This past weekend I traveled to Winfield Kansas.
Purpose was to scout the area and assure myself and our fans this is the place for the Vietnam Combat Veteran Rendezvous in July.
Winfield is a comfortable small town, 50 miles south and east of Wichita on vis KS-15. Winfield has an interesting History. And is home of the world famous Walnut Valley Blue Grass Festival.
Winfield, Kansas has been connected to the Military for years
The War Department took over the joint Winfield-Arkansas City Municipal Airport and built Strother Field in 1941. All area towns were “home base” for the many US Air Force aviation cadets and their families. At the peak of operation there were approximately 3,400 Air Force personnel and 400 civilian employees at the field.The influx of combat veterans continued until the field was closed at the end of WWII.
In addition to Strother Field there were four auxiliary fields; northwest of Winfield, southeast of Strother Field, west of Arkansas City, and northwest of Gueda Springs. Post WWII innovations not only created a rash of new businesses in Winfield, but homes and city expansion as well. Winfield’s reputation as a music city was boosted in the November, 1945, Reader’s Digest article called “Mad About Music”. The catch line above the title read “If you don’t like music, stay away from Winfield, Kansas.” The article caused a flood of letters sent from music lovers all over the world expressing a desire to visit or wanting information on the community.
Daily fees at Fairgrounds for Camping
Primitive camping: $3.00 (discount rate for groups of 75 units-$2.00 per day)
Camping with electrical hookups: $12.00 (discount rate for groups of 75 units-$9.00 per day )
Campsites are available year-round. Single units and groups are welcome. Group discounts apply for camping groups of 75 or more units per day.
Groups will include, but not be limited to companies, corporations, scouting organizations, clubs, schools, and sporting event sponsors. Groups can email the City Manager’s Office, or call 620-221-5525 at City Hall, to schedule and qualify for discounted rates.
Plan on coming. Phan Rang 68- 69
It will be grand to see you!!!
Semper fi,
Jim
I have prior commitments and will not be able to make it…plus it is a long haul from NC, but anyway, I hope you have a rousing time and tell some of the stories around the fire while everyone is still sober…and may remember…and remember those that never made it back or never made it all the way back when they came home when you hoist a few…
Thanks Mark for considering the trip. Yes, it’s a long way and on a holiday weekend at that.
l really don’t know what comes over me sometimes. Thanks for trying and we will miss not having you.
Semper fi,
Jim
Room rented, salute practiced. I’m really looking forward to this, it is the perfect opportunity to thank a bunch she same time. One on one gets all manner of responses. It’ still a shame the number that seem shocked yo get that thsnk you.
Thanks Walt, it is going to be extraordinary to meet you and I can’t wait!
Semper fi,
Jim
Looks OK at this time. I’ll bring my dog and pull my 5th wheel over. About 1300 miles each way ~ will need 2 – 3 days travel time and about 210 gallons of diesel fuel… Last time I was in KS it rained so hard it was impossible to see the hood of the truck. Hope for better weather this time!
God it will be great to meet and see you in Kansas. The 4th, strange time, and in Kansas, different place.
But it will be great. I just know it…
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim, let me thank you for all your stories and efforts to put this together. Sorry I won’t be able to make it to this gathering. It should be a grand time for us Nam vets to chat and share stories. And the chatting and sharing really help so many of us to gain strength to continue on in everyday life.
Good luck and I know this will be a great time.
John
USMC 1967-1971
Nam Mar 69-Feb 70.
3Bn 1st Reg 1st Mar Div.
Semper Fi to all.
We shall miss you. Thank you for being on here and writing your comment.
Next year, since it looks like this might become a regular thing. Never on a 4th again though.
I think we’ll do better in the future if we don’t interfere with family stuff.
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim, would love to join you and the men, but due to health conditions, don’t go farther then the local store and doctor’s appointments. Hope you have a great turnout and a good time.
I’m scheduled for surgery the 19th of June. If I’m able travel or ride I’ll be there. I’m just south in McAlester OK home of the Mother of all Bombs, aka “Daisy Cutter on Steroids”. If not, hoist one for me and I’ll see you next time.
Not a Vietnam War Veteran, would it still be ok to attend?
Everyone is welcome. If you are not a combat vet from Vietnam then you might want to attend to
meet some of those guys, who most people are never exposed to at all. Real combat vets from the Nam
are pretty rare since most died, committed suicide later or came home so screwed up physically and mentally
that they have been pretty much out of circulation. This is your chance…
Semper fi
Jim
Hello, James,
Orders came down three times for me to go to ‘Nam, but got changed every time (Lord knows why, I don’t), so I won’t fit in the group. Kudos to you for putting this bunch together, and I hope you know my feelings are a cross between pity and envy; you were thrown into the shit storm and survived. You rock!
Thanks Floyd, the support of people like you keeps me going and a lot of other guys on here too.
Thanks most sincerely, for me and for them..
Semper fi,
Jim
Will try again Jim. First try didn’t take for some reason. Count me in for the roundup with one caveat. Given that my wife is well enough for me to get away for a while I will be there. Since it’s only a couple of hours from me here in AR it is a little easier for me than it may be for other folks. Thanks for putting this shindig together. Am looking forward to it and will hope I can make. Take care Lt.. Wes.
You are most welcome Wes. Winfield was a delightful place on my first trip down there.
It will be good to meet some of the people on this site for real!
Semper fi,
Jim