| 2004
Reunion
"Operation Mesquite" |
|
Whiskey Battery, 1 – 12 was
once again in action over the weekend of 17 thru 19 October 2004 at
Mesquite, NV. The Advanced Party arrived Friday evening and partook
of evening chow with the natives. It is reported that the AP
participated in various forms of gaming with the indigenous peoples
as well. Saturday
morning, the entire battery present enjoyed morning chow together
and then collaborated on various ceremonial and business matters
with Rich Stepanek doing a fine job as Master of Ceremonies.
J.P. Burrage read the names of our brothers lost in combat and then
of those who have since left this earth. LtCol Richey (f/k/a
Captain) gave the history of the Battery until the time he was
relieved by then Captain Huber. Greg Weaver also spoke about
the history of the Battery. Capt. Hulslander
(f/k/a Lieutenant) related the subsequent history through his
departure from Con Thien approximately two weeks before Whiskey was
pulled off “The Hill.” Hulslander then read from the Third Chapter
of Ecclesiastes, after which Tim Wolf led us in
prayer. Vickie Burrage
spoke about our website and encouraged each of us to contribute to
it. There was a round of applause and a standing ovation in
support and appreciation of Vickie and Joyce. Jonn Forslin
presented Vickie with a beautiful leather photo album and gave her
one to send to Joyce as well. Hulslander spoke
again (Perhaps it should be noted for the next reunion to put glue
on “The Lieutenant’s” chair as he does not seem to be able to “sit
down and shut up.”) giving the financial. After all of the receipts
were received and the expenses paid for last year’s reunion, there
was a balance of $129.25 remaining.
It was agreed
that we will have a reunion in 2005; however, thereafter it may be
an every other year affair. It was also agreed that the ’05 reunion
will be in New Orleans, LA. Jerry Nevils lives in that area and has
volunteered, and if not that has been Shanghaied into working
as event coordinator. John Forslin explained that as an active
member of Kiwannis he knows that absence means that the absent
person gets elected to a position of responsibility, which he dare
not fail. That being the case, Russ Adams was elected President in
absentia. Four directors were elected: Bob McClintock, Greg Weaver,
Dick Stroud and Dick Hulslander. Other matters of
note include that we had forty-five people in attendance despite the
disruption of air schedules caused by Hurricane Ivan and the
resultant inability of several people to get air transportation. We
did however get through to Top McFarland. Many in attendance
took the opportunity to express our thanks to Top for all he did for
us. It is correctly said that the Marine Corps builds men; what has
not been noted is that for the men and officers of Whiskey 1 – 12 is
that Top McFarland was the General Contractor for project. Again
Top, deep from all the hearts of Whiskey Battery, thank you.
Additionally,
$1,340 was paid into the battery treasury. We owe approximately $800
for the breakfast and will need to pay $93 for our website; so, we
should have close to $450 available towards next year’s reunion
and/or other expenses. Of course if anyone forgot to contribute
towards the breakfast meeting or otherwise wishes to contribute to
W-1-12 fund, please send check to Dick Hulslander, made payable to
me as I do not want to through all of the resolutions and paper work
to open a business account, at 80 S. Lakeshore, Ransom Canyon, TX,
79366 Most of us had
dinner (evening chow) together Saturday night. Sunday morning, we
said our goodbyes over breakfast and went our various
ways. Semper
Fi,
Dick Hulslander |
Operation Mesquite was a fine
success! 
