Name:  Charles Taliaferro,                  Nov 02, 2003
Email:  alertfive@sbcglobal.net
URL:  

Comments:  We are not trying to sell you anything at all.  We don't even want your money!

This is simply an invitation for military veterans, wives and friends to visit us at:   http://www.kitchentablegang.org

We really could use your help in get this message out.  Please forward it to friends, military buddies, family, your newsletter, bulletin board or even add a link to our website from your pages.  We hope you deem us worthy!

Thank you very much!

Charlie Taliaferro
THE KITCHEN TABLE GANG TRUST

P.S.:  Remember, VETERAN'S DAY is only 9 days away, November 11th.

Name:  Jim Gropper, Ssgt (Ret),                  Oct 31, 2003
Email:  jimfish1930@alltel.net
URL:  

Comments:  We had a 2nd Lt, Porta Rican, the night of the 1965 - 1966 Tet.  We where out at our so called bunkers and our four dog handlers had their dogs on alert.  The Lt decided he was going out to check the dog handlers.  I told him he would be sorry.  We almost lost the Lt.  Funny he never tried to check the dogs again.  He would not even go around their cages.

Wonder what happend?

Anyway from me, VFW Post 4985, a l post 112.

A prayer for those still out there on permenant patrol, of all are wars, we hope they have found peace and to their families who gave there loved ones willingly, for this country.

WE SALUTE ALL OF YOU!!

God bless all of you from all off us who served and are still seving.

Jim Gropper

Name:  James Stewart,                  Oct 29, 2003
Email:  jstewart@centurytel.net
URL:  

Comments:  I have had some questions about the agenda for the reunion so people can make specific travel plans.  Here is the agenda as we know it at this time.

Thursday January 29, 2004

Arrival and check-in of reunion participants
Hospitality room should be open this evening.

Friday January 30, 2004

9 AM - 3 PM Tour of Kirtland AFB with Lunch at a club on base
noon - 1 PM - We are working with the 377 SFS to have some activities with them during the base tour.
Hospitality room open this evening.

Saturday January 31, 2004

Optional 6 hour tour of Albuquerque.
Reunion Social time and photos to be taken for a reunion book beginning at around 5:30 PM
Reunion Dinner with program and raffle begins at 7 PM
Dancing to oldies CDs after dinner for those folks without 2 left feet.

Sunday February 1, 2004

Farewell Breakfast 8 - 10 AM
Departure following breakfast

I hope this helps with your planning.  See you in Albuquerque!

Jim Stewart

Name:  James Gropper,                  Oct 18, 2003
Email:  jimfish1930@alltel.net
URL:  

Comments:  I was army across the field from the control tower in 1965 - 1966.  I wonder how many of the Air Force guys that came across the field to our monthly parties were 377th APS.  Wonder how many I knew came home and how many didn't.  How many are out there guarding the gate to Tan Son Nhut Air Base?  Yet I hope the Lord brings them home soon.  A better bunch of guys than them, are hard to find.  I knew some of them!

Post Chaplin VFW 4985

Name:  Jack Bussa,                  Oct 14, 2003
Email:  mrcdl@hotmail.com
URL:  

Comments:  Add me to your guest book please.  Member 377th SPS 3-67 / 3-68, thanks -- very good site, lots of memories, some not so good.

Sgt Jack Bussa
Minford, Ohio

Name:  Ron Milton,                  Oct 13, 2003
Email:  rmilton@htctech.net
URL:  

Comments:  I was stationed at Pleiku and Ben Hoa AB from 1967 - 1968 and assigned to the Services Squadrons.  During that time I pulled augmentee duties with the base police units and was so impressed that I retrained into the Law Enforcement Career field.  I enjoyed the field so much I became an instructor at the Law Enforcement Academy.  I retired from the Air Force in 1987.

Take care

R Milton, MSgt, Ret

Name:  Clint J. Cramer,                  Oct 11, 2003
Email:  res1ag6v@verizon.net
URL:  

Comments:  I was browsing the web yesterday and found the 377th Air Base Wing Lineage.  It appears that the 377th was awarded;

"Air Force Unit Award with Combat "V" Device" for those who served in the unit from:

April 8, 1966 to May 31,1967
January 31 to March 31,1968
April 1,1969 to March 31,1971
January 17,1972 to March 28,1973.

"Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm" for those who served in the unit from:

April 8,1966 to January, 28,1973.

Just wondering if you knew anything more about these awards or where we could obtain more information.

Clint J. Cramer
377th SPS, 1969-1970

Name:  Jim Stewart,                  Oct 10, 2003
Email:  jstewart@centurytel.net
URL:  

Comments:  If you haven't received your reunion mailing yet please let me know.  I can email the forms to you so you will have the info.  The registrations are coming in steadily.

Jim Stewart

Name:  Jim Stewart,                  Oct 09, 2003
Email:  jstewart@centurytel.net
URL:  

Comments:  Subject:  Travel Trailers at Reunion

Hi Jim, in the latest issue of the Air Force Times there is an insert on recreation.  On page 20 is information about the Kirtland AFBcamping area.  They have RV for those who are interested and don't have access, the phone # is ......... 505-846-0337.

Sam Martin and Jim Stewart

Name:  Jim Stewart,                  Oct 09, 2003
Email:  jstewart@centurytel.net
URL:  

Comments:  Our brother SP, Mike Hilton has sent a suggestion for any of you who plan to bring your travel trailer to the reunion.  If you are a member of the Elks, Eagles, Masons, K of C etc. you may want to contact your organization in the Albuquerque area to see if they might have travel trailer facilities.

Thanks Mike.

Jim Stewart

Name:  Jim Stewart,                  Oct 09, 2003
Email:  jstewart@centurytel.net
URL:  

Comments:  Gents, I NEED SOME HELP!!!

The following Security Policemen are listed as KIA at Tan Son Nhut.  I would like to have pictures of them up on a Wall of Honor at the Reunion.  BUT I only have 3 photos so far.

I understand that the Security Police Museum at Lackland has had its staff cut and the director who was there is now gone.  My request has gone to file 13, I think.

Please dig out your old photos and see if you have any photos of our fallen brothers.

KIA 04 DEC 1966
George M. Bevich  I have photo and family contact
John M. Cole  Need photo or family contact
Oliver J. Riddle  Need photo or family contact

KIA 31 JAN 1968
William J. Cyr  Need photo or family contact
Louis H. Fischer  I have photo and family contact
Charles E. Hebron  I have photo and family contact
Roger B. Mills  Need photo or family contact

I will appreciate any help you can give me on this.

See you in Albuquerque!

Jim Stewart, OD

Name:  Derrill Dickerson,                  Oct 06, 2003
Email:  dickersondw@juno.com
URL:  

Comments:  Hello and Welcome home.

My name is Derrill (Chip) Dickerson, and I worked the night shift at the armory 1969 - 1970.  I found the site last year, but lost the address (new computer!), so I thought I would spend some time trying to find it again.

I am planning to attend the Reunion in Jan '04 at Kirkland AFB, leaving from my home in southern Colorado.  If anyone would like to "pool" and drive down together, please contact me at dickersondw@juno.com .  I know I have seen folks with addresses along the front range of Colorado, and thought I may be interesting to spend some time remembering (or trying to remember!) some of our exploits during the times at TSN.

Hope to see lot's of familiar faces at Kirkland in January.

Derrill Dickerson
Sgt, USAF
TSN '69-'70

Name:  Al Short,                  Oct 05, 2003
Email:  aandlshort@snip.net
URL:  

Comments:  It is with thanks to you for your efforts that this message is being sent.

I was an Air Policeman with the 377th Air Police Squadron during all of 1967, serving in "Echo" sector.  At one point we even had a stray mutt named "Echo", but the pup had to be put down due to a case of rabies.

I remember climbing up the water tower two nights in a row  --- and am still trying to recover from that excursion?  Coming down that series of ladders was noteworthy due to the tree frogs clinging to the rungs.

I was also stationed at Bien Hoa and Da Nand during most of 1965.

Many thanks and best wishes from New Jersey

Al Short

Name:  James Stewart,                  Sep 28, 2003
Email:  jstewart@centurytel.net
URL:  

Comments:  Only 4 months until the Reunion.

I have had a couple of emails concerning the travel trailer facilities available during the reunion.  I don't know if the Wyndham Albuquerque Hotel, where we will have the reunion has space to park travel trailers or not.  Their phone number is 800-227-1117

For those of you who are retired military - contact Kirtland AFB Lodging Facilities about their on base travel trailer facility at 505-846-1497.

Another contact for available travel trailer sites in the Albuquerque area would be the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau at   http://www.itsatrip.org   800 - 733 - 9918

I hope this helps.  See you in Albuquerque.

Jim Stewart

Name:  Gary L. Hudgens,                  Sep 18, 2003
Email:  garyhudgens@webtv.net
URL:  

Comments:  Good Morning!  For the 377th Security Police Web Page.

I was at Tan Son Nhut, Sep 1967 - Sep 1968, so I got to experience the Tet Offensive there.

My duty assignment was in the Tactical Air Control Center, Headquarters Seventh Air Force.  I was a Sergeant then.

As stated, merely signing in.

CMSgt (Ret) Gary L. Hudgens

Name:  Jim Stewart,                  Sep 09,  2003
Email:  jstewart@centurytel.net
URL:  

Comments:  RE:  377 SPS Reunion January 29 - February 1, 2004, Albuquerque, NM

The 377 SPS Reunion mailing is going out this week from the Reunion Brat to the 500 377 Alumni for whom I have postal addresses.  If someone hasn't received a notice within 2 weeks they should email me, write to me or call me.  I may not have a current address for them.

Please post this on the 377 SPS web site.  I hope to see you in Albuquerque.

Jim Stewart, O.D.
377 SPS K-9 9/67-9/68
PO Box 67
Montrose, MI 48457-0067
Ph:  810-639-5755

Name:  Leonard Corwin,                  Sep 03,  2003
Email:  Packaback@msn.com
URL:  

Comments:  I reported for duty in Nov 1967, went through incountry training, as an A1C.  I had a few months of experience and felt I was becoming a seasoned Vietnam AP, when TET '68 hit.  Alpha Flight had the early morning shift and half a day, relieving Charlie flight (permanent night flight).

The guardmount before TET, we were briefed that intel reports indicated that major attacks were expected all over the country.  We were advised to be on alert and be ready for a possible attack that night.  As I remember, it was about 2:30 A.M. when all hell broke loose.  The base began taking heavy rocket, morter, and massive ground force assaults.

I was sleeping in my fatigues with boots on, when I woke to the sound of explosions everywere.  Almost immediately, as shrapnel was ripping through the barracks walls, the rocket attack siren went off.  I rolled off the bunk onto the floor grabbed my gear and crawled to the exit door.  As I left the barracks, the ground attack horn went off and I felt my hairs standing up on the back of my neck.  You could see explosions everywhere you looked, and the sky was full of tracers.

We had trucks stationed behind the barracks, each containing one aluminum coffin with the gear for a "Quick Reaction Team (QRT)"; One M60 machine gun, 2 MG barrels, about 16 M16s, a case of slap flares, a case of hand grenades, 40mm M148 rounds in bandoliers, bandoliers of loaded M16 magazines, a motorola field radio and deployment instructions to a particular sector position, where the QRT was to dig in and hold that piece of land unless ordered otherwise.

I leaped up onto the Alpha sector QRT truck, was issued an M-16/w148 attached and became the QRT Alpha rifle team leader.  As I was cramming grenades in my gear as well as bandoliers of ammo, another AP grabbed my arm, screaming, "Oh my God, Look", amidst the explosions and gun fire, I looked up to see the last Freedom Bird, full of troops who had served their tours and bound for home, rocketing up into the dark sky, almost straight up, up and away.  It made it, as our troops let out a loud cheer.

We headed out to our position which was a few hundred yards to the right and rear of the 0-51 Bunker and Gate.  On the way, a rocket hit near the 2 1\2 ton truck lifting us into the air.  We proceeded to about a quarter mile from our designated position, gathered our gear and crawled to our position under fire.  The enemy had overrun the 0-51 Bunker and Gate, and were also crawling toward us.  The incoming rounds were low and tight to the ground, and we had no cover.  We immediately returned fire.  My memory is weak on the duration of the fighting, I think the fighting went on for about three days.  We melted both machine gun barrels, ran out of everything, and had to be supplied by air.

Choppers and Phantoms were pounding the positions of the enemy just yards in front of us.  If it weren’t for those brave guys we would have been overrun and killed.

As I said, I served 30 consecutive months in the 377th SPS, and have plenty of stories, some sad, some hillarious.  I'm excited to find this site, as it woud be great to find some of the best men and friends you could ever.  Men you could trust your back to.

Signing off

Name:  Phil Monagan,                  Aug 22,  2003
Email:  Monaganlaw@aol.com
URL:  

Comments:  Dear Sir, I have in my possession a cloth bush hat(?)(I'm not a vet)that appears to be quite a keepsake, which I found at a rock show in the late 70's.  This item recently resurfaced in my attic and I want to find it's owner, or his family, etc.  It has several distinctive and ribald patches-one says "377 Security Police Squ. - QRT" another "sex relieves tension",etc.  It has references of "72 T.S.N. 73" and "Cam Ranh Bay."

I believe, I found this at the "Lenox Inn", an outdoor concert venue in the Berkshire Mountain area of Mass.  The show could have been Hot Tuna, but I'm not sure.  The front patch says "Vietnam - if you haven't been there-shut the fuck up."  Is the owner of this out there - or maybe one of his pals?

Please contact me.

Phil Monagan-Waterbury,Connecticut

Name:  Bernard C. Gifford (SMSgt Ret),                  Aug 11,  2003
Email:  bgif@msn.com
URL:  

Comments:  Hello, All is well, I received the CD's of the TET offensive and would believe I could not listen to them without getting all emotional.  It was just like it was happening all over again.  I may try again at a later date, but not sure if I will ever be able to listen to them.  One would have to have been there to know or understand just what I am try to convey.  God bless all who were there and survived.

Keep up the outstanding work on these sites.

A Friend,

Name:  Robert R. Jones,                   Aug 01,  2003
Email:  DadandNan7@aol.com
URL:  

Comments:  After so many years, I finally found this web site.

I was with the 377th from Apr 1972 till the next to the last aircraft in 1973.  My name is TSgt Robert R. Jones, commonly called Bob Jones from Oklahoma.  I worked in the orderly room for several months as an assistant to the Sleeve until the troops came in from Cam Rahn Bay and with their transfer, a multitude of problems arose, (mail, finances, etc.) so I went to work as the Security Police Omsbudsman answering only to the Wing Commander, Colone Odell ( a fine gentleman as well as commander);.

My primary associates while in country were Gerald Orman, Eugene Potts and Dave Sebastian.  We lived together in one end of the barracks when we downsized and moved out of the 1300 area.  I retired as a Master Sergeant while stationed at Beale AFB, Ca in 1979.

I just retired from my second career, Chief of Police for 22 years in my home town of Oilton, Oklahoma.  I have some information (first hand) about agent orange and prostate cancer.  I urge all of you to continue screening.  I almost waited too late but am on the road to recovery.

Thanks Mr. Penley for a wonderful way to remember.

Name:  Jim Brennan,                   Jul 16,  2003
Email:  jjb923191_1@juno.com
URL:  

Comments:  I am a Vet Nam Vet.  My name is Jim Brennan.  I spent a year at Tan Son Nhut AB from 1965 April to 1966 March.  I have just found this page and am looking forward to seeing it.

Thank You So Much.

Jim Brennan
MSGT (Retired)
USAF/SP

Name:  Frank Addington,                   Jul 16,  2003
Email:  faddington@unionlender.com
URL:  

Comments:  I was a member of the 377th from January until April 1973 when they moved us over to NKP Thailand after the ceasefire.  I was a dog handler.  Looking for any former members of my unit .  Please feel free to e-mail me anytime.

Thanks

Frank Addington

Name:  Ronald N. Doggett,                   Jun 19,  2003
Email:  rdspur@totalaccess.net
URL:  

Comments:  Being on "C" Flt. nights we worked with the 509th MPs, the NCO in charge was Sgt. Young.  We used to go to Saigon (Hotel "73") to party.   Sgt. Young would provide a 3/4 ton army truck for us to go in and post a man on the back with a machine gun (backend of truck was covered) and high-tail-it to town around 5 AM when we got off duty.

While in the hotel, we were guarded by the "White Mice" as there commissioner was invited for that purpose.  Two young Viet boys ran the place, Claymore and I don't remember the other's name.  We would party most of the day then back to the base!

Does anyone remember the 509th?  Our commander was Msgt. Tony Morscolla (sp).  We did this a few times, not to often.  Sgt. Young was a good guy.

Just remembering.

Ronnie Doggett Sgt.
Dec. 66 to Dec.67

Name:  Ronald N. Doggett,                   Jun 19,  2003
Email:  rdspur@totalaccess.net
URL:  

Comments:  Ronald N. Doggett, Sgt, Dec 66 to Dec 67.

Also manned entry points 0-51 Gate, Main Gate, Viet Airborne, machine gun bunkers between the base and French minefield facing Saigon, VIP villa downtown Saigon and other posts in Saigon.  The villa we guarded along with Nung guards, when vips were there and every bar, must have been a 100!

Also pulled QRT like everyone else.  Our jail was running over nightly.  I was part of "C" Flight nights only, under Msgt Tony Marascola (sp) the BEST!

I served with honor and with pride with what I think was among the finest young men "377th Air Police.  Then in like June 377th Security Police TSN !!!!

Thanks for the memories, and may God Bless You All!!!

Name:  Wayne Simoneaux,                   May 30,  2003
Email:  wsimoneaux@rafalaw.com
URL:  

Comments:  This is written on behalf of an airman assigned to the 377th SPS from June 1971 to June 1972.  The only police training he had was SP Combat Prep, so he spent his year on security duties.

The VA, of course, refuses to acknowledge that there was any "combat" or trauma associated with enemy attack.  His name is not given here because I don't yet have his permission to do so.  However, I would be grateful for any contact recalling events at the scene from other members of the 377th SPS.

My Vietnam service was with the Army, 101st Airborne, also during 1971 to 1972.  Twenty years of legal advocacy for disabled veterans.

Wayne Simoneaux
Accredited VA Claims Agent
Law Office of Robert A. Friedman
(at the bar of the Court of Appeals for Veterans' Claims).

Name:  James Yost,                   May 13,  2003
Email:  JAMESYOST447@aol.com
URL:  

Comments:  My name is James E. Yost.  I was stationed at Tan Son Nhut in the 377th Security Police Squadron from Jun 1970 to Dec 1971.  I was assigned to Delta Sector, Charlie Flight.  I loved that night duty.  I then was moved into Heavy Weapons.

Welcome home and never forget.

Thank you,

Jim Yost

Name:  Franco A. Briones,                   May 06,  2003
Email:  fbriones49@earthlink.net
URL:  

Comments:  My name is Franco (Francisco) Briones.  If I remember correctly I believe I was in Alpha Sector, Heavy Weapons.  I served at Nhut from July 1970 thru 1971.  Please put my name in the guess book.

Thank you,

Franco Briones

Name:  Dale Webb,                   May 05,  2003
Email:  Dalewebb729@cs.com
URL:  

Comments:  Greetings fellow Brothers,

My name is Dale Webb, I served in the 377th as a SGT from Dec 69- Dec 70.  I worked flight line security, permiter fenceline and on the water towers.   My last assignment was working in the arms room day shift.  Upon leaving the Air Force in 72, I became a police officer in Louisiana.  In 79 I joined the Army as Military Policeman.  I may be contacted at my email address.  I am currently on active duty at the pentagon.

Name:  Thomas R. Sawyers,                   Apr 30,  2003
Email:  TBxTRS@aol.com
URL:  

Comments:  Welcome Home Brother, My Name is:  Thomas R. Sawyers.

I was on Tan Son Nhut AB,RVN from; Aug. 1969 thru 1970 with the 377th SPS and cross trained to the 12th TRS then to the 16th TRS.

I wonder if you could help me out just a bit.  I am looking for action reports/after action reports for this time in my life.  I am 53 now and I have diabetes and high blood pressure, and I can't remember as well as I used to and I have a C&P coming up soon and I don't want to look totally stupid.

Please help me out.

Name:  Richard "Dick" Brown,                   Apr 24,  2003
Email:  richardbrownn@earthlink.net
URL:  

Comments:  I was in th 377th Air Police Squadron from Aug 65 to Aug 66.  I was a SSgt and worked in Central Security Control for about 5 months, then moved to the Joint Command post for my last six months.  Worked for a Capt Creek, USArmy and another Army Capt, can't remember his name.

I was working the radio in the Joint Command post the night of April 4th.  It made a believer out of me.

I later severed a year tour at Bien Hoa.  I was Asst. Flight Commander swings shift for about five months then took over a Law enforcement shift for the remainder of my tour.  I remember some of the names from TSN, but not to well as there were some many men.I also remember Lt Duc.

Thanks for the memories.  It was a good time and a bad time.

Dick (Brownie) Brown

Name:  SSgt Dale A. Spenser,                   Apr 07,  2003
Email:  Dale.Spencer@aviano.af.mil
URL:  

Comments:  I've been in the service for 6 years and for the first 4 I've been stationed at Kirtland were the 377th SFS are.  I've always been intrested in history and by visiting this web site I've learned a lot and have the highest respect for all of you that are out there.  By going through the web site it has gave me a feeling of pride knowing that the 377th is more than just another SF squadron.

Thanks.

Name:  Charles Penley,                   Apr 02,  2003
Email:  

Name:  King Nestor,                      800 BC
Email:
URL:  

Comments:  " But now is the time for the younger men to lock in rough encounters, time for me to yield to the pains of old age.   But there was a day I shone among the champions."

Homer, The Illiad, 23.715-719 (800 BC). King Nestor of Pylos.

Name:  Cliff Uranga,                   Mar 09,  2003
Email: clifgail@cox.net
URL:  

Comments:  My name is Clifford Gregory Uranga.  I was assigned to the 377th Security Police Squadron when the combat security police squadron at Phan Rang Airbase was deactivated and was the NCOIC of the Investigation Section for a period of time until my tour was completed in 1970.  CS MSgt. Freeman was my supervisor; he was the operations NCO.  I was a SSgt. at the time, I was assigned there.  I have been retired from the Air Force since 1982 and now live in Oklahoma City and am a Major in the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office overseeing the Detention Bureau which houses 2700 inmates.

I would like to locate others who served at the same time.

Thanks for putting this website together.

Cliff Uranga

Name:  Lydia Mousner,                   Mar 09,  2003
Email: mousner@medicine.tamu.edu
URL:  

Comments:  You have a wonderful web site -  it offers a great healing effect.

My husband, Sgt. Charles Hebron, was killed on Jan 31, 1968 during the Tet Offensive at Tan Son Nhut Airbase.  He was a member of the 377th Air Police.  I think he was in Bunker 51 - but I'm not sure anymore.  He was in the bunker that was first attacked and all but one airman was killed.

I remember that he called me the Friday before the attack.  My prayers and thanks go out to all of you who served during those years.

FROM THE WEB MASTER:  I will send you a lenghty and private email.

Name:  Terry Galat,                   Mar 07,  2003
Email: moparman@zbzoom.net
URL:  

Comments:  My memory of the layout of Tan Son Nhut gets worse as the years go by but when I was there in 1966, I used to go to the motor pool and sign out a vehicle for sand bag detail.  I think the motor pool at that time was located on the street that came from the main gate.

If you went through the main gate and down towards the end of that street, the motor pool was on the left side of the street.

I volunteered for sandbag detail to get off of post for a few days and I was one of a few that had a license to operate a 1 1/2 or 2 1/2 ton truck.

I hope this helps and if I am wrong please let me know where it was.  I hope you are doing well.

Your friend,

Terry Galat

Name:  Susan Fountain,                   Mar 03,  2003
Email: susiefountain@iquest.net
URL:  

Comments:  My husband was at Tan Son Nhut, 1967 - 1968, in the 377th Security Police Squadron.  He found this web site and wanted to send his name in.

Have you heard from anyone named Gregg Briggs, a friend of his there?

My husband's name is Jim Fountain from Indianapolis, IN.

Thanks

Susie Fountain

Name:  Larry C. Gaskins,                   Feb 26,  2003
Email: larry@lcgaskins.com
URL:  

Comments:  I was with the 377th Air Police Squadron from April 1966 - April 1967, as a K-9 Handler.  How can I get listed on the website or send info to you?

Larry C. Gaskins

FROM THE WEB MASTER:  I left off Gaskins Air Force serial number and sent him a private email.

Name:  Charles Penley,                   Feb 24,  2003
Email: http://users.chartertn.net/cepenley/chief/index.html

Name:  Charles Penley,                   Feb 21,  2003
Email: http://users.chartertn.net/cepenley/alpha/index.html

Name:  Chieu Van Phung,                   Feb 21, 2003
Email: lienpham11243@yahoo.com
URL:  

Comments:  To all members of 377th Air Force Police Squadron.

My name is Chieu Van Phung, former VNAF Colonel.  In 1968, I was a Major, Cdr. of the Defense Group of 33rd VNAF Wing, of Tan Son Nhut Air base, and Deputy Commander of TSN Sensitive Area under LTC Cuong Kim Luu, Commander.

I remember, Colonel Peebles was Cdr. of the 377th USAF Support Group, and LTC Carter, Cdr. 377th Air Police Squadron,at that time.   There were 18,000 Americans on base, and I met many of you every day around TSN air base or in the Joint Defense Operations Center (JDOC).

It brings back to my memory of the VC General Offensive of Jan 31, 1968.  the VC did exploded the mine field and the perimeter fence close by the Bunker O-51, they also destroyed that bunker occupied by USAF Air Police by hand grenades.  And they continued to progress through, toward the direction of aircraft parking south, belonging to the 33rd VNAF Wing.

They (VC) were held by the combined VNAF and USAF 1st line defense forces, until, I came out with the Armor 24, platoon tanks to re-enforce the 1st line defense.  By our strong counter attack, VC had no chance but to withdraw out of TSN Air base.  They left behind 187 dead bodies and many weapons.

On the VNAF side, we had two (2) killed and four (4) wounded, that included Col. Cuong and myself.  It was the first (and only) unforgetable ground battle that USAF and VNAF has encountered at TSN air base.

I would like to hear from all USAF men that had worked and fought with us at TSN air base.  Myself, I appreciate all of the USAF members that helped us to protect TSN Air Base.

-----I would like to know about Col. Peebles and Capt. Holliday.-----   I would very happy if any one can help me.-----

Contact me:
E-mail:  lienpham11243@yahoo.com
This is My daughter-in-law's e-mail.

Special thanks to retired CMSgt. C.E. Guynn that gave me this HTML.

Name:  Larry Mayes,                   Feb 17,  2003
Email: LarryM@bigmentors.com
URL:  

Comments:  Charles, And boy was that guy a gentleman!!  I cross trained into the Security Police upon return from TSN in 1970 and Billie Jack was the “detailer” for SP officers and came to brief us on career field issues during our Security Police Office Basic Course.  We developed a close “once served at TSN” bond that stayed between us until his death.  I had the pleasure of being the first SP Basic Course graduation guest speaker at the Carter Center at Lackland AFB and later spoke at my own son’s graduation from SP Tech School … the Carter Center is a place Billie Jack would love … thanks for remembering.

Larry Mayes
Colonel, USAF (Retired)

Name:  Mike Lemley,                   Feb 14,  2003
Email: boots@cybrtown.com
URL:  

Comments:  My nephew, Todd Scott, whom I'm very proud of was guarding Air Force One until about a week ago when he got orders for Kuwait.  He has the utmost respect for us Vietnam Security Police, in fact he calls us the "Real Deal".  Would it be possible for you and any other 377th SPS to send him and the other guys in his squadron an email or letter?  I know an email from one of us would more than make his day.

I know how we felt when we stepped off that plane at Tan Son Nhut.  I'm enclosing a pic of him with Air Force One.  Thanking you and anyone else of the 377th in advance for emailing him your support.

Mike Lemley

Name:  Jim Stewart,                   Feb 12,  2003
Email: jstewart@centurytel.net
URL:  

Comments:  Gentlemen of the 6220th Air Police Sq., 6250th Air Police Sq., 377th Security Police Sqdn, Tan Son Nhut Air Base.

THIS REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION !!!

Carl Bender, the 377th SPS Operations Officer 1967-68, is undertaking a project to document the history of our unit.  This is a monumental undertaking which deserves the participation of each one of us.  Don't wait!!  There is less than a year until our reunion.  A project like this takes a lot of time to do properly.

Here is the main text of his email to all of us.

"I want it all.  From 1964 thru 1973.  Not just action footage.  Anything to do with the 377th and Tan Son Nhut Air Base.

I am especially interested in any action photos and after action photos.  Yes this is a BIG task.  In fact I'm not sure it can be completed in one year.  But I want to document what the 377th and the men in it have done.

This project will make this reunion most memorable.  I need your help and any one else that you can recruit.  I am looking for pictures, still, movie, video of the activities of the 377th Security Forces at Tan Son Nhut Air Base just outside of Saigon, (HoChi Minh City) Republic of South Vietnam.  Many have served in this squadron, many have fought combat there and seven that I know of have died in battle.

Not only for the reunion but as a documentary for all who have served we should collect all that is available to show to all who are now serving and will serve in the future.   Any film clips of Tan Son Nhut or the 377th should be collected to produce this documentary.

The USAF historical library, major news services and individuals would be the main sources of information.  I'm a little late in trying to get all this ready within one year, but I think it is a worthy cause.  I know how important my slides were in my presentation to the Air Warfare School at McGuire AFB / Fort Dix and the USAF Reserve Camp in Texas.

By the way I spoke at commencment at Lackland in 1985 and there was a Col. BOND (?) who was there at TSN, who afterward came up and thanked me for documenting actions at the time of the TET Offensive.  He may have some photos.   Col.John E. (Gene) Tucker, I know has some pictures, because I took some of him with his camera.  This project could also be of interest to AFSPA for their annual gathering. I am still working full time, but will serve as point of contact for any material we can collect."

Carl A. Bender

Some things you might wish to consider in providing items to this effort:

1)  DON'T SEND ORIGINALS.  Photos can be inexpensively reproduced on a COLOR Xerox-type copier.  B&W copiers don't reproduce the detail as well even on B&W pictures.  At my local Kinkos I can reproduce about 6 photos on one sheet for about $1.
2)  Have 8mm movies converted to VHS videotape.  It makes it easier to edit.
3)  Identify the subject and year.  You may be the only person who knows who or what the subject is.
4)   Remember, A poor quality photo CAN'T be improved in the reproduction.
5)  Many of us took 35mm slides.  Go through them, pick out the good ones.  They can be scanned with some computer scanners or put on a CD ROM disk by some photo shops.
6)   Don't write on the back of photos with markers which will bleed through.
7)  Print so someone else can understand what you have written.

LET'S DIG OUT THOSE SCRAP BOOKS AND GET IN ACTION NOW.

Jim Stewart
377 SPS Reunion planner

Name:  William B. Pope,                   Feb 12,  2003
Email: gpope2@carolina.rr.com
URL:  

Comments:  I served at Tan Son Nhut from 68 - 69 as a 377th Security Policeman and on the Quick Reaction Team (QRT) teams.  It was my honor to do my part to serve our country.

I'm still trying to make it back home but so far I haven't reached my goal.  I made it back to Charlotte, NC.  But it is not home any more, not the one I left behind.  When I left for Vietnam for some of you, you know the hell I'm talking about.  I know with God's help, someday I'll make it.

I take my hat off to each of you, and say a little word of thanks to you.

God Bless each and everyone of you.

Name:  Chris Godfrey,                   Feb 05,  2003
Email: oscar18@sbcglobal.net
URL:  

Comments:  Any chance of locating the two troops who were assigned to my Golf-3 Security Alert Team during the 1968 TET Offensive?  Both of these troops were drawn from individual Sectors and assigned to me the night before the offensive (attact) started.

Chris Godfrey

FROM THE WEB MASTER:  Phil William's, e-mailed me a photograph of an interior portion of Joint Defense Operations Center ( JDOC ) and the map that was utilized to help plot where the location of rocket and mortar attacks were coming from.  Please go to URL:   http://users.chartertn.net/cepenley/jdoc/index.html

From EVERY MEMBER of the 377th Security Police Squadron:

In Memory of the Columbia Disaster:  Feb 1, 2003, 0900 hours ( EST )

< SILENT POST >

Name:  Jim Stewart,                   Feb 01,  2003
Email: jstewart@centurytel.net
URL:  

Comments:  Guys, there has been a slight bit of confusion.  The reunion for the 377 SPS is a whole year away.  January 2004.  It takes time to plan these things.   I wanted to give you enough time to move things around so you could come.

If you are in contact with any of your OLD buddies, please have them contact me by email or postal mail so that I am sure they are on the database to be contacted by me or by the Reunion Brat with reunion info as it comes available.

Thanks for the great positive response so far.  I have been contacted by 89 guys who have expressed interest in attending.   Spouses and significant others are to be invited too.  You don't think I just want to look at you old guys for three days.  Ha!!

The 377 SFS on Kirtland AFB is excited about our reunion there.   We plan to have a great time.  Keep in touch.

If you have not seen the 377 SPS web site you are missing a great site that our old buddy Charles Penley has produced.  He is also the web master for the Tan Son Nhut Association.  The TSNA has the best veterans' patch in the world.

1.  377 SPS is at URL:   http//:users.chartertn.net/cepenley/index.html

2.  TSNA is at URL: http//:www.tsna.org

Take a look at both sites. Dr. Jim Stewart

FROM THE WEB MASTER:  Phil William, emailed me one page of the 377th Security Police Squadron, Central Security Control Blotter, dated 5 May 1968.  I have HTML coded it and placed it on the CSC web page at URL: http://users.chartertn.net/cepenley/csc/index.html

Name:  Jim Stewart,                   Jan 28,  2003
Email: jstewart@centurytel.net
URL:  

Comments:  I received information today that the dedication of the Air Force K-9 Pedestal at the War Dog Memorial at Ft. Benning, Columbus, GA would take place Saturday, May 10, 2003.

Jim Stewart

Name:  Joseph D. Potter,                   Jan 28,  2003
Email: joseph.potter@ns.sympatico.ca
URL:  

Comments:  Hi, you probably don't hear from many of the augmentees, but here is one.  I was assigned for the month of May "66."  I was posted to the C-130 ramp (transit ammo dump area) (nice trip flares) and also to a tower over looking the salvage yard.

It was a far cry from my AFSC (Recipocating Aircraft Maintanance Specialist) "mechanic" with the 309th and the 12th Air Commando Sq.'s (RANCH HAND), but very interesting.

I don't think there were orders drawn up, at least I don't have a copy of same.  Come to think of it, I don't believe we were even thanked for being part of base security (augmentee) for a month.

Anyway it will be a memory forever etched in my mind.  I left VN on Dec 7th. after the intrusions of the 4-6 Dec.

Any chance there might be a roster for that time frame?

Nice site, Thanks,

Joe Potter

FROM THE WEB MASTER:  Joseph, you are exactly correct in that the Security Police Augmentees need to be added to the web page.  I have today, added the web page that pertains to the augmentees.  You can access it from the 377th Security Police main page at URL:   http://users.chartertn.net/cepenley/index.html  Or you can access it directly at URL:   http://users.chartertn.net/cepenley/augmentees/index.html

Name:  Charles Crockett,                   Jan 23,  2003
Email: crockett@rocketmail.com
URL:  

Comments:  377 SPS / K-9 unit Tan San Nuht 70-71.

Respectfully

Charles Crockett

Name:  Phil Williams,                   Jan 23,  2003
Email: pwilliams66@nc.rr.com
URL:  

Comments:  Not sure of what you want in this email, so will include whatever I can remember.  Hope it’s enuff -- or not too much.

The site looks great.

Thanks

Sgt. Phillip E. Williams
377th SPS
TSN, RVN Dec 69 ~  Dec 70

Worked in Alpha Sector for awhile, most of the year in JDOC.

Name:  Derrill Dickerson,                   Jan 23,  2003
Email: dickersondw@juno.com
URL:  

Comments:  Good morning, I just read a recent e-mail regarding the reunion on 1/4/04 at Kirkland AFB, and saw the info on your site.  Some really great pictures and such.  I worked in the Armory with a SSgt Phil Whitlock (current whereabouts unknown) 69-70, (all) night shift.  I still feel I had some "choice duty", as it was out of the rain and did not require survival by "C rats".  I remember a great sandwich stand in the 1300 area - probably was VC run like the barber!

Please sign me on the log book:

Derrill W. Dickerson (Sgt, 11/69-11/70)

Thanks for the visit down memory lane - I'll stop back later on to look at more pages.

Derrill W. Dickerson

Name:  Charlie Stauffer,                   Jan 22,  2003
Email: CBS0326@aol.com
URL:  

Comments:  Just received a notice about the 377th Security Police Squadron Reunion next January.  I was originally assigned to the 377th SPS, but 4 days later, I was drafted directly into the 7th AF, IGS, Directorate of Security Police, which was under Colonel Feldman and Colonel Shannon at the time (1969 - 1970.)

The aerial view of the 1300 area, B.X. and the Army Heliport sure brought back some memories.

Charlie Stauffer
TSgt, Retired

Name:  Calvin W. Stickley Jr.,                   Jan 22,  2003
Email: DAMCOP@aol.com
URL:  

Comments:  Enjoyed the memories.  Was assigned to Headquarters 7th AF (IGS), Security Police, July 1969 - July 1970.  Passed through the 377th SPS Compound on a daily basis.

Calvin W. Stickley, Jr.
CMSgt, USAF/Retired

Name:  Jim Stewart,                   Jan 22,  2003
Email: jstewart@centurytel.net
URL:  

Comments:  Guys, there has been a slight bit of confusion.  The reunion for the 377 SPS is a whole year away.  January 2004.  It takes time to plan these things.   I wanted to give you enough time to move things around so you could come.

If you are in contact with any of your OLD buddies, please have them contact me by email or postal mail so that I am sure they are on the database to be contacted by me or by the Reunion Brat with reunion info as it comes available.

Thanks for the great positive response so far.  I have been contacted by 89 guys who have expressed interest in attending.   Spouses and significant others are to be invited too.  You don't think I just want to look at you old guys for three days.  Ha!!

The 377 SFS on Kirtland AFB is excited about our reunion there.   We plan to have a great time.  Keep in touch.

If you have not seen the 377 SPS web site you are missing a great site that our old buddy Charles Penley has produced.  He is also the web master for the Tan Son Nhut Association.  The TSNA has the best veterans' patch in the world.

1.  377 SPS is at URL:   http//:users.chartertn.net/cepenley/index.html

2.  TSNA is at URL: http//:www.tsna.org

Take a look at both sites. Dr. Jim Stewart

Name:  Frank Miguel Jr.,                   Jan 20,  2003
Email: pjip2@msn.com
URL:  

Comments:  I have really enjoyed reading about my favorite Security Police Squadron.  Having known Lt Col Carter and having served with three of the four consecutive commanders, Lt Col Chambers, Lt Col Fox and Lt Col Wermers.  I was sorry and sad to hear of the loss of Col Carter, Chambers and Fox.

I am proud and fortunate to have know them.  Departed Nam in Dec 69 and retired in 71.

I believe that we were probably the only SPS to have a Main Gate bunker made of steel, designed and built by the men.  I think I also remember an APC that was modified by the men to carry a G-Gun.  All this is true if my memory hasn't failed me.  Congratulation on a great web page.

Frank J. Miguel Je. (CMS, USAF Ret)

Name:  Perry F. Baker,                   Jan 14,  2003
Email: usafretsgt@hotmail.com
URL:  

Comments:  Hi, I am Perry F. Baker and I was assigned to Tan Son Nhut in Aug 1964, under operation Top Dog #1 thru Dec 1964.

We where housed in tents the first sixty days or so.  They moved us into a bldg near the mess hall and the all ranks club, that was operated by the navy so was the BX.  Central Security Controlwas next to the mess hall.

When we arrived in country, I think   the man power was about eighty or so.  We added about 150 men to the Sq. we had four forty man flights, plus augmention troops.

The Top Dog TDY's went #1 thru #3 each lasting 121 days, the Air Police started the build up.

Talk to you later, thanks.

Perry

FROM THE WEB MASTER:

33rd Air Base Squadron
6220th Air Police Squadron
6250th Air Police Squadron
377th Air Police Squadron
377th Security Police Squadron

We are having a Reunion (for everyone, not just K-9) on January 30, 31 and Feb 1, 2004, in Albuquerque, NM, near Kirtland AFB.

( Thursday ) January 29, 2004 Arrival date
( Friday ) January 30, 2004 Reunion activities
( Saturday ) January 31, 2004 Reunion activities
( Sunday ) Feb 1, 2004 Farewell Breakfast

Any ideas you have are welcome.  Please send me any addresses or email addresses you have for your OLD buddies so I can expand the 377 SPS database.  We don't want to miss anyone.

I have had contact with the 377 Security Forces Squadron on Kirtland AFB and they are excited that we are having our reunion in Albuquerque, NM and we will be planning some combined activities with the squadron.

53 people have answered my email about the reunion and have expressed interest in attending.  I have just sent out 160 post cards to the people for whom I didn't have an email address but had a postal mailing address.

I'll keep in touch.  If you change email addresses please let me know ASAP.

Jim Stewart, OD

Please e-mail Jim Stewart at:  ***    jstewart@centurytel.net    ***

Name:  Joseph Potter,                   Jan 08,  2003
Email: joseph.potter@ns.sympatico.ca
URL:  

Comments:  Hi, my name is Joseph (Joe) Potter , I was stationed at Tan Son Nhut from the 5th of January till the 7th of December 1966.

I was first assigned to the 309th Air Commando Sq., on my arrival in Nam.  Then spent the month of May "66" with the 377th Air police as an augmentee.  I stood guard at the transit ammo dump on the C-130 row next to the photo mapping wing office and in the tower over looking the truck junk yard.

Then on July 1st, I was assigned to the 12th Air Commando Sq. (Ranch Hand) till I left on December 7th 1966.  Three days after some of the Air Police were killed in a VC raid into the base.

I was suposed to move into the Police barracks for the month, so I would get the wake up call, but elected to say in my own (Tilton Hilton #3) that was ok till I over slept one morning and was late getting to the armory and got my a-- reamed and read an artical 15?  Then sent by a Sgt Pierce to see his NCOIC, a Sgt Hancock, and as it turned out Hancock and I were neighbors in Waltham, Ma., and we ended up having a few beers and reminiscing about our home town and getting drunk.

So much for an a --  chewing.  ha ha.

Lots of Memories there,

Joe Potter

Name:  James Howard,                   Jan 07,  2003
Email: jhowardsr@earthlink.net
URL:  

Comments:  I was in the 377th Air Police Squadron, on Tan Son Nhut from Mar 1966 to Mar 1967.  Col. Johnson was the Squadron Commander and Major Fox was the Operations Officer.

I did not live in the 1300 Area.  My barracks was one of the older barracks next to the Armory and across the road was the Operations Building.  Lt Duncan was also in Operations.

I will never forget Dec 4-6, 1966.   One of our guys was awarded the Silver Star, but I can't remember his name.  He was manning an M-60 MG in the bunker next to me and he had it trained on the South end of the concertina wire where the VC were coming across the flightline.

Photo's of the dead VC, I think around twenty or twenty-five, revealed that two of them were our base barbers.  I remember that there was a big article in either Time or Newsweek Magazine, covering the attack with photos of some of the Air Police vehicles that the mortars had hit.

SGT James Howard

Name:  Frank Amalfitano,                   Jan 05,  2003
Email: malfil@aol.com
URL:  

Comments:  Hi my name is Frank Amalfitano.  My dog was JEFF, he died in Nam of an unknown disease.  I would like to know more about the handlers of Tan Son Nhut.

Name:  Jim Lewis,                   Jan 04,  2003
Email: Jimnapril121@cs.com
URL:  

Comments:  My name is James Lewis.  I was in the Army at the time of the attack that took place on DEC. 4 or 5th.  I am not sure of the date it has been a long time.

I was a Spec. 4 and I was on guard duty that night at the Army Helicopter base.  I was at a back gate by a road, across the road was were the guard dogs were held.  The guard post I had, did not have any sand bags or anything for protection, when the attack started.  I rang the officer on duty and told him and also told him I was getting out of the shack.  I ran across the street and jumped into a drainage ditch.  While I was in the ditch and things were pretty hectic an Air Force guy came crawling down the ditch.  I challenged him and found out he was OK.  He had an M-14 but he was stuck with no ammo.   I gladly gave him a couple of clips.

In the middle of all this confusion here comes a staff car driving down the road, fast, and it was going into the heliport.  I yelled, "stop, dung ly" and a lot of other things and it stopped.  It was a 3 or 4 star General, it was dark and I saw a lot of stars.  He asked me if everything was OK and I told him all was OK and he turned around and went back were he came from.

It went on for a while longer then it was over.  I went to see the Air Force guy the next day and looked at some of the dogs.  I remember one of them was shot in the nose.  I don't remember the Air Force guys name but maybe he is still alive and remember the night.

I was with the 98th trans. 120th Aviation Co.

Just surfing the Internet and found this web site keep up the good work.

Jim Lewis

FROM THE WEB MASTER:  Jim, you are correct, the attack began on Dec 4, 1966 and did not end until the night of Dec 5th.  During that particular attack, we lost three Air Policemen.  One of the three AP's was a Sentry Dog Handler and three Sentry Dogs.  Hope that one of the Air Policemen recognizes the night and gets in contact with you.

Thank you for coming by the web page and for your memories of that night.

Name:  Charles Penley,                   Jan 01,  2003
Email:

FROM THE WEB MASTER:  Today is Jan 01, 2003.  I hope that everyone had their wishes granted from the year 2002.  However, I am personally wishing each and every one of you a better year in 2003.  So what do you want to talk about this year?  I would like to hear from all who come to this web page.  How can this web page help you better informed?