by Harry Wilson » Mon Aug 10, 2009 8:38 pm
This might have been the best reunion ever. There were a lot of people, a lot of first timers, and seven families of our KIAs. Kudos to John Topper who organized this, as he has done all of the recent reunions. Kudos to Jim Sheppard for his work with the families. And Kudos to the Army for again rolling out the red carpet. As many of you know, I stopped by Allen TX to visit Norm Poage on the way to the reunion. Norm was a squad leader, then platoon sergeant, then platoon leader with Charlie Company from 10/67 to 4//68, when he was badly wounded. It was his second VN tour. He was a singularly brave soldier and has a Silver Star. He recovered from his wounds, went to college on the GI Bill, and went on to a distinguished career as an accountant. He retired a few years ago from a career the Government Accounting Office. Norm has been quite ill for the last 7 or so years with Hep C, acquired from the blood transfusions from his wounds up in the 506 Valley. He also now has diabetes and leukemia, the latter from his first VN tour. His health is quite poor, but his spirits are good. He was one of the founders of the association, and, I think, the first webmaster of this website. He sends his best to all in the 1/50th Infantry. He is one of our best. Remember him in your prayers and thoughts, please.