Those of you that attended this reunion had a good time and need no explanation of the below photos. Those of you that did not attend, shame on you. But you can make up for it in Minneapolis in 2001. Plan for it now. See the USMC Vietnam Tankers for up to date information and dates.
The Northwest Tankers hosted this reunion, and as they did in 1995,
put on a great one. Some of the early arrivals turned to and worked
on Shirley Laird's tanks, (an M-47 and a M-60).
Brings back memories.
Wednesday was get aquatinted day. Renewing old friendships and making new ones, meeting people you have only emailed, putting faces to names, ect. Playing "remember when", and "you were there to?"
Thursday was supposed to be the ship's tour but the Navy had to cancel it. A self guided tour was set up for those without hangovers. The ones nursing a bad head or who just had a late night, had a free day. Every one was in good shape for the Memorabilia Auction after dinner. A lot of good gear exchanged hands.
Friday some went to the Golf Tournament and some went to the Pistol Match and Weapons Display at Pacific Recreation. The afternoon was for free time then there was a USO Show Dance in the evening.
Saturday there was a Military Vehicle Parade through North Bend and Coos Bay. The vehicles belonged to private collectors and had been restored to as near original condition as possible. Some of these good folks had come all the way down from Canada. Any one that wanted to got to ride on one of the vehicles for the parade. The evening was a "Mardi Gras" Dinner and Dance with a New Orleans Jazz Band.
Sunday there was a Memorial Service for our fallen friends. Then the reunion was secured and all bid a safe journey home until we meet again next year in Minneapolis.
 L. to R. Larry Parshall, Bill Wright, Robert Chinnis, Guy Everest, (back of head) Mike Parshall, Jerry Clark. |
 L. to R. Mike Parshall, Larry Parshall, ??, Mike Burnett, Floyd Felch, his Boss Lorraine Felch. |
 L. to R. Jerry Clark, his Boss, Wanda, Bill Wright, Carl Fleischman, Bob Tatosky, Ray Stewart. |
 Lloyd "Pappy" Reynolds bought a WW II Tankers helmet at the auction. |
 Robert Chinis had to see how the helmet worked with the Tankers Goggles he bought. |
 Shirley Laird's Pacific Recreation Tank Park. |
 An M-47 mid 1950's, the last U.S. tank to have a bow gunner. |
 An M-60 late 70's to late 80's, souped up M-48. |
 CB Doten looking for a way in, wants a ride in the big Dune Buggy. |
 L. to R. Lloyd Reynolds, Bob Tatosky, Carl Fleischman, Bill Wright, CB Doten, Mike Burnett, Ray Stewart, Larry Parchall, Guy Everest, Floyd Felch, Jerry Clark's grandson on gun tube. |
ALL READY ON THE LEFT? ALL READY ON THE RIGHT?
WHO WANTS TO PULL BUTTS?
 L. to R. Guy Everest, CB Doten, Carl Fleishman, Lloyd Reynolds, ??. |
 On the firing line, impact area????? |
 Part of the weapons display. |
 Lloyd "Pappy" Reynolds couldn't help it, he was a BAR man in an earlier incarnation. |
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Listen to the jingle, rumble and the roar. Oh no that's the Wallbash
Cannonball.
Listen to the gas turbines, smell the diesel, hear the tracks squeal, feel the ground vibrate, watch your enemies run in fear. See all the old tankers with a tear in their eye. Na it's just the dust. Shirley Laird ground guides one of his tanks as Gorden Rose watches the pass in review. Yes Virginia this was not just a static display of old toys. |
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