By Ben Bryer, F298847
March 2016
Motorhome owners who are not members of FMCA sometimes ask me why they should join. Maybe that can be answered by describing a recent rally of the Carolina Ramblers chapter. The location was special, but the rally itself was typical of those we have attended over the years.
Maurice and Stella Gunn hosted the rally, held November 5-8, 2015, at the U.S. Coast Guard base in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. It was the third time the Carolina Ramblers held a rally on a military base. The facilities, only a few steps from the ocean, were first-class, and featured spotless cement pads and full hookups.
The 15 attendees arrived on Thursday. That night, we ate pizzas provided by our hosts and got reacquainted with everyone. Friday morning, we had breakfast at the officers’ galley. Lunch was at the Hangar 7 restaurant, after which we had free time. Some enjoyed the recreation center facilities, which included a bar, pool tables, arcade games, a grill, etc. Others visited sites in town or went shopping.
Friday afternoon, Chief Warrant Officer Delton Stuck led us on a tour of the Coast Guard training center, which specializes in search and rescue by helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft. The 2006 movie The Guardian, which depicts Coast Guard search-and-rescue training, was partially filmed there. Chief Warrant Officer Stuck was quite entertaining. After listening to some of his stories, we concluded that he is lucky to be alive!
The water rescue training, held in deep pools, simulates a helicopter crash scene, with wind, rain, and waves all created to make it feel real. Crews must escape from an upside-down helicopter while underwater. Although these are controlled conditions, they are still very dangerous.
Our crew gathered again later that evening. Stella whipped up her world-famous chili and chili dip, and Ben Bryer provided adult refreshments.
After the traditional rally business meeting on Saturday morning, we were free the rest of the day. Some people stayed on the base, others toured the Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, and some ventured to Norfolk, Virginia; Virginia Beach, Virginia; or the Kitty Hawk and Nags Head, North Carolina, area.
At dinner Saturday night at Hangar 7, Chief Warrant Officer Stuck was asked to tell more stories of search-and-rescue missions. When he recounted a rescue from an oil rig during a hurricane, it called to mind a James Bond movie.
After breakfast on Sunday morning, Beverly Eckard led a devotional.
A special thank-you goes out to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard, especially those serving at the base in Elizabeth City.
So, back to that question: Why join FMCA? We have been members for 15 years and have made hundreds of lifelong friends. At every rally we see people laughing, joking, playing, resting, reading, sharing, and sight-seeing. Just loving life. We think camping with fellow FMCA members is a reward for helping others. We are so blessed. Joining the FMCA family has been a great joy.