Spring Newsletter

Fall Newsletter

USS SPERRY AS-12 ASSN.

NL #GG-15

Fall/Winter 2011

To:   Sperry Shipmates and Guests

From:   George GALLAS, President Emeritus

          All that attended the Sperry Reunion in Rapid City, SD and participated in the Tours in and around the area of Rapid City had a memorable time.  The weather was picture perfect and Site Chairman Marvin SPRACKLEN did a marvelous job in seeing to it that all planned events ran smoothly.

          As you will notice, I retired from the Assn. as the President and turned over the position to Ralph Holdridge, Jr, therefore, this will be my last Newsletter to you.  Even though Ralph is now your President, he had asked me to do this final Newsletter.

          The cake cutting ceremony was well attended and the “honorees” in making the initial cuts were Marvin Spracklen (oldest) and Ralph Holdridge, Jr (youngest) shipmates present.

          Thursday started off with Tour #1 to Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorials, Sylvan Lake, Needles Hwy, Iron Mt. Rd and viewing such picturesque scenery and wildlife (buffalo, antelope, prairie dogs and burros) then drive thru Custer town, up to Sylvan Lake and then to Needles Eye and thru tunnels in which the bus squeezed through with only inches to spare on each side and then back to Rapid City.

          Friday was Tour #2 for the Northern Hills Tour beginning with a drive thru Sturgis, then up to Spearfish Canyon.  A photo stop in Lead, SD at the Homestake Mining Co and gift shop.  Then on to Deadwood for a stop at the Chubby Chipmunk Chocolate candy store (very pricey).  Lunch in Deadwood followed by a side tour to Mt. Moriah Cemetery to see the graves of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.  On the return trip to Rapid City, the bus stopped for a visit to the Stavkirke Chapel and gift shop.

          Saturday was started off with the Business Meeting with the main topic being the nomination of Officers for the next term of 2011 – 2012.  As mentioned before, positions of President, Treasurer and Secretary had to be filled so that the Assn would not have to be dissolved.  George Gallas indicated last year that he would not be seeking re-election, after serving (10) consecutive years first as Secretary for (3) years followed by (7) years as President.  Treasurer Tony Ayala indicated he wished to be relieved of his duties as Treasurer for the past (11) consecutive years.  And since Jack Gunsett quit his duties of Secretary last October 2010 without good reason, that position had to be filled also.

          Jesus Moreno volunteered to accept the duties of Treasurer and Richard Downey volunteered to accept the duties of Secretary as well as continue performing the function of Assn Storekeeper maintaining the Sperry merchandise.

So the Board of Officers for the 2011 – 2012 term are as follows:

                   Ralph Holdridge Jr – President

                   Wayne Roy – 1^st V-President

                   Harvey Duty – 2^nd V-President

                   Jesus Moreno – Treasurer

                   Richard Downey – Secretary and Storekeeper

Congratulations to the above Shipmates for stepping up to the plate!

The Sperry Web Site is still being maintained by George Planic.  Contact any Board Officer to obtain the Members Only section ‘user name’ and ‘password’.

The Site for the next Sperry Reunion is Branson, MO and James Cobb is once again the Site Chairperson. 

          After the Business Meeting concluded, many of us went on Tour #3 to Custer State Park where a wonderful lunch was provided at the Bluebell Lodge followed by a drive  thru the Wildlife Loop to see buffalo and other animals.  A special stop along the way was made to feed the “begging burros” carrots provided by the tour guide.  A great experience for all that participated.  The burros were left to roam the park after the gold rush days were over with and are now taken care of by the Custer Park personnel.

          The Banquet Evening commenced with the usual social hour followed by a delicious dinner of steak or chicken with all the trimmings.  Entertainment provided by “The Menapause Sisters” was hilarious and enjoyed by all.  There were no Plank Owners in attendance this year to recognize but Pres.Gallas did recognize Marvin Spracklen for an outstanding job as Site Chairman and presented him with a framed Certificate of Appreciation.  Likewise, Pres. Gallas also recognized Tony Ayala for his (11) faithful years as the Treasurer of the Assn. and presented him with a framed Certificate of Appreciation

          The Installation of Officers then took place with Pres. Gallas doing the honors to the new Board of Officers.  At the conclusion, Marvin Spracklen, on behalf of the Sperry Assn,  presented retiring President Gallas with a hand made desk clock and pen set believed made by Red Denson from Sperry decking.  Also, Gary Elliott, on behalf of the Sperry Assn. presented George Gallas with an artist drawing of the port side of the USS Sperry showing where he worked as a Disbursing Clerk his (3) years of service from 57 – 60.

          Evening was ended with the singing by all of “God Bless America” led in the usual tradition by First Lady, Carole GALLAS.

Thanks again to all that participated in making this a memorable Reunion.  All your help and assistance was greatly appreciated.

One final reminder:  Dues are now due again.  Submit check payable to the ‘USS Sperry AS-12 Assn’ and mail to Treasurer Je’sus Moreno.

Latest info about Sperry Reunion in Branson, MO:  Dates are Wed 26 Sep thru Sun 30 Sep.  We will be staying at the Grand Plaza Hotel w/breakfast included.  Shows are Thur 27 Sep to see Andy Williams w/dinner included  at the Moon River Restaurant and on Fri 28 Sep we will go aboard the Showboat Branson Belle w/dinner included.  Free breakfast Thur-Fri-Sat-Sun mornings.  Total package cost of $289 per person.  Mark your calendar and start saving your monies.

Sincerely,

George GALLAS, Pres. Emeritus

USS Sperry AS-12 Assn

116    S. Higby St.

Jackson, MI, 49203-1521

517-784-7810

george-carole@sbcglobal.net