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2007 Reunion Pics
The 2007 6WSAA Reunion was a great success with an attendance of over 70 members, some local, some driving long distances and some flying in from even further to enjoy the camaraderie which started 40 to 50 years ago. Once again the host was the Holiday Inn Airport, Oklahoma City which provided familiar surroundings and comfortable accommodations for our membership. The spacious area in the hotel's atrium provided the backdrop for the many, many stories and tales which were told and retold and a few were spun very well. The Wednesday's Early Bird arrivals registered at the lower terrace and settled in for the stretch while greeting and meeting other members with some old and some new friendships. Members shared their albums, photographs and memorabilia with others. The hospitality room served up refreshments and snacks and was tended to by some great gals who volunteered their time and efforts to insure it's success. A big thanks to them. A slow start Thursday morning allowed for relaxation and member check in. At 11:00am the tour departed the hotel for Tinker AFB. The BX Food Court was the first stop and lunch at your choice of the many eateries, Chinese, Steakery, Subs & Pizza and Popeye's Chicken. A quick run through the BX allowed for picking up some trinkets or souvenir shirts. The caravan snaked it's way by the Base Hospital, the renovated barracks, the South-40 area (similar to Area 51, except we had the real weather balloons), speculation flourished as to the exact spot of the maintenance building. We continued around the back of the base to the mile long building and East side of the base. It was an interesting trip for us all. Back to the Holiday for continued conversation on the days of old, and where we've been since. Friday started early with an 8:00am departure of a car caravan to Norman, OK for a visit to the National Severe Storms Laboratory and Weather Forecast Office. We got to see the new offices in nicely designed buildings, a part of Oklahoma University. Warm dry weather dominated the day and we were led on the tour to see the latest in the weather forecasting offices, equipment and techniques. At 11:30 we headed for the Western Sizzler for a great lunch with salad bar. After lunch and a quick rest, the caravan headed North past the state capitol building to the TV offices of KOCO-TV, News Channel 5 with a meeting and tour by Chief Meteorologist Rick Mitchell. A very interesting presentation by Rick and his staff gave us a good idea of the workings of the Weather Department at the news station and the preparation and conduct of the broadcasts, especially during weather alerts and inclement weather. We then returned to the hotel and continued our round table discussions. After breakfast on your own, Saturday morning 9am was the General Membership Meeting (pictured above) where various items were discussed and input from the members was encouraged. Members spread out and visited various OKC sites and attractions on their own or just relaxed and shared more stories. The highlight of the weekend, the 6WSAA Banquet started at 6pm with a "Welcome Greeting" from our chairman Clarence "Chuck" Miller, a moment of silence for our sick and deceased members and a delicious buffet. This was followed with prize drawings conducted by Shirley Eldringhoff and awards presented by Chuck Miller. Sunday is the toughest part of the weekend where farewells are exchanged and plans to return to the next reunion are cemented. All good times must come to an end but the memories and new friendships will linger forever in our hearts and minds. Thanks to all that made this reunion possible, the members that attended and especially to Chuck Miller and the committee members that planned, reviewed, prepared and conducted this 21st reunion. Pictures of the 2007 Reunion can be seen by clicking on the buttons below.
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