The Professional Loadmaster Association (PLA) was formed in the State of Washington as an active membership organization for an exclusive group of professionals recognized as, loadmasters. The PLA is organized and governed by a dully-elected Executive Committee of past and present loadmasters. In March 1997, the State of Washington issued a Certificate of Incorporation declaring the Professional Loadmaster Association a nonprofit organization. PLA membership is comprised of and limited to current and former military and civilian loadmasters who have flown as an aircraft loadmaster performing aircrew duties on transport aircraft. The association's principal reason for being is for the benefit of all loadmasters and their families. The core values of the association are the Flag of the United States, Our Self-confidence, and Our Empathy for each other. Its basic mission is to guide the membership in solidarity, facilitate trust and mutual respect for one another, and inspire personal growth and the pursuit of a purposeful sense of vision for the future of the PLA. The association shall establish scholarship and grant programs to benefit Loadmasters and their family members. Reunions and meetings shall be scheduled and arranged so as to provide maximum participation and productive feedback to as many members as practical. A newsletter titled "The LOADER" shall be published three times a year to inform membership of loadmaster participation within the airlift community and the association's current & future business activities.