2010 Reunion in Atlanta a Huge &
Memorable Success
Among the 45 B Company men who gathered in Atlanta with their wives and family members, were 11 first timers: Freddie Ambrose, Earnest Arnold, John Cortes, James Gilliam, Leslie Hardy, Jessie Hill, William Hodder, Peter Mezey, Sam Newman, Vincent Saporito and Billy Joe Williams.
Many spent the day taking in the variety of sites that Atlanta had to offer. The Aquarium, the World of Coke Cola, or a visit to the CNN studios were all made very accessible by Atlanta’s MARTA system. Other’s just hung out in the Hospitality room talking and remi- niscing over photos and memorabilia. With 11 expected newcomers, some just patiently waited for that special moment to reunite.
On Friday morning, the wives held their 1st “Ladies Get To-
gether” on the hotel patio to share their thoughts and ideas. It was a great gath- ering as they have so much in com- mon...jobs, children, grandchildren and of course, their B Com- pany husbands.
On Friday night, our 2nd annual Silent Auction was once again a huge success with over 40 fun and unique items. Also up for auction were two special handmade items: a one of a kind quilt by Angie (Freddie) Purvis and a beautiful U.S. Flag afghan crocheted by Sharon (Frank) Rusak. The auction as well as other donations brought in $1700, which helps to offset miscellaneous reunion costs including postage, decorations, meals, pop, beer and munchies.
1st row (kneeling-l to r) Ken Schatz, Frank Rusak, John Cortes
2nd row (kneeling – l to r) Al Lake, Peter Mezey, Vince Binaso, Garry Root, Lindall McMillian, Fred Spence, Bill Wise
3rd row (seated l to r) Eugene Ethenridge, Colin Lanham, Earnest Arnold, Steve Enfante, Vincent Saporito , Dennis Sowards, James Hamm
4th row (standing) James Gillam, Sam Newman, Pat Villarreal, Leslie Hardy, Delbert McClanahan
5th row (l to r) Bruce Brown, Skyes Lagrone, Melvin Murray , Fred Purvis, Jerry Patterson, Jerry Benson, Charles Guntner
6th row (l to r) Loren Winebrenner, George Duncan, Billy Joe Williams, Cecil Sanders, Gary Stonemetz, Larry Harris, Galen Vercher, William Hodder, Fred Golladay, Sammy Nipper, John McHenry
After the Saturday night buffet, guest speaker, James Gilliam, a History professor, who served with B Company in the 2nd platoon in Sept 69-June 70, pre- sented some very interesting facts about the history of B Company 1/22nd 4th Infantry.
Jerry Benson, at the request of B Company Chaplin Don Gover, who was un- able to attend, offered some thoughts and perceptions of serving as a Chaplin’s Assis- tant. Using the Chaplin’s original kit from Vietnam, B Company was called into for- mation for a memorial ser- vice for those that did not make it home alive. As last year, it was a very touching
service.
With the podium opened up for anyone else, many others came forward to offer their thoughts, their gratitude and to share memories. They were all reminded that the bonds formed 40+ years ago are stronger than ever.
If you have not had a chance to come to a reunion yet, let us be the first to encourage and invite you to be with us in October, in Colorado Springs. You will feel welcomed and at home. The format is very informal and relaxed. Your fellow B Company brothers will welcome you imediately. If you have been to a reunion but your buddy hasn’t been, give him a call and invite him to meet you in Colorado Springs.
Been over forty,
Still Livin In his shell. Then one day, He checked his mail. Something about A reunion. Hell...he said It’s been over forty, Days getting shorter Nights getting colder And these old bones Just getting older. Someplace in Georgia That’s where it is held, Haven’t seen My brothers For over forty. Down the hall And threw the doors The shell was cracked Nothing but good memories
Bill Hodder B Co. 69
