The 1999 reunion of the National Dusters, Quads & Searchlight Association was held July 8 - 11, 1999 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at the Holiday Inn Southeast. Southern hospitality was enjoyed at every venue we visited.

Some of our early arrivees enjoyed the fantastic 4^th of July fireworks, in celebration of our nation's birthday, on the banks of the Mississippi River. They also had the good fortune to be able to view and hear the World Peace Bell. This huge bell had recently arrived from its manufacture in France and was making its way up the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers to Newport, Kentucky (near Cincinnati, Ohio) where it is on permanent display. Other venues visited by DQS'ers and their friends and families were: Plantations; Alligator Swamps; the sights, sounds and smells (food) of New Orleans-, sugar cane fields; gaming boats (we didn't hear of any 'big winnings') and other area attractions. Many, many restaurants were visited where we sampled such fare as gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish and several crawfish dishes, alligator and more.

We, again, enjoyed the company of several first time attendees this year. It is always pleasing to be able to do so. Welcome!

On Wednesday - July 7^th _ a DQS contingent traveled to Jefferson Barracks, near New' Orleans, to view the museum there and to visit the location where 100 years ago the predecessor of 1/44 was constituted. Several remained in New Orleans for a few hours while in the vicinity. Later on the 7^th we began decorating our Hospitality Room. As usual, a lot of effort, ingenuity and fun resulted in an appealing, patriotic environment for our activities. Thanks to all who brought decorations and who helped decorate. It is amazing what we can do with paper clips and without a ladder! Field expediency!

Thursday - July 8^th - was devoted to setting up displays, doing any additional decorating desired, signing-in, visiting, viewing tapes and sharing scrapbooks and mementos. The hotel hosted a Welcoming Reception in the evening and a Half Pot Drawing was held. Relax, visit and enjoy!

Friday morning - July 9^th - we traveled to Nottaway Plantation for a group tour. The home and grounds were beautiful and the tour guides were very informative. It was easy to imagine living there, on the banks of the Mississippi, in the mid-1800's. (I think Steve M. could imagine waltzing in the White Room.)

The afternoon included the Reunion Stamp Cancellation, relaxing and visiting. Late in the afternoon, we traveled to the USS KIDD and the museum and many accompanying exhibits. We were welcomed by the Director, Maury Drummond, and then proceeded to enjoy the many fine exhibits - including our boarding of the USS KIDD, a WWII Era Destroyer with service during WWII and Korea. The twin and quad 40mm mounts were popular spots and some rightfully ignored a sign on a ladder and visited the searchlights that were aboard. No aircraft approached the ship while DQS was aboard!!