6/3/2007
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6/3/2007 |
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This year’s 1st Radio reunion was held at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The inclusive dates for most were 31 May 2007 to 2 June 2007. There were some who took advantage of what Myrtle had to offer and had extended stays.
We had an excellent turnout. The best yet; and unless someone was left on the beach, I believe there were 22 Marines who participated. Equally as important to our reunion, as those who served in 1st Radio, were the 16 wives or significant others who graced the various venues with their beauty, grace and contributions. We would be remiss in not mentioning Hanna Kelly, RJ’s young daughter, who joined us for the show and reunion dinner. We also had the honor and the pleasure of Karen Stocks and her husband Steve. Karen, of course, is the daughter of one of our own—Sgt Garret O’Hara who served with us in Kaneohe and in Vietnam. Steve too served honorably in Vietnam and is someone we all would look up to as a real hero.
Most of us were billeted at the Ocean Reef Hotel. It is located right on Myrtle Beach. The accommodations and service provided us during our stay could not have been better. From their welcoming greetings to the terrific hospitality room situated directly off of the lobby, they treated us very well.
Friday found one group of twelve traveling to Parris Island for graduation where 420 new Marines were declared worthy. A second group of seven drove to deliver Vernon McMakin (Mac) his first hugs in 44 years from fellow Marines of the 1st Composite Radio Company . A third set of less stalwart souls took advantage of a terrific beach day.
A special thanks will be sent to the group sales office for lending their support in making the reunion a success and enjoyable for everyone participating. We also owe a hearty thank you to those who helped in arranging for the show (“Le Grande Cirque”) and the reunion dinner at Phillip’s Restaurant. The show was a high impact/fast moving acrobatic special that held everyone’s attention while the performers quickly moved from one precise and difficult act to another. Phillip’s and their staff also performed their specialty in treating and feeding us very well. They too deserve and will receive our deepest appreciation.
For those who missed this reunion, you missed what I believed to have been the best thus far. Not because what the Rick and Rosy show did to put this year’s reunion together, but because of all the aforementioned ingredients. Initial discussions have been held on our next reunion. You will have the opportunity to voice your opinion on where you will ”IMI” will attend. It’s obvious to me that the phrase “the more the merrier” applies. It certainly did at Myrtle Beach. We hope those who didn’t or couldn’t attend this year’s reunion will make a yeomen’s effort to attend the next 1st Radio Battalion Reunion.
Rosy