~ living our wonderful lives just as we were doing before September 11. Yes, we're all mad/upset/angry at the terrorists, but by going on with our lives, it is not only therapeutic for us, but it is healthy for the economy. Years ago I recall an economist say that every day each American impacts the lives or helps to employ at least 30 people. As far as a collection on behalf of Brats, right now I think it would be best if we contributed directly to the bonafide organizations like the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, etc., because they need that money NOW. Having a middleman involved would just delay things. Knowing what I do of the Brat community (patriots ~ all of them!), no one has to tell them to donate money, give blood, say prayers, or do something else, because you know something? They are already doing their part! As you might guess, we have already had a couple participants cancel because of the tragedy. One possible exhibitor has reported a challenge in attending given the airline situation. A number have asked,Do you plan to postphone or cancel the â?ogathering?â? In a word ~ No. And hereâ?Ts why. By continuing with the "gathering," we are telling the world that we do not accept what these terrorists were trying to do ~ instill fear in us and cause us to disrupt our plans. Going through with the "gathering," we are impacting the lives or employing thousands of people, and I'm certainly going to my share to see that people are employed. At a time like this, a "gathering" becomes even more special. As you know, OVERSEAS BRATS has always been in the business of uniting, bringing people together and building up and supporting the Brat community for 15 years. What better event for us all now to come together and reaffirm who we all are, not only as Brats, but more importantly, as patriotic Americans? Let's see....what's happening with the "gathering" in brief:">


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Colorado Springs Gathering Update, October 25-28, 2001 - Part 1 of 3

Question:

1. Why is the "Colorado Springs Gathering" a special event?
2. Room mate sought
3. Reminders. WHY IS THE "COLORADO SPRINGS GATHERING" A SPECIAL EVENT?

Answer:

Quite a few people have asked this question over the last several weeks. To be sure, for those who went to Athens, Augsburg, Baumholder, Berlin, Karlsruhe, and Heidelberg, they are holding ***some kind of event*** with their own kind, and that is special enough for them! But the OVERSEAS BRATS "gatherings" have additional unique characteristics that set it apart from other functions. These include:
*Quite a number of our attendees are movers-in-shakers/decision-makers/ leaders within their own respective alumni groups/organizations/reunion committees, or where Military Brats & Overseas Brats affairs are concerned, or are extensively involved with the American Overseas Schools Historical Society (AOSHS) or OVERSEAS BRATS. Quite a number of these people have attended this event before.
*This event is the annual national convention of Military Brats & Overseas Brats. And for that purpose, this is the only case I will ever use the word "gathering" as in part of the title, i.e - Colorado Springs Gathering.
*An event of this scale is a HUGE undertaking, and in order to make it work and keep individual registration fees for Military Brat & Overseas Brat participants reasonable, it requires commercial underwriting. This is why those who work for hotels, convention & visitors bureaus, and other businesses will be attending the event as well. Chief among the underwriters is the host convention and visitors bureau, and the hosting hotel: The Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Sheraton Colorado Springs.
*While much of the focus of this event has been to make it FUN and informal, there is a need for all of us to meet, network, and share information and ideas. This is why we involve Operation Footlocker (the mobile memorial to our heritage), have course sessions (topics and times and locations to be announced later) and an exhibition to show-n-tell our heritage.
*Quite a number of Brats over the years, see this as a special experience, and many have made friends from among others they meet at this event. On the updates, these people are designated with a *(number)* designation to recognize and celebrate how many of these "gatherings" they have attended.
*And specifically with this event, this is our 15th anniversary year for OVERSEAS BRATS, and some things are in the works!

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