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We are losing our World War II veterans at an alarming rate, so we are trying to locate them to save their deeds for history. We wish to connect them with today's paratroopers so they can attend our National Convention.

The 82nd Airborne Division has returned to Ft. Bragg, N.C., after serving two years in Iraq and Afghanistan. This division has been America's No. 1 fighting unit since World War II. President George Bush reviewed 15,000 paratroopers in May at their full division review. We have 100 chapters across America and 30,000 active members.

Our chapters hold regular meetings, picnics, dinner dances, mini-reunions, an annual National Convention, march in local parades and sponsor a special school program about World War II for their history classes.

Our membership has veterans from the 11th, 13th 17th, 82nd, 101st and today's Special Forces. There are more than 80,000 veterans eligible for membership in the U.S.A. Combat is not a requirement, only the Wings you earned through hard work.

National activities are as follows:

• 62nd annual Convention: Aug. 13 to 16 in St. Louis.

• Second Indiana Airborne Days: Aug. 21 to 24 in Indianapolis.

• 46th All Ohio Days: Oct. 10 to 12 in Columbus, Ohio.

• 21st Florida Airborne Days: Oct. 16 to 18 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

For complete details on events and membership, write to Airborne U.S.A., 5459 Northcutt P., Dayton, OH, 45414 or e-mail srgabn@aol.com. For more information, call 937-898-5977.

Shirley R. Gossett

World War II national membership chairman