Camp Holloway Discussion Forum Archive 04 - 01/01/04 to 02/10/06

Re: Thanks for the ride
In Response To: Thanks for the ride ()

I've actually been writing this all day, just got the chance to finish it up....

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We had a great couple of days in DC !

My friend Billy and I got into DC around 11:00 on Thursday. We went to the wreath laying ceremony at the Wall and then met up with Gary Yeck and his wife in the afternoon (Gary went to flight school with Marty). Gary was a Dustoff Pilot and his wife a Nurse in Vietnam, great people. Together we walked the wall then headed over to the Smithsonian to see the "Price of Freedom" exhibit and 091. Ed Walsh and the others from Americas Huey did a great job making sure Marty's patch was visible at the display (Thanks Ed, Larry and everyone !). After a nice dinner we went back to the VHCMA Hospitality room and hooked up with everyone that had come in during the afternoon.

Ron, Bob, Shoofly, Pappy, Shakey, Lumpy, Tom F, John Krasnitski and Ed Walsh were there, along with others. I just missed Dave Fogg (sorry Dave, I really wanted to see you and say hi!).

Ron brought a surprise with him, a picture of 297 sitting in a revetment at Holloway. We now have our first picture of 297 for the site (THANKS RON !). We all stayed up late listening to stories and having a good time.

Friday we all went to the Smithsonian to see the exhibit, then made our way to the wall. Then over to the Vietnam Woman's memorial. Then it was back to the Hotel. We spent the rest of the night talking in Bob's room (except for going out and getting dinner).

Saturday we all headed over to Arlington National Cemetery. We watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (incredible). Then, Billy and I headed back to the Hotel for checkout and Bob, Ron, Shakey and Kras headed out to find Bob's family in the cemetery.

What a great time.

Ron, your stories were great and the memories you shared of Marty are priceless. I left DC already thinking about the next time we can get together (sooner than later I hope).

Tom, thank you and Lorraine soooo much for the hospitality room. I bet by Friday morning though, you were ready for the Florida sun again.

Shoofly, we'll be talking... :) Thanks for bringing Pappy with you. You need to get out to the shop and pick up that bike so the two of you are ready for Rolling Thunder next year.

Bob, thanks for staying up late and letting us drink all your Miller Lite ! You're a great friend Bob. Thanks for bringing Kras along to point out just how cushy you guys had it in Nam. If it wasn't for him, I might never have known ! I thought everyone had hooch maids !

Shakey, it was good to meet you, I'm glad you came down. Hell, we're all less than 4 hours apart. That's not far to drive to stir up trouble and ensure the east coast doesn't get too comfortable with itself.

Lumpy, you need to watch out what hardware you tuck into your pockets brother.... Not all security is like the Smithsonian's ! :) It is always good to see you.

I want to thank you guys, for everything. Never would I have thought I would learn so much about Marty AND be so honored to have gained a group of friends such as yourselves. Better people I have never met.

When's the next one !? :)

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