Reunions- OCS Class Hotel 515

November 7-9 Memory & Legacy Gathering - Arlington, Virginia

Bill Shugarts, Jack Mudd, Bob Boucher, Steve Zangwill, Tom Dilatush, Larry Creekmore, Tony Scarpino) conducted an In-Memory & Legacy Review Event. We are the only OCS class to have both a legacy plaque & bricks at the Army Musem.

We honored those who have gone ahead of us. Tom Dilatush used his special bell ringing it after each name was read.

We then toured the Army Museum, the Ft. Belvoir USO and the old OCR compound.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sept-Oct 2022 - London, Paris, Normandy and Dublin Trip

During September and October 2022, Larry Creekmore, Tom Dilatush, Donald (Buck) Bodwell and Bill Shugarts (self-named ,The four 515H amigos) took a sixteen day trip to Europe to visit and tour the Normandy D-day sites in France. The trip included stops at London, Paris and Dublin as well. The Normandy D-day tour experience and journey together embellished our friendship and has become a significant life experience for all of us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

515-H May 10-12, 2022 - Gathering of Eagles

We conducted a more intimate gathering attended by seven classmates (Roger Harris, Larry Creekmore, Tom Dilatush, Steve Zangwill, Tony Scarpino, Mike Kihn, Bill Shugarts) and four spouses (Nancy Creekmore, Linda Dilatush, Nikki Zangwill, Elaine Scarpino). All had a great time.

During our "ice breaker", each classmate was presented with a special challenge coin by an active-duty female Colonel from the Corps of Engineers that Roger befriended in the elevator. She was inspiring to talk with as were all the active-duty folks at the hotel. Two other colonels then joined us for the movie at the Army Museum the next day. It was very special for them to take time to hang out with us.

They had an Army unit seminar going on in the hotel via a few active-duty units in the Corps of Engineers. Our money was "no good" to buy drinks the entire evening thanks to these active-duty military in sharing "war stories". A few had dads that served in Vietnam.

The next day, we toured the new U.S. Army Museum at Ft. Belvoir, had a unique luncheon experience at Mission BBQ, a restaurant that caters to military, police, fire fighters and first responders followed by an exclusive tour of the Ft. Belvoir USO Center, our legacy bronze plaque/bricks and then a short drive over to the old OCR followed by and outstanding family style dinner at Maggiano's, Little Italy. The dinner was sponsored by Roger Harris, and we sincerely thank him for his generosity.

The smaller group actually worked well. Many comments about getting to talk more in depth and catch-up on each classmate's life journey.

Talk of another gathering is abundant now so see how we do as we age and gather. Enjoy a few pictures.

Be well folks! Bill Shugarts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50th Class Reunion - San Antonio, Texas - October 26 to 28, 2018

San Antonio, the home of the Alamo, was selected for our reunion site for its appealing, mid-country location and historical significance. San Antonio offers much to see, do, and offers a range of dining and shopping options.

We stayed at the San Antonio Embassy Suites River Walk - Downtown Hotel. The hotel is located on the banks of the famous San Antonio Riverwalk and within walking distance of all downtown attractions, entertainment, shopping and dining. The River Walk area is deemed by many visitors to be an extremely appealing area.

Thanks to Bob Barnes we received a fantastic discount from the hotel. The entire planning committee did a great job in providing a meaningful experience for all: Tom Dilatush, Bill Shugarts, Mike Kihn, Bob Barns, Larry Creekmore, Dan Russell, Jack Mudd, Bob Cournoyer.

On Friday morning, early arrivals were treated to an architectual history walk sponsored by Mike Kihn. Friday evening we met for cocktails in the hotel lounge, and scattered in small groups to sample San Antonio's diverse eateries. Saturday was filled with walks along the river, boat rides, brewery visits, shopping and, of course, a visit to the Alamo. Saturday evening we met in a private room at the Longhorn Steakhouse, for and outstanding meal planned by the reunion committee. Sunday we met for breakfast at the hotel and said our farewells, promising to do this all over again in another awesome local.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Memory Ceremony - Washington D. C. Jun 16-17, 2017

On June 16 and 17 Roger Harris, Bill Shugarts and Mike Kihn, representing 515-Hotel Company, were joined by Mary Hamma, her family and friends to celebrate - during the 2017 In Memory Ceremony at the Vietnam War Memorial - the life and memory of Donald Hamma, who died on Father's Day 2016 of causes related to his service in Vietnam. The two days were devoted, in part, to remembering, as Bill has put it, Don and "his famous phrase to us all at various times ' "I could care less" ' which really meant he cared about us all so that we received the highest caliber training to be able to perform in extreme circumstances" and, in part, to helping Mary and her daughters Kristine and Lindsey cope with the passing of their husband and father.

On Friday we visited the Memorial Wall and placed a plaque and a dozen yellow roses there in honor of our brothers, including Don, who are no longer with us. On Saturday approximately 15 Hamma family members and friends, along with nearly 1000 other participants, attended the In Memory Ceremony to celebrate the lives of more than 400 Vietnam Veterans who died of war related causes during the past year.

The two days were both emotional and poignant. But in a certain sense, because they were also full of shared memories of Don, our other TAC officers, Officer Candidate School experiences and Hamma family history, they were also uplifting. As you can imagine there were both tears and laughter - often at the same time. Following the ceremony we convened for lunch and, then, said our goodbyes.

A note that Mary wrote following the ceremony and the weekend indicated how much it meant to her and her daughters, Kristine and Lindsey and how important to them were our recollections of Don's role - for the most part unknown to them - as an OCS TAC officer at Fort Belvoir.

I would be remiss if I did not state that this event would not have occurred without Roger's many conversations with Mary, which convinced her to attend the Ceremony and invite her family members. Also, at Roger's request, Carol Fox wrote an eloquent letter to Mary describing her own valued experience at an In Memory Ceremony and urging Mary to attend. Of course, Bill's work as a volunteer guide at the Memorial Wall, his connection with the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Fund and his leg work in arranging our daily agenda were key to the endeavor;s success.

Poster honoring our fallen brothers

Mary Hamma with daughters Lindsey and Kristen

Bill, Roger and Mike

Color Guard

Prayer - Mike

Lindsey & Kristen Hamma

Don Hamma Plaque

Roger adressing Hamma family

Mary Hamma, family & friends

A Gathering of Eagles - Washington, D. C. June 18-19, 2015

We gathered together to honor our fallen brothers.

Attendees at the OCS compound area on Ft. Belvior

Ted Aragon's son and grand-daughter

The Bodwells and Barnes's

Bob Barnes and Dan Russell

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March 2015 - Viet Nam

Please find the attached March 2015 Vietnam Trip summary for a special delegation going back to Vietnam. We have been working on this special itinerary with Global Spectrum Travel (Fairfax, VA) for the last few months since our reunion here in Washington, DC. Global Spectrum Travel (http://www.globalspectrumtravel.com/) has been doing trips/delegations/mission trips like this over the last 20 years.

Moreover, GST specializes in this part of the world offering unique advantages and opportunities for travelers of all kinds--tourists, veterans, families of veterans, spouses, college and university professors, students, businessmen and businesswomen. A few of the many unique travel venues/opportunities on this trip include a special audience with the Joint Task Force Military Unit in Hanoi, Vietnam that continues to search for our missing soldiers from the Vietnam War and a special trip to Khe Sanh via one of GCSF's projects (school, library) as well as many other unique opportunities in Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and the Mekong Delta. Folks, this delegation opportunity, humbly speaking, is a once in a lifetime opportunity and can allow for closing the chapter on Vietnam for many of us.

Please review the materials in the Word docs below and let me know if you plan to travel with us. We have 4-5 months to work the logistics with a requirement to have payments into Global Spectrum travel by January 1st, 2015. They require payments 60 days in advance of travel plus airline reservations will be needed as well.

Also, we chose these early March dates to take advantage of temperate weather throughout Vietnam generally speaking as we will be going from the North to the South and crossing three different regions/weather systems of sorts. The neat thing is you will see the various regions of Vietnam and many areas we as veterans never got to see when in-country such as the Cu Chi Tunnels.

I have also attached an exchange of questions I have had with Global Spectrum Travel this week which might answer several other things while considering this unique opportunity. Hope that helps too. Please ask any questions and we can go from there.

One thing I forgot to mention, I have traveled with Global Spectrum Travel twice before with veterans delegations back to Vietnam and GST really does the best job integrating the war and the cultural things that most tourists see but enhancing it with special activities and tours which can enabling healing and closing the chapter. They do more than battlefields (they do these as well) making it a more universal experience. Our delegation will travel from the North to the South and places in between in a really beautiful country. "Vietnam a Country not a War" is one of the slogans used in Vietnam these days where Americans & veterans are sincerely welcomed!

Finally, I will also be utilizing similar communications and administrative techniques that we used via our reunion in leading this delegation. They seemed to work and should enable us to form a nice travel team and have a great trip.

Thanking you in advance for your careful consideration of a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Sincerely yours,

Bill Shugarts

August 2015 Normandy WW II Trip

This is a trip to visit the locations at Normandy guided by Carver and Marianne McGriff.

Attached is the itinerary as it currently stands. Some adjustments may be made but the basic sights that we will visit are listed. We would leave on Wednesday, August 25 and return September 2, 2015. The projected cost of the trip is $3600.00 per person in double occupancy. We will be able to add some days on the beginning or end of the trip for those who might want to spend more time in Europe and we can help with upgrades or frequent flier miles.

The trip includes round trip airfare from Indianapolis, bus transportation in France, Seven nights in 5 star hotels, all Museum admissions, daily breakfast, a gourmet lunch and closing dinner.

I wanted to give you the first chance to confirm a spot on the trip before we email this to a larger group. If you want to be on the list, please mail a refundable deposit check for $500 per person by Sept. 1st made out to TRAVEL TO REMEMBER and mailed to Robert Zehr, 621 Timber Mill Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46260. Print and complete the attached registration form and mail it with your check. After Sept. 1, we will begin to send information to a larger list and I feel certain the trip will fill very quickly. .

Steve Furste

515 H Flag - created for the 2014 Reunion

515 H hat and shirts- created for the 2014 Reunion

Buck Bodwell, Jeff Fishman and Mike Kihn

Steve Furste, Dan Russell, Jeff Fishman, Bill Shugarts, Tom Dilatush and Bob Barnes

Peter Gagarin, Jack Mudd, Margaret Mudd, Gale Gagarin

Larry Creekmore, Buck and Carol Bodwell

Jim Silhasek, Tom Richards, Peter Gustavson

Stu Eaton, Dan Russell, Tom Dilatush and Ron Garner

Charlie Sprinkle and Bill Oster

Jack Lowery and Kevin Moran

Craig Lampe's son Stewart, wife Janis and sister Allyson Hopkins

Carol Fox

Charlie Sprinkle, Nancy and Larry Creekmore

515 H Flag and Memorabilia table

Lt. Dan Russell's locker and uniform display

Wreath placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Shugarts, Fishman, Creekmore and Bodwell placing wreath

Russell and Kihn place 515H wreath at the Viet Nam Memorial

Yellow roses placed for our deceased class members

515 H display at the Viet Nam Memorial

Fishman and Russell talking with Elizabeth and Bob Dole at WW II memorial

Tom Richards explains the layout of the Belvoir OCS compound

Ft. Belvoir OCS compound area as it looks in 2014

515 H reunion members at the OCS compound

"Call an Ambulance!" I think we're going to need it.

Dinner at the Ft. Belvoir Officer's Club

Cake anyone?

Roger that was trival!

Jack Mudd, Bob Boucher and Dick LaFontaine - hanging with the Tacs

Tom Dilatush toasts the company and reunion committee

Larry Creekmore explains the OCS training program

Dan Russell introduces the 515H legacy concept

Tac Gustavson addresses the troups

Tac Silhasek

Tac Richards returns the 2nd Platoon flag

Bill Shugarts thanks the reunion committee

Challenge coins Bill Shugarts presented to the participants

Dick LaFontaine, Len Floren, Bob Boucher and Susan Regis (Len's wife)

At the Marine Corps Museum

Retired Marine General Bill Weise briefs 515H

1LTs from left to right...Floren, Atkinson, De Long and Hatfield

1LTs Dan Russell and Bob Barnes, Vung Tau, Viet Nam 1970

1LTs Mark DeLong and Dan Russell, Long Bin Viet Nam 1970

John Van Nostrand, Kirby Atkinson and Tom Harvey 1970
Post Viet Nam visit with Len Floren

Dan Russell, Stephen Furste and friend - Eli Lilly - 1984

Bill Shugarts and Buck Bodwell - Quantico Marine Museum - May, 2013

Kirby Atkinson and Larry Creekmore - Monroe, Georgia - June, 2013

Bill Shugarts and Roger Harris - Quantico Marine Museum - June, 2013

Dick Eberhart and Buck Bodwell - Royal Thai Restaurant Dallas, Tx - July, 2013

Bill Shugarts and Mike Kihn - Viet Nam War Memorial - July, 2013

Bill Shugarts and Jeff Fishman- Quantico Marine Museum - August, 2013

Tom Harvey and Len Floren - L'Escale Restaurant, Greenwich, Ct. - August, 2013

Dan Russell and Steve Furste - Harry and Izzy's Restaurant, Indianapolis, In. - September, 2013

Buck Bodwell and Roger Harris - Boychiks Deli - Glen Allen, Va. - September, 2013

Buck Bodwell, Laura and Bob Barnes - Salisbury Country Club - Richmond Va. - September, 2013

Dan Russell, Bill Shugarts, Steve Furste - Nordstroms Bistro Restaurant - Indianapolis, IN - September, 2013

Mark DeLong, John Hatfield, Tom Harvey, Kirby Atkinson and Len Floren - Washington, D.C.- October, 2013

Mark DeLong Tom Harvey, - Eden Park, Cincinatti, Oh.- November 2013

David Callan and Bill Shugarts - Spingfield, Va..- December 2013

Susan Regis (Len's wife) and Mark DeLong, Susie DeLong and Len Floren - Alfresco Restaurant - Palm Beach, Florida - March, 2014

August 2014 Mini-Reuniton - Bill Shugarts, Jeff Fishman and Tom Dilitush

July Mini-Reuniton - Bill Shugarts and Bill Oster