The History of the Aviano Reunion Association

The Aviano Reunion Association was founded in 1986 by Art Voisard in Biloxi, Mississippi. Art had attended a reunion of another military association and felt that those stationed at Aviano AB deserved a reunion, as well.  So he contacted fellow Avianoites, and the association was born. All the original members were referrals from other Avianoites. Annual membership dues are $15 per family.

Art and Rusty Voisard hosted the first reunion in Biloxi in 1987.  At that reunion, the first board was elected and bylaws were adopted. The original plan was for the association to meet every other year and to publish a newsletter four times in the reunion year and twice in the off years. Art chose to serve as membership secretary and treasurer, a position he held until 1992. 

Beginning with the second reunion in 1989, Brice Headley served as president and implemented bylaw changes that increased the frequency of newsletters to four times yearly and reunions to every year.  He was the guiding force of the association until shortly before his death in 2000. His daughter, Tama Tillman, currently serves as association president.

ARA reunions have been held in a variety of locations across the United States and in Italy. They are hosted by volunteer members who present their reunion site for a vote of the membership two years prior to the event.  The host selects the date and makes all arrangements, within the guidelines of the bylaws.