From: Mike Sullivan
Dated: February 4, 2019
Subject: 2019 Reunion
Hi Chuck, Jerry et all,
I’m in. With Minneapolis in the running I might be able to help with getting a tour of the Evine Home Shopping Channel, formerly known as Shop NBC, formerly known as ValueVision, formerly known as CVN which was purchase by QVC way back when “we” were the bigger operation!
I was the first full-time host and spent my post-AFVN career in the Twin Cities market.
Besides, Gary Brill needs a Monopoly lesson…
Mike Sullivan
From: 'Ken' Ken
Dated: February 6, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
Austin would be good. Harry lives there, so he could set things up. Check out the Alamo, be in on a taping of Austin City Limits, shoot wild pigs, and I understand they make beer down that way.
From: Randy Kafka
Dated: February 4, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
Bobby/Harry,
I also live in P'Cola off of Lillian Hwy. We could have a mini reunion.
Randy Kafka
From: Preston Cluff
Dated: February 4, 2019
Subject: Reunion 2019
Although I enjoy attending the reunions (two of the past three), I would be unable to attend in 2019 between May & August. This the the time frame I will be returning "home" to Alaska on "vacation" from where my wife is employed in California.
Preston
From: Bobby Sullivan
Dated: February 4, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
Near Crestview
From: Bobby Sullivan
Dated: February 3, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
Count me in for this one. I've never been to an AFVN reunion but did attend a 317th USAF reunion in France about six years ago. What a time the French gave us! At Evreux they were still using the building I worked in and the barracks I moved into in 1956. My wife, that lovely Irish gal I met in London in 1961, passed away two months ago and now I don't know what to do with myself. Since I live in NW FL, somewhere in the southeast is preferred.
Bobby Sullivan - Engineering - Saigon - 1966-67
From: Stephen H. Smith
Dated: February 3, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
Facebook IS NOT the Internet. There are many of us that DON'T want to give away our life history to this despicable, exploitative website to be diced, sliced and resold to various shady and dubious advertisers.
From: Randy Kafka
Dated: February 4, 2019
Subject: Reunion 2019
Dickie,
Some of us were young when we met you. I only went in in '70. Out in 2001. It was only because old guys like you took the time to teach us young kids that we are where we are today.
Thank you.
From: Stan Pratt
Dated: February 7, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
Marc,
Will get the information to you.
Stan
Home Contact AFVN Past Contacts AFVN Roster POWS: The Honored Taps: Those Departed AFVN Organization AFVN Reunions
AFVN History AFVN Photos & Stories AFVN Group Conversations Audio Archives Video Archives AFVN Guest Book
Project Jenny KLIK - 1st Inf Di v Women in Vietnam RELATED-- To AFVN To Saigon To Vietnam Further Afield Index
From: Walt Christiansen
Dated: February 4, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
As a displaced family courtesy of hurricane Michael we are in Crestview Florida. I am based in Bremerhaven, Germany right now but I will be in the states in late July and August on home leave. Would be great to finally have timing right.
Walt Christiansen
From: Partrick McDonald
Dated: February 3, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
Yes, I would be interested in attending.
Patrick McDonald AFVN 1967
From: Garry Brill
Dated: February 3, 2019
Subject: 2019 Reunion
I definitely would be interested ihaving attended a reunion in the past.
Garry Brill, Saigon 69-70
From: Rodger McKiinight
Dated: February 7, 2019
Subject: Texas Reunion
I live here near Austin, (Bastrop Tx.) Austin is a city catering more to the younger set not to down it anything but as far as seniors go it is not easy to get around, Harry may agree with me. S.A would probably be a much better choice.
BTY there’s no way I can set up a get together.
Also Austin has some of the most expensive hotels and flights around the big events, SxSW, ROT Raliy, Austin city limits, and Formula one racing, X Games etc.
From: Harry Simons
Dated: February 4, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
Hello Bobby
My name is Harry Simons also an AFVN veteran and I live in Pensacola.
We should meet.
Harry
From: Dick Ellis
Dated: February 7, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
Hey Gang,
There have been several conversations about having a reunion in the capital of Texas, Austin...the Alamo is in San Antonio which is 80-miles and about 1 1/2 hours south of the Capital. San Antonio is actually more fun and there are more things to do and see (including the Alamo) than in Austin I think. But we have to think about someone on the ground and such. There is a River-Walk in San Antonio with barges going around that you can ride or have dinner on and some wonderful restaurants.... Austin also has a bunch of good things...
Hey, we can always rent a bus for the day...especially if it will stop in New Braunfels so we can buy some of the best beef sausage you ever ate. I always get a cooler full to bring home for my grill. Hey, I wish I could fly out there and put this thing together!!!! Can't wait to see whomever comes.....
Dickie
From: Ken
Dated: February 3, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
I could live with that. Probably wouldn't have heard about it without the e-mail, as I don't visit the group all that often. But September-October are good. Hell, most any time is good. I'm retired. I got nothing to do, and a lot of time to do it.
Ken
From: Tim Bodle
Dated: February 3, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
Austin sounds good if Harry is there but like Dickie, most any place is OK this year.
From: Stan Pratt
Dated: February 6, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
Interesting, DASPO [Combat Photographers Association] is planning a reunion there this summer some time.
Stan
From: Michael Miller
Dated: February 3, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
I will submit a tentative yes, subject to final details about dates. Weekday or weekend is not an issue.
Michael Miller
From: Garry Lyon
Dated: February 3, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
Gosh! I haven't been to a reunion since the first one at Manny Harper's house. So, put me down as a "tentative" yes. My wife has had some health issues which might make such a trip impossible. Hope it works out!
CHEERS!!! Garry Lyon...Saigon...Qui Non...Saigon...'70-'71
From: Ron Hesketh
Dated: February 4, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
It is possible, not making any promises, but I have a cousin that lives in San Antonio & I believe I could solicit her help in arranging a tour of The Alamo and any other historical (hysterical) place in the area.
Ron Hesketh
These messages which follow this are in response to this message sent to all on February 3, 2019.
Attention all AFVN vets and friends. The following is a first lead on having a reunion in 2019. (In lieu of the 2018 reunion that fizzled.) Please think about this and send your ideas. I think the next one should be mid-America but that covers a lot of territory. The following is from Charles "Chuck" Ingle: QUOTE I had read some of the dialog pertaining to 2018, and saw that among the site choices was Minneapolis. This is my hometown, and where I spent most of my Radio ON AIR years. If the group were to select Minneapolis for 2019, (other than June or July), I would be glad to assist with organizing. Primarily, I'd be interested in arranging for local road-trips to area attractions. Quite possibly I may be able to influence a reduced group rate, in some cases no charge, for visits to places such as:
(1) Minnesota Twins home game Tour of Paisley Park, (2) the Prince private estate & recording complex, (3) Tour of a Minneapolis Television facility (Live studio, not guaranteed), and (4) Tour of the Pavek Museum (Minnesota Broadcasting). Naturally the reunion dates chosen must correspond with the schedules of the venues above. Several years ago, I arranged for the manufacture of a replica lapel/hat pin of the famous AFVN uniform patch. This is something that could be given to attendees, I may be able to get them sponsored. Chuck Ingle"
Four (repeat 4) people commented on this post but none of them said anything about attending or not. Chuck Ingle (USA, Sp4, Hon Tre, 69-70) sent Jerry and I another message just yesterday and he is still interested in doing the "ground work" (hotel and events, etc.) for an AFVN Reunion. He is going to Minneapolis on Friday, the 15th, and would like to try to started.
However, a "start" requires finding out how interested all of you are in a 2019 Reunion, therefore:
QUESTION: Are you interested in attending a Sept/Oct 2019 AFVN Reunion?
If yes, please write and say so. If no, please write and tell us why or give us an alternative (to include someone willing to do the groundwork.
If yes, do we have to stick with the Friday/Saturday/Sunday schedule? Most of us are retired and weekday hotel rooms might be cheaper.
Please reply, even if somewhat tentative--just say so, by February 8th. I know this is a short deadline, but procrastination is not an option!
I am honestly beginning to feel that most of you are (1) burned out over too many reunions, (2) too old or tired to travel, or (3) are thinking "to Hell with AFVN". I hope it is not # 3.
Jim White (author) and Jerry Nelson (reviewer)
PS: SGM E-9s have a strong dislike of procrastination by the lower grades, from O-5 down!
From: Forrest Brandt
Dated: February 5, 2019
Subject: 2019 Reunion
I’m interested. Not quite Midwest, but what about somewhere near the WWII museum in Louisiana? Army Museum should be opening soon in DC with Marine Museum already in operation at Quantico.
Forrest
From: Dick Ellis
Dated: February 3, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
I like Texas..but will go anywhere...count me in. Walking is starting to be one of my new problems...between COPD and Neuropathy ...so I am not interested in too much touring.
Dickie
From: Harry Simons
Dated: February 4, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
It would be great if all three of us could get together at my home on the east side of Pensacola. I have many pictures of the inside of the original AFVN Saigon network headquarters taken during my visit in 2015. Also a complete professional recording studio to listen and digitize any old tapes you may have.
Harry
From: Bill Brown
Dated: February 7, 2019
Subject: Texas Reunion
Gents and Ladies,
From the Houston perspective, San Antonio would probably be the ideal Texas setting for our group. It would be great to meet everybody there. But we also have family in Minnesota!
San Antonio is a more laid back city and there is plenty to do close to downtown. Let me know if you need information.
Regards, Bill Brown
From: Dick Ellis
Dated: February 4, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
Hey Walt.....most of us got out of the service in the 60’s and 70’s ...what happened to you?
Dickie
From: Walt Christiansen
Dated: February 4, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
Jim White...
Point well taken but I am not in any of those categories except agreeing that Sergeants Major have little tolerance for procrastination. Timing has always been bad for me to get from either Asia or Europe to any of the reunions from AFVN and AFN and AFKN. Sure would be fun to put names and faces together and also play catch-up with some of the others who I know personally.
Walt
From: Ron Hesketh
Dated: February 4, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
Austin would be good for me, but San Antonio was my for suggestion when this subject first came up.
That would be a less expensive option for us, since we live in SUNNY FLORIDA!!!
We have always wanted to visit the Alamo.
Ron Hesketh
From: Larry Rogers
Dated: February 4, 2019
Subject: Reunion 2019
Dickie,
Put my name on the tentative list and I will do my best to attend. Would be great to find out if any Det 7, Chu Lai folks are still around.
Larry Rogers
AFVN 2019 Reunion
29 to October 3, Noh Carolina
Don't say "maybe some day." Come and join us.
From: Marc Yablonka
Dated: February 7, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
Stan,
Can you give me the specifics on the DASPO reunion. I'd like to try and make that, since several DASPO photogs are in Vietnam Bao Chi.
Marc
From: Dick Ellis
Dated: February 4, 2019
Subject: Texas is strong in the voting
If you guys remember, last year I suggested taking a cruise ship from Texas. #1 because Texas is in the middle of the country and #2 we wouldn’t have to have a person on the ground to make all arrangements for hotels, meeting rooms, extra activities, and so on. Count me in wherever we are...and if I can’t drive I will ship the moonshine in plastic jugs...via FedEx!
Dickie
From: Jim White
Dated: February 4, 2019
Subject: 2019 Reunion
Bob, You may have to forward this for me.
Ken, May I have your last name?
Jim W
From: Dick Ellis
Dated: February 4, 2019
Subject: AFVN Reunion Possible in 2019 -- Under Consideration
Yea...but what you young guys didn’t know is we were making it up as we went! Go patriots!
Dickie
From: Bill Brown
Dated: February 7, 2019
Subject: Texas Reunion
Gents and Ladies,
From the Houston perspective, San Antonio would probably be the ideal Texas setting for our group. It would be great to meet everybody there. But we also have family in Minnesota!
San Antonio is a more laid back city and there is plenty to do close to downtown. Let me know if you need information.
Regards, Bill Brown
From: Walt Christiansen
Dated: February 4, 2019
Subject: Reunion 2019
Hi Mike, Chuck, Gary, et all...
If a reunion is slated for AUGUST 2019, I can make it fit in during my home leave.
Company has me slated late July through August, and Minneapolis sounds nice. Anywhere mid-America works for me, traveling from Florida Panhandle.
Best regards Walt Christiansen AFVN News 1971-72
From: Tim Boodle
Dated: February 7, 2019
Subject: Texas Reunion
Leaving a hospital in Austin yesterday after a heart procedure [Afib], heading back to Waco, the traffic would depress anybody.
From: Chuck Adams
Dated: February 5, 2019
Subject: 2019 Reunion
Jim White, and Jerry Nelson and Bob Morecook, I’m definitely not burned out on reunions?but my old body is (I’ll be 75 in 20 days). Peripheral Neuropathy, on the list of diseases linked to Agent Orange, has impacted my mobility. The last reunion I attended (April-May of last year), the 50th anniversary of the commissioning of my OCS class at Benning School for Boys in June 1968, was fun once there (Scottsdale)--but it wasn’t fun getting there.
My one big regret is that I’ve never been at an AFVN get-together. I’ve attended eight OCS reunions, any number of AFNE gatherings, and virtually all my high school reunions. In fact, it was wife Nancy’s and my high school 50th that brought us together. We were married in 2012. Some of you may be aware that I lost her to lung cancer in March 2017. She never smoked. Nance was on Facebook, but I’m not.
Roy Burnette and I have had a degree of contact over the past few years. Along with everyone else, he’s someone I’d like to see again.
Anyway, I’m interested, but…
Chuck Adams
From: Roy Burnette
Dated: February 5, 2019
Subject: 2019 Reunion
I’m interested. Not quite Midwest, but what about somewhere near the WWII museum in Louisiana? Army Museum should be opening soon in DC with Marine Museum already in operation at Quantico.
Forrest