U.S.S. Allen M. Sumner DD-692
30th Annual "All Hands" Reunion

May 6-9, 2018 at Embassy Suites, Savannah, Georgia



Memories




The Embassy Suites


Greetings to Everyone. W O W !!!

I hope everyone is back home, safe, and back to your normal routine.
The Savannah Reunion is one that remain in our memories forever. Who would have ever thought that when Scotty and Linda, Connie and I met in Savannah in July last year, we would be making preparations for one of the best Reunions in our history. What started out as a bad "outlook", ended up being one of our best Reunions in our history! We went from hotels that didn't want our business, to the Embassy Suites that opened their arms to us and bending the rules to let us do things our way.
After we settled on the hotel late Wednesday we went back to the hotel, to do our "game plan". We were staying near the Hunter Army Air Field.
Connie and I had to head back to Texas early Thursday morning, so Scotty said he was going to take Linda to the base and see what he might be able to work up for the Memorial Service since his flight on "Buzzard Airlines" didn't leave until late Thursday evening. Well, THANK YOU Scotty and Linda!!! Because of your perseverance, we had one of the best Memorial Services I've ever seen. They met with Public Relations Officer, Stephen Hart, who started the procedure to have our Memorial Service and tour of the base. POC Action Officer Lt. Cody W. Ford brought us to Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth M. Duyer, Commander U.S. Army Garrison, Hunter Army Airfield. We can't begin to thank him enough for the hospitality he gave the Sumner Association for our Memorial Service. Thanks to the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division Color Guard. Thanks to Major C.H. Wilson, Hunter Army Airfield Garrison Chaplain. Thanks to the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division Brass Quintet. U.S. 3rd Infantry Division Rifle Volley. Thanks to the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division Band Member playing "Taps" and U.S. Navy hymn "Eternal Father". Thanks to the base for allowing us to eat with the troops in their Mess Hall. Many thanks for the tour of the Flight Line, which was very informative and interesting to all.
I also want to thank our Memorial Banquet guest speaker Commander Tim Eason, Executive Officer, U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Savannah, who not only shared great information with us at our Banquet, then joined us for our Memorial Service, but then went the EXTRA mile and took our Memorial Wreath and personally had it flown to Charleston, South Carolina, where it was delivered to the U.S.C.G.C. Chinook (WPB-87308), an 82 ft. Patrol Boat used in Vietnam with the Sumner. The wreath was then taken out to sea on May 10, 2018 to position 32-34.77N by 079-40.44W where it was deployed at sea. Thank you, CommanderTim Eason for completing the Memorial Service by having our Wreath taken to sea.
On behalf of the U.S.S. Allen M. Sumner Association we would like to Thank ALL of you that made our Memorial Service such a Great Event.
Looking forward to seeing everybody in Branson, The Most PATRIOTIC Town in America, May 5th through the 8th, 2019.

FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS

Frank DiBello
President
U.S.S. Allen M. Sumner Association


The Hospitality Suite

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Touring Savannah

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Banquet & Auction - May 7, 2018


John Shea Aleta Walters, Louise Jasch, Bobby and Mary Moore Hank Pelz and Dennis Carroll Marcie and Bob Kearns

Daniel and Lynette Barrs Gail Drooms and Frank Embrey Brian Williamson, Gerald Williamson, Jim and Karen Fredrckson Paul Delasco ans John Shea

Meryl and Paul Delasco Mitchell and Margaret Malpass Earlean and Bruce Fulbright/strong> Bill and Jocelyn Juzwiakowski

Don Hayden Rita and Pete Hart Bob and Karen Haderer Faith and Jose Gaecia

Pat and John Hruska Dave and Sara Robson Millie and Joe Drabick Judy and John Barry

Linda and Scott Kopfstein Frank and Connie DiBello CDR Timothy Eason USCG Faith and Jose Garcia

Paul and Lee Rosskamp Don Hayden Jim Gorman and Diane Legler John Shea and Christy Cochran

Dale Surber Pete and Gail Dromms

Our Guest Speaker CDR Timothy Eason USCG


The Auction


Lynette & Dan Barrs show how its done



The Memorial Service - Tuesday May 8, 2018



Waiting for the bus


The Memorial Service


Speaker: Lt Col. Kenneth Dwyer
Chaplain: MAJ Jon C. Wilson
Colors: The Fort Stewart Drill Team
Music: The Brass Quintet Band

The Ladies read the names of those lost at Ormoc Bay


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Passing the Memorial Wreath


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On to the Airfield and the Georgia National Guard


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Then to Hunter Army Airfield Cosolidated Dining Facility for lunch with the Troops


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A Thank You to our hosts


To: Steven Hart, Public Relations Officer, Hunter Army Airfield Base
From: Scott Kopfstein, USS Allen M Sumner Association

First I would like to thank so very much to SGT Proctor at the chapel. When we were there last July she took very good care of me and my wife. While I discussed what I needed for our reunion as far as our memorial service my wife got to watch the kids bible study class which impressed her even more. So after SGT Proctor went over everthing with me she hooked me up with Steven Hart. I was fortunate that he was still on base that day.
You were so very kind and gracious with all your help with lining up the reunion memorial. You went over step by step everything we needed for our memorial service and came thru with flying colors. We filled out a contract that day also. I was so happy when I left your office because we got everything I came for and more.
We had Capt. Branch lined up for our guest speaker at our banquet dinner but he got called away at the last mintue and was replaced by Commander Timothy Eason of the Coast Guard on base and he was awesome, gave a very moving speech on his experiencs from when he first joined and how things changed over the years. He stayed around most of the night and came to our memorial service the next day also. I think what amazed all of the crew that he was born in 1967 the year we were already in Nam.
Our memorial service the next day was the best we ever had along with the one we had in Cleveland. That is a great compliment as this was our 30th reunion in a row. Started with Posting of the Colors, they did a fantastic job, Lt Col. Dwyer was our guest speaker, he was very impressed with our memorial service and was a great great speaker. Every one there knew what he had been thru in combat and believe me we all have the deepest respect for him and all our military people still on active duty.
After all the names were read of our deceased we were honored to have the 21 gun salute by the CCCCm, they fired perfect, all you herd was one shot on each volly and that is a compliment because that is hard to do especially for all the old men on our honor guard team. The Bugler played taps which is always a tear jerker.
As we passed the USS Allen M Sumner Wreath the Brass Quintet Band played the Navy Hym, they sounded with perection. I also would like to thank Chaplain Wilson for opening our ceromony with a prayer and that was also a beautiful.
Now we had a tour of the helicoper pad, Lt Cody Ford stayed with us all day, thank him so very much, very helpful. The people inside the helicopter pad did a great, great job explaining everything that was the job of the different helo's.
Last stop was the mess hall, we could not believe all the different foods and drinks that they offer. Good tasting food too””””. We actually thought for the 5 dollars we would get a sandwich and a drink, thats what we got in Annapolis. What a meal, the only thing missing was a Budwiser, ha ha. In closing The entire crew of the USS Allen M. Sumner would like to express there gratitude for all you did and please let everyone at Fort Stewart that came up a great Bravo Zulo. That”s a old Navy Term our old Captain used to give us for a job well done. I almost forgot, Commander Tim Eason of the Coast Guard took our memorial wreath personally and flew his helo out to the Coast Guard Cutter CHINOOK and lowered the wreath so they could place it out at sea. What a great thing to do meant a lot to all of us. God bless him and please thank him for that also.

Sincerely
Scott Kopfstein
USS Allen M Sumner Asscotiation
Past Commander Medina VFW Post 5137

Our wreath after the Memorial Service


From: Joyce, Sean P AETCM
Date: Tuesday, May 08, 2018, 12:38 PM
To: Kucera, Keith E BMCS , Adams, Mark W BMCM , Konrad, Gregory S BMC , Lorentz, Adam J BMC
Subject: request to drop wreath at sea

Guys,
We received a request to drop a memorial wreath at sea for the destroyer USS Allen M Sumner DD692. The XO attended their annual ceremony for the remaining crew members and they asked to put it over the side. They also requested some pictures of the event for XO to send to them. Of course we can drop it out of the Helo but I don't feel that would satisfy the spirit of the request. Can any of you assist with this?

Very Respectfully, Sean Joyce, CMC
USCG Air Station Savannah
1297 North Lightning Road
Savannah, GA 31409-4703
From: Adams, Mark W BMCM
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2018 6:14 PM
To: Joyce, Sean P AETCM
Subject: RE: request to drop wreath at sea

Good afternoon. CHINOOK deployed the USS Allen M. Sumner memorial wreath off Charleston, SC on May 10, 2018 in position 32-34.77N by 079-40.44W. Pictured are BM2 Brennan Howard and CS2 Joseph Chandler.

v/r,
BMCM Mark W. Adams
Officer in Charge, USCGC CHINOOK
From: Joyce, Sean P AETCM
Sent: Friday, May 11, 2018 7:13 AM
To: Eason, Timothy W CDR
Subject: FW: request to drop wreath at sea

Mission complete. See below.

Very Respectfully,
Sean Joyce, CMC
USCG Air Station Savannah
1297 North Lightning Road
Savannah, GA 31409-4703
From: "Eason, Timothy W CDR"
Date: May 15, 2018 at 15:24:07 CDT
To: "dibellofp@aol.com"
Cc: "Branch, Marshall CAPT"
Subject: FW: request to drop wreath at sea
Good afternoon Frank,
Thank you again for the opportunity to join the distinguished veterans of the USS Allen M. Sumner! It was truly an honor and a pleasure to spend the evening with you all and to participate in the Memorial service. After we spoke about Coast Guard WPB’s (82’ patrol boats) in Vietnam service alongside the Sumner, I thought it only appropriate that the wreath would be deployed at sea by the local WPB. The USCGC Chinook (WPB-87308) is an 87’ patrol boat homeported here in Savannah. CHINOOK deployed the USS Allen M. Sumner memorial wreath off Charleston, SC on May 10, 2018 in position 32-34.77N by 079-40.44W. Pictured are BM2 Brennan Howard and CS2 Joseph Chandler. The first 2 pictures are of that moment and the third picture was taken inside one our MH-65D helicopters on its way to Charleston. I hope you and the crew enjoy the pics! If you ever find yourself in Savannah and need anything, please don’t hesitate to call.
v/r,
Tim
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BM2 Brennan Howard and CS2 Joseph Chandler aboard USCGC CHINOOK (WPB-87308) prepare for the ceremony


The Crew



Front Row: Frank Dibello, Bobby Moore, John Barry, Scott Kopfstein,Bill Juzwiakowski, Hank Pelz, Gerald Williamson
Middle Row: Dave Robson, Joe Drabick, Jim Frederickson, Pete Hart, John Hruska, Jose Garcia, Paul Rosskamp, Cliff Selig, Jim Gorman
Top Row: Fred Willshaw, Dan Barrs, Pete Dromms, John Shea, Mitchell Malpass, Bob Haderer, Dennis Carroll, Bruce Fulbright, Dale Surber, Paul Delasco, Bob Kearns, Don Hayden

Thank Frank & Connie DiBello, Pete & Gail Dromms and Don Hayden for sharing their photos with us.



Sailing List

 

Scott and Linda Kopfstein w/ Charlotte & Scott Vandal (SK3 66-68)
Pete and Gail Dromms (FTG2/MAA 66-67)
James and Karen Fredrickson (ETN2 66-67)
Francis Embrey (RM2 64-68)
Bruce & Earlean Fulbright (TM3 62-64)
Fred Willshaw (SK1 67-69)
John & Pat Hruska (MR3 68-71)
Hank Pelz (BTC 62-67)
Aleta Walters (wife of Charles MM2 61-62)
Mitchell and Margaret Malpass (MM2 63-67)
Frank & Connie DiBello (RM3 66-68)
Clifford Selig (SN 66-68)
Joe & Millie Drabick (BT3 65-68)
Don Hayden (TM3 61-62)
Bob and Karen Haderer (BT2 63-68)
Dave and Sue Robson (SH3 66-70)
Pete and Rita Hart (BT3 65-68)
John Shea w/ Christy Cochran BM3 (64-65)
Gerald Williamson w/ Brian Williamson FN (69-71)
John & Judy Barry DC2 (65-69)
Paul and Eileen Rosskamp BT3 (68-71)
Bobby and Mary Moore with Guest Louise Jasch MM2/MMC (61-69)
Daniel and Lynette Barrs QM1 (63-68)
William & Jocelyn Juzwiakowski TM3 (61-63)
Paul & Meryl Delasco IC2 (61-64)
James M Gorman & Diane D Legler MM3 (66-68)
Jose and Faith Garcia BT-2 (66-68)
Dale Surber EN2 (68-71)
Robert & Marcie Kearns (FTG2 66-68)
Dennis Carroll (LTJG 64-66)

See you in Branson 2019 !