A little over 15 years ago it was decided that we should have a reunion for the 6994th, and I wanted to be a part of that.
The first year (2009), we hired an outside firm to setup and run the reunion and optional tours. After that, it was decided that we could do a better (and less expensive) job ourselves. Again, I wanted to be a part of that.
Ever since, I have been involved in updating and sending out our Request For Proposal (RFP), looking over the responses from the various properties, selecting the hotel, as well as setting up the optional tours.
In 2019 I helped in setting up a chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America here in Franklin and was elected President of the chapter. Since receiving our National Charter that year the membership has grown to 150. Our goal is to help local veterans of ALL eras and to become an integral part of the local community. As you can surmise, this takes a large amount of my time.
Because of this, we are looking for someone (or a few people) to take over the job of setting up the reunion. Cindy (“Toots”) and I will definitely be attending the future reunions and will be more than happy to help out during the event, but I just don’t have the time to devote to both the reunion and the VVA chapter.
This will be the last reunion that I set up. I would be happy to get with whomever decides to take on this role and help them through the process and share what I have learned these past 15 years, so you will not be starting from “square one”.
I have learned that reunions are very important. While I would get aggravated and short tempered leading up to the event (just ask Toots), in every reunion I found at least one “AHA” moment which reinforced the reason for the reunion.
I sincerely hope that someone reading this is willing to step up and take it over.
Respectfully,
Rich Krejsa