Reunion Report - Buffalo (2005)                                                                       

The Tuy Hoa Veterans reunion of 2005 was held at the Adams Mark in downtown Buffalo, NY in July, 2005.  

We had about 70 veterans and their wives and families.  We also had 36 first time attendees at this reunion. The reunion started on July 5, 2005, with the arrival of several committee members. The early arrivals were welcomed by our "point man" Carl Brown. He had set up a tour of Niagara Airbase which was the home of the 136th NY ANG unit that served at Tuy Hoa. Carl was absolutely first class in everything he did to make this reunion the best to date.

The main group arrived at the hotel on Friday and checked into the hospitality room for refreshments.  Saturday morning a rather large group (50) walked to a local diner and had breakfast. The diner was a little under staffed so some of our group helped pour coffee and serve meals. It was a Kodak moment.  After breakfast we walked down to the Military park for a Memorial service where the names of our fallen comrades were read and a wreath was laid. We then proceeded down the walkway to board the "Miss Buffalo" for a tour around the harbor. The weather was beautiful and all aboard had a great time. We had some free time after the boat ride so folks could go to Niagara Falls for sightseeing and casinos and shopping. We met back at the hospitality room at 6:00pm. We had dinner, group photo and the auction of Tuy Hoa memorabilia followed by music and dancing. The rest of the evening was spent getting to know everyone. I heard the last man out was around 12:30 - 1:00am.

Sunday morning was spent getting ready for departure for most of the group. There were several couples who stayed over Monday and Tuesday for a little more R&R.

A note of sadness: we were informed that Rick Reinke who served with me in the Hydraulic shop at Tuy Hoa passed away on August 15, 2005. He will be missed and we will keep his family in our prayers.

This reunion could not have taken place without the tireless efforts of the following people: Jack McCloskey (Sec/Treasurer), Jesse & Linda Flinchem (Hospitality), George & Georgette Bontya (Shirts), Ray Ruff (Chaplain), Doug & Pat Gardner (Audio/Visual, Photo & Hospitality), Dennis & Suzan Bechtel (Auction & Hospitality), Paul & Debbie Goodrich (Hospitality), Mike & Jan Spencer (Hospitality), Jay & Nancy McCarthy (Boat Tour), and Carl Brown (Base Tour, Hospitality & Hats). I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you who helped in taking care of Debbie at this reunion.

There are a few couples who will be traveling to Albuquerque on June 23, 2006 to plan for the 2007 reunion. We will post information from that trip as soon as we get back. Looking forward to 2007. May God Bless you all. Dale & Debbie