Military Travel Club Connects Veterans Through RV Tours

The Special Military Active Recreational Travelers group helps service members combat loneliness through fellowship.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Military Jobs

Bold vector editorial illustration of a line of recreational vehicles parked on a prairie, evoking the community spirit of veterans travel groups. — The Special Military Active Recreational Travelers organization coordinates RV caravan tours across North America to help veterans combat social isolation through shared fellowship. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe organized group travel and activities effectively combat loneliness for military veterans?

The Special Military Active Recreational Travelers (SMART) organization coordinates RV tours to foster camaraderie among active-duty military and veterans. Based in Molino, Florida, the group aims to bridge the gap between current and former service members.

Why it matters

The club seeks to address significant levels of social isolation and loneliness reported within military communities. By facilitating regional and national gatherings, the organization provides a structured environment for fellowship.

The organization currently reports a membership count of 600, a significant decline from its historical peak of 4,000 members during the 1980s. Active-duty service members are eligible for free membership, while veterans and their spouses pay a nominal fee.

The players

Special Military Active Recreational Travelers

This is a non-profit organization headquartered in Molino, Florida, that coordinates recreational vehicle travel tours for veterans and active-duty personnel.

National Institutes of Health

This is a primary agency of the United States government responsible for biomedical and public health research.

Department of Veterans Affairs

This is the federal cabinet-level agency responsible for providing vital services and benefits to United States military veterans.

The details

SMART organizes caravans of recreational vehicles that travel across North America, stopping for regional musters, seminars, and tours. These pre-planned routes are designed to create consistent opportunities for fellowship and community interaction among those who have served.

The U.S. transitioned to an all-volunteer military force in 1973.
SMART was founded in 1982.
A National Institutes of Health study regarding service member isolation was conducted in 2022.
A Department of Veterans Affairs study on veteran loneliness was conducted in 2023.

Camping
Sept. 28
RV Shipments Declined During August 2026
Nursing Jobs
Sept. 30
GAO Audit Revealed Rise in VA Harassment Reports
Golf
Oct. 2
PGA HOPE Has Taught Golf to 17,000 Veterans

Market Landscape

The organization's mission to foster connection follows the shifts in military culture established by the 1973 transition to an all-volunteer military force. This effort mirrors a broader trend of private organizations attempting to address the social integration challenges faced by the 18 million veterans in the United States.

Eligible active-duty service members can join the organization for free, providing them with access to pre-planned travel networks across North America. Veterans and their spouses may join through a nominal membership fee to participate in regional musters and organized caravan tours.

The takeaway

Loneliness remains a pressing issue for both active-duty personnel and veterans, affecting 53% and 40% of their respective populations. Participating in group-based social activities can serve as a practical strategy for improving community integration and long-term mental well-being.