Posted on 08/12/2004 3:05:59 PM PDT by 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.
"Did Tonk ask you if you wanta buy a burka????"
Didn't you get the order?
Darn old Mr Goat must have it.
Great pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the ping Tonk .. Sounds like y'all had a wonderful time
Hopefully one day I'll have the honor of meeting John and his lovely family too
Wow! Thank you so much for the pictures!
Thank you for the wonderful pictures! :^)
Excellent pictures! What a couple of handsome devils you guys are!
BTTT!!!!!!!
Great pix guys ~ thanks ~ wish I coulda been there!
Outstanding.
The Intrepid (MLB 52315) looks as good as ever.
(That "no left turn" sign was there when I reported in '85! Too funny!)
I'll be there tomorrow.
Nearly 3 years now, never missed a Thur yet.
Not even Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Bump!
Fantastic report and pictures Tonk, Thanks!
When they were driving through Garberville (Southern Humboldt County) they found me at the Branding Iron Saloon. They recognized my car and so I left half my beer and we convoyed down the road to set up the Leggett Chapter of Free Republic.
Here is one of the trees in the area:
If they would have been about two weeks earlier they could have taken part in the fund raiser for the Leggett Valley Fire Department. It is all volunteer and runs on a budget of $21,000 a year.
The food was good...pig-in-a-pit:
I'll post more info on the trip through the tourist traps later on a separate thread.
Soon I have to go to leave for Santa Cruz to work on the CoralitosFR Chapter's clubhouse...
Thanks Tonk for the use of your thread.
Your Welcome!
To all you lifers (you love it and you know it) I salute. Me: tin can navy 69-71, gunner's mate. Med cruise but no Viet Nam. Hell that's WHY I joined the Navy. Call me Dan Quayle.
bump for our vets
Thank you for serving our country!!
God Bless!
Ping #63
Rest in Peace Mr Tonkin
I see you’re out browsing around in Mr. Tonk’s old turf too.
Joining you in wishes to our friend to rest easy.
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