Veterans from across the globe began filing into the veterans grounds, gearing up for this weekend’s 26th annual Howard County Vietnam Veterans Reunion.

Attracting more than 30,000 veterans, family and patriotic people each year, the reunion runs from Thursday to Sunday at the veterans grounds on Ind. 26, 8 miles east of U.S. 31.

McKinney said all of the 900 campsites are full, but there is still room in the overflow lot south of the veterans grounds.

“Campers are coming in as we speak,” Jim McKinney said Saturday. “We started filling up last night.

“I have no idea what to expect,” he said of the attendance. “It’s not like the 25th [last year].”

Established in 1981 for the purpose of raising funds for a courthouse memorial, the Howard County Vietnam Veterans Organization started a tradition of reminiscing and camaraderie.

After jumping from site to site for the annual reunions, the organization found its home on the 22-acre site of the former Howard County airport.

The four-day event features food vendors, military vendors, ceremonies, military displays, reunions within the reunion, a salute to Middle East veterans and will close with Sunday church services with Chaplain Dennis Chapman.

Ron Winner of the HCVVO’s Woodchuckers said they have more than an ample supply of cut firewood for the reunion.

“Our volunteer crew and trustees have been cutting and stacking wood all year long,” he said. “In fact, we have allocated additional storage space in the hangar since we have so much firewood.”

Along with putting on the reunions, the organization is active in all veterans issues. They have an active program for the VA patients at the VA Hospital in Marion, including cookouts, bowling, bingo and a Christmas party.

“Although we must never forget the POW/MIAs that our country left behind and must to continue to work toward their return or for closure for their families, we must also remember our veterans in the VA Hospital program,” HCVVO President Bill “Dollar Bill” Lisby said.

“They also need our undaunted support.”

The HCVVO is open for membership to all who are interested and who agree with granted membership to abide by the organizations by-laws regardless of the era of service or whether or not a veteran of a war.

This organization is the largest grass roots Vietnam Veterans Organization in the country and was the only grass roots organization to lay a wreath at the dedication of the Wall.

Mike Fletcher may be reached at (765) 454-8565 or via e-mail at mike.fletcher@kokomotribune.com



26th annual Howard County Vietnam Veterans Reunion:

Thursday

• 7 to 10 p.m.: Pre-reunion concert The Snake Charmers

Friday

• 11 a.m.: Opening ceremonies

• 11:20 a.m.: Greetings

• 11:25 a.m.: Veterans Affairs report

• 11:30 a.m.: POW/MIA report

• Noon: Voice of Veterans

• 1:15 p.m.: Ramblin Fever

• 2:45 p.m.: Wade Bosley-Nova

• 3:30 p.m.: Kim Allen

• 5:30 p.m.: Ron Jones & Old Dudes Rock

• 8 p.m.: Peace Train & The Flower Power Brass

Saturday

• 10 a.m.: Opening ceremonies

• 10:20 a.m.: Greetings

• 10:25 a.m.: Veterans Affairs report

• 10:30 a.m.: POW/MIA report

• 10:45 a.m.: Brad Flook of Greentown America Legion

• 11:15 a.m.: Dan Nightingale

• 12:30 p.m.: Jackie Myers

• 1:15 p.m.: Jeff Palmer

• 2:45 p.m.: Russ Chandler

• 4:15 p.m.: John Steer

• 6 p.m.: Surrender Dorothy

• 8:30 p.m.: The Bluz Brothers

Sunday

• 9:30 a.m.: Church services with the Rev. John Steer and Chaplain Dennis Chapman

Note: Entertainment, speakers and events subject to change



If you go:

• What: 26th annual Howard County Vietnam Veterans Reunion

• When: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

• Where: Ind. 26, 8 miles east of Ind. 31.

• More info: (765) 628-0297 or log on to www.hcvvo.org