From the Editor
Dave Barry

It has been just more than one year since Reunion 06 in San Diego and it is time to start thinking and planning for Reunion 08 in Branson, MO.
Our President, Dan Idso, and I have been in touch with each other and others in the Association who are assisting us with planning another successful reunion.
The site survey has been conducted and the place for Reunion ’08 has been chosen (see below). George Dow participated in the site survey and has provided
a write up for this issue of the FIFTY GRAM.

Our intent is to send out information via email and also to make a concerted effort to track down more old shipmates and populate our data base with current names and addresses.

Reunion Update 2008

Where: Branson Mo. The Lodge of the Ozarks
Dates: 11-14 Sept 2008
Information: You can contact The Lodge of the Ozarks at
www.lodgeoftheozarks.com
The internet address for Branson information is www.ExploreBranson.com
Rooms: The lodge has set aside 80 rooms for the VRC 50 Association. Price is $79.00 per night.
Toll free # is 877-327-9894

Branson Preview
by George Dow
At the request of our President, Dan Idso, I participated in a Military Reunion Planning Conference, hosted by the Branson Chamber of Commerce
and Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) April 23rd - 26th. It was a four day, three evening whirlwind of activity, showcasing Branson.
The daily agenda was preplanned by the Branson CVB. We took in a total of nine shows and three tours, including a luncheon cruise (and show)
on the Branson Belle River Boat. Our contact at the Branson CVB is Sarah Hammons at shammons@bransoncvb.com or at 800-214-3661 Ext. 317.
The overriding purpose of this trip was to survey the hotels, and to choose a site for our 2008 reunion.

Prior to this trip, I had never been to Branson. Accompanied by my wife, Lily, we were more than impressed with the hospitality of Branson, as well
as the quality of the entertainment. To say that Branson is a Veteran Friendly city would be an understatement. Veterans received recognition practically everywhere we went.

During my survey of the many hotels, to consider as a site for our 2008 reunion, I finally settled on the Lodge of the Ozarks. It is centrally located
and has all the amenities that we normally expect, at reasonable rates. When I walked into the Lodge of the Ozarks, it just felt right immediately.
To top it off the Group Sales lady (Mary Slicka) is a US Navy Veteran. She can be contacted at md@lodgeoftheozarks.com or at 877-335-2176 Ext. 7527.
The Lodge of the Ozarks web site is www.lodgeoftheozarks.com Phone contact is 877-337-9894. Fax No. 417-334-0306. Rooms are being held (for our reunion)
covering the dates Sept.11 - 14, 2008.

Branson, has more than 100 shows featuring a wide variety of entertainment. Additionally, there are more than 25 other attractions
A sampling of the entertainment, featured in Branson include: Tony Orlando, Andy Williams, Charro, Glen Campbell, Broadway Musicals, Gatlin Brothers,
Lennon Sisters, Lost in the Fifties/Platters, Ladies of Motown, Mickey Gilley, Mel Tillis, Red Skelton Tribute, Connie Smith, Oakridge Boys and of course many others.
The average pricing for the entertainment venues is approximately $25. Of course there are discounts available. Group rates are also available
Attractions include: ‘57 Heaven Museum, American Presidential Museum, Antique Toy Museum, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum, Roy Rogers & Dale Evens Museum,
Veterans Memorial Museum, etc. The average pricing for these attractions is approximately $16 each. Again, there may be discounts.

Lily and I were so impressed with Branson, that we plan on scheduling a personal visit there at least once a year. It is my hope that all Foo Dogs
are equally impressed, after experiencing Branson during our 2008 reunion.

Looking forward to seeing all of you next September.