85th Annual Reunion
85th Annual Reunion
Aug 14-17, 2003
Thursday morning broke sunny and warm as the doors of the Millennium Hotel opened to received the first of the more than 400 people that would take part in one or more days of this the 85th 90th Division Association reunion.
Registration was the primary activity of the day giving those who came time to see the sights of the city and perhaps visit the Arch, it's museum and park.
At 6:30, 100 people boarded busses for a ride to the Mississippi riverfront for an evening of dining and cruising on the "ole muddy Mississip." Our bus driver provided a very good running commentary of the sight and history of the parts of the city he took us through.
Once on board the 'Tom Sawyer", a sternwheeler, we had an excellent dinner while being entertained by a Dixieland Duo, who played a very good variety of Dixieland tunes on the piano and banjo. We cruised down the river while we ate and docked again at it's berth near the Arch. Association president, Don Foye, was surprised when his grandson, Matthew, presented him with birthday cupcakes and had everyone sing 'Happy Birthday". It was his 78th . It was a very hot and humid night but it appeared everyone had a great time.
Registration continued all day Friday which started out with coffee and muffins in the 'gathering' room. A family lunch was held for about 300 people. A color guard from the US Army presented the colors and President Don Foye welcomed all the guests.
Sue Ann Loesch read a proclaim from the Missouri Governor, recognizing the 90th Division. Kristen Pauk, spoke of her life with her father, a 90th veteran, and how the war carried over to the rest of his life and family. Norm Richards then spoke of his Dad and how he was affected by the war. Both speakers gave very emotional accounts of the effects of the war on their families.
Leon Crenshaw, presented an American flag to President Foye. The flag was flown in Iraq and Mr. Crenshaw's grandson, who was serving in Iraq, brought it home for him. It was accompanied by a certificate signed by the flight crew. President Foye then presented the flag to BG Ron Sholar, to be placed in the 90th Division museum in Little Rock.
Music for the luncheon was provided by pianist, Christina Cash, as it was through the weekend.
During Friday afternoon, several business meetings were held giving attendees time to renew old friendships, make new ones or do some more sightseeing.
Friday night's social hour was followed in the banquet room by a call to order by President Foye and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by BG Elvin Schofield.
David Bragg of Kentucky presented a letter of appreciation to the 90th from one of that state's senators, Mitch McConnell.
A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Kristin Pauk for her efforts in helping with the Riverboat cruise. Sue Ann Loesch was presented a certificate for her assistance in getting the governor's citation. Dennis Foye was also awarded a certificate of appreciation for his work on the web site.
Dennis was introduced and gave a talk on the history of the web site, the several happy results of the readers coming together and it's reach around the world.
Guest speaker, Anthony Kemp, an Englishman living in France, was introduced and spoke of his newest book, Metz, 1944, and told of his work in the 2004 celebration of the anniversary of the liberation of Metz. He presented Jim & Rhoda Reid with a model of the statue that is to be unveiled there.
Chaplain Tom Ridlehuber gave the benediction and we were all entertained by the St Louis Singers who did a great job of singing many patriot songs and songs of the 40's.
Saturday saw more registrations being processed and during the morning many people boarded busses for a trip to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and a tour of it's facilities.
At noon, Regimental lunches were served, each with three guest speakers. Tony Kemp again spoke of his trip here and the upcoming celebration in France. US Army Capt Hayden , freshly back from Iraq, spoke of the 90th's mission there and Charles Pellegrini of the National Archives spoke about how to gain access to the records stored there.
Business meetings followed and a Veterans affairs meeting was coordinated by Bob Levine.
Saturday evening hosted a Widows and First-timers gathering just before the evening banquet. It was very nice to see so many first-timers here this year.
At 7 PM, the evening program was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Col Art Meier. Col. James Welch gave the invocation. Certificates of appreciation were given to Terry and Dorothy Ryan for their efforts in arranging the brewery tour.
Dinner was enjoyed accompanied by the music of Christina Cash.
Following dinner, President Don Foye, acknowledged Medic Wally Ansardi, Doctor William McConahey for their efforts in saving his life when he was severely wounded in France. Ansardi and McConahey were present. President Foye said that this was not on the schedule, but that he's wanted to thank them publicly for years and "what are they going to do - fire me?".
Executive Secretary/Treasurer, Jim Reid, then announced this year's Denby Steel award recipient, Norm Richards. Norm was presented the award for the years of work he has done in researching the National Records center on behalf of the members of the 90th Division. It was a well deserved presentation.
President Foye then asked his grandson, Matthew and son Dennis to come to the stage. He announced that 14 years ago, Dennis presented Matt with an Eagle Scout badge and it was time for Matt to return the favor. Matthew then presented his father, Dennis with a second Denby Steel award for his efforts in building the web site. It was noted that this was only the second time since its inception, that two Steel awards were present in the same year. (see photo of the winners)
Following the presentations, a moving speech was given by BG Ron Sholar, commanding general of the 90th RRC. He spoke of how today's soldiers are very much like the 'Band of Brothers' that have made up the 90th Division since the beginning.
Col Welsh gave the Benediction and following a short break, the raffle prizes were awarded. The Phantom DJ's provided dance music.
Sunday morning brought the reunion to a close after a breakfast get together. Colonel Welsh welcomed everyone and gave the invocation.
Joe Engle gave a moving speech about the 90th. A certificate of appreciation was given to him in recognition of his addressing the reunion for 24 consecutive, out of 26 years.
Rhoda Reid read the list of Taps.
The color guard folded the flag.
President Don Foye was presented his past president's gavel and he passed his gavel of office to incoming president Elvin Schofield.
President Schofield gave a brief mention of some of the activities planned for next year in Washington, DC. He thanked Jim and Rhoda Reid for their tremendous efforts on behalf of the reunion.
The benediction was given by Col Welsh.
The gavel came down, closing the reunion.
It was a great time, surrounded by great people.
