2011 6-9 October Dover AFB, Delaware
30 Years Later, We Meet Again
2011 8-11 October Fairborn, Ohio
2008 Warner Robins, GA
2007 Branson, MO
2006 Reno, NV
2004 St Louis, MO
2002 St Louis, MO
2001 Mytle Beach, SC
1989 Almagordo, NM
IN MEMORY OF STEVEN COLEMAN
Steve passed away in his sleep, due to a heart attack in Nov. 03, 2003 Steve you will be dearly missed by all.
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2001 REUNION -- 20 Years Later, We Meet Again
435th OMS - "ENROUTE" Maintenance Section
THE FIRST REUNION
Myrtle Beach, SC
I am delighted to announce, the second reunion of former "Enroute" Maintenance personnel and guests, was an overwhelming success and enjoyed by ALL!
No words can describe the atmosphere and camaraderie that was shared by all.
July 4th weekend, 1989, about 10 former members of the ROUTE, got together as a mini reunion at Greg McCue's house in Alamogordo, NM. (Cannon AFB area). Later in the evening, everyone went to a few different pubs. What was an amazing fact, Dave Dwinell just happened to walk in one of the pubs when every one was sitting there partying. Can you imagine, walking into a bar and accidentally walk into a reunion? Due to the lack of computer websites and not being able to locate former members, only a few were able to be found and celebrate the joyous reunion.
Origin of the reunion, it was as follows: One day while I was surfing the Internet, I came across John "Bruno" Potter's name listed in CLASSMATES.com. I sent an email to him, which began the exchange of numerous emails. An old friendship was rekindled. I called Bruno and we talked for a lengthy amount of time. Since we were enjoying the reunion of old times, I mentioned to "Bruno", we needed to have a reunion of former members to share the memories we shared during our stay at Rhein Main AB, Germany. "Bruno" agreed and at that time, the reunion was on.
Upon checking with a several motels in Myrtle Beach for the best deal, we chose the Patricia Grand Suites Hotel.
Upon many hours of coordination and planning, the itinerary was set and plans moved forward to host the reunion. We searched for names of former
"Enrouters". As we found the various members, we asked each one if they could remember any former members. The list of names continued to grow and grow. Bruno and Stan experienced major difficulty locating people!
During this time, I found out about the SUPERB services provided by the Worldwide Personnel Locator service located at Randolph AFB, TX.
A VERY SPECIAL THANKS goes out to Mr. Steven Emerson. (Works at AF Worldwide Locator). With Mr. Emerson's help, numerous reunion notices were forwarded onto former members informing them of the upcoming reunion scheduled for October 12 - 14 in Myrtle Beach, SC. (Yes, that is how you received your letter. Several members were extremely curious how they were located, since it had been twenty years since they had been stationed at the "ROUTE".)
Through the use of email, our reunion website, telephone calls and snail mail, members that were found, were constantly updated with information concerning the reunion.
October 11 Thursday finally came and the REUNION was in its opening stages.
Kathie "Fessler" Canfield, Stan Miller, John "Bruno" and Carolyn Potter arrived in Myrtle Beach and got the ball rolling! Later that evening, we found John (Pa) and Renee Kettley, Chris Johnson and Joe Giambalvo. After talking about 30 minutes in the Hotel lobby, I invited everyone to my room and with the war stories combined with cocktails, the Reunion was in FULL swing! October 12 (Friday) Members began arriving from all parts of the USA.
I would like to specially recognize Kathie "Fessler" Canfield. She has lived in England for the past 12 years and she said, "I would not miss this for anything in the world!"
Friendships were quickly rekindled and I guess you say: THE WAR STORIES were flying faster than airplanes!
During preparation for the reunion, the book "Reunion Planner" helped me considerably! It emphasized the importance of various "icebreakers". Using this concept, being familiar with Myrtle Beach, I chose: DICK'S LAST RESORT for our first evening meal together. For the folks that did not attend the reunion or possibly not familiar with Dick's, it is highly recommended you visit their website to get an educational briefing of dining in a LUXURY & FINE DINING atmosphere. (www.dickslastresort.com) Anyone not familiar with the dining practices provided by Dick's, you must view their website to acquire a full appreciation for the outstanding service and precious moments enjoyed.
Upon witnessing the GRAND & GLORIOUS time shared by all present, I was certain my choice was well liked by ALL! You would have thought, you were right at home, YES at the OLD ROUTE BUILDING! (Just like OLD times!) Once again, please visit Dick's website to fully appreciate the evening meal and you will have to attend next years reunion to fully enjoy the fun shared by everyone at Dick's! (Yes, a reunion will be held next year, but you must read further to find out the particulars of next years reunion.)
The next time you see or talk with Dan Heffron, you may want to ask him about the folks THANKING him for serving his country. Because of his WAR HERO status, he was able to obtain HUGS from many different ladies that severely appreciated what he has done while serving his country! (Some of them ladies were the PROFESSIONAL kind! Until Friday evening, Dan didn't even know himself how proudly he had served his country ! (i.e. Being shot down during wartime, rescuing people from burning aircraft, worked directly for the President and many other courageous deeds of military service!)
In fact, you may want to congratulate him yourself on a fine job! (All I can say Dan, YOU WERE QUITE WELCOME!! WISH I WAS THAT LUCKY!)
(Please keep in mind, you had to have been there to fully appreciate the above, partially fictious episode that took place!) NOTE: All was in clean fun!
Returning back to the Hotel, the Hospitality room came ALIVE! War stories began flying faster than those airplanes again!
For some folks, Saturday morning finally arrived way too soon! (Their heads had growing pains when they woke up. Some may even refer those growing pains as HANG OVERS! I'll never drink again!!!!
October 13 Saturday
Many folks enjoyed the day golfing, sight seeing and shopping. Whether it was: Build - A - Bear to Jungle Lagoon Putt Putt Golf, the day was perfect!
Saturday evening, everyone went to Bodo's (German) Restaurant. Socializing with actual German beverages (Bitburger Pils, Spaten, etc), got the group off to a flying start!
The owners of the restaurant went well beyond the call of duty and prepared a buffet of traditional German cru sine consisting of Jagersnitzel, Pork Loin, sauerkraut, red cabbage, mashed potatoes, potato salad, brotchen, and salad. EXCELLENT!
Chief Thomas Miller (Ret) gave the blessing.
Everyone was totally amazed with the service, food quality and beverages! (Just like being back in Germany.)
Upon completion of the meal, Stan Miller proceeded with the Reunion Program.
On behalf of John "Bruno" Potter & myself (Stan), we welcome everyone to
* 20 years later, We Meet Again in the great city of Myrtle Beach, SC! *
Chiefs Ron Jeney and Russ Brown, gave some opening comments.
Stan recognized Col. John Taliafero and the CMSgt's present. (Brown, Jeney, Koff, Miller, Rogers) Please forgive me I forgot anyone.
I then told how we chose to name the reunion on behalf John Havlicek. John was the first to be known to have passed away.
Upon contact with his widow, Ms. Maxine Havlicek, informed "Bruno" of the following: John had spoken so dearly and fond of the members he was stationed with while in Germany. He had hoped his wife "Maxine" would one day meet his former comrades that he loved so dearly. His dream never came around, due to John loosing his battle with cancer. (We miss you John) Hopefully, Ms. Havlicek will make our next reunion and she will be welcomed as a former Enrouter, on behalf of John.
I addition to John Havlickek's passing, the following members have also passed:
John Brauner passed away in either 94 / 95.
Mike Cunningham passed away in 2000.
Bruce V. Davis
Thomas E. Hill passed away on April 6, 2001
Herbert "Herby" Hume
Peter Mena
Joesph B. Morris
Mario J. Sevilla passed away on June 4, 1999. (Mario retired as a CMSGT.)
Arthur Taylor
James H. White passed away August 24, 2001
Steve Coleman passed away 3 Nov, 2003
There may be others, but I am not aware of them.
(Please let me know of any others, so we can remember them in our prayers)
These "Enrouter's" are sadly missed and our prayers are with their family's. A moment of silence in their honor was observed.
Mr. & Mrs. John Koff were recognized for celebrating 37 years of marriage this weekend also.
Person traveling the farthest to attend the reunion was Kathie "Fessler" Canfield.
John (Pa) & Renee Kettley were recognized for being NEWLYWEDS!
A slide presentation using Power Point was given.
Included were various unique photo's that our former Enrouters sent in.
In addition, a very special letter was read by Col. John Taliafero.
The letter was from President George Bush, on behalf of the members assigned to Enroute Maintenance and praising each and every member for a JOB WELL DONE.
A letter was read from Col. Gene Corbett and expressing his gratitude and praise to all Enroute members. Door Prizes were awarded:
During the planning phase of the reunion, I had received a letter from Larry Hund, President of The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA). He asked if would read a tribute to all former Veterans and military personnel?
A card with a powerful TRIBUTE message to all military personnel that have served their country was read. A ticket stub was then drawn. A door prize donated by TREA, was awarded to Nancy O'brien. ( A GAS MASK) Superb Door Prize!
Rumor has it, good possibility the gas mask may reappear at next year's reunion!!!
Various other door prizes were also awarded to include a T-Shirt provided by The Jungle Lagoon Putt Putt Golf Course. The Manager of the course, is one of our very own Enrouters: Ken Roensch. If you are ever in M Beach, you are welcome to come and play 18 / 36 holes on Ken.
I, as well as everyone present owe a special round of applause and THANKS to Rich Fox. Rich, picked up the tab for everyone's dinner. EVERYONE THANKS YOU RICH!
Rich, told everyone how he enjoyed everyone while being stationed in Germany and their friendship meant the world to him. (Note: Rich also flew his own plane in from Albuquerque, NM. He had spent the week attending the GREAT BALLOON FESTIVAL.)
THANKS also goes to the Chief's who had forgot their Chief's coins. When Chief Jeney challenged the Chiefs to a coin check, drinks became on the house.
THANKS CHIEFS.
Leaving the restaurant, some old "ENROUTE" traditions were faithfully played out.
Can you imagine, DEAD BUG in the middle of a busy Myrtle Beach street?
Then, several FULL moons became visible!
Back to the Hotel, everyone assembled in the Hospitality room.
Figueroa showed slides of pictures taken at Rhein Main in the middle/late 70's.
It's hard to believe, C-141's were so small when they were "A" models.
Then it was off to the pool for a group photo.
We all stood on the bridge over the pool. Since it was difficult to take a clear photo, Jim Warren jumped into the pool and began taking group photo's from the center of the pool!
When the photo session was complete, several other members decided to go for an evening swim. YES, with their clothes they attended dinner in!
Please note: Time was nearly midnight and the pool areas were closed.
ENROUTERS believing in tradition, reopened the pools and hot tubs on their own
FREE WILL & ACCORD!
For some reason, the noise level became increasingly louder and louder.
(Beer, whiskey, Alpekorn, and many others may have played a key factor.)
The Rent - A - Cop Security guy, did not like anyone being in his pool after hours!
Everyone returned back to the Hospitality room.
It was late and several folks had to leave early in the morning to return home, so they said GOOD NIGHT and retired for the evening. The hard core dudes, continued to celebrate the morning away! (Warren, etc.)
October 14 Sunday
The remaining survivors from Saturday evening that had not yet departed for home, all shared last moments together at the Hotel Restaurant by having and enjoying breakfast. Final farewells were said and everyone hugged each other.
The happiness, renewed friendships and camaraderie was well worth the long and hard hours put forward to put the entire reunion together.
Any suggestions and ideals for the next reunion would be appreciated.
