March 15, 2025 - Message from Mick

Marine Bill Smith, Secretary/Treasurer of "Echo Company Vietnam Veterans", U.S.M.C. 2/3 has invited me to make a presentation at their "Echo Company Meeting".  The presentation will explain the mechanics of our partner ship with the Third Marine Division Association regarding our 2025 2/3 V.V.A. Reunion.  Following the presentation will be a Q&A session.  There won't be any "arm twisting".  "Echo Company" is experiencing  what all "last man standing" veteran groups must face head on.  Or perish.  We aren't getting any younger and we must deal with that fact if we want to survive for as long as we reasonably can.  We decided in Savannah to "shrink our perimeter" and "call for assistance" to meet the challenge of moving forwared as 2/3 V.V.A.  Hopefully, we can accomplish this goal as we FLOURISH.  

Our  2025 Reunion Registration Forms will be avialable "soon".  Remember, 1 form for Hotel Registration and 1form for Armed Forces Reunions Inc. (A.F.R.I.) Registration (meals, tours, etc.). Bob North, President Third Marine Divisiion Association (T.M.D.A.),  told me in a phone conversation about a week ago that they were going through the "proof reading" process.  They want to send out concise, accutare information.  You'll get both forms in your email inbox the day that I get them.  

I'll remind you of the following when the forms get emailed to you:  The A.F.R.I. form should let you note if you're a dues paying Member of 2/3 V.V.A.  IF IT DOESN'T, I'll ask you to note in bold print at the top of the page: "2/3 V.V.A. Dues Payer".  I've been urging y'all to get current with your dues.  Read between the lines here folks.

Here's the latest on travel between the Tucson Airport and the Hotel.  Distance is about 13 miles.  

Outside your terminal, there should be a taxi stand.  There are a number of taxis owned by different taxi companies.  "V.I.P." provided this information.  Their cars are blue and white.  Fares are estimated to be $41-$44 (+ tip) per trip (at this time) for travel to the hotel.  You can load up the taxi with 4 passengers and split the fare.  

OR, you can fetch your bags at the baggage carousel.  Then, call V.I.P. at 520 300-3000 and be guided by their instructions.  

OR, you can use Uber or Lyft for your local commuting needs.

If you're attending the 2/3 V.V.A. 2025 Reunion, now might be a good time to reach out to the Tucson Chamber of Commerce, the Tucson and Arizona Tourism Departments, etc. for brochures and information.  

Remember, our 2/3 V.V.A. 2025 Reunion is coordinating with the T.M.D.A. 2025 Reunion.  It is an experiment.  T.M.D.A. wants to  "roll out the red carpet" for us.  They have waived their $35 Membership Fee for us to meet in Tucson.  2/3 VVA is not "under contract" or commited to any Reunion 2026 plan.  

Toward the end of Reunion 2025, our Membership will meet briefly to vote on Reunion 2026, our affiliation with T.M.D.A., etc.  Our Membership has VOICE.  That's the way we roll.

This mass email will go out to all on my mailing list.  If you know a 2/3 Marine RVN, please re-send this email to him.  Better to over notify than for a 2/3 Marine RVN to be "in the dark".