Abilene Vietnam 26TH Annual Reunion

Abilene Grunts Association 26TH Annual TET Reunion was held today that Taylor County Fairgrounds

The crowd.


The Military Order of the Purple Heart table with the Commander and JR Vice Commander.


Part of the display area of memorabilia.



This young man played the "Halls of Montezuma" on his violin as part of the entertainment.


More of the displays of memorabilia.

Almost the end of the "USO" show as they sing "God Bless the USA"



Uncle Sam, aka Robert one of the BBQ cooks.


Another display, I think this is a model of the USS Lexington.


The National Vietnam War Museum from Mineral Wells brought part of their display.


The "Field of Honor" each cross represents one of the casualties of war from Taylor County.

The chow line stretches around the west wall of the building, with many more waiting for the line to get shorter.



The cooks mess hall equipment with some proper "supervision" watching the operation.



Some more of the entertainment from the "USO" show.



One of the highlights of the day was meeting the gentleman on the left. A WWII Marine Veteran, who received the Silver Star for his actions in the Pacific. The Silver Star is our nations second highest award. At 90 years old he told us he was just checking to see how us youngsters was getting along. A true HERO.

That is awesome. Thank you for posting

Here us someone you know!

Thank you for your service.

That's awesome DogCatcher. It's good you all still make it a point to get together. You'll always share that special bond that very few of us could even imagine. Don't let it die.

I don't recognize that guy...who is he? He looks vaguely familiar, but I can't place him.

Father of 4 donated a hunt to him. He is also the commander or past commander of the local DAV Chapter.

Looks like a great time thank you for your service

I didn't see Red? She snapping the pics? These annual gatherings and photos remind me of an action that should have never been allowed to happen.
There were too too many mistakes from the Git Go in the Vietnam CONFLICT! Even though I was not there due to age, lack of, It was in the livingroom every evening. I chomped a lot of bits over what I saw and heard in the news.
I thank you Marvin and to your brothers who are able to come together and have good memories together.
I thank you all.

Thank you for all you have done and everyone that served or currently serves. GOD BLESS THE U.S.

It's always good to see old friends. Thanks for your service.

You betcha. Would love to see the old guy again

Im not a Vet. But that stuff just interests the heck out of me Marvin. Looks like a good turn out

X2

Good Post & good pics!

(BTW - Thanks again for the invite! The timing was just off but since it's an annual event I'll be putting it on the calendar well ahead of time.... )

Great to see the VN GTG Marvin. Looks like it has increased in size? Thanks to all for their service. And honor and bless to the true Heroes.

Great picture and event.

Good stuff !

The Abilene Reporter News story of the reunion http://www.reporternews.com/news/2013/feb/02/vietnam-warriors-recall-the-tet-offensive-at/

The Tet Offensive Jan 30 1968.
Must have been hell for a lot of guys in country!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tet_Offensive

Thank you for your servise and the pictures .

Was this when Walter Cronkite made his famous statement about the war was lost! Actually in Feb 68.

http://www.debbieschlussel.com/5426/buh-...d-on-his-hands/

Marvin, my dad is still current commander at the DAV Abilene Chapter. Sorry we missed seeing you this year. Im not sure what I would have done with another footlocker full of booze like that time

For the others, he is a disabled Vietnam Vet...yes Father of 4 donated a doe hunt to him a couple years ago, we struck out but was still nice to go hunt with him again.

nice

Thank you for your service!

Also that model ship is probably the USS New Jersey. She was the only active battleship during the Vietnam war (from what Ive read).

The USS Lexington CV-16 is an aircraft carrier.

Very cool pics, Marvin! Thanks for sharing!
I know a lot of you Vietnam Vets didn't get the recognition you deserved back in the day. That's why I always try to thank one when I get the chance. So here's to you and all your buddies Marvin ...God Bless each and every one of you all!

A whole lot of very brave men had to be there. Thank you for your service.

That looks like a great time for a great bunch of ex GI's. I used to belong to the Viet Nam Helicopter Pilots Assn. Got to where I could keep up with the alcohol intake although I tried very hard.