REUNION INFORMATION

THE UNSPOKEN TRUTH

It is easy to dismiss military reunions as simple get-togethers, but the truth is that they serve as critical lifelines for veterans. As championed by the Military Reunion Network (MRN), our gatherings are vital for our mental health, transforming into crucial therapeutic spaces that provide support that few other civilian settings can match.

We strongly encourage you to read the full context behind this important mission. Click here.

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

Spread the word: The more the merrier, right? When 2026 dates are announced, help me get the word out! Share the information with your network, on social media, or by reaching out to those who might not be online. A strong turnout makes the reunion even better.

Mark your calendar and plan to attend when 2026 dates are announced! It is important for every crew member, whether attendance is planned or not, to help promote our reunions and fundraising efforts. Not only are you helping those who will be attending, but you will be keeping the USS Anchorage (LSD 36) story alive.

Donate and Volunteer: Every contribution makes a difference! You can donate online year-round or help support other fundraisers when scheduled. Can you lend a hand with our fundraising efforts? Maybe you have connections with potential supporters. Every dollar raised brings us closer to an unforgettable reunion!

In addition to our dedicated FundRazr page, I partner with businesses to run user-friendly, high-yield fundraising campaigns. In the past I have worked with Panda Express (virtual campaign, 28% of sales donated) and have found a great local supporter, TapRoom Bar & Grill in Pacific Beach (20% of sales donated). We have seen definite progress, in 2024 we raised $2,732.21—an improvement upon the 2022 total of $2,305.40. We know the $5,000 goal per event is ambitious, but this momentum is key to getting us over the top at the next reunion.

I also actively pursue financial and in-kind corporate sponsorships from a comprehensive list of businesses. Imagine the impact of a principal sponsor funding the entire reunion, a donor offsetting catering costs, or a business providing promotional giveaways for our attendees.

REUNION 2026 - SAN DIEGO

San Diego received the vast majority of votes, far surpassing Kalispell MT, and Providence/Warwick RI, and will be the location for our 2026 reunion. The reunion will be held mid-September to mid-October, exact dates TBD. I am still working on securing our hotel, planning events, selecting food, and arranging transportation. Any updates and all the details will be found here. Make the call now and plan to be there. EMail me if you have any questions.

To secure your reservation at the reunion, a $10.00 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit will be required. This deposit confirms your seat and is essential for finalizing venue, catering, and event arrangements. The deposit will be fully credited toward your total reunion payment.

Last year's attendance demonstrated a significant need for confirmed numbers. Out of 75+ people who expressed interest, only 28 submitted payment. This measure is being implemented to guarantee a reliable headcount for planning.

PLANNING REUNIONS

Planning our reunions takes time, ideally a year or so, and there are several things to be considered. Should it be held on the West Coast, East Coast, or in the Midwest? What time of year and what weather can we expect at the selected location? How much money will the crew pay for travel, hotel, and food? Will the crew pre-pay to cover deposits required? How many will show?

What I Do

No one wants reunion costs to be a burden! I am committed to finding ways to make our reunions financially accessible. Let me know your concerns! Have ideas or suggestions? The more feedback I have, the better I can tailor the reunion to fit everyone's needs.

Airfare - 2022 was the first time we had an ‘Official Airline’. I have reached out to Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, and United. The best airline to work with while offering the best discount for our group has been United. With no usage in 2022 or 2024, I may reconsider offering this in 2026.

Car Rental - Discounts always depend on dates and length of rental. Our best discounts have come from Avis/Budget. Rates are normally available 2-3 days pre/post reunion event.

Hotel - I normally sign an agreement for an initial block of 10-15 rooms but have the ability to increase if necessary. I research the top hotel chains and any unique properties found locally. I look at room price, local room taxes, parking fees, cancelation policies, logistics, amenities, and of course comfort. Room rates are normally available 2-3 days pre/post reunion event.

Event Transportation - Transportation will be provided to/from reunion events for those staying at the official hotel; the cost will depend on the number of people needing transportation. The quotes I receive for transportation are always high, so personal vehicles are used whenever possible. In 2022 and 2024, our fundraising allowed us to provide a 15-passenger van as a shuttle.

Event Prices - For the main reunion event, I consider the venue and its amenities, deposit needed, food minimum, and especially the number of attendees required to meet that minimum. I always try and select group events that are fun and/or interesting while also keeping the prices affordable.

Payment - I offer the following options: Venmo, checks, or I will add my processing fee of .039% to a card transaction.

Exploring New Reunion Locations

Up to now, the location has been easy. 2024 was my fourth ship reunion here in San Diego. San Diego has been a natural choice; It's where our ship called home, I know the hotels/venues/events, and it’s been frequently requested. Crew member feedback will always determine reunion location.

The search for our next reunion location never stops! I attend the Military Reunion Network Summits annually. These events are where planners like me meet hotels and destination representatives from across the country to secure great reunion locations. Each representative has just 10 minutes to pitch their unique offerings to me—think of it as speed dating, but for reunion planners!

This year, I attended the summit in Lubbock, TX (June 19-23), where I met with 24 different groups. The locations that stood out as potential sites: Albuquerque NM, Harrah's Laughlin NV, Providence/Warwick RI, and Charleston SC. I also attended the 2024 summit in Herndon, VA, where I met with 22 groups. The following places showed promise: Visit Wichita, Visit Annapolis, Crowne Plaza Providence, and Explore Charleston.

Separately, in April 2024, Discover Kalispell hosted me in Montana to showcase the region. Kalispell is a fantastic destination, but keep in mind that rates tend to rise when the weather is ideal for outdoor adventures.

REUNION SCHEDULE

I want to express my gratitude to our dedicated reunion regulars; you know who you are, and those who attended for the first time in 2024. Let's make 2026 a record attendance year!

2029 or 2030 - *grand opening of the National Museum of the U.S. Navy in Washington, D.C.?
2028 - Midwest or East Coast *crew member feedback will always determine location
2026 - Will your name be on the attendee list? Will you be in any of the pictures?
2024 - Flyer ~ Attendees ~ Pictures ~ Reunions Magazine Article ~ Reunions Magazine - Correction
2022 - Flyer ~ Attendees ~ Pictures ~ Reunions Magazine Article
2020 - Flyer ***POSTPONED
2013 - Attendees ~ Pictures

Please note, there may be other reunions I am not aware of. Are you planning a ship reunion? Want that information listed here? Please EMail me the details.

“Can’t really make the letters big enough: BRAVO ZULU to properly reflect the herculean efforts you put forth to make 2024 a fun and memorable reunion.” LTJG Chuck Johnson (7/72-5/75)

"Thoroughly enjoyed my first LSD-36 reunion in 2022. The Bay Club was an excellent choice for a host hotel for the reunion. Accommodations and location were perfect for such an event. Even ran into the reunion coordinator the night before the first official event and shared a couple at the hotel bar! The 'Welcome' social hour, 'Main Event' dinner and 'Group Breakfast' were great times to rekindle old relationships. A highlight for me was the tour of the same-named US Navy replacement ship. All-in-all, a great time!" Plank Owner LTJG George Mellen (8/68-6/71)

“My wife and I had a great time at the USS Anchorage 2022 reunion. Seeing shipmates that I have not seen in almost 50 years was definitely worth the trip. The venue and activities were excellently planned- what fun! I hope more of my friends will attend the 2024 reunion - they won’t regret it.” QM3 Alan Bescan (5/73-12/76)

In October 2022, my wife and I, along with our children and grandchild, attended a USS Anchorage (LSD-36) reunion in San Diego, California. This reunion was organized and presented by former crewmember Mike McGrath. This was the third Anchorage reunion I had attended since my retirement from the US Navy in 1987. Mike ensured this was a memorable reunion with a variety of activities including a harbor cruise, a crew breakfast, and a ships tour of the new USS Anchorage. (LPD-23). The reunion brought back many positive memories of my tour onboard not only for me, but for my son who was only 13 years old when he participated in a “Tiger Cruise” on Anchorage after a Westpac deployment. I would like to thank Mike for his dedication to Anchorage reunions and I look forward to future reunions. MA Dave Rios (1/85-8/87)