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REUNION
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
St. Joseph, Missouri The 1999 annual reunion was held at the Holliday Inn, St. Joseph, Missouri, 13 through 16 May 1999. Trooper Jerry La Follette and his wife Dorothy hosted the reunion. There were 37 Troopers in attendance accompanied by their Ladies. We were pleased to have in attendance Margaret Marten, widow of Trooper Irv Marten, deceased 26 Jan 91 and June Reminga, widow of Trooper Jim Reminga, F Troop, WWII, deceased 24 Apr 93. Distinguished guests were also in attendance. Mr. Steve Alleman, from the Central Identification Laboratory, Hawaii (CILHI), was the guest speaker. Mr. Alleman explained the significance of the operation at CILHI and gave an extensive report of the on going recovery efforts to locate the remains of those personnel currently recorded as MIA, Korean War. Also present was LTC Daniel M. Baughman, Office of the Secretary of Defense. LTC Baughman is a member of the POW/Missing Personnel Office and was most interested in receiving from our reunion Troopers any information concerning missing personnel at the Unsan, North Korea location during the first week of November 1950. The weather was most accommodating and sunshine was the order of the day. Many of the interesting sites of St Joe were visited. It seemed that the favorites were the Stetson House, house of Jessie James and the local museum. And of course a trek was made to the casino near the river. "Whitey" Reese of G Company introduced the "gang" to the finer points of gaming at the Casino. No one came out in barrels but there were no Cheshire grins either. One Trooper had $6.30 in his pocket (but he won't tell you that he started with a $10.00 bill). One of the "gang" had a couple hundred dollars at one time but since the IRS may be also viewing this page-we forget his or her name. It was noted that there were 8 Troopers from G Company in attendance (Korean War era). Not only was their former Company Commander, Capt John "Jack" Burrer (known as Capt’n Jack to his Troops) in attendance, "Mickey" Reese, wife of Elmer C. "Whitey" Reese, manufactured a G Company guidon which they proudly displayed. Capt "Jack" treated his troops to a free telephone call to their old First Sergeant, 1st Sgt J.B.Blair located in Conroe, Texas. We do believe that we spotted some "teary eyes" with no shame attached. The next reunion is scheduled to be held at West Palm Beach (Singer Island), Florida, in the year 2000. Now is a good time to start making plans to attend. You won't be sorry that you did. |
Singer Island, Florida The annual reunion was held at West Palm Beach, Singer Island, Florida, 18 through 21 May. Hosting the reunion were Trooper’s Glen Blackburn and Al Gold. There were 30 Troopers in attendance accompanied by their Ladies. The election of officers for the ensuing year:
The salient points of the business meeting were as follows:
Impromptu discussion among the Troopers indicated that that there should be a rather centrally located city within the States to hold the reunion. Selecting such a site would facilitate attendance of the maximum number of Troopers with the minimum amount of travel time and costs. We observed the fact that none of us fit the category of "Spring Chicken" any more and that a centrally located site would not only properly facilitate the reunions but also serve as a catalyst to perpetuate (save from oblivion) our organization. The dinner was at the restaurant at the motel. Trooper Al Stauber offered the Blessing. There were no formal speakers scheduled but interesting and informative talks were given by Troopers Bruce Davis, Gerry Plummer and Heyward Tumbleston. |
Bakersfield, California The year 2001 reunion was held 17 thru 19 May at Bakersfield, California and was hosted by Bruce Davis and Earl Thomas. The first matter presented for discussion was the need for the association to incorporate and affiliate with 1st Cavalry Division Association, Copperas Cove, Texas. This matter received unanimous approval, and Bruce Davis volunteered to initiate required documents. The next matter concerned where to hold our future reunions. The final recommendation was that our association would hold its annual reunion with the 1st Cavalry reunion when Division meets every other year at Fort Hood, Texas; and the location site for the "off year" reunion would be decided at the reunion at Fort Hood. This also received unanimous approval. The location of our 2002 reunion is Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Trooper Karl Sharples is in charge of the arrangements. The subject of government of this association was introduced, and it was unanimously agreed that the association be governed by seven newly installed officers/directors as follows: Robert C. Cable - President Monetary support for our association was discussed. Agreed upon by attendees was the institution of a $5 annual membership fee. The Treasurer was instructed to dispatch a combined Notice of Intent and Application form to prospective members at the most expedient date. There being no further business to come before the membership, the business meeting was officially closed. As of 1 November 2001, incorporation has not been finalized but it is anticipated that final completion will occur before the end of this year. | ||||||||||||
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Reunion Attendance & Activities This is a report on the annual reunion meeting of the 8th Cavalry Regiment Association at Wilkes-Barre (Luzerne County), Pennsylvania, May 16-19, 2002, at the Ramada Plaza Hotel. Karl and Marge Sharples, assisted by Dick and Pat Nemetz, hosted the reunion. They did a great job, insuring comfort and congeniality. The Wilkes-Barre center-of-town location provided an ideal site for shopping and touring. Total attendance numbered 63; of these, 32 were 8th Cavalry Regiment troopers. Thirteen of the troopers were first-time attendees. Service eras represented included World War II, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Old acquaintances were renewed and new friendships were made. Camaraderie and good cheer abounded. Lt. Col. USA (Ret) Stephen A. Urban, Luzerne County Commissioner, visited the hospitality room and, in the name of the county, officially presented a Proclamation honoring the 8th Cavalry Regiment Association. Entertainment in the hospitality room was provided by a musician from the local Arts Fair taking place on the square outside the hotel. Business Meeting - Saturday, May 18, 2002, 9 a.m. The attending membership convened for its annual business meeting. Association reports presented included membership, financial, and legal status. Carl Moreland, Treasurer, reported on income and expenditures through December 31, 2001 and through May 10, 2002. The IRS requires that this Association’s financial records be kept on a calendar year basis, a change from our former fiscal year (May 1 - April 30). Annual dues, therefore, will be due January 1. Several motions were introduced and seconded. Unanimously approved, and within the guidelines required by the IRS for tax-exempt status for our Association, were the following issues: 1. Full membership (including voting rights) in the Association for spouses and immediate family members of deceased, honorably discharged veterans of the 8th Cavalry Regiment. Presently, this fully complies with the IRS "97.5% membership rule" and the "90% deductible contributions rule"; these two requirements are to be monitored by the Association Secretary. In the instance of this Association, these regulations require that 97.5% of all members are past or present members of the U.S. Armed Forces or widows or widowers of the membership; and that 90% of all members are war veterans in order to insure that contributions to the Association are deductible. 2. Annual dues increase to $15 (effective 1/1/2003). Dues for 2002 (January-December) remain at $5. Members who have paid advance dues will not be required to pay the difference. 3. Minor changes to Association By-laws (with submission to IRS and State of California when changes are written). 4. Elections of Association officers at even-numbered-year reunions. 5. Selection of reunion sites at even-numbered-year reunions. Administration Two directors, Robert F. Funkhouser and William F. Krivda, were elected at the business meeting on Saturday morning, May 18. Their terms of office commence on January 1, 2003 for a period of two years. Membership Treasurer Moreland reported a paid-up membership of 131 as of April 30, 2002. If you are a 2002 member in good standing, you either received your current membership card at the reunion last month or your card is enclosed with this report. Further, a membership application form is enclosed for those who have not yet signed up. Website Webmaster Whitey Reese, In Memoriam
On Sunday morning, May 19, the reunion concluded with an impressive memorial service conducted by Al Stauber.
This and last year marked the deaths of several of our 8th Cavalry Troopers:
May they rest in peace and be ever in our thoughts and prayers. We are separated by time and space, but never in our memories.
Future Reunions
You will receive confirming details at a later date.
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Fort Hood, TX Jun 11-15, 2003 Information not available. |
Canton, OH May 13-16, 2004 Information not available. |
Fort Hood, TX June, 2005 Information not available. |
The off year annual 8th Cavalry Regiment Association 2006 reunion was held at Visalia, California 17-20 May.
The Villages, FL May 2-5, 2007 Our association’s 57th annual reunion was held at The Villages, Florida, 2 through 5 May 2007. Hosts for this year’s reunion were Trooper William F. Krivda and his wife Pauline. Trooper Krivda and his wife Pauline did an excellent job of organizing the reunion, all the way from the Welcome Desk at the local Holiday Inn on Wednesday the 2nd to the ending farewell’s on the morning of Sunday, the 6th. And there certainly was no shortage of food throughout the reunion considering breakfast each of four mornings in the gathering room of the Holiday Inn, more than anyone could handle at a block party, and of course the Banquet on Saturday. The reunion was definitely not a place for "weight watchers"!! The highlight of Wednesday was the installation of a memorial to Chaplain Father Emil J. Kapaun. Father Kapaun was a Chaplain with our 8th Regiment during the Korean War. During the battle of Unsan (November 1950), a number of wounded was forced to be left alone when our third Battalion was destroyed. Chaplain Kapaun stayed behind with them, was subsequently captured and later died in a North Korean prison camp. The memorial is in the form of a polished, inscribed, stone block base and 30 foot flag pole, erected on Bill Krivda’s front lawn. A photo of the monument can be seen at http://www.8cavalry.org/2007/2007pg3.htm . The following day a ceremony was conducted for the dedication of the Chaplain Kapaun monument, followed by a large Block Party held in honor of the visiting Troopers and their Ladies. Again, more food and drink was on hand that could be accommodated, furnished by the good neighbors of the Village of Cortez. Sounds of Scotland Piper filled the air throughout the day and a great time was had by the entire neighborhood family while they honored our Troopers. Evening time found everyone back at the Town Square for fun, enjoyment and dancing!! After a hardy breakfast the next day (Friday), a bus from the Austin Carriage Museum arrived to take the group to the Austin Equestrian Park. The bus continued on tour by driving over the 400 acre park. A Park Museum tour guide proceeded to educate the group on buggy transportation from early times both in America and Europe. A special lunch was served the group at noon time after which a tour of the Barns and Stables and a lesson in horsemanship was given. Everyone enjoyed watching the all female trainers perform grooming. After the especially enjoyable tour, the group relaxed and rested up at the hotel. The evening found everyone wanting to go out on their own. Saturday found the reunion group at The Veterans Memorial Park. Colors were posted by the Veterans of the Korean War Post 168 and All Airborne of North Florida. The VFW Honor Guard, Post 8083 was posted, and after our National Anthem was sung the Pledge of Allegiance was given by all. The Invocation was given by Reverend Father Gerard Cunningham. After a welcome and thanks was given by President Karl Sharples, Host and Vice President William Krivda introduced the guest speaker, Major General Paul Brown, USAF, Ret. General Brown’s speech was about Harmony between Government and the Military institution. After the playing of Taps, Father Cunningham gave the Benediction and the proceedings were closed by Trooper Krivda. The group then toured The Villages by Village Trolley. That evening the Banquet was held in the Village at the Cattle Baron Club. The banquet was a great event, memories were shared and plans for next year’s reunion were discussed. Several toasts were made, and an 8th Cavalry cake was served. The long and busy day called for a lot of rest and relaxation at the Hospitality Room that evening! Sunday morning called for another hardy breakfast, handshakes and hugs as the 2007 Reunion came to an end. With fond remembrances the group fanned out. All attendees will certainly remember this wonderful reunion of Troopers, and revival of the days of yesteryear. Troopers and their Ladies Attending:
Photographs of the reunion can be viewed on our website at http://www.8cavalry.org/2007/ |
Branson, MO May 15-18, 2008 Once again a memorable reunion has past. Our 58th annual reunion was held 15-18 May 2008 at Branson, MO. Arrangements were under the auspices of then President Karl Sharples and then Secretary Margaret Sharples who booked the engagement through DeeTours of Branson. In attendance were 21 Troopers and 31 of their ladies and/or family and other guests. A complete attendance roster may be viewed at our attendance page. Our then Association Chaplain, Peggie Miller, conducted an inspiring memorial service honoring all troopers of the past, the present and those to become troopers in the future. Names of our deceased troopers since the annual reunion at Visalia, CA., 2006, were read and a bell was rung after the reading of each name. A list of these 20 troopers may be viewed here. A wonderful highlight of the reunion was our 8th Cavalry tour in Branson. For those of you that are unfortunate enough to have missed it, Chaplain Peggie Miller posts an outstanding outline of the event at our Branson tour page. The General Membership meeting was conducted on Saturday, 17 May 2008. A detailed review of this meeting is at our General Membership and Business Meeting page. Major events of the meeting include a presentation by Col. Jack McNiff on the accomplishments of the 1st Cav Div in Iraq, Elections of Association Officers/Directors, and the decision to hold our 60th Annual Reunion (2010) at Canton, Ohio to be hosted by Trooper Carl Moreland assisted by Trooper Joe Sayer. Be sure and check out this page for much more informative information, again, at General Membership and Business Photographs of the reunion can be viewed on our website at http://www.8cavalry.org/2008/ |
Fort Hood, TX Jun 3-7, 2009 (In Conjunction w/1cda Reunion) We had our annual reunion this year in conjunction with the 1st CDA at Killen, Texas 3-7 June. It was my first attendance at a 1CDA reunion and I thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie with those of our association and the meeting of new troopers from the other regiments. Would I go again, certainly!! But for the 8th Cav Regt luncheon, I'm going to take along either some C-rations or perhaps a can of spam to nibble on. I hate to make bad comments so I won't. The annual Killeen Rodeo was just next door to the convention center and we, wearing our name tags, were admitted for free. All the cowboy (and cowgirl) contestants along with their live stock were all "World Class". No fleabag horses or 20 year old bulls in the bunch. And the demonstration put on by our very own Horse Detachment was absolutely superb! .. Trooper Carl Moreland. To the best of my knowledge, this was our first reunion at Killeen that our Association set up a special Hospitality Room. It was a tremendous success. All 8th Cav troopers were welcome and many "checked us out" that were not already 8CRA members, only to become members on the spot or within a couple of weeks!! The group with the most noticeable attendance was the 2nd Battalion. (the first Bn ran a close second!) Within these two Battalions the majority of attendees were the warriors of Vietnam, and le'me tell you, troopers, by the end of the reunion we was having to use shovels to haul away all the empty brass!! A great and wonderful crowd with many memories shared!! As a side note I think our Association President, Ben, used a swagger stick as a whip to align the troops as he constantly canvassed for new members, and yes, they filled out applications in droves!! As a result our Vietnam Vet membership began expanding and "enlistments" are still going strong!!. We have much to learn from the RVN Vets, and they from us older troops (provided they can catch us between those "fading moments" -grin-)!! Yes, this was a reunion to remember, so much so that we are expecting "record busting" attendance at the upcoming 2010 reunion at Canton, Ohio!! .. Trooper Whitey Reese. Photographs of the reunion can be viewed on our website at http://www.8cavalry.org/2009/ |
(Click HERE for complete Info.) BE THERE !!
