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Class of 1970
40 th REUNION
Reunion Invitation Letter
Date: 3 June 2010
A SPECIAL INVITATION TO
USAFA CLASS OF 1970 AND GUESTS AND FRIENDS
Since the Reunion Committee was formed last fall, much has been accomplished in creating a great reunion and class party. We have a great hotel (same as for the 35th), an exciting football match-up, and a tremendous class project that will be the linchpin of the USAFA heritage program. In addition, the squadron reps have done a yeoman job in re-establishing communications with almost everyone.
Bear with me as I walk you through our planning philosophy and some of the nuances of the registration process. One important goal was to emphasize that this is our class party. The AOG has been great with their administrative support, but we are the key organizers. There is a single registration cost for all, independent of your AOG membership status. Second, we wanted to leave time for informal socializing. Many of you have not been back for decades, and we want to have time to get reacquainted. Third, we wanted to be completely transparent in our planning and get feedback from non-locals about your interests and desires. The path we have walked can be examined in the Reunion Committee meeting minutes. We have received many good ideas.
So let me walk you through the registration process. The first link is to the AOG Class of 1970 web site (www.usafaclasses.org/1970/).The first thing you will see is the beginning of this letter again explaining the registration process. Just follow the links to make hotel reservation, order merchandise, order football tickets/tailgate tickets, view and donate to the SEA Memorial Pavilion (Class gift), and view the Reunion schedule. Several points should be made:
--The registration cost is per person. There is a $50 late charge for registering after 29 Aug 2010.
--The hotel cost includes a hospitality suite with coffee and pastries for the duration, 20% discount at the hotel restaurant, and a Friday morning buffet breakfast. The Wednesday night mixer is an optional sign up for $25. Contact Jennifer Ganzler at the AOG with any special needs, including requests for the vegetarian meal for the Friday banquet. If you want to arrive at the hotel before 28 Sep, please call the hotel. On-line reservations only work for 28 Sep-4 Oct. Cut-off date is Aug 29, 2010. The hotel link is: http://www.mariott.com/hotels/travel/cosmc-colorado-springs-mariott/?toDate=10/4/10&groupCode=aogaoga&fromDate=9/28/10&app=resvlink . Phone reservations are made at 1-800-932-2151. Mention “USAFA Class of 1970 Reunion”.
-- The Thursday morning golf tournament is a shotgun start at 0800. List your pairing names on the registration form.
--Seats at the football game will be on the east side near the Cadet Wing. Tailgate tickets are ordered through the Athletic Department link along with the football tickets.
--When ordering merchandise, remember that the registration packet will contain two etched coffee mugs. Additional mugs can be ordered on-line.
--The SEA Pavilion will be the centerpiece of the Heritage Trail. Those who have not been back for awhile will be truly impressed with the Trail (located just NW of Doolittle Hall/AOG building) and our class gift. Thanks to all who have made the significant donations required to fund this gift. But the committee wants to stress that we are still approximately $195K below the amount needed to complete the physical construction of the pavilion. This amount is needed by Nov 30th. Future plans call for additional displays and a historical narrative about SEA. We want to encourage many more of you to step forward with your donations. The pledge form is very straight forward and easily used for time-phased donations. [Pledge Form] For those not in the seven squadrons funding benches, you can designate pledges to any of the nine KIA classmates (listed on the Gone But Not Forgotten page - look for the *. Please use the link here or on the "Home" page to view a video of the building and donate to the project while you have your credit card out.
--Lunch at Mitch's is open to you and guests, but we are limited to approximately 100 people on Thursday. So sign up early. All guests will need the name badge provided in our registration package. If you cannot pick up your package at the Reunion hotel during check-in, then go to Doolittle hall and get a temporary name tag at the front desk or call/e-mail Jennifer Ganzler (jennifer.ganzler@aogusafa.org, 719-472-0300 ext 138) telling her you will pick up your registration packet at Doolittle on Thursday.
I realize I probably have forgotten to address some areas of interest. Feel free to contact me or any member of the committee with any questions. To make this a great event, we need you to encourage all of our classmate contacts to register. We will have a list of registrants on the class web site and will be encouraging maximum participation as the summer arrives. Please monitor this web site periodically for the latest information. Two networking sites have also begun on Facebook and Ning.com.
Again, thanks for all the excitement many have expressed about the reunion. It will be a great reunion because you are attending.
For your reunion committee,
Dave Gaw
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