Member Affairs Roadrunners Association

Several years after the Oxcart Project terminated in 1968, Col. Maynard "AM" Amundson, former Deputy Commander of the 1129th Special Activities Squadron and a small group who worked at Area 51 met and formed Roadrunners Internationale. Original membership eligibility was based upon working on the A-12, YF-12 Oxcart and Tagboard Projects at Area 51 on the Nevada Test Site.

As time progressed, the membership voted to drop the original requirement of having served only at Area 51 and included personnel directly connected to the Oxcart Program at other locations. Later, members voted to include personnel that had worked at Area 51 on Projects Aquatone and/or Idealist, the early U-2 Programs that preceded the Oxcart Program and those directly connected to that program at other locations.

In recent years, a growing number of people, including the descendants of Roadrunners, who could not meet our membership requirements, expressed a strong interest in the pioneers and programs that developed the technology for high altitude and high speed aircraft. The membership voted to create a non-voting Associate Membership category for this group. In early 2006 a committee of voting members was formed to formulate changes in membership functions and duties. After extensive consideration of numerous factors, the committee decided the association was deviating too far from the original intention of the founders that the organization serve to highlight the importance of a proud aeronautical tradition and its historical impact on our nation and the world. The original goal of Roadrunners Internationale was to document and maintain the legacy of the original members affiliated with Projects Aquatone, Idealist and Oxcart at Groom Lake. It was decided that associate membership be granted only by induction into the association. The induction process consists of a voting member submitting to the membership committee for nomination consideration only individuals whose military, agency, or corporate background and accomplishments contribute to the legacy of the Roadrunners. If approved by the membership committee, an invitation accompanied by an application is provided to the individual being considered for induction. Associate members may not hold office in Roadrunners Internationale, however they can serve in volunteer and/or appointed positions designated by the elected officers of the association.

Originally potential members could choose from a Lifetime membership or renew every odd year. To reduce bookkeeping and periodic eligibility reviews, this option was eliminated on April 7, 2006, making new membership dues for both voting members and associate members a one-time payment of $85.00 Upon payment of dues, new members are added to the RI roster and will receive a membership certificate. Current two-year members and those prior members presently delinquent may and are encouraged to upgrade to full membership prior to the due date of 15 September 2007. Current two-year members and those presently delinquent but were current on 15 September 2005 may continue as temporary members with renewal every two years. Members in this two-year temporary membership category are encouraged to upgrade to full membership for $60.00. Only those members who join or upgrade to full membership will be eligible for membership certificates. Widows of Roadrunners are maintained on the roster as honorary members and do not pay dues.

Roadrunner membership is for the original Roadrunners that worked at Area 51 on the A-12, YF-12 Oxcart and Tagboard Programs, plus those directly connected to the programs at other locations. It also includes personnel that worked on the early U-2 Idealist Project at Area-51 and those connected to the project at other locations. Roadrunner Members have voting rights and may be elected to RI officer positions. One-time dues are $85.

Associate Membership - Associate membership is granted upon voting member nomination and subsequent committee approval for people who cannot meet the membership requirements for the category above, but have a genuine interest in the pioneers and programs that developed the technology for high altitude and high-speed aircraft during the Cold War. Descendants of Roadrunners will be in this category. This is a non-voting membership and the holder cannot be elected to an RI officer position. One-time dues are $85.

Honorary Membership: This is a complimentary membership for spouses of deceased Roadrunners as defined in the first category above. It is a non-voting membership.

Our RI web site provides current information about the organization, members and scheduled events. Members in good standing are listed in the RI Roster on the web site and receive a User ID and Password to gain access to the roster, which can be down loaded. RI has arranged for a Gift Shop with the CIA EAA store that has patches, decals, pins, mugs, caps and other clothing items available to our members. Only CIA, Roadrunner members, and Air America personnel are eligible to purchase from the CIA online store.

Members receive a Membership Certificate suitable for framing plus a wallet size membership card upon enrolling.

Newsletters are mailed out periodically to keep all members informed.

Biennial reunions are held in Las Vegas each fall (2007, 2009 etc.) and provide an opportunity for members to enjoy low room rates and visit with friends. Special Roadrunner tours and events provide interest and entertainment. Nearly 300 members and guests enjoyed our 2003 and 2005 reunions.

Post your comments for the Roadrunner staff.

Your comments will be entered shortly.

ROADRUNNERS INTERNATIONALE

ROADRUNNER OFFICERS

ROADRUNNER MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Roadrunners Internationale - Current Membership Roster

Update Your Member List Info

Post your comments for the Roadrunner staff.

2	Visitors Today
21	Visitors this week