Invitation to Join

Military Collector Group Post

Membership Invitation

Feb. 24, 2000

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Note: Since this group is no longer active, there is no group to join.

Dear Military Equipment/History Affectionate,

In early 1997, quite by accident, a military equipment collectors forum developed from my address book. Here we traded secrets, & equipment. Shared problems, wants, needs & sources. And most importantly, argued the history our equipment contributed to.

This network arose from the countless questions I received every day about military radio equipment. Though I've had fooled some into thinking I knew everything, I really didn't. Thus I'd forward those messages I couldn't answer on to persons that might be of assistance. As time went on & the number of people in my address book grew, I just began forwarding everything of possible interest to the group which now includes hundreds of collectors, re-enactors, museums, historians, etc. the world over.

Since that time, our group has progressed far beyond what anyone could have guessed. No longer is the group just a bunch of people in my address book, and no longer are we confused by a multitude of random messages received several times a day. Instead a daily publication has evolved that deals with topics of interest to all including in depth articles on the history & development of this equipment, members want's & trade's, sources for materials and equipment, questions & answers, and much more.

Now, not only is there our regular daily magazine, "Military Collector Group Post", but two special publications have also developed. The first is the "Paper Trail" posted each Saturday morning. It includes a listing of all the printed material that's either in need of, or available from all members. The Second is the "Group Wants and Trade", posted each Sunday morning this is a listing of each member's want's and available equipment.

Once you've responded as instructed below you will be sent a list of "Guide Lines" which will tell you exactly how you can participate. Special note, this is not a List Server, or Reflector, you will not be simply a "Subscriber" but a member of a very select and dedicated group of people.

A list of selected articles published in the "Military Collector Group Post", can be seen on this website.

While it is secondary to our goals, in past months we have been able to use group buying power, contacts, expertise, & opportunities to make lot quantity purchases of equipment, some imported from Australia, Italy and other countries. Some of these included large quantities of PRC-47's, PRC-64's(with ALL the accessories we imported from Australia), PRC-6's, and PRR-9's, to name just a few. This was all accomplished with support from our domestic as well as overseas members, and all were distributed to Group Members at a fraction of their current value.

Originally just oriented toward radio equipment, our group is now progressing toward military vehicles, aircraft, radar, history, and more. This because of my personal fixations, & the many people world wide wishing to restore these items. Our members include museum curators, collectors, historians, ham radio operators, re-enactors, ship, vehicle, and aircraft restoration projects, and dealers. Yes dealers for which we have a special limited membership plan that will produce benefits for both them, and us.

If you'd like to participate with us, just let me know along with your interest, something about yourself and you may include a short want or trade list. We have several guidelines that need be followed.

#1.We do not wish for this to become a commercial hunting ground.

If you wish to have available equipment presented to the group, you must include two things, an asking REASONABLE price (none of this best offer) and/or what you'll trade for. (Trading will always be the preferred method.)

#2.You must be willing to help other people in need. In other words contribute to what's going on when you can. Keep your eyes out for items in need by your fellow members. Respond to topics of discussion in the Group Post whenever possible.

#3.Want list are fine, that's part of the idea. As are trade list provided they conform to #1. Wanted & Trade list will be posted in their entirety one time on the daily "Military Collector Group Post". After this an abbreviated version will be added to the "Group Want's & Trade's" posted once weekly on Sunday morning. For very long list, we will post it's availability & interested persons can contact you directly for it.

#4.You can respond directly to the person needing help, or to me & I'll forward it to the interested parties.

#5.If after posting your needs, they are taken care of, please let me know, & who helped you. Thus I wont re-post or forward your want's needlessly.

#6.This is absolutely not a means for you to enhance your personal interest alone or financial status. If you are unwilling to participate in helping other members whenever possible, or your sole interest is the buying & selling of equipment, you need read no further, we don't want you!

#7.You must always remember, you will not simply be a subscriber to a list! Rather, you will be a member of a select and dedicated group. The publications we produce and you will receive are only a byproduct of that membership, and participation.

If after you agree to the above & decide you want to play with us, let me know. You must respond with at least the following or your membership will not be processed further:

A.Your acceptance of the above conditions.

B. A letter describing yourself, your current interest, expertise, & whatever else you might like to include that you think might further your interest. Upon my receipt of the above you can be sent on request a file with some of our "member profiles" so that you might get an idea of what to include about yourself. But basically you can include anything you like that might further your goals as a member of this group. At this same time I'll also send you a list of our back mail that's available so you can be brought semi up to date. And lastly, an explanation of the format of our publications explaining how you can participate (Guide lines).

If you are an established, and reputable dealer in militaria you are not exempt from participation, but there is a separate invitation you must request and set of rules you must adhere to.

I thank you for your interest in our history as it is represented in this equipment.

Sincerely,

Dennis Starks