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.

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Outstanding!!
Glad you two got to meet!!
I admire you both so much!!
Thanks for all you do for us!!
Ms.B

[af_vet_1981]

"Tell everyone that I've been married to Jim for 34 years and he puts his pants on like anybody else."

A great tribute to the man and the woman

[MeekOneGOP]

bump !!

The Freepmobile .....

[WVNan]

Tonk, I'm so glad you got to meet The Great One. He is a super nice guy isn't he? I feel very honored to be one of those Freepers who has met and thanked Jim for being one of the greatest Americans of our time. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting Sheila yet, but I know that since Jim married her she has to be a winner.

[Delta 21]

Hey Tonk,

Give FN Harper a pat on the back from a prior Station Coos Bay Fireman.

I had engineer quals as a FN(E-3) on all 3 44'MLBs, the 30' SRB (aka - Torpedo) , and the 52' MLB Intrepid.

Are surf drills still on thursdays? and how are the darts, pool and ping-pong on the rec deck?

My first three years in the Coast Guard was a blast in Coos Bay. And the beaches at Bandon are awesome.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Tue and Thur are "driill" time on the boats.

Pool table and darts, never have seen anybody play ping pong.

I've got almost 3 years here (Oct 3)

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

PS Jim stayed at the Best Western at Face Rock in Bandon

[Delta 21]

I heard that thing is bulletproof and has a minigun that pops out of the top!

[Delta 21]

I did 2 summers straight on the Coquille river patrol.

...and the government paid ME to do it!

[StarCMC]

Woo-hoo!! Good for you Tonk!!

I am still kicking myself that I missed then when they were here!!

[Calpernia]

Bump! Tonk! Glad you had a great time.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

I got to fire the 50 cal after dinner!

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"I did 2 summers straight on the Coquille river patrol."

And amazingly enough it's still here! LOL

[MeekOneGOP]

hehe! Could be ! ;^D

[tubebender]

Good report Tonk. Are the Robinsons continuing down 101 toward Eureka or are they headed for I/5...

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

They left this morning down the 101 to Ft Bragg, then Monterey

[MeekOneGOP]

Wow. That'll knock you back just a tad, eh ?? Fun!

[tubebender]

Darn. I would have liked to meet with them for a few minutes. I could have showed them my brand new triple bypass scars. ;~o(

[Delta 21]

Dont laugh too hard!

The second year one of the old riverfront mills caught fire and burned to the waterline. We got close enough with the 44408 to squirt some water on it but was a lost cause. It was a 2 or 3 story wood building about 600 or 700 foot long. Biggest fire I ever seen up close. Im glad it wasnt any worse.

Im sure you gave Jim the full tour in bristol fashion.

[Alamo-Girl]

Way to go, Tonk! Kudos and hugs!