This group is comprised of Vietnam War Veterans, both military and civilian, who served with the 5th Maintenance Battalion (DS)and its various companies and forward support activities during the period 1966-1970. The purpose of this group is to provide a means for those who shared common experiences during very trying and stressful times to renew old friendships and relationships and to provide a means for those comrades in arms to stay in close contact with one another.
Crest Heraldry
From U.S. Army Heraldic Crests: A Complete Illustrated History of Authorized Distinctive Unit Insignia By Barry Jason Stein
5th Maintenance Battalion Design approved November 27, 1967 The star and cogwheel from the arms of Italy, and the green from the national flag, commemorate the five campaign honors for service in Italy in World War II. The laurel leaves denote the Meritorious Unit Commendation. The unit’s direct descent from the 5 th Ordnance Battalion is shown by the projectile from the coat of arms of that organization. The star refers to the unit’s reorganization as a COSTAR unit while in the Republic of Vietnam. The cogwheel also represents the unit’s mission and ability to provide immediate coordinated response for maintenance and supply support. Motto: IMMEDIATE RESPONSE
Campaigns: World War II: Tunisia, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, North Apennines, Po Valley; Vietnam: Defense, Counteroffensive Phases II/III/IV/V/ VI/VII, Tet & Tet/69 Counteroffensives, Summer-Fall 1969, Winter-Spring 1970, Sanctuary Counteroffensive.
The 2011 5th Maintenance Battalion Reunion will be held at the Sheraton-Metarie New Orleans Hotel. Room rates are set at $89 per night for nights of March 23,24, 25, and 26. To obtain this rate your reservation must be made prior to March 1, 2011. ( Travelocity Rates are $139 per night.) The hotel is midway between Louis Armstrong Int. Airport and the French Quarter.
As in the past, everyone will be responsible for booking thei...r own room
To reserve a room call 1-504-837-6707, identify yourself as part of the 5th Maintenance Group and provide the hotel with the following reservation code -
The rates are subject to city and occupancy taxes, currently at 12.75%
5th Maintenance Battalion personalized group amenities…
• Complimentary Self Parking
• Complimentary access to our Business Center.
• Complimentary Airport Shuttle Service (shuttle also travels in a 5 mile radius from hotel.).
A group banquet is planned for Friday night at the hotel.
Per request, to arrange for shuttle pickup from the hotel contact the hotel directly at 504 837 6707. John suggests you call ahead. I suggest you call just prior to departure or immediately upon landing.
The WWII Tour and Movie has been reserved Thursday March 24th. The discount cost for the Museum and Movie is $15 each leaving $25 each for transporation which is far short of the amount required for the bus. I'm looking at alternative transportation (Van's), it is 9 miles from the Hotel to the Museum. If you are driving to the Reunion or plan on renting a car please call me 240 876 1990 or email me richardsteph67@yahoo.com with capacity of your car for a short trip.
The agenda so far and some ideas, we really need some feedback on who is attending what. You can reply to this or send me an email or give me a call 240 876 1990 (verizon wireless). This is a work in progress.
Wednesday arrival (for most). There is a local close by Restaurant/Bar listed on the hotel WEB site. For those wanting to go there Wed night meet in the Hotel Lobby at 6:00 P.M.
Thursday - Tour the WWII Museum and / or visit the French Quarter and Downtown.
Friday - attempting to set up a riverboat cruise, our Group Dinner and Raffle is Friday night from 6:00 P.M - 10:00 P.M. at the Hotel, this also requires you Register and send funds.
Saturday - open for discussion, dinner at Drago's Seafood in Metaire for those that wish to attend (meet in the Lobby at 6:00 P.M.
Please bring a donation valued at $15 -$25. Raffle tickets will be sold daily during the reunion. Some of these funds will be used to purchase additional raffle items, the rest of these funds will go into our treasury (we are still in the hole from Vegas). The treasury will reimburse those who so generously bailed us out last year when we got hit will unforeseen charges at the hotel. There will be a Special Gift awarded at the end of the raffle for the lucky ticket holder. Please plan to participate, for this to be a success everyone attending must donate.
Item Suggestions: 5th Maintenance Logo Items, Wine, Liquor, Flags, Military memorabilia, Gift Cards in sealed envelope ( Home Depot, Lowes, Starbucks, cash in sealed envelope etc).
At the raffle items will be chosen, ticket numbers will be called, each number will be repeated 3 times. If no one steps forward another number will be called.
Ticket Prices:
1 for $1.00, 6 for $5.00, 15 for $10.00, 30 for $15.00