B/3/20 Reunion

                   GET READY!!!! Reunion 2025

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    GET READY!          GET READY!            GET READY!            GET READY!           GET READY!

                                 

 

Brothers: I know that each of you remembers what went through your mind when you heard these words coming from the Jumpmaster.  It sure brings back GREAT memories for me, and I hope that you all feel the same.  With that, I want to REMIND you that we have booked the American Legion Post in Plant City – see below – for March 29^th and want to ask that you start sending your checks in sooner rather than later.  It really helps us to get a realistic head count for ordering food.

 

NOTE of GRATEFUL APPRECIATION: I want you all to know that without Darryl Schumacher there would be no Reunion! He continues to contribute tirelessly in the planning and preparation for every Reunion!

 

Last year’s indoor Reunion was so well received that we are going to continue with Darryl’s American Legion Post for our venue going forward. 

For all you history buffs, 20th Group was officially organized on February 15, 1963 – so we’re 62-years old!

The new location is going to make the planning – and contingencies – way easier and will be hopefully more comfortable and keep the sun off our thinning hair and the rain off our shoulders!

 

Okay, here is the SUMMARY:

WHEN:  Saturday, March 29^th, 2025 – 1200 -1700 hours 

WHERE:  American Legion Post 26 (Plant City) 

    2207 W. Baker St., Plant City, FL509 N. Park Road, Plant City 33563.  

NOTE: It’s just a little south of I-4 off the Thonotosassa Exit

 

PRICE:  $25 per person. Please make checks out to Chris Bell – for B/3/20 Reunion and mail to address shown below.

 

 

We are looking forward to seeing each of you and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or ideas…

 

 De Oppresso Liber

 

MSG(R) Chris R. Bell, Special Projects Officer

1111 Jungle Avenue North

St. Petersburg, FL 33710-4327

(727) 244-1016

"It is easy and most common to run from our fears.  To turn and face the fear is rare, but to step towards it, is truly a measure of courage. The Green Berets" – LTC Kevin Holbrook, 1^st SFGA

 

SPECIAL NOTE:

I am forwarding - see below – a very interesting email from “Big John” Harris for all of us that utilized Avon Park as a training site.  Additionally, please see the attached map to further identify the affected areas.

Subject: Agent Orange testing at Eglin AFB and Avon Park

 <Eglin agent orange Map-of-Test-Area-C-52A-and-adjoining-area-of-the-Eglin-AFB-Reservation-showing-streams-in.png>

From: montymoe@aol.com <montymoe@aol.com>

Chris,

Yesterday I saw a short You tube episode in reference to testing Agent Orange in Florida previous to and during the Viet Nam War.  Today I wanted to check it out, began reading some additional information at on line sites, and it would seem that as late as 1970 testing took place at range CR52 (see map)... this looks suspiciously like the area we trained in around '74. 

Do you remember the details and or have any operational maps of the area.. I know we stage at the Defuniak High School and were inserted by RB15's across Choctawhatchee Bay.. and spent the next 9-10 days war gaming in that area... I didn't check the Avon Park areas.

Interesting and perhaps something to follow.. plenty of online source information... The DOD also sprayed around Bushnell in development of the various herbicides, which contained any number of dioxins.

You might share with others, especially if they were not in the VN area, yet developed some after effects that might be connected.  

Just a thought..

Best, & Happy New Year.

Big John