2011 Reunion Call

Download the registration form HERE

Greetings once again to all former members of the U.S. Army‘s 458th Transportation Company, DUKW‘s, LARC V‘s, PBR‘s, Boston Whalers, and all associated Military Police who served with the 458^th. It is that time of year again to announce that plans are coming together and being finalized for the reunion to be held in the Rapid City, Black Hills area of South Dakota. We had a very good turnout and a great time in Philadelphia last year (except for the heat). Many thanks to Tom and Sheila Farrell, Joe Wright, and Joe Heath for making the 2010 reunion such a success.

For 2011 we have enlisted the help of the RFN (Reunion Friendly Network) of which Lisa Storms of the Rapid City Convention and Visitors Bureau is a member as well as is Bob Hodet of the Grand Gateway Hotel where we will be staying. These people are great to work with on planning and setting up a reunion. As well as sending out this reunion call I will be sending out a registration form in the spring (April or May). Enclosed with this letter is a postcard that I would like sent back as it is really important that I get an idea as to how many plan to attend. Please check the appropriate box if you think you may be able to come even though you find later you cannot. Also, if you have any updates in Phone, Address or E-mail, etc. I would appreciate that so I can keep the data base up to date.

Grand Gateway Hotel
1721 N. La Crosse Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
Reservations 866 742 1300

Schedule for the weekend:

Tuesday the 13^th will be show-up day. That evening we plan a short ceremony to post the Colors.

Wednesday the 14^th will be a 9 hour bus tour of the Southern Black Hills, starting with a Cowboy Breakfast at Fort Hays and ending with a Chuckwagon Supper and show.

Thursday the 15^th will be a bus tour of the Northern Hills starting with a stop at the Black Hills National Cemetery and ending in Deadwood. Details of these tours are on the attached page. Thursday evening we will hold the annual 458^th Sea Tigers Association business meeting. Time for business meeting is yet to be determined. This meeting may be held in two sessions with the conclusion on Friday morning.‘

Friday the 16^th will be a free day to do and see as you please. There are many attractions in this area. Some examples are the Air and Space museum at Ellsworth Air Force Base just east of Rapid. There is also the Journey Museum and South Dakota School of mines and technology in Rapid. The Women and of course men may enjoy a tour of the Black Hills Gold Factory (guys, bring your credit cards) or the Chocolate Factory. Friday evening we will have a buffet style banquet at the Hotel. Saturday morning will be time for goodbyes and departure. ‘

A few things I should mention are that the Hotel rates are the same for 2 days before and 2 days after in case some want to come early or stay later and enjoy some of the site and scenes of the Beautiful Black Hills. Also, if travelling from the East, you may want to take a detour through the Badlands Loop of the South Dakota Badlands. If you think you may enjoy the moonscape you should enjoy a trip through the Badlands. Also don‘t forget the WORLD FAMOUS WALL DRUG store. Stop in and get your free glass of ice water or 5 cent cup of coffee.

We will be staying at the Grand Gateway Hotel 1721 N. LaCrosse St. Rapid City, South Dakota. Phone 1-886-742-1300 ask for Bob Hodet (pronounced Hoday) sales director. If he is not available, you can make reservations with the desk. Either way, mention you are with the 458^th Transportation Company Reunion. Rates are $79.00+taxes. Upgrades are available. For those who would like a really deluxe accommodation they have some of those also. No continental breakfast at the hotel but attached Perkins restaurant has a breakfast for 4 to 5 bucks.‘ Prices for the bus tours are not confirmed yet but to give you an idea of the range: Tour#1 Southern Hills about $79.00 plus an additional $17.00 for the 1880 train ride. This includes breakfast and dinner at Ft. Hayes. Tour#2 Northern Hills should be about $30.00. These prices are per person. All meals Thursday will be on our own.‘ Dinner Buffet Friday night should be about $25.00 per person.‘ I will have these prices confirmed when I send out the registration forms in the spring and they may be a bit lower.

If you are flying, you will be coming in to Rapid City Regional Airport. Rapid City Regional is served by Allegiant, American, Delta, and United Airlines and has direct flights to many cities. Shuttle service to the hotel is available by contacting the hotel and telling them when you will be arriving.

Hope to see as many as possible out there next year. We ain‘t getting any younger ya know!

On another subject, as many of you know Lee Helle has retired from being our webmaster (well pretty much). It is with many thanks to Lee that our organization is even in existence let alone be what it is today. I think we all owe Lee a great big Thank You for his tireless work and dedication to the 458^th. The website also has been moved from Homestead to Gage E-services and former 458^th member Terry Romine is the new webmaster. Terry was with the 458^th from May 68 to Dec 69 mostly Saigon and Vung Tau. Terry can be contacted at eatrom@blazing-trails.com. Terry lives in Fargo, N.D. Yes, he‘s even further North than I. If you are having problems accessing the Member area, contact Terry for the access.

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Regards, Bill Northrop, secretary. 605-339-3381

We are still debating whether to hold another raffle/fundraiser this year. If you would like to see another raffle include your comments as well as suggested prizes on the return postcard.