Reunion 2010 Reno, NV
Reunion 2010 Reno, NV
To: All the Great Veterans of the 31st Infantry Regiment
From: The Commander of the 31st Infantry Regiment Association
Subject: A Special Invitation to the Annual Reunion of the 31st Infantry Regiment Association.
1. This year is a special year for our Annual Reunion. From 27 to 30 August 2009, we will assemble at Fort Drum and Watertown, New York to be hosted by the Regiment's only battalion currently on active duty, the 4th Battalion 31st Infantry. The battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Greene, along with the unit officers, NCOs, and Soldiers have been proactive supporters of the 31st Infantry Regiment Association and have gone an extra mile to demonstrate their respect and honor for those veterans who have so proudly served in the Regiment.
2. The base of operations for the reunion will be the Best Western Carriage House Inn in downtown Watertown. Activities will range from tours to the Sackett's Harbor Battlefield, a boat tour of the Thousand Island area out of Alexandria Bay, and a tour to Boldt Castle, but the highlight of the reunion will be a “Day with the Polar Bears” on Friday 28 August 09 hosted by 4-31 IN at Fort Drum. The reunion banquet, on Saturday, will be held on Fort Drum at the Commons which is a grand and beautiful facility that boasts the best banquet food in the region.
3. 4-31 IN has planned their unit organization day around the Association's reunion. On that special Friday, we will be able to observe our active duty brothers in sporting events, meet their families, and be hosted to a picnic day early dinner provided by 4-31, but the key event for the day will be a live fire small unit air assault demonstration with supporting fires on OP 6A.
4. The Association leaders and reunion coordinator have tried hard to keep costs for the reunion down given the current economic times. Hopefully, by having the reunion in New York State many of our east coast members will be able to drive to Watertown. Enclosures to this letter include the Reunion Registration Form and the Itinerary for the Reunion. I urge members to return the registration forms early to facilitate final planning. While we will not press the issue with late fees, we do request your attendance commitment by 17 July.
5. I look forward to seeing all our “Old” brothers in arms at the reunion and having a grand time with our “Current” warfighters. By the way, the 4-31 IN has just received final orders for its next deployment. So our shared time together at the reunion has a special significance.
Pro Patria,
Ron Corson
Commander, 31st Infantry Regiment Association
JRC/jrc
Day One (Thursday: 27 Aug 2009)
Arrival - All Day - Welcome Table and registration - Best Western Carriage House Inn.
Hospitality Room - a section of the main ballroom at Best Western
1100 - 1600 - Luncheon at the Sackett's Harbor Brewery Restaurant and a Guided Tour of the War 0f 1812 Sackett's Harbor Battlefield.
Dinner - on your own.
Assistance available to help any individuals or groups make reservations at local restaurants in the Watertown area.
Day Two (Friday: 28 Aug 2009)
All Day - Welcome Table at the Best Western.
Hospitality rooms at Best Western
0800 - 0930 - Breakfast Buffet
1000 - 1800 - “A Day with the Polar Bears” at Fort Drum
1000 - Board buses at the front of the Best Western.
1030 - Arrive 4th Battalion 31st Infantry - Battalion Headquarters.
1030 - 1345 - Observe 4-31 IN Organization Day Events in unit areas.
1345 - 1400 - Board buses and move to Range OP6A.
1400 - 1500 - Observe 4-31IN Squad (+) Live Fire Air Assault Demo from OP 6A.
1530 - 1545 - Board buses and move to Remington Pond Recreation Area.
1600 - 1745 - Early dinner at the Recreation Area hosted by the 4-31IN.
1745 - 1815 - Return to Best Western.
Day three (Saturday: 29 August 2009)
All Day - Welcome Table at Best Western
Hospitality Rooms at Best Western
0800 - 0930 - Breakfast Buffet
0930 - 1000 - 31st Infantry Memorial Service
1000 - 1100 - 31st Infantry Assoc. General Member Meeting - All Members
Finalize design of plaque(s) for 31st Infantry Memorial Ft. Benning
Election of Officers
1110 - 1600 During the day optional tours (Advance reservations required):
Tour of Boldt Castle - Thousand Island Area - Alexandria Bay.
Guided Boat Tour of Thousand Island Waterways - Alexandria Bay.
(Buses will depart at 1110 and return at approximately 1600)
Formal Banquet - The “Commons” at Fort Drum
1730 - Buses and cars load and move to Fort Drum
1800 - Cocktails
1900 - Posting of the Colors
1915 - Dinner and speaker followed by the Shanghai Bowl Ceremony
And then Dancing, Singing, etc., and actions by the DJ
Buses will depart at selected times after the Ceremony - Last bus 12:30 AM.
Day four (Sunday: 30 Aug 2009)
Check out day - See you next year in Reno, Nevada
Hotel Information & Reunion Notes
The Best Western Carriage Inn and Conference Center will be the Reunion HQ. It is located in downtown Watertown, NY. Parking is free. The Hotel is located approximately 5 Miles from Fort Drum. Buses will be available for events at Fort Drum, but civilian cars may also be used. Post vehicle stickers are not required and arrangements will be made for entry at the Ft. Drum Main Gate for registered reunion attendees with civilian picture IDs.
Best Western Carriage House Inn
300 Washington Street
Watertown, New York 13601
(315) 782-8000
Room rate is $89.00 for single or up to 4 person occupancy - Group Rate 31st Infantry Reunion. Parking is free.
Airport
Syracuse International Airport (SYR)
Distance: 72 Miles South of Watertown
No shuttle is available to Watertown (Rental car is the best option).
Registration Form
Registration forms are not designed to be completed on line
