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REUNION INFORMATION

Fundraising

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 and have found a great local supporter, TapRoom Bar & Grill in Pacific Beach. We have seen definite progress, in 2024 we raised $2,732.21—an improvement upon the 2022 total of $2,305.40. Funds raised to date for 2026 is $1010.00. We know our $5,000 goal per event is ambitious!

For 2026, I signed up for three fundraising days with Panda Express. While these nationwide digital campaigns offered a generous 28% donation rate, they did require a minimum of $150.00 in total sales to trigger a payout. Unfortunately, our January and February events fell short of this threshold; 4 orders-$115.60 and 3 orders-$48.90 respectively. No funds were raised. Our March event was canceled.

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.

Reunions: More Than Social Events

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? 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 in 2026!

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!

REUNION SEPTEMBER 26-30, 2026 SAN DIEGO - ALL RATES, ALL YEARS

Get ready to reconnect with old shipmates for an unforgettable reunion in San Diego! Our weekend kicks off Saturday, September 26, at 1800 with a Welcome Reception at the Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina. We will gather in the Harbor Room to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a stunning view of San Diego Bay from the patio. The following days are packed with highlights, including a hearty breakfast at the Old Town Mexican Café, a scenic two-hour Harbor Cruise past San Diego’s iconic maritime landmarks, and a luxurious motor coach excursion to the mountain town of Julian for some BBQ and their famous apple pie.

The festivities culminate on Monday evening with our Main Event, featuring a sit-down dinner in the Santa Barbara Room at the Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina. We will have giveaways (18 so far), a 50/50 drawing, and plenty of sea stories to share. We wrap up our time together on Tuesday with an exhilarating ride on PCF 816 Swift Boat and a casual farewell gathering on Wednesday. It's going to be a busy, nostalgic, and meaningful week—we can’t wait to see everyone there!

To ensure I have booked events/transportation that perfectly fit our group size and stay within our budget, I am requiring a $10.00 PER PERSON NON-REFUNDABLE commitment deposit. While this is a small portion of the total cost, it does give me an accurate headcount so I can confidently put down the larger deposit. Your deposit is part of your total payment and will be credited toward your full reunion cost. Visit the SHIP'S STORE for payment. Note: Please ensure your shopping cart quantity equals the number of people you are paying for.

Attendance in 2024 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.

An honest update regarding our upcoming reunion. To be direct, our current registration and fundraising numbers have been lower than anticipated. While my goal remains focused on camaraderie and our shared history, the reality of our current group size (20) may require a change in strategy to ensure a high-quality experience for those attending. Check back for updates.

EMail me or call (619) 750-6390 if you have any questions.

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.

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

The annual summit hosted by the Military Reunion Network (MRN) is a cornerstone of my planning process. It functions much like speed dating for professionals; I meet with dozens of hotel and destination representatives from across the country, each having ten minutes to pitch their unique offerings. My recent travels for these summits took me to Herndon, VA, in 2024 and Lubbock, TX, in 2025.

Beyond the summit, I often participate in Familiarization (FAM) Tours. These are curated experiences hosted by Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) that partner with local hotels and venues to showcase their city’s potential. I was recently hosted by Discover Kalispell in 2024 and Visit Tucson in 2026.

These gatherings are more than just information sessions; they are invaluable hubs for peer-to-peer learning. I’ve had the chance to exchange strategies with planners representing everything from small units to massive associations with hundreds of members. While many of these groups operate as non-profits, we currently do not—though you can click here for more details on our transition toward non-profit status.

After evaluating over 45 destinations in recent years, six standouts have emerged as top-tier contenders for our future: Albuquerque, NM; Annapolis, MD; Charleston, SC; Providence/Warwick, RI; Wichita, KS; and Kalispell, MT.

To date, selecting a location has been straightforward. 2026 marks our fifth reunion in San Diego, which has always been a natural fit. It was the homeport for USS Anchorage, I have deep local knowledge of the venues, and the membership frequently requests it. However, in response to lower-than-expected attendance, I am beginning to look toward the East Coast to reinvigorate our turnout.

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!

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.

CREW DATABASE & SOCIAL LINKS

For 34 years, USS Anchorage (LSD 36) was home to a massive crew rotation. Based on collected data, we estimate that close to 4,000 sailors—a rough count, perhaps plus or minus a thousand—walked its decks. Using current data, tours of duty typically ranged from just over a year to five years; with the average being 2.8 years.

I maintain a database of the crew and currently have 400+ names. Please make sure I have your name, rate, dates onboard (Mo/Yr-Mo/Yr), t-shirt size, city and state of residence, and a contact (email or phone). I DO NOT GIVE THIS INFORMATION OUT. If someone wanted to reach you, I would contact you directly and relay the request.

SUBMIT YOUR INFORMATION

Ways to Contact the Crew

Connecting with former shipmates from our ship is now easier than ever! Below you'll find a list of online communities and databases designed to help you reunite with old friends, share memories, and find contact information for hundreds of personnel who served onboard.

“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)

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