with Mary Lynn Lambert
Condolences to the family of Barbara Tutor.
Mitzi Hatch was surprised on Oct. 6 on her 60th birthday. Most of her children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren were at church. After church, they met at Joe’s Restaurant for a delicious meal. There were 16 in attendance. One of the best gifts for most mothers is to have all her children attend church with her. Becky and Tracy Watkins were unable to be present.
Tracy and Becky Watkins enjoyed their recent cruise to the Bahamas. They flew to Fort Lauderdale and boarded the Norwegian Cruise ship, Sky. They ported in Key West, Great Stirrup Bay and Nassau. They enjoyed Atlantis, Nassau, which turned out to be the most enjoyable site of their trip. Becky stated that they really enjoyed the trip and saw many beautiful sights, but they were so ready to get home to see Brynlee, their one-year old daughter.
Norma Jean Sedberry enjoyed her trip to Vermont to visit her sister, Jolene Lee. Her daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and Jerry Barker, traveled with her. Norma Jean said that they had a good trip, and she reported Jolene is doing well. She enjoyed seeing her niece and her grandchildren. Even though they were busy, Norma Jean said that it was a good trip.
Oliver and Wanda Young had a very enjoyable week in Gatlinburg at Oliver’s Vietnam Reunion of the 7th/13th Artillery Battery that he served with in 1966-67. Their daughter, Leanne, and her husband, Richard, went with them. This was Leanne’s fourth time to attend a reunion with them. Their granddaughter, Leah Grantham, flew in from her traveling nurse assignment in Green Bay, Wis., for the week. This was Leah’s second reunion. Their grandson, Ryan Hoskinson, was able to join them for part of the week. This was Ryan’s first reunion. This is always a very special but emotional time for the veterans and their families. It is a time to renew old friendships and each year new people come into the Vietnam Veteran family at these reunions. The children and grandchildren are so impressed with these true American heroes; they always want to come back the next year to see them again.
These guys served during the period from 1964-1975. Oliver has been fortunate to reconnect with several of the guys that were with him in his unit, even though he was transferred to the 9th Infantry Division in May 1967. Although the focus of the reunion is the interaction with the veterans and families, the location and amenities are always exceptional. The organizers always plan a special ladies’ luncheon. The location for next year’s reunion has not yet been announced, but plans are already underway to attend.
