desire to take advantage of any sight seeing or visit any of the local attractions. The welcome aboard social hour was from 6-7PM where all the members could meet old friends and make new acquaintances. A cold keg of beer was available with a cash bar. The social hour was followed  with Hor D'Oeuvres served from 7-9PM with soft music. From 9PM till closing, music was provided for dancing. There was one special extra provided for the members. The original copy of the reunion yearbook from the reunion in Derry in 2003 was made available for members to view. It was not possible to have it printed as we would have required 300 copies minimum order for the book and we did not have that many orders for the yearbook. It was put on a table with other material from other members to view for their enjoyment. On the 13th of May 2005, a social hour was held from 6-7PM in the ballroom followed by a sit-down dinner from 709PM. It was originally scheduled as a buffet but due to technical difficulties we had to go with a sit-down dinner instead. During the meal, soft music was provided by a DJ. From 9PM till closing music was provided for dancing. After the ballroom closed, many members retired to the Hospitality Room for relaxation and a few drinks with their friends. It was a rumor that one member enjoyed himself so much that he decided to sleep in the lobby rather than go to his room. I am not sure of his name but I really think he enjoyed both the dinner and the hospitality room. Of course, he had a few of his friends there with him also!! That Saturday morning a general membership meeting was held in the hospitality room. Many things were brought up and discussed. A few of the highlights of that meeting was the word put out regarding the intention of the Association to establish a scholarship fund for one of the colleges in Derry. It was stated that more info would be forth coming when the final details were worked out by the scholarship committee. It was also announced that that the Association was offering lifetime membership for the sum of $100.00 per member.  It was now the 14th of May 2005 and time for the dinner-dance finale. The social hour was from 6-7PM in the ballroom. The dinner was served from 7-9PM. From 9PM till closing, music was provided by a live band. We all saw many nice moves out on that dance floor. Some I have never seen before. Everyone either danced or just relaxed and socialized with their friends over a cool drink. One of the highlights of the evening was the raffle. Since the first day of the reunion, tickets were sold on a basket of booze with the proceeds going to the scholarship fund. Thanks to the generosity of the members, we have a nice sum to start off the scholarship fund. The winner of the raffle was none other than Ron Spadafora. He stated that he only wanted the basket but we all noticed that he also took the booze!! Another highlight of the reunion was that we were pleased to have two of our past commanding officers present at the reunion. Both Capt. Ward and Capt. Lynch we present for the reunion. A golf tournament was set-up by Ron Spadafora at the Shades of Green course at Disney World. I understand that everyone had a great time. The big winners of the tournament were the Dixon foursome. All in all. I guess it would be safe to say that the food was great and the "Craic was Ninety". Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and we will all look forward to seeing our dear friends again at the next reunion in Derry in 2007.

"The Circa 1960 Group Mini-Reunion" October 20-24, 2004, at the Holiday Inn in Virginia Beach, Va.

    This group of alumni members held their second mini-reunion in Virginia Beach in October 2004 and it was a rousing success thanks to Len and Paula Kafer and others. The small size of the group and the closeness over the 4 or 5 days allows the members to truly bond. The memory of some of these old timers is truly amazing and one sea story leads to another. Members Phil Wade, Len Kafer, Barney Westphal and Tank Byron provided the entertainment at the dinner and these guys only get better with age. The fact that many of the members in group are retired makes arranging these mini-reunions that much easier but other year group should give it a try. You will be amazed how close a group can get.

 Photos received so far can be viewed here