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A Reunion To Remember
Until recently, Goggins was unaware of the existence of the Destroyer Escort Sailors and USS Coolbaugh Associations and reunions. His son Bernie, a US Army Green Beret, discovered the Coolbaugh web site and signed up his father for membership in the association. A short time later, Goggins' daughter, Mary Goggins Shipman, had the idea to put together a "memory book" for her father using pages from the Coolbaugh web site. On one of these pages she discovered a link to the DESA web site where she located the reunions listings. Upon learning this information, Mary shared it with her entire family. Goggins extremely devoted daughter went to work immediately organizing the family to attend the 16th annual Coolbaugh Association reunion, held in conjunction with the annual DESA convention. Now, when Mary organizes, she
organizes! All the arrangements have been made and the wheels set
into motion for the Goggins family to travel from Missouri to Myrtle
Beach, SC. Mary will be escorting her father and mother, Sarah Livermore Goggins, and fifteen other family
members! The members range in age from ten to
eighty-three years.
"We are all very proud of him. He inspired all three of his sons to
enlist in service to our country as well as serving himself," Mary said. Also, Goggins will be introduced to a very special lady. Marie Coolbaugh Schanbacher, sister of LTJG Walter W. Coolbaugh, USNR (a Navy Cross recipient, for whom the ship was named in honor) will be present with her husband, Walt. Mrs. Schanbacher was 21 years old when she joined with her family, including sister Alberta Coolbaugh Klipple, for the Coolbaugh commissioning ceremony at Philadelphia U. S. Navy Base. Marie and Alberta have been active and guiding forces in the Coolbaugh Association. In addition, a special surprise event
is in store for Goggins. CAPT Milton R. Kochert, USNR(RET), C. O. of the USS Coolbaugh DE 217 Association will
present him with a Proclamation and gifts at
their annual Happy Hour, October l5. The proclamation reads:
The Goggins family presence on this day at this year's reunion is quite coincidental. "This entire 'story, family reunion, etc' has a definite 'historical value'! On the day, October l5, 2002, which we designate as 'Robert L. Goggins Day', fortunately, happens to be the 59th Birthday (October 15, l943) of the commissioning of USS Coolbaugh DE 217, with Marie Coolbaugh Schanbacher in attendance", exclaimed a smiling Capt. Kochert. In addition to attending the DESA convention and DE 217 reunion, the Goggins entourage and Coolbaugh Association members have arranged an all day visitation to Patriot's Point. In order for two of the Goggins grandchildren to be absent from school, they are required to present a schedule of their trip, information concerning Patriot's Point and other events to both the principal and superintendent of their school. To aid them with this project, the school will provide them with video equipment for their utilization. Credit has also been authorized by subject teachers. Along with the Goggins family, 28 shipmates, spouses and guests will be in attendance! However, the present number of 67 attendees is expected to increase in the coming weeks. The presence of the Goggins family and special events of the day promises to make the 16th Annual Coolbaugh DE 217 Association reunion a reunion to remember! For more information, contact Capt Milt via email: captmilt53@aol.com
The Reunion has now taken place! |
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