These Good Men
I now know why men who have been to war yearn to reunite. Not to tell stories or look at old pictures. Not to laugh or weep. Comrades gather because they long to be with the men who once acted their best, men who suffered and sacrificed, who were stripped raw, right down to their humanity.
I did not pick these men. They were delivered by fate and the U.S. Marine Corps. But I know them in a way I know no other men. I have never given anyone such trust. They were willing to guard something more precious than my life. They would have carried my reputation, the memory of me. It was part of the bargain we all made, the reason we were so willing to die for one another.
I cannot say where we are headed. Ours are not perfect friendships; those are the province of legend and myth. A few of my comrades drift far from me now, sending back only occasional word. I know that one day even these could fall to silence. Some of the men will stay close, a couple, perhaps, always at hand.
As long as I have memory, I will think of them all, every day. I am sure that when I leave this world, my last thought will be of my family and my comrades…..such good men.
from “These Good Men" by Michael Norman
2024 POPASMOKE Reunion
The 2024 Popasmoke reunion will be in Pentagon City, Arlington, VA from 31 July through 4 August 2024. Events will happen in DC and Northern Virginia.
You will need to have registration received for the reunion by 1 July. Hotel reservation needs to be complete by 8 July. See you at the reunion!
Click the links below to get the details:
- Registration (PDF) – If you prefer printing it, filling it in, and mailing it.
- Schedule and tour descriptions (PDF) – Getting together iis fun especially with some of the main events we have planned for the reunion.
- Hotel information (PDF)
- Silent auction (DOCX)
2022 POPASMOKE Reunion
Reunion 2022 was held at
Nugget Hotel & Casino, Sparks, NV
Reunion dates 24-28 August 2022
View the photo gallery
Past POPASMOKE Reunions
Reunion 1996 (video)
Las Vegas, NV
Reunion 1994
Pensacola Beach, FL
Reunion 1992
Washington, D.C.
Reunion 1990
Las Vegas, NV
Reunion 1988
Las Vegas, NV
Upcoming Reunions, Other Organizations
The Basic School, C Co, Class 3-72, 50th Reunion