Back to Reunions PageBranson Reunion Overview
|
55th/72nd Air Police\Security
Branson Reunion Deemed an Unqualified Success This was the conclusion this writer came
to when all the wonderful comments we received were evaluated and the
great number of attendees seen smiling, talking and just plain visiting
with fellow members of a great unit of 50 plus years ago. Speaking
of attendees, there was a total of 106 people
in attendance, many of whom were anxiously, well maybe not anxiously,
looking forward to the next one scheduled to be held again in October
2004 at Thursday was another busy day. Busier for the 24 who went to play golf, but more about that later.
We also had an organizational meeting and agreed to form the 55th\72nd
Air Police Association also known as the Ramey AFB RampRats. Officers
were selected as follows, President, Jim McKenzie, Vice President, Floyd
(Chief) LaCroix, Secretary, Mozelle McKenzie, Treasurer, Ken Nellermoe
and two chaplains, Juergen Lucka and Sammy Line. It was also decided
that membership is open to former members, spouses and other persons
submitted who receive a majority vote of members at meetings held in
conjunction with future reunions. We enjoyed a catered banquet on Thursday
evening and honored the golfers as well as recognized the couple with
most grandchildren...a very close contest with Bill and Marilyn Hobbs
just nosing out Bill and Dell D’Lizarraga by one grandchild. Final tally
was 31 to 30. Bill and Jackie Rockow and Chief and Mary Lou LaCroix
came the furthest of all attendees from west of the The Intestinal Fortitude award goes to
Don Hillen, his wife Diana, and friend John Marshall. Don is undergoing
dialysis treatment and his whole day Thursday was spent traveling to
This was truly a labor of love for both
Mozelle and me. We had a sense of reward every time we located another
member. I might add that there were many moments of sadness when we
found another member to add to the Gone
But Not Forgotten list. We truly appreciate that you wanted
to show your appreciation for our efforts and hope you will understand
that it was not really necessary as we had already been amply rewarded.
With all that said I just wish to add that we sent $100 contributions
to both the Make a Wish Foundation and the AF Enlisted Wives Village in the name
of the 55th\72nd Air Police Reunionees. The reminder is in an account
earmarked for members of this organization who may find themselves in
need of assistance. It is a very modest sum at present but our plans
are to see it grow. The personalized reunion cups presented to us are
displayed in a prominent place in our home and are an ever-present reminder
of your thoughtfulness and generosity. We are presently
working on the Association By-Laws and designing a membership card.
Those who elect to join will be enrolled through December 31, 2004.
Remember we decided on $15 for an individual and $25 for the family
for a one-year membership, subject to change at future meetings. You
can send the checks to me at the Copies of the submitted biographies are
available for $5 and reprints of The Sentinel are available for $18.
Both prices Include shipping. Jim McKenzie President |