The power of reunions: reunions are emotionally uplifting experiences for everyone involved

VFW Magazine, Jan, 2003 by Cassie Fenoseff

You haven't seen them in decades, yet they greet you with open arms. You have shared something life-changing with them, and you share a bond that no one else does. This is the experience many veterans have when they attend reunions and see old comrades.

However, some are reluctant to attend. Bo Senical, who recently attended his first military reunion after 30 years, described his fears. "I thought too much time had passed, and they wouldn't be the people I'd known in my youth. I was apprehensive that I wouldn't be remembered."

This is a common feeling many veterans get when the reunion invitation arrives. Others don't want to allow bad memories to surface, or worry that they won't remember people, so they avoid going.

Advantages of Attending a Reunion

Those that stay home as a result of these reservations can miss out on numerous benefits. For example, not only is it a chance to see old friends, it's an opportunity to interact in a different way. One group that recently attended a reunion is now in contact with each other on a weekly basis.

They arrange business deals with one another, plan vacations and exchange pictures. This provides them with a way to develop a friendship under different circumstances. While the reunion gives closure, it also presents an Opening for re-establishing friendships.

Many veterans also are encouraged by the success of the other attendees. It gives them peace of mind as well as a sense of pride to know that their fellow veterans have succeeded. For those who haven't done as well, there are still opportunities.

Veterans can become a support group for one another and help those who are struggling deal with issues they may have faced themselves, including divorce and addictions. But it is only through going to a reunion that most people find out who really needs their assistance.

In addition to benefits for veterans, there also are advantages for family members who attend. Not only does it allow them an opportunity to meet people they've heard about for years, it gives them a better understanding of what their loved one went through. As Senical put it, "Part of the way I am is because of Vietnam."

Prior to attending his first reunion, another man told his son that he was going to see the man who saved his life. This type of conversation, along with attending reunions, can help family members appreciate an event that shaped their relative.

Despite initial reservations, the majority of veterans who attend reunions are glad they did. They come away with a different outlook and an opportunity to form new memories with people they once cared about. Most say the first one is the hardest, but once they have gone they look forward to the next one.

When asked if he would attend a future reunion, Senical said, "Not only do I plan to go to a future one, I plan to be involved in the organization of it" This is a testament to how powerful reunions can be.

Planning a Reunion

You've decided that you want to plan your own reunion. How do you go about it? First you need a roster listing everyone's contact information. Other items such as date in country and date out of country also can be helpful, Not only will this roster help you organize the event, portions of it can be handed out at the reunion, providing a way for people to remain in contact.

Once you've got the roster, you need to pick a location. Some groups try to find a central spot. Others choose an attractive vacation site, or a special location such as a memorial. Picking a location near an airport also makes it easier for those attending.

Ed Sanicki, who recently planned a reunion for veterans of D Co., 2nd Bn., 60th Inf. Regt., added, "If you're not local [to the reunion site], try to find a buddy who is. Generally we work in pairs." He also emphasized the importance of rotating locations and keeping it as economical as possible.

Next, you'll need to provide lodging suggestions to those you invite. Often hotels will offer discounted group rates, and many have banquet, facilities. Make sure you provide good directions to the hotel and any other meeting locations with the invitation.

Another item to include with the invitation is a questionnaire regarding personal information, since people will be interested in what others are doing with their lives. Making it clear that people do not have to respond to any question they don't want to encourages participation. These questionnaires are then compiled into a booklet that can be distributed at the reunion.

An itinerary and information on area attractions also should be included. Everyone will need the itinerary to plan their trip, and some will extend it to take in local sights: By providing this for them, not only will they not have to search for it, they may be persuaded to attend.

One idea that has received positive feedback in previous reunions is to include each veteran's service picture on their nametag. This helps to jog a person's memory when they are reintroduced to someone. Similarly, attendees should be encouraged to bring their own pictures and videos to share,