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C.R. (kneeling in front) and Gale Sinderud hosted a veterans reunion from the 411th Military Police unit in Clifton last week. The veterans served in the unit between 1972 and 1976. Photo Courtesy Gale Sinderud -
Members of the 411th touring Fort Hood Thursday, May 20.
C.R. and Gale Sinderud hosted a reunion for veterans who served in the Army 411th Military Police Unit between 1972 and 1976 last week.
Close to 50 people attended a barbeque dinner at the Sinderud’s residence Tuesday evening, then walked around Clifton Wednesday, participating in a “troll hunt” organized by Gale before breaking for lunch and then an awards ceremony at the CLIFTEX Theatre.
Field Representative for U.S. Congressman Roger Williams, Don Nichols, attended the awards ceremony.
“On behalf of the Congressman, I want to thank you for letting us be here,” said Nichols.
Williams was in Washington D.C. wrapping up his last week there before heading out on the road for the next three weeks.
“The Congressman thanks you for your service and he thanks you for what you did when you did it,” said Nichols. “What you did and when you did it was not a very popular time to be in the military.”
“You all gave up your yesterdays and todays so your kids and your grandkids could have their tomorrows,” said Nichols.
Nichols presented each veteran in attendance with a certificate signed by Williams to honor their service during Vietnam.
“It is a privilege to present this certificate of thanks and honor your service, valor and sacrifice when your country called you. You answered the nation’s call and proudly served in the footsteps of previous generations of America’s servicemen and women,” read the certificate.
A commemorative pin also accompanied each certificate.
“Thank you all again,” said Nichols. “And last but not least, welcome home.”
After Nichols concluded his portion of the presentation, more medals within the 411th were passed out before the veterans watched a slide show featuring photos from their time in service.
On Thursday, C.R. and the veterans toured Fort Hood in Killeen and presented a helmet and U.S. Flag that flew over the Capitol.
Nichols called Fort Hood America’s Hammer, saying it was America’s finest military installation in the world.
“No matter what you’ve heard, you are stepping on God’s green earth,” said Nichols. “You’re going to step into the MP units and they are the home of the 178th Military Police detachment, the best MP unit in the army.”
Gale broke away from the group Thursday, taking spouses and anyone else interested on a tour of the Silos in Waco.