Community Forums

Viewusa · 10-21-2015, 06:26 PM

SMART

SMART

Special*Military*Active Recreational Travelers. ... Emphasis on serving Veterans - As a social*club, we have chapters for golfers, ... for travelers who just like to*travel. ... Email:*smart@smartrving.org

You visited this page on 10/6/15.

Ray,IN · 10-22-2015, 06:43 PM

I've enjoyed belonging to the SMART=Special Military Active Recreational Travelers club for several years now. Hope to see you at the National Muster in Amana, Iowa next year. I am a member of the Ohio Valley/Rocky Top regional chapter.
My MH is easy to recognize, it will be the only one there with a Liberty Bell on each side.
I wish to advise everyone, it is open to ALL military veterans of the U.S.A. and Canada.
It would be great to have a section at the next irv2.com national rally for veteran members.

skypilot_1 · 10-25-2015, 11:13 AM

Went to one muster, guy in charge was a religious whacko, no thanks

skypilot_1 · 10-26-2015, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skypilot_1

Went to one muster, guy in charge was a religious whacko, no thanks

Edit: SMART as an organization should not be judged on one individual at one small local gathering. I have meet many great folks that are SMART members.
I regret mentioning that incident here.

Viewusa · 10-26-2015, 07:50 PM

I found the same thing at a fly-in. There everywhere. But, most of the people are "great folks" and share a the common intrest.

Hit_the_Rhod · 10-26-2015, 09:12 PM

We're members of both the Ohio Valley Chapter and the Rocky Top Chapter, but so far haven't been able to get to a single muster due to conflicting schedules. It IS nice to keep up with the chatter from the "fringes" though, so to speak. Good group of people, and hopefully we'll get a chance to meet some of them in person soon.

meterguru · 11-05-2015, 09:28 AM

I was in US Navy Submarine for 6 years then 3 years active reserves. But can not use any of the Military Campgrounds because I did stay and retire. So the questions stands what type of Vet. If you frequent the Military campgrounds I can't get in.

skypilot_1 · 11-05-2015, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meterguru

I was in US Navy Submarine for 6 years then 3 years active reserves. But can not use any of the Military Campgrounds because I did stay and retire. So the questions stands what type of Vet. If you frequent the Military campgrounds I can't get in.

Frankly every Famcamp has its own rules set by the command. Since vets don't have a gov ID card even getting on base would be a problem. 100 % VA vets have ID card and can use base facilities. Some DOD, DOT, Atomic Energy carded people can use famcamps. But use by a vet that served without any current affiliation.....no. Some famcamps allow non-members to be sponsored during certain times of year. I think we all need to remember that base facilities are there for active duty personnel first.

meterguru · 11-05-2015, 11:37 PM

I was asking if I was to join SMART, I wouldn't be able to go on any outings that used the base CGs. Wouldn't do me much good to join if most ot the outings were on base.

skypilot_1 · 11-06-2015, 04:50 AM

Its my understanding that Smart has most of their gatherings/musters off base as there are many members in same statues as yourself. Maybe a current Smart rep will chime it here..one day.

spsm · 11-06-2015, 05:20 AM

FYI, or anyone interested, just want to mention that here in Michigan you can be recognized as an active, retired or for service in our military on your driver's license. But that isn't a ticket to anywhere.

markandkim · 11-06-2015, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meterguru

I was asking if I was to join SMART, I wouldn't be able to go on any outings that used the base CGs. Wouldn't do me much good to join if most ot the outings were on base.

That is a very valid question.

Hit_the_Rhod · 11-07-2015, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meterguru

I was asking if I was to join SMART, I wouldn't be able to go on any outings that used the base CGs. Wouldn't do me much good to join if most ot the outings were on base.

The Ohio Valley Chapter and the Rocky Top Chapter of SMART hold almost all of their rallys at public campgrounds from what I've seen lurking for the last two years. I haven't been able to actually GET to one of the outings due to conflicting work/family schedules, but I read all of the postings, newsletters, etc.

I can't speak for any of the other chapters as I don't have any first hand experience with them. I do know the National rally recently was not held on base. There are also numerous Caravans organized in different regions with Wagon Masters assigned, routes, campgrounds and tours selected based on input from the members. Generally the "Buying Power" of multiple rigs makes cost less than if you were to venture out on your own to do the same trip.

If anyone wants more info on joining the Ohio Valley or Rocky Top Chapters (Tennessee, Kentucky etc) chapters, pm me and I will get you in touch with the Secretary/Treasurer.

Take care, and safe travels!

Ray,IN · 11-07-2015, 06:04 PM

To the best of my knowledge NO musters/rallies are held on military facilities unless prior coordination is completed with all participants.
If a muster is held, or simply 2 families traveling together, camp on a military installation, there is a work-around. Those with a valid military ID card may usually sponsor anyone of their choosing to accompany them onto the installation.(subject to that particular installations commander) The sponsor assumes all responsibility for their guests while on the installation.
It has been done in the past. My introduction to SMART was at Kirtland AFB. The annual caravan to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta was camped there while we were there. Many of the rigs were vets without an ID card, so retired vets sponsored them onto the base. One woman, not a vet, was visiting from England, and traveling with a veterans family.
Just like active duty, we've got your back.

I am not an official of SMART, I'm simply a member voicing my opinion and experiences.
Veterans of any USA and Canadian military are eligible to join SMART.