Membership
Qualifications
The 82nd Airborne Division Association is the largest Airborne association in the world. Membership is open to any veteran who meets at least one of the following criteria. All applicants must show proof they received an Honorable discharge.
- Served with the 82nd Airborne Division, either assigned or attached by competent order.
- Graduated from the U.S. Army Basic Airborne School, earning basic jump wings, or having earned the Glider Badge. This includes veterans of other military services (U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, or U.S. Coast Guard, either Active Duty, Reserves, or National Guard.
As part of the application process, all members are required to submit a legible copy of your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), which the chapter will keep on file for IRS classification purposes. All DD Form 214's will have the SSN redacted to just the last 4 digits for security purposes.
Application Process
There are two ways for qualified veterans to apply for membership. Processing normally takes 4-6 weeks. Once processed, the member will receive their membership card via USPS mail. All American Members will also receive a high-speed certificate suitable for framing.
Online Applications: Click here to apply and pay dues securely online. Once you submit your online application, you will need to email a legible image (PDF or JPG image) of your DD Form 214 (Member 4) to info@chicagoairborne.com.
Offline Applications: Click here to download a printable PDF of our application. Just complete the application fully, and mail it along with a legible, complete copy of your DD Form 214 (Member 4) and applicable dues to the address at the bottom of the form.
Membership Dues
Applicants may choose Annual membership at $35.00 per 12 month term or All American (Paid for Life) membership for a one time fee of $350.
Note: The All-American "Sustaining" Membership level that included an annual "maintenance" fee starting in year six was withdrawn in July 2020.
Association Benefits
Camaraderie and the prestige of being a part of the world's largest Airborne association are key benefits of membership within this Association. However there is more, like these terrific benefits.
>Education Fund Scholarships
The 82nd Airborne Division Association manages a 501(c)3 Education Fund that awards dozens of scholarships annually to qualified students, including both dependents and recently separated paratroopers. Applications are due by 15 October annually. Click here for to learn all of the details or to download application forms.
>USAA Credit Card
USAA offers Association members an Association-branded credit cards, including American Express and MasterCard. This card program benefits the Association directly. Click Here to learn all the details and apply for yours.
