Those who served on USS Anchorage (LSD 36) are getting together to commemorate this ‘most decorated’ ship. We are seeking your financial support to help defray the cost of our 2026 reunion . With airfare soaring, just attending the reunion can be a financial hurdle for many. Money raised will be used for local transportation, one of our biggest expenses, and if enough money is raised, we will be able to lower the cost for group events and meals. Your donation will ease the burden of reunion costs and bring our shipmates together. Help make this reunion a reality for as many crewmates as possible! Please donate today and share this campaign with your family and friends.
To maximize our fundraising efforts, we not only rely on direct donations but also partner with businesses that offer user-friendly fundraising programs. In the past, we've successfully participated in Panda Express's nationwide virtual campaign, which donates 28% of sales, and have found a strong local supporter in TapRoom Bar & Grill, contributing 20% of sales. These initiatives, combined with our FundRazr page, have helped us raise $2,305.40 in 2022 and $2,732.21 in 2024, moving us closer to our $5,000.00 goal.
Please note: If a donation is made using PayPal, please do not select for 'Goods or Services'. We receive less money when that is selected. Thank you.
Not comfortable donating online? Call 619-750-6390, or mail a check to LSD36.COM, P.O. Box 191013, San Diego, CA, 92159-1013
On behalf of the entire crew, "Thank you!", for your support.
Visit our website, LSD36.COM, to learn more. GO NAVY!
Best regards,
Michael P. McGrath
P.O. Box 191013
San Diego,
California 92159-1013
(619) 750-6390
THE UNSPOKEN TRUTH: REUNIONS ARE NOT SOCIAL EVENTS, THEY ARE LIFELINES.
It is easy to dismiss military reunions as simple social gatherings – a chance to swap old stories and catch up with familiar faces. However, there is a profound, often overlooked, benefit to these connections: they are vital for our mental health.
This perspective might be a revelation for many. We might not consciously recognize the deep psychological impact of these gatherings, but the fact remains: Whether we want to admit it or not, most of us carry some sort of invisible wounds or unspoken challenges from our service that impact our overall mental health. It is not always about combat trauma; it could be the stress of deployment, the difficulty of transitioning back to civilian life, the loss of friends, or even just the unique culture shock of re-entering a world that doesn't quite "get" what you've been through. These experiences, subtle or overt, can contribute to feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression, or a sense of not quite belonging.
This is precisely where reunions become more than just a party; they transform into crucial therapeutic spaces. When we gather with those who shared our experiences, we find:
- Profound Understanding and Validation: There is an immediate, unspoken understanding that permeates these gatherings. You don't have to explain the nuances of military life, the inside jokes, or the unspoken rules; everyone just gets it. This shared context provides immense validation, reassuring us that our experiences and feelings are normal, not isolated.
- A Safe Space for Shared Processing: Reunions offer a unique environment where it feels safe to talk about things you might not discuss with anyone else. The shared history creates a bond of trust, allowing us to process difficult memories, discuss ongoing struggles, and even grieve losses in a supportive and empathetic setting.
- Reconnection with Purpose and Identity: For many, military service was a defining period, offering a strong sense of purpose and identity. Civilian life can sometimes feel directionless by comparison. Reunions help reignite that sense of camaraderie and remind us of the shared values and bonds that once shaped us, helping to anchor our identity.
- Combatting Isolation, a Silent Killer: One of the biggest threats to mental health, especially for veterans, is isolation. The MRNs focus on "continued connection" directly addresses this. By bringing us together, reunions actively combat loneliness and provide a vital support network, reminding us that we are part of a community that understands and cares.
- Mutual Support and Resilience Building: Beyond just talking, reunions often lead to practical support. Veterans share coping strategies, recommend resources, or simply offer an empathetic ear. This mutual support builds resilience, equipping us to better navigate future challenges.
In essence, these "get-togethers" are powerful antidotes to the silent struggles many veterans face. They are not just about nostalgia; they are about fostering ongoing connections that are fundamental to our mental well-being, helping us to heal, feel understood, and ultimately, thrive.
“Can’t really make the letters big enough: BRAVO ZULU to properly reflect the herculean efforts you put forth to make 2024 a fun and memorable reunion.” LTJG Chuck Johnson (7/72-5/75)
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"Thoroughly enjoyed my first LSD-36 reunion in 2022. The Bay Club was an excellent choice for a host hotel for the reunion. Accommodations and location were perfect for such an event. Even ran into the reunion coordinator the night before the first official event and shared a couple at the hotel bar! The 'Welcome' social hour, 'Main Event' dinner and 'Group Breakfast' were great times to rekindle old relationships. A highlight for me was the tour of the same-named US Navy replacement ship. All-in-all, a great time!" Plank Owner LTJG G. Mellen (8/68-6/71)
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“My wife and I had a great time at the USS Anchorage 2022 reunion. Seeing shipmates that i have not seen in almost 50 years was definitely worth the trip. The venue and activities were excellently planned- what fun! I hope more of my friends will attend the 2024 reunion - they won’t regret it.” QM3 A. Bescan (5/73-12/76)
