Military Reunion in Cody This Week

A group of people with one common thread – service on the Naval aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Enterprise – will be converging in Cody this week.
The ship’s 33rd annual reunion will be held October 4th through the 7th, based out of the Holiday Inn and Comfort Inn. Paul Sandbak, who is helping to organize the event, served aboard the Enterprise during the Vietnam War. He says anyone who served aboard the ship between the time that it first launched in September of 1960, and when it was formally decommissioned in February of this year, would be honored attendees.

Sandbak says that the reunion is a chance to share stories and experiences with others who have the common thread of serving aboard the aircraft carrier. Sandbak himself was on board the ship when a tragic fire took the lives of 26 of his shipmates; he also has memories of their assignment to monitor hostile activity between Vietnam and North Korea during the conflict.
Sandbak extended an invitation to the reunion to anyone who has ever served in the military and has an interest in attending. Activities this week will include a welcome dinner, a trip to Yellowstone, and a session featuring local historian Bob Richard, who as a Marine pilot actually flew fighter jets on and off the Enterprise during its deployment in Vietnam. Reunion goers will also attend a performance of the Dan Miller Cowboy Music Revue, and visit the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center.
Anyone interested in being part of the reunion is encouraged to call Paul Sandbak at 272-6697, or Doug Braun at 406-861-3777.