2012 Reunion info,
When: May 31 to June 3 2012
Where: Gulfport MS. As I get hotel info I will add it here to upcoming emails.
What’s going on:
Basic Plan of Event:
Thursday May 24: Arrival day
Friday May 24: 07:00 Open Hospitality room and set up
08:00-??:?? Auction items on display, Sea Stories
Casual meet and greet. Snacks and soda will be provided,
18:00-21:00 Silent auction A Cash Beer bar will be available.
Saturday May 26: 08:00 Open Hospitality room
??:??-??:?? Commissioning of USS Mississippi SSN782
16:30 Hospitality room closes for Banquet prep
18:00 Banquet room opens for Happy Hour with a cash bar.
19:00 Meal served
20:00 Auction starts
Sunday May 27: 07:00 Hospitality room opens Coffee provided
08:00 Meeting to discuss Next Reunion Location and events
11:00 Close and depart
When should I make reservations? As soon as we get you the info please do so!
What about my Dues? The Dues are $25.00 per year. They should be sent as soon as you can to the address at the bottom of this email. Made out to CGN40 Reunion Assoc.You may pay 2011 and 2012. Or if you wish you can pay a few years in advance also.
What are the dues used for? Dues are used to pay for assorted expenses incurred in running the reunion association. Like Postage, envelopes, long distance phone bills and office supplies. It also pays for things at the reunion, like advertising the reunion in Navy Times and other periodicals. The Hospitality room itself, Coffee and donuts, sodas and other items for the hospitality room.
What happens at the Banquet and Auction? There will be a social hour starting at 18:00 with a cash bar. The meal is at 19:00. It will include 3 entree choices various veggies and salads. Along with your choice of soda, coffee and tea. We will have a reduced rate for children under 12, kids under 4 eat free off your plate. We had a large number of late cancels on a previous reunion that put the association in the hole financially so this year the Banquet fee must be paid in advance! If you must cancel and you notify me before the cut off date. Your fee's will be returned. The banquet cost will be put out in an upcoming email as soon as I have it negotiated.
We then normally have a few words from the CO's, Command Master Chiefs and any other shipmates so inclined. The auction will follow shortly after. We ask that everyone bring an item to be auctioned off at either the silent auction or live auction. It can be related to the USS Mississippi or the Navy. Or it can be something else you feel people would want. The auction has become one of the highlights of our reunions. With so many great items to bid on, we have had some really fun times. Not only have shipmates competed on items, but even husband and wives have competed against each other to win an item. With laughs had by all!
What are some of the auction items? Carla Metzler has in the past agreed to bring more of her pictures for both the silent auction and the live auction. I'm hoping she will do so again!! You can see them at www.digitalauntie.com , and then email her your suggestions using the contact button on her site. Please put CGN-40 in the subject line.
Here are some of the items from past reunions.
Phillies's World series baseball.
July Forth Picnic basket.
Nautical Knot Plaque.
Wine and Cheese Basket
Please let me know what you are bringing, so I can add it to the list.
What should I wear for the Banquet? Suit and tie is not required, but you should dress to impress! We will have a photographer taking portraits and candid shots.
Where is the trip going? To the Commissioning of the Next USS Mississippi SSN782.
Who will be at the reunion? Will you? Please let me know if you will be attending. So I can plan accordingly. The more that confirm early the more that end up coming. I plan on creating a confirmed list. And will include it with a future email.
What can I do to help? Glad you asked! There will be a few jobs that need extra bodies at the reunion. But the biggest help you can do now is contact as many shipmates as possible and encourage them to attend. If you would like a crew list to help you make contact just ask.
What else is going on? Lots of Sea Stories to be sure. We always honor our fallen shipmates at the Banquet. What else would you like us to do? I'm open to all idea's to make it a better reunion!
Jay Martin
152 S. Chestnut St.
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
717-278-0757
cgn40@comcast.net
