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GM2/c ~ 54-55 |
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August 18, 2008 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ This Eulogy was written by Captain David J. Oberholzer USNR (Ret.) and it was read aloud by his son, Gary at his father's funeral. To the family and friends of Vernon Stuard Those of us from the Haynsworth Reunion did not know it, but at our Minneapolis reunion in 1998 the man who was going to change our reunion from "business as usual" to the efficient organization it is today, joined us for the first time. His name was Vernon Stuard. Vern was elected President for the first time at our 12th reunion which was held in Portsmouth, NH 6 weeks after 9/11. Vern knew that many changes needed to be made such as an elected President, better financial reporting and other organizational changes. He began putting things in motion when he accepted the Presidency of the Haynsworth Reunion Association. The Association improved vastly under his direction during the next five years. He has the respect and admiration of "all hands" for his diligent efforts in leading the organization to its' smooth running status. He turned over the reins of office to the new President, Ed Timm, in October of 2006. Sherry and Vern also did an outstanding job hosting two reunions, the first in San Antonio in 2000 and the second in Arlington in 2004. At the 2004 reunion we went in the black financially and actually contributed to the treasury. Vern and Sherry ran this reunion impeccably, despite Vern's daily appointment for radiation. They bent over backwards to see to it that all the shipmates and their wives had a great time at both reunions. I believe Vern's two favorite reunions were Myrtle Beach in North Carolina and Arlington in Texas. Gary came to Myrtle Beach where they played lots of golf and he loved introducing him to all his Navy buddies .. Arlington ranks right up there, too, as a favorite because that was the reunion where we got to meet Sharon, Roger and, of course, Gary, and their spouses and their children I He was so proud of them all. Vern served aboard the USS Haynsworth (DD-700), a destroyer built during World War II. He served in the Gunnery Department as a Gunners Mate Second Class from 1954 to 1955. We treasure these memories of Vern as we salute him for his service to our ship, to our Association and to our Nation. To you, Vern, as you begin your final voyage, we wish you "fair winds and following seas". |