2008 Reunion
The 2008 reunion hosted by the Robert May family was one of the most inspiring and nostalgic that we have ever had. The accommodations were first-class and enjoyed by all of us. The personnel at the hotel showed us true Southern Hospitality
The hospitality room was a busy place. Jessica May provided us with lots of photos which she put on a CD which played on a TV in the room. She really turned the clock back by including the song "Sentimental Journey" with the photos.
On Friday the group visited a veteran's museum which was operated by volunteers and donations. The artifacts, ranging from the Civil War to the Iraqi War, were phenomenal and the volunteers were very knowledgable, friendly, and entertaining.
After the museum we went to a park by a lake and had lunch which was prepared by the May ladies. Delicious food and a beautiful day—what a way to enjoy lunch!
This was followed by a trek to the Space Center where we viewed the Saturn V rockets and other space memorabilia. The size of the rocket is unbelievable. There was a space capsule which you could walk through and experience how the astronauts ate, slept, showered, etc. Truly remarkable! There were other exhibits that allowed you to realize the feeling of being in space. It was an enlightening experience.
Saturday was a free day until "picture time," at 5:30 pm, followed by the banquet at 6:00 pm. Josh May, son of Terry and Charlotte May, did an exceptional job as emcee, starting with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Navy Oath. Robert May's daughter, Sue, led us in singing the Star Spangled Banner. Following dinner, Josh May's father-in-law, Paster Marion Pope, was our guest speaker. He had read Dr. Malott's book If We Save But One, and was aware of every detail in the book. He had studied the pictures of the crew and called us all by name at first sight. He reminded the crew of the impact they had on this generation and the people who are alive today because we treated and saved so many lives. These survivors returned home and raised families. He reminded the children who were present what a sacrifice their grandfathers made so they could have what we have today.
Each present crew member, or his representative, received a gift from May's grandchildren, who delivered them to each recipient personally. It was a beautiful brass plaque with a picture of the PC ER etched on it, mounted on a polished wood base. Terry May and his sons, Josh and Kelly, prepared the wood and a family friend took care of the brass plaques.
Each crew member also received a "goody bag" with many navy mementos.
Peggy Collins, Tony Kane's daughter, with her husband, Earl, attended the Reunion and had a wonderful time. She , too, was presented with the gifts above in his memory.
Josh ended the evening by thanking everyone for attending and by singing "I'm Proud to be an American" with music accompaniment by his wife Jessica. One by one we all stood, held hands, and sang along. There were few dry eyes as the banquet ended.
The May family put on an outstanding event. For all who were unable to be there, we missed you. It was a special treat to have Herschel and Doris Mobbs and Jack Gainey with his son Mike and his wife Sally, with us. It had been a long time since we had seen them.
(Thanks to Bob Thomas for this account.)