Archive

1994. Toward the end of 1994, I got involved and tried to persuade the membership that it was too hot for outside BBQs and booked the Radisson for the 1995 reunion. This was a plan in two parts: (1) to have the meet and greet for out-of-town guests with the local San Antonio patrons; and, (2) get out of the heat.  The plan failed to attract enough participation and the affair cancelled, result –no reunion in 1995.  

Since that time, 1996 to the present, we have tried everything we could to enhance membership appreciation. We progressed having catered BBQ (Jailhouse Café and Grady’s BBQ) at Stapleton Park (on the Hill), on Friday and dinner/dance on Saturday at Mitchell Hall, LAFB.  In 1997 we had a guest speaker, CMSgt David Hill, Sr. Enlisted Advisor, AIA, followed with a Fashion Extravaganza put on by Darin Martin of the Men’s Wearhouse (POC: Shirley Jones); a musical selection by Bonita Jackson; and, Men and Women On The Go (fashion) (POC: Barbara Wright).  

In 1998, we booked the Best Western/Oak Hills Hotel. We finally got a hotel and it welcomed our biggest turnout. We experienced the first major concentrated effort to please everybody. Green Tree Tennis & Swim Club was the venue for the BBQ located just a few miles away from the hotel. Green Tree provided an Olympic size swimming pool, three tennis courts, volleyball court, a covered area for the food line, and tree-shaded picnic areas. We also had the Golf Tourney, Silent Auction, and Photographer. We repeated this scenario in 1999 with the addition of a Fish Fry in town at Liz Jarmon’s home. At each of the picnic events noted there was areas present for children with swings, slides, etc.  

During 1998-1999, there was quite a stir among members to: (1) have the reunion once every two years, and, (2) have the reunion at a different location (namely, MD/DC area or Las Vegas). It was in 1999 that the membership voted against both proposals. Reasons given for the vote are as follows: (1) it proves convenient to have it every year in order to accommodate those who have other commitments in one year and can make the next; and, (2) to have the reunion somewhere else it would take away the Security Service (The Hill) aura. This is the location, which we have all shared as a common link to our affiliation in Security Service.  

In 2000 through 2004, we maintained the same scenario; in 2000, Best Western was now Howard Johnson Inn and Suites. The name changed again, in 2003, to Oak Hills Medical Center Hotel. During this period, we offered African Art and jewelry displays by Minnie Wilson, and song fests by Walter Ross (who sang again in 2005).  

The Present

The year’s 2005-2006 proved our biggest crowds for both events, BBQ and Dance. It has taken some getting used to because our tenure at one hotel for seven events (1998-2004) spoiled us. Due to location and the configuration of the first floor, we had unlimited space at our disposal for each of the seven years noted. Unfortunately, we outgrew this facility. In addition, along those lines, we are on the verge of outgrowing the Radisson Downtown Market Square.  

Anyway, the Radisson has proven to be a challenge. The hospitality room is comprised of two locations in order to provide adequate room. One upstairs and one down stairs; our drinks are only allowed upstairs, which has been very difficult to work around because there is more room down stairs. Nevertheless, with your indulgence we can overcome. Our total membership as of 2006 is 467. 

This small trek through history illustrates our growth. It also conforms to the Objectives cited in the SMD By-Laws, dated 16 Oct 1994:

 “II.          OBJECTIVES

           The primary purpose of the organization is to promote the general welfare of the membership by providing the forum for the members to stay in touch, provide friendship, and camaraderie for active and retired military/civilian servants of the Air Force Intelligence community. Hold annual get-togethers in the form of picnics, general membership meetings and election of officers. Provide a means of networking for the benefit of the membership socially and economically.” 

The Future, 2007

We have booked the Radisson one more time for 2007. We have gained knowledge as to layout, service, etc. With lessons learned on our side, I am confident that we can move ahead and make this one even better than the last. All I ask is that we cooperate. Before pointing fingers check yourself, somebody may be pointing a finger at you. That person might be me because this organization has elected officials that are simply a working committee. This is not a conglomerate of unrelated tasks delegated to several subordinate entities. To the contrary, we have one task in accordance with the SMD By-Laws and that is “to hold annual get-togethers.” Therefore, anyone can jump right in and be a part of what appears to be the problem. The history, noted above, will give you an idea of what we have tried. If you haven’t seen it again it means it was not accepted by a large majority. Then the Events Coordinator gets the heat but that’s the way it goes. 

Conclusion/Recap

Due credit must be given to others who have assisted throughout the years: Golf Tourney –

Russell Parks, William Rogers and Howard Freeman; Silent Auction – William Rogers; Photography – Milton Dennie; DJ – Glover Tucker; Prizes and handouts – Patricia Edwards; the recently added: San Antonio Tour and River Walk Cruise – Jacqueline Wallace. Other staff members, proven faithful to the cause and are always on hand are: William Robinson, Victor Wright, Joseph Wilson, Esther Shafer and Raymond Tate who have been instrumental in the decision-making processes and active assistants during the annual reunions.  Last but not least, a hearty thank you to Vera Jackson and Howard Jackson (no relation) for assisting with the games portion of the reunion.  Everyone knows the staff involved with Entertainment but it would be unfair not to mention the hard working guest of one of our members, Daphne Wright.  

As you have read, we have tried all kinds of things, and for one reason or another, we had to change. The summer heat was getting to us so we changed venues and we did it one-step at a time. 

First we went to the Hill, with covered pavilions which proved too hot with very little or no breeze. Then we went to Green Tree with the shade and enough open space to get some breeze and that was too hot. Therefore, we went to the hotel scenario. It was the greatest. However, we still had complaints. We received negative statements about the food, the DJ, too much activity instead of allowing everyone to dance, and so on. On one occasion, just one, we had so much fun on the dance floor that Bert Skinner offered to pay the DJ for an extra hour out of “his” pocket. Every year we try harder. Every year we have “something.”   

We appreciate the effort you make to be present at our annual reunions, from near or far, and we thank you for that effort.  

My hat is off to those faithful participants who come to all the functions each year from out of town with a special loving hug for those that came from as far away as California, Florida, and Maryland. Let me emphasize, every year! It is worthy of note to extend my gratitude and thanks for those who have never been to a reunion or can not make it for personal reasons and has faithfully donated for the cause – financing the reunions. I know who you are and I have not forgotten you.

Again, I thank you all

 Elmer “Catfish” Wright

SMD Vice President