NEXT REUNION

This page contains information regarding the next planned reunion by the Flying Circus. As plans progress, they will be added to this page.

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The choice of a venue for the 2008 reunion was discussed during the 2006 gathering, and quickly boiled down to a short list. Because of the number of things to do in the area and a hard sell promotion by Steve and Sherry Rossiter, it was decided to move the venue west and hold the next reunion in Missoula, Montana. The fact that Steve and Sherry live in the area and volunteered to do the groundwork to organise the function sealed the decision by the group.

Although things fell into place for the 2006 reunion, they did so close to the last minute. It was felt that the main details should be in place well in advance so people can have more time to make their plans. 

The two following sections contain information regarding the reunion plans, how to make hotel bookings and a registration form which should be copied, printed, filled out and sent to Steve by the required date.

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Operations Plan :

This outlines the likely events and includes the hotel contacts. Everyone is to make their own hotel bookings.

AVIATION PLATOON

HHC, 1ST BDE, 1ST CAV DIV

2008 Reunion

04 September to 07 September, 2008

“RENDEZVOUS IN THE ROCKIES”

Missoula, Montana

Operations Plan

04 September: Early arrivals - 1700 hours Command Center for adult beverages

05 September: Arrivals all day. 0700 hours Command Center open for breakfast

Until 1700 Command Center open for informal gathering

1700 hours Command Center for adult beverages and sharing pictures/slides/videos/war stories

06 September Open Schedule. 0700 hours Command Center open for breakfast

Until 1700 Command Center open for informal gathering

1700 hours Command Center for adult beverages

1800 hours Mess hall for banquette

Until ???? Command Center open for informal gathering

07 September Open Schedule. 0700 hours Command Center available all day and evening for informal gatherings

The Command Center is identified by the hotel as the Board Meeting Room. It is the closest room to the hotel bar and restaurant. It will be serve yourself for drinks and we can take the breakfast buffet into the Command Center for Flying Circus socializing in the morning.

Ops Plan Details

As with previous reunions, the only formal activity will be the Saturday night banquet. We will have somewhat more informal gatherings near the bar each night for general socializing. There are no scheduled activities Saturday and Sunday, but there are many options for everyone to chose from.

Options

Downtown Missoula: The Missoula downtown area is only two blocks from the hotel.

Many shops and galleries are open in the evening for First Friday.

Museum of Mountain: I can arrange a tour of the Museum of Mountain Flying, the USFS Flying and Smoke- Smokejumper Center. Both are located at the Missoula airport.

Note: A stop might be worked in at the Big Sky Brewery, which is the home of Moose Drool Beer.

Note: The fire season will still be going, so there may be airtanker operations going on as well.

Fly Fishing: If you wish to do a guided Fly Fishing trip, please let me know and I will send you the appropriate information. Approximate guide cost $250.00 per day per group.

White Water Rafting: If you wish to do a guided white water rafting trip, please let me know, and I will send you appropriate information.

Flathead Lake: About one hour North of Missoula.

Bitterroot Valley: Just South of Missoula.

Options: If you come early or stay late in Montana

Glacier National Park: About three hours North of Missoula.

Yellowstone National Park: About five hours East of Missoula.

Operational Logistics

Getting to Missoula -

United, Delta, Northwest, Alaska (Horizon) and Allegiant fly directly to Missoula (MSO). The hotel has a van for airport pickups.

I often fly out of Spokane, WA (GEG) on Southwest because of price. It is a beautiful three hour drive from Spokane, WA to Missoula.

Headquarters Hotel

Holiday Inn Downtown at the Park

200 South Pattee Street

Missoula, MT 59802

Direct Telephone: 406 721-8550

Reservations: 800 399-0408 ext. 515

Group Rate Name: Flying Circus

Group Rate: $129.00 per night

IMPORTANT: To get the group rate, you must make your reservation no later than August 4, 2008.

Alternate Hotel

The following hotel is about two blocks from the Headquarters Hotel and is offered as a more cost effective alternative. There is no group rate. You must be able to stumble further than the elevator to find your way to quarters.

Days Inn University

201 East Main

Missoula, MT 59802

Direct Telephone: 406 543-7221

Rates

Queen Room

$64.00 Per Night Single

$69.00 Per Night Double

King Room

$69.00 Per Night Single

$74.00 Per Night Double

Local taxes and fees are added to all of the above room rates.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

1.    block of 10 rooms reserved on 9/4/2008 for early arrivals.
2.    block of 30 rooms reserved for 9/5-9/6/2008.
3.    block of 10 rooms reserved for 9/7/2008 for hold overs.
4.    if people want to come earlier or stay longer they can deal with it when the make their room reservations.

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Registration form :

This should be copied, completed and sent to Steve with a check for the appropriate amount.

If anybody wants an Adobe version of this form, contact Steve or Frank. Their email addresses are on the CONTACTS page.

AVIATION PLATOON

HHC, 1ST BDE, 1ST CAV DIV

2008 Reunion

“RENDEZVOUS IN THE ROCKIES”

September 4-7, 2008

Missoula, Montana

Registration for the Reunion

Full Name: ____________________________________________________________

Name Tag Name: ____________________ Call Sign: _________________________

Mailing Address: _______________________________________________________

City: _______________________ State: ____ Zip: _______ Phone: _______________

Others Attending With You

Name: ___________________________ Name Tag Name: ______________________

Name: ___________________________ Name Tag Name: ______________________

Name: ___________________________ Name Tag Name: ______________________

Registration Fee $ 60.00

Saturday Banquet $35.00 $35.00 X _______ = $

Total Amount Enclosed $

Please make your check out to Steven J Rossiter

Banquet Entre Chicken # _____ Beef # ______

T-Shirt Size: Small Medium Large X Large XX Large XXX Large

To make sure you get all information and I can get all the necessary pieces in place for your full

participation (meals and T-shirts), please send your paid registration as soon as possible. The

absolute cut off for T-shirts and name tags is AUGUST 1, 2008.

Send forms to :

Steve Rossiter

PO Box 16446

Missoula, MT 59808-6466

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Frank Vanatta may be contacted about anything that needs to be added to this page and uploaded to the web site. Frank will be compiling a list of those who are planning on attending, and may be contacted about any miscellaneous items concerning the plans being made. His address is on the CONTACTS page.