USS Hugh Purvis (DD709)
Reunion Association
(Updates - 8/28/2023)


HPRA PAGES

HPRA
information
(updated  5/1/2023)
2023
Norfolk RECAP
(New - June 28/2023)
2024
HPRA Reunion
(updated  8/1/2023)
HPRA
Officers
(updated  5/1/2023)
DD709
History
(updated 1/1/2023)
HPRA
History
(updated  1/1/2023)
Commissioning
Crew
(updated  1/1/2022)
Commanding
Officers
(updated  7/9/2023)
DD709
Ports of Call
(updated 6/21/2023)
Galleries
(updated  7/1/2023)
SlideShows
(updated 1/1/2023)
Stories and More
(UPDATED 7/9/2023)
*** For mobile phone's and tablets, use "Landscape" mode for the best display. ***
     See the following for information on...
The HPRA CHARTER   -  "Why we exist?"      
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION  -  "Also, use this to update your information"
HPRA NEWSLETTERS  -  "Latest: January 2024 - Next: Late March 2024"

Electronic copies (PDF's) of the Shipmate Directory, By-Laws and Newsletters
are available to all "ACTIVE" members via email from the HPRA president (email Link)


NOTES:
The 2024 HPRA Reunion is scheduled for Annapolis MD. from June 10-13. For details and updates see the "2024 HPRA Reunion" link above (updated 7/24/2023). This will be fully updated 1/7/2024.
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Do you have photos to share? Contact us using the "Contact..." link at the bottom of this page and we will send you a temporary upload link.

"In Memoriam"
Rober V. "Frank" Ockenden

   Frank Ockenden served aboard the Hugh Purvis from 1953-55 as an YNT3.  Frank passed away 13 December 2023 in Penfield, NY at the age of  93.

"Fair Winds and Following Seas"
(Obituary)
James A. Cieslinski

   James Cieslinski served aboard the Hugh Purvis from 1954 to 1956 as a SN. James passed away on 20 April 2023 in Bay City MI. James was 88 years and 80 days old.

"Fair Winds and Following Seas"
(Obituary)
Thaddeus A. "Irish" Drazek

   "Irish Drazek (57-59/MMFN) passed away at home in N. Brookfield, MA on 15 august 2023. His wife, Janet, was by his side. H served aboard from 1957 to 1959 as an MMFN.

"Fair Winds and Following Seas"
(Obituary)



    The following appeared on Facebook and was written by one of the members of the HPRA. It is true for all of us, being "at that certain age."

To all Veterans 50 years of age
and older.........

    Most of us are going through the next phase of our lives now. We are at that age where we see wrinkles, gray hair and extra pounds. We ran a war machine, homes, paid the bills, dealt with illness, sadness and everything life assigned to us. Many of us went to war and had the chance to return to our loved ones.
   
We remain survivors...
We are warriors in calm......
We are strong, we are also veterans of an old era and proud of it........

    Even though our bodies may not be what they once were, they carry our souls, our courage and our strength. We have good red blood in our veins. We will all enter this chapter of our lives with humility, grace, and pride in everything we've been through, and we should never feel bad about getting older. It is a privilege that is denied to so many people.
My age: 72
At a younger ageSteve today
by Steve Tindall