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Reunion 2009 Report
2009 Fort Drum, Watertown NY 31st Infantry Regiment Association Reunion Recap
Day One - Thursday - Registration
The registration desk ran smoothly thanks to Vira Corson, Joann Tierney and Mary Doyon. We had troops from 4-31 that were along side of us assisting with the raffle tickets, tour information and answering questions about Watertown.
Jim Tierney and Chuck McCammon had the job to assist in the set up of the hospitality suite and making sure the refreshments were cold.
Hospitality suite opened up with refreshments and memorabilia.
The first optional tour of the reunion was the Sackett's Harbor tour - the buses loaded and early arrivals were off for a day of touring.
All attending reported it was a great time.
Day Two- Friday - Tour Day
Continental (hot and cold) breakfast was served.
Three buses departed the hotel for Fort Drum. Each bus (school bus at that) had a troop assigned to it to escort on the base. While we were on the buses, the troops handed out our lunch, MRE's. It was quite interesting to see the wide variety of meals offered today, I believe someone exclaimed these aren't C-rats. After what seemed to be a forever ride we found ourselves on the range where the air assault demonstration was to be held.
LTC Greene and CSM Ben Jones greeted us upon our arrival at the range, troops were on hand assisting people into the stands and handing out bottles of water. After a brief welcoming statement and explaination of the excercise we began to hear the radio contact, soon a Chinook was heard approaching from behind the tree line. The Chinook landed and the troops began their excercise to secure a building in a near by village. It was all quiet interesting to watch unfold. After securing the building the troops approached the stands and were asked to introduce themselves. We had the opportunity to meet and greet these fine young men and spend a few minutes talking with each of them. The Chinook was available for us to explore as was the mock village and the vehicles.
Jim Tierney A/6-31 took some video clips of the demonstration that can be viewed on Youtube click here to view the video clips
Back on the buses we were brought to the 4-31 headquarters where we met "George" standing proudly in front of the building. We toured the headquarters building which has a mini-polar bear museum set up inside. Some of the troops spoke with the guests regarding the MRE's and what they can be used for in addition to taking care of hunger pains.
All in all it was a good day and a pleasure to spend time with the troops. We were told a little story about the young men that participated in the demonstration, which I found pretty amazing. The 4-31 is scheduled to deploy back to Iraq in the coming weeks. The battalion was placed on leave in order to have time with their families before deployment, volunteers were asked to stay and participate in the air assault demonstration and the reunion. The number of volunteers eager to spend time with us was overwhelming. The command had to hold a meeting to determine who would stay and who would begin their family leave. Made our Vets all feel pretty special to think that these young men were interested in meeting them and having the opportunity to speak with them about their service.
The Quartermaster Shop was open for business.
Friday evening live entertainment was provided in the lounge by the hotel.
In the hospitality suite, the Alpha guys had a surprise. George Lavezzi, Alpha Co CPT presented the guys with a "newly" created Alpha patch.
George was the CPT at the time the patches were originally created.
Day Three - Saturday
Continental breakfast was served.
As is with every reunion, this day starts with our Memorial Service to remember those who we have lost in the previous year, and to reflect and remember our fallen and all those who proceed us.
Again this year we had a special guest join us. Terry Hannigan, brother of Charlie Co KIA Timothy Hannigan attended the reunion and was present for the service.
Following a brief intermission the General Business Meeting was underway. Our Association Commander, Ron Corson, was down to business and the meeting was brief to the point and productive. Reunion schedule for future years, reviewed and approved. 31st Infantry Regiment Memorial project reviewed and approved. Treasurer's report reviewed and approved. Old business, new business, election of officers and meeting adjourned.
Reunion Schedule is as follows:
2010 19-22 August, Reno NV - hosted by Tim Miller D/6-31
2011 11-14 August, Ft Benning, GA - hosted by Sam Wetzel, CDR 4-31
(note this reunion will include the dedication of the 31st Memorial Monument and coincides with the birth of the Regiment on Aug 13)
2012 no dates available, Washington DC - hosted by Karl Lowe D/6-31
2013 not confirmed, Dayton, OH - hosted by John Howdeshelt D/6-31
Newly Elected Officers
Commander - Charlie Tapp D/6-31
Vice Commander - Chuck McCammon A/6-31
Treasurer - Joe DeAngelis C/6-31
Regional Director - Great Lakes - John "Pop" McNichols D/6-31
Regional Director - Mid West - Dean Hess A/6-31
Regional Director - West - David Wilson C/6-31
Congratulation to all our 6-31 newly elected Officers
Visit the 31st website for the minutes of the meeting.
The remainder of Saturday afternoon was time spent with good friends and comrades.
Saturday evening Banquet time…
Once again the banquet was a special event for those in attendance.
The 4-31 gave everyone in attendance a print of Polar Bears through the ages depicting the major actions the Polar Bears have served in.
As mentioned before, Terry Hannigan was in attendance. CPT Bill Owen and CPT George Mauldin requested that Terry join them at the podium where he was named an "Honorary Charlie Hunter" it was a very emotional moment for all of Charlie Co and Terry. Later in the evening, a special toast was given in memory of Tim Hannigan and all those fallen by Charlie Co.
The high attendance trophy presentation was next... and yes it's true... it went home with Charlie Company.
Charlie Tapp presented the trophy to Bill Owen and George Mauldin. Bill Owen in accepting the trophy recognized Noah Halfacre as being the catalyst of gathering Charlie Co together in the early years.
Once again we want to emphasize what is truly important is act of encouraging the brothers to attend the reunions.
The trophy is symbolic of our dedication to finding all the brothers and presenting opportunity to them to reunite.
There was one other surprise presentation for the evening, that requires a little background. This year Joann Argyis, sister-in-law of Chuck Barr D/6-31 donated a beautiful afghan hand crafted as an American Flag to the Association for the raffle. Rich Custer B/6-31 was the lucky winner of the afghan. Rich and his wife Patricia made a quick decision to present the afghan to the 4-31 so that they would have a constant reminder of the love and support we have for them. LTC Greene and CSM Jones proudly accepted the afghan promising to take it with them to Iraq so that all could feel the significance of the afghan and when they return it would be proudly displayed in the 4-31 museum.
Jo Ann Argyris and Rich Custer LTC Greene, CSM Jones, Commander Corson, Rich Custer
All in all it was a grand evening with a good time had by all. Only one critique and that is for future reunions Alpha Company requests the local coordinators to ensure that they have “We've Got to Get Out of this Place”, for the first time in years... Alpha was not able to enjoy their Company Dance.
And then… Sunday, Goodbyes
On Sunday morning, Terry Hannigan approached me and gave me this photo.
A little background for you... the photo was taken in Lockport, NY in May of 1969 at the Award Ceremony for Tim Hannigan. Al Olson had a decision to make... his sister was getting married that day, and the award ceremony for his "6-31 brother" was being held. As you can see in the photo... Al chose to attend the ceremony to honor his brother.
Before we knew it… the official 31st Infantry Regiment Association was over. Goodbyes are always difficult and this year was no different. As each left it was with hugs and thanks for a weekend of healing and closure, from one brother to another. With promises to see you next year!
RENO, NV
get ready, the Polar Bears will see you 19-22 August 2010.
Special thanks to all who assisted in the mechanics of the reunion - these events just don't happen, the willingness of the members to step forward and help is critical to a successful reunion for all.
Thanks to each and everyone of you that chose to join with us this year. It is that decision to attend that makes the reunion what it is every year. Each new face, remembered from long ago, brings so much. Your wives, girlfriends, family members add to the reunion in so many ways… and it is our greatest gift to have the opportunity to spend time with you.
Together we are stronger…
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REUNION 2009 - ATTENDANCE
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Registrations
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Guests
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Alpha
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10
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8
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Bravo
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5
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3
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Charlie
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18
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8
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Delta
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14
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8
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Echo
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1
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HHC
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3
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1
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51
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28
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Alpha
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Floyd "Top" and Linda Bennett
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Alpha
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James "Top" Coppeler
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Alpha
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Ron and Vira Corson
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Alpha
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Mary Doyon
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Alpha
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Steve Hensler
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Alpha
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George and Bonnie Lavezzi
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Alpha
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Mike and Marion Manderscheid
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Alpha
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Chuck McCammon
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Alpha
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Alex and Doris Nicolini
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Alpha
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Jeff and Lynn Patten
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Alpha
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Jim and Joann Tierney
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Bravo
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Tom Barry
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Bravo
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Rich and Patricia Custer
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Bravo
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Bob Hilfiker
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Bravo
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Jim and Carol McClaine
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Bravo
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John and Pat Ricker
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Charlie
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Victor and Gloria Arroyo
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Charlie
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Joe and Annette DeAngelis
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Charlie
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Louis and Suzanne Dominguez
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Charlie
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Henry Ganter
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Charlie
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Freddy Gresham
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Charlie
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Richard Garza
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Charlie
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Noah Halfacre
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Charlie
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Terry Hannigan
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Charlie
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George Mauldin
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Charlie
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Bill McMullen
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Charlie
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Dale Mills
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Charlie
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Al Olson
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Charlie
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Bill and Janet Owen
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Charlie
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Bill and Margery Singleton
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Charlie
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Richard Stephenson
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Charlie
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Mike Strand
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Charlie
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David and Kim Wilson
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Charlie
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Louis Talamo
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Charlie
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Gwyn and Cheryl Walten
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Delta
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Chuck and June Barr, Joann Argyris
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Delta
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Darwin and Connie Betzer
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Delta
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Warren Harris
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Delta
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John Howdeshelt, Jeanette Stevens
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Delta
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Karl Lowe
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Delta
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John McNichols
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Delta
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Tim Miller
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Delta
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Johnny Pilkinton
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Delta
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Grady and Katy Smith
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Delta
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Richard Spekczynski
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Delta
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Jack Stone
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Delta
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Charlie and Carolyn Tapp
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Delta
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Dennis and Annette Walker
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Delta
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Vin Zike, Jackie Morris-Hayes
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Echo
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George Newcomb
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HHC
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Bill and Florence Burns
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HHC
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Jerry Carlson
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HHC
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Jerry Reynolds
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Looking forward to seeing you all in Nevada next year for Reunion 2010 - RENO!
