2000
Prescott,
Arizona
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2000 |
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 Wayne "Barney" Barnes |
It was a pleasant summer day in Arizona on August 16, 2000 when a hot wind began blowing into the town of Prescott. It wasn't a normal wind, but a wind of hot-blooded men. It blew for three days, bringing with it remnants of the old Hakata Station once located near Fukuoka, Japan. These hot-blooded, rough and hardy men came from across the United States to attend a reunion of the above mentioned military installation, hosted by Wayne "Barney" Barnes. Older in years but young in spirit, these gallant men came to renew friendships, make new ones, and celebrate their time at a unit that hasn't existed for 28 years. Indeed, for some, it had been nearly fifty years since their time there. The reunion lasted five days, and one might wonder if Prescott, like Saitozaki in Japan, will ever recover (grin). |
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The Historic 2000 Hakata/14th USASA FS reunion was held August 16 through 20, 2000 at the Best Western Prescottonian Resort Motel in Prescott, Arizona and was hosted by Wayne "Barney" Barnes, who was with the Navy during his time at Hakata. It was a historic reunion because it was the first to be held that represented the entire period of the base at Hakata and not just a particular era or unit of that time. Some 25-30 guys showed up, doubling the number who attended the 1997 reunion, with about half bringing their wives. Chip Dove, an old 14ther, who hadn't known about the reunion, was discovered in the area and joined the festivities. The reunion was represented my men from the 1950's, 60's and 70's. |
 "Of course we look like John Wayne," say David Bernardy, Roger Rowen & Ben Phillips. |
Although taking place in August, the weather was good, not as hot as one would think. It was about 88 degrees in Prescott, while Phoenix was experiencing 108 degree weather. Several guys showed up at the start of the reunion, while the others trickled in by Friday. The welcoming committee consisted of host Barney Barnes, Ben Phillips, Gus Cone and David Bernardy.
Of course the first order of business was sitting around, telling old "war stories" and tall tales.
 Don Raymond, Gus Cone & Wayne Barnes |
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 Rich Cappotto, Ben Phillips, Harry Garcia & Roger Rowen |
 Joe Miller, Carl Trussell & Rich Cappotto |
The reunion remained very casual. There were no meetings, or speeches or organized activities, except for the barbecue discussed later. Many pictures were taken, including group pictures taken of all the guys, and the gals, and groups from the 50's, 60's and 70's - Army & Navy. Apparently no one who had been in the Air Force attended.
 Charlie Ferrell |
 Gerry Gall |
 Dean Oie |
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