Letter from the President,Soon our next reunion will take place in the Dothan, Alabama area. As we move down South again, we will be receiving lots of Southern hospitality, good food, a bit of a slower pace for us city dwellers and a chance to renew old acquaintances and meet many new folks we haven't seen for a long time.I would like to take a few moments and reflect on last year's reunion in Washington. First, I need to thank all of you who both wrote me and sent pictures and those of you who called me. I was truly heart warmed with all of the glowing comments and words of appreciation. I really appreciated this very much. Remember that the reunions are for you and that when we can participate it only helps to make it that much more enjoyable. We had so many new faces come to Washington; so many more lives that touched us all. A total of 39 came and at least 18-25 wives, friends and a lot of children. It expanded from a Viet Nam affair to just finding out how everyone is doing and future plans. We have had people retire, moving from state to state, kids in college, some with very young children, new jobs and an array of just plain good talking about everything. From our company beginning in 1965 to the end in 1972, we had someone from every year and nearly every job from clerks to crews. Yes, it was a good reunion. It was your reunion. Thank you all for coming and making it so good. Plan on Alabama this year. We try to move the reunions to help accommodate those who can't travel long distances or can't travel by air, so many may be able to come to at least some of the reunions, even if only one. We hope many who live down near Alabama will come to this reunion. Big reunions are always fun. New faces make it even better and that much more enjoyable. We shared common experiences during this period of time and while the debate of that war will continue beyond our graves, let us not dwell on the political debate but remember our common bond. The reunions serve to bring us together again in friendship and the spirit in which we served. We also take a few moments to remember our friends who died both during and after the war. We remember together, for them, as it should be. Our invitation is for all of us. Since our first reunion, we have lost several more members. Some never made it to a reunion because of illness but at least they were contacted and had the chance to talk. Granny Thurmond has passed on since his reunion but he always planned on coming back to the next one. It was such a pleasure to really meet him again and renew a friendship I didn't know existed. Some of the families of those passed on keep in touch with us and I hope they too have a special feeling for the company, because we have not forgotten them. I urge all to plan on attending a reunion and if you can't or for some reason won't, please just drop us a line, a picture, something and let us know how you are doing. Any contact with anyone is always discussed at the reunions and many times folks ask about others they haven't seen but remember. A word from you is very kind and so very much appreciated. I'll be there in ALABAMA again y'all. Hope to see many old faces and many new.
In Friendship, |