Pacific Northwest Chapter UDT-SEAL Reunion; 8-9 August 2009

 

Situation:  The recent Pacific Northwest UDT-SEAL Chapter reunion was a major success much do to the coordination by acting Chapter President Pete Slempa and hosting by Gordy and Carol Ablitt at their Shelton, WA waterfront estate.  A good time was had by all!  The reunion was attended by approximately fifty former UDT-SEAL personnel, family members, and members of the Game Wardens.  The weather was classic Pacific NW with overcast skies, a few light sprinkles, but pleasant enough for an outdoor barbeque.

 

 

Mission:  The highlight of the reunion was conversation, fellowship, stories, beer, food, golf, shooting, beer, live music, pyrotechnics, and more stories!  We even made some stories for future reunions – specifically when Jack James (aka The Jackal) almost killed Gordy Ablitt with a golf ball when he teed off for the golf tournament!  Fire in the hole Gordy!!!  The best part of the reunion was the fellowship, teamwork and brotherhood shared by all!  (And yes, I said “beer” twice).

 

 

Execution:  The formal reunion schedule was kicked off Saturday at noon with a Business Meeting, followed by sandwiches and beverages.  Next came the golf tournament, which was coordinated by and “miraculously” won by Jerry Hammerle and his partner Pete Slempa – go figure!  When the golfers returned to the Ablitt’s waterfront estate (which by the way, was a beautiful location on Oakland Bay, WA) the group continued on with socializing, snacks, drinks, bocce ball, and a pellet rifle shooting competition which was won by Helen Kassa.

 

 

Admin & Log:  That evening, the barbeque was awesome and plenty of food was provided!  The main chef being Dave Bodkin (great job Dave!)  To complement the meal, live music was provided by the “ForEvergreen” two person string band, which were just great!  And just when everyone thought they could let their food settle – things got exciting again with a pyrotechnics display over the bay (compliments of Gordy and Jerry).  Next came the “auction”, which was a grand success and coordinated by Pete Slempa.  Some of the items purchased included: beer, posters, customized rifles and pistols, many articles of clothing, handcrafted jewelry and pens.  The main contributor to the auction and reunion fund was Bob Kannedy (thanks much for you craftsmanship and generosity Bob!).  A favorite of the ladies was a Frog lamp which got bigger when plugged in and turned on!  Hoo-Yah  Ladies!

 

Command and Sig:  The next to final event for the Pacific NW Chapter reunion was a great brunch at the Bremerton Airport restaurant on Sunday morning, where fellowship was shared and group pictures were taken under the Chapter banner.  The final event was skeet shooting at the Bremerton Trap & Skeet Club, where Stan Lupkes and Jack James competed for “Top Gun”.  Who won?  Come to next year’s reunion and find out teammates!  Just remember – “The only easy day was yesterday!”  Hoo-Yah all!

 

A special note of thanks – to Craig Kassa (son of Ted Kassa), for providing the static display of USAF Combat Controller equipment.  Making the special effort to bring this gear and explaining the use of this modern technical equipment was an awesome addition to the reunion.  Thanks again! 

 

From the Acting President:

This event was truly a TEAM effort which resulted in everyone attending, including the ladies enjoying the festivities. We are already in the planning stages for next year and looking forward to seeing all NAVSPECWAR and support personnel living in the Pacific NW and beyond on the 2nd weekend of August 2010. Mark your calendar now!

 

MCPO Pete Slempa Ret.

UDT-11/ SEAL TEAM ONE PLANK OWNER.