Albuquerque Event Photographer | Charley Company Vietnam

Last weekend I had the honor of photographing the reunion of Charlie Company Vietnam 1966-1972, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. This group has been meeting and holding reunions all over the country since 2003. The originators of the group realized that they were missing that connection that they had made so many years ago. Who else could understand what they had gone through? These men decided to try and get a reunion going and encourage other members of their Company to participate.

The power of reunions cannot be overstated. People may be hesitant to travel to a reunion for one reason or another. Maybe they’re afraid that no one will remember them, that too much time had gone by, and their connection would not have stood the test of time. They might also worry about difficult memories resurfacing. Whatever their hesitations, when they do arrive at the reunion, it’s as though no time has passed. Everyone is warmly greeted with huge hugs, and smiles. You share a bond that no one else has, having gone through what you did together. The reunion is a wonderful, and healing experience for the Company, and their spouses.

I was contacted by a woman named Susan, about taking pictures for this auspicious occasion. Her husband is a Vietnam Veteran with Charley Company. Every year different members of the Company take turns planning the reunion, and this was her year to serve as chair of the committee. Susan wanted to make sure that the group would have lots of pictures to go along with their memories of the reunion.

At the end of the day I was presented with a coin. One side of the coin has a young man’s picture and the words- “Honoring LT William (Bill) Zimmerman, Greater love has no man than to give his life for his friends”. The other side is stamped and engraved with they Charley Company’s information and the date. It also has their coat of arms and the words “Deeds not words, and Regulars by God”. I was honored that they would present me with this coin, and went home to do a little more research on the coin itself. The tradition of the challenge coin started in the Roman Empire. They would reward their soldiers with coins for their various achievements. Today the different branches of the military have their own challenge coins, that are special to them. If you are not a member of their company and presented with their coin, it is a special honor, as very few are given out.

Bill Zimmerman, the young man on the coin, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism posthumously. “His outstanding leadership and aggressive actions clearly prevented more serious casualties  and greatly aided and inspired his men in repelling the hostile assault.    First Lieutenant Zimmerman’s courageous leadership, professional skill, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.”

I am so grateful to the men of the Charlie Company for answering when the call to serve our country rang in their hearts, and for asking me to be a small part of their reunion. Thank you.

Kate of Tyler Brooke Photography is an Albuquerque Engagement Photographer specializing in maternity, newborn, baby, family, child, senior, wedding and maternity photography in Albuquerque, New Mexico and surrounding areas.

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