On Saturday July 29, 2006 Liz Hill and Jim Deal hosted the very first Southwestern Swift Boat Sailors Mini-reunion in the medium sized city of Belen, New Mexico - approximately thirty miles due south of Albuquerque. Expecting only attendees from neighboring states, the event actually drew twelve Swiftys from six states ranging from the west coast to the Great Lakes: New Mexico, Arizona, Missouri, Wisconsin, Ohio and California. Central headquarters for the reunion was the exceptional Holiday Inn Express in Belen. However, activities were held at several places in the area as described below. Everyone agreed that the weekend was a tremendous success.

Early arrivals met Friday evening at the local Tractor Brewery establishment to get things off to a good start

Terry and Michele Boone can aways be counted on to show up at a reunion. It's been a while since St Louis

While Bob McReadie tells a Swift sea story Charles Barham remains skeptical

Are we having fun yet? David and Barb Hansen definitely are fah suh Tom Klamesh, Sandy and Jim Steffes also look happy

Man! It sure gets late early here in New Mexico Gotta get some sleep. Big day tomorrow Hang in there Dave!

The actual reunion began on Saturday morning with a tour of the New Mexico Travertine, Inc stone cutting and polishing facility in Belen. They are the largest providers of natural stone products in the US and sponsored this 1st Southwestern Swift Boat Sailor's Mini-reunion.

New Mexico Travertine, Inc The main entrance to the facility

Morning Quarters Muster on the Quarterdeck Dress Right Dress! Look awake Hansen!

A massive circular saw sizes the quarry blocks Stand back! That thing looks dangerous

Production line for valued New Mexican floor tiles The tour was impressive to all the Swiftys who took it

Then it was on to what makes reunions enjoyable. Remembering old times in a fun setting like Rose's Cantina

Oops! This isn't El Paso. Make that CARLO'S Cantina Oi! Chi Wa Wa! Hot Chili Peppers and Cold Beverages Mmm 'Sta Bien! Maybe we stay leetle longer. No? Si!

It doesn't get any better than this. Good Mexican beer in an ice bucket, neat stuff to munch, mild weather and real friends to enjoy all three with

After a long comfortable afternoon session at Carlo's relaxing and remembering the good times, the bad times and Swiftmates from long ago and far away, everyone bailed out to visit a local favorite resturant for dinner

The place is noted for its excellent southwestern fare And the ambience has that great New Mexico look Plus the name just seems to invite you to come in

The Good Guys were seated at the head table: Sandy and Jim Steffes, Pauline and Peter Munk The Salty Guys huddled near the aft crews' compartment

These distinquished gentlemen and gentlewomen Added a touch of class to the proceedings Terry Boone, David Hansen, Barb Hansen, Michele Boone

The Salty Swift Boat Sailors: There just had to be many tall tales at that table John Paul Jones, Tom Klemash, Bob McCredie, Charles Barham

And finally, the attendees gathered for group pictures to document the excellent experience had by all

Back Row: John Paul Jones, Jim Deal,   Terry Boone, Tom Klemash, Peter Munk Front Row: Charles Barham, Ben Montoya, David Hansen, Bob McCredie, Jim Steffes Not shown: Don Boden

Back Row:   Pauline Munk, Janet Montoya,           Michele Boone     Front Row:  Sandy Steffes, Barb Hansen, Liz Hill

John Paul Jones probably summed up the weekend best: This was the first time in 39 years that I've had actual face time with my Swift Brothers. The comfort level was awesome. The emotions are still reeling through me. Look out Hansen, I may stop by some time. Great talks with Terry Boone. Bob McCredie said to me: "I have a picture of you leaning against the Chu Lai sign" That floored my you know what. I will be at the Big One in SD and possibly Galveston. I can't say enough about Jim and Liz. Aboslutely incredible experience.

Look for announcements about the 2nd Southwestern Mini-reunion in 2008 on this web site, on the Swift Forums and/or at MyFamily.com