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.

[A Navy Vet]

" Showed them what I do on Thur and where I do it. Showed them the radio room where I used t stand watches."

You no longer stand radio watches? What are you doing now?

[ride the whirlwind]

Sounds like you spent some real quality time. :-)

[Smartass]

THANKS FOR     THE PING!

[Grampa Dave]

Thanks for sharing this great event with us.

So where did you take them for lunch?

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"You no longer stand radio watches? What are you doing now?"

I am trained and qualified to work in the Operations Office.
My duties include verification and entry of all boat movements
and crew member training records.
I am still qualified as a Radio Watch Stander in the Coast Guard Base Radio Room.
Currently training with Coast Guard crew for COMMERCIAL vessel inspector.
(Different from RECREATIONAL vessel inspector with Auxiliary.)

FReeper makes Coast Guard / Coast Guard Auxiliary History
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/798008/posts

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

The Station Restaurant for lunch

The Boathouse for dinner

[A Navy Vet]

Great! Keep up the good work. Didn't know they allow Auxillary to inspect commercial vessels, or to even board.

[Chode]

ZB!!!

[Spotsy]

Great Host
Great Guests
It doesn't get any better. :)
Thank you for taking such good care of the Robinsons.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"Didn't know they allow Auxillary to inspect commercial vessels, or to even board."

Not if it's a commercial boat that was part of a Search and Rescue case.

That's a mandatory boarding.

HOWEVER if it fails and needs further inspection we can, once fully trained.

[Grampa Dave]

They are both great.

The Boathouse is our favorite.

[afnamvet]

Great pics Tonk...lookin for more.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Let me know next time you are here.

[Madame Dufarge]

Thanks, Tonkin.

Glad you all had a good time!

[Grampa Dave]

I will try to do it.

[Libloather]

68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub meets fellow Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club Vet

Sounds like a COLLISION!

Please submit any damage reports promptly...

[PatriotGirl827]

Tonk - that's awesome! Can't wait to see the pics!

[tobyhill]

Did any Swift Vets know about the movie Kerry's long time friend George Butler is producing? It's going to be about Kerry and his Vietnam Experiences.
Here's one of the links,
George Butler is a New Hampshire Film Maker and a long time friend with Kerry. He made such films as "Pumping Iron". Butler is currently making a film about Kerry's experiences in Vietnam, called "Going up River", expected to hit theatres this September. I believe this is why they are against this book because it will blow his cover and bring questions to this films accuracy. This is a quote from Butler on WHDH TV Boston, Aired 7/21/2004.
"Everything John Kerry said about Vietnam applies to Iraq as well. So there's a message in the film that's very interesting film indeed."

Link to George Butler interview.
http://www1.whdh.com/features/articles/specialreport/DBM564/

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

GOOD!

He'll really trip over his lies!

It will really finish him off, once and for all!