More on the Mini Reunion in Peoria on August 18, 2001.

Vagabond Roger Conner, Nancy Bartlett, and Dave Stanek

Hello Dave, Susan, Roger, and George

Kathy LeComte Lupton and John Lupton

Barb and Walt brought out the store.

Seated: Cori Forster, Bill & Nancy Bartlett, and Kathy LeComte;
Standing: George LeComte, Bob Link, David Stanek, John Lupton,
Barbara Kelly, Roger Connor, Walt Linne, Susan Chadd and Susan Linville

Go back to the first page of pictures.

Thanks to Digital Susan Linville for the great pictures, and to
Kathy LeComte Lupton for bringing her Dad, and for providing the
official reunion report below . . .

I have been asked to tell AWON about the Midwest Reunion that was held last weekend in Peoria, Illinois. I'll try to be as brief, yet enlightening, as possible.

Fellowship was the prevailing theme as AWONers from Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana and Illinois met in Peoria, Ill. The gathering was so successful, it's hoped that it will be the first of a many mini-gatherings during the years when the entire AWON membership doesn't have a national convention.

Nine AWON members were in attendance: Dave Stanek of Appleton, Wisc.; Walt Linne and Barbara Kelly, both of Indianapolis, Ind.; Susan Linville of Danville, Ill.; Roger Connor of Urbana, Ill.; Susan Chadd of Northfield, Ill.; Bob Link of Belvidere, Ill.; Nancy Switzer-Bartlett of Keokuk, Ia.; and Kathy Le Comte Lupton of Springfield, Ill. who introduced her dad, George Le Comte of Clinton, Ill., (formerly of Des Plaines, Ill.) to AWON. Several people brought guests, bringing total attendance to 13.

The setting was perfect at Jumer's Hotel, Peoria, even if the weather wasn't. We had a small banquet room for our exclusive use, where Saturday we had lunch and dinner, and talked all afternoon. I understand the conversation somehow wound up in the bar after dinner... but someone else will have to tell that story as I was soundly asleep in my room until the wedding reception and the Harley riders turned in. :)

Just like at previous national AWON conventions, we spent a great deal of time talking about ourselves, our fathers, and some of the topics we felt strongly about either while growing up, or now as adults. What I think made this gathering especially nice was its size and location.

As a relatively small group, we were able to get to know one another faster and a little deeper. Yet the group was large enough that there was variety in experiences and opinions. When we meet again at future midwest or national AWON conventions, we already will have established friendships. And, since all of us are from the Midwest, we immediately had something in common, other than the obvious orphan issue.

We shared many laughs and a few tears, and took pictures in between. Barb brought the AWON Bookstore and others shared photos and memory books. Dave gave a toast to the fathers at dinner. Roger's restless mind and body entertained us with some mind bending games. But more than anything, we all became friends.

I would like to make one personal comment about the weekend. I went to the Midwest reunion because I thought it was the perfect opportunity to introduce my dad (a WWII orphan) to what AWON is about. Many of the issues that have been discussed on the list directly relate to my dad's experiences. It's been very helpful to pass along some of AWON's emails to him, but meeting people who share some of the same child and adult experiences that he did/does made a deeper impression. Thank you -- David, Walt, Barb, Susan, Roger, Susan, Bob and Nancy - for being so understanding and patient, and helping my dad take the first step. I truly couldn't have done it without all of you. Thanks.

I invite other participants to add their own comments to the list, if I have overlooked something from the weekend that you'd like to share with everyone.

Kathy Le Comte
granddaughter of:
S/Sgt. George J. Le Comte (Sr.)
KIA 11 Dec 1944, over Vienna, Austria