bumper sticker from www.uswings.com/welcomehome.asp

This is why we meet, author unknown

"The darkest places in Hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crises - Anon

Gents . . . an extraordinary and succinct explanation of why we are the way we are  . . . and why we gather, and why we like, even love , each other. Why old warriors never die, but live on in the memories of gentle comrades left behind, until, the old friends pass over to rendezvous amid great quiet peace on the Other Side . . .

On the experience of war: Author unknown

"I now know why men who have been to war yearn to reunite. Not to tell stories or to look at old pictures. Not to laugh or weep. Comrades gather because they long to be with men who acted at their best; men who suffered and sacrificed together, who were striped of their humanity. I did not pick these men. They were delivered by fate and the military, but I know them in a way I know no other men.

I have never given anyone such trust. They were willing to guard something more precious than my life. They would have carried my reputation, the memory of me. It was part of the bargain we all made, the reason we were so willing to die for one another. As long as I have memory I will think of them all day, every day. I am sure that when I leave this world my last thoughts will be of my family and my comrades . . . such good men."

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;

For he to-day that sheds his blood with me

Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,

This day shall gentle his condition;

And gentlemen now a-bed

Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,

And hold their manhoods cheap while any speaks

That fought with us upon St. Crispin's Day.

The Delta Bird Dog Reunion meets on odd years.

The 1st Avn Brigade, 13th CAB meets even years at Ft. Rucker, Al. 199th RAC hosted by 162nd AHC. See Don Nicholson for details.

The first gathering of Swamp Fox was at 13th CAB Reunion 2004.