USS Rainier AE-5

07/26/2026

In case you are interested in learning more about the temporary memorial which will be located in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/161hJp6VMwY/

On July 28th, USAA will unveil a one-of-a-kind monument in our nation’s capital on the Lincoln Memorial Plaza. The National Military Monument will honor the military service members who have defended our freedom for the last 250 years.

Learn more about this unique tribute at monument250.com

07/21/2026

If you are in the Columbus, Ohio area and are interested in attending this exhibit.

Their stories shaped a nation. Our freedom is their legacy. Come share in the celebration, and be inspired by the courage of those who served.

07/21/2026

Latest Eruption! If you are thinking about or planning to attend this year’s annual reunion, the registration deadline is fast approaching! Registration closes August 3rd!

We encourage friends, family, and loved ones of shipmates to join us for the reunion! Come meet the fellow shipmates of your favorite Rainier sailor, and their family and friends.

The reunion this year is in Pensacola, Florida from September 14-18, 2026. We will be seeing the Blue Angels fly from their home base and enjoying a dolphin watching cruise in the gulf!

07/08/2026

We were informed by our MAA, Stanley Miller, that our shipmate and past President / Editor William "Bill" Welch passed away on July 7, 2026. The last reunion that Bill attended was the 2019 reunion, which he hosted in Muskogee, OK.

Fair winds and following seas, shipmate: We have the watch!

Cards and Letters of Condolences can be sent to:
Kathy Welch
556 Bethany Street
Gosnell, AR 72315

David Tongish
President & Editor
USS Rainier AE-5 Reunion Association

05/31/2026

May 2026 Eruption newsletter with reunion information!

If you are a friend or family of a Rainier sailor, please consider attending the reunion with them or for them! This year’s reunion is in Pensacola, Florida!

04/25/2026

In case you are interested and in the DC area for Memorial Day weekend

Arlington National Cemetery is honored to announce the fifth Flowers of Remembrance Day, to be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Sunday, May 24, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. 💐

Flowers of Remembrance Day pays homage to the first official, national, annual Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day. This ceremony first occurred at Arlington National Cemetery on May 30, 1868, to honor U.S. service members who died in the Civil War.

Members of the public are invited to place a flower at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Flowers will be provided by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Foundation. Visitors do not need to bring their own flowers.

For updates and a schedule of events visit https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Memorial-Day/Flowers-of-Remembrance

04/21/2026

In case you, a loved one, or friend are interested in participating by sharing your story…

CALL FOR STORIES
https://www.vvmf.org/45th/
Deadline to submit is June 30, 2026.

Lives cut short. Family, friends, and those who served and returned home – changed forever. The Wall bears 58,281 names and the Memorial honors the 2.7 million Americans who served in Vietnam. Each has a story. A story that deserves to be preserved for generations to come.

As we prepare to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial – we are collecting those stories. We are looking for stories from those who served in Vietnam as well as family and friends of those who served and want to make sure that the stories of all our Vietnam veterans are preserved.

04/18/2026

In case you are interested…

Every Father's Day, VVMF lays thousands of roses at the Memorial site. Some roses hold a personal message in honor of the fathers on The Wall, those who never had a chance to come home and start a family, and those who later died after the War ended. Family, friends and visitors are invited to take....