Till our next reunion!

It is hard to believe, but we are coming up on our 7th USS Davidson reunion.  It is hard work, but we try to make it bigger and better each year with new events and programs.  We also try to provide you with a location that is in the middle of the country to give everyone a chance to attend.    

The dates of the reunion are October 11, 12 & 13, 2007, at the Grand Country Inn.  The rates are $64.50 per room per night.  You need to mention that you are with the USS Davidson when making your reservations in order to take advantage of this reduced rate.  The phone number for the Grand Country Inn is 1-800-356-4336 and ask for the Group Sales Department.   

Once again, the reunion will be held in Branson, MO.  Branson is a unique small town with a population of only 5,000 residents but grows into the tens of thousands each year because of the tourist industry and everything they have to offer.  Branson has over 500 restaurants, 100 shows to see, 2 amusement parks, caves, Table Rock Lake and Branson Landing, a unique new shopping district.  If you want it all, Branson is the place to be.  The town folk are very friendly and entertainers are known to come out after the show to greet you and sign autographs.  When was the last time you got to talk to a famous person?  How about a rock and roll star?  They have them in Branson.  Want to go on a replica of the Titanic and feel how cold an iceberg is?  When was the last time you road a passenger train or a riverboat?  Branson has 'em and a whole lot more.    

Of course, the main reason for coming to Branson is to see your old shipmates and this year, from the feedback I've been getting, we may be seeing some new faces.  Only you can make that happen by letting us know you are coming so we can get the word out so others know that you will be there.  If you don't come, they won't come.  The earlier you let us know, the better.    

Each year, more and more of the crew seem to arrive earlier to see the shows, eat the food, see the attractions and get started talking old times with their crew mates.    

We will have our usual pizza party, movies, slide shows, lectures, question and answer periods, raffle and other surprises.  No need to dress up...leave your Blues at home, they don't fit anyway!  We have no banquet and you eat when and where you want.  No registration fee.  The ship's store will be open and coffee is always brewing in the canteen.  Each year we have a new T-shirt and other souvenirs in the ship's store.    

Bring your albums, videos, memorabilia to show and a raffle item or two if possible.    

There will be one change this year at the reunion.  We will be alcohol free in the meeting room and the area surrounding the meeting room due to liability concerns.  Alcohol in your hotel room is at you discretion and is your sole responsibility.    

If there are any questions,  feel free to direct them to:

Tweetie Schippers at [641] 792-3930,
Russell Crosby at [918] 224-1515
Deke Keller at [616] 534-0827
Dan Kroeger at [440] 944-9498

Information on shows, attractions and restaurants can be found on-line on the Branson web site at http://www.explorebranson.com or by directing questions to the above crew mates who have had enough experience with Branson to be able to advise you.    

Here are some of the things you will need to know:

Hope to see you all there!  Be sure and call all of your X-Davidson crew mates and encourage them to come and join us for a weekend of fellowship and fun.  Also, dig out those old cruise books, photos and movies to share.

So get the word out, make your plans, contact your shipmates and we will see you in October in Branson, MO.                                                           

      Bob [Tweetie Bird] Schippers

Please inform Bob [Tweetie Bird] Schippers when you make your reservations with the date you are arriving, the number in your party and your departure date.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact: