This question was best summed up by our past president, Denis LaCrosse
"Good question. The answer; unless one is in a
position to exploit such
membership for personal benefit, absolutely none.
Then why join? Pay dues?
Go back a few years. At that time, I had but one shipmate with whom I
had kept in touch, and who lived nearby. We talked often about "our
ship", and even rode her for a day when she visited Seattle for the
annual Seafair celebration. That's right, two old shipmates were allowed
to stay aboard from Seattle to Port Angeles, as she left the area, and
were given the run of the ship. Our quals for this adventure? We had
served aboard- she was our Sterett, and we were her crew.
Then, out of the blue, a 'phone call; someone called Dave, or Elden,
from Sterett. (memory fails) called, they were trying to get former
shipmates together, was I interested? Ya shoor, you betcha! And so the
organization came to be. And I, one of her most improbable crewmembers
ever, who actually fell in love with her, (as only a sailor can) days
before orders were only an impossible wish, became a member.
I have received no "advantages" from membership- indeed, there have been
days of absolute frustration worthy of the Sea of Japan days. But there have
been benefits. The opportunity to get and remain in touch with old
shipmates, who share my love for Sterett . Afternoons in a bar, or
pizza house, or wherever handy, where the "wet wax" days of the Yoko
Chief's Mess were relived. Of telling and retelling the same old stories
we all knew by heart. The chance to meet again with others, officers and
men, with whom I had worked, lived, shared the same experiences. The
opportunity to refresh memories, both the good (many) and the bad (they
get fewer as the years pass).
I don't need a wallet card to tell me I belong, or once served aboard
this ship. I have my membership, my memories, my shipmates from this
most special of all my ships.
Your shipmate,
Denis
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