T minus 4 Days and counting....

[Pitspitr]

Sorry for the tardy reply. We only got 6" of snow but that was enough. It's mostly gone now.
Thanks for the B-day wishes guys!

[Texas Lawdog]

Pitspitr, I hope the snow is melted and Fort Harstuff has faired well over the winter.

[Pitspitr]

A few weeks ago, in another thread I alluded to the fact that there might be a problem with barracks accomadations at the muster this fall. At that time I was unable to elaborate due to the fact that what I had heard was just hearsay and I wanted to get more reliable information. Today I was finally able to get that information.

The rumor was that due to budgetary considerations the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission was going to close Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park, along with Scout's Rest Ranch and several state parks. Like most rumors this one has some basis in fact, but had been overstated. If I understood the Commission assistant director that I spoke with correctly, the NGPC is forcasting a $12 milion deficite. In order to overcome this shortfall they are eliminating most seasonal help at almost all historic parks and some of the smalller recreational parks. Since Ft. Hartsuff is staffed almost entirely by seasonal employees, this will greatly curtail the amount of services available to the public there; which made me wonder if the GAF would be able to use the barracks the way we did last year. Today I spoke with Jim Fuller and was able to confirm that we will be albe to stay in the barracks. He indicated that had we wanted to use the facility during the regular tourist season that it probably wouldn't have been possible but that at the time of year we are wanting to use it, it won't be a problem. He promised me an Occasional Use Permit form which I should receive in the next day or two, and once it is approved they shouldn't be able to change their minds. So with that news I will be cashing the muster registration checks that I've been holding since I started hearing these rumors and (finally) get confirmations out to the registrants in the next few days. It would appear that everything is on schedule and judging by the number of registrations I've already received this year's muster will be considerably bigger than last years. We will need to limit the number of participants so I strongly suggest that if you are interested in attending the 2009 Grand Muster that you get your registration in early. Those of you who have contacted me and haven't heard back from me yet, don't worry; I am holding a space at least until you do hear back from me.

[Pitspitr]

If there is anyone that requested information from me and hasn't heard from me yet please re-send it as I think I lost one request.

[RattlesnakeJack]

Jerry:

Would it be possible to remit my Muster registration payment via PayPal?  I believe I did it that way last year, though you subsequently learned that they deducted a fee from the amount you received.  I'd happily 'top up' the remittance to allow for that - I assume it is only a few percent (let me know), and that will certainly be preferable to the outrageous charge ($25, IIRC) that our banks up here charge to process a cheque made out to "US Funds" ....

[Pitspitr]

Col. Robson,
That would certainly be acceptable. If I remember correctly it cot me $3 to accept a paypal payment. Paypal still goes to the old cnp@nctc.net address

[River City John]

Col. Pitspitr,
in view of your recent news, may I again inquire whether primitive camping in period wedge tents would be allowed back in the area where Delmonico sets up, or would we be able to set up on the escarpment overlooking the range?

RCJ

[Pitspitr]

Yes to both. I'd prefer to keep everybody in the barracks but if you really want to tent camp we can work something out at one or the other of the places.

[US Scout]

I still have to make flight reservations but expect to send my registration in soon.

US Scout
GAF, Commanding

[Pitspitr]

Excellent!

[Delmonico]

Jerry, I was not sure on things either, but I had gotten the same impression that was what was going to happen from my trip of two weeks ago to another Historical site.  Lets say as always the topic of doing as much as possible to bring folks into our historical parks was a big topic in the evening.

[Mustang Gregg]

Col Pitspitr:

Situation report:

I might not be able to make it to Fort Hartsuff, but I will definately sponsor a stage. 
And I have been in contact with Eastern Nebraska Batallion Commander B. V. Haymaker, who is actively procuring sponsors & suttlers.

How many shooters have signed up so far?

Respectfully,
LtCol (bvt) Mustang Gregg

[US Scout]

I still have to make flight reservations but expect to send my registration in soon.
US Scout

I'm still trying to make flight reservations - for a somewhat reasonble price.  My problem is that I have to fly to Arizona from the Muster, so I'm looking at about 6-8 legs from start to finish.  So far I'm looking at about $800, give or take a few bucks.

US Scout
GAF, Commanding

[RattlesnakeJack]

General:

If you attribute the cost to whatever is taking you to Arizona .... then you can consider your travel to Muster as free!     

[US Scout]

General:
If you attribute the cost to whatever is taking you to Arizona .... then you can consider your travel to Muster as free!     

Actually, I can get to Arizona for about $250.  It's the "intermediate" stop in Nebraska that is the expensive leg, though I think I may have found a possibility for about $600.  It also doesn't help matters that I have to be in Arizona Sunday evening, which limits my options. 

US Scout
Bvt Brig Gen, GAF

[Pitspitr]

I sure wish I had a Lear (or is it Leer?) I could loan you.

[US Scout]

I sure wish I had a Lear (or is it Leer?) I could loan you.

I do too!

Do you think I could get the Secretary of the Navy to loan me an aircraft? 

I haven't given up - I may just have to pay more than I wanted to for tickets.

US Scout
GAF, Commanding

[Pitspitr]

Do you think I could get the Secretary of the Navy to loan me an aircraft? 

Well he sure should. After all it's not like they only have 1.

[Drydock]

I beleive SecNav may have some F-14s they're not using anymore . . .

[RattlesnakeJack]

Col. Davenport -

Please check your PM's and/or e-mail .....