| WHY I ATTEND ASA KOREA REUNIONS I became a member of ASA Korea after receiving a post card from John Garrah early in 1997 which asked if I'd served in the ASA in Korea during the war. I replied affirmatively, sent in my dues for the year ($15.00 at that time), and later received my membership card from Dalton Harper. I was unaware that the 501st ASA in Korea (our name at that time) had organized at a reunion in 1996. As I am an ordained Lutheran Minister, John asked if I would serve as Chaplain of our veterans organization, and so I am. My wife, Mary, and I attended my first reunion at Carlisle, PA in 1997. Here I met the founders of our association, President Andy Kavalecs and Treasurer, Dalton Harper, as well as other officers and Board members. Since that first wonderful experience, I haven't missed any reunions: Madison, WI in 1998; Pensacola Beach, FL in 1999; Sturbridge, MA in 2000; Camp Hill, PA in 2001; Frankenmuth, MI in 2002, Buffalo, NY for the 2003 reunion, Baltimore, MD in 2004, Williamsburg, VA in 2005. Reunions are a joy to attend, and an excellent opportunity to renew friendships with former buddies from Korea service, and to meet new veterans who served the ASA in "frozen chosin". My biggest thrill at reunions is the sharing of good times and hard times while sitting around the hospitality room(s). These hours are precious and entertaining and a wealth of serious conversation, laughter, memories, caring and good old fashion comradeship. Usually reunion planners include sight-seeing trips and other events to make the 4-day event a memorable experience. But for me, the high point of any reunion is the hospitality room, a place of "togetherness", a place where for a couple of days our former time in Korea can be revisited with men who shared a mutual service to God and country in the ASA. Had it not been for ASA Korea, I would not be reunited with buddies I served with in Detachment Dog (The East Coast Homesteaders) of the 330th CRC, and fellow ASA Korea members: Lt. Dan Self, Sal Corrado, W.W."Moose" Miller, Bob Cavanaugh, Jim Ludwig, Bill Fretts, Danny "Hootowl" Valletta, Jim Ray, Bill Nickel, Jim Strait, Bill "Field Marshall" Jackson, Tom Meagher, the late Ammi Keiper....I pray I haven't forgotten anyone...memory IS fading as aging takes place. I have stated why I attend reunions. I'm sure many of you do so for the same reasons. If you have never attended a ASA Korea Organization Reunion I encourage you to do so this year. I am certain you will come away with a feeling of pride for your service in ASA Korea. Perhaps you will even be able to plan a future reunion in your "neck of the woods." Remember, ASA Korea men have "DD-214, will travel". God bless America! God bless ASA Korea! God bless you and yours! Rev. Charles Knappenberger, Chaplain, ASA Korea |