VMO-6 Reunion UPDATE July 1, 2023

For Reunion information contact: Ed Kufeldt @ (703) 250-1514)

VMO-6 Squadron Members, Family 

& Friends​





Sixteen weeks from July 4th, Independence Day, we will be meeting for the first day of our scheduled reunion at the Hampton Inn on Pensacola Beach. As of June 26th, 39 rooms have been reserved and if a few of them are for only one person, we can assume over 70 people will be in attendance. Following is a listing of hotel registrants. An asterisk by the name indicates the signup form and check have been received.  

BGen John Arick 
Rick Ault
*Stuart Beeney (UK Bird 18)  
*Dave Bushlow  
Daniel Campbell
Mary Croft
Bob Crutcher  
Jacob Culver

James Culver

George Defeo

Skeets Fairfield

*Art & Carolyn Friend

Jerry Garner

Jug Gerard

Jerry & Rudy Gonzalez

Pete Greene

*Damon Hatcher (UK Bird 18)

Micheal Jarrel  

James King (2 rooms)

*Ed & Kathy Kufeldt  

Les LeFevre

Rose Levanduski

*Martin Luscombe (UK Bird 18)

Whitey Meydag

*Bill Mohilla  

Shante Reedy  

Michael Remme

*Richard & Janette Sasnett

Dave Schoenher  

*Andrew Seal (UK Bird 18)  

*Peter Seal (UK Bird 18)

*Joe & Dawn Sturtevant

Bobby Thatcher (3 rooms)  

*Red Trivette & Sam Reedy (friend and USArmy VN Vet)  

David Tunmire (2 rooms)

Pam & Mark Unger (Pete Greene's daughter & LtCol USMC)

KD Waters  

*Steve & Julia Wilson



Hampton Inn Reservations. To make a reservation, please follow these instructions:

Phone #: 850-932-6800 (ask for group reservations and request to speak to Josh Lucking or Crystal Charleston)
Group Code: VMO (group code must be stated when making reservation)
Hilton Honors: If you a member, provide honors number for future benefits
Room Rates: 
Bay/sound side front rooms (single-double, 2 Queen & King beds are available) $139 plus taxes
Gulf front rooms with balcony (single-double, 2 Queen & King beds are available) $169 plus taxes
Check-in/check-out: 4 pm / 11 am
Amenities:
Complimentary hot/cold breakfast buffet includes omelets and waffles
Free in room WIFI
Parking fees waived (ask for when checking in)
For above room rates prior or later than stated reunion dates, talk to Josh or Crystal

Reunion Schedule of Events. Some 
activities have been refined or upgraded.

Reunion Activities
Pensacola, Florida

October 24 - 28, 2023


TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023
  1600 Hotel check-in opens

  1700-1800VMO-6 Meet n' Greet, Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach
  1800-2100Hotel "Pizza Kitchen" pizzas and other food items 
served in the Hootch
  1900-2100Bands on the Beach (Optional)
  2000-Until... Free time/Beverages /Snacks at the VMO-6 Hootch

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023  
  0700-1000 Complimentary breakfast
  0800 Board Trolleys for NAS Pensacola (NASP)
  0915 Trolleys arrive at National Naval Aviation Museum
  0930 Flight Line opens for Blue Angels Practice Session
  1030-1115 Blue Angels Practice Session
  1130 Squadron lunch at the Cubi Bar Cafe
  1230-1530 Guided or self-guided tours of Naval Aviation Museum
  1545 Trolley departs for NASP Helicopter Tech Schools
  1600 Barrancas National Cemetery
  Grave Site of Major Stephen Wesley Pless
  Awarded the CMOH for his bravery near Quang Nai,
  Republic of Viet Nam, on August 19, 1967
  1615 Trolleys depart Barrancas National Cemetery for Hampton Inn
  1715 Trolleys arrive at the Hampton Inn
  1715-1830 Free Time/Beverages/Snacks at the VMO-6 Hootch
  1830 Squadron Dinner at a nearby restaurant (On your own)
  2000-until... Free Time/Beverages/Snacks at the VMO-6 Hootch

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023  
  0700-1000 Complimentary breakfast
  0930 Board trolleys for Veterans Memorial Park
  1000-1030 Free time at Veterans Memorial Park
  1030-1100 Squadron Ceremony at Marine Aviation Bell Tower
  1100 Trolleys depart Veterans Memorial Park for McGuire’s nIrish Pub
  1115 Trolleys arrive at McGuire's Irish Pub
  1115-1300 Lunch at McGuire's Irish Pub
  1315 Trolleys departs McGuire's Irish Pub for Hampton Inn
  1345-1600 Free Time/Beverages/Snacks at the VMO-6 Hooch
  1645 Trolleys depart Hampton for Heroes Among US Event
  1800-1900 Heroes Among Us (HAU) Event at Seville Quarter
"Marine Aviation Night" - Lt Gen Fred McCorkle, USMC (Ret)
  1900-Until… Squadron Dinner downtown restaurant (On your own)
  1915 Trolleys depart for Hampton Inn
  1945 Trolleys arrive at Hampton Inn
  1945- Until… Squadron Dinner Beach restaurant (On your own)
  2000-until... Free Time/Beverages/Snacks at the VMO-6 Hooch

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023  
  0700-1000 Complimentary breakfast 
  0800 (Optional On your own) Golf at Tiger Point Golf Club, 1255 Country Club Dr, Gulf Breeze
(850) 930-4653 – Golf Course, traybon@tigerpointgolf.com
  0900 Trolleys depart for Dolphin Cruise  
  0930 Chase'N'Fins leaves dock 
  1200 Chase'N'Fins returns to dock
  1230 Squadron picnic lunch at Park West
  1315 Trolleys depart for Hampton Inn
  1330-1500 Free Time/Beverages/Snacks at the VMO-6 Hooch
  1500 VMO-6 Hootch closed
  1500 Free Time
  1800 Cocktails (Cash Bar)
  1830 Squadron Dinner (DeLuna Hall, Hampton Inn
  2000 Closing Comments

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023 
  0700-1000 Complimentary breakfast
Squadron Farewell Breakfast (On your own)
Depart or Stay in Pensacola (On your own)

Sign-up Form. The submission of the completed, attached form is required for participation in the reunion, and the registration fee is $145 per person for the following services:  
Trolley Transportation (no need to use your vehicle for stated normal everyday activities)
Hootch (Deluna Hall, Hampton Inn)
Meals (Paid w/Registration) - Original "Happy Meal" after a hard day at work.

Pizza Meet & Greet w/gratuity (Tuesday)
Museum Lunch w/gratuity (Wednesday)  
McGuire's Lunch w/gratuity (Thursday)
Squadron Picnic (Friday)
Squadron Dinner (Friday)
Dolphin Boat Cruise w/picnic lunch
Miscellaneous -- Chair for Blue Angels Practice
Additional Information.
Jerry and Rudy Gonzalez, nephews of Cpl. Rodolfo Gonzalez, VMO-6 crew chief KIA on 14 NOV 1966, are attending the reunion like they did at the October 2021 reunion in Virginia. These gentlemen are delightful and they greatly added to enjoyment of the event. They fully integrated themselves and shared pictures and a video they took. For the upcoming reunion, Jerry provided these thoughts:  
"This year, I’m interested in speaking to a few members plus the Stuart Beeney group on-camera. As you might well know, I’ve been a professional cameraman for forty plus years specializing in long format documentary type video productions. I’d like to have a ‘short’ sit-down session and record the exchange (interview) with a handful of the guys and maybe some of the wives too. I do not have any particular purpose for this video other than preserving and encapsulating the groups incredible esprit de corps for any future use. The footage would be available to all including the Bird 18 folks. My interest is, of course, my Uncle Rudy and his role in VM0-6. Another idea is to have the group bring their service portrait for a ‘then and now’ photo op."


Not only do they have fun but they enjoy working with and supporting other people. Based on Jerry's comments, please provide me (Ed Kufeldt) your thoughts, especially on the idea of a "then and now" photo op.  
If you are flying on a scheduled airline flight to the Pensacola Airport, there is no need to rent a vehicle if you are participating in only the reunion. An agreement is being made for a commercial transportation company to pick up reunion attendees upon airport arrival and dropoff at the Hampton Inn and also to reverse the procedure at the conclusion of the event. This is at no cost to individuals using the service. Details will be provided in the August and September update for those desiring to take advantage of this "Uber" type ride.
If you haven't made a hotel reservation, please do so soon. The sooner your reservation is made the better chance of getting a room before the hotel is filled with non squadron members and it also provides us with the requisite information for transportation and restaurant requirements.
If you haven't submitted the sign-up form, please download it, complete, and submit per the instructions.
If interested in taking the optional activity on Friday and demonstrate your skills playing golf, send me an email or text and I will find a volunteer to manage the action.
For questions or concerns, send Ed an email (ed@kufeldt.com) or text (703-250-1514).  
Semper Fidelis,

Ed Kufeldt & Steve Wilson

P.S. If you can't download the attached sign-up form, copy this, complete it and send.


Squadron 2023 Reunion Sign-up Form

In addition to sharing the cost of trolley transportation, food, and other 
incidentals, this form provides an opportunity for all participants to
support the VMO-6 Hootch/Hospitality room. Your donation will support
the purchase of wine, beer, sodas, water, and snacks for squadron
members and guests.

Name: _____________________________________________________________________________
(Please print)
Spouse / Guest Name(s): ________________________________________________________
Mailing Address of Payee: ______________________________________________________
City, State, & Zip: _________________________________________________________________
Email Address: ___________________________________________________
Number of participants _______ X $145.00 = Total $____________
Contribution in support of the VMO-6 Hootch: $___________
Check enclosed in the amount of: $___________
(payable to Ed Kufeldt)

Please complete form, submit with check, and mail to:

Ed Kufeldt
8200 Chancery Ct.
Alexandria, VA 22308-1513

Deadline for submitting completed form with check is Sep. 23, 2023

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
   18 Sept 2023.  12:50
September 18, 2023 update:

Squadron Members, Family & Friends,
This is the last reunion update being sent to members in the squadron database. Only those who submitted a completed sign-up form with a check will continue to receive information on the reunion. Some people have hotel reservations but haven't completed their reunion registration requirements. Because of the uncertainty of a few if their health will allow them to travel in October, the deadline for submitting a sign-up form has been extended to September 30th, the same day hotel room reservations must be made. This will allow your reunion coordinators to finalize plans for transportation, meals, hootch amenities, and other requirements.
Hampton Inn Reservations: Make by Sep. 30th for Stated Rates.
To make a reservation, please follow these instructions:

Phone #: 850-932-6800 (ask for group reservations and request to speak to Josh Lucking)
Group Code: VMO (group code must be stated when making reservation)
Hilton Honors: If you a member, provide honors number for future benefits
Room Rates: 
Bay/sound side front rooms (single-double, 2 Queen & King beds are available) $139 plus taxes
Gulf front rooms with balcony (single-double, 2 Queen & King beds are available) $169 plus taxes
Check-in/check-out: 4 pm / 11 am
Amenities:
Complimentary hot/cold breakfast buffet includes omelets and waffles
Free in room WIFI
Parking fees waived (ask for when checking in)
For above room rates prior or later than stated reunion dates, talk to Josh or Crystal
 Sign-up Form Due by Sep. 30th. The submission of the completed, attached form is required for participation in the reunion, and the registration fee is $145 per person for the following services:  
Trolley Transportation (no need to use your vehicle for stated normal everyday activities)
Hootch (Deluna Hall, Hampton Inn)
Meals (Paid w/Registration)
Pizza, Salas Meet & Greet w/gratuity (Tuesday)
Museum Lunch w/gratuity (Wednesday)  
McGuire's Lunch w/gratuity (Thursday)
Squadron Picnic (Friday)
Squadron Hotel Dinner (Friday)
Dolphin Boat Cruise w/picnic lunch
Miscellaneous -- Chair for Blue Angels Practice
Airport/Hotel Transportation
For those flying on a scheduled airline flight to the Pensacola Airport, there is no need to rent a vehicle if you are participating in only the reunion. An agreement has been made for a commercial transportation company to pick up reunion attendees upon airport arrival and dropoff at the Hampton Inn and also to reverse the procedure at the conclusion of the event. So far 15 people will be using this service. This arrangement is no cost to individuals. To participate, please send the following information:


Name ________________ Cell Phone #_________ # in Party _______

Airline _______Flight # _____ Arrival Day_____ Arrival Time _______

Hotel Departure Day ______ Hotel Departure Time __________ 

For planning purposes, travel time between airport and hotel is 30-40 minutes. 

Send to ed@kufeldt.com or text him at 703-250-1514.

Reunion Attendees. Following is a listing of hotel registrants. An asterisk preceding name indicates the signup form and check have been received.  
*BGen John & Terry Arick 
*Rick Ault
*Stuart Beeney (UK Bird 18)
Dick Boston  
*Dave Bushlow  
Daniel Campbell
*KC Carlon
*Mary Croft, daughters Jennifer Lutz & Gwen Lallo, & granddaughter
  Kayla Lallo
Bob Crutcher  
Jacob Culver

Vada Culver

Dick Either & daughter Karen Myslinski

*Larry & Tricia Etter

*Skeets & Jean Fairfield

*Art & Carolyn Friend

Jerry Garner

*Jug Gerard & Tine Liegerot

Jerry & Rudy Gonzalez (nephews of Cpl Rodolfo Gonzalez, KIA 14 Nov 1966)

*Pete Greene, daughter LtCol Pam Unger & his granddaughters 

  Lauren Unger & Madison Gallant

*Damon Hatcher (UK Bird 18)

*Micheal Jarrel  

James King (2 rooms)

*Ed & Kathy Kufeldt  

Les & Kathy LeFevre (Doc. USN, VMO-6 Dentist & currently a Cowboy

  & Indian Artist, Google his name for fantastic paintings)

*Rose Levanduski

*Martin Luscombe (UK Bird 18)

*Virgle & Barbara McVey

*Whitey Meydag

*Mitch & Betsy Mitchell

*Bill Mohilla  

Shante Reedy  

Michael Remme

*Barney & Sharon Ross

*Richard & Janette Sasnett

*Dave & Marge Schoenherr

Ron Scribner  

*Andrew Seal (UK Bird 18)  

*Peter Seal (UK Bird 18)

*Lou Sessinger & daughter Kate Coleman

*Joe & Dawn Sturtevant

*Bobby & Elsie Thatcher & 6 family members)  

*Red Trivette & Sam Reedy (friend and USArmy VN Vet)  

*David C. & Betty Tunmire and son David L. Tunmire

*Joe & Cindy Turner 

*KD Waters

*Bob Whaley  

*Steve & Julia Wilson

*Richard Woertz
Reunion Schedule of Events.
 NOTE: Some activities have been refined, changed, or upgraded.

Reunion Activities
Pensacola, Florida

October 24 - 28, 2023


TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023

  1600 Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach Check-In Opens
  1700-1800 VMO-6 Meet n' Greet, Hampton Inn "Hooch" (DeLuna Hall)
  1800-2100 Hampton "Pizza Kitchen" pizzas, salad, and other food items
  served in the VMO-6 "Hooch"
  1900-2100 Bands on the Beach (Optional)
  2000 Free time / Beverages /Snacks at VMO-6 "Hooch"

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023

  0700-1000 Complimentary breakfast at Hampton Inn
  0800 Board Trolleys for Naval Aviation Museum (at NASP)
  0900 Trolleys arrive National Naval Aviation Museum (at NASP)
  0900 National Naval Aviation Museum Opens
  0930 Flight Line opens for Blue Angels Practice Session
  1030-1115 Blue Angels Practice Session
  1130 Squadron lunch at Cubi Bar Cafe, Naval Aviation Museum
  1230-1500 Guided or Self-Guided Tours of Naval Aviation Museum
  1500 Trolleys depart for Barrancas National Cemetery
  1530 Trolleys arrive Barrancas National Cemetery
  1530 Barrancas National Cemetery
  Grave Site of Major Stephen Wesley Pless
  Awarded the CMOH for his bravery near Quang Nai,
  Republic of Viet Nam, on August 19, 1967
  1545 Trolleys depart Barrancas National Cemetery for Hampton Inn
  1645 Trolleys arrive Hampton Inn
  1645-1830 Free Time /Beverages /Snacks at VMO-6 "Hooch"
  1830 Squadron Dinner at nearby restaurants (On Your Own)
  2000-Until Free Time /Beverages /Snacks at VMO-6 "Hooch"

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023

  0700-1000 Complimentary breakfast at Hampton Inn
  0930 Board trolleys for Veterans Memorial Park
  1000 Trolleys arrive Veterans Memorial Park
  1000-1030 Free time at Veterans Memorial Park
  1030-1100 Squadron Ceremony at Marine Aviation Bell Tower
  1100 Trolleys depart Veterans Memorial Park for McGuire’s Pub
  1115 Trolleys arrive McGuire's Irish Pub
  1115-1300 Lunch at McGuire's Irish Pub
  1315 Trolleys depart McGuire's Irish Pub for Hampton Inn
  1345 Trolleys arrive Hampton Inn
  1345-1600 Free Time / Beverages /Snacks at VMO-6 "Hooch"
  1645 Trolleys depart Hampton for "Heroes Among Us" Event
  1700 Trolleys arrive at "Heroes Among Us" Event
  1800-1900 "Heroes Among Us" (HAU) Event at Seville Quarter
  "Marine Aviation Night" - Lt Gen Fred McCorkle, USMC (Ret.)
  1915-2100 Squadron Dinners Downtown restaurants (On Your Own)
  1915 (1) Trolley departs for New World Inn (Downtown Parking) 
  1930 (1) Trolley arrives New World Inn (Downtown Parking)
  2100 (1) Trolley departs for Hampton Inn from New World Inn
  2130 (1) Trolley arrives at Hampton Inn from New World Inn
  1915 (2) Trolleys depart for Hampton Inn from Seville Quarter
  1945 (2) Trolleys arrive at Hampton Inn from Seville Quarter
  1945 Squadron Dinners Beach restaurants (On Your Own)
  2000 Free Time /Beverages /Snacks at VMO-6 "Hooch"

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023

  0700-1000 Complimentary breakfast at Hampton Inn
  0800 Golf at Tiger Point Golf Club (Optional-On your own),
  1255 Country Club Dr, Gulf Breeze
  (850) 930-4653 – Golf Course, traybon@tigerpointgolf.com
  0900 Trolleys depart Hampton for Chase'N'Fins Boat Cruise
  0930 Chase'N'Fins boats leave dock
  1130 Chase'N'Fins boats return to dock
  1145 Trolleys depart dock for Park West
  1200 Trolleys arrive Park West
  1200 Squadron picnic lunch at Park West
  1300 Trolleys depart for Hampton Inn
  1315 Trolleys arrive Hampton Inn
  1315-1500 Free Time /Beverages /Snacks at VMO-6 "Hooch"
  1500 VMO-6 "HOOCH" CLOSED
  1500 Free Time
  1500 Cocktails (Cash Bar - Hampton Inn)
  1730 Squadron Cocktail Hour (Cash Bar - Hampton Inn)
  1830 Squadron Dinner (DeLuna Hall, Hampton Inn)
  1930 Closing Remarks

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023

  0700-1000 Complimentary breakfast at Hampton Inn
  Squadron Farewell Breakfast (On Your Own)
  Depart or Stay in Pensacola (On Your Own)

Bird 18. We are excited with UK Bird 18 members attending the reunion. For those unfamiliar with their activities and support of charitable, non profit organizations, this is a video of moving the aircraft for a recent event. Is it impressive? Indeed it is. https://fb.watch/mVhLbU4uv-/


We look forward to executing the reunion plans and seeing you in Pensacola.

Semper Fidelis,

Ed Kufeldt & Steve Wilson


Note: If you can't open the attachment at the end of this email then copy the below and submit.

Squadron 2023 Reunion Sign-up Form

In addition to sharing the cost of trolley transportation, food, and other 
incidentals, this form provides an opportunity for all participants to
support the VMO-6 Hootch/Hospitality room. Your donation will support
the purchase of wine, beer, sodas, water, and snacks for squadron
members and guests.

Name: _____________________________________________________________________________
(Please print)
Spouse / Guest Name(s): ________________________________________________________
Mailing Address of Payee: ______________________________________________________
City, State, & Zip: _________________________________________________________________
Email Address: ___________________________________________________
Number of participants _______ X $145.00 = Total $____________
Contribution in support of the VMO-6 Hootch: $___________
Check enclosed in the amount of: $___________
(payable to Ed Kufeldt)

Please complete form, submit with check, and mail to:

Ed Kufeldt
8200 Chancery Ct.
Alexandria, VA 22308-1513

Deadline for submitting completed form with check is Sep. 30, 2023

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September 18, 2023 update