Navy men meet for the first time in 56 years

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

It was a military reunion a long time in the making, more than 55 years.

Six local boys – David Kreischer, Stephen Gehres, Thomas Baer, William Albright, Richard Fredrick and Lynn Jackson – left Van Wert June 23, 1966, for the U.S. Navy, just weeks after graduating from Van Wert High School. It was roughly 15 months after the United States became involved in the Vietnam War.

The first stop was a recruiting station in Columbus, followed by a trip to the U.S. Naval Training Station in Great Lakes, Illinois, for nine weeks of training. After that, they split off to begin their service around different parts of the globe.

Last month, June 23 to be precise, 56 years to the day when they left Van Wert, five of the men met at American Legion Post 178 in Van Wert. Kreischer, Gehres, Albright and Fredrick were there in person, while Jackson appeared via a video hookup. Unfortunately, Baer was unable to attend.

It was the first time they had seen each other since June 23, 1966, roughly 15 months after the United States became involved in the Vietnam War. The men literally hadn’t seen each other during than span, but they’ve all lived full and productive lives. During the reunion they were able to reminisce, trade information about what they’ve done over the past 56 years and share a smile or two.

Things went so well, the group is planning another reunion for June 23, 2023.

Here is the timeline involving Kreischer, Gehres, Baer, Albright, Fredrick and Jackson.

May, 1966 – all six graduated from Van Wert High School as members of the Class of 1966.
June 20, 1966 – announcement of enlistment was made.
June 23, 1966 – left Van Wert for boot camp/training.
September, 1966 – graduated from boot camp.
June 23, 2022 – first reunion in 56 years.