2009 Tuy Hoa Reunion Report

The 2009 reunion took place at the Crown Reef resort in Myrtle Beach,SC. on Sept. 10-13. We had around (65) men and their families enjoy the relaxation of the beach without the distractions we had at Tuy Hoa. The hospitality rooms were crowded as Vets & their families arrived all day on Thursday. Weather was perfect for our time there. We had (25) first time attendees and a good time was had by all. We boarded busses for a trip on Friday to the “LEGENDS” concert. Saturday- We had a Memorial service at one of the Gazebos overlooking the water. Chaplain Ray Ruff gave the invocation and prayer for our departed comrades and encouragement for all of us. Grace Hochella opened the service with an inspiring accapella singing of “Amazing Grace”. We had all day to see and enjoy all that Myrtle Beach has to offer. We had group photos @ 5:00pm. That always proves to be a challenge. Dinner and the auction started at 6:00pm. Had a few issues with the food supply that will be resolved at the next reunion. The auction was a great experience as Dennis “J R Starr” Bechtel kept us laughing with his ability to sell you something for far more than you would otherwise pay. We had one very rare softball that was auctioned 6 times before the new owner finally kept it. But only after all previous owners signed it. Would like to end with gratitude to all committee members who put a lot of time & effort into making this reunion the success that it was. Paul & Debbie Goodrich, George &Georgette Bontya, Jack McCloskey& Verda Prater, Ray & Sylvia Ruff, Doug & Pat Gardner, Mike & Jan Spencer, Dennis & Suzan Bechtel, Jesse & Linda Flinchem, Sam & Diane Gilbert, Bobby & Jane White. Hope to see you all in Seattle in 2011. God Bless!

Your hard working Tuy Hoa Reunion committee,