REUNION 2008

After 18 months of planning, the 3rd reunion of the Navy Icebreaker USS EDISTO, AG89/AGB2,  was held May 1-5th at the Newport News Marriott Hotel, Newport News, VA. with 126 shipmates and guests attending.   Situated between Norfolk and Williamsburg at the Oyster Point Town Center, Newport News, the Marriott hotel was just a few short minutes from Norfolk attractions and Colonial Williamsburg.  

It all started in 2006 with Kathie and I accepted an invitation from the Norfolk CVB to check out the area hotels and attractions.   Acting on a tip from a friend and  fellow Planner,  Bob McAnally, USS Iwo Jima Association, we visited the hotel and soon after meeting with Sales Manager Karen Murrell, we quickly decided it was a "No Brainer."  If there was any doubt about our decision,  Cheryl Morales of the Newport News Tourism Development Office and her sidekick Karen Ebert quickly dispelled any reservations that we may have had.  This was a CVB and hotel that did what they said they would do.

The feedback from attendees would indicate a great time was had by all.  In the following links, I have posted photos taken by me, Gerald (Jerry) Downs, Faye Heidel, Weldon Koenig, Ray Koski, Gene Fettinger, Richard Griswold, Ed Schardein and Betty Green.  If I missed anyone, please let me know and I will credit.  Not all photos are posted because together we took hundreds of photos but those selected were put into slideshows that sort of sum up the event commencing with "The Beginning" where Kathie, Odell Paulk, Jerry & Judy Downs assisted in getting the Gathering Room ready.  It should not go unnoticed that Jerry built the stand for the Assn. Bell and he made a lot of beautiful clocks with ship's logo which he donated as door prizes.     Thanks to all of you for your help and for your attendance and a special thanks to our guest Shannon Ward for helping Jerry and I dole out the door prizes. 

Hats off to the entire Marriot hotel staff, General Manager Bruce Smith, Director of Food & Beverage Robert Korzen, Director of Rooms Matt Manning,  Sales Manager Karen Murrell, Reservations Renee Wells,  Catering Director Alicia Richter, Banquet Manager Michael Blue, Banquet Captains Drue Smith, Stephanie & Gerri, Bartenders Dave, Judy & Danika(?), Concierge Susan Piper, Loss Prevention Specialist Kimberly Brown, Desk Managers Maggie Maciejko and Jameika Biggs (who located Ray Koski's door prize he left behind in his room), for making this the best reunion yet.  We can only hope that other military groups like ours will "discover" the Newport News Marriott.

Additionally, we enjoyed two days of tours booked through Phillips Destination Management Services that consisted of 2 bus loads to Colonial Williamsburg, Marniers Museum & USS Monitor Center and a 2 bus loads on a 2nd day tour to Norfolk to visit the the Nauticus, Battleship USS Wisconsin, lunch at the Free Mason Abbey Restaurant and a 2-hour river cruise aboard the Victor Rover.  

There are 14 slideshows that provide an overview of our event, commencing with photos of the hotel and surroundings and ending with checkout.   The slideshows may be viewed by clicking on the links below.  Some contain several photos so be patient as it will take several seconds to download.

Please contact me if I've left anyone out or need to add/delete information.  Thank you. 

Glenn Smith