Soldiers of Company A hold reunion
Laughter erupted across the room as the master of ceremonies wiped tears of amusement at a joke told by a fellow veteran. Moments earlier, the mood was solemn as a bell was rung as names of those who had passed on were read. Food was eaten, stories told, and memories shared as Merrill's Company A 1st Medium Tank Battalion 105th Armor 32nd Infantry (Red Arrow) Division reunited 51 years after being activated during the Berlin Crisis of 1961.
It was Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, when Company A held their reunion at the Eagle's Club in Merrill. Attended by over 40 veterans and their spouses, they celebrated their history and renewed friendships. Old pictures, books, and other memorabilia were looked through and enjoyed. Kenny Graap served as the Master of Ceremonies, taking care of business items and making sure that the event flowed smoothly. A prayer was offered before the meal by Howard Peck. There were drawings for patriotic balloons, and table decorations made by Don Buntrock were given away to each guest.
Among the special guests attending the event were the widows of four former guardsmen, as well as Todd and Fran Schweigert, son and daughter-in-law of Harry Schweigert. Harry was the commanding officer of Company A in 1961, but passed away this year and was sadly missed by all.
The unit agreed to meet every two years from now on. The organizing committee, Ken and Caroline Graap, Don and Judy Buntrock, Larry and Sandy Tank, and Pat Myer is ready to plan the next event in the fall of 2014.
It was Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, when Company A held their reunion at the Eagle's Club in Merrill. Attended by over 40 veterans and their spouses, they celebrated their history and renewed friendships. Old pictures, books, and other memorabilia were looked through and enjoyed. Kenny Graap served as the Master of Ceremonies, taking care of business items and making sure that the event flowed smoothly. A prayer was offered before the meal by Howard Peck. There were drawings for patriotic balloons, and table decorations made by Don Buntrock were given away to each guest.
Among the special guests attending the event were the widows of four former guardsmen, as well as Todd and Fran Schweigert, son and daughter-in-law of Harry Schweigert. Harry was the commanding officer of Company A in 1961, but passed away this year and was sadly missed by all.
The unit agreed to meet every two years from now on. The organizing committee, Ken and Caroline Graap, Don and Judy Buntrock, Larry and Sandy Tank, and Pat Myer is ready to plan the next event in the fall of 2014.
More from News
- Firefighters battle overnight house fire
- Merrill Police Department to mobilize for Click It or Ticket
- May 19-25 is Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week
- Joint Finance Committee approves $4.3 million in broadband funding
- City offers Lincoln House for $1
- Expo ctr. plan
- Rhinelander man killed in ATV crash
- El Mezcal coming to Merrill
- Walk with Walker in Tomahawk, Antigo
- City offers Lincoln House for $1