120TH EVACUATION HOSPITAL NEWSLETTER

OCTOBER 1999

Naples, Florida was our destination for the 1999 reunion. In late September hurricane “Floyd” swept north along the east coast of Florida and tropical storm “Harvey” dissipated along the west coast of Florida. As all cleared, we began to arrive from all sections of the country to this tropical paradise for this, our 6th reunion. (Sept 24 - 27, 1999)

Our hosts, Jack and Nancy Garwood, were on hand to welcome us to the unique and luxurious “Inn on Fifth”. The hotel is located in a section called “Old Naples”, and is surrounded by art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. It was a pleasant walk to the white sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.

On Friday, Sept. 24, at the registration table we were given our name tags and a packet of informational literature, maps, and brochures about places of interest in and around Naples. Then into the hospitality suite to greet our friends as they arrive. As usual, the hospitality suite was the popular area

in which to congregate when no official function was in progress. That evening there was a welcome reception held in the hotel ballroom, where we enjoyed drinks and hors d’oeurves.

It is always nice to meet old friends and former attendees at these reunions, but it is especially nice to welcome those “first-time” attendees. This year it was our pleasure to welcome Hy Shor and his wife, Alma, and O.D. Hughes and his wife, Johnnie.

We regard it as a great compliment when members bring family and friends along to join in our activities. This year we were honored by the presence of Ana Larrivee and son, Robie (daughter and grandson of Milt and Mary Silva, Kevin Crabb (son of Nancy Garwood),Nyla Wright (daughter of Dick Wright), Robin Chadwick (daughter of Keith Chadwick), Charles and Nancy Bieser (son and daughter in law of Dr. Dietrich and Marian Bieser), John McGee (son of Phyllis Morrison). Jewell Bowman (friend of Alma Tueci), and Lorraine Bjork ( cousin of Keith Chadwick)

Fred Jarrett canceled at the last moment to keep a date with a surgeon for some unexpected complications. Our very best wishes and prayers go to him for a rapid and complete recovery!

Each morning we often met many of our friends at the continental breakfast furnished to us by the hotel. It was offered in a quaint Irish Pub located near the front entrance of the hotel. After exchanging greetings and stories, each person or group headed off to their particular activity.

Our days flew by quickly, as they were filled with sight-seeing, shopping, etc. A few visited nearby Marco Island, Sanibel Island, or the Everglades National Park, while others strolled around “Old Naples” or rode the Trolley to view the area. The Trolley was one where you could ride, get off, stay a while in a location, and then board the next one to continue -- a nice way to see the area and spend time in spots that interest you most.

Saturday nite was a most beautiful evening to be on a cruise. We boarded the “Naples Princess” for a two hour magnificent trip around the Naples Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. This was a very modern and beautiful ship where we were treated to a wide array of plentiful and delicious hors d’oeurves while we took in the views of the magnificent homes and natural beauty of the bay and the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.

One Sunday all of us took a short walk down the street to the Royal Courtyard for a champagne brunch. It is an upscale restaurant and we had a sumptuous brunch prepared exclusively for us ( the restaurant was closed to the general public) . We were served champagne and mimosa drinks to your hearts content! The menu was varied with fruit, smoked salmon, ham, vegetables, made to order omelets and crepe suzettes ,and a wide selection of sinful desserts.

They even made special pancakes for Robie Larrivee, Milt and Mary Silva’s

grandson.

Special notices provided by the hotel, appeared under our door on Sunday informing us of a special piano recital by John Schneider to be held on Monday at 11 AM at a Piano Store nearby. It was a unique setting, and all of us who attended enjoyed the very talented presentation. Thanks again, John, for helping to make our day special!!

We held a meeting at 4:00 PM on Monday Sept 27. Plans for future reunion(s) were discussed, and currently we plan to meet in Washington, DC in late September 2000., with Carl Lee volunteering as host. Proposals for the trip to Germany and Buchenwald were discussed, and at the present time there are some problems that need to be resolved.

A cocktail hour was held prior to the Monday evening banquet . The the banquet was held in the hotel ballroom where we enjoyed pleasant surroundings, good food and musical entertainment by “Mr D”, a talented male singer.

At the banquet, our sorrow at the loss of our former commander, Eddie Mo, was expressed, and our thanks to Elaine Moshofsky for making a special effort to attend and bring that special Moshofsky spirit with her.

The group expressed their gratitude to Jack and Nancy with a small

token of appreciation for their efforts in producing this memorable reunion to conclude this century.

There was dancing for our pleasure after the banquet.

This has been a brief summary of the events of our sixth reunion. To those of you who were unable to attend, you missed a fine reunion; more than that WE MISSED YOU! Let us look forward to a healthy and happy year in the hopes that we can get a large group for that Washington, DC reunion.

Respectfully submitted;

Your reunion committee