2020 Reunion Canceled
The Old Guard Association
(3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment)
July 29, 2020
Members and Friends,
Sadly, I must report that the TOGA Board of Directors voted unanimously to cancel our 2020 Reunion. It was both an easy and a very difficult decision to make. I trust you understand why but let me share some of the reasons that led to the decision.
- The health and welfare of the attendees is our highest priority.
- Review of credible COVID tracking websites at Johns Hopkins University and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation clearly forecast that infections in DC and VA will either remain at the current levels or begin trending up in advance of the reunion. Forecasting of social distancing restrictions shows the same trend.
- The Board has previously determined that current social distancing restrictions are not conducive to a successful reunion.
- We have received a strong indication from the Regiment that the wonderful support we have come to enjoy will not be possible this year due to Army and DOD COVID restrictions.
- The Association would be exposed to other potential and new expense and liability issues if we were to execute the Reunion.
The difficulty of course is that we’re very sensitive to the importance of this gathering for you. We truly hoped we could find a way. I’ve received many comments about how much people were hoping things would work out. To be honest, I wasn’t fully aware of how much it also means to our active duty brothers and sisters of the Regiment. I’ve been told time and again throughout this process that they value the relationship with you highly. I believe they will miss it too.
If you registered and paid for the reunion, keep an eye out for an email from me that will explain the refund procedure. If you made a hotel reservation, call Sheraton at 800-325-3535 to cancel your room.
Finally, know this, our reunion in 2021 will be the best yet!
Old Guard,
Flip Godfrey, President
- Published in 2020
Reunion Update – 17 July 2020
The Old Guard Association
(3d U.S. Infantry Regiment)
Members and Friends,
I’ve received several messages recently asking for an update on our reunion. Here’s the latest. Sadly, not much has changed since my last update on June 15th. If anything, COVID issues have gotten worse since then. The Board of Directors and the Reunion Committee continue to plan with the hope we can be together but as I told you in June, we will make the final decision in early August. I anticipate a Go/No Go decision on or before August 12th. I will let you know as soon as the Board authorizes me to do so. In addition, the Board is working on a plan re: our Annual General Meeting that takes place at the Reunion. We will have an alternative worked out for the reports and election if need be.
In the meantime, keep an eye on COVID restrictions in northern Virginia and DC. That will give you a sense of what to expect. If things ease up we’ll be ready for a Go call. Remember, there are no cancelation penalties. TOGA and the Sheraton will refund your fees if we have to cancel. Send your questions to togareunion1998@gmail.com. Thanks again for your patience and be safe.
Old Guard,
Flip Godfrey, President
- Published in 2020