How the Association Began...
In June of 2001, this notice appeared on a web site posting ship reunions:
USS CASA GRANDE LSD-13
Mr. Ben Lines, Gunners Mate 2nd class 860-868-0408
(Connecticut)BenJuneLines@aol.com
REUNION: Mr. Ben Lines is looking for former shipmates from 1950-1955
In the same time period, Bob Kinsella, EM-3 was involved in a personal project trying to locate former shipmates and creating a roster. They pooled their efforts.
Click here to see Bob's Beginnings
In February 2002, contact was made with Philip Forrest, YN-3 who then joined their efforts along with June Lines.
During this period, Claude Blackwell, MM-1 became aware of what was going on. His experience in attempting to do the same thing previously and his list of crew members became a great asset when he joined the project.
IT HAPPENED
Notices were sent out to all 45 names obtained regarding the possibility of holding a reunion asking who would be interested in getting together and where. As the results came in the Roster, grew into the 60s. Based on the number of positive returns, the announcement went out that there would be a reunion in 2002. On March 25th, 2002, a Reunion Committee was formed.
CREDIBILITY
On the 25th of March, 2002, contact was made with the Internal Revenue Service. They classified the USS CASA GRANDE LSD-13 REUNION ASSOCIATION as a business and issued the ASSOCIATION an EIN number. On the 30th of March, 2002, a bank account was established under that name.
WE ARE NOW UNDERWAY
*****With a crew of 5, going through uncharted waters*****
PROGRESS
By the time of the first Reunion, the number on the Roster had grown to just over 300 and still more were being located. Bob Kinsella had his hands full continuing to generate names and insuring that the information for them was correct.
SUPPORT
Enthusiasm grew with all. Many had always wondered if there would ever be Reunion with the Casa Grande crew. Some had given up hope that they would ever see some of their shipmates again. Generosity for its existence was overwhelming.
(in alphabetical order)
| Raplh Baker | George Laux |
| Peter Beach | Ben Lines |
| Frank Beireis | Anthony Martingano |
| Phil Burt | Harold Mason |
| Richard Crabb | Donald Miller |
| Philip Forrest | George Moreland |
| Myles Forrest | Jim Muckelvene |
| William Fotherby | Withro Noel |
| Charles Herubin | Jim Packard |
| Ron Hiles | Rodney Rhodes |
| Merlyn Iverson | John Ulrich |
| Arthur Kelly | Ed Wagner |
| John Kimmet | Crown Trophy |
| Herbert Kitchens |
===== HONORARY MEMBERS =====
(in alphabetical order)
Ethel Bidlow
Capt. Philip Briscoe VI
Jessie Eargle
Helen Hambric
Seth Hardy
Marjorie Iverson
Nancy Kepp
Mark Mackechnie
Darrell Neeley
Renae O'Malley
Betty Parlier
Capt. Tobey Spahr
Kenneth Strumm
Carol Teater
Mildred Winkel
