Navy Patrol Squadron 28

VP-28 Reunion - New Orleans, LA
November 3-7, 2015

All Hands Reunion Announcement

Welcome to New Orleans!

Each day, the Big Easy celebrates all things New Orleans: great music, great food, great history, and great times. Once described as an “inevitable city on an impossible site”, New Orleans (NOLA) is famous for its Mardi Gras revelry and Creole hospitality. NOLA features more 5-star restaurants than any other city its size. Its cuisine will tantalize your taste buds and warm your palate. Join your Shipmates for a fun reunion in New Orleans!

A comment from your coordinator:
“ Harry[1].jpg We have a great Reunion planned this year. Take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy good friends, great times and Hawaiian Warrior memories! Set a goal to reach out and encourage at least one Shipmate to attend the Reunion with you." Harry Shealy – Reunion Coordinator.
Cell - 601-513-6775 - .

HOTEL - The Holiday Inn Metairie, New Orleans Airport is our reunion location with a block of 30 rooms reserved for VP-28 Shipmates and guests. Hotel accommodations will be separate from the Reunion Registration and must be arranged by YOU. We have purposely set the dates for the reunion to fall in a less expensive airfare and hotel rate timeframe. This year’s Reunion will run from Tuesday thru Saturday (not our traditional Wednesday thru Sunday). Please reserve your room early so that we can gauge demand; you can cancel without penalty later if you must change your plans. (NOTE: Room cancellations must be made 72 hours before your arrival date; otherwise, a one night's room rate with tax will be billed to you.)

Holiday Inn Metairie, New Orleans Airport Hotel Information
Occupancy = King or Double Beds	Daily Group Rate = $109*
Free Breakfast Buffet (Wed., Thurs., Fri., Sat.)	Included in Rate
Free Parking	Included in Rate
Free Airport Shuttle	Included in Rate
*Group rate of $109 is honored for 2 days before and 2 days after meeting dates.
Holiday Inn Metairie New Orleans Airport 2261 N. Causeway Blvd. - Metairie, LA 70001 (Tel: 504-373-5946/Fax: 504-301-0174) Holiday Inn, Metairie Website Link
Reservations CALL: 800-465-4329, Request Group Rate for VP-28 Navy Reunion Reservation cutoff date: 10/06/2015 Cancellation Policy: Any cancellations within 72 hours of arrival date will be billed for one night's room rate and tax. Handicap accessible rooms are available upon request at the $109 rate.

Getting Around Town In New Orleans
Traveling around in the NOLA area can be a daunting and expensive endeavor. We will again rent 15- passenger vans to hold down the cost for our travel in NOLA. A free shuttle to/from the airport is operated by the Holiday Inn, but for downtown trips, we will utilize our rental vans. (For comparison, round-trip taxi rates to downtown from our hotel are approximately $50 depending on traffic.)

You may choose to sign up for the VP-28 van even if you drive your own vehicle to NOLA because downtown parking rates can be expensive.

Reunion Agenda

Tuesday, November 3 - Arrival/Check in Day

Most people will travel on Tuesday, arriving in the afternoon and checking into the Holiday Inn Metairie and VP-28 Hospitality Suite. No other formal activities are planned for Tuesday.

Wednesday, November 4 - WWII Museum Visit Day

Voted the #1 attraction in NOLA, the National WWII Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world - why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. From the beaches of Normandy to the sands of Iwo Jima, The National WWII Museum's many exhibits are a blend of personal accounts, artifacts, documents, photographs and original film footage.

Beyond All Boundaries plunges viewers into the 20th-century's most titanic struggle. It tells the tale of the Greatest Generation's journey from Pearl Harbor into the fire of epic battles, to America's final victory in the war that changed the world in the words of the veterans themselves.

Final Mission: The USS Tang Experience places visitors aboard the most successful submarine in World War II for its fifth and final war patrol on 25 October 1944. They will relive the last epic battle of the USS Tang and feel a deeper appreciation for the bravery and sacrifice of those who served in the intense, confined world of underwater warfare.

The Stage Door Canteen: Victory Belles' Wednesday Matinee Luncheon Show
The National WWII Museum presents The Victory Belles, a charming vocal group preforming "Songs That Won The War" at the Stage Door Canteen. Luncheon and show at 11:45am to 1:45pm.
(VP-28 Group Pricing is $35 per person for this Optional Event.)

Please Note: Lunch is also available in the American Sector restaurant at the Museum if you do not wish to attend the "Songs That Won The War" performance. Also, if you choose to drive your own car to the Museum there is limited parking at $10/day.

Please select your attendance options on the Registration Form.

Need more time at the Museum? Purchase a second day's admission on premises for only $6.

Thursday, November 5 - Exploring New Orleans Attractions

An abundance of tourist attractions are available in downtown New Orleans. VP-28 vans are available to drop you downtown where you will be able to explore at your leisure.

Interested in a Tour? Visit citysightseeingneworleans.com to learn about a three-day tour ticket featuring 15 New Orleans attractions and three guided, walking tours. Your ticket provides the flexibility to "Hop on/Hop off" of your double-decker bus at any attraction. Buses pass each attraction every 30 minutes, so you can choose the amount of time you spend at each attraction. (Three-day tickets are available at a VP-28 group rate of $34 per person - see the Registration Form.)

Please Note: If you drive your car, parking is available at the City Sightseeing Terminal for $5/day. You may wish to purchase a 3-day tour ticket to avoid the hassle of driving and paying for expensive parking at different attractions. Use the tour bus as a great way to get around town!

Friday Morning, November 6 - Brunch/Lunch on the Town or Relax at the Hotel

Beignets and Chickory Coffee Anyone? VP-28 Van Transportation to the downtown area, or to a popular restaurant in NOLA is available.

Friday Afternoon November 6 - Squadron Meeting 4:00pm

Friday Night, November 6 - Hawaiian Warrior Banquet at Hotel - 6:30pm

The reunion banquet is scheduled in the hotel’s Cypress 1 Room. The buffet menu will include Fresh Garden Salad, Roast Beef Au Jus, French Quarter Chicken, Gumbo & Rice, Fresh Seasonal Vegetables, Mashed Potatoes, and Red Velvet Cake for dessert. Cost is $30 per person.

Saturday, November 7

Departure - Departure day for most shipmates. "Fair winds and following seas" to all until we meet again.

Photos – Greg and Angela Gielow have volunteered as roving photographers and will post photos online as they did for Tucson, Charleston and St. Augustine. In addition, come prepared to capture your own digital snapshots to preserve memories.

Fill out your Reunion Registration Form Now!