SNOWBIRD XIII 9-11 April, 2013

USNA Class of 1954

Mini-Reunion 2013

SNOWBIRD XIII 9-11 April, 2013

NAS Jacksonville, Florida

The second Class of 1954 Mini-reunion got off to a great start on April 9th under clear blue skies. Last years gathering was such a great success that we just had to do it again. Forty-three in all, classmates, wives, etc. made the trip, from San Diego and throughout the country to see old friends. Those who love golf sought another chance to win the coveted "Paddy" trophy. Some thirteen years, a small group of classmates residing in sunny Florida managed to capture snowbird, Dick "Paddy" Padberg as  he migrated from St. Louis to Key Largo. The players had such a great time and it became an annual event but we could not seem to get above twelve players. We tried Homestead, Patrick AF Base, MacDill AF Base and finally success at NAS Jacksonville.  Is there a trend here – NAVY over AR FORCE ?

With most arriving on Tuesday, the 9th there was a"Welcome Aboard " party from 5:00 to 7:30 pm on the river-side deck adjourning the popular T-Bar of the Gateway Inn. A cash bar and hors d'oeuvres made for a pleasant evening.  Round #1 of Snowbird XIII started around 10:15 on Wednesday morning, the 10th. The RED and the WHITE courses were used. There were six teams in all including  one for the gals, Alix Alter, Rosemary Anderson, Carlene Caroccio, and Carolyn Howard.  For the guys, Team 2 was Frank Caroccio,  Easton,and Prestridge. Team 3 was Hartley, Byington, and Morgan. Team 4 was Padberg, Watson,Anderson, and Alter. Team 5 was Crawford, Wilmer,Tolg and Childress. Team 6 was Cherry, Hoover,Marshall and Huffman.  Wednesday evening's main event as our Class dinner at the "O" club.  A nicely decorated ball-room with a cash bar, and buffet dinner featuring a sea food medley, breast of chicken, shrimp, and roast beef, sliced to order. Dinner was excellent.

`Thursday morning, the 11th, Roun #2 started around 9:30 am with a shotgun start for the six teams. The BLUE and WHITE courses were used. Overcast at first, the skies cleared and the sunshine came through with a light breeze making for enjoyable golf. The winner of the Ladies Foursome was Alix Alter. For the men it was Frank Caroccio. This was Frank's third title. A great three days closed down with a fine luncheon on the upper rear deck of the Clubhouse overlooking the golf course. We posed for a class picture and got a big "Thank You" from Steve Sherman, Assistant Golf Pro for coming, and hoping we will return. Classmates Tom (T.C.) Watson and Frank Carpccio deserve gold BRAVO ZULUs for the job that they did in setting up this whole event. We now look forward to our 60th Reunion in 2014. God willing we will get to see our brothers again and share good times.            Submitted: Les Huffman LHUFFLCDR@aol.com