AAF 2021 Reno Meeting

AAF 2021 Reno Meeting

Eldorado Hotel

December 14 and 15, 2021

We are back! 

 

The information for booking a room for this event is as follows;

 

There is a booking website at; https://book.passkey.com/go/SEAAFF1

If you prefer to call to make reservations the phone number is;  1-800-879-8879

Our group code for this event is;  SECAPNH.  

 

Last year was myriad of trials and tribulations.  From COVID to too many catastrophic fires. Of course, in view of the danger posed by the disease we thought it prudent that we cancel last years Reno meeting.  This year it’s on again.  There will be a lot of battles for our Firefighters to fight from now until the fire season finally subsides.  Last year we had so many fatalities among aerial Firefighters that we donated more than $50,000 from our memorial fund to families who lost a loved one.  Sadly, this year we have already made donations to two of our families who suffered a tragedy.  I pray that we don’t have anything like the terrible losses we suffered last year.  If we do, the memorial fund will be taken down to zero because that is what it’s for.

At our upcoming meeting, my hope is that we can plot the course for the future of the Associated Aerial Firefighters.   Currently the AAF provides a platform that can be wielded as a political counterweight if and when it is needed.  It is a credible voice that represents all stake holders.  We have used that influence in the past, often working behind the scenes, and many times it has made a difference.  We have all seen how the stroke of a bureaucratic pen can impact everyone in the industry and the agencies.  If we don’t have a viable organization in place when we need it the most there won’t be enough time to form one.

So whether you are a current member or a past member I urge you to come to our meeting and if we make a convincing case for you to continue or rejoin the AAF we will have accomplished our mission.  In any case we will be honored to have your company.

It is true that in addition to having a meeting to further our goals to contribute to keeping the aerial firefighting industry healthy and viable we also have a great party.  Don’t be concerned about the cost of the party to our members.  Some of it comes from dues but a lot of it comes from contributions and special deals we swing with the hotel.  We have been their customer for more than 25 years and they want our business. It is also a great way to visit old friends, make new friends and hear the latest developments and innovations that our industry has in the offering.

Please accept my deepest gratitude for your consideration in these matters.

Sincerely,

Jim Barnes