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The Tucson Reunion ( 0ur 5th - Oct 30 - Nov. 2, 1998) was a great success, and our heartfelt thanks go to Len and Barb Herzmark for hosting this event and all the hard work and effort that went into this production.

All of the members who attended agree that everybody had a great time and all of the scheduled events went off without a hitch.

The reunion was attended by 27 of the original members of our unit, and we had a total of about 57 at the final banquet : this included next-of-kin and guests. We consider it a high honor to have members and next-of-kin bring other members of their families and friends to a reunion. The interaction gives us all a new perspective of ourselves, the unit, and our place in history.

We were disappointed that Carl and Carol Lee, Dick and Lorna Wright, and Clive and Mary Murdoch, who had originally planned to attend, had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances . We missed them particularly, and we missed ALL who were unable to attend and wish that it were possible for everyone to attend!!

To those of you who were unable to attend, we will try to give you a brief run-down of some of the activities that transpired.

Friday, Oct 30, was the official arrival date , but some arrived early to take advantage of that wonderful warm Tucson climate and extend our summer.

The hotel, ,THE SHERATON TUCSON, was an excellent choice, conveniently located near shopping and eating establishments. The rooms were spacious and comfortable. We had a large area (3 connecting rooms) for the

hospitality suite, and the rates included a full breakfast buffet each morning in the garden room near the pool.

The entrance area of the hospitality suite served as a point of registration, where we received a registration packet containing reunion schedules, local information and maps, name tags, cookies, and even discount coupons from some of the local eating establishments and merchandise vendors.

All day long we shared stories and libation in the hospitality suite with incoming members. At about 6:00 PM we were treated to a great buffet supper which was set up in the hospitality suite--many thanks to Barb Herzmark for procuring such a wide variety and assortment of food and beverages!!

Saturday was a “free”day, as was Monday (till the banquet time), when attendees took advantage of the many sights and recreational areas in and around Tucson. Some played golf, while others went to visit such attractions as Sabino Canyon, Mission SanXavier, Kett Peak National Obersvatory, and other such areas too numerous to mention. Shopping, or relaxing in the sun by the spacious pool area, were the options chosen by many.

Since Saturday was Halloween,we were treated to an exra touch by Alice Swartz (Alma Tucei’s daughter) with decorations

and goodies for Halloween night.

Sunday, we were picked up by a tour bus and taken to Tucson’s famous LaFuenta Mexican Restaurant for a great brunch. While drinking champagne and eating, we were entertained by a Mariachi band. Some of the shy-ones like Judge Milton Silva, were encouraged to join in the serenade! A happy and light mood was therefore set for the balance of the day.

We then proceeded , via bus, to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, with Len Herzmark giving us some important information about the areas ,using the bus loud-speaker system. (He could make a living as a tour director if his stock portfolio should shrink) A person could spend days at this museum and still not cover all of the areas, but most of us were able to get a good overall education about the desert history, plants, animals, and general Sonora Desert. We returned to the hotel about 5:00 PM that evening. There was still a lot of food and beverages in the hospitality suite, and many of us had another quick buffet there, along with conversation and fellowship.

Monday was another “free”day till the banquet at 7:00PM. Prior to the banquet, we were treated to a John Schneider piano mini-concert , which was arranged in the cocktail lounge of the hotel. John hasn’t lost his touch – if anything, it seems to be getting better and better! This was great touch to the social hour before the banquet!!

Our banquet was very informal, yet elegant. The food was excellent, and we were entertained by a talented harpist, who provided great music for listening, while we enjoyed our food, conversation, and company.

After dinner, a citation was presented to Darol Williamson for his continuing efforts in providing decorations for the banquet and hospitality suites, and his efforts to see that the hospitality suites operated efficiently. Acknowledgment of the out standing efforts of our hosts, Len and Barb Herzmark ,were recognized and a small token of our appreciation were presented to both. Waren Priest and Hugh Steffy proposed a reunion and challenge to us for the year 2000. This should be outstanding, and we hope that we will be able to achieve their objective. More news on this as further plans develop.

Jack Garwood and wife, Nancy, gave us a brief preview of the planned reunion in Naples, Florida in 1999 ,which they have volunteered to host. This should be another winner in our series, and we would all like to see a big

turnout next year

Our treasury appears to be in good shape, thanks to a number of donations and efficient planning, so this should be a good starting point for the 1999

Naples reunion .

Here’s hoping we can all get together in Naples in 1999 !!!

Meanwhile, we hope the year is good for you, filled with good health, good friends, and good luck!

Respectfully submitted,

Your Reunion Committee

(As usual, if we have slighted anyone or their efforts, be assured it wasunintentional, and we welcome comments and/or corrections)

(As a sad postscript to this letter, we have just learned that Edward Moshofsky passed away of an aneurysm on Nov. 12, 1998. We shall dearly miss and fondly remember our commander)