Dear 3/11 Heroes:
A reunion is being planned in your honor at the Marriott Reagan International in Alexandria, VA http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/wascc?WT_Ref=mi_left

The dates are September 8, 9 and 10, 2006

Here is our tentative Schedule:


Arrival Friday afternoon, early evening

-Welcome Reception Friday evening with cash bar and hor d'erves (3 hours)

Saturday

-Breakfast from 0800 to 1000 in one of the dining rooms
-Time on your own to see the sites/shop (hotel concierge has many ideas)
-Sharing Photos/film Time (late afternoon 1600 or so). A conference room will be reserved with necessary equipment for you all to share your photos and films. (This time will be unstructured so you can talk and share at your leisure.)
- evening dinner banquet (casual attire)
- followed by additional time to socialize/cash bar

Sunday

-Non-denominational church service
-Brunch at hotel/Good-byes
=====================================

If you have any ideas or suggestions to add to our list of events for the weekend, by all means, please let me know!

I look forward to hearing from you all
Warmly,
Mary Ann Reitano
Reunion Coordinator
Contact: ma_reitano@msn.com

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MaryAnn0358,

Maryann

Having served in 11th Marines myself, (mid-70's) I appauld your efforts in doing all this for them. Hope it goes well for you and those that attend.

Are those dates correct? I assume this will be for Sept 2006?

some people just come, say someting, and never return..

gone with the wind!

I really don't know what to make of it? I took ten years to write 3 books that are historically significant, and outside of families directly concerned, no interest at all. See: http://www.mpress.addr.com & http://www.mpress.addr.com/s_wings.html and see if it has value or not. I am retired in Thailand, was a Naval Officer, roommate a POW for nearly 8 years, 100% VA Dis. so this is not and never was a $ making deal.....just a legacy. Not a sales gimmick, so don't order, just make comments. Many thanks for your service!
Respectfully,
Don Ward (LTJG Navy 1965)
Pattaya, Thailand

Don...

I'll take you up on that offer. Retired to Pattaya Beach...you dawg! One of my most memorable liberty calls ever!!!

Hope you have a great holiday!

Pattaya: Yes, I thought Olongapo was over the top, until my ship had a liberty call in Pattaya for five days.

Gunny,
Hapy Holidays to you too. After receiving over #2,000 letters of thanks that brought tears, concerning my VN books, I still don't understand the lack of general interest??? Any ideas on that? Thanks for your reply.
Don Ward in Pattaya Paradise

Don,

It could be that only us veterans with any association with the time and place, share the interest anymore. With the war on terrorism going on, and news not looking too good, could be an additional reason for lack of interest.

Don -I would say don't give up I read some of the inserts about Your Book it sounds great I guess maybe there has been so many different versions of the Vietnam War written which has in some way or another changed the face of this Country.For instance Winter Soldier as far as I am concerned for the most part false but for one person only , The Wall With-in written on stories from other Soldiers,Saliors and later found out to be false stories.Don I was in (I Corp 1965-1967)I didn't see all of the crap everyone wants us to see.By the way Don did not ever go to Pattaya but about every place around in that part of the country a lot of Beautiful Women.(got gunny's & Tow Gunner's heart pumping .

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SULLY1,

Thanks for the support. I never was sent to VN, although I requested it three times. I was hurt in an aircraft accident, therefore not suitable for 'that' journey. I lost six friends in the air war and my roommate was a POW for nearly 8 years; other roommate (Marine)is buried at Arlington. no. #13 shot down. He e-mails me about three times per week and has had a good and successful life. I did well in the book sales initially, but only to those closest to the men killed; general interest was poor, although I won an award for the book and was written up many times. I guess that is how it goes. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! don

I should have proof-read that. My Navy roommate was #13 shot down (July 18, 1965). Other roommate was killed in 1964, State side in a crash, and he is buried at Arlington and he was a Marine pilot with VMF 333 out of El Toro. His daughter was born 4 months later and we made contact earlier this year. It is ironic that she was from Texas and now lives in my hometown in Minnesota. I am nearly 68, but last flew a plane in 2000 (P-51D). dw

Happy 2006, Gentlemen! Was just checking on my reunion post and Yes, thanks Gunny, I did have a typo there that has been corrected. And by the way, if you are interested in attending our reunion do not hesitate to come on board - we hope for others to join us as well. Because, after all - Not too many men in this world that can say they are Cannon Cockers - right?

Warmly,
Mary Ann

quote:

Originally posted by TOW Gunner:
Pattaya: Yes, I thought Olongapo was over the top, until my ship had a liberty call in Pattaya for five days.

Me too, but went back to the ship after four days. My body could not tolerate any more sin.