John Geraghty
Ken Werth
President Emeriti
Bob “Willie” Williams
Bill Kastens
Vice-President
Ruth Geraghty
President
1829 Kathleen Ct.
Secretary /Treasurer
1824 SW Village Dr.
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
18 E 37th St.
Topeka, KS 66604
Phone: 757-479-2733
Bayonne, NJ 07002.
Phone: 785-272-2604
Email: griswold5@verizon.net
Phone: 201-339-5155
Email: bmk1930@sbcglobal.net
Email: rwgeragbty@verizon.net
DIRECTORS: Warren Hopkins, Kent Thomas, Ron Orszag, Jack Chesnick
PIEDMONT NEWSLETTER—OCTOBER 2014
Piedmont sailors and their guests--about 100 in all--got more than expected at their 25th annual
reunion in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Sept. 10-14: SNOW. No problem, though. The
unseasonable snowfall only added to the astounding beauty of the hills without impeding our scenic bus
rides for three days.
Registration began Wednesday afternoon at the Ramada Inn in Rapid City. Many were on hand for the
Wednesday evening buffet at the Ramada. Bill introduced three of his children who accompanied him
to the reunion: David, LeeAnn and Ruth Kastens.
Also introduced was Eugene Wiesbeck of Humble, Texas, a BT who was among about 20 sailors
aboard who worked with Turkish officials in the after-sale transfer of the ship to the government of
Turkey in1982. Wiesbeck recounted some of his experiences. The Ramada provided evening buffets
Wednesday through Friday and complimentary breakfasts everyday.
After breakfast Thursday, our two chartered buses embarked for the first of three daily tours of the
area. A beautiful snow was falling upon arrival at Mount Rushmore but we could still partially see the
renowned huge carved faces of former U.S. presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and
Lincoln. However, the wetness of the snow made it appear the faces were crying.
Next stop Thursday was the Crazy Horse Memorial, honoring the Lacota leader Crazy Horse. This is
said to be the world's largest sculptural undertaking, and work began in 1948. After our 90-minute visit
here, we reboarded our buses en route to Custer State Park. We saw where General Custer discovered
gold in a small creek; where Custer and his soldiers camped; we also saw Custer's grave site. We then
enjoyed a delicious buffet luncheon at the State Game Lodge, which at one time was the U.S. Presidents'
Summer White House. Calvin Coolidge was the first President to stay there.
Thursday's bus travels concluded with a tour of downtown Rapid City; South Dakota's second largest
city with 67,000 population. One of the highlights were statues of all past U.S. presidents on the corners
of the central business district. In June of 1972, the second worst flood in U.S. history occurred in
Rapid City, with 273 persons losing their lives. In Memorial Park, a piece of the Berlin Wall is
displayed. The Civic Center was built in 1977 and the first concert there was by Elvis Presley, which
also was his final concert before his death.
Thursday's formal activities wound up with a buffet dinner at the hotel. Before and after dinner,
shipmates and guests congregated in the hospitality room, where Jack Chesnick and Willie
Williams and their wives stocked the room with snacks to accompany the cash bar throughout the
reunion.
Friday began at 8 a.m. with Spearfish Canyon as our first destination. This was an absolutely
spectacular drive, with snow-covered trees glistening from a bright sunny and crisp day. Steep and
huge granite rocks with waterfalls and a narrow drive added to the beauty. Bridal Veil Falls and
Roughlock Falls were especially popular spots for the photographers in our group.
Next we headed toward Deadwood, another old mining and history-rich town that has become also a
gambling mecca. Both coming and going we drove through Sturgis, famous for its motorcycle rallies
every year. As many as 500,000 bikers attend these rallies with the town's permanent residents (about
3,000) renting out their homes for the week. Tents, campers and motor homes are everywhere during
the rallies.
We had about 3 1/2 hours in Deadwood, disembarking at the Midnight Star, a hotel casino owned by
Kevin Costner of movie and television fame. Another ample buffet awaited us at the Silverado hotel.
Prior to lunch, in smaller buses, we went up a steep incline to Mt. Moriah Cemetery to see the grave
sites of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Wild Bill was fatally shot in the back on Aug. 2, 1876 by
Jack McCall. Eventually, McCall was found guilty of murder and was hanged. Our bus tours took us
by a tiny town named Piedmont. How appropriate, wouldn't you say?
At the Piedmont Association's annual business meeting Friday afternoon, President Kastens read a
letter of resignation from Ruth Geraghty, who has served with great honor and distinction as secretarytreasurer for the association its entire 25 years. Ruth said she regretted stepping down but believed the
time was right to do so.
Her resignation letter follows:
“It is with deep regret I write this note. It is more than 25 years ago since John decided to organize a
Piedmont reunion group. At the decommissioning in Sept. 1982, all the old sailors agreed we should get
together and so in 1989 they gathered and the reunions have grown every since. Some of the locations
we had difficulties such as Asheville, NC where they were doing renovations during our stay. The San
Diego reunion brought out many local sailors we had never seen before but we managed to
accommodate them with food service. The memories remain of good friends and good times but I
believe it is time to hand these chores over to a younger man. Kent Thomas, Overland Park, KS;
YN 1949-52, has consented to take over my duties. I thank everyone over the years for their patience
and kindness. My Very Best Wishes, Ruth Geraghty.”
The present slate of officers and directors was reelected: Bill Kastens, Pres.; Ken Werth, immediate
past president; Bob "Willie" Williams, vice president; KentThomas, secretary-treasurer and recorder;
and directors Jack Chesnick, Ron Orszag, and Warren Hopkins. David Engelbert, Highlands Ranch,
Colorado; BM 1971-73, was approved as a new Director. Willie Williams was recognized with a round of
applause for his diligence in planning this year's reunion and working with Bill in negotiating with the
hotel, bus companies, and other entities.
After general discussion, Albany, N.Y. was voted as the reunion location for 2015, winning out over
Buffalo and Boston. Charleston, S.C., was favored as the site for 2016. As usual, the final selection of
reunion sites depends on negotiated agreements and availability of hotels, bus tours, and local
attractions.
A motion was approved to take up a collection for Ruth Geraghty and send the money with a "thank
you" card for her extraordinary service. “Doc” Chandler, Avondale, AZ; HM2 1966-67 agreed to handle
this chore.
Prior to the Friday night dinner, Jack Chesnick and Bob Quandt conducted the annual "Missing
Sailor" ceremony to honor those shipmates and spouses who have died since the 2013 reunion. These 13
persons were recognized:
--Jim Byrne, Waukesha, Wis., MM, 1943-46 Plank Owner, who died Dec. 7, 2013.
--Frank Colarco, College Point, NY, PhM, 1943-46 Plank Owner, who died Nov. 24, 2013.
--Robert Dewey, Orlando, FL., ME 1948-52, who died in March, 2014.
--Gladys Francisco, Mt. Vernon, MO, (wife of Theodore Francisco, 1946-49), who died Sept.12, 2013.
--Zu Freeman, Longview, WA, (wife of Art Freeman,1950-54) who died May 20, 2014.
--Carol Hall, Southwest Harbor, ME(wife of Harold Hall, l954-56) who died April 1, 2014.
--Lyle Keyes, Scottsdale, AZ, Warrant Pay Clerk, 1944 Plank Owner, who died Oct.31, 2013.
--Ruth Kirby, Lithia Springs, GA. (wife of Floyd Kirby, 1947-50) who died April 12, 2014.
--Larry Miller, Albuquerque, NM, MR 1951-54, who died April 29, 2014.
--Joseph Reza, Artesia, CA, SN 1952-54, who died July 14, 2014.
--Don Running, Des Moines, IA, MM 1943-45 Plank Owner, who died Sept. 7, 2013.
--Basil Serfin, Finlayson, MN, QM 1943-47 Plank Owner, who died June 14, 2014
--Donald Scholl, Fairbury, NE, SN 1951-54, who died May 20, 2014.
Our third and final bus tour began at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and wasn't as chockfull as the
previous two days. We headed to the Badlands, which might be South Dakota's version of
the Grand Canyon. Located about an hour east of Rapid City, these fascinating formations
were the result of water and wind erosion. The rocks and hills consist of hard but porous
sand with water passing right through them. During the tour, we saw an old sod house,
several Big Horn Sheep, many prairie dogs, and even an antelope.
Next stop was Wall Drug, one of South Dakota's most popular destinations. The huge store is a
shopper's delight because it sells virtually everything small enough to carry. We had lunch on our own
during the hour and 15-minute visit. After that, we saw an Air and Space museum near Ellsworth Air
Force Base. More than 30 historic aircraft were on display with an emphasis on South Dakota aviation
history.
Saturday night's closing banquet and program were held at Mount Rushmore. One of
shipmate Bob Minick's great-granddaughters, 10-year-old Haylee Long, beautifully sang The
National Anthem to kick off the festivities. Dinner was a delicious gourmet buffet and was
followed by a short program recognizing several of our members. First, Rapid City
Counciman Richie Nordstrom welcomed and thanked us for having our reunion in Rapid City
during South Dakota's 125th anniversary.
Pres. Bill Kastens introduced officers and directors of the association, including new director David
Engelbert of Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Two plank owners in attendance were recognized: Bob
Minick of Glendale, AZ., and Joe Pietrosanti, Binghamton, NY. Others honored were Cmdr. Harold
Henkel,Virginia Beach, VA, oldest shipmate attending, at 96; Charles Stark, Elkland, MO., aboard the
Piedmont for five years, longest time of those attending, and Max Stumborg, Wildwood, FL, most
reunions attended: 24. Max also was recognized for traveling the longest distance to Rapid City.
Of the 44 Piedmont sailors who registered for all or part of the reunion, 12 were first-time attendees, a
remarkable showing. They were: Gerald Akers (wife Samantha), Mustang, OK; Thomas Amundson
(wife Jane), Sharon, ND; Benjamin Buchanan (wife Gloria), Austin, TX; Dave Cross (wife Wanda),
Brandon, SD; Robert Daley, Cottonwood, ID; Ken Kalkman, (guest Sharon Owen) St. Cloud, MN; Ron
Marx (wife Bee), South Fork, CO; Jerry Olson (wife Carolee), Somers, MT; William Schleifer (wife
Roxie), Caldwell, ID; Thomas Smyth (wife Mary Ann), Cookeville, TN; Tom Stults (wife Marilyn)
Sheridan, WY, and Robert Swanson, Omaha, NE. In addition, two former women military veterans
were recognized: Sharon Owen, who served in the Lady Marines, and Roxie Schleifer, the Navy Waves.
Following dinner, a patriotic program was held for the general public at the outdoor amphitheater at
Mount Rushmore. For the conclusion, Piedmont sailors and all other veterans, probably a hundred or
more, congregated on stage and each introduced himself or herself by announcing what branch of the
service he or she served. That completed, our buses returned us to the hotel and in effect, concluded our
25th reunion. (Incidentally, Cmdr. Henkel fell at the amphitheater and got a bump on his forehead.
Gratefully, he suffered no broken bones or other serious injury).
Shipmates began heading home or elsewhere Sunday morning with handshakes, hugs and vows to see
one another in Albany, NY in 2015.