Di
re Ann ct ua or yI l ss u
e
Bringing Reunions and Locations Together Since 1991 Published by THE Reunion Network, Inc.
Volume XV • Summer, 2013
In Memoriam
Charlene Adamson
July 26, 1940–May 22, 2013
We all miss this Great Beautiful Lady ene
arl o Ch t e t Tribu
Pages 10 & 11 of the Directory
Vacations When Caring for the Elderly
Tips on how to relax and have fun traveling with aging seniors who have special health needs San Diego, Calif. (February 21, 2013)—Mission Home Care, which offers non-medical services, explains how to maximize enjoyment while traveling this summer with the elderly who require special care. The key to a successful trip is advanced preparation and/or hiring a professional caregiver for extra help.
If the senior in your life is not up for traveling, it is still very important for the care giving family to be able to get away.
Here are some things to remember when planning a vacation: 99 All medications should be filled and up-to-date 99 Copies of prescriptions should be brought on the trip in case any issues should arise 99 Take prescriptions in carry-on suitcases and a backup set in the checked luggage 99 Many domestic destinations are handicapped accessible, but this is not always the case when traveling internationally; so call ahead to plan and ask about accommodations in the resort or hotel along with the surrounding area 99 Bring doctors’ contact information and medical documentation including a power of attorney 99 When traveling with someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it is good to stay consistent with travel plans and to start out with a shorter trip to see how it goes at first “You also have the option to bring a professional caregiver on the trip with you,” said Pawl. “It can be affordable and completely worth it for the extra assurance and assistance so you can truly enjoy your trip.”
About Mission Healthcare:
“You should consider hiring professional care to stay back with your aging family member, so you can enjoy a stressfree trip,” said Jennifer Robinson, Co-Founder and Director “Vacations are extremely important for family bonding of Mission Home Care. “Furthermore, if your grandparents and mental recharging—even more so when you care or parents live in another state but would like to visit, hire for an aging parent,” said Kerry Pawl, Co-Founder and a caregiver to fly with him or her to ensure their safety Director of Mission Home Care. “However, many people and help during the visit.” avoid it all together due to the stress they think will occur when traveling with frail seniors—this doesn’t have to be For more information on hiring care for trips please call 888-871-0766 or visit www.homewithmission.com the case.” Mission Healthcare is a clinically owned and operated organization whose services include Mission Home Health, Mission Hospice, and Mission Home Care. By providing a continuum and continuity of care, Mission Healthcare strives to have a positive impact on the lives of patients, their families, and their healthcare partners no matter what their needs may be. Mission Healthcare utilizes all available resources to provide the highest level of care possible to their patients, all while in the optimal healing environment, the home. For additional information please visit www.homewithmission.com (reprinted with permission) zac@reunionfriendly.com
Traveling with wheelchairs, checking walking equipment at the airport, and seniors dealing with incontinence are just some of the challenges that may arise during vacations. It can be more difficult in a new routine and environment. Paying a caregiver a certain number of hours a day to help assist in these areas will go a long way. Caregivers are well trained in bathing, toilet assistance, and will help decrease the risk of falling in a new environment.
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Reunion Friendly News
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Get Reunion Plans Squared-Away For Your “Operation Branson Reunion” 9TH Annual Military Reunion Planners Conference | AUGUST 19-22, 2013 IN BRANSON, YOUR MILITARY REUNION GROUPS WILL TAKE
CENTER STAGE CeNTER FEATURING OVER 100 LIVE SHOWS • SILVER DOLLAR CITY • TITANIC MUSEUM ATTRACTION THREE PRISTINE LAKES • BRANSON LANDING • FISHING • BOATING • MUSEUMS • SPAS • GOLF • ZIPLINES OUTLET SHOPPING • DINING • RESORTS • HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
To Request the 2013 Reunion Planner Sales Kit or to apply for the Military Reunion Planners Conference Contact: Julie Peters, CTIS, Leisure Group Sales Manager • Branson/Lakes Area CVB • P.O. Box 1897 • Branson, MO 65615 800-214-3661 • 417-334-4084 • Fax 417-334-4139 • JPeters@BransonCVB.com • ExploreBranson.com Reunion Friendly News
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Di
re Ann ct ua or yI l ss ue
Bringing Reunions and Locations Together Since 1991 Published by THE Reunion Network, Inc.
Volume XV • Summer, 2013
In Memoriam
Charlene Adamson July 26, 1940–May 22, 2013
We all miss this Great Beautiful Lady e To
TribuT
ene
Charl
Pages 10 & 11 of the Directory
in this issue 2 ��Vacations When Caring for the Elderly 6 ��Changing Times for ConFAMs©
Books by Paul J. Spiewak
16 ��Real Costs of War
The latest book on:
17–36
Planning, Organizing, & Running Military Reunions! Available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all fine book sellers at $99.95 • Kindle Version $39.95 Order Direct from RFN & SAVE!
Annual Members Directory 2013
��Directory p. 10-ll Tribute to Charlene Adamson
��Directory p. 18-19 Inductees 2013 Hall of Military Reunion Planners
44 ��Best Reunion Locations (Survey Results)
Planner Special Price: $59.95 CVB & Hotel Members: $69.95
50 ��Real Planner Problems with Contracts
All Others $79.95 The Day I Flew In My Car and Other True Stories Anecdotes by an Octogenarian and other true stories
By Paul Spiewak
Do
YOU
Want To Be a Leader? by Paul J. Spiewak
A NEW, easy-to read, fast-paced guide for both Leaders and “want-to-be” Leaders.
SHIP TO:
Regular price $39.95 Now available to RFN members at $29.95
plus shipping and handling
Do You Want to be a Leader?
ConFAM© / WorkFAM© Parade 9 �� Nashville, Tennessee 10 �� Boise, Idaho 11 �� Branson, Missouri 12 �� New London, Connecticut 13 �� Albuquerque, New Mexico 14 �� St. Augustine, Florida
A philosophical analysis at the practical level of leadership and how to evaluate the effectiveness of any leader. In an “easy-to-read” fast-paced style; richly endowed with quotations and personal anecdotes. The book is based on the author’s 60 plus years as an employee, employer, consultant and entrepreneur in more than 19 different situations. Regular Price: $14.99 + s&h
Now available to RFN members at $12.95 postage paid!
Name Address
in every issue 5 ��Editorial: From the Situation Desk
38 �� Finance: Saving the Small Business in the USA 42 �� Paul’s Opinion
City
46 ��Email & Letters
State, ZIP
48 �� Member Memos
Books will be sent on receipt of check made payable to RFN, 1835 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Suite 332, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009. Page 4
Reunion Friendly News
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By Zac Spiewak, Managing Editor, Reunion Friendly News
The Definitive Source Of Information For The Volunteer Reunion Planner
From
Published by THE Reunion Network, Inc. DBA: Reunion Friendly Network 1835 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Suite 332 Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009
Situation Desk
1-800-225-5044 • 954-454-0904 Fax: 954-454-0978
Welcome to the 21st Annual Directory issue. Yes, that’s right… we are in our 22nd year of operation. This issue is packed with some great articles and some impressive ads plus the 21st Annual Directory of Members.
Website http://www.reunionfriendly.com President / Founder Paul J. Spiewak “The Reunion Guru” paul@reunionfriendly.com
The ConFAM© season is gearing up. Please see page 7 and the following Parade of ConFAMs© to see where the ConFAMs© will be held this year. Jane tells me that there is still space available for all the ConFAMs©. It is in your best interest to contact her as soon as possible if you are thinking of attending any ConFAM© because there is a limit to the number of planners that can attend each ConFAM©. Don’t be disappointed.
Vice President – Finance Marc Spiewak marc@reunionfriendly.com Managing Editor Zachary M. Spiewak zac@reunionfriendly.com
May 22nd of this year is not a day I will soon forget. Not only was it my 61st birthday, it was also a devastating day for the Reunion Friendly Network community as a whole. In the early morning hours Charlene passed away quietly. To know her was to endear her. She helped me do my job better by constantly giving me insights to the hospitality industry allowing me to stay focused on producing a publication that was informative, fun, and helpful. Charlene was so much more than the sum of her parts. The bottom line for me… I’m a better person for having known her. I miss her every day.
Manager of Membership Sales and Development Jane Martin jane@reunionfriendly.com Director of Communications Gale Helser
Subscriptions for Reunion Friendly News are free of charge to qualified reunion planners. All others: $30.00 per year or $10.00 per issue. Go Green (Internet version) free of charge at http://www.reunionfriendly.com/news.html
Enjoy the summer. See you in the fall. Zac@reunionfriendly.com
Reunion Friendly News (Reunion Friendly Network) is not responsible for opinions expressed in editorial material. The opinions are exclusively those of the authors and do not express the opinions of the Reunion Friendly Network, its staff, its members, its advertisers, or its readership. All editorial material is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The Reunion Friendly Network assumes no liability or responsibility for errors, mistakes, misprints, missing information, or content of advertising and advertorial copy. Reproduction of any portion of this publication is permitted for use in reunion group newsletters, providing attribution is given to the Reunion Friendly Network.
Reunion Friendly News
the
This issue brought to by the support of these organizations CO Colorado Springs CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
MO Pulaski County CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
FL Kissimmee CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41
NY Niagara Tourism & Convention Corp . . . . . 47
IA Waterloo CVB / Sullivan Bros Museum . . 37
OH Greene County CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
ID Boise CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
TN Chattanooga CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
IL DuPage CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
VA Fairfax County CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
LA Jefferson Parish CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
VA Newport CVB (Newport News Tourism) . . 54
MO Branson Lakes Area CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
VA Norfolk CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52-53
MO Greater St Charles CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
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Page 5
Changing Times for ConFAMS© It’s not a big secret in the hospitality industry, and it should not be a secret to military reunion planners. Military reunions reached a peak in 2007. While there was no immediate sharp decline, something called demographics (the study of populations) kicked in. At that time, the average age of living WWII veterans was just about 85 years. Average age for Korean War veterans was close to five years younger. Average age for those who served between the end of the Korean War and the Vietnam conflict was in the lower 60s. It doesn’t take a genius to realize that even though we are living longer and longer, the number of veterans is diminishing. This, of course, has had a huge effect on the number of military reunions. The latest statistics indicate that the total number of veterans in the U.S. population is falling rapidly also. Wars are becoming more and more technically oriented, so that fewer military personnel are required. Indeed, one only has to check the Internet to learn that the peak number was achieved in early 2007. From a high of more than forty million, the number of veterans dropped to half of that by early 2012. It is even lower now. Meanwhile our total population has just cracked a new high of 316 million. With the dying off of veterans, this means that barely 6% of the people in our country have ever served in the military. At the peak, two out of every five U.S. Congressional Representatives and Senators were veterans. Today, there is only a handful, which reflects the general population.
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What Has All This To Do With YOU?
application of recent electronic invention. Charlene’s passing has surely strengthened this move, as the burden of running ConFAMs© singlehandedly is a bit of a strain.
First, as a veteran, it explains why it is becoming more and difficult to receive veteran benefits. It explains why there was an attempt, fortunately What Should which failed, to make veterans pay YOU Do Now? for their own service related medical First: If you ever intend to go to a expenses. ConFAM© this year is the time. For those of you who attended previously, Second, it also explains why we have a new presentation which the number of military reunion will be used exclusively this year. If groups, although some new ones RFN runs any events in 2014, they are constantly forming, is starting will surely be different, and you will to shrink. Further, the size of the get adequate notice from our website. individual groups, on average, is also shrinking. Second: If you do not plan to go to a ConFAM©, be sure you have a copy At the same time, the hospitality of RFN’s Military Reunion Handbook. industry has been hard hit by the You can buy it on Amazon, but it’s generally poor economic climate for a lot less if you buy from us directly. the past five years. Hotels, except Order from “Books” on our new web those in the luxury and economy site. categories have lost a good deal of all their group business. Third: Start checking RFN’s NEW Website on a regular basis, at least Third, it also explains why RFN has once a month, for information you cut back on the number of ConFAMs©. can use to plan your reunions. Even further, despite that cutback, the average number of planners Four: It is very clear to me that the most important things in your life are attending has also been shrinking. your relationships with others. The strongest relationship that I know is What Does This Mean for RFN? that of “Brothers-in-Arms.” So solidify those relationships. Continue to plan, June 2013 is the Twenty-Second organize, and run your reunions. Anniversary of RFN. In those years, we have provided an education to more Five: Most of all, enjoy life. Make the than 8,000 military reunion planners most out of every day. You only go and two-thirds that number of CVB around one time. personnel and hoteliers has exhibited at RFN events. Six more ConFAMs© are All of us at RFN thank all of you for scheduled for the balance of 2013. If your service. you have any interest in attending an paul@reunionfriendly.com event, the time to respond is NOW! Charlene and I started a process in February to take RFN further into the technological world that is advancing so rapidly. Our plan was to be able to better serve the military planning community through greater Reunion Friendly News
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A ConFAM© is an all-expense-paid multi-day event combining a Reunion Conference and a FAMiliarization tour of the area. Rooms (three [3] free room-nights only), meals, admission, local transportation, instruction and instructional materials are furnished — at no cost to you — by RFN, the local CVB host hotel, other participating hotels and local attractions. You only pay to get there and return, alcoholic beverages and personal ConFAM©/WorkFAM© Location purchases, including items A ConFam© Nashville, TN charged to your hotel room.
B
D
C
E
A
F
Month
Conf
FAM
Leave On
August
Th-F 8-9
F-Sa 10-11
Sun 12
B
ConFam©
Boise, ID
August
M-T 19-20
T-W 20-21
Thur 22
NEW PRICING
C
ConFam©
Branson MO†
Sept
M-T 16-17
T-W 17-18
Thur 19
Registration Fee: $199* for a planner with guest; $149* for a single person.
D
ConFam©
New London, CT
Sept-Oct
M-T 30- 1
T-W 1-2
Thur 3
E
ConFam©
Albuquerque NM
Oct
M-T 21-22
T-W 22-23
Thur 24
F
ConFam©
St. Augustine FL
Nov
R-F 13-14
F-Sat 14-15
Sun 16
Branson’s Pre-Conference reception is on Sunday, September 15th at 6:30 pm.
†
*ConFAMs include a free copy of RFN’s Military Reunion Handbook, retail value is $99. WorkFAMs© include a copy of Ins & Outs of Military Reunion Contracts which is not available elsewhere. Details: ©
To register:
➀ Tear out this page from the magazine. ➁ Complete the form on the back. ➂ Mail with your check to RFN, 1835 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Suite 332, Hallandale Beach FL 33009 Incomplete applications will be rejected!
Thousands of copies of Reunions Step by Step, written by “Reunion Guru” Paul Spiewak, was the first and only book about organizing, planning, and running military reunions. A three year effort to update and rewrite this work led to the printing of RFN’s Military Reunion Handbook in 2011. This new work is now available from all major book resellers at a list price of $99.95. Military reunion planners get a FREE copy by registering and attending an RFN ConFAM©. If you cannot attend a ConFAM©, you can purchase the book at a 50% discount (plus $10 shipping and handling) directly from RFN. Planners who already have the book who are registering for a new ConFAM© may elect to receive a $40 refund instead of the book. Note that those attending a WorkFAM© do not receive a copy of RFN’s Military Reunion Handbook because they will have already received a copy when they attend the pre-required ConFAM©. Instead, they receive a copy of Ins & Outs of Military Reunion Contracts, a book written specifically for use and exclusive distribution at WorkFAMs©. zac@reunionfriendly.com
Cancellation Policy: Up to three weeks before the ConFAM© for a full refund, or up to two weeks before the event, you may transfer to another ConFAM© without charge. Less than two weeks before, no transfer or refund available. Reunion Friendly News
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Page 7
REUNION PLANNER REGISTRATION FORM
PLEASE ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS IN BLACK INK TO QUALIFY
Sign me UP for (Location) _________________________ On Date _________________ Do YOU or YOUR Guest have any disability or dietary need that requires special attention? ___________________________________________________________________________________
Please note that each event requires frequent on and off bus stops, plus walking through attractions and hotels
In case of emergency while at the event, please contact: (NAME) ___________________________________________ Telephone ____________________________
Date ___________________ Signature ______________________________________ Print Name ______________________________________________________________ Spouse Name ______________________________ Primary Address ___________________________________________________________________________________ City ____________________________________________________________________________ State __________________ Zip __________________________ Preferred Telephone ________________________________ E-Mail Address _____________________________________________________________________ YOUR Group Name __________________________________________________________________________ Military: Branch of Service ___________________ # Members You Send Newsletter to? __________
Your Group Years in Active Service: From ________ To __________
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your LAST Reunion: YEAR ________ MO ___________ How Many Came Incl Guests ____________ Banquet Cost _________________ Where? Hotel ______________________________________________ City _______________________________________ State _______ Room Rate _____ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your NEXT Reunion: YEAR _________ MO ___________How Many Expected Incl Guests _________
BNanquet Cost _____________________
Where? Hotel ______________________________________________ City _______________________________________ State _______ Room Rate _____ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your NEXT UNBOOKED Reunion: YEAR _________ MO ___________ Preferred Dates __________________________________________________________ How Many Expected Incl Wives & Guests _________
Expected # Rooms Peak Night ____________ How Many Nights? _________________
What Part of the Country (Circle): NorthEast Mid-Atlantic SouthEast Midwest North Do You Need (check all those that apply) ____ Hospitality Room What Type of Tours Do You Want? ___ Military Related
Midwest Central
____ Separate Meeting Room
Midwest South
SouthWest
NorthWest
_____ Memorial Service Location
___ Nature Oriented ___ OTHER HELP _______________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HOW DOES YOUR GROUP SELECT THE NEXT REUNION LOCATION ? PLEASE CHECK ONE:
___I MAKE THE DECISION
___I AM PART OF THE COMMITTE THAT DECIDES
___ WE PUT IT TO A VOTE
PAY NOW
Registration Fee $149 – Single
Or Print Form & Mail to RFN
$199 – w.Guest (sharing Room)
The Reunion Friendly Network, Inc. 1835 East Hallandale Beach Blvd, St, Hallandale Beach FL 33009 Toll-Free 800-225-5044 954-454-0904 Fax 954-454-9078 email: paul@reunionfriendly.com Visit our Web Site: www.reunionfriendly.com FAMReg 2/11/13 Page 8
Reunion Friendly News
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©
Nashville, Tennessee August 8–11, 2013
Holiday Inn Opryland Airport
Everybody knows about “Music City, USA.” but there’s a whole lot more to Nashville than the Country Music Hall of Fame. Officially there are 197 major attractions encompassing history, architecture, gardens, and performing arts. One of the most popular is the Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson. Another is the Belle Meade Plantation, but there is also the Lane Motor Museum with the largest collection of European cars and motorcycles in the U. S. Keeping the ladies in mind there is the Relache Spa and the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens. Just a few miles out of the city you can enjoy the Yazoo Brewing Company (especially on Saturday), the Blackstone Brewpub & Brewery, the Big Bang Bar, and even a winery. You can sign your group up for several choices of a dinner theatre including a 2½-hour mystery dinner, or dine on the General Jackson Showboat. There’s even a special place with Dukes of Hazard memorabilia. Nashville is the home of Vanderbilt University and the Nashville Speedway, too. If that isn’t enough, there’s a long list of restaurants, many featuring country music or jazz, and for any old-timer the Tennessee Central Railway Museum including a tour.
War Memorial Plaza
Tennessee State Capitol
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Reunion Friendly News
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Page 9
© ConFAM hosted by the Boise Convention Bureau and the Riverside Hotel.
Airfare will be complimentary for one pre-qualified planner per organization.
Boise, Idaho
August 19 – 22, 2013 The Riverside Hotel
MILITARY ATTRACTIONS
✭✭ Warhawk Air museum ✭✭ Idaho Military History Museum ✭✭ Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial ✭✭ J. Curtis Earl Memorial Arms Exhibit at the Old Idaho Penitentiary ✭✭ Gowen Field (Idaho Air Nat’l Guard and Idaho Army Nat’l Guard) ✭✭ Mountain Home Air Force Base ✭✭ Idaho Veterans Cemetery ✭✭ USS Boise Memorial
Boise Street Scene
GENERAL ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
✭✭ The only Basque Museum in the United States ✭✭ Old Idaho Territorial Penitentiary (one of only 4 in the U.S)) ✭✭ Thunder Mountain Train – scenic rail and dinner train ✭✭ The World Center for Birds of Prey ✭✭ Idaho State Capitol Building ✭✭ Idaho Historical Museum ✭✭ Idaho Botanical Garden ✭✭ Idaho Shakespeare Festival ✭✭ The Boise River Greenbelt (26 mile path) ✭✭ Boise Art Museum ✭✭ Idaho Black History Museum ✭✭ Boise State University – Blue Turf of Bronco Stadium ✭✭ Snake River Valley Wine Region (over 20 wineries) ✭✭ Capitol City Public Market
Boise Street Scene
Boise Art Museum
ACCESS
✈✈
Boise Airport (BOI) – served by Southwest Airlines, United, Delta/Skywest, US Airways, Allegiance and Horizon/Alaska Air
``
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Free Hotel Shuttles to all area hotels Interstate 84
Boise Basques Reunion Friendly News
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©
Branson, Missouri September 15–19, 2013 Radisson Hotel Branson
www.explorebranson.com MILITARY ATTRACTIONS
✭✭ Veteran’s Memorial Museum ✭✭ Ride the Ducks ✭✭ Hall of Heroes
GENERAL ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
✭✭ Branson Variety Theater ✭✭ Clay Cooper Theatre ✭✭ Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction ✭✭ Flash Photo Group Photography ✭✭ Mansion Entertainment & Media Ctr ✭✭ Showboat Branson Belle ✭✭ Sight and Sound Theatres ✭✭ The Starlite Theatre ✭✭ Titanic Museum Attraction
Showboat Branson Belle
ACCESS
✈✈ ✈✈
22
Branson Landing
Branson (BKG) Springfield (SGF) Ground Transport to hotel; shuttle or rental car I-44 to Springfield, south on Hwy. 65
Titannic Branson Museum Reunion Friendly News
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Page 11
©
New London, Connecticut September 30–October 3, 2013 Holiday Inn New London North Hotel
While the major draw for veterans is undoubtedly the New London Submarine base, there are plenty of other things that you can do for your reunion. How about a lobster dinner cruise on a tall ship? Or perhaps a visit to some of the lighthouses? Or perhaps a tour of historic homes? Even better might be a visit to Jazz Underground or a trip to the historic Brixton Windmill? Better yet try a visit to The Research and Development Center (RDC). It is the Coast Guard’s sole facility performing research, development, and test and evaluation in support of the service’s major missions. This is located in the historic Fort Trumball area of New London; convenient to the Coast Guard Academy, naval submarine-base, and Old Mystic Village. The RDC sits along the shore of the Thames River.
Block Islands South Lighthouse
Custom House Maritime Museum
Coast Guard Museum Page 12
Thames River Reunion Friendly News
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©
Albuquerque, New Mexico http://itsatrip.org
October 21–24, 2013 MCM Elegante MILITARY ATTRACTIONS
✭✭ New Mexico Veterans Memorial ✭✭ National Museum of Nuclear Science & History ✭✭ Ernie Pyle Home & Library ✭✭ Bataan Memorial Park ✭✭ Bullhead Park
GENERAL ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
✭✭ Old Town ✭✭ Albuquerque Biological Park ✭✭ Indian Pueblo Cultural Center ✭✭ National Hispanic Cultural Center ✭✭ Anderson-Abruzzo Balloon Museum ✭✭ Albuquerque Uptown Shopping Center ✭✭ Albuquerque Museum of Art & History ✭✭ Sandia Casino ✭✭ Isleta Casino ✭✭ The Downs at Albuquerque Racetrack & Casino
Old Town
ACCESS
✈✈
22
Albuquerque Sunport International (ABQ) I-40, I-25
Tram Reunion Friendly News
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Page 13
©
St. Augustine, Florida November 13–16, 2013 Holiday Isle Oceanfront Resort Attractions:
Villa Zorayda Museum
✭✭ Anastasia State Park ✭✭ Castillo de San Marcos ✭✭ Fountain of Youth ✭✭ Marineland Dolphin Adventure ✭✭ Old St. Augustine Village ✭✭ Old Town Trolley Tour of St. Augustine ✭✭ St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park ✭✭ St. Augustine Beach ✭✭ St. Augustine Old Jail ✭✭ St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum ✭✭ Villa Zorayda Museum ✭✭ Whetstone Chocolate Factory
Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley
Military Attractions:
✭✭ Fort Matanzas ✭✭ Fort Mose Historic State Park ✭✭ St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum
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Access: St. Augustine Lighthouse
✈✈
I-95 Northeast Florida Regional Airport (UST) Fort Mose
Schooner Freedom at sunset Page 14
Castillo de San Marcos
Fort Matanzas Reunion Friendly News
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ELEVATE YOUR
CONNECTION Hold your reunion in Colorado Springs and enjoy blue skies, easy access and great value.
Home to Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods and five military installations, Colorado Springs provides an inspirational setting for sharing memories and reconnecting. With the convenient Colorado Springs Airport, endless scenic beauty and more than 55 group-friendly attractions, you will elevate your reunion when you gather in Colorado Springs.
Start Planning Today! VISITCOS.COM/REUNIONS
or call
800-888-4748 ext 138
flycos.com
Reconnect in Colorado Springs Find yourself immersed in the rich history of Colorado Springs. The past comes alive within this breathtaking Rocky Mountain city that lies at the foot of majesticPikes Peak-America’s Mountain. Founded as a resort town in 1871 by Civil War hero General William Jackson Palmer, Colorado Springs is home to five military installations including the U.S. Air Force Academy,NORAD and Fort Carson. With more than 300 days of annual sunshine, a mild climate, stunning natural beauty and more than 55 attractions and activities, it is an ideal place to refresh and reconnect. Some interesting attractions include the U.S. Air Force Academy Visitor National Museum of WWII Aviation Center and Cadet Chapel as well as the brand new National Museum of WWII Aviation, providing a glimpse of the heroes of the sky. Other highlights include Garden of the Gods Park, Ghost Town Museum, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and the natural mineral springs of nearby Manitou Springs. There are so many things to explore in this vibrant, affordable destination. Start planning your unforgettable reunionat VisitCOS.com/reunions today.
Reunion Friendly News
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Page 15
Few people comprehend the extent of resources expended by war. For WWII, the statistics are staggering. What is now the Air Force, for example, was under the control of the Army, but the mind blowing numbers are far greater than anyone comprehends. For example, there were: 276,000 aircraft manufactured in the US. 43,000 planes were lost overseas, including 23,000 in combat. 14,000 were lost in the continental U.S. Aircraft, compared to today’s models were incredibly inexpensive. The massive B-29 was the most expensive but only about $600,000 per unit. The “hot” P-51, came in at $51,000 each, compared to the costs today in millions for each fighter. Fuel and ammunition statistics are overwhelming; 10 billion gallons of gasoline, 460 billion rounds of aircraft ammunition, 8 million bombs dropped overseas, 2.5 million combat sorties, 300,000 aircraft accepted, 800,000 aircraft engines, 800,000 propellers (no jets). The most produced aircraft was the Soviet Ilyushin IL-2 Sturmovik with more than 36,000 built. The Germans built more than 30.000 Messerschmitts. The British top produced plane was the Supermarine Spitfire at 20,351, while the U.S. built nearly 19,000 Liberators, a four engine bomber that the Navy modified for use in the Korean conflict. During WWII, from December 1941 to August 1945 the U.S. Army lost nearly 15,000 pilots and air crew personnel, with almost as many airplanes. There were more than 52,000 airplane accidents, averaging forty incidents every single day! In human terms, 6,600 servicemen died every month, an average of 220 every day. By the end of the war, over 40,000 airmen were killed in combat theatres and another 18,000 wounded. Some 12,000 missing Page 16
Real Costs of War!
capable and most expensive bomber and too urgently needed to stand down for mere safety reasons.
One of the unsung achievements men were declared dead, including was the training of navigators. There a number “liberated” by the Soviets were, of course, no GPS systems, and but never returned. More than 41,000 the air navigator had to rely on the were captured. Half of the 5,400 held chronometer and the bubble sextant. by the Japanese died in captivity, The Army trained 50,000 of them and compared with one-tenth in German the majority managed to fly across hands. Total combat casualties added the ocean and arrive safely. up to 121,867. At the beginning of the war, Many pilots were poorly trained. promotion was very rapid, due to the Some fighter pilots entered combat in growing size of the Army Air Corps 1942 with less than one hour in their and the large number of casualties. assigned aircraft. The 357th Fighter John Lander, a 21-year old Texan, Group (often known as The Oxford received a commission as a Second Boys), for example, went to England Lieutenant right after Pearl Harbor, in late 1943 having trained on P-39s. and by the time he was 24-years old, The group never saw a Mustang until he was a full Colonel commanding an shortly before its first combat mission. Eighth Air Force Group. A high-time P-51 pilot had 30 hours in type. Many had fewer than five hours. When you count up all the casualties, Some had only a single hour. both civilian and military from all the countries involved, WWII While there were more losses in resulted in the untimely death of fighter aircraft, the big bombers had at least 80 million people, of which their share also. The B-17 and B-24 approximately 30% were military. averaged 30 and 35 accidents per Exact figures are unknown because 100,000 flight hours. Even worse, the Nazis killed at least 13 million the B-29 was at 40 per 100,000 flight of their own, and the Soviets killed hours. Yet, this aircraft was the between 20-50 million of their own world’s most sophisticated, most The official count for the United States military is well over a million, although statistics by branch of service are not readily available.
Today
Today, the scope is much less than WWII due to the use of drone aircraft, and more sophisticated weaponry. There are some who view war as an economic stimulus, but the hard cruel fact is that war is a huge waste. It is not only the materials that have to be used, the amount of human effort expended, but surely the dead and wounded are the ultimate price, and whose contributions to friends, families, and to the country itself, which is the real tragedy. paul@reunionfriendly.com Reunion Friendly News
•
S u m m e r, 2 0 1 3
Tribute to Charlene on pages 10 and 11
Reunion Friendly Network
Annual Member Directory 2013–2014
Reunion Friendly News
•
S u m m e r, 2 0 1 3
Page 17
CVBs Alabama–Missouri
CVBS AL
Birmingham
Greater Birmingham CVB
2200 9TH AVE N
35203
AL
Huntsville
Huntsville/Madison County CVB
500 Church St Ste One
35801
AL
Mobile
Mobile Bay CVB
1 South Water St
36602
AZ Tucson
Metropolitan Tucson CVB
100 S Church Ave
85701
AZ Yuma
Yuma Vistors Bureau
202 S 1st Avenue #202
85364
CA Burlingame
San Mateo County/ Silicon Valley CVB
111 Anza Blvd, #410
94010
CA Sacramento
Sacramento CVB
1608 I St
95814
CO Colorado Springs
p 15 Colorado Springs CVB
515 S Cascade Avenue
80903
CO Pueblo
The Greater Pueblo COC
320 Central Main Street
81003
DE
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach COC
501 Rehoboth Ave/PO Box 216
19971
FL
Ft Myers
Beaches of Fort Myers Sanibel
2201 Second St, Ste 600
33901
FL
Jacksonville
Visit Jacksonville
208 W Laura Street Suite 102
32202
FL
Kissimmee
215 Celebration Place, Ste 200
34747
FL
Panama City
Panama City Beach CVB
PO BOX 9473
32417
FL
Pensacola
Pensacola Bay Area CVB
1401 E Gregory St
32502
FL
St Augustine
St Augustine, Ponte Vedra & Beaches VCB 29 Old Mission Avenue
32084
GA Augusta
Augusta CVB
PO Box 1331
30903
GA Columbus
Columbus Georgia CVB
PO Box 2768
31901
Waterloo CVB
500 Jefferson Street
50701
p 40-41 Experience Kissimmee CVB
p 37
IA
Waterloo
IL
Gurnee
Lake County CVB
5465 W Grand Ave Ste 100
60031
IL
Lisle
Lisle CVB (Chicago Area)
925 Burlington Ave
60532
IL
Oak Brook
DuPage CVB
915 Harger Rd #240
60523
IL
Peoria
Peoria Area CVB
456 Fulton St Ste 300
61602
IL
Schaumburg
Woodfield Chicago NW Conv Bureau
1375 E Woodfield Rd Ste 120
60173
KS
Salina
Visit Salina Area COC
120 W Ash St
67401
KS
Wichita
Go Wichita
515 S Main St Ste 115
67202
KY
Bowling Green
Bowling Green Area CVB
352 Three Springs Rd
42104
KY
Covington
Northern Kentucky CVB
50 E Rivercenter Blvd #200
41011
KY
Lexington
Lexington CVB
250 West Main Street, Ste 2100
40507
LA
Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge Area CVB
359 Third Street
70801
LA
Jefferson
Jefferson Parish CVB
1221 Elmwood Park Blvd, Suite 411
70123
LA
Lafayette
Lafayette CVC
PO Box 52066
70505
MA Centerville
Cape Cod COC
5 Patti Page Way
02632
MA Salisbury
North of Boston CVB
PO Box 5193
01952
MD Baltimore
Maryland Office of Tourism Devel
401 E Pratt St 14th Fl
21202
MD Ocean City
Ocean City CVB/Dept of Tourism
4001 Coastal Hwy
21842
MI
Kalamazoo
Discover Kalamazoo CVB
141 E Michigan Ave Ste 100
49007
MI
Lansing
Greater Lansing CVB
500 East Michigan Ave Suite 180
48912
MN Bloomington
Bloomington CVB
7900 International Dr STE 990
55425
MN Rochester
Rochester CVB
30 Civic Center Dr. SE 200
55904
Branson Lakes Area CVB
PO BOX 1897
65615
MO Branson Page 18 2 Directory
p 39
p 55
p3
Reunion Friendly News
•
S u m m e r, 2 0 1 3
Cynthia McHeard
800-458-8085
www.birminghamal.org
cmcheard@birminghamal.com
Sharon Snell
800-843-0468
www.huntsville.org
ssnell@huntsville.org
Ron McConnell
251-208-2018
www.mobilebay.org
ron-mcconnell@mobile.org
RoxAnne Erickson
520-770-2120
www.visitTucson.org
rerickson@visittucson.org
Shannan Gonzalez
928-376-0100
www.visityuma.com
shannan@visityuma.com
Adrienne Nudo
650-348-7600
www.visitsanmateocounty.com
adrienne@smccvb.com
Betsy Longmire
916-808-7275
www.sacramentocvb.org
blongmire@cityofsacramento.org
Natalie Hirsch
719-685-7638
www.visitcos.com
natalie@visitcos.com
Jeanne Santillanez
719-542-1100
www.puebloconventioncenter.com
jeanne_s@puebloconventioncenter.com
Meghan McCalley
800-441-1329
www.beach-fun.com
meghan@beach-fun.com
Candice Cocco
239-338-3500
www.fortmyers-sanibel.com
ccocco@leegov.com
Bob Meyer
904-421-9183
www.visitjacksonville.com
bmeyer@visitjacksonville.com
Jadeine Shives
407-742-8255
www.ExperienceKissimmee.com
jshives@experiencekissimmee.com
Ann Gager
850-233-5070
www.visitpanamacitybeach.com
agager@visitpanamacitybeach.com
Larry Orvis
850-434-1234
www.visitpensacola.com
lorvis@pensacolachamber.com
Jaya Larkin
904-209-4429
www.floridahistoriccoast.com
jlarkin@floridahistoriccoast.com
Michelle Bovian
706-823-6616
www.augustaga.org
mbovian@augustaga.org
Sid Kaminsky
706-317-2110
www.visitcolumbusga.org
skaminsky@visitcolumbusga.com
Lonnie Elmore
319-233-8350
www.travelwaterloo.com
lonnie@travelwaterloo.com
Kimberly Ghys
800-525-3669
www.lakecounty.org
kimberly@lakecounty.org
Jay Allen
630-769-1000
www.StayInLisle.com
allen@stayinlisle.com
Julie Scholle
630-575-8070
www.discoverdupage.com
julie@discoverdupage.com
Kaci Osborne
309-282-3282
www.peoria.org
kosborne@peoria.org
Melinda Garritano
847-278-3446
www.chicagonorthwest.com
mgarritano@chicagonorthwest.com
JoAnn McClure
785-827-9301
www.visitsalina.org
jmcclure@salinakansas.org
Andre- Mboule
316-660-6312
www.gowichita.com
amboule@gowichita.com
Duncan Hines
270-782-0800
www.visitbgky.com
duncan@visitbgky.com
Barbara Dozier
800-447-8489
www.nkycvb.com
bdozier@nkycvb.com
Roseanne Mingo
859-244-7714
www.visitlex.com
rmingo@visitlex.com
Jennye Snider
225-382-3584
www.visitbatonrouge.com
jennye@visitbatonrouge.com
Magan Adams
504-731-7083
www.experiencejefferson.com
magan@experiencejefferson.com
Irene T. Hodge
337-232-3737
www.lafayettetravel.com
irene@lafayettetravel.com
Patti Lloyd
508-362-9351
www.capecodchamber.org
sales@capecodchamber.org
Ann Marie Casey
978-465-6555
www.northofboston.org
acasey@northofboston.org
Rich Gilbert
877-209-5883
www.visitmaryland.org
rgilbert@visitmaryland.org
Norma Dobrowolski
410-289-2800
www.ococean.com
ndobrowolski@ococean.com
Jennifer Williamson
269-488-0057
www.discoverkalamazoo.com
jwilliamson@discoverkalamazoo.com
Heather C. Kim
517-377-1402
www.lansing.org
hkim@lansing.org
Tony Cook
952-278-8532
www.bloomingtonmn.org
tcook@bloomingtonmn.org
Donna Zweibahmer
501-424-0815
www.visitrochestermn.com
dzweibahmer@rochestercvb.org
Julie Peters
417-243-2117
www.explorebranson.com
jpeters@bransoncvb.com
Reunion Friendly News
•
S u m m e r, 2 0 1 3
Page 19 Directory 3
CVBs (continued) Missouri窶天irginia MO Independence
Independence Missouri Tourism Dept
111 E Maple/PO Box 1019
64051
MO Maryland Heights
Maryland Heights CVB
PO BOX 2125
63043
MO St Charles
p 43
St Charles CVB
230 S MAIN ST
63301
MO St Robert
p 45
Pulaski County Tourism Bureau
137 ST. ROBERT BLVD. SUITE A
65584
NC Fayetteville
Fayetteville Area CVB
245 Person St
28301
ND Fargo
Fargo-Moorhead CVB
2001 44th St SW
58103
NE
Omaha CVB
1001 Farnam St Ste 200
68102
NM Albuquerque
Albuquerque CVB
20 First Plaza NW Suite 601
87120
NV Laughlin
Southern Nevada Regional Office - NVCVA 1555 S. CASINO DR.
89029
NY Buffalo
Buffalo Niagara CVB
617 MAIN ST, #200
14203
NY Corning
Corning/Finger Lakes (Steuben Cty CVB)
1 W Market St Ste 201
14830
Omaha
NY Niagara Falls
p 47 Niagara USA/Tourism & Conv Corp
10 Rainbow Blvd
14303
OH Beavercreek
p 49 Greene County CVB/near WPAFB
1221 Meadowbridge Dr. Ste A
45434
OH Dayton
Dayton/Montgomery Cnty CVB
1 Chamber Plaza Suite A
45402
OR Eugene
Eugene, Cascades & Coast CVA
PO BOX 10286
97440
PA
Gettysburg
Gettysburg CVB
571 West Middle Street
17325
PA
Harrisburg
Hershey Harrisburg Regional VB
17 South 2nd Street
17101
PA
King of Prussia
Valley Forge CVB
1000 First Ave Ste 101
19406
PA
Tunkhannock
Endless Mountains VB
5405 State Route 6
18657
RI
Providence
Providence Warwick CVB
10 Memorial Blvd
02903
SC
Charleston
Charleston Area CVB
423 King St
29403
Rapid City CVB
444 Mount Rushmore Rd N
57701
736 Market Street 18th Floor
37402
SD Rapid City TN Chattanooga
p 46 Chattanooga Area CVB
TN Nashville
Nashville CVB
150 4th Avenue North Suite G-250
37219
TN Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge Dept of Tourism
PO Box 1390
37868
TX
Beaumont
Beaumont CVB
505 Willow Street
77701
TX
El Paso
El Paso CVB
One Civic Center Plaza
79901
TX
Fort Worth
Fort Worth CVB
111 West 4th Street Ste 200
76102
TX
Huntsville
Huntsville CVB
1212 Avenue M
77340
TX
Killeen
Killeen CVB-Civic & Conf Ctr
PO Box 1329 Young Dr
76540
TX
Midland
Midland CVB
109 N Main St
79705
TX
Plano
Plano CVB
PO BOX 860358
75086
TX
San Angelo
San Angelo CVB
418 W Avenue B
76903
UT
Ogden
Ogden/Weber CVB
2438 Washington Blvd
84401
VA
Arlington
Arlington CVB
1100 N Glebe Rd #1500
22201
VA
Chesapeake
Chesapeake CVB
860 Greenbrier Circle, Suite 101
23320
VA
Fairfax
Visit Fairfax
3702 Pender Drive, Ste 420
22030
VA
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg Regional Tourism Partn.
706 Caroline St
22405
VA
Hampton
Hampton CVB
1919 Commerce Drive Ste 290
23666
VA
Leesburg
Visit Loudoun
112-G South Street SE
20175
VA
Manassas
Discover Prince William & Manassas
10611 Balls Ford Road, Ste 110
20109
VA
Newport News
700 Town Ctr Dr Ste 320
23606
VA
Norfolk
Visit Norfolk
232 E MAIN ST
23510
VA
Richmond
Virginia Tourism Corporation
901 East Byrd Street
23219
Page 20 4 Directory
p 51
p 54 Newport News T & D p 52-53
Reunion Friendly News
窶｢
S u m m e r, 2 0 1 3
Kyleda Sadewhite
816-325-7816
www.visitindependence.com
ksadewhite@indepmo.org
Laura Brahan
314-738-2497
www.more2do.org
laura@mhcvb.com
Karen Fraser
800-366-2427
www.historicstcharles.com
kfraser@historicstcharles.com
Beth Wiles
573-336-6355
www.visitpulaskicounty.org
bethw@pulaskicountyusa.com
Myron Jones
800-255-8217
www.visitfayettevillenc.com
mjones@visitfayettevillenc.com
Jill Gates
701-365-4560
www.fargomoorhead.org
jill@fargomoorhead.org
Bill Slovinski
866-937-6624
www.visitomaha.com
bslovinski@visitomaha.com
Serena Sullivan
505-222-4355
www.itsatrip.org
sullivan@itsatrip.org
Cherie Westbrook
702-298-3022
www.visitlaughlin.com
cwestbrook@lvcva.com
Dionne Williamson
716-852-0511
www.visitbuffaloniagara.com
williamson@visitbuffaloniagara.com
Danielle Roman
607-936-6544
www.meetincoring.com
droman@corningfingerlakes.com
Reanna Darone
716-282-8992
www.niagara-usa.com
reanna@niagara-usa.com
Lisa Willis
937-320-9865
www.greenecountyohio.org
lwillis@greenecountyohio.org
Christina Combs
937-226-8292
www.daytoncvb.com
ccombs@daytoncvb.net
Juanita Metzler
541-743-8758
www.TravelLaneCounty.org
juanita@travellanecounty.org
Jenny McConnell
717-338-1053
www.gettysburg.travel
jenny@gettysburg.travel
Sandy Wenner
717-231-2988
www.hersheyharrisburg.org
sandy@hersheyharrisburg.org
Courtney Pozo
610-834-7971
www.valleyforge.org
pozo@valleyforge.org
Jean Ruhf
570-836-5431
www.endlessmountains.org
jean@endlessmountains.org
Sheila Lindemann
401-456-0228
www.goprovidence.com
slindemann@pwcvb.com
John Michel McCants
843-805-3098
www.explorecharleston.com
jmmccants@explorecharleston.com
Lindsey Beasley
605-718-8482
www.visitrapidcity.com
beasley@visitrapidcity.com
Chris Petro
423-424-4417
www.chattanoogafun.com
chrisp@chattanoogacvb.com
Amy Spear
615-259-4716
www.visitmusiccity.com
amy@visitmusiccity.com
Kay Poole
865-453-8574
www.pigeonforgemeeting.com
kpoole@mypigeonforge.com
Rebecca Woodland
409-880-3169
www.beaumontcvb.com
rwoodland@ci.beaumont.tx.us
Catherine Stevens
915-534-0695
www.visitelpaso.com
ccountiss@elpasocvb.com
Jeremy Montoya
817-698-7827
www.fortworth.com
jeremymontoya@forthworth.com
Kimm Thomas
936-291-9726
www.chamber.huntsville.tx.us
kthomas@huntsvilletx.gov
Tanida Mullen
254-501-3888
www.visitkilleen.com
tmullen@killeentexas.gov
Sarah Marston
432-686-3561
www.visitmidlandtexas.com
sarah@visitmidlandtexas.com
Kay Summerville
800-817-5266
www.visitplano.com
kays@plano.gov
Pamela Miller
325-655-4136
www.visitsanangelo.org
pamela@sanangelo.org
Joni Wall
801-778-6253
www.visitogden.com
joni@ogden.travel
Portia Conerly
703-228-0873
www.stayarlington.com
pconerly@arlingtonva.us
Jeff Bunn
757-502-4898
www.visitchesapeake.com
jbunn@cityofchesapeake.net
Dean Miller
703-752-9509
www.fxva.com
dmiller@fxva.com
Kimberly Herbert
540-372-1216
www.VisitFred.com
ksherbert@fredericksburgva.gov
Julie A. Williams
757-728-5318
www.visithampton.com
julie@hamptoncvb.com
Jennifer Ritter
703-771-7525
www.visitloudoun.org
ritter@visitloudoun.org
Michael -Mike- Stoupa
571-482-7049
www.discoverpwm.com
mstoupa@discoverpwm.com
Barb Kleiss
757-926-1442
www.newport-news.org
bkleiss@nngov.com
Melissa Hopper
757-664-6620
www.visitnorfolktoday.com
mhopper@norfolkcvb.com
Joni Johnson
804-545-5544
www.virginia.org/meetings
jjohnson@virginia.org
Reunion Friendly News
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Page 21 Directory 5
CVBs (continued) Washington–West Virginia WA Seattle
Seattle Southside Visitor Info
3100 S. 176 Street
98188
WA Tacoma
Tacoma Regional CVB
1119 Pacific Ave, Ste 1400
98402
WA Vancouver
Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office
101 E 8th St Ste 240
98660
WI
La Crosse
La Crosse Area CVB
410 Veterans Memorial Drive
54601
WI
Milwaukee
Visit Milwaukee CVB
648 N Plankinton Ave Ste 425
53203
WI
Waukesha
Waukesha & Pewaukee CVB
N 14 W23755 Stone Ridge Dr #225
53188
Charleston CVB
200 Civic Center Drive
25301
Active Escapes Jax/St Aug
1177 Garrison Drive
32092
MA Plymouth
Tour Trends
7R Oar & Line Rd
02360
MO Branson West
Gatherings Plus
PO BOX 1023
65737
MO St Louis
Precise Plans, Inc.
PO Box 771842
63177
NV Las Vegas
Kevin Streit & Associates LLC
3960 Howard Hughes Pkwy, Ste 500 89169
SC
Charleston Convention & Group Services 1 Carriage Lane, Bld G
29407
TN Nashville
Gray Line of Tennessee
2416 Music Valley Drive Ste 102
37214
TN Nashville
Sharin- Nashville Tours
PO Box 140234
37214
AL
Renaissance Hotel Mobile
64 South Water St
36602
AZ Phoenix
Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport North 3838 E. Van Buren
85008
AZ Phoenix
Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix North
1940 W Pinnacle Peak Rd
85027
AZ Rio Rico
Esplendor Resort at Rio Rico
1069 Camino Caralampi
85648
AZ Tempe
Sheraton Phoenix Airport Hotel Tempe
1600 S 52nd Street
85281
CA Anaheim
Red Lion Hotel Anaheim
1850 South Harbor Blvd
92802
CA Buena Park
Holiday Inn Buena Park Hotel & Conf Ctr
7000 Beach Blvd
90620
CA Cathedral City
Red Lion Hotel Cathedral City
69 151 E Palm Canyon Drive
92234
CA Rancho Cordova
Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cardova
11211 Point East Drive
95742
CA Redding
Red Lion Hotel Redding
1830 Hilltop Drive
96002
CA San Diego
Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside
4875 North Harbor Drive
92106
CO Aurora
Red Lion Hotel Denver Southeast
3200 South Parker Road
80014
CT
Groton
Groton Inn & Suites
P 0 Box 807
06340
CT
Mystic
Hilton Mystic
20 Coogan Blvd
06355
CT
New London
Holiday Inn New London
35 Governor Winthrop Blvd
06320
CT
Norwich
Holiday Inn Norwich
10 LAURA BLVD
06360
DC Washington
The Melrose Hotel
2430 Pennsylvania Ave N W
20037
FL
Cocoa Beach
International Palms Resort
1300 N Atlantic Ave
32931
FL
Daytona Beach
Holiday Inn Resort Oceanfront
1615 S Atlantic Ave
32118
FL
Daytona Beach
Plaza Ocean Club
640 North Atlantic Avenue
32118
FL
Daytona Beach
The Plaza Resort & Spa
600 North Atlantic Avenue
32118
FL
Fort Myers
Crowne Plaza Fort Myers
13051 Bell Tower Dr
33907
FL
Ft Lauderdale
Wyndham Nassau Resort
3250 West Commerical Blvd
33309
FL
Jacksonville
Crowne Plaza Airport
14670 Duval Road
32218
WV Charleston
Destination Management, et al. FL
Jacksonville
Charleston
Hotels Mobile
Page 22 6 Directory
Reunion Friendly News
•
S u m m e r, 2 0 1 3
Meilee Anderson
206-575-2691
www.seattlesouthside.com
meilee@seattlesouthside.com
Tami Music
253-284-3253
www.traveltacoma.com
tmusic@traveltacoma.com
Debbie Picard
360-750-1553
www.visitvancouverusa.com
dpicard@visitvancouverusa.com
Clarissa Erickson
608-782-2220
www.exploreLacrosse.com
erickson@explorelacrosse.com
Brian Hutchings
800-231-0903
www.visitmilwaukee.org
bhutchings@milwaukee.org
Deana Birmingham
262-542-0330
www.visitwaukesha.org
deana@visitwaukesha.org
Todd Morris
304-344-5075
www.charlestonwv.com
todd.morris@charlestonwv.com
John Aguilera
904-230-8787
www.activeescape.com
john.aguilera@activeescape.com
Ed Sturrup
508-224-2288
www.tourtrends.com
tourtrendsed@hotmail.com
Pam Brown
417-338-4048
www.reunionpro.com
pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com
Christal Rogers
314-334-0158
www.precise-plans.com
inquire@precise-plans.com
Kevin Streit
702-990-3684
James Mellen
843-571-5882
www.DestinationCharlestonSC.com
jmellen@destinationCharlestonSC.com
Rhonda Hawkinson
615-883-5555
www.graylinetn.com
rhawkinson@graylinetn.com
Sharon Cole
615-846-0867
www.sharinnashvilletours.com
sharcole@gmail.com
Derrick Williams
251-415-3086
www.renaissanceriverview.com
derrick.williams@renaissancemobile.com
Crystal Peters
602-293-0338
www.phoenixairportnorth.hdi.com
crystal.peters@hilton.com
Crystal Lopez
623-434-5556
www.phoenixnorthhappyvalley.hgi.com
Jim McCarthy
800-288-4746
www.esplendor-resort.com
jim.mccarthy@esplendor-resort.com
Chris Robertson
480-967-6600
www.sheratonphoenixairport.com
chris.robertson@sheratontempe.com
Jennifer Mendoza
714-750-2801
www.anahaimredlion.com
jennifer.mendoza@redlion.com
Dennis Fyda
714-690-4603
www.hibuenapark.com
dennis.fyda@hibuenapark.com
Marlo Amelio
760-324-5939
Lucas DeHerrera
916-861-2201
Carol Owens
866-430-2692
Jodie Langhammer
800-650-6660
www.holinnbayside.com
jodie@holinnbayside.com
Shelby Rushbrooke
303-695-1700
www.redlion.com/denverse
shelby.rushbrooke@redlion.com
Lorie Foret
860-445-9784
www.grotoninn.com
lori.foret@prismhotels.com
Leslie Ricard
860-572-2529
www.hilton.com/Mystic
lricard@hiltonmystic.com
860-443-7000
www.nlplaza.com
Katie Weber-Coleman
860-889-5201
www.holidaynorwichhotel.com
katie.weber@hershahotels.com
Mekdim Yemane
202-955-3836
www.melrosehoteldc.com
mekdim.yemane@melrosehoteldc.com
Colleen Mazzoni
321-783-2271
www.internationalpalms.com
cmazzoni@internationalpalms.com
Kenneth Berthiaume
386-255-0921
www.hiresortdaytona.com
dos@hiresortdaytona.com
Sophia R. Huger
386-239-9800
Kellie Gustin
386-267-1691
www.plazaresortandspa.com
kgustin@plazaresortandspa.com
Stephanie Millican
239-210-2462
www.cpfortmyers.com
smillican@cooperhotels.com
Pat Reilly
954-701-6566
www.wyndhamnassauresort.com
preilly@wyndham.com
Natalie Galmore
904-421-2031
www.cpjacksonvilleairport.com
ngalmore@mmihg.com
kstreit@consultksa.com
crystal.lopez2@hilton.com
marlo@williamryanlc.com www.sacramentomarriott.com
lucas.deherrera@marriottranchocordova.co carol.owens@redlion.com
shuger@daytonahotelsandresorts.com
Directory 7
Hotels (continued) Florida–Missouri FL
Kissimmee
Maingate Lakeside Resort
7769 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy 34747
FL
Kissimmee
Radisson Resort Orlando Celebration
2900 Parkway Blvd
34747
FL
Kissimmee
Ramada Gateway
7470 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy
34747
FL
LakeLand
Hilton Garden Inn LakeLand
3839 Don Emerson Drive
33811
FL
Orlando
Buena Vista Suites
8203 World Center Drive
32821
FL
Orlando
Sheraton Orlando Downtown Hotel
400 W Livingston St
32801
FL
St Augustine
Holiday Isle Oceanfront Resort
860 HWY A1A Beach Blvd
32080
FL
St Petersburg
Hilton St Petersburg Bayfront
333 First Street South
33701
FL
Tampa
Embassy Suites Tampa Airport Westshore 555 N WESTSHORE BLVD
33609
FL
Tampa
Mainsail Suites Hotel & Conference Ctr.
5108 Eisenhower Blvd
33634
GA Columbus
Holiday Inn North
2800 Manchester Expressway
31904
GA Columbus
Wingate Hotel - Columbus/Ft. Benning
1711 Rollins Way
31904
GA Pooler
Holiday Inn Savannah/Airport Pooler
103 San Drive
31322
GA Savannah
StayInSavannah.com
150 Montgomery Street
31401
IA
Ames
Hilton Garden Inn Ames
1325 Dickinson Avenue
50014
IA
Waterloo
Days Inn & Suites
1809 LaPorte Road
50701
ID
Boise
Red Lion Boise Downtowner
1800 Fairview Avenue
83702
ID
Boise
The Riverside Hotel
2900 Chinden Blvd
83714
ID
Lewiston
Red Lion Hotel Lewiston
621 21st Street
83501
IL
Deerfield
Embassy Suites Chicago North Shore
1445 Lake Cook Rd
60015
IL
Deerfield
Hyatt Deerfield
1750 Lake Cook Rd
60015
IL
Elk Grove Village
Wyndham Garden Elk Grove Village-O’Hare 2550 Landmeier Road
60007
IL
Northbrook
Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel
933 Skokie Blvd
60062
IL
Schiller Park
Comfort Suites O-Hare Airport
4200 N River Road
60176
IL
Wheeling
The Westin Chicago North Shore
601 N Milwaukee Ave
60090
KS
Wichita
Marriott Wichita
9100 Corporate Hills Dr.
67207
KY
Erlanger
Holiday Inn Cincinnati Airport
1717 Airport Exchange Blvd
41018
LA
Baton Rouge
Holiday Inn Baton Rouge South
9940 Airline Hwy
70816
LA
Kenner
Days Inn Hotel New Orleans Airport
1021 Airline Hwy
70062
LA
Metairie
Ramada Metairie-New Orleans
2713 N Causeway Blvd
70002
LA
New Orleans
French Quarter Chateau LeMoyne
301 Dauphine Street
70112
LA
New Orleans
Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel
2 Poydras Street
70130
MA Boston
Constitution Inn
150 3rd Ave Charlestown Navy
02129
MA Boston
The Midtown Hotel
220 Huntington Ave
02115
MD Ocean City
Dunes Manor Hotel
2800 Baltimore Ave
21842
MD Rockville
Crowne Plaza Washington DC-Rockville
3 Research Court
20850
ME S Portland
Best Western Merry Manor Inn
700 Main St
04106
ME Waterville
Best Western Plus Waterville
375 Main Street
04901
MN Rochester
Kahler Grand Hotel
20 2 Ave SW
55902
MO Branson
Grand Plaza Hotel
245 N Wildwood Dr
65616
MO Branson
Radisson Hotel Branson
120 S. Wildwood Drive
65616
MO Branson
Stone Castle Hotel & Conf Center
3050 Green Mountain Dr
65616
MO Branson
Welk Resort Branson
1984 Hwy 165
65616
MO Branson
Westgate Branson Woods Resort
2201 Roark Valley Road
65616
Page 24 8 Directory
Reunion Friendly News
•
S u m m e r, 2 0 1 3
Mercedes Haibon
407-997-1107
www.maingatelakesideresort.com
mhaibon@maingatelakeside.com
Melody Martinez
407-997-7038
www.radissonorlandoresort.com
mmartinez@radissonroc.com
Janis Blair
407-997-6614
www.ramadagateway.com
blairj@ostarhotels.com
Crystal Springs
863-647-0066
www.lakeland.stayhgi.com
crystal.springs@hilton.com
Jeffrey McNulty
407-239-8588
www.buenavistasuites.com
jmcnulty@bvsuites.com
Kristine Floyd
407-244-7465
Celeste Kuhar
904-471-2555
www.holidayisleoceanfront.com
ckuhar@holidayisleoceanfront.com
Debbie Sanders
727-894-5000
www.stpetehilton.com
deborah.sanders@hilton.com
Allyson Bush
813-875-1555
www.embassysuitestampaairport.com allyson.bush@hilton.com
Kelly Nixon
813-243-2635
www.mainsailtampa.com
Evita Wynn
706-324-0231
www.holidayinn.com/columbus-north ewynn@hicolumbusga.com
Kimberly Williams
706-225-1000
www.wingatehotels.com/hotel/12201
912-330-5100
www.savannahholidayinn.com
Cathryn Bowyer
912-721-6014
www.stayinsavannah.com
cathryn.bowyer@marriottt.com
Ginger Smith
515-233-8000
www.ames.hgi.com
ginger.smith2@Hilton.com
Bryant Ward
319-235-4461
WWW.DAYSINN.COM/HOTL/31346
cedarvalleyhotels@gmail.com
Mowbray Brown
208-344-7691
www.redlion.com/boisedowntowner
mowbray.brown@redlion.com
Jennifer Mackay
208-331-4915
www.riversideboise.com
jennifer.mackay@riversideboise.com
Laurie Wilson
208-799-1000
www.redlionlewiston.com
lwilson@redlionlewiston.com
Dawn Brandau
847-945-4596
www.embassysuitesnorthshore.com
dbrandau@destinationhotels.com
Dawn Brandau
847-597-4521
www.deerfield.hyatt.com
dawn.brandau@hyattdeerfield.com
Rina Patano
847-593-6200
www.wyndham.com/elkgrove
rina@akhospitality.net
Susan Fox
847-897-5421
www.renaissancehotels.com/chinb
sfox@renaissancechicagons.com
Halle Anne Long
847-261-6007
www.comfortsuites.comhotel-schillerPark- Halle.long@csohare.com
Jim Straus
847-777-6559
www.westin.com/chicagonorthshore.com jim.straus@westin.com
Becky Lehane
316-651-0333
www.marriott.com
becky.lehane@wichitamarriott.com
Molly Fruin
859-746-5612
www.holidayinn.com/cvg-airport
molly.fruin@hicincinnatiairport.com
Kirsten Acosta
225-201-1357
www.hibatonrougesouth.com
kacosta@brsouth.com
Lisa Sweet
504-464-1644
www.daysinn.com/hotel/32484
dos@daysinnnoairport.com
Gina Abernathy
504-648-3821
www.ramadametairie.com
gabernathy@ramadametairie.com
Thu Tran
504-613-3210
www.hifrenchquarterhotel.com
thu.tran@ihg.com
Eric Janecke
504-556-3712
www.neworleansriversidehotel.com
eric.janecke@hilton.com
Angela Dutko
617-241-8400
www.constitutioninn.org
adutko@constitutioninn.org
Gregg Bolduc
800-343-1177
www.midtownhotel.com
gbolduc@midtownhotel.com
Lauren Prendergast
800-523-2888
http://www.ocean-city.com/dunesmanor.htm
Tia B. Major
301-795-3280
www.cprockville.com
tia.major@cprockville.com
Donald Haggett
207-774-6151
www.merrymanor inn.com
dhaggett@merrymanorinn.com
Karen Spaulding
207-873-0111
www.bestwestern.com/pluswatervillegrand
Chris Wagner
507-285-2740
www.kahler.com
chris.wagner@ihrco.com
Darlene Burkhart
417-336-6646
www.bransongrandplaza.com
darlene@bransongrandplaza.com
Sarah Hord
417-690-4026
www.radisson.com/bransonmo
sarah.hord@radisson.com
Rachael James
417-231-4721
www.bransonstonecastlehotel.com
rachael@bransonstonecastle.com
Cherie Chitwood
417-243-1333
www.welkresorts.com
cherie.chitwood@welkgroup.com
Joann Chamberlain
417-332-3557
www.wgbransonwoods.com
joann_chamberlain@wgresorts.com
Reunion Friendly News
kristine.floyd@sheratonorlandodowntown.c
•
S u m m e r, 2 0 1 3
knixon@mainsailhotels.com wingatecolumbus@aol.com
lauren@dunesmanor.com
kspaulding@girihotels.com
Page 25 Directory 9
Military Reunion Planners &
In Memoriam
Thousands mourn the passing of RFN’s popular Executive Vice President. Charlene Adamson. Hoteliers, CVB Representatives, Military Reunion Planners, and vendors were stunned with the news. A freak accident at her condo on the morning of May 7 resulted in a fall. She was unable to stand, and was rushed to the emergency room at a nearby hospital. It was obvious that she had broken her knee, but what was not obvious was that she also suffered internal injuries. After a very difficult two weeks, surrounded by her immediate family, she passed quietly away.
Charlene Adamson July 26, 1940 – May 22, 2013
High Level Experience Her career spanned the entire range of hotel management, and extended to being the military reunion specialist for the Chattanooga, TN CVB. Bringing a person with that wealth of experience into RFN was a great benefit to all of those involved with military reunions. During her life, she had been a hotel housekeeping manager, a front desk clerk, a catering manager, a food and beverage manager, a concierge, and even supervised the building of luxury resorts outside the country. At one time she had her own bed and breakfast, which was renowned for its festival dinners. Her husband’s unexpected illness forced her to give up that venture, but she continued on as the military reunion specialist at the Chattanooga (TN) Convention & Business Bureau, outperforming all expectations. After her husband passed away, she moved to South Florida in 2003, where she was quickly offered the position of RFN’s Marketing Manager by RFN co-founder and Executive Joan Spiewak (now deceased). Five years later, after the passing of Joan, Charlene assumed a greater responsibility and has been in the role of Executive Vice President since that time. Above All She Was A Lady! Charlene, possessed high moral principles, and demonstrated an enormous capacity of achieving positive results. She embodied the spirit of a true professional, in the very best context of how a professional acts. As a person with unquestioned integrity, she also was one of the most compassionate people I ever met.
Page 26
Reunion Friendly News
•
S u m m e r, 2 0 1 3
Vendors Suffer a Great Loss!
Conducting and speaking at many RFN ConFAMs© over a period of nearly ten years, it was obvious that she possessed outstanding communication skills, but her real strength was the ability to connect quickly and easily with people anywhere, at any level, and at any time. That unique capability to connect quickly and easily was a trademark. She could meet a stranger in an elevator, and in the 15-20 seconds the ride took, she often demonstrated this talent by extracting that person’s history. The very essence of Charlene was an extremely rare combination of Compassion, Communication, & Connectivity. Her daughter speaks of the time when an obviously homeless woman approached her for a handout as she was going into the supermarket. She peeled off a $20 bill and handed it over. Her daughter was amazed and said “Mom, what are you doing? She’ll probably spend it on a drink and some cigarettes.” Charlene replied, “If I lost my home and was down and out, I probably would want a drink and a cigarette too!” One of her favorite quotes was “Living a life that matters does not happen by accident. It is not a matter of circumstance, but of choice.” On one of our cruises, we stopped at an island where she had supervised the refurbishing of a luxury hotel some 30 years prior. As we exited the ship, there was the usual lineup of shouting cab drivers seeking fares. A huge islander spotted her, and shouted “Is that you, Miss Lady?” That’s the way they used to address her. She looked at him, shouted out his name, and he picked her up, swung her around, and insisted he take us around the island. He wouldn’t take any money for chauffeuring us around, but he finally conceded to let me pay him for me, not for her. Everywhere, he took us; she was greeted with a “Hello, Miss Lady!” I think this was very apropos: She surely was one classy lady, and all those who knew her and loved her, especially me, will miss her. Paul J. Spiewak For all of us at and associated with The Reunion Friendly Network paul@reunionfriendly.com
Reunion Friendly News
•
S u m m e r, 2 0 1 3
Page 27
Hotels (continued) Missouri–Tennessee MO St Louis
Crowne Plaza St. Louis Downtown
200 N 4th Street
63102
MO St Robert
Baymont Inn & Suites
139 Carmel Valley Way
65584
MT Kalispell
Red Lion Hotel Kalispell
20 North Main Street
59601
MT Missoula
Red Lion Inn Missoula
700 W Broadway Street
59802
NM Albuquerque
Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel
2910 Yale Blvd SE
87106
NM Gallup
Red Lion Hotel Gallup
3009 W Hwy 66
87301
NM Las Cruces
Hilton Garden Inn Las Cruces
2550 S Don Roser Drive
88011
NV Laughlin
Edgewater-Colorado Belle Casino Resorts 2020 South Casino Drive
89029
NV Reno
Ramada Reno Hotel & Diamonds Casino
1000 East 6th Street
89512
NV Reno
Sands Regency Casino Hotel
345 North Arlington Avenue
89501
NY Buffalo
Adam-s Mark Hotel Buffalo Niagara
120 Church St
14202
NY Buffalo
Millennium Airport Hotel Buffalo
2040 Walden Ave
14225
NY Niagara Falls
Comfort Inn -The Pointe-
One Prospect Pointe
14303
OH Dayton
Crowne Plaza Dayton
33 E Fifth St
45402
OH Fairborn
Holiday Inn Dayton/Fairborn
2800 Presidential Dr
45324
OH WPAFB
Hope Hotel & Richard C Holbrooke Conf Ct Bldg 823 Area A
45433
OK Norman
NCED Hotel
2801 East State Hwy 9
73071
OR Eugene
Red Lion Hotel Eugene
205 Coburg Road
97401
OR Pendleton
Red Lion Hotel Pendleton
304 SE Nye Ave
97801
OR Portland
Red Lion on the River Jantzen Beach
909 N Hayden Island Dr
97217
OR Salem
Red Lion Hotel Salem
3301 Market ST NE
97301
PA
Camp Hill
Radisson Hotel Harrisburg
1150 Camp Hill Bypass
17011
PA
Frazer
Sheraton Great Valley Hotel
707 E. Lancaster Avenue
19355
PA
Harrisburg
Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey Hotel
4650 Lindle Rd
17111
RI
Warwick
Crowne Plaza Hotel
801 Greenwich Ave
02886
RI
Warwick
Sheraton Providence Airport Hotel
1850 Post Road
02886
SC
Charleston
Holiday Inn Charleston Riverview
301 Savannah Hwy
29407
SC
Charleston
Town & Country Inn & Conference Center 2008 Savannah Hwy
29407
SC
Hilton Head Island
Comfort Inn - South Forest Beach
2 Tanglewood Drive
29928
SC
Myrtle Beach
Landmark Resort Hotel
1501 S OCEAN BLVD
29577
SC
Myrtle Beach
Sands Resorts
201-75th Avenue N
29572
SC
Myrtle Beach
Sea Mist Oceanfront Resort
1200 S OCEAN BLVD
29577
SC
Myrtle Beach
Springmaid Beach Resort
3200 S Ocean Blvd
29577
SC
North Charleston
Radisson Hotel Charleston Airport
5991 Rivers Ave
29406
SC
North Charleston
Sheraton Charleston Airport Hotel
4770 GOER DR
29406
SD Rapid City
Cambria Suites
3333 Outfitter Road
57701
SD Rapid City
Grand Gateway Hotel
1721 Lacrosse Street
57701
TN Chattanooga
Chattanooga Choo Choo
1400 Market St
37402
TN Clarksville
The Riverview Inn
50 College Street
37040
TN Gatlinburg
Greystone Lodge at the Aquarium
PO Box 408
37738
TN Gatlinburg
The Park Vista A Doubletree By Hilton
705 Cherokee Orchard Rd
37738
TN Memphis
Clarion Memphis Hotel Graceland
1471 East Brooks Road
38116
TN Nashville
Holiday Inn Opryland Airport
2200 Elm Hill Pike
37214
TN Nashville
Millennium Maxwell House Hotel
2025 Rosa L Parks Blvd
37228
Page 28 12 Directory
Reunion Friendly News
•
S u m m e r, 2 0 1 3
Tina Torgerson
314-436-8052
www.crowneplaza.com/stLouisdt
tina.torgerson@cpstldt.com
Betsy Thomson
573-336-5050
www.baymontinns.com/hotel/17871
betsybaymont@yahoo.com
CJ Getty
406-751-5050
www.redlion.com/kalispell
cj.getty@redlion.com
Kimberley Best
406-728-3300
Jacque Rankin
505-843-7000
John Hughes
505-722-2221
Carol Jackson
575-522-0900
www.lascruces.hgi.com
annie.jackson@hilton.com
Kathy Millar
702-807-4470
www.edgewater-casino.com
kmillar@cb-ew.com
Brenda OSullivan
775-954-2522
www.ramadareno.com
brenda.osullivan@jqh.com
Janette Spradley
775-348-2242
www.sandsregency.com
jspradley@affinitygamingllc.com
Alexandra Denzel
716-845-5100
www.adamsmark.com
adenzel@adamsmark.com
Linda Schulz
716-206-8325
www.milleniumhotels.com
lschulz@mill-usa.com
Tricia Mezhir
716-284-6835
www.comfortinnthepointe.com
tmezhir@comfortinnthepointe.com
Kris Davis
937-229-9831
www.cpdayton.com
kdavis@cpdayton.com
Matt Pauley
937-431-4611
www.holiday-inn.com/fairbornoh
matthew.pauley@hidaytonfairborn.com
Sue Edlen
937-879-2698
www.hopehotel.com
sue.edlen@hopehotel.com
Candie Westbrook
405-366-4976
www.nced.com/cc
candie.westbrook@marriott.com
Cedric Rudd
541-348-2520
Cheryl Rolstad
541-276-6111
www.redlion.com/pendleton
cheryl.rolstad@redlion.com
Cheryl Wierenga,
503-978-4585
www.redlion.com/jantzenbeach
cheryl.wierenga@redlionontheriver.com
Kara Campuzano
503-370-7888
Kelly Lehr
717-433-9737
www.radisson.com/camphillpa
klehr@radpenn.com
Kim Turnbaugh
610-280-2090
www.sheraton.com/GreatValley
kim.turnbaugh@ihrco.com
Katie Reichel
717-558-4608
www.sheratonharrisburghershey.com
katie.reichel@sheratonhershey.com
Michelle Sartrys
401-732-6029
www.crowneplaza.com/warwick
book@providenceri.crowneplaza.com
Lisa Kasprzak
401-824-0670
www.sheraton.com/providenceairport lisa.kasprzak@sheratonprovidence.com
Rose Guinn
843-460-1441
www.hiriverview.com
rguinn@hiriverview.com
Stephen Clarke
843-329-3304
www.thetownandcountryinn.com
sclarke@palashospitality.com
Arlene Anderson
843-842-6662
www.comforthiltonhead.com
arlene.anderson@snbhotels.com
Pat Emmons
843-448-9441
www.landmarkresort.com
pemmons@landmarkresort.com
Jessica Grella
843-692-5264
www.sandsresorts.com
jgrella@sandsresorts.com
Leanne McCulloch
843-282-5125
www.seamist.com
leanne@seamist.com
Sharon Kemerer
843-315-7173
www.springmaidbeach.com
skemerer@springmaidbeach.com
Stacie Lynam
843-744-2501
www.radisson.com/charlestonsc airport stacie.lynam@radisson.com
Lindsey Stedman
843-529-2312
www.sheraton.com/northcharleston
lstedman@sheratoncharleston.com
Jasmin Marcus
605-341-0101
www.cambriasuitesrapidcity.com
dos@cambriasuitesrapidcity.com
Bob Hodet
866-742-1300
www.grandgatewayhotel.com
bhodet@grandgatewayhotel.com
Tonya Steele
423-308-2406
www.choochoo.com
tonyas@choochoo.com
Renee Bruens
931-552-3331
www.theriverviewinn.com
renee@theriverviewinn.com
Renee- Spurling
865-436-5621
www.greystonelodgetn.com
Greystonesales@aol.com
Angela Quigley
865-277-1042
www.parkvista.com
aquigley@parkvista.com
Jada Booker-Holmes
901-332-3500
Ashley Lestwish
615-316-1056
www.hinashville.com
ashley.lestwish@ihg.com
Catherine E. Spivey
615-313-1366
www.millenniumhotels.com/nashville
cspivey@mill-usa.com
Reunion Friendly News
kimberley.best@redlion.com www.sheratonalbuquerqueairport.com jacque.rankin@sheratonabqairport.com gm@redliongallup.com
cedric.rudd@redlion.com
sales2@redlionsalem.com
jada@cedarstreethospitality.com
•
S u m m e r, 2 0 1 3
Page 29 Directory 13
Hotels (continued) Tennessee–Wisconsin TN Nashville
Nashville Airport Marriott
600 Marriott Drive
37214
TN Nashville
Sheraton Music City Hotel
777 McGavock Pike
37214
TX
Fort Worth
Hilton Garden Inn Fort Worth Alliance
2600 Westport Parkway
76177
TX
Galveston
Holiday Inn Resort on the Beach
5002 Sea Wall Blvd
77551
TX
San Antonio
Doubletree by Hilton San Antonio Airport 37 North East Loop 410
78216
TX
San Antonio
Holiday Inn San Antonio Riverwalk
217 N St Mary-s St
78205
UT
Salt Lake City
Red Lion Hotel Salt Lake Downtown
161 West 600 S
84101
VA
Alexandria
Hilton Alexandria Mark Ctr
5000 Seminary Road
22311
VA
Alexandria
Holiday Inn & Suites Historic District
625 First Street
22314
VA
Arlington
Crystal City Marriott/Regan Natl Airport
1999 Jefferson Davis Highway
22202
VA
Dulles
Washington Dulles Airport Marriott
45020 Aviation Dr
20166
VA
Dumfries
Holiday Inn Dumfries Quantico Ctr
3901 Fettler Park Drive
22026
VA
Falls Church
The Westin Tysons Corner
7801 Leesburg Pike
22043
VA
Herndon
Hilton Washington/Dulles
13869 Park Center Road
20171
VA
McLean
Crowne Plaza Tysons Corner
1960 Chain Bridge Rd
22102
VA
Newport News
Point Plaza Suites & Conf Ctr
950 J. Clyde Morris Blvd
23601
VA
Norfolk
Norfolk Plaza Hotel Downtown
700 Monticello Avenue
23510
VA
Reston
Sheraton Reston
11810 Sunrise Valley Dr
20191
VA
Virginia Beach
Best Western Plus Virginia Beach
2809 Atlantic Avenue
23451
VA
Virginia Beach
Cavalier Hotel & Convention Center
4201 Atlantic Avenue
23451
VA
Virginia Beach
Crowne Plaza Virginia Beach
4453 Bonney Road
23462
VA
Virginia Beach
Holiday Inn & Suites North Beach
3900 Atlantic Avenue
23451
VA
Virginia Beach
Holiday Inn Virginia Beach Norfolk Hotel
5655 Greenwich Road
23462
WA Bellevue
Red Lion Hotel Bellevue
11211 Main Street
98004
WA Kelso
Red Lion Hotel Kelso/Longview
510 Kelso Drive
98626
WA Kent
Red Lion Hotel Kent
25100 74th Ave South
98032
WA Olympia
Red Lion Hotel Olympia
2300 Evergreen Park Dr SW
98502
WA Pasco
Red Lion Hotel Pasco
2525 North 20th Ave
99301
WA Port Angeles
Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles
221 N Lincoln Street
98362
WA Poulsbo
Poulsbo Inn & Suites
18680 State Hwy 305 NE
98370
WA Richland
Red Lion Richland
802 George Washington Way
99352
WA Seattle
Crowne Plaza Seattle Downtown
1113 Sixth Avenue
98101
WA Seattle
Red Lion Hotel Fifth Avenue
1415 Fifth Ave
98101
WA Seattle
Red Lion Hotel Sea Tac
18220 International Blvd
98188
WA Seattle North (Mukilteo) Hilton Garden Inn Seattle North
8401 Paine Field Blvd
98275
WA Spokane
Red Lion Inn at the Park
W 303 North River Drive
99201
WA Spokane
Red Lion River Inn
700 N Division
99202
WA Tacoma
Red Lion Hotel Tacoma
8402 S Hosmer Street
98444
WA Vancouver
Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay
100 Columbia Street
98660
WA Yakima
Red Lion Yakima
607 East Yakima Ave
98901
WI
Appleton
Radisson Paper Valley Hotel
333 W College Ave
54911
WI
Appleton (Kimberly)
Hilton Garden Inn Appleton
720 Eisenhower Drive
54136
WI
Brookfield
Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield
375 S Moorland Rd
53005
WI
Green Bay
Hilton Garden Inn Green Bay
1015 Lombardi Avenue
54304
Page 30 14 Directory
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S u m m e r, 2 0 1 3
Tracy Porier
615-684-5067
www.marriott.com/BNATN
tracy.porier@marriott.com
Devin J. Murphy
615-231-1252
www.sheratonmusiccity.com
dmurphy@sheratonmusiccity.com
Ann Stetson
817-562-3047
www.fortworthallianceairport.hgi.com ann.stetson@hilton.com
Lauraleigh Gourley-Vogel 409-740-5300
www.holidayinnresorts.com/galveston-bch lvogel@ldry.com
Judy Sandoval
210-321-4815
www.sanantonioairport.doubletree.com
Debbie Zaeske
210-272-1514
www.holidayinn/sat-riverwalk
debbie.zaeske@ihg.com
Josh Porter
801-521-7373
www.redlion.com/saltlake
josh.porter@redlion.com
Michael Sicheri
703-845-2645
www.alexandria.hilton.com
msicheri@hiltonalexandriamc.com
Jamila Ahmed
703-299-4960
www.hioldtownalexandriahotel.com
jamila.ahmed@ihg.com
Department Sales
703-413-5500
www.crystalcitymarriott.com
Department Sales
703-471-9500
www.dullesairportmarriott.com
Petra Carr
703-441-9001
www.ichotelsgroup.com
petra.carr@nabhs.com
Alex Lindemann
703-893-1340
www.westintysonscornerhotel.com
alindemann@westintysonscorner.com
Leslie Bauman
703-834-1991
www.washingtondulleshilton.com
leslie.bauman@dulleshilton.com
Andrew Riley
703-738-3118
www.cptysonscorner.com
andrew.riley@bfsaul.com
Kelli Lantz
757-952-0116
www.pointplazasuites.com
kelli@beckcompanyhotels.com
Donna Faison
757-802-9283
www.besthotelsva.com
donna.faison@ahghotels.com
Bob Ciccone
703-262-5931
www.sheraton.com/reston
bciccone@sheratonreston.com
Rachel Hayes
757-428-5370
www.bestwesternoceanfront.com
rhayes@bestwesternoceanfront.com
Cindy Woolfolk
757-352-2764
www.cavalierhotel.com
cindyw@cavalierhotel.com
Valencia Moore
757-213-4386
www.cpvabeach.com
vmoore@cpvabeach.com
Amanda Mason
757-419-3665
www.vboceanfrontnorth.com
amanda.mason@crestlinehotels.com
Katie Casson
757-499-4400
www.holiday-inn.com/vabch-execctr
kcasson@hiexeccenter.com
Raquel Wheeler
425-455-5240
www.redlion.com/bellevue
raquel.wheeler@redlion.com
Ginny Whiffen
360-636-4400
www.redlion.com/kelsolongview
ginny.whiffen@redlion.com
Paul Sandhu
253-520-6670
Kyla Cavanagh
360-943-4000
www.redlion.com/olympia
kyla.cavanagh@redlion.com
Genevieve Speegle
509-547-0701
www.redlion.com
genevieve.speegle@redlion.com
Vickie Stafford
360-452-9215
Courtney Cutrona
360-779-3921
www.poulsboinn.com
salesmgr@poulsboinn.com
Genevieve Speegle
509-946-7611
www.redlion.com/richland
genevieve.speegle@redlion.com
Beth Harwood
206-676-3923
www.cphotelseattle.com
bharwood@cphotelseattle.com
judy.sandoval@us.whg.com
paul@guestkeeper.com
vickie.stafford@redlion.com
Michelle Dayan
mdayan@destinationhotels.com
Ruby Turner
206-246-5535
www.seatttleairportredlion.com
ruby.turner@redlion.com
Judy Johnson
425-423-9000
www.seattlenortheverett.stayhgi.com
judy.johnson2@hilton.com
Stephanie Stobie
509-326-8000
www.redlion.com/park
stephanie.stobie@redlion.com
Stephanie Stobie
509-326-5577
stephanie.stobie@redlion.com
Brandie Hesson-Bullard
253-548-1212
brandieb@redliontacoma.com
Michele Dunn
360-694-8341
www.redlion.com/vancouver
Erica Moloney
michele.dunn@redlion.com Erica.Moloney@redlion.com
Nancy Hollis
920-733-8000
www.radissonpapervalley.com
Amber Ehlers
920-730-1900
www.appletonkimberly.gardeninn.com amber.ehlers@hilton.com
Adam VanOuwerkerk
262-364-1010
www.sheraton.com/milwaukeebrookfield Adam.VanOuwerkerk@sheraton.com
Marci Johnson
920-405-0400
www.greenbay.stayhgi.com
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nhollis@radissonpapervalley.com
marci.johnson@hilton.com Page 31 Directory 15
Hotels (continued) Wisconsin WI
Green Bay
Radisson Hotel Green Bay
2040 Airport Dr
54313
WI
OshKosh
Hilton Garden Inn OshKosh
1355 West 20th Street
54902
AZ Scottsdale
PHD Hospitality LLC
7025 E Greenway Parkway, Suite 200 85254
MN Rochester
Carlson Rezido Hotel Group
9002 11th Ave NE
55906
WA Spokane
Red Lion Hotels Corporation
201 W North River Dr, Ste 100
99201
AK Wrangell
Nolan Center
PO BOX 1050
99929
FL
Ripley-s Believe It or Not Museum
19 San Marco Ave
32084
MO Branson
Branson Variety Theater
2701 West Hwy 76
65616
MO Branson
Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction
PO Box 6850
65615
MO Branson
Flash Photo Group Photography
3620 76 Country Blvd
65616
MO Branson
Showboat Branson Belle
4800 State Hwy 165
65616
MO Branson
Sight and Sound Theatres
1001 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway 65616
NY Lockport
Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises
210 Market St
14094
SC
The Alabama Theatre
4750 Highway 17 S
29582
TN Nashville
Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
222 5th Avenue South
37203
TN Nashville
Grand Ole Opry
2802 Opryland Drive
37214
WA Tacoma
Emerald Queen Hotel & Casino
2024 East 29th St
98404
Hotel Management
General Attractions St Augustine
North Myrtle Beach
Military Attractions IA
Waterloo
Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum 503 South St
50701
VA
Norfolk
Nauticus & Battleship Wisconsin
1 Waterside Drive
23510
VA
Triangle
National Museum of the Marine Corps
18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy
22172
The Museum of Flight
9404 E Marginal Way S
98108
WA Seattle
An Old Guy and a Bucket of Shrimp It was a rare Friday evening, when the sun was starting to dip into the blue ocean that this old guy came strolling along the beach. Clutched in his bony hand was a bucket of shrimp. He would walk to the end of the pier, and stand there, waiting. Then, up in the sky a thousand white dots came squawking while focusing on that lanky old guy. Soon he was enveloped by dozens of seagulls, their wings fluttering and flapping wildly. Ed, the old guy, stands there tossing shrimp to the hungry birds. If you are near enough, you might hear him say, “Thank you. Thank you.” When the bucket is empty, Page 32 16 Directory
Ed stands there, lost in thought. He finally turns around and begins to walk back toward the beach. A few birds hop along the pier with him until he gets to the stairs, and then they fly away. Old Ed quietly makes his way down the beach and on home. You might think that this old guy Ed is just another old codger, lost in his own weird world, feeding seagulls with a bucket of shrimp. While it might seem strange, the old guy has his reasons. His name is Eddie Rickenbacker, the founder of Eastern Airlines. He was a WWII hero. On one of his flying missions across the Pacific, he and his seven-member crew went down. Miraculously, all of the men survived, crawled out of their plane, and climbed into a life raft. They floated for days. They
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S u m m e r, 2 0 1 3
Shelle Kindschuh
920-405-6438
www.radisson.com/greenbaywi
shelle.kindschuh@rhccgb.com
Mary Spence
920-966-1300
www.oshkosh.gardeninn.com
mary.spence@hilton.com
Marcia Taylor
623-208-6346
www.PHD-HOSP.com
marcia.taylor@phd-hosp.com
Janelle Smith
507-884-9610
www.carlsonrezidor.com
janelle.smith@carlsonrezidor.com
Sharon Danitschek
425-501-1430
www.redlion.com
sharon.danitschek@redlion.com
Terri Henson
907-874-3699
www.wrangellalaska.org
terri@wrangellalaska.org
Kathi Ellison
904-824-1606
www.ripleys.com/staugustine
ellison@ripleys.com
Lisa Martin
888-462-7267
www.bransonvarietytheater.com
lisasalesbvt@aol.com
Kamber Sperle
417-336-7974
www.branson.dixiestampede.com
kambers@dixiestampede.com
David Cain
417-334-0073
www.FlashPhotoBranson.com
dave@flashphotobranson.com
Teina Woodburn
417-336-7411
www.silverdollarcity.com
twoodburn@silverdollarcity.com
Simi Telesco
717-687-4220
www.sight-sound.com
simi.telesco@sight-sound.com
Mike Murphy
716-433-6155
www.lockportlocks.com
captainmike@lockportlocks.com
CMP, Kathy B Flowe
843-272-5758
www.alabama-theatre.com
kflowe@alabama-theatre.com
Keith Wright
615-416-2001
www.countrymusichalloffame.com
kwright@countrymusichalloffame.org
Wayne Chandler
615-882-5435
www.opry.com/groups
wchandler@opry.com
Doreen Vitek
253-441-3189
www.emeraldqueen.com
doreen_vitek@emeraldqueen.com
Christy Decker
319-234-6357
www.gmdistrict.org
Christy.Decker@gmdistrict.org
Colby Preston
757-664-1021
www.nauticus.org
colby.peck@norfolk.gov
Sara O-Bryan
703-649-2365
www.marineheritage.org
obryan@marineheritage.org
Meagan McGuire
206-768-7104
www.museumoofflight.org
mmcguire@museumofflight.org
fought the sun. They fought sharks. They fought hunger. After eight days, their rations ran out. They had no food. They had no water. They were hundreds of miles from land, and surrounded by sharks. Nobody knew where they were. They had a simple devotional service and prayed for a miracle. They tried to nap. Eddie leaned back and pulled his military cap over his nose. Time dragged. All Ed could hear was the slap of the waves against the raft. Suddenly, Eddie felt something land on the top of his cap. It was a seagull! Old Ed would later describe how he sat perfectly still, planning his next move. With a flash of his hand and a squawk from the gull, he managed to grab it and wring its neck. He Reunion Friendly News
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tore the feathers off, and he and his starving crew made a meal. It wasn’t very much for eight men, but they used the intestines for bait. They caught a fish, which gave them food and more bait, over and over again. That survival technique enabled them to survive until they were found and rescued after 24 days at sea. Eddie Rickenbacker lived many years beyond that ordeal, but he never forgot the sacrifice of that first life-saving seagull. He never stopped saying, “Thank you.” That’s why almost every Friday night he would walk to the end of the pier with a bucket full of shrimp and a heart full of gratitude. Reference: (Max Lucado, “In The Eye of the Storm” pp..221, 225-226)
S u m m e r, 2 0 1 3
Page 33 Directory 17
Reunion Friendly Network’s Hall of
The officers and Board of Directors of RFN hereby declare and are now duly qualified for the award
Congratulations
This Year’s (20
Richard Damme
John Benoit
Page 34 18 Directory
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Certified Military Reunion Planners
that all of these Planners have met the requirements d of Certified Military Reunion Planners.
s to everyone!
013) inductees:
George Overman
John & Kay Pinto
What It Takes to Become an RFN Certi�ied Planner 1. Attend a ConFAM© 2. Attend a WorkFAM© – no more than two years after attending the ConFAM© 3. Send a copy to RFN of a “satisfactory” Hotel Reunion Contract negotiated AFTER the WorkFAM©. Reunion Friendly News
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Page 35 Directory 19
Hall of Certified Military Reunion Planners 2012 Recipients:
Thomas & Susan Heiser
Larry Lewandowski
Eugene & Katherine Petrowski
Stan & Carol Pollard
Richard Osentoski
John Stallings
2011 Recipients:
Walter Alexander Page 36 20 Directory
Don Hempstead Reunion Friendly News
Lowell Woodworth •
S u m m e r, 2 0 1 3
or Hansen’s Dairy Farm, gaming action at the Isle Casino, or live theatre at the Waterloo Community Playhouse. Plus, the Waterloo Convention & Visitors Bureau offers customized itineraries and assistance with reunions of all sizes. o rier C f Cou rtesy o Photo cou
uni mm
s ion cat
TouCH IT. See IT. Feel IT. The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, part of the Grout Museum District, opened its doors in 2008 and has since welcomed over 30 military reunions. This state-of-the-art museum
Located in northeast Iowa and the heart of the Midwest, discover Waterloo for your
honors all Iowans who have served the nation
next reunion! The downtown riverfront
from the Civil War to present. Visiting groups can
has undergone a complete transformation
participate in guided or self-guided tours, view the
and features unique attractions, distinctive
mini documentary The Life and Times of the Five
restaurants, scenic river trails, and an
Sullivan Brothers in the Parker Museum Theatre
impressive new amphitheater.
and enjoy a catered luncheon or evening reception under the P-51D Mustang in the spectacular
ouTSTaNDING aTTRaCTIoNS
glass walled Sands Lobby. Other sites on the Grout Museum District campus available to
Special arrangements can be made for a memorial service at Veterans Memorial
visiting groups include the Bluedorn Science
Hall. Built in 1915 along the banks of the
Imaginarium, two beautiful Victorian homes,
Cedar River, it has been refurbished back
the Snowden House and the Rensselear
to its original grandeur and is completely
Russell House Museum.
handicapped accessible.
ReST eaSy
The John Deere Tractor assembly Plant
The Days Inn & Suites Waterloo, Iowa has
also makes for a great tour. Take a trolley ride through the factory and see first-hand how the
all your reunion is looking for. A meeting room
large green tractors are manufactured. Other
large enough to handle your meet and greets
activities could include a visit to Heritage Farm
or meals for up to 90 people. Your guests will experience a hot breakfast daily at no charge. Our hotel has amenities that all will enjoy, free Wi-Fi, exercise facility, business center, laundry facility and indoor pool.
CoNTaCT Lonnie Elmore, Group Sales Director Waterloo Convention and Visitors Bureau P: 800-728-8431 E: Lonnie@TravelWaterloo.com
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www.TravelWaterloo.com
Page 37
CE AN FIN by Marc A Spiewak, Certified Public Accountant marcspiewak@gmail.com Twitter: @marcspiewak
The Small Business Initiative
January 2011: the Obama administration launched an ambitious new campaign with the private sector to spur a crop of innovative startups. This was introduced with much pomp and circumstance. AOL co-founder Steve Case was made chair to the “Startup America Partnership” to drive investment to incubate new businesses. “What we see today is also a real understanding of the public-private partnership,” said Gene Sperling, director of the president’s National Economic Council. The Startup America initiative comes amid the administration’s continuing efforts to nurse the economy back to health and create jobs, marked recently by more conspicuous outreach to the business community. “If you just go get the Fortune 400 list, it’s quite clear that some of the biggest employers in this nation, some of the fastest growing companies that employ tens or even hundreds of thousands of people, started in somebody’s garage as just an idea that they had, and they went from there,” said Austan Goolsbee, chairman of the president’s Council of Economic Advisors. “The new firms in the economy have a way disproportionate share of driving job creation.”
Really? No, Really?
What country are they in? How can they have completely missed the point on this? How can they be so out of touch with the real world? They obviously have no understanding of what the definition of “small business” is. Their idea of small business is perhaps businesses that earn only a couple of million dollars Page 38
Saving the Small Business in the U.S.A. a year and have between 10 and 50 the Obama administration didn’t give employees. This is so far from the the business owner a break on social security tax the past two years, he reality of the situation. gave the employees a break instead! Social Security/MCare Tax remained The Real Small Business as defined by local CPA and/or tax 7.65% for employers and was reduced to 5.65% for employees. preparer Third problem: If you report income Go ahead; ask your local tax preparer on a Schedule C as part of your what their interpretation of what a personal income tax return, the small business is. Their answer will be chances of being audited is FOUR the person who is self-employed and times as high as if you do not have this receives 1099s to report their earnings kind of income. Schedule C expenses on a Schedule C and is included in their falls under the category of IRS “red personal tax return. They will answer flags” using a “DIF” scoring system that the person will have made less (Discriminant Function System). This than $100K for the year. That there rates the potential for change or is NO corporation, no LLC and no upward adjustment of taxpayer’s tax formal business charter of any sort. liability. Nice. The business has never applied for any kind of loan, save probably a few Solutions bucks from their family. No venture Some of the possible solutions: capitalist or bank will ever give them 1. Establish a floor that a selfa dime. They should have filed to employed person makes before the be a Subchapter S-Corporation, but self-employed tax takes affect. never got that advice and if they did, 2. Remove the ceiling a business the fees associated with it probably or person has to pay into Social scared them off. Many of them shy Security. away from filing their taxes with the 3. Make “family/friend loans” tax IRS and are very often behind in either deductible (they are not deductible filing or paying their tax liabilities. now). 4. Make the first $5K of self-employed income tax-free. This is a lot Problems cheaper for the government than The first problem is how small any of the “initiative plans” that businesses are taxed. If you are selfroll out with all that pomp and employed, then your net income is circumstance. It may not seem like subject not only to income tax but a lot, but it means the difference self-employment tax as well. TWO between being able to start your taxes on the same income. All on own business or not. Form 1040 of your tax return. The selfemployment rate is 15.6%. So a young 5. Give the self-employed a wider girth on being investigated by the person just starting a new endeavor IRS. earning about $20K will pay about $5K in taxes ($20K X 15.6% plus 10% income tax). Yes, this is true, and, no, Anyone out there listening? they don’t have it. They needed that marc@reunionfriendly.com money during the year just to survive. Twitter:@marcspiewak Second problem: if you have a payroll, Reunion Friendly News
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R E M A R K A B L E
M I L I T A R Y
R E U N I O N S
20 miles west of Chicago Easy accessibility to O’Hare and Midway airports Over 100 reunion-friendly hotels World-class museums, dining and entertainment Close to Great Lakes Naval Training Center and Cantigny’s First Division Military Museum Contact 800-232-0502 or reunions@discoverdupage.com and ask about our Signature Services and Reunion Planner.
CO N V E N T I O N & V I S I T O RS BURE A U
www.discoverdupage.com
DuPage County: Commanding Military Reunions West of Chicago You can count on a “mission accomplished” by holding your next military reunion in the Chicago’s western suburbs. Expect nothing less than four star treatment when you reunite with your comrades-in-arms at one of DuPage County’s fine hotels or resorts, and entertain the troops in style at our world-class restaurants and attractions. March back in time when you tour famed military museums, like the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park where you can experience realistic dioramas honoring the Big Red One soldiers. Once home to the late Col. Robert R. McCormick, Cantigny’s magnificent mansion is surrounded by exquisite gardens. Come in spring or summer, and you may even be able to witness a live Civil War reenactment on its grounds. Take a motor coach to the Great Lakes Naval Training Center where you can tour this active base and enjoy lunch at the Officers Club with its amazing views of Lake Michigan. Stop at the Memorial Water Wall, a veterans’ memorial at Chicago’s Soldier Field, climb into a Reunion Friendly News
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restored German U505 submarine at the Museum of Science and Industry, and spend the afternoon having lunch and enjoying the view of the city at Navy Pier, a former Navy training center that is now a hub of entertainment, activity and fun. Some other highlights of your trip to DuPage County might include: • A tour of Lynfred Winery where you can sample award-winning wines. • A ride on the Acorn Express to tour the Morton Arboretum with its breath-taking 1,700 acres of gardens and forests. • The ultimate shopping excursion at one of DuPage County’s many retail destinations. Find out how the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau can help make your reunion a major success with our long list of complimentary Signature Services. Visit DiscoverDuPage.com to view testimonials from past military reunions and contact Julie Scholle, CTIS, Senior Military Reunions Sales Manager, at 800.232.0502 or julie@discoverdupage.com for personalized service from a proven expert.
S u m m e r, 2 0 1 3
Page 39
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© 2013 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Reconnect • Remember • Reunite Kissimmee salutes members of our military, both retired and active duty, by offering an all-around ideal reunion destination. It’s about reconnecting with friends and family. It’s having the perfect amount of space for your entire group. It’s taking in a dinner and show that pays a special salute to the USA. It’s soaring through the blue skies like an ace of yesteryear in military aircrafts. It’s remembering the past through hands-on military exhibits. And most of all, it’s about making new memories with old friends. Experience Kissimmee. The gateway to fun.TM
Book your military reunion today and receive FREE T-shirts for your entire group. See details and register at
MilitaryReunionsInKissimmee.com or call 800.831.1844.
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Page 41
Paul’s Opinion
Something Wrong?
require visas – a document that allows you to enter a foreign country. A few years ago, we booked a cruise out of Buenos Aires, Argentina. We had to fly out of the “old” Miami Airport which was so crowded, that even though we arrived three hours before flight time, by the time we managed to check in, our flight had already taken off. We managed to get another flight, but it had a plane change in Sao Paulo, Brazil. When we got to Brazil, we were asked for our Brazilian visas. Not I point this out because almost having any, we were put into a room every day there is some new rule or best described as a detention cell for regulation that nibbles away at our three hours, until our connecting flight was ready to take off. freedom.
All I know is that something has gone wrong! For at least the last dozen years, we have seen encroachments This article is a personal opinion, on our liberty. When I was a boy, you and does not necessarily represent the could go fishing anywhere on public views of The Reunion Friendly Network, property. If you had a boat, you could its employees, customers, or reunion launch into just about any river or the ocean. Today, in Florida where I planners. live, for example, you need a license for the boat, and separate licenses for salt water and fresh water fishing.
An editorial by Paul Spiewak
Right to Travel!
America!
My early learning has been reinforced over the years in the concept that we Americans are better than folks anywhere else in the world. Whether that is actually true or not is beside the point, because I FEEL that way. Why are we better? Well, let me ask you or anybody else, what is the Land of Opportunity? You have heard of the American Dream, haven’t you? But have you ever heard of the “Brazilian Dream? Or the German Dream? Or even the Irish Dream? The United States is also known as a place where your station in life is not determined by the circumstances of your birth, your parents’ wealth, or even your creed, or color, but by what you have made out of it.
As a side note, when we got back About a year-and-a-half ago, we took home, and relayed the story, one a trip to Europe. When I came home, I bright young thing inquired “Why made sure I put my passport in a safe don’t you get a Visa Card? You can use place. It was not the place I usually them everywhere!” put the passport, but it was late at night and I was tired. Unfortunately, My Point! I do not remember where that safe Either, we have become so frightened place is. about possibilities of danger, or we have succumbed to would-be Recently, we made arrangements dictators. You’re your choice. for a vacation in Mexico, and I could not find my passport. I looked for it everywhere with no luck. Frantically scurrying and shelling out a few hundred dollars got me a replacement passport in time for the trip, but it also had me wondering why we have passports at all. While the U.S. history shows passports were issued during the days of the Articles of Confederation, passports were unnecessary until after Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941! It was tougher in Europe as they were required starting at the time of WWI.
It is also a place where we have Freedom: Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, and Freedom of Assembly. These conditions were entered and agreed to in our Constitution by Basic Right! Thomas Jefferson as a condition of Today, we not only have the United States being established. It passports, but many also truly is a wonderful heritage. Page 42
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CONTACT US US FOR FOR YOUR YOUR FREE FREE CONTACT MEETING PLANNERS GUIDE MEETING PLANNERS GUIDE
1-866-223-5961 1-866-223-5961 www historicstcharles.com historicstcharles.com www
Plan A Reunion That’s As Memorable As It Is Successful! When you plan your next meeting or convention think
Saint Charles offers more to see and do than your group
Saint Charles! Because we’re a smaller city, we pay special
will have time for outside their reunion. Start with a tour of
attention to safety, comfort and convenience. Saint Charles,
Missouri’s First State Capitol, visit the Foundry Art Centre, or
Missouri is Easy to Find – Hard to Leave, located 10 minutes
stroll through the historic shopping district featuring more
from the Saint Louis Airport, easy access off I-70 and 25
than 125 specialty shops and over 25 restaurants. Take in a
minutes from Downtown Saint Louis. Saint Charles offers
concert or try your luck at one of our casinos. Saint Charles
lodging for groups with over 3,000 hotel rooms plus several
offers something for everyone – from family amusement
bed and breakfasts throughout the city and historic districts.
to museums and galleries.
Saint Charles is also home to the largest historic district in
adventure, visit nearby area attractions like The Arch, St.
Missouri and features a total of 88 authentically restored
Louis Zoo or Missouri Botanical Gardens. Still not enough?
buildings. This charming area of gaslights and brick streets
Plan a day trip to Missouri Wine Country and visit the Daniel
provides a unique backdrop for a wide variety of off-site
Boone Home & Village, or ride the ferry to Eckert’s Country
meetings and other visitor activities.
Store and Farm.
Saint Charles boasts 4-star accommodations and state-of-
There are few places where you will find as much as Saint
the-art facilities, including the Saint Charles Convention
Charles has to offer. The Greater Saint Charles Convention
Center and the Ameristar Conference Center. In addition,
and Visitor’s Bureau will help you find the setting and price
Saint Charles offers many smaller venues to accommodate
that’s right for your group. In addition to personalized
groups of any size and activity. Some interesting meeting
services, their professional staff can help fulfill unusual
spots include the Missouri Wing Commemorative Air Force
and unique requests. Call 1-800-366-2427 or visit www.
Airplane Hanger, Boone’s Colonial Inn and Market, Train
historicstcharles.com for online resources. It is important
Station, the Foundry Art Centre and the Lewis & Clark Boat
for you to know that we will take your priorities and make
House.
them ours for a successful and memorable reunion! Reunion FRiendly news Reunion Friendly News
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If you’re up for even more
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Best Reunion Locations (RF News Survey Results)
For the past couple of issues we asked for your feedback on which location you found to the best for your reunions. We also asked you for your second and third favorite places. Although the number of responses were not overwhelming, a fairly sizeable number of you were kind enough to get back to us. The results did not show a clear cut ‘winner.’ Instead the results show that there are a number of great places to have your reunion. THIS IS NOT A SURPRISE TO US AT RFN. No less then 28 cities received votes; 12 with first place votes, 14 with second place votes, and 9 cities with third place votes. Only Branson, MO and San Diego, CA received votes in all three categories.
Branson, MO Washington, D.C.
Nashville, TN
St. Louis, MO
So… Which city took first place? Statistically there were not enough votes to give you a clear cut first place answer. However, Branson, MO had the most first place votes and the most votes overall. But right behind Branson for first place votes were Albuquerque, NM, Washington, DC area, and Northern Kentucky. Many of the other cities with first place votes should not surprise you and include (in alphabetical order): Baton Rouge, LA; Chicago, IL; Jacksonville, FL; Nashville, TN; New Orleans, LA; Pensacola, FL; San Diego, CA; and St Louis, MO. Out of the remaining cities that were voted for, San Antonio, TX and San Diego got the most votes. The additional cities with second & third place votes were (also in alphabetical order): Bismarck, ND, Cape Cod, MA; Charleston, SC; Colorado Springs, CO; Covington, KY; Oklahoma City, OK; Newport News, VA; Niagara Falls, NY; Reno, NV; Sacramento, CA; San Francisco, CA; Savannah, GA; and Wakefield, MA. Here at RFN, we are actually really glad to hear that there are so many first class choices of venues for your reunions. We fear that this informal survey has not made your job of selecting a place for a reunion any easier. What the survey does, in our opinion, is reaffirm that our directory of members is your best place to start the process. zac@reunionfiendly.com
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Jacksonville, FL
Cape Cod/Hyannis, MA Colorado Springs, CO
Savannah, GA
San Francisco, CA New Orleans, LA
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MEET IN THE MIDDLE
Bring your reunion group to Pulaski County USA, centrally located in the United States - Right along I-44 between St. Louis & Branson!
Rolling out the red carpet for your next reunion • Home to Fort Leonard Wood, the largest training installation in the country • Daily direct flights to Ft.Leonard Wood • State-of-the art military museums • Complimentary services including itinerary planning • Assistance obtaining bids for lodging, meals, meeting space and more! • Missouri’s only designated Purple Heart County • Driving tours of Ft. Leonard Wood and Historic Route 66
www.reunionsatftwood.org/TRN Pulaski County Tourism Bureau - St. Robert, MO Contact Karen Hood, CTIS for assistance with your next reunion
877.858.8687 Reunion Friendly News
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You have a fine and very useful publication. As I no longer am in the reunion planning area, please remove me from your list. Cheers! R H Alcala 3rd Squadron 5th Cavalry
Through the years I have enjoyed the Reunion Friendly News and the wonderful efforts you applied to it to make my reunion planning more realistic. You are to be commended for your work. Due to health issues I will no longer be planning reunions and must cancel my subscription. Pat and I enjoyed the planning sessions around the country with you SOOO!!! much. Thank You so much for all you do. God bless you, Richard Collis EN3 USS Menelaus
Thank you all for your kind words. We are delighted to know that you appreciate our efforts. We wish all those who leave us, a happy life, and we are sorry to see you go. You will be missed.
Reunite. Reminisce. Renew. Christina Petro Chrisp@chattanoogacvb.com 423-424-4417
Received the latest RPM and it prompted me to write and tell you how much I appreciate what you and your staff does for us military planners. I know others are out there trying to emulate what you do but there seems to be a great deal of loyalty among us planners that have attended your ConFAMs© in the past. If it works, don’t fix it. With that said, Thank You! Glenn D. Smith USS/USCG Edisto Association
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Just wanted to let you know that we have just completed an outstanding reunion at Holiday Inn North, Columbus, GA, after attending an RFN ConFAM©, I made initial arrangements for our reunion. When we arrived, all arrangement for the reunion, including selected guest rooms near hospitality room, had been completed and ready for us. Anything we requested was immediately furnished. Everything ran smoothly from check-in through our final banquet. The entire staff was friendly and attentive to our every need. I was especially impressed when I mentioned that the hotel evening menu was not particularly appealing to our older group. An alternate buffet menu was planned and available the next day. The highlight of the reunion was the tour of the National Infantry Museum and the dedication the 88th Infantry Division Memorial Monument. This Museum is a fabulous place where you could spend days, although a day tour can hit the high spots. Go on a Thursday or Friday when Infantry Graduation parades are scheduled. The parade alone, with the band performance and demonstration of Infantry organization and weapons, is well worth the trip. You can also book a group lunch. Robert L. McCall, President SE Chapter 88th Infantry Division Association
One of our favorite places also.
Reunion Friendly News
paul@reunionfriendly.com
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EXPERIENCE A NATURAL WONDER AND SO MUCH MORE!
NIAGARA USA FOR ALL YOUR REUNION NEEDS INCLUDING: • HOTEL GROUP RATE REQUESTS • ITINERARIES • WELCOME BAGS AND MUCH MORE! CONTACT: Reanna Darone, Sales Manager at Reanna@niagara-usa.com 1-877-FALLS US ext. 305 Follow us for all the latest events and happenings, @NiagaraFallsUSA
Contact Niagara Tourism & Convention Corporation today for more information. 1-877-FALLS US • www.niagara-usa.com
Experience a natural wonder, and so much more! NIAGARA USA SEE & DO: At Niagara Falls State Park you will take in the beauty of Niagara Falls, New York. The Maid of the Mist boat tour brings you up close and personal with the mighty Niagara Falls and you can’t get any closer than the Cave of the Winds where you will touch the Falls! Try your luck at the Seneca Niagara Casino just blocks from the park. Shoppers must visit Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA where you will find what you’re looking for! A bit north is Old Fort Niagara, site of historic battles since the 1700s. A great place for a relaxing ride and meal is Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises. Dine along the Erie Barge Canal and be lowered and raised 49 ft. on the only double locks in operation today. Feel like a kid again while riding a 1916 wooden carousel at Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum where the Wurlitzer Band Organ plays while you ride. History, adventure, nature, food, world class wine trail, and more…Niagara Falls USA has it all. REUNION FRIENDY ACCOMODATIONS There are many hotels within walking distance of Niagara Falls State Park that are ready to accommodate your reunion. Offering hospitality rooms and the amenities, you will find the perfect fit. Reunion Friendly News
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GETTING HERE: Buffalo Niagara International Airport is 25 minutes away with low cost carriers. Prefer the train? Amtrak stops in Niagara Falls, New York and there are taxis waiting. Niagara Falls, USA is also an easy drive. HELPFUL CVB STAFF: Niagara Tourism & Convention Corporation is ready to help plan your reunion. Our services include: Room rate/ room block requests, site inspections, transportation quotes, off-site meals, welcome packets and registration help. CONTACT: Reanna Darone, Sales Manager Toll Free: 877-FALLS US (325-5787) ext. 305 716-282-8992 ext. 305 rdarone@niagara-usa.com www.niagara-usa.com Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation – 10 Rainbow Blvd, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 USA
S u m m e r, 2 0 1 3
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Hi Charlene! I wanted to personally THANK you for the information in your Marketer newsletter. It is very helpful to me, and I have often shared with our managers in staff meetings – YOU make a difference! Looking forward to seeing you this year, not sure what show I am attending with our Bloomington CVB, but can’t wait to come again! Nancy Solinger Senior Sales Manager Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites Minneapolis Airport, Bloomington, MN Editor’s note – Charlene did get to read this and was very appreciative of the comments. Pulaski Named First Purple Heart County in Missouri History was made when Pulaski County officially became recognized as the first Purple Heart County in the state of Missouri by Purple Heart
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recipients for its dedication and support. Dozens of veterans, locals and politicians filled the courthouse to honor the veterans who have been wounded or killed while in military service and to support the county’s respect of Purple Heart recipients.
Pulaski County as a whole has been recognized as a Purple Heart County, and two of its cities, St. Robert and Waynesville, MO have both been recognized as Purple Heart Cities.
To learn more about the Purple Heart Trail and for information on booking On Feb. 14, 2013 Purple Heart Trail your next military reunion in Pulaski officials declared Pulaski a Purple County USA (Home of Fort Leonard Heart County. A Purple Heart County is Wood) please call 877-858-8687. a community honoring the sacrifices of our nation’s men and women “This is for the dedication and support in uniform serving to protect our for the Purple Heart members as freedoms with great admiration and presented by the patrons of the state gratitude for the military. Two-time of Missouri to wear the Purple Heart,” Purple Heart recipient Commander he said. “Thank you for letting us do Everett Kelly presented the Purple this.” Heart Special Recognition award to the County. Kelly explained that the Purple Heart is a unique reward in that only less This designation is another indicator than one percent of people in the of the prevalent patriotism that military are eligible for it, and only runs deep in Pulaski County USA. half of those who are eligible for the award are alive to receive it.
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Real Planner Problems with Contracts In recent weeks, a number of planners have contacted us regarding problems they have incurred with the reunion contracts they had with their hotels.
without advance notice, you could be charged for carry-on luggage.
In each of these cases, the problem Second would still have arisen, regardless of Situation the contract language, but in each of A well-known these cases a better contract would hotel at a major have supplied substantial relief. city decided to renovate the entire Some of this is regularly covered hotel. A military at RFN ConFAMs© and thoroughly reunion, as well at RFN’s WorkFAMs©. Here are the as other group were problems generated because the meetings, contracts did not cover the situation. suddenly in a position where there was insufficient rooms available in the hotel to house First Situation According to the best-known legal the reunion attendees. The planner authority on hospitality law, Jonathon learned of the closing for renovation Howe, in an article in Meetings & through a news article. While the Conventions magazine, “Contracts closed portion of the hotel made it should require full disclosure of all impossible to house the attendees, costs.” Despite warnings from the the hotel still had the hospitality room Federal trade Commission, quite a and the banquet room available. The few hotels have been warned against hotel did not notify the planner, and a practice called “drip pricing.” The apparently expected to “walk” the definition refers to the condition attendees to other hotels in the area. where a hotel adds surcharges to the Walking is a practice whereby the host quoted room rate; and in some cases hotel moves one or more attendees not even revealing those charges until to a different hotel, ostensibly of the same quality. Walking usually occurs check-out time. in cases of overbooking, although in In this particular case, the attendees this case it seems as if everybody was at a reunion were socked with a $12 expected to “walk!” per day charge that was labeled a “resort fee.” Other charges could just According to the contract, there was as easily have been added without a $500 penalty on the hotel if they any recourse. It is unfortunate that cancelled. Obviously, even this is in recent years, the quoted rate is insufficient. If everyone attending not necessarily the amount charged. had to lodge at a different hotel, it This would not have occurred if the would create a very difficult situation planner had insisted on adding a for the reunion. clause in the contract stating that there would be no room charges From the planner point of view, this except those explicitly stated in the could have been avoided in two ways. contract. First, there should have been an Overbooking or Walking Clause such Note that this practice has been ad- that any attendee who had a valid opted by most airlines. In some cases, reservation and was transferred to a Page 50
different hotel should have received a FREE room and FREE transportation on a 24/7 basis. Second, the Termination Clause which is automatically included under the Uniform Commercial Code, should have been extended to include any condition whereby either party could end the contract WITHOUT PENALTY if any condition occurred that prevented either party from performing. Additionally this clause should have included the right of the planner to terminate in cases where the hotel management, ownership, or flag (brand) changed. Third, the Cancellation Clause could also have been extended so that any unforeseen or unplanned action at the time of signing, such as a changed renovation schedule, would adversely affect the reunion. This condition is also covered briefly at RFN ConFAMs© and in depth in RFN WorkFAMs©.
Read Your Contracts Carefully!
Reunion Friendly News
paul@reunionfriendly.com
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Fairfax County …
for Reunions “Above and Beyond” the Ordinary! Why do hundreds of reunion groups decide to get together in Fairfax County, Virginia every year? It’s not simply the county’s location, directly across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. There’s a lot more to it than that. “There are lots of wonderful reunion sites across the United States,” notes Dean Miller of Visit Fairfax, the county’s convention and visitors bureau, “but I can’t think of any place that publicly celebrates and embraces America’s veterans the way the Washington area and Fairfax County do.” The list of “must see” attractions located in and around Fairfax County and goes on and on … Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknowns, the World War II, Korean War, and Viet Nam War memorials, the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps memorials, the battlefields of Manassas and Antietam, and many, many more. Groups meeting in Fairfax County enjoy the best of both worlds. They have easy access to the monuments and museums of Washington, DC, along with the lower room rates and ample free parking typical of suburban locations. It really is all about service, Miller said. “At Visit Fairfax, our goal is to assist reunion planners in any way we can. Whether it’s finding great hotels at great rates, making introductions to staff personnel at our world-famous attractions, providing lists of transportation suppliers, or simply recommending restaurants for group dining, we are here to be of service to those who have served.” When asked about the many accolades that Visit Fairfax has received from planners, Miller recalled one group in particular. “We were working with an Air Force fighter squadron to help them have their reunion here. The planner was a retired major general. When we were finished, he said to us, ‘Thanks … you really went ‘above and beyond’ for us.’ Coming from a two-star general, that really meant something to us.”
When it comes to accessing the museums, monuments and memorials honoring America’s veterans, no destination in the country rivals Fairfax County, Virginia. Our proximity to Washington, DC makes it easy to organize trips and observances. Our wide range of hotel options let you accommodate any budget level. And with the many historical sites and entertainment opportunities right here in Fairfax County, you’ll find plenty of places to trade stories and reminisce right here. To learn more about all there is to see and do, simply visit FXVA.com
The NSA Danang reunion group, shown here at the US Navy Memorial on Pennsylvania Avenue, recently met in Fairfax County, VA. There are dozens of such sites honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans, located throughout the National Capital area, making Fairfax County the perfect destination for any military reunion. Reunion Friendly News
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Norfolk’s prime location in the MidAtlantic is the perfect setting for group adventures, on both land and sea. With the Elizabeth River and Chesapeake Bay running along its west and north borders, it is no surprise that Norfolk is home to a wide array of water sports and boating excursions. Sailing the Elizabeth River, whether by private or public boat, sailboat or yacht, Norfolk’s Elizabeth River offers spectacular downtown
The Armed Forces Memorial - Located in Town Point Park, this memorial contains 20 bronze cast letters scattered across the base of a flagpole from troops to their loved ones.
views. Multiple river cruises are easily accessible from downtown Norfolk’s Town Point Park, conveniently located within walking distance of many area hotels. When it comes to selecting a destination for reunions, planners Page 52
planners,” says Donna Allen, vice president of sales and marketing for VisitNorfolk. “Not only will they receive dedicated assistance from our highly knowledgeable team, but planners will be able to take advantage of the unique features of Norfolk, from the city’s easy accessibility by car, plane or train to the destination’s many attractions and sights. It is all within reach in Norfolk.”
MacArthur Memorial- This memorial provides a unique glimpse into the 20th century and can renew your faith in those American values of Duty-Honor-Country, values which motivated Douglas MacArthur as he served our nation through some of its greatest crises and finest hours.
In addition to visiting the many accessible sights through the city, planners can look to VisitNorfolk to act as a liaison to Norfolk’s numerous hotels, attractions, restaurants, venues and transportation companies. VisitNorfolk representatives can also assist groups with hotel rates, registration materials and logistical planning from start to finish. For more information or to plan your group event in Norfolk today, please contact VisitNorfolk at 800-368-3097 or visit www.visitnorfolktoday.com
are often charged with the task of not only weighing cities that offer outstanding facilities, but also those that offer interesting activities that will appease each member of the group. Norfolk has a multitude of activities and venues throughout the riverside city, primed to host a group of any size. “VisitNorfolk has put the resources necessary to organize reunions and group trips right at the fingertips of
Norfolk waterside featuring Battleship Wisconsin and Nauticus.
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Dynamic. Diverse. Distinct.
Shopping, theater, dining, museums and fun come together to make Norfolk a dazzling destination for reunions of all kinds. Find all the dynamic details at visitnorfolktoday.com. visitnorfolktoday.com | 1-800-368-3097
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Get
Closer
to Ships, History & the Great Outdoors
THIS & MORE! Plus Williamsburg & Virginia Beach.
Virginia newport-news.org
888.493.7386
Newport News, VA – Since the Revolutionary War, Newport News has sheltered soldiers and sailors and welcomed them home from war. Today, your group can experience that same hospitality, too! Worldclass attractions, trendy restaurants, unique shopping opportunities and a wide range of lodging options are just a few of the many reasons to plan your next military reunion in Newport News. Explore our nation’s military heritage at the U.S. Army Transportation Museum and the Virginia War Museum. Step back in time with a visit to one of our historic homes. Pose for photos at our “Victory Arch,” a memorial with an eternal flame honoring all men and women of the Armed Forces. Bring your golf clubs and experience a 4-star “Golf Digest-rated” championship course that will challenge your skills, not your wallet. Spend a day in the great outdoors in our magnificent 8,000-acre park, the largest municipal park in Virginia, where you can go fishing, boating, hiking and biking. If you enjoy shopping, check out one of our unique locally owned stores or fabulous museum gift shops. Indulge in the best in Southern cuisine, including fresh seafood, at one of our many restaurants. While in Newport News, you must see the Virginia Page 54
Living Museum. A single visit to this museum brings you in contact with more habitats, wildlife and plant species than would be encountered in a lifetime of outdoor adventures in Virginia! And don’t miss The Mariners’ Museum, designated by Congress as America’s National Maritime Museum. It includes the $30 million USS Monitor Center, home to artifacts like the Civil War Ironclad’s iconic gun turret. To assist in the planning process, we have a wide variety of tools to help you get started. We offer customized site inspections, complimentary attendance-building materials (postcards, money-saving coupons, brochures, etc.) and expert assistance in planning off-site tours. During your registration, we can provide a travel counselor at your hospitality table to answer tourismrelated questions, to hand out welcome bags – each containing a visitor guide and a welcome letter from our mayor – and to provide professional assistance to ensure a successful reunion. Call Barb Kleiss, Group Marketing Manager, at 888493-7386 or 757-926-1442, or e-mail her at bkleiss@ nngov.com to request your copy of our Military Reunion Kit and our Group Planner guide. And don’t forget to visit www.newport-news.org for additional information about Newport News, Virginia!
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Co nvention
C onvent i on
& Vis ito r s
& Vi s i t o r s
B u r eau
B u r e au
Explore Jefferson Parish, a place of great heritage, tradition and diversity. Visit the Century of Sentries Veterans Park with A-4 Skyhawk and F-14 Tomcat displays. Shop and dine in historic Old Metairie or cross the Mississippi River strolling Huey P. Long Avenue. Visit the famous National WWII Museum, just minutes from Jefferson Parish. Live theatre, outdoor markets, and friendly people make Jefferson a place to experience!
C o n v e n t i o n
&
V i s i t o r s
B u r e a u
To learn more, ask for our Group Tour Planner Guide. Call 504-731-7083 or TOLL FREE 1-877-572-7474. Reunion Friendly News
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this:
THE REUNION NETWORK 2450 HOLLYWOOD BLVD. SUITE 504 THE REUNION NETWORK 2450 HOLLYWOOD BLVD. HOLLYWOOD FL 504 SUITE33020
Reunion Friendly Network FL 33020 HOLLYWOOD sm
1835 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Suite 332 Hallandale Beach FL 33009
allows the protester to burn the flag!”
“Serving Those Who Summer, 2013 Served Our Country” “Serving Those Who Served Our Country”
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID FORT LAUDERDALE, FL PERMIT 5395
TRN2003-Fall.indd 64
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID FORT LAUDERDALE, FL PERMIT 5395
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TRN2003-Fall.indd 64
10/10/2003, 11:55:42 AM
Now hear this! Now Hear this! Now hear this! Now hear this! Now hear this!
RFN Has Moved! Reunion Friendly Network 1835 East Hallandale Beach Blvd., Suite 332 Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 RFN’s new telephone numbers are: 954-454-0904 Fax – 954-454-0978 Now hear this! Now Hear this! Now hear this! Now hear this! Now hear this!