The majority of DESA members arrived today.
The registration area was a hub of activity all day.
The Early Bird gathering was very well attended
and there was standing room only in the Ballroom for the
opening ceremony. The event began with the Presentation
of the Colors, followed by a prayer offered by the DESA
Chaplain Frederick J. Collins, USS Farquhar DE 139.
President Tom Kidd noted that this ceremony was
in memory of Tom Gruber. Tom's service to DESA, his
community and his family was shared and was a very emotional
presentation. Tom's wife Phyllis and their three
daughter's, Loraine, Eva and Deborah, were in attendance.
Mr. Kidd addressed the overflowing crowd, stating that 105 ships were represented this year. Also, he noted that there were members of the RN CCF crewmembers in
attendance.
Keynote speaker Col. Jeffrey R. Kendall
received a standing ovation for his most informative
presentation detailing the advancement of the USAF and joint
services over the past few years. Often he compared the
days of combat tactics of WWII veterans to today's
servicemen.
Following his presentation, Col. Kendall was presented a DESA baseball cap and a Lone Sailor statue by Mr. Kidd. Angie Ager, Women's Auxiliary president,
was present at the podium to present a gift to Col. Kendall's wife Lori in appreciation of her attendance and support.
At the conclusion of the event Mr. Kidd presented awards to Sam Saylor in recognition of his 6 years of service on the DESA board and to Dick
Spangler recognizing his 7 years of service on the board.
Also, Kidd recognized Dori Glaser and presented her with a bouquet of roses, acknowledging her dedication and tireless efforts in organizing the
convention activities.
Following these presentations, incoming president Dick Ager took the podium and presented an award to Tom Kidd in recognition of his service as DESA president
and 6 years of board service.
The evening culminated with a lovely wine and cheese reception. The room was packed and awash in a sea of sailors donning blue caps covered
with DESA convention buttons. It was a site to behold!
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Page 1
Page 2
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The crowd begins to gather! |
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JROTC, Denver Public School System |
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DESA Chaplin Rev. Frederick J. Collins, USS Farquhar DE 139 |
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The opening prayer by Chaplain Collins |
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At the podium. L-R: Col. Kendall, Kidd, Collins and Ager |
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Lone Sailor presentation to Kendall |
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Angie Ager presentation to Mrs. Kendall |
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Presentation to Sam Saylor |
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Presentation to Dori Glaser |
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Presentation to Dick Spangler |
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Dick Ager presentation to Tom Kidd |
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L-R: Kidd, Kindall, Ager and Al St. Jean |
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