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The 2017
Reunion went off as planned ~ even with a very active Hurricane season! For
those members who could not attend, we missed you and hope you are well! We had
104 attendees. It was wonderful to see sons and daughters, brothers and
grandsons, neighbors, and friends ~ all in the 114th family!
Thank you to Jeff Carr for organizing our golf outing. Turnout was affected by
the storms, but those who attended were winners!
As members arrived, I had a lot of help with registration. Thank you, Thank you!
And thanks to all the attendees for their patience and cooperation.
The reunion got underway on Thursday with members touring Ft Rucker’s training
facilities, escorted by 4 volunteer soldiers. Then they were off to a German
meal at the Landing. Meanwhile, family members attended a luncheon at the Castle
Café in Daleville. They also enjoyed an authentic German meal, while Post
Retirement Services discussed survivor benefits and Tri care for life.
On Friday, we were welcomed to the Army Aviation Museum by Mrs. Leslie Edens.
She was instrumental in so many ways to the success of our reunion.
Terry Dell, our terrific webmaster, will post pictures to the 114th
website once we receive the photographer’s DVD. When you visit the Aviation
Museum at Ft Rucker, be sure to look for our unit paver on the walkway leading
into the museum. Gene Boyle did an outstanding job organizing this project
for the 114th!
Saturday was the Association Business Meeting. Janet Emken made an
informative presentation about Omaha, Nebraska ~ looks like 2019 reunion is in
the works! Thanks, Ken and Janet!
After a quick lunch, we headed back to Rucker. The Memorial Service was
held in the Headquarters Chapel. Jim Haslitt led the emotional and spiritual
service, with Lane Ramsdell and Mike Schrumpf reading the names of those killed
in action.
Later
that night, our banquet was honored to have our own Max Gayler’s son, Maj
General Bill Gayler (Commander of Ft Rucker), as our guest speaker. He gave us
an update on the Army of today, as well as stories of 114th members
who “knew him when.”
Our DJ created a fun time, and we even had a few brave souls participate in
karaoke. The door prizes, donated very generously by members, were raffled off
and raised over $1000. Thanks Lane and Mike for handling the raffle that
night!
We ate out for lunches each day. For the evening meals, we tried something new:
meals catered in to the hotel. Wow, the ladies really stepped up to help this
run smoothly. We had a cold meal one night, then BBQ, and on Friday it was
Italian. We wanted everyone to have more time to visit and share stories.
The hospitality room, while a bit on the small side, was kept well stocked by a
variety of helpful volunteers. Pictures, stories and silly jokes were shared
every day and night…so plan to attend in 2019 to share your best “fish”
tales!
Finally, I want to thank each and every one of you for allowing me to represent
the 114th as your 2017 Reunion organizer! I had help from Jim H, Jeff
C, Bob B, and Gene B going back two years and from countless new friends who
pulled me through the week! I can’t say thank you enough. You know who you are
and I appreciate you all.
At first I did this for my Dad, but it turned out to be an honor to serve all of
you!
Thank
you,
Susan
AYERS Fieder
**View
and enjoy the Reunion 2017 Slideshow here**
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