"An Association Of Life Savers And Care Givers That Served In Post world War II"

Association History   Epilogue   At our 11th Reunion Business Meeting in Colorado Springs in 2005, it was decided that the United States Army Medical Command, Japan would create and maintain it's own Web Site. Cecil Shope volunteered to build the website and oversee the project. December, 2008 marked the site's 3rd birthday. If anyone has any photographs or stories to tell about past reunions and wants to share with the members, contact the webmaster, Cecil Shope:  cecilshope@bellsouth.net.   1986 - San Antonio, Texas   The first official reunion banquet as an association took place at "The Travelodge On The River" in San Antonio, Texas on 7 June, 1986. Cocktails were served: 6:30 - 7:30 PM;  Dinner was served: 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM; The business meeting began at 9:00 PM with opening remarks by the reunion organizer and former Personnel Sergeant of USAMCJ, Arch Telgren. Arch was followed by John R. Smith, Former Command Sergeant Major; Mary Buss Knight, former Chief Nurse of USAMCJ; and Dr. Gilberto Trevino, former Chief of Veterinary Laboratory Medicine at the 406th Medical General Laboratory, who all paid tribute to USAMCJ and it's members. They were followed by Brigadier General Retired, Lillian Dunlap, President of Army Medical Department Museum Foundation. She talked about the Army Medical Museum and gave us all an appreciation of the Army's Medical Department history.   There were 77 members in attendance. Reunion Committee members in attendance were Tom Omori, Bob Finch, Marv Schaar and Arch Telgren. Jeff Shivers, Arch Telgren and Marvin  Schaar worked the registration table, getting names and up-to-date addresses and phone numbers of those present. Everyone had a great time. A recommendation was made and seconded that the group would meet on a continuing basis. The members in attendance voted to have the 2nd reunion in Aurora, Colorado sometime in the summer of 1988. John R. Smith agreed to be the Reunion Commander. The exact date and time would be decided later.   Arch Telgren, Association Organizer J.R. Smith, Heart and Soul of Our Association. CSM of USAMCJ. Bobn Finch, Assisted Arch in Organizing the Association and Emcee of all our reunions. Marv Schaar, Assisted Arch in 1st Reunion Planning and Organizing 1st Reunion.   1988 - Aurora, Colorado   The meeting place for the 2nd USAMCJ reunion was the Hilton Inn Airport, Aurora, CO, 22-25 June, 1988. The official organization of the United States Army Medical Command, Japan Association was formed at the business meeting on 25 June, 1988. Officers were elected and by-laws were established. John R. Smith became the Association’s first President. Arch Telgren was elected Vice President, and Marvin W. Cole, was elected Secretary and Treasurer. It was determined that there would be two types of membership, Active Membership for those who had served at a medical facility in Japan or had been a patient at one of our medical facilities, and Associate Membership for spouses/companions, and children of active or deceased members. All that attended the Aurora gathering were made eligible to become charter members. Each of the Charter members donated $25 to the Membership Fund. Dues were set at $10 per year for active members and $5 per year for Associate Members. It was voted to have their next meeting back in San Antonio, Texas 20-23 October, 1989. Marvin Coles volunteered to be Reunion Commander for the first official reunion meeting as a viable association.   J.R. Smith, President Arch Telgren, Vice President Marvin Cole, Secretary and Treasurer

J.R. Smith, President Arch Telgren, Vice President Marvin Cole, Secretary and Treasurer

The 4th USAMCJ Association Reunion was held at Holiday Inn - Airport in Columbus, GA 10-13 October, 1991. Russell DeNaro served as President; Paul L. Brown was Vice President; John R. Smith was Secretary, and Mary Buss Knight was Treasurer. Richard L. McIllaney was Reunion Commander and he was ably assisted by wife and Commander's Aide, Cathrein. A Friday night outing was held at Jilly's "The Place For Ribs", with a Saturday Pilgrimage to Calgary Gardens, visitation of Jimmy Carter's Presidential Campaign Headquarters in Plains, GA, in addition to hiking through nature trails and other local sites. A tour of Fort Benning and the Ranger School was also planned for. The ladies had a ball shopping at Warm Springs Mall in Warm Springs, GA. Warm Springs was the vacation home of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and where he died. The festivities were topped off with an evening of dancing.

Russ Denaro, President Arch Telgren, Vice President J.R. Smith, Secretary

Jim Layden, President Arch Telgren, Vice President Mary Buss Knight, Secretary/Treasurer

Bob Finch, President Charles Stutts, Vice President Mary Buss Knight, Secretary/Treasurer

Gus Guenther, President Bob Mitchum, Vice President Arch Telgren, Secretary and Treasurer

Bob Mitchum, President Frank Guinn, President Bob Finch, Secretary and Treasurer

2001 -Branson, Missouri

The 9th USAMCJ Association Reunion was at the Guest House Inn and Conference Center in Branson, MO. 2 - 4 October, 2001. Dubbed "Nashville West", Branson offered an array of Country Music Shows, as well as, other musical and entertainment genres. One special attraction was the Dinner Cruise on the Branson Belle at Table Rock Lake. Beautiful cruise. Elegant Dining and Spectacular Show! Our riverboat adventure began aboard the magnificent Showboat with a 2-hour cruise including a fabulous 3-course feast and showstopping entertainment, featuring some of Branson's best variety acts. We basked in the glory days of a bygone era as we journeyed across the pristine waters of Table Rock Lake and relived the romance and splender of those grand old Showboatin' days! The food and the entertainment at all our Branson outings were outstanding. We had three new members that attended the reunion. They were Jay Eaton from Philadelphia, Fred Vought from Selinsgrove, PA, and Noriko Vandenburg from Jacksonville, FL. Our membership had risen by one to a total 117 active members. The business meeting was called to order by President, Frank Guinn at 9 PM for the purpose of reading the minutes and financial report. Both were approved as read. Newly elected officers were: President - GlennVaughn; Vice President - Billy Maxwell; and Secretary and Treasurer - Robert J. Finch. The members voted to have a Cruise to Cozumel, Mexico for the the 10th Biennial Reunion.

Frank Guinn, President Tony Rangel, Vice President Bob Finch, Secretary and Treasurer

 

2003 - Mexico Cruise

The 10th Association Reunion was held aboard the cruise ship, Enchantment of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Lines 6 - 10 November, 2003. There were 48 in attendance. For many, it was their first cruise. The food was superb and available almost 24 hours a-day. We had a shore excursion in Key West, FL and another in Cozumel, Mexico. A memorable experience was had by all. About half of us flew or drove into Fort Lauderdale, FL on the 4th or 5th of November where we gathered at the Comfort Inn near the airport to spend a little time together before setting sail on 6 November. Some of us went to the beach while others went shopping or sightseeing. We returned from the cruise about 8:30 AM on 10 November. Our membership roster had a loss of 12 members since our reunion in Branson and totaled 105 active members. Two new members were: Charles Deckle and Richard Turner. The members in attendance at the business meeting voted to waive the By-Laws on terms for President and Vice President and retain the duly elected officers for an additional two-year term. The rationale for this was that there were on 13 voting members present at the business meeting. The current elected officers who will remain in office are: President - Glenn Vaughn; Vice President - Bill Maxwell; and Secretary and Treasurer. The 10th Association Reunion was held aboard the cruise ship, Enchantment of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Lines 6 - 10 November, 2003. There were 48 in attendance. For many, it was their first cruise. The food was su406th406perb and available almost 24 hours a-day. We had a shore excursion in Key West, FL and another in Cozumel, Mexico. A memorable experience was had by all. About half of us flew or drove into Fort Lauderdale, FL on the 4th or 5th of November where we gathered at the Comfort Inn near the airport to spend a little time together before setting sail on 6 November. Some of us went to the beach while others went shopping or sightseeing. We returned from the cruise about 8:30 AM on 10 November. Our membership roster had a loss of 12 members since our reunion in Branson and totaled 105 active members. Two new members were: Charles Deckle and Richard Turner. The members in attendance at the business meeting voted to waive the By-Laws on terms for President and Vice President and retain the duly elected officers for an additional two-year term. The rationale for this was that there were on 13 voting members present at the business meeting. The current elected officers who will remain in office are: President - Glenn Vaughn; Vice President - Bill Maxwell; and Secretary and Treasurer - Bob Finch. Colorado Springs, CO was elected as the site for the 11th Reunion.

Glenn Vaughn, President Bill Maxwell, Vice President. Bob Finch, Secretary and Treasurer

2005 - Colorado Springs, Colorado

The 11th USAMCJ Association Reunion was held 13 - 16 October, 2005 at the Le Baron Clarion Hotel, downtown, Colorado Springs, CO. We visited the US Air Force Academy. We visited the museum, viewed the various exhibits, saw and listened to a video presentation on the Academy, it's history, mission, and accomplishments. The Academy is situated in a beautiful location up against the Rockies. It was absolutely gorgeous. Many of us rode the 114-year old Manitou and Pike's Peak Cog Railway, which is the world's highest cog railroad and the highest railway in the United States. The Manitou Depot is 6,571 feet above sea level. Our next venture was to Cripple Creek, for a walk about town and gambling in the local casinos. At the turn of the Century, Cripple Creeks main attraction was the lure of gold. Though gold is still mined on a large scale, it's the casinos that bring in the tourists. At our banquet at the Hotel, we had the pleasure and the privilege of having 1st Lt. John Berg, Battalion Physicians Assistant from the 506th Infantry of the 2nd Infantry Division as our guest speaker. He was accompanied by his lovely wife, Beth. He spoke proudly of his experiences in the service, the education he received, and his assignments. Our 12th biennial reunion will be held in Baltimore, MD in September or October, 2007. Exact time and dates will be forthcoming, with John R. Smith as Event Planner and Glenn Vaughn as the Commander. Officers elected for the following 2-year term were: President - William "Bill" Maxwell; Vice President - Thomas "Cecil" Shope; Secretary and Treasurer - Charles W.S. Jezycki.

Glenn Vaughn, President Bill Maxwell, Vice President. Bob Finch, Secretary and Treasurer

2007 - Baltimore, Maryland Our 12th and final biennial reunion was held in Baltimore, Maryland, 10 - 13 October, 2007 at the Best Western Baltimore/Washington International Airport Hotel. Our stated meeting was called to order by our President, Bill Maxwell at 10:20 AM on 12 October, 2007. There were 22 Active Members present. The Flag Salute was led by John R. Smith. The President announced that the tribute to our deceased members would be recognized at the Reunion Banquet. The introduction of new members since October, 2005 produced one new member, Leon LaVoie, and though not a new member, Isaac Jones, who was making his first reunion. In his President's Report, Bill reported we had gained 14 new Active Members and one new Associate member between October 2005 - October 2007. Eight Active Members and one Associate Member passed away during this same period. He read off their names. Our Secretary and Treasurer, Charles Jezycki read the minutes from the prior business meeting at the 11th Reunion in Colorado Springs. It was M/S/Cby members Cole/Jack.  that they be approved as read. Unanimous. Charles presented the Treasurers Report for the period 1 November, 2005 through 13 October 2007, explaining each point. The report was approved, seconded and voted unaimously to accept the report as read. Our Webmaster, Cecil Shope gave the Webmasters Report and requested anyone having pictures from past reunions to send them in. Cecil requested a volunteer to become Assistant Webmaster. Marvin Cole volunteered. In the area of Old Business, J.R. Smith requested a vote on expanding active membership to active member spouses and that they would pay active member dues if and when they became Active Members. It was approved by unanimous vote. Annual dues were reintroduced. Dues were approved unanimously for $10.00 Annually. The Delinquent Dues report showed a list of over 30 members who were delinquent. It was voted to carry them through till our next reunion date. Election of Officers for next two year cycle 2008 - 2009, produced Cecil Shope for President; Keith Jack for Vice President; Charles Jezycki, re-elected as Secretary/Treasurer. It was voted to have our reunions every year as opposed to meeting biennially. San Antonio was selected as our 1st Annual Meeting site. J.R. Smith asked us to find another Reunion Planner. He, wife Judy, and Daughter Linda had planned our past 12 Reunions. They needed a break. Thank you graciously from all of us. Frank and Kaz Guinn have volunteered to be our new Reunion Planner. J.R. offered assistance to Frank and Kaz, if and when it it is needed. A generous donation to the USAMCJA was made by Angie Dillman, in memory of her late husband, Bill. President Maxwell extended his appreciation. Financial contributions of any ammount to our Association are always welcomed and encouraged. For the Good of the Order, the business meeting was adjourned at 12:18 PM.

Bill Maxwell, President. Cecil Shope, Vice President Bob Finch, Secretary and Treasurer

2008 - San Antonio, Texas Our 13th Reunion, Our 1st as an annual affair was held in San Antonio, Texas at the El Tropicana Hotel on the River from 14 - 17 August, 2008. Our stated Business Meeting was Called to Order by our President, Cecil Shope at 9:38 AM on 16 August, 2008. Cecil welcomed everyone to San Antonio and reported to everyone that we would be meeting in Seattle for 2009 Reunion. There were 17 Members present, down 6 from our Baltimore Reunion. The Flag Salute was performed by J.R. Smith. J.R. Reported that he had obtained a new Medical Flag. Tribute to the Deceased would be recognized at the Banquet. The Minutes from 2007 Meeting in Baltimore was read by our Secretary/Treasurer, Charles Jezycki. The Minutes were approved as read by unanimous vote. The President asks each member present to introduce themselves. In the President's Report, Cecil expressed the Associations gratitude to Frank and Kaz Guinn for their excellent planning for the San Antonio Reunion. They were given a standing ovation. It was recommended and seconded that the Guinns continue as Reunion Planners for an indefinite term, It was approved unanimously. A Constitutional Ammendment was made to allow Spouses of Active Members to become Active Members. Also there was a change in the By-Laws be amended to indicate that our meetings would here-to-fore be annually rather than biennially. It was recommended that our By-Laws state that Newsletter be printed annually or more frequently as deemed necessary. It passed unanimously. Currently, since the January Issue of 2006, the Newsletter has been published Quarterly. Thank You Charles Jezycki, our outstanding Secretary/Treasurer. President Shope distributed to all members present, Patches and Pins to Commemorate our Associations birth in 1986, and our 13th Reunion in San Antonio. Anyone desiring a pin and a patch can request them. A donation of $8.00 would be appreciated. The existing slate of officers were elected for a 2-year term. A  new slate of officers will be elected in Seattle, 2009. Cecil Shope presented the Webmasters Report. Our two-year run with the website has done well. We have made lots of changes. Any suggestion for improvements will be considered. The Guest Book feature on the Menu Page has been amended to have those who visit our site leave their email address, residence address or both, so that we may correspond with them. Our Treasurer, Charles Jezycki gave a Preliminary Financial Report for 1 November, 2007 - 31 August, 2008. It included an Income Statement and a Cash Flow Statement. The Statement will be restated after 31 October, 2008 to provide the Association with their usual 12-month financial report. I was approved unanimously as read. We are currently earning 2.2%, down from 4.89%. It was suggested that we investigated places where we would make more on our inmvestment. Charles reported that significant donations had been made to the Association in the past year and urged members to continue their generosity. It was suggested and approved that those who do not wish to be a member any longer that they be dropped from the rolls. We currently have 109 Active Members on the Rolls. For the Good of The Order, President Shope adjourned the meeting at 11:37 AM. Cecil Shope, Presiident Keith Jack, Vice President, Charles Jezycki, Secretary/Treasurer.

2009 - Seattle, Washington Our 14th Reunion was held in Seattle, Washington. This was our second visit to Seattle. Our 6th Biennial Reunion was held there in 1995. We were actually in Renton, a suburb of Seattle. The Holiday Inn in  Renton catered our affair. It was a huge success. Our President, Cecil Shope called our Special Meeting ceremonies to order at 9:08 AM, Thursday, 22 October, 2009. He welcomed ALL members present to Seattle. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Past President and one of our founding fathers, John R. Smith. Our Secretary & Treasurer, Charles Jezycki read and asked approval for the minutes of the 16 August, 2008 meeting held in San Antonio, TX. The minutes were approved unanimously by our members. President Shope asked that each of the Members introduce themselves. Those present were Carolyn Bone; Marvin Cole; Matilda Curtis; Linda Finch; Robert Finch; Frank Guinn; Kazue Guinn; Charles W. S. Jezycki; Mike Kawamoto; Mitsuko Maxwell; Bill Maxwell; Shirley Nichols; Tony Papa; Cecil Shope; Nora Shope; Yoshie Shima; John R. Smith; Judy Smith; Charlie Stutts; Arch Telgren; Yoshie Telgren; Noriko Vandenburg; Glenn Vaughn; & Allen Walls. The President's Report was given by Cecil Shope. Our Reunion Planners, Kaz & Frank Guinn reported that 0ur 2010 Reunion would be held in Rapid City, SD at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center. Suggested tours will include Wall Drugs which covers 2-3 blocks. They provide free donuts for veterans; a bus trip through the Badlands; Castle Rock, where the buffalos still roam; Crazy Horse Monument; and Mount Rushmore; Dead Wood, where Buffalo Bill & Calamity Jane roved the streets. Almost every building has been converted into a casino. Our next newsletter will include description of the tours, prices, etc. The Executive Committee nominated Marvin Cole, Kazue Guinn, Shirley Nichols, & Nora Shope for the office of President. Marvin Cole was elected by secret ballot for 2009 - 2010. Kaz Guinn, Shirley Nichols, and Nora Shope were onominated for Vice - President. Kaz Guinn was elected by secret ballot. Charles Jezycki was asked to continue his outstanding  job as Secretary & Treasurer. Charles agreed. Charles was then asked by President Shope to present the Treasurer's Report. It was M/S/C/  Telgren/Cole that the Report be approved. Unanimous. An up-dated Membership Roster was distributed to all  the members. The secretary asked that members who hadn't already done so, to send in a resume so that they might be included in future newsletters. It was also requested that members send in news of interest so that it might be put into Newsletters and the Website. Frank Guinn asked for a vote of the members to purchase 2 gift baskets for hotel individuals who had done an outstanding job in taking care of our reunion. It was M/S/C/  Guinn & Maxwell that Guinn Purchase the baskets at a cost not to exceed $25. The Group voted to have our 2011 reunion in Japan. Inclusion of email addresses and birth dates were asked for to be included in the Membership Roster. Frank Guinn announced that group pictures and individual pictures would be taken prior to banquet at a cost of $15.00 for each 8X10 group picture and $7.00 for each 5X7. Bob Finch suggested that we send a Sympathy Card to Susan Streich, daughter of deceased member, Col. Gilbert East, who passed away 6 June, 2009. All agreed. Command Sgt. Major John R. Smith was the Colonel's Military Escort. John stated that this experience was the highlight of his life. John would always bring a Whopper Jr. with French fries when he came to visit Gil. Colonel East meant much more to John than a former boss. They both were from Indiana and Gil had made a pact with John that whoever survived the other would escort the body back to Indiana. We miss you Gil.  For the Good of the Order, the meeting was adjourned at 10:40 AM  by out-going President, Cecil Shope, following a closing prayer by John R. Smith.

Cecil Shope, President Keith Jack, Vice President, Charles Jezycki, Secretary/Treasurer.

2010 Rapid City, South Dakota Our 15th Reunion was held at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel and Conference in Rapid City, South, Dakota, 8-11 September, 2010.   Marvin Cole, President Kazue Guinn, Vice President Charles Jezycki, Secretary/Treasurer.