USAFSS Misawa Family - 2004 Misawans in America Reunion

Misawans in America
Second Annual National Reunion

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Misawans in America
Second Annual National Reunion
May 13-15, 2004 ~ Las Vegas, Nevada

In 2003, our first national reunion took place in Biloxi, Mississippi. For many of us, that was a "first blush" - our first time attending a military reunion. The experience taught us that reunions were something we wanted to continue. They provide us the opportunity to re-unite with old comrades, meet new friends, and recall the job we did and the times we experienced as young warriors. Las Vegas Reunion Logo

This year, the reunion was to move west to provide easier access to those beyond the Mississippi. A crack team of three came together and volunteered to arrange for the event to take place in Las Vegas. They engineered the details perfectly and seamlessly.

Las Vegas brought face-to-face many who knew one another only through interaction on the Internet. And, there were those who were together again for the first time in years - some who had not seen one another in over three or even four decades! There were smiles and hugs and cheers and tears, but all were greatful their paths had crossed at least one more time.

The most notable difference between the Biloxi and the Las Vegas Reunions was the dramatic increase this year in the number of spouses who attended. Their presence significantly changed the dynamics of the reunion, and they seemed to recognize a common bond amongst themselves - that they belonged to this family that had served together in Misawa.

There's already a dialogue underway concerning the 2005 reunion. The current target appears to be Chattanooga, Tennessee, and many have already penciled late May/June in on their calendar. Wherever it happens, we'll be together again - this family that represents a mission spanning over 50 years.

The Whitten Report
Ben's reflections on the Las Vegas Reunion

~ Click on any photo for original size ~

Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Imperial Palace where the 2004 reunion was based

Las Vegas
A view of The Strip looking from the Excaliber back toward the Imperial Palace

Las Vegas
The Excaliber's dinner show alone was worth the trip.

Las Vegas
New York, New York Hotel

Las Vegas
The spectacular fountains at The Bellagio

Las Vegas

The MGM Lion

Las Vegas

View from top of IP: Daytime view of the Bellagio and Caesar's Palace from the 19th floor of The Imperial Palace

Las Vegas

View from top of IP: The very same view of the Bellagio and Caesar's at nighttime

Las Vegas

Inside The Rio: One of many Mardi Gras floats from the ceiling

Las Vegas

Inside The Rio: Another Mardi Gras float - The Rio also well-known for its seafood buffet

Hospitality Room

The 19th Floor Hospitality Room was a perpetual gathering point - kind of like the Static Club, except without the cute little giggling waitresses. There was nearly always something happening there.

Hospitality Room

There were big bowls of munchies, soft drinks, beer, lots of good company, and countless conversations amongst new friends and old friends. Some met for the very first time while others met after decades of being apart.

Hospitality Room

Lloyd Smrkovski (aka "Smrk") took on the job of bartender most of the time, while Mike McDonald happily manned the other side of the bar.

Hospitality Room

John "Smiley" Garrett had his tunes cranked up along with an ongoing slide show of reunion snapshots in progress at one end of the room.

Hospitality Room

Ben Hendrix (seated), Ron Fitzke (left) and George Savage. Ben and George were roommates in Misawa in the late 50's. These three had just too much fun this weekend catching up on old times and huddled together rehashing events from over 40 years ago.

Hospitality Room

Bill Doolittle (aka "Doo") takes up a strategic position at the end of the bar. We missed his better half, Jane (aka "MizzDoo") who was unable to attend, but many of us got to say Hi via Doo's cell phone.

Hospitality Room

BJ Cook and Jim Meagher review one of the several photo albums brought to the reunion by various members, and BJ offers a comment regarding one of the pictures.

Hospitality Room

BJ Cook, Jim Meagher and Bill Doolittle. Jim counters with an opinion of his own, but BJ doesn't look all that convinced.

Doo obviously wants no part of it.

Hospitality Room

George C. Heil III, aka "Buddy" aka "Doc" (left) with Mike Miller.

Mike comments, "I know many of you 'late comers' know George C. Heil III as 'Doc', but us earlier guys remember him as 'Buddy'. The name change came in the 69/70 era at Hakata - something to do with a little black bag Buddy carried on his bicycle between the barracks and Saitozaki. Buddy and I were bunk mates in basic training, room/barracks mates through tech school and roommates from Oct 1963 to Oct 1965 at Misawa. Then we were assigned together at Hakata (69/70), Misawa (72/74) and Kunia (85/86). You can call him 'Doc' if you want, but he will forever be my 'Buddy' "

Hospitality Room

Mark and Vicky O'Neil flash a pair of smiles for the cameraman.

Hospitality Room

Helen Henderson, Tomiko Cook and Louise Meagher put their heads together over an important point.

Hospitality Room

Wayne Babb has been made a happy man by a tall, tallll Sapporo beer gratis Smiley Garrett.

Hospitality Room

Helen greets Thomas and Carolyn Konen as they check into the Hospitality Room in search of a cool one ... or maybe two.

Hopitality Room

Lee Burleson, a Misawa Vet from 1973-1975, caught in the act of listening

Hospitality Room

Ben Whitten tackles the task of posting our 2004 Reunion Banner (yet another Jim Kaus creation). Tough job, but Ben was up for the task.

Hospitality Room

Speaking of Jim Kaus, someone caught him in a pensive mood, reviewing one of the picture albums. He's probably just looking at an AP Alley scene and drifted back for a moment.

Hospitality Room

Another of Jim Kaus' creations was this Misawan in America cap that was very popular at the reunion.

By the way, these can be purchased on this site's BX Page, as are trick caps, for a very nominal fee.

Hospitality Room

Jody Lewis and Russ Butcher (Chairman of the Vegas Reunion Planning Committee) leaf thru another of Jim Kaus' creations.

Hospitality Room

Dutch Wiest and Mrs. Dutch (Jeannette) share a giggle while snarfin' down chips 'n dip 'n stuff. I can't remember what she said, but I do remember it tickled me.

Hospitality Room

Jim "Pete" Herbst and Bill Doolittle share a chuckle during a conversation.

Hospitality Room

Gail Milligan and Jim Willis talk with Al Divers (right). Al is one of the residents of Las Vegas who graciously agreed to act as a drop point for raffle items that were too large to pack. Thanks, Al!

Hospitality Room

Julie Harlach seems intent on making that lil' digital camera earn its keep, but Bill Doolittle seems more intent on his tall, tallll Kirin Ichiban Biru.

Hospitality Room

A moment or two of sincerity is shared between Helen Henderson and Lloyd Smrkovski.

Hospitality Room

Karen LeClerc, caught like a deer in the headlights, still manages her best smile for the photog.

Hospitality Room

Alice Kaus, one of the Misawa Family's dynamos, seated with Sam Challis who served in Misawa 69-71 on Trick 3.

Hospitality Room

Still behind the bar, Smrk is caught smiling - though no one knows why.

Note the growing array of raffle items displayed on the bar behind him.

Hospitality Room

Joyce and George Savage chat with Lloyd Smrkovski during a quiet period. George doesn't really have the sun rising over his shoulder - it's just my flash reflecting in the mirron behind him. **sigh**

Hospitality Room

Why is Dutch wearing a Red X? I had shoulder surgery shortly before the reunion and, to give folks cause for pause before slapping me on the shoulder or giving me a big bear hug, I had Smrk apply the red tape. It worked, but I sure got some strange looks in the elevator. :)

Hospitality Room

Joe Finley (Member of the 2004 Reunion Team) manages a big smile from his wife Virginia.

Hospitality Room

The Hachinohe Horse looks on as Tanuki-chan flashes Bill Doolittle. Bill - not wanting to miss the action - fumbles desparately to get off a shot! (Sorry, Doo - just couldn't resist)

Hospitality Room

In case you're wondering what Doo saw when Tanuki-chan flashed him, here's the lil'devil in all his glory!

Hospitality Room

(L-R) Nick Pacura, Smiley Garrett and Randy Frazier belly up to the bar to browse through one of the photo albums full of memories.

Hospitality Room

Helen Henderson and Dutch Wiest (far right) listen as George Savage spins a tale. In the background - Ben Hendrix.

Hospitality Room

Helen watches as Wayne Babb dutifully signs all his raffle tickets. "But," asks Helen, "How will they know that Bubba is you?"

Hospitality Room

One of the nice features of the Hospitality Room was the outside veranda, accessible through glass sliders. Pete Herbst, Wayne Babb and Russ Butcher grab a breath of fresh air.

Hospitality Room

One of the raffle prizes, the Hachinohe Horse, got passed around the Hospitality Room for one and all to sign.

Hospitality Room

... and passed around ... and passed around ... and ...

Hospitality Room

Sam Challis in good spirits wearing his Trick 3 jacket.

Hospitality Room

Bob "Gramps" Thiele roots through a pile of badges upon his arrival, looking for the one with his name. Later on, we got smart and hung them on a line to make it easier to find.

Hospitality Room

Gail Milligan and Roberta Whitten share a table and strike up a new friendship.

Hospitality Room

Alice Kaus flashes her best smile as we catch Jane Staal wolfing down a plate of goodies (sorry Jane - it's the only picture I had of you!)

Hospitality Room

Up close and personal with Helen "The Silver Hammer" Henderson

Hospitality Room

Why is this man smiling? Ben Hendrix wears this smile most of the time, and one begins to wonder ... why?? Maybe it's the Trick 4 hat??

Hospitality Room

Bruce Fenstermacher found something that tickled his funny bone!

Hospitality Room

A really great picture of a really great couple - Mike and Vicki Miller

Hospitality Room

Dennis Farmer (another Vegas resident) and Pete Herbst conduct a dialogue at (where else?) the bar.

Hospitality Room

We spotted Gail Milligan & Jim Willis together a lot at the reunion, and Jim was hardly ever without the smile you see here. They look good together, ne?

Hospitality Room

Smrk (left) actually took a break from behind the bar every so often. He's seen here exchanging views with Jim Meagher.

Hospitality Room

But, eventually, duty called and Smrk just had to return to his duty station behind the bar. What better place to sell raffle tickets??

Hospitality Room

L-R: Bill Doolittle, Smiley Garrett, Jim Willis and Sam Challis conduct an important roundtable discussion, the subject of which we may never know.

Hospitality Room

Jody Lewis and Russ Butcher captured here at the bar - a very popular spot throughout the reunion.

Hospitality Room

Who knows what Mike McDonald might have said (this time), but it was enough to squeeze a smile from Gail Milligan and Jim Willis.

Hospitality Room

Jim Willis, Gail Milligan, Bill Doolittle and Alice Kaus sort through photos - possibly only a few hours old since Jim & Alice brought a color printer along with them!

Out and About

Duffers made early-morning pilgramages to Nellis AFB to hit the links. Ben Whitten (center) and Mike McDonald (right) stand back and give BJ Cook all the room he commands to blast out.

Out and About

Mike and Betty McDonald pose with Ben Whitten at Nellis while BJ takes their picture.

Out and About

Now it's Betty's turn to snap the shutter while (L-R) Mike McDonald, BJ Cook, and Ben Whitten pose at Nellis.

Out and About

Wayne & Fran Babb visited Madame Tussauds Wax Museum where Fran had the opportunity to meet the President! OK - he may not have looked exactly like "W", but the presidential lectern was a strong clue.

Out and About

Sherri and Bob Sullivan managed to find this colorful floral backdrop outside The Bellagio (a short walk from the Imperial Palace) to take their picture.

Out and About

Julie and Dennis Harlach also pose for ... Hey! Does that colorful floral backdrop look familiar?? And, is it just me, or does Julie appear to be sprouting wings??

Out and About

Smiley Garrett found time to ride the roller coaster at NY, NY, and the High Roller at the Stratosphere. However, he drew the line at the Big Shot and X-Scream. I mean, even Smiley has his limitations.

Out and About

Gregarious by nature, Helen Henderson easily makes friends with this pair of pink flamingos.

Out and About

A very popular pasttime at the reunion was eating! The food was good and it provided an excellent opportunity to visit. Here, the Fenstermachers (front), Sullivans and Harlachs (back) enjoy a group breakfast.

Raffle Night

L-R: Jim Kaus, Joe Finley, Ben Whitten, and Ben Hendrix show off their tastes (?) in Hawaiian shirts on Raffle Night.

Raffle Night

Jim Willis, Buddy Heil, Bill Doolittle, and Mike Miller - all on T2 in the early 60's - pose with a Willis raffle prize: a framed early 60's photo of AP Alley, complete with mud and donated by Mike McDonald.

Raffle Night

BJ Cook keeping the troops in line during the raffle.

Raffle Night

Remember an earlier picture of (L-R) Ben Hendrix, Ron Fitzke and George Savage where I described them as "having just too much fun"? Well, they were still going strong during the raffle!

Raffle Night

The raffling was Emcee'd jointly between Ben Whitten and Jim Kaus. Here's Jim in action at the mike.

Raffle Night

Before-and-after comparison: B.K. Kelley's early visits to the bar ... and later visits.

Raffle Night

Here's a couple of guys that really enjoyed themselves the entire reunion - Randy Frazier and Nick Pacura.

Raffle Night

Virginia Finley (left) and Betty McDonald appeared ready to win their share of raffle prizes that evening.

Raffle Night

Roberta Whitten (left) and Jeannette Wiest had never met before the reunion, but learned they had much in common and bonded quickly.

Raffle Night

BJ Cook waits patiently to hear his name called in the raffle.

Raffle Night

B.K. Kelley displays the gorgeous blanket he scored ... one of four donated by Lew and Terry Casey.

Raffle Night

Joe Finley was a busy guy that night, keeping his part of the raffle running.

Raffle Night

Woody and Kimi Wilson sample the munchies provided. (my apologies, Kimi - it's the only photo I had of you two)

Raffle Night

I'm not even sure what to say about this photo other than the obvious: Walt Gernon is clutching a ... golf trophy (?) and BJ Cook is sporting his tall, talllll Kirin Ichiban Biru.

Raffle Night

Shown here in front of the banner are Lew and Terry Dobrilovic Casey, both of whom served in Misawa.

Raffle Night

Wayne Babb showed up sporting a Chattanooga Lookouts cap - all part of his apparently successful pitch to host next year's reunion.

Raffle Night

L-R: Jody Lewis, Roberta Whitten and Jeannette Wiest thoroughly enjoyed the evening - as well as each other's company. None had met before the reunion, and it was fun watching them interact.

Banquet Night

During the ceremonies, Helen presented well-deserved service award plaques to members of the Las Vegas Reunion Committee: B.K. Kelley (upper-left), Russ Butcher (upper-right), and Joe Finley.

Banquet Night

Our keynote speaker at the banquet, Major General Stephen G. Wood, and wife Denise. Both are a class act, but we were especially impressed with Denise. As they signed the Misawans in America banner, the General signed with full rank and title. Handed the pen, she simply penned, "Denise Wood - The General's Boss". :)

Banquet Night

Helen takes the helm to deliver a State of the Site address.

Banquet Night

At the very end of the ceremonies, Wayne Babb took just a brief moment to put in his bid to host the 2005 Misawans in America National Reunion in his hometown of Chattanooga. What really nailed it was his offer to serve as coordinator for the event. Where else do you find a deal like that?

Banquet Night

That Hachinohe Horse really made the rounds!

Helen shown here gathering signatures from Lee and Bobbie Hansel.

Banquet Night

Jody Lewis and Virginia Finley seated together at the VIP Table during the banquet.

Banquet Night

Lloyd "Smrk" Smrkovski and John "Smiley" Garrett are two prominent regulars on Helen's Misawa Site. Although they served during different eras, they've become good friends.

Banquet Night

Julie and Dennis Harlach are a fun couple to talk with. The photog here catches Julie with her eyes closed. A shame since Julie has such nice eyes.

Banquet Night

Jim and Louise Meagher strike a grand pose in front of the banner. Louise always looks her best, but don't you think Jim cleans up nice in a suit? :)

Banquet Night

We were happy to have Dennis Farmer in our midst. Looks like Dennis was sticking to water that night - maybe because he lives in Vegas and would be driving home?? Good call, Dennis!

Banquet Night

Diane Stanford flashes a charming smile at the camera! You're looking exceptionally well, Diane.

Banquet Night

It appears John "Smiley" Garrett has done his patriotic duty and signed the Misawans in America banner.

Banquet Night

Here's a couple of guys who have been good friends now for over 40 years! Russ Butcher and Wayne Babb served together in Misawa and have kept in touch through the years.

Banquet Night

Joe Finley gives the pianist explicit instructions as to the music he'd like played when he asks his lovely wife Virginia for this next dance. What a hopeless romantic! :)

Group Photos ~ 2004 Las Vegas, Vets Roll Call

As we formed up for this photo, it seemed as if the camera flashes went off continually for nearly a full minute - which should have resulted in literally hundreds of shots! But, very few photos have been posted or submitted that are of adequate quality and resolution to post here. Therefore, I've selected a few group shots that should be shared.

For the names of the vets in this photo, see the sketch to the right.

Your corrections and additions to names are welcome.

Group Photos ~ Misawans in America 2004 Las Vegas Roll Call

1. Al Divers
2. Harold Reed
3. Ben Whitten
4. Andy Anderson
5. BJ Cook
6. Wayne Babb
7. Dennis Harlach
8. Tom Konen
9. Bruce Fenstermacher
10. Russ Butcher
11. Terry Casey
12. Mike Miller
13. Jim Meagher
14. Dutch Wiest
15. Jim Kaus
16. Ben Hendrix
17. George Savage
18. Bob Sullivan
19. Joe Finley
20. Ed Staal

21. Bob "Gramps" Thiele
22. Pete Herbst
23. Charlie Parker
24. Al McCreary
(no #) Fred Williamson
25. Nick Pacura
26. Helene Quevedo
27. Ubence Quevedo
28. Smiley Garrett
29. Ron Fitzke
30. Helen Henderson
31. Francis Aki
32. Bill Kelly
33. Mat Law
34. Sam Challis
35. Lew Casey
36. James "Gayfrey" Stanford
37. ?

38. Steve Hunter
39. Mike Foshee
Mike Foshee
40. Dennis Farmer
41. Ray Parker
42. Dave Sicard
43. Bill Doolittle
44. Lloyd Smrkovski
45. Dennis Dillon
46. Lee Hansel
47. Roy Stroman
48. Mike McDonald
49. Bill Wells
50. Jim Willis
51. Mark O'Neil
52. Woody Wilson
53. ?
54. Ken Stengel
55. Randy Frazier

Group Photos ~ 2004 Las Vegas Vets' Roll Call

Alternate view of the veterans' roll call picture on Banquet Night

Group Photos ~ 2004 Las Vegas Vets' Roll Call

Alternate view of the veterans' roll call picture on Banquet Night

Las Vegas Reunion Vets

Jim Kaus created this excellent collage of some of those vets who attended this year's reunion.

Group Photos ~ 2004 Las Vegas Partners Roll Call

T2 Flight Commander with 202 Group

L-R: Fred Williamson, Flight Commander; Andy Anderson, Sr. Reporter; Terry Dobrilovic Casey, V202; Chuck Parker, 202; Bob "Gramps" Thiele, The Board; Tom Konen, Ops; BJ Cook, SWS; Al McCreary, Ops.

Group Photos ~ Casey's Crew

Terry Dobrilovic Casey submitted this late offering of the Misawa crowd she hung with in the mid-70's.
Front Row, L-R: Terry Dobrilovic Casey, Beverley Samuelson Bennett, Karen & Ken LeClerc.
Back Row, L-R: Bob "Gramps" Thiele, B.K. Kelley, Bob Fraizer, Lee Burleson.

~ Click on any photo for original size ~

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06/08/2004