U.S. Navcommsta Londonderry Alumni Association
Upcoming Reunions
Why should you attend a reunion? Where else do you think you'd see something like this.. View our "déjà vu" photos
2013
Reunion in New Orleans LA To
view a listing of members that are planning on attending this reunion, click
on: Who's Attending
2013
Reunion in New Orleans LA Click on "ANNOUNCEMENT AND REGISTRATION FORM" to view and print out these documents. 2013
New Orleans Reunion
2013
Reunion The
USNAVCOMMSTA Londonderry Alumni Association is pleased to announce the
2013 Reunion in New Orleans, LA. DATES Monday,
September 23rd to Friday, September 27th HEADQUARTERS
HOTEL Holiday
Inn Downtown Superdome SCHEDULE
OF EVENTS Member
Organized Golf Outing - TBD (Volunteers Needed) Monday
– September 23rd Tuesday
– September 24th Wednesday
– September 25th Thursday
– September 26th Reunion
Event ticket pricing and dinner selection to be announced Members
will be permitted to keep their beverages, dry snacks, and coolers for consumption
in this room. ROOM RESERVATIONS Guest Room
Rates: $109.00 + tax per night Group rate applicable during stay of 21 to 29 September Reservations
Phone: 1-800-535-7830 Direct
link to the hotel reservation web site:
Click
Here to proceed
directly to the reservation desk WEBSITE
LINKS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
Information Update - 30
April 2013
Information Update - 9 May 2013
The "Announcement" includes important hotel information, room reservations, schedule of events, tours and attractions, in addition to general information.
The "Registration Form" covers name badge information and reunion event ticket ordering for both the "Members Opener with Buffet Dinner" and the "Members Dinner Dance".
For your convenience, all documents are in both PDF and MS-Word format.
"ANNOUNCEMENT AND REGISTRATION FORM"
330 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70112
Tel: 1-504-581-1600
3:00 pm REGISTRATION
6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
MEMBER'S OPENER with DINNER BUFFET
Cash Bar
EVENING - Informal Dinner/Drinks at "The Irish House"
Seat in Dining Room - Local Entertainment to be provided
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Happy Hour
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Dinner Menu
3:00 pm - Close: Bar Menu
(Pay your own check)
Additional details to be provided at a later date
TBA Morning - General Membership Meeting
6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
DINNER DANCE
Plated Dinner - Choice of three entrees
Music Entertainment
Cash Bar
HOSPITALITY SUITE
Single or Double
CAR PARKING
$24 + tax per night, per car
However, reservations MUST be made no later than 23 August 2013
and refer to the
"Navcommsta Londonderry Alumni Association Reunion"
or
Holiday
Inn - Downtown Superdome Website New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau Website New Orleans Official Tourism Website New Orleans Tours & Attractions Website "Fun Things To Do In New Orleans" - Expedia Website New Orleans RTA Streetcar Fare and Pass Information The National WWII Museum - New Orleans Confederate Memorial Hall Museum Irish Cultural Museum - New Orleans "The Irish House" - New Orleans Updates
will be sent to the membership and maintained on the USNLAA’s
Website If you
have specific questions, please contact Dennis Kolodziej at ford427@peoplepc.com
"Reunion 2011 in Derry"
2011 Reunion in Derry - Photos
Chuck Brozek's Reunion Photos (74) :
VIEW
Margie Rooney Tesoriero's Reunion Photos (23) :
VIEW
Ivor Browne's Reunion Photos (3) :
VIEW
Dennis Kolodziej's "Opening Night Member's Reception" Photos (30) :
VIEW
Dennis Kolodziej's "Clooney Base Visit" Photos (100) :
VIEW
Dennis Kolodziej's "Grand Gala Reception" Photos (41) :
VIEW
Dennis Kolodziej's "Members Dinner Dance" Photos (27) :
VIEW
Dennis Kolodziej's "Peace Bridge" Photos (18) :
VIEW
2011 Reunion in Derry- Information Update - 5 July 2011
For additional information or access to the "Make a reservation"
feature - link to the Tower Hotel web site: Click
Here
Click on the respective item
to view, print out the Registration Form form, fill in and mail to the
Association PO Box per instructions. 2011
Derry Reunion: ANNOUNCEMENT
2011
Derry Reunion: REGISTRATION
FORM To
view a listing of members that are attending the 2011 Derry Reunion,
click on: The Reunion
Committee is currently in the initial planning stages for this event.
We are planning
on similar venues and schedule as previously held at the 2003 and 2007
Derry Reunions, tentatively in the late July time frame.
That is an Opening
Night Members Reception, a Grand Gala Reception, and a Members
Dinner Dance. Live entertainment (music) at the Grand Gala and Dinner
Dance. For those that are not familar, details are covered further below
in the previous 2003 and 2007 Derry Reunion postings.
In order to help the committee
plan this event, would Members kindly provide the following information:
1. Do you plan to attend?
- Yes, I plan to attend
- Possibly, I may want
to attend
- No, I do not plan to
attend
If you are planning on
or possibly attending, please include the total number attending in
your party. Include names in your party, if possible.
2. Hotel Lodging Requirements
(Important)
Please indicate if you
plan to stay at the headquarters hotel or not.
If so, for approximately
how many nights.
3. If hiring (renting)
or driving a vehicle, will you require car parking at the hotel?
To able to get an accurate
count asap, we really need a 100% response date from the Membership,
even if you plan NOT to attend.
In addition. if you know
of shipmates that do not have e-mail, kindly pass the word to them.
Deadline:
17 March 2010 - St. Patrick's Day
Remember,
you can always change your mind later. However we need a headcount snapshot
of today.
Please note:
Your responses, alternative dates, venues, questions, suggestions, and/or
concerns, etc ... may be sent by e-mail to or by contacting either Dennis
Kolodziej or Jim Sullivan.
Thank You,
The Reunion Committee
Previous
Alumni Association Reunions October
3-7, 2010: "The Circa 1960 Group
Mini-Reunion" at the
Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Virginia Beach, Va.
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 Sunday, October 3, through Thursday,
October 7, 2010. The headquarters hotel was The Holiday Inn Sunspree
Resort, at 3900 Atlantic Ave, located right on the beach. Ray
Crossman's 2010 Mini Reunion Photos (10) : VIEW
Chuck
Pattinson's 2010 Mini Reunion Photos (8) : VIEW
Phil
Wade's 2010 Mini Reunion Photos (6) : VIEW
Previous
Alumni Association Reunions
September
17 - 20, 2009: "The 2009 Reunion"
at the Holiday Inn - Patriot's Point in Charleston SC. (To
view a listing of people who attended this reunion, click on: Who
Attended)
This Reunion was organized by members Dennis Kolodziej, Jim Sullivan,
and Len Joslyn. Chuck
Brozek's 2009 Reunion Photos (64) : VIEW
Ron
Bushey's 2009 Reunion Photos (8) : VIEW
Ray
Crossman's 2009 Reunion Photos (16) : VIEW
Bob
Flint's 2009 Reunion Photos (7) : VIEW
Janet
Karns' 2009 Reunion Photos (71) : VIEW
Dennis
Kolodziej's 2009 Reunion Photos (61) : VIEW
Bob
"Bobby Red" Redmond's 2009 Reunion Photos (2) :
VIEW
Jody
Wells' 2009 Reunion Photos (4) : VIEW
Al
"B.L." Whitehead's 2009 Reunion Photos (19) :
VIEW
2009
Reunion in Charleston SC - Information Update - 12
September 2009 To
view a listing of members that have registered for this reunion, click
on: Who's Registered 2009
Reunion in Charleston SC - Information Update - 15 May 2009 Click on the respective item
to view, print out the Registration Form form, fill in and mail to the
Association PO Box per instructions. 2009
Charleston Reunion : ANNOUNCEMENT
2009
Charleston Reunion: REGISTRATION
FORM 2009
Charleston Reunion: AGENDA
2009
Reunion - 16 Feb 2009 The
USNAVCOMMSTA Londonderry Alumni Association is pleased to announce the
2009 Reunion in Charleston, SC. DATES Thursday,
September 17th to Sunday, September 20th HEADQUARTERS
HOTEL Holiday
Inn Patriots Point – Charleston SCHEDULE
OF EVENTS Registration
- TBA General
Membership Meeting – TBA Member
Organized Golf Outing - TBA Friday
– September 18th Cocktail
Reception Saturday
– September 19th Dinner
Dance Reunion
Event ticket pricing and dinner selection to be announced shortly The Seabrook
Room will be available for our exclusive use from Noon on Thursday until
Sunday 10:00 am Members
will be permitted to keep their beverages, snacks, and coolers for consumption
in this room. Ice will be provided by the hotel staff ROOM RESERVATIONS Guest Room
Rates: $119.00 + tax per night – single or double Mini Suites
available at $169.00 + tax per night. (Ask for Sales) Guaranteed
room rates will be available from Wed. Sept 16th until Mon. Sept 21st Reservations
Phone: 1-800-290-4004 or Direct
link to the hotel reservation web site: Click
Here to proceed
directly to the reservation desk Late Check
Out available for Priority Club members (preferred) or inquire at desk. WEBSITE
LINKS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
Holiday
Inn Patriots Point Website Charleston
Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Website Updates
will be sent to the membership and maintained on the USNLAA’s
Website If you
have specific questions, please contact Dennis Kolodziej at ford427@peoplepc.com Previous
Alumni Association Reunions September
21-25, 2008: "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! Gene
Graeff's 2008 Mini Reunion Photos (17) : VIEW
Ray
Crossman's 2008 Mini Reunion Photos (30) : VIEW
July 30th
- August 3rd, 2007: "Reunion 2007 in Derry" at The City
Hotel, Derry, Northern Ireland.
Dennis
Kolodziej's 2007 Derry Reunion Photos (56) : VIEW
Link
to Roy Spencer's 2007 Derry Reunion Photos - Group #1:
VIEW
Link
to Roy Spencer's 2007 Derry Reunion Photos - Group #2:
VIEW
Please read
this message about your mailing address:
If you have moved since you first registered with the Alumni Association,
we may not have your new postal mailing address. So, to be sure you
don't miss out on receiving our "Reunion
2007 in Derry" registration packet in the mail, please
send in your current mailing address to Alumni
Association Secretary Dennis Kolodziej at e-mail: ford427@peoplepc.com
In fact, just to be sure we do have your postal
mailing address on file, it wouldn't hurt to confirm it with
Dennis Kolodziej. Please
be sure to include YOUR NAME (you'd be
surprised how many forget to do this!) July 30th
- August 3rd, 2007: "Reunion 2007 in Derry" at The City
Hotel, Derry, Northern Ireland.
Good news!
Reunion Reservation Forms were mailed out to all members in February.
If you haven't received yours, please contact RON SPADAFORA,
at email address: spadaforausn@cox.net
Headquarters Hotel: The
City Hotel, City Quay, Derry, Northern Ireland. Hotel Reservations
Phone Number (when calling from the U.S.): 011-44-28-7136-5800.
Hotel Room Rates (listed in British Pounds Sterling): £80.00 per night
(two persons with breakfast included). £55.00 per night (single person
with breakfast included). Tell them you are with the U.S. Navy Reunion
being held at their hotel, July 30th to August 3rd, 2007. These rates
are also offered for two days prior and two days following the reunion
period. Reunion
Event Ticket Prices Reunion registration forms
will be mailed out to all registered members starting the third week
of January, 2007. So, please ensure that we have your most recent
postal mail address, especially if you have moved in the past few
years.
Opening night MEMBERS Reception, Monday, July 30, 2007 This reception is open
only to Members, their spouses, and any immediate family members
who might have traveled with them to the reunion. Keg Beer, Light
appetizers, plus tea and coffee will be served. This reception is open
to Members and their guests. Light appetizers, plus tea and coffee
will be served. Cost
Per Ticket:
$48.00 (₤24.50 for our Northern Ireland members) This Dinner and Dance
is open to Members, their spouses, and any immediate family members
who might have traveled with them to the reunion. A five course
dinner, including your choice of one of two main courses, will be
served. Keg Beer will be provided. Previous
Alumni Association Reunions
NAVCOMMSTA merchandise such as commemorative coins,
patches, window decals, & label pins will also be on sale at all
the events.
The Tower Hotel
Butcher St., Derry, Northern Ireland, BT48 6HL
as our 2011 Derry Reunion Headquarters Hotel
The Tower Hotel is centrally located within the famous Derry Wall, just across from Butcher Gate and only one block from The Diamond.
A block of discounted rooms have been reserved at the hotel for your personal booking. The Rates (listed in British Pounds Sterling)
are: £68.00 per night (two persons with full Irish breakfast included). £53.00 per night (single person with full Irish breakfast included)
for the reunion period Monday, July 25th through Sunday, July 31st 2011.
In addition, discounted rates are also being offered for both
five days prior and five days following the Reunion period for those planning to stay longer. These discounted rooms are based on availability,
so it is recommended to make your reservations now. Please do not wait to make reservations! The cancellation policy for individual
reservations is 12 Noon 24 hours prior to the date of arrival. If a reservation is canceled after this, the hotel will charge for the
first nights stay.
You may make reservations one of three ways:
(1) By using the on line "Make a reservation" feature available on the
Tower Hotel website. The "Rate Code" is: usnavy Enter
this as one word in the box after selecting your Arrival and Departure
dates. Please note our discounted rate includes Breakfast, so there is
no need to re-enter this in the "Enhance Your Stay" section
of the on-line booking process.
To make your reservation now:
Click Here
(2) By phoning the hotel directly at 011-44-2871-371000
(3) By e-mailing our contact person, Deirdre McDermott, Revenue Manager,
Tower Hotel at dmcdermott@thd.ie
Who's
Attending
(To view a listing of people who attended this reunion,
click on: Who Attended)
Based on overwhelming consensus, Len plans for the Mini-Reunion to
now become an annual event! Dates will be planned as not to conflict
with any main Association reunions. Due to health and other reasons,
the Annual Mini's will make it easier for those who want to attend.
250 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Tel: 1-843-884-6000
6:00 pm – 2:00 am – Jericho’s Room
Cash Bar
6:00 pm – 2:00 am – Main Ballroom
Music Entertainment
Cash Bar
HOSPITALITY SUITE
be sure and and use the Group Code "NAV."
NAVCOMMSTA merchandise such as commemorative coins,
patches, window decals, & label pins will also be on sale at all
the events.
The dates were Sunday,
September 21, through Thursday, September 25, 2008. The headquarters
hotel was The Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, at 3900 Atlantic Ave, located
right on the beach.
or mail
him at: 1005 Grand Oak Lane, Virginia
Beach, VA 23455, and request copies of the forms be mailed
to you. Remember to include your name and mailing address in your
message to Ron.
Cost Per Ticket:
$15.00 (₤7.50 for our
Northern Ireland members)
Mid-Week
GRAND GALA Reception, Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Closing
Night MEMBERS Dinner
Dance, Friday, August 3, 2007
Cost Per Ticket: $15.00 (₤7.50 for our Northern
Ireland members)
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
"Reunion 2003 in
Derry" July 30-August 3, 2003, at The City Hotel, Derry, Northern
Ireland.
Close to 300 members and spouses attended our five-day reunion in "The Town That We Loved So Well", for a fun-filled time which included two nightly receptions and a Dinner/Dance. Attendees also visited the "old base" which brought back many memories for those who served on the base. In attendance was 1942 Alumnus Howard Dodds, who opened the Springtown base, and 1977 Alumnus Mike Anderson, who handed over the keys to the base when it was closed. The Mayor of Derry, Shaun Gallagher, attended the Grand Gala Reception and personally handed out gold medallions to each of the U.S. Sailors who returned for the reunion. This was not a "once in a life time" event, as our Alumni Association By-laws call for quadrennial reunions to be held in Derry. We WILL return to Derry in 2007.
(1) Here are a couple of group photos taken at the Derry Wall: view
(2) Gordy Bauschka (RM, 66 to 69) created a website photo album of 75 photos he took during the Derry Reunion, including many from the our visit to the "old base": View Gordy's Photos
(3) Gordy also has a short video (5-6mins) available for viewing: View Gordy's Video
(Note: you will need RealPlayer to view it from your PC. If you don't have RealPlayer, click on: RealPlayer to download a free version called RealOne Free Player 2.0
"Reunion 2001 in Virginia Beach" July 6-8, 2001, in Virginia Beach, Virginia
A grand time was had by all at the recent Virginia Beach Reunion, with over 200 people attending the three-day festivities. Tom Porter and John Reigle did an outstanding job as the "local arrangements" committee. To view a listing of who attended the reunion, select: view To view a few pictures from the reunion: view
U.S. NAVCOMMSTA Londonderry Alumni Association
P.O. Box 108
New Boston, MI 48164-0108
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