Do you have your hotel reservations finalized? Remember - that most vital part of the reunion process is up to you. 

If you have not yet done so, call the Seattle Double-Tree Guest Suites Hotel at (206) 575- 8220* or the nearby Red Lion Hotel  at (206) 246-8220.   Be sure to inform the reservation clerk  that you are with the 18^th Fighter Wing Association Reunion to secure the quoted group rates.  If you prefer non-smoking rooms, or special facilities, they should be requested at that time.

*(18FWA Hospitality Room and reunion activity focal point will be in the Double Tree Suites Hotel.  Be sure to use the local “206” area code numbers, not the ‘800’ toll-free Central Reservations num­bers for either hotel, to avoid possible confusion about hotel reserva­tions.)

On pages 10 & 11 you will find the latest schedule of reunion activities planned for your enjoyment, plus a blank Reunion Registration Form – which we urge you to fill out promptly and mail completed forms – with your check for Reunion Registration -- to Linda Irvine, “The Reunion Brat” at 4005 So. Ione St., Kennewick, WA 99337 who is handling  reunion accounting and clerical details. 

We remind you again, that the payment for 18FWA Reunion Registration must be separate from any payment made to the hotels for your lodging. 

(And while on the subject of payments – be advised also, that Bud Biteman will not be accepting any Dues payments while at the Reunion .. his memory is the 2^nd shortest item in his inventory, and the paperwork would not be completed to your satisfaction!)

As you view the enclosed itinerary on page 10 you will see events such as the Seattle City Tour and the main 18FWA evening affair, to be held at the famed Museum of Flight, which contains scores of famous planes of many eras – including the SR-71 Blackbird, and F-51 Mustang.  Those with internet access can browse the ‘virtual’  Museum of Flight at:

http://www.museumofflight.org/collections

As noted in previous issues, our 18FWA Reunion will be the focal activity for your 2002 trip to the Seattle area, but we  hope that many who are not familiar with our Great Northwest will take the time – before or after the reunion - to see and experience some of the many nearby wonders of the area.  We suggest that you pull out your atlas, and contact the Washington State Travel Bureau office at 360-725-5052 to request their variety of colorful brochures - then see as many of the points of interest as you are able.  For those with Internet access, click:
   www.experiencewashington.com

to receive maps and  tour information.

Seattle, the hub city of the American portion of Puget Sound and of the Northwest - is an important and busy Pacific Coast shipping port   There are scenic boat tours of the Seattle harbor, and frequent State ferries run to various  Puget  Sound  islands.  Seattle, located