The  56th SFS (Luke AFB, AZ) handlers decided to dedicate their new, $1.6 million kennels and training facility to the Nightfighter K-9's of the 56th Security Police at NKP - and in memory of the three dog handlers who perished with the other Security Police and aircrew on the Mayaguez rescue mission.  They plaque that will be mounted somewhere in the new facility when construction is completed. They invited any VSPA handler to the dedication ceremony in mid-April. The announcement was made during the 2009 VSPA Reunion.

I've attached a photo of the plaque, and a few pix of us Old Dawgs at the little ceremony they held to make the presentation to us. In the group photo that's me, Bill Paddock, Warren Maynard, Mike Regan, Bob Van de Riet, Dave Kaltenbach, Patsy Perrotto, Bob Citrano, Bill Cummings (with Bob Curnick pretty much hidden behind Bill), and Richard Gear.  I threw in the one of SSgt Kitts and Kisma because they look like a recruiting poster for K-9! (Bill, Don and Monty, please feel free to use these on the various websites if you like, or email me for camera-originals.)

 Handlers at Luke AFB, Circa 2009

Standing - SSgt Kitts, SSgt Pillarella, SrA Worley, SSgt Bravo,

and TSgt Warren;  Kneeling – SSgt Alltop and SSgt Wilson

 

Courtesy of Phil Carroll - VSPA Life Member #336,
VSPA Membership Chairman , Takhli RTAFB, 355th SPS K-9, Charlie 2M45,

1970 Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, 56th SPS K-9, Tina X768, 1971
 

Nakhon Phanom  RTAB    Dogs of NKP   Handlers of NKP    

Arrival at NKP    F-105 Crash at NKP    NKP Memorial

NKP Perimeter   NKP, Then & Now    Visit to the Wall.