Here's the word we've been waiting for: REUNION!

Spearhead Family!

As I write this message, I'm overjoyed with optimism and happiness. First, because I can see for the first time in several years the very real possibility of us having another Association reunion. The second is because of my health.

As some of you may know, I was diagnosed and treated for leukemia last year and I temporarily relinquished my position to Don McFetridge who has served ably in my stead. I recently received a diagnosis of remission with a great prognosis. This has enabled me to resume my duties as President and afforded me the opportunity to help bring the board's plans for the reunion to fruition. Words simply cannot express how happy I am to be back!

So, here's the scoop on the reunion. It has been a long hard road with many twists and turns, but assuming we can register sufficient attendance we will gather November 3-6 in a beautiful property, the Sheraton Suites, located in Old Town Alexandria. Your reunion team worked hard to get a nightly room rate of $139 plus taxes. For those who want to make an extended visit, the hotel will honor the rate three days prior to November 3 and three days after November 6.

We are under the gun to confirm a "go-no go" by October 1. It is imperative that we secure an adequate number of attendees to register for the reunion -- not just reserve a hotel room -- prior to September 30. Otherwise, we risk great financial exposure for rooms and food/beverage minimum guarantees to the hotel as well as other venues.

While the hotel rate is a win in this economic climate, I don't have to tell you that costs have gone up since our last gathering. Inflation is real. We feel it on all the reunion fronts from food and beverage costs to bus costs and service charges. It is simply impossible to have a reunion in 2022 for what we covered in 2019. This year's registration fee of $450 is the result of much hard work to reduce costs any way possible.

The reunion schedule is still being finalized, but it is similar to what we had planned: a visit to the new US Army museum at Ft Belvoir; a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; a visit to the Old Guard at Ft Myer; a welcoming ceremony at the Pentagon; and a full afternoon at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial where we will conduct a ceremony honoring our beloved late Lani Tucker, whose portrait is featured in the permanent exhibit, "The Changing Face of Courage."

Speakers also are being finalized, but we expect to hear from 3d AD Desert Storm vets LTG Tony Aguto and BG (ret) Irene Zoppi; COL (ret) Clark Linder, who will talk about the introduction of robotic (drone) tanks; and CW5 (ret) Phyllis Wilson who now serves as President of the Women in Military Service to America Museum and Foundation. We are working to secure others who will be of extreme interest and relevance for us as Spearheaders.

All in all, it's going to be a great time and you won't want to miss it. Watch your email immediately following my message for an invitation to register for the reunion. You can pay by credit card or by check using the online registration invitation from your email or you can soon access the same invitation on our website at 3ad.org.

To reserve your room, call the Sheraton/Marriott number 888.236.2427 and reference the Association of 3d Armored Division Veterans. In the days to come, we will publish a hotel direct number and online address for reservations. Please note that third-party agents (such as bookings.com) will not be accepted. You must use the toll free number or direct hotel information that we will provide. Your credit card will guarantee the reservation at the reunion rate. In the event the reunion is canceled or rescheduled, the hotel rooms and/or your reunion registration will be fully refundable.

In closing, it's been a long time coming but it's here now and I hope you can make it. There's no better way to reunite with old friends, make new friends and pay tribute to the history of our great Division. I'm ready to shake hands! How about you?!

Spearhead!

Don Duckworth,

President