Save the Dates:  November 12-15, 2020

COVID-19 puts planning details in flux

The adage "What a difference a day makes” certainly is alive and well, particularly if you look at the last two weeks. Two weeks ago, we were in the final stages of reunion planning with selected dates, a tentative schedule and a designated hotel. Now, due to the uncertainty COVID-19 has presented, parts of the plan have been thrown into a bit of confusion.

First and foremost, our dates are firm. Assuming we have a 2020 reunion, the dates will be November 12 – 15, with arrival on Thursday and departure on Sunday. Please consider this your “hold these dates” message. We worked to keep costs lower by scheduling after the 2020 election and after Veterans Day to avoid conflict with your local events.

As to the schedule and hotel negotiations, here’s what’s going on:

• All events have been put on hold as officials in DC are at an absolute stop because of the virus and nothing in the future can be confirmed. That said, our tentative plans include a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; a 3D AD memorial plaque dedication at the new National Museum of the US Army and a tour of that facility; a welcome reception at the Pentagon and official welcome from a very high-ranking General; and a private tour and reception at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial.
• Hotel designation also is on hold until we can ensure a proper contract for our group. The entire hotel industry has fallen into disarray with ongoing conference cancellations and they have been tightening “force majeure” provisions. From the Association’s perspective, we will not enter into any hotel agreement unless and until we can be assured that we can break our commitment without financial penalty to either the Association or our members.

We are thus in limbo for the next several weeks, possibly months. We are continuing to work toward a November 12-15 reunion. We hope to provide far more encouraging news in the near future, so please stay tuned for details as we are able to provide them. Since our plans are directly correlated to our national emergency, let us hope and pray this situation rapidly improves.

SPEARHEAD!

Don Duckworth, A3ADV President

president@3ad.org