N E W S L E T T E R

July-August-September 2001
Fleet Reserve Association Branch 293
918 Greenleaf St. Elizabeth City, NC 27909
ph. (252)335-1165 fax (252)771-2166 e-mail frabr293@hotmail.com
web page http://www.oocities.org/Pentagon/Bunker/4255/FRA.html

G reetings Shipmates!

Some unexpected computer problems delayed this newsletter, however I'm now up and running again.

The elections and installation of our new branch officers has come and gone. Congratulations to our new officers.
President: David Balduf
Vice-President: Edward Elliott
Secretary: Darrell McKinley
Treasurer Dennis Cupery
The Memorial Day ceremony at Westlawn Cemetery was almost a washout, but was held anyway.

A "first" for our branch, was a retirement ceremony for shipmate CTR1 Charita D. Martin who retired from the US Navy after serving 20 years. A reception followed the ceremony. Congratulations Charlie!

We held our flag disposal ceremony and picnic on Sunday, June 17th. We had a small turnout of shipmates, but those that did come, had a good time, and the food was great! The Alex B. Conn Brass Ensemble provided music for the event.

A little bit of history

Branch 293 was chartered on August 28, 1963 (38 years ago)
We will be having a birthday party on Sunday 26 August at 1300. The branch will supply the meat. Please bring a covered dish to share.
Shipmate C.L. Sawyer is one of the charter members, and is the longest attending member of our branch.

The groundbreaking ceremony for our current building was held on 25 Oct.1997, we moved in on 12 June 1998. We held our 1st bingo session on 13 June 1998. The shipmates of this branch did the majority of the construction work on the building. Hats off to everyone that helped.

The last meal served in the old building was Navy Bean soup by shipmate Ed Decker.
The first meal in the new building while under construction was fish chowder also by shipmate Decker.

FRA REGIONAL CONVENTION

The 56th East Coast Regional Convention will be held at the Ramada Inn Village Conference Center, Clemmons, NC. 26 July thru 28 July 2001. Shipmates in good standing are encouraged to attend.

FRA NATIONAL CONVENTION

The 74th National Convention will be held at the Doubletree Hotel in Boise, Idaho. The dates for that are 3 Sept. thru 8 Sept. 2001.

Bingo continues to do good for us. We are working on some new ideas to improve attendance. I'll let you know more about it in our next newsletter.

We don't have any special activities planned any time soon. Our regular Branch meetings are still held on the first Thursday of the month at 8:00 PM. Come on out and support your branch.

I did receive several positive remarks about the May-June newsletter that I sent. Your comments (good or bad) are always welcome. Until next time, wishing you fair winds and following seas.

Dennis Cupery, Ed.