Charlie Company reunion held in Branson

On Thursday, October 23, the College of the Ozarks served as host for an appreciation ceremony honoring Company C, “Charlie Company,” 1st^tBattalion, 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. In addition to an outdoor ceremony in Patriots Park, the group’s reunion gathering included a recognition ceremony and luncheon at the Keeter Center. 

Charlie Company is a highly decorated unit that received the Presidential unit citation for their gallantry in combat in Vietnam from 1967-1970; many members are also Purple Heart recipients. The reunions, which began in 2003, were a dream of Silver Star combat medic Jim Murray, who wanted to connect with other unit members including other medics. Murray was experiencing health problems and did not survive to see the reunions or receive his Purple Heart, for which paperwork had been delayed, but his wife followed up to help the reunions become reality; the family was later presented with the medal. 

The reunions have alternated to different locations over the years, including several visits to Branson, with this year’s gathering coordinated by Linda Warner, a unit member spouse, along with Taunya Leigh of Branson Ticket & Travel and Bob Sarver of Branson Veterans of America 913. Organizers said this could possibly be the last official gathering, as travel has become increasingly physically difficult for many members of the Company, and they wanted this one to be special. The group was escorted from their hotel to the College by local law enforcement and first responders, and greeted by JROTC students from Branson and Forsyth. 

A beautiful morning greeted those in attendance on Thursday. Sarver opened the ceremony by introducing C of O President Dr. Brad Johnson, who welcomed the group with thanks and reaffirmation of the College’s commitment to honoring veterans and preserving their stories. C of O senior Madelyn Sestak gave the invocation, followed by senior Cooper Knight leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Vocalist C.J. Newsome of Branson’s Classic Country & Comedy at the Americana Theatre presented the National Anthem. 

Serving as representative for the City of Branson and Mayor Larry Milton, local veteran Bob Smither presented a copy of Branson’s “Most Patriotic City” proclamation to the unit. Brig. Gen. James Schreffler, Assistant Adjutant General, Missouri Army National Guard and Vice President for Patriotic Activities at the College, then shared “Welcome Home” remarks, followed by Newsome singing “God Bless America.” 

Keynote address was “My Journey from Then to Now,” by Bob Sarver. After opening his remarks with the poem “Wave On,” Sarver presented sobering statistics about the Vietnam Era, 1964-1975, with the conflict involving at least 9.7% of that young generation and over 58,000 lives lost, of which over 11,000 were under the age of 20. He mentioned names of Missourians on the Vietnam Memorial Wall, as well as father/son duos and many nurses. Sarver also shared briefly about media misrepresentation of the successes accomplished by the American military during the Vietnam conflict, which may have contributed to the sad treatment experienced by many soldiers upon arriving back on American soil to what he called “a nation not certain how to truly appreciate its military.” Sarver’s address wrapped up with a heartfelt “Welcome Home.” 

The Patriots Park ceremony concluded with a benediction led by Madelyn Sestak and closing remarks by Sarver, before the group headed to the recognition ceremony and luncheon. Reunion organizers wish to express their sincere thanks for the local participants that helped make the reunion possible; to C of O for their hospitality and print shop services; and the JROTC cadets for their part in the morning’s welcome. We at the Globe join in thanking Company C for their sacrifice and service, and hope many are able to continue attending Veterans Homecoming events in the future.