Finally, the awaited day has arrived, and the ceremony has successfully concluded. For the first time, the First Reunion of Ex Trainers and Members of the Mechanized Wing of PULAMOR and PULAMEK was successfully organized on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the Boat House, near the Rumah Libur at PULAMOR Camp.
Truly, the nostalgia and old memories resurfaced as soon as crossing the gate and guardhouse of PULAMOR Camp, becoming unforgettable past memories. It is at this training centre where those who were once trainers and instructors once shed their sweat in carrying out their duties. It is here in this camp where tasks and responsibilities were shouldered and executed, as trainers to pass attended career courses, while as Instructors teaching and educating trainees until they become proficient and understand the modules covered, from driving and maintenance modules, signal modules, weapon modules to battle tactics modules. Here is where nostalgia brings back bitter and sweet memories, joy and sorrow, sadness or happiness, and everything in between. It becomes a historical record in youth, when the body is healthy and energetic. When smart and stylish, and the uniform attire driving armored vehicles and convoys, beautiful enough to be remembered.
Memories and nostalgia resurface, now that each of them has reached over half a century in age, on average having gone through three-quarters of their life, leaving only a quarter, some even in bonus age. Some are still healthy or appear healthy, some already have a series of illnesses, touching drugs and pills every day. Hair that has changed color from black to white, some already have no hair and various signs of aging.
Nevertheless, those who attended this reunion appeared so happy, because after 20 years or more without seeing each other. Stories, memories, and experiences of old tales resurface, followed by laughter, until they ‘forget’ their wives and children who were brought along, but they behave well. The delicious and delightful lunch spread was enjoyed together. The organizing committee worked hard to ensure the smooth running of the event, some were too excited with the festive atmosphere to even eat. Catering from Alias Best, who were also comrades in arms, with village-style dishes such as smoked meat curry with coconut milk, catfish cooked in sambal, and spiced fried chicken, were delicious. The Chicken Rendang dish with Ketupat, contributed by Mustafa 1, was also very appetizing, complemented by boiled cockles dipped in sambal contributed by Mustafa 2. A surprise event was also made by cutting two cakes as a highlight of the reunion event. Thank you to Sulaiman Barry, who has donated the Yaasin surah book during the Yaasin and Tahlil recitation led by Samrudin, specially dedicated to friends who have left us. Yong Tau Foo contributed by Rosli Black was also very appetizing. Then at 3 pm, afternoon drinks were served with hot Mamak Fried Noodles cooked on-site, including sandwiches and pastries.
In his speech, Major General Datuk Marzuki, Commander of the Army Training Headquarters, who also once served as the Senior Trainer of the Mechanized Wing, was very excited about the organization of this reunion event. He also attended the meeting to establish the Sponsor Committee for the Ex Mechanized Trainers Association, which will be officially registered with the Registrar of Societies in the near future. He allocated time until the end of the event, until 5 pm, to chat and mingle with all the veterans present, who come in various appearances, some with long hair, white beards, and various signs of aging.
The Organizing Committee also expressed their highest appreciation and gratitude to former OC Mech Wing who attended, especially to Major General (R) Datuk Halim, Major General Dato Nahar, and Major (R) Mohd Rizal. Not forgetting also to the former Senior Trainers namely Major General Datuk Marzuki, Captain (R) Halim, Captain (R) Ravinthar, and Captain (R) Sapuan. A thousand thanks also to the Organizing Committee members who worked hard in preparation, who planned the reunion since October of last year, conducted site surveys, held online meetings several times, took orders for special reunion T-shirts and attendance numbers, and payments. This appreciation is specially recorded to Captain (R) Sapuan, PW 1 (R) Othman bin Jantan, Mustafa Bob, Mustafa, Ahmad Nadzri, Hasbollah, and Sulaiman Barry as the main drivers of the Organizing Committee for the Reunion.
In conclusion, a heartfelt appreciation and thanks to everyone who attended whose names cannot be mentioned one by one, also to the Commander of PULAMOR and SSO MSSPD for allowing the use of the boat house area and two Rumah Libur rooms. May this reunion be the beginning of future reunion events and the realization of the official establishment of the association. Thank you, hopefully we can meet again at the next reunion.
