517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team Annual 517th PRCT Reunion July 17-22, 2006 Portland, OR

Progress Report - 517th Reunion, July 17-22 2006
 

Due to the outstanding efforts of the 517th Reunion Committee (517th troopers and the 517th Auxiliary), we have accomplished the first major step of getting aboard for 2006. Seems like a long ways away, but not really, as previous "planners" may very painfully recall. Please note the following:
 

1.  The site

• Red Lion Hotel, On the River; Portland, OR.  It is a beautiful hotel, on an island, in the Columbia River and in Portland. We seem to travel from one major U.S. river to another. We should have joined the Coast Guard. The Portland International Airport (PDX) is a short distance away. The hotel provides free airport transportation as well as free parking at the hotel. The hotel is a recognized facility for service to the disabled (including elevators).

2.  Room rates

• During the scheduled pre-registration period-$ 89.00 and $ 99.00, plus 12.5% appropriate local and state taxes.

3.  The weather

• Normally during July is outstanding.

4.  Events planned - Tentative

• One day white water rafting (for ambitious, healthy adults and children likely age 12+ )
• One day visit to Vancouver Barracks Portland, U.S. Army (2006), and Hudson Bay Post (1862), as the guest of the National Park Service. Visit with 1862, vintage "re-enactors;" and US Army mess, or 517 BBQ, baseball game (the 12+ year olds vs. their seniors). Visit to the Hudson Bay Fort located on the post. Also visit to adjacent Pearson Field airport a vintage WWII museum; travel via Military trucks, and for Veterans only - chopper rides (don't have to fight the traffic on the bridge).
• Additional possibles: Tour of Portland, River cruise Columbia River, visit to McMinnville Airport Museum (Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose), Visit to Mt. Hood or Mt. St. Helen's volcano, or possibly the Oregon Coast.
             

We are working on some, or all, of the above. So this is known as our military "Warning Order." Please note the dates on your calendar. For the peace of mind of the 517th planners as well as the hotel, be prepared to send in early reservations.

The 517th Planning Committee, and Gene Frice, 517th President