Squadrons and Shipmates is a unique new organization that will bring together the men and women who served in squadrons assigned to air wings that served aboard these two great sister ships and all the shipmates that carried these squadrons to points on the globe to defend our nation and keep us safe. Presently members of squadrons cannot join or attend reunions of ships which they did not serve on. The vision now is to correct that disparity and invite all squadron members to join us, whether or not they served aboard these two ships. All squadrons can now be part of a large group but still have their own individual meetings during the annual reunions and maintain their officers and board members. If any of the squadron officers would like to be part of this organization and serve on our Board of Directors or in any of the leadership positions they would be welcomed with open arms. Another benefit is to save on expenses. Some examples are having all squadrons continue to publish their own newsletters but have it shared with the entire association as part of one main newsletter. This should enlighten more people about the history of each squadron and the brave pilots and airmen who flew into harm's way during time of war. Both these ships were in combat zones during their lifetimes. Also, we would have clout when dealing with hotels to secure the best possible price in full service settings. Tour companies will also give us the best possible price for their venues. Sadly the U.S.S. Midway has never had a reunion of the entire ship. She was the longest serving aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy and we are in possession of all the names of shipmates who were ever listed in a cruise book. The only thing to do now is to find them and let them know about their new organization which everyone has waited too long to see created. We anticipate that we will have a very large membership association with all the potential untapped personnel waiting to be found. We will need the services of all the squadron leaders and present and former officers of other associations. This is not an association where only a few members will do all the work. All officers, board members and committee members will have term limits. This will help ensure the organization will be run democratically. The central focus of the organization is the members' rights and fostering camaraderie among the members. The By-Laws of the organization have been written in extreme detail to cover many potential situations and to prevent injustice to any member. A By-Laws Committee will oversee any proposed changes to the By-Laws according to a defined process. In addition, we plan to make the financial transactions and financial status of the organization available to any member upon request via e-mail or fax. The association will encourage membership beyond the veteran by extending membership qualification to spouses, adult children and adult grandchildren as auxiliary members. Squadrons and Shipmates of the FDR-Midway, Inc.puts the membership first.
Squadrons and Shipmates is a unique new organization that will bring together the men and women who served in squadrons assigned to air wings that served aboard these two great sister ships and all the shipmates that carried these squadrons to points on the globe to defend our nation and keep us safe. Presently members of squadrons cannot join or attend reunions of ships which they did not serve on. The vision now is to correct that disparity and invite all squadron members to join us, whether or not they served aboard these two ships. All squadrons can now be part of a large group but still have their own individual meetings during the annual reunions and maintain their officers and board members. If any of the squadron officers would like to be part of this organization and serve on our Board of Directors or in any of the leadership positions they would be welcomed with open arms. Another benefit is to save on expenses. Some examples are having all squadrons continue to publish their own newsletters but have it shared with the entire association as part of one main newsletter. This should enlighten more people about the history of each squadron and the brave pilots and airmen who flew into harm's way during time of war. Both these ships were in combat zones during their lifetimes. Also, we would have clout when dealing with hotels to secure the best possible price in full service settings. Tour companies will also give us the best possible price for their venues. Sadly the U.S.S. Midway has never had a reunion of the entire ship. She was the longest serving aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy and we are in possession of all the names of shipmates who were ever listed in a cruise book. The only thing to do now is to find them and let them know about their new organization which everyone has waited too long to see created. We anticipate that we will have a very large membership association with all the potential untapped personnel waiting to be found. We will need the services of all the squadron leaders and present and former officers of other associations. This is not an association where only a few members will do all the work. All officers, board members and committee members will have term limits. This will help ensure the organization will be run democratically. The central focus of the organization is the members' rights and fostering camaraderie among the members. The By-Laws of the organization have been written in extreme detail to cover many potential situations and to prevent injustice to any member. A By-Laws Committee will oversee any proposed changes to the By-Laws according to a defined process. In addition, we plan to make the financial transactions and financial status of the organization available to any member upon request via e-mail or fax. The association will encourage membership beyond the veteran by extending membership qualification to spouses, adult children and adult grandchildren as auxiliary members. Squadrons and Shipmates of the FDR-Midway, Inc. puts the membership first. 
