SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. — Each fall for the last six years, Vietnam veterans who served together with Alpha Company 5th/46th 198th Light Infantry Brigade have gathered together for their platoon reunion.

Once again this year, Oak Haven Resort in Sevierville, Tenn., hosted the 18 veterans and 12 spouses during the week of Sept. 18-23. Oak Haven has been the venue for five of their six reunions.

Veterans and spouses present included: Bob and Cheri Scott from California, Paul Sprouse of South Carolina, Wendell and Barbara Roberts from Tennessee, Dwight Saddler of Tennessee, Bob and Sandi Latham of Tennessee, Sid and Sharon Liming from Ohio, Bob and Sue Olenzak from Michigan, Jerry and Barbara Laack from Wisconsin, Oliver and Ellen Gause of North Carolina, Richard and Dale Bergman from Illinois, Maury and Rosemary James of Maryland, Jack and Marie Crisp from Missouri, Bob and Mei Cummings of North Carolina, George Lakins from Tennessee, Ken Quinn and Aaron Rochester from South Carolina and Ken and Pat Butcher from Tennessee.

When the group photograph was taken, two empty chairs were placed in memory of Medic Donald Sheffield and Sgt. Ray Utley, past reunion attendees who have passed away.

At the conclusion of the reunion, the group decided to return to Oak Haven for their 2017 reunion next fall.

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Bladen County couple included in group

Staff report