Association News Blog

Almost a hundred folks made it to the 2021 Reunion in Portland Maine. It was great fun and about a ton of lobster was consumed. Some beer too.

We will post photos and details about the association business meeting very soon.

In case you missed it, the 2021 reunion is on. Details in the upcoming events box on the main page. The Spring 2021 Newsletter is about to go out that has the poll results and some of the tour information.

If you missed the emails sent out with the poll questions about the 2020 reunion and then the results... Well, the membership voted to skip 2020 and try again in 2021. We are working with the hotel and tour operators in Portland Maine to nail down pricing and dates in September next year. The reunion dates for the follow on locations have been pushed out as well. 

If you are not on our mailing list you may have missed the notice we passed on from the VA. Anyone within driving distance of Jackson, MS may be interested in the Town Hall scheduled there next week on Tuesday the 11th from 3 to 4 PM.

The Jackson Regional Office located at 1600 East Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS 39216 will be hosting an informational town hall providing "comprehensive knowledge and resources to Vietnam Era Veterans regarding the most recent changes." It is a public event and all are invited to attend.

If you would like more information contact their Public Affairs Officer Candace Kimble at 601-364-7191 or via email at candace.kimbal@va.gov  

We had 65 shipmates, Gals and friends attend the Baton Rouge reunion. It is already time to start some serious planning for the 2020 Reunion in Portland Maine. For information click on the 'Reunions' tab.

Bob and Jane are working hard on the Louisiana reunion. They have come up with some day trips that will be hard to beat. Hope to see everyone there, it is never too early to start preparing.

Congratulations to all the winners at this years Reunion.  50/50 winner was Jim Cooper, From Texas, $645.00.  Winner of the Tom Cruise replica Jacket, from the movie Top Gun, along with a DVD of the  movie was John Parker.  A big Thank You to Earl and Laura Fisher who Donated the Jacket, and Movie, also the Fishers who donated desk clock.  Thank You to Judy and Jay Lugar, who donated the wooden wrist watch clock.  And, a big thank you to all who brought things for the Chinese Auction.  Looking forward to a GREAT Reunion in Baton Rouge, next year. 

Hard to believe but another reunion has come and gone. When we laid anchor in Albuquerque we were met with the challenges of a hotel that is undergoing remodeling and a very understaffed staff. But the staff that was available bent over backwards for us.  FACT: we had exactly the same number at this reunion as last years which goes to show you, it isn't where we go but the fact that we just want to meet and be together. This year start making your plans early and hope to see you in Baton Rouge. If you are wondering why we aren't going to New Orleans, per the vote, it is because Bob and Jane who have been working hard to find a suitable hotel that can offer the banquet, hospitality room and reasonable hotel rates found that nothing was available in New Orleans. But remember it is only about 1 1/2 hours away. So come on and join your shipmates on what promises to be a reunion to remember !    Earl Fisher

The 2018 reunion concludes tonight after the dinner. A good time was had by all here - final attendance count, including guests, was 87. The vote for the next west region reunion (in 2021) has us going back to San Diego. Next year will be in Baton Rouge, LA and Portland, ME in 2020.

Memorial Day can be good but also tough. I have a hard time visiting the Vietnam Memorial as it is a reminder of those I couldn't save. Memorial Day is the same reminder. But it is also a reminder that we did serve with no regrets. Hope all had a good long weekend and looking forward to seeing everyone in Albuquerque. We are going to be short handed this year and hopefully when elections are held, shipmates and gals will step up. Something else to think about, when voting on future reunion sites, if you want a particular location and you nominate it, then I would hope you will be available to do the leg work to make it work. Take care sailors and marines.