Check out FL Viet Vets Reunion Contributed by Bill Faith
(Dogs, this isn't really my post -- I did not really do 9 posts in a row. This is Steve's post.)
Steve Gardner emailed about something he's helping spread the word about:
OK, folks! this is the 20th anniversary of this gathering of veterans. until a few years ago it was for Vietnam veterans, but if you look at the website you'll see it is for ALL vets. we attract many desert storm, Afghanistan and Iraq vets. being the 20th one, there is no telling who will be there for entertainment and special guests.
For those of you that have doubts about this event, contact Joe ponder, Steve Gardner, Jerry sultan, gene hart, or Dave Wallace, who have all been there. Joe ponder is an annual attendee. I have used my vacation time every year since the 12th one. each year i am there earlier....this year i'll be there 2 weeks. that is how great this event is. for the past two years, the overall attendance has exceeded 60,000!
i can nearly guarantee that the usmc silent drill team will be there, alomg with appearances from apache choppers, hueys, famous name entertainment and guaranteed to perform is our own "last patrol" on saturday night. They will bring tears to your eyes, and you'll want to hug em'. the park is thousands of acres and the reunion uses every one possible. static displays consist of at least a fully functional pbr, a few museums including my vietnam veterans of south florida traveling museum complete with our "rat patrol jeep" (1969 m-151a-1 mutt with m-60 mounted), various vehicles of our "time", a crane that displays a full size garrison flag and pow flag at 140' up.
for those who prefer a motel, this is the time to reserve it. personally, i reccomend the imperial. it is listed on the website. many others are great also but i seem to find this one extremely friendly to vets....and their bartenders love us! all of the motels in melbourne will book up by jan 30.
if you have an rv, let me know. i have rented 6 sites. (there are no others available with hookups) 5 are together and one is an "overflow". we set up every year in a semi-circle sometimes referred to as "fort apache". the camaraderie is unbelievable. if you prefer not to be in the fort, the park will place you in their overflow which is primitive. This year will be similar to 06, when we had a boiled shrimp feast one night, pulled pork another, ribs and blue crabs once and spaghetti another time. Political correctness isn't permitted, laughter and fun is appreciated and tears are expected. Attend.
This event is sponsored by the Vietnam veterans of braved, of which I am a member. Unfortunately, my work keeps me traveling so I haven't been able to help with anything this year....yet. this is one reason i show up early. it give me a feeling of "helping" if i am there early. at least i'm handy for whatever is needed, but i have time to enjoy everything.
i have beaten on admiral hoffman for 2 years to attend. this must be his year!!!
make your arrangements now!
or, contact me at 772-260-1095 or 941-704-4630 (both cell phones) with any questions
Contributed by Bill Faith on January 19, 2007 at 08:14 PM in , , |