USS Ponchatoula Shipmates Association

AOG 38   AO 148   TAO 148

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San Antonio (www.sanantoniovisit.com) captures the spirit of Texas. Now the eighth largest city in the United States, this city has retained its sense of history and tradition, while carefully blending in cosmopolitan progress. The city has always been a crossroads and meeting place. Sounds and flavors of Native Americans, Old Mexico, Germans, the Wild West, and the Deep South mingle and merge. Close to twenty million visitors a year delight in the discovery of San Antonio's charm. The USS Ponchatoula Reunion tours will give you the opportunity to experience some of this wonderful city. Reunion tours include a narrated sightseeing tour, a visit to the Alamo and the opportunity to spend the day in Fredericksburg, including the National Museum of the Pacific War. The reunion will offer an unforgettable visit to San Antonio and give you memorable experiences that you will want to share with your family and friends.

The reunion officially runs from Monday, April 16^th through Saturday, April 21^st. You will be staying at the full service Holiday Inn Downtown – Market Square located at 318 West Durango Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78204. The hotel is located close to many of the areas most popular attractions.

The room rate is just $89.00 plus tax per night for single or double occupancy. The rate includes complimentary breakfast daily for up to 2 people per room. Breakfast is available at an additional cost for 3^rd and 4^th persons sharing the room. For those of you who choose to arrive early or stay late, the same room rate is available two days prior and two days after, based on availability. Please make your hotel reservations NOW by calling the hotel at the following number 888-615-0725 between 9am-4pm CST. Be sure to ask for the USS Ponchatoula Reunion rate to assure you are associated with your group. You may request specific room types when you call to make your reservations (handicap accessible room, etc.). The hotel check-in time is 3:00pm. Please, do not expect to get into your room before then. Make your reservations NOW, you may cancel your hotel room up to 72 hours prior to arrival and not be charged. They will ask you for a deposit or credit card number to guarantee your room reservation. The hotel is holding rooms until they sell out or March 2^nd, 2012, whichever comes first.

If you are flying to the reunion, the San Antonio Airport (SAT) is the closest to the hotel. For those of you driving you to the reunion, the hotel offers complimentary parking. Contact the hotel directly if you need specific driving directions.

Travel safely and ….

See y’all in Texas!

Your day begins with a riding tour of some of some of the city’s wonderful sights. You will visit the Queen of Spanish Missions to see a documentary film and explore the grounds. Your tour also includes a visit to the "El Mercado"; the Mexican Market, and the San Fernando Cathedral. You will then venture to Alamo Plaza where you will view the award winning IMAX movie presentation "The Price of Freedom" which chronicles the story of the Battle of the Alamo. With fresh images and the story in your mind, you may then proceed to the Alamo itself. See where it all actually happened and walk the hallowed grounds of history. You will have plenty of time to visit the Alamo and have lunch on your own and souvenir shopping around the Alamo Plaza before returning to the hotel.

Wednesday, April 18^th (9:00am - 4:00pm)

Renowned for its rolling vistas and beautiful natural serenity, the Texas Hill Country will capture your heart and attention throughout every moment of this intriguing tour. You’ll arrive in the quaint German community of Fredericksburg. There you will find historic homes and shops, wooden sidewalks, old-tyme soda fountains, and uniquely Texan curios. You will have plenty of time to visit the museum, which is the world’s leading institution dedicated to preserving the history of WWII in the Pacific. Also of interest, are the Pacific Combat Zone and the Nimitz Museum. You will have time to browse the myriad shops, have lunch on your own, and stop at the vintage ice cream parlor. Bring your cameras – this is a great tour!

There is so much to do and see in San Antonio, the day will be free for you to explore what interests you the most. There is a nominal fee shuttle bus that has a stop in front of the hotel. It can take you to the River Walk and other local areas. It also returns to the hotel. There should be brochures for the shuttle, and other nearby attractions, in the hotel lobby.

BANQUET DINNER

Join your Shipmates for your Banquet Dinner at the Hotel. Banquet entrée choices are either Chicken Cordon Bleu (Boneless Breast of Chicken stuffed with Creamy Swiss Cheese and Smoky Canadian Bacon) or Ribeye Steak Champignon (Ten Ounce Ribeye Broiled to Perfection and Garnished with Sautéed Mushrooms). Both entrees are served with the chef’s choice of starch, vegetable, and dessert. Please make your entrée selection on the reservation form.

Spend your final day in San Antonio visiting some of the great attractions. Consider taking a cruise on the River Walk or enjoying a meal at one of the wonderful restaurants situated right on the river

TOUR CANCELLATION INSURANCE

Protect yourself from unforeseen expenses caused by sickness, injury or any other causes that impact your travel plans. This insurance enables a refund of Tour & Banquet expenses up until three (3) days before the start of your reunion. If you need to cancel – please call our office immediately (817-251-3551) for a cancellation number. If you have not purchased cancellation insurance all tour and meal money is non-refundable 6 weeks prior to the reunion.

~ Tours may be cancelled if a minimum of 30 people per bus is not met. In this case, full refunds will be given.

~Please understand that a certain amount of walking is necessary from the bus to attractions and in some instances to also see the attractions. Please consider your abilities before purchasing tours.

~ Be sure to bring photo identification (like a driver’s license) on all events.

~ All tour times are subject to change. A final itinerary is available at registration.

Name (As you want it to appear on badge): ______________________________________________________

Spouse: __________________________________________________________________________________

Guest(s): _________________________________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________City: ___________________St: ______Zip: _________

Phone: (Home)___________________________Phone:(Other):______________________________________

Email Adresss:_____________________________________________________________________________

Emergency contact during the reunion: _________________________________________Ph:______________

Years Served: 19____ to 19 ____ aboard the USS Ponchatoula. Highest Rate and Rank when aboard________.

Reservations are due by March 2^nd, 2012 Late reservations accepted on a space available basis with a non-refundable $10 per person late fee. For information call weekdays: 817-251-3551 or Email: info@MilitaryReunionPlanners.com. You should make a copy of this form for your records. Requests for refunds must be made in writing and postmarked before due date above. No refunds will be made after this date, unless you have purchased Tour Cancellation Insurance. There is a $10 per person refund processing fee. Sorry, no refunds will be given starting 3 days before the reunion for any reason. Your cancelled check is your receipt and proof of purchase. There is a $25 return check fee for NSF. For a written confirmation please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. MRP will not be held liable for failure of vendors to provide contracted services or any injuries/accidents that may occur during the reunion. Tours require a minimum of 30 people in order to operate. Full refunds given for any cancelled Event.