The first reunion of the National Timberwolf Pups Association to proudly honor our 104th Veterans proved to be one for the history books.  Friends, old and new, brought their family and boundless energy to continue the annual tradition set forth 66 years ago - and they did so without skipping a step.  The city of St. Louis provided a welcoming backdrop beside the mighty Mississippi River, despite temperatures creeping up to 104 degrees and higher - a fitting number for our Veterans' arrival!    Nearly three-hundred attendees joined us beneath the St. Louis Arch, Veterans, Pups, Grandpups and even our first Great-Grandpups, bolstering our numbers with every passing day of the reunion. 
        It seemed each passing day would be impossible to match for enjoyment - until the following day would relentlessly and welcomingly prove us wrong.  City excursions featured bus tours throughout the great city of St. Louis, from the Gateway Arch to the mosaic Cathedral of St. Louis and the gardens of a World's Fair.  An evening dinner cruise along the banks and beneath the spanning bridges of the Mississippi made way for an impressive General Meeting on Saturday morning.   This event included a vivid and informative presentation by Professor John McManus, University of MO, regarding the operations and impact of Timberwolf efforts in WWII.  General T.K Moffett  and General Kurt Hardin traded congratulatory punches while bestowing their own appreciation, wit and wisdom, and their  impressions for our new Association.  Finally, Sara Moses, holocaust survivor and story teller extraordinaire, captivated the room with her tale of horror, struggle, and perseverance throughout the war.   The beer bust that night was a gathering the likes of which St. Louis has never seen, riddled with raffles, song, and slide-show - and plenty of suds.  The following Sunday morning began with the solemn ceremony of remembrance and prayer lead by Fr. Paul McCarty and directed by Robert Huber, both 104th Veterans.  Heartfelt accounts were made by Pups, Jennifer Weaver-Neist and Kathy Clark.  Before we dared say goodbyes, we gathered for the final night's banquet while the hotel jumped once more to the beats of the 312th Army Band, lead by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Robert Claggert.  The Association, one and all, dined, danced, regaled, and told and retold their stories throughout the night. 
        Sadly, as all great things must end, attendees parted ways and made their way home - but not before ensuring that we would meet again next year for the 2nd Timberwolf Pups Reunion and to continue the traditions of honor and remembrance for our Veterans.  All exclaimed without hesitation, we'll see you again in 2012!

        Without fail, the Association and all attendees owe a profound debt of thanks to our 104th Veterans; those able to attend and perpetuate this resolute tradition, those unable to attend due to distance or infirmity, and those passed on, whom we are here gathered to honor.  There is not finer experience than to share in your brave history, intimately and profoundly, at these annual events.  It truly is our honor to honor the Timberwolves.  Until we meet again in Colorado, our best, warmest and proudest wishes to you throughout the new year - Timberwolf Up! 

This article was published in the "Griffon," the 108th Training Command's quarterly publication,
(Current HQ for the 104th) after the thrills in St. Louis. 
It was written by Sgt First Class Lisa M. Litchfield, pictured at left with Andrew Lane, whom we were proud and pleased to have join us at the reunion! 
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