Labor Day Picnics will be an option for all who want to involve their family members in the association without being in a reunion setting. As we mentioned previously, this will be a unique association and for it to grow it has to be nurtured in many ways. The future of the organization will be our youth. These family outings will bring together members' families at least once a year to foster friendships. Sports can also be a means to enjoy the competitive nature in all of us. Volleyball and softball games are always a favorite and teams would already be decided as we have two ships which would be competing against each other. The Midway Marauders vs. the Roosevelt Red Rippers could be possible names and would involve a plane and a squadron. It would be great if the umpire(s) could be recruited from personnel who served on both ships. These outings will be an opportunity to get to know members of the association that live in your area. Some members cannot travel great distances to the reunions and this will give them a chance to get acquainted with other veterans and share their stories. You can just hear those old salts talking now with all the grandchildren listening with ears and eyes wide open. We all have a lot of stories to tell but they are usually only told to our family members. Let all the children hear the other family stories too.

                The serious commitment here is these outings will take concerted efforts of many of the members, spouses and children. The organization will contribute to the expenses for some of the food. The Board of Directors would have to approve the amount as there may be a number of picnics in various states. The members would have to agree on the minimum number of members in a certain radius in order to even begin to start planning for 2011 and beyond. The first approach will be to get a consensus of the members who would be interested. The form following this page will provide this information. If you feel it is a good idea please submit the form.