70th OMS, 70th SRW, Reunion I A gathering of former 70th OMS personnel was held May 3-5, in Eclectic Alabama, at the home of Charles and Kathy Lyle. The purpose was to discuss the possibility of having a reunion of 70th SRW personnel, at Little Rock AFB, in the future. There were thirteen families, representing seven states, in attendance. Numerous other wing members would have liked to attend but, previous engagements, health, and similar reasons prevented their ability to do so. The occasion was "Kicked Off", Friday afternoon, with cocktails and hors d'oeurvres at Charlies. The afternoon was spent getting re-acquainting with each other. Dinner was a great seafood buffet at the local Old South Bar B-Que diner. Following dinner, everyone retreated to Charlie's for an evening of stories and renewing memories. Of course, a few drinks were consumed, but remarkably everyone seemed to maintain control of themselves.(Too Bad) On Saturday, it was back to the diner for breakfast and more friendly story telling. After returning to Charlie's home, a meeting was held, to discuss the future reunions. It was decided, after an invitation by Enrique "Tab" Tabyanan, to join in on the already established 70th ARS reunions. This decision was unanimous with the proviso that we could always go off on our own. Therefore, our next get-together will be at Little Rock AFB, in October 2003. The actual dates will be determined at a later date. All available addressees will be notified whenever the date is confirmed. The remainder of Saturday was spent in catching up on the individual happenings of everyone over the past 40 years. Of course, everyone had many experiences to relate. Most of the reminising was controlled by Bernie Lanigan and Art Shocken. I am sure all stories were factual and with no alterations. On Saturday evening, Charles and Kathy hosted a wonderful steak dinner with all the trimmings. Kathy received a lot of help from the wives who were present. Of course, Charlie was in charge of the grill and the steaks were perfect. Following dinner, a presentation was made to Charles and Kathy, by Percy Snyder (representing all the guys) in appreciation for the hospitality extended and the tremendous amount of preparation they had made in order to make all of us welcome. On Sunday morning, it was back to the diner for breakfast and the culmination of the festive occasion. After many hugs, handshakes, and sincere wishes for a safe journey home, everyone departed with thoughts of future reunions and good times together. In attendence at our first reunion were: Charlie & Kathy Lyle (our most gracious host and hostess) Carl & Jean Ray (also their grandson) Robert "Percy" & Rae Snyder Jim & Ernie Clay Amos & Rosalyn Raper Bobby Tolar Chuck & Sue Rife Art & Betty Schocken Tab & Betty Tabyanan Dr. Jack Wingate Bernie & Norma Lanigan Jimmy T & Mary McAllister Tom & JoAnn McCormack These pictures are best viewed with the navigation bars, at the top of the screen, hidden.
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