ThanksMom:

I'll bet that even people in the NC and GA states would come to it......."

You might even get one or two from Florida....

Heidi

Not that I'll be able to attend this get together, but just a thought that perhaps folks ought to think about having it near a major airport:  1. So it doesn't take 2 connecting flights and a zillion dollars to get there; and 2) fewer people would have to rent a car and/or pay a zillion dollars for gas; and 3) it would be do-able over a weekend without spending the majority of time and money just traveling to and fro.  Remember there are people in other parts of the U.S. other than the East Coast...  I know... it's hard to believe it, isn't it?

Debbie

Thanks for those suggestions.  Being in the upper half of fly-by country direct flights are at a premium.  Plus, not being much of a traveler anything requiring connections especially involving more than one airline is a bit intimidating to me.  One of my neighbors always says "location, location, location is everything." 

WOW... keep those thougts a coming!! Here is Marty's reply... 

Actually we escaped the DC area and moved to Indiana.

I would love to do something like this.
Key problems of course is the When and the Where.
Then of course is the Why.

Getting together would be great, but besides just meeting folks it would be good to actually DO something (like invade Walter Reed, or the Wounded Warrior Battalion at Camp Lejeune, or...) or at least visit a place with lots to do 'off line', like D.C., Chicago, L.A., etc.  Air travel isn't getting cheaper, so a more central location might help (maybe).

Chris, why don't you get more info on this idea, as I will, and lets aim at something. One idea is for folks to attend the (not yet announced) golf tourney that Major Gary Bourland is working on for March at Quantico. I know, snow boots and golf balls...who but us??  Maybe we can work in a dinner/conference same/before/next day...? Motorcycle or snowmobile rally (depending on the weather)?


-Marty Horn

So... if we really want something to happen... let Marty know what you think!! Keep suggesting here to so that it others will see what is going on too!!

Thank you all for all you do!!

May God bless you all!

Just a thought -

someplace middle-ish country (lots more space than either coast and beautiful scenery for anyone doing early a.m. walks/runs:) plus it's usually cheaper that the coasts, etc ) with sports events - wouldn't mind the Indie 500,etc -never been to it, NASCAR - or baseball games/football games near Veteran's/Wounded Warrior hospitals/Homes where we might have a chance to break a few folks out and take them to a game/dinner/ whatever we can get tickets to.  Someplace where the flyers can fly to, train riders can ride to and drivers can drive their whatever they drive to.  Affordable hotels, maybe truck stops - they usually have affordable meals. 

Ok - dreaming over.  Any of this possible?

Ann

Oh - forgot the CW music venue near would be nice too.  Nashvile, Louisville, Branson? (Skip Branson - too far from the coasts:)  Branson - never been there and it's mid country.

As congested as it is, DC is do-able and LOTs of patriotic stuff to do, but would probably be expensive accomodations, no?  Anyway, it IS a great place to visit....although let's avoid the heat & humidity of summer, the snow of winter, and the crowds of Cherry Blossom Time....lol  And, remember, we could all storm the Senate or Pentagon as a lobbying force for better armour and protection and care for our men and women over there...

Vegas is another option...LOL  Aren't there lots of "gambler's specials" flights from other parts of the country?.....even if you don't gamble...lol  There is lots to do, with lots of golf courses, and shows and such....  And the weather isn't usually too bad except in the heat of the summer.

Dallas is very middle....BUT all the weather in the whole world passes through Dallas, eh, Ruth?  But we could have our own connection to the VA hospital there with Ruth by our side....

Now.....Here's a thought...What about a cruise?  There are always theme cruises and groups who get together for them....  Contacts could get away with their spouses for some romance, and we could have letter-writing and scrapbooking activities and....party on....

Disneyworld or Disneyland could also provide family time....

OK---I'm getting out of hand, so I'll stop for now...LOL

Deb

The other 'grass root' efforts I belong to rely on members to join together and propose their hometown as the meeting place.That way you have a 'host' to answer questions and set up (even free rooms need notice) meeting places.

For example, I live near Altoona, Pennsylvania. Train station, check, small airport, check, approximately 2-3 hours from three major airports (Philly, Pittsburgh, DC), check so that covers the requested transportation wishlist? Veterans' Hospital, check, Veteran's Home (Hollidaysburg, right next door), also check, and even a convention and visitors bureau with promotions, maps, etc. We have a minor league baseball team (the Altoona Curve), for the sports minded. There are amusement parks, if it is summer. Best of all--outlet stores to buy pretzels and candy for your soldiers! There are B&Bs, hotels, campgrounds, and all in a wide variety of prices and amenities.

The important thing would be --how many Pennsylvania forum members might help organize something here?What- 3 or 4 got together for the scrapbooking project so I know there are people nearby...

Anyhow, that's my 50 cents worth.

Thanks, Mom

As I realize this isnt possible for everyone but "Julie the cruise director here"(me) had some ladies in for the scrapbook project and this last weekend and it was AWESOME! I have some feelers out to others for my own private production in a few years but my invite is open to anyone who wants to come visit. There is more to do around here than I could possibly ever explain to you all... anything from an hour and a half to Gettysburg, a super cool place to  visit if you've never been. This last weekend we cooked dinner in, laughed our rear ends off, went to a huge craft festival, then went to see one of the weirdest wonders of the world Gravity Hill. On top of the possibility for huge shopping, lots of good eating, plenty of places to stay, super cheap, and tons of stuff to do like visiting railroaders museum, seeing the world famous horseshoe curve. Etc etc etc. As always my invite was and has always been open to any of you junkies... theres already a small group of us who love each other dearly would love to see the rest of you face to face....

Amy

no1dunn:

....Getting together would be great, but besides just meeting folks it would be good to actually DO something (like invade Walter Reed, or the Wounded Warrior Battalion at Camp Lejeune, or...) or at least visit a place with lots to do 'off line', like D.C., Chicago, L.A., etc.  Air travel isn't getting cheaper, so a more central location might help (maybe).

-Marty Horn

So... if we really want something to happen... let Marty know what you think!! Keep suggesting here to so that it others will see what is going on too!!

Thank you all for all you do!!

May God bless you all!

I agree with Marty and doing something in the DC area like Walter Reed Medical Center........or just hook it up when Maj. B. gets a golf tournament together.   Even if we don't golf........we can try to meet in the area and do other things........This can certainly turn into a great GROUP EFFORT!!!     I'm still thinking........something a few months off.........and all of us creative people could make things too.........

Love peace and blessings.........Anne Marie

Hi Chris,

I just checked and it's only 1-1/2 hours from Baltimore to Quantico.  I've friends in Baltimore.  So I checked the flights and even with the high prices right now, it would only cost $250 for a round trip ticket from Milwaukee, WI to Baltimore, MD.  I don't play golf, but hey I'm sure I can ride around in a golf cart as well as anyone else!  It would be nice for a group meeting & yes, if possible, get some of the veterans out for a good time too.

Just my $0.02.

Hugs

ThanksMom:

The other 'grass root' efforts I belong to rely on members to join together and propose their hometown as the meeting place.That way you have a 'host' to answer questions and set up (even free rooms need notice) meeting places

Hi Thanks, :)  Interesting grass roots concept - is it a local group only?  Or is it a larger group?  Would be interested in any more info you have on it if you would PM it to me.

I kind of like the not so big city ideas but then again I live close to a lot of big cities and actually was born country so I like to go back whenever I can.  Nothing against big cities but there's a lot more space further out - not to mention wildlife. 

On a recent trip thru PA we saw no less than 3 groups of wild turkeys (one a group of 6 hens just wandering on down the interstate like hitchhikers ) and one little ole BEAR sticking his head out of the woods.  Pondering wether or not to cross the road??  Don't know?  Wasn't going to stop to find out.  The only 'wildlife' we get around here are skunk, possum from the swamp and the squirrels that eat the garden stuff.  Oh yeah - the poor deer ya have to call the Wild life guys about.

Anyway - what's more Patriotic than visiting a Veteran's home whatever state it's in. 

Of course I could go for supporting an Any Soldier golf tournament altho I'd probably be riding in the cart like someone else here said:)  Safer that way:)

Ann

FIRST.... let me just say right here and now.... WOW..... ALRIGHT..... FANTASTIC..... GREAT JOB EVERYBODY!

NEXT.... let me just say right here and now....  SIGN ME UP!.... I'M IN!.... POINT ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!!

Now... This started with some thinking between Anne Marie and I about my return to my home town (Beaufort, SC)  to spend time with my Mother and a visit with Anne Marie and her husband. On a spur of the moment thought about (at that time I thought Marty lived in SC) Marty living in SC and other's that have contacted me because our unit is in SC.... I suggested we tried to make it a big get together. Anne Marie let me know right away that it HAD been talked about before but know one jumped on it and threw me to the wolves... "HEY Chris, sounds like a great idea.... why don't you see what you can do!" Well... I am not stupid... I KNOW I am not an organizer and planner that this needs. So, I threw the ball to Marty. If you have read earlier in the thread you know I did and he replied. And now MANY of you have joined in with your thoughts. I have asked you to post here so others may be inspired with their own ideas or just fall in love with what they see here. I also asked you to send your ideas to Marty... so maybe he would grab onto something. This is his sight and I think the first meeting should be where ever he wants it to be. But that doesn't mean that any or all of the burden needs to fall on him. It is going to take SOMEONE special.... to go through all these GREAT ideas and work up a weekend get away that would appeal to MOST of the people... you can please SOME of the people ALL the time... (you know the rest).

So, it is not JUST picking out a place but also coming up with ideas of what to do. I think if it was a Friday to Sunday thing... in a place where people could rent many different places and prices to stay.... a Saturday luncheon or dinner where everyone could meet and greet... then possible things for the weekend where we can come and go as we please with who we please. SOMETHING along that line... I guess. Anybody a GREAT organizer and planner??? Someone or SOMETWO THRE OR FOURS take the rein of this shin ding and start getting something together that we can shoot for in (guessing here) Feb Mar or April. How's that sound? Any takers?

Thank you all for your input. Don't stop and keep refining and compiling of all the things here to help the PERSON(S) who pick up this sweet deal.

May God bless THIS adventure TOO!

Chris.....

Just wanted to give you an update about me getting re-started with my walking.......

So I wake up early today and again it is pouring.....OK I said...i'll walk later tonite.   I went out to donate blood tonite and was successful (which is a big feat for me...as usually my iron is low....so I must be doing SOMETHING RIGHT!!!!!)   She told me to get alot of fluids in me....some juice right now......and avoid any exercise!!!!   I smiled and said OK.   Now I know the fitness guru (YOU) is shaking his head to that......Shame on me.......I know...........

Just had to share that with you.....

Love peace and blessings..........Anne Marie

Hello Anne Marie.... sorry with packing up to leave.... going to out processing meetings AND still working ten hours a night... not much time left but some small emailing and much needed sleep. On the routine thing.... I myself have to start over! I laid off while I was getting into all this out processing stuff and now I had to drop down to five sets of ten on my workouts and just two miles.... which got me to thinking... if I can cut back and still expect to get in shape... maybe all of you should CUT BACK too! This is what I propose for all of you... instead of going out there everyday and hitting it as hard as YOU ALL have been going at it... and just about killing yourselves I AM SURE!! Why not just set a goal of walking fifteen minutes a day... TO EASY RIGHT??? And if it really is too easy why not add another fifteen minutes at the opposite end of your day? AND if all that is TOO easy 30 minutes on each end would be great! Do you see what I am trying to do? WE all are so busy with our lives that we are not HELPING our bodies to live our lives longer better and healthier! Just get out and walk...OK??

Like Nike says... JUST DO IT!!

GOD BLESS the feet you walk on... please

Feel free to change out Lynn's name and give this to your loved one... but change the time accordingly.... that is.... IF you like it!!

 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY LYNN

We have been together now for 15 YEARS
We have shared much laughter and many tears

For 180 MONTHS we have grown together
It is only a beginning of always and forever

It has only been 5.400 DAYS
And I love you in oh so many ways

In 129,600 HOURS you have taught me a lot
Daily I strive to give you all that I have got

It has been just 7,776,000 MINUTES now
If I could love you more I'm sure I don't know how

But for the next 466,560,000 SECONDS I promise you
I will always be fun loving, faithful and true!

I LOVE YOU!!
by Chris Dunn
0100 hours
14 October 2008