2011 - The Gathering IX

[Srjeeper]

The 'Gun Truck' Gathering IX will be in Louisville, Kentucky!!​

3-7 August 2011​

Finally the hotel negotiations are complete! We are sorry it was such a long wait for this information to be posted but working with the Visitor Center of Louisville who assisted with this process involved more negotiations than booking a non-corporate hotel.
In order to get the group rate, it is imperative you use the reservation code “VVT.” If you try and book under “The Gathering” as we have in the past, you will be told there are no rooms under that heading.
Holiday Inn Hurstbourne/I-64 East
1325 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy
Louisville, KY 40222
502-426-2600
Or 1-800-HOLIDAY
RESERVATION CODE: VVT
Terrace rooms are our first choice for all of us to be in the same area. Rate is $69.00 plus tax. Dates for the Gathering 3-7 August 2011; special room rates will be honored as early as 31 July for those who want to come early.

Cutoff Date is July 13, 2011​

The hotel will NOT allow us to conduct a BBQ on site without contracting through the hotel itself. The cost was prohibitive so the plan in the works will be an off site event through a local Veterans Organization. The raffle may be held either at the hotel or the barbeque event itself. Details will follow as we approach the Gathering dates.
The hotel IS providing us with a hospitality room which CAN be stocked with snacks that we provide as well as beverages. A continental breakfast will be set up daily in the lobby to accommodate our group. There is also a restaurant on site. There is plenty of parking around the hotel property. Access to the hotel is fairly easy…we negotiated the roads there without problems.
Any questions, concerns, or problems involving the hotel should be addressed directly to Kathy via email at kblackstone5272@yahoo.com .
It is also close to the airport with free hotel shuttle, so if you’re flying in – no hassle with transportation or need to rent a car.

This is where you'll get to see the largest number of Vietnam Gun Trucks and talk to the veterans that manned them since that war ended!!

 

[cjtroutt]

That sound like fun.

 

[WarrenD]

I flew down to Louisville last weekend in the Lear, only took just over 1.5 hours. I'd love to be able to get there the same way in Aug, but alas, the flight sim has to stay on my computer....

 

[AMGeneral]

I'm gonna try my best to be there.

 

[hndrsonj]

So out of curiosity, what are the deuce guntrucks that have been done???

 

[papabear]

Phychotic Reaction (replica) and JT's Aces and Eights (tribute) are the only two I've seen.

I'm sure there are others?

 

[timntrucks]

been to 2 already and that is one super nice event to get to see.. i hope i can make this one as well. kentucky in august ..

 

[gimpyrobb]

I have missed out on a few of these, I will be there for SURE this year!

 

[papabear]

I have missed out on a few of these, I will be there for SURE this year!

You'll always be glad ya did "Little Buddy"

Some of the best folks you will ever meet!

 

[wreckerman893]

I'm going to try to make this one.

Being on a fixed income I have to choose my events carefully.

Since I was in the Army (1972-1976) when Nam was going on I feel an attachment for these vehicles.

Plus I'll get to see my old buddy Papa Bear before the GA Rally.

 

[papabear]

I'm going to try to make this one.
Being on a fixed income I have to choose my events carefully.
Since I was in the Army (1972-1976) when Nam was going on I feel an attachment for these vehicles.
Plus I'll get to see my old buddy Papa Bear before the GA Rally.

Come on over and go up with us WM. You know we won't let ya starve and we can put you up for a few days at the Gathering.

NO POSSUMS THOUGH!!!

 

[Srjeeper]

Getting Close

22 days and a wake up....Time to start bumpin this up for those that haven't been payin attention to the calendar.

There will be Gun Trucks, the men that manned them, James Lysle the author of 'The Hard Ride~vol. 1 & 2' may be there along with many other folks that always make this an event to remember. There will be T-shirts, patches, pins and all kinds of goodies.

Rooms have been added, but don't know how many are left. The ladies have been busy getting stuff planned for us to see and do, so come on out and support everybodies efforts.

If you come to one of these and meet the folks, I'm sure you'll become a regular and look forward to it year after year.

See ya in Louisville..........

 

[papabear]

I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing some old friends and maybe make some new ones.

I plan on herding the CAMO Crew outta here on the 4th in time to arrive and join the roadmarch to Knob Creek machinegun range.

Also gonna go visit family members about an hour away from Louisville.

I love it when a plan comes together!!

 

[papabear]

BUMP!!

I'm as nervous as a ho in church!
It's almost time to roll out!

 

[Srjeeper]

Pray for good weather...

Sure hope it don't get snowed out........

 

[papabear]

Sure hope it don't get snowed out........

Snow is a four letter word!!

 

[Srjeeper]

Snow is a four letter word!!

Not so much in this kinda weather PB.....some maybe prayin for it bout now..


Just 12 and a wake up..

 

[papabear]

Cold and snow numba 10 GI...I'll take the heat til I pass out!

BTW...the Guntruck Site is awefully quiet and so is this one as far as the Gathering is concerned.

Maybe I'm just too anxious...lol.

 

[Srjeeper]

BTW...the Guntruck Site is awefully quiet and so is this one as far as the Gathering is concerned.

Maybe I'm just too anxious...lol.

Know what yer sayin......"I'll have to sit on my hands on the flight out to keep from wavin at everybody"!.... can't get here fast enough for me too..

 

[Srjeeper]

Getting Close....

PapaBear's back to bein a DI and crackin the whip on his troops.

Got 'The Proud American' checked out and ready to roll as do several other Gun Truckers from around the nation.

So come on out and see what some good Ol American GI ingenuity looks like up close. While your at it you can meet and talk with some of the very same ingenious, brave Ol American GI's that built and manned the Gun Trucks in Vietnam.

There's several activities planned along with T-shirts, patches and memorabilia for sale. This also is an excellent opportunity to spend time with those men that played an important, seldom discussed role in this nations military history.

Come to Louisville and you won't be just watchin it on a TV screen or lookin at it in a museum, you'll be in their company.


8-days and a wake up....we hope to see ya there..