This banner art was stolen from Wes Guidry's Missiles of Key West
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Day
Three - The Pinning Ceremony and Free Time
Friday was the day many of us anticipated with special interest. Mike
Mlinar had practiced his guidon drill and the rest of us prepared for
the ceremony is our own ways. After the ceremony we all migrated to the
Navigator lounge for some refreshments and food. Again Mandy Bolin of
the Key West Citizen was there to cover the event and she wrote a nice
piece about us that hit the front page. It must have been a slow news
day.
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We assembled early, 0830 hours, at the flagpole for the honor
ceremonies. Lt. Col. Jerry Rhyne called us all to attention. This must
have been a very strange feeling for our retired HAWK Colonel. After
more than thirty years having a formation of his old comrades. It was
an honor for each and every one of us. Captain Scholl gave us a welcoming speech and the base honor guard gave us a great salute. The old veterans stood tall and executed their drill with a precision that surprised everyone. Some things you just never forget and within moments of being called to attention everyone was sharp and proud. |
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After the ceremony we all gathered at the Navigator Lounge on Boca
Chica for lunch and beverages. Those of us who attended the last
reunion had a special place in our hearts for the Navigator. The food
is excellent, service fast and the views spectacular. We all enjoyed a
good meal and swapped lies and told stories for awhile. We all migrated out to the cabana for awhile and soaked in the sun and enjoyed the salt air. The ladies got their feet wet and had a good time. Several planes took off and landed while we enjoyed ourselves. They served as a reminder that even while this bunch of old vets parties down and enjoyed themselves young men and women were still serving and performing their duties. |
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Later we split up. Some going downtown to shop and others touring the
island. I took the opportunity to visit the local American Legion and
VFW. I'd tried several weeks before to see if the American Legion would host us for dinner or something. I got no answer. The Post has the plaque from Charlie Battery by its front door. After I got there I found out why they hadn't been able to respond. The Post had been under nine feet of water during Hurricane Wilma and their entire kitchen and downstairs was wiped out. Renovation was under way and by our next visit we will be able to visit. To my surprise I discovered that the post is named after the father of Hank Kokenzie, another HAWK alumni who has vanished from the scene. |
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We all ralleyed again in the evening for food and drinks at
the Sunset Lounge at Sigsbee Point. This place always lives up to its
name by having the most spectacular Sunsets in the islands. Memorabilia was on display, courtesy of several veterans who brought their photo albumns, patches and just plain stuff. We had a great time and before the evening was over the ladies of HAWK were dancing on the tables and generally out doing the old men. |
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After everyone returned from the Sunset Lounge many returned to the
Recreation Room where they worked on the Kegs donated by Budweiser. Tomorrow was our last day. Free time was planned and at the end of the day we were to meet again for a last dinner at Hurricane Joes on Stock Island. |
Lowell St. Cyr "Saint" Webmaster.
| © 2006 ALR Post 104 | Last updated: Monday, May 22, 2006 12:52:45 |
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