Reprinted from the HMM-362 Ugly Angel Memorial Foundation History Newsletter, January 2004, with permission from Bob Skinder:

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1. We went to an all-services get together when I got home and it was a bunch of drunks and crazies.

We’re not. Give it a try.

2. I went to a squadron reunion and it was all crying and hugging.

Naw, that’s not us; well, maybe a skosh bit but mostly we’re really glad to see each other again.

3. I’m a recovering alcoholic and don’t know if I’m up to the impact of a reunion.

You ain’t the Lone Ranger. Friends of Bill meet every morning and you’ll get plenty of support.

4. I don’t drink or socialize easily.

There’s a place for everyone who ever was in 362. Some people are loud and others are very quiet.

5. I’m enormously successful and wouldn’t want others to feel inferior.

Don’t worry about it. Marines don’t know the meaning of the word.

6. I’ve been an enormous failure and am too embarrassed to see the old gang.

No one keeps score; trust me.

7. I’ve put on quite a few pounds.

Speaking of that Lone Ranger……….

8. I’ve been out of work and can’t afford it.

Let me know. Sometimes we can find someone willing to share a ride, a room or whatever.

9. I was never really the Marine type.

There are counselors available to get you through this.

10. Someone might let on to my wife what a crude idiot I used to be.

That is a lot less likely than you’d imagine.

See you there—and bring a buddy!!