Formed in 1983, the Southern Arizona Chapter has had a long history of service to the Airborne community and veterans in our area. From the first meetings at the Spanish Trail Motel the early members saw the bond of brotherhood between troopers was strong in our area. The unit gradually became more active in fund raising and community support efforts, trading man power with other organizations and setting up food booths and swap meets to raise funds. Eventually the chapter was able to host their first Western States Conference bringing chapters from Southern California, Nevada, and Texas as well as the Phoenix Chapters to Tucson.

The first guest of honor was General George Jones of the 503rd PIR, WWII. He had retired to Tucson and was more than happy to come down and meet the guys. There were many troopers in attendance who had served under General Jones in the Pacific and in the 503rd’s jumps and combat from New Guinea to Corregidor.

In the years that followed the Western States Conference changed to become the Tucson Mid-Winter Conference. Scheduled in between the Tucson Gem Show and the Tucson Rodeo in early February, this event became a great getaway for folks from back east that wanted to get out of the cold and catch a few rays in Southern Arizona before the spring thaw.

The Southern Arizona Chapter hosted the 82nd Division Associations 49th National Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1995. In spite of the logistics challenges involved in running a national convention in another state the chapter was able to pull off a truly memorable convention “out west” nearly filling the one square block complex of the Little America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City.

The chapter continues serving the Airborne in our community. This year we participated in the Christopher Moon fund drive, raising funds for a statue of Trooper Chris Moon who lost his life serving with the 82nd after turning down a baseball scholarship and Major League try-out to serve his country. The statue will be located at his High School’s home field. Another project on the board is working with the Pima Air and Space Museum to recognize historical aircraft that played role in major parachute operations through history.

For more information please contact the chapter.