709th Maint

The third reunion of Viet Nam era veterans was held at the beautiful home of Dean and Kathy Ayres 20 - 22 SEP 2007. The evening of 20 Sep started with a wonderful meal of pulled pork, scalloped potatoes, baked beans, and broccoli and bacon salad and Dean’s birthday cake. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and good cheer. Nearly 60 veterans and wives attended and were happy to see each other again and to welcome the 7 new members that came this year. A wonderful time of taking pictures and sharing memories of our Viet Nam experience fueled with enlightenment of time propelled this occasion for the comrades in arms from over 40 years ago.

It is hard to describe what soldiers feel and how they relate to each other as they discuss the various rolls they each played in the war. There was a lot of discussion about what happened and why it happened. Talking awakened memories of the many experiences we all had and sparked lots of talk among everyone. The wives in attendance were able to get more of an insight on what their husbands did while in Viet Nam.

21 Sep 2007

TRIP TO ANNAPOLIS NAVAL ACADEMY AND THE VIET NAM WALL IN WDC

We assembled at the Hampton Inn, Hunt Valley, MD for a pleasant bus ride to the Annapolis Naval Academy where we toured the Admiral Rickover Hall, the Division of Engineering and Weapons. This was a tour that very few are given and off the normal tour path. Next we visited the sarcophagus of the Revolutionary War, naval hero, John Paul Jones which is beneath the Naval Academy Chapel. It is a truly moving sight and one that anyone who visits there should see. Then it was up to the Chapel itself which seats 2500 and has a majestic stained glass window behind the alter that depicts Christ Walking Upon the Water.

Our next stop was lunch and we took to that activity with all the grace and speed that our troop could muster. (we wanted to beat the noon rush which was predicted to happen immediately after the cadets formation which we felt we had all seen often enough) We did.

After lunch a stop at the Navy Exchange and then on to the Viet Nam Wall in Washington, DC where our Assoc. left a flower wreath and plaque to our fallen fellow veterans. Bob Gregoire, Information Officer read the following prayer which was the May 31, 2004 Opening Memorial Day prayer at Arlington National Cemetery:

“Father God, whose Almighty Hand has protected our nation, secured our liberties and blessed our people, on this sacred ground we bow in humble gratitude for the gift of freedom, of life and of service to others.

Surely your goodness and your mercies have followed us all the days of our lives, but on this day we pause to remember that our blessings and our liberties and our rights have been secured at great sacrifice from others. These gifts we treasure, knowing they are ours because of the valor of these fallen heroes and those at eternal rest throughout our nation and the free world. O God help us to be good stewards of our inheritance. We also lift our prayers on behalf of our nation’s men and women who have pledged their lives to defend our values against the evils of terrorism. Give them courage, perseverance and moral clarity in the midst of a complex and dangerous environment. Protect them by your might, Father God.

We ask your divine blessings be upon your servant, our commander-in-chief, George W. Bush. Through his leadership and the leadership of those who serve with him, guide this one nation under God in clear paths toward liberty and justice for all.

We pray for peace in the gentle name of the Prince of Peace. We pray for victory and security in the mighty name of the Lord of Hosts. And we pray for personal and national redemption in the gracious name of our redeemer and our savior, Amen.”

The Wall is a somber expression of the human cost of war. It is numbing in its approach when viewed and forces one to reflect on the past.

We again boarded our bus and returned to Dean and Kathy Ayres home for an evening meal prime rib, baked beans, coleslaw and the best sweet Italian sausage anyone had ever eaten. All this was followed by ice cream with all the trimmings and more birthday cake.

22 Sep 2007

Again, we assembled at Dan and Kathy’s home on a beautiful day of fall sunshine and comradeship. We enjoyed fresh ground and grilled hamburgers with all the trimmings for lunch. Then we were off to a 90 minute session of “Soldier’s Stories”. One by one many of us got up front and told about a memory from his tour in Viet Nam. The real highlight of this event was the presentation of the original “Colors” from the 99^th CSB in Dong Tam, Viet Nam by then commander, LTC George Berg to our Association. Dean Ayres will be the custodian of the “Colors” while he is able or willing to do so. A new custodian could be appointed so long as the Association is still operational. If the Association ceases to exist the “Colors” are to be given to the Quartermaster Museum at Ft. Lee, VA. This was the agreement made by the Association and LTC George Berg, the last commander of the 99^th CSB.

We then held a business meeting. President Frank Szustak called the meeting to order and a treasurer’s report was given by Jack DeLong. The cash position should be approximately $3785.86 after we pay for the Reunion expenses. There maybe some additional bills that are still out that will negatively affect this number.

Discussion of where to hold the next reunion was held. After a few ideas were suggested by members it was decided to hold the 2008 reunion at Dean and Kathy Ayres home. The price we are able to conduct our reunions at Dean’s is so low compared to any hotel that it is hard to not accept the generous offer the Ayres’ offer us. Thank you so very much Dean and Kathy.

A Reunion Site Selection Committee was formed to search for a 2009 and 2010 reunion site. The members of this committee are Steve Fetty, Mike Rodrique, Wade Tidwell and Roy Francis. They are to discuss and bring detailed information of any sites they find to our next reunion and official meeting. They were encouraged to work with each other and other members to find sites to consider for our future reunions.

Wade Tidwell counseled all of us to register with the Veteran’s Administration and bring them our DD 214. All VN vets are covered if we get cancer due to Agent Orange. Also, prescription drugs are available at very low prices from the VA. Get registered ASAP.

John McCabe and Robert Nase reported on their helpful experiences with the VA.

A Soldier’s Support Committee was formed and Wade Tidwell and Bill Adams were willing to serve. Thanks Wade and Bill.

It was reported that CA Senator Barbara Boxer had put a $4 Billion add on to the VA budget bill to fund a park in San Francisco. We were encouraged to write our Senators to vote this out or get it changed.

The next order of business was the election of officers. After some debate the current slate of officers were railroaded to keep their jobs for another year with the understanding that the treasurer would then step up to VP and the VP would step up to President.

Reelected were: Frank Szustak, Pres. Co C 709^{th (4th year)}

Wendell Shafer, VP Co B 99^th (1^st year)

Jack DeLong, Treas. Co. E and C 709^{th (4th
Year)}

Bob Gregoire, Info. Off, Co. C and D 709^{th (4th
year)}

Dean Ayres, Web Master, Co. E 709^th and Co. B 99^th (4^th )

John Blanchette was appointed Membership Officer. He will maintain a spreadsheet of our membership rooster.

September 18 -20, 2008 were selected for the reunion in 2008 to be held at Dean and Kathy Ayres home.

Bob Gregoire, Information Officer 23 Sep 2007

Dean,

Yes, I got the shine OK. I shared it with a few friends with a great appreciation for the good things of life. Suffices to say that it didn't last the five of us very long. Dean, it was absolutely the best either of us could ever remembering having. I had a great time and my son David was so pumped up over the visit he wants to return. He said he learned some things about me he would not ever imagined. I told him some people had a big mouth and tended to forget he horror of the . In events. In retrospect that doesn't seem like a bad thing.

Dean, the one thought that seems to abode within my soul is that when I left Vietnam, I was so stressed I could only think of getting the hell out of there. When I walked up to you at your home and you reached your hand into the belly of that pig and handed a piece of the sweetest pork I had ever tasted and the Ken threw his arms around me and hugged me and said you got to be Tidwell, he had a tear in his eye and I realized the I to had a tear in my eye also. I felt a surge of love and comrade that I had not experienced in a long time. I will always be grateful to all of you that put forth the effort to start this gathering.

I have had the flu for the last week and fell asleep watching the Patriots-Ravens game

So! Before I become to maudlin I'd better cut this thing off and go to bed.

I wish you and yours the best of Holidays, good health and safety.

Wade

Dean,

don't know if you got my last mail, but Amy and I want to thank you and your family for once again a great time at our reunion. I also want to add that my brother in law and myself put some photos on the computer and would like to know how to get to get them on our website, once again thank you and take care

Dave.

Dean and Kathy,

Thanks for the hospitality once more. It looks that you want to do it again. What a generous way of thanking all of us for friendship sake. You are true friends!

Got home yesterday after a two day fall season drive through the hills of Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Kenny and Carol

Made it safely to Yonkers NY to visit Mom. Plan to head home next week.
Reunion, your food and hospitality were GREAT again.
Thanks Dean and Kathy for making us all feel so welcome.

Mike

Yes We Did Thanks For the Great Week End

Ron & Ann Phillips

We made it home safely. Thank you Dean, Kathy and family for providing us with memories that will live with us fore ever?

John & Donna Blanchette

Dean...I should have said "thanks" once again to all you have done for the group! You're one hell of a guy and I know we all had a super time at your homestead! Thanks to your whole extended family!

Groove

Hi Dean and to all. We did make it home and getting ready to hit the road again in about 7 days for the Orient. Judy and I want to thank you, Kathy and your framily/friends for the magnificent time had by all. We are looking forward to next year. Hope to have the DVD done before we leave and send I to you. The soldier stories were great.

Give Kathy hug for us.

Roy and Judy

Dean and Kathy Ayres THANK YOU !!!!! We had such a wonderful time with you and your family. The Food and feast that you put on for us was second to none. Claire and I can not thank you enough for the memories. I look forward to being in your company again soon.........

It has been a pleasure, John E. McCabe.....

DEAN

JEANETTE AND I MADE IT HOME SAFELY. WE WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO YOU AND KATHY. WE HAD SUCH A WONDERFUL TIME AS ALWAYS. CAN'T WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR. TAKE CARE

TERRY

Frank, Dean, Jack and Ken,

I just got home and I'm going through the email. Please add my heartfelt thank you to everyone for their efforts in making this another Reunion to remember. Dean of course you carry our outfit with your enthusiasm and HARD WORK and that makes our gatherings so personal and special. I'll get busy on the REUNION 2007 meeting notes. (note to Frank: Please update my email address on your computer to bobg@bis.midco.net)

Another note to Frank. Was it Aberdeen Proving Grds. or some Ft. in Virginia that the 99 CSB unit colors are to retire to in the event of our Assoc. folding?

Bob

Dean thanks for the good time

Dave & Ann Diauto

Dean

Mary Ann and I just returned from Hunt Valley. And while driving we talked about the last three days at Dean's house and the wonderful time we had. I want to let each of you know that your contribution in giving your thoughts and work made this in my opinion the most successful reunion. I felt that our guys all had a great time and both the men and women are bonding more and more each year. Of course, as I have said many times this 709th/99th Association is here because of the pioneer efforts of Dean. On behalf of the Association we applaud you, Dean and thank you so much for your hospitality and everything that you and Kathy and your staff have done to make this such an enjoyable time of our life.

Jack, I feel very confident in your work in handling the monies. Sometime soon I will come down and become an "authorized" person to have access to our account.

Kenny, thank you for your contributions especially the "soldier story" session. I think this was well received. All your other efforts and contributions are appreciated.

Bob, thank you for making the extra effort for coming so far. Your selection of prayer meditations at the memorial and at the conclusion of our session was timely and very appropriate. Most importantly, I'm glad you took the notes and I look forward to seeing the report on the reunion. I would like to see us share that report with all 709th/99th personnel who we can contact.

Again, thank you all so much. It was a good time for all!

Frank

Part one for Dean Ayres:

Dear Dean, I want to compliment you and the officers of the association for an outstanding reunion. The food and drink was great. I appreciated the visit to Naval Academy and the detailed tour of the Engineering Department. The visit to the wall was great as my thoughts and prayers have been for years to Dale Crittenberger.

The whole reunion went well. I was especially happy to see you got General Vuley there for the presentation of the Battalion's original colors. I was honored to present the colors to the Association and make you the caretaker of these colors as long as the association lasts. If the Association ever disbands, please sent the colors to the Quartermaster museum. If you desire you may ask me or General Vuley to write the history of the support battalion colors. I would prefer it be General Vuley as he organized the unit. I might prevail on Bruce Packard to assist me in the history and development of the 99th CSSB colors and our Unit motto of : "Active Support". I think Cliff Horn, Craig Ailles and Waldo Blanton can write up the close out or deactivation of the battalion. Remember, I had departed the area in August. I really do not know when the deactivation was complete but it was to be before the 1st of Oct 1970. I'm sure Horn, Blanton and Allies made that date with flying colors.

Thanks again for the fine reunion and I am looking forward to next year at this time of year and being at the same place. Hopefully the cc folks will all be there as it would be a delight to see them and continue the abuse they gave me when I was their commander.

Part two of this msg is for Blanton, Weiss, Ailles and Hiller.

First off you guys missed a good reunion. I called you all the names I could think of and you were not there to defend your selves. Additionally, I do not withdraw any of them as they are true! Next year I hope you will be their so I won't have to recall more.

Dean now has the TOE of the 99th and will be putting it on the e-mail. Please fill in as many names as you can recall. I would like to get as many of the 99th as possible to the reunion so we can out weigh the 709th. They were around a number years longer but I will not address the quality. I would appreciate hearing from you guts and giving me a little of what has happened to you since 1970 and what you are doing now.

A Brief history of what happened to me since I left the Battalion. I went back to Rhode Island and finished my masters and was acting IG for Rotc New England area, Then to CGSC with Waldo and Bruce Packard. I then went to USEUCOM as Chief Supply and Services Branch for four years. I had 7 LTC working for me of all services. I was also Logistics battle Staff operations officer and I was was a SACEUR/CINCEURCOM logistics Inspector. The branch officers had staff responsibities for 17 functional activities to include support or agreements for support for 23 MAAGs, Missions and Dats. I never worked any harder in my life nor traveled more. Our responsibilities was England in the West, Moscow in the East, Norway in the North and Zaire in the South. After that tour I went to the War College, Then I arranged for an assignment here at home at Fort Leavenworth, Lasted two years, Selected to command the 43rd Group at Carson for 30 months, then back to Leavenworth as the Secretary for CGSC for 7 months, then two years of being Senior Logistician. Was not selected for 0-7 and I retired in Feb 1984. Went to work for United Services Life Companies and USLIC selling insurance and investment for 14 years. I was Regional Manager of a five state area for a number of years. What a pain in the posterior that was. I retired and consentrated my time and efforts to the 10 rental units I had accumlated. I stillhave them and work for one day a month, rent day. In August iI celebrated the 44th anniversary of my 29th birthday. I am still looking at the grass from the top side. I hope to hear and see you guys along lifes merry way.

Warm Regards,

Sweet George Berg

Page Started 9/29/07

Last updated 6/6/10