Fort Sill, OK – November 9 -11, 1999 Reunion

Written by: Norman R. Jones with input from several Persuaders

On November 8, 1999, I made a phone call to Avery W. Hall to find out if everything was in order for the reunion. His answer was yes and that former Persuaders had started arriving at the Holiday Inn in Lawton, Oklahoma for our reunion on November 9-11, 1999. There was only one that checked in that day, none other than Thomas Vernor. Thomas has a history (trait) of being early for any kind of a meeting, event or function. I knew he would be there early, as I had served with him in 1968, and knew his habits. He is always making sure that things are right for whatever occasion it is. He checked in, found out where the hospitality room was, and made sure that the liquid refreshments were ready. He paid for this out of his own pocket and would not let us reimburse him. Tom hadn’t changed in all those years. He is still a people person and a very good one at that. Top Vernor, as he likes to be called, is still an excellent leader. He is the type that can tell you, “Go to Hell!” and make you look forward to the trip.

On November 9, 1999, the remaining Persuaders arrived and started greeting and mixing with each other. Every one had an experience or two to talk about. Pictures were brought out and the reminiscing started. “Did you know so and so? What happened to so and so? Did you make the Army a career? What did you do in civilian life? Did so and so make it home? What happened to the unit when I left? Where is the unit now?” There were a lot of questions and talk about each one’s experience. After a couple of hours went by, Top Vernor took John Picciolo and myself, Norman Jones, out to Snow Hall and on a tour of the 1/30th Artillery Classroom. He introduced us to just about everyone there at Snow Hall. It seems that he knows most everyone at Fort Sill. We then went to the quartermaster store, looked around and bought some 17th Artillery crest. Tom bought his grand child a present, and then we returned to the Holiday Inn. That evening most of the group went to Ryan’s for supper. Then we all wound up back at the hospitality room.

On November 10, 1999, we boarded a chartered bus for Fort Sill. A briefing was conducted by Sgt. Troy Angell, which was followed by Fort Sill’s Chief of Staff Col. David Ralston. He then answered our questions. We took a group picture in front of Snow Hall. From there, we were driven to the 1/17th Artillery where LTC. Michael Walker, the Battalion Commander, boarded the bus and gave us a warm welcome to what we all knew so well–the Field Artillery. The bus went to a firing range where a live fire mission was going on. The 17th Artillery had a static display for our view. It consisted of an M109A9 Paladin (155 Self-Propelled), Ammo Carrier, Vehicle Retriever, and a Humvee. The crews were there for our questions. Their military bearing and knowledge was very sharp. The troops were very courteous and polite. We then boarded the bus and were taken back to the Battalion area and given a tour of the Motor Pool and the living quarters of the soldiers. It was now lunchtime, so again, we boarded the bus and went to the Guns and Missiles Cafe where LTC. Walker, CSM Parrish and the entire battalion staff and a few lower enlisted had lunch with us. It had been a long time since we had dined in a military mess hall. There the Battalion Commander introduced us to his staff and troops. At the conclusion of the lunch, he and his Command Sergeant Major presented each of us with a battalion coin. We thanked them and were off to our next event, which was at the Polo Field for a half-section demonstration. The Sergeant and his troops put on a demonstration with the horse drawn Artillery. They occupied the position and fired. Then the Sergeant answered any questions that we had. At this point, the local television station was there. They recorded the demonstration and interviewed Avery W. Hall and Norman R. Jones. The segment aired on the 6 and 10pm news and featured the interview with Norman Jones. We then had a guided tour of the old post by Mrs. Rudene Dooley. She took us into the chapel, showed the old government quarters to us, and we ended our visit at the old post gift shop. Our driver then returned us to the Holiday Inn after a long and tiring day. That evening after supper, we started our meeting as the 2nd Battalion 17th Artillery and ended it being the 17th Artillery Regiment Association. Thirteen of us formed the Association and signed the Bylaws and Constitution.

On November 11, 1999, our group got up early and went to the Fort Sill Cemetery for a Veterans Day Ceremony. It was conducted by Major General Toney Stricklin. After the ceremony at the cemetery, we toured all the old artillery weapons and the Geronimo Jail. It was about time for the ceremony at Lawton, so we proceeded to downtown Lawton. The sun was shining and it was very hot. Lawton, Oklahoma conducted a nice ceremony with a lot of different organizations paying tribute to the fallen and living veterans. After that, we headed back to the Holiday Inn for our buffet dinner. We had a local chaplain and the guest speaker was the mayor of Lawton. After the mayor’s comments, we ate. During our lunch period, we were entertained by a young lady with patriotic songs. Some of the group had to leave after dinner, so we said our good byes. The remainder of us that stayed went out that evening and ate pizza. The next day came early and every one departed except for one diehard. I bet you all thought it was Top Vernor. No, it was Paul Fusco.

These Veterans were in attendance:

The following pictures were taken at the reunion (Click On An Image To See Full Size).