July 2018

USS JOHN W WEEKS DD-701 ASSOCIATION

NEWSLETTER

Dear Shipmates
It is time for another Reunion
already! I cannot believe how
time flies the older I get. Planning
for a reunion is a year around
Now Hear This!
event for your Board of Directors. A REMINDER TO ALL
All of the details for this year’s SHIPMATES
event are included in this THE DEADLINE FOR THE
Newsletter. Be sure you read 2018 REUNION
everything and submit your REGISTRATION IS AUGUST
reservation forms as soon as possible. 18. WE MUST RECEIVE
YOUR COMPLETED
Our Mini-Reunion/Business Session was held last month. It was
REGISTRATION FORM
hosted by John and Deb Santopietro at their home in
AND CHECK ON OR
Linglestown, PA. They were great hosts and fed us well!
BEFORE THIS DATE!
We did make a couple of changes for this year. By popular
demand we have moved our Business Session to 10:00 am Thank you!
on Saturday to let everyone sleep in for an extra hour. The
other main change is that on your reservation form will be a
place for you to vote for one of three possible locations for Shipmates!
our 2019 Reunion. Please be sure and mark your vote. The
Please make sure that
results will be announced at our Business Session.
we have both your
Among the other suggestions made at the Mini was to serve correct Email and
some type of a meal at our Welcoming Session this year as mailing address.
well as adding a Message Board to the Hospitality Room for
people to be able to leave messages such as where people are going to dinner or if you
need a ride. One other item that we discussed was the upcoming elections to fill the
vacancies on the Board of Directors. We discussed how we were going to get volunteers
from the Vietnam group to fill the three vacancies we currently have. At the discussion, I
was informed that we do have volunteers who have mentioned it to some of the Board

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members at last year’s reunion. As a result of the discussion that I would resign this year
instead of next in order to get a Vietnam President elected now. Elections for a President,
Vice-President, Secretary and a Board of Directors member will be held this year at the
Business Session.

The next Mini-Reunion/Business Session will be hosted by Phil Varner in New Jersey in May
2019.

Due to another pending commitment I will not be able to attend the Reunion this year.

By the time this newsletter is published, I will have given a presentation on Bruce Biggar to
the Historical Society in his hometown near Chicago. Bruce is the only sailor to be killed in
action aboard the USS John W. WEEKS during the last days of WWII. I will miss being there
with you but be assured that I will be speaking at several venues about the WEEKS.

Alan Cutcher

PLANK OWNER AND BOARD DIRECTOR EARL THOMAS PASSES

Earl Thomas passed away July 4 at his home with his wife
Joanne holding his hand. Joanne and Earl were married for 65
years. Earl was not only a Plank Owner but an original member
of the Weeks Association when it was organized in 1986. He
also served as a board director dating back to 1986. While
serving aboard the Weeks during World War II, he was part of
the detail that prepared Bruce Biggar for burial at sea. Upon
discharge from the Navy, Machinist Mate Second Class Petty Officer Thomas finished high
school and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.
Earl enjoyed attending the Weeks Reunions so much and rarely missed one. We will miss
him.

MISC.

Shipmate Walt Hyde recently reported to us that in addition to Bruce Biggar and the
unknown sailor killed aboard the Weeks in 1968, there was indeed a third sailor killed while
serving on the Weeks. The latter death occurred in 1953. At that time, electrician mates
were responsible for showing movies to officers in the wardroom. Walt says they were told
that this sailor was electrocuted when he plugged in the projector.

A reminder to send any information relative to shipmates ailing health or of their passing to
Chaplain Kathy Michaels. The TAPS and SICK CALL write-ups will resume starting with the
fall edition of the newsletter. The proper format for this information is still being reviewed by
the Board.

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WEEKS REUNION 2018: THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS, A POPULAR
MOUNTAIN RESORT, FACTORY OUTLETS AND MORE
There is a beautiful little mountain town sitting at the entrance to the great Smoky
Mountain National Park. It’s called Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Even after the devastating
forest fire last year the area remains spectacular. You will be missing wonderful sites,
scenic views and adventures if you pass on the 2018 USS John W. Weeks Association
Reunion. The reunion begins on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 and runs to Sunday,
September 16, 2018. All the officers and board members are looking forward to you
joining us starting with a light supper at the Welcome Reception Wednesday evening.

Thursday Morning: Back Roads & Bush Bean Visitor Center Tour

This trip will take you “back into the country”. Visit the places and people Dolly Parton
sang about. Hear amusing stories of her childhood and high school experiences while
growing up in these mountains. Enjoy beautiful scenery & hear the history of this beautiful
area as you travel to the famous Bush Bean Visitor’s Center and General Store, home of
that famous Pinto Bean Pie! Once there, you will have plenty of time to explore, shop and
if you want, grab a bite to eat . . . just don’t forget the pie.

Thursday Evening: Smoky Mountain Opry in Pigeon Forge

The largest and most attended musical variety show in the Smokies! “Feel the Music” is a
show that brings new productions and audience favorites. It’s a journey through the
music of your life, from high-energy country to rock ‘n roll, big band, gospel and movie
greats. From the moment the show begins you’ll be immersed in a reverie of music and
dance. Lynn and I believe you will enjoy this experience as we did.

(Transportation is on your own. Carpooling seems like a good idea.)

Friday Morning: Smoky Mountain Special Tour

Enjoy a four hour journey to the upper reaches of the Great Smoky Mountains National
Park. As you ride on this tour, you will experience some of the most spectacular and
panoramic views that the Smokies have to offer. On this tour you can visit the Sugarland’s
Visitor Center, enjoy beautiful mountain overlooks, see Newfound Gap where President
Teddy Roosevelt dedicated the National Park, and experience Clingman’s Dome at 6,643
feet in elevation. This is not only the highest point in the Smoky Mountains but it is the
highest point in Tennessee and the 3rd highest east of the Mississippi. On clear days, the
visibility is more than 100 miles.

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Hotel Information

The reunion is being held at the Glenstone Lodge which is located at 504 Historic Nature
Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Check-in time is 3:00 PM.

1. Online reservations can be made at www.glenstonelodge.com click on:

rate/reservations, enter dates you plan to stay, click on “do you have a group code” and
enter group code: WEEKS18.

2. Phone reservations can be made by calling 1-(800) 362-9522 & dial 1 for individual
reservations and identify yourself with USS John W Weeks Association at the time of the
reservation.

Other Information

Anyone interested in hiking a short trail in the Smokies with Frank Scalata on your free time,
contact Frank at (972) 273-0932. Frank served aboard the Weeks 1968-69.

I think I have scheduled in enough free time for you to explore downtown Gatlinburg. It’s
only three blocks away from the Glenstone Lodge. There is a trolley stop at our hotel if
walking is not your thing.

I’m still working on getting discounts for tram rides, chairlifts, restaurants and other
activities. This information will be posted at the reunion.

Any questions feel free to call me directly.

Phil Varner Home # 856-464-1727 Cell phone # 856-229-2920

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 USS JOHN W. WEEKS DD701 2018 REUNION
GATLINBURG, TN

SEPTEMBER 12 TO SEPTEMBER 16, 2018

REUNION ADGENDA

Wednesday, Sept. 12 Events Location

11:00 AM Setup Highlander Room

3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Reunion Registration Highlander Room

3:00 PM Hospitality Room Open Highlander Room

6:00 PM Small Buffet Served Highlander Room

7:00 PM Welcome Meeting Highlander Room

Thursday, Sept. 13 Events Location

8:45 AM – 9:10AM Hospitality Room Open Highlander Room

9:15 AM Bush Bean Center Tour Hotel Lobby

Meet in hotel lobby

9:30 AM Board bus for Bush Bean Center Hotel Lobby

Lunch on your own at Bush Bean

Bus returns approx. 3:30 PM

3:30 PM Hospitality Room Open Highlander Room

Liberty begins
Dinner on your own.

6:00 PM Time to depart for Smoky Mt. Opry

Provide your own transportation (carpooling)
Pickup your tickets up at the theatre.
2046 Pigeon Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

8:00 PM Smoky Mountain Opry Show Starts

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Friday, Sept. 14 Events Location

8:30 AM Smoky Mountain Upper Elevation Hotel Lobby

Tour. Meet in hotel lobby.

9:00 AM Board bus for Smoky Mt. Tour Hotel lobby

Bus returns approx. 12:30 PM

12:30 PM (approx.) Liberty begins

Lunch and Dinner on your own

1:00 PM Hospitality Room Opens Highlander Room

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Board Meets Room 235

Saturday, Sept. 15 Events Location

9:00 AM LITE BREAKFAST BUFFET SERVED Azalea Room

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Business Meeting (everyone attends) Azalea Room

12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Hospitality Room Open Highlander Room

12:00 PM Liberty begins

Lunch on your own

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Cocktail Hour Bar Open Azalea Room

Time to purchase 50/50 tickets

6:30 PM Banquet Dinner Azalea Room

8:00 PM Memorial Service for Lost Shipmates Azalea Room

AFTER MEMORIAL SERVICE THE HOSPITALITY ROOM REOPENS

8:30 – 10:00 PM Navy Trivia & Open Mic Highlander Room

In Hospitality Room

10:00 PM – 11:00 PM Hospitality Room Clean up Highlander Room

Sunday, Sept. 16 HOTEL check out and have a safe trip home.

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See y’all in Gatlinburg, TN

Gateway to the Smokies!

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USS John W Weeks Association
1118 Lincoln Ave.
Port Huron, MI 48060

We are on the WEB!

www.ussjwweeks701.org

President:
Alan Cutcher - (810) 984-4670 wc1996@aol.com
Vice President:
Dave Kurtz - (717) 366-4610 davejudy55@gmail.com
Treasurer:
Ray Goodmuth – (410) 758-6596 raygoo@live.com
150 Harmony Way Centreville, MD 21617
Secretary/vacant post
Chaplain:
Kathy Michaels - (757) 898-1650 kfmichaels@cox.net
Directors:
Bob Michaels - (757) 898-1650 remichaels@cox.net
Phil Varner - (856) 464-1727 tobosopv@yahoo.com
Directorship/vacant post
John W. Weeks Museum Contact:
Rachel Bruce - 1-603-788-4004 Rachel.bruce@dred.nh.gov
Newsletter Editors:
Dave Kurtz & Ray Goodmuth

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