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Fighting Six (VF-6) Reunions
& Gatherings
Reunions Page 8
VF-6 Gathering at Oceana, Virginia,
September 23, 24 and 25, 1998
Continued
The following photos were taken during the reunion as continued from previous page...
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Cliff Seaver
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Dan and Mary Lamb
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Smolen and Steve Bach.
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Bob Bloomfield
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The Pahl's had to depart early because of a huricane / tropical storm coming up through the southern
states, and took Don Steadman with them (he traveled with them over to Duke University in NC where he was met by
his daughter to take him back to his home in Wisconsin.
The guys that came out to see Hersch and wife Bonnie off for
Home on their early departure was:
L-R: Dave Moyer, Judge Harvey Odenbrett, Willie Callan, Sy Mendenhall, Don Steadman and Hank Landry.
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Note: Mark Maxwell and his wife came late for the last day of the reunion and missed connections with
the Pahl's as they departed early.
A few days after the first reunion at Oceana, Steve Bach drafted an "after action" report
of this greatly successful reunion and sent copies to everyone. With Steve's approval that letter is included on
the next page.
Copy of Steve Bach's "After Action
Report"
Butch O'Hare's Fighting Six
Gentelmen:
Greetings and salutations.
At our NAS Oceana, VA reunion in Sept., '98, it was decided that we should plan to meet again in two years at NAS
Oceana. Time has flown and it is time to adjust our commitments so we can attend. The dates this year are Wed.,
Thurs., Fri., 13, 14, 15 September 2000. The BOQ at Oceana is holding 20 suites for us as they did in '98. These
include handicapped-access suites and VIP suites for those O-6 members who want them.
The suite rates start at $15. (single occupancy) and top out at $28. for a VIP double. I hope these exceedingly
modest housing costs will make it possible for everyone to attend.
The years are adding up for all of us; there may not be many more chances to get together with the comrades who
shared some of the most meaningful events of our lives.
For those of you who may not have heard, our ranks have been significantly diminished since 1998. My close friend,
Johnny Johnston, died in Feb. '99. He had been confined to a wheelchair for 14 years. Bob Hobbs died in March '99.
He suffered from diabetes and had lost a leg. Lastly, Moose Merritt passed away in 17 Sept 1999. He suffered from
emphysema and loss of vision (macular degeneration).
The BOQ renovations which were underway in '98 are not yet completed. However, I am assured that updated suites
are available for us. And I want to assure all of you that we are welcome at the BOQ and the O'Club. In '98, I
asked all attendees to let me handle the billings to assure no problems. I still think it best for me to handle
the reservations (see enclosed from), but each can pay his own lodging tab at the conclusion of his stay. (Feel
free to call me with any questions you need answered. (number withheld for privacy).
Also invited to join us this year are Butch's sister, Patsy Palmer, and his daughter, Kathi Nye, and her family.
Patsy has expressed interest and Kathi, who has a son residing near Norfolk, are likely to honor us with their
presence.
For those not driving, the primary access to the area is Norfolk International Airport. It is approximately 17
miles from there to NAS Oceana. I know of no available commercial link, so it m ay be necessary to rent a car.
(Planning a Sunday return flight may save you big bucks). A map and directions will be sent to those attending.
The schedule of events will be very relaxed and similar to previous reunions. Wednesday, arrival day, our designated
hospitality suite (complete with free bar) will be the place to renew old acquaintances etc., and the evening will
be free. In '98 we all adjourned to the Lighthouse Restaurant for dinner. The only other "fixtures" in
our schedule are a short Memorial and Business meeting in the hospitality suite about 1700 Friday, just before
our Banquet at the O'Club (across the street from the BOQ).
All who attended the '98 reunion were delighted with the quiet, peaceful ambience of the place. It is ideal for
our purposes. The nearby (walking distance) Golf Clubhouse is an ideal breakfast spot, gracious and inexpensive.
The enclosed, updated address & phone list will allow you to call your closest friends and encourage their
attendance.
(in Steve's own handwriting at the end
of the document)…
"I still have the memorial info you sent last time,
but please let me count on you to officiate as you have so ably in the past."
With Respect,
Steve Bach
Steve Bach's Three Page Report
on the Oceana, VA Gathering in 2000 continues on Page 9...
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