Rhein Main Brats Go To Las Vegas!

We had quite a party in Las Vegas. No one got much sleep because no one wanted to miss a single minute of it. It was a weekend filled with joy, love and appreciation for each other. We really do share a special bond. For those of you who missed it, we'll see you in Orlando in 2002!

Photos of the reunion can be viewed here. New ones are being added as they are received.

Here are excerpts of posts from attendees:

"I am so glad that I came and saw all the folks that I haven't seen in 25 or 30 years... That's a pretty darn long time, and it was well worth the money(not counting the money I lost in the casino)... It was way to cool for words ..for those who weren't there...I'm sorry you missed out on all the fun of seeing the faces of all the old/new gang... Just be sure and show up in Orlando and I'm sure you will see what we all mean by saying how good it was to see each other again... "

"I am thankful that I know each and everyone of you and got to see you all again. It was a magical weekend. Your all outstanding human beings and I am proud to know and love all of you."

"I feel like I have been in a TIME WARP for the last week or so. A time warp that I want to stay in awhile....It's been so comfortable here, don't you think?) . . .I want to send a special message to each person, but I would be afraid I'd leave someone out. You all mean alot, and the reunion was VERY emotional for me. I never thought I would see any of you again, and it was just a dream come true"

"It was unbelieveable to see everyone (well almost everyone) again after 30 years. Everybody looked wonderful. I swear the growing up in Frankfurt did wonders for all of us."

"[W]e really don't appreciate people for themselves when we are in high school. We have to get 30 years life experience to have the hind sight . . . Normal life seems so dull now, but we do have something to look forward to Orlando 02!!!!!!"

"Had a great time reminiscing with the "gang". Most of which I was only vaguely acquainted with in Germany, but were all fun to party with. . . . For those of you who weren't there, all in all.... ya missed a pretty good time!!! "

"For me it reality hit home when we were all in one room on Saturday night. Up till then people floated in and out of the Hospitality room and you couldn't quite get the big picture. When we took up about 10 tables and started taking photos of each other after dinner the sight was awesome!"

"Thank you all again for the esprit de corp...I felt so grounded and happy...(of course..the losing of my funds made me also poor! hahahah) I hope to see you all in Florida in two years....I want to sign up all ready so I don't miss out."

"Thanks for welcoming me as a part of your merry group. I am most honored. Many people I didn't know before now seem like old friends. And, I still haven't met everyone yet. That's just the kind of people the Rhein Main Brats are. I guess it's our military brat background. I really liked hearing about everyone's kids, home life activities, and jobs. And it seemed that everyone had memories of "The Hut". . . I think I needed to bring back a T-shirt that said "I survived the RMBrats Reunion 2K"!"

". . .[I]t was so just wonderful. To see everyone and to listen to all the stories. I am so glad to be a part of the RM Brats. For those who weren't able to attend we missed you, but there will be another one in 2 years. Start planning!! "

". . .I'm just so impressed at the warmth felt in that hospitality room! It was like one great big GIANT embrace. Becky M. pointed something out to me that I thought was interesting... She said that each of us came with some memory of everyone else but that, by nature, many seemed to think that no one would remember them (me included). . . . I was relieved to find that there were a few of you who actually did remember me (or at least my sister). But, you know what? I don't think it would've mattered a bit one way or the other! First of all, it was just such a joy for me to see you all and I so enjoyed hearing your stories and seeing your family albums but, moreover, you guys have GOT to be the most giving, loving, hospitable group of people I'd ever hope to know. Sooo...let that be some encouragement to those of you who may be reading this, doubtful whether to attend the next event. Chances are you WILL be remembered and I guarantee you'll walk away with a swollen heart. I was so tearful by the time I left, I could barely see the departure schedules at the airport. Hmmm...guess that could've been the result of timeworn eyes and a severe lack of sleep... but regardless, it felt like leaving family."

" . . . [I]t was a very warm and emotional event, thanks to all of you it is such a good feeling to say you are my friends "man you are the greatest group of people". My wife was some worried that she would feel out of place, thanks to all of you she agrees that you are all very special and a warm loving group and she is very happy to have met each and every one of you, and not once did she ever feel out of place. We both had a blast and the worst part was having to say goodbye and leave again just like leaving Germany all over again. But this time I'm sure we will keep in touch always. (thank you internet). "

"What a great time, what a great place and what GREAT people.. . . This whole thing is proof that it is special to be a Brat!"

"Those were the fastest four days I ever spent. WOW! . . . I have felt teary off and on and couldn't figure it out (as you know I don't take anything too seriously, most of all myself). It was like leaving Germany again---bittersweet............. I had a wonderful time with the most attractive and successful group. I also can say that I haven't met so many REALLY nice people in a long time. Enough said."

"It's next to possible to put into words how great it was to see old friends and catch up on the last 29 years. It was like no time had passed and the love we have for each other is still there. My wish is that we make each and every reunion into our golden years together. "

"My family and I had the best time and I can't wait to do it all over again. It was just like old times. The brats are some of the greatest and nicest people I'm sure I'll ever know. It was good to see all of you again and I hope to see you again soon. "

"Ditto what everyone has said.......my personal thanks to Debi, having discussed this idea about15 or 20 (?) years ago, Debi has finally achieved her goal of creating a Rhein Main reunion. She never gave up and I couldn't be more proud of her! Thanks Quad!

I knew Ronnie and Marilyn before they were Ronnie and Marilyn....and know they put into this reunion the same things they put into their family and friends...love, commitment and ALWAYS there when you need them.....Thanks for being you and sharing it with all of us.

To the other 80ish or so that came....... way too many to type......thanks for having the guts or the desire to come and adding soft and loving memories to all my experiences at Rhein Main.

Rhein Main Uber Alles.....damn straight!!! "

"After an 8 hour commute each way, 5 days and 4 nights in Vegas with high school classmates and friends, its time to reflect. 28 years have passed since I left R/M and it seems like I just left yesterday. My feelings are that R/M classmates always had a special bond and after this reunion it confirmed my feelings. It was great to see old friends and meet new ones with the same experiences I had. . . . It is really nice to have the opportunity to finally have a class reunion that was long overdue and sincerely appreciated by all . . .Looking forward to seeing everyone in Orlando in 2002."

Attendees:

Ron and Marilyn Kaler Wade
Debi Petriscak Onken
Ray Tillman
Terry Tillman
Sue Todd Cooper
Mona Minton Matthews
Sally Haffner Stewart
Rudi Heim
Bill Johnson
Kathy Marshall
Kathy Lombard
Leon Thomas
Dave Jones
Becky Marshall Grill
Kathy Cantu King
Betty Heath Galambos
Dave Heath
Lester English
Charlie Tyner
Patti Doty Moore
Linda Houghton Montgomery
George Berry
Curtis Hammond
C.J. Mathis
Clark Sauer
Vic Miera
Marlene Miera Boothe
Eddie Christian
Sherry Bradley Warrington
Vickey Fruchey Smith
Patty Hendrix
Lynne Talbot
John Lingley
Ernie Singer Melia
Greg Haase
Liz Hernandez Witham
Sherry Sexton Aikens
Jane McKinney Miller
Jacque Marshall
Dan Singer
Susan Adams Reddie
Kathy Tripp Bonney
Sherry Duncan
Terry Heffern
Jim Heffern
Chris Rafferty Verstegen
Barry Walls
Mike Stinus
Darrell Lombard
Mike Kerr
Susan Walton
Ed Greenwich
Tammy Mahan Safford
Rick King
Robert Moore
Mona Cantu
Mike Hendrix

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Web page by Debi Onken Updated 6.30.00