2017 Reunion

Have some pictures of "back in the day" that you can scan? Then send them to MY E-MAIL and we'll see about getting them added to this photos page so other can enjoy them.

First Row: Bob & Sandra McKinley, Roy & Lynne Rains, Arthur & Yolande Martin, Leo & Linn Williams, Tom & Audrey Garnella, Roger & Sherry Bodwell, Richard & Patricia Schroder, Rich & Joan Leonard
Second Row: David & Vallerie Huser, John & Barbara Crespi, Ron & Marlene Ingram, Damian & Joy Vierra, Jon & Cindy Lundquist, Ron & Susan Huether, Jim & Georgette Ferguson, Floyd & Linda Jackson, Joel & Chase
Third Row: Denny & Terri Behm, Barry Brown, Henry Land, Jack & Susan Dahlmann, Monty Halcomb, Lee Caubarreaux, Clyde & Elida Moore, Joe & Linda Finder
Back Row: Dan & Betty Korty, Corky Walsh & Judy Miller, Mike Ahern, Dan Toothman, Richard Medlock, Mike & Velma Smith, Fred & NOra McKeller, Charles Chambliss, Jim Victor

2017 15th Medical BN Assn. Reunion was an enormous success!
By Terry McCarl

The 15th Medical BN Assn. 2017 Reunion was held in Branson, MO, April 26-30. Reunion Coordinator Ron Ingram and his wife Marlene don't live what you would call close to Branson (about 400 miles away), but Branson is a frequent vacation spot for them, and their familiarity with Branson was invaluable in putting together an incredible reunion!

The turnout was a record! A total of 47 veterans attended; along with spouses, family, and guests, 86 persons from 23 states were there! For many veterans, this was their first reunion, and some had not attended for many years. An enjoyable time was had by all!

Westgate Branson Woods Resort is a beautiful reunion/convention facility, Rooms were spacious and luxurious for a daily group rate of only $63/night!

Our group had exclusive use of the “Grand Pavilion,” a magnificent open space building about 150' X 40' where all meetings, daily buffet breakfasts, the banquet, and socializing could be accomplished.

No visit to Branson would be complete without attending a first-rate country music show! Our group saw two great shows, the famous “Baldknobbers,” and “Raiding the Country Vault.”

Other group activities consisted of a tour of the Branson Veteran's Memorial Museum, and a dinner at the Fall Creek Catfish and Steak House, a long-time Branson institution where the servers toss fresh rolls to customers.

The annual Fund-Raising Auction was held after the Banquet on Saturday evening. The Auction lived up to its tradition of generosity and fun. Auctioneer Mark "Doc" Holiday and his able "Assistants" Randy Burkhart and Jim Victor artfully cajoled and coerced the crowd to bid generously!

Perhaps the most notable donation was by Association Past President Leo "Short Round" Williams, who donated three leather-bound original editions of the book, We Were Soldiers Once and Young, by LTG Hal Moore, autographed by the author plus a photograph of General Moore. Bidding was vigorous on these treasured books!

Joel and Chase of Manassas, VA attended the reunion and expressed deep appreciation for the Medevac rescue and medical treatment. Joel was Platoon Leader for D Co., 1st of the 5th Cavalry and was severely wounded at LZ David in Cambodia on June 14, 1970. He was medevaced to the B Company, 15th Medical BN Treatment Facility at LZ Buttons, where Dr. Jon Lundquist (then CPT MC) treated him. Joel would like to find that Medevac crew and thank them. If you were, or know someone who was on that crew, please e-mail me at MY E-MAIL or call 402-457-9807.

Ron “Huey” Huether was recognized for his outstanding work developing and running the Association Web site, and was presented a Lowe's gift certificate for $100.

2017 Reunion
15th Medical Battalion Association
1st Air Cavalry Division
Business Meeting, Saturday, April 29, 2017

The Business Meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Vice President Fred McKellar. President Larry Hatch was excused due to the illness of his wife. Opening ceremonies were conducted. All officers were present except for Larry Hatch, Jim Calibro (Bob McKinley pro tem), and Norm Roberge.

Letter from President Hatch was read regarding 2016 Reunion and the mini-Reunion on August 12 and 13, 2016, in Peru. IN. The Minutes of the previous meeting were not available due to the illness of Jim Calibro. A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes as they had been posted on the website. Motion carried.

The Treasurer's report was given. A copy is attached to these Minutes. A motion was made and seconded to accept the report subject to audit. Motion carried.

Terry McCarl reported on Membership. See attached report for information on obtaining a copy of the roster. Terry also reported on Historian. There are approximately 700 active members. To contact him e-mail at historian@15thmedbnassociation.org.

Ron Ingram, 2017 Reunion host, reported that 45 rooms had been rented at the Westgate Hotel and 87 banquet tickets were purchased.

John Crespi, Chaplain, will be giving the opening ceremony at the Banquet. This will be the Missing Man Ceremony. The cost to the organization is only $100.

Nominations were opened for Officers for the 2017-2018 year. President Fred McKellar, Vice President Richard Medlock, Junior Vice President Jim Ferguson, Treasurer Ron Huether. Ron Huether to open checking account with Security State Bank & Trust.

Old Business

Ron Huether was recognized for all his work as Web Master. Linn Vercheski was thanked for doing the Reunion nametags.

New Business

2017 Mini-Reunion in Peru, IN.

2018 Reunion. Recommendation made to hold it in Virginia around Newport News since this was the site of the first Reunion and 2018 will be the 20th. By majority Virginia was voted for the site.

Constitution and By-Laws. No changes made at this time.

Joel Chase and his wife Dorothy were introduced. Joel expressed his thanks for being on a Medevac from a Fire Base in RVN.

In letter from outgoing President Larry Hatch he gave a brief report on 2016 Peru, IN, and expressed his feelings about his good friend Art Martin.

Motion made and seconded to adjourn at 10:25 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Bob McKinley
Secretary Pro Tem

All nominated Officers are unopposed, so Officers were elected as nominated.