Thursday, May 12, 2022

What's it all About?

What makes NMA reunions so special? Why do we keep coming back?

Deb Holl, our volunteer coordinator, speaks of the countless times she's seen a first-timer nervously arrive in our Registration Room,  wondering if he'll know anybody in this big hotel. Within hours, Deb will tell you, that newcomer is joking around with old shipmates, meeting new friends, and having the time of his life. 

What's so special about our reunions? Well, the camaraderie is unique, a sense of belonging only Navy MUs can share. 

Sea stories told to MUs by MUs demonstrate a unique bond; the tale of Rocky Palumbo answering an admiral's complaint about the band's dance music at a Navy Ball by saying, "I've been watching you, sir, and the problem isn't the music; the problem is, you can't dance" isn't something a hull technician can appreciate.

And, the music unites us, of course. For a few days, we rehearse and jam, then finish the reunion with weekend performances. 
 
But the answer to those questions--What makes NMA reunions so special, and why do we keep coming back"--is simple:

We're just so damn glad to see each other.