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.

[Diver Dave]

We will and I'll come knockin' on your door, brother.

[IPWGOP]

Yea!!! Thanks for this thread. Let us know when the pics are on.

[LadyX]

A great account of a great moment, Tonk!
Thank you for sharing it with us, and we look forward to the photographs when available.

God bless you for who and what you are.....

{{{ Hugs for a wonderful American }}}

[Jet Jaguar]

Sounds like a good time. Thanks for the ping.

[Soaring Feather]

Hi Tonkin,

So happy you got to meet The Robinsons. Nice you had a good time reminiscing about Viet Nam. Ping me for the pics.

[mylife]

Hey! Sounds like you had a great time!
I cant believe you didnt do breakfast! Surely Jim knows about your infamous breakfasts!

PS Glad to hear Im not the only fossil using 35mm film.

[Fawnn]

Did you get a chance to talk to Jim about a raise? ;)

Seriously: Sounds like you had a fantastic time with a fantastic couple!

[NYCop]

Thanks for the ping Tonk, sounds like you had a great time. Thanks to the Robinson's we all get the straight story right here on FR!!!

[RightOnTheLeftCoast]

Thanks for the report, Tonk.

Jim's earned his "Great American" stripes several times over.

[Gator113]

That was cool and fun to read. Your story put a smile on my face, BUT, now I am starving for Bandon cheese curds.....there is nothing better you know!! LOL

[blackie]

Thanks Tonk ~ wish I coulda been there!

[TexasCowboy]

Well, it's about time the two of you got to meet!

Great Americans and patriots deserve to know each other!

Tonk, you got to meet a very special family, and, Jim, you got to meet a man I've been wanting to meet for a long time!

KUDOS TO YOU BOTH!

[Conspiracy Guy]

Everyone needs to get closer to Alabama. Pictures?

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

[Aeronaut]

Tonk! My envy overflows. I hope some day my path crosses with JR. I appreciate your service, too, brother.

I am going to a reunion of my father's WWII ship in two weeks. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to it.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"Pictures?"

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.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"I am going to a reunion of my father's WWII ship in two weeks. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to it."


Hope you'll have a great time!

[Dutchgirl]

When is JimRob heading to Fla? I hope he'll find some time around the election...he can always vote absentee...

[BykrBayb]

Wow! That's a meeting I would have loved to horn in on. Can't wait to see the pics.

[Aeronaut]

Hope you'll have a great time!

I think that is guaranteed. I talked to the reunion organizer. He is a Pearl Harbor survivor. Man, there will be so much history there..., I am pumped.

I'll send a post-op observation to the Canteen when I get back.