Are attending military reunions important to you?

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 03:19:30 -0500

In the last 15+ years I have either organized or helped organize six military reunions with four of those in Asia (Vietnam War Veterans). Are reunions important to you and why?

The photo is from a reunion in Thailand, 2007 on the former B-52 base at U-Tapao.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Feb 4 at 2016 4:13 AM

PO1 Rick Serviss — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 04:13:19 -0500

Not really. I never kept or tried to keep in touch with former shipmates unless it was a hot girl.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 4 at 2016 8:24 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 08:24:28 -0500

I was invited to two Vietnam reunions and was quite honored to see the dynamics of the group. There was reverie and solemn moments.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Feb 4 at 2016 8:54 AM

MAJ David Vermillion — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 08:54:57 -0500

I would love to revisit Vietnam again. I am 70 and I know time is running out.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Feb 4 at 2016 9:46 AM

CDR Terry Boles — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 09:46:20 -0500

I have attended 3 Navy ship reunions, each better than the last. Its as if time has stopped when we are together and the sea stories come alive. Afterward we remain closer than ever before, always talking, emailing, etc. Its who we are, shared experiences, shared personal growth, and provides a sense of purpose for some who may have been lost during their AD times and now it makes sense. Definitely important, brotherhood from a complex time in history and still at its finest!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 4 at 2016 10:41 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 10:41:16 -0500

I convinced a Vietnam war group to go on a cruise. I said American is ready for you. They had a blast.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Feb 4 at 2016 10:57 AM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 10:57:47 -0500

I would love to go back and visit Vietnam if I had the chance, especially China Beach . It is on my "Bucket List."

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Feb 4 at 2016 1:56 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 13:56:51 -0500

Don't know, haven't gone to any yet.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 4 at 2016 3:01 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 15:01:01 -0500

Attending the reunions of my USMA, West Point Class every five years is very important to me. So far I have only been able to attend the 25th and 30th anniversary reunions. I hope to be able to attend my 4oth in 2020 and then each one until my 60th, Lord willing.
A few years ago I learned that the first infantry unit I served with 52nd Infantry holds annual reunions. So far I have only been able to attend one but I hope to be able to attend more.
Here is a picture of me at my 25th reunion at West Point where I am marching with a punishment tour formation in honor of my having marched over 100 punishment tours when I was a cadet.

Response by MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht made Feb 4 at 2016 4:56 PM

MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 16:56:47 -0500

I attended one and got into a pissing contest with a Major. I am sure most of my companions are already dead. I have seen it all but, the USA contains some of the most beautiful sights in the world. Still a couple on my bucket list.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Feb 4 at 2016 5:18 PM

PO3 David Fries — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 17:18:26 -0500

I would live to be able to have a reunion of the Marine unit I was in before I got out. Hospital reunions would be tough, as there are just too many people.

Response by MAJ Judd Clemens made Feb 5 at 2016 12:07 AM

MAJ Judd Clemens — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 00:07:01 -0500

I go to my HS class reunions and have been to an OCS reunion but have never been to any Vietnam Vet reunions. I would go if any of the units I were with had one.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Feb 5 at 2016 10:33 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 22:33:52 -0500

I've gone to two. My infantry training unit and my VN squadron. Couldn't understand how the guys have gotten so old. Actually, I left both with a mixture of great and somber feelings. Many had passed on without my hearing about it, but for a few days, those of us who were there shared the feelings and bonds of many years ago. I suppose you would call it therapeutic.

Response by PO2 Todd Voge made Feb 6 at 2016 11:38 AM

PO2 Todd Voge — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 11:38:34 -0500

I'm working on getting a reunion of the First Naval Security Force at the Naval Weapons Station, Fallbrook, CA. We took over for the Marines in 1988. This would be the first get-together for us. Thank goodness for Facebook, RallyPoint, LinkedIn, TogetherWeServed and other social networking sites. With these, I've been able to network with about a dozen former shipmates and from them, network further. It's been such a blast catching up with everyone. We are shooting for a get-together in 2018, to coincide with the 30 year anniversary. So to answer the question, are reunions important? I think they are! I know I can't wait to see all the guys/gals when we get together finally!!!