The 1998 reunion of the National Dusters, Quads & Searchlights Association was held July 8-12 1998 amid the beauty of the area around Knoxville, Tennessee.

From the many attractions and sights that this area of our country has to offer, DQS'ers and their families enjoyed Oak Ridge, TN and the displays on energy - particularly atomic energy and its history in this area, The Smokey Mountains and all that they have to offer (mountain streams to cool your feet in, beautiful and breathtaking views and scenery, wildlife, an abundance of plant life and etc. - a few even made it to the top of Clingman's Dome), Cherokee, N.C., the Museum of Appalachia, the Biltmore Mansion, Cotton-eyed Joe's and the many, many fine area restaurants and more. (Some may have more than enjoyed themselves at the area restaurants') Many came early or stayed late to enjoy these offerings.

Many things added up to the success and enjoyment experienced at our 1998 reunion. Foremost of these was the presence, participation and interaction of YOU - the DQS members, families and friends who were in attendance' We enjoyed our second largest gathering ever in regard to DQS Vets in attendance and possibly the largest ever in total attendance!!

We enjoyed a significant number of new members and first time attendees - many of these have already added their efforts and abilities to the year round effort required to maintain and grow our association. (THANKS')

After sharing our talents(?) (actually we do good) decorating the Hospitality Room on Wednesday afternoon and evening, we continued this effort on Thursday as more of us arrived. Settling in and renewing acquaintances or making new ones was the order of the day until we traveled to Cedar Hills Golf Course for an evening fish fry. Plenty of delicious food was prepared, cooling drinks were plentiful, lots of good company was available, the setting was very inviting for relaxing and the weather cooperated in fine fashion. Some of the ladies and children took adventure in the form of golf cart rides around the premises and, even though Nina Allen was the primary conductress, no casualties were reported. Fellowship and fun was enjoyed by all. (Thanks to Buddy and the Crew)

Friday brought the Mitchell Stout MoH Memorial Golf Tournament for those participating and the trips to HQ of the 278 ACR of the Tennessee National Guard to view, touch, mount and/or photograph a Duster and other pieces of military equipment that they have on display. This included Tanks, APC'S, Self-Propelled Arty, Hum-Vees, a Vietnam Era Helicopter, a Bradley and etc. They hospitality that we enjoyed from Col. Jacobs, WO FLy and others was excellent and they were very informative. The looks on the face of some of the DQS Vets as they touched, gazed at or stood atop of the Duster (some for the first time in 30 years) told more than words could describe. Many family members gained a better idea of what their husband, dad, brother and etc. had talked about (or not talked about) previously. Our thanks to John and Sylvia Goins for discovering and making the initial contact concerning this opportunity