Greetings everyone,
Oh, what a wonderful time we were able to participate with many of you last night. It was a pleasure to reconnect with old shipmates and meet new ones while sharing stories over a delicious meal at the Timbermine Steakhouse. I don’t think I saw anyone leaving hungry. Especially those that ordered Prime Rib.
Captain Greg Johnson served as our Master of Ceremonies and opened the evening with a recording of our National Anthem. It was a moving moment and as we stood and listened to the recording, someone started quietly singing the words of the anthem. Soon, we all joined in, as we remembered the real reason why we served our great country.
Our keynote speaker, CDR Justin Lafeen, shared insightful details regarding his recent deployment to EUCOM as a Logistics Security Cooperation Officer. We enjoyed learning about the logistics networks among our European allies and his interactions with fellow U.S. military officers. During one meeting, an Army Brigadier General turned to his wife and asked, “In your wildest dreams, did you ever think that I would be a Brigadier General?” His wife bluntly answered, “if you think you were ever in my wildest dreams, you are sadly mistaken!”
Captains Russ Pendergrass and Arlis Etheridge conducted the Cake Cutting ceremony, honoring Bill Kelly as the oldest member present and Justin Lafeen as the youngest officer.
To conclude the program, SK1 Sherwood Preece presented information on the Utah Cold War Medal and the Quilt of Valor programs. If you would like to learn more about these initiatives, please contact Sherwood at skipqovf22@gmail.com.
Looking ahead, we are planning our next two chapter socials. The first will be held in the St. George area in September or October 2026, followed by our next Supply Corps Birthday Social in the Salt Lake City area in February 2027.
We look forward to seeing you all there.
