From Dave Smith:
AFTER ACTION REPORT - SAN ANTONIO REUNION
First, let me say what a privilege and honor it has been to serve as your
President for the last two
years. I am truly grateful for the trust you placed in me.
Secondly, I would also like to say that you, the members, could not have chosen a finer leadership
team in Art Ward, Alvin Simpson, Art Ferguson, and Ed Krieser. They will make an outstanding
contribution to the progress we have made in the Association.
Next, I hope the that the members and guests had a great time, I know I did.
My favorite part, as always, is to welcome new, first time attendees
and those that have returned after an period of absence. It is
always special to reconnect with brothers from the past.
This year we had approximately 20 new or returning members with a
total membership attendance of almost 90 members and about 170 total
members and guests.
Our guest speaker, SgtMaj H. G. Overstreet was outstanding, a real
pleasure to have him and his wife,
Janine, as our guests. Thank you John Fuller for arranging the SgtMaj's
appearance. Our auction was a huge success, raising a record amount of
close to $4,500. Thank you to all the donors and buyers, you
make it happen.
The Memorial for the 50th Anniversary of the Hillfights was outstanding.
The folks in San Antonio deserve our thanks for arranging it all, seating,
color guard, pipers, wreaths, reserving the area and the soundsystem -
although a few problems with that - but we can adaptand overcome.
Our speakers for the Memorial, Mr. Ed Murphy, Doc Lee, and Capt.
Charles Chritton were outstanding. We shouldhave their speeches
posted on the Battalion website soon.
Also, thanks to Fred Hellmann for his
slideshow of the Hillfights - outstanding.
Our next reunion will be in Colorado Springs from 26 - 29 September,
hope all can make it. It looks like
a majority of people wanted to do the Royal Gorge Train ride, so we
will attempt to arrange that asone of our activities for Thursday or Friday.
A special thank you to Carol Dobler and Christine Wilburn for helping
with registration and making
sure all got their shirts and hats, running the auction table, and the 50/50
drawing, they were awesome.
Thank you to everyone for making San Antonio a great and memorable
experience, see you in
Colorado Springs in 2018.
Semper Fi, Marines
Dave Smith
Has Been President
