Bob Polakowski called to inform us that we should be hearing from our contact for the reunion.  This individual a former WWII Marine has been instrumental in helping Marine organizations get oriented with the motels in our planned reunion area.

The reunion dates are May 14, 15, 16, 17 and leave on the 18th.  It will be held at the Crossroads Inn in Quantico VA.  Rooms are $69.00 (no tax), and have refrigerators, microwaves and coffee makers.  There is an outside swimming pool.  

To make Reservations at the Inn, call: Jackie Holder, Mgr - 1-800-965-9511, and mention that this is a VMB 613 Reservation and the Group Number for VMB 613 Reservations is Group No. 1197. 

You fly into Reagan International Airport and there are shuttles to the Inn.

Many plans are still being formed but we will have buses to take us to special events.  On Thursday we'll visit monuments, Friday H&I Headquarters, and attendees will see the Marine Corps Band and Silent Drill Team.

Some members have already started to alert us as to their ability to attend.

To maintain contact with Bob and let him know you are coming here is his address and telephone number:

Robert Polakowski

118 N Wilson

Kimberly, WI 54136

920-788-2988

Bob telephoned the other day to say that the Motel is doing everything possible to get room space for members who are endeavoring to make the reunion.  Space has become available at other motels not too far from the Main Hotel and when ever a room does become available at the Reunion Motel the Staff endeavors to contact a squadron member to make them aware of the opportunity for a room.

NOTES FROM MEMBERS

Heard from Joe Yakawich's son, LtCol Joseph Yakawich, U.S. Army, who had just returned rom Afghanistan a couple of weeks ago.  He had been talking to his Dad whom he said was plowing through the Montana winter just fine and is doing well.  He told his Dad he would pass on his regards to us.

Foster Cummings says hello and regards to all.  We discussed the amenities available at Quantico for the Reunion and based upon past reunion events the facility is able to accommodate our organization without any space problems.  He did mention that DC Clay is endeavoring to drive to the reunion with his brother as a co-pilot.

Heard from Peggy Gutshall who passed on the word that Gerry had his other knee replacement completed.  He was at the Lutheran Home for PT after the operation.  There are high hopes he can go to Health South for PT and if not there back to this convalescent home for a few weeks of rehab, before he comes home.

All their spring and summer plans will hinge on how soon he will be able to get around independently.

Heard from Jim Milhousen who says hello and regards to all.  He reported that he is having Macular Degeneration problems and is getting shots monthly in an effort to stabilize the matter.

Heard from Jack Barton who says hello and regards to all.  He reported that his health continues to hold up very well.  The Doctor told him he has another fifteen 15 years - but who's counting!

Jack hears from Bob Litzau every so often and all is well with him.  His biggest problem though is his winter fuel bill for heating.

Heard from Randy Clow who says hello and regards to all.  He has been in touch with Red Nelson who reported that he is working hard at Rehab.

Heard from Charlie Cosbey who says hello and regards to all.  He said that he remembers when he joined VMB 613 in Newport, Ark and the ride across Texas and the Pacific Ocean to the beautiful island of Kwajalein.  It was quite an experience for him since he had never been away from home before.

He added that he had good times in the Marine Corps and most of them were in VMB 613.

Charlie added that his health is very good except for arthritis, but he does get around with two canes.  For longer trips he is able to get around in a conversion van that transports a Bruno electric four wheel scooter with electric door and ramp.  This scooter allows him to move around the chopping centers with ease.

He and his son were able to get to Quantico to visit the Marine Corps Museum and took two days to see everything.  This was on the Marine Corps Birthday on 10 November.  He recommends that all members take this Marine Corps Museum Trip.

He was amazed to see that the Japanese rifles on display at the Museum were different than the one he brought home.  He said that his gun came from the assortment of rifles that our planes brought in from Ponape.

Gil Peavey says hello and regards to all.  All continues well with him and he is waiting for the spring and summer weather to arrive so that he can sit around and take in the warmer weather along with some walking.

Lester Robinson says hello and regards to all.  All continues well with him.