NOTE: John works for AAFES in Duncanville but is currently deployed to Afghanistan. Think about that! Most of us are trying to get used to retiring or deciding when. John has concerns none of us want. I've updated him on our reunion plans and he sent the following letter that all of us on the Reunion Committee thought we'd like to share it as written. J. Lamar

John Setzer

Jim,

Express my congratulations to the reunion committee for putting together this special event. I do regret that I can’t be there after considering things. After family, the true glue of life are the longtime friends made and kept. Reunions reinforce the bond created years ago. Anyone that inquires tell them I said hello and that I do think about the years spent at SOC. I will really miss the tour of the school but hopefully we can do it again for the 50^th.

I am looking forward to the 50^th and would like to be a part of the committee putting it together. I plan to be through with this deployment by January 2011 and do the Big R. I know that Louise is ready too.

The letters and notes that have been published by Betty Gibbs and the others are heartwarming. It makes me really appreciate having grown in that special time and place. Driving through our neighborhoods is challenging but memories overtake the reality of fifty years. I remember the parties and the silly games we played. To this day I still think of your dad when I eat a breakfast consisting of fried eggs, bacon and toast and a Coca Cola to drink. Unheard of at my house but a common place at yours. Glad I had the privilege of knowing your family.

I am saddened looking at the list of classmates that have passed away and wonder what happened? An accident, fatal disease, so young. Then there is Barre. My heart goes out to him but little if anything can be done. I am just thankful that I have the good health that I have and hope it continues.

Again tell everyone hello for me and that I will be in attendance for the next one.

Your friend

John