Letters

 12-18-07

From Dan Bongel

Tree!  After looking for the past 10-12 years I finally found Johnny Vaughn.  Still living in Tenn.  His address is 7500 McFarland Rd., Lyles, Tenn. 37098.  Had a little talk with him on the phone tonight and he had no clue that the web site existed.  He was quite excited to here about the upcoming reunion.  I'll also give you his phone number.  1-920-670-7632.  Dan 

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10-11-07

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Monday, October 8, 2007

Some one sent in a note to be published on Sunday and my computer ate the thing. Sorry about that. I cant remember who sent the note. Please resend.
TREE
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I just recently found your web site and have heard from several of the guys that were over in Vietnam when I was there. In fact, I visited Jim Stanford today.  I’ve never planned a reunion before, but I’m willing to help.  The answer to one question is Cash Bar or BYOB, This depends where the reunion is held.  Some hotels charge a lot for drinks.  And some of the guys are non alcoholics   I’m currently retired so I would have plenty of time so a Thursday thru Sunday affair would be ok for me.  I know the ladies like to go shopping so on Saturday afternoon they can go shopping and the guys can have a get together.  As for Saturday night, the dinner ceremonies and/or banquet is a great idea.  Sunday morning, some kind of breakfast buffet.  You have a great idea for a Pizza party for Friday night.  It’s probably not a good idea to plan anything on Thursday night.  This time could be used for arriving and travel.  If we do anything, some kind of hospitality room on Thursday night. 

 Your guest book entry does not say where you’re planning the reunion. 

Well that is it for now and God Bless

 DONALD J. DEMCHAK

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Tree,

   Thank you for sending out the Warning Order on our next reunion.  You requested input on the next Operation Order/Agenda.  The letter from “Doc” Gifford was touching and yet I am sad due to his health.  He suggested that we have someone from the VA talk to the group.  Not sure if I can pull this off but I have a 75% chance of success.  Nick Bacon, Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, is a very close friend of mine and lives only twenty minutes from me.  Nick has worked extensively over the past two years with the US Congress in Washington on changes for veterans.  He was the Director of Veterans Affairs in Arkansas for nine years. President Bush personally asked him to serve on the committee to review veteran’s affairs and benefits.  If you concur, I will do my Cav Best to see that he comes to our next reunion.  Nick has discussed with me some of the major changes to our system that is in the works and he would enlighten us in Q/A forum.  In addition, he would be a great speaker at our evening dinner. I believe his appearance and knowledge would greatly enhance our reunion.  Thanks again for all that you do.

 Respectfully,

 Tom W. Thomas Col (Ret), US Army

Tree,

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I saw your posting about the 2008 reunion, so I am offering to help, if I can. I have no idea about what I can do, since I don't have any experience with something like that. My health has really deteriorated since last year's reunion. My knees are shot, I have heart trouble and COPD, so I walk with a cane and can't walk great distances because of the knees and not being able to breathe well. I've told you all of this, not to complain or ask for sympathy, but to let you know my limitations in assisting you. So, just let me know how I can help.

 

You asked for suggestions concerning the reunion, so once again last years is all I have to compare it too and I thought it was OUTSTANDING. Things I had not thought about before, but you did, were transportation from the airport to the hotel. I was reading postings on Bravo Co's site and that was something left up to each individual, evidently. The way it was setup last year was great. Also, the hospitality room set up was very convenient and I think better than a cash bar or any other way I have seen before. The presentation by Doug was fantastic. I don't what you could do to top that, but possibly something to do with the illnesses and problems many of us are facing? Someone from the VA or VVA or DAV addressing the group? The Sat. dinner with the Missing Man Table was beautiful and acknowledging various groups within the Co. was good in that I believe it made some of the FNG's feel more comfortable and welcome. I also believe the quality dinner was the perfect way to make that evening special. The ladies luncheon seemed to be well received and it gave the guys time alone. I am going to make every effort to arrive earlier and possibly stay later for this one. I probably wasn't paying attention last year, but I didn't realize that was an option. Location of the reunion in the central part of the US makes perfect sense as you mentioned in a previous email to me. I have traveled that part of the US a lot and there are some great places, but most are not that convenient for air travelers. To me the city is not that important, as is the opportunity to visit with everyone.

 

I could have just said keep it like last year instead of writing a book, but then you would have wondered if I really put any thought into my remarks :-) Hope I haven't rambled on too much. Look forward to hearing from you. Take care.