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First Annual National Reunion
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Misawans in America
First Annual National Reunion
May 15-18, 2003 ~ Biloxi, Mississippi
We discussed it - we debated it - we planned it - we did it!

After literally months of working on the concept and hammering out countless details, it began to take shape and finally gelled into one of the most exciting gatherings of old comrades and new friends that any one of us could imagine. Biloxi Reunion Logo

USAFSS Veterans from all over the country punched holes in their schedules and came from near and far to a spot on the Gulf of Mexico to shake hands, share hugs, and remember those times we spent together so very long ago halfway around the world on the soil of a onetime mortal enemy - in Misawa, Japan.

We met old friends and made many new ones. Although most of us knew one another well from daily interaction on the Misawa website, many of us had never before met in person - until Biloxi. Finally meeting in person those whom you already knew so well was a strange and wonderous experience, but nonetheless satisfying and gratifying. Thanks to those who engineered the event, the Biloxi Reunion executed flawlessly.

We'll pause to savor the time we shared there - to remember and smile. But soon, we'll turn our attention toward the next reunion - the next opportunity to gather with those who now mean so much more to us - to gather with Family.


~ Click on any photo for original size ~

Imperial Palace from Bridge
Imperial Palace/Casino

A view of the Imperial Palace Hotel/Casino as we approached from the bridge.
Imperial Palace Tower
Imperial Palace/Casino

This is where all reunion activities took place, and where most attendees roomed.
The Casino
Imperial Palace Casino

Excellent place to lose a fistfull of quarters
Biloxi Sunrise
Imperial Palace/Casino

Bill Doolittle has the presence of mind to take a picture of the sunrise from his room on the 27th floor
Dinner 1st night
Thursday Dinner

Many arrived Thursday and several of us grabbed sandwiches. Helen & Terry watch as Smrk, Russ, Dutch, Mike McDonald, and Wayne Babb fed and fibbed.
McDonald & Babb
KoKo Room

Mike McDonald listens intently to Wayne Babb as he tells it how it is ... or was. The KoKo Room served as our hospitality room where much of this went on.

Ticketmeister Smrkster
KoKo Room

Lloyd Smrkovski struggles to find a way not to have to write Radar's name on the back of all those tickets.
Russ, Helen & Ben
KoKo Room

Russ Butcher, Helen Henderson and Ben Whitten pose for a moment in the KoKo Room. Have you ever seen Ben without that smile? Never.
Russ & Wayne
KoKo Room

Russ and Wayne catch up on what's happened since they last met in September, 2002 in San Antonio.
Shine Sampling
KoKo Room

Jim Alverson (who else?) treats Helen Henderson, Margaret Daberko Ganter, and Jane Doolittle to a "local product" taste. Zowie!
Babb & Dutch
KoKo Room

Bubba Babb catches his breath as he relates a Misawa Fable to Dutch Wiest. Geeeze, take a breath, Wayne!
McDonald, Ganter, Babb & Henderson
KoKo Room

Old friends line up for a picture in the KoKo Room. L-R) Mike McDonald, Margaret Daberko Ganter, Wayne Babb, Helen Henderson.
Alverson and BJ Cook
KoKo Room

So, who's the guilty party here? Jim Alverson tosses the blame back to his friend, BJ Cook, who in turn dumps it in Jim's lap. And, we never accused either of anything!
Mike Smith
KoKo Room

In case you're having trouble seeing who's behind this nuclear Hawaiin shirt, it's none other than Mike Smith!
Walt & BK
KoKo Room

Two old friends, together again at last. Walt Gernon (left) drove over from New Orleans to spend a little time with B.K. Kelley after all these years.
Walt, BJ & BK
KoKo Room

Three Trick 2 Vets
L-R) Walt Gernon, B.J. Cook, B.K. Kelley.
BK, Mike, Walt
KoKo Room

Mike Smith huddles over B.K. Kelley and Walt Gernon, using his shirt to provide some light to read by.
Smiling Terry McGee
KoKo Room

Ignoring the "Pimp Daddy McGee" shirt he's proudly displaying here, this is just about the best picture of Terry McGee we've ever seen.
Veronica Betty Margaret Joyce
KoKo Room

Four lovelies pause a moment at the door to the KoKo Room for the camera. L-R) Veronica Woodard, Betty McDonald, Margaret Daberko Ganter, and Joyce Godfrey.
Mac & Ben
KoKo Room

It looks as if Mike McDonald has to bite his lip as Ben Whitten tells a tall one in the KoKo Room. Nifty hats, guys!
Six of a Kind
KoKo Room

Point a camera in their direction and they're ready to "ham" it up. L-R) Wayne Babb, Russ Butcher, Mike McDonald, Ben Whitten, Len Falgout, and Jim Woodard.
Practice Roll Call
KoKo Room

Anticipating the real thing, this group practices for a roll call picture. Standing L-R) Russ Butcher, Wayne Babb, Wanda and Jim Alverson, Terry McGee, Jim Kaus, Ben Whitten, Carolyn Falgout. Seated L-R) Mike McDonald, Lloyd Smrkovski, Dutch Wiest, Len Falgout, Jim Woodard.
Waffle House
Friday Outings

About the only place around for breakfast was the Waffle House and, since those tiny seats only handle 4 cheeks, Whitten and I sat across the aisle while (L-R) Terry McGee, Wayne Babb and Russ Butcher snarf up some serious grunts.
Ben's Caddy
Friday Outings

Everyone feels better after a good breakfast. Clowning around outside the Waffle House are (L-R) Russ Butcher, Ben Whitten, Wayne Babb, and Terry McGee.
Fishing Trip
Friday Outings

Early Friday morning, these three headed out to do some fishing in the Gulf. L-R) Joe Finley, Jim Kaus, Lloyd Smrkovski.
Keesler HQ Bldg.
Keesler AFB Visit

Several of us toured Keesler AFB Friday morning. The HQ Building shown here doesn't look old enough to a memory for anyone.
Keesler Heritage
Keesler AFB Visit

We found this Heritage Display at Keesler that looked interesting but, sadly, it was closed.
Triangle Pool
Keesler AFB Visit

We did find the pool in the old Triangle Area. Inspite of the sign, I believe the pool was actually rectangular in shape.
Smith Manor
Keesler AFB Visit

Keesler AFB, Smith Manor
Garrard Hall
Keesler AFB Visit

Garrard Hall on Keesler AFB, the old mess hall.
Foursome A
Saturday Golf Game

BJ Cook arranged an early Saturday round of golf for 8 members. The first foursome shown here are L-R) Dave Nabb, BJ Cook (showing a little leg), KC and Marv Borgman.
Foursome B
Saturday Golf Game

The second foursome of golfers shown here are
L-R) Woody Wilson, Ben Whitten, Betty and Mike McDonald. Ben later confided that the morning was sweltering!
McDonald
Saturday Golf Game

Mike McDonald shows perfect form as Woody Wilson looks on in utter disbelief.
Whitten
Saturday Golf Game

Ben Whitten rips the hide off another ball as Woody Wilson and Mike McDonald stand at a safe distance.
Woody
Saturday Golf Game

It's Woody's turn to "fire for effect" while Mike McDonald and Ben Whitten shout words of encouragement to Woody.
Naab
Saturday Golf Game

David Naab pictured here in a "fairway" that looks more like a portion of the Old Chisolm Trail!
Falgouts
Reunion Couples

Carolyn and Len Falgout
Doolittles
Reunion Couples

Bill and Jane Doolittle
Whites
Reunion Couples

Ed and Gloria White
Montomerys
Reunion Couples

Irish and John Montomery
Woodards
Reunion Couples

Veronica and Jim Woodard
Cooks
Reunion Couples

Tomiko and BJ Cook
Borgmans
Reunion Couples

KC and Marv Borgman
Double Couples
Reunion Couples

Mike & Becky Smith, Starr Comstock & Debbi Hill
McDonalds
Reunion Couples

Mike and Betty McDonald
Millers
Reunion Couples

Mike and Vicki Miller
Fesslers
Reunion Couples

The Robert Fesslers
Raffle Night Munchies
Raffle Night

The night of the Raffle, the Imperial Palace set up this table of great munchies that pretty much served as supper for most of us.
Sheet Cake
Raffle Night

What many didn't know at the time was that Carolyn Falgout baked and decorated this huge sheet cake! Dang near too pretty to cut and eat - but we did it anyway.
Bar
Raffle Night

Raffle night found some spending more time at the bar than worrying about prizes.
L-R) Ben Whitten, Mike McDonald, Jim Woodard.
The Lineup
Raffle Night

Posed and looking their best (?) are L-R) Ben Hendrix, Terry McGee, Mike McDonald, and Keith Thigpen.
Jodie
Raffle Night

Jodie Cotten with that mischieveous smile and a plate full of munchies.
Double W's
Raffle Night

The "Double W's"
- Whitten and Wiest - wettin' their whistles and accepting joint responsibility to not let that chair float away.
1958 Roommates
Raffle Night

Back in 1958, these guys were roommates in Misawa! Ron LaForce and Jim Kaus had some catching up to do after 45 years.
Alice & Gloria
Raffle Night

Best smiles are in order from Alice Kaus and Gloria White.
Helen & Dutch
Raffle Night

Helen Henderson and Dutch Wiest hit a striking pose on Raffle night.
Foursome
Raffle Night

A fearsome foursome turns its attention to the front of the room - except for Terry.
L-R) Terry McGee, Lloyd Smrkovski, Ben Whitten, Russ Butcher.
Smrk, Margaret & Wayne
Raffle Night

As Helen Henderson looks on, Margaret Daberko Ganter presents Lloyd Smrkovski & Wayne Babb with "CYA Man" coloring kits. CYA Man was a character born on the Misawa website from a spontaneous conversation.
Mike Smith
Raffle Night

First name drawn in the raffle was Mike Smith's, and he happily snapped up Smiley Garrett's donation of the Top 10 CD Collection of pop songs.
Babb
Raffle Night

Wayne Babb wins a bottle of rare "CYA Man" wine at the raffle.
Ron LaForce
Raffle Night

Ron LaForce wins a Misawans in America Wristwatch designed by Jim Kaus.
Steve Voss
Raffle Night

Steve Voss poses with the digital camera he won for his wife, Carole.
James Gang
Banquet Night

Jim Alverson and Jim Kaus (aka the James Gang) pause early on Banquet Night for a quick picture. They and their wives ensured the reunion came off smoothly.
Rivera
Banquet Night

Lt. Col. Jon Rivera, our keynote banquet speaker, poses with his lovely daughter.
Kaus's & BJ
Banquet Night

Alice and Jim Kaus receive a well-earned award presented by a most dapper-looking BJ Cook.
Helen & Alversons
Banquet Night

Helen applauds after presenting an award plaque to Jim and Wanda Alverson for their part in bringing the Reunion together.
Dutch presents The Hammer
Banquet Night

Helen looks on as Dutch holds up "Helen The Hammer Henderson" caricature created by an artist friend of Jim Kaus.
Helen the Hammer
Banquet Night

Caricature of Helen "The Hammer" Henderson created by an artist friend of Jim Kaus.
Margaret Jane Helen
Banquet Night

More than just three lovely ladies, Margaret Daberko Ganter, Jane Doolittle and Helen Henderson also served USAFSS tours in Misawa.
Debbi, Becky, Shirley and Tomi
Banquet Night

Dressed to the nines and creating a lovely photo op for the camera are L-R) Debbi Hill, Becky Smith, Shirley Kelley, and Tomiko Cook.
Ben Hendrix
Banquet Night

Ben Hendrix, all dressed up and looking like he's ready to go to work! We'll place him here next to ...
Sharon Hendrix
Banquet Night

... his charming wife, Sharon Hendrix.
New Best Friends
Banquet Night

These two "New Best Friends" spent lots of time together at the reunion, and this picture shows them - most appropriately - Joe Finley (on the left) and Lloyd Smrkovski (on the right).
Jane and Keith
Banquet Night

Captured here exchanging memories are Jane Doolittle and Keith Carr. Boy, that sweater was red!
Smrk & Marv
Banquet Night

Finally, a photo of Lloyd Smrkovski listening, in this case, to Marv Borgman. (Sorry, Smrk - couldn't resist)
Jodie Cotten
Banquet Night

Jodie Cotten brandishing his "Old Glory" tie and ready for most anything!
McDonalds & Veronica
Banquet Night

How does he do it? Mike McDonald manages to be the right place and the right time, and somehow winds up between these two fine ladies (Betty McDonald and Veronica Woodard). Is it any wonder he's smiling?
Salute!
Banquet Night

Each armed with a fresh drink and just waiting for an excuse to toast someone/thing are L-R) Starr Comstock, Mike Smith, BJ Cook, and B.K. Kelley.
Smrk & Keith
Banquet Night

We may never know exactly what Lloyd Smrkovski said to Keith Thigpen, but it sure had Keith tickled!
Outside Helen's Room
Banquet Night

By the end of the evening, there was a crowd of men outside Helen's hotel room - but it was harmless enough (just look at us!). We all pitched in to transport KoKo Room items to her room for safe keeping.
Wives' Roll Call
Banquet Night ~ 2003 Biloxi, Wives' Roll Call

Standing L-R) Wanda Alverson, Judy Davis, Betty McDonald, Becky Smith, KC Borgman, Debbi Hill, Mrs. Fessler, Shirley Kelley, Noreen Walls, Sue Naab, Veronica Woodard
Seated L-R) ?-2, Wilma Carr, Tomiko Cook, Carolyn Falgout, Joyce Godfrey, Vicki Miller, Bobbie Maddux, Alice Kaus, Gloria White
2003 Biloxi Roll Call
Banquet Night ~ Misawans in America 2003 Biloxi Roll Call

3rd Row, L-R) Bill Doolittle, Walter McKee, Jodie Cotten, Jim Woodward, Joe Finley, Dutch Wiest, Joe Pakulniewicz, Lloyd Smrkovski, Mike McDonald, Ben Whitten, Jim Alverson, Ron LaForce, Robert Fessler
2nd Row, L-R) Woody Wilson (blue shirt), Don Maddux, Russ Butcher, Margaret Daberko Ganter, Jane Wieden Doolittle, Helen Henderson, Starr Comstock, Mike Smith, B.K. Kelley, B.J. Cook, Tony Dix, Marv Borgman, Dale Misamore, Keith Thigpen.
Seated L-R) Steve Voss, Ed White, Terry McGee, Len Falgout, Ben Hendrix, Jim Kaus, Keith Carr, Leo Walls, Mike Miller, Lee Davis, Wayne Babb.


~ Click on any photo for original size ~


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