First Reunion 1991

First Reunion 1991

SECTION 18.

The USS Savage's first reunion was held in Venice, Florida - May 1991

Bottom, left to right: Leon Goodman, Dan Farley, Russ Young, Rollins Coakley, Elliot Silverman, Charles Cometa, John Savage, Caroline Savage, Kathleen Savage, Sandy Savage.

Top row, left to right: Matt Richter, Stan Sifford, Ed Hopfgarten, Frank Hamby, Tom Applegarth, Bill Fraser, William Chaney, Joseph Frascino, William Boderman, Patrick Grasso, and Gordon Aldrich.

photo courtesy of Raymon Crumley

photograph from the collection of Rollins Coakley

Charles Cometa

Charles Crowe

Dan Farley

Joseph Frascino

William Fraser

Leon Goodman

Patrick Grasso

Frank Hamby

Edwin Hopfgarten

Matthew Richter

Oscar Rohnke (Admiral)

Stan Sifford

Elliott Silverman

John Waters (Captain)

Russell Young

Twenty-three shipmates gathered for their first reunion in Venice, Florida. Headquarters was the Best Western Venice Resort Inn.

Navy Chaplain Richard Scherch led a memorial service on Thursday, 30 May aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Point Countess. John Savage (brother of Walter), placed a wreath on Gulf waters in memory of his brother, departed shipmates of the SAVAGE, and American Service Personnel who died during Operation Desert Storm. The service was followed by playing of TAPS by Dick Thierry, lead trumpeter, Venice Symphony Orchestra. Also present were Caroline, Kathleen, and Sandy Savage. Two past Commanding Officers of the SAVAGE, Rear Admiral Oscar C. Rohnke, USCG and Captain John M. Waters, USCG were in attendance. Also participating in the ceremony were the City of Venice Vice-Mayor Kathy Schmidt, Commander of Venice Coast Guard Auxiliary Michael Garry, and SAVAGE enlisted men William Fraser, Ed Hopfgarten, and Elliot Silverman. The Ceremony was viewed by the public and by television via WBSV.