Casper Aviation Platoon Reunion 2019
LZ: las vegas Strip
April 23, 24 & 25
2019
REUNION
MORNING
REPORT
Casper Platoon
Gordy Anderson
John Ackelson
Don Bliss
Curt Blundell
Tony Bolivar
Jerry Brown
Ned Costa
Michael Dow
John Evenson
Bill Fielding
Ray French
Mike Gauntt
Steve Greene
Hal Hickey
Bobby Horowitz
Jim Jeffryes
Phil Johnson
Bill Krueger
Tex Ladnier
Ed Liptrap
Bob Mac Glaflin
Robert McDonald
Don McKeough
Willie Moore
Bruce Neva
Bill Nottingham
Roberto Ontiveros
Terry Lee Parker
Walter Perron
Larry Pippen
Randy Plese
John Potts
Steve Richard
Jesse Saldivar
Randy Schweitzer
Don Sholett
Bruce Silvey
Sal Sosa
Walter Tanaka
Bob Thackston
Ken Thibodeaux
Rick Tompkins
Tom Town
Randy Vestal
Doug Walton
Bill Wansing
Cliff White
Dave Woodard
______________________________
173d Airborne Brig.
Richard Chegar
1/503d Infantry
Key-Note Speaker
Rene Macare
A/3/503d Infantry
335th AHC/Cowboys
Donald Snyder
501st Avn. Battalion
John Mateyko
________
52 Veterans
Donny, Leslie &
Kidd, Jr.
KIA: Donny Kidd, Sr.
Marilyn Jones
Wife
DAT: Joe Jones
Casper Platoon 4” Vinyl Decal
$5/each
This newly designed 173d Airborne Brigade Casper Platoon vinyl decal/sticker is 4" round looks great on your auto.
Limited supply on hand,, only 1 per customer.
For more information contact: Ned Costa
YES - Casper 4” Decal
In Stock
Casper Platoon 4” Patch
$5/each
This new embroidered 4-Inch Casper Platoon Patch looks great sewn on a leather flight jacket or in a display case with your medals.
Limited supply on hand, only 1 per customer.
For more information, Contact: Ned Costa
YES - Casper 4” Patch
In Stock
RAFFLE PRIZE
$5 per ticket
"Gift Certificate"
Aviation Artwork
By: Joe Kline
The Joe Kline Aviation Artwork has been a long-time favorite raffle prize won at our past reunions. We will have a drawing to win three customized prints. One at our Ice Breaker Party along with two others at our banquet dinner.
Each Gift Certificate is valued at $125 and is good for a customized print of your choice.
Please visit Joe’s web site & view his Vietnam Series Custom Artwork.
www.joeklineart.com
Footnote:
The helicopters used at the top of this reunion web page were painted by Joe Kline and used in his: Good Vibrations and Eye of the Tiger artwork.
Casper Platoon Challenge Coin
$10/per coin
This all newly designed challenge coin have sold out. But additional coins are now being produced for the 2018 reunion. For shipping cost info and to reserve your coins now, contact:
Steve Greene
YES - Casper Coin
In Stock
Casper Platoon Golf Shirt
$30/each
JERZEES 6.5 oz. 100% cotton, white polo shirt.All sizes S - XXL. Embroidery of Casper Platoon Logo on front.
Text reads:
173d Airborne Brigade
Casper Platoon
(Only available at reunion).
Contact: Ned Costa
YES - Casper Shirt
Order after Feb.
Casper Platoon 10 oz. Flasks
$10/each
Beautifully engraved is this Casper Platoon Flasks made especially for this reunion.
Limited to supply on hand, and only available at the reunion. Only 1 per customer.
For more information, contact: Steve Greene
YES - Casper Flasks
In Stock
HOME PAGE
This site was last updated: 10/18/2018
AT A GLANCE
Experience the excitement of Las Vegas at the casually elegant Tropicana Las Vegas - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. With acclaimed restaurants, premier entertainment options and unsurpassed service, this unique Las Vegas Strip hotel has a South Beach rhythm and vibe.
Enjoy dining in the Tropicana at the Oakville Steakhouse, one of the resort's 6 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of the 24-hour 
room service.
BOOK NOW!
Special Room Rate
Only: $75 / per night!
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
Our 3-day Reunion Dates are: April 23, 24, & 25. Check out: April 26. However, our special Casper Platoon Room Rate can also be used to check-in early on April 22. In fact, our rate can also be applied for the 2 days before and after the reunion. Remember, The Tropicana is a Resort. Have fun and relax!
The Tropicana has two Towers: The Paradise Tower is near the front entrance of the hotel closes to the casino. Our reunion is being held in the CLUB TOWER. This is located by the north entrance of the hotel next to the swimming pools, health spa and conference center. This is where our hospitality suite, guest rooms, the ice breaker party and banquet will all be at. Our $75/per night guest room rate is for the “Club Deluxe” Guest Rooms.
The absolute BEST way to make your reservation is by using our “Online Reservation Link”… It Is Fast & Easy!
►►Special Online Reservation Link: “BOOK NOW”
Again you should book the minimum 3 reunion nights: Tuesday April 23-24 & 25, checkout on the 26. Several of the Caspers have already made their reservations to arrive a day early on: Monday, April 22.
►►Telephone Reservation: (800) 634-4000 · You must identify yourself with "Casper Aviation Platoon" to get our special rate. Reservation Deadline: March 1, 2019 (based on room availability).
►► When you make your hotel reservation, you will be charged for your first night = $75 + tax. However, there is a 48 hour cancellation policy.
Receive a warm welcome with a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie before settling into a stylish, residential-style guest room with a breezy beach atmosphere. Decorated in a sunset palette of warm shades, your room features custom-designed furnishings, a 42-inch HDTV and Serta Perfect Sleeper beds™ with 300 thread count linens.
Hotel Parking & Airport Transportation
Casper Platoon guests who drive will receive ”FREE Self-Parking” at the Tropicana Hotel.
A variety of shuttle/limousine services are available at McCarran International Airport (LAS). There are also Taxi's and UBER rides everywhere, along with the Las Vegas Monorail.
Street Address: 3801 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA.
Flat Rate Cost
Our 2019 reunion fees are based on a flat rate to make payments easier. The reunion fee and dues are paid for by the Casper Platoon members. The Casper Member and Guest fee includes a name badge, access to our Hospitality Room, our Poolside Ice Breaker Party, Banquet Reception and one (1) Banquet dinner ticket.
Casper Member Only: $173/each.
Other: $65/each. Includes Spouse, Family, Guests, KIA & DAT Families.
Payment Deadline: Full payment is due on or before January 1, 2019. However, a $50 minimum payment is due now.
ICE BREAKER
PARTY
Taking advantage of the cooler weather in April, this event will be held outside at the Sky Beach Club where we can enjoy a good time poolside with friends while relaxing by a nearby tropical waterfall.
There will be appetizers and a cash bar.
USAF THUNDERBIRDS
MUSEUM TOUR
Created 65 years ago, the USAF Thunderbirds are the 3rd oldest formal flying aerobatic team in the world. This museum and hanger is located on Nellis AFB about 10 miles from our hotel.
This is an optional event
LAS VEGAS
STAGE SHOW
TBA soon.
This is an optional event
BANQUET RECEPTION AND
DINNER
A time at our reunion to honor our fellow Caspers who are no longer with us.
Also a great time to have cocktails & dinner with our Casper family and enjoy our company together.
There will be a cash bar.
CASPER HOSPITALITY SUITE
LZ: LAS VEGAS STRIP
Just like at our 2018 reunion in Fort Worth, we will once again have our own Hospitality Suite located in the Club Tower.
This Landing Zone is called the Ashton Room. I imagine it will also be a popular place to set down and land at!
Our LZ will be open Tuesday through Wednesday and configured with round tables & chairs. Stop by, pull up a chair and relax!
Our Mission
Casper Aviation Platoon (CAPO) sponsored reunions are designed to provide a good time for ALL of the Caspers, their family and friends. Click below & let us know if you will be joining us in Las Vegas:
YES - Attend 2019 Reunion
18th Annual Casper Aviation Platoon Reunion Agenda
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Tuesday, April 23
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12 Noon - 4:00 pm
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Casper Check-In / Welcome Desk / Hospitality Room: Ashton Room
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5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Ice Breaker Party / Cocktail Reception / The Cliffs (Poolside) / Cash Bar
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9:00 pm - 10:00 pm
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Hospitality Room / The Ashton Room
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Open Evening
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Open Time with your Family & Friend to Explore Las Vegas
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Wednesday, April 24
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9:00 am - 10:00 pm
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Hospitality Room & Welcome Desk / The Ashton Room
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12 pm - 1:00 pm
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Air Force Thunderbirds Museum Tour / Optional Event / Nellis Air Base
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TBA am - TBA pm
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Las Vegas Stage Show / Optional Event / TBA
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Open Evening
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Open Time with your Family & Friend to Explore Las Vegas
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Thursday, April 25
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9:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Hospitality Room & Welcome Desk / The Ashton Room
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TBA am - TBA pm
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Casper Group Photo / Optional Event / TBA
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6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Casper Banquet Reception / Montecristo 3 / Cash Bar
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7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
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Casper Banquet Dinner / Montecristo 3 / Cash Bar
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Friday, April 26
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11:00 AM
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Hotel Check-Out
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REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND OUR REUNION…
If you are like most of us, your best friends are probably the guys you served with in Vietnam. Our reunions create a great place to hang out with them at least one-time a year. You have probably also heard over the years that “we aren’t getting any younger”. This statement is very true.
Our annual Casper Aviation Platoon Reunions are also open to Vietnam Veterans who were affiliated with the 173d Airborne Brigade, LRRP, N/75 RANGERS, 335th AHC and 61th AHC veterans who would like to attend.
- Why Las Vegas in April? Simple, it’s about 20-30 degrees cooler
- Costs? The hotel room rates overall are very reasonable in Las Vegas, along with dining, entertainment and transportation
So why should you attend… To enjoy a few days with your best friends!
“April is Cooler”
Avg. Temp: 80° / 57°
A $100 Tropicana Hotel & Casino Gift Card or one of these additional raffle prizes below. This special drawing will be held Tuesday Night at 6:00 pm during our poolside “Ice Breaker Party”. Buy your tickets now!
Other raffle prizes also include:
Helicopter Ride
Bottle of Stranahan’s
Diamond Peak Whiskey
Gift Certificate
SPECIAL RAFFLE DRAWING
4 Raffle Tickets / $20
Enter for a Chance to Win
Major General Richard D. Chegar
To Be Reunion Key-Note Speaker
Richard D. Chegar, Major General, United States Army (Retired) served in the 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) from its beginning on Okinawa in 1963 and in the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry in Vietnam during 1965-66, including Operation Hump. 1LT Chegar served as a Platoon Leader at that time, then also became the Aide to General Ellis Williamson.
We are honored to have General Chegar as our Key-Note Speaker at our Casper Platoon 2019 Reunion. He will address our group at the banquet dinner and discuss how important all of the aviation support was to the 173d Airborne Brigade from that was provided by the Casper Platoon and the other aviation assets from Company A/82d Aviation Battalion… You won’t want to miss this!