Why Your Membership Dues and Donations Are Important

March 18, 2026 In Other News No Comments

Why Your Membership Dues and Donations Are Important

The USS Paul F. Foster Association exists to preserve the history, friendships, and legacy of those who served aboard USS Paul F. Foster (DD-964). Everything the Association does—from maintaining our website to organizing reunions and preserving the ship’s story—is made possible through the support of our members.

Membership dues and donations are the financial foundation that allows the Association to operate and continue serving our shipmates and their families.

Supporting Our Operations

Running an Association requires ongoing expenses. Your dues help cover the costs of:

  • Maintaining and hosting the Association website
  • Communication tools used to reach shipmates
  • Administrative expenses required to operate the organization
  • Record keeping and archival efforts that preserve our history

These operational costs ensure that the Association remains organized, transparent, and able to serve its members.

Preserving the Legacy of USS Paul F. Foster

One of the Association’s most important missions is preserving the history of our ship and the memories of those who served aboard her. Membership support helps us:

  • Maintain historical records and photographs
  • Document stories and experiences from shipmates
  • Share Foster’s legacy with future generations
  • Maintain an active online community for former crew members

Every contribution helps ensure the story of USS Paul F. Foster continues to be told.

Supporting Reunions and Events

Reunions are often the highlight of our Association activities. While reunion registration fees cover the direct cost of meals and event logistics, membership dues help support the behind-the-scenes work that makes these events possible, including:

  • Event planning and coordination
  • Communication with attendees and venues
  • Website tools used for registration and updates

Without the ongoing support of our members, organizing these reunions would be far more difficult.

Keeping the Shipmates Connected

Perhaps the most important role of the Association is keeping Foster shipmates connected. Many of us served together decades ago, and the friendships formed aboard ship remain strong today.

Your membership dues and donations help maintain the infrastructure that allows shipmates to find each other again, stay in touch, and gather together to celebrate the ship we served on.

Every Contribution Matters

Whether through annual membership dues or voluntary donations, every contribution helps keep the Association strong and sustainable.

By supporting the USS Paul F. Foster Association, you are helping preserve the legacy of our ship, honor those who served aboard her, and ensure that the bond between Foster shipmates continues for many years to come.

Thank you for supporting the USS Paul F. Foster Association and for helping keep our history and friendships alive.

 

The USS Paul F. Foster is more than steel and machinery. She is a shared chapter in our lives, and through this Association, that chapter remains alive and strong.

On behalf of the officers and Board, thank you for being part of this historic 50th Anniversary Reunion. I look forward to carrying this momentum forward and to seeing all of you again at our next gathering.

Fifty Years of Honor, Valor, Service.

Dave Klein
President
USS Paul F. Foster Association