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52nd Reunion Announcement & Update
Hello 8th Air Force Historical Society Members!
Your Board of Directors has been busy the last few months laying the groundwork for an exciting change to how our annual reunions are managed. For the past twelve years we have relied on our Managing Director, Board and volunteers to handle all the reunion details, from registration through execution. This has been a monumental task, and at times taken us away from our primary duty of preserving the legacy of the Mighty Eighth, honoring our Veterans, and taking care of YOU, our members.
This year we have decided to once again partner with Armed Forces Reunions (AFR) to coordinate and manage the 2026 reunion in San Antonio, Texas, October 14-18, and all future reunions. AFR is a family-owned and operated, multi-generational business with nearly four decades of service to our nation’s veterans. They were the first company formed to plan military reunions in 1988 and have been the nation’s leader every year since. Their network and decades of service are integral to keeping costs down and getting the best value for our membership.
Previously, anyone could simply go to https://www.8thafhs.org/ to register for reunions and all associated activities. This year, when you click on the “Reunion” tab at the top of our website, you will be able to view and/or print ALL the Events Documents for the reunion. This includes the Registration Form, Reunion Program/Schedule, and Hotel Information. Once you review the reunion information to help plan your meals and activities, you can easily register online (if paying by credit card) by simply scrolling down the “Reunion” page and inputting the information requested. You may register up to FIVE (5) attendees per form. Upon completion, payment will be submitted through the AFR website. If you prefer filling out a paper registration form and mailing a check, simply print the registration form, complete the information, include your check—and mail to the address provided for AFR.
You can also simply click the link below (it will take you directly to the reunion registration on AFR’s website): Armed Forces Reunions
Bottom line, AFR is a trusted partner for military reunions as a full-service provider offering planning, logistics, registration, and on-site services (https://www.armedforcesreunions.com/). Partnering with AFR enables Society leadership to focus on our mission of historical preservation and growth by increasing direct interaction with members and other attendees in a positive, energetic environment.
KELLY BRIDGEMAN, EVENT PLANNER
Kelly joined the AFR Team in 2021, after serving for 20 years as a Catering and Convention Services Manager at two of our favorite Norfolk hotels. Kelly serviced large conventions, military reunions, family reunions, weddings, and all types of corporate and association meetings. Prior to her career in Norfolk she worked in Gainesville, FL for the University of Florida Hotel and Conference Center and now is forever a Gator. Her vast experience and commitment to the hospitality industry make her an outstanding addition to our Event Planning Team. Kelly is thrilled to be “on the other side” of the industry (being an Event Planner for events nationwide) and is looking forward to travel opportunities that are such a big part of what AFR does.
