CEO Frank
Provides Report on September Confab,
Offers Possible Locations for 2010 Reunion
As was reported in the previous Passing In Review, Carole and Frank Schlatter planned to attend a Confab, a meeting sponsored by the Reunion Network, Inc. for planners of military reunions, to be held in Fairfax County. That event was held as scheduled during the weekend of September 11-14, and Carole and Frank attended the meeting on behalf of the 33rd ABAA. For the information of the membership, Frank's report is given here.
"On Wednesday, September 10th, Carole and I flew to Dulles airport in Washington, D.C. from Roswell via Dallas. At Dulles we got a shuttle to the Sheraton Reston Hotel, where we had room reservations for the overflow participants in the Confab. The host hotel for the military planners' meeting was the Hyatt Fair Lakes Hotel, where, with other Sheraton planners, we met the next day with the organizers of the Confab and the other attendees.
"The sessions of the Confab were devoted to the basics of planning a reunion---the necessity of on-site inspections of hotels, the specific elements that need to be considered in the planners' initial contacts with Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVB's) and prospective hotels, the details that are to be taken care of in contracting with hotels and other organizations, such as bus companies and tour operators, and the specific concerns that each reunion organizer needs to account for in the development of a reunion (such things as the availability of shuttle service, parking, the accessibility of shops and venues, and the kinds of attractions that reunion-goers find to their liking).
"In between sessions, we participants had the opportunity to talk with the hotel and CVB representatives who had exhibits and handout materials intended to encourage attendees to consider their locations for the participants' respective reunions. Naturally, a goodly number of hotel representatives from the Fairfax County area were in attendance, but there were also representatives from places like Norfolk and Fredericksville, VA; Lancaster, PA; Chatanooga, TN; Dupage, IL; Kalamazoo, MI; Columbus, GA; Orlando, FL; and Galveston, TX.
"In the evenings we either had dinner at one of the local hotels or, as was the case the first night, were taken by bus to Pavillions of Turkey Run for a barbeque and entertainment. All of the events and bus transportation were provided to the participants without charge in that they were financed by the various organizations that were seeking our reunion.
"Beginning Friday afternoon the Confab members were taken to various attractions in the area. The first attraction, which is an absolutely marvelous facility, was the US Marine Corps Museum. It is an absolutely 'must see and experience' place, and there is no charge for admission. We were provided with a lunch that was sponsored by the Virginia Tourism Corporation at the Mess Hall of the museum. The next day (Saturday), after breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Tyson Corner, along with a talk by Col. Judson Bennett, Executive Director for the Museum of the United States Army, which is now in the development stage, we traveled to Mount Vernon, where, as a part of our activities, we participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at George Washington's tomb. Subsequent to that, we had a sumptuous lunch at the Hilton Springfield, and then visited the US Air Force Memorial and the US Navy Memorial. Still later we were provided with dinner and entertainment at the Crowne Plaza Dulles Airport.
"Sunday morning breakfast was provided by the Sheraton Reston. The breakfast included a talk by Francis Gary Powers, Jr., who is involved in the development of a Cold War Museum. His interesting talk dealt with his father's U-2 experience. We them departed for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum which, like the Marine Corps Museum, also has no admission charge. It is a great place to visit, and like the Marine facility, offers more than we had time to take in.
"Our transportation to these various was provided and sponsored by New World Tours, a top of the line bus company that is apparently as interested in serving veterans as the hotels and the CVB's, and if we should decide to locate our 2010 reunion in the Washington, D.C. area, New World Tours should certainly be contacted by us.
"I should also point out that I was very interested to learn that most, if not all, of the Fairfax hotels cited to us year-round weekend room rates of $89 for our military reunions. It is clear that they want to be of service to veterans who have previously served in the U.S. military. (Because such a situation exists in Fairfax County, I shall also be interested to see whether a hotel that was highly recommended to me and which is in Arlington will also go for the lower rates. That hotel has a Metro stop just a few steps from its entrance, thus making it a prime subject for inquiry which I am presently making.)
"Our visit to the air and space facility was the last event of the Confab. However, it was not the end of Carole's and my visit to Virginia.
"Sunday afternoon we returned to Dulles airport, where we picked up a rental car and drove to the home of some friends in Charlottesville, where, the next day, while recuperating from a busy Confab, we visited Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Then, on Tuesday, Sept. 16, we traveled to Virginia Beach, obtained information from the CVB about local hotels, and subsequently viewed the numerous beach hotel properties. We came to the conclusion that most of the facilities were not suitable for our reunion--they either provided us with room rates that were too high or we simply did not feel the ambiance was what our reunion-attendees would want. Additionally, there was not easy access to shops, restaurants, and the like, which would be of interest to most of us. One ocean front hotel that did pique our interest and that we spent a goodly amount of time exploring is the Cavalier Hotel. It appears to be one of the most reasonable hotels on the ocean in terms of room rates and has a great view of the beach and sea. The hotel is presently undergoing renovations, and though it may well be completely renovated by the time that we plan to have our reunion, we cannot, at this time, be absolutely sure that it will be completed by then, particularly on the top floor, where we would probably like to have an evening banquet. Another major drawback for all of the beach front properties, including the Cavalier, is the lack of shuttle service and the distance from the airport, which requires a one-way taxi fare of about $40.
"In Virginia Beach itself--away from the beach--we visited the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center, a fine facility that offers a room rate of $99 for a time (late March) prior to the start of summer rates but then $159 for that later time. As I recall, it also does not provide shuttle service to the airport.
"In late afternoon we drove to the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, where we met up again with Natalie Kinney, Assistant Sales Manager of the hotel, who had attended the Fairfax Confab and, when she learned that we were planning to visit the Virginia Beach area, had made it a point to invite us to the Sheraton. We had a good opportunity to learn about the Norfolk hotel inasmuch as we stayed there for the night, Natalie having arranged a very reduced rate for us and providing us with a buffet breakfast and valet parking. Our ninth floor provided a marvelous view of the Elizabeth River and some distant dry docks. In response to my request for a proposal from the hotel, however, the sales manager only provided me with room rates of $109 for late March, which leads me to believe that if we were to choose a later time the rate would be considerably higher. Again, as with the Virginia Beach hotels, no shuttle service is available.
"I wish to note here that Carole and I spent an enjoyable hour or so with Lee Brooks and his wife in the Sheraton's lobby. Lee's wife has had some previous experience in arranging for a reunion and had used the Sheraton for the occasion. Lee and I did talk about 2010, but we also talked about our times with the 33rd.
"With respect to our reunion of 2010, it should also be mentioned that the Radisson Hotel Norfolk is in the same area as the Sheraton, and though Carole and I did not have a chance to visit the hotel and speak with the sales manager, we have received in the mail a copy of a proposal from her. The room rate offered to us for the first weekend in April is $109. Whether such a rate would be available for later in the year is not presently known. However, the hotel does have shuttle service to the airport. Also, their advertising brochures indicate that the hotel has free parking, is within walking distance of the MacArthur Mall, Waterside Marketplace, and Granby Street (the busiest street in Norfolk).
"Norfolk itself appears to have plenty to keep reunion-goers occupied, and the city has a transportation system called the NET (Norfolk Electric Transit) that provides free rides to numerous places in Norfolk. There is also a ferry that runs regularly across the Elizabeth River, so that those interested in visiting Olde Towne Portsmouth can do so for a dollar one way, or, if you're a senior citizen, 50 cents. There are, of course, harbor and river cruises; museums (including Nauticus, a 120,000 square-foot maritime education center that features more than 150 naval, commercial and biological exhibits and the Battleship Wisconsin docked at its side); historic homes, and "Restaurant Row" on Granby Street. It should also be pointed out that a bus tour to the Williamsburg, Jamestown, and York area would make a very interesting and enjoyable one-day junket.
"We returned to Charlottesville following our meeting with the Brookses, spent Thursday enjoying our vacation with friends and on Friday went to James Madison's recently renovated Montpelier. Charlottesville would, of course, be a pleasant place to have a reunion if air transportation into the city was readily available, but such, alas, is not the case.
"Our sojourn in Virginia ended on Sunday when we flew home to Roswell.
The many foregoing details have been provided to 33rders because the reunion planner needs to know what each member's preference is for where the 2010 reunion should be held. Should we return to the Washington, D.C. area, or would the members prefer to have the reunion in Virginia Beach or Norfolk? Or is there another East Coast city where we should plan to go? Additionally, please provide Frank with your recommendation for the specific weekend and month you would like the reunion to be held.
Your input is desired.
Within two weeks after you have received the Passing in Review, you are thus requested to write Frank (3111 Futura, Roswell, NM 88201), or email him at obfusa@rt66.com, or telephone him at 575-622-6898 to provide him with your views.
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LOOKING FARTHER DOWN THE REUNION ROAD...
When Frank talked with the various hotel and CVB representatives at the Fairfax Confab, he indicated to them that he thought the 33rd ABAA should consider holding the 2012 reunion in Heidelberg, Germany, saying that if ever there was to be a time when the members' return to Germany it should be sooner rather than later. Frank also noted that if and when arrangements for such a reunion are made, the host hotel for the occasion should be in Heidelberg proper. The cost of rooms for the reunion would be considerably higher than the prices of outlying hotels, but the need to be in Heidelberg itself should outweigh other factors.
Of course, if the membership should decide that a reunion in Heidelberg is out of the question, then we should be thinking of another area in the United States for holding the 2012 gathering. Interestingly enough, the Reunion Network Inc. is now establishing its schedule for 2009 Confab cities. That projected list, beginning in March and ending in early November, is provided here to give you some alternative reunion sites to consider in lieu of gathering in Heidelberg. The list includes Columbus, GA, Myrtle Beach, Warren City, Lebanon, OH, Fredericksburg, VA, St Louis, MO, Jefferson City, LA, Washington, D.C. area, Dupage County, IL, Louisville, KY, Appleton, WI -- Fox Cities, Nashville, TN, Wilmington, DE, Lubbock, TX, and Jacksonville, FL.
If you wish to include your views regarding the 33rd ABAA reunion for 2012 -- or even for 2011--Frank would also be interested in getting them from you as well.
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Frank J. Trapani (55-56) wrote in early August, saying: "Hello, Frank S. My wife and I went to an army band concert in Astoria, OR. several nights ago and met a former member of the 33rd. He informed me about the web site. We are surely enjoying it, and thank you and those involved for its formation. I would definitely like to join the membership. I served in 1955 and 1956 playing the clarinet in the marching band and the bass clarinet in the symphony band."
"If possible, you might update my information on the Alumni page. I have no objection to your printing my addresses. I would love to contact some of my buddies. 1912 Trapani Lane, Walla Walla, WA.99362 ftrapani@charter
"We do have some pictures that I can send you. They underwent a flood in my basement several years ago but many are still O.K. Would you be interested in them?" (Ed. Note: The newsletter editor is always interested in receiving pictures.)
Later in the month he responded to Frank's reply to him, saying: "If our paths didn't cross when you got to Heidelberg, we were very close. As a brief autobiography: Upon returning back to the U.S.A. I went back to Penn State U. to finish my last year. Worked for an uncle of mine in Lancaster, PA for about a year. Went back to N.Y. and enrolled in the Chiropractic Institute of N.Y. Upon graduation, we moved to Hawaii where we lived and practiced for thirteen years. Moved back to the mainland in '74 to Walla Walla, WA and practiced here until I retired in 1998. I am married (55 years), three grown children. Still work as a teacher of anatomy, physiology and nutrition."
"How's that for flying through almost 55 years?"
James Westerhouse, Sr. (62-63) wrote to respond to the information in the previous newsletter dealing with the Confab in Fairfax County, saying: "I see that you may be in the neighborhood in September. If so, please give me a call and maybe we can get together for a beer or something. We will be in the middle of our usual hectic instrument rental season but I can probably get away for a couple of hours to chat. Maybe other alumni can get with us as well." (Ed. Note: Unfortunately, our schedule was so busy that we simply did not have time for a visit.)
James made the following suggestion: "Since we already met in D.C., other east coast sites might be Richmond, VA--a nice place to visit. VCU has a great music department, and I could possibly arrange a tour with a friend of mine at American Drum - check Premier website for link - a mallet manufacturer, located east of Richmond, or Norfolk, VA, (which has the Naval School of Music). In between there is Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown as well for places to visit. I'm sure you are also aware of the possible venues of the Washington, D.C. area. If you have any other interests or questions, please let me know.
Do you receive the info from the 7th Army/USAREUR Soldiers Chorus? Having been a member of both the 3rd and 7th Army Chorus I receive info from both. If not, there is a link on my business website to the chorus as well as the 33rd.
I look forward to meeting with you, if this is possible, but if not, please give me a call anyway.
Dick Rabideau (72-73) wrote to Dee Tonning and provided the following information: A couple of us early 70s alums who get together occasionally noticed the note from the daughter of an acquaintance in the recent "Passing in Review." We served with Robert Templeton (I couldn't have given you his first name as we always called him "Temp") and would love to make contact. If Mandisa (daughter noted in the newsletter) or Robert get in touch, could you pass along my email address? Let him know that Dick Rabideau and Gary Maki still talk fondly of the "world's best chicken livers," served by Temp's wife. He had talked and talked about his wife's chicken livers and then one night invited us over. We have not forgotten.
"Thanks for your efforts with the website."
Mark L. Aldrich (74-76) wrote a brief note and then enclosed a list of former 33rders that he'd be interested in getting in touch with. He said that he is an Associate Professor of Music at Salem State College, and he gave his phone number as 978-542-6297.
Jim Briney of Rochester, Indiana, who is not a former 33rder, wrote, saying: "I was stationed at Patton Barracks during the 1972-74 time frame. I was a supply sgt. assigned to the 147th AG detachment (postal) 09102 during my tour of Germany."
He said he picked up the newsletter editor's name and address from the web while looking around for pictures of Patton Barracks. Earlier this year (in April), he reported that he was in Germany on company business and got to spend a couple of days in Heidelberg, going back to Patton Barracks. He said he was "heart broken" when the taxi delivered him to "what used to be the front gate (now no gate) and ...saw that the Patton Barracks "arch" had been removed." He had thought in returning to Heidelberg he might might get an MP escort of Patton Barracks, but that did not happen. He said, "I did go back to the castle and the old bridge, also took a river boat tour." He then asked about the reunion we had projected for Heidelberg, specifically wanting to learn how the newsletter editor and his wife had been able to get on post. He requested some photos, which the newsletter editor subsequently forwarded to him.
Daryl Floyd, member of the 7th Army Soldiers Chorus from Jan. 86 to Jan 88, wrote to say he was "looking to hook up with anyone who served with me in the band during that period of time. I found some names I remember on your list. I am already hooked into the chorus alumni folks with Steve Miller but he doesn't have info on bandsmen. Can you help me?
Dave Songer (75-78) wrote to say that he was not listed. He said: "I was a trumpet player, bass player and french horn player. I spent most of my time at Kelly Barracks near Stuttgart, Germany. There were others as well. Robert Wutkins first trumpet, First Sergeant Robert Hill and David Quinn euphonium. Please let me know if you have any info on the people in the band at that time.
Richard McFerron (75-78) wrote shortly before the newsletter editor and his wife left for Virginia, saying: "Frank, I was hoping to catch up with you by phone sometime--you retired guys are hard to pin down! I hope everything went well in Portland. I had a chance to talk to Scott and he was very pleased. Unfortunately the turnout was a little light, but that didn't seem to matter.
"I hope you are feeling well--the last time I talked to you, you were having back problems. Apparently you are traveling OK. I see you will be coming back East this week. I was hoping I could make contact with you--our son and his family live in Fairfax County. Unfortunately, we have a wedding this weekend and I still have to deal with those pesky work assignments earlier in the week. I hope everything goes well with that meeting. If there is something I can assist with in the planning for the next reunion, please let me know. We are about 4 hours from the DC area. You recall I was able to provide some help when we met in DC a number of years ago. (Ed Note: Richard did indeed help when we met in DC in 1999, and if we should return to DC in 2010, the help of Richard and others in the area will definitely be welcomed.)
Tom Zaremski (75-76) wrote Dee Tonning in early September to provide his address and phone number: PO Box 98, North Hartland, VT 05052; telephone: 972-606-4818. He included information about Brian Wilbourn, whose email is as follows: bwilbourn@sbcglobal.net. His address: 3024 Marigold Drive, Grand Prarie, TX 75052.
William (Woody) Woodworth (56-58) wrote on September 16th, saying: "Hi all! We're off this evening for our two-week stint in Germany. We will hoist a beer to you in Heidelberg for old times." Upon his and Diane's return he forwarded some pictures. To view these pictures, Click Here
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33rd Army Band Alumni Association Executive Committee
Chief Executive Officer: Frank Schlatter, 3111 Futura, Roswell, NM 88201.
Tel: 505-622-6898
Email: obfusa@rt66.com
Website: Dee Tonning, Webmaster, 2265 Tawny Woods Pl., Boise, ID 83706
Email: dtonning@aol.com
Directory (Membership) and Newsletter: Frank Schlatter
Annual dues are $15, payable to 33rd ABAA and sent to the CEO.
Website Address: http://www.rt66.com/~obfusa/33rd