Reunion 1999
Saturday Morning
Saturday Morning Breakfast
at the Masonic Lodge across from the Gold Vault Inn. Just like the mess
tent. The Mess Sergeant has SOS, eggs to order, bacon, ham, sausage,
biscuits, coffee, juice and milk. The Lodge members did the cooking for
our donations. Donations in excess of the costs went to their Children's
Christmas Fund. The combination of giving to the Children's Fund, the good
food and the relaxed atmosphere give a good start to our last day.
A very relaxing breakfast as "Ruthless Riders" from
the different troops and years in country continue to catch up on their
memories. Many of the guys shared their stories of accomplishments since
their service with the squadron. A very relaxed and meaningful
morning. Set the good mood for the rest of the day.
Ernie Lamb (back to camera), Scout CE, 67-68;
George Shaw (with cap), Guns, 67-68; David Harris (facing camera), Infantry,
67-68; and Mike Lill, Squadron Commander CE, 67-68; try to remember what
happened during their tour and share what they have done since
Vietnam.
The Masonic Lodge members preparing our
breakfast. They are great cooks and a joy. Many of the members are
also veterans and were glad to see us and proud to serve us. Their
positive sprite was felt. The Master of the Lodge is the young man on the
right serving SOS.
After breakfast photo opportunity in the Lodge
meeting hall. You know any of these guys and wives?
Ron Sellew and his wife admire the Magnificent
Masonic Altar. The alter was constructed by Italian prisoners of war
located at Camp Knox in 1943. There were many expert Italian wood carvers
in the POW camp. For 400 beers they agreed to construct the alter our of
native cedar timber.
Ok, Cav, where are we going from here? The
Patton Museum? Anybody know the way to the museum? Who is riding
with who? We will tour our old squadron area and airfield on the way to
the museum. Ok, let's go!
Hey, look mom, there is a Patton Museum.
Naming all the "Ruthless Riders" in this photo will earn you a free dinner at
next year's reunion. Standing on the left end of the back row is our tour
guide, JW Thurman. JW is a Colonel, Retired, of air cavalry and armored
cavalry. As our tour guide, he added jokes, antidotes and details of air
cavalry and armor. He served during the same time as we served. JW
suffered a stroke soon after we left and is now at home and attending
therapy.
Posing with the UH-1C gun ship located outside of
the museum. You feel older seeing your helicopter setting as a museum
exhibit. The helicopters have improved. It is a beautiful
day.