REUNION 2007 – Denver, Colorado

This year the Alamo Scouts reunion was held in Denver, Colorado. Hosted by Conrad Vineyard, arrangements were made to meet at the hotel near the old Stapleton Airport. The first encounter upon entering the Renaissance Hotel was the familiar face of Terry Santos, who so consistently takes care of registration details and makes numerous other arrangements that some of us take for granted, or are unaware of.

If there was a theme this year, it could have been called “documenting memories.” Arrangements had been made to have two separate video camera interviews. One interview session was for individuals and their families. These were conducted in private for each family. The other interviews were to gather general information from anyone, before and after the dinner. Copies are available form the interviewer. Please contact Connie Vineyard.

On Friday, There was lots of time to visit in the morning. By 11:00 am we boarded a chartered bus and headed to the Denver Mint. Our bus driver was very knowledgeable about Denver and took several side trips to show us the town and inform us about its history. Denver received a surge in population from upper class people who moved there from the east coast. Their move was due to doctors’ recommendations for a climate change for those suffering from “consumption;” more commonly known as tuberculosis. Large houses were built by the newly arriving residents, most of which had large covered porches so patients (residents) could spend as much time as possible outside in the dry air of the Rocky Mountains.

The Denver Mint was an interesting tour. This is where the U.S. Treasurer had established an office to create coins for the U.S. currency. Different from the place where paper money is printed, the Mint serves to fulfill the need for new and replacement coins. Our tour started in the combination retail sales for limited edition coins and gift store. There were many coins to choose from as well as uncirculated sets, and new release coins like the presidential dollars and state theme quarters.

Once inside the tour was guided by employees who were knowledgeable about the process and the history of the building itself. After the tour we ate a late lunch at a beef BBQ restaurant. The décor was western. If you wear a neck tie to this restaurant, they will take a pair of scissors and cut it off, right at the chest level. Those who sacrifice a tie will see its remains posted on a wall along with your name.

The traditional banquet was very nice, conveniently located within the hotel which had an offering of very good food. There was a series of toasts to the Scouts, the Country and the general experience of the reunion, including those who were no longer with us. After the dinner, we had another opportunity to interview with a videographer. There was more time to visit, catch up on one another’s news and information as well as enjoy a nice dinner.

Also attending was author Larry Alexander who interviewed several scouts and family members in preparation for his new book about the Alamo Scouts. He recorded information with a focus on individual personalities of scouts, how they lived and approached the duties of wartime combat.

y morning there was a business meeting that was somewhat punctuated with announcements and information about the next reunion. Bill Littlefield gave a summary report from the treasurer and ended his presentation with an announcement that he could no longer fulfill the duties as Treasurer. He then nominated Audrene (Hall) Burress as the next Treasurer. As she was present; did not object or decline, the motion passed immediately, and she accepted the role of ASA Treasurer.

Plans have already been made to hold the next reunion in San Antonio, Texas. Home not only to the Alamo, but the National Museum of the Pacific War (also known as the Admiral Nimitz Museum) in Fredericksburg, Texas. There will be a dedication to the Alamo Scouts and a plaque placed in their honor, in April. Scouts who attended: Bill Littlefield, Conrad Vineyard, Audrey Hall, Terry Santos.

Thank you to, Bill Littlefield for the many years of duty as Treasurer, and congratulations to, Audrene Hall Burress for taking on the duties as Treasurer.

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