HMM-363 Gathering

[LARRY POWELL]

[SIZE="3"][FONT="Verdana"]A gathering of HMM-363 Vietnam Veterans the weekend of September 14th and 15th, 2007 at Pensacola, Florida. Please note, this is NOT a reunion, but a gathering of the most courageous men I have ever known. There will be no covers, no T-shirts or any other paraphenalia sold at this event. There will be no catered dinners, and above all, no speeches. Anyone wishing to attend this event must take their own initiative to acquire rooms, meals and transportation. We will locate a pivot point to which we will be able to gather, toss a few, and allow the sea stories to flow. If you believe you are interested in attending what may be a once in a lifetime affair, and you served with HMM-363 in Vietnam, you are welcome. A list of hotels will be made available at a later date. Would appreciate your thoughts on this and any constructive ideas. Those interested may contact the following people:
Hank Ampran at 1-909-797-8462
Larry Powell at 1-727-785-2114 larrypowell@mindspring.com

Semper Fi,
Larry "Pops" Powell[/FONT][/SIZE]

[LARRY POWELL]

Here is the first list of yesterday's heroes that are today's good men planning on attending our gathering at Pensacola.



Michael Abajian
Ulysses G. Abeita (maybe)
Lawrance "Larry" Abrao (maybe)
Robert Adams
Dave Allardyce (maybe) [may not now be able to attend sold house and will be moving]
Dick Allen
George Eddie Allen
Dave Amey
Hank Amparan
Charley Anderson (maybe)
-
Frank Argumaniz (maybe)
Stephen Attell (maybe)
Victor Avery
Steve Backlund (maybe)
James Barr (will not be able to attend)
Sean Barry
Terrance Barta
Larry Baysinger (maybe)
Fred Beavers (maybe)
Dave Bennett (can not make it)
--
Darrel Bergan (maybe)
Robert Bertke (maybe)
Jerry Bible (will not be able to attend)
Carl Boley (maybe)
Frank Bonin
Bill Bostick
Everett Boswell (maybe)
Ambrose Bowser (maybe)
Larry Branham (can not make it as of 10 September 2007)
Jesse Brewer
---
Bob Burnham
Peter Burt (maybe trying to hook up with Tierney)
Paul Caigoy (maybe)
Jerry Calame (maybe)
Richard Callihan
Tim Carbary
James Casti
James Citrano
Joe Clark
Hugh Clubfoot
----
William Collier (maybe) [24 June 2007 update more likely not able to attend]
Johnny D. Connor (maybe)
Darrell Conway (maybe)
Mike Cooper (maybe)
Tony Cordova
Paul H. Courtney (maybe)
Jonny Craig (will not make it)
Jerry "Tex" Crutcher
Chuck Cuneo (maybe)[unable to attend due to health reasons]
Michael Dailey
|
Charles Danan (maybe)
Doug Daniels
Douglas Darran (maybe)
John Ditmore
Jerry Dobson
Dennis Duffy
Bill Dummit
Glenn Dyer
Tom Eagles (maybe) corpsman
Walter Eckenfels (maybe)
|-
Terrence Enders (maybe)
Don Engel
Rich English
Richard Erickson
Richard Esler (maybe)
Thomas Evans
John Fade
Kenneth L. Farr
Edward B. Feehan MD (maybe)
Wayne Fischer
|--
Dick Flink (maybe)
Robert G. Flynn
Robert Francis (maybe)
Mark Fulmer
Fern Gagnon
Bob Gailfoil
John Gebel (Deceased 20070626)
William Geed
Kenneth D. German MD
Leslie D. Gibson
|---
Roger Gleason
Richard Gonzalez
Mike Guess
Russ Haberstroh
George Hadzewycz (maybe)
Jess Hagerman
Dick Haley
Michael Hallam
Jim Hammontree (maybe)
Ronald Hartline (maybe)
|----
Garret Hatcher
Robert Heath (maybe)
John Hill (maybe)
Ed Hire
Ed Hlava (maybe)
Hiram Hogg
Duwayne Hoffert
Richard J. Hooton
Tony Huebner (can not make it)
Bill Huffcutt
||
Benjamin Inman
Dennis Janikowski (maybe)
Lowell Johnson (maybe)
Michael Johnson
Tom "TL" Johnson
Jim Jolliff
Mike Kanocz
Joe Kelleher
Francis J. Kerwin Jr. (maybe)
Jerry Koeller
||-
George Kott (Deceased 20070822)
Red Kreson (as of 11 September 2007 will not be able to attend)
Dan LaBlanc (maybe)
Sam Lacorta
Roy Lambert (maybe)
Rob Lancaster
Dave Laviolette
Guy Lewis
Mike Lucci
Edward Lupton (maybe)
||--
Wayne Maddox
Charles Malone (maybe)
J.P. Malone
Dennis Martin
Jerry Martin
Raymond Martin
Ted Mayberry (unable to attend)
Bob Mayes
Paul Maynard
I.D. Maze
||---
Ray Mazur
Jim McCallum
Conrad McDowell Jr
Deen McKillips (maybe)
John Messick (maybe)
Robert Mishka (maybe)
Frank Moore
Ron Morin (as of 21 August 2007 can not attend)
Stan Moser
Willard Moyer
||----
John Murphy (maybe)
Bill Niblett (maybe)
Dermod 'Jerry' Norton (unable to attend)
Edward O'Connor
John Olivarri
Thomas Orodeckis (maybe)(as of 20 August 2007 will not be able to attend)
Tim O'Toole
Joe Palmer
Fred Peterson
Larry Powell
|||
Jim Price
Gene Ramsey
William Reddington (maybe)
Tomas Rodriguez
Barry Rose
Byron J. Ruck
Barry Ruffin (can not attend)
Joe Ruzicska
Edward Salomon
Gene Salter (Deceased 20070714)
|||-
Pete Schena (maybe)
Granville Schultz
Steve Schultz
James Schwartz
James Seimears
William Sengewald (maybe)
Wayne Shamer (as of 14 August 2007 can not come)
Buz Shantry
Vern Sharpless (as of 27 August 2007 unable to attend)
Paul Sheehan
|||--
Sam Sheppard (Deceased 20070131)
Bill Shively
Tom Sims
Danny Skelton
Joe Bob Smith
Josh Smith (John Wiseman's son)
Dewey Steele
Felix Steele
Debbie Stein (maybe)(Larry Green's sister)
Brook Stevenson
|||---
Don Stiegman
Melvin Stills
John Streeter
Everett Svendsen
Gary A. Svicarovich (maybe)
Robert Swailes
Fred Swen
David Taden (maybe)
Winfield Tench
Bill Tetzlaff (maybe) corpman '67
|||----
Gar Thiry
Ronald Thomas (maybe)
Noel Throndsen
Thomas Tierney (maybe)
Nicholas Torrieri (maybe)
Fredrick Tremont
Mike Tripp
Dave Trundy
Matthew Valinsky (maybe)
Jack Varelli (maybe)(as of 13 August 2007 can not attend)
||||
James Wagner
Billy Wagster
Dick Wall
Tom Walsh
Jack Warner
Byron Weekley
Robert J. 'Bob" Weisel (maybe)
Brian West
Jim Whitcomb (maybe)
Robert Whitener
||||-
Frank G. Wickersham III
Clyde Wilcox
James C. Wilinski (maybe)
Robert Williams (maybe)
Tom Williams (maybe)
Woodrow Wilson Jr.
Bill Witmer
Robert Wood
Cloyd Zimmermann


R/S Larry "Pops" Powell
larrypowell@mindspring.com 727-785-2114

[LARRY POWELL]

[SIZE="7"]NOTICE!!!! NOTICE!!![/SIZE]

Gentlemen,

I found that some things are not always written in stone.
After thorough research, we found due to room availability (tourist season and cost), we have to change our gathering date from the weekend of August 10th, to SEPTEMBER 14th AND 15th, 2007.
I understand that this may create some rescheduling for some people, for that I am truly sorry, but I have to look at what is better for the group as whole. A few of our brothers have expressed a problem with finances, so this also may benefit them. And hopefully, the weather will be a little cooler.
We will do everything we can to eliminate future changes. I was better on a gun than doing paperwork.
Semper Fi
Larry "Pops" Powell

Yesterday's heroes, today's good men.

[LARRY POWELL]

Gentlemen,

The list of squadron members above was extremely difficult to come up with. Hank Amparan worked for the better part of two weeks with the telephone glued to his ear, attempting to track down everyone. He has done a great job. But add a little butter to his right ear and you have cauliflower. Many home addresses, email and phone numbers are wrong, due to members moving, dropping out or whatever. We had to spend a lot of time using the white pages and word of mouth in order to find several. We are anticipating doing some mailings on our get-together next September at Pensacola. In order to do this, we are asking each of you to please update your data. This is not just for our get-together but for fellow brothers who are not able to locate you. Of course, some may want to stay hid, ha ha We will be doing no more phone soliciting to find people at this time, if you know someone who may want to attend, have them contact Hank, Brook Stevenson or myself.
NOTE: We are inviting no vendors to this get-together but I am hoping we can talk Mike Tripp, our great coordinator for Association reunions, to bring Lucky Red Lion covers for those who may wish to purchase one. If anyone has any questions about what is going on, please feel free to email me or phone me. Hotel listings will be posted after the first of the year.
Semper Fi,
Larry "Pops" Powell
larrypowell@mindspring.com
(727) 785-2114

Yesterday's heroes, today's good men!!!

[accs]

[FONT="Verdana"][SIZE="3"]We hope that all those that were ever in HMM-363 during the Vietnam era would attend, but if you don't feel we were your primary squadron that is ok. On the other hand, if you are in contact and have been for some time with brother Red Lions that have not joined in any organizations or attended any reunions in the past, we ask you to please contact them and at least let them know we would like to see them.

I want to know where Jim Price, Paul Courtney, Don Engel, Jess Hagerman, Tomek, Murray, Gentry, Shively, Marin "Buzz" Baiz, Tim O'Toole, Danny Skelton and others why are they not on this list? Anyone in touch with them? I am in touch with some... I'll email them. Come on guys, we aren't getting any younger nor healthier. Get out there and find your/our Brother Marines[/SIZE][/FONT]

[accs]

[FONT="Verdana"][SIZE="3"]It has been brought to my attention that some of our members have pictures that they would like posted. I am on a road trip at the present and will not be back to my home base for up to 4 to 6 weeks, but, once home you can contact me and I can scan your images and post them for you either in Visions or our Squadron site. I can also scan slides, so if you do not have the ability to do the scanning and posting, please contact me so that you can ship them to me and I can take it from there then I will return them to you.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[ben.brenneman]

Hell, Tim is right there in Pensacola. Look up his phone or I can give you his email.

[Jack S. Warner]

If the "Murray" you are referring to is "P.J. Murray", my latest info was that he was K.I.A. in the Oregon or Washington during a fire drop. Have never been able to confirm it but I'm sure someone onboard can.

See ya in P'cola.

Jack

[LARRY POWELL]

[SIZE="7"]NOTICE!!!![/SIZE]

[FONT="Verdana"][SIZE="3"]Several members of the squadron have asked about acquiring the Lucky Red Lions baseball caps since no vendors will be at our gathering.
Here's how you do it!!
Send an email to our squadron coordinator Mike Tripp at mtripp@mwt-cpa.coxatwork.com.
Tell him how many you want, he will have them made and available at our gathering's pivot point at Pensacola.
Once again, we are asking that ALL HANDS, please email your current address, phone number and email address to Brook Stevenson or Mike Tripp, as our squadron roster needs to be updated. Even if you haven't changed anything in the past couple of years, please re-enter. This is important and the only way we have of doing a mailing to all.

Semper Fi,
Larry "Pops" Powell

Yesterday's heroes, today's good men![/SIZE][/FONT]

[accs]

[FONT="Verdana"][SIZE="3"]For all those that would like some of the items that have been available in the past at POPAMOKE reunions you will be able to also purchase the 'White golf/polo shirts with the silhoette of a 34 and HMM-363 on them from Susan LeBlanc at http://www.leblancembroidery.com/
Call Susan and tell here what you want, make arrangements for payment and you will be good to go. There will be no 'vendors' so you'll have to order from her directly. She can make you caps and shirts.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[LARRY POWELL]

[SIZE="5"]Hotel Listings[/SIZE]

[SIZE="5"]HMM-363 Gathering September 14 and 15, 2007[/SIZE]

Just returned from road trip to Pensacola Beach and the natives are glad to see us Marine Vietnam Helicopter people returning to their LZ. I found that the Best Western Resort is definitely the place to make our pivot point. They are furnishing us a free thousand square foot meeting room plus allowing us to raise a tent over the back patio area and we are allowed to bring in our own refreshments at no additional cost. Plus their room rates are the best offered to us. Additionally, they will furnish us free continental breakfast.

Best Western Resort
16 Via De Luna Dr. 32561
phone (850) 934-3300, (800) 934-3301
Rooms priced at $89.00 or $119.00 (inland or ocean view)
All rooms have refrigerator, microwave, hair dryer, coffee pot and ironing board w/iron.

Comfort Inn
40 Ft. Pickens Rd. 32561
phone (850) 934-5400, (800) 934-5470
Rooms priced at $99.00

Paradise Inn
21 Via De Luna Dr. 32561
(850) 932-2319, (800) 301-5925
Rooms priced at $80.00
Open air bar and grill on premises.

The above are the three motels we highly recommend and we negotiated with and Best Western is our primary hotel, has blocked out 100 rooms for us.
The Comfort Inn and Paradise Inn will be our overflow as required.
All rooms MUST be reserved prior to August 10, 2007, after that, you will have to pay the higher prices. If you are planning on attending, suggest you reserve ASAP.

There will be a posting in the near future of directions and map to help you find your way. As we know, from serving together, some of us require navigational aides, ha ha. You know who you are.

Semper Fi,
Larry "Pops" Powell

P.S. Had lunch with our old CO and his wife last week at the beach and Dwayne Hoffert says he wouldn't miss this for the world.

Yesterday's Heroes, Today's Good Men

[Jack S. Warner]

Directions from major roadways.

[Jack S. Warner]

Basic map of the Pensacola area. If in doubt head South.......

[LARRY POWELL]

We have had a few requests about other accomodations available at Pensacola Beach. Will list these for you, but we did not complete negotiations with any of these following because of their in-house rules and failure to lower their prices to what we thought reasonable. If you choose one of these to stay in, please be prepared to pay $149.00 and up per night.

Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach
2 Via De Luna Dr. 32561
(850) 932-6800, (800) 426-7866

Hilton Garden Inn Pensacola Beach
12 Via De Luna Dr. 32561
(850) 916-2999, (866) 916-2999

SpringHill Suites by Marriott
24 Via De Luna Dr. 32561
(850) 932-6000, (800) 406-7885

Emerald Isle Condominiums
A Sterling Resorts Managed Property
22 Via De Luna Dr, 32561
(800) 801-4689

The Best Western is still the best overall for allowing us to set up and hold our gathering as we like and their prices are very reasonable.

Semper Fi,
Larry "Pops" Powell

Yesterday's Heroes, Today's Good Men

[accs]

Here is a picture of the new Squadron shirts that are now available through LeBlanc Embroidery at http://www.leblancembroidery.com/. You can go to the site and phone your order or email Susan with size and quantity. Susan is Dan's wife and does a great job. DuWayne Hoffert and I are the first to have these shirts. You may wish to order so you can have a couple for the "Pensacola Gathering" and upcoming Reunions.

[LARRY POWELL]

[FONT="Verdana"][SIZE="3"]Gentlemen,
The numbers for our gathering has been growing steadily. At this time, it looks like this is going to be the largest turnout HMM-363 has ever had.
This is becoming successful because a lot of contact time has been put in by more than one person. If you have friends that served and you know their whereabouts, please contact them and let them know what is going on. Or, if you like, contact me and I'll do it. I can be reached at (727) 785-2114 or email: larrypowell@mindspring.com. Also, if you know of anyone that served with the squadron in Vietnam that could possibly use some financial help in getting to the reunion, please have them contact me and it will be looked at in a confidential manner.
Rooms are going fast at the Best Western (850-934-3300), don't forget to tell them, you are booking with HMM-363 Vietnam LUCKY RED LIONS!
Semper Fidelis,
Larry "Pops" Powell

P.S. Bring your wives, girlfriends, families or guests with you, just let us know.

Yesterday's Heroes, Today's Good Men

[/SIZE][/FONT]

[LARRY POWELL]

To all Vietnam Lucky Red Lions,

The Best Western Hotel at Pensacola Beach has now changed its name to: Pensacola Beach Resort. Phone number is the same (850) 934-3300 for reservations. Remember the rates 89.00 a night are only good if we use all we booked for, so if you are planning on attending, would appreciate it if you would get your reservations ASAP.

As you know, we are planning on putting up a large tent behind the hotel over part of patio area (this is so any of our brothers that have a handicap will be able to have access with all). And that will be at the access to the 1000 foot conference room and heads the hotel is making available to us in case of inclement weather. Also, conference room is where continental breakfast will be served daily. We also plan to have on hand soft drinks, bottled water, and enough beer to bog down a 34. These expenses are being covered by donations. If you wish to contribute, as many have already done, please send to the following address:
Larry Powell
2950 MacAlpin Dr. N.
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 785-2114

No set amount is expected from anyone, whatever you can send is okay, if financially you are unable, do not burden yourself. But please, please show up at the reunion. Also, I want to say thank you to Hank Amparan and Brook Stevenson for all the help. THIS IS GOING TO BE A BIG, BIG, BIG PARTY!!

Semper Fi,
Pops

[accs]

Lucky Red Lions of HMM-363!

I wish to thank one and all that managed to make it to Pensacola last weekend and say that I think everyone had an absolutely super time. If you have pictures that you wish to share, you can send them to me via email if you have them digitally, or send copies to me and I'll scan and return them.

Once I have some, I'll start posting them on our site for all to see. I was able to take but a few so I know that some took a lot of pictures and I know that some are already planning on sending me copies of some for posting...

Thanks again for a great time had by all.

S/F

Brook