If you are just starting out with a new group, the first thing you will need to do is discuss this project with your family. You are about to start a major project; it will require money from the family budget as well as a substantial amount of time from your daily routine.

Creating your reunion group will be a slow process to start with, but as your organization grows, it will become faster and easier. We make suggestions to help you get organized, allow you to keep track of new members, show you various resources to help find new members and suggest ways to keep your members interested, motivated and willing to assist you in your project. Your should either have or acquire the following items as you get started.

1. A data base program to maintain a data file of your members.

2. A word processor for Association correspondence that can mail merge from your data base program.

3. A non-interest bearing checking account to use for Association finances. We suggest an account that does not pay interest to enable you to isolate Association finances from your own for tax purposes. Make an initial deposit from your personal funds and keep a good record of any money that you spend. As you locate members, several will donate to the cause. Maintain good accounting practices of all money received. In the beginning you will just be contacting people to let them know that you have taken on this project. Your goal will be to ascertain the amount of interest they may have as far as attending a reunion. Asking for financial support will often cause mistrust. Remember, to others, you are a stranger. If they feel strongly about assisting you financially, they will do so. All you should be doing at this point is getting information from them so that if and when you hold your first reunion, you will be able to let them know. This is also the time when you ask them if they remember anyone from your command, first and last names are important, where they might live now and if possible, a phone number. Former members will become your biggest source of names and addresses.

4. Internet access and someone who can create an Association Web Site. This will allow others to find you using Internet search engines.

5. List your name and Association on all the military reunion sites. Many will not allow you to list unless you have a date and location for your reunion so you can list with those sites later. Others have complete listings of military commands where people can list their names and email addresses, post messages and contact others. Sites such as "Classmates.com" offer lists of all the military service's commands. This would be a great investment for your limited Association funds since it will allow you to contact people directly.