G-7

Posted 27 November 2007:

G-7 REUNION A MAJOR SUCCESS!!

The first G-7 Reunion in 35 years was held in Manhattan on November 16th and 17th . All who attended were
unanimous in feeling this was a gathering which was long overdue. We have promised ourselves this will become
an annual event and are looking forward to gathering for the KSU-Texas Tech football game in October 2008.
Hopefully, with more advanced notice and planning we can get an even larger turn out.

Things started on Friday afternoon with three alumni; Don Jacka, Jeff Woodall, and John Chatelain, who met with
the K-State’s current PMS, LTC George Belin. He personally gave a tour of a much changed and up-graded
Military Science Building. It was very heartening to hear that K-State’s Wildcat Battalion is very highly ranked
among the ROTC programs. The idea was discussed of the possibility of re-establishing a P/R unit at KSU and
support of the concept was offered. LTC Belin was unable to make any commitment at that time, but did offer to
discuss the matter with his cadets to see if there might be interest within their battalion to follow up on the idea. A
minimum of 10 volunteer cadets would be needed to start a new unit.

On Friday evening, a cocktail party was held at the Econo-Lodge Motel with G-7 alumni and several wives in
attendance. There was a lot of catching up to do. Old photos were shared along with many memories. Anyone
wanting specifics will have to attend future reunions and ask for themselves.

Saturday was the game day between K-State and Missouri. Unfortunately not all of those who came to the Friday
party were able to stay for the game, but some who were not able to make it Friday were seen on Saturday. Bud
and Betty Allen hosted a magnificent tailgate party. The Army ROTC Department also held their first alumni tailgate
party. The sorry details of the game will not be discussed here. Following that debacle, the "Last Man Club" was
officially founded with Bud being elected the secretary. Further details will be posted on a separate page.

In January, several hotels in Manhattan were been contacted and the room availability, space for a gathering, price
range, etc are listed below. Following distribution of this information by e-mail, there seemed to be general
agreement that the Econo-Lodge is our best option for our 2008 reunion. If you want a little larger room, the
Regency Inn is located next to the Econo-Lodge and is under the same management.

I believe that was the rate we paid last November, and probably reflects increased demand on game weekends.
The local manager, Robin, has offered to contact the owner to see if we could get a discount if enough of us make
reservations. So when you make a reservation, please ask to speak with Robin and tell her you are a Pershing
Rifles alumnus. The telephone number is 785-539-5391

The breakfast area has been reserved for a party on Friday evening, 03 October. In the event the game is held in
the evening, we could make arrangements for 04 October post-game gathering as well. You might consider
making your reservation for both Friday and Saturday. If the game is early enough in the day, you could cancel the
Saturday portion of the reservation.

When you make your reservations and plans for the October reunion, please notify the Company. This will make
planning easier. Note the Hampton Inn was almost booked out before the end of January. Please do not delay too
long in making hotel reservations.

Thank you.

2008 P/R National Conference: Daytona Beach Florida 13-16 March

I returned from Florida last week. The NATCON was a great break from medicine, and it was really nice to go somewhere warm. It was a
bummer to have to get the snowblower out when I got home.

A couple of things to mention. Following the Alumni banquet on Friday evening, a number of us met with some of the active National HQ
staff to discuss the possibilities of establishing a coordinated nation-wide incorporated organization. Bill Wagner, an alumnus from Q-8,
gave a presentation with some of the potential advantages. He has worked with such matters for several years with both non-profit and
for-profit organizations. One of the advantages would be to ease the process whereby company-level alumni could establish their own
non-profit organizations under the national umbrella. There was a mixed reception to the idea with strong advocates both pro and con.
An attempt to try this a few years ago did not go well, primarily because it was limited in both scope and expertise. Some of those who
experienced that disaster were not happy about trying it again. The 8th Regiment is planning to start work on establishing their own
regimental-level non-profit corporation.

On a less serious note, the drill completions on Saturday were great. However the units were pretty small compared to our day. Most of
the competitors were at 7-man squad levels. The largest group I saw was a 13-man unit. No bayonets were allowed. Interestingly, they
have added a competition for a 4-man color guard routine. Most of the units have been viable for years and have been able to keep either
their old '03's or M-1's. I did find out that Daisy makes a very accurate non-firing replica of an '03 specifically for drill. I have received
information from the Daisy Corporaton. The replica weighs in between 8.4 and 8.6 pounds. The price is about $245. That seems
expensive for a replica, but with a composit stock, it is designed to take the trauma of trick drill practice.

The 2009 NATCON is set for Norfolk, Virginia. It will probably be the third weekend in March, which I have been told is traditional. I plan
to be there. Hope some of you can as well.

Respectfully,

John Chatelain