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Just got home from the 58B Reunion in Orlando.... One word describes it:
"FANTASTIC"!!!!!!!!! Attach is a very quick look at some of the faces that
were in attendance.
Prentis Ollis
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Hi everyone,
Just starting to to see some dates that include "end of Oct".
Lets not do it over Halloween again. It's too easy to be be targeted for
vandalism when no one is home for "Trick or Treat". We were lucky
this time but have been vandalized before.
Not taking anything away from our recent reunion which was absolutely
"Fantastic", but we were a bit worried about what we might find coming home.
I think mid Oct or early Nov would be great.
Bob & Louisa Wallace |
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Ladies and Gentlemen,
The index page for our 2003 Reunion in Orlando is at:
The index for all photos received and posted will be listed at the above
URL.
The first to be posted are presented by Richard Wilson. They may be
viewed starting at:
Yours truly... Did we have a GREAT time or not????? Man what a Reunion...
Thanks Florida Boy's.....
Prentis Ollis
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Ed
I second your thoughts and comments. I
believe the time we had in the hospitality center was time we have not
enjoyed in previous reunions. In a comfortable and informal setting, we
were able to share (and find out) things about classmates that we never
knew before. We were not pressed for time and really got to know each
other. What a great group of guys and gals that I had the experience of
being so close to!
Judy and I apologize to you all for not
being able to attend the banquet. We somehow thought the banquet was on
Saturday and we could leave on Sunday to get back to our jobs on Monday.
So we had to leave early (0400) Sunday morning and drive straight home to
Illinois (17 hours).
I personally want to thank the committe
that put the reunion together. I saw the labor of love being performed by
the Eds, Frank and others as they attended to our hospitality room. I
know that was a small part of the work they did but was the most rewarding
to me.
Thanks again to Ollie for the great
pictures and marvelous web site!
Hal and Judy
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To all,
I can't accept any credit for the reunion. All I did was contact someone
to make the coins. That was minimal and I know it. Ed Garcia and Frank
Chavers did it all. Besides arranging the location, facilities, and
coordinating it all, they spent hours humping food from stores...putting
out food and drink...packing it up again...fixing goodies for breakfast,
and most importantly, living in rooms next to The Hospitality Suite, which
meant no sleep at all...they did it out of love and it showed.
My sincere thanks to both of them and to Dorie, Wayne, John Quinn, Ed and
June Kent, and others who did so much to make the reunion the best we have
had. Joe Thompson and Dorie have their work cut out for them trying to top
it!
It was great to see all of you, especially the ones who traveled from far
away to be there. I was disappointed not to see more of the Texas Mafia
and expect to see more of them at the next reunion...which won't be in San
Antonio, I trust.
I pray that God keeps all of us well as we can be and I wish my Brothers
and Sisters happiness, good health, and God's Blessings in the future.
Very Sincerely,
EZ Ed Callicotte
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Louisa and I couldn't agree more. Ollie you described the event perfectly.
Our Florida guys have done a superb job for us to reflect upon and enjoy
every memory time & again. It will be difficult for future reunions to
match.
Thank you for all you consistently do for all of us. You are the glue that
holds us all together. |
Ollie, you put us all to shame! I drove home and cleaned
up the house a little...Grandchildren are not neatniks, fixed Marta a little
supper and went to bed! And here you and Loraine drive all day and you still
have the time and stamina to put this little collage together!! you must be
eating Spinach with your peanut butter and jelly again! Thank you Ollie for
all you do for us! You sure are the "Spirit of OCS 58B!!!!!
Ed |
Ollie,
That's a great looking bunch of people. Wish I could have been there.
Dick
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You are right, Ollie. The classmates from Florida did a wonderful job
setting this thing up. And the reunion was fantastic.
Ben and Waggi Halsted, Abilene, Texas
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Ollie, Bonnie and I echo your "FANTASTIC". Honestly,
words alone can't describe the virtually overwhelming experience of our
gathering last week; it really required being there. We are so thankful
that we were privileged to be a part of the gathering.
One of the tremendous things that was so evident was
the strength of and expression of faith which was with us throughout the
weekend.
Thanks to all who were involved in putting this great
and meaningful event together.
Let's do it again soon in Vegas.
Gene Haskins
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Ciao Guys... Unfortunately, I have not been able to get away to previous
reunions, and believe me, I cry during the time the reunion is taking
place because I sincerly want to be with my buds... Of course we have had
mini-reunions here in Vegas, now my hometown, and it has always been a
pleasure when a classmate drops in and we have a few brewski's and share
some war stories..
Having said that, I am now very excited that it apprears the consensus of
the classmates want to hold your next reunion here in Vegas. That's the
jist I get from reading the emails of the Florida reunion. I also read
that a challenge is also forthcoming, as it seems to me that this past
reunion could never be surpassed. Are you kidding me???
From what I read, Dorie and Joe will be hosting the next reunion, and
given this, I am volunteering to assist both of them in anyway they think
my services will be needed. I like the dates of the end of October early
November, as the weather at that time is super. I just hope the weather
won't be like it was this year, as the temp on the last three days of Oct
were in the mid-80's and on 1 November it dropped 20 degrees...
I know that to have a successful reunion planning starts when the last
reunion is over. So let's get started and advise on what I can do to make
our next reunion the best ever. I'm up to the challenge...Ciao
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Okay, it's Las Vegas that gets my vote. We can drive there in a few
hours.
The choices are endless and it should be easy to set things up,
as they are used to conventions and all.
Last weekend was great. Thanks to all
again. Jim and Bev Tracy
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I also vote for Las Vegas. I am sorry I
missed the reunion; I was previously wound up and ready to attend. I was
discharged from the hospital last Friday with the abdominal infection
arrested, but at present am still on antibiotics and drainage through an
incision.
I will be ready for the next one. Hope everyone had
a drink on me. Jim Haynes
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Greetings, What a great reunion. Jo Ann
and I really enjoyed being with all of you. We had quality visiting time
and lots of fellowship. I also enjoyed being named the Pastor for the
reunion. You were in our prayers as you traveled home. Our Florida hosts
did a great job of planning, preparation and performing. We are looking
forward to the next one. Where it will be----I don't know, but at my age
I am glad to be anywhere. Vegas or wherever will be fine with us. Again,
Eduardo, EZ, Frank, Wayne, Dorie and all of you, THANKS FOR A GREAT TIME!
God Bless You Richly, Bobby and Jo Ann Burnett
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Hi Gang,
Sorry we couldn't be with you, but EZ filled me in on
activities. Sounds terrific. Know you must have had
a great time. Looking forward to seeing all the
pictures I know will be posted. Next time.
Jack Brown
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I have been told that I volunteered for the next
reunion......................
Emily
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| Ollie worked at the University Of Georgia at Athens Georgia
and upon retiring was given a grant consisting of all the fried eggs,
biscuits n' gravey, grits and country ham he could eat, plus a stipend of
438.89 monthly.....don't be sending that cracker any money he is doing just
fine... |
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Ollie, Save the egg and butter money, raid the
cookie jar and mortgage the turning plough, bet the whole bundle on the
front line and let the cubes roll.
Frank
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Dorie, Vegas is acceptable, Rita might help
out. The key is to visit the hotels and negotiate a deal without tying up
a lot of funds. Edwardo did an excellent job and can give you some
pointers. There is something for most people to do even if they don't
gamble. Food was relatively cheap as was hotel rooms. I suspect you can
negotiate a deal to supply the hospitality room yourself which saves you
considerable. You have my support.
Frank.
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Joe Thompson and I talked about Las Vegas and Branson, MO
I vote for Las Vegas.
Bob Wallace
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I like Vegas! Went to OCS from there and then on to Miami
after OCS....talk about having a little luck!! Besides, they have RV Camping
close in and that way My Marta can participate..
Ed |
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I vote for Vegas!
Hal
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Joe
Thompson and I talked about Las Vegas and Branson, MO, but as much as I love
country music, Branson is difficult to get to, particularly from the west.
When Jim and I went to Branson about three years ago, we flew into Kansas
City and rented a car to drive to Branson, which took 3 or 4 hours. We
could fly right into Las Vegas, take a cab to the hotel, and not even have
to rent a car because everything is within walking distance. Besides, I love
to play blackjack!
What are some other thoughts?
Dorie |
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Madam Chairwoman,
How about Las Vegas or San Francisco for the next one?
EZ Ed
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Ollie.
To say that the reunion was fantastic would only under
rate it. The way it was all set up was great and to have the get together
room near and the right size made it all just perfect. It was so good to
see everyone and to bring back memories of those days in OCS. It was so
easy to know that everyone there was a friend that can be cherished for a
life time and then some. My wife and I cannot thank all those who put it
together enough. It was most enjoyable. Ollie, thanks for the picture, it
printed out great. I have a disk of pictures too. Shall I mail it to you
or try E-mail. I would just as soon mail it. What address ?
God bless you all , Jim and Bev Tracy
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And........ you are much the better off for it! A wonderful
Lady that Miss Loraine. Lordy but it was sweet to see you both there! Give
Miss Loraine a hug and a thank you from me..
Ed
From: "Prentis Ollis" <[email protected]>
Reply-To: [email protected]
Date: Tue, 4 Nov 2003 22:11:01 -0500
To: "Ed Garcia" <[email protected]>
Subject: Trip Home
I have been "ordered" to inform you that "Miss Loraine" drove every inch
of the way home yesterday.... I did NOT get behind the wheel...
Prentis Ollis
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What a fabulous
time! I haven't had so much fun in a long time, or had such a great
birthday. Many thanks to all involved for the careful planning and nice
touches you provided to make a successful reunion. As for the next reunion,
since we have someone from the east coast (Joe) and someone from the west
coast (me), how about a volunteer from the midwest?
See you next time.
Stay well,
Dorie |
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Classmates, I appreciate the kind words expressed by each of you. The
members who were not able to attend missed a blessing and the ones who did
attend made it feel more like a family reunion than a class reunion. I
knew the class was an elite group but I never knew the extent of their
talents and capacity to care. Hopefully we can duplicate the experience
again soon. Hosting this event was a pleasure and each attendee made my
efforts worth while. Thanks for a great reunion. May each of you go with
God until we meet again. Should you be traveling through Florida please
feel free to call and visit. Edwardo arranges a mean party now if we can
get him to get a computer that talks to non-fruit machines. Lets hear it
for Ollie, great follow up pics.
Some of you don't know I commented on the quality of his model for the
reunion ad in my usual manner and note the monkey in the center of the lay
out eating a banana. You don't think he was sending a message about the
model quip, nah, he is to big for that at least he didn't give him facial
hair.
Frank
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Thank you, Ollie, for all the picture postings and the great stories
you told us in Orlando. I was so happy to be in your company again.
Arlene and I will be traveling until Dec 3 but wanted to acknowledge
your fine work.
Ed Garcia and Richard Wilson did some fine photos, too.
Got to spend a little time with the Stinsons. They really are going
through hellish health problems. We did share a few laughs and I updated
them on the reunion happenings.
They want to come to Las Vegas if God wills them better health.
More later,
God bless you and Lorraine,
John 'n Arlene |
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Thank you, again, Ed, for the great work on a winner reunion and party.
Glad I could contribute and have the honor of introducing some really
wonderful people...you know I want the world to know about them.
Your pix were excellent...especially our comedy sing-a-long that Ollie
instigated. That should be a tradition we maintain.
I'll be traveling until Dec 3. Will try to stay tuned into my email
when possible.
God bless you and Marta,
John and Arlene |
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Dear Ollie,
I hate it that you can make a 72 year olde man cry by posting a bunch
of remarks on OUR web site..... I am no more good for the night. My heart
swells with love for all my classmates and especially for all you have
done on our behalf. You are a wonderful example of courage and stubborness.....
I think any classmate who misses the Vegas reunion without a rock solid
excuse deserves to have a white one pulled.
Love to you and Lorain,
eduardo
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Dang, Ed. This may be the best I have seen in a long time. You really
think there will be a next time around. We have all had so much fun
through our early years into our growing old(er) years you really think we
could stand it again. And Jim - your "Getting Old" brings back many
memories. Keep it up.
Next, on to Las Vegas! Our best to Dorrie and Jim Thompson.
Best always, Ben Halsted, Abilene, Texas
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We really have to believe the best is yet to come!!! Tis
true in our dewey days, fresh and expectant, A good time was the dancin' a
little drinkin' and a pretty girl....Geeze!!! come to think about it things
ain't changed a bit! Yes Ben! there is gonna be a next time and it will be
in Vegas! If anyone or group of anyones can pull it off it will be Joe &
Norrie, Dorie and Emily and the King of Vegas, The Terror of Tamaqua, Pennsy,
Joe " I told ya so" Rita! So bet on it and we will see you there!!!
Eduardo
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How about having the next reunion anywhere but Las Vegas.
Olaf
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Cooperate n' ??? Reach consensus?? Jimmy Haynes asked
if we had a drink on him and the answer is a resounding yes! Jimmy, the
20.00 per that paid for the hospitality suite enabled us to have a
wonderfully diverse amount of potables that were dispensed freely to all by
our Hospitality Suite Director Frank Chavers. You were missed old friend and
many a toast was given in your behalf...See you in Vegas.
Ed |
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Ed;
I just got back from Orlando and Biloxi Thursday evening and had a
doc's
appointment
on Friday. Am totally overwhelmed with 169 e-mails when I got home. I'm
still trying to digest all of them. I was able to delete about half
without
even reading them, but the rest are taking some time.
I have to echo everyone that this reunion was the best ever. They just
keep
getting
better and better. The hospitality suite was just perfect and really
gave
everyone a real chance to renew old friendships and make new ones.
Good evening to you and Marta. It appears that the consensus of the
majority
of our classmates for the next reunion is overwhelmingly (is that
really a
word?) for VEGAS.
Unless Dorie, Emily or I get really bombarded with objections, I would
think
we can agree that Vegas is what we want and start planning. HOWEVER;
I would like to hear from everyone, indicating their desires or
suggestions
and recommendations, just so we will have a good consensus of opinions.
I
believe then, we need to start planning for when. As a suggestion,
Spring
of 2006 (about 2 1/2 years from now would be our 48th and would set up
the
timing for our 50th in 2008.
After we settle on a firm location and date we can begin the rest of
the
planning. I will also add my vote for VEGAS.
I have friend here who is in the hotel hospitality business for all of
her
life and may be able to assist us in arraigning details. She is not in
town
right now, so I will have to hold off for a while to learn just how she
can
help.
Get back to myself, Dorrie or Miss Em as soon as you can give us your
ideas
and desires.
Joe Thompson
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Edward N. Garcia
Major, USAF, Retired
2502 Plantation Drive
Melbourne, Florida
32901
11/9/03
Ms. Patricia Porter
Mr. Chris Stua
Mr. Helio Bueno
Our Reunion at the Adams Mark, Orlando, was an absolute and complete
success. The Ladies and Gentlemen of USAF Officer Candidate School,
Class of 1958B, asked me to express their appreciation for all you did on
their behalf. The Adams Mark and its facilities is superb. A beautiful and
comfortable home away from home made even more comfortable by the way
in which the housekeeping staff took such good care of our accommodations
and our needs.
Mr. Bueno and the food staff deserve a very special mention. Our
Banquet was the highlight of the reunion. Each of the menu selections was
prepared to perfection and the service and presentation were impeccable.
Without exception our banquet at the Adams Mark far surpassed any of our
banquets of the past ten years! thank you Mr. Bueno and staff for a
masterful piece of work!
Mr. Stua laid the groundwork for our reunion, answered questions and
offered advice that insured a successful event. His ability to make on the
spot decisions affecting costs and services was invaluable. I think it is
apparent that he is a prime candidate for assuming the management of
his own Property in the near future. Certainly he has the drive and
intellect to do so.
Ms. Patricia Porter was our guide and mentor in the little details that
add
up to a Great Event! She kept track of our attendees, advised me on
time
tables and schedules that needed to be met for the Adams Mark to serve
our needs properly and proved to be a capable and personable manager of
our event. Indeed, my role could have been turned over to her and have
been improved upon!
We have a huge web site on the World Wide Net and have a section for
comments about our Adams Mark Reunion...... Our wonderful experience
with the Adams Mark and You is there for all to see.
Sincerely Yours,
Ed Garcia
Reunion chairman |
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Ollie and Ed: What in heavens can I say that
has not already been said about the most wonderful weekend that most any
of us have had in moons!!!! June and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of
it and try to hold the memories each day. It was our pleasure to add what
little we added to the great effort Ed and Frank put out to make this 45th
the best ever. The crew for Vegas needs prayers and a lot of support to
make the next one just as enjoyable.
Ollie: I might have told you that June and I
are Volunteers for our local hospital, doing what we can to make someone's
stay there as pleasant as possible. Our group has a monthly newsletter
published with tid-bits about the volunteers and other junk. Anyhow, the
attached article will be appearing in our next newsletter and I wanted to
share it with you and Ed. Again, our warmest regards and God's
speed----Ed and June Kent
ORLANDO REUNION
Ed
and June Kent just returned from a fantastic 4-day reunion in Orlando,
Florida. Ed graduated from the Air Force Officer Candidate School in June
1958 and the surviving Classmates gathered in Orlando for their 45th
year Reunion. Of 150 graduating classmates, less than 100 are alive
today. It was sad to learn only two remained from the OCS Color Guard, but
Ed was most happy that he was one of them!!! Many gave the ultimate
sacrifice in Viet Nam, many died from other service connected injuries and,
of course, old age caught up with the remainder! It was most heartwarming
and a very emotional experience to walk into a room and see Classmates who
you have not seen or heard from in 45 years.
Ed
and June had the wonderful experience of singing two hymns at the Sunday
Morning service initiated by the Class Chaplain at the Adams Mark Hotel.
Two other songs were performed at the Class Banquet Sunday night. After a
delicious meal, Classmates came forward to enlighten others of their
military career since graduation in 1958. So many happy stories and yet so
many sad ones were told of how this particular class did so many things in
defending this great country of ours. All of us left the reunion standing
taller than when we arrived, knowing we did our part and would gladly do it
again. Great credit was justly given to the wives who stood by their
husbands during these military careers, enduring long months of separation
and holding the family together.
The
reunion was closed Sunday night with a wonderful prayer by the Class
Chaplain and a tear-jerking solo of “God Bless America” by June. |
