SPRING 2008 CA

AFTER-ACTION REPORT

The Spring 2008 CA was attended by Lee & Rosemary Hebbard '53, Gary & Margo Snyder '55, Frank & Marion Conery '58, Jim & Marie Roberts '59, John & Geri Martin '60, Bob & Maryjane Metcalf '61, Brian Van Metre '61, and Charlie & Susan Norton '62.

The CA was held at Wickham Park in Melbourne, FL from March 26-30. The weather cooperated beautifully, wiith comfortable days and cool nights. The CA week was sandwiched BETWEEN a very windy & wet week AND a hot, humid week. The campground is very nice, and will probably be visited by many passing through here in the future, in lieu of "dry-camping" at PAFB when full hookups are not available there.

It started with a Firsty (John & Geri Martin) Margarita Happy Hour and was followed by BBQ Country Spare Ribs, cole slaw, baked beans, potato salad, crusty dinner rolls and a special Jello cake. Entertainment was provided by the double sonic booms of the returning orbiter Endeavour.

Thursday a midday caravan to the Lone Cabbage brought the opportunity for a unique lunch, followed by a fun and informative airboat ride on the St Johns River wetlands. (Even the Army Firsty did not get seasick !) The day ended with happy hour & a potluck dinner which included pulled pork and many delicious side dishes and a banana pudding .

Friday was largely a free day, with folks having the opportunity to play disc golf, learning how to do beadwork, and napping, etc. After happy hour, many took the caravan to a dinner cruise on the paddleboat Indian River Queen. (Once again, the Army half of the Firsty duo did not get seasick !)

On Saturday the "breakfast-in-a-bag" omelets, scones, bagels, bacon and Florida orange juice prepared everyone for another busy day.

The Saturday afternoon business meeting was immediately preceded by a ceremony in which an award was presented to Bob Metcalf for lowest (classified) score on the Disc Golf course. Leftover trophies were awarded to all attendees by Bob Metcalf drawing names from John Martin's Mid cap. A special award was given to Jim Roberts and Charlie Norton in appreciation for their volunteer efforts on behalf of the club. In order to aid in their continued service to their country even though they were no longer on active military duty, each received a deck of playing cards like those originally issued to our military folks serving in Iraq to help identify the most wanted bad guys. They were asked to have their "NAGivators" keep a lookout for these folks, and to notify the Homeland Security folks if any were spotted during their future travels. Shortly after the meeting, folks caravaned to a Chinese Buffet for dinner.

On Sunday it was time to begin departure preparations, each of us feeling that the time went by far too quickly. Conversations to be continued the next time "When two or three shall meet..."