49th reunion NAS and all squadrons 1941 - 1968 at FRA Branch 147 Post Home :
Contact: CDR Ralph Feeback, 205 Poinsetta Drive, Sanford, Fl. 32773
Phone: 407-302-2252
Email: rlfrsf@aol.com
- Jun 21, 2017 to Jun 25, 2017
- Location: Branch 147 Post Home
- Latest Activity: Dec 11, 2020
Comments
To all "haters"! Apparently you DO NOT understand! The reason for the demise of Branch 147 is YOUR fault! If you "old timers" want the Branch to go back to the old days, I suggest you get off your asses and DO SOMETHING!!
Many old sailors are DEAD, in case you haven't heard. And, to those looking for a handout the Fleet is better off that you're gone!
As for those that travel long distances to attend a reunion, GOD BLESS you! But, PLEASE don't compare Sanfords branch with any other!!. Each is different and remember, back in the day, Sanford's main source of revenue was the Navy and those sailors and Marines stationed there; like any other town when it's main source of revenue leaves..
Shipmates, the last reunion I attended, two years ago, in Sanford was a nightmare. First, I am a 100% DAV from the Navy. Second, I drove 0ver 700 miles from Virginia Beach to attend. When I arrived I discovered that branch 147 had no control over the club. It was a 'veterans' club ran privately and not by the branch. It is now called the "Fleet". I stayed a while my first day chatting with old shipmates from the sixties and I returned the next day to spend more time and to my surprise choice seats at the bar were "reserved" for the kitchen help. I make a trip at great expense including hotel accommodations to surrender a bar stool for the volunteers? Pure crapola! That night I contacted an intoxicated kitchen manager and was told that her girls came first. I contacted the club manager and was told that that was too bad, the girls came first, this guy was offended telling me that I was the only one that complained, more BS! Later in the week I contacted the Branch President to complain and was told the branch had nothing to do with the club. Too bad for us old timers. I was contacted by the branch recently with an invite to this years reunion and they were extremely evasive as to how the reunion would be handled this year. I did receive a testy e-mail from a person that I cannot find on the board of the branch or anything that shows her affiliation with the club. All I can say is that if you decide to go to Sanford go at your own peril. The "fleet" is single minded in the operation of the club and do not seem to care if anyone visiting is offended. The concern is more with the volunteers and regulars that they are about those of us who return year after year at our own expense in loyalty to our shipmates and our old commands. Lets hope these communications will open their eyes and make the appropriate changes to accommodate us old timers. Sit back and watch as the "Fleet" destroys our reunion.
Will have to check my projects list. Brad Jones' comment on FRA Branch 147 B. Duke Woodie), unfortunately is all too true. Bingo-n-beerhall: an all-branches club that's main feature is cheaper hootch. The dearth of interest by vets and retirees in most if not all Service-oriented clubs (with or without attached bars-n-buildings) may not have begun with Vietnam-era (of which I am one: from the green side of the Naval Service team much to wingwiper A3-D - and later A3D-2T - all with VAH- and later RVAH-3's time in Sanford - dad's chagrin) speaks of a lerger issue: how do we retain interest in such clubs in the face of so much disinterest, competition for dollars and time, and a general seeming disinclination by the younger set to associate? I have posted some pics in the past of a squadron party out by Lake Golden, but that was pretty much a closed affair. Dad used to host half-section parties in the basement of our converted barracks home at NAS Argentia, Newfoundland when he was attached to the Crash Crew prior to being sent from FASRON-51 to NAS Sanford...I grew up a Navy Brat in Sanford from Second Grade through the first few years of College before going to see the elephant a Marine. If work schedule permits, I will check out the reunion: most of the people I knew from Mom and Dad's time are gone now, and perhaps some of their kids remain. I shall post the notice on Facebook and yell to the few I know personally.