Join us in 2021 for the 37th Annual National Muster in Shawnee, Oklahoma Sept 21-25th
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Published Bi-Monthly for SPECIAL MILITARY ACTIVE RECREATIONAL TRAVELERS CLUB Annual 2021
South East Regional, Dillard GA
Photo Credit: Winston Posey
Join us in 2021
for the 37th Annual National Muster
in Shawnee, Oklahoma Sept 21-25th
SMART is a not-for-profit 501(c)19 Veterans Organization
1
Your 2021
BOARD of DIRECTORS
SE REGION DIRECTOR
SMART NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Keith Hardman (Colleen)
Carl Hopper (Gwen)
(770) 490-6269
(775) 232-3958
hardman.keith@gmail.com
chopper500@aol.com
EXCOM SC REGION DIRECTOR
Bobby Duckworth (Lisa)
1st VICE PRESIDENT
(501) 772-4990
Willie Pollard (Joyce)
bobdepyro@gmail.com
(210) 557-1363
willie.wpollard@gmail.com
SW REGION DIRECTOR
EXCOM
Michael Northup (Tri)
2nd VICE PRESIDENT (505) 453-5753
Gene Bennett (Sharon) itsmeedad@gmail.com
(757) 620-7044
genebennett101@gmail.com
NC REGION DIRECTOR
EXCOM
Wayne Ballard (Linda)
Imt PAST PRESIDENT (270) 929-2994
Paul Rider (Jean) Linda_wayne@roadrunner.com
(903) 574-1217
afchap@gmail.com NMW REGION DIRECTOR
EXCOM Ernie Owen (Linda)
(712) 542-7115
EXECUTIVE MANAGER jailbird@me.com
Melissa Wade
(800) 354-7681
melissa@smartrving.org NE REGION DIRECTOR
EXCOM Virginia (Ginny) Louis (Tom)
(856) 381-3969
tom.ginny@yahoo.com
SMW REGION DIRECTOR
Joe Noonan (Margaret) AT Large REGION DIRECTOR
(210) 313-7364 Mike Schmitz (Cheryl)
joe.noonan@sbcglobal.net (850) 572-3370
EXCOM amimjs@yahoo.com
Go to our website for more info www.SmartRVing.org
2
A Message from our SMART
National President: Carl V. Hopper
Happy New Year to everyone. 2020 will definitely go down as one of the most chal-
lenging years in recent history. The new year always brings new hopes and dreams for
a bright future for family and friends. This is especially true in light of the COVID 19
Pandemic. We all yearn to get back to normal activities and to be able to travel with our
SMART family.
The good news is the SMART club is alive and well. We did have to cancel many events and cara-
vans this past year but we continue to remain positive and plan for the future. The leadership con-
tinues to meet virtually to support our membership goals and future events. Our plans for 2021 in-
clude many local and regional musters plus our national muster in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The na-
tional muster staff have been working diligently to organize an event that will be truly memorable.
If you have not signed up for the national muster I urge you to do so now. If you have never attend-
ed a national muster you don’t know what you are missing. We also currently have four outstand-
ing caravans planned for this year; The Canadian Maritimes, The Washington DC Independence
Day Celebration Parade, Empire Explorations, and Branson Excursion. Go to the SMART Website
for more information regarding these caravans.
Recruiting new members continues to be a priority. Our leadership and the recruiting and reten-
tion staff have been working diligently on developing programs and incentives to increase our mem-
bership. However, the best recruiting tool is our individual members. Many veterans we meet in
RV parks throughout the country have not heard of S.M.A.R.T. As you travel around this great
country share your stories and the fun times you have as a member of S.M.A.R.T.
Gwen and I wish each of you a safe and happy new year and hope to see you at one of the many
S.M.A.R.T. events scheduled for this year. Carl V. Hopper, President
A Note from your 1st VP- Willie Pollard
Another year is in the past and another has welcomed us into it. It is my hope that this
year 2021 brings us new adventures, new places to go and most of all good health to
get there. 2020 has been devastating with COVID-19 standing in the way of the life-
styles we had been most accustomed. However, with the vaccines on the horizon, we
may have the opportunity to experience the comradery and travels with our Chapters
and the roads we wish to explore.
Recruiting was obviously slow due to the pandemic last year because less people were travel-
ing. However, as we get back into the swing of things let us put recruiting back on our bucket list.
We are not getting younger and for the survival of our Chapters we need to make ourselves a com-
mittee of one to recruit as many new members as possible. Do not forget about the young at heart
because they too are traveling and looking for more adventures and we need a lifeline to keep
SMART alive and well.
While I am the 1st Vice President, I am also the Muster Master for the 2021 SMART National. I
am hopeful that the 2021 National at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center in Shawnee Oklaho-
ma will be a time to meet new members and see friends of SMART we neglected to see in 2020. It
will be a fun filled event that will draw you from your rigs like never before. I am asking my commit-
tee members to pump up the volume in their assigned duties to make this National one all members
will never forget for all the right reasons.
I want to give a shout out to our two person staff, Melissa and Phyliss for all they did in keeping
SMART alive during these times of the pandemic. May the dreams you have had of the places you
wanted to go and most of all the grandchildren and children you have wanted to hug, soon and
very soon it will all come true. “HAPPY NEW YEAR!” Willie Pollard 1st VP
3
A Note from 2nd VP Gene Bennett
2020 has been a stressful year for everyone. It has been incredibly difficult for those who
have lost jobs, who have gotten sick, who have lost family members, those sequestered in
retirement homes unable to be visited by relatives, nurses, doctors, firemen, police, postal
workers, truck drivers, and other all essential workers that have kept things going, especially
when they were short-handed.
This has been a year of challenges. We have had a record number of hurricanes and storms and will go down
in the history books. We are not going to forget 2020 anytime soon. We have all learned to:
Improvise; we remember how it was before we were unable to just go and do things we wanted to do –
when we wanted to do them. We are Improvising by staying home more and practicing how to:
Adapt; While spending all that time at ‘home’, we were working on those ‘honey-do’ lists, cleaning out
those cabinets and closets and storage areas that we had not seen in a while. We found items we had for-
gotten about and suddenly remembered why we got that stuff in the first place, especially cookware.
Overcome; We remembered that we really do like to cook; and not just the meat and ‘taters, boiled eggs,
spaghetti, BBQ, pastas, hamburgers and hot dogs, fried chicken; but the good stuff too. Such as Eggs Bene-
dict, Beef Bourguignonne, Cherries Jubilee, and Baked Alaska.
The future of SMART will depend on what we actually do to Improvise, by doing the best we can with what
we have and put it together with what we are given, Adapt to make SMART stronger so we can Overcome
whatever we will have to face in the future. We can accomplish what all we want if we want it bad enough.
SMART might be slowed down by, but will not be stopped by, the Coronavirus Pandemic.
What does not stop us will only make us more determined. We have a good thing going here, and it is going
to take teamwork, by all for all. Have you checked on an elderly relative or neighbor lately? Telephone
checks do not violate CDC guidelines. The worst that could happen is you help someone to not be a casualty.
Sometimes all it takes is a simple phone call. The greatest casualty is being forgotten. We at SMART are
treating our members as FAMILY. FAMILY takes care of its own.
SMART is trying to make it the goal of every member to recruit one new member. When this happens,
SMART will double in size. Just think about the possibilities! We can do it! Our FAMILY just gets bigger.
A new word has surfaced: ‘staycationing’. It would be best described as camping in Backyardia, Your Town,
USA. A lot of us are doing just that; getting out of the house, camping in the backyard and giving yourself a
chance to remember what is like to get out ‘there’, to satisfy that ‘camping itch’, also checking out the rig
for leaks and little intruders.
2021 is going to have challenges of its own. CDC guidelines are going to be tough. And in some cases, the
State’s safety guidelines are even tougher. When you really think about it, they are only trying to make it
safer for us all. So be safe, follow the CDC guidelines and we will get through this, together. Improvise as
FAMILY: Adapt as FAMILY: Overcome as a FAMILY should, to make SMART the best FAMILY Camping Club in
the US and Canada. Gene-O
4
Chaplain’s Corner: Lamar Enfinger
The year 2020 has come and gone. Most of us are glad to see it go. The first couple
of months were good. The Economy was good and jobs weren't sent overseas and
people had jobs. Then came the pandemic. People got sick and were dying. People
lost their jobs because businesses were closing. Then it was election time, with corrup-
tion on both sides, left and right. At no time in History has anything like this happened. I think we
are all looking for 2021 bringing in a completely New Year. Maybe the vaccine will work, that is yet
to be seen.
This brings to mind an event that happened in 1917 in Frederick's M. Lehman life in Pasade-
na, California. His business went under. He was forced to get a job packing lemons and oranges
into wooden crates. On his free time at work and after work at home he would work on a song that
was in his heart. He came up with two stanzas with no problem. But he could not come up with a
third stanza. Back in those days there had to be three stanzas in order to be published. He found a
card in his Bible that he used as a bookmark that was exactly what he needed. He found that it had
been scribed on a cell wall used to hold a mental patient. It is not known how the mental patient
learned about these words, as these words were written by a Jewish Rabbi, Meir Ben Issac Nehoria
in AD 1050. The title of Fredric Lehman’s song is the “The Love of God.”
The Love of God is greater far
than tongue or pen can ever tell;
it goes beyond the highest star,
and reaches to the lowest hell;
the guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child to reconciled,
and pardoned from his sin,
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
the saints' and angels' song.
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
and were the skies of parchment made,
were every stalk on earth a quill,
and every man a scribe by trade,
to write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could be scroll contain the whole,
though stretched from sky to sky.
You may ask yourself why does what happened in 2020 remain me of what happened to Fred-
erick Lehman in 1917? Fredrick lost his business and a mentally ill person some 200 years before
scribed the poem on his cell wall. God knowing that Lehman was going to write a song, realized that
Lehman would have trouble writing a third stanza, so he chose a Rabbi to graphically paint a picture
of God’s love in words. God then preserved these words and had a prisoner inscribe them on a
wall. In time things seem to work together for a purpose.
Lamar Enfinger SMART National Chaplain
5
2021 NATIONAL MUSTER Attention Chapters:
We are looking for good photos for the
Oklahoma EXPO Center Front pages of the Bi-monthly TRAVELER
Shawnee, Oklahoma and the Webpage Carousel. We are
looking for photos that show camarade-
Sept 21– thru 25th, 2021 rie , camping, patriotism, and
Early arrival Sept 18th having a good time.
Please submit to smart@smartrving.org.
Tour #1 Sept 20th 8:00am Please give info who, where, when.
Ok Memorial Tour Plus
Look forward to seeing your photos
Tour # 2 Sept 21st 8:30am
Best of Ok City, & Vince Gill ‘s childhood home online and in TRAVELER.
Tour # 3 Sept 23rd 8:30am
Chickasaw Cultural Center Thank you to everyone
who made donations to
Opening Ceremonies Sept 21st 1700 hrs
SMART 2020 because of
you we are still able to keep
Vendors/Seminars/Food/FUN/Games
SMART Alive!
Closing Ceremonies Sept 25th 1830 hrs
Departure on Sept 26th am SMART Finances for Jan 2021
Operating Account Balance $ 12,480.
Savings Account Balance $ 52,993.
National Board Meeting: Attendees should
the 14th to prepare for the meeting
arrive on th
on the 15 . EXCOM Meeting is scheduled for
17:00 on the 14th. 2021 SE Regional Eustis, FL
April 12 -15
As you “See the Country We Defend” all SMART
members and those interested in joining are invited
to be part of the fun in the beautiful Harris Chain
of Lakes in Central Florida with your SE Regional
friends hosted by the South Florida Gold Coasters.
All the features of a National, including live music,
dancing, boat & seaplane tours, seminars, ven-
dors, golf tournament, cards, other fun games, and
much more. The campground Southern Palms RV
Resort near the scenic and historic towns of Eustis
and Mount Dora. We guarantee it will be a fun
Don’t miss out on Willies’ Horse Races! event where you will see old friends and make new
ones. Questions, contact Muster Master, John
Steinbauer jfs9840@gmail.com
6
S.M.A.R.T. Vehicle Donation Program Update
Program Process
Do you, your friends, or relatives have a vehicle that’s no longer needed? If so, you don’t have to
deal with advertising, or selling, and receive a 100% tax deduction as a bonus! (depending on your
filing status). The SMART Board of Directors approved an agreement with a national company who
specializes in managing vehicle donations for veterans organizations National Charity Services,
(NCS).
The proceeds from donations in 2020 totaled $6765 which equates to 104 annual membership fees
so this is a big win for us. The processing fee is 25% which covers the costs NCS incurs to adver-
tise, pick up/tow the vehicles, prep for auction, and auction expenses.
Just about any type of vehicle can be donated including the following:
All RVs to include Fifth Wheels, Trailers, Class C’s, B’s and etc., Autos, Trucks, Boats, Motorcycles/
Motorbikes, Golf Carts, Motorized Wheelchairs, Riding Lawn Mowers, Shuttles, Snowmobiles, An-
tique/Historic Vehicles, ATVs/OTVs, Bloodmobiles, Bookmobiles, Business/Marketing Vehicles, Ca-
tastrophe-Response Vehicles, Classic Cars, Emergency-Response Vehicles, Farm Equipment, Mo-
bile Command Centers, Mobile Medical, Mobile Offices, Mobile Command Centers, Mobile Medical,
Mobile Offices, or Trolly Trams. The easiest way to donate is from the SMART website by clicking
the logo which is
located on the home page or through this website:
https://www.veterancardonations.org/about/nonprofits/special-military-activerecreational-travelers-club-inc/
If you have any questions, please contact Hq SMART or Past President John Steinbauer,
Program Coordinator at jfs9840@gmail.com
SMART Survivor Assistance Program
The Survivor Assistance Program (SAP) is dedicated to helping our members prepare for and dur-
ing a time of need with the loss of a loved one. We are also available to provide assistance in a
number of areas individuals may need as they plan for their “Golden Age” and retirement related
to the military and benefits. Please direct any questions to Mike Schmitz, Program Coordinator
amimjs@yahoo.com or John Steinbauer jfs9840@gmail.com You can go to the SMART website
home page and access info on the following:
Making_Things_Easy_For_My_Family.pdf
Burial_Benefits.pdf
Documents_Check-List.pdf
ID_Card_Required_Identification.pdf
Immediate_Guidance_Check-List.pdf
7
The National Spouse Advisory Committee Chairperson, Gwen Hopper
Lap Robes and Skull Caps , School Supplies, Food Pantry…
I want to wish everyone a happy new year. Hopefully this finds you all safe and
healthy. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the national muster in Shawnee,
Oklahoma this year. I also want to thank you in advance for continuing to work on
lap robes, skull caps and quilts. As in past years we will be collecting non-perishable food
items to donate to a local food bank and also school supplies to donate to a local school.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Safe travels, Gwen Hopper, Chairperson
S*M*A*R*T
S * T* A * R “TIPS”
When camping, especially when staying at military campgrounds, take a few
minutes and place some SMART info materials in the laundry room. That’s where many campers spend
time and are looking for something to read. You can contact Hq SMART and they will provide you with
copies of the current Traveler, Tri-Folds (with your member number and contact info
already added), and the “We Want You” publi-
cation. Or you can go to the SMART website
and download Tri-Folds and print. This is also
a great chapter project if members live near a
military campground so they can keep the
laundry room full of materials. In addition,
order your SMART banner from HQ and dis-
play it along with your American Flag. You
will be surprised how many campers stop by to
ask you about SMART.
RECRUITING RETENTION
I would like to wish y’all a Happy New Year. There is light at the door next year for SMART to grow
from this Pandemic. As y’all wake up from your long winters nap get your Recruiting Kits from HQ
and be ready for the Spring Musters, well at least out here in Texas is next month , to open up and
we start our traveling across the U.S. attending musters and looking for that new member. Remem-
ber you can work for that ‘I Got One’ pin on your way to your first STAR (SMART Tops At Recruit-
ing) for recruiting five members to SMART and earn a free years dues. Welcome those new mem-
bers to your chapters and show them a good time. Remember they are the future of SMART.
Now some of y’all may have overslept during the winters nap, and woke up not wanting to travel.
That is where your fellow members come in to rekindle that excitement of traveling with the best
Veteran RV group in this nation and retaining you for another year. Yes, Retention is a big concern
in SMART.
Richard Palmer Recruiting & Retention Coordinator
8
Caravan Korner by Jon Katin, National Caravan Coordinator
SMART is a great organization with veterans supporting veterans. Our military comradeship is a
central theme that we all enjoy. We have Local, Regional, and National Musters to get together,
socialize and reminisce about our military assignments. A large part of SMART is supporting and
helping veteran organizations. But, one of the best values of SMART is our caravan program.
Our caravan costs remain significantly cheaper than the commercial companies. Our WMs and TGs
are unpaid volunteers and seek economical venues, discounts for our veterans’ club and comps
from vendors, all of which help keep our prices down. Our WMs and TGs design and plan their own
caravans going to places they feel the organization will enjoy. They have a personal investment in
ensuring everything goes well. Commercial organizations use canned tours with reservations made
by staff personnel.
When SMART is forced to cancel a caravan, we refund 100% of the fees collected, eating all losses
from within our limited resources. And, when folks need to cancel because of medical reasons, fami-
ly issues, or mechanical problems, once again, SMART steps up and attempts to refund as much as
we can. We do not have set amounts that are retained, like the commercial companies. And, if our
caravan expenses come in less than the amounts collected, we share the excess funds between
participants and the club.
SMART Caravans are about two-thirds the cost of a commercial caravan. Just compare the cost of
a SMART caravan to Fantasy Tours or Adventure Caravans. The difference is that the wagon mas-
ters and tail gunners are volunteers. They do not get paid a salary like the commercial caravans
One of our greatest challenges to maintain SMART as a Veterans Not-For-Profit Club, however, is
to have enough annual revenue to pay for our club operating expenses. Ten years ago, our dues
covered 72% of the operating expenses with the remaining coming from musters, donations and ad-
vertising. In 2019, however, our dues only covered 48%. Musters, donations, and admin fees cov-
ered 15% and our caravan revenue has now picked up about 35%. Not-for-Profit clubs must have
revenue streams to remain viable.
Just a reminder to all of our readers, we have four great caravans scheduled for 2021.
2021 Canadian Maritime Provinces Caravan - 62 days - $6900
2021 Washington DC Independence Day Celebration Parade – 9 days - $1100
2021 Empire Explorations - 41 days - $5900
2021 Branson, Missouri shows - 10 days - $1550
Please look at our web page: https://www.smartrving.org/Caravans/, for a full description and
caravan applications. I remain optimistic with the vaccines now becoming available and with the
safety precautions all of our caravan leaders encourage, we will see all 4 caravans proceed.
Jon Katin, Travel Coordinator
9
2021 Caravans
Wash D.C. Independence Day Celebration, Parade, and Caravan
1st-7th (depart on 8th) July 2021
Wagon Masters Kathy and John Steinbauer
ABAM Info Parade Info July 4th Parade History
We are excited to announce we plan to run the caravan next July with SMART entering the parade with Jim
Newborn’s motor home, ABAM leading the way. SMART members will be able to participate by either walk-
ing along the one mile route with a SMART banner, the American, SMART, and service flags. Others will be
able to view the parade along the parade route. For those with mobility issues, Jim will have room for some
in his RV and also in his Humvee which will be towed on a trailer.
We will be staying at Fort Belvoir campground which will be convenient to Wash D.C. and all veterans will
be able to camp on the fort with a visitor’s pass. Fort Belvoir has campers and rustic cabins to rent if you
prefer to drive your car/truck or fly. Caravan activities planned include a tour of the Pentagon and White
House if open to tourists, a sightseeing bus tour of Wash D.C, in addition to the parade.
In addition, we will be having a group dinner at the historic Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant in Alexandria, VA.
There will be numerous other “on your own sightseeing opportunities” during the week.
Costs: 2 per RV: $1100 1 per RV: $825 Guests: $300
Register online via the SMART website or contact Hq at 800.354. 7681 to get on the list as we will be limited
to 19 caravan RVs. This “in place” caravan and will fill up fast so don’t delay! If caravan members desire to
come earlier or stay longer, sites may be available but contact John Steinbauer at jfs9840@gmail.com for
info on arriving early or staying longer or for questions.
Come and
SUPPORT
S.M.A.R.T.
102021 BRANSON EXCURISION CARAVAN
Branson 2021 Caravan
Arrive September 29th and depart October 8th, 2021
Staying at the beautiful America’s Best Campground,. Our welcome dinner will be at 6:00 pm Sep-
tember 29th, 2021 on site and consists of a catered Taco Bar Dinner. We have 8 shows and attrac-
tions scheduled for your enjoyment to include a ride with dinner on the Scenic Branson Railway. We
will depart from a historic depot in downtown Branson and operates in the scenic Ozark mountains
for an approximate 40 mile round-trip as we cross bridges and trestles while experiencing the luxury
of rail travel from yesteryear. Also included we have scheduled a ride on the Branson Belle Paddle
Wheel Showboat where you will be able to relax and unwind while enjoying amazing sightseeing
opportunities along the sparkling Table Rock Lake. On board we will enjoy energetic entertainment
that will impress and delight you and delicious meals that will make your mouth water.
Additionally, we will attend a Murder Mystery Show with dinner along with other various shows and
meals. This Caravan can only accommodate 24 rigs and is expected to fill up fast. Please consider
sending your application to SMART headquarters as soon as possible in order to enjoy this
wonderful and exciting Caravan
Cost for 2p rig $1550 /1p rig $1050 /guest $550
Wagonmasters David & Jackie Weis. 912 674 9347. dweis74@hotmail.com
CANADIAN MARITIME PROVINCES CARAVAN
21 June to 21 August 2021
Wagon Masters: Jon and Nancy Katin, jonandnancy2@comcast.net,
541-220-9375 (Jon’s Cell), 541-220-9476 (Nancy’s Cell).
Cost: 2 person RV $6900, 1 person RV $5050 , Guest $2050 (plus cost of Ferries)
Deposits and Payments: $280 upon application; 50% by six months prior to start; Full payment
three months prior to start. Number of Days: 62 days Caravan Limit: 20 RVs plus the Wagon Mas-
ter and Assistant Wagon Master.
This caravan covers approximately 3000 miles through the beautiful Canadian Maritime Provinc-
es. We begin and end our journey at the Pumpkin Patch RV Park in Hermon, ME and travel
through New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island. If you like sea-
food, this is the trip for you. We will be eating lobster, lobster, and more lobster. Even if you don’t
like seafood this is a great trip and there are lots of other things to eat besides seafood.
You will see some amazing things while traveling through the Maritimes such as 50 foot tides, re-
versing falls, historic cities and sites, ice burgs, and many animals to include moose. We even had
a moose come into our campsite in 2014. We will also be taking several bus tours, attending nu-
merous events and shows, all guaranteed to entertain.
We will be traveling on at least 2 ferries during our adventure (one overnight and one short day
trip). The cost of the caravan will not include the ferries which are based on the size of your rig.
You can go to the website www.marine-atlantic.ca to get an idea of the ferry costs. When consider-
ing this trip the cost of the ferries may appear high, but by taking the overnight ferry we save the
cost of 2 to 3 nights camping, meals, fuel and wear and tear on your vehicles.
We hope you consider taking this trip. We are planning a fun filled adventure with lots of activi-
ties. The Maritime Province are beautiful and the people are super. If you are considering this trip,
register early. This caravan fills up fast. Don’t hesitate to call one of us if you have any questions.
Jon and Nancy Katin Wagonmasters
112021 NEW YORK EMPIRE EXPLORATIONS CARAVAN
July 21 – August 31, 2021
Wagon Masters: Melody & Paul Thomas
Tail Gunners: Johnny & Linda Leggett
2-Person RV $5,900; 1-Person RV $4,400; Guest $1,600
New York State is among the most historic states in the union. It is one of the original 13 colo-
nies and saw most of the War of 1812 fought within its borders. It encompasses the Adirondack
and Catskill Mountains, the Finger Lakes, Niagara Falls, the Thousand Islands, Hudson Valley
and is the home of the oldest military academy in the United States. The Empire State is truly
more than just “The City.”
Day One will see the group meet in the Finger Lakes area with visits to the Glen Curtis Museum,
the Finger Lakes Boating Museum, and the Corning Glass Center. Take a hike in Watkins Glen,
one of the most beautiful settings in the state, or Letchworth State Park (dubbed The Grand Can-
yon of the East). Other sites to explore include the International Motor Racing Museum, the Na-
tional Soaring Museum, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and dozens of prime wineries. Glen Curtis,
who spent many years inventing and developing his patents, produced the first fifth wheel RV.
We next move to Jamestown, the home of one of the funniest women in history - Lucille Ball. We
will tour the National Comedy Center and the Lucy-Desi Museum with lunch in the Tropicana
Room.
The caravan then continues on to Buffalo where the group will explore Niagara Falls, the Niaga-
ra Power Plant, and Fort Niagara followed by a boat tour through the locks on the Erie Canal. Next
stop will be Rochester with an opportunity to discover the photography of George Eastman, learn
about the origins of Jell-O, tour the Rochester Science Center, and explore the Museum of Play.
We will walk the streets of Seneca Falls on which the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” with Jimmie
Stewart and Donna Reed was modeled.
The caravan heads north to the Thousand Islands to explore the 1900s playground of the
wealthy in towns like Alexandria Bay, Clayton, Cape Vincent, and Hammond. Nearby Sackets Har-
bor and Tibbets Point Lighthouse will tell the story of the War of 1812. Lake Placid in the Adiron-
dack Mountains (home of the 1931 and 1980 Winter Olympics) provides a base to explore Ausable
Chasm, Mount Marcy, and Fort Ticonderoga. Saratoga Springs and Albany offer a chance to dis-
cover the Catskill Mountains and New York History.
No trip to upstate New York would be complete without a stop in Woodstock or Cooperstown
(home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame). Hyde Park
houses the FDR Presidential Library and palatial estate.
Nearby is the newly created National Purple Heart Hall of
Fame and the Walkway Over the Hudson. The caravan
will end with a tour of the West Point Military Academy
where so many of our military leaders trained and honed
their strategic skills. If circumstances are right, we will
even offer an optional tour of New York City. This promis-
es to be a varied and exciting exploration of the Empire
State. Come join us.
Melody & Paul Thomas Wagonmasters
12SMART CARAVAN APPLICATION
Make Checks Payable to: SMART or contact HQ SMART to pay by credit card
Mail To: SMART, INC. 114 Duxbury Ave. Molino, Florida 32577
A minimum of $280.00 will be submitted with this application. $80.00 of which is a nonrefundable, non-
transferable Administrative Fee (unless cancelled by SMART). The remaining $200.00 will be credited as a deposit on the cost of
the caravan. 100% deposit refunds will not be made unless a replacement is found, funds for the caravan have not been expend-
ed, or the service provider returns funds expended. Trip Cancellation Insurance is at the discretion of the participant. You may
wish to contact your regular insurance provider to ascertain if they provide this service.
Please Print Clearly
Caravan Name__________________________________________________ Start Date ____________________________
Mbr # _________ Last _________________________First_______________ Spouse/S.O. _________________________
Street Address ______________________________City _______________________State ________ Zip code __________
How do you prefer to receive correspondence? E-Mail ______ USPS _______________
Phone (Home) __________________________ (Cell 1)______________________ (Cell 2) _________________________
Email (His) ______________________________________ (Hers) _____________________________________________
Name of Guest traveling in your rig _____________________________________________________________________
JACKET SIZE (if available): His - (S) (M) (L) (XL) (XXL) (XXXL) Hers - (S) (M) (L) (XL) (XXL) (XXXL)
Guest - (S) (M) (L) (XL) (XXL) (XXXL) (Wagon Master may provide additional size charts info later)
Is this your 1st SMART caravan? (Y) (N) Type RV: Class A/C _____5th Wheel ____ Trailer ____ # Slide Out(s) ________
Length ____ft. Coupled (with tow vehicle) ____ft. License Plate #'s: RV ________________Vehicle_________________
Do you want 50 AMP at an extra cost (if available - NO GUARANTEE) - (Y) (N) pay at campground.
Do you or your traveling companion use any of the following, cane, walker, wheel chair (electric), scooter, C-PAP? Yes/No If YES, please indicate
which one(S)_______________________________________________________________
Special Diet Needs: (His) _____________________________(Hers) ___________________________________
Do you have Senior, Annual, or Access National Park Pass (Y) (N) Do you have pets (Y) (N) How many ________ Type/Breed
___________________________________________________________________________________
Birthday: (Month/Day only) His ________________ Hers____________ Anniversary Date: ______________
ALL SMART Members & Non-SMART members must sign, in order to participate – Please Read:
For services rendered to/received by those signed below, in their participation of the SMART activity named above, the undersigned hereby
releases, and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless SMART Inc, all officers, directors, employees, agents and their successors and assigns from
all liabilities, injuries, obligations, claims, demands, losses, damages, judgments, penalties, expenses and disbursements, including reasonable
attorney’s fee of any kind and nature arising out of, or in any way related to the activity listed above. SMART is NOT responsible for the actions
of any participating company, or agent, with regard to their role in organizing, planning, or for any other service they may provide for the benefit
of the named person or activity. All persons must be 18 years or older, and must sign the required application. Name & Signature of Guests in
your Rig “REQUIRED.”
Signature:_______________________ Date:______________ Signature: ____________________ Date:________________
Signature: ______________________ Date:______________ Signature: _____________________ Date:________________
ALL CARAVAN MEMBERS MUST HAVE A SMART NAME BADGE.
Contact National HQ to order: Cost is $8.50 (this includes S & H)
13CHAPTER AND REGION NEWS
SOUTH EAST REGION (Keith Hardman Region Director)
North Carolina, South Carolina,
Georgia, Florida
Florida Roadrunners Chapter: With the pandemic in full swing, 2020 was a difficult
year for everyone. The Florida Roadrunners had a nice muster at Walk-a-bout
Campground in Woodbine, GA in January, and a St. Patty’s Day muster at Coastal Ga Re-
sort in March this year. The Regional muster scheduled for April was cancelled as well as
the National Muster in Shawnee, OK in September. We did have a very nice “Thanksgiving/
Christmas” muster in November at Cypress Campground in Winter Haven. We had a wonderful
time with a catered turkey dinner followed by a D.J. and dancing. All in all, I think we had a good
year considering the COVID-19 pandemic. To my knowledge none of the Roadrunners came down
with the virus. Hopefully with the vaccine coming soon all will get back to normal again.
Our upcoming musters for 2021 include: January 13-16 at Walk-a-bout Campground, March 10-13
at Jenny Ridge Campground, and May 12-15 at Southern Oaks RV Park. Everyone is invited to at-
tend. Happy New Year to all S*M*A*R*T members and their families from the Florida Roadrun-
ners. Steve Colt, compassfix@gmail.com
Chattahoochee Drifter Chapter staying apart during the COVID pandemic, communi-
cated via phone, email and texting. In December we gathered at Lake Park Campground in
Lake Park, GA enjoyed each other’s company and wonderful meals planned by our hosts
Karen & Pete Kerner. Former SMART members Daisy & Lloyd Corbett came and joined in
the fun. The Corbett’s invited us out to their place for some target shooting. Congratulations to our
very own Al Haynes as recruiter of the year! He is now at 106. During the muster several rigs
signed up for the Branson Caravan beginning September 29- October 8, 2021 Wagon Master(s) Da-
vid & Jackie Weis. Our February muster 8-13, Staying at Sugar Mill Plantation call 229-227-1451.
Say you are with the Drifter Rate is $ 27.00.
Karen Kerner, Chattahoochee Drifter President
South Florida Gold Coasters Our chapter is for those who like to partic-
ipate in musters normally held in Southern Florida and have fun. We also love
to dine at local restaurants, play outside games as well as have special fun-
themed musters during Valentines and Halloween. During the musters, several activi-
ties are planned during the day, starting with meals, then games such as bean-bag
baseball, ladder golf, washer toss, computer lessons, and visits with friends. We also
have at least one sightseeing trip planned for the local area. Then in the evening you can always
find a friendly game of cards or bingo.
Our chapter continues to grow with new members from Florida and other
states. Everyone enjoys being active and involved in all aspects of chap-
ter functions. Visit this chapter as a special guest and join us if you like
having fun!
Our primary muster area is customarily referred to as the "Gold Coast."
While not limited to this area, it is usually the region of the southeastern
coast of Florida along the eastern shores to the Keys. We hold four mus-
ters in addition to the SE Region and National musters.
We are proud to have been selected as an Outstanding Chapter for 2020.
We have a very active Facebook Group where we share photos of our
14musters and future events. You can access it at https://www.facebook.com/
groups/360505854055082/ Details of the exact dates of our musters can be found on the SMART
Website ‘All SMART Events” or on the Gold Coasters website page www.smartrving.org/fgc or con-
tact our Muster Master Kathy Steinbauer at kathy.steinbauer@gmail.com or 210.386.9024.
Florida Buccaneer Chapter will be celebrating our 31st year in 2021 and we are look-
ing forward to a much more active and exciting year – devoid of COVID-19 issues. Even
with a couple of vaccines in the wings, we are aware that some common sense restrictions
such as social distancing and masks will be with us for a long time. We plan to abide by
these restrictions and still enjoy our friends and our camping.
A recipient of an Outstanding Chapter Award for this seventh straight year, the chapter firmly
believes that the only reason to join any social organization is because you enjoy the people in that
organization. For this reason, we highly encourage all who may be nearby one of our musters to
come and spend time with us. To further that goal, your first year’s chapter membership is free; af-
terwards, it’s only $10 per year. We also do not charge a muster fee at our mus-
Gina Mason ters.
Our chapter is centered around the Tampa Bay area of Florida’s west coast
and we hold our musters generally in January, March, May and November. We
vary our musters by looking for new venues to assist in ‘Seeing the Country We
Defend’. We will be going to Lazydays RV Resort in Seffner (a suburb of Tampa)
and Crystal River on Florida’s Nature Coast early in 2021. Last year we held our
2 day annual murder mystery (WW II Combat Hospital in Voltafiore Italy) at La-
zydays RV Resort in Seffner. It was a huge success with prizes awarded to Joe
Hug for his second win for Best Costume, and Gina Mason for Most Dramatic.
Joe Hug
Joe played (and dressed the part) of Paul Landrews substituting for one of his
sisters and performing as the world famous Landrews Sisters, while Gina
played Major ‘Hot Lips’ Houligan. This year’s theme, to be held in early January
at our Lazydays muster, is ‘Murder Under the Big Top’. You can read about
the results in our Buccaneer winter newsletter on the public page of our Buc
website (www.smartrving.org/bucs). Normal muster activities include social
hours, meals, indoor and outdoor games, hand and foot, poker, card bingo, trips
to local sites and activities, golf, holey board, and others that we plan on trying
out this year. While on our website, check out our muster schedule (and activities) and plan to join
us. We would love to get to know you and have you meet and get to know our chapter. Contact
Info: Cordell Vickers, Chapter President, sv1919@aol.com
Tri-State Travelers have a new name. We are now the Tri-State Travelers. In this year
of social consciousness, it was decided to make our name more neutral. We also have a
new logo to go along with the new name. This year has certainly turned out to be quite dif-
ferent from what we had originally planned. We were able to have two musters, one in Lake Park
GA and one near Charleston SC before COVID-19 hit the country. Our musters start in January
and continue every other month throughout the year. We were finally able to muster in September at
Twin Oaks RV Park in Elko GA with a low country boil, good fellowship, a home cooked delicious
breakfast, all the while waiting for Hurricane Sally to arrive. November brought us back to our stand-
by, Twin Oaks RV Park (YES, there’s two) in Hoboken GA where we had a good turnout of 20+ rigs.
We ate our own home cooked meals in a large building with huge garage doors where we could
have an outside-like setting for our COVID response. We ended the year with our November mus-
ter where we welcomed four new members to our group. They fit right in as we played Mexican train
dominoes, hand and foot cards and a couple of poker games. Unfortunately the weather didn’t co-
operate for outdoor games. We have campgrounds lined up for 2021, and hopefully we’ll be able to
gather once more with friends. Our new SE Regional Director, Keith Hardman, was awarded from
15the STAR Chapter for recruiting 10 new members. Congratulations, Keith, on becoming a new
member of the Board of Directors. We also received another Outstanding Chapter Award for the 5th
year. We are very proud of that accomplishment. The Tri-State Travelers are a fun bunch and love
to get together to share camping experiences and learn new things. Our area encompasses NC,
SC and GA, but we welcome any SMART member to join us at our musters, make some new
friends and get to know our chapter. We include social hours, indoor and outdoor games, card
games, one meal out or catered in, 50/50 drawings, brown bag auctions and activities in the sur-
rounding areas. We have a website (www.smartrving.org/tst ) where you can access all the infor-
mation about our musters, plus register. If you have questions, please contact our president, Stuart
Erdrich (erdrichs@gmail.com) or our web master, Lonnie Alley (lonniealley@earthlink.net).
FLORIDA SUNSHINE CHAPTER: Most of our members are from central and north-
east Florida, and we travel from central Florida to South Georgia. We hold five musters a
year; February, April, June, October and December. We visit a lot of fun places at each of
our musters and have done some great tours. A recent tour of the Okefonokee Wildlife Ref-
uge was very interesting and informative. We had a behind the scenes tour at Stephen Foster Me-
morial Park in White Springs with entertainment in the carillon and picnic in the Park. In Crystal Riv-
er we got a pontoon boat to cruise around King Bay. We always need our wonderful members to
host each muster. Our muster is Wednesday to Sunday, and the host will normally serve breakfast
and dinner. We will go out to dinner one night, with excellent dining experiences, and we always
find interesting places to visit. In the evening we get together for games and cards in the clubhouse.
The host finds many points of interest and things to see at each muster.
Florida Sunshine Chapter supports Wreathes Across America, Homes for Troops, and Fisher
House. In December we normally participate Wreathes Across America, we have been to Bushnell
and Cape Canaveral National Cemeteries. Our members are very active and generous in support-
ing SMART Regional and National Musters. We welcome all SMART members and have had
many guests join us this year. We have been blessed with several new members joining us. We
look forward to seeing this great country we defend. If you’re in the area you are welcome to visit.
Safe travels, Leroy Armacost, Florida Sunshine Chapter President
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION (Bobby Duckworth Region Director)
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida Panhandle, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee
Cajun’s hope every SMART member and their families had a very merry Christmas and
wish all members stay healthy and safe from the virus in this new year. The Cajuns have
endured 2020, just as everybody else has. With a vaccine being available for most SMART
members during the second quarter of this year, hopefully our world will return to being
somewhat normal, and we can return to our RVing lifestyle and musters with full attendance. To our
knowledge only four Cajuns have contracted the virus. All are doing well.
The Cajuns held only two musters during 2020. The first was our Valentine’s Day Muster, which
had 31 rigs in attendance. This is our muster where the men take care of all the chores on Valen-
tine’s Day while our ladies rest and enjoy a day of relaxation. The Cajuns signature muster the
“Y’All Come” normally held the week after Easter, was cancelled because of the virus. In October
we held a Halloween Muster. We had 12 rigs present to celebrate the Cajuns 25 th anniversary as a
chapter of S.M.A.R.T. There was a jack o’ lantern carving contest and a few of us tricked or treated
each other’s rigs. A scheduled Christmas Muster was cancelled. With both the regional and the na-
tional musters having been cancelled, this was a very lean year of being with our fellow Cajuns and
S.M.A.R.T. friends. Hoping 2021 will be a great year to reunite with our fellow Cajuns, the following
musters have been tentatively planned. As plans are finalized the details will be posted on the Ca-
jun’s webpage. Starting the year off will be another Valentine’s Day muster in New Iberia, Louisi-
16ana. The week after Easter will be the “Y’All Come” muster at Poche’s Fish Camp & RV Park in
Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Hopefully, there will be a South-Central Regional Muster to attend. There
is the National Muster scheduled for mid-September. In November, our Veterans Day Muster, with
a day trip to the New Orleans “World War 2 Museum” is scheduled for Lakeside RV Park in Living-
ston, Louisiana. We will end the year in Natchitoches, Louisiana to the see their famous Christmas
lights and fireworks.
Mississippi Magnolias is an enthusiastic group of 37
members located in the southern part of the South-Central
Region and we are one of the recipients of the SMART
Outstanding Chapter Award in the past few years. Our lo-
cation makes it more suitable for us to muster in the winter than in
the summer due to the long, hot summers we experience. We usu-
ally muster about four times a year for at least four days and we
always have a free muster in December ending the event with a
fabulous Christmas dinner followed by a Dirty Santa game. This
year we plan on conducting a Rolling Muster with stops in Alabama and Mississippi during March
2021. Info is on the chapter website and in the SMART Calendar of Events.
Our musters consist mainly of the camaraderie of eating and cooking together, game playing, golf
tournaments, tours and seminars. The MS Magnolias donated $867.88 to Fisher House of Biloxi in
Dec 2020.. If you every find yourself in our neck of the woods in the Fall, Winter, or Spring check
out the national website for a muster and come visit. We’ll be glad to have you. Contact info: Presi-
dent Dennis Bowen, or Secretary Gloria Brady-Cross at gbradylib@yahoo.com
SOUTH MID WEST REGION (Joe Noonan Region Director)
Texas, Oklahoma
SMART TEXANS: Last year was the SMART TEXANS 30th Anniversary as a chapter in
S.M.A.R.T. Club. Unfortunately, because of the COVID-19, the TEXANS could not cele-
brate properly. SO, the celebration will take place at the American RV Park in Corsicana,
TX. March 17-21, 2021. The TEXANS would like to invite all SMART members to attend the anni-
versary muster. Information for muster is on the SMART Events page on the SMART website Our
chapter has 4 to 5 musters per year, which includes the SMW Regional muster and the Annual Na-
tional muster. Musters are usually 3 to 5 days and are open
ended so those still working can come as you can or if you
are retired you can attend the entire muster. The camara-
derie of members comes from great fellowship, seminars,
great meals (potlucks, host prepared, catered, or eating at
a local restaurant), and visiting and sightseeing in the local
area of our musters. Jan Schnoor, Secretary.
Alamo Chapter had a lovely Christmas Muster in Burnet, TX at Big Chief RV Park.
What a great location in the Highland Lakes region of Central Texas. Lots of small-town
charm in the old town squares, with Christmas markets and festivals, light displays, and
southern hospitality from local shop and restaurant owners. Note the gorgeous tree quilt in the
backdrop of our Christmas photo, lovingly made by Linda Mosley. She has also completed a beau-
tiful quilt to be raffled in Shawnee. Under the guidance of our own Willie Pollard, our committees
are formed and excited to be a part of hosting a National Muster. Everyone, please take care and
17follow all the guidelines and protocols for you and your fami-
ly, so that we can look forward to being together again in
this new year. Try to stay in touch with members from your
Chapter. Zoom calls and Facetime get-togethers are an
easy and safe way to check on one another. Even a simple
phone call can go a long way in adding joy to someone’s
day. Happy New Year to our Smart friends. Keep the ca-
maraderie alive! Mary Palmer, newsletter editor
SOUTH WEST REGION (Michael Northup Region Director)
Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah
The South West Region is located in the states of New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Nevada and
California. Within these states we currently have six chapters. The Battle Born chapter has its home
base around Carson City, Nevada. Arizona has two chapters: The Roadrunners, which covers the
southern portion of Arizona, and the Tumbleweeds in the northern part of the state. California has
three chapters: The Golden Gate chapter, which calls the Bay Area home, while the SoCal and
Warriors chapters are located in southern California. The Warriors chapter celebrated its 30 th anni-
versary this year making it one of SMARTS oldest chapters.
But, please remember: Just because you do not reside in one of the chapter areas does NOT
mean that you cannot become a member of that chapter. We strongly recommend that you become
a member of at least one and more than one if you so desire. We have many members here in the
South West region who belong to multiple chapters. Also, I would like to point out that you do not
have to be a member of a chapter to participate in one of their musters (rallies).
All you would need to do is log on to the SMART website to see who is holding a muster near
where you will be and contact them to register to join them. You would be welcomed with open arms
at any muster nationwide. All chapters in the South West region are very active and hold an aver-
age of four musters a year. These are great ways to get together and share camaraderie and good
times. There are group meals, some provided by the muster and some potlucks, happy hours with
shared snacks and occasionally group outings to local attractions or restaurants.
The region also hosts a Regional muster at different locations within the South West region and is
hosted by two different chapters annually. It’s normally attended by about 50 rigs. So we have a
great turnout for this annual event. We usually have a great turnout for the annual SMART national
muster and have had the largest number of rigs in attendance several times. These are hosted by a
different region every year on a rotational basis. We have not been able to get together much since
March, but things are looking up with a vaccine waiting in the wings. Once it is available and we
start getting inoculated, we should be able to get back to having musters, hopefully in the late first
quarter or second quarter of 2021.
If you are reading this article and are not a member of SMART, I highly recommend that you con-
sider joining. It’s a great group of people you have a lot in common with, and I am sure you will not
regret your decision. All you need to do is log on to the SMART website, fill out the application and
join. MICHAEL NORTHUP South West Regional Director
Arizona Tumbleweed Chapter Our members are based around Central Arizona.
We often do combined musters with the Southern Arizona chapter, the Arizona Roadrun-
ners. That way we get to see most of Arizona during our muster season. Our season is
mid-October to mid-April as many of us are sunbirds who escape the Arizona summers as
opposed to snowbirds who escape northern winters for sunny and warmer Arizona.
Most of our musters are of three-to-four days in length. Generally, before COVID-19, we would
share hors d’oeuvres our first night, have potluck one night, go to a local restaurant one night and
have a potluck breakfast the morning of our chapter meeting. We would endeavor to find something
18of interest in the local area to explore. Unfortunately, we had to cancel most of our outings in 2020.
We hope to get back into that routine in the near future. Please keep an eye on SMART website,
SMARTRVing.org, looking for the Chapter Events calendar. We would love to have you join us.
Golden Gate Chapter has members throughout Northern California, Southern Ore-
gon, and Western Nevada. We have Musters the first week of every other month starting
in February.
Our musters start with an early day on Sunday and end on Friday. We try to use RV Parks
with clubhouses so we can cook meals and socialize, play games or do crafts. Dues are $20 per
year. Our special muster is Christmas at Jackson Rancheria where we exchange gifts and also col-
lect gifts for the Veterans at the Yountville Veterans home.
We would like to invite you to attend one of our Musters and meet our members, try us and I am
sure you will like us! You can learn more by going to our home page at www.smartrving.org; click
Chapter Quick Links; click SW Region, and click Golden Gate.
NORTH EAST REGION (Ginny Louis Region Director)
Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia,
West Virginia, Vermont
The North East Region has 10 of the Original 13 States, with Virginia and West Virginia on the
southern end and Maine on the north end. We have attractions such as Plymouth Rock, the Liberty
Bell, Smithsonian, Natural Bridge, Blue Ridge Parkway, Times Square and, of course, our Nation's
Capital, just to name a few. Most of our musters are held during the spring and summer months as
the winters can be intense. We usually have a Regional Muster held in June and those that are
able attend the National Muster in September.
NORTH CENTRAL REGION (Wayne Ballard Region Director)
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
The North Central Region . Each Chapter hosts at least one muster and invites all the members to
join them as we have many musters gaining attendance and fun. Always check the SMART Mus-
ters and Events Schedule for the most current dates and points of contact. A large number of the
members in the North Central Region go south for the winter and so also belong to SMART chap-
ters in Florida and Texas. Belonging to multiple chapters is not only allowed but encouraged to en-
joy seeing more of this country we defend. Hope to see you this next year.
NORTH MID WEST REGION (Ernie Owen Region Director)
Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota,
Our NMW Region of 7 States. NMW, has the honor of having, Minot AFB, where SMART was
formed. At the present time, we have two NMW chapters in Kansas. We are active and hold mus-
ters all summer. In the winter, we will host several luncheons at local restaurants. Our two Kan-
sas Chapters have started holding combined Chapter musters, summer and winter. Each Chapter
donates money to local veteran organizations.
We have fun getting together and always welcome newcomers to our Musters. We travel exten-
sively around our Region and enjoy “SEEING THE COUNTRY WE DEFEND.” We set up membership
booths at RV and Farm EXPO shows. We are always looking for ways to start a new Chapter within
our NMW Region. Our goal is to form a new SMART Chapter in each of our 7 NMW States. Come
and join us for a fun time, when you are in our area.
19NORTH WEST REGION ( RD Vacant)
Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
The Northwest Region encompasses the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.
We span a gorgeous area of this wonderful country. Our majestic mountains, major rivers and Pu-
get Sound, dense forests, vast agricultural plains, a rare temperate rain forest, rocky and sandy
beaches, abundant sea life and wildlife, and provide many venues for our musters, including rolling
musters.
AT-LARGE REGION (Mike Schmitz Region Director)
Duffers, Nomads, Star, WIMS
The At-Large Region of SMART has no geographical boundaries and covers all of the United
States. The chapters within the Region cover a wide array of interests and several members belong
to more than one of the Region’s chapters. There are four chapters in the Region - STAR - mem-
bers have recruited five or more members for SMART; DUFFERS - members who love a round of
golf, they meet at National Muster once a year and play in the National tournament; NOMADS -
who all so meet once at year at National, love to travel, in search of food and just have fun; WIMS -
Women in the Military Service. Be sure to check the chapter websites for additional information.
NOMAD Chapter is one of the few S*M*A*R*T Chapters that have no geographic orienta-
tion and falls under the At-Large Region. The others are WIMS, STAR, and Duffers.
This Chapter was initially formed for those members that travel full-time with their RV as
their primary residence, so they can affiliate with the SMART camping Club. It does not
matter where you live or what you live in to join an At-Large Chapter, just as long as you want to en-
joy the company of other like-minded travelers throughout the US and Canada. The major emphasis
of the Nomads Chapter, as the name implies, is to wander in their RVs in search of camaraderie,
food and to have fun. It is also for those who may like to wander at some time in their camping fu-
ture with SMART.
Our Musters are wrapped around the Annual SMART National Muster. We schedule three mus-
ters a year: one before the National, one during the week of the National Muster, and one after.
This is the most opportune time to have the most Nomads gathered at the same location at the
same time, to meet-and-greet the new members, celebrate with friends, enjoy communal meals,
and tour local interests as a group. We are generally known for our entertaining campfires and hap-
py hours.
This year, rostered members of the Nomads are being offered a lapel pin and patch, at the 2021
SMART National Muster, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. All are welcome to join.
For the rest of the year we keep in touch with our quarterly newsletter, THE SMOKE SIGNAL, cell
phones, and email. All members of the Nomads are encouraged to submit articles for inclusion in
the newsletter.
When two or more Nomad members are in attendance at a muster, they hold a mini-muster.
SMART members are always welcome at any musters.
20You can also read
