"California here we come." That's the battle cry of E Company this year. I have my short timer's calendar made out and can't wait until May 11-17 when E Company's hard-core bunch of long range patrol veterans will gather in San Diego. If you have not done so already, be sure to contact Bob Hernandez if you plan to attend: Bob Hernandez, 4424 Rock Island Drive, Antioch, CA  94509. Don't forget to include a check for $100 which will cover the registration,banquet and hospitality room.

   The reunion headquarters will be the Mission Valley Resort (800-362-7871.) Be sure to mention E Company when making your reservations. The resort has three heated pools, tennis and racquetball courts and a fitness center. It is located close to Old Town with lots of shopping opportunities and there are 65 golf courses within 30 minutes of the resort, in fact, there is a championship course that is less than a mile away.

   A schedule of the reunion activities has been posted on the web site so I won't list them all here except to say that Bob and his committee have lined up some excellent events to include a trip to Coronado Island where the Navy conducts SEAL training. We will also have an opportunity to board the USS Midway which saw service during both the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. The first and last air to air kills during the Vietnam War came from aircraft launched from the Midway. There is a museum on board with at least 25 different models of aircraft parked on the decks to look at, making it an interesting visit for all those who are interested in military history.

   The 9th Division's long range patrol helped write some history of our own while in Vietnam and it is always a meaningful experience when its veterans gather to remember the good times as well as the bad. I hope to have a copy of Erik Spink's excellent video, "Painted Faces," available for those who were not able to see it when it was shown in Colorado Springs. I'm sure there will be some scrapbooks and old photos to look at and of course, we will conduct a memorial service to remember our buddies who gave their all. It should be a great reunion with lots of sunshine and fun. Hope to see you there.

Rangers Lead the Way,