NEWSLETTER OF THE PREBLE REUNION ASSOCIATION

I am sorry to have been so late in getting this into the mail to you.  I apologize  for the inconvenience this may have caused you.  In explanation, I have been fighting a running battle with cancer since we last met in St. Louis.  I have not given up the fight yet, but the outlook is not rosy.

Gregg and Judy Nelson have done the excellent job of making all of the Seattle 2001 reunion arrangements which we knew they would.  Read all about it inside.

It is time for all of us to make our dues contributions for the year 2001.  Thanks to all of you for a much improved dues paying posture for the past year.  For the first time in Association history, we are actually approaching the forthcoming reunion with a bit of a treasury surplus.  This surplus is coming back to you in the form of reduced reunion registration fees and the Association is funding two narrated three hour Seattle bus tours on Saturday the 23rd.  First tour departs at 0900, second at 1300.  Be sure to sign up for your preference in the Host Room upon checking in to the hotel.

As in the past, your address label is year-coded to indicate the year our records show your dues to be paid THROUGH.  The year code appears lust below your name.  There are some members who have already paid 2001 dues.  We don't want you to pay twice, so please check those address labels.  We never solicit dues from our honorary members.

There is an entry on the reunion registration card to indicate payment of dues.  Even if you are unable to attend the reunion, please use this card and the enclosed preaddressed envelope when sending dues.  Checks should be payable to Preble Reunion Association.  Dues remain $10.00/Yr.

BREAKING NEWS!  CDR Timothy A. Batzler, Prospective Commanding Officer (PCO) of the new USS PREBLE (DDG-88) has contacted our Association seeking membership information.  We welcome him with open arms!  CDR Batzler is now the charter member of the Preble Reunion Association DDG-88 crew.

In a subsequent telephone conversation, CDR Batzler indicated that he is firmly in favor of a contingent of us "old Preble hands" being in attendance at the DDG-88 commissioning ceremony.  When we learn city and date, we will be there.

Am looking forward to seeing you in Seattle!

Bill Calhoun

REUNION 2001

Our reunion this year will be held at the Best Western Executive Inn, 200 Taylor Ave. North, Seattle, WA.  This hotel is located adjacent to the Seattle Center, site of the 1962 World's Fair.  Some of you will remember when our Preble was a visit ship for that occasion.

Reunion dates are June 22 - June 25.

Friday, June 22......Attendees arrive according to own schedule.  Hotel check-in time 3:00 PM.

Saturday, June 23.... Reunion activities, tours.

Sunday, June 24......Reunion activities continue, culminating in our farewell banquet in the evening.

Monday, June 25......Attendees depart according to own schedule.  Hotel check-out time 12:00 NOON.

This was, in most ways, a typical Preble Reunion. No scheduling of our member's time except for a brief business meeting on Saturday and our usual "Farewell Banquet" on Sunday evening.

ROOM RATES

We have reserved a block of 55 rooms.  All rooms have 2 queen size beds.  The single/double rate is $105.00 plus 15.6% tax.  The triple/quad rate is $125.00 plus tax.  All rooms are non-smoking unless otherwise requested.  Negotiated rates are effective from 3 days before to 3 days after reunion dates for those who wish to extend their stay in Seattle.

RESERVATIONS

You must make your own reservations with the hotel.  We do not do that for you.  For reservations, call 1-800-351-9444.  Be prepared to guarantee your first night's stay with a major credit card.  Rooms must be reserved before May 11, 2001 in order to obtain the negotiated room rate.  You must identify yourself as being with the USS PREBLE REUNION GROUP in order to receive the negotiated rate.  Rooms not reserved by May 11 will be sold to the general public and you will face paying $150-$175/night plus tax at any other nearby hotel

PARKING

The hotel provides free underground parking for registered overnight guests.  If you are staying elsewhere, there will be a $12.00/day parking fee or you may use nearby metered on-street parking.

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