It’s in the books – the 12^th Annual VSPA Reunion, held at Sam’s Town Resort, Las Vegas , Nevada on October 4-8, 2006 was one great time!

As usual, our K-9 personnel opened the “Dawg Pound” on Tuesday night to meet and greet all of our attendees.  We took over the atrium in the hotel and “kenneled up” and made plans for our trip to the Nellis K-9 section on Wednesday.  Forty some lost soles made the trip for the K-9 tour!

By chance, we even found two new handlers in the casino – can you believe it?  Tim Nickerson (Udorn 69-70 King X921) a local LV resident, was out for an evening of fun and just ran into us. Later in the reunion we found a U-Tapao “straight leg” who later went on to become a handler at Pleiku.  It happens ever time – it’s so hard to believe.

We kicked off the reunion with our “Annual Kennel Tour” on Wednesday.  SSgt Damian Tate and his staff put on a real show for us!  Following the demo, we toured the kennel building and spent some time with the handlers from Nellis.  We were there for over three hours. Our group presented the section with a special “Air Force Art Collection – Shaw Photograph”, Thailand Challenge Coins, and Thailand patches.  In return, they provided “signature” 99^th SFS K-9 equipment that was awarded via a raffle to our old dawgs.  A very special part of the day was when Ed Warr’s grandson, Zack, had a first hand look at what “Grand Dad” did in the war!  Don Graham’s sons, James and David also had their first look at what Don did as a handler at Loring AFB (they also got to experience it, as they each took a shot at catching a dog attack – and there are photos to prove it!).

 There was slobber, sweat, and heavy breathing all over the place during the demo – and that was just Ernest Childers!  I must say, this was a great demo.  In addition, they provided the opportunity to get up close and personal with the MWDs and we also reviewed the equipment that our troops are wearing “down range”.  The Operations Officer of the 99^th made a personal appearance to welcome us “home” and thanked us for our service.  What a great day!

On the return trip from the kennels – John Risse was briefed for the first time on the fate of his MWD Duke 645F who was WIA at Pleiku in April of 1966 – it was a very special moment for everyone involved.  Welcome home John and Duke!

 Back at the hotel we all gathered again for a great dinner provided by the VSPA.  The fellowship was just tremendous – over 55 handlers, spouses, and guests just enjoyed each others company, (as well as the other 200+ straight legs!).

On Thursday, our troops joined the other members of the VSPA for a tour of Creech AFB, north of Las Vegas, the home of the “Silver Flag Alpha” desert warfare training (an updated version of our AZR course – I mean an UPDATED AND ON STEROIDS version).  During the tour we even viewed a portion of the K-9 Combat Training.  Vernon Anderson presented the Creech AFB K-9 personnel with a special “Air Force Art Collection – Shaw Photograph” and Ken Neal once again presented Thailand Challenge Coins and Thailand patches.  Our group was present with one of their Challenge Coins also.

Friday morning the group went off to Nellis AFB again.  The group viewed the Security Forces Operations, the “Petting Zoo” (the Intelligence Squadron’s collection of hand-held weapons, anti-aircraft guns, missiles, tanks, etc. in use by opposing forces all over the world today, for training and identification by our troops) and even another abbreviated “K-9 Demo”.  For this last demo, our K-9 troops were seated inside the wire for a special place of honor during the demo – WOW – another great opportunity for our guys.

Hospitality was everywhere – there were three hospitality rooms – Smoking/Non-Smoking, Alcohol/Non-Alcohol – something for everyone.  There was Alabama BBQ, Alaska Moose and Salmon, and food and beverages were everywhere.  The only thing better than the food was the company and laughter!  Ask Patsy Perrotto about the special bathroom facilities in hospitality room 840 – we couldn’t keep him out of there! 

During the entire reunion our group, headed by Ken Neal, John Homa , and Bill Wigginton, conducted raffles and silent auctions to raise funds for the Nemo Project, Old Dawgs, and Pups and the Alabama War Dog Project.  I know I’m going to forget someone, and I apologize in advance, but a special thank you goes out to Janet Wise, Bob Citrano, Kelly Bateman, Ray Rash, Bill Paddock, Ken Neal, and Bill Wigginton for their generous donations to assist with our fundraising efforts.  With the help of the VSPA members we raised the following funds:

 Nemo’s War Dog Heroes Memorial Raffle     $2,047.00

(Shadow Box) – Ken Neal ($1,740.00)

(Shield & History) – John Homa ($250.00)        

(Sentry Dog Sign) – Donated Kelly Bateman     ($57.00)        

Old Dawgs & Pups Fundraisers       $495.00

Donation – Ed Warr – Ubon - $100.00

Donation – Terry Austin – TSN - $100.00

Donation – Janet Wise – FK-9 - Mug - $20.00   

Donation – Bob Citrano – NKP - Knife/Book - $55.00

Donation – Phil Carroll – NKP/Takhli – Knife Profits $220.00

  Alabama War Dog Project:     (Bill Wigginton)       $200.00

Saturday morning the reunion kicked off with the Business Meeting – after four hours – here is a brief synopsis of the meeting: 

Once introductions took place, Phil Carroll (NKP/Takhli 70-71) was introduced as the new VSPA Membership Chairman and Jim Stastny (Korat 70-71) was appointed as part of our Chaplain Corp – Jim handled the Chaplain duties throughout the reunion and provided exceptional guidance each and every time he spoke – he made us very proud. Ken Neal was also appointed to the Photographer Program.

Our K-9 Group reported on the Nemo Project and the Old Dawgs & Pups program during the meeting.  We also thanked the members of the VSPA for their generous support on both programs. 

 Ken Neal was recognized for his efforts on the VSPA Flag, the new Challenge Coin for our Active Duty Troops, and the “Return to the Wall Coin” – Great job Ken!

On Sunday morning – Jim Stastny and President Steve Gattis led the membership in a Prayer Service for those who did not return – a very touching and memorial service.  Thank you again Jim and Steve.

Most of the troops departed Las Vegas on Sunday and headed home to reflect on a great reunion – rumor has it that George Conklin and Ron Saville are already packing for D.C.

 The following K-9 and Friends of K-9 personnel attended:

 Vernon & Sharron Anderson, Ernest Babcock, Kelly & Vicki Bateman, Charlie & Cassandra Blood, Kevin Bradley, Danny & Kathryn Brusseau, Dale & Debbie Burton,  Phil Carroll, Paul Casteel, Ernie & Cathy Childers, Bob Citrano, George Conklin, Steve & Marianne Crane, Bill & Janice Cummings, Greg Gines, Don, David, & Jim Graham, John, Linda & Jennifer Homa, J.D. & Lynda Jones, David Kaltenbach, Fabian Liendo, Al Matthews, Chuck & Holly Meaders, Monty & Cathy Moore, Ken Neal, Tim Nickerson & wife, Pat Perrottto, Don & Kathy Poss, John & Carolyn Risse, Ron Saville, Jim Stastny, Terry Strickland, Pete & Gloria Villarreal, Ed & Zack Warr, Jim & Colleen Watson,  John & Debbie Wetzel, Bill & Becky Wigginton, and Janet Wise.

 I’m getting older by the minute, and just in case I forgot anyone or anything – I apologize!  One thing is for sure – we had a blast!  Please start thinking now about attending the VSPA reunion in Washington , D.C. during the Veteran’s Day time period – exact dates will be announced as soon as the host committee of the VVA makes the announcement.  You just don’t want to miss this opportunity to join your fellow Air/Security Police veterans as we celebrate the anniversary of “the Wall”.