During the heated controversy of a ‘war conflict’ in Vietnam, a group of men bonded as brothers, in hopes to survive the horrors of war. After the war, they often thought of their times together, curious as to where everyone was and what they had accomplished in their lives. My husband coped by doing his best to erase Vietnam; however, those memories were embedded within his brain. Each time he remembered them, he whispered, "It don't mean nothing." As his young wife, I could not understand and I struggled to be supportive while being a bit curious as to what those four words really meant. During heated arguments, he whispered those words to me. I retaliated by saying, "It does mean something. When we fight it destroys me." Little did I know, those four words, "It don't mean nothing," were his way of coping with a war conflict that America failed to support.

Reunions can be an experience you will either remember with happiness and pride, or something you would prefer sweeping under the rug. This week, my husband and I retreated to a reunion of Vietnam Veterans and spouses at Hidden Mountain Resorts, Sevierville, Tennessee. Never have I laughed so much this year, or for many years. Perhaps laughter is the easiest way to cope with such raw emotions. Vietnam was a long, long time ago and for this group -- the HHC 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, they were all in Vietnam during 1968-1969. The reunion was a time to reminisce about Vietnam and the bonding all of them shared. It was a time to be thankful for all that we have accomplished in our lives, during Vietnam and beyond. A time to appreciate life, family and friendship. A time to cherish just being together again, hearing stories, sharing laughter, hugs and the bonding that happens between soldiers and families. The reunion isn't about Vietnam, but it is about a group of youthful guys who gave their all for freedom and their beliefs.

The reunions began in 1996 with only a handful of veterans bonding together to reminisce and share how they survived and built a life after completing their tour of duty. Each reunion adds new members to the group and together they discover how important and healing their bonding is to them and their families. Originally the group of soldiers consisted of 41. For 2009, 26 veterans gathered. To date, five have left us and there are a few who are sick or recovering from illnesses now. All we can do for the future is to pray for each other, support each other and do all we can to reminisce and share the love and bonding of such a group of soldiers who stood tall to support our Nation and fight for freedom. This group of men consist of professionals who returned home to become attorneys, judges, truck drivers, DoD contractors, military retirees, iron workers, and professionals from all walks of life.

While at Hidden Mountain we shared delicious meals of hamburgers, turkey burgers and hotdogs, shark steak, shrimp Creole, homemade banana bread, chicken Cordon Bleu, and prime rib. The food was always within reach, making many of us realize we had to learn to say no to one more bite.

During a banquet wise words were shared, reminding all of us that we never know what we will find this year at the reunion, but we do know, we must get together to enjoy our friendship, remember the good times we had in 'Nam, and the great times we are having together again in friendship and our bonding. We must remember to cherish every breath we take. We must enjoy the journey and adventure of life and be thankful for being here again.

The reunion is credited to Dusty "Pops" Dewberry, his lovely wife, Lou, Greg Ellis and his lovely wife, Judy, and all of the men and women who attended. Gathering from Saturday until Tuesday, it was difficult to say goodbye. Throats tightened, tears poured and hugs wer unlimited. The next reunion is scheduled for July 30 - August 3, 2010 at Lost Arrow Resort Gladwin, Michigan.