USCGC Eastwind

Reunion

May 17 to May 21, 2004

Plans are coming together nicely for the upcoming, first ever Western Eastwind Reunion to be held at the Ramada Express in Laughlin, Nevada. The dates are May 17 to May 21, 2004. To date about 40 rooms have been booked at the very reasonable rate of $20.00 per room night. The Ramada Express and the Laughlin Visitors Bureau are making every effort to assure a memorable event.

Shipmates arriving Monday will be piped to the quarterdeck for the Liberty Muster Cocktail Party from 1700 to 1900. This will be a cash bar with complimentary hors d’ouvres and dutch dinner to follow in any of the Ramada’s restaurants or any of a myriad of restaurants in the area. Tuesday will be a day of leisure. From 1800 to 1900 cocktails will be served by the pool followed by a sumptuous Mess Deck Barbeque outside in Town Square. Wednesday will be a full free day. Thursday will feature the Wardroom Banquet in the Pavillion preceded by a cocktail party, again from 1800 to 1900. Friday morning will be the Set Sail Farewell Breakfast in the Pavillion at 0800.

Numerous activities have been planned or self-guided activities are abundant. A few have even shown interest in a golf tournament! There is plenty of shopping right next door in the 60 shop Outlet Mall. Riverboat rides are plentiful, old mining towns are near and there are attractions in the other casinos. The Ramada has an American Veteran’s Museum plus a free hourly Patriotic Show, free train rides and free shuttle to the outlet mall for those who would rather ride than walk.

Upon arriving, shipmates will be greeted in the Eastwind’s Hospitality Room with a welcome aboard gift bag full of souvenirs. During the Liberty Muster Cocktail Party there will be drawings for free gifts. Following Tuesday’s Mess Deck Barbecue a large group of items will be presented to the holders of the Lucky Liberty Cards. Winners will have Wednesday and Thursday to redeem these at local Laughlin attractions. These prizes will range in value up to $150.00 and will be from Laughlin are attractions and Eastwind shipmates.The Ramada is also donating meals for two in many of their restaurants PLUS full room comps. Winners of the room comps will receive a check for the full basic room charge for their stay during the reunion. There will be a Keno tournament, we are working on a gaming class for newbies and we are working on a group river boat tour.

Let us not forget what is right at the Ramada! A 53,000 square foot casino with more than 1500 slots, plus all the table games, 5 award winning restaurants, entertainment geared to our age group, (even the background music is from our era!) a great swimming pool and a caring staff.

Shipmates coming from afar are flying into Las Vegas and renting a car. The drive is 1 ½ hours to Laughlin. Having the car gives the flexibility to tour and sightsee as wanted.

On Friday morning at 0700 we will replace the Ramada’s staff for the presenting of the colors. A committee will be appointed for this and all are invited to attend. This will be followed by a speaker in the Pavillion just prior to the 0800 Set Sail Farewell Breakfast.

A word about attire – don’t go out spending a tidy sum on clothes for this reunion! No jackets, no ties, nothing formal, no dresses. Lots of casual, sport shirts and shorts. AND don’t forget the swim suits and cameras.

Rooms can be booked by calling the Ramada Express at 800 243 6846. When booking refer to contract #8763, Eastwind Association, for the $20.00 rate. You’ll pay more otherwise. We have guaranteed a block of rooms for the $20.00 rate, anyone reserving after the guarantee is filled will have to pay a slightly higher rate, so reserve early! The meal package will be done separately by using the coupon below. Let’s have a good showing and a good time!

Important internet connections:

Phone committee (Louie LaRiccia) 623 434 6805