The Power of Reunions

Chad and I were honored to attend the 716th Military Police Battalion Vietnam Reunion in Des Moines, Iowa, last month. The gathering included plenty of opportunities to visit and listen. These men answered the call: Maintaining law and order, keeping supply lines open, and providing direct support in combat.

The 716th formed during WWII and served in Vietnam from 1965-1973, primarily operating out of Saigon. They played an active role defending the city during the Tet Offensive in 1968. The 716th also holds the honor of being the only MP battalion awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.

Reunions are held every two years at locations around the United States since 1984. They also have an active website for members to connect and keep in touch. The gathering brings together regular attendees, picking up where they left off, and includes a few first time attendees, brothers welcomed with open arms.

I wasn’t planning on blogging about the event; however, as these warriors kept sharing stories, my historian’s gut kept nudging action. I started collecting short 1-3 minute segments with veterans who wanted to share. Some recalled stories of their service, including accounts from the Tet Offensive, the benefits of these reunions, and even advice for the next generation of veterans.

If you ever have the opportunity to attend a military reunion with a family member, take the time to go! The stories and camaraderie bring out a rare glimpse of our loved ones.

Thanks for reading!