Details for the 40th Reunion, Independence, Ks

DATE: SEPTEMBER 19TH AND 20TH

WHERE: INDEPENDENCE VFW
113 EAST MYRTLE
INDEPENDECE, KS

FRIDAY NIGHT: THERE WILL BE VISITING ALONG WITH CHIPS AND DIP

SATURDAY NIGHT: CASH BAR (STARTING AT 4:00 PM)
DINNER AT 6:00 PM (VFW PREPARING THE MEAL)

COST: $17.00 PER PERSON ($34.00 PER COUPLE)

MUST MAKE RESERVATIONS BY MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st.
(The VFW will not be able to fix extra food so be sure to respond by the 1st.)

PHONES CONTACTS: JOSEPH L. MADDEN 918-532-4822
MILFORD UNRUH 620-251-7597

MOTELS: APPLE TREE INN (1) (2) (3) (4)
201 N 8th (APPROX 3 BLOCKS FROM THE VFW)
PHONE: 620-331-5500

SUPER 8 MOTEL (1) (2) (4)
2800 W MAIN
PHONE: 620-331-8288

MICROTEL INN & SUITES
2917 W MAIN
PHONE: 620-331-0088

1) BREAKFAST
2) POOL
3) HOT TUB
4) HIGH SPEED INTERNET

Bearcat LZ from the air

This view is looking NE, with the road leading into Bearcat from the bottom right of the picture. This picture was taken from a Huey of the aviation group that was located at Camp Castle which was just outside of Bearcat. This aviation group had fixed wing aircraft as well as choppers.

"Goin back to the world"

"Goin back to the world" Photo furnished by Dan Kirk

Emporia Commercial St Photo furnished by Dan Kirk

1011th Company area

Independence Main Street Photo furnished by Dan Kirk

GP tents at Bearcat, with a large bunker behind.

Kansas Sunflower POL yard - Bearcat

This was not the outhouse but the office of POL yard in Bearcat. I think the guy in this picture holding at least 6 beers is Norbert (Nubs) Bechtel. Cheers Nubs!

We actually didn't drink on duty, but after hours -- there were some parties!

Orphanage Kids

Orphanage kids waiting in line to visit with Santa at the Bearcat library. The 1011th trucks transported a couple hundred kids to our company area to celebrate Christmas. All of the kids were dressed alike and heads shaved (for sanitary purposes). The only way we could tell the boys from the girls was the little girls had earrings in one ear.

POL Yard- Bearcat

Yet another party at the POL yard in Bearcat. On the left Sgt Preacha and ?

Check out that trailer full of beer! Army issue I'm sure.

Sgt Preacha, L. Scott and ?. These were some of the Thi guys we worked with in the POL yard at Bearcat.

They enjoyed their parties and beer!

A few old pics to get things started

Party time in the 1011th company area at Bearcat. This seemed to be a frequent activity during our stay.

THIS IS OUR FIRST MEMBER POST!

Gayle and I have had this red RV about a year now and just love it. See Ya soon !!!!!!!

Roger and Gayle Wallingford with their RV (red vette)

OUR 39TH REUNION

THESE ARE THE 39th. REUNION PICTURES TAKEN BY DAVE STORMONT ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2007.


IF YOU SEE ANYTHING THAT NEEDS CHANGING SUCH AS NAMES OR DESCRIPTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO MAKE COMMENTS. EACH PICTURE HAS A PLACE TO MAKE COMMENTS BELOW IT. I WILL MAKE CORRECTIONS ON THE SITE AS NEEDED. (To enlarge the picture you can left click on the picture)

ALSO BE SURE TO SEND ANY STORIES AND PICTURES TO THE 1011th. EMAIL : bearcat1011th@yahoo.com AND THEY WILL BE POSTED ON THIS SITE. INCLUDE AS MUCH INFORMATION AS YOU CAN SO WE CAN PUT THAT WITH EACH PIC THAT IS POSTED.

Umburger and Gardner

Enjoying some conversation before the meal.

The Wilhite's and D. Garrett

Socializing during the dance.

Chat before the banquet

Chatting with Charlie Foster and Mrs Foster was Karen Locke (on the right).

The Fosters coming from Colorado for the reunion.

Meeting of the sargents

Sgt. and Mrs. Joe Madden (on the left) and Sgt Edgar Yeakley.

Great meal

There was plenty to eat and it was good.

A wink for the camera.

I think he knows the photographer.

Oh yes, by the way, thanks Dave ( of Custom Photography By Dave Stormont). Dave is also a member or the unit. Dave's photography studio is near Emporia and he specializes in weddings, family portraits and senior pictures.

Banquet meal

Chowin' down!

The American Legion in Emporia put on a nice buffet meal for the group.

The table decorations were Red, White and B...udweiser.

Treasurer's report

Report by the "Money Man".

Wow! We should have had bigger steaks!

Oh yes--thanks to the Budweiser people for the signs for the reunion.

39th Reunion

War stories and old times were the topic of the evening for most.

(Sorry It's been 39 years you know--so help me out on some names here.)

39th Reunion

Renewing friendships

Eidman and Gardner

Gene Eidman and Tim Gardner are having fun at the 39th.

Dan Dunstan, Gary Murphy and Steve Locke visit over a cool one.

39th reunion banquet

Saturday evening started with a buffet meal for members, spouses and guests, followed by a short business session.

Following the meal and business session there was a memorial service for our fallen members conducted by the Rev. Jim Ackers. Jim is the State American Legion Chaplain for Kansas.

In the past the unit reunion has been held every other year with the Emporia group hosting the event for two reunions and then the Independence group hosting two reunions. Since 2008 is the 40th year since the unit was sent to Vietnam it was decided that Independence would not skip a year to host the next one and would have the 40th in Independence in September of 2008.

39th Reunion of the unit - Emporia Ks

These were the unit members present at the 39th reunion that was held in Emporia at the American Legion. There were 43 members in attendance.



A Friday night social was held in the bar area of the Legion for those members arriving early for the Saturday night meal and dance.

It was voted in the business session to have the 40th reunion (40 years from being called to active duty) sponsored by the Independence group.


(Left click on this photo or any of the above and you can get a closer view)