From the Executive Director:
Tailhook Happenings
by CAPT J.R. Davis, USN(Ret)
by CAPT J.R. Davis, USN(Ret)
Tailhook continues to grow, and the future looks brighter for our Association with each passing month. Even the Tailhook headquarters itself has changed for the better with the installation of new carpet and a general reorganization of things within the building.
As the symposium nears, our efforts are directed toward making it the finest gathering of its kind in years. We certainly hope you are planning to be with us in September to share the fun — the details are outlined in the brochure that accompanies this issue of the magazine.
In an effort to keep you current on new developments within the Tailhook Association, I have highlighted some things that you as a member need to know.
Your Board of Directors has decided to continue two membership incentive programs. The first, the Nugget Program, enables active-duty pilots and NFOs to become regular members at no charge provided they are in their first several years of service. In order to be eligible for this program, the officer must be in the grade of ensign or lieutenant junior grade in his first sea tour, and must receive the magazine at his squadron address.
The Active-Duty Program, a “one-time good deal” available to first-time active-duty members, features a reduced membership price of $20 for the first year. Officers or enlisted personnel of any grade are eligible.
Our current membership stands at 10,697, and our growing list of industrial sponsors stands at 23. Because these sponsors are so vital to our organization, we ask that you support our corporate sponsors and advertisers at every opportunity.
Many have supported the Tailhook Association with long-term memberships and cash donations. The generosity of those making donations allows us to improve the quality and content of The Hook, to maintain the appearance and condition of our headquarters, and to expand the Tailhook logo stock. Donors have been vitally important to us for many years, particularly within the last decade. We gratefully acknowledge the generosity of those supporters from December 2000 through January 2002.
We have added a new 2002-reunion commemorative golf shirt to this year’s selection available with pilot or NFO wings. We also have four new Hawaiian print logo shirts. Please have a look at the storefront portion of our site to view the latest additions to our custom stock. (http://www.tailhook.org)
As you can see from the enclosed brochure, Tailhook 2002 will be 5–8 September at John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Sparks, Nevada. Tailhook is proud to welcome VF-24, VF-51, VA-126 and other reunion groups who are holding events in conjunction with the Tailhook convention. The Thursday evening welcoming reception, open to everyone, will salute these reunion groups.
Our reunions continue to grow as those attending the professional side of the symposium expands. We expect well over 3,000 attendees for the coming festivities. Don’t miss this opportunity to set up a booth, visit the professional displays or see old friends.
The Nugget is offering Tower rooms at a reduced room rate of $73 per night to all active-duty personnel attending. There are also a limited number of rooms in the Courtyard and Roof Garden for $58 and $45, respectively. Call John Ascuaga’s Nugget at (800) 648-1177 today to make your hotel reservations before all of the “block” rooms have been taken. If you’re currently on active duty, make sure that you inform the reservations desk when you call. Don’t delay in making your room reservations — available accommodations are beginning to go quickly.
Make your reservations now for Hook 2002 events by completing and returning the application found in the Reunion brochure, or by calling us at Tailhook headquarters. Our toll-free telephone number is (800) 322-4665, and we’re available to take your reservation from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. Or, if you prefer, you can make your reservation and payment online. Whatever method you choose, act now to ensure that the events in which you choose to participate are available.
Don’t miss the fun. We’ll see you at the Nugget!