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From October 30th to November, 2007  VR-24 had a reunion at the Hampton Inn on Pensacola Beach, Florida. This was my first VR-24 reunion and I really enjoyed myself. Colette had a good time, too.

This is the Hampton Inn where we held the reunion. Not only was it comfortable and the staff incredibly accommodating, it also sits right on the Gulf of Mexico. This photo was taken from the beach. We all had a fine time here.

We all served together as enlisted men back in the 1960s. It was absolutely wonderful seeing the guys again, even the one’s I didn’t remember!

Sam Todd and Stoney Compton. I don’t know what happened; Sam got old! Sam was the best boss I ever had, he could have hung me many times over and just let me skate…  Sam really worked hard on the 2007 Reunion and a bunch of us have offered to help for 2008 in San Diego.

This is me and Ken Balderston, who was a Lieutenant when I was an Airman. Ken really worked at finding old shipmates - he found me before I found him!

Being a shameless author, I had Baen (thanks Marla!) Books ship 20 books to me in Pensacola. Over the course of four days I sold 16 of them. Colette had the sign made for me, I just love it. This was where I signed books during the reunion.

Ken pulls out his money while I sign his book. Bill Hilton points out that he bought the book long before the reunion! (Bless him!)

Jud buys a book. I think he wanted to make sure I was "all right" before he spent money on my work. I’m happy to say that I passed muster! Jud and I overlapped at VR-24 Det but we never hung out together. Trust me, that has changed!

Bill and Helen Hilton of Boulder, Colorado, they got married when Bill was still in VR-24!

Bill and the rest of us lost Helen in March, 2008. She was a true lady, gentle and accepting, and we all will miss her terribly.

Jim Quinn and Karen Caldwell watch the action but Jud attends to the business at hand.

Jud and Karen Caldwell of Kentucky. Together for 3+ decades.

 

Jim and Carolyn Yates are the only couple among us who own sailboats. They are spending the winter in the Caribbean… good on you, folks!

Bill Hilton chats with Jim and Carolyn Yates at the banquet.

 

Jim and Lydia Quinn chat with Carolyn Yates. Jim has turned into a chronic golfer and there’s no cure in sight.

He seems at peace with the affliction, however.

Me and my wonderful Colette.

Every man in this photo served in VR-24 Detachment, Napoli between 1946 and 1994.

…and Sam Todd, too. Sam and Jodi Daron were the real organizers of the event.

We all owe both of them a great deal. Jodi worked hard to make this all happen, and she’s never even been to Italy!

Where were we in ‘65? Bella Napoli, that’s where!

                               

One of the prominent fixtures of the Gulf Coast. She didn’t have much to say but actions speak louder than words. I think there’s more than a little silicone involved here.