We have learned a lot during the three years we have taken the trailer on the May Freedom Cruises with perhaps the most valuable lessons being the where and when to exhibit.   Last year, it became abundantly clear that, with some exceptions, mid-week during the September - June time frame doesn't generate the visitors and, yes, their donations to justify the effort.   We had very few come through at the Cold War Museum and even fewer at the Navy Memorial.  This year, Pensacola and Mobile didn't turn out like we hoped.   When we are the only exhibit like at the VFW or are one of many similar exhibits, we do much better.   Additionally, promotion is essential and having a shipmate who lives "there" to assume this responsibility will be a huge benefit.   These trips are self-funded with donations going first to cover fuel costs, then any needed trailer repairs.  If anything is left over, we decide whether to reimburse ourselves for food and lodging or donate to the trailer account which is usually what happens.   We will take this important lesson learned into consideration for future "voyages".

The numbers:

               Miles driven:                     3082

               Fuel Cost:                         $702.80

               Donations:                        $461.83

               Trailer repair:                    $200.00

 

On May 21, Richard, with the assistance of John Bacon Sr., set up the trailer for the reunion of the U S Navy Cruiser Sailors Association annual reunion in Charleston.  They were gracious enough to donate $500.00 which went towards fuel, lodging and meals with the balance being earmarked for maintenance needed after the May tour.

 

The next scheduled trip will be the Old Soldiers Parade in Alpharetta, GA on Saturday, August 5, 2017.  We will stage, as in years past, on Roswell Street around 0800 that morning.  The City band will play at 0915, the Memorial Service will begin at 1000 and the parade will commence at 1030.  The route will be down Roswell, a right onto Milton Parkway and ending at American Legion Post 201 who, along with the City of Alpharetta, sponsors the parade.  

 

We enjoy each of the parades in which we participate and are honored to be included.  The Old Soldiers Parade, however, is our favorite.  The folks along the way really show their appreciation for the military and it's the only parade that allows us to throw candy to the children.  Space is limited in the truck so if you want to ride with us, please let Richard know ( rmolck@usswainwright.org or trailerguy@usswainwright.org) ASAP. Requests will be considered on a first come, first served basis.  Of course, anyone who wants to walk alongside is more than welcome.

 

In September, we will be attending the 35th annual Howard County Vietnam Veterans Organization gathering in Kokomo, Indiana.  Dates of the event are September 14-17.  We will be leaving Rock Hill, SC on or about September 10, traveling up I77, I64 until it connects with US Route 35 near Teays Valley, WV, thence onto I70 north of Dayton and north on US Route 31, arriving in Kokomo on the 13th and leaving on the 18th.   If any shipmate lives within 50 miles either side of that route and would like the trailer to stop for exhibit and tours, let us know and we will adjust our trip north accordingly.  Richard must be back in Rock Hill by September 20 so we will not be able to accommodate "port" visits on the way home. Any such visit will need to be coordinated by that shipmate with sufficient advertising, prior notice to local media outlets, etc. to maximize attendance (see above about lessons learned). The trailer committee will determine the final schedule for the trip based on the requests we receive.  Deadline for requests is August 10 to allow sufficient time for planning.

 

In November, we expect to participate in Veterans Day parades in the Carolinas.   Details will be provided as we get closer.