Well another reunion is in the history books. Thanks to Pat and Connie Taylor for a great reunion in New Orleans, Louisiana.
It was great to see everyone on Sunday at Maison St. Charles. Monday took us to the Mardi Gras World where they construct Mardi Gras floats and the figurines that go on them. We were able to tour the facility and saw some floats and figurines for decorations on the float being made. At the end of our tour, we were treated to some King Cake. You didn’t want to get the piece with the plastic baby in it or you would have to buy the next King Cake or host the next party. The group then proceeded to the river to board the boat for our riverboat cruise and lunch. After eating we were able to see the beautiful scenery along the river that New Orleans has to offer.
Tuesday was a free day to explore New Orleans and its surroundings. Some hopped on the street car to head down to the casino, to the cemeteries, or just rode the street cars to see the different architectures of the city. Other boarded a bus and headed to Lafitte, LA for an airboat ride in the bayou. At the end of the day, there were many stories of everyone’s adventures.
Wednesday took the group the World War II Museum. Before entering the museum area, we convened and honored our departed shipmates. This museum took everyone on the path to Berlin and another path to Tokyo. What a great museum to remember the many tribulations of World War II.
Thursday morning was our annual business meeting. It was reported that Brett Bliss was this year’s scholarship recipient of $1,000. Changes were made to the bylaws to post the agenda at the beginning of the reunion and the membership date should be January 1 – December 1.
The group then discussed locations for the 2018 reunion which would be in the Pacific/Mountain time zones. Our choices were Las Vega, NV; Prescott, AZ; San Diego, CA; or Alaska. San Diego, Ca won with Parker and Sue Willey as coordinators.
The Vallins reported on the 2017 reunion in Savannah, Georgia. It will be the first week of October.
Election of officers were held for president and vice-president. The results were:
President - Gary Buxengard
Vice-President - Jim Vallin
Mark your calendar for Savannah!!