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Military Reunion Network | MAY/JUNE 2017 | #militaryreunionsmatter
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In December of 2016 Ray Chavez, accommodation package and deal with
veteran and oldest living Pearl Harbor the event logistics? The challenge was to
survivor, went back to Hawaii for the plan an event in six weeks for over 600
75th Anniversary of the attack. During people where nothing was confirmed
the trip the idea of a birthday celebration except the date. We did not have a
was born. It came about innocently location, a hotel OR a budget.
in a conversation between Called To
Serve band founder Jeff Senour and Mr. Calls went out to our network partners
Chavez. “Ray, is such an amazing man. in the San Diego area. The Holiday Inn
He should be honored!” was the thought Bayside was onboard within minutes. Our
Jeff could not let go of. He had to do something, sales contact, Jodie Langhammer was
and fast. Ray’s birthday was March 10th so there amazing, working behind the scenes with her team
was little time to waste. By the middle of January, to secure the rooms and rates we needed. With the
an all-volunteer team began to form. Jeff’s vision hotel booked, attention turned to the venue for the
was also. The celebration was to be in the form of event. The USS Midway Museum had expressed
a concert that included performances by various interest about participating. We were grateful for
artists including, The Satin Dollz, Cassidy Diana, and the package they extended. Contracts were signed,
Jeff’s band. event insurance purchased, and we were off!
In the beginning of February, Barb Beach, owner Holding an event on an aircraft carrier comes with a
of the Military Appreciation Channel and producer unique set of challenges. Chief among them getting
of The Military Reunion Network radiocast called equipment on and off ship. Getting gear on board
me. The conversation started with, “I need some included advance planning with the dock team
help.” Barb went on to explain the volunteer team in charge of the shipping container used to move
included lots of enthusiasm but no event planning heavy equipment. There are established rules in
experience. One of the volunteers “had a friend” at the interest of safety, security, exhibit preservation
a local hotel and could get a great deal on rooms and public access. Since the USS Midway is a
museum open to the public, our event day set up
in San window was limited to reduce the inconvenience
Diego to museum visitors. There were also limitations as
for just to where staging and screens could be placed. Our
under sales reps Susan and Jessica were quick to suggest
$250 a floor plans that proved successful in the past and
night. help us navigate the USS Midway event policies and
Could regulations.
I assist
with a As with any volunteer effort most of the work fell
better to just a few. I called us the “core four”. Maggie
rounded out inner circle bringing her ticketing and
4 concession experience. She elected to head up the
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