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Membership Information

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Section 1. GENERAL MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the Society is open to all individuals who qualify in any of the categories stated below, regardless of their race, sex, religion, physically challenged and who does not belong to any controversial political or illegal Para-military organization.

Section 2. TYPES OF MEMBERSHIPS

A. A REGULAR MEMBER shall be any legally competent person 16 years of age or older who applies for membership, belongs to a recognized unit or a unit forming, signs the required documents, pays the required membership fees, and agrees to follow all SOCIETY by-laws and Safety and Authenticity Rules. Regular Members who have attained the age of 16, but are not yet 18 years of age agree to submit a notarized letter of consent/hold harmless agreement signed by their parent (s) or legal guardian (s). Unit Commanders shall take full responsibility for the conduct and safety of any Regular Member who has attained the age of 16, but is not yet 18 years of age, who attends a SOCIETY sponsored event without their parent (s) or legal guardian (s) being in attendance.

 

B. A FAMILY MEMBERSHIP sshall be available to any legally competent person, 16 years of age or older who is part of a Regular Member's family, living at the same place of residence, has family membership fees paid, and agrees to follow all SOCIETY by-laws . Family memberships shall be limited to four (4) members per family. Minor aged family members, below the age of 18, will be the sole responsibility of said parent(s) or guardian(s) who will sign a separate membership application naming the minor and sign all appropriate waivers and/or other documents required for the minor attending each event. Minors, under the age of 16, will have no voting rights nor may they participate in tactical or public battles in any capacity. They may, however, participate at Living History and Static Displays providing the portrayal is age-correct and non-political in nature. Minors, under the age of 16 shall not be allowed to handle any weapons, including edged weapons, ammunition, non-functioning reproduction armaments or ordinance of any kind or nature.

 

C. AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER is any person or business that wishes to receive the SOCIETY official publications and be eligible to advertise in its publication(s), but cannot take part in any event private or public. An associate member can vote and must have all dues/fees paid as prescribed in Society by-laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I become a member and join a unit?

A: To become a member you must join a chartered unit. Contact the unit(s) that you would like to portray and find out if their rules and participation level matches your interests. The HRS sets general guidelines, but the individual unit has specific rules and regulations for their impression. When you join a unit they will give you HRS membership information. If you have trouble contacting a unit please contact any board member.

Q: I don't have a big budget, is there an impression for me?

A: Yes, most units offer to outfit new members for a limited time until they can budget their impression. All units will offer to guide you in the most cost effective equipment and uniform purchases for you to take the field at a WWII reenactment. Make sure you discuss with your unit before you purchase any WWII equipment because not all reproduction WWII equipment is adequate for living history. Used reproduction equipment can also be a less expensive option. Using original equipment in the field is not recommended.

Q: Can the WWII HRS pro-rate my membership dues? 

A: No, memberships are from Jan 1st to Dec 31st. If you join in June, the dues are the same. The dues help pay for the operating costs of the HRS.

Q: I want to re-create my relative's unit but it isn't listed on the units page, can I start my own unit?

A: Yes, you need to have five (5) members to start your unit and then apply for a unit charter.

Q: Are members insured?

A: Yes, but not in the sense of individual insurance. The WWII HRS Inc. has a limited general liability policy that covers the activities of members at designated events against damages and liability. Individual members sign event waivers holding themselves responsible for their own conduct and expenses. There is no HRS provided medical insurance.

Q: Is the WWII HRS a front for some extremist political group?

A: No, the WWII HRS Inc. was formed in 1975 as a hobby to help educate the public about WWII. Axis units are represented in the HRS to contrast the Allied units. Many of the HRS membership have served, or currently serve in the military, law enforcement, or other responsible positions in their community. It would be hard to find more patriotic people than HRS members.

Q: Is the WWII HRS funded or in anyway part of the US Military Dept? 

A:  No, the WWII HRS Inc. is an independent not-for-profit 501(C)(4) educational & hobby organization.

Q:  Is there a unit near where I live?

A:  Most likely you can find WWII HRS members in your area. Check the Units page and contact the unit representative for more information. If you need more information please contact a board member or the Membership Coordinator.

Q: Can I select my membership number?

A: No, all members are assigned a number first come, first served.

Q: How long will it take to get my membership card?

A: Our board members and staff are all volunteers serving without compensation and they process WWII HRS business as quickly as their home schedule permits. This is usually quite fast.

Q: When will I get the first issue of the WWII HRS publication, The Edge?

A: The newsletter is published approximately ten times a year and sent via email. Applying for membership electronically automatically adds you to the mailing list.