Information

79th Annual Reunion of the 1st Cavalry Division Association

Columbus, GA August 4-8, 2027

The 1st Cavalry Division Association invites you to join the rest of the First Team Family in Columbus, GA for the 79th Annual Reunion of the 1st Cavalry Division Association from 4-8 August 2027.  All Life and Associate Members are welcome to attend this special event.  Gold Star Families and Widows of our members are always welcome to attend.

Columbus, GA is your gateway to the great outdoors.  Raft the world’s longest natural urban whitewater course, zipline across a state line (and back), stand-up paddleboard or kayak, and explore the River Walk, a 15-mile linear park hugging the banks of the Chattahoochee River.  And if that’s not enough, hop on a bike, hit the trails, cast a line for fishing, or find a quiet park to reconnect with nature: Columbus Botanical Garden and Lakebottom Park.

After a morning of biking, hiking, or river adventures, Uptown Columbus is the perfect place to recharge.  Banks Food Hall offers a variety of local flavors under one roof, from fresh-baked treats to savory comfort foods.  Explore nearby casual restaurants and family-friendly spots for everything from hearty sandwiches to globally inspired bites.  And for those looking to unwind, Uptown also offers a lively selection of bars and craft cocktail spots where you can toast to a day well spent outdoors.  Whether grabbing a quick snack or settling in for an evening drink, Uptown Columbus keeps you fueled for your next adventure.

Please register early to assist us in coordinating the best reunion possible.  Some events have limited seating available due to the size of available rooms.  All members of the Association must register and pay the $40 Registration Fee except for our Active-Duty Troopers who pay $20 to register.  Family members attending with an Association member, Widows of 1st Cavalry Division Troopers, and Gold Star Family members that attend do not have to pay a registration fee.

Online registration opens 18 October 2026; the Reunion registration form will be included in the Saber from November ‘26 through June ‘27.  Those sending in registrations post-marked after 18 June 2027 must pay a late registration fee of $50.  The registration fee will no longer be refundable regardless of when a member cancels.  

NOTE: Cancellations are non-refundable after the 15 June 2027 deadline.

TRAVEL:

For those who plan to fly, there is a link for airport information on our website.  Please keep in mind there is no shuttle available to the Columbus Marriott.  The Columbus Marriott is approximately 16 miles from the airport.  A taxi would cost you roughly $11.50.

Columbus Airport has on-site car rental companies that offer convenient services at the terminal.  Rental car counters are located on the ground level at the end of the West terminal.  Rental car return is located outside of the terminal on the west side.

LODGING:

We will be utilizing the Columbus Marriott, located directly across the street from Historic Iron Works, Columbus GA, Convention and Trade Center. Reservations can be made through the link provided on our website or by calling the reservation desk. Make sure that you identify yourself as attending the 1st Cavalry Division Association Reunion.

Columbus Marriott – $179
800 Front Ave, Columbus, GA
(706) 324-1800
**Complimentary breakfast provided**

FORT BENNING ACCESS

Access to Fort Benning requires proper identification, a background check for non-military personnel, and completion of visitor pre-registration or pass request procedures. Must be completed prior to getting on the bus.

All visitors must present a REAL ID-compliant identification such as a state-issued driver’s license, passport, or other approved government ID. Certain state IDs (Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Washington, and American Samoa) do not meet REAL ID standards and require a secondary form of identification. Military personnel, retirees, and family members may use a Common Access Card (CAC) or military ID for entry.

**Members with a Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) are still required to be vetted through the Fort Benning Access System**

Visitors without a CAC card must obtain a temporary access pass. This can be done by pre-registering online through the Fort Benning secure visitor system, selecting the reason for visit, and completing the required information. See the link provided on the right-side menu.

REUNION EVENT OVERVIEW

The Association will be providing our guests with transportation to and from the National Infantry Museum and Fort Benning adventures at no cost to the members. The Association has set aside three days for members to enjoy time visiting the National Infantry Museum (NIM). There is no admissions fee to tour the museum, however, there are charges if a member wants to experience the Giant Screen Theater and Virtual Reality Simulators. Bus transportation will be provided for the museum and Fort Benning. **The NIM is located outside Fort Benning, and you do not need gate access to visit**

August 4 – 1000-1700 National Infantry Museum (NIM)
August 5 – 0800-1700 OSUT Graduation starts at 0900 (no visitors pass needed) & NIM
August 6 – 0800-1700 Ranger Demonstration starts at 0900 (visitors pass required)

Fort Benning One Station Unit Training (OSUT) graduation ceremonies take place nearly every Thursday and Friday morning on Inouye Field adjacent to the National Infantry Museum. There will also be an opportunity to see the “Rangers in Action” demonstration on 6 August at 0900. This demonstration will be followed by window tour around Fort Benning. For those who plan to attend their unit luncheon, we promise to have you back on time.

NOTE: We will require you to RSVP for bus transportation (see Reunion Registration).

“Show Your Unit Pride” at the President’s Reception. Wear your unit shirts AND create a center piece for a table at the reception. There will also be a DJ and dance floor to rock the night away with some of your favorite 70’s music.

Ladies we heard you loud and clear – the luncheon has moved to Saturday so as not to interfere with the unit lunches. You will be visiting The Peach Shoppe & Co which is located adjacent to the Columbus Marriott. It’s a creative space filled with local love, community, and artisans. Lunch will be provided through a local caterer.

The Association Banquet will be held at the National Infantry Museum. The Fort Benning Band will be there to entertain you throughout the meal. Besides, what better place to end a reunion than where it all began 61 years ago.

This year we chose to combine the Legacy Breakfast and the Purple Heart Breakfast. As usual, we will have all other planned events: Unit Lunches and Group Breakfasts. We will have meetings of the Chapter Presidents, Foundation Trustees, the Board of Governors, and our General Membership meeting. During our General Membership meeting on Saturday morning, we will hold elections for the Association and Foundation. **ALL FIRST TEAM MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING**

Seating for all events is open except for the Reunion Banquet on Saturday night. If you are attending the banquet, you must get your tickets marked with a table number at the Banquet Seating table when picking up your registration packet. If you want to sit with specific people, we recommend that you all go to the Banquet Seating table together with your tickets available. Do not wait until the last minute or we may not be able to meet your needs.

Cavalry casual attire is appropriate for all reunion events. Wear what you feel comfortable wearing; a coat and tie, your uniform (if it still fits), casual clothing with an open collar, jeans, or shorts. We want you to attend and are not overly concerned about what you wear, so long as it is not indecent! The Association will provide a Reunion Room in the hotel for you to gather and enjoy yourself. Drinks (beer, wine, soda, and water) in the Reunion Room are free, but we ask that you generously donate to help us pay for this room. The Reunion Room will open daily at 0900 with the bar opening at 1500 hours. The Crossed Sabers Gift Shop will set up a store in the hotel to sell all kinds of Cav-tastic First Team merchandise including shirts, hats, Stetsons, pins, decals, and other items too numerous to mention.

The Best Part of the Reunion

The best part of any reunion is the people that attend. The 1st Cavalry Division Association Reunion brings in Troopers from every era of the First Team’s history. Troopers that rode horses, fought in the Pacific with MacArthur, occupied Japan, fought in Korea, or stood watch on the DMZ will spend time with the Sky Troopers of Vietnam and the Troopers from Operation Desert Storm, Fort Hood, Bosnia, and the latest combat Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. The equipment and terrain might be different, but the common bond of serving with America’s First Team binds us together. Saddle up and ride into Columbus, GA in 2027!