Tiller archive — December 1996
Reflections of Some Friends of the Tokyo Power Squadron
Darrell
Allison in full garb for Tom Cod Society induction
ceremony.
ED'S NOTE:
The
following letter was received soon after the
Allisons' visit last year and was promptly lost. It surfaced
recently and we'd like reprint it now (with apologies for
tardiness), especially since Darrell and Pat Allison
will be rejoining us for the upcoming COW.
(Since this was written
the Allisons have come from California
to at least four of our annual Change of Watches, even since the
infamous "Oyster Spew" COW that will go down in the annals of
TSPS party lore. For the record, TPS officially added "Sail"
to its name in 2002.)
Just a few weeks ago, my wife Pat and I had the special pleasure of attending the Tokyo Power Squadron Change of Watch for the second year. For the warmth and friendship extended to us by all the members of TPS that we had the pleasure of meeting, we will be forever grateful and have a very special place in our hearts and a profound memory of all of you.
The fact that TPS is a member of D/13 is in itself a very special thing. With the reassignment of your squadron your new affiliation has created a completely unique situation that is unlike any of the other districts anywhere else in all of USPS. Your squadron has made District 13 the only international district in the entire organization.
This fact also sets out another important feature. That is that D/13 can now boast of the western-most squadron in the world as Honolulu Power Squadron is also in D/13, but Tokyo Power Squadron is without challenge the eastern-most squadron in the organization. District 13 is truly world-wide. I, for one, think that these facts are absolutely incredible.
The short time that we spent with the TPS was recorded in many ways, lots of pictures were taken and a few hours of video tape were recorded to share with the other members of D./13 at the Spring Conference. The activities that were "captured" were displayed to the entire membership with snapshot displays for all to see. This display created a strong interest in the boating and educational activities of Tokyo Power Squadron by other squadron members. Many people wanted to know the types of activities on and off the water that TPS is involved in. The end result is, I will soon have the opportunity to make a presentation to Arrowhead Squadron at one of their business meetings to talk about the Tokyo Power Squadron and some of the outstanding things that TPS does.
Your efforts with the Class IV License program and your involvement with other parts of the Japanese marine community will be my focus items in an attempt to portray your squadron and the things that you do.
The fantastic barbecue will be described in succulent detail and the special demonstration of weather phenomena (snow, first time in four years I am told) that occurred at Misaki House will also illustrate the extent that you all went to that made our visit very special. Hunter Brumfield "cooly" tried to pass it off as ash from Mt. Fuji.
All of this and so many of the other things that you shared with us and gave to us, I now will be able to share and give to others, because of you. I am sure that I can echo the thoughts of Roger Scaife and Ken and Reyna Henry when I say that Tokyo Power Squadron extended to all of us far more than kindness and hospitality —your squadron provided deep and lasting friendship. I am personally honored to know you and now be able to fly your burgee.
With deepest regards,
P/D/C Darrell Allison, AP
Pat Allison, AP