2025 Hotel 2/5 Reunion: 250th Anniversary of the Corps
After Action Report – Submitted by: Joe Sonderman
Overview
From October 7th to 11th, 2025, twenty-five Marines and their families gathered in Columbus, Ohio, for the 16th reunion of Hotel 2/5 Vietnam Veterans, commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Corps. The weather was magnificent, and the group unanimously agreed that the Embassy Suites was one of the best venues ever used for the reunion.
Wednesday: Welcome Celebration
The reunion began with a celebration at VFW 9857. The Post graciously rescheduled their meeting night to accommodate the annual Tun Tavern meet and greet. Attendees enjoyed a wonderful buffet catered by Schmidt’s Restaurant and were entertained by THE 232, whose music energized the crowd and encouraged many to take to the dance floor.
Thursday: Tours and Museum Visits
On Thursday morning, attendees were transported into Columbus to visit the Ohio Stadium. There, the group was split into smaller parties to receive a VIP tour of the impressive facility. An interesting fact emerged during the tour: the stadium originally included dorm rooms, which were in use until renovations in 1996. Dan Smith allowed himself to be photographed on the OSU fifty-yard line.
After the stadium tour, the group headed to the Budd Food Hall for lunch, followed by a visit to the Mott’s Military Museum. Mr. Mott personally welcomed everyone and provided a tour of the museum’s extensive collection of military artifacts, including many items from the 9/11 attack—most notably, a full-size NYFD ladder truck destroyed in the collapse of the Towers. That evening, the group enjoyed cocktails at a reception, exchanged stories, and watched the Tigers play against the Mariners, rounding out a very busy day.
Friday: Memorial Service and Presentations
Friday morning began with breakfast before the group boarded a bus for a downtown tour of Columbus. The itinerary included passing the Ohio State House and driving along the Scioto River Walk to the National Veteran’s Memorial and Museum. The annual Memorial Service was held in the memorial garden, where a wreath was placed, and Father Pat Toner—a Vietnam Veteran and Army Chaplain—delivered a moving address. Attendees took turns reading the names of their brothers who were Killed in Action. Rick Bowling played Taps on his bugle, and a Piper, provided by the Columbus Police Department, performed the Marine Corps Hymn and Amazing Grace, making for a heartfelt tribute to the fallen.
After the service, the group toured the Veteran’s Museum and its exhibits. They then presented A Memorial Brick at Quantico and an H 2/5 plaque to Melody Page and Lori Bauer, sisters of Herman Hesselschwardt, who was KIA in April 1968. Harry Deible, a Hospital Corpsman who served with Lima 3/25 in Iraq, gave a presentation on the Eyes of Freedom Foundation. This traveling exhibit features large paintings commemorating the seventeen members of Lima Company who were KIA during their deployment to Iraq.
In the evening, the group enjoyed a splendid meal provided by Wells Fargo, followed by a presentation on the Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) by Larry Tyler. Each Marine received a CAR Certificate. Memorial Brick certificates were presented to Stephanie Casey and Larry Tyler in recognition of their efforts organizing the Seattle Reunion, and Dennis Casey was acknowledged for his contributions to the Company Newsletter. Larry Tyler also received a gift honoring his dedication to the website and his commitment to making reunions memorable.
It was announced that Jay Peterson, Randy Neff, and Stephanie Casey will serve as the committee for the next reunion, scheduled for October 2026 in San Diego.
This year, the group returned to the live auction fundraiser format, which proved highly successful, raising over $4,000 to provide seed money for next year’s event. Thanks were given to those who donated items, bid, and purchased, with plenty of laughter shared throughout the auction.
Saturday: Banquet and Keynote Address
Saturday was an off day, allowing attendees to explore Columbus and visit various points of interest. That evening, the group reconvened for the banquet, with the meal provided by the Warrior Reunion Foundation. The gathering was honored by the presence of Stephanie Foote, who brought greetings from her family. She was presented with a company plaque and a Memorial Brick Certificate for her father, Cletus.
The highlight of the evening was the keynote address delivered by Major Shawn Engel (Ret.). Major Engel shared his experience as a young Marine, explaining how his Vietnam Veteran NCOs played a crucial role in developing his leadership skills and encouraged him to pursue Officer Candidate School. He credited his success as a Marine Officer to the guidance and shared experiences of the Vietnam Era Marines who mentored him during his early years of service.
The evening concluded with a Toast to the Marine Corps, a Toast to our deceased Brothers, and a Toast to Ourselves. Semper Fi!
Many thanks to those individuals and companies that contributed to our reunion.
Warrior Reunion Foundation, Norm Speight, Brian Stevenson, Jay Knapp, Anthony Thomas Candy, Wells Fargo Advisors, The Covelli Foundation, Mott’s Military Museum, Columbus Police Department, and The Veteran’s Memorial and Museum.