Fred's Place - The Place To Meet Old Coast Guard Shipmates

The CGC Dependable's 2006 Reunion
Ahoy and welcome as we join the CGC Dependable's 2006 Reunion in Panama City, FL.

We are indeed fortunate to have a photo record of the Dependable's 2006 Reunion. Unfortunately some photos are not displayed due to technical problems. I apologize to those crew members that we might have missed in publishing only a small sample of the photos taken during the reunion.

The Coast Guard Cutter Dependable, previously homeported in Panama City, FL now homeported in Cape May, NJ.

The foundation for the idea for a Dependable Reunion was launched in 2003 by David and Beverly Taylor. They developed some basic plans, later bringing Alice Grimes, Kenneth and Margaret French aboard to assist with the Reunion Planning. Kenneth and Margaret French suggested that Gary Palmer, the twelfth Dependable Commander, be contacted to bring his knowledge and expertise for the latter years in Panama City to the Planning Committee. 12 October 2005, David Taylor heard about John C. Raffield writing a 72-year history of the Coast Guard in Panama City, including the twenty-three year history of the Dependable WMEC-626. David Taylor called to ask if he would be interested in attending the Reunion, and if he was interested in helping with Reunion planning. It was at that time, that John C. Raffield came along side to work with the Committee. Shortly after that, Betty Holmead, widow of Dependable Cdr. John H. Holmead, the fifth Dependable Commander, was asked to join the Planning Committee and be the local Panama City, FL contact.

The Mission was to bring together after fourteen years as many Dependable shipmates that served aboard her for any of the twenty-three years she was homeported in Panama City, FL, 1969-1992.

The Planning Committee, composed of David and Beverly Taylor, Alice Grimes, Kenneth and Margaret French, Gary Palmer, Betty Holmead, and John C. Raffield, was now underway to make it happen. Each committee member had their “specialty,” contacts, past experience, other areas of expertise and assignments to make a unified effort to meet the Reunion deadline. The Committee ended up with more planned activities, Dependable memorabilia, and items for drawings to offset expenses than time allowed, so we went with what we had ‘in progress’ and didn’t take on additional last minute projects that would cost money.

There were only a few last minute changes to the initial schedule and plans, with the end result being:

20 April, Thursday, The Holiday Inn Select, Panama City, FL was selected as the point of contact and Reunion Headquarters.

1300 hrs - Registration began and orientation for Reunion Events. Dependable coffee mug or ball cap, other Dependable and Coast Guard memorabilia was given to each shipmate. Aside from the initial reunion registration fee, Dependable buttons, postcards and other Coast Guard items and memorabilia were available for a reasonable donation to help offset general reunion expenses for snack foods, cold plates, Bar-B-Que, registration room, Main Deck, and two Outdoor Pavilions during our three day event.

1800 hrs - Cold snacks and drinks were available. This special time was allotted to meet old shipmates and get acquainted with shipmates of other years was a very unique time to kick off the Reunion. Throughout the evening, shipmates continued to type their personal bio and stories for the Reunion Notebook.

21 April, Friday

1100 - 1700 hrs - We met at the Naval Surface Warfare Center’s two outdoor pavilions located on beautiful St. Andrew Bay. All security issues were met prior to the Reunion for the two days we were meeting on the Base, which only required photo ID when entering the main security gate. This fellowship time of sharing memories was very special for all those in attendance. Everyone enjoyed snack trays till BBQ time at 1500 hrs. The weather was sunny, high temperature 78, and was very comfortable with the 8-10 mph breeze coming in off St. Andrews Bay.

22 April, Saturday

1000 - 1400 hrs - Met at the “Main Deck” on the Naval Surface Warfare Center Base where shipmates shared their special personal photo albums, scanned photos, and continued to type their personal bio and stories for the Reunion Notebook. Most agreed that this 4-hour window wasn’t enough time, but the ‘working crew” needed to refresh before preparing Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant decorations, awards, and items for drawing at the Reunion Banquet.

1800 hrs - Dependable Reunion Banquet at Capt. Anderson's Restaurant on the waterfront at Grand Lagoon, Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, Florida where Special Recognition and Awards were presented, and RAdm Robert Duncan, Commander of the 8th District, was the keynote speaker for the evening. Each Dependable Commander was introduced by a shipmate or special Coast Guard family member prior to their ‘comments and memoirs’ under their command. A special time was devoted to those that had Crossed The Bar. We stayed until the waiters/waitresses shut down the Restaurant at 2400 hrs. Shipmates continued to talk outside, at 0015 hours, 23 April 2006, “The First Ever Dependable Reunion” was now history! Everyone was exhausted, however, it was later found that several were making plans for the next reunion on their drive home throughout the four corners of the United States.

Although Panama City’s landscape, motels, apartments, restaurants, streets, and “old” Hathaway Bridge changed over the years, John C. Raffield, Reunion Historian, noted that the respect, duty, attitudes, and devotion initially set by the Dependable’s first crew was passed on through the years unchanged and was as strong as ever during the entire Reunion. John was often heard saying that the loyalty, dedication, and Espirt de Corps among the shipmates at all levels continued to be openly shown throughout the days of the Reunion after all these years.

The Planning Committee had initial concerns during the last three months of planning regarding being able to meet reunion expenses and not having a lot of Dependable 2006 Reunion memorabilia left over. However, not forgetting the Dependable’s Motto, “Count On Us” was again demonstrated. Not only did the Reunion meet it expenses, but plans are underway to send $1,000.00 of our Reunion Funds to fully fund the Veterans Memorial's Coast Guard Memorial Plaque at Panama City's Pier Park for crewmembers that have Crossed the Bar who served in Panama City, and any other unit in the Coast Guard. An additional $300 will go to the Coast Guard Morale Fund at the 8th Coast Guard District.

It might be noted that not only did we meet our initial attendance goal of 80, we exceeded it with 105 coming to share their memories and photos. Other noteworthy items: Six Plank Owners were able to attend this “First Ever” Reunion, including the first Commander, Richard Cueroni, along with John Hanson, R.W. “Curly” Davis, James G. Padgett, P.B. Lee, and Jim Nolan, who was also the Dependable’s Hull Inspector while she was under construction in 1968. Six of the thirteen Dependable Commanders attended the three days: Richard Cueroni, Jack Cadigan, Richard Thompson, Bill Merlin, Robert Fenton, and Gary Palmer, (see 04.22.06 Banquet photos). Historical note: two of the thirteen commanders had Crossed the Bar: John Witherspoon (thirteenth commander) in 1994 and John H. Holmead (fifth commander) in 1996.

The credit for the success of the “First Ever” Dependable Reunion not only goes to the Committee, and the 105 shipmates that were able to attend, but also those that couldn’t attend but continually put-the-word-out, including the support of Fred’s Place. Plans are now under way for a Spring 2008 Dependable 40th Anniversary Reunion to celebrate her initial commissioning in Cleveland, Ohio, 22 November 1968.

John C. Raffield, Reunion Historian, took numerous photos throughout the 3-day Reunion. He has plans to put these photos and other Reunion related items into the Bay County Public Library’s Local History Department as he continues to establish the Coast Guard seventy-three year presence in Panama City’s local history, and the Coast Guard’s 8th District History.

Photos

Dependable 2006 First Ever Reunion Banner

Registration - Richard Cueroni, first commander & Plank Owner with John C. Raffield, Reunion Historian Registration - Richard Thompson, third commander with John C. Raffield, Reunion Historian

Visiting and mingling: Richard Cueroni, Alice Grimes, Margaret French and Shelton "Doc" Caudler at registering Jon McManis. David Taylor talking with Marshall Smith

Visiting and mingling: Richard Cueroni talking with Jim Padgett, David Taylor in background with hands on hip Alice Grimes working with Marcelino Zabal on printing photos for display board

USCGC Eagle donated by Alice Grimes in memory of her husband James D. for drawing Pilot's Wheel Clock donated by Richard Cueroni for drawing

Visiting and mingling: Marshall Smith, Pat Hanson, John Hanson, and Ann Padgett Registration - Gary Palmer, twelfth commander with John C. Raffield, Reunion Historian

Visiting, and sharing memories and photos: ???, ???, Marcelino Zabal, Theresa Zabal ???, and ??? Bev Taylor / Sitting: Cathrine Smith, Betty Holmead, Shelton 'Doc' Caulder. Jimmy Padgett back to camera, David Taylor, Gary Palmer, and ??? with CG shirt

Visiting, and sharing memories and photos: Richard Thompson, Marshall Smith, Sophia Ebner, Fred Ebner, and Alice Grimes with back to camera Visiting, and sharing memories: Donna Burdine, Murph Burdine, James Stubbs, Betty Frye, Navelle Meckel and Stanley Meckel

Visiting, and sharing memories: Tommy Moore, ???, Marcelino and Theresa Zabal, ??? Marshall Smith, back to camera, Joy Raffield, David Taylor, Beverly Taylor, Catherine Smith

Jon McManis (back to camera), Richard Thompson, Betty and Roy Kimball in cowboy hat Ann Padgett, Addie Kimball at table accepting donations for drawings

Registration continues …busy, busy, busy Finger foods and visiting

Pretty nice cold plate layout. David Taylor (far right) pours up cold drinks David Taylor pours up cold drinks and manages his old job of food service

Mingling, snacking, continuing to Register Mingling, snacking, continuing to Register

Mingling, going for the snacks, continuing to Register Assessing the activities and serving up drinks …hard to give up your old food service job

Beverly Taylor, Sally Davis, Curly Davis, and Jim Nolan …what do Plank Owners talk about! Mingling, snacking, continuing to Register

Addie Kimball, and Ann Padgett at table of displays for drawings Betty Holmead and Shelton "Doc" Caulder at registration table

Jim Nolan, Alice Grimes, Joy Raffield, and Beverly Taylor e???changing stories and getting acquainted Chris Oberst and ??? talking over old times

Kenneth French, Judy Griffin, Fred Griffin, and Margaret French small group discussion Registration - Bill Merlin, fourth commander with John C. Raffield, Reunion Historian

"Doc" Caulder registering ??? who is trying to e???plain the situation David Taylor in the middle of the crowd giving instructions for ne???t day activities

David Taylor in the middle of the crowd giving instructions for ne???t day activities Pavilion Bar-B-Que: Jack Cadigan, Terry Schoeninger, Peggy Cadigan, Jimmy Padgett, Ann Padgett, Pete Lee, and Susan Schoeninger.

Pavilion Bar-B-Que: Sally Davis, John and Pat Hanson Pavilion Bar-B-Que: Louise and Jack Sprague, Donna and Murph Burdine, Jack Stubbs, and Betty Frye

Pavilion Bar-B-Que: Chris Oberst, Richardson Thompson, Bill and Alice Merlin Side-by-Side Pavilions for Bar-B-Que makes it easy to mingle

Pavilion Bar-B-Que: Tracy Ahearn, and Pam Amley, Main Deck Manager/Cook Pavilion Bar-B-Que

Pavilion Bar-B-Que Old friends meet again - Alice Merlin, Bill Merlin, Henry Hilton-Green (old Commodore), and Richard Cueroni

Joy Raffield and John C. Raffield, Reunion Historian Richard Cueroni, Plank Owner Certificate, 22 November 1968

Main Deck, scanning personal photos: Richard Thompson, 3rd Commander, Benny Raffield, John C. Raffield. Dependable, dockside, Alligator Bayou, appro??? 1972

Main Deck, Benny Raffield taking a lunch break. Richard Thompson in background Main Deck: One-on-Ones - Jon McManis, ???, Sally Davis, Beverly Taylor

Main Deck: Continuing to work on Reunion Notebooks. Paulette Krumel, Addie Kimbril, Richard Cueroni at laptop Main Deck: Curly Davis and John Hanson

Main Deck Patio: Jim Curtis, William Iozzino, Gary Palmer, Tracy and Kevin Ahearn Main Deck Patio: James Stubbs, Betty Frye and ??????

Main Deck Patio: Paul and Judy Mettille Main Deck Patio: Marshall Smith, Shelton Caulder, Bill Merlin, Murph Burdine, Jerry Harmon

Main Deck Patio: Fred Ebner, Tommy Moore, Marcelino and Theresa Zabal, Harry Dean, Craig Wood with back to camera Main Deck Patio: Craig Wood, Fred Ebner, Tommy Moore, Marcelino and Theresa Zabal, Harry Dean

Main Deck: One-on-Ones - Alice Merlin, Jon McManis, Sally Davis, David Taylor Main Deck: Richard Cueroni, Jack Cadigan, Beth Cueroni, Peggy Cadigan

Main Deck: reviewing items on display: Sally Davis, Beverly Taylor, Betty Holmead, Sharon Holmead, ???, ??? Main Deck: reviewing items on display: Robert Fenton, Bill Merlin

Banquet Dinner, Capt. Anderson's Restaurant: Dave Taylor, Annette Duncan, RADM Robert Duncan finalizing evening lineup Banquet Dinner, Capt. Anderson's Restaurant: David Taylor, Annette Duncan, RADM Robert Duncan finalizing evening lineup

Banquet Dinner, Capt. Anderson's Restaurant: David Taylor talking with Joy Raffield. Beth and Richard Cueroni, RADM Robert and Annette Duncan looking at fishing fleet in marina Banquet Dinner, Capt. Anderson's Restaurant: Fred and Judy Griffin, Margaret and Kenneth French

Banquet Dinner, Capt. Anderson's Restaurant: Betty Frye, James Stubbs, Judy and Paul Mettile, Banquet Dinner, Capt. Anderson's Restaurant: Tommy and Sue Moore, Sophia and Fred Ebner, Harry Dean, Craig and Michella Wood, Christine and Kermit Beaver

Banquet Dinner, Capt. Anderson's Restaurant: Terry and Susan Schoeninger, Jerry and Dararly Harmon Banquet Dinner Table Centerpiece, Capt. Anderson's Restaurant

Dependable Commanders: Richard Cueroni (1st), Jack Cadigan (2nd), Richard Thompson (3rd), Bill Merlin ( 4th), Robert Fenton (7th), and Gary Palmer (12th). Dependable Commanders: Richard Cueroni (1st), Jack Cadigan (2nd), Richard Thompson (3rd), Bill Merlin ( 4th), Robert Fenton (7th), Gary Palmer (12th), and RADM Robert Duncan, Commander 8th District.

David Taylor officially wrapping up the "First Ever Dependable Reunion," 22 April 2006 Richard Cueroni as 1st Commander having the 'Last word' at the Reunion