USS HOUSTON CA 30

“The galloping Ghost of the Java Coast

 

From Lin Drees

 

John E. Hood

In

Memorandum

 

As many of you know, John passed away Friday, November 23, 2007 - I wrote the following to his sister, Carol, via email:  "If ya'll reminisce, please tell (or have your sister, Alberta, tell) the hair dryer story.  One year John forgot to get reservations for the reunion; he arrived @ the hotel; it was full, but they had some small apartments next door - and offered John an apartment.  Well, on Sunday, as everyone was leaving, John came up to me - and said - 'Wonderful wk-end, but I have one complaint.'  Shocked, I said, 'yes, John, what was wrong?'  He said 'the hair dryer in my room did not work!'  - and, knowing his hair status, we both started laughing.   That became a joke each year - with me, always asking John if the hair dryer in his room was working this year!  I loved him!!!!  Thanks for sharing him w/ us, Next Generationers"

 

Carol responded with "Lin, Oh, we do know that story, John told us about that, and he always laughed." 

 

John will be missed as are all our loved USS HOUSTON men who are now standing watch at Sunda Strait.  We also miss the men who cannot now attend the reunions - and remember, fondly, when they were able to attend.