Updated 9/22/13
USS LCS 1-130 ~ 2013 REUNION Chicago, Ill.
October 30th – November 2nd, 2013
Welcome to Chicago
Chicago is racking up world-class accolades. One of the world's most magnificent skylines provides the backdrop for a splendid stretch of coastline along Lake Michigan. This is Chicago, a bustling city that's long been an important junction of commerce between the nation's east and west, north and south. The city is diverse in population, ethnic neighborhoods, museums and is the birthplace of modern urban architecture. Daniel Burnham, Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, Mies Van Der Rohe, and Helmut Jahn all sculpted a masterful cityscape. Chicago appeals to every sense and sensibility.
Hotel Information
The reunion dates are from Wednesday, October 30 through Sunday, November 3. We will be staying at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare Hotel which is located at 5440 North River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018.
The room rate is just $129.00 plus tax per night based on single or double occupancy. Rate includes a hot American breakfast buffet daily. Please make your hotel reservations NOW by calling (877) 337-5793 between 9-8 pm EST and ask for in-house reservations. For those of you who would like to extend your stay the room rate is offered 3-days prior and post, based on availability. You may cancel your hotel up until 72 hours before arrival at no penalty. Be sure to ask for the USS LCS rate to assure you are associated with your group. You may request specific room types when you call to make your reservations (handicap acces-sible room, etc.). These are on a first come basis. The hotel check-in time is 3:00pm. Please, don’t expect to get into your room before then. They will ask you for a deposit or credit card number to guarantee your room reservation. The hotel is holding rooms until they sell out or September 30, 2013, whichever comes first. Call Eileen at MRP (817-251-3551) if you have any trouble getting a room at the group rate or coming in early.
Transportation & Directions
The closest airport is O’Hare International (ORD). The hotel offers 24 hour complimentary shuttle service from O’Hare International Airport. Upon arrival, exit Door 2 in the Shuttle Bus Center. For those of you driv-ing to the reunion, the hotel is offering complimentary parking. The hotel is conveniently located off the Inter-state I-90 exit. Ask hotel for detailed directions when making your reservations.See you in Chicago!
USS LCS 1-130 ~ REUNION EVENTS
Event A: Lunch Cruise & Navy Pier
Tuesday, October 29th (10:00am-3:00pm)
Upon arrival at the Navy Pier, you will have some time to wander the pier and the unique sampling of shops along the way. As a designated time, join your fellow shipmates for boarding of the Spirit of Chicago. Today you will enjoy breathtaking views of the spectacular Chicago skyline. While music and an interactive emcee keep you entertained, you will dine on a delicious lunch buffet. Come aboard and enjoy a unique perspective of Chicago!
GROUP WELCOME DINNER
Wednesday, October 30th (6:00pm at the hotel)
Join your friends for a kickoff celebration featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner at the hotel. Enjoy hot buffet of grilled veggies and pasta salad, house-made meatloaf with mushroom sauce, seared salmon with caper dill beurre blanc, grilled chicken with fire roasted salsa, and of course mixed greens, dessert, coffee/tea, etc. Dress is very casual and all you need to bring is your appetite. Don't miss this first opportunity to catch up with your friends and shipmates.
EVENT B: CHICAGO CITY TOUR & RIVER CRUISE
Thursday, October 31st (9:00am - 5:00pm)
You will experience the vitality and excitement of Chicago on this very informative tour! Learn about the history, culyure and incredible architecture of this famous city as your experienced tour guide relates interesting anecdotes. Sites you'll see include the famous "Loop", Willis Tower, Wrigley Building and the John Hancock Building. Make sure you have your camera ready as you drive down famous Wacker Dr., State St. and the Magnificent Mile.
Lunch will be on your own downtown OR use the free time to experience the Skydeck at Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower). Step outside the tallest building in the western hemisphere and the third tallest in the world. At 1,353 feet in the air, the ledge's glass floors extend out 4.3 feet from the site of the building - do you dare? It takes about an hour or more to explore the exhibits and interesting facts and artifacts on the history of the building and the elevator ride is an attraction in itself. This is a thrilling addition to the tour and scheduled during the lunch period allotted so grab a sandwich and let's go!
Then we will all board a river boat for a Chicago Architecture Foundation narrated cruise by more than 50 buildings along the Chicago River, revealing how the city grew from a small back-country outpost into one of the world's most important crossroads in less than 100 years. The tour provides an overview of historic and modern architecture styles, plus many stories about the people who designed and built Chicago. The Chicago Architecture Foundation has literally written the book on the Chicago River!
EVENT C: GREAT LAKES NAVAL TRAINING CENTER GRADUATION
Friday, November 1st (7:30am-3:30pm)
You will get an early start today as you head to Great Lakes Naval Training Center for their graduation ceremony. The ceremony will begin at 9:00am. This will be followed by a base windshield tour. A tour guide will board the bus and take you around the base giving current and historical information of the Naval Station Great Lakes. Upon completion of the tour will be the USS LCS Memorial Service to remember your shipmates. Also included in this day will be lunch on base at Port O'Call and a visit to the museum before returning to the hotel. It's worth the early start.
EVENT D: CANTIGNY PARK & FIRST DIVISION MUSEUM
Saturday, November 2nd (9:30am-2:30pm)
Your visit to Cantigny Park will begin at the Visitor's Center. This will provide the opportunity to learn about Colonel Robert McCormickl, who owned the original estate and was the long-time editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Enjoy a guided tour of the mansion building and grounds to experience how Robert and his family lived between 1936 and 1955. You will also enjoy the First Division Museum, dedicated to the history of the Big Red One, the famed 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army. The museum has a wide variety of exhibits ranging from life-size dioramas to tanks and artillery pieces. There is a snack shop in the Visitor's Center for refreshments.
FAREWELL BANQUET
Saturday, November 2nd (6:00pm at the Hotel)
Join all of your friends for your Farewell Banquet Reunion Dinner at the Hotel. Please make your entrée selection on the reservation form.
TOUR CANCELLATION INSURANCE
Protect yourself from unforeseen expenses caused by sickness, injury or any other causes that impact your travel plans. This insurance enables a refund of Tour & Banquet expenses. Please note Cancellation Insurance expires at 11:59 PM the day before the reunion starts. No refunds are given after midnight even if Cancellation Insurance was purchased. If you need to cancel – please contact our office immediately (817-251-3551) or email: cancel@MilitaryReunionPlanners.com for confirmation of your cancellation. If you have not purchased cancellation insurance, all tour and meal money is non-refundable 6 weeks prior to the reunion.
Reservations are due by September 18th, 2013
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Reservation money is non-refundable after due date unless Tour Cancellation insurance is purchased.
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Insurance holders are eligible for a refund less processing fee until Midnight before the 1st day of the reunion.
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Insurance ends once the reunion begins - notification in writing/email must be received prior to the start of the reunion.
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Late reservations are accepted on a space available basis with a non-refundable $10 per person late fee.
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email/Mail notice for cancellations required.
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For a written confirmation please endorse a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
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MRP not liable for failure of vendors to provide contracted services or injuries/accidents occurring during the reunion.
Call or email MRP if you need to add, cancel or modify your reservation at 817-251-35651 or email Info@MilitaryReunionPlanners.com. MRP agents are available weekdays from 9-4 CST. Voice Mail is 24/7 but you must leave a voice message to receive a call back.
Reunion Coordinator: