At the 2004 Reunion in Las Vegas, an informal  business meeting was held where those present discussed ideas for the next All-Class Reunion.  Based upon the small attendance in Las Vegas, the consensus of the group was that future reunions should be held near Aledo or in locations that are central to a majority of alumni.  Therefore, the attendees voted to hold the next reunion in Illinois (Chicago or Moline/Aledo) in 2006. 

It was decided to use an online poll to determine the preferences of the RMA community and to solicit volunteers to serve on a reunion committee.  The final decision on a location will be based upon the results of the poll and the availability of volunteers in a particular location.

The poll was online from January 14th - March 14th.  Here are the results:

COMMENTS:

• I think we should have it at the same time as the Aledo birthday bash.. after all that is the place we all came from

• After Vegas I would recommend that you only do a dinner and dance.  If we all pick chi town and can provide a lot of information. 

• Aledo is the place of our roots, that is the place to all come together again.

• Chicago is great around 4th of July...lots of stuff to do in the city.  Not so much to do in Aledo or Quad Cities.

• DOWNTOWN CHICAGO, NOT SUBURBS. MORE TO DO IN CHICAGO LOOP, MUCH GOING ON ALL THE TIME.

• How about the possibility of displaying RMA memorabilia? 

• I can be happy with Chicago or even the Detroit area.

• I could help during the event. I think I live to far away to do much committee work.

• I have hosted the reunions before at Villa Olivia Country Club. I can arrange to have our shuttle take them to an affiliate hotel.

• I will help you out in any way I can.  All it takes is to ask.  If you need me in Chicago or else where a week or so early to help, consider it done

• If held in Moline - Trip to gambling boats or the John Deere Commons or a dinner cruise on the Celebration Belle.

• if i may help thru the web i can give you a true hand

• It may be very difficult to obtain hotel reservations for downtown Chicago at this late date for 2006. May have better luck in the Rosemont area which is near O'Hare

• It seems most alumni were from the Chicago area. Might get a better turn-out.

• make it inexpensive

• Mississippi Gulf Coast

• Please avoid dates in Sep for reunion.  Every military organization, and related  military organization seems to meet in Sept or in April

• Recommend some month other than Sep--when almost all military organizations have their reunions

• since Aledo is having the birthday party in 2005, I think we could stay in the Chicago area. I am willing to go to either.  Thanks

• someone bring that damn cannon & horn

• The people of Aledo rolled out the red carpet for us when we were there, we owe them many thanks and they want us back. The school will not be standing much longer and we all loved going back to the campus.

• There are a lot of new attractions in the QCA. Also a lot better hotel-motels then the holiday inn.

• This is great work you are doing. Aledo will be the most fun area. How about out on the slab with a tent over it and a catered lunch.

• Villa Olivia Country Club, I have hosted reunions in the past that were fairly well attended.  Dan

• Would like to serve but my location precludes any face to face meetings.

The Next Step...

Mike Vagi '60 is starting to contact people who have indicated an interest in helping with a reunion in Moline/Aledo.  If you are interested in the helping, please contact Mike right away.

We'll be providing more information as it becomes available and will probably post a few more polls to determine preferences and interests as the planning gets underway.