Former members of Fitzgerald National Guard unit to gather for reunion
Former members of Fitzgerald National Guard unit meeting April 27 at Paulk Park
Jennifer Parks
By Jennifer Parks
FITZGERALD — Former members of the Fitzgerald National Guard unit will host their annual reunion on April 27, uniting multiple generations of military servicemembers.
The reunion begins at at 10 a.m. at Paulk Park in the old depot building at 152 Paulk Park Road in Fitzgerald. It will bring together not just former members of the Fitzgerald unit, but also members of other units who served with the Fitzgerald Guardsmen.
Donald During, a former commander of the Fitzgerald unit, is among those coordinating the reunion. He said the idea came about to hold reunions seven years ago, and they have since been well-attended.
“None of us are getting younger,” he said. “There has been good participation, and (it is) to keep up camaraderie and companionship. We are all like brothers.”
During said he held every position except for first sergeant while with the Fitzgerald Guard unit. He said he makes the reunion every year, interacting with his comrades while remembering those who have passed on.
“We recognize (members who have died),” he said. “This is the first year spouses and significant others get to come. It is just mostly about having a time to sit and talk.”
The plan, During said, is to keep the reunion alive. Through some of the other units the one in Fitzgerald served with, there are members coming in from as far as South Carolina. A few come from Albany, where the barricade headquarters was located.
Guardsmen having served as early as 1948, all the way to 1995, come every year. Former members usually ask about the event a few months out.
“It is just a great thing,” During said. “We are always happy to see (the people) we served with. We hope it will continue long after I am gone.”
The cost is $10 for each member. Admission for spouses or significant others is also $10, or $20 per couple. Attendees are asked to bring a covered dish, and a barbecue lunch will be served at noon.
“We do all the work ourselves, for meals and everything,” During said.
The former commander said members who come will likely see some old Army trucks and jeeps.
More information can be found through the reunion Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/2019-Fitzgerald-GA-National-Guard-Reunion-599212946943435/.
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