BIG WILLIE WAKE
A Preview
Sunday (or earlier for some)
~ Arrive at the Mokara on your own, check-in begins after 1600, and starting Sunday be sure to ask at the Reception Desk for your Big Willie Bag - stuff to greet you to the Wake.
~ Valet parking is available with the Mokara with $9/day discount Big Willie Wake discount. There is also be a nearby public garage with lower rates.
~ Very informal social “meet and greet” downstairs Sunday evening starting around 1700. Site will be at Four Brothers lounge located in the Omni - Mokara’s proximal sister hotel. Cash bar.
~ Start chatting during the evening with folks to arrange for carpools to Lackland the next day. Ideally cars holding 4-5 folks to minimize stress on Security, and it will be quite helpful if each car has at least one person with a government ID to help grease the wheels for everyone else in the car.
~ If you arrive earlier than on Sunday please seek out Dan Towle or Kirk Bodary on Sunday to get your bag of goodies and information.
Monday
~ Leisurely breakfast on your own. 10% discount is available at Ostra and Four Brothers restaurants.
~ Business casual uniform of the day
~ Carpool to Lackland leaves NLT 0930 sharp. Remember to combine into cars of 4-5 passengers to minimize work with Security, and again, ideally with one member in each car having a government ID
~ Arrive Lackland at the Luke Gate (use Google map, but it is just a bit further south of WHMC). EVERYONE bring your Government or Drivers License ID
~ Final details of the Lackland event will be communicated on the website on the “59th Squadron” page. Lackland events are generally 1000-1200.
~ Casual lunch on your own
~ Reception 1600-1800 in the Mind and Body Room of the Mokara with private access to Rooftop Terrace
~ Small Group Dinners to follow.
Class of ’82 (Mi Tierra, Bill Caskey captain, 8)
Class of ’83 (Carriqui, Tim Orihel captain, 6)
Class of ’84 (Carriqui, Kirk Bodary captain, 8)
Class of '85 (Domingo, Jay Ellis captain, 10)
Era Staff (Carriqui, Dennis Wagner captain, 8)
Note: Splitting into smaller groups was simply to insure availability of table reservations at chosen restaurants. Any group should feel free to book into any restaurant, perhaps at times becoming a second or even third Big Willie table reservation in that venue. But please, please insure that each group has secured their own individual reservation time and table!!!
IMPORTANT TASK: During dinner each dinner group should explore the cobweb of their memories and select at least 3-4 short toasts/roasts/memories to be "spontaneously shared" at the Tuesday Grand Dinner.
Tuesday
~ Leisurely breakfast on your own. 10% discount at Ostra and Four Brothers
~ Spend the day as you wish using the website “Tuesday Options” page for ideas. Enjoy!!
~ Reception 1700-1800 in the Saddlery Room foyer for cocktails and appetizers. Sports coat or suit desired for the gents, corresponding for the ladies.
~ Grand Dinner 1800 in the Saddlery Room of the Mokara. Please advise Mokara early if you have specific food allergies, etc. See website “Drink and Dining” for menu
Miscellaneous Notes
~ AV costs were exorbitant so look for submitted memory photos to be posted on the website “Nostalgia” page
~ Name lanyards will be provided for Doc and +1 at Mokara check-in. Please wear to all events
~ This email, along with new FAQs, will be posted on the Big Willie website www.bigwilliewake.com
~ Spa services at the Mokara with 15% discount
~ As Wilford Hall was a mission oriented experience that we shared with numerous medical specialities, we are pleased to be joined by three of our GI colleagues to the Monday events. We shared the halls of Big Willie with these Docs, were subsequently stationed with them around the world, and to this day practice alongside some in the same cities. Welcome Don (Kathy) Clement, Dale (Maryann) Wytock, and Craig (Connie) Chamberlain
~ Our reunion, especially Tuesday dinner, will be greatly enriched with the willingness of any and all to rise and offer a memory, a toast, a roast, or simply your own thoughts.
Please, everyone feel welcome.
Questions?? Respond to gdomer77@gmail.com
~ Note that the informal Sunday “meet and greet” now starts at 1700. Individual dinners to follow. Site, timing, cost at your discretion
~ Password for the 59th Medical page is kellyafb, password for Contact page is lacklanD