Page 4 - MRN Winter 2018

Military Reunion Network | WINTER 2018 | #militaryreunionsmatter
TAHEHMEORNOGEUSS
A hero, by
definition, is “a
person who is
admired or idealized
for courage,
outstanding
achievements, or
noble qualities”. First for a tour. Hundreds of employees lined the
responders, and our
military come to
mind when the word
hero is bantered
about. We often see
them in the media
for their calm quick actions during panic and chaos.
Their commonality is the invisible line they cross
putting themselves in harm’s way to help others. It is
rare to meet them in person.
We have been lucky over the years to work
alongside an extraordinary group of heroes. It is
easy to call them heroes because of their support
of fellow veterans, and their enthusiasm to stay
connected. We are speaking of course about the
military reunion planner. They are admired for
their volunteerism, courage and ability in planning
military reunions year after year. Some inherit the
job, others are “volunteered”. Planning many or just
one, they are all heroes to us.
We had an opportunity to visit with several
planners recently about why they plan reunions,
what they get out of it and why it is important.
Exhausting, challenging, and stressful are just some
of the words that come up when we asked them
what it was like during the planning process.
Ralph Sulek served in the U.S. Navy from June
1968 to April 1972, spending his time aboard the
USS Hopewell DD-681 and the USS Kretchmer
DE/DER 329. “Military reunions are important
because they bring together people who have
4
shared a part of their lives together in a common
cause. They allow people to re-bond with fellow
shipmates and sometimes provide closure to things
which happened in the past.” During their 2015
Detroit Michigan reunion, the reunion attendees
were treated to an incredible welcome when they
entered the General Motors OnStar Headquarters
walkways of several floors that overlook the atrium
where attendees entered. The cheers and applause
continued until the last reunion attendee was
safely in the building seven minutes later. It was a
welcome they will never forget. Ralph commented,
“Many in our group had never received recognition
or appreciation for their service to our country.
Needless to say, that experience was the highlight
of the entire reunion.”
Connection and closure were mentioned by
almost every reunion planner we talked to. K
Appelgate said, “There are few human bonds like
the bonds between those who have worn the
uniform, the uniform of any service. Whether or
not you ducked enemy fire, you have all signed a
blank check given to our country, that whatever
is deemed necessary, you will do for our country,
even give up your life. Unless you have actually
done this, you can never know the comradery felt
by those who have. Reading about it or listening
to others tell about it will never give the true
feeling felt by those who have. There is a need
to come together and remember when we were
young and felt invincible and looked sharp in our
uniforms.” When asked why reunion are important,
K continued the theme of connection “There is
an inner need in most of us to be able to talk to
others about those days of the past. Talk in a way
and about things that those who did not serve
would understand. There is a NEED for us to talk to
EACH OTHER.” Mr Appelgate enlisted in August of
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