Washington D.C. Mini-Reunion Poster Design by Jim Kaus

Washington, D.C. Roll Call for the Mid-Atlantic Mini Reunion. L-R, standing: Harry Brooks, B.J. Cook, Lloyd Smrkovski and Joe Finley. Seated: Jim Willis and Don Boyd.

The Smrkovski Report

Greetings from the Nation's Capitol. The mini-reunion went off like clockwork in the middle of a snow storm. B.J. and I got to the Shady Grove metro around 0830 and made the trip to the Smithsonian w/o a hitch.

Group shot at the Smithsonian L-R: Don Boyd, Lloyd Smrkovski, BJ Cook, Joe Finley, Harry Brooks

We walked across the mall to the Natural History Museum and proceeded down stairs to the cafeteria. As the place wasn't going to open until 1100 hours, we set up our table in the waiting area. I placed the poster that was kindly provided by Jim Kaus on a table for viewing. B.J. went off to do a bit of shopping while I waited for the troops to show.

Group shot at the Smithsonian L-R: Don Boyd, Jim Willis, Harry Brooks

Soon Harry Brooks showed up, followed by Don Boyd, Joe Finley and Jim Willis. Don Boyd handed me a pic of the two of us in front of the T2 barracks taken back in 61, where we were decked out for our bear hunting trip. We shared this story with the guys and from there the stories of adventures from around the world started being told by everyone. It was a ton of histroy of our personal lives shared in a way that could not be done anywhere else at any other time. It was fantastic. We talked about everything. All comments were very positive regarding this [MyFamily.com] forum and the idea of mini-reunions and such. We shared a lot of our military and non-military experiences and in additon we solved the middle east problems w/in minutes. Of course our solution was simple, to the point and swift. If it wasn't classified, we'd share it with ya all. Get over it!

Around 1100 hrs. we lined up for pics, of which we took many and then proceeded into the cafeteria for some vittles. During the meal we continued to tell stories of our lives, which was both heartening and eduational. We all had a most wonderful time.

The Wall. They come ... in all seasons ... rain, sunshine, Winter, snow ... They come.

Following the luncheon, Don Boyd and Harry Brooks took off for home due to the miserable weather (16 degrees wind chill factor plus snow).

Silent Warriors pay tribute to Fallen Comrades at The Wall L-R: Jim Willis, Lloyd Smrkovski, BJ Cook, Joe Finley.

The rest of us hardy souls took off for the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial. We all found names on the wall of loved ones sacrificed on the battlefield. It was a rewarding journey for us all. After some very somber moments there we then headed over to the Vietnam Nurses' Memorial statues, followed by the 3 combat soldiers' statue. These were impressive monuments to our men and women who gave their lives for us all. We then headed over to the Korean War Memorial. Another somber moment for us all.

As the temps were dropping, the wind chill falling we decided it was time to head back and catch the metro, instead of walking an additional mile to the Air and Space Museum. At the Smithsonian metro-rail line B.J. and I said a fond farewell to Joe Finley and Jim Willis. It was so great to meet them both and get to know them as we did.

Bottom line here: Mini-reunions are an absolute must. You attend one, you'll understand why.

POW/MIA Flags fly beneath Old Glory

Vietnam Soldiers' Statue near the Wall

Memorial near the Wall dedicated to nurses who served in Vietnam.