2002 Reunion

Little Rock Arkansas was the site of the 84th Annual Reunion of the 90th Division Association from August 29 through September 1. It was a typically hot summer in Little Rock but it made no difference as the Double Tree Hotel was cool and inviting. More than 400 people gathered for the reunion in this hot southern city. The hotel was first class and the staff were very courteous and efficient.

Early bird registration took place on Thursday and a general get together of all those who came early took place in a room that had memorabilia for us to examine. A very complete set of daily reports from 1944 and 1945 compiled by Norm Richards, was there to peruse. The 90th Division had staff there to copy anything that needed copying and to collect and categorize anything that was brought in by the veterans who wished to donate it to the 90th Division's historians. Raffle tickets were for sale for many nice articles that were donated.

Friday morning saw a room full of coffee and sweet rolls and more registering and renewing of old acquaintances. After lunch for the whole group, we were entertained by the 451st Army band Combo playing a variety of 1940's swing music. President Ralph Doughty and his wife Nanette welcomed us and outlined the rest of the weekend.
The color guard was made up of current 90th Regional Support Command members who were picked because they were chosen as their units' best soldiers. One of the women members was selected as the best soldier in the entire Army Reserves !
The afternoon was reserved for committee meetings and an executive board meeting which gave most of us time to see a little of the city or just find more great people to talk with.

Friday evening saw a great dinner with great speakers - and a very moving presentation. After dinner, President Doughty read a proclamation declaring that Sgt Arthur Kueker, who was killed in action in France, had earned the Silver Star for gallantry in action. MG David Bockel, Commanding General of the 90th Division Regional Support Command, presented the Star to Sgt Kueker's 2 sisters and their family - 58 years after he had earned it but had never received it. It was a very moving moment. After this award was given,  a preview of the film - The Price of Freedom - The Tough 'Ombre Story was shown. This is a film that General Bockel commissioned to show the dedication of the members of the 90th from World War I to the present. It concentrated on World War II and featured several of our veterans. It is a magnificent film that is hopefully going to be shown on the History channel. The film got a very emotional standing ovation by the members present.

Saturday morning found us all getting on busses and taking a trip to the 90th Divisions new headquarters in Little Rock. After a quick tour of the headquarters building, we all got to attend the dedication of a replica of the monument dedicated to the TO Division which is located on Utah beach. General Bockel had the monument recreated and placed at the 90th headquarters to honor all TO veterans. Several of our veterans assisted in a wreath laying at the monument.

After the wreath laying, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place, opening the new, Henri Levaufre Heritage Education Center that had just been created at the Headquarters. Also a new mural depicting the 90th division from WWI to present was unveiled. It is a tremendous achievement painted by Britt Taylor Collins.

After returning to the hotel, unit lunches took place with each unit having a different guest speaker. The rest of the afternoon was taken up by a General Business meeting and a Veterans' affairs briefing, leaving many time to spend with their comrades and families.

Saturday evening brought a widows and 'first timers' social hour followed by yet another fantastic dinner. After dinner, President Doughty presented Doctor William McConahey an award for outstanding service. MG David Bockel was presented the Denby Steel Award for achievement because of his outstanding accomplishments on behalf of the 90th Division. Both people richly deserved this recognition. Lt General Orwin Talbot gave a moving speech. Henri Levaufre spoke about the new monument he worked at getting and which was dedicated in Periers. (see related link). Raffle tickets were then drawn, supervised by Sandy Super. Dancing followed to the music of the 451st Army Band.

Sunday morning's Memorial breakfast was opened with a call to order by BG Jim Spivey. An invocation was given by Assoc chaplain Rev Tom Ridlehuber. A great breakfast was enjoyed followed by a very moving memorial speech by Joe Engle.

Rhoda Reid read the list of names of those who have gone on, (sadly, a very long list) followed by TAPS. The honor guard folded and retired the flag.

President Ralph Doughty was presented his past president's gavel and then passed the working gavel to the new president, Donald Foye.

President Foye gave a short speech acknowledging a few friends who were responsible for him being here. He recalled how everyone thought he was killed in the war. One day a few years ago, his old Army friend, Ed Gancarski, who didn't believe he was dead, hunted him down and found him. Ed convinced him he should go to a reunion. This he says changed his life. He thanked Ed and said he would try to live up to everyone's expectations in the coming year.

The breakfast ended, sad goodbyes were said and the 84th reunion came to a close.

It was a wonderful time, indeed.