"The Reunion" ~ from the wife's point of view
Well ... he finally did it ... Larry "Doc Minisquid" Pilcher finally attended his very first Vietnam Reunion in June of 2007. We had a blast!!! The "brothers" and their wives were amazing!!! Welcomed us with open arms, treated us like family, but most importantly...they understood exactly what this weekend was going to be like for Larry.
(I was just along for the ride so to speak ... this was HIS weekend !!! And I was the one who practically forced him to go ... I kept waiting for him to start with excuses and reasons NOT to attend ... he thought about it and tried to come up with some good ones ... but I guess he realized he would not win this battle...heeheehee Sometimes, the "wife" is mightier than the sword.)
Not only was this reunion wonderful, special and most endearing to us ... parts of it were very difficult for Larry to face. But he did...like the "tough Marine" he wants me to think he is ... I know better though. I am old enough to know that every man, not just Marines, actually has a scared little boy deep inside when it comes to certain emotional situations. I knew parts of this weekend would force him to face some things from the past ... from Vietnam ... because our trip included visits to the Vietnam Memorial Wall and the new USMC Museum.
But, he is glad we went ... and so am I. My darling husband has come to the realization that other people DO care about 'Nam Vets ... I'm not the only one.
We almost did not make the trip however ... simply because of money, or lack of it.
But these wonderful, fantastic, loving, caring, Marine brothers were kind enough to help with a portion of the expense. They are forever in our hearts for their exceptionally generous hearts and spirits!!!
If anyone out there is not sure about attending a reunion ... please, please, please...do not let anything stop you from going!!! It is the beginning of your healing...and we all must heal sometime!!! We have to get past that part so that we can maintain order and dignity in our lives. We have to heal ourselves so we can, in turn, help our families get through the process as well.
Don't let money stop you either ... we are all here to help. Larry and I have set some new goals for ourselves since this reunion. The first one was to get this website up and running ... the second is to help any other Marine and his wife to attend the next reunion. Especially more Corpsmen if possible. The third goal is to save enough money to cover all of our own expenses for the next reunion ... and some extra to help a fellow Marine ... particularly if it's his first reunion. We cannot stress strongly enough just how important this is. Getting to that first reunion is liberating and actually revitalizing ... giving you better hope for the future. Talking about the past is a lot more therapeutic than people think. It's the best stress reliever in the world!!! Burying things deep inside our souls just compounds our problems and makes each one seem larger than life. It can also lead us down some wrong paths in life ... but we can also bounce back from them and rebuild a wonderful, loving, stable life.
We are here for you ... we understand you ... and we will do whatever we can to help.
Please remember that.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
... and now from the "Marine's" point of view ...
"Yeah ... what she said ..... "
Well ... he finally did it ... Larry "Doc Minisquid" Pilcher finally attended his very first Vietnam Reunion in June of 2007. We had a blast!!! The "brothers" and their wives were amazing!!! Welcomed us with open arms, treated us like family, but most importantly...they understood exactly what this weekend was going to be like for Larry.
(I was just along for the ride so to speak ... this was HIS weekend !!! And I was the one who practically forced him to go ... I kept waiting for him to start with excuses and reasons NOT to attend ... he thought about it and tried to come up with some good ones ... but I guess he realized he would not win this battle...heeheehee Sometimes, the "wife" is mightier than the sword.)
Not only was this reunion wonderful, special and most endearing to us ... parts of it were very difficult for Larry to face. But he did...like the "tough Marine" he wants me to think he is ... I know better though. I am old enough to know that every man, not just Marines, actually has a scared little boy deep inside when it comes to certain emotional situations. I knew parts of this weekend would force him to face some things from the past ... from Vietnam ... because our trip included visits to the Vietnam Memorial Wall and the new USMC Museum.
But, he is glad we went ... and so am I. My darling husband has come to the realization that other people DO care about 'Nam Vets ... I'm not the only one.
We almost did not make the trip however ... simply because of money, or lack of it.
But these wonderful, fantastic, loving, caring, Marine brothers were kind enough to help with a portion of the expense. They are forever in our hearts for their exceptionally generous hearts and spirits!!!
If anyone out there is not sure about attending a reunion ... please, please, please...do not let anything stop you from going!!! It is the beginning of your healing...and we all must heal sometime!!! We have to get past that part so that we can maintain order and dignity in our lives. We have to heal ourselves so we can, in turn, help our families get through the process as well.
Don't let money stop you either ... we are all here to help. Larry and I have set some new goals for ourselves since this reunion. The first one was to get this website up and running ... the second is to help any other Marine and his wife to attend the next reunion. Especially more Corpsmen if possible. The third goal is to save enough money to cover all of our own expenses for the next reunion ... and some extra to help a fellow Marine ... particularly if it's his first reunion. We cannot stress strongly enough just how important this is. Getting to that first reunion is liberating and actually revitalizing ... giving you better hope for the future. Talking about the past is a lot more therapeutic than people think. It's the best stress reliever in the world!!! Burying things deep inside our souls just compounds our problems and makes each one seem larger than life. It can also lead us down some wrong paths in life ... but we can also bounce back from them and rebuild a wonderful, loving, stable life.
We are here for you ... we understand you ... and we will do whatever we can to help.
Please remember that.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
... and now from the "Marine's" point of view ...
"Yeah ... what she said ..... "
With all honesty, it was not my idea to go to the reunion. I had dealt with my Viet Nam experiences years ago by burying them. Of course, they surfaced every now and then, but I would push them back down and go on with life.
It wasn't I who surfed and found the website for the Seventh Marines...it was my wife who made the decision that I should no longer ignore the fact I was a Nam Vet and I should be proud of my duty there. For thirty five years I kept my memories and display items packed away, never putting anything on the wall or on a desk. All the experiences were mine and those brothers I lived with. Even my 35 year old son never knew any details about his father's service. Anyway, this 'Nadian woman was the driving force behind my attending the reunion.
On the drive to Fredericksburg, my mind was racing. One minute I wanted to go, the next minute I wasn't sure why I was headed there...a mixture of excitement, apprehension, and the unknown.
Upon arriving and signing in, things started settling down inside me. I had this feeling that I belonged there. That this was a part of me that had been missing.
It was uneasy to walk in the first time, since I am not a social type person. New faces and the question of if I would "fit in". All my hesitations, uneasiness, and jitters disappeared with the appearance of one MR. RANDY PATTERSON and one MR. BILL DYER. These gentlemen made me feel like I belonged and made it a point to have others come to the table and introduce themselves. Within a half hour I knew these were my Brothers, a part of me that I missed. A part of my life that I will never forget. The true meaning of SEMPER FI became evident, for these men have, once again, become part of my life.
It was KENNY SEARER who made the big connection. I learned that we walked the same ground...and lost friends. Thanks Kenny ... words are not enough.
Years ago when the "Wall" was completed, I promised myself I would go before I died. This came true...only I was not alone. I stood tall and proud as Echo approached the Wall area.
Taps was sounded by Brother Mooney, and Echo smartly saluted those who gave the ultimate sacrifice ... not just Marines ... but each branch of service. As Taps played ... there was total silence. Each visitor stopped in place to remember those they knew...and those they didn't. The faces of those fallen appeared in my mind as I whispered, "Be at peace, my Brother", and turned to walk to the Wall.
With Laurel, Kenny and Randy at my side, I began the walk ... a small Marine Corps flag in hand. Memories flashed in my mind as I passed the names of the Heroes of Viet Nam. The panel for 26 August, 1969 was found and I began the search for Ruben Rivera. Naturally, we brought home a rubbing from the Wall.
It wasn't I who surfed and found the website for the Seventh Marines...it was my wife who made the decision that I should no longer ignore the fact I was a Nam Vet and I should be proud of my duty there. For thirty five years I kept my memories and display items packed away, never putting anything on the wall or on a desk. All the experiences were mine and those brothers I lived with. Even my 35 year old son never knew any details about his father's service. Anyway, this 'Nadian woman was the driving force behind my attending the reunion.
On the drive to Fredericksburg, my mind was racing. One minute I wanted to go, the next minute I wasn't sure why I was headed there...a mixture of excitement, apprehension, and the unknown.
Upon arriving and signing in, things started settling down inside me. I had this feeling that I belonged there. That this was a part of me that had been missing.
It was uneasy to walk in the first time, since I am not a social type person. New faces and the question of if I would "fit in". All my hesitations, uneasiness, and jitters disappeared with the appearance of one MR. RANDY PATTERSON and one MR. BILL DYER. These gentlemen made me feel like I belonged and made it a point to have others come to the table and introduce themselves. Within a half hour I knew these were my Brothers, a part of me that I missed. A part of my life that I will never forget. The true meaning of SEMPER FI became evident, for these men have, once again, become part of my life.
It was KENNY SEARER who made the big connection. I learned that we walked the same ground...and lost friends. Thanks Kenny ... words are not enough.
Years ago when the "Wall" was completed, I promised myself I would go before I died. This came true...only I was not alone. I stood tall and proud as Echo approached the Wall area.
Taps was sounded by Brother Mooney, and Echo smartly saluted those who gave the ultimate sacrifice ... not just Marines ... but each branch of service. As Taps played ... there was total silence. Each visitor stopped in place to remember those they knew...and those they didn't. The faces of those fallen appeared in my mind as I whispered, "Be at peace, my Brother", and turned to walk to the Wall.
With Laurel, Kenny and Randy at my side, I began the walk ... a small Marine Corps flag in hand. Memories flashed in my mind as I passed the names of the Heroes of Viet Nam. The panel for 26 August, 1969 was found and I began the search for Ruben Rivera. Naturally, we brought home a rubbing from the Wall.
Ruben Rivera
Lance Corporal
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
E Co, 2ND BN, 7TH MARINES, 1ST MARDIV
22 March 1949 - 26 August 1969
Weslaco, Texas
Panel 19W Line 122
Lance Corporal
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
E Co, 2ND BN, 7TH MARINES, 1ST MARDIV
22 March 1949 - 26 August 1969
Weslaco, Texas
Panel 19W Line 122
My protector ... a man with a smile as big as big as Texas. He was always there, watching over this Corpsman. I know that Ruben kept me from harm no matter what the situation. Thank you my friend ... you will never be forgotten by this man...or the woman in my life who is also grateful for the expertise and camaraderie you gave me.
Slowly I went to one knee ... touched the name engraved deeply, in both the black stone, and my mind. I bowed my head in respect for this Marine, and placed the Marine Corp Flag below his name. Words could never explain the mixed feelings ... so a picture or two will have to do ...
Slowly I went to one knee ... touched the name engraved deeply, in both the black stone, and my mind. I bowed my head in respect for this Marine, and placed the Marine Corp Flag below his name. Words could never explain the mixed feelings ... so a picture or two will have to do ...
Ruben Rivera (no cover) and Larry Pilcher ~ 2007
Lt. Schuler ~ Hill 22 in 1969 "Doc Minisquid"
After visiting with Ruben, and the other fallen Echo members, a First Division Flag signed by all the Echo Marines was left at the Wall.
Continuing on, we stopped at the Nurses Memorial along with all the other Memorials on the way back.
Next stop was the Iwo Jima Monument...where we took group pictures.
Looking at these 5 Marines and a Navy Corpsman, I was once again reminded of the bond between Marines and their Doc. Was it just coincidental that a Corpsman was included in the flag raising? I like to believe that it was planned for Bradley to stand with the Marines. One last thing ... the Memorial is HUGE!!!
An everlasting symbol...matched only by the courage, tenacity, and integrity...of the
United States Marine Corps.
The reunion was exactly what this Ol' Corpsman needed to start the healing process after all these years.
The gatherings were warm, friendly, funny, thirst quenching, and just plain great ! The food that was served at the banquet was wonderful. I only wish I could remember the name of the caterer's because they did an amazing job ... and all the food that remained they donated to a local homeless shelter. Oooorraaaahh !!!
The Denny's at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Fredericksburg was also fantastic. The staff are warm, kind, courteous, attentive, friendly and professional...the food is wonderful !!!
Saturday arrived and we departed early for the National Marine Corps Museum & Heritage Center. There is no way I can describe this experience...you MUST see it in person!!!!! EVERY Marine must see the Museum to experience being there. I will not even attempt to voice my visit, for each Marine will see and feel different things. Just look at the picture below and imagine what it holds...the history, courage, bravery...the lives given and the lives forever changed. Please do not hesitate to click on this link...
Next stop was the Iwo Jima Monument...where we took group pictures.
Looking at these 5 Marines and a Navy Corpsman, I was once again reminded of the bond between Marines and their Doc. Was it just coincidental that a Corpsman was included in the flag raising? I like to believe that it was planned for Bradley to stand with the Marines. One last thing ... the Memorial is HUGE!!!
An everlasting symbol...matched only by the courage, tenacity, and integrity...of the
United States Marine Corps.
The reunion was exactly what this Ol' Corpsman needed to start the healing process after all these years.
The gatherings were warm, friendly, funny, thirst quenching, and just plain great ! The food that was served at the banquet was wonderful. I only wish I could remember the name of the caterer's because they did an amazing job ... and all the food that remained they donated to a local homeless shelter. Oooorraaaahh !!!
The Denny's at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Fredericksburg was also fantastic. The staff are warm, kind, courteous, attentive, friendly and professional...the food is wonderful !!!
Saturday arrived and we departed early for the National Marine Corps Museum & Heritage Center. There is no way I can describe this experience...you MUST see it in person!!!!! EVERY Marine must see the Museum to experience being there. I will not even attempt to voice my visit, for each Marine will see and feel different things. Just look at the picture below and imagine what it holds...the history, courage, bravery...the lives given and the lives forever changed. Please do not hesitate to click on this link...
THIS IS THE REASON OUR SITE EXISTS!
The call goes
out:
TO ALL NAVY
CORPSMEN AND MARINES …
YOUR BROTHERS
WAIT TO WELCOME YOU.
CONTACT ME OR
GO TO THE WEBSITE OF THE 7th MARINES…………..
Once again,
thank you members of Echo 2nd Battalion 7th
Marines.
Life holds a
new meaning.
Semper
Fi
Doc
Minisquid
