Ron McPhail, founder of our reunion group, died November 17, 2010. In the mid-1990s, Ron relentlessly tracked down Midway shipmates around the country (mostly by phone), and planned and coordinated the first reunion of the OI Division, in Branson, Missouri, in May of 1999. He led the reunion group for over a decade, turning over the reins of leadership in 2006, after his health deteriorated. In 2009, we held our reunion in Winter Park, Florida, to honor him. Ron died with dignity at his home. He was an inspiration to us all and we won’t forget him!

"To all landlubbers, sea lawyers, old salts, old swabs, square-knot admirals, gold brickers and other scavengers of the seven seas . . . greetings from Central Florida."

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Ron’s opening line in the first newsletter he published in July 1998 (then called the “Midway Magic News”)

Ron McPhail’s Memorial Bench Installed on Midway

Thanks to your incredible generosity, members of the USS Midway Reunion Group, Ron McPhail’s memorial bench is now a reality and in place on Midway! Shipmates and family members, in total, you donated $1,225 in Ron’s name during the fund-raising campaign, and all of your donations went to the USS Midway Museum to purchase Ron’s bench and plaque.