97th Engineer Battalion (Const)
Reunion 2014 Planning Briefing
Number 9, Updated: 23 September 2014:
Weather Forecast Links
2014 97th ENGR BN REUNION ATTENDEE LIST: (As of 23 September 2014)
- ACHÉE, MITCHELL, (son of Colonel Fernand M. Achée, Jr.) (Reserved, Registered)
- ACHÉE, ANNIE (Wife) (Reserved, Registered)
- CARTER, (née ACHÉE) DENI (sister; graduate, Verdun High School, Class of 1965) (Reserved, Registered) Share–a–ride request to St Louis, Oct 5
- BRANDER, BILL (Chaplain) (Reserved, Registered)
- BRANDER, TRUDY (Reserved, Registered)
- BROWNING, JAMES (Registered)
- BURDETTE, LEE (Registered, Reserved)
- BURDETTE, FRAN (wife) (Registered, Reserved)
- CASTLEMAN, LARRY L (Reserved, Registered)
- CASTLEMAN, KATHRYN (Reserved, Registered)
- DOWNEY, WILLIAM R., II, (served in Philippines as the unit inactivated following WWII) (Registered, will decicate the Bn plaque)
- DUPONT, STEPHEN, (son of LTC Albert Dupont) (Reserved, Registered)
- DYSON, JAMES (Reserved, Registered)
- DYSON, PATRICIA (Reserved, Registered)
- FARMER, DAN (service veteran friend of Stephen Dupont)(Reserved, Registered)
- FARRIS, JESSE (Registered) Local resident
- FARRIS, NATALIA (Registered) Local resident
- HEVERIN, BRIAN (Reserved, Registered)
- JACOBSON, JIM (Reserved, Registered)
- JACOBSON, PAT (Reserved, Registered)
- JANOW, MAX (Will Register at the Reunion)
- JANOW, STELLA (Will Register at the Reunion)
- JEDNORALSKI, J NEIL (Reserved, Registered)
- JELEN, TOM (Reserved, Registered)
- JELEN, BARB (Reserved, Registered)
- JOHNSON, TERRY (Reserved, Registered)
- JOHNSON, COLLEEN (Reserved, Registered)
- KENDRICK, CSM BUTLER J. (Engineer Regimental Command Sergeant Major, DINNER GUEST,
- COCHRAN, KEVIN D. driver for Regimental CSM (Dinner Guest)
- KOCSIS, STEVE (Reserved, Registered)
- KOCSIS, CAROL (Reserved, Registered)
- LePEILBET, MICHAEL (Reserved, Registered)
- MULLINS, JACQUELINE (Registered, local)
- MULLINS, LLOYD (Registered, local)
- MURPHY, TERRENCE W., Ft Wood CSM (DINNER GUEST, local)
- NACCARO, REMY (Reserved, Registered)
- ORME, VERNON (Reserved, Registered)
- PANTOJA, ROBERT (Reserved, Registered)
- PANTOJA, LINDA (Reserved, Registered)
- PATTERSON, GORDON (Pat) (Registered)
- PATTERSON, LINDA (Registered)
- RICKS, DONALD M (Reserved, Registered)
- COLWELL, DONNA ANN (Reserved, Registered)
- ROTC CADET (Color Guard Guest) (Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO)
- ROTC CADET (Color Guard Guest) (Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO)
- ROTC CADET (Color Guard Guest) (Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO)
- ROTC CADET (Color Guard Guest) (Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO)
- ROTC CADET (Color Guard Guest) (Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO)
- SCHOONOVER, BILL (Registered)
- SCHOONOVER, RUTH (Registered)
- SCRIMPSHER, JUDY (Registered, Registered)
- SCRIMPSHER, RAY (Registered, Registered)
- SMITH, DR. ROBERT, Director of the Fort Riley Museums (DINNER GUEST)
- STROTHER, MARILYN (Registered, Reserved)
- STROTHER, PHILIP (Registered, Reserved)
- THEISEN, DAVID COLONEL, GUEST SPEAKER, Assistant Commandant , U.S. Army Engineer School
- WILKES, TERRY G. plus two (daughter, Edith Tommie, and granddaughter Elli) (Reserved, Registered)
- TOMMIE, EDITH (Reserved, Registered)
- ELLIE (W/WILKES) (Reserved, Registered)
- WILKES, NORI (Reserved, Registered)
- WORKMAN, GEORGE (Reserved, Registered)
- WORKMAN, ANNA GAIL(Reserved, Registered)
REUNION SCHEDULE FOR OCTOBER 1-3:
REUNION SCHEDULE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4:
BANQUET MENU, SATURDAY, 4 OCTOBER:
REGIMENTAL ROOM, 97th ENGINEER PLAQUE LOCATION:
UPDATE: 27 August: IMPORTANT DONATION OPPORTUNITY
This is an after the fact briefing on an important matter of which we were not previously aware. Rather than initially soliciting funds to complete another important part of the typical plaque dedication ceremony, BG Michael LePeilbet decided to take positive action and ordered the item. There are numerous unit flags hanging in the Regimental Room, and the previously unknown matter is to also dedicate an approved unit flag installed in the museum under the production authority of the United States Army Institute of Heraldry. The cost for the 97th Engineer Battalion unit colors flag is $650, which General LePeilbet has already submitted. However, I asked our chairman of the plaque committee, Lloyd Mullin, if we could continue the plaque donation effort to cover the stated cost from our still–open plaque fund. We would, of course, reimburse General LePeilbet with the donations, and the contributor’s name will be posted along with others on the plaque donation list. Your participation, while not required, will be appreciated and acknowledged.
If anyone wishes to donate to help pay the cost of the flag already on order please send your tax deductible donation made out to the Army Engineer Association (AEA) to Lloyd at the address provided above.
Names of contributors will soon be posted, if there are no objections.
Mailing address for donation checks (you may also donate at the reunion):
- 1329 Dale Drive
- Lexington KY 40517
- or call Lloyd at (859) 948-1434 and speak with him
Mr. Morgan asked if we had photographs and other engineer related documents to share with the Engineer Museum Scanning Service. We revealed that we have possession of two albums from the families of former commanders, LTC Dupont and LTC Gardiner. They would like to scan and have these and any other photographs within their historical archives for use in publications, newsletters and special projects. Their scanner is large and the latest technology, and after receiving a briefing on their procedures and safeguards I suggested that we could ask the families for permission to share their album with the Engineer museum. As of 29 August, the families and the web site have received a DVD containing scanned photos or materials belonging to the families of LTC Dupont, LTC Gardiner, and COL Pressley. Mr. Morgan sent these following documents for informational use and to explain their program:
Upon arrival and during sign–in, please let Don Ricks or Larry Castleman know your room selection, plus number in your party:
Don Ricks email Larry Castleman email
When calling the hotel to make reservations, please indicate you are with the 97TH ENGINEER REUNION, the number in your party, number of rooms needed and whether smoking or non-smoking, and any special needs ($62.99 for all rooms). These are the codes generally used by the hotel. Again, if you require a smoking room, please let the hotel know:
If you have certain diet or mobility considerations, please let me know that, too.
- 1 KING (NK1, non–smoking):
- DOUBLE QUEEN (NQQ1, non–smoking):
- ONE QUEEN LEISURE (includes sofa w/bed; BNK1, non-smoking—there is an adjoining room available):
- JACUZZI (smoking room; say they can clean air with an oxidizer):
- ACCESIBLE (PNK1, non–smoking access):
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: Baymont Inn and Suites, St. Robert: (Updated 27 march 2014)
logo for Direct accessWe have an hotel agreement at a total rate of 71.71 per night. YOU MAY MAKE YOUR RESERVATION NOW! Please use the first link below to access the agreement, if interested. The second link is to a PDF form that will assist you in the selection of the type room you desire. Using this form, please call the hotel to make your reservations. When you have your reservation, please email Larry Castleman and let him know you have have reserved a room:
USA TOURS TO PROVIDE OUR TOUR BUS: (Updated 3 April)
Our boots on the ground at St. Robert, Natalia Farris, made contact with a company familiar with veteran groups and we are in the process of arranging a contract for Friday, October 3, 2014. We paid a deposit of 200 dollars toward the total amount and your registration fees will cover remaining costs.
Our tour bus to Fort Leonard Wood, with pick up at the hotel at about 8:00 AM (specific departure time will be available after we have our Friday schedule from Protocol), will remain with us throughout our itinerary and then drop us off at the hotel at 5:00 PM . Since we must pay for this convenience, each attendee will be assessed a $10 fee at registration. Any remaining costs are pledged by a tour member.
Here are several photographs that show the type and style of 57–passenger coach we expect to have. This bus does not have handicap accessibility but lowers to the ground so that anyone requiring that advantage may have a lower access:
REUNION 2014 REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS (Word and PDF): (27 March)
Please download, print, fill out, and mail your form in to the address on the form:
QUESTIONS (add to as necessary):
- Are we still going to have a meal in the Troop Mess Hall? ANSWER: Yes, that will be in the tour schedule.
- Do we have a volunteer to photograph the event, especially the plaque presentation? ANSWER: This would be a good idea and the position is open to anyone who wants to volunteer and assist.
- Engineer Museum Scanning Service—Reference all the photos, documents, orders, etc. that were sent to you for the web site, should we bring those items with us for the museum to scan? ANSWER: Yes, you are encouraged to bring any documents or photos to the museum. They desire to copy history.
- Can we Volunteer to help with work before and during the reunion? ANSWER: Yes, we can use assistance in many areas. The wives are also invited to participate. Please see the above list.
- Should charge a fee for Hospitality Room (snacks, soft drinks, wine, etc.) plus for pizza on Thursday and the Saturday dinner? ANSWER: Yes, we plan to ask participants to pay a reasonable price for their meals and to help operate the Hospitality Room and provide water during the tour. (This is covered in your registration fee)
- What if some have a special requirements/needs—such as wheel chairs, special foods, drinks, etc.? ANSWER: Please let any committee member know your need. We will provide an answer or solution for you.
- Post Exchange (PX) shopping: We have asked our Protocol Office contact for official permission to shop at the PX on Saturday before our museum tour and evening event. The PX will be available to us from 0900 to 1400 hours on Saturday. If possible, to avoid any possible probvlems, please ask a military ID card holder to be there if you plan to make a major purchase.
VOLUNTEER WORK OPPORTUNITIES (Updated 12 June):
- Hospitality Room setup and attendance. Volunteer workers are: Larry and Kathryn Castleman, Lee and Todd Burdette, Michael LePeilbet, Don and Donna.
- Reunion Photographer (every camera, send your in after the reunion!). There is a suggestion that we explore the possibility of a photographer coming to take photos and to produce a momento photo booklet of attendees for a small price. Comments, please?
- Name tag production. Volunteers taking care of this: Larry Castleman and Lee Burdette
- Greeters. Volunteers are committee members.
- Safety/Security Observers. All committee members.
- Transportation Sharing (number of available seats in vehicle). Ricks has eight seats, Burdette has 3 seats, Castlaman has ? seats.
- Reunion Banner. Lee Burdette has this covered.
- Plastic tote bags for reunion related handouts. (Natalia Farris will have these)
- Ice Chests. Ricks is bring one medium sized chest and two smaller ones. The Farris’ will also have one, and we have asked the hotel to provide a refrigerator in our Hospitality Room.
AIR TRANSPORTATION: (13 August)
Major airports to and from the Fort Wood area are the Kansas City and St. Louis terminals. If your needs include air transportation please check both destinations for price comparisons.
There might be a possibility to combine costs for those who have transportation needs. We can announce to the attendee roster in our newsletter those who desire to consolidate and share rides. If you desire this arrangement, please send an email to Don Ricks to have your name added to Share–a–ride request.
FOR THE COMMITTEE:
Donald M. Ricks
Reunion Coordinator
256-303-9714
PETS AT THE REUNION:
This note is to address the question of pets that might accompany guests at the reunion:
In regards to your inquiry dated 8/12, I have spoken with the General Manager and she has no problem with guests bringing pets, but [pet animals] are not allowed in the hospitality room or breakfast room at anytime. She would like for [everyone] to also understand that [they] will be fully responsible for the [pets] and must have total control of them as well. In regards to a kennel, we have Rocky Top Kennel that is located in Waynesville. Kennel info:
Rocky Top Kennel
Pet Sitting Service
23725 Red Oak Rd
Waynesville, MO 65583
573-774-2900
rockytopkennel.com
contact: cindy@rockytopkennel.com
We do have veteran attendees who will have a licensed service animal, and there is no restriction on these animals either in the hotel, on the bus, or during all scheduled events .
If anyone has a special requests for physical or nutritional accommodation, please let us know.
Don Ricks
Reunion Coordinator
FINALLY—:
LOCAL TEN–DAY FORCASTS:
