e military reunion news
The impact of military reunions on the next generation
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canning my email inbox of late, I’ve noticed a trend in requests from veterans’ sons and daughters, inquiring about upcoming military reunion information. The military at the time consisted of more men than women, so the requests are focused more on family paternal sides. The emails often include stories of finding photographs or memorabilia when looking through old boxes or photo albums. They are looking for information for or about their fathers, uncles, cousins, or grandfathers. Comments often include “He was wondering if anyone else was still alive that served with him.” It’s amazing to experience the impact this new information has had on those receiving it. As children of Vietnam Era Veterans, the lens through which we see our parents does not include, at least in my case, images of their life before us. How often do we see them as people and not just parents? To get a glimpse into their lives fifty years ago is a huge gift. Those who have spent time with their parents at reunions or attending on their own, know exactly what I’m talking about. Prior to taking the helm of the Military Reunion Network (MRN), I never talked in detail with my dad about his service. I knew he flew an A-4D off the USS Ranger CVA/CV 61, but it never really occurred to me to ask him lots of questions about his service. Hearing the stories of the Veterans involved with MRN, I learned how to ask questions and was gifted with answers in amazing detail. Gaining interest and continued conversation, we decided to attend the 2015 USS Ranger Reunion held in the San Francisco area. My mom attended also, perhaps to keep us both in check. Not knowing what to expect at the reunion, I was pleasantly surprised to watch my Dad immediately interact with others who served on the USS Ranger over the years. He was genuinely enjoying himself, sharing tales of his sea days and taking in others’ stories. He became a bit of a celebrity as one of the older attendees. Younger Veterans sought him out to learn more of the “early days.” There was no doubt he was having a grand time. There was an ease about him at the reunion that I had not seen before. Perhaps it was from being with people who understood his experience, but whatever the reason, I gained new insight into my father during the reunion. Now well into his eighties, our conversations involving his service have grown over the years in frequency and detail. I have loved every minute of them, and I know I am not alone. Several years ago, a Facebook post surfaced from a Veteran who served on the LST218 in search of others who may have served at the same time. His daughter created the post explaining their search as well as a request to share it. It was shared over a million times Raymond “Devere” Johnson 46 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com
and ultimately resulted in reuniting Devere and John. (Google The Last Signal movie for the full story) or listen to the interview “From Facebook to the Emmys.” Listen @ www.militaryreunionnetwork.com/military-reunion While the story of the reunion was amazing, the untold story is that of Cheryl, DeVere’s daughter. She learned about her father as a person, just as I did. Her experience in reconnecting her dad to just one other Veteran unlocked conversations they never would have had. Cheryl commented, “I never knew my dad did those things because he never talked about it. Once he left the service, he moved on with his life.” The reunion allowed her to get to know her father in a whole new way. For children attending reunions, the connection to parents that served continues even after they have passed. Richard Krejsa, Veteran and Military Reunion Planner for the 6994th Security Squadron has experienced this firsthand. He was recently contacted by a woman who found some military memorabilia among her uncle’s things. He passed away while serving and is listed on the Vietnam Memorial Wall. In a phone conversation, she wanted to find out more information about him. As it turns out, Rich not only knew him, but served alongside him for a portion of their time overseas. Rich encouraged her to attend the upcoming reunion as there was a great possibility for her to meet other Veterans that served with “Uncle Mike.” He was confident they would be eager to share their memories just as he had on the phone. Rich told me she was grateful for the conversation and invitation to attend. PJ Martin and David Blake are the reunion planners for two WWII reunions. Their parents, though long gone, come alive when the children of those who served come together. PJ plans the reunion for the 291st Engineer Combat Battalion, or more specifically, the children of the 291st. Many of them attended reunions with their parents years ago. Over time, the bonds that connected the Veterans extended to their families, and they’ve been meeting ever since. To those reading this: if your parent served, research the upcoming reunion for their unit, ship or squadron. Offer to go with them. For seniors, travel can be daunting, but less so with a younger companion. You will be amazed at the experience. As an adult child of a living Navy Veteran, I crave the stories my father shares about his time in the Navy. I attended the reunion with my dad in part to help with my mom. We had an incredible time. Even though we are close, I learned more about him. My personal regret is not having done it sooner.
Military Reunion Network Louisiana Northshore/New Orleans area FAM For information, contact Sharon Danitschek, 425-501-1430 info@militaryreunionnetwork.com www.militaryreunionnetwork.com/upcoming-events/#!events-list
