4,520 miles leads the Stokesbary’s to Naval reunion at Whidby Island, Washington
By: Sheila Crowley
Murray County News Staffwriter
War can be a difficult time. Military personnel make sacrifices to protect their country. As difficult as war can be, often times a bond is made amongst those members serving side-by-side. This can turn into a lifetime friendship providing camaraderie amongst these individuals.
Traveling over 4,520 miles, Arlyn Stokesbary and his wife, Sandy, took in the countryside en route to Arlyn’s old Naval base in Whidbey Island near Seattle, Washington. Although the couple had made several return trips over the years, Arlyn was only able to look at the base from the hilltop overlooking the base, not actually being able to step on the base itself. The couple left September 26th for the 4,526-mile trip. There were a few stops along the way including a chance to visit with his son and family in Wyoming. Also included were stops in Boise, Idaho (niece), as well as a 93-year-old aunt in Oregon.
One of the places Arlyn had on his list was to take the jeep they were pulling behind their RV to the sand dunes. He made it to the top of the hill, however, looking down over the 60-foot steep hill to the ocean, Arlyn debated whether his jeep could make the trek back up the hill. As he stood at the top taking photos a gentleman pulled up in a Razor. He looked at Arlyn’s jeep which actually had street tires on it and was amazed Arlyn had made it to the hilltop. This solidified Arlyn’s decision to not go down the hill.
The first day of the reunion was October 10th. The reunion, itself, actually is a result of a group gathering at the chief’s home approximately 15 years ago. Arlyn learned of the reunion through a friend and attended his first one nearly 12 years ago in Branson, Missouri.
Like clockwork, these reunions have happened every two years since that time at various locations around the country. Their next one is scheduled to take place in Nashville, Tennesee.
The Navy reunion is made up of individuals that served between the years of 1967 to 1975 and were a part of Patrol Squadron VP1. They were known for transitioning P-2s to P-3s during their years of service.
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