Volume I, Issue 2
May 15, 2003

Please direct any questions immediately to Don and Chris Hall, 4421 Commons Dr. E. # 413, Destin, Fl. 32541 Ph. 850-650-3048 email: djhdestin@cox.net. Hotel reservations by July 23rd, replies to Don Hall by September 5th.

Veterans of VP-24 (and its predecessor squadrons), we are pleased to provide you with the details of our 2003 Reunion. VP-24's 20th Reunion promises to be one of the best. Join Shipmates and friends in Jacksonville Beach on October 24th, 25th and 26th to renew old friendships, reminisce, make new friends and see today's NAVY!

In this information package are Reunion details, costs of various activities and hotel details. Early indications point toward a well-attended Reunion. Please make your hotel reservations as early as possible - within the next 60 days! All hotel rooms on the Beach are expected to be taken, given the Blue Angels weekend festivities!

HOTEL RESERVATIONS - Squadron headquarters and ready room will be in the Holiday Inn SunSpree on Jacksonville Beach. You will have your choice of staying at the beautiful SunSpree Resort located directly on the beach or the brand new Marriott Fairfield Hotel located directly across the street from the Holiday Inn. These Hotels are owned by the same company. We have reserved a large block of rooms that will be held until July 23rd, after that they will be released to the general public. There are a limited number of 2 night stays at VP-24's special rate. Act fast and act NOW! VP-24's special rate at the Fairfield is $75.00 per night! Rooms at the SunSpree will be $79.00! A credit card will hold your room (no charge until the event!) This location will afford all of us a fabulous view of the "Sea and Air Show" including the Blue Angels.

The SunSpree has 140 rooms of which 80 are beach front rooms. Call early to get an ocean view! You can call toll free, 1-800-590-4767 to make your reservation for either hotel. Ask for the VP-24 SPECIAL RATES! Check-In Time: 4PM Check-out Time: 11AM.

Holiday Inn SunSpree
1617 N. First St
Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250
Toll-Free: 800-590-4767
Fax: 1-904-241-4321
Tel: 1-904-249-9071
Email: jbhigm@shanerhotels.com

RV-TYPES Hanna Park Campgrounds is available for you near Naval Station Mayport, 7 miles from hotel, $18.00 per night. 500 Wonderwood Dr. Atlantic Beach, Fl 32233. (904) 249-4700.

Make your hotel reservations for the special rates by July 23rd, Reunion replies to Don Hall by Sept 5th

SHUTTLE We have made special arrangements with American Airport Shuttle for those of you arriving at Jacksonville Airport. One way rates will be reduced to $15 per person + tip. Simply go to the Ground Transportation / Arrange (Blue Sign) and ask for American Airport Shuttle. Normal cab fair is $40+! Sign up if you want to use this service!

REUNION PROGRAM

The 2003 Reunion program will include check in Thursday afternoon and evening October 23rd or first thing Friday morning October 24th. There is a $10.00 per guest Reunion registration fee.

Base Tour - Friday, October 24th morning at 0930 buses will be leaving the SunSpree Hotel bound for a planned tour of NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Our visit will be hosted by an active VP squadron that will also give us a tour of squadron spaces and their P-3C Orion aircraft. Additionally we'll chow down at the mess hall and we expect to have access to two P-3 flight simulators. Bus costs will be $10.00 per person. You're on your own for the mess hall bill ($2.80)! Return is expected around 1600. Spouses are welcome or may take part in the spouses program!

St. Augustine Tour - For the spouses, Friday October 24th. a conducted tour of beautiful St. Augustine, Florida, 35 miles south of Jacksonville. Travel by air-conditioned motor coach and trolley tour of the old town of St. Augustine with all of its charm, shops and restaurants. Beginning in 1959, and continuing today, the state has an ongoing preservation effort, meticulously restoring many colonial structures to their original appearance, and historic St. Augustine has become a center of colonial Spanish culture and an important destination for travelers from all parts of the world. Depart SunSpree Hotel at 10:00 AM with expected return at 4:00 PM. Cost: $37.00 per person, including the bus and trolley tour, food is not included.

Everyone is on there own Friday evening - a good time for mini-Reunions, ready room reminiscing and strolling through the Town Square! Maybe a history lesson or solving a VP-24 mystery or two!

Saturday October 25th

Fashion Show - for the spouses, relax at the SunSpree Hotel on Saturday and enjoy a mid-day fashion show and luncheon before the air show. The only cost is your lunch! A minimum of 30 spouses is required to have this show. Take a break from all this military stuff!

Business Meeting - We'll start Saturday off with an all hands business meeting from 0830 - 1000. Then it's time for the Sea and Air Show and/or fashion show. You can wander out on the beach at the hotel, or pull up a chair at pool side or walk the few blocks to the Town Square which is the center point of the Blue Angels Air Show and Marine Amphibious Assault landing. This program is normally scheduled from around 1000 concluding around 1600 hours!

Squadron Banquet - Our centerpiece Squadron Banquet will be proceeded by a cocktail hour from 1800 - 1900 on Saturday eve. at poolside in the SunSpree Hotel. Dinner will follow from 1900 - 2000. Dinner will be served in 2 dining areas, but we'll all come together at 2000 hours for an evening of friendship, reminiscing, dancing and good times. Dinner buffet will cost $25.00 per person, including tip. We're working on a surprise guest speaker as well!

They'll be little time for golf, but for you die-hards tee times can be set up for Sunday October 26th morning. Please indicate on the attached reply sheet if and how many are interested in golf.

Departure

Casual departures and good-byes all day Sunday Oct 26th. Start recruiting and planning for next year!

Contact your lost Shipmates and get them to attend the VP-24 2003 Reunion. THE BEST YET! Bring your ideas about improving our association and Reunions to the business meeting. We also need a 2004 Host Team and Reunion site, preferably in the southeast!

Merchandise

We're trying to be as efficient as possible in supplying you with squadron merchandise. Jim Burke is taking orders, place your orders NOW, call him directly! Orders taken until August 1st! All prices are PLUS $5.00 shipping! The squadron has hats, coffee mugs, golf shirts, embroidered tee shirts, patches etc. There will also be a raffle at the banquet for some great merchandise - so bring some spending money! See the reply form for particulars! There will be a very limited amount of merchandise at the Reunion! Note Jim's two different contact points!

Summary

Help make this Reunion the best ever. Get in touch with those long lost Shipmates and crewmates. Past Reunions have been a blast, with your support JAX can be the best! Make your hotel reservations for the special rates by July 23rd, Reunion replies to Don Hall by Sept 5th.

DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!

Regards,

Reunion Form

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"VP-24 (VB-104, VPB-104, VP-104, VP-HL-4, VA(HM)-13) Alumni Association"

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