|
Bravo
Company held their annual reunion at Courtyard by Marriott, Killeen,
Texas, June10-14, 2015. This was our seventh get-together and held it in
conjunction with the 1st Cavalry Division Association (1CDA)
reunion.
Unfortunately, the 1CDA planning and conduct of the reunion left a lot
to be desired. The bus transportation was a letdown and this created
major problems for those participating in the scheduled events at Shilo
Hotel and Fort Hood. In addition, the Courtyard Hotel seemed to be
understaffed and somewhat disorganized.
However, Bravo folks worked together as a team to find solutions; for
instance, those with rental cars did a great job assisting those without
transportation. The Thursday dinner at Olive Garden was a success and
many enjoyed the time spent later in the evening at our hospitality
suite with plenty of time for mixing, war stories and a drink or two.
The
horse detachment show was very impressive and also the 1st
Cav Div museum.
The absolute highlight of our reunion took place on Friday afternoon
with the presentation of the guidon used by Bravo Company from April to
August 1968, to the active duty unit of Bravo Company (aka Bandog
Company), 2nd Bn, 8th Cav Regt, Fort Hood, Texas.
Our objective with presenting the guidon is to honor the sacrifice and
memory of the 123 Bravo Company troopers who were killed in action in
Vietnam during the period 1965 to1971. Although Bandog Company was out
on a training exercise, a large group returned to the company area for
the guidon presentation ceremony on Friday,
including Captain Joseph Dywan, the Company Commander.
The ceremony started with a brief overview by Jim Smith and Pete Genecki
on the history of the guidon and the service of Bravo Company troopers
during the Vietnam War. This was followed by Steve Bird reading the
names of the 123 Fallen Heroes, and the playing of taps while veterans
and military personnel saluted.
Veterans mixed with Bandog personnel
after the ceremony and everyone was very impressed with their
dedication, professionalism and enthusiastic interest in our Vietnam
experiences.
The framed guidon is now proudly displayed on a prominent wall in Bandog
Company, together with several other photos of Bravo Company 1967-68.
We had a well-stocked bar at our
Hospitality Suite and everyone enjoyed the evenings spent mixing and the
retelling of war stories over a drink or two.
Our farewell banquet dinner was a great success and afterwards we
conducted our traditional memorials to our Fallen Heroes and to those
who have passed since 1968.
READING THE NAMES OF OUR FALLEN HEROES
AND THOSE WHO PASSED AWAY SINCE 1968
RETREAT AND SALUTE TO OUR FALLEN HEROES
AND THOSE WHO PASSED AWAY SINCE 1968
The final activity was the group
photos of the ladies and troopers
Rear: Gen Bono, Barb Stine, Carol Genecki, Ruth Ford
Front: Holly Hall, Barb Hedberg, JoAnn Smith
Rear L to R: Ray Bono, Bob Hall, Al Hecker, Steve Bird, Michael Brinchek,
Gary Stine, Jerry Larson, Jim Ford
Front L to R: Jim Beck, Pete Genecki, Council Robinson, Fred Fish, Jim
Smith, Gene Hedberg
and then it was the sad time for the
goodbyes and see y’all next year.
|
