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Udorn Reunion to be held in Michigan in July 2011 We are pleased to inform our friends at Air America that our Udorn Research Group has sparked another Udorn Reunion and we wish to extend a special invitation to you. The gathering will meet at the Soaring Eagle Casino Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan July 24 thru 26, 2011. Rick O’Hare (USMC, Udorn 1961) will again be host along with Jerry Long (USAF, 1974, 1975). Some attendees will be from USMC units from which some Air America pilots and crews were initially chosen during the early months of 1961. Our Reunion will present special tribute to the 1961 deployments of 50 years ago. Units of Air America, USMC, USA, USAF, USN, USCG that served at Udorn, Ramasun and Thailand are all invited. USMC, Col. (ret) Roger Holtzapple will be guest speaker on opening night and we will also consider other speakers for additional meetings during the three days. AFIO Bulletin Information about Reunion Symposium Thursday, 2 June 2011, 5:30 to 9 pm - Dayton, OH - CIA Symposium on "Stories of Sacrifice and Dedication: Civil Air Transport, Air America, and the CIA" The CIA, in partnership with the National Museum of the USAF,
presents a symposium which pays tribute to the sacrifice and dedication
of Civil Air Transport (CAT) and Air America (AA). These special CIA
proprietaries were essential for covert operations, providing search and
rescue, and photo reconnaissance in east and southeast Asia from the end
of WWII through the Vietnam War. The highlight of the event will be the
public release of 900 recently declassified documents from CAT and AA
corporate files and CIA holdings spanning 1946 to 1978. News from Australia - Flooding Wayne & Laraine Webb live in Australia and are located in the hardest hit area. They appear to have come through it all well. They were without communication for a while but it has been reestablished an they consider themselves very fortunate. submitted by Wayne & Lai Knight 1/11/2011 Model Air America Aircraft Available I came across this Pilatus Porter with AAm decals, model airplane kit and thought it may be something other members would be interested in. Maybe the webmaster can post the link below. http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/rod/rodrd0440.htm It appears to be a fairly decent model. It’s for display only, not radio controlled. (I had given Gene Britzius the plans to build a wooden flying RC model of the Porter. Unfortunately he was dispatched to the big Lima Site in the Sky before he could finish building it. I’m sure most of you remember Gene’s very keen interest and phenomenal skill at building RC aircraft.) I do NOT think this model requires paint. However, further down the web page there is list for paint – yet NO BLUE is listed. * Paint: (Aluminum Polish, Burnt Metal, Black, Light Gray, Field Green, Gull Gray, Steel, Matte Rust, Chrome Silver, Clear Red, Clear Green) Our AAm birds would need blue to be accurate, so that makes me think this list is universal to all aircraft models and not necessarily required for this model. I’m open to suggestions as to which shade of blue would be authentic AAm livery. This same website list 248 blue paints! A variety of decals are included to depict different serial numbers (#238, N365F, & N3612R). The model company specifically mentions the Mel Gibson movie and that might be enough to make most real AAm types avoid buying this model. No blame from me if they do. But since this configuration is hard to find, I am going to purchase the kit anyway and use another actual Porter number from the existing decals. (Like N12235, N195X, N198X, N358F, N359F, N367F, N383R, or N393R just to name a few. N365F & N3612R are supplied and are good to go since they have nothing to do with that crap movie.) Please post the source if anyone finds a Helio (AAm colors not pertinent once I get my hands on these other “Air America” decals.) Britt Duncan Dependant of AAm Capt Joe Duncan DC-3s, Helios, & Porters 1964-74 Vientiane, Laos Looking for information about John Kessock My name is Leslie Baker. My father was John O. Kessock.
His friends knew him as Jack. He was in Japan flying in and out of
Tachikowa into Laos with Air America from somewhere between 1966 or 67
until the pullout. My sister and I along with our mom lived in Yakota
AFB and went to school in Tachikowa. I read a brief story written by a
man named Tony Durizzi whom almost certainly knew my dad. Dad flew DC
9's and Connie's in and out of Tachikowa in the uniform Southern Air
Transport. We all knew later it was a cover. He also had his Air America
uniform. He flew Caribou in Vietnam and Laos. Dad's best friend as I
remember (very clearly at that) was a man named Swede Larson. I have
been searching for anyone who knew my dad and may even have some
pictures taken of him at work. We lost dad the early part of January
1987. Dad never threw the cigarettes away and had suffered a
stroke...which he initially survived, but later suffered a series of
strokes that took him. My very last memories of dad were waving goodbye
to him from our plane window at Tokyo airport as we flew home to
Florida. Mom and dad's marriage ended during this time. I never saw my
dad again. We spoke on the phone but I never saw him again. For anyone
out there who remembers my dad I am his daughter leslie and am pretty
much the spitting image of him. Please write me here at my email address
lekili6b@aol.com should you
find anyone who remembers my dad. Thank you very much.....Leslie (Kessock)
Baker A message from Ernie Brace On Sunday 17OCT2010 I was inducted into the Oregon Aviation Hall of Honor in McMinnville, Oregon at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum. If you're interested this is a Link to the announcement. Also my book "A CODE TO KEEP" is available on Amazon Kindle now. Regards and GBU all. Ernie Brace
http://www.sprucegoose.org/pdfs/events/HallofHonor_2010.pdf Chief Etchberger to receive Medal of Honor Chief Master Sergeant Richard L. Etchberger, who was killed in action in 1968 in Laos, will posthumously be awarded the Medal of Honor on Sept. 21, the White House announced Friday. Etchberger will be honored with the nation’s highest award for valor for his actions on March 11, 1968. Read the rest of the story here.
Online Veteran Benefits Websites Here is a
list of veteran benefits related websites. Air America Association Election A report from Mr. Jack Knotts, Air America Association Nominating Committee Chairman: The Membership Secretary reports that the association voting results show: Mr. Bob Noble has been elected to serve as the next President of the Air America Association Board of Directors Mr. Ben Densley has been elected to serve as a Board Member of the Air America Association Board of Directors New:
Veterans Administration and Benefits related Websites Text of Speech by Craig Duehring available online Speech presented at April Symposium to Honor Airmen Civil Service Benefits Update The President signed the National Defense Authorization Act on October 28th. This Act, designated as P.L. 111-84, contained Section 1057, Air America Report, the first step milestone toward granting Civil Service Retirement Benefits to qualified CAT/Air America employees. Now there are several other milestones which must be reached. The next is to receive report from the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) that would hopefully recommend that these benefits be granted and provide proposed legislation and a cost estimate to the Congress to make this happen. The time limit here is no later than six months (180 days from October 28th) Once this report is received, a benefits bill must be introduced which would (1) detail the general rules the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must follow to establish regulations to administer this retirement program. And (2) provide for necessary funding arrangements . The bill, most likely to be attached to must pass legislation such as a DOD authorization or appropriation bill, would then make its way through Congress in the usual manner to be signed by the President. This milestone could take to the end of 2010 or even into 2011 to occur. We expect that Senator Reid and Congresswomen Shelly Berkley will once again champion the bill through Congress as they have done this year for the Report Bill. It is not practical at this time to establish time lines
for the remaining milestones which must take place before actual benefit
checks might be received. Thailand, Laos, Cambodia Brotherhood Updates from Mac Thompson TLCB and Assistance Program reports (Lao portion toward bottom) Quarterly newsletters, the Mekong Express Mail: Criminal charges against Vang Pao Dropped http://www.sacbee.com/latest/story/2192606.html
New Print Available For the Hmong whose courage, service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. New - Write a letter to your Senators and Representatives - New Letter to the Editor of the AFIO Newsletter by Gary Bisson Senator Harry Reid and Congresswoman Shelley Berkley Introduce Legislation to Help Secure Benefits for Air America Veterans May 21, 2009 Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid and Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today introduced the Air America Veterans Act of 2009, legislation that will begin the process of providing Air America veterans with federal retirement benefits. This legislation addresses the first step of that process, which is to authorize a study to determine who would be eligible for benefits and provide the data necessary to help fix the problem. The study will provide information on Air America, its employees, the missions they performed, the casualties they suffered, and an assessment of the difference between those benefits and what they would receive if treated as employees of the United States. “Anyone who puts their life on the line in service of this country, as these Air America veterans did, deserves nothing less than what they earned,” Reid said. “These brave Nevadans and Americans risked their lives by flying covert missions in areas such as Laos, Vietnam and Korea. It’s unfair for the same government that asked them serve, to prevent them from being properly recognized for their sacrifice.” “The heroes of Air America risked their lives for our nation and we should fully honor their courage and recognize the critical role they played in U.S. military efforts in East Asia during the Cold War,” said Berkley. “The study authorized by this legislation will lay the groundwork for us to finally recognize the sacrifices made by Air America employees, and their dedication to our nation, by extending federal benefits to these brave Americans. The time is now for Congress to act on this issue and I am hopeful that we will see this legislation signed into law by President Obama.” Air America was a company acquired by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 1950 and flew missions for the CIA into the mid 1970’s. For many years, former Air America employees have unsuccessfully sought to obtain federal retirement benefits for their service and are requesting assistance from Congress to get it done. http://reid.senate.gov/newsroom/pr_052109_airamericabillintro.cfm http://reid.senate.gov/ Archive Update: CIA Documents Available Online As a member of the Advisory Board of Directors, along with Jane Mullins and Lew Burridge, we would like to thank the Central Intelligence Agency for the recognition they have given to our Archives at The History of Aviation Collection, at the University of Texas at Dallas. A special thanks must go to Tim Castle and Jim Glerum for their work in making this happen. The prestige, recognition and publicity they have given to our Archives, The History of Aviation Collection and the University of Texas at Dallas is greatly appreciated by all of the CAT/Air America people. Thank you so very much. Brian Johnson Research Request I am interested in making contact with people who worked for Air America and flew to a place in Southeastern Attopeu Province, southern Laos, called Kong My (or Kong Mi). It was known as PS-7 in the late 1960s/early 1970s. It was a CIA road-watcher base from 1965-66 to 1973. It was only accessible by air. I am writing a history of the area. I would appreciate any help you could provide me in making contact with your members. Best Wishes, Ian Baird, PhD Air America: Upholding the Airmen’s Bond
A symposium acknowledging and commemorating
April 18, 2009 Check-in 12:20 The University of Texas at Dallas Conference Center Auditorium
Reception and viewing of This event is free and open to the public. Event check-in is from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. Seating is limited so RSVPs are strongly encouraged. If you do RSVP, a seat will be held for you until 12:50. To RSVP, go to http://www.utdallas.edu/airamerica/ Air America: Upholding the Airmen’s Bond Quietly and courageously throughout the long and difficult Vietnam War, Air America, a secretly-owned air proprietary of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), remained the indispensable instrument of CIA’s clandestine mission. This legacy is captured in a recent CIA Director’s statement that the Agency’s mission is to “accomplish what others cannot accomplish and go where others cannot go.” While some of Air America’s work may never be publicly acknowledged, much of the company’s critical role in wartime rescue missions can now be revealed. This joint symposium with the CIA and The University of Texas at Dallas provides a forum for the release of thousands of pages of heretofore unavailable documents on Air America’s relationship with the Central Intelligence Agency. Moreover, the symposium brings together many Air America veterans, a number of men rescued by Air America, and the CIA “customers” who often placed their lives and missions in the hands of this once-secret air proprietary. Air America crews were not required to monitor military emergency radio calls, fly to the location of military personnel in distress, or place their lives at risk of enemy ground-fire and possible capture. They received no extra compensation for rescue work and sometimes lost wages for their efforts. However, in their flying community it was enough to know that a downed aviator was in trouble and that airmen should always come to the aid of other airmen. It was simply the Airmen’s Bond. To help commemorate Air America’s rescue efforts during the Vietnam War, the symposium will include the following speakers and panel members: Mr. Jim Glerum Senior Operations Officer, CIA, Retired Dr. Timothy Castle Noted historian and author, CIA Panel Discussion: Laos Rescues – Lima Site 85 and other Military Rescues John Daniel USAF Retired, Site 85 survivor, rescued by Air America Loy “Rusty” Irons Air America flight mechanic on Site 85 rescue helicopter John “Woody” Spence Paramilitary Officer, CIA Retired, Site 85 survivor, rescued by Air America Admiral Donald Boecker USN Retired, A6 pilot, shot-down July 1965, rescued by Air America Sam Jordan Air America Pilot, Participated in rescue of Admiral Boecker P anel Discussion: The Final Days: 1975 – Rescue Efforts during the fall of South VietnamDr. Joe Guilmartin Professor, Ohio State University. Former USAF “Jolly Green” combat rescue pilot Ed Adams Air America Pilot. Conducted rescue operations in Laos and South Vietnam. Marius Burke Air America Pilot. Conducted rescue operations in Laos and South Vietnam. Additional speakers planned include senior CIA officials speaking on the importance of openness and the release of declassified documents, senior military officers, pilots, and aviation historians. The reception will include an opportunity to personally meet and talk to many Air America pilots and employees, those who worked with Air America, and those rescued by Air America, as well as the opportunity to view Air America exhibits from the CIA and UT Dallas. The Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) is sponsoring the reception. Each attendee will receive a commemorative booklet highlighting the symposium. The booklet will include articles on Air America, photos, and a selection of recently declassified documents that include first-hand accounts of rescues and evacuations, letters of thanks from President Nixon and others, The Airmen’s Bond, and the article Why We Care by L. Michael Kandt, chaplain and general secretary of the Air America Association, Inc. Each attendee will also receive a DVD containing electronic copies of the entire collection of newly declassified and heretofore unavailable documents. The DVD will also contain video interviews of Air America pilots, rare footage of Lima Site 85, and photos from the CIA and McDermott Library collections. In conjunction with the symposium, The UT Dallas McDermott Library will receive copies of approximately 10,000 of the recently declassified CIA documents on Air America, which will be added to the University’s History of Aviation Collection. These government papers augment existing Air America archives given to the University by the Air America Alumni Association. Now with the addition of the CIA materials, this collection is destined to become one of the finest sources in the nation to study this fascinating period of Cold War history. The Hyatt Regency North Dallas/Richardson 214-245-4934 or 866-593-6300 Group Rate of $85 for April 17th and 18th are blocked but the rate would be good three days before and after. Deadline for booking at this rate is March 27th. ONE DAY TOO LONG BY DR. TIM CASTLE POSTED TO CSAF LIST. General Ronald Fogleman created the CSAF Professional Reading Program in 1996 to develop a common frame of reference among Air Force members -- officers, enlisted, and civilians -- to help each of us become better, more effective advocates of air and space power. Each CSAF since then has enhanced and continued the Professional Reading Program. Book about Irish Veterans who served in Vietnam Dick Ford , Marius Burke, Wayne Knight , Steve Stevens, Tom Richardson, and Charlie Weitz ,of Air America , now have their names etched in the annals of Irish History as " Vietnam The Irish Experience " formerly " Faint Bugles , Distant Drums," by James Durney was launched by the Mayor of Naas last night ( 24th Oct) in Barker & Jones, bookstore Naas, Co Kildare. Ireland. There were five Irish Vietnam Veterans in attendance together with a large gathering of well wishers and notables. Chapter 12 of the book is exclusively about Air America. Put the title in Google for further details Since the book is hot off the press for the next couple of weeks it will only be available from: Price $25 USD includes postage. I have worked a deal with James Durney that if you should order direct from him , specify you are with the Air America group and you will get a signed copy " Vietnam, The Irish Experience " for €20. And this includes postage to the US. Contact jamesdurdsl@eircom.net . If you would like to send a signed copy to a relative or close friend., specify the name and address of who you would like it to be made out to and a note " With compliments from ………your name ," will be included and mailed to that person from Ireland for the same price of €20. In a week or two the book will be available from Eason’s Ireland, Amazon, B&N m, E Bay and all the other crowd on the net. submitted by Joe Hennessy See also: Featured Story by Joe Hennessy 2008 Erawan Reunion Report from Mike Kandt Dr. Joe Leeker has updated his studies on Aircraft of Air America and History of Air America. Aircraft of Air America: The Aircraft of Air America contains a lot of updates made in the usual way, including some new photos. The mystery of the Grumman Goose has finally been solved, and then there is a lot of new info about the C-46s involved in the Bay of Pigs and the B-26s based at Tainan. History of Air America: The History of Air America contains updated versions of those narrative files (AAM in Laos I, II, III etc.) already published in the 3rd edition of the "Aircraft" plus some narrative files that are completely new like "Air America in South Vietnam" I, II, and III. Additional info about CAT in Guatemala in 1954, at Diem Bien Phu, and in Indonesia can be found in the file about "Air America in Japan". Some files like "Air America in Thailand" will follow at a later date. New - Air America Web Usage Statistics Information Learn about how much our website is being used! March 2009 - Vietnam Center Texas Tech Conference Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand and the Vietnam War
Special Conference Event: LAOS HMONG IN THAILAND NEED OUR
HELP
Social Security Earnings Update Air America Crew Chief Pat McCarthy honored at Irish Vietnam Veterans Role of Honor. www.irishveteransmemorialproject.com Plans for new Lao Hmong Veterans Memorial PLEASE NOTE DEADLINE OF AUGUST 1! Search and Rescue on the Plaine Des Jarres
The Air America Association wishes to continue its endeavor to ensure the CAT/Air America history remains accessible to current and future defenders of our liberty, as well as historians and those who participated during this period in aviation support to the interests of our nation’s efforts in Asia. Visit here to learn more about the latest painting depicting these historic events! REQUEST FOR STORIES ABOUT O.B. HARNAGE Message from Rob Harnage: Dear Friends and Family, On behalf of the Harnage family, I want to extend the sincerest thank you for the kind words and prayers received from many of you. For those who were able to attend Dad’s funeral services, it was a pleasure to rekindle old acquaintances and make new ones. It was an honor to meet those individuals who knew my Father. It has been suggested that I write a book about my Father. The truth is that I am currently putting the finishing touches on a fiction novel that I started eight years ago. I welcome the challenge of writing about my Father. I would like to invite those of you who knew my Father to write a paragraph or two or more about your relationship with O.B.. This will help me in getting a better picture of what was behind the man. I saw Dad from a Son’s eyes. I have learned more about my Father in the past 30 days then I did in a life time. I am still in awe about some of the stories and experiences I've heard from many of you. If you wish to participate in this project, you may send your correspondence via email or to my home address: 7170 S. Y Lightning Ranch Road Hereford, Az. 85615 Thanks and God Bless, Rob Harnage posted 2/26/2008 Book review of Alfred McCoy's The Politics of Heroin in Southeast Asia by James Quigley Singular Aerial Victory in the Vietnam War — Central Intelligence Agency CIA includes story about Air America and Lima Site 85 on their web site Roger Warner
discusses his perspectives on the Jerry DeBruin's Critique of Werner Herzog's Rescue Dawn Lima
Site 85 Painting Commissioned Air America Vanity Postage Stamps are now Available! Long Tieng Assistance trip, 4-9 March 2007 Mac & Sunee Thompson made a road trip up to Long Tieng, LS-20A, on behalf of the TLCB to deliver school supplies the week of 4 March. Must say, it's a somewhat grueling trip, at least portions of it on the highways and byways of Laos. Sunday 4 March was taken with the drive from home, just north of Bangkok on up to Nong Khai, left my van in secure parking there and we went across the Friendship Bridge to Lao Immigration and on to Vientiane. Monday was shopping. We had a TLCB Assistance Committee budget to work within so needed to identify what would fit. Checked out some expendable school supplies, writing pads, pens and pencils, and such, sports equipment, soccer balls, badminton sets, etc. Didn't really look like we'd be able to get enough to cover the three schools, Long Tieng Primary, Ban Na Ngua Primary and Secondary. So thought about school books that could be used by all the schools over a period of time. Talked to a tuk tuk driver outside our hotel who was quite helpful, he took us over to a quasi government printing house, the Education Printing Enterprise. Talked with the staff there, explained the program, number of kids by grade in school, and the budget. They explained that most public schools only received new text books every five years so I figured this would be a good investment. I also included a number of English language primers. They went to work with their pencils and came up with quite a list of books that fit within the budget. These are for 1st through 9th grades. Told us to come back later in the afternoon to pick things up from the warehouse. Did so and delivered them to the outfit from which we rented a 4x4 pickup, with driver. Tuesday 0700 hrs hit the road, headed out of town on Rt 13S, downstream towards Paksane. At about km 92, Thabok aka Thaphabath, turned north on a very good dirt road which later turns to decent pavement on up to the E-W road between Xaysomboun and Rt 13N, near Vang Vieng. From here it's a bit of a butt buster on the road travel. Stopped for coffee at what I call the Gold Mine Junction where an Ozzie company, Phu Bia Mining, is in operation, then headed north again for two hours to the gate at Long Tieng itself, about 7+ hours one way drive. The gate guard quite properly, I guess, wouldn't let us in but he did phone up to HQ and a military police captain came down to see what's up. He wasn't real happy to see us but when I showed the receipts for some kip 4,700,000 of school books he agreed to let us through to talk to the "boss" whom I'd met the year before on the trip with Roger Warner. The boss, Bounsouk, seems to be a pretty good sort, he's in the red shirt on some of the photos. Sunee & I explained what we were doing this trip and Bounsouk called up the head school master for the valley. We then went over to the two schools at Ban Na Ngua to explain to the teachers there what we were up there for and agree to a meeting the next day. Back to Long Tieng and the primary school, same deal with the staff. I had also wanted to drive over Skyline Ridge to the Sam Thong, LS-20, valley where I was based spring of 1969 with the USAID refugee program but Bounsouk said there'd been a heavy rain a couple weeks prior and the road was still blocked. Will try again next trip. We asked about RONing at Long Tieng but this was denied so two hours back to the Gold Mine Junction and a not-too-fancy guest house for the night. Good enough restaurant attached, tho, with plenty of cold Beer Lao ( http://www.beer-lao.com/). Up early the next morning, and back to Long Tieng, two hours on the rough road. Distributions made to the schools followed by a meeting with Bounsouk, who is also the chief of "development" for the area, and the school headmaster. We had some discussion about possible future school projects that the TLCB might be able to assist with depending, of course, on budgets and on cooperation of the participants, the people of Long Tieng. First on the list is a 4-hole toilet facility for the Long Tieng Primary School which has none at present. There are also requests for roofing sheets for one building along with wood siding, with is looking pretty sad at present. This is the building where we had our meeting, it also includes two classrooms. Replacement school furniture was also mentioned as much of what they have isn't in good shape. Note that the Long Tieng Primary school is still housed in the buildings built back in the mid-to-late 1960s, the wood building and two out of the three rock and concrete buildings. The two Ban Na Ngua schools are more recent with the secondary school funded by the Lao government 3-4 years ago and the new primary school funded by the Australian government just last year. Also visible in the photos are the remnants of the old pre-1975 rock and concrete school buildings, just about all fallen down now. After the meeting, lunch, then Sunee & I headed back south. It was too late to make it all the way back to Vientiane so decided to head west via Ban Xon, LS-272, the former USAID base after Sam Thong went DTT in March of 1970, and RON at Vang Vieng, L-16, which I'd last visited in April 1967. Quite some changes in that town in the intervening 40 years! Beaucoup tourists!! Thursday 8 March, on to Vientiane and across the river to Thailand and some 360 miles drive back home. Photos at: http://picasaweb.google.com/mactbkk/TLCBLongTiengVisitMarch2007?authkey=C6Z2wd2TjVM A few notes about Long Tieng these days: -- No electricity but hope to have it perhaps as early as later this year, the line from the south is just 10 km short of Long Tieng now and poles have been dropped along side the road. -- They do enjoy Thai TV much more than the stuff on the Lao channel(s), more movies, soap operas, sports and news. Run the TVs off of car batteries. Sunee joked with them about when she was a kid out at Sa Keo, east of Bangkok, same deal in her village, watch the TV picture scrunch down as the battery runs down. -- The large proposed dam, Nam Ngum 3, on the Nam Ngum river, seems to be on hold for the moment. Funding?? Environmental impact statement lacking? This'll be quite an economic shock for the valley if/when it comes off. There's probably 1,000 people living there now, the dam construction crew could be up to 2,000 more, with a number of foreigners amongst them. -- In a couple of the photos you'll notice the smoke from upland field burning, sure made for some difficult flying in the old days. -- There's now daily "bus" service between Xaysomboun, LS-113, and Long Tieng. The "bus" being either an open top 6-wheel truck, or a beat up van. -- Note the pickup load of scrap metal gathered up in the area. I'm informed by a former U.S. Army O-6 retired friend that these are 155mm.propelling charge shipping containers. The Thai SGU had the155 guns. -- Saw several cell phones up there but I couldn't get a signal on my Lao SIM card so asked about this. Reply, "they couldn't either but they were handy for taking photos." Good signal tho at the Gold Mine Junction area and all along the E-W road. -- Area covered is on Jim Henthorn's super mapscan project pages at: http://www.nexus.net/~911gfx/ne4801.html http://www.nexus.net/~911gfx/ne4805.html That's it for now, hope to be able to make another Long Tieng Run in the future. Mac Thailand, Laos, Cambodia Brotherhood, www.tlc-brotherhood.org Intelligence Conference at Texas Tech Conference co-hosted by the Vietnam Center, Texas Tech
University The Vietnam Center at Texas Tech University and the CIA's Center for the Study of Intelligence co-hosted a conference on Intelligence in the Vietnam War. This conference took place in Lubbock, Texas on October 20-21, 2006, and examined intelligence activities, operations, and analysis during the Vietnam War throughout the entire theater to include Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. One purpose of this conference was to learn appropriate lessons that may be applicable to contemporary operations in the War on Terror. To see a list presenters, please visit the Intelligence Conference web site. Please check back soon as we will add conference videos to the website in November. Return to SEA Reunion Update by Les Strouse and Mac Thompson Civil Air Transport and Air America Honored by State of Florida House of Representatives Air America pilot Terry Luther, a resident of Alaska, sent an e-mail saying that he had contacted a member of the Alaska state legislature asking for CAT/AAM recognition. With that idea in mind Jesse Walton wrote letters to his Florida state senator and representative. A staff member of Representative Goodlette called Jesse to ask the number of CAT/AAM Florida residents, and if he could send her a list of the names and addresses. The AAM Association secretary sent Jesse the names of CAT/AAM, Florida residents. For privacy reasons, he asked the permission of each person on the list although there were a number that, regrettably, he could not contact. He followed up the submitted list of names with a copy of Dr. Bill Leary's lecture at UTD last year, downloaded from the AAM web site. He noted with the 20-page lecture that it was lengthy, but that a brief glance through it's pages would reveal the courage, bravery, and sacrifice of the employees of AAM. 48 people received the Florida House of Representatives tribute. While additional copies are not available, we could probably make an exact duplicate for a reasonable price if anyone is interested. Please click the link above to read the Tribute. Submitted by Jesse Walton 9/26/2006 Please send in your Reunion Photos! A r equest from Steve N. Stevens: If anyone would like their pictures from the 2006 D.C. Reunion to appear in the photo albums and CD's being prepared for display at the next reunion and donated to UTD and Texas Tech, please send them to Steve N. Stevens. It would really help if they were edited to include a caption with names and, if possible, put on a CD. When finalized, a "Master CD" will be available.Special Documentary Project by Roger Warner Here's a tidbit: a micro-documentary, about six minutes long, about a return to Long Tieng. The valley, closed to Westerners for thirty years after the commies took over, is just beginning to open up. Bill and I tried to get into 20A together, and explored a number of leads. But for those particular connections to ease our way in, Bill would have had to stay in SEA much longer than he had planned, and he had important family commitments to fulfill back in Texas. The information Bill and I gathered, however, was enough to justify a second expedition after Bill left. This time my traveling companion was Mac Thompson, ex-USAID/Laos, ex- skydiver, and an aficionado of homebrew beer. Mac and I figured our chances at about 50-50. Thanks to good luck and Mac's phenomenal ability to bullshit in fluent Lao, we got into Long Tieng for a very brief visit, all that was permitted. But we ended up drinking beer with the base commander, and we believe we have done our bit for making travel there a bit easier for other people in the future. The short and funky film can be seen on my project website, www.ciafilm.com. (Apologies for the domain name, but it was available, and it's easy to remember.) Go to the main website page, and you should see a link at the bottom of the screen for bonus footage on Long Cheng. Click on it, and be patient, because even with a fast modem connection it can take a couple of minutes to load. If your computer has any problems, other than loading speed, you should know that the movie is in Flash software, which comes already installed on most computers. If your computer doesn't have Flash installed, you may need to download the latest (free) version as a plug-in for your web browser. Respectfully, Roger Warner Request from Margaret Leary After the memorial service, many people - especially Bill's children - have said to me that they learned a lot about him after he was gone and regretted not knowing more about other sides of his life. Bill's birthday is in May. Do you have a story or a memory of him which you could send along to me? I'd like to compile something to give to his children, as a reverse birthday present . I'm sure it will tell me something new, as well. Any replies may be sent to me: mmleary@earthlink.net Thank you! Special Log Submitted to Congress for Civil Service Status Air America Association By-Laws Posted to Website Lao, Hmong and American Veteran's Memorial On July 28th. the Lao, Hmong and American Veteran's Memorial committee met and we set the ground breaking, (start of construction), for September 24, 2005. The Memorial will tell the story of the Hmong, other hill tribes and the American military and civilians, who fought and died in the "secret war" in Laos. The other half of the 24, engraved, granite panels will list the names of those who served (and who have donated $100 to have the name engraved). The names of the 116 USA Special Forces and 70 Air America KIA in Laos, will be included (paid for by DVD sales). I look forward to getting the names of CASI, KIAs so that they can also be included. We have raised over $92,000 with the proceeds of the "Secret War" DVD, contributing $15,000+ to the total to date. Last weekend, I sold $1800 worth of DVDs at the annual Hmong Veterans Recognition Day, in Milwaukee. It was also great to see Bill Lair and BG Heinie Aderholt, in good health and still actively supporting the Hmong. The total cost of the Memorial will be $130,000 and we expect to raise the remainder over the winter, while the concrete footing and base cures (phase 1). Phase 2 (next spring), involves laying the pavers, landscaping and fixing the engraved 3'x4'x1" granite panels to the concrete base. I would appreciate it if you would get the word out to all who may be interested in supporting the Memorial. For those who would like to learn more about the Memorial, buy the DVD for $23.00, or contribute please see my web site at: You can send checks to: Secret War Memorial Thank you, Steve Schofield Two More Congressional Supporters for HR 1276 - Civil Service Bill There are two new co-sponsors to HR 1276 as of July 19, 2005 -- Rep Jo Ann Davis of Virginia and and Rep Madeleine Bordallo, delegate from Guam. "Last Flights: Air America and the Collapse of South Vietnam" A Public Lecture by Dr. William Leary August 13, 2005 (4 p.m.)
Earthquake's Final Flight - Prints by Jeff Bass Now Available New Video Online: French Award Ceremony for CAT Pilots Father Bouchard to return to the US March 11, 2005 from Western Borneo which is now called Kalimantan. Father Bouchard started working in Western Borneo in September 1977. For the past nine years, he has been assigned to a mission area of 23 villages. It takes him about 2 months to visit all of the villages. He visits 13 villages by outboard motor and the ten other by motorcycle or on foot. While he loves his work, his age ( 76 this month) and a two year back problem is making it more and more difficult to visit the villages of his parish. He has decided to go back permanently to the USA. He will send his new address when he gets his assignment in the United States. Submitted March 30, 2005 by Mac Thompson Remains identified as those of Creswell spy pilot - Robert Snoddy Pentagon Determines That Remains Found in China Are US Spy Pilot's March 25, 2005
Civil
Service Credit – submitted by Senator Reid
The
bill on Civil Service Credit was submitted by Senator Reid (D) NV on Thursday
April 29th. The number is S.2367. You can click on http://thomas.loc.gov
insert the number & type in 'air america', click 'search' and scroll down to
S.2367. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Government
Affairs. This is a crucial time and anyone interested in the outcome should
think this over carefully. This is NOT a political undertaking. It entails
past employees of a US Government proprietary company seeking
redress through their elected congressional representatives to right a past
omission in the government code. All must get off our collective duffs and
ask out respective Senators by written letter, E-mail, telephone, or in person
to support S.2367. A companion bill will soon be introduced in the House of
Representatives and a further notice will be given at that time so you can additionally
contact your representative. The present congress adjourns in late summer
and passage should be completed in this session. Submitted by Jesse Walton and Jack Knotts 05/04/2004 STAMP EFFORT CAMPAIGN, 2004
In
the past two years we have received 220 completed Stamp Effort forms. The
CSAC has received them along with some supplemental updates to the
presentation.
The Stamp is still under consideration. However, it is time to have a bigger
impact on the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee. Due to the nature of their
procedures, the best way to do this is with a high volume of filled out Stamp
Effort forms. These are available one the Stamp Effort page of our web site.
We
hope to provide the CSAC with at least 2000 requests in a few weeks time.
Therefore we need all members to chip in, even if they are submitting a
second or third request. Feel free to contact any relatives, kindred
organizations, your divorce attorney, or even the town crier.
If
you need any back up, feel free to contact Jeff Blanchford at the UBS
Email
address: jeffrey.blanchford@ubs.com
Cheers,
Jeff Blanchford Research Assistance Sought I am currently compiling a detailed order of battle of the Lao armed forces (Royalist Army, Royalist Air Force, Neutralists, irregulars, Thai) for publication late in 2004. Would like to hear from any members who have shoulder insignia, wings (including Lao pilot’s wings) or qualification certificates (airborne qualification, for example) for any and all of these units down to the battalion level. Also, any period photographs showing these insignia being worn. Contributors will get full photo credit and a copy of the book. Please contact Ken Conboy, 4700 Burley Hills Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45243. email: ken.conboy@rmaindonesia.com Veteran Status Information Please click here for additional information required to apply for this status. The group Application for veteran service has been accepted for review. A notice has been placed in the Federal Register. You can access the notice at this web site: Please click here for a copy of the Amended Notice posted to the Federal Register The title is restricted more than desired, but all that could be supported with the evidence available. The notice grants 60 days to receive documents as evidence to support the claims for veteran service eligibility. Any person, including former employees, whether U.S. Citizen or foreign national, who has evidence to support the claim that CAT/Air America employees, whether foreign or U.S. Citizens, supported the United States Military between 1950 and 1976 are encouraged to do so before the 60 day period elapses. The documents may be in the form of old schedules, or eye witness accounts on notarized letters. The address is on the notice. Information has been received to strongly indicate that veteran service and civil service retirement are two separate issues and acceptance of one would not effect the other. Further information can be obtained through Allen Cates at <setac@setac.com> Submitted 1/19/2004 Civil Service Retirement Benefits Information
"We
are pleased to announce that several former AAM/AACL/CAT/SAT employees
have been contacting members of Congress seeking legislation that would
provide civil service retirement benefits for their employment with these companies.
This is based on the fact that the corporations were owned by the U.S.
Government and historically U.S. citizen employees of government owned
corporations have been considered to be Federal employees for retirement
purposes. The Board of
Directors of the Association is cooperating in this effort since it would
be beneficial to many of our members, including the surviving spouses of
deceased employees. Retirement
benefits are payable to
those persons who have five years credited service, thus benefits would be
payable only to those employees who had five years service with the
companies or who have a combined total of five years service including
employment with other Federal agencies. In addition under some
circumstances periods of military service may be added in computing
benefits.
We have been advised by the office of Senator Harry Reid of Nevada
that he may introduce legislation in this respect and we have received
encouraging responses from other members of Congress. Any legislative
action will not take place until after Congress reconvenes next year.
Senator Reid will need support from other Senators and representatives so
it will be helpful if our members who are interested will write to their
own members of Congress
and seek their support. In
our next issue we will provide more information on this matter along with
sample letters and other documents that can be used.
If you are interested in pursuing this immediately please contact
Jesse Walton at 1083 North Collier Blvd. #215, Marco Island, FL 34145,
telephone 239-642-5324, or e-mail Jesse at jwalton00@comcast.net.
We have recently published information on our web site about a
similar effort by former employees who are seeking veterans status for
flight crew members and aviation ground support personnel of CAT,Inc. and
AAM. An application has been
filed with the concerned USAF office that handles such matters.
The Association is also cooperating with this effort and our web
site furnishes information on how support may be provided for this."
(PLEASE NOTE: This does not address the question of whether you can have both civil service credit and veterans status and I suggest we don't try to get into that for now as it is rather complicated. The above notice lets members know both efforts are being made and lets them know they can support one or both. I think it is better for now to say Senator Reid 'may' introduce legislation even though it is fairly certain he will do so)
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