Navy Patrol Bombing Squadrons 102/14 Association

Navy Squadrons 102/14 Association
PEORIA ILLINOIS IN 2004

When volunteers for the 2004 Navy Squadrons 102/14 Association reunion were virtual-high non-existent at the 2002 reunion in Boston, it was decided by those attending the business meeting that an offer to hold the 2004 reunion in Peoria, Illinois should be accepted. The offer was a direct result of a solicitation from Harold Wilson, Director of Reunions at the Pere Marquette Hotel. Harold will do some of the necessary “footwork” for us at no charge. I will handle the communications and rule on the final decisions. Hopefully this will be the result of some input from you members.

We have been guaranteed a room rate of $85 per night, which is offered for seven days prior to the reunion as well as seven days following the reunion. The hotel is a refurbished hotel that dates back to 1927 and is on the National Register for Historic Places (if that is the terminology). You can always use the extra 14 days to just sit and watch the corn grow.

Several good golf courses are available for our traditional golf tournament at a current rate of $30, which includes a cart. Would like a volunteer to bird dog this event, as I know little to nothing about golf. How about you, Harvey, Diggs, Mac, Bob Dimmitt or any volunteer? I’ll set everything up and all you have to do is determine the rules, prizes and whatever else you folks have been doing.

Four major airlines (United, American, Delta and Northwest) serve Peoria. The only downside is that it requires one stop in such places as Chicago, St. Louis, Denver, Atlanta, Kansas City or some major city, depending on where you are coming from. The hotel offers free shuttle service to and from the airport. They also offer the van, on a reasonable basis, for any local transportation. The airport is about 12-15 minutes from the hotel.

A minor note. A group photograph is offered for a small fee and will be delivered on the same day it is taken.

There are two riverboats docked at Peoria. One is a stationary boat with gambling and food service aboard. The second boat (The Spirit of Peoria) runs tours up and down the Illinois River, including a 2-hour dinner cruise with carved prime rib. It also offers several options for one, two, three and four-day cruises. Serious consideration is being given to scheduling a post-reunion cruise, providing enough attendees show an interest. Present tariff for the cruises run approximately $140 per day, which is all inclusive of meals, drinks snacks and lodging. The over-nights are in such places as the Starved Rock Lodge as well as other comparable quarters. There is a large dance floor aboard for the Leons, Chuck Whelan and Barbara Peters and the Thomans as well as any others who care to partake. This is an old paddleboat that dates back to the late 1800’s. All transportation and luggage handling is included.

If you, your family or friends have a computer, you can check out the boat at www.spiritof’peoria.com . Starved Rock at www.starvedrocklodge.com and the Pere Marquette Hotel at www.hotelperemarquette.com

At present, the basic plans are merely ideas. Your input is requested to assist us in formulating the final plans.

Other possibilities are a tour of the Caterpillar Plant that is a free all riding tour , and if you are the Las Vegas type, gambling is available on a docked riverboat that sports reasonably priced meals. The hotel will provide a first night reception for members and guests.

Tentative dates for the big bash in 2004 are September 8-12 with a possible overnight river cruise on September 13- 14 for those wishing to stay over. The 2004 schedule for the boat will be available November 15 and dates will be firmed up at that time.

Among units that have reunioned at the Pere Marquette are the Battleships Iowa, Maryland and South Dakota, The Pearl Harbor Survivors National Convention, the 5k” Marine Division, the Carriers Lexington and Coral Sea, seven Army Divisions, the U. S. Sub Veterans and the Patrol Gunboat Association. It appears that we will be in good company. Additional information will be disseminated as it develops but please, please plan to hold the above dates Available for Reunion I 5 ---- our 28th year in existence.

MY 98 year old aunt assisted us in evaluating the site and while driving south her question was, “Can I come to the convention.” Sound wild? We think that you will be pleasantly surprised. Please join us. Y’alI come.

Bob