68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub meets fellow Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club Vet Jim Robinson

68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Well I finally had the chance to meet and some time with Jim Robinson
And meet Shelia and their son Chris.
We met Wed about 11:30 PM PST in Bandon and had lunch.
We then went to Charleston (about 40 minutes one way) to the Coast Guard base.
This is the base that I have been going to for almost 3 years as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
The base CO came outside and Welcomed Jim, Shelia and Chris.
When I mentioned Jim was the founder of the largest conservative site on the internet
he told me to make sure I sent him the url.
(E-mailed it to him today)
I then gave Jim, Shelia and Chris the base tour.
Showed them what I do on Thur and where I do it.
Showed them the radio room where I used t stand watches.
All the admin offices, mess deck, rec room etc.
Then the engineering building then the haul out bldg.
Down to the boat house itself.
Fireman Harper gave them a detailed description of the boats and specs.
Then, just as we were leaving a Search and Rescue case came in and the 47' boat
was underway in mere minutes.
By the time we drove up to the watch tower we watched the 47' cross the bar.
We met again in the evening about 7:30 PM PST and ate dinner by the jetty.
It was a great dinner.

My personal observations of Jim Robinson : A real down to earth guy.
We do share a lot in common since we are both tin can sailors.
Our experiences in Vietnam are similar also.
Jim did 2 tours there, I did one.
It was like talking to an old shipmate of mine.
Shelia is one of the funniest people I have met in a long time.
As she put it
"Tell everyone that I've been married to Jim for 34 years
and he puts his pants on like anybody else."
Chris was a bit quiet but very friendly and sincere.

All in all we all had a mutual good time.
Jim, Shelia and Chris all enjoyed the tour.
All 3 felt honored since the CO took time out his day to come out and greet them.
Me, I felt is was and honor and privilege to meet Jim, Shelia and Chris.

Pictures will be posted some time between now and Wed.
I tried to get photos today but no luck at WalMart, one hour service was down.
Jim has a digital camera BUT can't upload till he gets home next week.
I WILL ping you again when I get pics.

Pics of the Coast Guard base that Jim toured.

[TheErnFormerlyKnownAsBig]

I met him and his wife on Sunday and really enjoyed partying with them at Libertina's house.

[Brad’s Gramma]

SHEILA!
SHEILA!

WE WANT MORE OF SHEILA!

Isn't she GREAT?????

Tonkin, THANKS for the thread!!! I'll be looking forward to the pics.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

PING!

[Jeff Head]

Congrats Tonk on the privelege...and same to you Jim, I can speak from experience that it is a privelege to stand side by side with Tonk!

[cyborg]

BTTT!!!

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Thank You!

[Kitty Mittens]

Thanks for the Ping, Tonk! Can't wait to see the pictures! Both of you are great men that I admire and look up to!

[Bahbah]

Hey, Tonk, nice report. I met Jim, Sheila and Chris when they came to St. Louis. That fire breathing dragon is one of the sweetest men I have ever met. He signed my copy of Richard Poe's book (he did the forward, as I'm sure you know. It was a very special night. I can tell you feel the same.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Thanks Jeff
It was an honor to meet you at Klamath Falls!

[Terabitten]

I never knew you were a vet, JimRob. Thanks to you and 68-69 for giving me a free country to grow up in, for me and my daughter.

Thank you.

[Chieftain]

Congratulations Tonk and Jim! The number one supporter of our troops meets the number one founder of the best place I ever found 'family' at the other end of a keyboard!

I am happy that both of you could finally meet in person. You are both, as Sean Hannity says,
'GREAT AMERICANS'!

[NonValueAdded]

Looking forward to the pics bump.

[SheLion]

Thanks for sharing this Tonkin!

[Diver Dave]

Glad you got to meet the bosses, Tonk. It's a lot of fun sharing Sea Stories with one who's been there done that.

[AZamericonnie]

Sounds like a good time was had by all! Thanks for the report Tonk, please ping me when the pics are posted.

[Militiaman7]

Outstanding!!!!

[DocRock]

Excellent report and thanks for sharing. Please ping me when the pics are available!

[laurenmarlowe]

Thanks for the ping Tonk, and for sharing your experience. Looking forward to the pictures!

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Maybe next time you'll take 101!