The United States Army Chaplain Corps Regimental Association hosted their 8th biennial Family Reunion in San Antonio, Texas last week. The event was hosted at the Historic Menger Hotel in the heart of downtown San Antonio right next to the Alamo.
The event officially kicked off on Wednesday, October 26th with registration. That evening attendees donned their coat and ties (for civilians) or dress uniforms (for active duty members) for the reunion’s reception dinner.
Thursday morning began with Devotionals across the hotel, followed by free time. That afternoon many attendees took a tour to the various San Antonio Missions, now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tour began with Mission San Jose, established in 1720 and considered to be the “Queen” of all the missions. That evening attendees had the opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime, private, after-hours tour of the Alamo. Established in 1718 as San Antonio de Valero, the Alamo was the first of the five missions established in San Antonio by the Spanish government and the site of the famous battle of 1836 where 189 men gave their lives for the freedom of Texas.
On Friday afternoon, following morning Devotionals, attendees took a tour of the San Antonio City Tour. Points of interest on the tour included a stop at San Fernando Cathedral, the original church of the Canary Island settlers, a tour of the Main Plaza, a visit in the King William District, and the Japanese Sunken Garden. Following the City Tour, attendees met in the Menger’s beautiful ballroom for a Fiesta Dinner Buffet! The association decorated the banquet space with bright fiesta colors and a Mariachi band serenaded the group for over an hour! The association generously gifted AFR’s Event Planner, Allison Clark, with an American flag that flew over the Alamo in her name.
The reunion wrapped up on Saturday, October 29th beginning with a Business Meeting and moving into the Association’s Memorial Service.
This was AFR’s first year working with the US Army Chaplains Corps Regimental Association, but we are looking forward to planning their 2018 reunion in Washington, DC!