Every year for the past 6, Hans and Kathy Schmoldt open their home and have put on what has been affectionately dubbed the "Cattle Baron's Ball!" It is a gathering of locals from Grand Junction and other Colorado cities, as well as Friends and Family of Hans and Kathy's and they serve up an open invite to all members of the Tailhook Association.
The Naval Aviation Community has no better friends than Hans and Kathy! And trust me, when you hear of next year's Cattle Baron's Ball, in coordination with the Static Display Airshow for Mesa County's "At Risk Youth" you will absolutely want to be part of it!
This year was an exceptional party! With a live country/ folk band playing, open bar serving, and a fresh pig roasting... entertainment was had by all!
Many more photos from this event can be found here [link]. Please know that all participants were forewarned (by a really small hard to read sign)that by entering the premises they grant permission to have their photos displayed in a public forum. For those who missed that sign... better luck next year! Also, I am asking for the assistance of those in attendance to provide names to all of the faces, so please feel free to comment on the photos both here and in the Gallery.
But most importantly we all found ourselves surrounded by "GOOD PEOPLE!" Your Humble Scribe made countless new friends, and was afforded the opportunity to re-connect with Tailhookers I only have rare occasion to see and hob knob with. In one weekend, I have accumulated enough stories and gouge to fill dozens of articles for TDB!
Some Teasers Are:
- I learned it from "Crazy Larry!"
- Pride Goeth before the Landing Lights!
- A first hand account of the Hindenberg Disaster
- Historical perspective of a different kind of Aircraft Carrier, the USS Macon ( I may enlist SJS for assistance on this one for a Flight Deck Friday posting.)
One of this year's VIP attendees was none other than Mercury 7 Astronaut, Scott Carpenter. It was an honor to meet Scott and chat awhile. He covered all range of topics from the obvious Mercury 7 questions to questions about his deep sea experiences. He was extremely cordial in the face of a barrage of "What was it like when...?" questions that we are all sure he has fielded thousands of times. He answered them all as if it were the first time he had ever heard it. What a Gentleman!
Back to the party!
As I mentioned earlier, Hans and Kathy open up there home for this spectacular event. And what a spread! Serving as natural backdrop, is the Colorado National Monument, an awe inspiring view! Hans and Kathy's acres also include, patios, gardens, a bunkhouse and a large fire-pit the envy of any old west gathering! We danced, sang and swapped lies for hours into the wee morning around this great gathering point.
And finally I cannot leave this tale without mentioning Hans' dedication to those who serve. This man is a genuine unabashed, patriot! And in a speech choked with emotion, Hans told us of one of his tables out on the patio set for a special reason, it touched us all, Tailhookers, Active Duty, and Civilian alike!
The Missing Person Table:
The table represents those missing from home from each of the five services, Navy. Army, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard as well as civilians. It symbolizes they are with us in spirit.
This "Honors Ceremony" tradition dates back to the Viet Nam War, however Americans should never forget our brave men and women who have answered our nations call, served and are serving the cause of FREEDOM in a special way... never forgetting the sacrifices that have been made...
Even though the initial purpose for the Missing Person Table was to honor those Missing in Action or Prisoner of War, it can also honor all those missing from home, but not our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Those still serving or fighting on foreign soil are "Missing from Home." Those who have been injured in combat and are in hospitals around the world are "Missing from Home." And finally, those who gave the ultimate sacrifice will always be "Missing from Home" This table is for them...
Symbolism about the table:
- The Round Table: Represents an everlasting concern for our men and women missing.
- The White Cloth: Represents the purity of their motives when answering the call!
- The Single Red Rose: reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith awaiting answers.
- The Vase with a Red Ribbon: symbol of our continued determination to account for all of our missing.
- The Slice of Lemon: on the bred plate reminds us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.
- A Pinch of Salt: symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their family awaiting answers.
- The Bible: represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country founded as "One Nation Under God!"
- The Inverted Glass: symbolizes their inability to share a toast honoring them...
- The Chair is Empty... They are missing!
Bless them all!
SJS,
Please do. And if you have opportunity to snap a few images from the wreath laying we would welcome a photo essay of sorts.
-JC
Posted by: John Carmichael | May 22, 2007 at 11:54
Thanks John - FYI as we get closer to 3 Jun the tempo is going to pick-up to a daily countdown posting. For example, Thursday I'm puttni gup the IJN AOB to be followed Friday by the USN carrier AOB and then mirror the chronology beginning with the sortie of Hornet and Big E on 26 May. If you'd like, I can mirror the posts over here as well. Planning on attending the 3 Jun wreath-laying as well at the Navy memorial that day in DC.
- SJS
Posted by: Steeljaw Scribe | May 22, 2007 at 09:57
SJS,
Great! I, along with numerous other Tailhookers are anxiously awaiting your "Battle of Midway" Flight Deck Fridays, last week's was dynamite.
I'll provide you with the background I received on the Macon in the coming weeks. It promises to be good stuff.
-JC
Posted by: John Carmichael | May 21, 2007 at 20:42
Swampy, you are always welcomed to "hitch a ride!" I fully plan on leveraging your wonderful photos. So I consider this a quid pro quo.
-JC
Posted by: John Carmichael | May 21, 2007 at 20:38
Blogging is easy...link to John. I'm hoping to have access to a computer in Oklahoma so I can continue to pimp your blog.
Posted by: Swampy | May 21, 2007 at 20:20
No problema - probably be one of the first post-Midway posts...
- SJS
Posted by: Steeljaw Scribe | May 21, 2007 at 18:00