willysmjeeps.com

Gentle People,

I am not sure jusst what forum to address this in, so I am here. What are the ups and downs in joining the MVPA? I don't know enough about them to make a rational decision. Any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Sam

I've been a member for a number of years. Their publications and members are great technical resources. If you would like to Associate with people who share your interest in Preserving Military Vehicles, join!

The organization has it's origins in the 1970's in New Jersey. In the mid to late 80's their growth and political-ization of their leadership lead to complete disassembly of the club and a reorganization that lasted until about 4 years ago when Politics and croney-ism in the clubs leadership led almost to the same collapse. Today after a lot of work and new leadership she is coming around again to a club of the members, by the members and for the members. A new President and new board members has breathed a new life into the organization.

It is a national organization and as such can often help with local issues and needs but the real muscle of the MVPA are it's affiliate local clubs. It is really at the local level where you can help the hobby and reap the real beneifits of the club.

Thanks for the input. I read about some of the difficulties early last year, and it sort of put me off. Sounds like things are getting better, so I will give it a try. Sgain, Thank You All Very Much!

As with any organization I belong to, I avoid any and ALL politics. If you read the goals of the organization, its on their web site, you will see that it is in all our best interest for this organization to succeed! You only have to look at what's going on in WI to see the need for organization.

Dan

I belonged for a number of years and found it to be a great resource and have met some amazingly knowledgeable people on military vehicles. It is a terrific source for finding that obscure part or that unsung expert on WW II plywood para jeeps for example.

But as Wes mentioned the politics became a drag and the trend toward military reenacting (sorry, I just don't get it) and military vehicles as a form of recreation (I guess, I never thought of it like that) for me was not something I wanted to pay for anymore and I let the membership go....

Maybe it is better now...