Delta Company 1/20
Delta Company, 1st Of The 20th, 11th Light Infantry Brigade
Americal Division
MINUTES OF THE FOURTH REUNION
DELTA COMAPANY 1/20th
Saturday, May 1, 2004
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
AWARDS
The official meeting of the Fourth Reunion of Delta Company 1/20th began at 1:30 p.m. with the presentation of certificates honoring the sacrifices of several people present. Recipients of these awards included Bonnie Walsh Ward (widow of Capt. Dave Walsh, Alpha Co.), Marge & Shirley Lovegren (mother and sister of David E. Lovegren), and Mary Lou and Chuck Freeman (widow and son of Charles Freeman). All of these awards were made by Delta Co. President, Alan Conger, with assistance from veterans present who themselves were participants in the stories represented. Delta Co. Treasurer, Bob McLellan, presented a certificate to Bill Howard, honoring the courage and spirit he has displayed over the years while suffering from wounds incurred during his service in the war. Alan then recognized Wayne Rhine, webmaster for Delta Company's website, with a certificate of appreciation for his great contributions in creating and maintaining www.DeltaCompany.org.
Following these awards, every veteran present at the reunion received a plaque describing the story and significance of the Purple Heart-"some gave all, all gave some"-a project that was coordinated and put together by Bob and Sheila Hatten. Any vet in attendance this year who had not been to the 2002 Reunion also received a framed copy of a letter from General Norman Schwartzkopf, thanking the men of Delta Company for their service to our country in Vietnam.
BUSINESS
Fifth Reunion of Delta Company 1/20th
Wendell Strode invited the group to consider relocating the reunion to Bowling Green, Kentucky, for the 2006 Reunion. The group voted to do so. The Fifth Reunion will take place in Bowling Green, April 27, 28, 29, 2006.
Delta Company 1/20th Flag
Prior to the business meeting, special guest Bonnie Walsh Ward presented to the men a flag that was flown in honor of Delta Company over the US Capitol on April 9, 2004. Delta Company members voted to consider the flag the property of the Delta Company 1/20th organization. It will be auctioned at every reunion henceforth on a rotating basis, its proceeds to be received as a donation to the organization. The flag will be stored in a shadow box and is to appear at each future reunion.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Bob McLellan reported that over the past two years the reunion fund, which started off with $2,364 at the end of the 2002 Reunion, grew to $5,694 with checks (donations) that came in throughout the months. After deductions of approximately $538 for pre-reunion costs, the current fund is $5,694. Bob stated that $4,100 would be paid to cover hotel costs, the DJ for Friday evening's entertainment, Saturday's food, and reimbursements, leaving $1,056 to go toward the 2006 Reunion. (Earnings from the auction following the business meeting came to $1,810; total funds leaving Pigeon Forge this day--$2,866.) Bob thanked the group for its generous support. Donations should be made out to Delta Company 1/20th Reunion, and mailed to Mac McLellan (Please use our contact form for Mac's mailing information). Please note Mac will be moving in a few months, and we will distribute his new address at that time.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The following were elected officers for the next two years:
President-Jason Wright Treasurer (for life)-Bob McLellan Vice-President-Wendell Strode Secretary-Freda Pounds
OTHER CAPACITIES
- Michael Wade, son of Top Wade, volunteered to work with the Company website as an inquiry director. Rich Karakis will serve as backup volunteer.
- Sherry Barger will remain Official Locator.
- Chuck Seketa was designated Delta Company Historian. He will research orders to maintain his chronologies. If anyone has any orders, please use our contact form.
ADJOURNMENT
The business meeting was adjourned at 3:50 p.m. for the Auction called by John Ewing.
Respectfully submitted,
Leslie Conger, Secretary
