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Check
Events Page For Latest Reunion info..
The" Pleiku MP
Association" was incorporated January 26, 1998, by the Internal
Revenue Service per Section 501(c), (19) as the "Pleiku MP
Association Incorporated." It is a tax-exempt, non-profit
Organization, for members who served honorably with Co. B 504th
Military Police Battalion in Pleiku, and its detachments, during its
tour of duty in The Republic of Vietnam, 1965-1972.
Creation of the association was originally the idea of
Karl Klink and Don Peyton, who set out to find men who had served
with Company B in Pleiku and who had shared the same experiences. In
1986, Karl and Don, along Richard Walkup and Vernon Park, started a campaign to
find more members through ads in Veterans magazines and other
publications. The first roster contained about fifty names and
possible addresses which had been obtained from mostly unreadable
files in St. Louis.
The first of
what would become an annual reunion of the Association was held in
New Orleans in October 1987. In attendance were Karl Klink, Vernon
Park, Stanley Nelms, Fred Dickens, Don Mason and Bob Fowler. This
initial meeting set the standard of camaraderie and friendship
through reminiscing and viewing of old pictures, slides, and movies.
The attendees were excited to see each other and talk about the "old
days", a time that everyone understood and could relate to.
In 1988, the
Association met in Las Vegas. Six members attended that reunion as
the roster expanded slowly. Eleven members attended the 1989
reunion in Nashville. Subsequent reunions steadily increased in
attendance as the roster grew.
Although the
1990 meeting in Philadelphia
had only six attendees, San
Francisco 1991, Atlanta 1992, Memphis 1993, and Seattle 1994 saw a
marked increase in attendance and membership. Alexandria 1995 saw
the largest increase in first timers in attendance, due mainly to a
march to The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, where the group presented
a small memorial tribute.
Las Vegas 1996
and Williamsburg 1997 continued to draw first timers as the roster
expanded. The 1997 meeting was the start of the incorporation
process and the adoption of a dues schedule. Louisville 1998
witnessed the biggest changes of the Association. In 1998, the
Association was incorporated as a tax-exempt organization through
the efforts of Vernon Park. A board of officers was
elected to comply with the incorporation process. Karl Klink was
elected President, Vernon Park as Vice President, Mike
Little as Secretary, and Ron Sledge as Treasurer. "Operation Rice
Lift" was also adopted as a charitable program of the Association.
Also implemented was the semi-annual newsletter sent out to each
member with news, updates and informational items of interest to the
membership.
Certificates of
Achievement and Appreciation were introduced at the 1999 San
Francisco reunion to members who had distinguished themselves
professionally and brought credit to the Association. Savannah 2000
was named the "Mother of All Reunions" and highlighted a visit to Ft
Stewart, where membership observed modern Military Police techniques
and capabilities, many of which are the direct result of members'
first-hand experiences in Vietnam.
St Louis 2001
was well attended despite the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks on our
country. Reunion
attendees were not intimidated by those cowardly attacks. A
Resolution showing support to our President, our elected
Representatives and our Comrades-in-Arms was signed by those present
and forwarded to the White House and also to the Commander of the
504th MP Battalion and the Commander of the Military Police School. The
following year, the Association had a "Return to the Wall" at
"Alexandria 2002", drawing the largest attendance while showcasing
The Wall, DC memorials, museums, and highlighted with personally
guided White House and Pentagon tours. Alexandria 2002 also saw the
formation of the Plei-Mates, a secondary Association group comprised
of the Members’ lovely wives and mates.
Bringing the
Association into the 21st Century is the implementation of the
Pleiku MP Association Web site, designed by Vicki Goldbach. This
website, as well as diverse reunion destinations, with emphasis on
member camaraderie and family friendships, continues to draw FNGs
and old timers alike. Those feelings have been enhanced by reunions
held in San Diego 2003, San Antonio 2004, Caribbean cruise 2005,
Charleston 2006, Albuquerque 2007, and Cocoa Beach 2008.
No matter the
location or the distance between members, the webpage, email system,
internet, as well as yearly reunions and newsletters, help the
Association to prosper and grow, carrying on its mission to never
let the memories fade, to continue to serve, and to help those in
need. More than 263 members are on the current roster and the
number grows.
Stay tuned for updates on 2010 member and reunion info!
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