For those who actively served aboard USS BELKNAP. this section of the newsletter is not for you so you can stop reading here if you wish. I made the suggestion of a family corner and was told, "Great suggestion; make it happen!" The intent of this informative column will be a local contact written by a resident of the area where the reunion is to be held. Please pass this section along to your loved ones because this column is written for them.

Of utmost interest to the families is that these annual reunions are an enjoyable four day, stress-free, get-away from the normal and mundane. There are no beds to make, no meals to prepare, and no dishes to clean, and no time clock to punch. All of that along with the social times and an extended weekend of enjoyment. We get to do nothing more than relax and decide which comfy and casual outfit to wear to what activity IF we chose to participate! That's because some mighty fine and well-organized people did all the heavy work for us. You can thank the Taylors in person this October. in Norfolk.

If you have questions regarding sights to see or restaurant suggestions, please email me: ge.ri@verizon.net and I will do my best to steer you in the right direction. So much has changed in the Hampton Roads area: formerly Tidewater. Check the schedule of events: if you don't see it there, I will be happy to assist.

Reunions are not just a time for reminiscing the 'glory days' --- although many of the "sea-stories" are extremely entertaining. These mini-vacations are for visiting with old friends and making new friends. BELKNAP hosted decades of people from commissioning to de-commissioning and carries forth a continuing feeling of welcome and camaraderie. As BELKNAP was, we still are, a family. Our BELKNAP family was always open to spouses, fiancée's, "significant others" and that has not changed. All are welcome to come and relax, have fun, and enjoy the best times of your lives!

They say you can never go back, but reuniting with old ship AND land mates bridges the decades of time. More importantly, seeing the children of BELKNAP grown up, and meeting many of the grandchildren of BELKNAP; well, that's just an overwhelming feeling of looking into the future!

The BELKNAP FAMILY hopes your future includes this Norfolk reunion in October 2007! We want you there, would love to see you again! And bring the children and grandchildren --- they may learn (with dignity and grace, of course) a piece of history not written in schoolbooks!