Summary Data from Surveys 1 and 2

Now Let's Get a Little Background Info

How many reunions have you attended?

None 4112%

1 28 8%

2 4513%

3 4814%

4 4313%

5 4413%

6 20 6%

7 24 7%

8 12 4%

9 13 4%

All 18 5%

What did you like best about the reunions?

What did you like best about the reunions?- (1) All of the reunions have involved a lot of work and have been well done.- (2) Fall weather at West Point. Warm sunny days, cool nights- (3) Parade, sky diving.- (4) Football Game.- (5) Connecting with old friends.- (6) Visiting old haunts - South Area, Grant Hall, Washington Hall, Chapel.- (7) Day trip to the Culinary Institue of America (CIA).* Seeing classmates and catching-up.* Getting updates on changes that have been made at West Point (e.g., enrollment, academics, athletics, military programs, the physical plant, and future plans).* The Class Meeting.1. Visiting with friends2. Social events3. Receiving briefings from academy leadership on changes and improvements1. Dinner Dance2. Cadet Review3. Lunch in Cadet Mess. 4. Breakfast at the Thayer. 5. The straw hats.1. Hanging out with classmates and wives2. Alumni review3. Class dinner dance45th the Best you are asking an old guy difficult questions...The Bartholomews and the Gilberts as well as other G 1 filesattended ... Bill and Okja, etc.A chance to get together with Great Americans, socialize and not be over charged for simple things. The past events were great, excellent food, well planned and great time.A chance to talk and "catch up" with classmates.A chance to visit with former classmatesA meal, dinner or lunch and the time to chatAbility to have time to meet with old and new friends. In case of the 50th to introduce my then mistress and my current wife to West Point, my classmates and their wives.all reunions:-- seeing classmates50th:--social program at hotelAlways thought everything well planned. Hard to find any fault when the whole thing is about being back in the middle of great comrades.Associations with classmates in an informal setting.

Attended 50th. Enjoyed talking to classmates whom I had not seen since graduation.being able to see and talk to classmates.Being at West Point with classmates and bringing back all the memories.Being included with the yearbook even though Allen did not graduate.Being together with classmates and wivesBeing with classmates and sharing activities with them.Being with classmates and their spouses.being with classmates at informal times such as outdoor picnic, memorial services, 40th year gift presentation; more quiet times sitting around chatting, enjoying a few cool onesBeing with classmates that I had not seen in a very long while. The opportunity for a meal in the Cadet Dining Hall.Being with classmates. We also enjoyed some of the West Point traditional events: parade, football game, chapel.One event I really enjoyed at West Point-can't remember which reunion-was dinner dance in Washington Hall, but as i recalled, we stayed in Thayer Hotel. Supe that year was from M-2, which is important for Gary and Joe to note.Being with friends and classmates.Being with my company matesBeing with the classBoat TripBus Service, Mess Hall, Parade, Memorial ServiceCamaraderieCamaraderiecamaraderie -renewing acquaintaincesCamaraderie, especially with company mates.Catching up w/ classmates I have not seen for a while.Catching up with friendsChance to catch up with classmates and their wives. Golfing, dancing, cocktail hour, briefing by Superintendent and Dean.Chance to interact with classmates.Chance to meet classmates & spouses; renew familiarity with the Academy and its activities.Chance to reconnect with Classmates.CHANCE TO TALK WITH CLASSMATES AND THEIR FAMILIESChance to talk with old friendsChanges to mingle and chat.Dinner in Washington Hall w/ Hellcats entertainingBoat trip departing from West PointclassmatesclassmatesClassmates and wivesClassmates Visits

Company classmatesComraderie, Football Games, Touring West PointContact with prior classmatesConversation with friends, dancing, rain (sorry, just kidding).CruiseDancing at the Dinner Partiesdining with CO.B-1 classmates and visiting with prep school classmates at the 45th.Dinner in Washington HallEating in Washington Hall.FellowshipFellowshipFootball Game and the time a West PointFootball games and parades eating with cadetsFootball games. Parades. Opportunity to see quarters and facilities. Opportunity to speak with cadets.For me, the best part of reunions is the sharing of memories and filling in the intervening years with great guys and gals who have shared major moments in our lives. Academy and service bonds trump most others, and reunions allow us all to re-taste these ties. I have reflected on the practicality of a major class reunion incorporating the formality of honoring America's greatest institution - but actually holding the reunion at a memorable location other than the Academy where we can more easily make our reunion a great adventure. I guess we have all reached an age at which the opportunities for great adventures with our 61 gang are being messed with by father time -a practical reality which I blame for many of my wayward thoughts - including this one.Getting a chance to sit and talk with classmates and just "catch up"Getting re-aquainted with old friendsGetting to be with classmates I have not seen in years.Getting to see classmates, seeing the changes at WPGetting to see company matesgetting togetherGetting together with classmatesGetting together with classmates again AT WEST POINTGETTING TOGETHER WITH CLASSMATES AND SPOUSES WE HAVE NOT SEEN IN SOME TIME.Getting together with classmates and spouses.Getting together with classmates that I have not seen in years.Getting together with company mates. Updates on USMA. Football games when Army is at least respectable/competitive. Parades.Getting together with folksGood chance to catch up with long time friends.Great to get back in touch with classmates not seen in many years, especially the 50th in 2011. Hope to be able to continue to do it.Hearing what classmates have been doing & thinking since the last reunion.Hellcat performances.

Hotel accommodations & location.Informal contacts with classmates--special emphasis on company matesInformal Mixers to maximize interaction with classmatesInteracting with classmatesInteraction among attendeesI've attended none.Just catching up on the classmates.Just seeing classmates again after many yearsJust seeing old friends you haven't seen in a while.Liked the ability to reconnect with classmatesLots of time to visit with classmates and families. Extra activities based on location (plays-outings to places of interest, etc. Dancing if appropriate.Lunch in the Mess Hall, the Parade, time available for reuniting with old friends. The reunion held at the Hotel Thayer.Meet and greets with clasmates, wives and partners.Meet and renew old friendships from days gone by.Meeting and taking to people I have not seen in a long whileMeeting and talking with classmates at the dinner/dances.Meeting classmates and spouses. Simply being at West PointMeeting classmates and wives. Seeing the changes to the West Point we knew.Meeting classmates I have not seen for yearsMeeting classmates that I had not seen for some time.Meeting company mates.Meeting my classmatesMeeting old classmates/companymates.meeting old friends & newMeeting old friends.Meeting with classmates & companymatesMeeting with classmates.Meeting with fellow classmatesMostly seeing company matesN/AN/AN/Aold friendsOld friends.Opportunity for conversations with closest colleagues, such as company mates

Opportunity to be with classmates again.Opportunity to catch-up with classmates, especially company-mates.Opportunity to interact with classmates whom I have not seen in a long while.Opportunity to meet with friends and to walk around the cadet areas.Opportunity to reconnect with company mates.Opportunity to refresh friendships and rehash the antics and experiences of our class history.Opportunity to renew old friendshipsOpportunity to see and talk with classmatesOpportunity to see and visit with Classmates and their wives. When the reunion was during football season, getting to watch an Army football game.Opportunity to visit with old friendsQuality time spent with special old friends.Quiet time with friends.Reacquainting with company mates.Reconnecting with classmatesReconnecting.Reconnecting; Memorial services. Just being there with classmates.Substantial time for company activities.relaxed atmosphere so we could celebrate who we are and not who we used to be/or not beRenew friendships with classmates and to attend a memorial service for our fallen classmates. To a lesser extent, to receive briefings on current programs at West Point (academics, sports, etc.) and to participate in the Alumni Review.Renewing contacts with classmates and socializing.Renewing friendshipRenewing friendshipsRenewing friendshipsRenewing friendships with classmates and spousesExpanding frienships with classmates we didn't know well as cadets or during our Army careerRenewing friendshipsde-fogging memoriesWashington Hall mealsHell Catsregaling our wives with previously-untold storiesmemorial serviceRenewing old friendshipsRenewing relationships with clsssmates and enjoying the time together with my spouse.Reujniting with my company matesReuniting with classmates - sharing memories and stories.

reuniting with classmatesParadesWashington HallBriefingsReuniting with old friendsReuniting with our classmatesRevisiting West Point and reconnecting with classmates and spoucesSee and talk to classmates and guests.seeing classmates football gameSeeing those we do not see at Mini Reunions.Seeing "old" friends.Time to talk with classmates.Seeing & meeting folks I haven't seen in many years.Seeing and talking to classmates and wivesSeeing and talking to classmates and wives.seeing classmatesseeing classmatesSeeing classmatesSeeing classmatesSeeing classmates and catching up.Seeing classmates and familiesGetting updated about USMASeeing classmates and returning to West Point.Seeing classmates and their families.Seeing classmates and their spouses.Seeing classmates I haven't seen in years.Seeing Classmates.Seeing classmates.Seeing classmates.Seeing company mates.Seeing everyone and telling lies. Reviews when we were able to have them. Memorial service at Chapel. Eating in Washington Hall. Hellcats. Glee Club. Sunday worship with classmates.Seeing former class , company and room mates.Seeing friendsSeeing long-time friends...being in places that brought back happy memoriesSeeing my classmates and friendsSeeing my classmates.

Catching up on their lives.Seeing my company mates.seeing my old classmatesSeeing my old friends and classmatesReturning to West PointSeeing old classmates again.seeing old classmates and renewing friendshipsSeeing old classmates/friendsSeeing old friendsSeeing old friendsSeeing old friendsSeeing old friendsseeing old friendsseeing old friendsSeeing old friendsSeeing old friendsSeeing old friendsSeeing old friends and classmates againSeeing old friends and hearing war stories - which got more heroic with each subsequent reunion!Seeing old friends and visiting West Pointseeing old friends, visiting the new buildings, hearing about the current curriculum, football games in the fallSeeing old friends.Seeing old friends.Seeing old friends.Seeing old friends.Seeing old friends.Seeing old friends.Seeing old friends. The extra trips were also good.Seeing old matesSeeing the Academy againseeing the classmatesSeeing the classmates that I had a fun relationship with, primarily companymates and glee club members.Seeing West Point todaySeeing, being with classmates, prep school and USMA.Seeing/visiting with classmatesSeeing/visiting with company/class mates

Social functions and tables reserved by company.Social GatheringsSocial time together. Chapel service for departed classmatesSocial time with classmates.Socializing with classmates and getting to know some classmates that you never knew. Having time to renew really close friendships that had slipped away over the years.Socializing with classmates and spouses.Socializing with classmates and spouses.Socializing with classmates and their wives, watching an Army football game, and learning about what the USMA is doing with training and academics.Socializing with fellow grads and spousesSocializing, visiting the campusSocializing. Seeing old friendsSpending time with classmates and their significant othersSpending time with classmates and their significant othersSpending time with classmates; the events with company groups; the remembrance of those we have lostSpending time with friendsTalking to old friends with whom I had had little contact.Talking with classmates.talking with old friendsTalking with old friendsThe gatherings with music, food, drink, and opportunity to visit with many classmates.The ability to get together in both a formal and informal atmosphere and talk about Families, Military and Civilian careers, and renew some of the close ties that the Class of 1961 has had over the years.The activities at West Point.The banquets were usually very nice and they gave the opportunity for people to really get togetherThe camaraderie with classmates and their spouses.The careful planning for the many activitiesThe chance to catch up with friends I had not seen in many years.The chance to have quality time to talk, spend time, and connect with classmates who do not live in the same local area.The chance to socialize with classmates. Enjoy each others company at West PointThe chance to visit with old friends at a well-organized reunion (40th).The fellowship and toursThe interaction with friends and classmatesThe opportunity to get together with classmates and their wives to socialize.The opportunity to reconnect with old friends.

The opportunity to relax with old friends.The opportunity to relax and visit with old friends.The opportunity to see old friends and catch up. I live in the middle of the country, and do not have the chance to see classmates on a regular basis. For me, being at West Point is an important part of the experience. I have attended and enjoyed mini-reunions, but it is not the same.The reunions serve to rekindle old friendships, but more important than that, friendships are formed with people that we may have known at West Point, but we really did not know them. I have also formed friendships with classmates I did not even know at West Point.The time back with classmates. There are few functions out west where we are so the reunions are a good time to get back together. The next best thing is being back at the Academy - whether it is just to be on the grounds, getting briefings, or attending some sort of function. Again, since it is only every 5 years that we are back at the Academy, would like to have more time on the grounds.The war stories and catching up with the past with classmates.Theopportunity to renew old friendships w/ classmatesThey provide the opportunity to renew friendships with company mates and others we served or roomed with at WP, on class trips and summer details and in the Army.Time and place to meet old friends and catch up on the latest WP and Class newsTime for sharing with classmatesTime sent with company mates and other classmatesTime set aside where we can enjoy the pleasure of conversations with as many attendees as possible. I think our evening meal in conjunction with a following Hop.Time spent doing things with people from my companyTime spent with classmates. Interactions with WP-cadets, faculty, briefings.Time to "catch up" with friendsTime to converse with classmatesTime to meet and talk with classmates at the dinner and on the tours.Time to mix with Classmates. Cadet Company related activities.Time to mix with company mates and classmatesTime to talk with old friends in the class.Time with classmatesTime with classmates -particularly company-matesTime with Company matestime with company matestime with old friendsupdates by various DepartmentsUpdating established relationships with classmates and wives and establishing new relationships with lesser known classmates and wives.Visiting classmatesvisiting old friends. Company reunions. Update on USMA.Visiting with classmatesVisiting with Classmates that I haven't seen for awhile.

Visiting with classmatesGolfBeing at West Point--walk down memory laneVisiting with classmates.Visiting with classmates. The less formal the better.Visiting with friends of long standing.Visiting with old friendsVISITING WITH OLD FRIENDS I HAD NOT SEEN IN MANY YEARS. SEEING ALL OF THE UPGRADES AT THE ACADEMY.Visits with classmates.well-organized, interesting events, great communicationWent with husbandWhat great turnouts we had at both the 40th and 50th.For K-2 guys, the opportunity to get caught up on everyone's life and good stories.We'll be there.

What did you least like about the reunions?What did you least like about the reunions?

- (1) Location of hotel - Marriott in Tarrytown - too far to get to West Point. Time wasted on the bus getting to and from.- (2) Thayer is OK, but rooms are not great, noisy (toilet flushing at night), too expensive. - (3) Too much scheduled events during the day. Need more free time to walk around WP. - (4) Four straight days of rain at the last reunion.* Long travel times on busses.* Lack of free time at West Point.1. Long travel time to get on post2. Lack of back up plans in case of inclement weather50th:-- too great a distance from USMA--full program with no/little time to look around West Point individually for a couple of hours to try to absorb all the changes to physical plantAll the long bus rides. Even though it gave us time to talk, the long drives where to much.As above, cannot find fault. Been to the last three, and traveling to WP gets less fun every time, but is it more crowded or am I just getting old and cranky?Being away from West Point and the need to travel a couple of hours to get back and forth. No matter how accomodating the hotel locations might have been, gathering at places other than West Point was not anything I want to do again.BEing so far away from WP; spending too much time on busesbig rooms with tables. Hard to interact. Prefer cocktail party type of venue. Being bused all over the placeBoat ride

Both 20th and 50th were greatBUS BUS BUS BUS BUS !!!!!! The rides were too numerous, and confined events and socialization.Bus hassles.Bus ride from Tarrytown to-and-from USMA. Realize that the committee has endeavored to make this as painless as possible (thank you). All things considered--easy access to meals, large banquet hall, etc.--is staying at/nearer USMA just out of the question at this time?Bus ridesBus ridesBus ridesbus ridesBus ridesBus RidesBus RidesBus ridesBus ridesBus ridesBus ridesBus ridesbus ridesBUS RIDES AND WASTED TIME.Bus rides to and from West PointBus rides to and from West Point. All the dead time at Eisenhower Hall and other places. lack of priority by USMA staff i.e. just going through the motions with briefings et/ al.I thought the harbor cruise during 50th was a disaster.bus ridesMotel too far from West pointBus ridesToo many activities (not enough free time)Bus rides, Academy Briefings, Westchester, NYBus Rides, loud music events, bus rides, loud music events, bus ridesBus rides.Bus rides.Bus rides.Bus rides. Bad weather. Pitches for donations.Bus rides. Waiting. Not knowing who people are.bus ridingBus travel from hotel to WPBus travel time to various events

Bus travel timesDifficulty in arranging seating for a group of classmates from different cadet companies at a dinner event and removal of reserved signs from pre selected tablesBus travel to and from

RainBus Travel.Bus tripsBus tripsbus trips to and from hotelBus trips to and from West Point.Bus trips to/from West PointBus trips, but how could that have been avoided?Bus trips, gift hats, too little unscheduled time for enjoying a variety of friends.Busing to and from West PointBussingBussing, bussing etc.Boat cruise.Can't think of any thing bigCan't think of anything.Class gift costsClass meetingCrowded facilities. I believe there was no designated company seating at the last reunion.Delays and confusion at the 50th Reunion.

It was graduation week and we appeared to be a burden on an already busy staff.Did not get to see much of West PointDifficult to attend while still working full time.difficulty getting aroundDistance from home.Distance from lodging to the academy and the long bus trips. The unpredictable weather during May.distance we traveledDo not recall.Early evening dinners.everything controllable workedEverything else is secondaryExcessive transit times to activities.

Expense. The boat trip around New York harbor was an example of a high cost activity that wasn't worth it. We spent the entire time talking with friends and eating and never even looked out the window.Football gamesFootball games - weather,results, minimal attendance by classFormal activitiesFormal eatingGeography, transportation issues, time wasted.Getting there; it's an ordeal flying to NY and getting to West Point.Getting to Weschester county via air and limo.Guess there was too much travel time between the hotels and the Academy. Unfortunately the trade off is Several Small Hotels in the Vicinity of USMA or a Large Hotel (like the Marriott) with the requirement of lots of travel time.Had a great timeHaving the reunions scheduled in MayHigh cost. Important formations rained out.Hotel bus trip to West PointHudson River Boat trips and long bus rides.Hussel BusselHussel Bussel Time ScheduleI didn't really dislike anything.I haven't any concernsI haven't been able to get my wife to go, so some social activities have not been as important to me, although I brought other family members and they enjoyed the banquet, especiallyIn my mind there was nothing to dislikeI've attended none.I've thought about this for five minutes, and nothing comes to mind. The committee members who plan it for everyone think of just about everything, and they go so smoothly. Everyone is well informed concerning all the events I've attended.leaving wives alone while doing activitiesLength of travel time from our home. Hotel location too far from West Point. Too many events cancelled due to weather. ( I do realize this can not be controlled.)Liked all of itLiked everything at the 50th reunionLiked everything except New York harbor cruiseLimited free time and time to visitListening to the SupeLocationLocation and quality of lodgingBus Rides

outings like the NY river cruiseLong bus ride.long bus ridesLong bus ridesLong bus rideslong bus rides to the AcademyLong bus rides, rain, and boat ride.Long bus rides.Long bus rides.Long bus rides; rainLong bus tripsLong bus trips to off campus events, and lodging off campus.Long bus trips to WPLong bus trips.Long bus trips.Long ceremonies and long bus ridesAlways seems time is too shortLong commute to and from West PointLong distance bus trips from hotel to WPlong trip and hotel stayLots of traveling to different venues. Reunions which are too short to warrant the travel time.Loud music at dinners. I have a hearing problem.Major reunions at the Academy are very difficult to design and logistics are a bit of a nightmare.Formal USMA events are clearly essential to honoring our heritage, but I have additionally felt the need for more relaxing time and fun events with old friends - especially as the years keep flying by. This is difficult when our beds and our events are - by necessity - so far from each other.Considering, for example, the tremendous amount of time and work expended by our 50th reunion classmate planners, it was unfortunate that weather obliterated so many events, and travel and waiting time on busses provided some of the best opportunities for social interaction.Military orientations and briefingsN/AN/AN/AN/An\aNecessary business meetingsNo complaintsNo negativesno parade- rain in general,no dislikes

No particular complaints. Possibly food quality could be improved.No real complaintsNo Review at the 50th... understandable but disappointing.Not a big problem, but a few of the walks to/from events were unnecessarily long. This will become a more pressing problem.Not anyone's fault but the weather for the last one was horrible and hampered seriously our external activities.Not having time to visit quietly with everyone I would likeNot much.Not staying on post.NothingNothing muchnothing of noteNothing specificnothing stands outnothing that could be changedNothing!Parade was rained out for 50th.presentations by academy personnelProblems getting my wife Judie who has mobility issues to certain functions.RainRainRainRain & long bus rides.rain at the 50thRain on my parade.RAINMichele says "all the old people".The River Boat ride on the Hudson.Rain!!Realization that many of the absentees were deceased.Riding buses for hours!!!!!!!!!!Riding buses for long distancesRiding buses to West Point and waiting for events to take place.Riding busses.Riding for approximately two and a half to three hours on a bus to visit USMARiding the bus and being herded from one event to another.Riding the bus to West Point or NYC.

RUSH, RUSH,! ON THE BUS OFF THE BUS. NO TIME TO TALK TO CLASSMATESSame M1A1 format particularly in the last four reunions. Also, felt that the Academy was going through the motions in supporting us particularly at the football games during our 40th and 45th.Seating for dinner dance. Due to some classmates having family with them there was no room to sit with my company. We walked out of the festivities with my wife in tears because there was no where foe us to sit. We went to Ruth Chris steakhouse for a dinner alone.security checks and hotel too far awaystaying 1 hour awayStaying in Tarrytown. Bus rides and harbor cruises.Staying in that Marriott in White Planes. Except for a couple of meals at West Point and a few lectures the only thing most people enjoy is the parade. And as we saw at our fiftieth.It can "rain on our parade"!Staying in Westchester Marriottstaying so far away and the bus ridesStaying so far from WPStaying too far away from where our activities were resulting in long bus rides; which were probably expensive.straw hatsThe 50th reunion harbor cruise was the least interestingThe amount of time spent on board busses.The bus rides and New York.The bus rides.The bus trips to West Point was a drag, but under the conditions probably the only way it could be done. The weather did not help the situation either, but we can't control that.The bus trips to WP.The cost.the distance from the hotel to WPThe East coast weather (please do something about that, lol!)the endless bus ridesTHE EXCESSIVE TIME SPENT ONO BUSSES.The hotelTHE HOTEL BEING SO FAR AWAY THAT A 1 - 2 HOUR BUS RIDE WAS REQUIRED TO GET TO THE ACADEMY.The lack of opportunity to visit with old friends.The long and numerous bus rides and not enough free time.The long boring bus rides to West Point.Travel to West Point is becoming more difficult as we get older. For the 50th, my wife and I traveled about 18 hours from California with the last leg in a rental car in the dark and arrived at about 0200. Our trusty GPS helped, but driving on strange roads late at night is a concern.We were all dismayed about the weather for the 50th, but a review of weather.com shows May is the fourth lowest average rainfall per month.

October is the highest.The cost of drinks after our get-together suppers was higher than in the bar. Why?The long bus rides to West Point from our reunion hotel. The rotten weather :-) Spent too little time at West Point.The long bus rides to WP from Westchester county.The long bus rides.The long commute from the hotel to West Point.The ones I attended were great.Business meetings were a little boring; however, probably necessary.The time spent traveling from place to place.The transportation hassles to get from where we stayed to West Point.The travel time, but it is necessaryThe travel to and from WP; seating at football games.The traveling especially by air.The weather and the bus rides back and forth between the hotel to WP.The weather at the 50th was not the best; the rest was great.There must be more options than playing golf 24/7-its really about each other more than the activity- but since I don't golf, people like Ken Hruby and I took some side trips ourselves at a couple that others might have enjoyedThere was not anything I really disliked.There were none.They have been well planned considering the location of the hotel and the weather.They were well done. Nothing controllable was irritatingTight scheduleHassle with long bus ridesTime in transit on busses.Time on buses.Time riding in buses to events. Not seeing a football game. Seeing a football game we lose.Time spent on bus getting to and from West Point, but that wasn't major irritant.time spent on busesTime spent on the bus and TERRIBLE football seatsTime spent traveling to/from eventsTime wasted traveling to West Point itself. Inadequate breakfast buffets. Crowed seating at evening events.Too longToo many activitiesToo much bus travelToo much teravelLousy weathertoo much time on buses. not enough time to relax and visit. no options for attendees.

Too much time spent on traveling to and from.Too regimentedToo short. As we get "older" maybe we could have some more interaction with the current cadets. Visit our old company areas?Transportation between venues.transportation to and from eventstraveltravelTravel and costsTravel by bus from remote locations.Travel from NJ by bus.Travel time from hotel to West PointTravel time from hotel to West PointTravelDown timeTraveling to east coastTraveling to the east coast.Travel---of all typesVery long way from California.Walking from the Plain to the Chapel or Michie StadiumWalking up the hill to football game.We did not stay near West Point.Weather - food Boat rideWith the May reunion, we missed seeing a football game.Would like more free time.

What suggestions do you have for the 55th?What suggestions do you have for the 55th?

- (1) Suggest a football weekend in the early fall rather than May.- (2) Suggest the Hampton Inn in Central Valley - Newer hotel, close to West Point (15 minutes), good restaurants in the area, next to discount outlets, good price for what you get, free breakfast, easy to get to off the NY Thruway. - (3) Morning or afternoon trip to Boscobel estate across the river near Cold Spring.* Make the dress rather casual.1. Schedule the reunion in the fall

2. Host a few speakers ( say one morning ) and invite a few world known figures like

A. a book author; B. someone like Gorborchef(Russian leader) ;

C. Warren Buffett D. President of Apple or Google or Microsoft1. After some discussion between K-1 files, it is suggested that the odd year reunions, such as the 55th Reunion, be held away from West Point at a location generally in the Central part of USA, as transportation from western parts of US becomes more difficult as we age. The even year, such as 60th would be held at West Point.2. If the above suggestion does not carry, my first choice would still be to go to West Point during football season (even in early Nov for USAFA game), but that the motel/hotel options be explored to reduce local travel time and allow more time to reunion activities. During the even year reunions, I would vote for holding it during football season.3. If the suggestion to hold the reunion away from West Point carries, I would strongly endorse New Orleans as a top option. It is a major tourist city with many activity options available. I organized a mini-reunion here for K-1 a few years ago. One of the major attractions is the World War II Museum (formerly the D-Day Museum), which continues to grow and expand, even if one has been visited it before. By the time of the Reunion, another new building and exhibits will be open. Other activities are the Acquarium, Plantation tours, outstanding restaurants, and hotels in central locations to the activities, requiring minimum walking. Did I mention the French Quarter? Transportation--trolleys, open top buses, and other means are readily available.4. In addition to New Orleans, San Antonio is an excellent location to consider. The River Walk has become a very attractive tourist site that runs through the city.A Broadway show(les mis; Phantom of the Opera, etc.) at Ike Hall, with dinner included

Cruise to Bermuda, with golf, shopping time, sight-seeing, etc.A Fall Reunion with a football game. The Academy seems to be able to handle that type of reunion more easily.A venue other than West Point.Accommodations closer to West Point if possible. Hotel Thayer?Accomodations closer to WP...Agree it is time to have one away from West Point.All were well planned. More of the same.Allow more time for interaction with class matesAlternative locations could be considered that could provide more free time and selective schedules somewhat like several mini reunions.alternative sitesAny way to be on campus? Need a walking tour to describe the changes since we graduatedAs above, but Ken is a much better "hey this will be fun and different" than I at 'other activities"Better location and quality of lodgingBetter planned events for all to participateLess busingBusridesCan we stay at the Thayer?

Can;t think of a thing at this point.Choose a location that is more accessible to the academy with nice amenities and close to interesting shiopingCloser accomadationsCLOSER HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS. AT OUR AGE WE SHOULD GET TO STAY AT THE THAYER OR AT LEAST CLOSER THAN IN PAST YEARS.Closer proximity to West Point??Closer site tio WP. Hotel Thayer?Closer venue to Wesr Point, if possible.Consider a cruise....perhaps from NY Port Liberty. Depending on dates, cruise could be combined with a one or two day visit to West Point.

Alternatively, do a more conventional 55th, basing out of a nice hotel much closer to WP.Consider a locale other than West pointConsider a more fun location, Reunions at WP are too orchestrated and boring, except to the most diehard.Consider another location. Too crowded and difficult to get to.Consider having it away from West Point. The Dean can send us a video telling us how we would not have qualified if we applied to enter with the current classes in attendance.Consider holding at some place other than West PointConsider moving the reunion to an earlier date, a couple of weeks before the crowded period close to graduation. Depending on the number of classmates attending, it might be possible to book the Thayer Hotel and avoid all of the hassle and logistics of an off-site venue.Continue with several venues so that we can meet and greet.Cruise - informal - like NorwegianCut down on boring lecturesDetailed tours of new facilities at USMADifferent hotel location. Better meals. Better use of time at West Point itself.Discourage mini reunions within one year of the reunion.Do it at a place where the class members do not have to do all the work of organization on site, e.g. Las Vegas or a place designed for group gatherings.Do it at vicinity of WP but limit time spent there to only one day.Do not hold at or near West Point.do not know at this timeDo the great job that you've done in the past.Do we have the choice to have it on a football weekend? Down close on the 50? Any chance of a party in Washington Hall?Don,t have it at West PointDon't know how many will attend, but if it is a smaller number, the Viking Danube cruise and reunion was awesome. This was tough to organize, but it was awesome.Don't schedule it during graduation week, if we are going to hold it at West Point. Do it before graduation week if we want to have an Alumni Review or after graduation week when we don't have all the cadet parents there and it is easier to get around the post. If it is decided to do it

away from West Point, then a more central location, easier to get to, such as Washington DC, would be appropriate.During home football weekend....accommodations on west bank of Hudson closer to Highland Falls than to Nyack. (if such place exists).Enable free time to visit unscheduled with old friends from around the countryEnsure that there is time for a memorial service and the Class meetingPlan at least one banquet where everyone attendsEncourage Every Classmate to attend. The years are passing quickly.everyone comeFewer bus ridesFind lodging close to WP. Some use of the Thayer HotelFormat of the past has been fineFull tour of the post including Buckner.More interaction with cadets re academics, daily routines, summer assignments.Cocktails in the Supe's garden.Gary, even my sometimes fertile imagination deserts me at this momentHow do you replicate an Orlando Mini for the entire class?Location is important and perhaps the idea of a locale other than the Hudson highlands is a direction to pursue. One thought did come to mind recently after a conversation with a person who had made these arrangements some years ago but for a group of less than 275: It was to charter a large campground with lodges and cabins. I think they said Wyoming. The specific place might not be as important as the capability of the facility. Also, I took part again on a much smaller scale, such a gathering in Maine for about 100 people. The benefit was that meals were served cafeteria style and the tables were set up for groups of 4, 8, and 12. in this case it was a business type agenda using a theater like buildingAnyway, I am sure you get the idea.... and the challenge it would be to pull it offThat's my 2 cents....martyGet Odin on board earlyGet Odin on board early.Get the Thayer. Make sure we have a parade and a football gameGet the word out ASAP on timeframe and itenerary.Get us closer in if economically feasible.Set aside more open time so that companies can gather.Give event choices.Go some outlandish place at a fancy hotel.Go some place other than West PointGo some place other than West Point, possibly more in center of country to facilitate folks traveling.Go to a baseball game if in the summer, even if it is AAA.Go where the sun shines. Avoid the rainy season wherever we hold the reunion.Have a tac brief and an academic brief with more detail on changes at West Point.Have it again at West Point. True, travel time from the Marriott was considerable, but it was a nice, well-serviced hotel.have it away from WP at a location large enough to offer opportunities for sightseeing - possibly at the site of an away game.Have it in Las Vegas

have it in the fallHave it in the fall (football weekend), even though that is not the USMA preference. If that is just not practical, consider doing something non-traditional, e.g., a spring weekend with several home sports events.Have it somewhere closer to West Point or at a location where West Point is not a primary focus.Have lots of back up and support for classmates and spouses who are not too mobile.Have more activities with classmates at the hotelhave most everything at one locationhave no suggestionshave to give it some thoughtHaven't really thought a lot about it, have a lot of other things on my plate. Sure appreciate the hard work of the volunteers and planning committee, however.Hold it in a venue where lots of entertainment options are available.Hold it in an attractive area other than West Point. USMA was a good site for the 50th because of its significance, but it may be a good idea to rotate every 5 years between West Point and other locations.hold it somewhere other than WPHope for a good turn-out.Hotel Thayer if possible.Hudson River boat trip.I am easy. I have been very pleased with each reunion, weather being a sometimes exception. I am schooled and prepped for more of the same. What is important is that we have a venue that promotes good socialization, good dining, good drinking and a nostalgic nod to our alma mater. It would not be good to have so many activities as to make us feel as though we are in an endurance contest. An afternoon activity away from the hotel and WP might be a pleasant change - perhaps offering a choice of 2 or 3 different touring attractions in the Catskill/Hudson Valley region.I am not stuffing the ballot box, but did I suggest a possible cruise out of NYC. 1/2 day at West Point to touch the alma mater and then cruise for whatever 3,5,7 days.Thanks, JerryI have no suggestions....you all have done a good jobI liked staying at the Hotel OUTSIDE of West PointI prefer the 55th be held at West Point, on a football weekend, with GOOD seats for our Class for the gameI think that most of us are past the "Sports Events" items.Would be nice to have small conference rooms for classmate discussions.I would encourage a venue other than West Point. Las Vegas has been mentioned, a cruise, any resort or interesting location that has a variety of activities. More on next survey.I would like to have it at West Point, perhaps at a time of the year in which the Thayer would be available if it will accommodate the whole class.I would recommend a heavier concentration of informal fun gatherings than we have seen in the past. Clearly the majority of our classmates love and honor West Point and many of us support West Point to the best of our abilities. For our 55th, we might put camaraderie and fun very high on the list of objectives - fully understanding that some elements of formality are appropriate. (Think of some of the mini-reunion blowouts and incorporate some of the adventure and activities which made them successful.) Any reduction of travel time would be a positive.

I would suggest that for the 55th and odd number reunions that we meet in a city that is in the center of the country. Some suggestions from Company K-1 emails were New Orleans and San Antonio. Orlando and Charleston do not help those coming from the West.Then, on the 60th and even number reunions, consider West Point as a primary site. Maybe by the 60th, the attendance projections will be low enough that we could look for sites closer to West Point.Ideally, at West Point, despite the possible aggravation of bus rides for some activities.Ensure those of us who are slow movers can get from point A to point B as easily as possibleIf at West Point do all of the activities that are at the Academy in one day. Those who want to do golf, skeet, shop at the Cadet store, etc. can come a day early.If busing to WP takes more than 15 minutes, forget it.IF DONE AT WEST POINT WE NEED TO BE TOTALLY ON POST. WE DO NOT HAVE TO COMBINE IT WITH A FOOTBALL GAME OR ANY OTHER SPECIAL EVENT. WE MIGHT DO IT OFF SEASON SUCH AS IN THE SPRING. A REUNION AWAY FROM WEST POINT MIGHT WORK, BUT I CAN NOT HONESTLY THINK OF A GOOD VENUE.If not near West Point, then near a National Historic site such as Gettysburg Battlefield National Historic Park. If at West Point, how about staying at the renovated Thayer Hotel?If possible try to hold the 55th at West Point.If reasonable price wise, stay at Hotel ThayerI'll think on this and get back to you.Include a football gameinformal events such as a picnic--Constitution Island? Buckner?It doesn't have to be at West Point!I've only been to one and was completely satisfied; so I have no specific suggestions for the next one.Keep doing what the organizers have been doing. Well planned and executed.Keep in mind that the construction has just started on the new Tappan Zee Bridge. Using hotels in Westchester County could be dicey. Major delays will be taking place on the old bridge and could seriously impact travel to and from the Academy.There are a number of new and updated facilities west of the river to include northern Bergen County in NJ and other in Rockland County, NY.The old Holiday Inn, where we held three reunions, is no more. It has been replaced by a totally new Crowne Plaza Hotel and conference Center.Keep it informal. We're getting old(er); no need for formality/Keep it simple with lots of opportunities for informal gatherings. A formal tour of the Academy might be a good start. Also we need to ensure that the Academy leadership authorizes our Classmates to go back to their former divisions in North, South, and Central areas. An optional tour of the library and Thayer Hall might also be of interest.Keep it simple.Keep it to 3 days instead of 4.Keep plan simple and avoid having to rush anywherekeep up the good workLas VegasLess time at West Point. Fewer extraneous activities, i.e., boat rides, golf sessions, open bars.LESS TIME ON BUSSES.

Lessen the walking and standing functions.Let's consider another location than West Point and do it at a time appropriate to the location - not the wewek before West Point graduationLets do it in May with the class of 1966 when they do their 50thLet's go to the Silver Depository. How about a ride up the Hudson. A picnic on Constitution Island.Let's hold the 55th at a site other than West Point. A comfortable location that is easy to get to by air and has good surrounding activities would be best.Locate closer to W P, or start earlier on the bus trips.Lodging within 20 minutes of West PointLots of time togetherMajor Military Facility----Not West PointMake it first class and memorable; do it right and live up to the motto "61 Second to None!"Maximize attendance, minimize formal activities.Maximize classmate interaction time.Maximize informal settings for time togetherMaximize time together and at USMA.May have less participation so hope to find closer motelMaybe a booklet to honor classmates who died in service. The class of 1948 did a very nice one for their 65thMaybe we could have the reunion in a central location in the US. ie Dallas, New Orleans, San Antonio ...More activities designed for the gathering of everyone together such as the class dinner.More of the sameMore of the same.More party time.more social events with classmatesmore social timeMore social time with classmatesMore time at the Academy.New Orleans is a great place for a reunion. Plenty to see and do.No boat trip.No Buses. A fun location - not West Point, but convenient to the majority of the class.No comment at this time.No long bus rides. Can the Hotel Thayer accomodate us now that they have changed management? Does the percentage of the Class using the hospitality suite warrant the expense and associated work?No rain.Noe at this timenoneNone

NoneNoneNoneNonenoneNoneNonenone - sorry I am not much helpNone - the reunions have always been greatNone at this timeNone at this time.None at this time.None at this time.none. we probably stay as close as adequate motel space allowsNot all wives dated cadets or junior army officers. They feel isolated when those that did exclude them.Not at West Point due to inability to house, feed and care for the graduates (classmates and wives)Not at West Point or environsNothing in particularObviously, I would like for it to be in the west but I do realize most Classmates live in the east.One fancy dinner dance and a number of small, casual events for mingling.options for attendees. more time to relax. more time to visit. little time on buses. consider other venues.Other than West Point for 55Pick a location where we can walk or take a very short ride to events.places of interest to visitPlease see my comments and questions on the final page of this census.Provide transportation between formations even if they are not far apart.Quiet, subdued, minimal travel, some quality time at WP without rushingReunion to be on a football game weekend and activities for the wives.River Boat cruise on MississippiCruise off New England/Canada/NYCLas Vegas 4 day get-to-getherSame general pace as the previous reunionsSave it for the big 60.Schedule Company dinner. Maybe tables arranged by Company at more formal meals.Seating arrangements. Culinary institute or Broadway option.See above.

See Cadet Quarters. More personal discussions with Cadets. See academic classrooms.See if we can have a lunch or dinner with current cadets in our cadet companys in mess hall.briefing by Admissions ,Dean or AOG on current challenges.Tour of New library and how computers have changed research.Visit oral History unit Time event with a presentation in Eisenhower HallSee previous answerSimilar activités as the 50th reunionSimilar to prior ones, though I've not been interested in the skeet shoot or other pre-reunion activitiesSincerely wish I had a novel ideaSome consideration might be given to the idea of having an "off campus" reunion, i.e., different part of the country.Someplace other than West Point...I have seen enough parades and losing football games.Something away from West Point UNLESS we can get a hotel closer to WPSomething on the Hudson River, the water part, i.e., a boat at West Point. How about a boat party on the Hudson at West Pointsomewhere other than West Point,preferably west of the MississippiSorry, Lack experiencestay at Thayer on PostStay at the ThayerStay at the Thayer during a slow season. Summer?Stay away from West Point. Maybe an Army or Military Base or Historic Military SiteStay somewhere other than Westchester.Someplace like Greenbriar.staying closer or somewhere else altogetherTake place at the AcademyThat we spend most of our time interacting with one another.The 50th set the standard so that is an excellent pattern.The obvious answer would be to vary the schedule, but that's very hard to do. It would be nice if we could be at West Point, finally, without the travel time. All of this scheduling business depends on how many attend, so it's hard to be helpful until I know what we're facing.The river cruise did not work out last time, not so sure it is a good idea.This is an amplified version of the very brief comments I sent yesterday. These are sent to help explain our feelings for the 55th reunion.

Overall, we like the idea of a reunion at the academy if we are closer to, and able to experience more directly, the West Point environment. We love the regional mini-reunions where we visit classmates and have various excursions planned to sites of interest (theme parks, historical sites, etc.) but for the big five year reunion our preference is a focus on West Point. And this is why the Thayer is our top preference. First, we chose the Thayer because it carries so many memories. Staying in that historical setting would be extra special. However, there is a second reason for the Thayer, (or a closer resort-type hotel), that is, being able to spend multiple days learning more about the West Point of today. Frankly, at the

45th and 50th, I felt the Commandant’s remarks, while interesting, really didn’t paint an adequate picture of where the academy is in terms of preparing young officers. I would suggest a series of smaller sessions, offered on multiple days where our classmates can sign up for briefings/discussions on topics like:

– Training: how has Iraq and Afghanistan influenced the training of combat arms officers? Possibly taught by an instructor from the counter terrorism dept.– Technology: What tools are the young lieutenants using in today’s digital age? Have they replaced maps? Taught by an instructor from the computer science dept.– Retention: How do the issues of retention differ from our generation? Taught by an officer from admissions.– Honor code: What changes have been made and how are they working? Taught by a tactical officerAnd many others.I suggest we don’t need to have presentations made by general officers. We just need to be brought up to speed on how our graduates are being prepared. A good faculty member or staff officer in the areas of interest would be perfect.If these sessions were presented in the morning, for example, the afternoons would be available for naps, shopping or walking tours of the many sites on post that we were not able to visit in previous reunions due to the constraints of having to catch the bus for the long ride back to the hotel. Mornings could also offer to wives various tours to local sites of interest or shopping – followed by lunch with the husbands. But the keys are proximity to West Point which would enable such an educational experience. In addition, a parade would be included if we can keep away the rain. This said, if all this is not possible, we prefer New Orleans, because we can never see enough of that city. I apologize for not being more specific yesterday and I hope this helps. Regards, Mike HaleThree days.Closer quartering, if practical.Maximize face time.Try to arrange a briefing w/ question period with overview of major changes since our cadet time covering:--academic program--military training--athletics--cadet lifeSo many aspects of the Academy have changed so much that the place and cadet life are almost unrecognizable to some/many of us.Try to find facility/facilities that can accommodate the class that are either on the reservation or in close proximity to it to minimize the bus rides. Maybe use 2 facilities 1st regiment in one 2nd in other.Try to have the reunion moved to the Fall. The humidity and heat of May is a bummer.Try to put us up at the Thayer. Let us enjoy the post in the company of friends.Venue and events that will attract the largest turnoutVisit to Culinary Institute (CIA).Visit to nearby Mohonk Mountain House. Usual golf and shooting for early birds. Broadway show in NYC. Maybe cruise on Supe's boat.

Wait until the 60th; 55 is not significant enough to have a reunionWe toured much of the Academy during the 50th. Perhaps one trip to the Academy to renew our committment to its princples and recharge our patriotic batteries would be enough for most.Many at the 50th wanted more time to just hang out with classmates.We weren't able to make the Hudson River cruise last time. If the last one was considered a success, we'd like to try it this time.West Point in the fall.Whatever you guys decide....Whenever we are on a bus, have someone who is familiar with the area to use a microphone and tell us what we are passing. The bus rides should be interesting and informative instead of just transportation.While intra cadet company relationships will for the most part always be top priority I believe as time passes by and our numbers grow fewer a format that provides for inter cadet company activities is worthy of consideration.Additionally, in light of all of the crisis surrounding DoD, the Army and the Services' Senior Leadership a broader update while not neglecting the crises impact on West Point and its evolution would be a good activity.Would prefer it to be on the relaxed and informal side, as close as possible to USMA as is possible, and as moderately priced as it can be.

Next Some Info About the 55th Reunion

Do you currently plan to attend the 55th?

Yes - probably 19958%

Maybe 10129%

No - definitely not 4313%

Volunteer?

There will be many things that need done during the reunion. Would you be willing to volunteer to help?

Yes 115100%

If Yes or Maybe, how many will be in your party?

1 3412%

2 23784%

3 3 1%

4 5 2%

5 1 0%

6 0 0%

7 0 0%

8 0 0%

9 0 0%

10 1 0%

If No, could anything change your mind?If No, could anything change your mind?

As you can see Ilive in Florida, Shirly does not like to fly so I might be more interested in a locationless than 500-750 mile away.Choices of activities would attractive. Consider sites of away football in non-metropolitan, high-cost venues.Could we stay in the Thayer?DoubtfulHealth issues prevent traveling across the country.I am open to changing my mind, but my current thinking is not to attend any more reunions at West Point and to limit my attendance to company gatherings and events similar to what Gary and Button Hyde have hosted in the past.I realize that many of us have dificulty walking. But I have enjoyed my "roaming" around the old stomping grounds. I miss seeing cadets in activities whether it be classes, intramurals, parades, Corps squad games/ matches. Re living a day in the life of a cadet would be fun.I'd definitely come to one or more events if the reunion were in the D. C. area, since I live in Annapolis.If it is not at West Point I will not attend.If it were to be on the West Coast like Seattle, Portland, or San Francisco and the costs were not excessive.It would be nice to be on Post or within walking distance in Highland Falls. Traveling 6000 miles to see the Tappan Zee bridge is a downer. There was not even time to visit the cemetery or the museum at the 50th.Location is very important to Linda and I, because she is handicapped and long travel times are very difficult for her. She needs a rolling walker or wheel chair to travel any distance. The only way we were able to attend the 50th is that our daughter and husband accompanyed us.Location should be West Point. More free time is a good idea.Location to West Coast perhapsLocation within 500 miles from Santa FeLocation~MaybeMy wife and I are currently building a condo in her hometown in Germany. We plan to move later in 2013 or early 2014 when it is finished, so we cannot plan anything with respect to the 55th reunion at this time.New York City or Washington DC are possible options where there are numerous thing to do.NoNo; I married Bud John P. Green) after he had become a missile officer (this after he washed out of pilot training; I met a handful of his classmates, but I really had no association with West Point; he never participated in any post-graduation activities. I probably would not know a soul.Our "maybe" is dependent on location of the reunion and location of the hotel.prefer location be west point in the fall with a football gameThe options which you are considering will probably strengthen our decision to attend as, with every passing year, we are reminded moving about at West Point is always uphill and has no downhills.

Traveling long distance by car or needing to walk considerable distances is becoming more of a deterrent issue than before. It's not yet a significant problem for us, but has become an issue to be considered.

Despite the negative thoughts above, a reunion during football season still has great appeal to me, less to Ann.This world has become so interactive with communication over the miles, that I do not have a felt need for frequent physical reunions of the class.Those are the things that interest us.Venue is very important.We will not attend if it is not at West Point.Would feel uncomfortable since don't really know anyone.

OK for Those Who May Be Coming Let's Get Some of Your Thoughts

We have already received a number of comments and suggestions for the 55th. Let's see if you agree or disagree with these.

Too Much Time on Buses

Strongly agree - way too much time 11540%

Agree - too much time 7627%

No opinion 5921%

Disagree - travel time was acceptable 3512%

More Time to Socialize

Strongly agree  11540%

Agree 11740%

No opinion 2810%

Disagree - we had enough time 2910%

Flexible Itinerary

Strongly agree - should have flexibility 7526%

Agree 15252%

No opinion 4214%

Disagree - all should have same itinerary 21 7%

What months do you prefer?

We have flexibility to choose when we have the reunion. You can enter as many choices as you wish. Winter months will only be options for warmer alternative locations.

Jan 2 0%

Feb 4 1%

Mar 11 2%

Apr 43 7%

May 13122%

Jun 6411%

Jul 24 4%

Aug 27 4%

Sep 10517%

Oct 12721%

Nov 10 2%

Dec 0 0%

Any month is fine 6110%

Comments on month preferences?Comments on month preferences?

1. If held at WP, the academy is in session2. The weather should be pleasant (except for May 2011). With good weather, May and October provide the best timing.A football game is good - but the Cadets owe us a reunion paradeAfter 15 OctoberAgain--to align with the class of 1966 50th reunion--that way activities like a Parade etc will already be set up and scheduledagree about the winter monthsAny month you can guarantee good weather.As I remember, the last two had rain and the parades were cancelled. Pick months that would enhanced the chances of seeing a parade. This comment is assuming the venue will be West Point or near.attend football gameAug or SepAvoid heat and humidity. Ethnic Finns do not like heat & humidity.Beauty of Fall. Football game.Chance to participate in football weekend if in the Fall. If Fall not possible, Springtime would offer best chance of pleasant weather to allow for more outdoor activity and sightseeing.Changing of the colors of the trees; football game weekendChoice of month depends on location - i.e. - no winter trips to ski resorts, no summer trips to south FL, etc.Choice of month is not important as long as weather is expected to be decentComfortable weatherDepends on local climatologyDepends on Month/Location. Chicago in November, no. Phoenix in July, no.

Depends on where the reunion is held; weather is a major factorDepends on where we have it.Enjoy the fall football games . . . but early in the fall, if possible!Fall has great colors, lower humidity, less chance of rain and a football game opportunity.Fall is nice if we are thinking of WP. It will be football season. If other areas are being considered, other months may be fine, especially in south or west.Favorite is Sep. or Oct. Avoid winterfootballFootballFootball games are fun.Fun to see the cadets and participate in a Parade - if we can ever get good weather.Graduating Class should have first claim to May & June dates.Have a golf option for the ladies also.have it when it is not so voldhold it in a warm weather climate.I can not attend during September.I certainly hope that our 55th reunion will be at/ in the vicinity of West Point, where the Spring and Fall months seem like a natural choice. The various Minis are held at alternative locations which makes West Point all the more logical for our 55th.I don't think any particular months matter as long as the reunion is a focus on the place we went to school and weather isn't probably going to be bad.I have so many activities going on in every month that I will be giving up one event for another no matter when a reunion occurs.I like the tradition of reunion during Graduation WeekI occasionally teach in the fall, but can work around that.I prefer Graduation WeekI selected any month is fine above, however, it seems to me summer reunion would be constrained by weather on one hand and other travelers on the other. that certainly would limit options, so I would tend to go with the shoulder seasons.I selected months with a view toward minimizing travel problems.I would like to have a reunion either during a football weekend or in May, close to graduation.I would like to have the reunion at West Point during the period we had our 50th reunion.I would like to see a football game in good weather.I would like to view a Class Graduation or a Football Game.I would select Spring or fall as optimum seasons for weather, crowds etcIf during late-Spring to early-Fall of course I would favor a northern clime location. However, if mid-Fall to late-Spring Arizona or its equivalent would be fine.If the reunion is at a location other than West Point, stay away from the summer months that are heavily populated with tourist.If you can select a location that has a history of very good weather during the month selected that would be an advantage.I'm not opposed to be where we were for the 50th in New York in October.

However, Other cities with lots to do for consideration are San Antonio, Charleston, SC, and San Francisco.I like the idea of the type of flexibility we have at the mini's.include a home football gameJune-July have less other activities at West Point.Just prefer agreeable weather.Late Sep or early Oct for leaf season or close to it.Late spring/early summer clears us of "school year" activities and grandchild chasing.Like doing it in conjunction with football vice June weekLocation should determine ideal month both from weather standpoint as well as conflicting events at the location.Love the autumn and we may get to tie in with a football gameMay - traditional p-rade, etc.Fall - Colors, footballMaybe take in a football game.Month and weather should be paired. Example: No to Oklahoma in Tornado season. Same is true for Hurricane season in other parts of country.Months with a football game are preferable.My first choices would be spring in April or May, depending on weather and locationSecond choices would be early fall, good weather and sceneryNeed to maximize the probability of good weather.Nice weather is a bonus.NoneNot a strong preference, except avoid winter at West Point.Not available June - augustnot the extremes of hot and cold monthsNot too hot or too coldNov, Dec, Jan not a good time due to holidays already consuming time and money for those months.oct --fall tree color if late in the month or early novOctober or November in conjunction with a home football game preferredPlease choose normally warm, dry months!September is cool, not as cold as october and we could attend a football game.SEPTEMBER STILL HAS WARM WEATHER AND FOOTBALL SEASON IS BEGINNING. WE NEED TO PICK A WEEK-END WHEN A HOME FOOTBALL GAME IS SCHEDULED.Spring and Fall -- they either rejuvenate me (but less and less so . . .) or remind me that the world is still beautiful in spite of ourselves.Spring and fall are the best times to be in NY.Spring time.Stay away from "bad weather/cold weather" . We live in Florida-enough said!!Stay with the traditional reunion dates to take advantage of the events at WP.Strongly prefer a reunion at West Point and this suggests fair weather. Not very interested in football game weekend, unless flexible program

permits skipping the game.Suggest football weekend with a home game.Summer is best time at West Point. Why have a Class reunion anywhere else?Summer is OK if the destination is not hot.Summer is too hot for a cruise. June week is too crowed and emphasis is on graduates.The date will depend on the location. I would not want to go to a Northern location in the winter or a Southern location in mid summer.The fall is great at West Point.The month chosen is highly correlated to weather at a particular location, e.g., summer in NOLA is not a good time due to the heat, but is also the peak (Aug-Oct) of hurricane season. The spring months are very good for NOLA and for San Antonio. I assume also to be good for Charleston. The fall is great for WP football season, but spring at West Point provides good weather (maybe too much rain chance in May), but activity options are almost nil.Regardless of the month chosen, I endorse the idea of flexibile scheduling of activities vice a single agenda for all. In addition, I would suggest that each company have some allocated time to get together during the reunion vice having to do so before or after the reunion, which adds time/cost.The month preference depends on the location and expected weather at that time.The temperature and weather should be the optimum for comfort in October or September.The temperature is cooler.The weather in the USA is generally better in the Spring or Fall.There have been two mini reunions in October with solid attendance.Tie in to a Football game.Try and stay out the rainy season wherever we go.Warm weather therefore depends on the location.Warmer weather in the vicinity of USMA.We are pretty flexible on this. Although winter travel can be difficult depending on location and weather effects on interim airports used for connection.We are Snowbirds so obviously if a winter month is selected, we would prefer a southern location. If West Point or a northern location is picked, we would prefer April to October.We favor the fall to see an Army football game.we like to see the fall colors and also see a show in New York City after reunionWe prefer to be at the academy when the cadet are still in class and be able to see a paradeWe should choose a time that best fits the location of the reunionWe should participate in Alumni excercises the week just before graduation.We watch grandchildren in year-round school and will only attend in months indicated where there is no conflict with school vacation schedule.when cadets are not ther - less hubbub - also when we are already back east visiting friends and familyWould like Spring or Fall, do not believe my wife and I could survive East Coast summer weather.Would prefer spring or summer. My blood has thinned here in Sa Antonio.You can be comfortable in Sept at almost any location

Golf

Strongly agree 18 6%

Agree 7024%

No opinion 16457%

Disagree 3713%

Cost

Cost is always a factor for the reunions. Please let us know if you have any ideas for reducing costs, such as obtaining sponsors or contributions, reduced lodging costs, etc.

Cost1. Everyone provide their own transportation.2. Seek reduced costs at a nice hotel. Consider seeking off season rates.50th was expensive but worth every dime. I'm confident the organizers have done and will do to keep costs low but with a venue and program offering good value.Again the location will influence the coat. Can I drive there? Will weather be a factor? Hotels available in the area and will they offer discounted rates,An analysis of alternative locations my provide a good starting point to acheiving cost reduction along with coonsidering of the proposed location

is "in season". For example a mid summer reunion in Phoenix would certainly help to contain costs.any and all ideas are good. As you know many class mates do not have the wherewithall to attend.Any means for reducing costs should be considered. Unfortunately, based on my experiences with the 40th, 45th, and 50th reunions, I cannot identify any.Ask classmates who are attending to make a donation to help subsidize attendees with lesser means.Because of the size of our group, is it possible to get reduced lodging and or meal costs? Does anyone have club membership that could provide reduced costs for events at their club?By now we should all be able to afford the cost.C ost is not a factor for me.Cost becomes a major factor when a Classmate is required to purchase airline tix to attend. If we opt to stay in a single hotel as we have in the past (ie: Marriott) we all have to be prepared to pay the going rate.Sponsors may be a way to go to reduce the costs.... understand the Naval Academy has a huge chunk of their reunions paid for by sponsors.... also you have to understand that Annapolis is right outside the main gates at the Naval Academy. Highland Falls is...... no need to finish my thought..... If there is any organization that should be lowering its prices, it is the Thayer Hotel.... and we all know that that is a NON-STARTERCost has been about what I have expectedCost is about right for such an event.Cost should not be a factor every 10 years (or even 5). Air Fair and rental car (or other local transportation) are the major expenses; the rest is change.Costs are fungible and depend largely on location and time of yearCosts for things like the hats could be eliminated. Gifts for attendees could be less expensive. Reduced transportation would reduce overall costs.One guideline could be "Would you pay for this out of your own pocket?".Cut corners where we can.Do best you can to minimize especially regarding accommodations.Do not knowdon't reduce lodglng cost, like to have a hotel like a Marriot Or Hilton.Don't cut back so far on costs that we cannot have a good time or endure a substandard existence during the reunion.Don't know how you can do unless less food. Possible lower costs with the major hotels like the Marriott in nearby Woodcliff Lake in NJ. I would imagine that anything out of NY area would be less.Don't really have a clue unless hotel o location could get a benny by having a bunch of vets in the area they would be willing to pay for.Efforts to keep costs reasonable are appreciatedEliminate buses. Huge cost. We just had a Viet Nam reunion. It was amazing how everyone got to the events in their own cars. We couldn't get over how resourceful old people are.Eliminate hospitality suite.Eliminate individual gifts.Eliminating the busses will have a significant effect on cost.Federal fundingFewer " gifts ". Straw hat never worn. Egg for wives was great. Get lodging alternatives to compete for the business. Reduced bussing might

help. Holding reunion at lower cost venue of away football game might help.fewer predetermined costs (e.g. meals) - less hotel costFrom my experience from years back at the Presidio of San Franciso involving planning of Guard/Reserve Training Conferences at Reno vs San Francisco, I assume cost reduction should be one of the strong points for Las Vegas with reduced hotel and air fare costs vs other locations. My initial surprise that we did everything in Reno was quelled when hotels and air fares wee explained. Although I'm not a gambler, Las Vegas also offers shows for activities. It is somewhat close to central USA to appeal to those in western states due to shorter travel time.Given the importance of this event, we are willing to pay a little more to provide nice accommodations, easily accessible with interesting shopping nearby, like the Hotel Thayer.I think that a bus trip to NYC is unnecessary.bus attendees to & from USMA should be only consideration.Depending on timing use new prep School billets. (Suggest that they let Prep School out early.)Are there any billets at Stewart?I defer completely to Gary Hyde on this one - he excels.I do not have any unique ideas. I do have an aversion to using sponsors as that implies that the sponsor can assert a claim on my time. do not like the sound of that.I do not want to go cheap as you get what you pay for and it doesn't increase attendance.Reasonable prices at a quality venue to make the experience memorable.I don't think it is an issue.I know cost is a factor but this may be our last. With a little notice and planning each of us should be able to budget the expense.I think reducing costs is always a good thing to consider.I think the costs have been just about right, given the excellent facilities the class was able to obtain.I think the costs have been okI think you did extremely well reducing costsI wonder if there is somewhere north of the Academy that has the space for our reunion. Somewhere in Newburg or across the river??In general, we can get a better bang for our buck i the South/SouthwestInformal venueInterested in reasonable cost , but we can not control the marked .We "paid" for the 50th straw hats , and they were & are worth every penny !!It is what it is. Lets keep it a quality event. My classmates are worth it.It 's prudent to remember that as we go into later years, most of our incomes may stay steady while costs in general will not.It's a consideration but not likely to be an obstacle for me unless the value is poor in relation to my to the point of the exercise.Just try to keep reasonable, has been OK so farKeep an eye on costs, but don't reduce them to the point where the venue is less than 3-4 star. The venue sets the ambiance for the event.Keep it affordable. Not all have been successful enough to attend lengthy events for from their residence.....but (and this is a contradiction) don't skimp out. I'm sure there are enough classmates who would subsidize (clandestinely) those less fortunate.Las Vegas provides great value for the money. Connie has done two conventions 300 - 500 people) there and has been able to secure very attractive room rates and amenitiesLets reduce the total cost any way we can.

Location near air hub and/or center or mass of grads might help.Look for alternatives to the Marriott.Make the NAF housilng at West Point available to all who attend.Military FacilityMilitary installations------ShipNeed to think on ways to control costs with venues considered and sponsors.NoNoNo commentNo comment.No ideas personally, but any of above are fine with me. Attendance may be inversely proportional cost, to some degree. As to golf, I have never become a golfer ever when our home backed up to a country club fairway in the 70's. But, the option might be a deal breaker for some of the game's devotees. Options are important for most people.No ideas.No problemNo problem as long as costs are reasonable.No suggestionsNo we need to support ourself or not have it if we can"t find the money.NoneNoneNoneNone at presentNot a factor.Not an issueObama could fund .... ?Obtain classmate contributions for events to eliminate general costs.One of the major costs is lodging, so any negotiation for the reduction of those costs would be appreciated.Past committees have done a great job in this regard.Past costs not felt to be prohibitive.Please elaborate "obtaining sponsors or contributions." Give examples.reasonable costReduced lodging and food costs, and acquisition of sponsorshipsReduced lodging costs.Reduce busing costs with a single site or being closer to West Point.Reduce drink costs at supper meeting bars.reduced lodging--after allm we bring lots of people staying in the hotelReunion organizers have done a pretty good job of this in the past; suggest a good negotiator for bargaining for best hotel rates, grouip meals,

etc. Most organizations I belong to have a strong negotiator for these purposes.Save more over the next 3 yearsSeek reduced lodging costs.Seems to me organizers have done a fine job on costsShould be able to get a package deal from motel/hotelSolicit donations for a "kitty" that would go to those in the class who cannot afford to come. Selectees to be determined by the committee strictly on a confidential basis. Sponsors is a great idea!Sounds like a good idea to me.Sponsors and contributions nice if easily done. Otherwise, seek savings wherever possibleStaying in cadet barracks would be impossible but enticing.This should not be a penny pinching event.Perhaps we should set up a confidential fund to support any who want to come and truly can't afford to come.We don't need sponsors. Yes cost is a factor, but not a deciding factor. A good, comfortable and interesting reunion with friends is the goal, not reduced costs.WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO NEGOTIATE BETTER ROOM RATES. A SPONSOR SUCH AS USAA, AMERICAN AIRLINES, HERTZ RENT-A-CAR, BUDWISER BEER, ETC.What is the breakdown of costs, high to low? Air fare, rental car, lodging, meals, miscellaneous fun stuff? Does AOG have any pull with travel agencies, air lines, etc.? Does anyone know what other universities do to encourage/support reunions?Do we have a sense of the median cost for 2 people attending a reunion at West Point in each of the past five years ...depending on their mode of travel?

Next Let's Consider Some Options if We Choose to Return to West Point for the 55th

When do you prefer a reunion at West Point?

Apr 61 9%

May 15224%

Jun 7411%

Jul 30 5%

Aug 30 5%

Sep 14522%

Oct 15324%

Comments regarding months you selected?

Comments regarding months you selected?(see previous comments)After 15 OctoberAgain to align with the class celebrating their 50th re-unionAgain, for a football game.ALREADY COMMENTEDAlumni Week is just before graduation. Although I did not attend the Alumni luncheon this year (2013), I heard the mess hall did an excellent job.Any month is OKAny month OK, but April can be cold, as can Oct.Any of above would be fine with me.Any of the months indicated are good. The three months I picked are my favorites.Any of the months would be acceptable to me, but I would prefer spring or fall.any of those months is fine.April to avoid graduation. September to avoid staring at fresh Plebes. (Also see my previous comments on Spring and Fall.)As commented earlier, either on a football weekend, with seats closer than they usually put us, or in May, when we can see a good parade.As previously noted, October has the highest average monthly rainfall according to weather.com.assume that five year reunion classes will gather at luncheon or the lilke ala the fiftieth. Realize that we cojuld accomodate both with a class reunion as well as just show up for the luncheon and sit at class tables.Attending a football game improves the ReunionAutumn is best when leaves turnavoid summer months which are very busy for usAvoid the hot months.avoiing extreme weatherBasically, avoid the graduation month. Cooler months during the academic year have more pageantry re: parades and cadet population/sporting

events.Best month is Oct - May would be ok but there are grandchildren graduations and other family activities. Sep is also ok.Chose May only because we missed the Pass in Review for our 50th reunion. July and August are too hot and humid unless we have our reunion way up north somewhere.Comments already made above.Connected w/ a FB game (or LX)Don't believe West Point really offers very much other than long bus rides or sitting around the Thayer Hotel.Don't mind if all cadets are not present. Could be after graduation in June, for example....Early fall weekend with football game and parade.Enjoy a fall weekend and football game at West Point. Prefer fall even in another locationFewer command activities that will complicate logistics during April, but weather better in May.FootballFootball gameFootball gameFootball game is good, but the Cadets owe us a reunion paradefootball game n paradeFootball game; less crowdedFootball games are in the FallFootball SeasonFootball seasonFootball season and cadets are there. May is iffy with graduation coming and the TEE's.Football season..........cadet activitiesFootball season; weather should not be too bad at this time of yearFootball weekend---if some do not want to attend the game, plan alternate activities for them.What activities---the committee (making the big bucks) can decide.Good time to see an Army football game, a parade and the fall foliage.Good weather and football seasongood weather, like being home in the fall for football season and Colo in the summerHave you ever spent any time at WP in June, July or August? Too damn hot and humid. We still need a parade.....high sports activity weekend preferedI am flexible and fine with any monthI do not need any further reunions at West PointI like the tradition of the reunion during Graduation WeekI want the cadets to be there. and athletic events available.I would prefer to attend during a month that has reasonable temperatures. Also, the foliage at WP in the fall can be beautiful.If at WP would want to be there when cadets are in session, the weather will be warm and the chance of getting a parade is greater. WP is still a beautiful place in the summer weather.

If the reunion is at West Point, July would be the best as it is a slack season and Thayer might be available. If not September or March would be best as air transportation is cheaper.If we could fit in a football game in Sept-Oct that might be fun.If we go to West Point, would like to attend football game.If we select Sep or Oct, football might be an option particularly for those of us who do not have the opportunity of see the Black Knights.In August we could time the reunion to have our initial activities prior to the return of the cadets - the Academy would be ours - with the option for those who are interested in staying an extra day to greet the Plebes back on their Plebe Hike.Jun might be too busy with graduation and July and Aug might get very hot,June may be preoccupied by graduating class. Sep could include football game at WPJust thinking about warm, skipping the hot and cold months betweenLate Sep or early Oct for leaf season or close to it (same as above).Leaves at West Point should peak about the 2nd weekend of October.Like football not June weekLink it up with a home football game weekendLooking for nice weather, not too hot, not too cold.Makes possible attendance at a football game.May - Parade and reviewOct - FootballMay (early) has the best weather and scenery. Perhaps avoiding the Alumni Meeting gives us better options.April, if late, would be a second alternative.May during Alumni Week would be a third choice.Modeate weather in most locationsMy comments remains the same as the previous inquiry regarding the month selected.Never at West Point.nice time of year to travelNice weather and possible football game weekendNO Comment other than my summers are usually bookedNo month is better or worse as I indicated aboveNo preference.No real reasonNot interested in WP for 2016 , but will attend if committee chooses WP.Our best reunions included football weekendsprior to June Week/GraduationRefer to previous comment ~ want warm, dry months.Same as previously.Same comments as stated aboveSamew comments as before

school attendance is a factor for my possible guest(s)see aboveSee above comment about weather.See comments above on previous pageSee my comments on previous page.See previous commentSee prior comment.Seems like a quiet time. Maybe we could stay in barracks. I remember my Dad stayed in the Lost 50s during his reunion when I was a Cadet.Sep is warm but not too hot and normally is relatively dry.Should be spring as weather should be comfortable during those months.Some time between Graduation and Beast Barracks, where we would be the only group in town.If we could stay in the barracks, form up as Cadet Companies, take some of our meals in the Mess Hall, picnic at Round Pound, Cruise down to NYC, see a Broadway Play, attend a USMA Band Concert at Trophy Point, Dance in IKE Hall, AFTER A CATERED MEAL, would love to bowl with the Scott's, Shipley's, Steege's etc. Month of November in Las Vegas. Let the resort people suggest and the put on a program for us.Spring and fall are the best months. Too hot in the summer.Spring time.Stay away from graduation and early SeptemberStay away from summer travel.Summer best if travel is by POV and location is not too far from Chicago.The odds are better that the weather will be decent in the fall. I like the possibility of having a parade. A football weekend would be great, but not required.THE SUMMER MONTHS WHEN THERE WOULD BE LES COMPETITION FOR FACILITIES MIGHT WORK WELL. THE ENTIRE CORPS DOES NOT HAVE TO BE THERE. APRIL MIGHT ALSO FIT THE BILL AND THERE IS APOSSIBLITY OF ATTENDING A PARADE.The USAFA game is scheduled for Nov 5th in 2016. That's pretty close to Oct, so winter weather should not be quite an issue yet.These are the best months for any venue in the Southern US.They offer the best possibility for good weather when the Academy is in session.Try to pick a date when it won't rainUnlike the Mini's, West Point should be the location for our 55th Reunion.Usually the best time to visit West Point.View Graduation Ceremony or a Football Game.Want to see the cadets there and to see a parade.We live in Florida! No cold.weatherWeather in N.Y.Weather is cooler.Weather is generally good. Would like to see the reunion in conjunction with a football game.

Weather is warm but not too hot or humid yet. If we don't do it during graduation week, it will be much easier to get around the academy and perhaps we can even get everyone into the Thayer Hotel.Weather tends to be pleasant in the NE during those months. I assume that the greatest concentration of classmates remains in the NE; hence the best turnout.If it's at WP, October is good for a football game....assuming we're competitive.When there is no football game. Much less crowded and relaxing.While Cadets are present. When weather might be best. No football game to have to attend.While hard on the Academy due to its transition from one academic year to an other due to graduation at one end and football season at the other end the months identified may be the bestWould enjoy a football weekend

Westchester Marriott

Many suggested we look at alternatives to the Westchester Marriott. Do you agree?

Strongly Agree - look at options 9132%

Agree 9433%

No opinion 7927%

Disagree - use the Marriott 24 8%

Hotel Thayer

Depending on how many plan to attend, the Hotel Thayer may be an option for lodging. Do you agree we should consider the Thayer as a lodging alternative?

Strongly agree 10837%

Agree 12844%

No opinion 3211%

Disagree - Do not consider 23 8%

Hudson Valley Resort

There are some very nice resorts in the Hudson Valley within an hour or so of West Point. Do you agree we should examine these as options? We do not include the Westchester Marriott and similar in this category.

Strongly agree 4415%

Agree 15855%

No opinion 6021%

Disagree - do not consider 25 9%

Parade

Yes - very important 8128%

Somewhat important 10937%

Neutral 6422%

Not important 3713%

Football

Yes - very important 4415%

Somewhat important 7727%

Neutral 7827%

Not important 9131%

Prep School

Yes - very interested 6422%

Somewhat interested 7827%

Neutral 6221%

Not interested 8930%

Other Suggestions for West Point

Any other suggestions or comments? For example, are there other events, activities, or attractions at West Point or in the vicinity that you would like to have included as options for attendees? Enter these items with any comments you would like to make below.

Other Suggestions////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////sounds cold blooded but instead of the memorial service at the chapel

schedule a trip to maybe one or more large homrs in the hillsA joint church serviceA picnic on the island across from West Point. A picnic at Camp Buckner.A visit to the cemetery must be an option for the widows. This was almost forgotten at the 50th (as one widow noted).Again, we can do some of this by just having a "tour guide" classmate who is familiar with the area to tell us about the places we are passing. The bus rides should be interesting and informative instead of just transportation.An evening dance in Thayer Hall would be fantastic. A tour of New York City would be great.Arizona, lots of golf, large resorts,B-29 airplane rides or equivalent. Exclusive tour of the museum.Lunch or dinner cruise boat on the Hudson.What's playing on Broadway?Cookout on Constitution Island (is that possible?)...lots of socialization time.

This sounds stupid but I wonder if a bunch of us would enjoy shooting modern weaponry on the ranges at (?) Camp Buckner. (I was in Armor/heavy tanks in Germany....we made lots of noise at Grafenwohr - skipped rounds into Czechoslovakia, shattered windows, dust clouds all over === great fun!!)Baseball game.Carolyn and I prefer being at West Point, but are open to any of the proposed places. Thanks for letting us help in the planning. JimClass of 58 just completed their 55 reunion at WP. It was held during Grad week with the class staying at the Hudson Valley Resort. After the formal part of the reunion at WP, the class then went to NYC and did a special tour of ground zero etc. It was considered a success even though it rained in NYC.Come a day early with walk-around-visiting time at/near WP, and bus service to/from hotelNew libraryBuffet dinner at revamped Cullum HallNew facilities at LadycliffInvitation to Supe's & Coms houses for a cocktailTour of the Steam TunnelsConsider Hudson Valley locations depending on location, what they offer & cost.Life is an experience, and we have not got much time left.There are a lot of fun things to do.Ref Thayer Hote,l Last time I looked, the rooms seemed smaller than I remembered them and they were over priced.Consider using pavilion at Camp Bucker ( It used to be screened in and accessible) with a catered event of BBQConsider tours of gymnasium, new library, and or Bartlett Hall (undergoing renovations and consolidation with old library).

Suggest we leave Hotel Thayer for oldest classes. This year the Class of January '43 was there.Culinary Institute of AmericaCulinary Institute of America was a great tour. Hyde Park.

Culinary Institute of America.Hyde ParkKykuitVanderbilt MansionCulinary institute, day trip to NYC.The biggest coup you can accomplish is staying at the Thayer. The advantages are obvious!Cullum Hall is once again open could a dinner be there?Damnit, I'd like to take Anita down Flirty one more time before I go. If you guys can work that one out, I might even consider being a sponser.Dept briefings and tours for all or those who taught there.Designated Company gathering time.

If not at Thayer Hotel (best) consider other nearby hotel/resort; perhaps combination of Thayer and nearby motels, with dinners at Hotel.Despite my comment about staying at the Marriott, if we could all fit into the Thayer, that would be IDEAL. If there is a nice place other than the Marriott, but not farther away, then I change my opinion on staying at the Marriott., and think we should look.Do noit know of anyDon't think there are a lot of interesting options. Tour of NYC or something within the City is a long, long bus trip and a logistical nightmare. Culinary Institute of America was good, but a lot of us have seen that.Early bird golf as opposed to 2-3 rounds of golf for the reunion - that's too much.A 30-minute presentation of cadet life at West Point would be very good - more emphasis on cadet life than on classroom studies.Thayer - check price and capability to host 300+ including at a banquetResort - only if better than the Marriott and capable of hosting 300+Parade nice, but very weather and cadet schedule dependentGlee club concertGlee Club concertGlee Club Concert @ Trophy Point.golfHave a film and speaker similar to Founder Day DinnersHow about New Orleans? San Antonio? Other "fun" cities?Hudson River boat cruiseI believe that the "career wives" should find a way to "welcome" the new or second or third wives with some kind of a fun ceremony related to cadet dating or unaccompanied tours that gives them individual recognition within the group. I wish I had thought of this earlier.I am a lifelong firearms fancier. At the Academy I had the great fortune to be trained to shoot handguns by the late Smsgt. Huelet Benner, 2-time olympic Gold Medalist. It would interest me greatly to see the cadets in training/practice with any of the small arms, rifle por pistol. If not to actuall see the cadets, to at least visit & inspect the rnages & training facilities.I am for another venue other than West Point. if we return to West Point, the parade is important. Football weekend is also preferred, but given Army's performance record in recent years, this is probably not shared by many others. However, I am for another venue than West point.I like the briefings by USMA officials, the more the betterI liked the tour of the Culinary Institute.

More meals in Washington Hall.Experience a day in the life of a cadet.Replace hearing from the Dean to hearing from individual cadetsI mentioned the AFA vs Army game on Nov 5th that is close enough to Oct to be consided in the acceptable window of opportunity. However, the attraction of that game will place the reunion in competition with a larger general population for hotel, ticket resouces.

The Thayer is ideal for proximity! However, I question whether it has adequate resources to accommodate our reunion. I believe it is a safe assumption that attendance will drop for the 55th in relation to the 50th, but I think we could still have a number that would exceed the Thayer's capacity. Consequently, the resorts in the Hudson Valley may, if their resouces will accommodate, become the primary location for consideration around West Point.I prefer not to use a football weekend. The installation is already crowded, and I am not attracted to second rate football. I'd rather see a good 150# game, one of the minor sports.I really appreciate all the work that goes into this effort. Living in Arizona, there is little that I can do to help. So, thanks to all of you who take the lead on keeping us together. BobI recommend that we spend one full day at West Pont and hold our social events at the hotel/resort we choose.I thank you guys for accepting the Challenge of making the 55th Reunion, one of the BEST Yet.

I am ready to assist in any way possible.I think that a reunion at West Point must include - a parade, a sporting event - football if we go in the Fall. My opinion: the logistics of getting to the Academy are so difficult that we have to make the effort really worthwhile. This problem, logistics of getting there, is getting worse as the Class ages.I was not offered the tour of the culinary institute when I attended the 45th. I would have liked to go to that and would appreciate the opportunity to do that during the 55th.I was unaware of our early reunions. I was in the Army, present for mainline duty in Germany, CONUS and RVN. Don't remember receiving any advisories or invites. Maybe they didn't occur. I heard of the 20th reunion and drove in from the Naval War College, virtually crashed our 20th for a couple of events, hadhad no schedule or reservations. I didn't get any info again for another 19 or 20 years. I don't know how that all happened. Didn't make any other reunions until 40, 45 and 50th. Got reservation/schedule packages for those and they were wonderful.

So, I'm very happy being included for the last 16 or so years. I'm happy seeing our classmates in all reunion events, including our busrides.

So thank you for all your efforts. MartyI would like to eat in Washington Hall.I'd like a tour of typical present-day cadet barracks.If at West Point, we should have alternate activities in and around WP. Storm King Art Center (outdoor sculpture); restaurant options across the river; cocktails on the river;If at WP, the river cruise was quite nice in the past.If I can help from San Antonio let me know.

Steve

If it was at WP I would plan a vacation along the NE coast.If planned attendance is high , Thayer seems quite small .

Prep School tour would be nice for 2021 .If we go to West Point in May, it would be great if we could get a performance by the Cadet Glee Club (now Mixed Chorus :-/) and maybe include our classmates who were members of the Glee Club for a few songs. Also as mentioned earlier, the Hellcat's performances have been a highlight of previous reunions.Known Speaker or Talent or Class ConnectionLunch at the CIA was enjoyable in the past.Lunch in mess hall with cadet host is a real treat.Many of us don't get to WP very often. I would love to have a combined bus/walking tour highlighting the changes since we graduated. A boat tour from the WP dock that looks at the northern Hudson would be fun.Morning or afternoon trip to the Boscobel estate across the river near Cold Springs.MuseumGuided tour with updates since graduationn/aNo comment.No suggestions.noneNoneNoneNone at the present time.None at this point/None.Not having attended a West Point reunion of any kind, I don't know what have been the agendae. But I would like to be able to tour/visit/see what's left of the West Point that was there when we were -- the facilities we lived in (e.g., my room in A-1 even though it now may be somebody's secretary's office,) what's left of the our dining hall, our gym (leaving which one Saturday morning I slammed into Ike's unsuspecting face -- he laughed/I died,) our quad (I often recall now that we'd get down there dressed and shod in 3 minutes for Reveille,) that path we walked with our dates and dared hold hands (come on, come on, its name was . . .,) and the best of what's new (but not the barracks -- way too modern.)One of the things I missed about past reunions was time simply to wander around West Point and the nearby Hudson Valley.Opportunity to see first hand some of the modern labs, machinery, facilities, and equipment currently in use for academic purposes.Options for attractions in the area, including plays, etc in NYC, Hyde Park, etc.Perhaps visit wineries located in the Hudson Valley region......... Picnic at Bear Mtn. and /or Constitution Island........Visit Washington's headquarters at Newburgh.......river cruise on HudsonPicnic at Buckner or Pond... Memory lapse,,,Possibly an alternative itinerary for people who have NEVER attended a reunion or been back to West Point.R Day.Plebe March Back

Some time to tour the campus on my own. Went to the 50th Reunion, and never got to see the new hockey rink!Storm King Art CenterThe Bear Mountain Inn might be an enjoyable venue for the reunion if it is large enough....The Culinary Institute tour and lunch was a very good experience during the 45th.

Never did get to go to Hyde House. Might be a good option.

Forget doing the boat trip.The main reason we would attend is a relaxed opportunity to visit with company-mates and other classmates, not a "tourist rush" of West Point.The optional trip to CIA a couple of times ago was great, and I would do it again.The visit to the Culinary Institute of America was very interesting for Linda.There are hotels along 84, yet close to USMAHow about an Army Navy reunion? Train up from DC.Think Thayer is great idea but doubt it is big enough to take 200+ grads.Tour construction since our time-frame on staff.Meetings with the following: Tactical Dept, Cadets, Cadet Activities Office, Dean's staff, activities of our class gift program of oral history, current staff and cadet living quarters.Tour of cadet facilities. Briefing of cadet education, training and life today.Tour of Camp Buckner

Wine tastingTour of new library and gym. Status of oral history effort.Tour of Rockefeller estate. FDR at Hyde Park. CIA. Mohonk Mountain House. Broadway show.Tour of the gym and other athletic facilities would be nice. Same for academic areas and presentation on current study programs.Visit barracks.Visit the Kyuap (Rockefella estate), Culinary institute, Hyde Park. I would stay out of NY city if we have a large group.Visit the new library and the new gym.Visit to the cemetery.We really enjoy visiting with our friends in and around where we are staying. That is, in a nice interesting environment. This is in contract to travelling to activities, theme parks etc.We visited the Prep School as part of our 55th USMAPS reunion agenda.From our experience, many classmates would like a guided tour of West Point to include barracks, library, mess hall, gym, musuem, etc.West Point MuseumPost CemeteryBarracksAcademic BuildingsBoat ride from dock at West Point

BBQ at Round PondSwimming at Delafield PondFree time to walk around Trophy Point, etc.Chapel Service

Alternative Locations for the Reunion

Because of the admin and logistics issues associated with past reunions many felt we should consider venues in addition to West Point or different lodging if at West Point. If other locations are considered, final location will be based on consensus of attendees. Do you agree we should look at some locations in addition to West Point for the 55th?

Strongly Agree - examine some alternatives 8830%

Agree 7224%

No opinion 25 9%

Disagree - only consider West Point 10937%

Let's Address the Potential Reunion Locations that Have Been Suggested

Listed below are all the potential alternate locations that have been suggested so far. Indicate whether you agree or disagree with considering the alternate location. These are not in any particular order. If a significant majority favor any particular locations we will evaluate these and offer them for your consideration in future surveys. All others will be dropped from future consideration.

DC Area

Strongly agree 3712%

Agree 9632%

Neutral 6823%

Disagree - do not consider 9632%

Las Vegas

Strongly agree 16 5%

Agree 3211%

Neutral 5519%

Disagree - do not consider 18965%

Charleston

Strongly Agree 2810%

Agree 9332%

Neutral 7426%

Disagree - do not consider 9433%

Orlando

Strongly agree 14 5%

Agree 5419%

Neutral 8630%

Disagree - do not consider 13547%

New Orleans

Strongly Agree 3713%

Agree 6422%

Neutral 6723%

Disagree - do not consider 12042%

Cruise Ship

Strongly Agree 3412%

Agree 5017%

Neutral 5118%

Disagree - do not consider 15654%

Colonial Williamsburg

Strongly Agree 20 7%

Agree 6623%

Neutral 8429%

Disagree - do not consider 12242%

San Antonio

Strongly Agree 3211%

Agree 7124%

Neutral 6823%

Disagree - do not consider 12342%

San Francisco

Strongly Agree 3713%

Agree 6723%

Neutral 5418%

Disagree - do not consider 13546%

Branson, MO

Strongly Agree 14 5%

Agree 4817%

Neutral 5118%

Disagree - do not consider 17461%

Seattle

Strongly Agree 23 8%

Agree 4415%

Neutral 6221%

Disagree - do not consider 16456%

Los Angeles

Strongly Agree 5 2%

Agree 22 8%

Neutral 5619%

Disagree - do not consider 20972%

Helsinki, Finland

Strongly Agree 10 3%

Agree 25 9%

Neutral 3512%

Disagree - do not consider 22076%

Helsinki, Finland

For extra credit, name the person who suggested this location.Pytor Offringa Bill Mackie TFF Slappy Mackie Huck the Fin Bill the flying Fin Finn MACKIE flying finn George Henderson Bill Mackie PM Jyrki Katainen The Flying Finn Mackie Flying Finn my Buckner bunk mate Bill Mackey Macke The Flying Finn Nikita Mackie The Flying Finn of G-1 fame Bill Mackie-the flying Finn The Flying Finn Bill Mackie The Finn Bill Mackie The mad Finn Our beloved Bill Mackie, the "Flying Finn" The Flying Finn!!! The Finn Bill Bill Mackie Bill Mackie Smackie MackieFlying Finn The Fin The Flying Finn Bill Mackie Bill Mackie Bill Mackie Bill Mackie Dick Buckner Finny Fink Mackie TFF Flying Finn Bill Mackey the Finn Thde Flying Finn Heh! Heh! V/r, TFF TFF Bill Mackey The Finn Mackie TFF - Bill Mackie The Flying Finn The Flying Finn Macki Mackie !! Obama The Flying Finn The Flying Finn Bill Mackie Bill Mackie The Flying Finn Mr. Sonja Henning the flying Finn the flying Finn Mackie Bill Mackie Fink TFF Bill Mackie Heck Heikkila The flying Fin Our Flying Finn Vladimir Putin Billy Mackie Bill Mackie The Flying Finn of course! bill mackey Bill Mackie flying FINN Macke The Flying Finn mackie the world's fastest flyiong Finn....maybe??? Mackiie--The Flying Finn Flying Finn Mackie Does he "fly"? Flying Finn

Denver

Strongly Agree 12 4%

Agree 5117%

Neutral 8128%

Disagree - do not consider 15051%

Phoenix

Strongly Agree 14 5%

Agree 5418%

Neutral 6522%

Disagree - do not consider 16155%

Savannah

Strongly Agree 19 7%

Agree 7927%

Neutral 7325%

Disagree - do not consider 11941%

Nashville

Strongly Agree 10 3%

Agree 5519%

Neutral 7726%

Disagree - do not consider 15051%

Tampa

Strongly Agree 9 3%

Agree 4716%

Neutral 8228%

Disagree - do not consider 15453%

Jackson Hole, WY

Strongly Agree 16 5%

Agree 5519%

Neutral 6522%

Disagree - do not consider 15954%

West Virginia - The Greenbrier

Strongly Agree 19 6%

Agree 7224%

Neutral 6422%

Disagree - do not consider 14047%

California Wine Country

Strongly Agree 19 7%

Agree 5418%

Neutral 6121%

Disagree - do not consider 15854%

Riyadh, Saudia Arabia

Strongly Agree 5 2%

Agree 1 0%

Neutral 10 3%

Disagree - do not consider 27795%

Riyadh, Saudia Arabia

For extra credit, name the person who suggested this location.Rod Granneman JB Taylor Sheikh Rodney Dusty Rhodes Rod Granneman Rod G. JB Taylor J B Taylor Rod Granneman my PG neighbor Larry Butterworth GrannamennPhil Sykes or J. B. Taylor Granneman! Georgia Paul Vallely Someone with a good sense of humor UBL Grannemann Burke Mucho Granneman JB Taylor Ayman al-Zawahiri ? Rod Grannemann Obama Bin Laidon Ron Granneman Rod Grannemann Rod Granneman Rodney bin Delirious? Larry Butterworth Chuck Randolph? lol JB Taylor or Rod Granneman Larry Butterworth J B Taylor Hanpy Hodges Grannemann Inmate Richard Reid Rod Grannemann Barak 'Sammy Slick' Obama BarneyShariahSam Witherspoon Larry Butterworth Prince Turki whoever it is, he can go by himself! joe biden DO NOT DISCLOSE ???? granamin does his/her name start with a G???? Gary Hyde

Hawaii

Strongly Agree 14 5%

Agree 3612%

Neutral 5418%

Disagree - do not consider 18965%

Maine

Strongly Agree 10 3%

Agree 4616%

Neutral 7225%

Disagree - do not consider 16456%

Kansas City

Strongly Agree 5 2%

Agree 22 8%

Neutral 6723%

Disagree - do not consider 19467%

Boston

Strongly Agree 13 4%

Agree 6020%

Neutral 7425%

Disagree - do not consider 14650%

New York City

Strongly Agree 14 5%

Agree 4315%

Neutral 6121%

Disagree - do not consider 17460%

Colorado Springs - The Broadmoor

Strongly Agree 20 7%

Agree 6422%

Neutral 8027%

Disagree - do not consider 12844%

Virginia - The Homestead

Strongly Agree 13 4%

Agree 6221%

Neutral 7726%

Disagree - do not consider 14248%

Dallas, TX

Strongly Agree 14 5%

Agree 23 8%

Neutral 6924%

Disagree - do not consider 18463%

San Diego

Strongly Agree 24 8%

Agree 5519%

Neutral 7225%

Disagree - do not consider 13848%

Garmisch, Germany

Strongly Agree 21 7%

Agree 3010%

Neutral 3111%

Disagree - do not consider 21072%

Garmisch, Germany

For extra credit, name the person who suggested this location.Semore Krauts Dan Halpin Bob Chelberg Adolph Hitler Bob Chelberg current wife Moi (Terry K) Burke or Gary Hans Wagner Ed Leland Mick Maus Gene WitherspoonSourKraut Himmler Dan Halpin or Hans Wagner Hans Wagner Hans Wagner? Hans Hans Richard Buckner Hans Wagner !! Hanpy Hodges George Joulwan George Joulwan Hans Wagner Hansie hard to say...there are a lot of nuts out there! this is a tuffffy.... I'll abstain and hold my cards... Hans Wagner

Monterey, CA

Strongly Agree 20 7%

Agree 4817%

Neutral 7827%

Disagree - do not consider 14450%

Gettysburg, PA

Strongly Agree 11 4%

Agree 4415%

Neutral 7526%

Disagree - do not consider 15955%

OK - That is it for the potential alternate locations!

We think we have included all the suggestions for places to look at as alternatives to West Point for the 55th. If you have any comments make them below.

OK - That is it!

A West Point Class Reunion should be at West Point but if that is impossible due to security or scheduling concerns, an alternate site on the East Coast is probably best. Some classmates may have difficulty funding the travel and it appears the largest fraction of graduates live east of the Mississippi.Fall reunions have the advantage that anyone who chooses to travel to Europe after the reunion will see lower air fares and the reunion can be scheduled as a stopover on a longer trip.Las Vegas, LA and SFO are lousy choices. All are to artsy for military people.A West Point Reunion should be held at West Point!A word for Gettysburg: the only place with more historical resonance for West Point than West Point itself. And it has great historical significance for the country as a whole. And it has great military interest and significance.Any place is better than on site at USMA!!!ANYWHERE IN THE SOUTH TRUMPS ANYWHERE ELSE!As you know, Co A-2 has been planning mini's for awhile , so my votes were slanted toward those other locations. It's just great for the class that plans are underway. Thanks, BA

Barbara and I are in total agreement on this (a rather rare thing!). While some of these places might be great locations for a mini reunion, the anniversary of our graduation should be held ONLY at West Point. More people show up for the major reunions than for the minis and for many we know live far away and the big reunions give us the opportunity to glory in the grandeur of West Point once again. We think the main point of the milestone reunions is to get together and talk and catch up and reminisce...not sightseeing and all kinds of tours and such. we seldom take part in the outside activities. and one of the most glorious moments of the reunions is the Review on the Plain...especially since we've been rained out a couple of times. We always look forward being able to hang around West Point. If it is held in some obscure place, we would have to think twice about participating. This should be a graduation reunion at the Alma Mater, not a just another vacation destination.Bigfork Montana

Classmates What is this a game ! ? We graduated from West Point not the Frommer school of Travel. If we are going to celebrate our 55th graduation from USMA, it ought to be there. I certainly would enjoy a trip to some exotic place, but not for our 55th West Point Reunion.Connie participated so her vote counts. Garmish ?? Helsinki??Cost could be a considerationCruise shipCruise ships can depart from the west coast, too. And, they can avoid a trip to West Point.Desired common feature is east coast golfing opportunities. Some very expensive, but still excellent golf. DC is an exception, but proximity compensates.

Due to numerous travel and social obligations, I have not attended any reunions (except my Dad's 65th at USMA, class of 1934) and am unlikely to do so in the future, unless they are very proximate to my home in Lynchburg, VA. So if you want to discard my input, please feel free. Also some medical issues are starting to crop up as travel limitations.

Ease of air transportation--lots of options, is one factor that is more than a casual consideration. Also, being in a place that courts and hosts large groups for meetings etc. is an important reason why we would go to that location. Our guys should not have to do the lion's share of the "administration" for the gathering.Go West for a change...good luckGood luck in compiling all of the permutations and combinations of responses.

Good questionaire--lots of options; you should get lots of input to evaluate.I'm confident that we'll see a third questionairre to pick the final not-WP site.Thanks,Dick ClarkeGood work and thanks.Great suggestions!

Guys - If it's at all pertinent to your decision making (and I don't envy you that task,) my 'I ain't going' places on this list are Riyadh, Helsinki [jeez, I coulda inserted 'Sacramento,'] and Cruise Ship [inexcusable but clinical big-boat phobia.] I presume West Point still is on the list. Thanks for your work on this. jgmGuys--It really depends on what time of year--for example Vegas and Phoenix would be great in the winter--but NOT in the Summer!!

Helsinki is such a great suggestion I voted again!Cheers,TFFHere's our answers - I guess I should have added Alaska to cover the field. Great write-ups! Carolyn and I still prefer West Point over the others. Jim and CarolynHey! What about a nudist colony w/plenty of viagra and booze.Holding the Reunion any place but WP is crazyHomestead is in Hot Springs, VA not West VirginiaHow about the Thayer as the prime location. Yes, there isn't enough room for all but the over flow could stay in Highland Falls and Newberg. Every one would be accessible to West Point and the Thayer. No big Bus rides. Some use of private cars.I doubt I would consider going if it is held at any venue other than West Point and the surrounding area.I am undecided at the moment. Location will make a difference.I believe strongly that our 55th reunion should be held at West Point; preferably on a football weekend with decent tickets/seats. As to where we stay, I am not qualified to comment, but a reduction in "bus time" would be a positive thing. I also believe that "additional" time at West Point should be in the schedule to allow individuals to meander and visit locations of interest to them(visitor's center, C-store, library, trophy point, etc;)Most of the "other" locations suggested lend themselves to Mini-reunions, much like Gary, Gene, and others have organized and run with great

success and participationThank you for your hard work on behalf of our class !!I did not respond to first survey, because I have only attended one reunion and that one is ancient history. Consequently, I had little if anything to contribute regarding likes or dislikes about the many since. Destination grabbed my interest and could be a game changer for the 55th.I don't get this. A true reunion should focus on the school from whence we came. The purpose is not travel opportunities or a vacation.

I go to the class reunions for only two reasons:1. To see classmates2. To visit West PointPlease don't take away half of my reasons. Attendance will drop if we don't have the reunion at West Point, and I'm surprised that we are considering it. I can't think of even one good reason to have the reunion at some place other than West Point.

I hope "Disagree - do not consider" is not considered a veto, at lest that's not my intention in having selected it a few times. The only one that got that "vote" out of me was Cruise Ship. Sorry, folks and blame it on the Queen Mary, but I will not (because I cannot) set foot on a cruise ship. Maybe if you drugged me . . .. That's the only strong phobia I have and, boy hidy, it's powerful. JMooreI hope this will energize mini reunions around the country

I lean toward places with a military connection: Colorado Springs--USAFA; Monterey--the old Presidio; San Antonio--Ft. Sam; etc.I vote for San Antonio this time: good weather most seasons; Ft. Sam (probably could have memorial service in the old Post Chapel). The post has a great historical connection and is expanding to become the center of military medical training. The Riverwalk is beautiful, many hotels downtown, great restaurants, easy non-stop airline connections from most parts of the country.Full disclosure: I lived there thru about 1948 . . . my sister still lives there.

I like most of them and will try to be there but need to consider distance and cost so my recommendation is SC,FL,Maine, or WV. We want max classmates there in a "good" location for us senior "disabled" for some soldiers. Just a thought - I do appreciate your work on this project. Thanks Ed, Gary, and Buttons of course the brains of the outfit !!I prefer West Point.

I still feel that the only place for a traditional class reunion is West Point. Many "Mini-Reunions" are conducted at these other spots and that's great but I think most of us would prefer to return to our "Rockbound Highland Home" once every five years; at least until escorting classmates into the "Ghostly Assemblage" becomes so regular that we tire of the place.Bob DunningI still like my river boat cruise up/down the Mississippi River on something like the Delta Queen if it's large enough.

I strongly prefer having the reunion at West Point. Being in the presence of that setting helps bring back memories otherwise forgotten. I am always interested to see what is new and what has not changed. For many of us the reunions are the only occasions to re-visit West Point.BTW, I erred in submitting my earlier questionnaire. I indicated that I had attended nine reunions. In fact, I have attended all ten!I think that the time the reunion is held will strongly impact where it is held (i.e. you don't want to go to FL in July or Aug).I think we should have it at West Point. That is where we met and went to school together and the Academy needs the support of its alumni now very much. Thanks for your work on this. Jim NicholsonI think we should return to WP if we can fix the majority of the complaints from the first survey.

I WANT TO SEE THE PLACE WHERE I SPENT THE HARDEST FOUR YEARS OF MY LIFE KNOWING THAT I CAN LEAVE AFTER A FEW DAYS!

I want to see West Point again before I visit the pearly gates. So my vote is for WEST POINT!!! If some of my classmates want to visit some tourist attraction let them do it on their own. I did "Strongly Agree" with Dallas because that is where I currently live and it would be fun to entertain my company mates here.

I will go anywhere to meet with classmates. Remember many of our mates have developed physical limitations.Reference a cruise: In 2015 Viking Cruise Lines is launching the "Viking Star", a 928 passenger, small ship-length 754 ft. It will sail close to shore and have frequent stops. All programs like their river cruises.

I will most likely attend whereever it is held, thus the neutral rating for most choices. I do think that out-of-country locations can create travel and cost problems for some graduates. I realize that there are logistical problems with holding it at West Point. But that would still be my first choice if is is feasible.I would still like to see a football game at West Point.

If San Francisco, California Wine Country, or Monterey, CA are selected as the venue I enthusiastically volunteer to assist the committee in planning and staging reunion activities. Thanks, DennyIf Seattle is chosen, a cruise in the San Juans could be a big hit. Beautiful!If we are not going to go to WP, a thought on choosing another location is to have it close to an Army facility where we might get an update on today's Army.IN MY OPINION ONCE YOU RULE OUT WP YOU HAVE A DROP IN INTEREST. FROM AGREE TO NEUTRAL. I FEEL BEING TOGETHER IS THE IMPORTANT FACTOR AND THAT WE CAN DO ANYWHERE. I SUGGEST IT STAY STATESIDE FOR COST CONSIDERATIONS.It's fine to have mini reunions at various locations around the world. Will you get someone from the academy to come to it and give a staus of the Corps? I doubt it. I believe that for the main reunions they should be held at West Point.

Just a reminder that our first priority was a reunion at West Point. It appears that the majority of classmates prefer going somewhere else. We want to give our input on locations as you requested even though we are still undecided. We will continue to participate in the regional, mini-reunions as often as we can.Thanks for all your work in putting this together.Mike HaleLater this weekend, will have Trish submit her version of the surveylots of work went into this list -but maybe too many places.

Maine Windjammer Association offers varying length of cruises in Penobscot Bay. Ruth and I will be doing a 6 day wine cruise on the Stephen Taber in July.This will be our 14th trip on the Taber--not for everyone but might be considered as an offering if you decide on ME as primary site.We,also, took a Holland American Cruise out of Boston--went up to PEI and then down the St. Lawrence to Quebec and Montreal. We stayed on for 2 weeks and returned to Boston but most left the ship in Montreal.

Mexico CityMobility for us ancient grads is not getting any easier. Find a place that requires not too much walking around.

Most likely any choice you make will have its supporters and its critics..... sooooo....do the best you canany choice will demand a lot of hard work planning and coordinatingBut, I bet the results will NOT include much "time on the bus", I hope!!Thank you for handling this part, Gary.... It's a 3.0Marty - PaulaMoving permanently to Germany, so may not be able to make many of the US locations. Garmisch would be perfect.My input won't count, as I will be unable to attend. One out of two is unsatisfactory. Who suggested garmisch>My plan for next reunion includes taking grandchild to see West Point. Am not interested in trip to any alternate locations listed.

My strongest positives are Charleston and New Orleans, subject to the time of the year, i.e., spring or fall. Most of my negatives are because of recent or planned future travel., e.g., our Brazil group is going to San Antonio next year. Only a cruise like the one described along the coast is appealing to me.Thanks for taking this on, guys. Good luck!

My votes are academic because I continue to feel strongly that our 5-year reunions should be held at or near West Point, despite the hassles and tepid Academy support. Many of the places proposed as alternatives are great for mini- or off-year reunions. But if there is any sense that our 5-year reunions should be more than social events and should involve reconnecting with West Point and recommitting to its ideals, that's where we should go. A memorial service in Las Vegas won't have exactly the same impact as one in the Cadet Chapel and at the cemetery. Golf in Charleston is fun but does not have the same meaning as the alumni review. And so on. So please don't count me in the 55% who want to consider alternatives to West Point.

New Orleans' strongest attraction for the Class was not mentioned in the comments, e.g., the World War II Museum, originally the D-Day Museum. NOLA has recovered from Katrina several years now.

A negative for Los Angeles and for NYC is interna travel within the city...nothing is central, getting from point A to point B is next to impossible. Several of the cities mentioned have a central area which allows walking to the potential events/activities without added transportation, which will reduce the costs tremendously. As the sites are narrowed down to a final choice, centrality of the activities should be one of the considerations in the decision. San Diego fits that criteria, as does NOLA, San Antonio, and Savannah. A second consideration should be the variety of activities available at a site. I would recommend that a top five or so should be selected by the votes. The develop a committee with an action officer for each site to research its available activities. Then with that info, go to the class for a third vote to get a site.no commentsNo one wants West Point?Once again, well done!

One of our primary considerations was accessibility of site by air (Southwest primarily) or, in the West, by auto. Gettysburg is a good example. It would be very difficult to get to. We liked it enough that we spent two weeks there on two occasions (travel by motorhome).You appeared to have covered most every possible site. Now, the statistics should indicate if you can cut the list to a final 3 or 5 sites.

Our Big reunions (like the 55th and 60th) should be held at West Point, where we graduated.!! Mins can be (and are) held anywhere. Forget this "Alternative Location" business. -/ Jim BlessePossibly we should consider location of an away football game.Probably would not attend at any location other than West Point.Re: Greenbrier. We may be of value during negotiation and full use of Sporting Club.

Returning to WP for me (and family members who may accompany) is an important aspect of the reunion. I believe the many mini-reunions which seem to be growing in popularity offer plenty of opportunities to experience other locations. I strongly prefer WP as the place for 55, 60, etc. class reunions. WP was a life-changing experience for most of us...reunions at WP keep me in touch with that experience.Reunion should be at West Point.Shouldn't the 5 year reunions ALWAYS be held at West Point? The alternate suggestions are great for off-year mini-reunions.Since we live here, we could help with NashvilleSite of away football game preferably in midwest

Sorry I did not finish the survey. I hit the submit button instead of the back button.Will tell you that my daughter and husband were at the Homestead recently for a small vacation. Compared to a few years ago, they both said it was somewhat run down.I still vote for West Point. I guess I am in the minority. Lucy Paone

Sorry to be so negative but a West Point reunion should be at West Point. It is too bad there aren't any hotels large enough close to West Point to accommodate our group. I would rather do the bus ride to West Point than to have the reunion in a location that would not allow going to West Point. I believe you need to go to West Point for a West Point reunion.

South Bend, IN :) The Morris Inn on the Notre Dame Campus will reopen for the start of the 2013 football season. Enlarged to 10 times its original size - first class lodging. Two places everyone should visit during their lifetime - The Plain at West Point and the Grotto on the campus of the University Of Notre Dame.Stick with West Point.Still think we should go back to "Home", West Point and forget these other options,

Thank you committee, for your efforts!That was a good list of alternatives.However, while we might seem old fashioned, and probably are, we feel that a reunion provides a time and setting to reminisce with classmates about our time at West Point. What better place than West Point?Thank you for asking .Thank you for providing the leadership in this matter.. FrenchyThanks and Good Luck! JerryThanks for not including Leavenworth where visitors on the north wall can see a cell towerThanks for taking the time to get these details.

The added benefit of Helsinki, Finland, is that it is only a short, enjoyable ferry ride to the old Hanseatic League city, Tallinn, Estonia. Not noted above is the fact that Helsinki also offers golfing opportunities for our serious golfers.

Finland, as all should note, is one of only two remaining super powers: US, large nation category and Finland, small nation category. If Helsinki is selected, TFF is ready to help arrange an itinerary and contacts for an enhanced, enjoyable reunion.

The cruise ship prior experiences showed how much time we had to be together without distractions. To also be able to touch base with West Point to me is critical. That is where it started and to return is to pay homage to what we are and who we are and why we are. A 55th that does not include West Point itself is just a holiday or sightseeing trip that is without the meaning for the getting together. Bobbi and I have gone to a number of the suggested locations, but they do not inspire us as members of the Class that is second to none. Are we to be the first to have a 55th that does not include West Point itself?The Homestead is in VIRGINIA. Only 25 miles from my maternal family farm and home. Mother went to school with Sammy Snead. One Uncle was the county lawyer. GabeThe more I look at the alternatives, the more I think we would be missing something by not going back to West Point.The purpose of the reunion is usually to return to the site. (WP) . Do we lose something by not doing it at West Point?Viking is building a cruise ship, the Viking Star. Unfortunately the cruises do not begin until 2015.We are proud of our Alma Mater. West Point is where we should be. No question. It is a class reunion to reunite where we were 55 years ago.

We do not get a chance to go to West Point often. We think that a reunion should rekindle all of those old memories and feelings. My wife lived there twice, we met there, got pinned there; we vote for West Point.Mick & Coralinn Maus

Well, if someone can suggest Helsinki or Garmish, then I would submit Rome as a venue, where there is so much to do and see that is worthwhile that we would all remember it for a long time. Ask the wives!!!!However, WP remains my overall favorite, followed by NYC and the DC area.AndyWest Point at a time we can book the Thayer HotelWest Point is still tops on my list. I hope you haven't ruled it out.West Point is the best location.West Point is the only reunion location I would want.West Point!!What a wide range of suggested locations. Good luck in your task of facilitating this for us. Sorry I took so long to answer. No excuse sir.What happened to Williamsburg which was on survey #1? Very minor point - the Homestead is in Virginia, not West Virginia. Thanks again to putting this together. RDH.What's wrong with the Thayer at a time when we could accommodate manyWhere is West Point?With all these choices, maybe we should have included Santa Fe?WP is out?

You ad hoc-ers are obsessing over this.Thank you for your efforts.You guys are doing great work. Thanx

OK - That's All FolksIf you have any comments not covered above you can enter them here.

OK - That's All FolksAgain, many thanks to all on the various committees who have done so much for our class over the years.Duty, Honor, Country . . . and Semper Fidelis, MacAlthough Charleston was great for a mini-reunion, based on our experience there are not many hotels that can accommodate 300 - 500 people.As I said earlier, I am strongly in favor of sticking with West Point, but will attend regardless of where we wind up. Thanks for putting this together.BEAT NAVYBEAT AIR FORCEConcerning a flexibile itinerary. Past reunion committees did not want to be burdened with keeping track of which classmates paid for which event. We did not want to worry about issuing tickets to events, requiring someone to maintain a roster for each event, and taking tickets at the event. Therefore, we established a fixed price for the reunion depending on arrival date.Continue the cash bar approach in consideration of classmates that do not imbibe.Be sure to get input from widows.Ed Brown asked me to submit this. I submitted one earlier, so please don't double count me.Gary...thanks for all that you do and Button as well.God bless the patient and hard working organizers.Golf could be included before or after the reunion so it doesn't interfere w/ main reunion.We enjoyed the dinner/dances and ended up eating by company which we also enjoyed.Re the number of reunions attended - I only counted the 5 year reunions rather than including the minis.GOOD LUCK COMMITTEE; WHATEVER YOU COME UP WITH, WE ARE ON BOARD!Good Luck!Good Luck. And keep us abreast of the data and developments.This form was easy to use. Congratulations to whoever set it up.Good luck. You are to be commended for taking on a job that needs to be done ... and, whatever you come up with is likely to be better than the approaches taken in the past. I didn't volunteer under the question above, but would do so if I felt that the choice made sense and my participation would be useful.Good surveyGood survey; good luck. Thanks for your efforts.Good Work GuysGreat idea to search for suggestions. A challenge to the committee to turn the hash into steak.Will see you at the 55th Reunion!

I am looking forward to our 55th reunion.I am very impressed with Gary and the gang who are taking on this task. Thank you. Have complete confidence in your judgment(s).I appreciate that you are reaching out for new ideas. Also, the emphasis on eliminating the long bus trips makes a lot of sense.I appreciate the enormous efforts you'v4 made and are making to make our reunions happen. Thanks.I checked the "I will volunteer" box back on Page 1. I'll be happy to help out; just let me know what you need.BillI do not receive mail delivery at my home street address.If there is going to be mail delivery, my address for mail is: P.0. Box 67502 Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067I have some gnawing questions, if I may. My USMA background: I did not graduate from West Point. I was a member of the USMAPS '57 graduating class and entered West Point with the class of '61. I resigned near the end of our second year at USMA, feeling at that time that I did not want to pursue a career in the military any further. I did well during those three years, including the year at USMAPS. Although I enjoyed all of it and benefited enormously from my time there, I'd had zero contact with either West Point or its cadets and graduates until about two years ago at which time I tiptoed back in via the USMA61 email distribution. A few months later contacted one of my A-1 roommates and have been in growing communication since. Although I was out of touch for all those decades, West Point and how highly I value it and its people rarely left my mind. I felt awkward in re-establishing contact and still do, although much less so. That said, however, I've yet to be face to face with any of you whom I last saw 52I would imagine you folks have been through this in the past and we end up at the Westchester Marriott because our group size and best cost always leads us to that option. I am afraid there are no easy answers. GOOD LUCKKeep it simple. ( e.g. We don't need souvenirs such as hats, shirts, bags, jewelry, etc. but name tags are still needed) try to reduce the workload on the volunteers so they can enjoy the reunion too.Keep up the great work.Looking forward to the next round of input! Thanks, JimMany Kudos for the committee.. thanksMany thanks to all of you who work so hard to provide a great time for the Class of 1961!Many thanks to the people that have volunteered to serve on the committee. It is a great team.My compliments on a good survey. It permitted to express those views I wanted to impart. Thanks, and keep up the good work. I'm looking forward to it already.My time a West Point was limited to one year so I look forward to visiting it if I am going to spend the $. Those who spent 4 or more years there may not be as sentimental.West Point has a lot of character. Other locations w/ the exception of Washington DC do not.NoneNow that class is actively considering alternative locations for the 55th, I will start looking at possibilities and be in touch with committee.Thanks for taking this on.JerryOne of the best parts of our 50th was the Yearbook (Thanks Bob & Pris Hardiman). We should do this again for our 60th and start several years ahead.One thing in favor of the cruise ship is that there would be fewer distractions. The time to socialize would be greater. The meals would be the

best. But there must be some time to visit West Point itself, even if for only a full day, but not if only for a few hours.Our thanks to the committee for all of its efforts!!I did volunteer to help. But I should point out that I'm still working part-time, 3 days/week, and the other 2 weekdays, I doing "Grampycare" for two of our grandchildren.PS: Let me know if you want me to continue with the memorial service, if we decide to have one.Thanks for taking this on.sorry i am so lateThank youThank you to the organizers of the last reunion. Aside from the weather, it was perfect!thanksThanks again for the hard work.NeilThanks for all of the Committee's efforts.Thanks for all your hard work!Thanks for askingJimThanks for doing this.Thanks for organizing this, Guys.Thanks for taking the time to put this together and do the planning. It is much appreciated.Thanks for the committees work so farThanks for the committees work so far. Good job guys.Thanks Gary for your diligence and efforts on behalf of our class. (Hope most of us are still around in 2016!!Thanks Gary. It will be fun no matter where we go.Thanks to our enduring class social director for getting this off the ground!Todd and MillieThanks.This does not pertain to the 55th, but we had a great GA mini-reunion and are looking for another next year - probably in Savannah. Many companies also have mini's. I've suggested before that it would be helpful if info on ALL mini's are made available on regular calendars, so we could attend more close to home so we could enjoy more during each year between "regular reunions." I have heard that Charleston was tremendous - unfortunately we made a mistake by not making that one. Kudows to the Fishburnes and all who helped.This is a minor thing, but where you asked who thinks they will attend, the word lots shouldn't have an apostrophe in it. I do appreciate all of your help and work.Thanks, JudyTime is short and ever moment is a blessing .To me , the committee members did a great job on the 40th & 50th .Jim & Nancy Brady Off topic , but since the 50th , through the kindness of Homeland Security , et al., my official name at board of election , Bureau of Motor Vehicles , TSA , Ohio Supreme Court & American Red Cross Volunteer and as blood donor is “Docile Jim Brady” <sigh and bless HS ♥s> /\. Nemo Me Impune Lacessit

TO PLANNING COMMITTEE - As I filled out your survey it is apparent you all have put sometime and thought into making our 55th a success. Perhaps (3 years hence) Googlefor advertising purposes will provide our whole class with the first version of theirGOOGLE GLASS. Thanks PaulWe have always followed our Class Motto in all that we do. Lets keep it going: '61, SECOND TO NONE.GARY, YOU HAVE HAD THE MOST EXPERIENCE IN KEEPING ALIVE THE DESIRE BY ALL IN OUR CLASS TO BE TOGETHER. I WOULD ASK YOU TO CONSIDER BEING THE #2 MAN BEHIND ED BROWN AND TO BE READY TO STEP IN IF NEEDED.My best to you all,RonWe need to find a way to take care of widows who may have challenges paying to attend the reunion. I am willing to make a donation to help.Rod G.Well Done! Thanks for pulling this survey together and soliciting our input at this early stage.