From: HC-7 Alumni Chairman Subject: 2004 Reunion Report Bob Cameron and John Birch are to be commended by all, as we all had a great time The work they have done and hurdles crossed have resulted in total success. THANK YOU!

The Admiralty Inn provided excellent facilities for our reception and a nice hospitality room for the entire time.

THURSDAY

Reception went very well with John Birch leading an outstanding sea story telling marathon that was enjoyed by all. Dave McCracken and Lloyd Parthemer's names were used all night in various conversations. (good and bad) Music by Willey McNeal, food from Old Timers arranged by John Birch. Venison was superb, beer was plentiful and albums were shared.

The HC-7 Historian, Ron Milam, displayed a chronological photo display by topic; H-2, H-3, Atsugi, Det Cubi, etc. The photos were expertly scanned and labeled. All members agree that this important work should continue. It is an expensive venture and HC-7 Alumni will help to support it by soliciting donations for contributions and sending him some excess funds to preserve the growing collection.

John "Moon" Wilson' showed an outstanding underwater art film that is indicative of the talent he brought to the reunion. He lives and works in Hawaii. He told the group why he has the nickname "Moon". Hint: He earned it!

FRIDAY

Lassen Pictorial presentation became a major event. Bruce Dallas made the presentation to NSA MidSouth Mr. John W. McCausland, Assistant Commander, Fleet Support (Pers-6), after the pictorial was described and Citation read. Photos of the combined groups of approximately 150+ people in front of the Lassen Bldg. were taken

Combat Aircrew Wings history of Lloyd Parthemer's mission was told by CAPT Don Gregory CO 3 of 8. CAPT Walt Lester CO 8 of 8 read the citations and presented the certificates. Barbara Dallas pinned the wings on John Birch, Bruce Dallas and John "Moon" Wilson. Photos were taken.

Banquet at the Lake was extended, no one was allowed to leave because of zero visibility, flooding and lightning. This happened during a Duggan story told by John Birch. Food arranged by Bob Cameron, was very outstanding; chicken, fried catfish and all the trimmings.

John "Moon" Wilson's excellent HC-7 Sea Devils DVD was viewed and enjoyed by all.

CDR Mike Murphy Helo Detailer told us very interesting things about the current Helo ops, equipment and men. He also showed an outstanding Helo video. He said that HC-7 laid the groundwork for the operations that occur today.

Perpetual Awards were: "Anne Parthemer Memorial Big Mother Award" was proudly received by Louise Gregory. Don was seen wiping away a tear as he was overcome by emotion during the announcement. Louise said she will drape the "Big Mother" and only display her when worthy dignitaries visit, and that is very often.

"Lil Clementine" was reluctantly received by Barbara Dallas after she read a lovely letter from Linda Lassen to the group. Barbara said she felt unworthy because so many other wives have put up with so much more than she. But, I think that she felt truly honored and Bruce beamed with pride as he popped another beer in her honor.

Note: Everyone knows what Ms. Clementine looks like and we used a reasonable facsimile to entice the voters. The original arrived safe in El Cajon and Barbara will be in San Diego in a few days to take custody. We will try to take pictures of this special occasion.

"Christmas in July" was awarded to a surprised, Texas Cowboy" Lonnie Jaynes. He responsibilities were explained to him. He didn't cry, but he tried to return it, but Joe Skrzypek convinced him that he didn't have to look like that to receive the honors that go with it.

Bob Jones entertained the group with music and Navy helo songs fit for review by the President of the US. He showed his wonderful talent, sense of humor to everyone's delight. We do hope that he repeats his performance in 2006.

SATURDAY

Large group led by Bob Cameron saw Elvis Presley at the Graceland Mansion on Saturday.

Late signers over the 64 cruise tickets were refunded money and assigned to the HC-7 Beach Det at Beale Street. The dinner cruise was a delight with fi ne spirits and live music.

The beach det was lucky to have none other than Joe Skrzypek to keep the sailors from becoming unruly. Some of the senior enlisted were starting to revert back to the good old days of "Wine, Women, and Song" but he straightened them out real quick when he threatened to put them on report. Barbara Dallas can attest to that. Anne says, "no comment".

Phil Poisson, Your roster was printed for all to take home. Shirts, hats and lapel pins are beautiful. We missed you and Serena.

Many persons helped with the raffle tickets, sales, etc: Barb Dallas, Dottie Kleimenhagen and Susan Folkes. The raffle went too long again and next time will be limited to 15 - 20 good prizes. Yvonne Birch had the roster and ballots copied at a not so local printing place.

SUNDAY

Old time breakfast was served at Oldtimers Restaurant in Millington.

Thank You all and if I missed anyone 10,000 Thanks!

IMPORTANT: Many members did not get the word on the reunion. The alumni needs help in keeping in contact with all Seadevils. People move, change address, change phone numbers and change email addresses. Reunion attendees received a roster of all sorted by areas If you can help by being a coordinator, please choose as many names of you can stay in contact with and report that list to Joe Skrzypek and Phil Poisson.

2004 REUNION ATTENDEE's

JAMES D. AGAR
OLEN C. AKINS
TOMMY L. BARON
DAVE BAUMAN
JOHN BIRCH
DONALD G. BURLESON
ROBERT B. CAMERON
JOE CAMPBELL
ROGER CLEMONS
STEVE CLOAR
LAWRENCE E. COLE (Bud)
JERRY COLE
ANDREW CURTIN
BRUCE DALLAS
RICK DOMBROWSKI
ANDREW J. DYER
BOB ELERICK
GARY D. FIIHR
JOHN FORDE
MAC FORTNER (CINDY)
JAMES W. GANN
DONALD G. GREGORY
GERALD H. GRIMES
DON HALER
LOREN HAMMON
BILL HUDDLESTON
LONNIE JAYNES
ROBERT E. JONES
JAMES W. JOWERS
ALBERT KASSING
J. S. KIRKPATRICK (Scott)
KEN KIRKPATRICK (K.M.)
Wm. F. KLEIMENHAGEN (Bill)
WALT LESTER
MARVIN R. McMAHON
WILLIE McNEAL
RONALD D. MILAM
ROGER S. MURPHY
DENNIS E. NEUMANN
LARRY L. NILES
RICHARD & ROSE O'HARA (W.Lester)
JIM ROLSTON
MR. VERNON SIMPSON
STANLEY SKRZYPEK/SUSAN FOWLKES
JOE SKRZYPEK
LUTHER STEVE SPEAKMAN
BILL STOCK
GEORGE E. TURNER Jr.
ROBERT J. WARD
AL WEHRY
ED WILLIAMSON
JOHN WILSON
JAMES E. WOODRUFF


V/R Joe Skrzypek World Famous HC-7 Helo pilot.

HC-7 Alumni Chairman.