This is my first report to you from paradise. I talked with Dean a few weeks ago and discussed the timing for the reunion this year.

We felt that the last week in July would probably be the most convenient for everyone.

There is no problem with hotels here as tourist traffic is off because of 9-ll, mainly because of the tighter security and long lines on airlines.

As I told Dean, this will probably be the 1^st reunion in some time where we will not have a Chinook fly in. Nellis Air Force Base is here. However, they have been locked down since 9-11 with strict security measures -ie- vehicles searched to get on base, etc.

Las Vegas is still a fun place to relax and enjoy, with outstanding entertainment, food and sight seeing.

Before I start putting everything together I need to get a consensus of opinion on a few things, so I am attaching a questionnaire to this letter.

I would appreciate your feedback on this so I can start putting everything together. There is no doubt many of you are regular visitors to Vegas, while there may be a few of you (like Dean) who have never been here. Things change in this town almost overnight. Jean and I have only been here since August, and two new hotels have come on line with more under construction.

The Strip, as many of you know it, now runs past McCarran Airport, while subdivisions are being built at a boom pace. I saw on TV the other day where the rate of people moving here was off slightly in 2001, from 2000 by about 1000 a month; which means instead of 8900 a month in 2000, only 7900 a month moved here in 2001. Hard to believe isn't it?

All major airlines come in here and for those of you flying in you might check Southwest Airlines, as they service a large part of the country and have on-going specials from $39.00 to $99.00 one-way, depending on where you are coming from. Air West has been running specials also. Other major airlines offer discounted airfares from time to time.

Hotels have been discounting rooms also. Lately the Station Casinos have been offering rates from $29.00 - $39.00 / night. Other strip hotels have super rates as well. Without bending your ear too much in this report I want to add that over the past few years Vegas has been converting from a pure gambling town to a more family-oriented atmosphere with children welcome. Most hotels have supervised activities for kids of all ages, while mom and dad play the machines.

I am sure all of you who are planning on coming to this will reunion will have a super few days in paradise.

Forever a Boxcar,
Al Stratton

shanook61@aol.com
702-839-9739

6921 Greenery Ct.
Las Vegas, NV 89130