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SAN ANTONIO 2007 |
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REMEMBER THE REUNION! (Special): Unlike at the Alamo, all of those who attended the San Antonio 2007 Reunion managed to survive. It was an event to remember with 26 people attending! Coming In: From the West Coast and the East Coast and all points in between, many who served together met once again where most of us took A.I.T. Most Arrived Friday: Those who arrived by Thursday had dinner together that night. We also had a group dinner Friday on the Riverwalk. Our very SPECIAL GUEST, Jim Reed, was able to join us for both of these meals before having to leave early Saturday. The Tour: The tour of Fort Sam Houston on Saturday, guided by retired Sergeant Major Tony Alviar, was enjoyed by all who went and was very interesting. The museum had wonderful displays and having lunch in a Mess Hall was terrific! Freebies: In addition to the freebies from the hotel, breakfast and drinks, the keepsakes handed out Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night made the event very special for many. Saturday Night Banquet: Our banquet, in the Milam Room of the Drury Riverwalk Hotel, was enhanced by the appearance of three recent graduates of the U.S. Army Medical A.I.T. school whose enthusiasm was appreciated by all. In the Can: AND for the first time ever - a 20 minute video complete with sound is available on DVD showing those who attended the banquet. If all goes well they will be receiving a copy and if any of you who did not attend want a copy please let me know now since I will be having this processed within a few days. The opening and closing musical numbers are The ARM PIT Singers humming the theme from M*A*S*H! We must give our thanks to many for making our San Antonio 2007 Reunion a success............................ Starting with our Hotel Committee members Dr. Henry Berman and Bob "Burgie" Burgeson who steered us to the Drury Inn & Suites Riverwalk. To Megan Lowry (megan.lowry@druryhotels.com) and Lisa Virag (Lisa.Virag@druryhotels.com), National Sales Coordinators with Drury Hotels, we thank you for making our reunion one to remember. The hotel was excellent, the free breakfast and evening drinks were enjoyed by all, and being on the Riverwalk was exceptional. To another one of our own - Joe Aresco, medic at the 3rd General Dispensary from 1970 to 1972, who works for HOT LEATHERS in Connecticut (www.hotleathers.com) for the terrific T-shirts with super fantastic graphics that everyone who attended received. To retired Sergeant Major Tony Alviar (santonio-a@sbcglobal.net) for leading our group on the Fort Sam Houston tour on Saturday. The giving of your time was appreciated by all that went on this tour because without you we would have been wondering around without direction. The visit to the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum and our lunch in the Mess Hall will be talked about for years! To our Banquet Committee members Mr. Marty Bauer and Kathy Burgeson who were able to narrow the choices to the ones we were served on Saturday night. Also to Ruby Santiago (ruby@oneillscatering.com) and Amy (amy@oneillscatering.com) of O’Neill’s Catering for the wonderful food and service that we all enjoyed at our Saturday night banquet. How about that Margarita cheesecake! To Ken Burrows who once again was our auditor for all the funds collected for this event. It always helps when someone is looking over my shoulder – especially when money is being tossed about like we are playing monopoly. AND of course to all whom attended the 2007 San Antonio Reunion making it a special event sharing time with others that served in Karlsruhe. The week leading up to the San Antonio Reunion was one of excitement and anticipation. Mr. Marty Bauer, Bob "Burgie" Burgeson, Rodney Johnson, and Ken Burrows called. They all expressed their thoughts and happiness about seeing everyone once again. Dale Bowes sent an email saying that he and his wife Janet were really excited. With so many hyperventilating it was good that the reunion would take place in days. Mike Knisely called saying he would be flying into Dallas so he could ride to San Antonio with my wife and I. It was about to happen again and all the details had been finalized – the hotel, the Fort Sam tour, and the banquet. Now all that was left to do was to BANG A GONG (GET IT ON)! And that is exactly what we did. Arriving in San Antonio first, just as they had done in Chicago, were Ken Burrows and Dusty Summers. This was their second reunion and I was glad to see that they were joining us once again. Ken was the Executive Officer of the 3rd General Dispensary and the Supply Officer to the 761st Medical Detachment from June 1963 to April 1965. Ken and Dusty live in Las Vegas and they arrived in San Antonio on Wednesday. Photo 026_23a is Dusty and Ken entering our rendezvous point, the bar in the Texas Land & Cattle Steak House which was in the basement of the Drury Hotel, on Thursday afternoon. The last time Ken and Dusty were in San Antonio was in 2001. It’s grand having Ken and Dusty attend the reunions isn’t it! Picked up Mike Knisely at the Dallas airport Thursday morning. Picked up Gerri at the house, boarded our dog – Sophia, photo 002_0a, and we were on our way. It’s a four or five hour drive from Fort Worth to San Antonio depending upon traffic, weather, and construction on Interstate 35. Here is Mike in photo 007_4a at the free breakfast Friday morning at the Drury Hotel. This will be his first visit to San Antonio since 1964 and he is attending his third reunion. Gerri and I are attending our fourth and the last time we were in San Antonio was about five years ago. Arriving just after noon on Thursday were Mr. and Mrs. Marty Bauer. Photo 001_1a shows Mr. and Mrs. Marty in the hotel on Sunday morning. They flew in from Tempe, Arizona and are attending their third reunion. Marty was an ambulance driver assigned to the Third General Dispensary from January 1968 to October 1968. It was good to see Mr. and Mrs. Marty once again. The last time Mr. Marty was in San Antonio was March 1967 and for Mrs. Marty it was 27 years ago. Mike, Gerri and I arrive at the hotel about 3 P.M. It is the first time that Gerri and I have been to San Antonio in about five years. We both are attending our fourth reunion. I love seeing everyone, I love planning these things, and for me it will never get old – it is just to darn good seeing those I served with once again AND seeing those that I’ve met for the first time doing this gig. It is fun, it is great. Like Mike. It is so good to see and hear him once again. So there I am, up at the hotel check-in counter in the lobby registering on Thursday afternoon when up walks..………. Wyatt Earp, Wyatt Earp. Brave courageous and bold. No, it’s Lou Cisco! Which is better than Wyatt Earp any day! I remember seeing Lou at the San Francisco reunion for the first time in thirty-five years when he yelled out to me while I was getting on the elevator in the hotel "Baron!" It was just as good seeing him once again in San Antonio. Lou flew in from Tucson, Arizona and is attending his third reunion. His wife Cris was unable to attend this year and we really missed her knowing how much she enjoys these events. Lou was a medic and served at the 761st Medical Detachment on Gerszewski Barracks but bunked in the barracks on Smiley. Lou says that the last time he was in San Antonio was forty years to the day – May 18, 1967, as he finished A.I.T. and was sent to Fort Carson Colorado before being assigned and shipped to Karlsruhe to serve with the 761st from January 1968 to November 1968. There is Lou in photo SatBanquet-Lou. Ladies and gentlemen the fun has just begun and we still have all of Thursday night, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to enjoy. Told Lou Cisco that I’d meet him downstairs at the bar and that Marty Bauer should already be here also. I went to my room and unpacked the 8-1/2" x 11" photo copied sheets of the graphics that Joe Aresco had printed on the reunion T-shirts. Called Ken Burrows and Marty Bauer and said I’d meet them in the bar in a few minutes. On the way down I stopped on each floor (believe the hotel had seven floors) and taped the photo copied graphics announcing the 3rd General Dispensary and the 761st Medical Detachment Reunion just above the elevator buttons. When I was getting back on the elevator on one of the floors I seen Ken Burrows and Dusty Summers stepping off. Photo 025_22a shows the hotel announcement of our reunion banquet in the Milam Room. Come on, let’s see if any one is in the bar down on the ground floor. There is Marty and Lou in photo 028_25a and there is Lou, Mrs. Marty, and Mr. Marty. This is when Marty, Lou, and myself talk about who bunked in our barrack rooms. Lou mentions that at one time he had Kenny Grant, Bill Lokay, and Bill Suggs. Someone mentions the name of Bennett and says he was an X-Ray tech. Can anyone out there confirm this? A name of Jackie Bennett is on the Duty Roster from 67?-68? listed as an ambulance driver. Marty also brought some photos. He gave me one so I could ask Art Jolliff what their names are. They do look familiar to me but I can not recall their names either. On the back of the photo the developed date is 12-67 and the names Walt and Paul are written. Does anyone remember a thin PFC ambulance driver by the name of Paul? We are also trying to remember Walt’s last name, also an ambulance driver, who was older than most of us. Art, I’ll send you the photo when I scan it. Jim Reed, our SPECIAL GUEST, arrives and walks into the bar on Thursday not knowing anyone but certainly makes friends quickly and easily. There is Jim in photo027_24a next to Mrs. Marty and Mr. Marty. The last time he was in San Antonio was October 2000. Ken Burrows and Dusty Summers also arrive at the bar. I’m expecting three other couples to arrive and it is decided we better make reservations for dinner at the Texas Land and Cattle Steak House for fourteen people. Went back to my room to change and help Gerri get ready for dinner. Received a call. Neil and Susan Woodworth arrived in time for dinner. Neil was an X-Ray Tech at the 761st Medical Detachment on Gerszewski Barracks from May 1969 to May 1971. Neil and Susan flew in from Baldwinsville, New York and they are attending their third reunion. This is the first time they have been back to San Antonio since 1969. There I am with Neil and Susan in photo Thu@dinner-a. Received another call. Bob "BC" and Janet Carroll had arrived from Bellmore, New York. "BC" was medic extraordinary who worked the night shift and was at the 3rd General Dispensary from January 1967 to September 1968. The last time BC was in San Antonio was 1967 and Janet is enjoying her first visit. They are attending their third reunion. Photo 012_9a is "BC" and photo 008_5a is Janet. One other couple was scheduled to arrive Thursday and I received a message and finally figured out what that darn red light on the hotel telephone met. I heard my message and returned the call. Bob and Kathy Burgeson had arrived from Maple Grove, Minnesota and the table was now full for our Thursday night dinner. Bob served as a medic at the 761st Medical Detachment on Gerszewski Barracks from January 1968 to November 1968. During his time there he was my best bud and we took many trips through Europe and have stories by the ton to tell (as if that isn’t apparent in THE REUNION THE MOVIE with the siphoning gas questions being tossed about). Bob is returning to San Antonio for the first time since May 1967 and this is Kathy’s first visit. There is Bob and Kathy in photo 005_2a. Oh, if any of you need gas for your car at the next reunion just ask Bob to help you out since he is a real expert at borrowing some petro. Just don’t hold a match close to his mouth. Thursday night in San Antonio a group of us had dinner at the Texas Land and Cattle Steak House which is located in the basement of the hotel we were staying. Our group gathered at the free "Happy Hour" in the lobby of the hotel and proceeded to the restaurant. Let's see if I can identify those attending this dinner. There is Neil & Susan Woodworth with Michael Knisely sitting next to them in photo 18a. Photo 16a shows Susan, Mike, and Lou Cisco. Photo15a is Lou and Bob "Burgie" Burgeson. Photo 14a is Bob & Kathy Burgeson. On the other side of the table is Mrs. Marty & Mr. Marty Bauer in photo 13a. Photo 11a shows Jim Reed, Ken Burrows and his wife Dusty Summers, and then Gerri Strauser. Photo 10a is Dusty and Gerri. We had a great meal and being able to see and talk with everyone once again was fantastic! The Thursday night dinner was grand and many were ready to call it a night as they had arrived on Thursday after traveling from their home. Gerri and I were part of the retire for the evening after the drive from Fort Worth. I’m sure some folks walked along the Riverwalk since the sights, sounds, and smells are exceptional at night with the lights on the Riverwalk shinning brightly, music from the various pubs blaring loudly, and the smell of the sizzling food being served filling the air. On Friday morning, having obtained the room numbers everyone was in, a SPECIAL IN YOUR HANDS edition of The ARM PIT was slipped under their door. Then I went to the basement to check the Milam Room where our Saturday night banquet would be. It was a nice room with a window looking out on the Riverwalk. While waiting for the elevator to go back up for the free "hot" breakfast none other than Dr. John McMahon stepped off the elevator. He was on his way out for his morning jog. We were able to catch up with each other as well as others for the free breakfast. Had a free "hot" breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausage, etc. at the hotel. Dr. John McMahon joined the gathering for breakfast after his jog. John was a Lab Tech at the 3rd General Dispensary from February 1970 to December 1971. He is attending his third reunion. His wife, Diane, was supposed to attend but had to stay home with an ill dog since the boarding facility would not take any sick animal. John and Diane live in Daphne, Alabama and he drove to San Antonio. There is John in photo 011_8a. Also having breakfast this morning were Bob "BC" and Janet Carroll, Mike Knisely, and Jim Reed. There is Bob "Burgie" Burgeson in photo 006_3a and Neil Woodworth in photo 010_7a with Lou Cisco standing to the right. Who wants to walk off this "free" breakfast with a "free" walk on the Riverwalk? Before going out for a walk on the Riverwalk Jim Reed introduced me to retired Sergeant Major Tony Alviar. Made arrangements to meet with Tony Saturday morning at 10 AM in the hotel lobby so he could lead the tour of Fort Sam Houston. I have a special stop in mind to make during the tour and was hoping that Tony will be able to make it happen. Yeah, You Know It: Since this story is bigger than Stuttgart, ----- IT WILL BE CONTINUED! |
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San Francisco 2003 |
CHICAGO 2005 |
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SAN FRANTASTIC! (San Francisco): YES! We did it again didn’t we. M*A*S*H B*A*S*H II in San Francisco was fantastic! It was really great to be with so many of our friends once again. Many of us still can not believe we were able to pull this off. Let’s all thank Michael Knisely (whiplash45805@yahoo.com) for all of his help both before and during the reunion and for using the Elks Club. Thanks mike for all of your help! We also need to give special thanks to Evelyn Lucente (elucente@personalityhotels.com), Sales Manager of Personality Hotels which includes the Kensington Park Hotel and Julie Ring (pdr@farallonrestaurant.com), Sales Manager of Farallon Restaurant. Both made our reunion a very special occasion that will be remembered by all of us who attended. Thank you Evelyn and Julie for all of your help and assistance in making this a remarkable event for all of us. Gerri and I arrived in San Francisco at noon on Wednesday and Michael Knisely picked us up at the airport and took us to the Kensington Park Hotel (www.kensingtonparkhotel.com ). Gerri rested in our room while Mike and I went to the Elks Club, which Mike is a member, on the 3rd floor of the hotel. Gave Mike his T-shirt and the first of three reunion souvenirs – a CD called Songs From The Barracks. We then visited with Julie Ring of the Farallon Restaurant (www.farallonrestaurant.com ) to see the banquet room. It was now time for dinner so Michael, Gerri, and I walk over to Sam’s Grill (www.samsgrille.citysearch.com ) on Bush Street. We started our fabulous meal having fresh asparagus with mustard sauce and fried calamari for appetizers. Gerri had sautéed shellfish (scallops, prawns, and crab legs), Mike had the charcoal broiled Ahi Tuna, while I had the Filet of Sole ala Marguery. We then retired for the evening after dinner knowing that the fun had just begun and more people were planning to arrive for the reunion on Thursday. Thursday morning I was up & out early searching for breakfast (never missed a meal in my life) while Gerri slept in. Was wearing the Boston reunion T-shirt and walking down the street when I heard someone yell out "Hey Paul!" Turned around and there were Bob "BC" Carroll and his wife Janet who had arrived at the hotel the previous evening. They had spotted me as they were on their way out for some shopping and sightseeing. It was really great to see BC for the first time in 35 years! We made arrangements to meet in the hotel lobby at 6 P.M. to go out for dinner. Knew quite a few were going to arrive today so I had planned to stay around the hotel waiting for them. Was able to get some breakfast at Lefty O’Doul’s, which was just around the corner at 333 Geary Street, before returning to the hotel. Went back to the hotel Thursday morning after breakfast at Lefty O’Doul’s. Was to meet with Mike Knisely and both of us were to see Julie Ring of the Farallon Restaurant to choose the courses that would be served at the Saturday night dinner. Placed the reunion announcements on the easel in the hotel lobby while Gerri and I waited for Mike. Mike then joined us and we went to visit Julie. She was not in so we gave our choices to another person. Mike then left to make dinner reservations that night for our group at Sam’s Grill before driving to the airport to pick up Romolo Maurizi. Gerri and I then went to Lefty’s for lunch before I walked Gerri back to our room. Went downstairs to the lobby at 1 P.M. to meet Al StJacques whose flight was due in around noon. The front desk said Al had already checked in and walked over to Lefty O’Doul’s wearing a cowboy hat. Al was looking for me since I had left word at the front desk before lunch but did not tell them when I returned. Walked as quickly as I could to Left’s looking for Al but did not see anyone with a hat on. Finally caught up with him in the lobby. Knew Bob and Kathy Burgeson were to arrive next around 2:30 that afternoon. Seen them getting out of a car and they had an interesting story to tell as how they arrived at the hotel from the airport. Seems as if a person overheard them talking to the ground transportation desk at the airport when they were told the best way was to get a cab. A guy who did not have any identification on his car as being a cabby offered them a ride at a very good rate and they arrived at the hotel safe and sound. The three of us went up to their room and Bob proceeded to open up a bottle of brandy he brought with him. We mixed drinks and then went to my room to introduce Bob and Kathy to Gerri. On Thursday September 25, 2003 all who had arrived for the reunion meet in the lobby of the hotel at six for dinner. We decide to go to the Elks Club on the third floor of the hotel for a few drinks since our dinner reservations are for eight that evening. Photo 024_21A shows from left to right: Gerri Strauser, Janet & Bob "BC" Carroll, Al St.Jacques, and Kathy & Bob Burgeson. The 023_20A photo from left to right is "BC", Romolo Maurizi, Mike Knisely, and Al. Had given out the T’s and the CD’s to all who have arrived today and also called Dennis "Brad" & Eryn Bradley and John & Diane McMahon at the hotel asking them if they wanted to join us. Brad & Eryn had just arrived from the East Coast and were in the process of trying to find the three hours that they had lost during their flight in addition to a long lay over in Cincinnati. John & Diane, whom had arrived about 6:30 P.M., had just returned from dinner from a place called…………Sam’s Grill! The nine of us then left for Sam’s Grill which as you can see was becoming a very popular place for dinner with our group. Thursday night we had dinner in a private booth at Sam’s Grill (www.samsgrill.citysearch.com ). Photo 021_18A shows from left to right: Gerri Strauser, Kathy Burgeson, and Janet Carroll. Yes we were enjoying some fine wine. The 022_19A photo shows from left to right: Janet, Bob "BC" Carroll, Al St.Jacques, Mike Knisely, Romolo Maurizi, and Bob Burgeson. We had another outstanding dinner and once again retired for the evening knowing that still more friends of ours were to arrive the next day. The anticipation and waiting for the reunion to take place was now over and good friends were together again once more. For some the first time ever. For others the first time in thirty-five years. While for a few it was just the second time during the past thirty-five years. Also on Thursday night my best bud from Karlsruhe for 34 continuous years now, Carl Sachjen, arrived at 11:30 P.M. and called my room at the hotel. He was planning to stay with Mike Knisely but did not have adequate directions to his place. I called Michael and he arrived at the hotel to lead the way for Carl. Had made arrangements the previous day to meet at 9 A.M. Friday morning for breakfast in the hotel lobby. John and Diane McMahon join Bob & Kathy Burgeson, Gerri & Paul Strauser, and Al St.Jacques. Also joining the "Breakfast Brigade" were Eryn & Dennis "Brad" Bradley. Since it was Friday, a special "In Your Hands Edition" of The ARM PIT (Volume VI – Number 20) was handed out as well as souvenir #2: "Da Book – Da Sequel". We had absolutely no ideal where we were going to eat breakfast with our crowd now at nine. Someone mentioned "Sears"" no not the retailer, a restaurant right around the corner that is "World Famous" (?) for silver dollar size pancakes (www.themenupage.com/sears.html ). Only one problem – They had a line waiting to be seated that stretched from the "please wait to be seated" sign halfway inside to, oh about twenty people standing outside. Ah! That’s what the "Concierge" is for. Spoke with Bob and told him our group of twelve (in case Romolo Maurizi, Mike Knisely, and Carl Sachjen would appear) would like to have breakfast at Sears. He asked me when and I said "Now". Bob then left for a short time. He returned and had made it happen as our group passed all of those waiting in line. It was quite a sight I might add as we all were wearing our reunion T-shirts (Joe Aresco had sent them directly to the hotel) marching pass the "Please Wait to be Seated" line as if we were something special. You know what? That day we were! At Sears Friday morning we (John & Diane McMahon, Bob & Kathy Burgeson, Brad & Eryn Bradley, Al St.Jacques, and Gerri and myself) had a really good breakfast. Yes, I tried the "World Famous" silver dollar pancakes and believe 18 were served on my plate. Hey, they were silver dollar size, not full size pancakes. No sign of Romolo Maurizi, Carl Sachjen, or our "Tour Guide" for the day Snidely Whiplash (a.k.a. Michael Knisely), so we finished our meal and departed. The "Breakfast Brigade" leaves Sears Friday morning and walking back to the hotel we come across some "pan handlers" on the streets of San Francisco. Mike Knisely, Carl Sachjen, and Romolo Maurizi. No joke though, the previous night coming back from Sam’s Grill and every night you were accosted by street people if you did not get back to the hotel before 10 P.M. It was just like being in George A. Romero’s movie "Night of the Living Dead". Anyway, we are out on the street in the daylight hours and bump into the notorious "Three Amigo’s" – Mike, Carl, and Rom. We go back to the hotel before our "Streets of San Francisco Tour" from Michael begins. Back at the hotel after breakfast at Sears on Friday everyone is feeling good about getting out and about to do some San Francisco sightseeing. Photo 012_09a has Mike checking his intended route for the tour while Romolo chuckles knowing we will get lost anyway. For the Friday tour led by Mike Knisely we are on our way to Lincoln Park which is in the northwest section of San Francisco in a neighborhood called Richmond. Richmond sits between the Golden Gate Park and the Presidio and Lincoln Park is supposed to have a very good view of the Golden Gate Bridge since the park is next to the Pacific Ocean. From our hotel in Union Square eleven of us board a bus on Geary Street and have a nice ride mingling with the locals. It was nice being able to observe different areas of San Francisco by bus. So nice in fact that it would help me decide what to do on Saturday but that is another story. We arrive at this corner (see photo 010_7) with Mike saying "Well we can either wait for the bus into the park or walk a short way to the park". We all decided to walk. That was a mistake in San Francisco. It was maybe what, three to four hundred steps (seemed like many more) – with mostly ALL OF THEM STRAIGHT UP! Now you really didn’t have the fittest folks making this force march as half of us look like we can play defensive line for the Minnesota Vikings, remember the famed "Purple People Eaters" (yeah, that one’s for you Bob). I brought up the rear the entire way with my rear end. Friday morning, after a lot of huffing and puffing, all eleven of us finally made it to the top of the hill in Lincoln Park. Photo 013_10 from left to right shows Al St.Jacques, Dennis "Brad" Bradley, Diane McMahon, Bob "Burgie" Burgeson, Paul "Red Baron" Strauser, Eryn Bradley, and Romolo Maurizi. 014_11 is a real good photo of Al and photo 19_16 shows Eryn, Rom, Brad, Al, and Carl Sachjen. That building in the background is called the Palace of the Legion of Honor. It’s called that to honor all of those who are able to walk to the top of the hill I believe. We finally get to the top of the hill in Lincoln Park Friday morning and I ask Mike "So where’s the Golden Gate Bridge?" and he says "Oh, we need to walk down this side of the hill a short way." Of the eleven who walked up the hill, eight of us) Bob & Kathy Burgeson, Romolo Maurizi, John & Diane McMahon, Eryn Bradley, Mike, and myself) continue to walk down the other side of the hill. Carl Sachjen, Al St.Jacques, and Dennis "Brad" Bradley remain on the top of the hill. At this point I remember I said to Eryn "I never knew Mike was into hiking." We finally arrive at a good vantage point to see the Golden Gate Bridge and guess what? It’s foggy and you can barely see it. So we walk back up the hill join the others. We are back on top of the hill at Lincoln Park after looking at the Golden Gate Bridge. An empty bus was sitting near a curb so I knew we had an escape. Before we got on the bus however everyone had one final last look around at this really beautiful spot. Photo 21_18 has Diane, Mike, Bob, and Kathy looking at some golfers. Hey! Turn around! John wants to take your picture. They turn around for photo 22-19 and Mike says "John, stand here and let someone else take the photo". Photo 23_20 shows John McMahon, Diane, Mike, Bob, and Kathy. All of us finally get on the bus for our next adventure on this exciting "Magical Mystery Tour" that Mike is taking all of us on. We leave Lincoln Park on the bus and our next stop is a shopping area on Clement Street in the Richmond section of the city which has blocks after blocks of stores providing various products and services. Photo 010_7A has Al St.Jacques, Romolo Maurizi, and Bob "Burgie" Burgeson wondering where they can get some grub. As we continue our Streets of San Francisco tour, photo 006_3A shows Romolo, Eryn, Kathy, Dennis "Brad" Bradley, and "Burgie" strolling along Clement Street in search of some food. With all the walking on Friday morning our stomachs are once again on the prowl. Mike Knisely goes into a store and orders a variety of Dim Sum for all of us to try. For those of you who have never had and Dim Sum, it is, how can I say it, a very Dim Sum of food to be consumed. Most of us gobbled this stuff right up while others, such as Carl Sachjen walking away from Bob "Burgie" Burgeson, Dennis "Brad" Bradley, and John McMahon (with back to camera) in photo 011_8A didn’t want any part of it. Carl is seen in photo 008_5A returning with a pastry from a bakery. With all of us ready to eat some real food we look for a place to have lunch. Walking along Clement Street on Friday we finally found a place to have lunch. It is the Clement Street Bar and Grill on 708 Clement Street. They had a good assortment of beers, the food was good, and it felt great to sit down. It was a fine lunch we had at the Clement Street Bar and Grill. Now we start back to our hotel in the Union Square area of San Francisco. Knew that Lou Cisco and his wife Cris were due to arrive early this Friday afternoon and thought they might be at the hotel by about 3 PM. We boarded a bus that took us to a cable car stop. Come on; let’s get on this cable car. Believe it was Bob "Burgie" Burgeson who started singing the "Rice-a-Roni that San Francisco Treat" jingle. Almost back at our hotel in Union Square on Friday. We had to change cable cars just once (not "TWICE") and took us to the corner that our hotel was on. We walk into the hotel to go to our rooms to freshen up before going to the Elks Club on the 3rd floor. I’m in the elevator just about ready to go up when I hear someone yell "Baron". Keeping the door open I see Lou Cisco coming over. Lou and I had not seen each other since November 1968 and he and I recognized each other without any problems. It was really, really great to see and hear Lou once again after all these years. Never in my wildest dreams or thoughts did I ever think that it would happen. That is what makes these reunions really great - seeing friends from back then. Lou said he and his wife Cris had just arrived from Tucson and they were sitting in the bar next door when he seen me walk by. Mentioned to Lou all of us were going to the Elks Club on the third floor and that he and Cris should come up and join the fun as the party was just starting. Late Friday afternoon, with our "Streets of San Francisco" tour by Michael Knisely completed, we meet in the Elks Club on the third floor of our hotel for some merry making and catching up with each other from the past thirty plus years or so. Most who walked on the tour were sitting down. Joining us now were Lou and Cris Cisco as well as Bob "BC" Carroll and his wife Janet. My wife Gerri joined us at this time also. Some folks went back to their rooms to rest while others made plans for Friday night. I was so tired from all the walking we had done today that Gerri and I plus a few others had dinner right there in the Elks Club. Do believe John & Diane McMahon and Bob & Kathy Burgeson rode the cable cars to Fishermans Wharf for dinner. Not sure what anyone else did cause I started to go to sleep and had to call it a night. If any of you can continue the Friday night story with what they did drop me a line. Knew that Jack and Marianne Tolchin were to arrive Friday evening but since I hit the sack early I didn’t catch up with them until breakfast on Saturday morning. With a new day for the reunion another give away was to be presented today. Previous give aways were "Da Book – Da Sequel" and the CD Songs From the Barracks. These were in addition to the San Francisco 2003 Reunion T-Shirts (made and shipped by Joe Aresco) that all had purchased. Today’s give away was a very ambitious project that was only partially completed, resulting in da-da: 3rd General Dispensary Trading Cards! Was able to add a border and copy photos at Wal-Mart and was doing this while trying to print info on the back of the card at work. Well, the darn printer at work kept getting jammed due to the thickness of the photo and I thought I’d better stop before I damaged the printer. Thus only a few of the 3rd General Dispensary Trading Cards were made with the US Army border so I added photos from the Boston reunion to make a pack of five cards for everyone who would attend the San Francisco reunion. I’m already working on "da 3rd book" as well as something that was mentioned at the San Francisco reunion and if you want to know what it is you will have to join us at the next reunion. Saturday morning a group of us go over to Lefty O’Douls for breakfast. Yep, it’s the first time since January 1969 that I’ve seen Jack and he certainly looks the same now as he did then. Nothing was planned for Saturday and it was an open day for anyone and everyone to do as they pleased. Gerri and I had thought before we arrived that we might take a boat tour of the bay but decided to take a bus tour of the city. "BC" mentioned he and Janet did the bus tour on Friday and said it was really good. Saturday we finish our breakfast and return to the hotel for the bus tour. The bus will pick us up at the hotel and joining my wife and I are Eryn & Dennis "Brad" Bradley, Al St.Jacques, Kathy & Bob "Burgie" Burgeson, Romolo "Rom" Maurizi, and John & Diane McMahon. A bus picked us up at the hotel and took us to Fisherman’s Wharf area to make a transfer to the tour bus. Our driver for the tour bus was an Ossie Davis look and sound a like. He really knew his stuff about San Francisco as he proceeded to drive around downtown pointing out various buildings and tourist sights. Our first stop on the bus tour of San Francisco Saturday morning was the Mission Dolores (www.missiondolores.org ). It was good to get up and stretch our legs but it was better getting back on the bus ant "Ossie" do the driving in San Francisco while we relaxed and played tourist. The bus tour of San Francisco Saturday continued and the next stop was Twin Peaks which gave wonderful views of the city. After the stop at Twin Peaks the tour bus drove through Golden Gate Park and made a stop near the Japanese Gardens before we proceeded to Vista Point which provided a excellent view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Our tour bus drives across the Golden Gate Bridge, turns around, and heads back to Fisherman’s Wharf. The tour is over and I hope to see Marty Bauer and his wife Marty who were to arrive at the hotel Saturday afternoon. Back at the hotel Saturday afternoon we all quickly freshen up and gather in the Elks Club on the third floor of the hotel prior to our M*A*S*H B*A*S*H. Mary Bauer and his wife Marty arrive and they caught up to me somewhere in the hotel. I’m still waiting for one person to arrive and Romolo points out to me someone walking in as "Burgie" looks also. We are in the Elks Club Saturday before the banquet and I’m waiting for one more person to arrive. That person is Dr. Henry Berman and he joins us in the fun and festivities. Was going to attach some photo’s here of the time we spent in the Elks Club on the third floor before going upstairs to the fourth floor for the main banquet. However for whatever reason I am now unable to attach the photo’s from the John McMahon Photo CD (hope all of you who had requested a copy did receive this Photo CD in the mail as John was very concerned about sending it out to those who wanted one). I’ll include some other photos from the reunion with the next issue but until then you can view reunion photos on the www.classmates.com web site by following the instructions to arrive at the listing for the 3rd General Dispensary. Everyone who was expected to attend is now all present and accounted for. We are having a wonderful time talking with friends that we haven’t seen for years and with friends that we just have met for the first time. Still in the Elks Club on Saturday night we are notified that the banquet room is just about ready in the Osetra Room on the fourth floor. We all start to make our way up to the fourth floor for the grand event that is about to take place. We are outside the Osetra Room and having a great time. Some were seeing each other again for the first time since Boston, some for the first time since Karlsruhe, and in some cases the first time ever. We enter the Osetra Room and begin to be seated for the banquet that is being catered by Farallon Restaurant, one of the top five restaurants in the city of San Francisco. We begin to be seated and the meal starts with hors d’oeuvres – seared rare beef with roasted onion toasts and Pacific yellowtail tune with spicy cabbage. Mmm, pass those horse d’overs this way. Now serve the first course of our FRANTASTIC meal. Local dungeness crab salad. Tastes real good with the wine we are drinking. The main entrée is served. Your choice of Roasted Alaskan King Salmon with summer squash bouillabaisse, manilla clams, and rouille crouton OR Grilled Sonoma Lamb Loin Chops with tomato-basil tart, black olive jus, and watercress. All right, dessert is finally served. Caramel Panna Cotta. It is a chocolate brownie with candied almonds and vanilla crème anglaise. Time to pay up! What a night it was being together again! Time to say good bye (so we can attend the next reunion). Mike Knisely says to Dr. Henry Berman – "See you in Chicago, pass it on". Henry begins to pass this message to Marty Bauer. Jack Tolchin continues spreading the word to Lou Cisco and everyone is abuzz now having another reunion in 2005 in Chicago. The banquet breaks up. Some return to their rooms. Some continue the night. After escorting Gerri back to our room I went down stairs to the bar in the Farallon Restaurant and had a few drinks with Dennis "Brad" Bradley before calling it a night. Everyone who attended the reunion had a wonderful time and many are looking forward to the next one. Marty and Marty Bauer returned to Lomita, California. Did see Henry Berman in the lobby Sunday morning checking out to return to Spokane, Washington. Also was able to say good bye to Bob & Kathy Burgeson Sunday morning in the lobby before they returned to Maple Grove, Minnesota as well as Al St.Jacques who was returning to Ft. Johnson, New York. Bob & Janet Carroll returned to Valley Stream, New York and Lou & Cris Cisco returned to Tucson, Arizona. Dennis & Eryn Bradley along with Romolo Maurizi and Michael Knisely went to Napa Valley for a day or two before Brad and Eryn returned to Orleans, Massachusetts and Rom returned to Summit, New Jersey. John and Diane McMahon returned to Daphne, Alabama while Carl Sachjen returned to Homer, Michigan. Jack and Marianne Tolchin drove back to Los Osos, California and Gerri and I would catch a flight early Monday to return to Fort Worth, Texas. These are the twenty-one who attended the San Francisco 2003 Reunion. SEE YOU IN CHICAGO |
MAGNIFICENT! (Chicago): The Chicago 2005 Reunion was truly magnificent as friends from the Karlsruhe dispensaries met once again. It was our third reunion and believe me when I say that it will be hard to beat this one as magnificent people stayed at a magnificent place and enjoyed magnificent food and beverage. A good time was had by all. Magnificent People: Twenty-nine attended this reunion, our largest gathering to date, and with thirteen attending their first reunion it made this M*A*S*H B*A*S*H one to remember. You will hear who attended this reunion as this story unfolds here in the PIT. Magnificent Place: The Union League Club of Chicago was certainly exceptional and the service provided was outstanding for the most part and I’ll tell you more about the ULC here in the PIT as this story is told. Our banquet room, The Heritage Room, was a perfect place to have a gathering. We had a private bar, sofas and comfortable chairs, a baby grand player piano, CD player, and tables and chairs for our reunion banquet. Magnificent Food and Beverage: Many dined at the ULC for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as enjoying the company of each other at the Rendezvous Bar. Our banquet meal on Saturday night was really a first class event and of course more will be mentioned about that in future issues complete with photos of all who attended. From Start to Finish: From start to finish this reunion was enjoyed by all seeing friends once again and making new friends. Seeing the many attractions that Chicago had to offer as well as seeing what the Union League Club had to offer. Where were we? Oh yeah, Chicago. These are the early birds of the reunion. Ken Burrows and Dusty Summers: Ken was the XO of the 3rd General Dispensary and Supply Officer of the 761st Medical Detachment from June 1963 to April 1965. He and his wife Dusty Summers arrived in Chicago a few weeks before the reunion as they had been traveling across the U.S.A. in their 40 foot home away from home. Ken and I kept in touch by email and I heard where they were as they crossed the southern states, up the East Coast, and then over to Chicago. Ken did a recon on the perimeter of the Union League Club of Chicago when he arrived and said it was a nice place. They attended the reunion not knowing anyone and now have twenty-seven new friends. How about that! Jack and Marianne Tolchin: Jack, who was a medic at the 3rd from August 1967 to January 1969, and Marianne flew in from California on Monday October 3rd. Jack finely made good on a promise to Marianne to show her the town that he was born in. They were able to see many of the sights of Chicago in addition to seeing friends from the dispensary days and those they made at the San Francisco 2003 Reunion once again. Dales Bowes and Janet Giddens: Dale, a pharmacist at the 3rd from December 1970 to April 1973, and Janet arrived Tuesday October 4th. Dale had sent me an email asking if anyone would be arriving early and I told him to contact Ken & Dusty and Jack & Marianne. Dale and Janet met with Ken and Dusty on Tuesday night and had dinner together. Dale knew a few attending but Janet had never met any of us. Now she did. Early Bird Awards: Ken Burrows & Dusty Summers, Jack & Marianne Tolchin, and Dale Bowes & Janet Giddens deserve "Early Bird Awards". This will not be the last time you hear about "The Bird!" Gerri and I arrived in Chicago on Wednesday and had made arrangements to meet Jack & Marianne Tolchin and Dale Bowes & Janet Giddens in the Rendezvous Bar (see photo # 005_2a ) on the 4th floor of the Union League Club of Chicago. We meet Dale and Janet first and in a scene straight out of THE BODY SNATCHERS Janet shrieks to me "You’re the one!" meaning that I’m the one who sends out the PIT. Jack and Marianne join us and after hearing the "War Stories" that Jack, Dale, and myself told (I’ll try to re-tell all of them here in the PIT in the One of our Favorite Stories feature soon) from our days in Karlsruhe that Marianne, Gerri, and Janet mentioned that the next reunion should be in Karlsruhe. It was now dinner time and I suggested we have dinner in Greektown at The Parthenon Restaurant ( www.theparthenon.com ) on 314 South Halsted Street. Gerri had seen this restaurant on the Great Tastes of America television show and it featured a "flaming cheese" dish. We took a cab over and I started with some "Metaxa", a very potent alcohol drink, and of course ordered "Saganaki" (the flaming cheese dish) for an appetizer. All of us had a hearty meal of Greek food. Gerri and I returned to the ULC while Jack, Marianne, Dale, and Janet walked to Buckingham Fountain ( http://www.cityinsights.com/buckinghamfountain.htm ). Here we go with the meat and potatoes of this story. Meat and potatoes? Hey, I’m hungry. Let’s be sure to make reservations for dinner tonight at the oldest restaurant in Chicago – The Berghoff. That is exactly what Jack & Marianne Tolchin and myself did first thing Thursday morning since many more are expected to arrive for the reunion today. Here are Jack and Marianne out in front of the Union League Club of Chicago. We had coffee next to the ULC and then walked two blocks to The Berghoff and made reservations for 18 people for 7:30 that evening. Jack & Marianne then went on to the Art Institute of Chicago (http://www.insecula.com/us/musee/M0236.html). Dale Bowes & Janet Giddens went on a bus tour and also stopped at the Sears Tower (http://www.cityinsights.com/searstower.htm ). I explored the ULC while waiting for others to arrive Thursday morning and stopped to see the swimming pool and basketball court on the 21st floor, the Library and the Business Center on the 3rd floor, the Heritage Room (where our Saturday night banquet will be) on the 2nd floor, in addition to giving a final count for the banquet to the catering group. Coming into Chicago on Thursday afternoon for the reunion were – Jimmie D. & Vila Tyler: Jimmie worked at the supply room of the 3rd from October 1968 to March 1970. He and Vila were flying in from Blue Spring, Missouri. Bob & Kathy Burgeson: Bob was a medic at the 761st from January 1968 to November 1968. He and Kathy were driving to Chicago from Maple Grove, Minnesota. Lou Cisco: Lou, a medic at the 761st from January 1968 to November 1968, flew in from Tucson, Arizona and his wife Cris was due to fly in on Friday. Don’t know about you but when Gerri and I are staying at a fancy place we pull out all the stops and try everything about the place. I returned to our room at noon on Thursday and ordered lunch for Gerri from room service. No, the Marx Brothers didn’t show up but a very good "Union League CLUB" sandwich was brought up to us. Just then the phone rang and I answer "3rd General Dispensary Reunion Headquarters" and I hear Jimmie D. Tyler say "What are you doing old man" to which I respond "Oh, Mr. Tyler, I served with your son in the U.S. Army". Jimmie and Vila Tyler had arrived in time for lunch as did Bob and Kathy Burgeson. We agree to meet at the Main Dinning Room on the sixth floor of the ULC for lunch. Believe this is when the first gift, the CD MORE SONGS FROM THE BARRACKS, was given to those attending. I meet Jimmie & Vila Tyler outside the Main Dinning Room (photo 027_24a). It’s the first time ever I’ve met Vila, after exchanging Christmas cards for many years, and the first time in 35 years that Jimmie and I have seen each other. It was GREAT! Bob and Kathy Burgeson join us and we have lunch in the elegant Main Dinning Room that had 12 crystal chandeliers hanging from a 28 foot ceiling. I can not tell you how fantastic it was for us to meet here for lunch. Jimmie, Vila, and Kathy had the lunch buffet (see photo 026_23a) while Bob and I had shrimp cocktail. Jimmie & Vila Tyler, Bob & Kathy Burgeson, Lou Cisco, and myself are having a wonderful time in the Rendezvous bar on the third floor of the Union League Club Thursday afternoon. This is when I started to take the photos with Ike. We find out that it’s Jimmie D. Tyler’s birthday today, October 6th, and talk about Cabela’s (www.cabelas.com) having stores in Kansas City, Minnesota, and Fort Worth. Lou mentions that Jack Tolchin bought a car from him and he starts calling me "Columbo" (http://www.columbo-site.freeuk.com/ ) since I was taking notes in a small spiral bound note pad. I ask Lou if he remembers what Carlos last name was and he said "O’Shit". Funny, I didn’t think Carlos was Irish. Had previously mentioned to those who were to be in Chicago on Thursday to meet at the Rendezvous bar in the Union League Club of Chicago at 6 P.M. should they want to join the group for dinner. Ken Burrows and Dusty Summers arrive and are shown in photo 020-17a with Bob and Kathy Burgeson. Dale Bowes and Janet Giddens also arrive for the dinner and photo 016-13a shows Ken and Dale up at the bar. Jack and Marianne Tolchin are shown in photo 015-12a with Gerri Strauser, Lou Cisco, and Paul Strauser (standing) as we wait for one other couple to join us. Thursday night the last couple arrives in time for dinner. It’s……… Robert "BC" and Janet Carroll: Flying in from North Bellmore , New York are "BC" and Janet with one of their sons Brian. "BC" was a medic from January 1967 to September 1968 at the 3rd General Dispensary. Our group of thirteen is now ready to go to the Berghoff Restaurant. We are dining at the Berghoff Restaurant, Chicago’s oldest restaurant, in Chicago’s loop district downtown just two blocks from the Union League Club of Chicago on Thursday night. Thirteen of us are enjoying fine food and fine company. It is wonderful. Photo 012_9a shows from left to right around the table: Lou Cisco, Bob & Kathy Burgeson, Janet & Bob Carroll, Jack & Marianne Tolchin, Janet Giddens & Dale Bowes, Dusty Summers & Ken Burrows, and Paul & Gerri Strauser. Here are two close up photos of those at the far end of the table. Photo 014_11a is Kathy, Janet, BC, Jack and Marianne while in photo 009_6a it’s Marianne, Janet, Dale, and Dusty. Do you think we were having a great time? You betcha! We had a heck of a time Thursday night at The Berghoff Restaurant on 17th West Adams Street ( www.berghoff.com ). It’s Chicago’s oldest restaurant (since 1898) and the turn of the century ambiance only enhanced the meal that was served. Fresh fish, seafood, steaks and a variety of contemporary American dishes in addition to traditional German fare was enjoyed by all. A few photo’s of our group before we return to The Rendezvous Bar on the 4th floor of the Union League Club of Chicago. One of the reasons these reunions are so much fun is to see good friends together once again. Still at the Berghoff Restaurant, photo 0375 shows Robert "BC" Carroll and Jack Tolchin while photo 0380 shows Lou Cisco and Bob "Burgie" Burgeson. Now let us return to the Union League Club of Chicago. Eleven of us went to the Rendezvous Bar when we returned to the ULC after dinner on Thursday night. Around the table that night were Paul Strauser, Bob "BC" & Janet Carroll in photo 0387. Janet and Lou Cisco in 005_2a. Kathy Burgeson and Gerri Strauser in 006_3a. Janet Giddens & Dale Bowes, and Marianne Tolchin in 007_4a. Jack Tolchin and Bob "Burgie" Burgeson in 004_1a. It was a long day on Thursday as we unwind at the Rendezvous Bar in the Union League Club of Chicago. Here are two more photos. As people checked into the Union League Club of Chicago they were asked if they wanted the Chicago Tribune, Wall Street Journal, or USA Today to be delivered outside their door each morning. I had obtained the room numbers from those as they arrived and on Friday morning, October 7, 2005 I was able to slip the "SPECIAL IN YOUR HANDS EDITION" of The ARM PIT under everyone’s door. For those of you who did not get that issue, here is an add placement in that issue – Taking time off to go to "OUR" reunion…………………….loosing a day or two of wages. Going to Chicago to attend "OUR" reunion…………………...a couple of hundred dollars. Seeing friends you haven’t seen in over thirty years…………………………PRICELESS! More people were due to arrive in Chicago for the reunion on Friday and since it was a new day that meant another reunion keepsake was to be handed out and that was "da 3rd book". Gerri and I had breakfast with Jimmie and Vila Tyler in the Wigwam on the 2nd floor of the Union League Club of Chicago (photo 003-0a ). Many who had arrived went out Friday for a day of sight seeing. I was having a blast just hanging out at the Union League Club of Chicago waiting for all of you to arrive but since I knew no one was arriving Friday morning Gerri and I went out to see what kind of trouble we could get in to. We walked to the Sears Tower but it didn’t open for tourist until 10 A.M. so we took a motorized trolley tour ride that was right across the street. The motor trolley tour (www.chicagotrolley.com) that Gerri and I took Friday morning lasted about two hours and we were able to see many of the sites without even leaving the trolley. Here are a few photos of Chicago. 0411 is the Chicago skyline, 0413 is of the Shedd Aquarium I believe, 0418 is a street scene, 0421 is the Chicago River, and 0423 is a sidewalk scene. It was nice to get out and about in Chicago. Gerri and I returned to the Union League Club of Chicago on Friday in time for lunch. We went to the CARVEY on the 4th floor which is next to the Rendezvous Bar. Gerri returned to our room after lunch and I went downstairs to the lobby. Seen a few of you then. Lou Cisco was waiting for his wife Cris to arrive from Tucson, Arizona. Dale Bowes was checking out since he and Janet were going to Orlando, Florida to attend a sales meeting for the company he works for - Pittsburgh Paint. Hanging out in the lobby of the Union League Club of Chicago Friday afternoon with Lou Cisco we see a few more of you arrive for the reunion. Dr. Henry Berman and Louisa Rose: Flying in from Spokane, Washington were Henry Berman and his wife Louisa Rose. It was good to see Henry and Louisa once again. Henry, who was the pediatrician at the 3rd from September 1968 to August 1970, is one of three people to attend all three reunions this century – Boston, San Francisco, and now Chicago. While Louisa met many of us at the Boston 2002 Reunion. Bill Lokay: Arriving from Scottsdale, Arizona for his first reunion (only because I was just able to contact him one month before this reunion) is the first of two surprise guests – Wonderful Wild Man Bill Lokay! Let’s hear it for him YEAH! Yes that’s right, after a four year search I was finally able to track down and find Bill Lokay, X-Ray Tech who shuttled between the 3rd and the 761st from February 1968 to January 1971, WHOM I just knew would want to attend the reunion since he knew so many of us from those days in Karlsruhe. Heck, I believe anyone taking a European out used his address on our discharge papers. Know that Rodney Johnson and I did. Take A Look At This: Here is Lou Cisco with Bill Lokay for the first time since 1968 in photo 028-25a. Many at the Chicago 2005 Reunion, held the first weekend in October, were surprised to see Bill and we all were glad that he was able to attend on such a short notice having been contacted the last week of August 2005. A few of us then adjourned Friday afternoon to our favorite watering hole in Chicago, the Rendezvous Bar (photo 005-2a) on the fourth floor of the Union League Club of Chicago. Here is Bill Lokay and Kathy & Bob Burgeson up at the bar in photo 002-00a. Some "art" over the bar (photo 002-00a) and Kathy with Gerri & Paul Strauser with Bill at the bar in photo 0391. In the Business Information Center, also on the fourth floor, I showed Bill the http://3rdGeneralDispensary.BraveHost.com/ web site as well as the http://3rdGeneralDispensary.BlogSpot.com/ blog spot. Would leave the 3rd General Web Site on as many computers that I could before walking out. But the major revelation of the day came when Bill said he remembered the last name of Carlos. It is Rivera and now I will search for him. Bill also gave me a photo of himself in Karlsruhe and mentions the time when John McMahon asked in the barracks "What’s the door locked for?" It was really great to be able to see and speak with Bill once again. I was expecting five more couples to arrive for the reunion and a few were to arrive late on Friday. I took a beauty rest (which Charles Miller told me Saturday morning didn’t help at all) and received a call from Marty Bauer who just arrived. Marty and Marty Bauer: Arriving from Tempe, Arizona were Mr. Marty, ambulance driver at the 3rd from January 1968 to September 1968, and Mrs. Marty. They, like many of us, enjoy these reunions getting together with former friends and making new friends who have served in Karlsruhe. I can’t tell you how good it was to see Marty and Marty once again since the San Francisco 2003 reunion and now here we are together in Chicago for more fun. Told them to meet the group in the Rendezvous Bar on the fourth floor. Photo 0392 from left to right shows Kathy Burgeson, Villa & Jimmie Tyler, Lou Cisco, Marty Bauer, and Bill Lokay. Of course I had to take a photo of Marty with Ike (026-23a) and "Burgie" takes a photo of me (0394) taking that photo. Cris Cisco arrives (photo 025-22a). Here are Cris and Mrs. Marty in photo 0395 and Gerri Strauser with Jack & Marianne Tolchin in photo 0398. This is when Jack told his "Weird" Harold "Blue Light" Graham story that was told in the PIT sometime ago. Someone mentions the name of Hunter who was a black guy and a minister type who preached to all in the barracks. We are watching the baseball playoffs on TV in the Rendezvous Bar at the Union League Club of Chicago at 5:30 P.M. and the White Sox just beat the Red sox and don’t you know the crowd in the bar went wild. We start discussing where we may go for dinner since we will need reservations. I’m still expecting four other couples to arrive but I’m not sure if they will arrive in time for dinner on Friday night. Photo 022_19a shows our group in the Rendezvous Bar on the fourth floor of the Union League Club of Chicago. Hey Bill! Turn around (photo 021_18a), ask Bob "BC" Carroll where we should eat? There’s Janet Carroll in photo 019_16a and Brian Carroll ("BC’s" and Janet’s son) in photo 020_17a. Did someone say we should eat steak while we are in Chicago? Friday evening it is decided that we should go to Morton’s, The Steakhouse on 65 East Wacker Drive for steak. "BC" calls and makes reservations for us. Another couple arrives in time to join us for supper. It’s……………… Neil and Susan Woodworth: Driving down from Mequon, Wisconsin were Neil and Susan Woodworth. Neil was an X-Ray Tech at the 761st from May 1969 to May 1971 and Susan was in Karlsruhe with Neil and knows many of us from back then. Photo 024_21a is Neil with Ike and the girl on the left was nice enough to take photo 023_20a which is Neil and yours truly with Ike. It’s six thirty Friday night and our reservations at Morton’s, The Steakhouse is for seven so we begin to get ready to leave the Union League Club of Chicago. There’s Janet and Brian Carroll in photo 0399. We go downstairs and it was a real adventure getting cabs in Chicago on Friday night for the ride to Morton’s on Wacker Drive but we finally arrived and are seated (photo 018-15a). We had excellent food at Mortons, the Steakhouse and here are a few more photos of our group there. We returned to the Union League Club of Chicago and Lou Cisco, Marty Bauer, Bill Lokay, and Paul Strauser gathered around a table at the Rendezvous Bar having a grand time seeing each other once again. Rise and shine, it’s Saturday morning and a lot will be happening today including a little sightseeing and the reunion banquet later tonight. First let’s get some breakfast at the Wigwam on the third floor of the Union League Club of Chicago. It was just like eating breakfast back at the snack bar on Smiley – you never knew who you were going to see walk in, like…………….. Charles and Frances Miller: Arriving from Exeter, Missouri for their first reunion was Sergeant Miller and his wife Frances. Sarge served 20 of his 29 years in the Karlsruhe vicinity and was First Sergeant at one time or another of the 761st Medical Detachment on Gerszewski Barracks, the 3rd General Dispensary on Smiley Barracks, and also the dispensary in Mannheim. Here’s a photo of Charles and Frances that morning (photo 010_7a) and they told me of their exciting adventure they had arriving in Chicago. Indirect Flight: Their flight took them from Springfield, Missouri to Cincinnati, Ohio, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and then to Chicago, Illinois. As we use to say, "What a Trip." Many Had Asked: I know many of you had asked about Sergeant Miller - Bob "Burgie" Burgeson, Eddie Overstreet, Rodney Johnson, and Neil Woodworth just to name a few. Charles was delighted that someone would contact him asking him and his wife to attend a reunion and we were just as delighted that he and Frances could join us in Chicago. Let’s hope they will be able to join us next year in San Antonio. Welcome to the 3rd General Dispensary "Breakfast Club" at the Union League Club of Chicago. It’s Saturday morning and we have a lot to do, places to go, and people to see. Without making plans to meet, Jimmie "Diesel" Tyler and his wife Vila are next to arrive. Then Neil and Susan Woodworth arrive. This is getting good now. Bill Lokay walks in. Next to arrive is surprise guest number two…………… Maxene Raices and Lee McGuire: Maxene and her husband Lee arrived Friday from Atlanta, Georgia just missing our group as we went out for dinner. It is the first time for many of us to see her once again since 1970 when she and her then husband Romolo Maurizi were exiled to Siberia (ok, just to Heidelberg, but it seemed like Siberia). Photo 0410 shows Susan, Neil, Maxene, and Lee while photo 007_4a is Bill and Maxene. I’m expecting one other couple to arrive for the reunion. The final couple arrives for the Chicago 2005 Reunion. It’s………….. Katie Dowling and Brian: Arriving from the Tampa, Florida area are Katie and her boyfriend Brian. Katie served at the 3rd General Dispensary from 1991 to 1995 and worked as a Urology Tech at the new dispensary. Was able to contact her through the 3rd General Dispensary site on www.classmates.com and Katie was absolutely excited about attending the reunion. Photo 009_6a shows Katie and Paul Strauser. We finally finished the Saturday morning breakfast in the Wigwam of the Union League Club of Chicago. Some went shopping, some went sightseeing, and I went to the Rendezvous Bar to see if anyone was there. No one was so I just read the Chicago Tribune while eating peanuts and drinking a beer. This is when I pulled a "Brad" and started to leave extra copies of the PIT at various locations at the ULC from the library, business information center and Rendezvous Bar on the fourth floor to the coat check, cigar stand and President’s Lounge on the first floor. Chicago Sights: Photo 0415 shows Charles and Frances inside of the double decker bus tour (www.chicagodoubledecker.com) while photo 0422 shows them up on top of the bus. Photo 0420 is the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier and photo 0419 shows the skyline of Chicago from the end of the pier. Last but not least, Bob "Burgie" Burgeson and Jimmie "Diesel" Tyler really get into the spirit of the reunion as they pose outside of the ambulance they brought with them. Yeah, who you gonna call? Let the banquet begin! The Heritage Lounge on the second floor of the Union League Club of Chicago was a magnificent place to have our banquet. We had our own cash bar, a CD player, and a Baby Grand Player Piano! Hey?! Who are these guys in photo 0435? The Blues Brothers? Nah, just Mr. Marty Bauer and Paul Strauser. Yes we even had name tags this year. Plenty of chairs and sofas with coffee tables were available that had an assortment of Karlsruhe memorabilia. From photos, to the complete July 19, 1970 issue of The Overseas Weekly as well as the envelope and letter from The White House responding to the invitation to President Bush and his wife to join us in Chicago for our reunion. Let’s see, what did that letter say? "I’m busy!" No. "Unfortunately, due to schedule demands, we must decline your invitation." But The President and Mrs. Bush did send their best wishes! Photo 021_19a shows from left to right Jimmie and Vila Tyler with Frances Miller. In photo 0437 also left to right are Vila, Frances, Charles Miller, and Bill Lokay. And photo 0439 from left to right is Mrs. Marty Bauer, Cris Cisco, Geri Strauser, Lou Cisco, and Jack Tolchin. Bring on the hors d’oeuvres – Smoked salmon canapes, mousse of chicken liver with egg & red onion on rye squares, chicken and red pepper canape on shitake mushroom, chef’s selection of gourmet pizza, coconut chicken tenderloin with cilantro honey sauce, and veal meatballs with sour cream & chive sauce on pretzel stick picks. That’s Dr. Henry Berman with Paul Strauser in photo 0430 and Katie Dowling is with them in photo 0432. Photo 0433 shows Bill Lokay, Bob "BC" Carroll, Jack & Marianne Tolchin, Dusty Summers, and Cris Cisco with her back to the camera. This is when Dusty performed one of her magical tricks and made a bird appear. Dusty will be at the San Antonio reunion with her husband Ken Burrows so be sure to ask her to perform that same trick and ask her to show you the bird. Our dinner buffet was served at 8 P.M. (photo’s 0436 & 0438). Here’s Dusty Summers (photo 0443) saying come on let’s eat. Here’s what we had to choose from: Assorted field greens with tear drop tomatoes, grilled vegetables and toasted pine nuts, tarragon vinaigrette and creamy peppercorn dressings. Artichoke heart & cannelini bean salad with roasted red pepper dressing. Roasted fingerling potato salad. Confit of duck with Belgian endive, corn, red onions & pears with mustard seed dressing. Primavera risotto gratin. Grilled lamb T-bone chops with fennel & olive ragout. Herb crusted halibut with tomato chive essence. Braised boneless short ribs of beef with shiitake mushroom sauce and horseradish mashed potatoes. Herb marinated & grilled breast of chicken in a boursin sauce with sauteed portabello mushrooms and red pepper. Platter of sliced fresh fruits, english trifle bowl, and sliced chocolate pear tart. Yes, it was all very good! Just ask Mrs. Marty, Gerri Strauser, Mr. Marty, and Bob "BC" Carroll in photo 17_15 or Mr. Marty, Maxene Raices, Lee McGuire, Kathy Burgeson, or Brian and Kathy Dowling in photo 23_21. Chicago was full of fun and surprises. Many were able to visit and tour different parts of the city. Bill Lokay appeared. Maxene Raices and Lee McGuire arrived. Ken Burrows and Dusty Summers attended not knowing anyone. Katie Dowling who was at the 3rd General Dispensary from 1991 to 1995 attended with her boyfriend Brian also not knowing anyone. Plus other first time reunion attendees Dale & Janet Bowes, Jimmie & Vila Tyler, and Charles & Frances Miller enjoyed the festivities. The Union League Club of Chicago was an exceptional place. You received the CD More Songs from the Barracks and "da third book." At the Saturday night banquet we were able to give a "Brand New Car" to one lucky winner as our grand door prize. Also on Saturday night a surprise gift that was handed out will certainly be one that will be remembered - DOG TAGS with the name of the unit served (either the 3rd General Dispensary or 761st Medical Detachment), with the year of the reunion and the city (see attached scan) were given to those in attendance. Dog tags were also made for those who attended the Boston 2002 and the San Francisco 2003 reunions and were mailed to those who were not in Chicago. Everyone enjoyed the banquet meal. Here are (from L-R) Susan & Neil Woodworth, Frances & Charles Miller, and Vila & Jimmie (with back to camera) Tyler in photo 0449 and (from L-R) Louisa Rose, Dr. Henry Berman, Maxene Raices, and Lee McGuire in photo 0442. While photo 0451 shows (from L-R) Brian, Gerri Strauser, Katie Dowling (with back to camera), Paul Strauser, and Kathy Burgeson (also with back to camera). In photo 012_10A (from L-R) are Mr. Marty & Mrs. Marty Bauer and Cris & Lou Cisco. Photo 0434 shows Lou Cisco, who works for a Ford dealership in Tucson, Arizona, holding the keys to the new Ford that was given away that evening to one lucky winner. That lucky winner was Katie Dowling shown in photo 0454 with her new car. After the Saturday night banquet a small group gathered in the Rendezvous Bar on the fourth floor of the Union League Club of Chicago. It was here that Maxene Raices, Lee McGuire, Dusty Summers, Ken Burrows, and Paul & Gerri Strauser witnessed one of those spontaneous events of epic proportions that becomes a part of the folklore of these reunions. Bill Lokay commenced to entertain those at the table by proceeding to "rap" the entire song of Talking Vietnam Pot-Luck Blues by Tom Paxton. Let’s listen (or sing-a-long)……………. Well when I landed in Vietnam I hardly got to see Saigon They shaped us up and called the roll and off we went on a long patrol Swappin’ lies, swattin’ flies, firing the odd shot here and there Captain called a halt one night and we had chow by the pale moon light A lovely dinner they planned for us with a taste like a seat on the crosstown bus Some of the veterans just left theirs layin’ in the can For the VietCong to find, said it was deadlier than a land mine Well naturally somebody told a joke and a couple of fellows began to smoke I took a whiff as a cloud rolled by and my nose went up like an infield fly Captain, he’s a blonde fellow, went to Yale looked up at me and said "What’s a matter with you, baby" Well I may be crazy but I think not, I swear to God that I smell pot! But who’d have pot in Vietnam? He said, "Whaddaya think you’ve been sittin’ on?" these funny little plants…..thousands of them. Good God Almighty! Pastures of plenty! So we all lit up and by and by the whole platoon was flying high, with a beautiful smile on the Captains face he smelled like midnight on Saint Marks Place Crackin’ jokes, cleaning his weapon, Chanting something about Hari Krishna, Hari Krishna Well the moment came as it comes to all that I had to answer nature’s call I was stumbling around in a beautiful haze when I met a little cat in black PJ’s He had a rifle, BF Goodrich sandals, looked up at me and said "What’s a matter with you, baby" He said we’re camping down the pass and smelled you people blowing grass and since, by the smell, you’re smoking trash brought you a taste of a special stash Straight from Uncle Ho’s victory garden. We call it Hanoi Gold So his squad and my squad settled down passed some lovely stuff around All too soon it was time to go - Captain got on the radio said "Hello Headquarters, Headquarters, We have met the enemy and they have been smashed" © copyright Tom Paxton Sunday morning in Chicago and most of us are on our way out of town back to where we live. Dale & Janet Bowes, who had arrived on Tuesday, left first on Friday for a sales meeting in Orlando before returning home to St. Peters, Missouri. Gerri and I hung outside of the Union League Club of Chicago waiting for our cab ride to the airport to return to Fort Worth, Texas. Seen Bob "BC" Carroll (photo 021-19a) as he and his wife Janet would be returning to Valley Stream, New York. Bill Lokay (photo 023-21a) was also outside before he returned to Scottsdale, Arizona. So was Lou Cisco (photo 022-20a) as he and his wife Cris were going back to Tucson, Arizona. I missed seeing everyone else on Sunday as Bob & Kathy Burgeson drove back to Maple Grove, Minnesota. Jack & Marianne Tolchin, who had arrived in Chicago on Monday so that Jack could show Marianne the city that he grew up in, returned to San Luis Obispo, California. Ken Burrows and his wife Dusty Summers drove back to Las Vegas, Nevada. Jimmie & Vila Tyler were to return to Blue Spring, Missouri. Mr. Marty and Mrs. Marty Bauer headed back to Tempe, Arizona. Dr. Henry Berman and his wife Louisa Rose returned to Spokane, Washington. Charles & Frances Miller went home to Exeter, Missouri. Maxene Raices and her husband Lee McGuire returned to the Atlanta area while Neil & Susan Woodworth drove home to Mequon, Wisconsin. Last but not least, Katie Dowling and her boyfriend Brian returned to Florida. Another reunion completed – Mission Accomplished! |
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Will We Do It Again? | ||
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OUR CHOICES FOR THE 2009 REUNION LOCATION (Special): No other locations were nominated for the 2009 reunion. Your Choices Are: Branson, Missouri Kansas City, Missouri New York City Area Santa Barbara, California St. Louis, Missouri Let Me Know: Which of the above locations you would like to meet in 2009 by February 29th (yeah, it’s a leap year this year). Same Method: We will use the same method in selecting our 2009 reunion location as we used for the 2007 reunion location. The winning location will need to have a majority of those voting. If no location has a majority of those voting we will eliminate those locations that had no votes AND also the lowest vote count from consideration and we will vote again. We will keep voting until we do have a location that has a majority. | ||
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