THE NORTHERN RECON GROUP
We
are often asked, "How in it that this group is so successful” The
success is the result of organizational simplicity. In the summer of
1978 Com four of us (Harold Corn, Stan Starkey, Bob Thelander , and Lee
Hutchins) with an interest in antique military vehicles got together
and thought it might be fun to share our restoration efforts and
resources. Shortly, after a few conversations and coffee shop meetings,
other people became involved.
As we began meetings effort was focused not on Individuals, but on fellowship in the promotion of our hobby, We chose not to compete with each other. It is critical that we support one another. We help each other find parts, repair components, and advise or counsel each other regarding activities. We have, as a unit driven, towed and flown to meets everywhere—always together, We may not Always agree with one another but we listen to each other and agree that its all right to disagree on occasion.
We•have monthly meetings at an ever-changing variety of locations —sometimes at a member's home —sometimes at a friend's shop or sometimes at a restaurant. There is never a formal agenda or, for that matter, we have no officers, directors, bylaws, rules, dues or fees! Every member is equal to every other member, all of whom are voluntary participants. If we need cash to support an activity such as museum donations, shirts, fees for participation in a parade, or a group meal, etc., we sell "tee shirts" or the like.
The fact that there is no significant structure and no officers, with every member equal provides everyone the opportunity to participate or not to participate in, any activity. No club affiliation nor any other club membership is required, We enjoy this lack of structure and sustained equality. We avoid many of the usual "club" problems of personalities, politics, factions, and teams business meetings, and our egos do not require that our group flourish or even continue to exist! If the group finds a need that is being met through our efforts, then the group will continue carrying its own weight; it if not it will cease to exist.
We have found a process that has sustained us. We communicate with one another before every activity we have a volunteer phone each member to remind them of the occasion or event. We also mail each member a map indicating where the meeting or event is to be this month, including times. etc. The mailer precedes the phone call by one week. The phone call precedes the meeting date by 2days (usually made on Sunday evenings). No one is ever pressured to attend, but are equally informed! This effort cannot be selective or ignored. There is the need to be mutually responsible for our group.
There are certain specific house keeping responsibilities that some of us have volunteered to accept. Presently, Pat Thelander supplies our books and supplies, Jim Causey designs tee shirts, and I do the mailing and phoning. Many others have done these same chores over the years—all have worked together to keep us a group.
Anyone Can start a local group within a club or organization by communicating with others sharing a common interest and by keeping the organization simple. This same philosophy Mates to group emblems or patches. If you Wish a unique design, do it— I did! Others have done so—they are all "official,"
Enjoying our hobby together is a "good thing"
Lee Hutchins, Member
Northern Recon Group
As we began meetings effort was focused not on Individuals, but on fellowship in the promotion of our hobby, We chose not to compete with each other. It is critical that we support one another. We help each other find parts, repair components, and advise or counsel each other regarding activities. We have, as a unit driven, towed and flown to meets everywhere—always together, We may not Always agree with one another but we listen to each other and agree that its all right to disagree on occasion.
We•have monthly meetings at an ever-changing variety of locations —sometimes at a member's home —sometimes at a friend's shop or sometimes at a restaurant. There is never a formal agenda or, for that matter, we have no officers, directors, bylaws, rules, dues or fees! Every member is equal to every other member, all of whom are voluntary participants. If we need cash to support an activity such as museum donations, shirts, fees for participation in a parade, or a group meal, etc., we sell "tee shirts" or the like.
The fact that there is no significant structure and no officers, with every member equal provides everyone the opportunity to participate or not to participate in, any activity. No club affiliation nor any other club membership is required, We enjoy this lack of structure and sustained equality. We avoid many of the usual "club" problems of personalities, politics, factions, and teams business meetings, and our egos do not require that our group flourish or even continue to exist! If the group finds a need that is being met through our efforts, then the group will continue carrying its own weight; it if not it will cease to exist.
We have found a process that has sustained us. We communicate with one another before every activity we have a volunteer phone each member to remind them of the occasion or event. We also mail each member a map indicating where the meeting or event is to be this month, including times. etc. The mailer precedes the phone call by one week. The phone call precedes the meeting date by 2days (usually made on Sunday evenings). No one is ever pressured to attend, but are equally informed! This effort cannot be selective or ignored. There is the need to be mutually responsible for our group.
There are certain specific house keeping responsibilities that some of us have volunteered to accept. Presently, Pat Thelander supplies our books and supplies, Jim Causey designs tee shirts, and I do the mailing and phoning. Many others have done these same chores over the years—all have worked together to keep us a group.
Anyone Can start a local group within a club or organization by communicating with others sharing a common interest and by keeping the organization simple. This same philosophy Mates to group emblems or patches. If you Wish a unique design, do it— I did! Others have done so—they are all "official,"
Enjoying our hobby together is a "good thing"
Lee Hutchins, Member
Northern Recon Group
Bob Thelander has his M-16 Halftrack inspected by the California Highway Patrol before getting it registered as an historical vehicle in 1978. Bob started the restoration of his halftrack in 1976 and completed it two years later in 1978. Bob also was a commercial inspector for the California Highway Patrol.
Here you see Bob Thelander pondering what it will be like to drive the streets of Oroville, California in his halftrack. In the background is the officer's patrol car. Some Northern Recon Group members were honored to ride with Bob from his home to the parades in Oroville at speeds above 45 MPH. What a smooth ride that will never be forgotten.
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