VMA-225 2003 Reunion“The Flightline”, by VMA-225 member Hank Kluznick. “This was definitely a reunion to remember. Bob Paul & Dave Shapleigh pulled some strings and called in some really big favors for this reunion, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable gatherings we've ever had. I'm sure, by now, that all of you heard about the "Black Out of 2003". Well, that was Bob & Dave. Oh sure, somebody said it was something or other in Northern Ohio. Well some of that may be true. A check of phone records shows contacts between “Detroit’s Dynamic Duo” (Bob & Dave) and somebody in Lima, Ohio. Money was exchanged; we have seen a COPY OF THE CHECK. Some guy in congress held it up in front of the FOX NEWS camera. Said he had a list of names, too, and that Frank Sokol, of Lima, Ohio, denies any involvement. The “coup de grass” (a little French lesson here) was that there was a coded message with the check. The message was “Chicken Picatta”, which, in Italian, means “Put their lights out”. We got this from the CIA. Here is my take (Hank Kluznick) on the reunion. As you may know, the lights went out on Thursday, 14 August at 1500 hours. Upon checking in at around 1530, we (Hank & Nancy Kluznick) were given keys to our room along with flashlights. Once out of the lobby and into the dark hallway, we found the only working elevator. As the elevator door opened on the 3rd floor, out of the darkness we hear, and then see, old “Gunny” Buckner and Marty Halpin. That was a real Kodak moment. They gave us the room number for Ed Walters and told us to come down after we got settled in. Meanwhile, out at Willow Run (WR) Airport, Bob Paul, a member of the YAF & a Crew Member on their B-25; is at the Yankee Air Museum and Hanger waiting for Ralph Stewart to arrive in his homebuilt Aircam Aircraft. Ralph lands at about 1600 hrs and they put the plane to bed and proceed to Bob’s house. The normal ride time from WR is about 20 minutes, but Bob tells Ralph that a black out has occurred from NY to MI and this will take a while, like 60 minutes. Bob’s wife, Sarah, arrives home from work and Bob, Sarah & Ralph get in the van and head for the Novi Sheraton Hotel. Ralph checks in and everyone heads for Ed & Carol Walters’ room for drinks and lively conversation. Gunny Buckner, Marty Halpin, Frank Sokol, Cary & Nancy Pickens, Larry Bianchini, Bob & Sarah Paul, Ralph Stewart and others drifted in & out of the darkness. Friday, with the blackout in full force and power not restored, most of the group drove up to Frankenmuth, MI to shop and walk around a Bavarian like town. We also were able to commandeer needed items for the rest of the reunion - like, water, batteries and gas for the car. Most everyone had lunch at Zenders. Gunny Bucker, with that North Carolina charm, hit on a sweet little lady; and I bet they still haven’t gotten her heartbeat regulated. The big hit for most was shopping at Bronners. It’s Christmas 365 days a year at this place. I think the biggest kid of all was my wife, Jackie (Kluznick). Others like Cary & Nancy Pickens and Ed & Carol Walters found the brewery (typical Marines), and all was well with the world. It was noted that people in Detroit, New York, Lima OH, and all areas in between were affected by Bob, Dave & Frank’s little scheme. We all decided to relax and go with the flow. Cary & Ed definitely did! The place where the Welcome & Reception was going to be held could not be used. By that evening Dave Shapleigh, having scouted the surrounding hamlets, found a Holiday Inn Express that was not affected by the power outage and rented us a conference room for our get together. There were plenty of scrapbooks, pictures, videotapes and shared stories. We broke bread and partook of libation. Saturday, Blackout Day Two, the “Hatred Hoard” went out to Willow Run Airport and toured the Yankee Air Museum. They were plenty of aircraft and historical artifacts on display with stories to match. The interesting thing about the visit was that as this is a working organization with flyable WWII aircraft, with people & aircraft moving around, that it gives you a sense of being back at the old hanger in Cherry Point, NC. Ralph Stewart took most of us for rides in his homebuilt Aircam. At each landing, the passenger was all smiles. As Ralph and I (Hank) were getting ready to takeoff, we were instructed to hold short of the runway as the vintage B-25 ‘Yankee Warrior’ of the YAF made a landing and taxied past us. It was a real trip. We can’t thank Ralph enough for the flight experience. Job well done, Ralph. Saturday evening we met at the Italian Epicure for dinner. Our first order of business as we formed up outside, was to recognize our brothers here, our brothers yon, and with reverence, our brothers gone. Bill Sealock and Marty Halpin read the names of our deceased brothers. The Color and Honor Guard of Plymouth-Canton Chapter 528, of the Vietnam Veterans of America, presented the colors and gave a 16-gun salute; and then taps was played. The ceremony attracted the attention of the restaurant patrons who watched from the balcony above. Dinner was great. The staff of the Italian Epicure, and especially those of a local bakery, all made heroic efforts to ensure that this night was memorable. We appreciated their dedication and professionalism. This is not the first time VMA-225 has arrived on a scene and had to make do without electricity, food, water and gas. So it was nothing new to us. Been there, done that. You took a bad situation, faced it head on, never gave up and turned it into a success. You are to be commended, for your efforts” in keeping with the highest standards of VMA-225 and the United States Marine Corps”. Your brothers salute you. “WELL DONE MARINES!” Respectively submitted, Hank Kluznick, VMA225 Newsletter, ‘The Flightline’. Provided to the Skyhawk Association by Bob Paul - Association SDO VMA-225.  A Job Well Done!  Front Row is Ralph Stewart, Frank Sokol, Dave Shapleigh, Harry Slacum, Hank Kluznick Gunny Buckner, Ed Walters Back Row is Ray Jalbert, Bill Sealock, Larry Bianchini, Col. Bob Baker-CO, Cary Pickens, Bob Paul, Marty Halpin    The Kluznicks, Gunny Buckner with his Daughters. |