AEWA Spring Reunion 2021

 

     Barb and I both served in the USAF with my retiring in 1993.  Since then we have tried to keep in touch with not only our friends from 'back then', but all of our veteran friends throughout.  Facebook has been great for this.  The group in Tinker AFB, OK have always scheduled events for everyone to get together and catch up.  In the past 7 years we have attended two of the monthly breakfasts as well as one of the bi-annual luncheons.  It is always a treat.  Nothing helps to bond friendships better than service.  Retirement and travel all too often hinders such plans, but this year with the early completion of chores at our new winter abode and a dire need to get away, we decided to attend the spring BBQ in Midwest City, OK.  The Rotodome Ranch envoy would head north.  

      It is about 510 miles from Leakey, TX to Midwest City, OK, a good days drive.  We chose mostly 'off the interstate' routes.  Lots of relaxing time with my bride and Roux the Wonderpup.  With the loss of our beloved Bones recently we all needed the family break.  We arrived at our hotel after 8 hours and checked in to get the pup settled as well as get ourselves some 'take out'.  

    Never a bad choice we visited one of our favs, The Akropolis.  The food has been better, but were on the road all day and HUNGRY.   

Rich's Gyro Plate

Gyro meat, FF, & Pita for Barb & Roux

       The reunion/BBQ was held at the Midwest City VFW.   It provides everyone with an outside picnic area with BBQ pit as well as tables and a VFW pay as you go bar.  I hoped they would have enough.  The menu consisted of delicious Pork Ribs, Pulled Pork, Cowboy Beans, Hot links, Hot dogs, and Hamburgers.  Another table held a plethora of sides, including the BEST DARNED SOUTH CAROLINA BBQ HASH I HAVE EVER TASTED.  From there we mingled for hours enjoying the company and catching up with folks we hadn't seen in nearly 30 years as well as making some new friends as well. 

Barb and the man who will someday replace me.....Colonel (Uncle) Jesse Shanks

Tony Bennet on the grill

Jody Arnold checking out the wood pit chefs (these guys kicked out some FINE Q  

My good friend Jody Arnold and I discussing how to 'embrace the suck' of the recent elections

Jrod Cunningham, Perry Stewart, and a few others

Rich with good friends Anna & Rich Campbell

Tally Ho!  We have a Micky Malone sighting!

29 years ago this guy and I stayed out of jail (barely)

Chuck Garberson, Patrick Dean, and others

The VFW discusses business (and beer)

Rich & Larry Bunting discuss just about anything

My crew

Randy Witt, Ken Wimer, Perry Stewart, Al Burnett, and yours truly

The 2021 Spring AWACS Reunion, BBQ / Beer Emporium, and Bait Show

      First of all I want to thank Barb for taking so many wonderful pictures. We had an incredible time resurrecting so many memories , both good as well as some  embarrassing.  At this point in time they are never superiors, employees, or other........just comrades.  It gets no better.  It is so very gratifying for Barb and I to share this past service to our country and the fellow warriors we served with.  Memories are everything.  I am a better person because of these relationships.  Pictures full of old guys?  In our day we were the 'Tip of the Sword'.  Any of us would serve once again at a moments notice.  "Scramble Haida 25........Radar's Up....On Station.......Tally Ho.....Bogies and Bandits oh my.....Off Station and we're RTB."  Go ahead, make our day! RESPECT AND SALUTE!  

A VERY SPECIAL TRIBUTE AND THANK YOU TO THE CREW OF YUKLA 27

"All gave some and some gave all"  

"No distance of place or lapse of time can lesson the friendships of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each others worth"

Robert Southey

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