Upcoming Reunion 2024
Registration for the 2024 Reunion
The Association is ready to gather once again, this year in Colorado Springs, CO, Sept. 11 -15, 2024, for the Association’s 24th reunion. Here is where you get to refresh old friendships, make new friendships, and move our AC-119 legacy and heritage just a bit closer to the daylight.
The Board worked diligently to put a great reunion package together. Hotel information and the Program for 5 days is included on the following pages. The Reunion includes our Hootch, Meet & Greet, Association Meeting, Banquet, and Farewell, as well as TWO fantastic Tours! PLEASE READ the Program Info carefully! This announcement is out later than usual, mostly due to the fact that the Board and Committee workers are spread thin. You’re not surprised to hear that the number of active Association folks is getting lower – we are losing more people than we are gaining. For this reason, reunions like this one are so important to keep our friendships engaging, and to meet new friends. There is an increasing number of friends and family participating, which helps make reunions successful. With some of the ills from the past few years behind us, the Association should have a great turn-out this year. We have made commitments on expected participation, and it is VERY IMPORTANT for us to get attendee numbers as soon as possible. Therefore, you are encouraged to register early!
This information is on the Association’s Website, and posted on our Facebook page for those of you using social media.
This information is on the Association’s Website, and we post this on our Facebook page for those of you using social media.
Hope to see you ALL there!
NOTE: the “online” Reunion Registration closed August 12th! You can still register, but you’ll have to fill-in a paper registration form at https://www.events.afr-reg.com/docs/503/event/0/0/550-1710352764-5972-document.pdf , then mail the completed form with your check to AFR at the address on the form.
https://www.events.afr-reg.com/e/AC-119Gunship2024
Hotel Info and Program is on the next pages.
M. Drzyzga, March 11, 2024
Embassy Suites Colorado Springs
719-599-9100
Location
7290 Commerce Center Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Embassy Suites Hotel Reservation Information
Please call the number above and reference the AC-119 Gunship Association or book directly at https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/ac119gunshipseptember2024/
NOTE: Mike Drzyzga’s exhortation of “You are encouraged to register early” was right on! The Embassy Suites is sold out for rooms with double Queen beds, but we now have an overflow capability for rooms with double Queen beds right next door at the Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn and Suites!! That information was sent in a Flash message and is also one of the attachments you’ll see when you click on the Registration link above. The Embassy still has plenty of rooms with King beds, and all King suites have a pull-out sofa bed.
Group Name: AC-119 Gunship Association
Reunion Rates Available: September 9 – 16, 2024
Room Rate: $155.00 plus applicable taxes (Currently 10.20%) per night
Breakfast: Complimentary Hot Breakfast for Two Included in the Room Rate. Served in Embassy’s West Atrium 6:30am – 9:30am (Mon-Fri) and 7:00am – 10:00am (Sat – Sun). See the Best Western’s information for Breakfast times there.
Reception: Complimentary Reception for Embassy Registered Guests is served nightly from 6:00pm – 7:30pm in 14ers, each guest receives two complimentary beverages and light snacks.
Cut-off Date: 8/19/24. After the group cut-off date, the Hotel will accept additional group reservations at the contracted rate based on room availability.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation must be received 48 hours prior to arrival date or there will be a charge of one night’s room plus tax.
Parking & Shuttle Information
Self-Parking is Complimentary. The hotel does not provide shuttle service.
Wheelchair Accessible Rooms
If you are need of a handicap accessible guestroom, please call the hotel directly for assistance.
Wheelchair Rental
ScootAround rents both manual and power wheelchairs by the day and week. Please call (888) 441-7575 or visit https://www.scootaround.com for details and to make reservations.
AC-119 GUNSHIP ASSOCIATION
SEPTEMBER 10-16, 2024
EMBASSY SUITES COLORADO SPRINGS
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
| WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 | ||||
| 0800 | – | 2200 | Hootch Open | |
| 1400 | – | 1900 | Reunion Registration with Armed Forces Reunions | |
| On Own to Explore | ||||
| THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 | ||||
| 0800 | – | 1000 | Reunion Registration with Armed Forces Reunions | |
| 0800 | – | 2200 | Hootch Open | |
| 1030 | – | 1600 | Royal Gorge Train Ride | |
| 1500 | – | 1700 | Reunion Registration with Armed Forces Reunions | |
| FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 | ||||
| 0800 | – | 2200 | Hootch Open – Closed During Meet and Greet | |
| On Own to Explore | ||||
| 0900 | – | 1600 | Air Force Academy & AC-130J Ghost Rider Tour at Peterson Space Force Base – NOTE: this event is SEPARATE from AFR’s Registration Form. See GROUP TOUR DESCRIPTION on next page | |
| 1700 | – | 2200 | Cash Bar and Welcome Meet and Greet | |
| SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 | ||||
| 0800 | – | 2200 | Hootch Open – Closed During Banquet | |
| 0900 | – | 1100 | Association Annual Meeting | |
| 1700 | – | 2200 | Cash Bar/Dinner Banquet | |
| SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 | ||||
| 0900 | – | 2400 | Hootch Open – Closed During Farewell Dinner | |
| 1700 | – | 2000 | Cash Bar/Farewell Dinner | |
*FOR ALL EMBASSY HOTEL REGISTERED GUESTS – BREAKFAST WILL BE SERVED DAILY
IN THE WEST ATRIUM 6:30am – 9:30am MON-FRI and 7am – 10am SAT & SUN
See the Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn and Suites information for Breakfast times there.
A COMPLIMENTARY EVENING RECEPTION DAILY IN THE EMBASSY MON-SUN FROM 6:00PM – 7:30PM
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY FOR ARMED FORCES REUNIONS, INC. (AFR)
For attendees canceling reunion activities prior to August 12, 2024, AFR shall process a full refund less the non-refundable AFR registration fee of $10 per person. Attendees canceling reunion activities after this date will be refunded to the fullest extent that AFR’s vendor commitments and guarantees will allow, less the non-refundable AFR registration fee of $10 per person.
AFRI TOUR DESCRIPTIONS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12:
ROYAL GORGE TRAIN RIDE
Experience America’s most spectacular rail journey aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. In 1905, President Teddy Roosevelt described it best as “the trip that bankrupts the English language!”
Come experience not just a memorable train ride through the Colorado Rockies but enjoy gorgeous scenery on a narrated two-hour train ride through the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas” – an unforgettable journey under the famous suspension bridge, which clings precariously to the steep granite walls of the Royal Gorge, towering over 1,000 feet above. The ride includes a $25 voucher lunch on the train, where a bistro-style menu is available during the ride. Do not miss the train ride that has been called “The most spectacular 12 miles of railroad in America.”
10:30am board bus, 4:00pm back at hotel
$167 Per Person includes train, bus, guide, and lunch voucher.
GROUP TOUR DESCRIPTION
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13:
AIR FORCE ACADEMY TOUR & AC-130J GHOSTRIDER TOUR
NOTE: This Tour is dependent on the uncertainties faced by Air Force Special Operations Command every day.
IMPORTANT
This Tour is handled separately from the rest of the AFR Registration Form. To register, use this on-line link: https://www.ac119gunships.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2024-Colo-Tour-Reg-Form.pdf. Cost is $39 per person & includes buses from the hotel to the AF Academy. The buses include a knowledgeable AF Academy Guide to point out & describe the many well-known features of the Academy. The last stop will be at the SEA Pavilion featuring the AC-119 Memorial Plaque dedicated last year. Buses will depart the Academy and then stop at a restaurant for lunch, on your own. After lunch, we are then on to Petersen Space Force Base for a tour of an AC-130J Ghostrider Gunship from Cannon AFB’s 16th SOS and the unique opportunity to walk through a Ghostrider & meet/talk with its crewmembers.
9:00 am board bus, 4:00 pm back at hotel
$39 Per Person
NOTE: Please be at the bus boarding area at least five minutes prior to the scheduled times. All tours require a minimum of thirty-five people. The Association will manage driver and Guide gratuities.
AND: 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