Mini-reunion is Aug. 27-29 at Ruidoso NM years ago
Plans are being completed for a mini-reunion of the 99th Infantry Division Association veterans and their friends in the cool mountains of southern New Mexico. The reunion will be held Aug. 27, 28, and 29 at Ruidoso NM. Average late August temperatures range from mid-40s to high 70s. Dress for all events is casual, but bring a coat or sweater.
Ruidoso is known for its racetrack, home of the world's richest quarterhorse race. It also is the home of two casinos, several beautiful golf courses, skiing in season, hunting for elk, deer, and turkey, and several nice restaurants. Above all, it's noted for its cool mountain air.
Activities will include a hospitality night with hamburgers and hotdogs on the patio, dinner and western show at Flying J Ranch, a Mexican food buffet, as well as plenty of time for visiting. Optional tours trips to White Sands National Park, Museum of the West, casinos, and a day at the races.
Room rates for 99'ers will be discounted more than 30 percent. This rate will be good from Aug. 25-29. Those who want to come early or stay over a few extra days will pay regular rates. Make reservations soon. Labor Day weekend is always sold out.
Headquarters will be High Country Lodge on Meachum Drive, located about four miles north of Ruidoso. This family-type lodge has units with two bedrooms, living room with woodburning fireplace, cable TV, fully-equipped kitchen, bathroom, covered porch, and paved parking. The lodge has a meeting room, game room, indoor heated pool, Jacuzzi spa, sauna, and outdoor tennis court.
Under the same ownership and management, two miles south, is Big Pine Lodge, which also will be participating in this reunion. The rooms there are a little larger and there are some three-bedroom, two-bath units.
For a mountain resort, Ruidoso is easy to find. From the north (Albuquerque), take I-25 south 90 miles to San Antonio NM. Go east 70 miles on U.S.-380 to Nogal, then 30 miles on U.S.-33 to High Country Lodge.
Driving from El Paso, take U.S.-54 north 100 miles to Tularosa, then 20 miles on U.S.-70 to Ruidoso.
From the east take U.S.-380 until you intersect with U.S.-70, then left for 27 miles to Ruidoso.
Those who fly need to fly in to El Paso TX, (120 miles south of Ruidoso), then rent a car or take the shuttle. Cost of the shuttle is $50 per person round trip if as many as six people are available. Reservations for the shuttle have to be made ahead of time. We can make them for you or provide the 800-number.
If you fly to Albuquerque NM, (about 180 miles from Ruidoso), you can rent a car or find one or two flights per day to Ruidoso. The times of these flights vary. Check on times and prices with Rio Grande Airlines in Albuquerque. When you arrive at Ruidoso Airport, call High Country Lodge and someone will pick you up.
Vans will be available for most local transportation. Some activities are planned, but mostly this reunion is just a chance to relax and visit.
Headquarters will be High Country Lodge, Alto NM. Phone 1-800-845-7265. E-mail highcountry@zianet.com. Call for reservations as soon as possible and be sure to mention you are with the 99th.
Prices are $60 per night for two-bedroom units and $80 per night for three-bedroom units. This is the Sunday-through-Thursday 99th price. Checkout time is 11 a.m.
For a brochure or more information contact J.R. McIlroy, PO Box 98, Celina TX 75009, phone 972-382-2683 or co-chairman Bob Fickett, 920 Shumard Dr., Stillwater OK 74074, phone 405-743-0011. Send registration form to J.R. McIlroy, PO Box 98, Celina TX 75009. Registration deadline is Aug. 5, 2002.
