Well, the Little Bears invaded Missouri again and found Branson to be about the same as it was in 2005.  It’s hilly, a fun place to visit and a great place for a military reunion.  They love us there!  True patriotism abounds!  No two ways about it.  And the association decided that we like it as much as they like us so, henceforth, Branson, MO is now our official home base.

Twenty five bears made the assault this year with most being accompanied by wives or lady friends.  We didn't ask questions.  They came from the cardinal points of what's left of this country and from as far away as Australia.  Not a bad showing given the condition of our economy.  Some couldn't make it this year because of nagging health issues.  We missed them dearly.  Maybe the next reunion guys.

Being a grizzled group of aging adults, we had a fairly open agenda on tap to allow for more freedom of choice regarding activities.  Everyone seemed to enjoy the freedom to do what they wanted during the generous schedule of open time.  Most took advantage of the evening’s schedules which were filled with terrific entertainment, mostly adequate cuisine and some good story telling in the hospitality room into the wee hours.  Those who opted out spent the time in the hospitality room making sure that the liquid spirits didn't have time to get warm or stale.  The war stories and memories get better at every reunion.  One of these days, we'll have that war won!  There seemed to be a sense of a little more camaraderie this time as well.  People seemed more open and willing to share experiences.  That is, after all, the whole purpose of these gatherings.

There were some good natured grumblings about a teetotaler being in charge of acquiring the spirits and beverages for the hospitality room but that can be easily rectified by assigning the task to the first person to complain about it next year.

Evening shows included the Presley's Jubilee which has nothing to do with Elvis but is instead a very talented family of performers and musicians who provided a full two hours of exceptional entertainment.  Everyone enjoyed it.  Next in the lineup was SIX.  That's it.  SIX!  No orchestra or musical instruments of any kind.  Just six real brothers performing acappella including all of the beats and sounds of instrumental accompaniment.  An incredible show!

Then there was the stroll down memory lane at the unbelievable collection of mint condition 1957 cars.  '57 Heaven it was called and for good reason.  Talk about memories!  Gave some folks goose bumps!

Our final evening banquet and memorial service was held at the Grand Plaza Hotel restaurant and included a surprise performance by a children's song and dance group led by an Air Force retiree and capped by a patriotic finale.  The Air Force dude got rightfully harassed but did a good job of standing his ground.  All in good fun.

Secretary Ron Hall designed and produced a wonderful commemorative poster for this year's reunion which was signed by all attendees and presented to president Garry Paris in appreciation for his undying devotion to duty with the association.  Unsigned copies of the poster were then given to each remaining member who then attained their own set of signatures from anyone they could corner in the waning minutes of the reunion.  Great keepsakes.

The memorial service included our missing man table setting for one with its heart-wrenching symbolism read aloud by Ben Brint standing in for Ron Hall.  All of the names of our fallen and departed comrades-in-arms were then individually read aloud by Larry Raschella, Ben Brint and Ron Hall with Larry Muntz ringing one chime of the bell with each name read.  You will have to attend the next reunion to learn what happened next but we definitely ended on a high note and eager for our next gathering.

On the business end of things, there are some significant changes happening that should play a role in future Little Bear reunions at Branson, especially in terms of attendance.  First and foremost, is the fact that annual reunions are now the order of the day for The Little Bear Association.  You read it correctly.  We have decided to try annual reunions in Branson, MO to see if we can draw more members to the association and of course to the reunions.  We're not getting any younger!  If for some reason the plan doesn't work, we're flexible enough to change it back.  But Branson is a good little affordable annual weekend getaway to put on your schedule so why not spend it with your fellow Bears?

Secondly, Branson is soon opening its own brand spanking new airport which should alleviate the common complaint that Branson is too difficult a destination to reach.  This new airport should soon bring down air fares to allow more members easier and more affordable access to future reunions.  So, stay tuned.  Give things a chance to settle down and check out new travel options into Branson in 2010 and beyond.  Reunions will continue to be held in April of each year, with next year's reunion now scheduled for 21 April thru 25 April, 2010.  We want you there!