The photo above was taken on September 15, 2011, at our fourth annual reunion, held in the Seattle area. Most of the 27 men who attended this reunion are shown. The highlight of our time together was going to Fort Lewis, headquarters to the current 4/23rd, where we were treated to an incredible tour of their facilities. (Many thanks to Colonel Greg Harkins, Command Sergeant Major Paul Bigs, and the many more involved, including our own "Doc" John Wood, Bill Dillehay, and Dave Guilland, for arranging this awesome event!)
The army base sent two buses to transport us from our hotel in Seatac. On base, we ate breakfast in the mess hall (more like a cafeteria), were greeted by the current command of the 4/23rd, examined closehand a "Static Display" (men from the Stryker Brigade in combat garb with their weapons, along with several variations of Stryker vehicles), visited the barracks (more like college dorms), traveled in Strykers to the firing range (where those who wanted to could fire weapons--including the "SAW"), ate MRE's, saw a demonstration of night vision equipment and helmet-mounted communication devices, and later were guests at an impressive military banquet. All of us Vietnam veterans were treated with the utmost respect and consideration by the men of the current unit.
For some interesting photos of our tour of Fort Lewis, go to the "Pictures" tab.
"All Gave Some... Some Gave All."
I hope that this comment box will get a lot of use by our members. While this blog is in it's infancy, we hope it will help meet the needs of our members to communicate with each other freely. I would ask anyone (including wives) who has attended any of the past four reunions to please write a few lines about what their experience. Hopefully, anyone who is hesitant to attend a reunion will see that there is no reason to feel uncomfortable about attending the next one in Nashville; we are brothers! I would love to see all 80 men and their wives or sweethearts there!
ReplyDeleteI feel honored to be the 2nd to post here. George, you've done a magnificent job with this site. Thanks, its a long time coming.
ReplyDeleteEddie
Class of 66-67
It is great to have a "home" to communicate with each other. The last reunion was my first and it meant so very much to me to be around my brothers after 44 years. We have changed in body but never in spirit. I hope we will use this to make comments and give updates with the coming reunion, etc. Thanks to Juli for creating this blog. I will send picture of the recent deployment ceremony at Ft. Lewis as the Tomahawks are now leaving for another 9 months in Afghanistan. May our thoughts and prayers be with those young troopers. You are right Eddie, this has been a long time coming but is now here. So, lets start posting!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDoc J
Just received email from LTC Harkins, he stated they are all on the ground in Afghanistan and started field operations this week. Let us keep our young Tomahawks in our thoughts and prayers during their 9 month deployment.
ReplyDeleteDoc John
Great Nashville reunion. Enjoyed all of the conversations and interaction. Looking forward to Indy next year. Use my personal email to contact me, or by phone. Have Fun, Carl
ReplyDeleteGreat reunion. So great to see the guys. Was great interaction and to spend quality time with each other. Thanks George for finding so many of us. Thanks to the committee for doing such a great job. Thanks Sandy for your work with the photos. Thanks Carl for the dedication to the vets. So shocked that some states do not work as well with the vets. Thanks to the ladies for being together and by our sides. Looking forward to next year.
ReplyDeleteDoc Cagle