Go to online event registration form at www.events.afr-reg.com/e/Americal2024

Go to printable .pdf form for event registration at Click Here .

Recent Addition to Activity Schedule

There has been a recent addition to the 2024 New Orleans reunion activities. It is a buffet lunch at the World War II Museum. This will take place on Friday, October 11. It is priced at $30 per person and will be served at the World War II Museum.

Members who sent reunion registration forms prior to the addition of the lunch on the registration form can still take advantage of this offer. Please contact Kelly Bridgeman at Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. to make the change. Advance payment is required.

Kelly can be reached at Kelly Bridgeman, Event Planner, Armed Forces Reunions, Inc., 322 Madison Mews, Norfolk, VA 23510. 757-625-6401 (Office), 757-627-3807 (Fax), Email kelly@afri.com.

The museum buffet lunch is optional. Tour attendees may choose other locations close to the museum for their lunch. This may be at the museum restaurant or at a nearby hotel restaurant.

Headquarters Hotel

The DoubleTree Hotel is located at 2150 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Kenner, LA, 70172. The hotel is a ten minute drive from the airport. It is conveniently located near a major exit from I-10 and 13 miles from the New Orleans center city. A variety of restaurants and shopping areas are within an easy driving distance from the hotel. The hotel may be reached at 504-469-3111.

National World War II Museum

The National World War II Museum in located at 945 Magazine St. It is a short distance from US Highway 90 and across the street from the Higgins Hotel.

Designated by Congress as the official WWII museum of the United States, The National WWII Museum is located in downtown New Orleans on a six-acre campus, where six soaring pavilions house historical exhibits, on-site restoration work, a period dinner theater, and restaurants.

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—so that all generations can understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Through exhibits, multimedia experiences, and thousands of personal accounts, the Museum takes visitors on an immersive tour of World War II in every theater of war.

Offering a compelling blend of sweeping narrative and poignant personal detail, The National WWII Museum features immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and an expansive collection of artifacts and first-person oral histories, taking visitors inside the story of the war that changed the world. Beyond the galleries, the Museum’s online collections, virtual field trips, webinars, educational travel programs, and renowned International Conference on World War II offer patrons new ways to connect to history and honor the generation that sacrificed so much to secure our freedom.

The visit to the World War II Museum will include musical entertainment by the Victory Belles. The Victory Belles are a delightful vocal trio performing the music of the 1940s, serenading audiences at The National WWII Museum and across the globe. The music of the 1940s brought hope and joy to our GIs and those on the Home Front alike—and the Victory Belles keep that tradition alive in rich, three-part harmony. Their repertoire includes all the treasured gems of the WWII era plus patriotic classics including a musical salute to each branch of the US armed forces.

Saturday Night Banquet Speaker

The reunion banquet will feature a keynote addresss by an exceptional speaker. He is Mr. Will Summers.

Will Summers was a Special Forces Communication Sergeant, and an Infantry Officer during his 25 years of service. He was assigned to 5th Special Forces Group as a member of ODA 595, nicknamed The Horse Soldiers and recognized as the most successful Unconventional Warfare team in modern history. Their mission inspired the America’s Response Monument and the movie 12 STRONG. Will and his wife of 26 years, Dawn, live on a small farm in East Texas with ten of their eleven children, while their eldest son, with his family, are on active duty in the 82nd Airborne Division.

The movie 12 Strong tells the story of Will Summers and his fellow soldiers. A description of the movie says, “In the wake of the September 11 attacks, Captain Mitch Nelson leads a US Special Forces team into Afghanistan for an extremely dangerous mission. Once there, the soldiers develop an uneasy partnership with the Northern Alliance to take down the Taliban and its al-Qaida allies. Outgunned and outnumbered, Nelson and his forces face overwhelming odds in a fight against a ruthless enemy that takes no prisoners.”

Now a major motion picture from Jerry Bruckheimer starring Chris Hemsworth and Michael Shannon!

“A thrilling action ride of a book” (The New York Times Book Review)—the New York Times bestselling, true-life account of a US Special Forces team deployed to dangerous, war-ridden Afghanistan in the weeks following 9/11.

Previously published as Horse Soldiers, 12 Strong is the dramatic account of a small band of Special Forces soldiers who secretly entered Afghanistan following 9/11 and rode to war on horses against the Taliban. Outnumbered forty to one, they pursued the enemy army across the mountainous Afghanistan terrain and, after a series of intense battles, captured the city of Mazar-i-Sharif. The bone-weary American soldiers were welcomed as liberators as they rode into the city. Then the action took a wholly unexpected turn.

The reunion banquet is scheduled for 7:00 PM on Saturday, October 12. It will be proceeded by a social hour in the hotel ballroom.

For additional information contact PNC Ron Ellis, Reunion Chairman; re196thlib@aol.com or 903-738-9897.

Host hotel: Doubletree by Hilton New Orleans Airport. 2150 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Kenner, LA 70062

Hotel Reservation Information: If you will not be using a computer or smartphone, please call the reservation line at 800-222-8733 or 504-467-3111 ask for the Americal Division Veterans Association group rate. Online Hotel Reservations Link: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/americaldivsionveteransassociation-oct2024/

Rate: $141.00 per night plus applicable taxes (currently 14.2% occupancy tax per room, per night). Breakfast: Complimentary Hot American Breakfast Buffet Daily per guest – Served in hotel restaurant. Guests will receive a 15% discount in the hotel restaurant (must show badge) – alcohol is not included.

Cut-off Date: Reservations by attendees must be received on or before September 17, 2024, (the “Cut-Off Date”). At the Cut-Off Date the Hotel will review the reservations pick up for the Event and release the unreserved rooms for general sale. Any reservations requests received after the “Cut Off Date” including modifications, name changes, and additions for the group will be accepted on a space available basis at the group’s rate.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation must be received 24 hours prior to arrival date or there will be a charge of one night’s room plus tax. Should you need to cancel your guestroom reservation, you must call the hotel. Canceling your reunion registration does not cancel your hotel reservation. Please call the hotel directly at 504-467-3111.

Parking & Shuttle Information: The hotel does provide a complimentary hotel shuttle to and from Airport. Once you arrive and have collected your luggage, exit Door #3 and stand by pick-up area B5. The reduced parking charge is $7.00 per vehicle, per day. Wheelchair Rental ScootAround rents both manual and power wheelchairs by the day and week. Please call (888) 441-7575 or visit https://scootaround.com/en/washington-dc for details and to make reservations.

EVENT REGISTRATION (Through Armed Forces Reunions, Inc.)

Go to online event registration form at www.events.afr-reg.com/e/Americal2024

Go to printable .pdf form for event registration at Click Here .

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9

1:00pm – 7:00pm Reunion Registration Open

Unit Hospitality Rooms open at discretion of coordinators

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10

9:00am – 11:00am Reunion Registration Open

9:00am – 2:30pm City Tour

2:00pm – 6:00pm Reunion Registration Open

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11

8:00am – 11:00am Reunion Registration Open

9:00am – 3:00pm National World War II Museum

3:00pm – 6:00pm Reunion Registration Open

5:00pm – 6:00pm Banquet Table Reservation Sheets will be collected at Reunion Registration Desk.

5:30pm – 6:30pm Memorial Service – Subject to Change

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12

8:00am – 9:45am Executive Council Meeting

10:00am – 11:30am Association Business Meeting

5:00pm – 5:45pm First Time Attendee Reception

6:00pm – 7:00pm Social Hour/Seating

7:00pm – 11:00pm Banquet Dinner

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13

Farewells and departures

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY FOR ARMED FORCES REUNIONS, INC.

For attendees canceling reunion activities prior to the cut-off date (September 9, 2024), Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. (AFR) shall process a full refund less the Americal registration fee and non-refundable AFR registration fee ($10 per person). Attendees canceling reunion activities after the cut-off date will be refunded to the fullest extent that AFR’s vendor commitments and guarantees will allow, less the Americal registration fee and non-refundable AFR registration fee. Cancellations will only be taken Monday through Friday from 9:00am until 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time, excluding holidays. Please call (757) 625-6401 to cancel reunion activities and obtain a cancellation code. Refunds will be processed 4-6 weeks after the reunion. Canceling your hotel reservation does not cancel your reunion activities. You must contact AFR to cancel your reunion registration.

TOUR /EVENT DESCRIPTIONS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10

CITY TOUR

Your tour of the Crescent City begins with views and stories of Lake Pontchartrain, and continues to unique above-ground cemeteries. Enjoy the trip down historical St. Charles Avenue complete with universities, parks, old oaks, stately charm, and an operational streetcar line. Hear the stories of Hurricane Katrina and see first-hand the long-lasting effect it has had on New Orleans. Continue to the French Quarter (the “Vieux Carre”), where a blend of French and Spanish cultures intermingles with a modern lifestyle. Also witness the bustling seaport activities, which are such an important aspect of the city’s economy. Enjoy free time at Jackson Square, the focal point of activity in the French Quarter and explore the area with its gracious iron balconies and lovely courtyards. Lunch is on your own in Jax Brewery, an old landmark transformed into a modern complex of shops and eateries, or at one of the many fine restaurants in the Quarter.

9:00am board bus, 2:30pm back at hotel

$57/Person includes bus and guide. Lunch on your own.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11

NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MUSEUM

Optional buffet lunch $30 has been added.  Victory  Belles musical presentation has been added.

Dedicated in 2000 as the National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as the country’s official WWII Museum, this remarkable attraction illuminates the American experience during the WWII era. From the Normandy invasion to the sands of the Pacific Islands and the Home Front, you will see the courage, teamwork and sacrifice of the men and women who won the war that changed the world. Explore moving personal stories and powerful interactive displays. Visit the U.S. Freedom

Pavilion: The Boeing Center, which tells the story of our nation’s unprecedented industrial capability during the war years. Explore the evolving strategy for fighting across the Pacific and in Asia, and the cultural differences and tremendous range of extreme conditions that confronted our soldiers. Also learn about the faltering first battles in North Africa to the bloody struggle at Germany’s doorstep. The immersive galleries recreate actual battle settings and villages. For an additional cost view the powerfully authentic 4-D cinematic experience, Beyond All Boundaries, narrated and produced by Tom Hanks, in the Solomon Victory Theater. Visit the Soda Shop or Chef John Besh’s The American Sector Restaurant for lunch on your own.

9:00am board bus, 3:00pm back at hotel

$69/Person includes bus, escort, and admission. Movies and lunch are on your own.  A lunch buffet  at the museum can be reserved at $30 per person added cost.

Please be at the bus boarding area at least fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled time. All tours require a minimum of thirty-five people.

Driver and Guide gratuities are not included in tour prices.

NOTE: There is a limit of one hydraulically lifted scooter or wheelchair per handicap accessible bus. If you use a scooter but can climb the steps to board the bus, either you and/or a person traveling with you must be able to put the scooter in the bus’s luggage compartment. Due to liability issues, drivers and tour guides cannot assist with scooters.

Fellow ADVA members will help with scooter or wheelchair loading and unloading.

ADVA Contact: If you have questions or special considerations please contact PNC Ronald Ellis, 2024 Reunion Chairman. He may be reached at re196thlib@aol.com.

Cancellation: We hope that you are able to make the reunion and have a great time. But if it is necessary for you to cancel your arrangements please do so as soon as possible. An early cancellation will allow for the maximum refund to you. If you make hotel reservations then you must cancel directly with the hotel. If you make event reservations then you must cancel directly with Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. An early cancellation with the hotel should result in no charges to you. A cancellation with Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. will refund as much as possible but the registration fee is not refunded. Please contact the reunion chairman if you have questions related to cancellation and refunds.