Battalion Landing Team 3/5 (Operation Hastings) has held a couple of reunions over the last decade or so. We've been remiss in including our attached helo squadrons, HMM 363 being one. Please distribute the below information to any members of your organization who may have been with us during this time period. (July 1966)

I look forward to any response from anyone who served with us. We owe you guys so much. A beer at least.

Semper Fidelis, Joe Holt
India 3/5 1966

Marines,
After the long wait this is what the reunion organizers came up with. Personally I told’em to give us a date and a location and maybe put a few cases of beer on ice and that would be all the organization we’d need. Nobody agreed with me.
The date change is awkward for a few of you. The length of the documents seem a bit much, but after a day or two of pondering the situation hopefully you’ll all calm down and make the decision to attend. (We’ve all become sorta cantankerous over the years. At least I have.) The bottom line of all this is we have the opportunity to be together again, to sit down and shoot the breeze with the only guys on earth who can relate to our experiences as a Battalion Landing Team.
We ain’t getting any younger. If any of you need a current roster just let me know.

Semper Fidelis, Private Holt (forever)
India 3/5 1966

Menu form is attached.

BLT 3/5 - HASTINGS
2012 REUNION
San Diego, CA ~ October 4th - 7th, 2012
Celebrate and Remember
Celebrate and Remember is our theme for the 2012 BLT 3/5 – Hastings Reunion. We hope to Celebrate those who are with us and Remember those who are not. In July of 1966 we shared a moment in time that after 46 years is still a part of us. Not only are we Marines, we are Viet Nam Marines of BLT 3/5 and Operation Hastings. We were together then and we need to be together still. Unfortunately, 2011 saw uslose a few good men. That is why our reunions are so important. I hope you attend the 2012 reunion, visit with your friends and meet new acquaintances, celebrate all those that are here and remember those who are not.
Your reunion will offer choices. A Hospitality Room will be open daily for your convenience, relaxing, and visiting. When you arrive Thursday we will welcome the wives and family with a small reception so they can get to know each other. We will then have appetizers in the Hospitality Room for all. Friday morning will be our time at MCRD for a graduation. Some of you may not have been to a graduation since your own and you may not even remember that one. It is a rewarding experience. Friday evening you may choose from scheduled activities or plan your own. Saturday also offers choices of scheduled activities or planning your own. Saturday evening, of course, is our Reunion Banquet.

Hotel Information

The reunion officially begins on Thursday, October 4th and ends on Sunday, October 7th. You will be staying at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, located at 2270 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108. The Crowne Plaza is located close to many of the city’s top attractions. http://www.cp-sandiego.com
The room rate is $105.00, plus tax, per night based on single or double occupancy. A Full American Breakfast Buffet is available daily for $10 pp as well as a 10% bar discount for attendees. For those of you who choose to arrive early or stay late, the same room rate is available three days before and three days after the official reunion dates, based on availability. Please make your hotel reservations NOW by calling the hotel directly at (619) 297-1101 between 9-4 pm PST and ask for in-house reservations. You can also call central reservations at 1-888-233-9527. Mention that you are with the BLT 3/5 - Hastings Reunion to assure you are associated with your group. You may request specific room types when you call to make your reservations (handicap-accessible room, etc.). The hotel check-in time is 4:00 p.m. Please, don’t expect to get into your room before then. Make your reservations today; you can cancel up to 72 hours prior to arrival without penalty. 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 August 24th, 2012, whichever comes first. Don’t delay.

Transportation and Directions

The closest airport is San Diego International (SAN). Cloud 9/Super Shuttle offers shuttle service from the airport to the Crowne Plaza Hotel. You will receive a $3.00-$6.00 discount off the shuttle service.
Advance reservations are required to get the discount. Make your reservations on line at www.supershuttle.comand use the group code 7J379. Reservations can also be made by calling 800-974-8885 using group code 7J379. For those of you driving to the reunion, the hotel offers a discounted parking rate of $2 per day is available for the duration of the reunion.
Travel safely and we will ….
See you in San Diego!

BLT 3/5 - HASTINGS
2012 REUNION EVENTS

LADIES’ WELCOME RECEPTION
Thursday, October 4th (5:30pm-7:00pm at the Hotel)

Ladies Only! Reacquaint old friendships or forge new ones with spouses, children, or friends of your BLT 3/5 Marine. Perhaps the name is familiar but you have not yet met? Heard all the old stories from Camp Pendleton to Danang? Gather together and enjoy each others company. Here is an opportunity to share your own stories with people who understand and care. Libations and light refreshments will be served. Enjoy!
There is no cost to attend the Ladies’ Reception; however pre-registration is required.
GROUP WELCOME RECEPTION
Thursday, October 4th (7:00pm in the Hospitality Room)

Join your friends for a casual Welcome Reception in the Hospitality Room featuring heavy appetizers and finger foods. This is a wonderful opportunity to see who is here this year, and your first chance to re-connect with your friends.
There is no cost to attend the Reception; however pre-registration is required.

EVENT A: MARINE CORP RECRUIT GRADUATION, LUNCH & MUSEUM
Friday, October 5th (8:30am-3:00pm)

This event is the signature event of this year’s reunion. Many of us were introduced to the USMC at MCRD San Diego’s yellow footprints and share this experience with all Marines. The graduation marks the end of a recruits’ time in boot camp, and final dismissal from basic training. The graduation ceremony includes the graduating recruits, their Drill Instructors and other key training personnel.
The distinguished personnel present are the Depot's Commanding General, the parade reviewing officer and the parade staff. Highlighted performances include the Marine Band of San Diego and the Depot Mascot. The Graduation Ceremony will be completed by 11:20am; lunch (at your expense) will follow at the Bayview located on base. Following lunch there will be time to visit the Museum on base and shop at the Marine Store. The bus will depart the base at 2:30pm to return to the hotel.
Registration cost associated with this outing is for round trip transportation.

MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Friday, October 5th (3:30pm at the Hotel)

The reunion membership meeting will be held at the Hotel on Friday afternoon. Check your itinerary at registration for the exact location of the meeting.
There is no need to pre-register for the meeting.

Please Select Event B or Event C for Friday night
EVENT B: DINNER CRUISE
Friday, October 5th (6:30pm-10:30pm)

You are invited to experience the first class service and fabulous food aboard one of the finest yachts on the Bay. Enjoy a fabulous dinner cruise while viewing 25 scenic miles of San Diego’s magnificent skyline. The dinner entrée is Slow Oven-braised Beef Short Rib glazed with a Cabernet reduction sauce paired with Dungeness Crab stuffed Pacific Snapper oven roasted and served with a lemon caper sauce. Dress is business casual. Price includes transportation, cruise, all taxes and gratuities associated with the dinner.
www.sdhe.com.
Registration cost includes transportation, cruise, dinner and all taxes and gratuities associated with the dinner.

EVENT C: GAS LAMP DISTRICT ON YOUR OWN
Friday, October 5th (6:30pm-10:30pm)

Transportation will be provided to the Gas Lamp District, where you will have the evening on your own for dinner, shopping, and exploring. This National Historic District is located in the center of downtown San Diego. The small neighborhood is 8 blocks long and 2 blocks wide and densely packed and stacked with elegant, beautifully restored and mixed-use Victorian era buildings. There are several restaurants in the District. Within the neighborhood you will find more than 150 restaurants, casual cafes, bars, taverns, and more than 100 interesting shops and boutiques. Maps will be provided; the coach will pick you up at 10:00pm at the pre determined location. www.gaslamp.org .
Registration cost associated with this outing is for round trip transportation.

Please Select Golf Outing, Event D or Event E for Saturday
GOLF OUTING
Saturday, October 6th (TIMES TBD)

This is your chance to show your friends how good your golf game is. The golf outing will take place at the Riverwalk Golf Course located near the Crowne Plaza Hotel. A Scramble format will be used. The fee includes 18 holes of golf, use of practice facility, greens fees and cart. Lunch and practice balls are extra.
Those of you who sign up to play will be contacted by the golf coordinator with further details and exact costs.

EVENT D: USS MIDWAY MUSEUM (SELF GUIDED AUDIO TOUR)
Saturday, October 6th (10:00am-2:00pm)

She was firing Tomahawk Missiles during the Liberation of Kuwait and now the USS Midway begins her final tour of duty in the heart of downtown San Diego's waterfront area. One of the true icons of the U.S. Navy in the latter half of the 20th century, she is a modern marvel. This is the most modern warship available for general touring today. You will take a look back at the history of America’s longest serving Aircraft Carrier through many of the Museum Exhibits. The Midway Museum tour is a self guided audio tour, and allows you to tour at your own pace. The tour will take you from the hanger deck up to the flight deck. There is a café on board for lunch on your own. www.midway.org
Registration cost associated with this outing is for round trip transportation and the USS Midway tour.

EVENT E: SEAPORT VILLAGE SHOPPING (ON YOUR OWN)
Saturday, October 6th (10:00am-2:00pm)

Located near the USS Midway; the Seaport Village shops offer more than 50 diverse shops and 17 unique eateries which offer many options for lunch on your own. This waterfront is reminiscent of a harbor side setting of a century ago. The shops are set among cobblestone pathways bordered by ponds, lakes, fountains, lush landscaping, and a boardwalk along the San Diego Bay.
www.seaportvillage.com
Registration cost associated with this outing is for round trip transportation.

BANQUET DINNER
Saturday, October 6th (7:00pm at the Hotel)
Join your friends for your Banquet Dinner at the Hotel. Cocktails will be available from the cash bar at 6:00pm; dinner will be served at 7:00pm. Entrée choices are London broil (marinated flank steak thinly sliced and topped with a green peppercorn sauce) or Lemon Caper Chicken (grilled breast topped with a lemon caper cream sauce).
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.

Important Reunion Notes:

~ Tours may be cancelled if a minimum of 30 people per bus is not met. In this case, full refunds will be given.
~ Please understand that a certain amount of walking is necessary from the bus to attractions and in some instances, to also see the attractions. Please consider your abilities before purchasing tours.
~ Be sure to bring photo identification (like a driver’s license) on all events.
~ All tour times are subject to change. A final itinerary is available at registration.
Reservations are due by August 24th, 2012. Late reservations accepted on a space available basis with a non refundable $10 per person late fee. You should make a copy of this form for your records. For information call weekdays: 817-251-3551 or Email: info@MilitaryReunionPlanners.com. Requests for refunds must be made in writing and postmarked before due date above. No refunds will be made after this date, unless you have purchased Tour Cancellation Insurance. Sorry, no refunds will be given for any reason starting at midnight the day before the reunion starts. There is a $10 per person refund processing fee. Your cancelled check is your receipt and proof of purchase. There is a $25 return check fee for NSF. For a written confirmation please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. MRP will not be held liable for failure of vendors to provide contracted services or any injuries/accidents that may occur during the reunion. Tours require a minimum of 30 people in order to operate. Full refunds will be given for any event cancelled by MRP.

BLT 3/5 - HASTINGS ~ REUNION RESERVATION FORM

Make On-line Reservations with a Credit Card at:
www.militaryreunionplanners.com/blt
Or, send this entire completed form with a check payable to: Military Reunion Planners, P.O. Box 1588, Colleyville, TX 76034
Reservations are due by August 24th, 2012

Hello,
Another reminder to the Marines of your squadron who participated in Operation Hastings back in July of 1966. Battalion Landing Team 3/5 (Hastings) is holding a reunion in San Diego this coming October. All the rifle companies will be there along with Foxtrot 2/11 for the first time. (Long overdue) The reunion can't really be complete without your guys. Over the years we've all concluded we owe you guys a beer. (Again, long overdue)
The web site for the reunion is http://www.militaryreunionplanners.com/blt/ Please pass the word.

Semper Fidelis, Joe Holt
India 3/5 1966