Friday morning, small groups got together for breakfast and saying their good-byes until next year. See everyone, and some new members in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, October 5-10th, 2008.
Don Riverkamp, MC for the evening started the evening activities at 6 PM, with the introduction of our guests for the evening. The posting of colors by the Nevada Air National Guard Honor Guard was next, followed by the singing of the US National Anthem, followed by the German National Anthem by Traudl Riggin. Our HRA Chaplain, Francis Fukumoto then gave the invocation. Dinner followed. Francis Fukumoto conducted memorial Services for passed members, and ladies serving in Heaven, with assistance from Stu Sturdevant, Bill Ward, and Joey Trujillo at 7:30 PM. At 7:45 PM, Don made some announcements, gave thanks to everyone. Stu Sturdevant and Nate Sparks conducted the 50/50 raffle drawing. The Eldorado
A REUNION OF FIRSTS!
Reunion Coordinators – Bobby J. (Stu) & Marcey Sturdevant
This was billed as our First Oktoberfest Theme Reunion. It started as a thought in our President, Stu Sturdevant’s mind, and he canvassed the Executive Board, his Presidential Cabinet, to get their input. Everyone felt that it was a great idea. Each year the Reunion Committee tries very hard to find a suitable site and produce a reunion extravaganza better than the previous one. The compliments and kudos received from attendees were in such abundance, we believe the committee accomplished their mission with great success.
Thanks go out to Phil Murray and Jerry Mangas for the excellent advertising to build the idea of an Oktoberfest in everyone’s mind. Thanks the team of Jerry Mangas and CA Russell and their wives, Pat and Jodie, for discovering the Landmark Resort Hotel in the first place. Thanks to Pat Emmons, Sales Manager, at the Landmark, who assured Jerry and CA, we would have a great time at her hotel. Pat and her team of workers came through with flying colors. Every request was delivered in “Aces”. Her team comprised of Janice Williams, in charge of Catering; Risa Garris in charge of waiters/waitresses and setup; and last by no means
least, Pat’s right hand, her super secretary, Rosita Domingoes. Risa also provided us with a Special Assistant, Malcolm Richardson, who had the answers to all our concerns and/or problems. And a special thanks to 330 souls that braved “high gas prices”, dodging hundreds of motorcycles (we arrived during “Bike Week”), to arrive at the Landmark Resort. The hotel was located right on the beach, with 14 swimming pools, and beautiful views from our balcony rooms. The Oktoberfest Theme Reunion was scheduled from October 5-10; however, many arrived early due to the low hotel rate. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, and Jerry Mangas said he couldn’t understand this because “tradition” was if Charlie Trick was on break it was supposed to rain, it didn’t, until late Thursday night. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention Bill Toni, and all those golfers that enjoyed the beautiful weather. They assured us they had a great time trying to psych each other out on the course. You couldn’t have asked for better golf weather. Thanks go out to the vast number of people who showed up in German outfits, which set the stage for a great atmosphere. We know many were borrowed, handmade, purchased at estate sales, or during our 2006 reunion at Hof, but all looked Schoen! Tom Mikloiche, Joe Kessler and Don Riverkamp played very important parts in setting the stage for our reunion. Tom was able to locate an outlet for quality bier mugs at reasonable prices. Tom and Joe came up with the logo for the mugs. Don Riverkamp did a super job with the design for the reunion tee shirts and hat pins at prices we could afford. We can’t forget CA for locating a source of high quality bier. One was brewed in Downingtown PA, named Prima Pills, and it lived up to its’ name. Then there was the EKU 28 imp Fuss. Joe Kessler and his abilities on his computer, who tracked all our registrations, money, designed and printed everything from registration forms, to meal tickets, nametags, show and tour tickets, bus rosters—EVERYTHING! We cannot forget the large number of members that donated high quality door prizes and auction items and of course the guardians of these treasures, Jerry Middendorf and Tom Mikloiche. Tom also filled in this year as auctioneer, and we raised $979.00 to replenish our treasury. Next, we need to mention
Stu’s wife, Marcey, and Pat Emmons, for negotiating with show, and bus companies to receive outstanding military, and group discounts for shows and tours.
The reunion kicked off on Sunday, at 1700, with the Executive Board meeting, with all members present. Also in attendance were this year’s Sergeant-At- Arms, Jerry Middendorf and Greg Krcma; our publisher, Dave Sallinger, who brought the latest Master Roster for each member in attendance; Peggy Adams, Marcey Sturdevant, and Jim Riggin. Business Items, for the General Membership meeting, were reviewed, and the meeting adjourned at 1845.
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Registration opened at 0900 Monday in the Hospitality Suite. Led by our Adjutant, Joe Kessler, dressed in full German Costume, and Dolores, his wife, in her German Dirndl; our wonderful group of volunteers, most in costumes, worked the registration tables. Joe’s crew had almost 330 members and guests receiving registration bags by noon. Danny Sandifer photographed all members, and guests for our records. Tom Mikloiche was in charge of the Hospitality Suite. His team of volunteers kept the tables well supplied with snacks, fresh coffee, juices, sweet rolls, and last but not least various brands of exotic biers from all over the world. Hospitality Suite opened with registration, and allowed everyone to relax, meet new, and ole Hofers, and have refreshments. Ute Sparks had the HRA photo albums for everyone to view, and many other members brought photo albums for everyone to enjoy.
At 1600, Monday, October 6th, President Sturdevant called the General Membership Meeting to order. He started with the Pledge of Allegiance, a welcome, and introduction of the Executive Board/Staff. Secretary, Jerry Mangas read the 2007 General Membership Meeting minutes from Reno. They were approved as read. Treasurer, Nate Sparks presented his report on the financial status, and it was approved as read. The minutes and financial report were made available for all to review, prior to the meeting. The chair entertained a motion to donate $2,000 to the Air Force Enlisted Foundation. It was moved, seconded and approved by the membership. Next, were the proposed changes to the HRA Constitution and By-Laws. A committee, led by 1st Vice President Bill Ward; 2nd
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VP Tom Mikloiche; and Joe Kessler Adjutant; thoroughly examined the Constitution & By-Laws to eliminated conflicting terminology, improve the readability, and composed a list of changes published in the 2008 July Hof Connection Newsletter. The publishing fulfilled the requirement for all members to have the proposed changes at least two weeks before the annual membership meeting, in order to vote on the changes. A motion was made, seconded, and approved by the membership to accept the changes. A certified copy
of the HRA Constitution and Bylaws, signed October 6th, 2008, by President Bobby Sturdevant, and Secretary, Jerry Mangas, with raised seal & signature of Adjutant Joseph J. Kessler Sr., is in the hands of all 2009 Executive Board Members.
Election of Executive Officers for 2009 was held with the following results: President, Bill Ward; 1st Vice President; Tom Mikloiche; 2nd Vice
President, Greg Krcma; Adjutant, Joe Kessler; Secretary, Don Riverkamp; Treasurer, Nate Sparks; Membership Chairman C.A. Russell; Webmaster, Barry Springsteen; Newsletter Editor, Phil Murray; German Affairs Representative, Robert Hoerath; and Executive Board Advisor, Stu Sturdevant. Bill Ward briefed the membership on the 2009 Branson reunion. Bill & Edie Ward and Don Riverkamp visited Branson in July. A contract with the Radisson Hotel was signed. Tom Mikloiche led a discussion concerning the economics of going back to Hof in 2010 based upon the present exchange rate of the Euro, car rental fees, gas prices, and hotel rates, etc. Tom also represented Robert Hoerath, our German Affairs Representative who was in attendance. After a lengthy discussion, the membership voted to go with a location in the United States for 2010, with specific cities to be determined, and advertised in our 2009 January Newsletter. Robert Hoerath presented the Hof Reunion Association a $265 donation collected from Hof businesses, and friends in Germany. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 18:20.
Monday evening, 120 members attended the Carolina Opry for a rip-roaring performance. They didn’t have Little Jimmy Dickens, like the Nashville Grand Ole Opry, but the cast was loaded with great talent, and all enjoyed the performance.
Tuesday morning was spent shopping, walking on the beach, visiting with friends in the Hospitality Suite, and signing up for reserved tables for the banquet. Don Riverkamp, with the help of Helen Toni and Joe Kessler’s great seating chart, all members signed up and received their table assignments for Thursday evening banquet. At 1230, on Tuesday, the doors opened for our annual luncheon buffet, and program. Once all were seated, Stu Sturdevant prayed for all our Troops in Harm’s Way, led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, gave the invocation and ordered everyone to eat heartily. The food was scrumptious and the chef was hard pressed to keep the German Potato Salad bowls filled.
For the 1st time, a dependent daughter spoke at our buffet. The daughter reduced the audience to tears,
and received a standing ovation for her short talk. She had to make her, off-the-cuff notes, on the back of a baggage claim ticket. Her prepared talk arrived the next day with her luggage; that’s how we met the Cyrptodude’s daughter Suzanne Garza Dernoga. Her speech, “Why her Dad couldn’t tell her what he did in his job, like other kids that had cooks, cops, fireman, and medics, as fathers”. She now understands how people like her Dad, helped our country win the “Cold War”. What a tribute!
Next, door prize drawings and a live auction with auctioneer Tom Mikloiche, filling in for Andy Brads, who was absent. The auction was lively, and bidding was furious. After the dust settled, we netted $979 for our treasury. Then, our entertainment, lead off with Helen Toni singing her hilarious rendition of “These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things”, with a lot of head nodding agreement, and applause. Her song was followed by another first. It was the 1st time this group appeared in the United States. They used to appear nightly in the 60’s, in Hof, at hotspots like Jakes, Ranch Bar, Traubel, and the Schoenblick. A resounding round of applause, welcomed the “Dorf Dorks” with Tom Mikloiche, vocalist and choreographer, leading their performance of the “Burger Dance”. After several rounds of Boos & Laughter, the Lady “Dorkettes“ were brought on stage to add some class and the rest is history. The remainder of the afternoon was devoted to visiting, dancing, admiring each other’s German outfits, and generally having a great time. There were many Kodak moments which will last a lifetime. That evening 115 members, and guests boarded buses to attend the evening performance of the Grand Le Cirque, a show so mind-boggling, it was impossible to see all the talented acrobatic acts, on stage and above our heads. Everyone truly enjoyed the show.
Wednesday morning, after a quick cup of coffee or juice, and a snack in the Hospitality Suite, 160 members boarded four buses for departure to Brookgreen Gardens, and ole historic Georgetown. Talk about Kodak moments, the whole day was filled with them. The weather was gorgeous, and eating along the waterfront at Georgetown was so relaxing, no one wanted to board the buses for the
return trip to the Landmark Resort. Wednesday evening, four groups departed the hotel for Group Dinners. CA Russell, and his bunch from Charley Trick; Jim Riggin, and his group from 602/606; Peggy Adams, and her menagerie of Cops, Cooks, Medics, Motor Pool and an assortment of others; and finally that Long Tall Alaskan, Claude Niebuhr, with his pick-up team, all departed the hotel for different destinations. When all returned that night, each vowed that their group had had the most fun. Thanks to the four Group Dinner Leaders and their negotiating ability to get such great dinner prices.
Thursday found members relaxing, and conserving their energy for the evening’s banquet. Banquet doors, guarded by our trusty Sergeant-At-Arms, Jerry Middendorf and Greg Krcma, were opened at 1730. At 1800 another 1st occurred: We had a non-traditional Flag Detail and Honor Guards, CMSgt Mel Hamill, in uniform, carried the US Flag, represented all US Air Force ever assigned to Hof; Robert Hoerath carried the German Flag, and represented all German military assigned to Hof; Green Beret Command Sargent Major Gary Queen, in uniform, represented all US Army; Ms. Peggy Adams represented US dependent wives, and US government employees; Mrs. Ilse Hamill, represented German wives, married to US military; finally, USMC Reserve, Major Steve Brock, represented all US dependent children living in the Hof . We then sang the American and German National Anthems, led by Traudl Riggin. Francis Fukumoto, our Chaplain, led the Memorial Service with Gary Queen, Peggy Adams, Ilse Hamill, and Steve Brock, reading the names of our comrades who were added to the Final Fly-By and Ladies Serving in Heaven. Joe Trujillo, our Native American, dressed in his Indian Ceremonial dress, struck his drum with the reading of each name. A red rose was placed in a vase after each list was read. The military honored the fallen with a hand- salute, a truly touching tribute to honor our departed friends. Francis gave the invocation. Dinner was served. After dinner, another 1st, and highlight of the evening occurred. Stu called Charlie Jackson, and his unsuspecting fiancée Tesa Molyneyx to the podium. Charlie struck a pose, and on bended knee, proposed to Tesa, in front of 328 witnesses, she
ACCEPTED! After Tesa accepted Charlie’s proposal, the DJ stepped forwarded, and we all proceeded to shine up our belt buckles with music from the 50s, 60s and German music, to compliment the large number of attendees in full German outfits. The 50/50 raffle drawing was conducted with $631 being presented to three winners, and the HRA Treasury benefited the other
$631. Everyone brought out their cameras to capture group and individual pictures.
Friday morning brought about some sadness when everyone gathered at the Auf Wiedersehen Breakfast, for one last “war story” and a sad goodbye, until we meet again in Branson for the continuing saga of the “Hofers 2009”! A Hugh THANKS to everyone who helped make this a very memorable reunion. We hope to see a great turnout at the Radisson Hotel, in Branson, Missouri September 1-6, 2009 for the 2009 HRA Reunion.
2009– Branson,Missouri
September1-6
Theme “REMEMBER WHEN THEME”
REUNION COORDINATORS – Bill & Edie Ward and Don Riverkamp
The 2009 HRA Reunion was held at the Radisson Hotel in Branson, Missouri from September 1-6, 2009. The reunion kicked off on Tuesday, at 1700, with the Executive Board meeting, with all members present, except C.A. Russell, and Nate Sparks. Also in attendance at the meeting were potential future board members Mel Hamill, Jim Riggin and Phil Ruth.
Don Riverkamp discussed the minutes of the board meeting held in 2008 at Myrtle Beach, and then read the minutes of the General Membership Meeting from 2008 Myrtle Beach Reunion. Phil Murray handed out Nate’s Treasurer Report which Nate had sent to him since he knew his plane would not arrive in time for the Executive Board meeting. The report was reviewed by members in attendance, and there were no questions at the time, and it was decided that if any would arise, Nate would explain
at the General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, September 2, 2009.
Bill Ward discussed the HRA dollar amount contribution to be made to the AF Enlisted Foundation for 2009. A motion was made by Don Riverkamp to donate the amount of $2,000.00 and it was 2nd by Tom Mikloiche.
The next topic brought up was the concern by Greg Krcma and Tom Mikloiche of possible liability insurance for our future five-day association reunions. Greg had checked, and found one company would write a policy for 2 Million for a cost of $449 for a five-day event. After much discussion, Bill Ward appointed a committee consisting of Greg Krcma, Tom Mikloiche, and Joe Kessler to look into the cost and possibility of purchasing such an event insurance policy for 2010 Ogden Reunion, and future reunions.
Bill opened the floor for discussion on member numbers, reunion attendance, etc. Don Riverkamp stated that we were still over 500 active members, and many were getting up there in age, had other interests, and this year the economy did not help, plus many illnesses and family commitments. Stu Sturdevant stated he thought we were doing the right things and used the example of 330 members and spouses attending the 2008 Myrtle Beach Reunion. General consensuses of the board was the association was in great shape, membership wise, and financially.
Joe Kessler talked about the reunion program booklet he has made for the past two reunions, and ask it be passed along for all members to please read the booklet, and he will add a page for the members to be able to write suggestions on “What can be done to improve membership and/or reunions”. Jo also talked about having all members have photos taken during registration. It was also suggested more articles on History and Happenings in and about the Hof/Saale Region of Germany.
Bill Ward read and discussed the proposed change to the By-Laws, which the board had already agreed upon, was published in the 2009 July Newsletter,
and would be brought forward at the General Membership Meeting for our membership approval or disapproval.
Tom Mikloiche presented information for the 2010 HRA Reunion in Ogden and got approval to go forward with the Marriott Hotel in Ogden for September 6-11, 2010. Greg Krcma presented the names the nominating committee selected to recommend to general membership for the new executive board, Jim Riggin, 2nd Vice President; Mel Hamill, Treasurer; and Phil Ruth, Membership Chairman. Greg Krcma presented the site names for the 2011 HRA Reunion the site selection committee had agreed upon. The sites will go on the Ballot in the 2010 January Hof Connection Newsletter are: Hof, Germany; Appleton/Fox Cities, WI; Cocoa Beach, FL; and Virginia Beach/Norfolk, VA. Meeting adjourned at 6:25 PM.
On Wednesday morning, the Hospitality Room opened at 9 AM and at the same time, Registration was held. 206 attending members, spouses, and guests all received their packages, name tags, schedule of events, meal tickets, tour tickets, hats, shirts, gift of special HRA/Branson Reunion hand- decorated goose egg ornament, and had their photos taken by Gary Cherpes. At 4 PM on Wednesday, the General Membership Meeting was held. President Bill Ward called the meeting to order at 4:03 PM. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by President Ward, and a Welcome to all members/spouses. President Ward introduced Branson’s Honorable Mayor Raeanne Presley. Mayor Presley welcomed and thanked our association for choosing Branson as our 2009 reunion destination. She proceeded to inform our members/spouses in attendance about the City of Branson, population 7,500, however, with approximately 8 million visitors per year. She also informed us Branson has total respect and many thanks for all Veterans, and is very proud how her city welcomes & honors all veterans.
The introduction of Executive Board Bill Ward – President
Tom Mikloiche – 1st Vice President
Greg Krcma – 2nd Vice President Joe Kessler - Adjutant
Don Riverkamp – Secretary
Nate Sparks – Treasurer (Absent)
Russell – Membership Chairman (Absent) Jerry Mangas – Webmaster
Phil Murray - Newsletter Editor
Robert Hoerath – German Representative Stu Sturdevant – Executive Board Advisor
Staff Members
Chaplain – Francis Fukumoto
Sergeants-at-Arms – Roger Gentilini and Walt Murch
HRA Secretary, Don Riverkamp, apologized for leaving copies of the 2008 Myrtle Beach Reunion in his hotel room, and informed everyone they would be available for pickup in the Hospitality Room the rest of the reunion. Don proceeded to read the minutes from the 2008 General Membership Meeting in Myrtle Beach. Tony Cameron made motion to accept minutes as read; 2nd by Harry Rupprecht, motion passed.
Treasurer, Nate Sparks, handed out the Treasurer’s Financial Report to all members. The report had all information through August 31, 2009 and we had a Bank Balance of $43,969.45. Nate indicated the amount would be much lower, around $25K-$26K, after the 2009 HRA Reunion expenses were paid. He noted the association is in very excellent shape. John Pace motioned to accept Treasurer’s Report, 2nd by George Fahrbach, motion passed.
President Bill Ward informed attendees the Executive Board had suggested and approved that the membership vote on approving a donation of
$2K to the Air Force Enlisted Foundation. Carl Davino made a motion for approval of that amount, and Russ Vandermartin, 2nd the motion, motion passed.
1st Vice President, Tom Mikloiche, presented information on the site for the HRA 2010 Reunion. The reunion will be held at the Marriott Hotel in Ogden, Utah, from September 6-11, 2010. Mik informed those in attendance the rooms would be
$74 per night, and the hotel had just been completely remodeled in 2008. Talked about the Hill AFB Museum, Golden Spike Railroad Museum, Mormon Tabernacle Tour in Salt Lake City and Ogden is Hof’s Sister City in the USA.
Joe Kessler talked about individual/couple photos were taken in the registration room, and asked everyone who had not had their picture(s) taken to please get them taken in the Hospitality Room or at the luncheon on Thursday. Joe also talked about the registration forms and how he is continuing to improve on them, and will also make a separate sheet for Site Voting Ballot, in order that it can be mailed in earlier without having to mess with the registration form.
President Ward read and discussed the proposed change to the By-Laws, which the Executive Board had agreed upon, and published in the 2009 July Newsletter.
Article 1 – Membership – Paragraph 1 - Proposal to be changed to the following:
“Membership shall be confirmed and accepted by duly elected officers of the Association. Members shall in the opinion of the Executive Board, have served as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, Contractor, Civil Service, German Air Force or had a Hof Connection (Spouse, Ex-Spouse, Widow, Dependent) with Security or Defense Forces assigned to Hof Air Station, Kingsley Kaserne, or Doebraberg, during the ‘Cold War Era’ or between 1948 and 1975.”
After some brief discussion, a motion was made by Tony Cameron to accept the changes as published in the July Newsletter, and was 2nd by Jerry Middendorf and motion was approved & passed by membership.
2nd Vice President, Greg Krcma, informed the membership in attendance of the names his nominating committee came up with for the New HRA Executive Board. They were – Jim Riggin for 2nd VP, Joe Kessler for Adjutant, Don Riverkamp for Secretary, Mel Hamill for Treasurer, Phil Ruth
for Membership Chairman, Jerry Mangas for Webmaster, Phil Murray for Newsletter Editor, and Robert Hoerath for German Affairs Representative.
President Bill Ward announced Tom Mikloiche would automatically move up to the position of President, and Greg Krcma would automatically move up to 1st VP, and Bill Ward would assume the position of Executive Board Advisor for one year. These actions are per the HRA Constitution and By-Laws. Bill acknowledged and thanked Nate Sparks, C.A. Russell, Barry Springsteen, and Stu Sturdevant for all their years of service on the executive board, and as an active member in the HRA.
Next on the agenda was the election of the New Executive Board Members who will serve on the board from the end of the 2009 Branson Reunion until the end of the 2010 Ogden Reunion.
President - Thomas ‘Mick’ Mikloiche 1st Vice President - Greg Krcma Executive Board Advisor - Bill Ward
Bill proceeded to conduct the election of executive board members via the Robert’s Rule and in order of ranking per the Constitution and Bylaws.
Jim Riggin for 2nd Vice President – George Fahrbach made motion nominations be closed, 2nd by John Pace, approved by vote.
Joe Kessler for Adjutant – Dave Natalie moved nomination be closed, 2nd by Bill Combs, approved by vote.
Don Riverkamp for Secretary – Jim Riggin moved nominations be closed, 2nd by Russ Vandermartin, approved by vote.
Mel Hamill for Treasurer – Russ Vandermartin moved that nominations be closed, 2nd by Jerry Middendorf, approved by vote.
Phil Ruth for Membership Chairman – Ray Szyperski moved nominations be closed, 2nd by Dave Natalie, approved by vote.
Jerry Mangas for Webmaster – Claude Niebuhr moved nominations be closed, 2nd by John Pace, approved by vote.
Phil Murray for Newsletter Editor – Phyllis Phipps moved nominations be closed, 2nd by Bill Combs, approved by vote.
Robert Hoerath for German Affairs Representative
– Harry Rupprecht moved nominations be closed, 2nd by Rosie Queen, approved by vote.
The Executive Board for the HRA through the 2010 Ogden Reunion is:
Tom Mikloiche, President; Greg Krcma, 1st VP; Jim Riggin, 2nd VP; Joe Kessler, Adjutant; Don Riverkamp, Secretary; Mel Hamill, Treasurer; Membership Chairman, Phil Ruth; Jerry Mangas, Webmaster; Phil Murray, Newsletter Editor; Robert Hoerath, German Affairs Representative; Bill Ward, Executive Board Advisor.
Brent Scott stood and was recognized by President Ward. Brent gave THANKS to Chuck Wilson, Nate Sparks, C.A. Russell, Bruce Springsteen, and Stu Sturdevant for their great service to the HRA Association.
Bill Ward talked about the concern some of our members might have about drop in numbers of active members, and attendance at reunions. Some suggestions coming from the membership are as follows:
Mel Hamill suggests that we advertise in the VFW Magazine about our association and therefore may locate some more members that are still missing.
Harry Rupprecht stated that we are all getting older, illnesses, some unable to travel, and he had not seen that much of a drop-off, and still see a great turnout.
Steve Murphrey suggests each and every one look at the roster, and when you see a name you recognize or was/is a friend, to give them a call to draw interest again in becoming an active HRA member.
Bob Cruise suggested when we find a New Find, contact them, maybe offer a Free 1 Year Membership, with copy of Weekly Updates, and Semi-Annual Newsletter Mailing. Also have Parents try to get dependents to join the association.
Barbara Davino, wife of member Carl Davino, was recognized by President Ward. Barbara, ‘Complimented and Praised’, the Executive Board for the great job they have been doing, and are still doing for the association and all the reunions.
2nd VP Greg Krcma, 2011 Site Selection Chairman, presented the four locations that will be on the ballot for membership voting in the 2010 January Newsletter. Sites:
Hof, Germany
Appleton/Fox Cities, Wisconsin Cocoa Beach, Florida
Virginia Beach/Norfolk, Virginia
Robert Hoerath explained how much time he needs for planning Hof in 2011, if selected by the membership, and therefore moved the voting deadline up in the 2010 January Newsletter, and also have the Ballot a separate sheet so you can mail it in early without having to mail the registration form in too early. This will also give us more time if a stateside location is chosen to negotiate with hotels, etc.
A motion to move the Ballot Voting to 1 April for all future site voting was made by Carl Davino, 2nd by Steve Murphrey, passed by membership.
The Membership meeting was adjourned 5:27 PM.
Wednesday evening was set-aside for Group Dinners. There were four locations the different groups went to with their fellow Hofers, the Altenhof Inn, Andy Williams Moon River Grill, Lone Star Steak House, and Whitefish River Restaurant at Branson Landing.
Thursday morning, the men got together for a “Frueh Schoppen” in the hospitality room from 11
to Noon. The Buffet Luncheon program was 12:30 to 6 PM. The Buffet Luncheon Program was held for all in attendance. It was a wonderful buffet with entertainment by local DJ Matt Duncan, live auction, door prize drawings, plaques presented to Radisson Hotel, and Debbie Chesnokov of the Branson CVB, Certificate of Appreciation to Nate Sparks for his years of service as Treasurer of the HRA, dancing, photos, and reminiscing, and storytelling with ole and new friends. Thursday evening was free for members to relax, take in a show, shopping, or get together to talk about ole times, and new things going on in the world.
Friday was tour and show day. Around 50 left at 8 AM for the Branson Scenic Railway Tour, and 10:30 AM, another 115 loaded onto the buses and went out to Round Top Lake and a luncheon/show cruise on the Branson Belle. All were back at the hotel by 3PM, and the Ladies got together for a “Kaffee Stunde” from 4 to 5 PM. At 6:45 PM, the buses picked up 137 of our members, and proceeded to the Baldknobbers Show. All were back at the Radisson around 11 PM. Great Day!
Saturday morning and afternoon were open for members to do anything they liked in Branson, tour the city, take in a show or two, shop, relax in the Hospitality Room, or take a walk. At 5:30 PM, doors opened for the Banquet Dinner Program with our Sergeants at Arms, Roger Gentilini and Walt Murch guarding the doors. At 6 PM, Peggy Adams, Mel Hamill, Robert Hoerath, and Joey Trujillo conducted the posting of the Colors. HRA Chaplain Francis Fukumoto did the invocation, and Traudl Riggin performed the singing of both the German and American Anthems. President Bill Ward also explained the Table-of-Honor had one place setting, and a Rose in front for our beloved first HRA President Tom Bryson, who passed away just before the Branson Reunion.
Dinner was served with background music by our local DJ Matt Duncan and his wife. At 7:45 PM, Chaplain Fukumoto, with the assistance of Joey Trujillo, Peggy Adams, and Phyllis Phipps conducted the Memorial Services for our missing comrades. It was a beautiful ceremony. The rest of
the evening, until 11 PM, there was plenty of dancing and laughter. All in attendance has a great time.
On Sunday morning, the hospitality room opened at 8AM for saying our goodbyes, and hoping we all can get together again in 2010 in Hof’s Sister City of Ogden, Utah, September 6-11th, 2010. See you in Ogden!
Our utmost gratitude, and appreciation, goes out to ALL the board members, HRA members, and spouses, that contributed in assisting and helping the association during registration, in the hospitality room, and attending our 2009 Branson Reunion.
2010 HRA REUNION WILL BE AT THE OGDEN MARRIOTT HOTEL IN HOF’S SISTER CITY OF OGDEN, UTAH SEPTEMBER 6–11, 2010.