It was my honor to attend the 1st annual 1/12th reunion 2006 in Branson. After a ten hour drive from Illinois, my wife and I arrived at the Settle Inn around 3AM on the 15th of June. After catching a few winks, we got signed in and had breakfast. Shortly there after, we started meeting all the Troopers and their families. Although I didn't meet anyone I had served with, I met a trooper that was leaving the operation I went in on in 1970. And I met a Trooper that was going in on the operation that I was leaving from. But for the life of me, I can't remember their names.

After some introductions, and getting to know each other a little, we were honored to be the Color Guard for the air show that day. They had a full blown Combat Assault going on. It was awesome. After that. we had planned on going as a group to the Mansion and taking the wives on a helicopter ride but that is where our day of enjoyment ended.

We had all re-grouped at the Settle Inn, when my wife received a call, our 15 year old grandson, and his 13 year old cousin had been killed in a ATV accident. Needless to say, we were overcome with grief. But the Troopers and their families closed ranks, and held us and prayed with us for our loss. Like so many years ago, when we would lose one of our own we became one.

There are no words to describe how thankful we are to all that were there that day, and continued to be there for us in the following days, with phone calls, flowers, and cards. From talking with others that remained there, I understand that we were again held in prayer at the banquet on Saturday evening.

I am looking forward to September 2007, so I can personally thank all our new found brothers and sisters. 

[ Home ] [ Up ]