REUNION 2011
Who: 92nd Assault Helicopter Company
617th TC Detachment
732nd Signal Detachment
Guests
What: Reunion 2011
When: September 23 -25, 2011
Where: Silver Saddle Motel - Manitou Springs, CO
Why: To renew old friendships, join together in the spirit of brotherhood,
pay tribute to our fallen brothers.
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Another reunion has come and gone. I was privileged and humbled to serve as host for the second time. 53 members and 33 guests joined together in Manitou Springs, Colorado to renew old friendships, make new ones, and celebrate their time in the best assault helicopter company of the Vietnam War.
Several members arrived a day early and found each other very quickly. They banded together and found one of the great local hangouts (The Keg) to eat their first meal and imbibe in some local spirits. They also discovered that there was plenty to see and do the next day in the local area.
The first "official" function was a cookout at the Silver Saddle Motel on late Friday afternoon. A local Manitou family, "The Woofters" set up the entire event. They voluntarily did everything to make it a success. They procured homemade side dishes, brought in tables and chairs, cooked, served, and did all the cleaning afterwards. They wanted all of us to just be able to spend our time with one another without distractions.
Late Saturday morning brought a trip on one of the great attractions of the Pikes Peak region. We had our own private cog railway train from Manitou Springs to the top of Pikes Peak. I know that if you ask anyone who made the trip, they will tell you that it was exciting, thrilling, and had spectacular views! The trip took slightly over three hours round trip and we spent about 25 minutes on top of Pikes Peak at 14,115' above sea level. I think that some folks from near sea level were surprised how labored their breathing can become!
At 6:00 PM we began to gather at the Castaway Restaurant to socialize and share dinner. An audio/visual slide show of random photos submitted by members and music that we all remember from those times played in the background. A group photo was taken and at 7:00 we had a short program to fulfill one promise that we all made to each other. We took time to remember our brothers who had fallen in battle. We will never let them be forgotten! We also maintained a moment of silence for those who have passed after their tours. A big "Thank You" went to Dave Sherrard for all the work he did in getting a 92nd AHC Unit Patch aboard the Space Shuttle "Endeavour" in 2008. It is now framed with a Certificate of Authenticity and the STS Mission Patch. Click here to see it! "Thank You" Rich Sale for providing that original patch. "Thank You" Barbara Hoke, Kenneth Devore's sister, for selecting a random number to give away a Joe Klein print to someone in attendance. Mike Palmer was the lucky recipient. Our buffet dinner was then served and I believe that everyone agreed that it was excellent and were totally satisfied with how delicious the food was.
Many of us gathered Sunday morning for a farewell breakfast and a chance to say goodbye. Everyone was in great spirits and ready for the next reunion!
Thank you to all those who attended and made Reunion 2011 a success! To those we missed, hopefully we will meet for the next one!
Jim Koch
Stallion 505
Jim Koch
Last Posted: SEPTEMBER 27, 2011
