a newsletter for the former crewmen of the uss kenneth d ... · traditional new england clam -bake....

A newsletter for the former crewmen of the USS Kenneth D. Bailey (DD/DDR-713)

Vol. XXXIV SEPTEMBER 2015 # 3

2015 REUNION RECAP

Former shipmates on the USS Kenneth D Bailey (DD/DDR-713) held their annual reunion on May 20-May 23, 2015 at the Crowne Plaza at the Crossing Hotel in War-wick, RI. Twenty-three members and four-teen of their guests attended the reunion. The reunion started off on Wednesday, May 20 around noon when Robert Humann became the first to register. He was fol-lowed by others during the afternoon, and the hospitality room became the place to gather for refreshments and conversation. That evening at 5:00 pm the first planned activity took place. The welcome reception was a special event because Channel 12 news sent a reporter and camera man to conduct an interview with former USS Ken-neth D Bailey crewmember Elmer “Sonny” Boyd. Mr. Boyd was a detective on the Dal-las, TX police force and was deeply in-volved in the investigation of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination and sub-sequent murder of Lee Harvey Oswald. The interview will be aired at a later date. The group was also privileged to have the Mayor of Warwick, the Honorable Scott Avedisian, as their guest. Mayor Avedisian thanked the veterans for their service and the families for supporting them. He thanked the group for selecting Warwick as the host city and cordially welcomed the Bailey to his city. Everyone then enjoyed a “build your own” deli sandwich, brownies and cookies. Thursday morning began with a private buffet breakfast for the Bailey crew, then it was time to board the bus for a tour to Newport Navy Base. First was a visit to the War College Museum. The Museum's themes are the history of naval warfare, particularly as studied at the College, and

the naval heritage of Narragansett Bay—a tale that begins with the nation's colonial roots. Its collection consists of items relating to these subjects that are perceived to be of value to scholarship, and it forms the core for exhibits throughout the College and for educational outreach projects. Besides per-manent exhibits on the College, the genesis of the Navy in the region, and the evolution of permanent naval installations from the late nineteenth century to the present, the Museum features short-term special exhibits relating to College curriculum and to current naval-related topics. In general, the Muse-um exhibits identify milestones in the evolu-tionary development of war at sea; explain the significance of the sea as a factor in the formulation and the attainment of national policy objectives; describe the character, educational philosophy, and mission of the College; and chronicle the eventful relation-ship of the U.S. Navy with Narragansett Bay and its people. Following the visit to the mu-seum, the group enjoyed a riding tour of the base. Upon leaving the base there was time for shopping at the Newport Waterfront and to grab some lunch before continuing on for a fully narrated riding tour of the stunning homes along Ocean Drive. On Bellevue Ave the guide told about the “Gilded Age” as the bus passed the homes of the rich and fa-mous. The Breakers is the most opulent of the “summer cottages”. This 70-room estate was built for Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1895 and modeled after a northern Italian Renais-sance palace. Next came a surprise stop at the Tin Can Sailors Association Headquar-ters. Everyone was able to go in and get a glimpse into the inner working of this great organization. Following this visit it was off to

(Continued on page 2)

Special Points of Interest

• Read all about the

2015 reunion

• Meet your new

president

• Welcome Mat &

Taps

• Mail Call

• See how many

brothers have

served on Bailey

• Photos from 2015

reunion

• San Antonio pre-

view and survey

2016

USS KD BAILEY REUNION

APRIL 21-24

SAN ANTONIO, TX

WYNDHAM GARDEN

HOTEL

Published by: Premier Reunion Services PO Box 11438 Hickory, NC 28603

BAILEY NEWS Volume XXXIV Issue 3

Rehoboth, MA and Francis Farm for a traditional New England Clam-Bake. Francis Farm, family owned and oper-ated, has continuously hosted public clambakes since 1890. Family and company outings, reunions, wed-dings, and many more venues have enjoyed this uniquely New England tradition. Francis Farm is unique be-cause there are so few facilities of its kind in New England. It may even be the ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND! It is like visiting a small village. Everyone real-ly enjoyed the clam bake—it was a real treat, especially for those who are not from the New England area. The tour returned to the hotel in the early evening, giving everyone plenty of time to spend in the hospitality room enjoying the company of old friends. After another private breakfast buffet on Friday morning, the group was off for another exciting day, this time in Mystic Seaport. Mystic Sea-port is a living history museum con-sisting of a village, ships and 17 acres of exhibits depicting coastal life in New England in the 19th century. American maritime history was seen first-hand as the attendees climbed aboard tall ships, strolled through a 19th-century coastal village, explored exhilarating exhibits, and watched a working preservation shipyard in ac-tion. They discovered the re-created 19th-century village, complete with Museum educators, musicians, and role players who taught about each building's role in a coastal community. One could Interact with folks from 1876 and stroll through the Museum's gardens. The historical interpreters exhibited a wide range of skills that truly brought Mystic Seaport to life. The reenactors performed sea chan-teys and demonstrated maritime skills. There were many historic boats to climb aboard at Mystic Seaport, as the waterfront featured tall ships and other historic vessels, among them being four National Historic Land-marks vessels: Charles W. Morgan, Emma C. Berry, L.A. Dunton, and Sabino. There was also time for lunch at any of the many restaurants in the area. From the Seaport the tour headed out to the USS NAUTILUS SSN-571, the first nuclear powered submarine,

(Continued from page 1) for a tour of the ship and the subma-rine museum. NAUTILUS was launched on January 21, 1954 with First Lady Mamie Eisenhower break-ing the traditional bottle of cham-pagne across NAUTILUS' bow as she slid down the ways into the Thames River. Eight months later, on Septem-ber 30, 1954, NAUTILUS became the first commissioned nuclear powered ship in the United States Navy. The museum's collections included more than 33,000 artifacts, 20,000 signifi-cant documents and 30,000 photo-graphs. The 6,000 volume reference and research library is a world-

renowned collection relative to the history of U.S. submarines and is open to anyone looking for infor-mation on submarines or submarine history. From there the tour was off to the US Coast Guard Academy. Lo-cated on the Thames River in New London, Connecticut, the US Coast Guard Academy provides a four-year Bachelor of Science degree program with a full scholarship for each indi-vidual. Each year, approximately 200 ensigns (or junior officers) are com-missioned during graduation exercis-es in May. Following graduation, newly commissioned ensigns report for duty aboard cutters and at sector offices in ports nationwide. Graduates of the academy are obligated to serve five years in the U.S. Coast Guard, though many choose to stay and make a rewarding, life-long career of their maritime military service. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy looks like a classic New England college cam-pus with its white-columned red brick halls that blend with sleek, modern architecture; monuments to history stand alongside state-of-the-art tech-nology; stately grounds highlight handsome landscaping and open spaces; rolling hills offer sweeping view of water and sky. It was a lovely setting and a great day of sight-seeing for the group. Back at the hotel it was time for the business meeting to take place. During the meeting, Capt. Bob Small, Association President for the past many years, stepped down from his leadership position. Fred Karshick was elected as the new Association President. The USS Bailey leadership committee will decide at a later date

the location and dates for the 2016 reunion. (See front cover.) At 6:30 pm the evening activities began with the pre-dinner cocktail hour and photo session. CPO Ernie Pina made a great picture, as he ar-rived in his uniform. After photos and drinks, the USS Kenneth D Bailey banquet began at 7:30 pm with out-going Association President Capt. Bob Small giving the welcoming re-marks. First time attendees, David Abrams and Vincent & Nina Ursitti were introduced, and then dinner was served. The banquet meal included grilled New York strip, mashed pota-toes, green beans, salad and dessert. Following the meal there was a draw-ing for prizes. Tin Can Sailors gave a number of items that were given as prizes. Each member and guest were given a ticket and the winners were allowed to choose their prize. Prizes ranged from a complimentary year’s membership in Tin Can Sailors Asso-ciation to bumper stickers and win-dow decals. A couple of the winners were Lois Favere (daughter of ship-mate Russell Deutsch) and Donald MacGillivary. The special prize, a painting of USS Kenneth D. Bailey, was won by John “Benny” Benciven-go. Then came the annual fifty-fifty raffle. There were four cash prize win-ners with Margaret Lisecki taking first prize. The evening ended on this great note, with everyone happy with their winnings. Saturday morning was the final day of the reunion. It started with breakfast as a group, and then the Memorial Service for those KD Bailey members who have passed away was held. Capt. Bob Small served as Chaplain during the moving service, and Carlton Siegel rang the bell. Names of those who died since the last reunion were read, and a bell tolled in their memory. Lastly, came the good byes and the thank yous to Capt. Bob Small for his service to the group as its Association President for these many years. It had been a great reunion; everyone had a great time, the tours were wonderful and the fellowship couldn‘t be beat! Plan to attend next year and experience the camaraderie all over again!

__________


April, Thursday through Sunday, April 21-24, 2016. If you’re curious, Google the Wyndham Garden Hotel right on the Riverwalk in San Anto-nio, where rooms have been re-served. May the weather be just like we had this year, or as the “rag-baggers”, both current and past, say: “Hope for following winds and calm seas.”

See you in San Antonio! Fred Karshick

President, USS K D Bailey Associa-tion

P.S. Feel free to email me with any comments or concerns: [email protected]

Dear Fellow Shipmates: Those of you who were unable to attend our 2015 Reunion in Warwick will be surprised to see whose name appears at the end of this President’s letter. During the closed session of the meeting, the topic of continuing the Bailey reunions came up for dis-cussion. And a lively discussion it was! Because of the significant in-volvement Captain Bob Small has with the Naval Academy in Annapolis, as well as a myriad of other ships and their reunions, Captain Small asked to be relieved of the Presidency of the USS KD Bailey Association. A motion was made, seconded and reluctantly approved. Since it had been decid-ed to continue with the KDB Reun-ions, the question was asked, “Who would be willing and able to assume the role of President of the Associa-tion?” Now everyone in the room had been through at least one boot camp where they learned, “NEVER VOLUN-TEER.”, so when no hands went up, the question was asked again, “Who will agree to serve?” Another look around the room showed heads turn-ing and than a hand slowly rose. Mine. A motion was made, second-

ed, and unanimously approved with an audible sigh of relief. And thus, another changing of the guard. On behalf of the membership, I would like to thank the immediate Past President Captain Bob Small and his best mate, Ruth Small, for the time and efforts they have given, and continue to give, in support of the KDB Association. I would also like to thank all the attendees who made the trip to Warwick in May 2015; their willing-ness to come helped to make it the special occasion that it always is. Ku-dos to Carl Siegel for watching (minding) the bank and paying the bills in a timely fashion, for Ernie Pina for keeping the website a pleasure to peruse and for just being Ernie, to Jerry Rogers without whose help the minutes and letters would-n’t get written, and to Larry and Bren-da Eckard of Premier Reunion Ser-vices, who somehow manage to keep us all on the path so the buses and tours go off as scheduled, making it look effortless. San Antonio, Texas, has been chosen as the location for our 2016 Reunion, the end of the 3

rd week in

FRED & KATE KARSHICK

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR NEW PRESIDENT

David Abrams

John Bencivengo

Elmer Boyd

Charles & Patricia Debich

Russell Deutsch

Joseph & Lois Favere

Robert & Diane Humann

James & Marjorie Janoskey

Fred & Kate Karshick

Raymond & Margaret Lisecki Donald & Marcia MacGillivray

Edwin Mager Ernie & Carol Pina

Charles & Barbara Rich

Jerry Rogers

Jerry Sader John Senda

Carlton Siegel Capt Robert & Ruth Small Thomas & Annie Smith

James & Sally Sullivan

Vincent & Nina Ursitti Peter & Suzanne Van Haaren

Total Members: 23

Guests: 14

GRAND TOTAL: 37

2015 REUNION

ATTENDEES

WELCOME MAT

The USS KD Bailey family proud-ly welcomes the following recently located shipmates. We hope to see you at the next reunion. You are invited to become an active and dues paying member of the associa-tion.

John Reeger, MMFN

8720 Oritz Cir Ft. Meyers, FL 33905-3622

239-689-5122

John Davis, Jr. (1966-68) TM3

PO Box 789

Springtown, TX 76082-0708

817-782-6480

[email protected]

Gail Keith

(1966-68) BT2

4013 West River Rd

Deer Lodge, MT 59722-8702


Shipmates, At our 21st reunion in Warwick, RI (20-23 May), Channel 12 in Provi-dence interviewed shipmate Elmer "Sonny" Boyd. Elmer served aboard from 46 to 47 as a GMSN and later went on to become a Homicide De-tective with the Dallas Police Depart-ment. He is someone you've seen hundreds of times on TV, in maga-zines, and newspapers. This interview was broadcast last night and can be seen by clicking on the WPRI website shown below. When site appears, click on the pic-ture of Lee Harvey Oswald (and Elmer) appearing on your right. www.wpri.com

To learn more about Elmer, do a google search by typing in ELMER BOYD.

Enjoy... ERNIE PINA

Check out Ernie Pina’s website for the KD Bailey. The address is: http://www.usskennethdbailey.com

TAPS

The Bailey News was informed of the deaths of the following former crewmembers since the last newslet-ter. The entire crew extends our deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the deceased.

Charles “Chuck” Luepke

(1961-63) CS-3 Supply

Died August 7, 2015

Dave Brown

(1945-46) SK3/c

Died April 29, 2013

Joseph Durante

(1966-67) RM3

Died July 2, 2015

Richard Waggner Died August 30, 2011

Roland Vere Wilcox

(1953-54) DDR Plankowner, PN2

Died July 3, 2015

Henry Wright (1945-46 Plankowner) SN

Died June 14, 2015

Drexel Dwayne Bateman

(1945-46) MM3

Died June 18, 2015

Orville Barnes

(1946) YN3

Died August 24, 2014

George Henry Bartee

(1953-55 DDR Plankowner) BT2

Died June 1, 2015

Ernest “Bud” Call (1947-49) S-1 1st Div

Died January 4, 2010

Clinton “Ty” Rollo

(1962-65) RM2

Died November 6, 2014

Harold Vos

(1956-59) FT2/c Fire Ctrl Died May 5, 2015

Robert Heizer (1966-67) SK3

Died July 30, 2013

Dennis Smith

(1954-56) MM3

Died June 1, 2015

Ronald Card, Jr., RD3

Died December 10, 2011

Claude Owens (USN-Ret) (1967-69) QM2

Died October 19, 2009

Elmer Blacketer (1967-69) Died October 7, 1991

Albert Williams

(1957-58) ENS

Died November 14, 2000

Harry Edwards

(1945-46 Plankowner) Died November 22, 2008

Anyone learning of the death of a former crewmember is requested to notify the Bailey News so their pass-ing can be acknowledged in TAPS and also on the Honor Roll at the next reunion memorial service.

MAIL CALL

BAILEY BROTHERS

YN2 Edward Bajor – 48-51

QM2 Frederick Bajor – 48-51

CS3 Edward Budzynski [MCPO, USN-RET] – 56-59

ETR2 Joseph Budzynski – 59-61

YN3 Ronald Hughes - 62-64 – Twin of Gerald

BM3 Gerald Hughes – 62-64 – Twin of Ronald

SN John Hughes – 62-64

HN Donald Labonte – 64-66 – Died at Quang Tri, VN – Purple Heart & Combat Action Ribbon

SN Norman Labonte 65-68

SF2 Marvin Meadows [SFC, USN-

RET] – 58-60

MM3 Patrick Meadows – 48-52

MMFN Paul Reeger – 69-70

IC3 Steven Reeger – 67-70

BT2 Charles Williams – 61-64

MM2 John Williams 64-64

FINANCIAL REPPORT

The cost of this issue is $379.48 mailed to dues paying members only.

Editor’s Note: Ernie Pina did the research to bring this interesting bit of infor-mation about brothers who served on the USS KD Bailey.


PHOTOS FROM THE 2015 REUNION

WORLD WAR II DISPLAY OUTGOING PRESIDENT & MRS SMALL AT FAR LEFT-

VP & MRS TOM SMITH ON LEFT ENJOYING TIME TOGETHER

NAUTALUS

MYSTIC SEAPORT TOUR ATTENDEES

NEW PRESIDENT FRED KARSHICK ON LEFT


COME SEE WHAT SAN ANTONIO HAS IN STORE FOR YOU IN 2016

San Antonio, the Jewel of Texas, is home to world famous hospitality, attractions, and visitor facilities. It is a tourist’s dream. The city is rich in history, having been settled by Spanish missionaries in the early 1700s. San Antonio is the tenth-largest city in the United States, with just over one million residents. The downtown area is one of the nation’s top choices for reunions. San Anto-nio’s diverse cultures provide a unique Tex-Mex flavor. The city is known for its huge celebrations and party at-mosphere, but it is also known for being very laid back and relaxing. There are several military bases in the ar-ea, and as a result, many military retirees choose San Antonio as their permanent home. Below are some of the most popular attractions in San Antonio, so read over them and decide which ones you would like to see most during your reunion.

ATTRACTIONS

The Alamo

On the east side of Alamo Plaza is the most famous spot in Texas where 189 defenders fell on March 6, 1836, after repeated attacks by Mexican General Santa Anna’s army. Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo) was established in 1718 as the city’s first mission. The chap-el, one of the most photographed facades in the nation, and the Long Barracks are all that remain of the original fort. Long Barracks Museum and Library are near the chapel. The museum contains relics and mementos from the Republic of Texas and offers narration on the fall of the Alamo. The Alamo is located in the heart of the city, inside beautifully landscaped grounds.

The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum

The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum is proud to have been voted "2002 Best Attraction" by the Downtown Alliance/San Antonio. Discover more than 120 years of history.... Texas style. Marvel at two stories of the most exotic col-lections you've ever seen, from our unique horn collec-tion, to cowboy memorabilia and fish from the Seven Seas. See a two headed calf and a lamb with eight legs! Test your hand in our authentic shooting gallery and ar-cade. Don't miss the world's only Wax Museum of Texas History. And, don't forget to swing by the Buckhorn Curio Store, where you'll find extraordinary Texas collectibles and authentic Buckhorn souvenirs for the entire family. Located a short two blocks from the Alamo and 50 feet from the River Walk.

Mission Concepcion

This church was named in honor of Our Lady of the Im-maculate Conception. Originally founded in 1716 in what is now Eastern Texas, the mission was transferred to its present site in 1731. It was dedicated in 1755 and ap-pears very much as it did over 200 years ago. The church is an excellent example of Spanish Colonial ar-chitecture, with colorful Moorish designs mixed with im-

ages showing heavy Native American influences. Mission Concepcion served for many years as the residence of the Father President, a missionary elected from among his Franciscan brothers. Friars held religious festivals here in an attempt to replace traditional Native American rituals by demonstrating Christian ideals through, among other things, morality plays and processionals such as Las Posa-das. Frescos covered the front of the church and possibly most of the church interior. Today only three of the mis-sion's rooms clearly show remnants of the colorful designs painted over 250 years ago.

Mission San Francisco de la Espada

Founded in 1690, near present-day Weches, Texas, this was the first mission in Texas. First named San Francisco de los Tejas, the mission was transferred to San Antonio in 1731 and given the name that it is known by today. The Spanish missions taught vocational skills to Native Ameri-cans in an attempt to help them become productive inhabit-ants. Among the vocations taught were blacksmithing, weaving, masonry, carpentry and farming. Irrigation already used by the Puebloan Native Americans was enhanced by construction of ditches, dams and a 15-mile network of aq-ueducts. The legacy of these Native American artisans is still evident throughout city of San Antonio today.

Mission San Jose

Founded in 1720, San Jose was the largest mission in the area. At its height of activity, its community consisted of about 300 Native Americans who subsisted on the harvest of its fields and livestock herds. It was known as the "Queen of Missions" with its imposing complex of stone walls, bastions, granary, and magnificent church completed in 1782. Restoration to its original state include the carved doors at the church's entrance, the image of Saint Anne holding the infant Mary on the facade of the church, and the rose window of the sacristy. The cedar door panel of the sacristy is the original door and may be one of the very few items of wood that survived from the colonial period.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

This stone church was built in 1756 along with a friary and a granary. San Juan was a self-sustaining community with Indian artisans producing iron tools, cloth and prepared hides. The rich farmlands made cultivating many crops pos-sible for the Indian farmers. The buildings of the mission standing today have no sculpturing, but the walls are thick and the rooms large. Most of the original square remains within the walls, offering an authentic picture of the mission plan. During the 1960s the chapel, priests' quarters, and other structures were rebuilt.

River Walk aka (Paseo del Rio) The River Walk is an approximately 2½ mile cobblestone and flagstone path, bordered on both sides by the San An-tonio River. It winds through the business district of the city



la. A gift shop is located inside the main entrance. Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site - The National Muse-um of the Pacific War The only institution in the continental United States dedicat-ed exclusively to telling the story of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and World War II in the Pacific Theater. Located on a nine-acre site, the complex includes The National Mu-seum of the Pacific War-George Bush Gallery, the Nimitz Hotel museum, the Japanese Garden of Peace, the Pacific Combat Zone, the Plaza of the Presidents, the Surface Warfare Plaza, the Memorial Wall, the Veterans Walk of Honor and the Center for Pacific War Studies. In addition to nearly 45,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space, the museum boasts an impressive display of Allied and Japanese aircraft, tanks, guns and other large artifacts made famous during the Pacific War campaigns.

Fredericksburg, TX

Fredericksburg is located in the very heart of the beautiful Texas Hill Country and has been blending German heritage and Texan hospitality for over 150 years, creating the kind of place that you will want to discover again and again. Stop by the Visitor Information Center, and the friendly and knowledgeable staff will make sure that you have all the info you need to make the most of your visit! For a quick over-view of the fun awaiting you, watch the 9-minute DVD presentation on Fredericksburg shown throughout the day in the Visitor Information Center theater. The city is filled with historic shops and fine traditional German food, restau-rants and bakeries. Shop for unique items along Main Street. LBJ Ranch - A National Historic Park Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park tells the story of our 36th President in a unique and encompassing way. The story begins with Lyndon Johnson's ancestors, tracing the influences his family and his beloved Texas Hill Country had on the boy and the man. In Johnson City, the visitor can see how LBJ influenced his home town by bringing the resources of the U.S. Government to bear on improving the lives of his friends and neighbors. The park also affords a special opportunity to visit a working cattle ranch, preserved in the late 1960s time period. On the LBJ Ranch it is possi-ble to experience the serenity and beauty from which the former president drew his strength and comfort. It is here that his final resting place is located. This entire "circle of life" gives the visitor a unique perspective into one of Ameri-ca's most noteworthy citizens by providing the most com-plete picture of an American president. Chuckwagon Supper at a Working Ranch The 7A Ranch is an authentic Texas cattle ranch. Here the residents watch the sunsets, not the traffic jams. Wood smoke may get in your eyes and the coffee is hot. There’s a herd, not just one steer. The 7A is the only working cattle ranch in the San Antonio area which hosts Chuckwagon partiesThey have been in operation for over 100 years and


and is filled with European-style sidewalk cafes, spe-cialty boutiques, nightclubs and hotels. Cruise on the river and enjoy a unique way to see the town and scenery of San Antonio. Green, lush foliage of towering cypresses, oaks and willows line the banks of the river, as well as gardens of flowers and ornamental plants. River taxis can deliver visitors to the Rivercenter, a dazzling shopping and entertainment complex for some more of San Antonio's fabulous shopping and dining.

San Antonio Botanical Gardens, Lucile Halsell Conservatory

Enjoy seasonal floral displays, a native forest walk, exotic plants, glass pyramids and an authentic log cab-in, all in this beautiful 33-acre garden. Gardens of dif-ferent varieties include the Old Fashioned Perennial Garden, Rose Garden, Sacred Garden, Garden for the Blind, Kuamoto (Japanese Garden) and collections representing different areas in Texas. Also on site is the Lucile Halsell Conservatory featuring plants from around the world. Displays include the Exhibit Room, Desert Pavilion, Tropical Forest Room, Palm House, and Fern Grotto. Each of these displays is housed in individual glass buildings tucked into the earth and sur-round a sunken courtyard and tropical lagoon filled with aquatic plants. The garden and conservatory are a wonderful attraction often overlooked by visitors to San Antonio.

Fort Sam Houston Fort Sam Houston is an active military base as well as a National Historic Landmark. It serves as headquar-ters for the Fifth Army and is home to the Army Medical Command and the Brooke Army Medical Center. Its history includes the service of Generals John J. "Black Jack" Pershing and Dwight Eisenhower and visits by Geronimo and Teddy Roosevelt. It also lays claim to being the birthplace of military aviation. Visitors may browse through the Fort Sam Houston Museum, which focuses on the history of the fort with displays of uni-forms, firearms, artillery, photos and other items. The original fort at Sam Houston, the Quadrangle, is also open for visitors. US Army Medical Department Museum

The AMEDD Museum is located on Fort Sam Houston, about three miles from downtown San Antonio. Though intended primarily for members of the Army Medical Department, the AMEDD Museum is open to the public and suitable for general audiences. Two spacious gal-leries in the Museum depict the history of the Army Medical Department with displays of medical equip-ment, uniforms, insignia and works of art. There is a significant collection of artifacts relating to Medical per-sonnel who were prisoners of war in the Pacific Thea-ter. Outside, a fully equipped hospital train ambulance car is displayed. Ambulances and other large items of medical equipment are displayed in the nearby pergo-

(Continued from page 6)


still raise beef the old fashioned way on the Texas range without feedlots or chemicals. The Chuckwagon Supper in-cludes old-fashioned pit BBQ beef brisket, ranch beans, pota-to salad, dinners rolls, ice tea and soft drinks. The evening also includes a hayride, cowboy show, western dance band and good hometown humor and hospitality. SAS Shoemakers Factory This San Antonio footwear store is such an institution that the website for the VIA bus line lists it among the city's attrac-tions. Men and women have been coming here to buy com-fortable, sturdy, and well-made shoes and sandals since 1976. The factory store, on the south side of town, is the one to visit; you can even take one of three daily tours Monday through Thursday. El Mercado

From early morning until late at night, Market Square is alive with activity. Visitors browse through the 32 shops at "El Mer-cado," an area patterned after an authentic Mexican market. In addition, there are 80 specialty shops in Farmers Market Plaza. Market Square is also the scene of many Hispanic festivals where food and beverage booths spring up along-side the Guadalajara lamps and the strains of mariachi music blend with the excitement of Mexican dances. La Villita A unique arts and crafts community with shops, working art-ists, restaurants and a post office. The Old San Antonio Ex-hibit (located in Bolivar Hall) houses a collection of art ob-jects, artifacts and symbols relevant to the history. This beau-tifully landscaped historic district offers leisurely shopping, dining and five rental venues for special events. La Villita is a San Antonio village located in the beautifully landscaped his-toric district. La Villita is Spanish for "Little Village". Filled with shops, working artists, and restaurants, you will find every-thing from jewelry to hand-woven clothing on display.

Pearl District The Pearl District is the site of a former brewery along the Museum Reach section of the famous Riverwalk and is San Antonio’s counterpart to Minneapolis’ Mill District and North Loop, but even more scenic. Here you will find some of the hottest restaurants in town, a craft brewpub, hip clothing and houseware boutiques, a homey, impeccably stocked indie bookstore and a famous farmers’ market. It all adds up to an oasis of individuality not seen in your average chain store shopping malls. And, no need for a car in the district—The Museum Reach is the turnaround basin for river taxis that come every 25 to 35 minutes and head back downtown. So come find something unique to take home to remember your visit to San Antonio!

As you can see, there’s LOTS to do in San Antonio! That’s why we need you input on what to plan for your tour agenda for the reunion. Fill out the form to the right and return as soon as possible so we can start planning!

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In order to provide the kind of reunion you want, not what we “think” you’d like, please take a few minutes to look over, complete and return this survey to Premier Reunion Services right away. The reunion agenda will be created from the responses and the Chairman’s input. Let you voice be heard. Mail sur-veys to:

Premier Reunion Services

PO BOX 11438

Hickory, NC 28603

OR FAX: 828-256-6559

Reunion format: Do you want entertainment after the Saturday night banquet? Yes _____ No _____

Please indicate which activities you would like to see on your reunion agenda:

The Alamo _____

Buckhorn Saloon & Museum _____

Mission Concepcion _____

Mission San Francisco de la Espada _____

Mission San Juan Capistrano _____

Paseo del Rio (River Walk) _____

Botanical Gardens Conservatory _____

Fort Sam Houston

US Army Medical Department Museum _____

Admiral Nimitz Museum & Fredericksburg _____

LBJ Ranch _____

Chuckwagon Supper _____

San Antonio Shoe Factory _____

El Mercado _____

La Villita _____

Pearl District _____

PLEASE RETURN SURVEYS BY

NOVEMBER 15, 2015

2016 KD BAILEY SURVEY

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