114th Aviation Company Reunion 2001

By Charlie Shipman
Reunion Chairman

Feedback from Reunion 2001 indicates a major success. Comments from the attendees to the Salute to Veterans Corporation, Boone County Fire Protection District, and to the Reunion Committee indicated how much they enjoyed and were uplifted by the events of the weekend. There was joy in seeing each other, a sharing of patriotism, a sense of fulfillment, and the welcome given the 114th Aviation Company Association by the community.

It is impossible to share all the highlights of the weekend. The weather was perfect after rainy, cool weather on Thursday and Friday which the Quartermaster loved since he sold sweatshirts! The 50 state flags that have accompanied our Reunions were mounted and moved to the different Reunion events courtesy of the Boone County Fire Protection District.

The air-show included a time when the 114th members were recognized as honorees along with other noted veterans. The Salute to Veterans Banquet featured great food and wine followed by a USO show including a Marine Major General’s outstanding solos.

The 114th Memorial Service was held in the beauty of Shelter Gardens, with the recognition of comrades lost, and included “Amazing Grace” by the Boone County Fire Protection District Bagpipers, and concluded with taps played by Steve Paulsell, BCFPD Fire Chief.

The 114th Banquet was highlighted by recognition of those who have served the Association, a Resolution presented by Steve Paulsell from the Boone County Fire Protection District (attached), the presentation on “Requiem” by Horst Faas, co-author and photojournalist, followed by a spirited raffle.

The grand finale was the parade in downtown Columbia, attended by 30,000 plus people. The Golden Knights initiated the start of the parade by jumping into intersections along the parade route. The 114th were in grand style in their parade shirts with black trousers. The 114th section in the parade was lead by our color guard with the American flag, Army flag, and 2 of our guidons, followed by George Young in his van. This was followed by BCFPD’s ’57 firetruck carrying Horst and some of the wives. Two flat beds with the 50 flags mounted carried members who could not march the distance. Last came those in surprisingly good formation who elected to march the parade route with Charlie Brown in the lead, followed by the guidon bearer with the third 114th guidon.

Both the Salute to Veterans Corporation and the Boone County Fire Protection District have invited the 114th to return for future Memorial Day Weekend celebrations in Columbia. The Salute to Veterans Corporation considers and recognizes as a participating reunion group when there at least 2 or more members attending. Therefore, any 114th member/s and family who wish to attend future Memorial Day Weekend celebrations with us would constitute a reunion group.

BOONE COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
RESOLUTION
27th day of May 2001

Whereas, the 114th Aviation Company Association chose to hold its 2001 Reunion in Columbia, Missouri; and

Whereas, the Boone County Fire Protection District has been honored to serve as the host for the 114th Aviation Company Association; and

Whereas, members of the 114th Aviation Company served gallantly in combat in the Republic of South Vietnam from 1963 to 1972; and

Whereas, the 114th Aviation Company earned numerous awards and citations for meritorious and courageous performance during the Vietnam conflict; and

Whereas, members of the 114th Aviation Company served our great country with dignity, valor and honor; and

Whereas, the firefighters and staff of the Boone County Fire Protection District hold the highest respect and regard for the members of the 114th Aviation Company:

Now therefore, let it be resolved on this 27th day of May 2001 that the firefighters, staff and Board of Directors of the Boone County Fire Protection District do hereby acknowledge the exceptional contribution that members of the 114th Aviation Company made to our country; and

Let it be additionally resolved that members of the 114th Aviation Company are great Americans in the truest and most exemplary sense of the word; and

Let it be further resolved that the firefighters, staff and Board of Directors of the Boone County Fire Protection District do also extend our most sincere gratitude for being allowed the opportunity to serve as hosts for these great Americans and for the privilege of standing beside them; and

Let it be finally resolved that the firefighters, staff and Board of Directors of the Boone County Fire Protection District do hereby honor and salute the members of the 114th Aviation Company.

Steve Paulsell, Fire Chief

Willis Smith, President

Myrtle Rapp, Board Member

John Richard, Board Member