In October of 1998 we attended a VP-8 reunion in Myrtle Beach, SC. It was our first experience with a military reunion
and we thoroughly enjoyed it, although we knew very few of the people. On the ride back to Florida we asked ourselves, "What outfit would we like to see have a reunion?" We both immediately responded ...
“VW-1”
Upon arriving home we went on-line and started searching, but to no avail. We could find no mention of any VW-1 group. So by December we decided to do something about it and placed a notice in the Naval Affairs magazine asking for anyone interested in a VW-1 reunion group to contact us. As the expense of postage and supplies in contacting individuals had started to add up, we assessed a $15.00 annual dues charge.
The very first check arrived on December 30, 1998 from Roy "Mack" Stotts from Groves, TX; followed the very next day by checks from two other Texans - Roy Eshom and Ernest Ruff. Guess those from the Lone Star State get right on it and get things done! The first week of January, 1999 brought ten more memberships and we were on our way.
On January 11th, Lee Thompson (Colorado) had joined our group and, through him, we became aware for the first time that there was another VW-1 group. The organizer was Bob Fuller (Texas) and it was primarily an officers group. A short while later we learned there was yet a third VW-1 group, run by Floyd Yancy (Georgia). We now had about 25 members and certainly didn't want to infringe on any other existing organizations, so we contacted both these gentlemen to ask if they would like to have the names of our members and have us join their existing organizations. Floyd explained to us that they were primarily an early '50's group and that they would prefer to stay small and specialized. Bob Fuller told us that his organization was primarily officers and that he would ask them what they would like to do. Upon polling his membership, their decision was to stay primarily officers. So we made the decision to continue on with our own association and make it available to all, regardless of rank, rate or years on board. As it has turned out, many of our members have opted for dual membership and belong to a couple of the VW-1 Associations. The existence of these other groups has led to confusion on some occasions. To alleviate this problem, Floyd changed his group's name to "VW-1 Vanguard" and as of September 2003, we are now the "VW-1 All Hands Alumni Association"
From March to October we continued to grow. We had 35 VW-1'ers in attendance at that first reunion in Branson, MO, with 29 spouses or guests. Branson turned out to be a real learning experience for we novice reunion planners. One: we discovered three nights were not enough, and have since always had the reunions be four nights. Two: the memorabilia table was a huge success and we needed to encourage members to bring their stuff to the reunions and make sure we had room to display it. Three: the meeting room had to be larger and a permanent, full-time part of any reunion in the future, as the attendees made it clear they enjoyed just hanging around the meeting room a lot of the time, rather than attending an abundance of outside activities.
Over the years we have been asked "Do the wives' come?" It was in San Antonio that we suddenly realized what a vital part of the reunion scene the wives really are. In the meeting room, while approaching a table occupied by several ladies, one of them held up a hand and said "You can't sit down here!" Frankly, I was somewhat taken aback until they all started laughing and explained to me that this was "the second wife's table" so I didn't "qualify". It spoke volumes of the comfort level of the wives who attend these reunions. They participate fully - they have a vote - it matters not if they were a part of the VW-1 experience or not. They are with their men - here and now - and sharing something very special. We have been told of a member saying he didn't know if he was going to the upcoming reunion and the WIFE declared, "We're going!"
At our most recent reunion (San Diego) two members not only brought their wives, but additional family members. One adult daughter emphatically stated that she will see us at our next reunion - Colorado Springs (Spring 2008). With a few days added on either (or both) ends, it can be a real family vacation at a reasonable cost.
During the Pensacola reunion, a Search Committee was formed to actively seek out VW-1'ers and let them know of our existence. Pete Wasmund carried this project one step further and has set up this web site to further increase our chances of reaching more individuals. The result has been a significant increase in membership and we now have nearly 200 members.
We are proud to say that we had three widows attend our reunion in Reno. Our policy is that all widows remain on our roster and dues are waived. They expressed great appreciation to be able to come and to hear and share sea stories about their husbands. We also had a member come who had been beset with severe health problems, resulting in depression. By Thursday morning - following a riotous auction Wednesday evening - he reported that his stomach had hurt the night before - from LAUGHING! It is moments such as this that make these reunions extra special.
One of the most rewarding - and surprising - aspects of our reunion group has been the impact it has had for some ex-shipmates. We have been contacted by some individuals looking for proof that they were "in-country" so that they could receive disability status due to exposure to Agent Orange. By networking through both the web site and our Tracker newsletter, our members have responded with buddy letters and copies of deployment orders that provided the necessary proof to make it happen.
Attendance at our last few reunions has been between 80 and 100. The enthusiasm of our members for the VW-1 All Hands Alumni Association continues to be phenomenal. At each reunion there is a discussion as to how to reach out and include all of those we have not seen in too many years; those with whom so much was shared. Since VW-1 ceased to be in 1971, we are aware that our group will age and finally cease to be ... BUT, in the meantime, we intend to TREASURE each opportunity to get together and ENJOY our VW-1 FAMILY. With that in mind, Ed and I, along with all the VW-1 members, invite you to enjoy our web site and, hopefully, join our association.