VX/VXE-6 3Rd National Reunion

VX/VXE-6 3rd National Reunion

Pensacola, Florida 4-8 November 2015

NOTICE - NOTICE - NOTICE

The VX/VXE-6 Association cordially invites you to join us for the 3rd National VX/VXE-6 Reunion. We're confident that we have chosen the premier place to stay in the Pensacola area - the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front Hotel. Our first priority is ensure that your visit will be a memorable, safe, and happy one.

Date: Wednesday, 4 November through Sunday 8 November 2015

Registration Fee: $115.00 per person

(Registration Form available at http://puckeredpenguins.org)

Point of Contact: Dan Knox

850-516-3301

Karla Japzon

850-261-4722

Mailing Address: VX/VXE-6 Reunion

523 Seapine Circle

Pensacola, FL 32506

Venue: Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front

12 Via de Luna Drive

Pensacola, FL 32561

850-916-2999

http://hiltonpensacolabeach.com

Hotel Reservations and Rates: Room Reservations are the responsibility of the attendees. 150 rooms have been blocked for the VX/VXE-6 reunion in the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front. The hotel is located in the heart of Pensacola Beach, Florida and overlooks the Emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Pensacola International Airport is less than 30 minutes away, while water sports, shopping, and exciting nightlife are within walking distance. All official gatherings and meetings will occur on this property. The room rate is $129 + tax per night for Gulf Front rooms and $109 + tax per night for Sound Side rooms which is comparable with other hotels/motels in the area for this time of year. When making reservations, mention the reunion code: VX-6/VXE-6. Rooms are limited , so book early to get the room of your choice. Rates cannot be adjusted at check-in or checkout for guests who fail to identify their group affiliation when making reservations.

The special VX-6/VXE-6 room rate is available from 1 November through 8 November, so come early and stay late.

Hilton Amenities

· Renovated/Expanded in 2013

· H2O Cajun-Asian Grill

· Bonsai Sushi Bar

· Latitudes Pool Bar

· In-Room Dining

· Beach service and water sports

· Fusion Aveda Spa & Salon

· Indoor & Outdoor Pools with Sauna & Whirlpool

· Complimentary High Speed Internet

· Free WiFi in lobby, business center & conference rooms

· Fridge, Microwave, Coffee Maker, Iron/Ironing Board and Hairdryer in all rooms

· 24 hour health/fitness center

· 30,000 sq. ft. of Gulf Front award winning convention and meeting space

· Guest laundry and dry cleaning service

· No Pets Allowed

Directions

From Pensacola International Airport -- Distance to hotel: 13 mi. Drive time: 23 minutes.

· Exit Airport and turn left onto N 9th Avenue for approximately 4.2mi

· Turn left onto E Chase Street toward Gulf Breeze/Beaches - go 0.6 mi

· Turn Slight Left onto Bayfront Parkway - go 0.3mi

· Continue to follow US-98 E across Three Mile Bridge to Gulf Breeze Parkway- go 4.8 mi

· Take right ramp onto Pensacola Beach Rd (SR-399 E) toward Pensacola Beach/Fort Pickens - go 0.8mi (Toll Bridge)

· Continue on Via De Luna Drive - go 1.2 mi Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front directly on the beach to the right: 12 Via De Luna Drive

From I-10 -- Exit I-10 onto I-110 South

· Exit I-10 on Highway 110 South, exit 12.

· Go seven miles on I-110S. I-110 dead ends into E Chase St.

· Turn left on Bayfront Parkway crossing the Three Mile Bridge.

· Continue on through Gulf Breeze turning right on SR-399 toward Pensacola Beach/Fort Pickens.

· Take toll bridge to beach. Continue on Via De Luna Drive

· Our Hilton Pensacola Beach Hotel is just one mile past the toll bridge on the right 12 Via De Luna Drive

Car Rental Information: There are rental cars available via several companies at the airport or contact Enterprise for special VX/VXE-6 reunion rates at website http://www.enterprise.com/car_rental/home.do or at 850.476.0536 and present the coupon below for discount upon pickup of vehicle.

RV Parking: There is an RV park directly across the street from the Hilton. The phone is 850-932-4670 and web address is:

http://www.pensacolabeachrvresort.com/Our-pricing.html

ADDITONAL HOTEL INFORMATION

Hotel reservations must be made by 15 October 2015 in order to receive the event/group rate. The event rate is for either single or double occupancy. The hotel will charge your credit card for one night if you are a no-show and did not cancel at least 72 hours in advance. Check in is after 3 PM and checkout is by 12 noon.

AREA ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO

The Pensacola area has a mix of old and new with many attractions. The welcome aboard bag will have brochures and maps. some of the attractions are:

· Naval Air Museum on NAS Pensacola (reunion tour option)

· Blue Angels Air Show Homecoming (reunion tour option)

· Fort Pickens

· Fort Barrancas

· Down Town Pensacola shops and stores

· USS Alabama (near Mobile Alabama)

· USS Oriskany Dive Site

· Pensacola Arts Festival

EVENTS

After hotel room check-in, follow lobby signs for directions to the Reunion registration/check-in area. The VX/VXE-6 gathering and hospitality area will be on the ground floor in rooms close to the main lobby, clearly marked with signs. This will be exclusive VX/VXE-6 territory and the place to be for information dissemination, socializing, merchandise sales, tour departures, and for sharing memorabilia. Here you can rejuvenate memories and renew friendships with old squadron mates, coworkers, and acquaintances. Cruise books, VHS tapes, DVDs, CDs, books, magazines, photos, and more are welcome - - anything you want to share. Space for displaying memorabilia will be limited therefore anyone who will require space for displaying large items should contact Karla Japzon () no later than 1 October. Members of the Reunion Committee and other volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and offer other assistance.

Each attendee will receive a Welcome Aboard bag that will include a Schedule of Events, information on Pensacola and other goodies.

Throughout the entire reunion, there will be a vendor available for the purchase of VX/VXE-6 merchandise. There may also be representatives of local businesses representing scheduled tour transportation and special local civic events.

Wednesday’s events will include registration, and leisure time for looking up old friends. The day’s events will be capped with an evening of socializing that includes a cash bar.

Thursday’s events will include registration and coffee and snacks. The day’s events will be capped with an evening of socializing that includes a cash bar set up and light hors d'oeuvres.

Friday’s events will also start with coffee and snacks followed by an early association meeting, optional tours; for those not touring, the remainder of the day is free for exploration of the scenic downtown area or just leisure socializing. The day’s events will be capped with an evening of socializing that includes a cash bar.

On Saturday there will be coffee and snacks available followed by optional tours. Evening, we will move into the banquet room for dinner, guest speakers, photograghs, raffle drawings, entertainment, and dancing for those up to it. Also a cash bar will be set up.

On Sunday we will bid farewell. There will be coffee and snacks available in the reception room and it will be open until 1200 noon for final farewells.

The Reunion Committee needs to know numbers as soon as possible for planning purposes. The total cost of the meal, including sales tax, and gratuity is included in the Registration fee. Any attendee requiring a special dietary menu should contact the POC prior to 15 October. Attire is casual. We also plan to hold raffles as part of our banquet supper. Donations of items suitable for raffle or for door prizes will be accepted. It is desired that donated items be related to VX/VXE-6 or Antarctic, but any appropriate item will be welcome. Remember, one person’s “white elephant” may be exactly what another person is looking for!

ABBRVIATED SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

On Wednesday, 4 November, attendees first check-in at the front desk and unload baggage in their room, then follow signs to the VX-6/VXE-6 Registration area in the foyer. Check in with one of the Reunion Committee volunteers and pick-up your Welcome Aboard bag(s), name badge, etc. The Hospitality Room(s) will be the primary gathering places throughout the reunion.

NOTE: Naval Aviation Museum Tour, Night Air Show and Blue Angels Air Show should be indicated on your registration form so transportation availability is made prior to the events.

Wednesday 4 Nov.

12pm--4pm Registration

12pm--10pm Socializing

4pm--10pm Cash Bar

Thursday 5 Nov.

6am--8am Coffee & Pastries

8am--noon Late Registration

11am--TBD General Membership Meeting

4pm--7pm Welcome Aboard - Meet and Greet and Cash Bar Setup

4pm--6pm Light hors d'oeuvres

Friday 6 Nov.

6am--8am Coffee & Pastries

8am-noon Late Registration

9am-- Depart Naval Aviation Museum Tour

10am--TBD VX/VXE-6 Association Meeting

3pm- Depart Night Air Show

4pm--10pm Cash Bar

Saturday 7 Nov.

6am--8am Coffee & Pastries

9am Depart Blue Angels Air Show

4pm--10pm Cash Bar Setup

5pm--TBD Photographer

7pm--9pm Banquet Dinner

7pm--TBD Guest Speakers

9pm--TBD DJ (Famous Amos)

Sunday 8 Nov.

6am--8am Coffee & Pastries

6am--TBD Farewell and Checkout