Branson 2010

Year One of our new policy of annual reunions was tremendously successful.  Attendance was considerably higher than I had expected for our first attempt at this concept.  A total of 43 Bears, wives and friends populated our Hospitality Room where the war stories got evermore exciting as they tend to do from year to year.  Everyone seemed to like the new annual reunion policy so much so that the idea was unanimously reaffirmed at this year's business meeting.  The bottom line is if you haven't yet managed to make it to a Little Bear reunion, you should double down your efforts to make it happen for you.  If you are one who just isn't quite sure if you want to attend for whatever reason, rest assured you are not alone with that dilemma.  There have traditionally been a few members at each past reunion that experienced a similar emotional predicament, finally took the leap and were more than delighted that they did.  These things are a gathering of lifetime friends who mutually enjoy four wonderful days of reminiscing, meeting new people, entertainment and some pretty good food.  At least the food is getting better as we learn our way around Branson.

If finances are the concern, keep in mind that there are numerous ways of getting in on this reunion thing without breaking the bank.  The only required payment to the association for the privilege of attending is the small per person hospitality fee to help cover refreshments and snacks in our Hospitality Room.  Traditionally it has been less than $20 per attendee for the entire event.  This year it was $15.  In other words, you can forgo the planned entertainment package expenses entirely.  I don't recommend it but it can be done and a few folks have done it that way and still had a great time just "hangin' out" in the Hospitality Room.  You can also arrange your own lodging to better fit your budget if you desire.  Some folks brought their RVs.  You don't even have to attend all four days.  Some have attended only two days.  Heck, do one day if you want.  Just do it!  All kinds of financial flexibility are available to you.  If you have questions, call me and I'll get it answered one way or the other.  So keep all of that in mind for next year.  Remember too that Branson is sort of in the middle of the country so nobody has to traverse the entire continent to join us.  It's one of the reasons we chose it as our home base.  This thing is highly doable, folks.  Also, don't forget, some direct flights to Branson are now available.  If you are a flyer, take advantage of it.  You're running out of excuses not to join us.  Besides, we're not getting any younger either!

This year's schedule, as in year's past, included a lot of open time for attendees to do their own thing.  I believe we tend to like this type of "free time" schedule as opposed to the jam-packed overly choreographed style of doing things.  At least no one has complained about it to any great extent so we plan to continue with the same format at future reunions.

The Grand Plaza Hotel once again provided our accommodations.  Not much new there with the exception of what we initially thought was a tornado that partially ripped open the hotel's entry doors and made a small mess of any loose objects lying around the mezzanine and lobby areas.  A little scary to say the least but it turned out to only be a very high wind condition rather than a tornado.  The storm system it was attached to however was the same one that reeked tornado havoc throughout the southeastern US that same night.  We just caught the very early stages of it.

Speaking of accommodations, the executive board is currently looking into the feasibility of moving our choice of hotel to the Hilton on Branson Landing by the lake.  Right now the idea is only in the negotiation stages but we are trying to improve our program each year, including accommodations.  Stay tuned for further developments in this area.

The scheduled shows this year were all very good as usual but the last one was phenomenal!  Probably the most entertaining of any we have ever attended in Branson.  It was called the Pierce Arrow Show comprised of a quartet of gospel singers who were OK but interlaced with them was a comedy routine that had everyone in stitches from beginning to end.  Fabulous!  That show alone was worth the trip.   The other two shows we attended were country singer Clay Cooper with a variety show and, thirdly, a very high-energy, fast-paced musical of 50s and 60s hit songs called Shake, Rattle and Roll.  Both shows were very entertaining.  The variety of the three shows prevented any kind of predictability with the entertainment package.  That's a good thing to accomplish.  Well, there is a predictable aspect to these shows and that is their never-ending support, appreciation and recognition of all military veterans in their audiences.  I think we all enjoy the recognition and truly appreciate their patriotic support.

Our memorial service this year was shortened a bit and moved to precede our Saturday lunch instead of the planned dinner banquet.  Jim Howd provided a beautifully composed and delivered invocation that I wish we had recorded.  Excellent job, Jim!!

Repeating last year's new tradition, Ron Hall provided us all with individual copies of his commemorative poster of the 2010 reunion.  We all exchanged signatures on our respective copies.  The original framed poster was raffled off to one lucky winner and the proceeds of which were cheerfully added to our general fund.  Ron also produced our own version of "The Wall" in a framed poster format bearing the names of all Little Bears who were killed in action as well as the names of those who have since departed after tour.  Very nice job, Ron.  Thank you.

The meal package proved to be a marked improvement over last year.  We're learning as we go in this area but I think we're definitely getting better at it as we familiarize ourselves with the local choices.  It takes time to sort this stuff out.  The standout this year was our closing dinner on the lake.  It was an excellent catered dinner on a "cruise" boat at Branson Landing.  The weather was a little touch and go for a while but ultimately turned out to be reasonably cooperative so that we could actually leave dock and cruise.

Once again, some of us believe that our departed fellow Bears may have played a part in our reunion.  Their timing is impeccable!  The dinner cruise boat was shared by another private party consisting of a family with about six kids in tow ranging in age from about four to, I guess, ten years of age.  As they made their way past us to their own private room, apparently one of the kids asked their parents/escorts who we were.  To make a rather long story short, Jim Howd ended up spending a considerable amount of time to sit with them and explain exactly who we were and what we did.  That effort prompted the kids to ask if they could shake hands with and thank each of us individually for our service to the country.  Needless to say, there weren't too many dry eyes in the place when that took place.  There were even some hugs here and there.  It was very nice, to say the very least and set a fantastic mood for the remainder of the dinner.  Welcome Home Boys!

It was a good four days and a great time!  If you weren't there, you should have been.  For those who attended this year, I extend a very hearty thanks all around and hope to see each of you again next year.  For those who couldn't make it this year, I certainly encourage you to join us next year.  Please do give it a shot.

Until then, have a great healthy year.