Our reunion began with check-in, and everyone received ticket for their events, paid for tours, dues & tours. We had a bit of a problem with the Marines recalling some of the rooms because the Commandant extended his visit and they needed the space. Anyone that has ever served with the Marines knows this is par for the course and unavoidable. They did however arrange rooms at other local facilities and paid the difference. This was a little inconvenient but as all good Corpsman we adapted and overcame. Paul & Suzy opened their suite for the hospitality room, which was quite busy most of the time.

We toured the base on Thursday, the new Marine Corps Museum that did feature an exhibit dedicated to the "Docs", it was a little dark so hopefully someone got some good pics (Pictures can be posted at our Photobucket Account, also printed and copied if you want them). From there we went for lunch at the chow hall, same as I remember it. Lunch was followed by a tour of HMX-1 demo and brief, this is the presidents helicopter squadron. They opened the birds for touring, pictures and questions, very impressive and comfortable, not like the ones I used to fly in. He actually has CH53E (Sea Stallions) and CH46E (Sea Knights), I thought he only had the Sea Stallions but the Sea Knights carry reporters and staff not close to the President. We toured one of three dispensaries aboard the base, and it was quite impressive, the radiology dept is totally digital with no film to be found.

This evening we went to Fredricksburg for a dinner cruise aboard a paddleboat on the Potomac River was quite relaxing with great food, company and even dancing.

On Friday we boarded buses (very early for most at 0700) for a trip to Bethesda and lunch at the Chief's Club. When we returned we had our general meeting that went well. Some of the major events were not merging with Corpsman United at this time, still open for discussion in the future and changing of the 2008 reunion from Great Lakes to Corpus Christi, TX. Minutes will be posted when completed.

The banquet was held with cocktail hour followed by dinner. There were many, many door prizes handed out and a 50/50 raffle to help offset some unexpected additional cost.

On Saturday we again boarded buses (not so early) for Washington DC, we got a tour of the city a couple of times as the drivers got lost and some streets were closed off for an antiwar protest. Once at Union Station everyone was provided tickets for the Tourmobile and went to see whatever they wanted and board/reboard at their leisure. Following a long day everyone rested and hung out at the hospitality room.

On Sunday Awtrey Peace put together a great Memorial Service that was very fitting.  This was followed by a farewell breakfast at the Clubs of Quantico Marathon Room.

I think all would agree this reunion was great, with good comradery, new friendships and many new members.