History

The 82nd Airborne Division Association

Chartered by Congress in 1946, we are a non-profit, non-political association of paratroopers. The Association has over 30,000 members, in over 100 chapters nationwide. We welcome as members anyone who has ever been jump qualified, regardless of unit served in. Our members include Army Airborne, Rangers, Navy SEALs, Marine Corps Force Recon, Air Force Forward Controllers, and Coast Guard Air Sea Rescue.

Our mission is to  support the Airborne, keep alive its history and heritage; strengthen the bonds between today’s active duty airborne troopers, and veterans who led the  way.

Ben Vandervoort All Airborne Chapter

Serves the Savannah-Hilton Head-Beaufort area. Our chapter membership is 150 , of whom 1/3 are active duty paratroopers, and 2/3 are veteran paratroopers.

Our namesake, Ben Vandervoort commanded 2nd Battalion of 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division in World War II. In the movie, “The Longest Day,” Ben Vandervoort was portrayed by John Wayne. Vandervoort is buried in Beaufort National Cemetery, alongside his comrade-in-arms, Reuben Tucker. Tucker commanded the 504th Parachute infantry Regiment, also of the 82nd Airborne Division. He was the youngest regimental commander in World War II. Gen. Ridgway named Tucker the best regimental commander of World War II; Army War College named Vandervoort best battalion commander of World War II.

“All Airborne” in our chapter name means our membership is open to anyone who has been jump qualified regardless of unit served in. They need not have served in the 82nd.