82nd Airborne Division Association, Inc
P.O. Box 87482
Fayetteville, NC 28304-7482
910.223.1182
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 82nd Airborne Division Association?
A non-profit organization, chartered by the U.S. Congress, with a membership of over 34,000 and growing joined together to maintain the bond of friendship and comradeship formed in war and peace among the members of the Airborne community.
Who is eligible to join?
Anyone who has been assigned or attached to the 82nd Airborne Division and who has served on jump status can belong. We have members who served with the 11th, 13th, 17th and 101st Airborne Division, as well as, the 187th, 503rd and 508 RCT, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, along with, Airborne Rangers, Marine Corps Recon, Navy Seals and Air Force Rescue, just to name a few.
What is the cost of membership?
Annual membership is $20.00 which includes subscription to the Association's quarterly magazine, Paraglide. There are also provision for Paid for Life (All American) Membership.
Is there a local chapter I can join?
Change to: There are 97 Veteran Chapters...and 7 Military Chapters at Ft Bragg, NC.) See Chapter Listings.
What types of activities do chapters have?
Most chapters meet monthly with social time following meetings. Throughout the year, there is always something going on such as parades, picnics, holiday parties, displays, officer installation dinners, to name a few.
Are there national events where I might meet old friends?
The Association's annual convention is held every August. Convention sites have been held in various cities such as: Harrisburg, PA; Buffalo, NY, Salt Lake City, UT; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Houston, TX; Detroit, MI; Nashville, TN; Omaha, NE to name a few.
The other major annual highlight for the Association is All American Week in May at Ft. Bragg. Together with the active division a variety of activities such as welcome social; dinners, picnic, mass parachute jump, static displays of weapons and equipment etc. The highlight of the week is the Division Review at Pike Parade Field. The review commences with a formation of former troopers from all eras passing in review before the assembled spectators and Army Brass. The review ends with 15,000 paratroopers passing in review.
In addition to these two major activities, there are several activities conducted regionally throughout the year. See Events for listing.
Does the Association have any special projects?
The Association has very special projects: the 82nd Airborne Division Association Educational Fund and the 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum (located on Fort Bragg). The Educational Fund awards scholarship grants to dependent children of Association members and former troopers. In 2002, the Fund awarded over $87,000 in grants. The Museum was originally built with funds generated primarily by the Association and local Fayetteville businesses. The first addition was financed completely by the Association. These two projects receive annual monetary assistance from the Association.
Who leads the Association?
The Association is incorporated and is governed by a 20 member Board of Directors. Directors are elected by the general membership present at the National Convention for two year terms. The officers for the Association (president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer) are elected by the Board from among Board members. Major changes to the operation or official position of the Association such as changes to Bylaws and adoption of resolution to be forwarded to members of Congress, etc. must be ratified by the general membership present at the National Convention.
When was the Association formed?
The Association was organized in England, while the Division was preparing for the Normandy combat drop. Charter membership fees were collected then.
What are the goals of the Association
To maintain the bond of friendship and comradeship formed in war and peace among the members of the Airborne fraternity, to ensure the Airborne concept is always a part of the National Defense of our Country, and, to support today's Airborne soldier.
What can I do to help the Association?
JOIN. Your membership is what the Association is all about. The 82nd was the first of the Airborne Divisions. It the largest such Association in the world, and, serves those former troopers who don't have an Association or chapter of their own. Every member of the Association is eligible to hold any office -- the key is AIRBORNE. When you join - you become a member of the most elite and rewarding Association in the world, your 82nd Airborne Division Association.
