ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY AT CHRISTMAS

Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.

Know the line has held, your job is done.

Rest easy, sleep well.

Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.

Peace, peace, and farewell... Author unidentified

UNKNOWN ADDRESSES

Addresses of these members unknown


Freddie J. Britton, Gale E. Britton
Steven E. Clark, Thomas F. Curran
Gerold J. Diltz, Harold Eklund
Richard A. Greig, Nicolas J. Haiducek
William P. Henn Jr., Jon N. Kirk
Dwayne W. Miller, William P. McGuire
Donnie A. Rainwater, David L. Ruch
Gary L. Smith, Kenneth L. Smith
Larry N. Smith, John W. Tharp


We are starting to shorten this list. The organizers would like to make one more attempt to get as many addresses of our members as possible before they mail out the notice of our 2009, reunion. If any addresses of the members above are known, please email them to the unit's email address: bearcat1011th@yahoo.com

1011TH FAMILY MEMBER BATTLING LEUKEMIA

( left click on the article to enlarge)

The unit has been notified that Lisa Spillman Mesa is going through extreme chemotherapy in her battle with Leukemia. (article above).

A fund has been set up in a Tulsa bank to help with some of her non-covered medical expenses. The address for Lisa's medical expense fund in the article above is not correct, the address should be:

Lisa Mesa Arnest Cares Account
502 S. Main St.
Tulsa, Ok. 74103

Her father, Glen Spillman was a member of the 1011th in Emporia and served with our unit in Vietnam. Glen passed away with cancer in 1995.

Lisa's mother, Judy Spillman Welch, has been in attendance at many 1011th reunions over the past several years.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lisa and all of her family.

Please feel free to help out with Lisa's medical fund. All donations will be very much appreciated.

40TH YEAR REUNION (from our return to the states)

The 40TH YEAR REUNION DATES HAVE BEEN SET

The organizers of the reunion ( Larry Gales and Ron Worchester) have set the dates for August 28th (Friday night) and the 29th at the Best Western in Emporia.

On Friday night the 1011th will have a room reserved just off of Annie's West bar (in the Best Western). The thought on setting up this room was the group would have a place to visit away from the bar if they choose.

The Friday get-together will run from 4:00 PM until about midnight.

On Saturday the group will meet in the Courtroom with an open (cash) bar at 4:00 PM and then dinner will be served around 6:00 PM.

A block of rooms has been reserved at the same hotel for those who want to stay closer to the activities.

If there is anyone you know that does not have any email registered with the 1011th, be sure to let them know about the reunion and ask them to send their email address to us at bearcat1011th@yahoo.com. We use this email for correspondence with unit members as well as notification of new posts on our blog.

There will be further notice coming via postal mail sometime in early 2009.

Hope you all can make plans to attend the reunion this year, it should be a good one!

THANKS VETS FOR OUR FREEDOM TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

AS WE GO INTO THE HOLIDAY SEASON LET US COUNT OUR BLESSINGS!

HOPE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON!

Newspaper Article 40th reunion 1011th

(LEFT CLICK ON THE ARTICLE TO ENLARGE) The local newspaper's article on the 1011th memorial service and reunion.

2008 INDEPENDENCE REUNION

ENJOYING FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP

2008 INDEPENDENCE REUNION

The Roger Carson's from Olpe, Ks.

2008 INDEPENDENCE REUNION

The Dan Kirk's from Keller, Texas

2008 INDEPENDENCE REUNION

The Don Hatcher's from Lawrence

1011TH 2008 INDEPENDENCE REUNION

1011th 2008 Reunion

This years reunion was a success, with several new faces on the scene, some of which had never been to a reunion and some that had not been for many years.

(Lt.) William Thornton and his wife Pegeen were present for the first time ever at a 1011th reunion. They reside in a retirement community in Florida.

Both the Friday night social and the dinner on Saturday night was held at the Independence VFW. It appeared that there was no official count of members and guests on Friday but the estimates were around 30 people that night.

The Saturday night function was better attended with around 68 members and guests, enjoying a social hour prior to a great meal of steak, baked potato and tossed salad served by the VFW.

The Joe Madden’s and the Milford Unruh’s were the hosts for both evenings. Following the meal the host’s called the meeting order. The local Independence newspaper was in attendance for the pictures of the group and the memorial service. Mrs. Madden conducted the memorial service with the reading of the names of those members of our unit that were killed in action and those who have passed away since the units return. 27 deceased members names where read and 27 candles lite in memory of each.

Sgt. Madden called the groups attention to the list of members of unknown addresses in the evening’s program. He told the group that if any one might know the addresses of any of this group that they were to contact the organizers so contact could be made with the individual.

Sgt, Madden then called on Larry Scott for a short report on the 1011th Blog which had been put together since the last reunion. Scott told the group that email addresses where needed so members could be notified by Internet of upcoming events, news items and posted items on the blog of the unit. Right now there are about 53 email addresses on file which is well short of the amount of members the unit has. After giving out the blog address, he finished by saying that news items and pictures are needed from the members to keep the blog active and keeping members coming back to visit the site. It is hoped that in the future that much of the correspondence and news to members of the unit can be sent by email and blog.

Sgt.’s Madden and Unruh then lead a discussion on the location and host of the celebration of the 40th year since the return of the unit from Vietnam which will be held next year (2009). It was decided that Emporia would host the next reunion in 2009. Ron Worchester and Larry Gales volunteered to organize the reunion next year for the Emporia group. Notification of date and location for next years should be coming in early 09’ so members can make plans to attend.

A thanks was given to the hosts, the Madden’s and Unruh’s, for their efforts in organizing this years reunion.

2008 Independence Reunion

Enjoying the meal prepared by the VFW in Independence. Nobody argued about the menu of steak, baked potatoes and salad!

2008 Independence Reunion

Sgt. John Logan was able to attend this year.

2008 Independence Reunion

Gayle and Roger Wallingford have devoted many hours in helping organize reunions in both Emporia and Independence. Thanks Wallingford's.

2008 Independence Reunion

Bill and Jean Messer, regular attendees at our reunions, traveled from their home in Alabama.

2008 Independence Reunion Honored Guests

Our group was honored this year by the attendence of (Lt.) Bill Thornton and his wife Pegeen. They came from their home in Florida.

Thanks for being with us Thornton's, hope to see you again next year!

Memorial Service

A Memorial Service was Held for our Fallen Commrades

KILLED IN ACTION:
Michael H. Hubert
Sammy E. Kinnamon

DECEASED POST VIETNAM:

Earl L. Atkinson
James E. Baker
Morris D. Bitler
Gary G. Dahlin
Gary A. Dicke
Thomas J. Dieker
Wavel D. Gibson
Louis S. Haywood
Lester M. Hoff
Arthur S. Holdeman
Danny R. Jewitt
Anastrasios J. Maduros
Bert M. McGill
Howard D. Pendleton
Charles M. Powell
Earl G. Seeley
Charles M. Sells
Garold R. Slabaugh
Patrick M. Slattery
Ned Sparks
Glen V. Spillman
James Swinney
Randy Templett
Johnnie W. Vannoster
Robert E. Wise

Our Hosts for the Evening

Sargent and Mrs. Madden (on the left) and to the right Sargent and Mrs. Unruh.

Thanks folks for a great evening!

The 40th Year (from the arrival in Vietnam)

Those attending the 40th reunion of the 1011th arrival at Bearcat, Vietnam.

Saigon store fronts

Beautiful downtown Saigon

Image by Larry Belt

The Market Place

Long Thanh Market

Image by Larry Belt

The sand bag world

D. A. Ward at Bearcat with a little rememberance of home, the Kansas Sunflower.

Image by Larry Belt

Part of the Independence crew

Top from left to right: Mike Powell, Gary Seller, Jim Freeman
Bottom from left to right: Jim Vannoster and Roger Wallingford

Photo furnished by Roger Wallingford

Kansas Vet Benefits of Interest (Web site-click here)

http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/EN/Benefits/FactSheets/Regional/KS/


State of Kansas



Military Benefits Fact Sheet


Summary: The state, through the Kansas Commission on Veterans' Affairs (KCVA), provides 17 different service office locations which provide individual assistance to veterans in completing the paperwork necessary to receive benefits. Kansas offers special benefits for its military service members and veterans including Veterans Emergency Assistance,Kansas Public Employees Retirement System Military Benefits, Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance Program, Special Vehicle License Plates, Department of Wildlife and Parks passes as well as Hunting, Fishing license. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and veteran disability status. For assistance in applying for benefits please call 785-296-3976 or send an email to Wbollig@kcva.org or click here to see a list of state service office locations (http://www.kcva.org/office.html).

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)