SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 

Enrouters, Guests and Friends

I’m already getting great comments on having our 2027 Reunion, in the Western part of the US.

I'd like to recommend everyone arrive early, to see the many various historic sites on their own.
I also recommend people downloading the ETSY book regarding the Rapid City (SD).
Its only $3.99.  I’d post it, but the copy rites prohibit me from posting it.

I downloaded this ebook off of ETSY.com   It’s only $3.99, but very informative.
I’m posting both their weblinks. (They state, you can’t post the actual pages, because they are copyrighted.   (Awesome Detailed Info of the entire Rapid City area)
 

To help you plan your trip, we have a One Week in South Dakota itinerary eBook that includes this itinerary, information about planning your time in Mount Rushmore, and detailed daily schedules, insider tips, and travel planning resources. It is a 25-page version of our South Dakota Itinerary that you can download to take with you or print at home.

(https://www.etsy.com/listing/1206366472/south-dakota-7-day-itinerary-digital)
to purchase the eBook on Etsy.com.

https://www.earthtrekkers.com/how-to-visit-mount-rushmore/

With you deciding what you want to see, is better.  
(I.E.  --  What I want to see, you may not want to see it).

THE PRIMARY PURPOSE of our REUNIONS lies with our efforts to continue to PRESERVE the LEGACY of the Men and Women of the 435^th OMS Enroute Mx Section, through these gatherings.

THE BONUS of this GATHERING comes with a passport to travel and experience a state that many Americans have only seen in books or on TV.  A unique tour has been planned to explore the scenic treasures of the Black Hills. You will be able to see the wildlife reserve at Custer State Park, visit the famed Mount Rushmore National Memorial and view the immense Crazy Horse Memorial mountain.

NEWS FLASH: Tuesday Evening Dinner, Tuesday night 28th Sept will be held at
Fort Hays Old West Town & Dinner show.  A quick visit to the movie set of the Oscar-winning movie, Dances with Wolves followed by a chuckwagon dinner under the wide-open skies will be included.

It’s the best time of year to visit South Dakota. Check it out!

With our 2027 Rapid City Reunion, I would like to invite all family members of present and past members that have already made their final flight and are now in the heavens.
It would be an honor having you join us, for a week of fun.

Former Rhein Main Air Base Alumni members living in the Rapid City (SD) area,
are welcome to attend.

In 2019, I had the honor and pleasure meeting and having dinner with
Colonel Gail Havorsen (AKA – “The Berlin Airlift Candy Bomber” and his family in
Kill Devil Hills, NC. He asked me to help keep the Berlin Airlift History going.
Any former Berlin Airlift families are also WELCOME to attend.

I would like to recognize and thank  -- Mike Jass volunteering to be a Reunion Co-Host. 
Mike is from the local area. He and his wife are familiar with the local area and is able to answer
all of your questions, regarding the Rapid City area.

During our 2025 Branson Reunion, many members were asking about attending the annual
Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. It will be held on Sept 24, 2027. Additional info will be posted soon.
https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/trip-ideas/custer-state-park-buffalo-roundup


435^th OMS Enroute Mx Reunion 2027 Schedule
Remember: Rapid City, South Dakota is in the Mountain Time Zone (2hrs earlier than EST)

PLEASE NOTE: Dates and Times are only projected at this time.

16T   Stan Miller plans to arrive to site see and prepare for the reunion.
xxx   Possibly going straight to Deadwood, when I arrive. (Join me if you want)

17F   Tour the cities – Deadwood and Sturgis  (Join me if you want)
xxxx

18S   Deadwood, Drive the Badlands 30 Mile Loop, then onward to Rapid City
** Please view at least a couple You Tube Video’s on the 30 Mile Loop and other interesting
historic sites in this area. I was amazed, watching the 30 Mile Loop Video and several others.
xxxx

19S   TBD
xxxx   TBD   (P/U Reunion Supplies)

** Members arriving early, please let me know **
Depending how many people arrive early, will determine if we get a hospitality room
for those nights.

**Please let me know if your are planning to attend the reunion.
I need to reserve enough rooms for everyone at our hotel.
Please see Reunion Attendance Page on our website:
https://www.classcreator.com/435thOMSENROUTEMX/2025-Reunion-Attendees.htm

20 Monday
xxxx TBD
People would be on their own. For the ones that arrive early.
Possibly tour Ellsworth AFB / Air Museum, the Old Missile Silo Site.
Dinner Location: TBD  (Possibly: Golden Corral Buffet Restaurant)

21 Tuesday
xxxx
4:30pm (?) People would be on their own for the ones that arrive early.
Anyone wanting to join me -- Fort Hays Old West Town & Dinner Show.
ETD hotel 1630 (?) to arrive
Dinner Location: Fort Hays Old West Town &  Chuckwagon Dinner Show

Sit down to a cowboy-style meal served on tin plates, followed by a live Western music show.
It’s relaxed, family-friendly, and runs most nights during the summer season
Chuckwagon Supper & Cowboy Music Show $95.00/pp

An unforgettable evening of frontier flavor, family fun, and live music in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Dinner bell rings at 6:30 PM sharp. Guests are seated family-style, picnic tables stretching across the room, as cowboy cooks serve up steaming plates of authentic chuckwagon fare. There’s no waitstaff — this is a real Western dinner, served the way it was on the trail.

Evening Timeline:

• Leave hotel 4:30 PM (bus pick up at hotel)
  Arrival: 5:00 PM 
  Theater doors open for seating 6:15 PM
  Supper Served: 6:30 PM
  Music Show Begins: 7:15 PM – 8:15 PM
  Leave 8:30 PM  Arrive Hotel  9:00pm (?)

2255 Fort Hayes Dr   Rapid City, SD 57702   https://www.forthays.com/


22 Wednesday    Reunion actually starts.
I project many people will arrive earlier to see more places around Rapid City.

**  Upon arrival, pick up your Rapid City Welcome Bag 

xxxx  Proposed Event)  The Black Hills Central Railroad, also called the 1880 Train,
the website is  https://www.1880train.com/   Probably will be an Oktoberfest Train Ride.

This could be good for the train ride, with a Oktoberfest meal and drinks, during the day.

** It will be decided later on, if we will do this on Wednesday or Thursday.

TBD    -- Only a proposal for now. Celebrate Oktoberfest
11:30 - 2:30 pm Welcome Snack, German beer, and yard games.
2:15 pm Board the Train
2:30 pm Train Departs Hill City Station
3:30 pm Train Arrives in Keystone
3:45 pm Train Departs Keystone
4:45 pm Train Arrives in Hill City
https://www.1880train.com/oktoberfest.html

xxxx  Be sure to grab some lunch/supper before departing for Mt. Rushmore.

5:00pm (?)  Mt Rushmore
9:00pm  Lighting and Veteran’s Recognition Ceremonies (Dressy Casual - Please)

Visiting Mt Rushmore on Wednesday evening, there are less people that would be their. 
I’m in the process of arranging for a bus to transport our group their and back. (Shuttle Buses)
We could arrive around 6:30pm, which would give us time to see the Mt Rushmore memorial.
The Veteran’s Ceremony begins at 9pm and have our members participate and be honored
in the Ceremony.

Afterwards, we will return to our Hospitality Room.

23 Thursday 

xxxx  TBD 
xxxx
5:30pm   Social hour --  Location -- TBD
6:00pm   ICE BREAKER / Dinner afterwards 

ICE BREAKER: Allows people time to meet and greet.
Some folks haven't seen other members, since leaving Rhein Main.

After the Ice Breaker/Dinner, we will return to our Hospitality Room. 


24  Friday

xxxx
9:00am - Buffalo Round Up Day  (gates open at 6:00am)
(I’ll be information on obtaining tickets. Many of the 2026 events are already sold out.
xxxx  Possibly a very special event occurring after the Round-Up (still working the details)
Expect EXTREMELY heavy traffic
0930  The Custer State Park “Buffalo” Roundup is a major attraction.
There are usually so many people attending this that it's an all-day event.
It will be an individual decision if someone wants to attend.
They would have to be in the park early in the morning for an all-day roundup.
Several members said at our 2025 Bardstown Reunion, they would like to attend this.

The Buffalo Round Up is done on Friday, starting early morning. Many of our members will be doing this.
xxxx  Possibly attend a Pow Wow Ceremony. (NO Alcohol is allowed)

Note: This information is for 2025. (Gives you some info about the events)
https://gfp.sd.gov/buffalo-roundup/

2025 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup (video)
https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/trip-ideas/custer-state-park-buffalo-roundup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTd188vPnXw
https://www.youtube.com/live/XTd188vPnXw

***************************************

xxxx  TBD for the members not attending the Buffalo Round-Up
xxxx
xxxx  Dinner – TBD


25 Saturday     ( Reunion Celebration Dinner – Will be a great event)
xxxx  TBD
xxxx 
xxxx  Our members would have the majority of the day to site see whatever they choose. 

**** Members attending our Celebration Dinner ****
----  (Dressy Casual)
5:30pm   Members will start arriving  (grab a drink in the lounge)
5:45pm   Group Photo
6:00pm   Catered Banquet / Reunion Program– Location TBD
7:00pm:   Reunion Program
8:00pm: (Small) Memorial Ceremony to HONOR the Enrouters that have gone on to the heavens.
(Anyone having anything to say, please get with me prior the reunion)
After the Reunion Program, we’ll return to the Hospitality Room, so our
members can enjoy our hospitality room and also start packing to go home on Sunday.

26 Sunday   Most people will be going home

27 Monday  Some members will go home

I believe we will have more members arriving early for this reunion, so they can
tour more of the area, surrounding Mount Rushmore.

*****************************

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Your hotel room.  Depending which room you select at the XXX, the price will vary. Inform them you are with the 435th OMS Enroute Mx Reunion Group for a room discount. (Pending)

2. Hospitality room:  Donation jars will be out during the reunion in the Hospitality Room.
I appreciate your (generous) donations to cover the cost of the Hosptiality Room and food items.

ATTENTION TO MEMBERS
Due to the many historical places to visit while in the Rapid City, SD area, 
I believe our members would rather choose the places of their interests.
I'll be posting areas of interest and you'll be able to choose your own itinerary.
I found a downloadable book on Etsy.com for only $3.99 that breaks the area down
very nicely. 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1206366472/south-dakota-7-day-itinerary-digital
https://www.earthtrekkers.com/how-to-visit-mount-rushmore/

We are planning two items of interest, I'd like to see everyone do as a group.
1. Tour Mt Rushmore and attend their Veteran's Ceremony (Dressy Casual - Group Photo)
2. We'll be taking the historic  1880 Siteseeing train and we are working on having an
Oktoberfest dinner as part of the tour. (More info will be added as it comes available).