Bringing reunions and locations together since 1991 magazineVOL 22 | WINTER 2019 A SNEAK PEAK AT The National Museum OF THE United States Army IN THIS ISSUE Planner’s Perspective—When Sales Contacts Change A Special Message from Veterans Affairs The National Army Museum— A Fitting Tribute to those that served Military Reunion Network | WINTER 2019 | #militaryreunionsmatter FROM THE situationDESK To our Reunion Planner Readers, In the Fall 2018 issue of the MRN Magazine, we The combined results of the surveys provide a included the 2019 Reunion Planner Survey. Just snapshot of the full market industry. Did you know, 21 questions that take less than 5 minutes to by the way, that September is by far the preferred answer. I appreciate the responses received so far. month to have a reunion? (No, it is not just your HOWEVER, over 11,000 of you receive this magazine reunion, hundreds of reunion planners said the and well, I was a bit disappointed that more surveys same thing.) Perhaps you would be interested did not arrive in the mailbox. If you think your to know that 69% of you have a reunion website individual responses don’t matter very much, I am while only 51% have a FaceBook page. (for more here to tell you they DO! information check out The State of the Industry article on the website. Just click on MRN Blog). In the Hospitality Industry, Military Reunions are considered a segment of the overall business many If I need to beg, I will. If I need to dangle a carrot are attempting to attract. The Military Reunion out there, I will do that too. Every survey that has Market is made up of over 14,000 reunions been returned by April 30th will be entered to win annual with a combined spend of over $100 $250. (Sent it already? If you included your name, million dollars. (Are you feeling more important you are already entered) If you don’t want hassle yet?) Representatives rely on The Military Reunion with stamps and envelopes, Network for best practices, market statistics and as Visit the website and click on SURVEY (See how easy a vehicle to promote themselves to you. (Member that is?) Listings start on page 27 by the way.) I thank you in advance for your help. It really makes I rely on you to share what is working, what isn’t and a difference! where improvements are needed. I rely on you to share what you are experiencing when you are going through the planning process. I rely on you to tell me about your reunion, where you like to meet Sharon and when. Sharon Danitschek, President Bringing reunions and locations together since 1991 Published by: Military Reunion Network, Inc. President: Sharon Danitschek - [email protected] - www.militaryreunionnetwork.com Subscriptions to Military Reunion Network Magazine are free of charge to qualified reunion planners. Copyright ©2019 by The Reunion Group, all rights reserved. Military Reunion Network Magazine is not responsible for opinions expressed in editorial material. The opinions are exclusively those of the authors and do not express the opinions of Military Reunion Network, its staff, its members, its advertisers, or its readership. All editorial material is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The Military Reunion Network assumes no liability or responsibility for errors, mistakes, misprints, missing information, or content of advertising. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher. 2 Military Reunion Network | WINTER 2019 | #militaryreunionsmatter contentsTABLE OF A Fitting Tribute to Thank you to our advertisers Those Who Served.................................................5 PAGE SPONSOR 3 Visit Oceanside A Public Health Approach 4 Branson CVB to Partnership ...........................................................8 6 Visit Fairfax VA 6 Colorado Springs CVB 2019 Reunion Planner Survey ..................... 11 10 Holiday Inn Bayside 13 Seattle Southside Upcoming Events ................................................14 18 Greene County 21 Dayton CVB 24 Visit Plano A Planners Perspective ................................... 20 25 Visit Jacksonville Upcoming Reunions ......................................... 23 Interested in advertising? Visit our website: www.militaryreunionnetwork.com Member listings ....................................................27 Dear Valiant Vets, It’s reunion time. Love, O’side For your upcoming gathering, there’s no destination more military • Complimentary Planning minded or surf-and-sun-soaked than Oceanside, California— • Group Rewards home of Camp Pendleton and all things O’riginal O’side. • Discount Room Rates The platoon of group travel specialists at Visit Oceanside stands • Customized Itineraries and Group Activities ready to whip your celebration into fighting form, complete with: • Shuttle transportation Get started today by contacting Dana Higgins at 1.760.637.9953 | visitoside.org/military-reunions 3 Military Reunion Network | WINTER 2019 | #militaryreunionsmatter BRANSON HONORS VETERANS EVERY DAY. VETERANS DAY PARADE Join us for Military Reunion Network’s Central Regional Round Table May 3-7, 2018 To request a Military Reunion Planner Sales Kit contact: Julie Peters, CTIS, CEP at [email protected] 417-243-2117 4 Military Reunion Network | WINTER 2019 | #militaryreunionsmatter AFITTING TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED On a hillside above the Fairfax County Parkway, just a few miles south of Washington, DC, a battalion of construction workers is pouring concrete and hoisting large steel beams to erect a long-overdue tribute to the more than 30 million men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Army. The museum, the Army’s first national museum in its 240 year history, will celebrate the service and sacrifice of 11 generations of American soldiers. It will preserve the Army’s history, educate the American society. public on its evolution into the world’s premier Six galleries will trace the Army’s history from fighting force, and inspire both current and future 1775 until the present day; a seventh gallery will generations. examine the Army’s unique role in American The Army’s proud history will be brought to life society, from spearheading advancements in in state-of-the-art interactive displays, as well as science, technology, and public health to helping to by thousands of artifacts (both large and small) integrate America. and pieces of artwork, many of which have never Additional exhibits will examine what life is like been exhibited publicly before. Artifacts will range for Army families, how soldiers use technical and from tanks, helicopters, landing craft, and airplanes problem-solving skills to achieve their missions, and to personal items that soldiers have carried into – most importantly -- tell the personal stories of combat. Together, the artifacts and displays American soldiers throughout the Army’s history. will vividly convey the Army’s proud heritage, A circular Army Theater will show a 15-minute its present-day mission, and its role in shaping motion picture entitled “Of Noble Deeds” Continued on page 7 5 Military Reunion Network | WINTER 2019 | #militaryreunionsmatter RALLY THE TROOPS When it’s time to gather, share stories, and pay tribute, we have the place to make the most of your time together. With easy access to Washington, DC and a wide range of hotel, dining and entertainment options, Fairfax County, Virginia will help make your reunion one to remember. The new National Museum of the United States Army opening in Fairfax County in 2020 Visit FXVA.com to learn more. we’ll get you THERE welcome to THERE. Pikes Peak - America’s Mountain, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the National Museum of World War II Aviation create the backdrop for reconnecting with life- long friends. Fly in to the Colorado Springs Airport to start the fun sooner, and let our professional staff help you plan a reunion to remember in Olympic City USA. VisitCOS.com/meet 6 Military Reunion Network | WINTER 2019 | #militaryreunionsmatter Continued from page 5 three times an hour, highlighting the experience of American soldiers in combat. A 306-degree screen will wrap around the audience and immersive special effects will dramatize the dangers that soldiers face on a daily basis. Virtual reality simulators will allow visitors to experience the training that today’s soldiers undergo for their missions around the world. For veterans’ associations and other groups, to average between 500,000 and 750,000 visitors the museum will offer a dramatic, inspiring, one- annually. Both admission and parking will be of-a-kind setting for hosting receptions, dinners, free. The museum will be located on the grounds ceremonies, and other special events. The soaring of Fort Belvoir; however, visitors will not need to and expansive Main Lobby of the museum will pass through base security in order to visit. The accommodate seated dinners for up to 450 guests, new attraction will be located less than 15 minutes and the Veterans Hall will be able to accommodate from George Washington’s Mount Vernon and less 160 guests for seated dinners and presentations. than 30 minutes from downtown Washington, DC. The Medal of Honor Garden, a beautifully The National Museum of the United Sates Army is landscaped outdoor area, will accommodate scheduled to open to the public in 2020. weddings, receptions, and other celebratory events. Visit Fairfax, Fairfax County’s award-winning DMO, The museum will be equipped with full catering is already working with Army reunion groups and facilities. other associations looking to hold events at the The museum will encompass more than museum as part of their gatherings in Fairfax County 185,000 square feet of space, with ample room and the National Capital area. Planning assistance is for expansion over time. Attendance is expected available free-of-charge at www.fxva.com. 7 Military Reunion Network | WINTER 2019 | #militaryreunionsmatter The question came up recently about the mission of The Military Reunion Network. For reunion planners, our focus is to provide a place for resources, education, and connection to the “military reunion minded” hospitality industry.