MAINE — The Destroyer Escort Sailor’s Association Northeast Chapter (Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont) have recently held their spring social gathering on April 15, 2015.

The day started as 25 members and guests arrived at the Maine Military Museum and Learning Center, 50 Peary Terrace, South Portland, ME 04106 at about 10:45 a.m. The tour was guided by Lt. Col. Lee Humiston (USAF Ret.), director and curator of this excellent military museum. There are artifacts from the Revolutionary War and up to the present War on Terrorism.

The tour consisted of two hours of intense recognition of all facets that one can only imagine. We did not have time to see or read all that has gone into this museum in the last seven or eight years. The history and artifacts are just remarkable.

The Chapter then traveled five miles to the “Home Town Buffet”, 517 Maine Mall Rd., So. Portland, ME 04106. We were greeted by Chris Howland, Manager who is a U.S. M. C. four-year veteran. We gathered in the banquet room and the Commander led all in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Chaplain offered a blessing. We enjoyed a variety of entrée’s including Italian, Mexican, Asian and American Cuisine. Oh, and plenty of sweets.

After the meal a business meeting was held by John T. Dube (USN Ret.) Commander of DESA, Northeast Chapter. Chaplain John Callina offered a moment of silence for five of our comrades who we have lost in the last eight months. They are: Bernard Huntoon, Vermont; James Bracket, Maine; Rev. Warren Feustal, Maine; Misak “Mike” Tatosian, Jr., Maine and Clifton Leger, Maine.Bill Hayden, Northeast Chapter Secretary/Treasurer reported we have raised over $375 through Pennies for Slater’s Museum over the last year.

We also have welcomed 14 new members which include DE sailors, other sailors and honorary members. The DESA National Convention was also brought up, which will be held Sept. 20-25, 2015 in Lexington, Kentucky. The Northeast Chapter will hold their yearly Memorial Service on Saturday, June 20, 2015.

The 3rd Saturday of June is designated each year as Destroyer Escort Recognition Day by the Governor of Maine, Paul LePage. He will sign a proclamation in the presence of members from DESA Northeast Chapter at least two to three weeks prior to the 3rd Saturday of June. For further information regarding DESA, Northeast Chapter (Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont), please contact John T. Dube (USN Ret) 499 Crash Rd., Jay, ME 04239, 207-897-5335.