Once again, DPMO has chosen to CHANGE the Korea-Cold War Annual Conference in Washington, DC. This is the THIRD date selected by DPMO and it has the families scrambling to adjust schedules and consider travel arrangements. Let's be honest here, most of these family members are aged and have to deal with a number of health and age-related issues. In the past, many have been unable to make certain monthly Family Outreaches, and DPMO has a firm policy against sending a surrogate or proxy. This is just more aggravation, expense and confusion.
To make matters worse, DPMO has now chosen the DoubleTree Hotel in Crystal City which has a nightly rate of almost $200.00 in conjunction with the exorbitant tax rate. When one factors in travel, food and accommodations each family member is looking at a cost of almost $1000.00 each. Considering the majority of family members are on Social Security, the Conference is cost-prohibitive for many.
DISGRACEFUL.
Is this poor planning on behalf of DPMO/DoD or is it revenge for the firm and very vocal stance Korea-Cold War family members have taken against DASD Jennings and the mess that DPMO has become?
For those wishing to attend, mark your calendars (in pencil);
OCTOBER 26, 27 and 28, 2005 - Korea-Cold War Annual Family Briefing
... somewhere around Washington, DC
Family members are presently looking for better rates on accommodations.