2nd Missile Battalion, 71st Artillery

(Taiwan) Association

271 Shady Oak Drive

New Market, AL 35761

<http://www.2-71adataiwan.com>

Volume 12

Newsletter 3

November 2008

2-71 REUNION ~ EL PASO 2008

By Karen O’Connell

Ten years ago, we met for our first reunion. El Paso, 998,

40th reunion. Fast forward to 2008. El Paso, 50th reunion! I

don’t know about you, but those years seemed to fly by.

Isn’t it incredible how similar we look to 0 years ago?

Hardly anyone aged. Or is it that we all aged together?

Whatever. You all looked great to me and it was great to see

everyone again.

One thing that was different for me at this reunion was

realizing how many dear people we have lost, since our visit

to El Paso ten years ago. As I mentioned to Sgt. Davis, those

we have lost are getting a guided tour of Heaven, and we will

all meet one day.

We couldn’t have asked for a nicer hotel. The rooms were

wonderful, the staff was gracious, and the grounds were quite

enjoyable. I had no complaints on the hotel food, either. Bob

did a great job getting this good deal for us.

As usual, many arrived on Wednesday, so by that evening,

we were sitting outside on the quad making merry and catch-

ing up on the happenings of the past couple years.

Thursday was the official beginning of the 50th reunion.

In the morning, the Board of Directors held their meeting.

The hospitality room opened and there were many hands

available to put packets together and get the ‘goodies’ ready

for sale. Registration began at noon. Cameras flashed all

over the place. Hearing all the laughter brought back another

memory from 0 years ago. The men were trying to guess

who each other was and the women had no clue. Now, it’s

like old home week. Thanks to these reunions, we now

have new, lifelong friendships. Also, it is a time to start new

relationships with those who attended for the first time: Leo

LeFrancois and his wife, Carolyn. Welcome!