Andy Johansen
When people ask me "How the reunion went", I have attempted to explain how much this reunion meant to all of us. To say it was so much more than a high school or college gathering because of the intensity of the year we spent together and the strong bonds that were formed is inadequate and difficult to relate to those who have not experienced it. We all know how special it was to reunite after 40 years and will be basking in the memories for some time to come.
Dick's supurb organizational skills and persistance; Cliff's work to keep the fun in every aspect of the event--guess who pushed for the roast pig; Bill's electronic wizardry helped retie the bonds among the class to get everyone fired up to participate. And participate you did ! What a joyous scene it was to see the smiles on everyone's face for the entire weekend. The tales of class 73-01 Truckers, will be relived in the future VA retirement homes across the country for years to come. It was an honor be a part of such a gathering. Thank you all.
Dick's supurb organizational skills and persistance; Cliff's work to keep the fun in every aspect of the event--guess who pushed for the roast pig; Bill's electronic wizardry helped retie the bonds among the class to get everyone fired up to participate. And participate you did ! What a joyous scene it was to see the smiles on everyone's face for the entire weekend. The tales of class 73-01 Truckers, will be relived in the future VA retirement homes across the country for years to come. It was an honor be a part of such a gathering. Thank you all.
Dick Reynolds
The Truckers reunion probably could not have gone better, and exceeded all my expectations by a country mile. All-in-all, it was a terrific team effort--Andy, Cliff, Bill, Otto, the Resort staff, and probably most importantly, the 80 classmates, spouses and significant others, 72-09 "Hotdogs" and IPs who showed up. The pictures speak for themselves. Andy's brilliant, from-the-heart Saturday night commentary--and the toasts with the Trucker-etched glasses that he and Ellen brought--made for one truly unforgettable evening. Our classmates took to the podium and added their perspective, had me doubled over with laughter, and/or in tears. The chatter was endless, and oh-so-fun. It was one for the ages, and proved that 73-01 hasn't lost a step in the four decades we've been apart. Keep on truckin'!
Bill Flanagan
I looked forward to seeing my 73-01 classmates - and it was every bit as great as anticipated. And everything about the resort and the environment was superb. As I look back, I take great pride in being part of "The Truckers" and am especially proud of our classmates - all who have been great citizens and part of our community. Thanks to all for coming and making this such a great event.
Rick Brandt
Thanks for inviting us to your reunion. Toni and I are so glad we were able to come. Everything from your website, to the accommodations, food, meeting room, name tags , welcome package, and everything else was just perfect. I really appreciated the engraved glass and I already have put it to good use.
It is great to see old friends. I wish my kids could have had an experience like flight training with such a great group people.
It is great to see old friends. I wish my kids could have had an experience like flight training with such a great group people.
Therese Finn
Huck is out working on the property (after all it is "Labor Day" : )--but I'm sure he'll want to send a comment when he gets a chance. In the meantime I'd just like to say how much I appreciated being welcomed into the "73-01 fold" during the reunion. I admit I signed on for this trip mainly for Huck's benefit, thinking I'd probably end up sitting in a corner with a fake smile pasted on my face while people I didn't know reminisced about evernts I didn't remember. Instead, I found myself being greeted with warmth and enthusiasm by everyone I met: Truckers, wives, new wives, girlfriends, etc. My first thought as I looked around the room was "What a great looking group--this can't possibly be the 40th reunion of anything!" But that was just the surface impression. When I started getting to know you better, I realized what truly exceptional people you are. I had so many interesting, hilarious, open-hearted conversations with so many wonderful human beings. It makes me sorry I wasn't there with you back in Enid--I'm sure I would have made some life-long friendships. Unforgettable people and an unforgettable weekend!
Buzz Bartell
Wow, what a gathering that was…and what a window into a special year of our lives. I don’t think a finer group of people could be assembled today – we are, after all, offspring of the Greatest Generation. Wikipedia describes us, Baby Boomers, as…”amongst the first to grow up genuinely expecting the world to improve with time”; ABSOLUTELY and, we are a “demographic bulge remodeling society as we pass through it.” ABSOLUTELY. Well, we are who we are and in no small part to one power-packed formative year in good ol’ Enid, Oklahoma. Who could have known what an impact that year would have on our lives – our character, our choices, our successes. Heck, I even ended up with an Enid bride (who still is working on my character development). With Andy as section leader, social director and mentor – and with Roach as a roommate – my social development was often tugged in different directions and is still a work in progress. May we all continue to be a work in progress and keep each other, that special year and that special reunion in our hearts and minds. You can tiptoe through life or TRUCK through life – we are Truckers. Blessings to you all.
Lars Helmø
Seeing my classmates again after 40 years was one of the greatest experiences I have had for the last many years. It was an incredible feeling, I had the impression that we just continued after a “short break”, not recognizing that this “break” was a 40 years period.
I really enjoyed being together with my old classmates and their spouses again. Thank you so much to the terrific team, Dick, Andy, Cliff, Bill for the superb planning and the superb website.
Lis and I was overwhelmed by the warmth we met throughout the reunion. We really enjoyed that week-end at the resort.
I really enjoyed being together with my old classmates and their spouses again. Thank you so much to the terrific team, Dick, Andy, Cliff, Bill for the superb planning and the superb website.
Lis and I was overwhelmed by the warmth we met throughout the reunion. We really enjoyed that week-end at the resort.
Bev Gover
I am remiss in not writing sooner re how much I enjoyed seeing everyone at the reunion. It was planned to perfection and the only way it could have been better would have been to have Doug there with us. The anticipation of seeing everyone again and reliving the "good old days" was keen for both of us and Doug certainly would have had a great time. Thank you again for all your hard work.
Take care and "keep on truckin'!"
Fondly,
Bev
Take care and "keep on truckin'!"
Fondly,
Bev