From a PopaSmoke Wife

Reunion 2000

A Reunion of brothers….

no longer boys-

have come with their memories,

some war stories and joys.

A hug…a smile, and even a tear…

“Oh, my God…it’s YOU, man!”

“I’m so glad you’re here!”

Time has flown past them…

-adding gray to their hair;

but the years melt like vapor

when their stories they share.

What they see are the young men,

who were brave in the war-

who flew with great courage,

and honored their Corps.

Their pride and their honor

have kept their hearts young…

and their voices swell proudly,

when their beloved Hymn is sung.

They wear the Corps colors,

and their squadron design-

and they’re back in their ‘copters-

transported through time.

Some came for healing…

or the fun day and night;

or friendships to rekindle

with their comrades in flight.

Their commitment to “mission”

the years just can’t erase…

and their true affection for

one another

brings a smile to my face.

Vietnam is just a memory…

far away, in the past…

yet permanent,

and changeless-as if, in iron, cast.

We shared that distant time

and place,

my dear Marine and I -

And I can tell when he’s ‘there’…again

by that ‘far away look’…and the tear in his eye.

Many miles were then between us,

but we were close in our love,

as I prayed for his safety

to Our Father above.

“The Change is Forever”,

it’s true what they say…

MY Marine is now young again-

‘cause he’s with his

 brothers today!

But, some guys didn’t

make it back…

their sacrifice…the ultimate gift.

For honor and country –

our thanks….and praises we lift.

So, Semper Fidelis!  Farewell!

…’til we meet again …

And may God richly bless

these Marines…these brothers…

these men!

by

Joyce Laux

(Wife of Peter Laux- VMO3/HML367)

The Reunion is underway and all are cleared in to LZ Party. VMO-3's banner has the duty at the check in desk.

Squadron Check in table with the fine artwork of Mike Kujawa in prominent display

Peter Laux  Scarface Reunion coordinator...Coordinating

Peter Laux developing his coordinating skills...

Ron Zaczek (VMO-3) and his lovely wife Grace handling the mid watch.  Ron is the Author of FAREWELL DARKNESS an outstanding book published by the Naval Institute Press.  Many of the faces seen on these pages appear in his book.

Vick Martinez VMO-3 checking in

Views from the LZ

L-R  Dick Moskun and his wife Hazel, Ron Zaczek and his wife Grace and Vick Martinez. VMO-3s finest.  Pay no attention to the logo behind the crew chiefs.

Scarface Squadron pilots from left Sid Baker, Paul Williams and Roland Scott reunited after 30 years.  Sid flew on the notorious "Tailwind" mission when Scarface led one of the greatest and most successful SOG missions of the war.  All four Scarface Cobras deployed on the mission were hit repeatedly by enemy fire but amazingly none were lost.  The Marine CH53's on the mission were not so fortunate and two were lost due to enemy fire. Roland Scott's uncle flew with the Flying Tigers in China and wrote "God Is My Copilot". Photo copyright 2000 Mark Byrd

Joe Driscoll another SCARFACE pilot speaking with Bill Shelton former CO FOB Phu Bai.  Honored guest Major An speaking with Joyce Laux, Jenelle Byrd and Mrs. An.  Joe was a Scarface Pilot who flew the Tailwind mission and helped to set the record straight during the CNN botch up.

Scarface pilot and Author Randy Crew. Randy has written an excellent novel based on his experiences and is another one that should be in your libraries.  The title is  "A KILLING SHADOW" by ARTEC Publishing.

Daily Report Scarface Reunion 2000

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                                                    Copyright © 1999 by [SCARFACE-USMC.ORG]. All rights reserved.
                                                  Thanks 

                                             Brad Ryti  bryti@scarface-usmc.org .

                                          SEMPER FI