USS Pursuit  AM108 / AGS17

 Minutes of the 2007 Reunion Business Meeting
At the Best Western Seville Plaza Hotel µ Omaha, Nebraska

The annual meeting of the USS Pursuit Reunion Association with the USS Pursuit crewmembers and their spouses and guests in attendance was held in Omaha, Nebraska at the Best Western Seville Hotel on September 22, 2007 commencing at 2030.

Meeting opened by President, Joe Venovich with a welcome for the attendees.

Meeting called to order by Secretary, John Schulz. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jean Jack after which Jean led the group in the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. The Invocation was given by Ray Coullard.

A Memorial Service for our deceased crewmembers was led by Ray Coullard during which the name of each of our deceased crewmembers was announced and recognized by the sound of one gong on a ship’s bell.

The minutes of our previous meeting, held during the 2006 reunion, were accepted as written.

A call was made for Officer’s Reports:

President, Joe Venovich – report was made at the opening of the meeting.

Secretary, John Schulz – there were 3 newsletters sent to the membership this year plus a postcard to remind of the reunion. A drive is on for all members to update their status with the Secretary when changes are made.

Treasurer Report, Joe Venovich – as of 9/20/07 the treasury has $3835.11 The finances appear to stabilize at approximately $2200 after reunion expenses. Joe would be available after the meeting to accept the $20 dues from those who would like to pay.

Publicity Chairman, James Jack – will continue with his present very successful methods, to promote the 2008 reunion in Branson, MO.

Historian, Malcolm Milligan – requested those that have information gathered during their time on the ship, be sent to him for all to see. Malcolm encouraged a new Historian to replace him.

Official Photographer, Bob Ciereck was not present due to family obligations. He was praised for his outstanding work as photographer.

Selection of Future Reunion Locations:

During the year past, George Rose volunteered to host a reunion in 2008 at one of the locations previously approved at the 2006 reunion (Branson, MO). George has already made all preparations for Branson in 2008 for the dates of November 9, 2008 to November 12, 2008. He calls it the “Veterans Day Special”. The website and future newsletters will show all the details. George made a short presentation about the reunion.

Discussion was then started about a location for 2009. Another of the previously approved locations (shown in the minutes of 2006), San Francisco, CA was voted on and approved for the 2009 reunion. George Rose agreed to host this reunion.

Selection of Officers for 2008 Reunion:

The floor was then opened for nominations and voting for 2008 Officers.

George Rose was nominated for President

John Schulz was nominated for Secretary

Joe Venovich was nominated for Treasurer

James Jack was nominated for Publicity Chairman

Malcolm Milligan was nominated for Historian

Bob Ciereck was nominated for Official Photographer

All nominees were voted into office by the members.

New Business:

There was a question from the floor as to the need for a Chaplin? The members voted NO.

Sea Stories – Eldon Pontious told of his early days on the Pursuit and his first familiarization about mines.
John Schulz recounted the Pursuit “beach party” in the deserted cove in southern Turkey called “Kiskalesi” which apparently was once a Roman seaport where many of the crewmembers found ancient artifacts.

During previous reunions, George Rose told the story of a ship’s mascot in the Pacific which was a monkey, who was lost overboard. The crew of the AGS17 felt concern for the AM108 crew and had John Schulz present them with a new stuffed monkey doll to help them in their grief.

A VERY SPECIAL THANKS were given to Joe and Carlene Venovich for preparing and hosting a very successful reunion in Omaha.

Door Prizes:

The following door prizes were won by the members

Painting by Joe Venovich about Turkey – George Rose

American Flag flown over the Capital – Betty Pontious

American Flag flown over the Capital – Charles Urhahn

Stationary by Carlene Venovich  - Dot McCarthy

Party Basket by Kathy Schulz – Eldon Pontious

Decorative Folding Knife by Charles Urhahn – Woody Wooldridge

Painting of Venice by Joe Venovich – Malcolm Milligan

Meeting Closed by Secretary Schulz  09/22/07