Welcome to the Gateway Web Site of the 6924th Heritage Association.

6924th Security Squadron - USAFSS (United States Air Force Security Service)

If you served with the 6924th at Da Nang Airbase RVN, Monkey Mountain (OLAA) Son Tra RVN, Ramasun Station Thailand or if you served with the unit under one of its earlier guises (Team 1A - 6920th Security Wing, Det 1 - 6923rd Security Squadron, Det 2 - 6925th Security Group, Det 2 - 6922nd Security Wing) we would like to hear from you. To find out how to join our organization and learn more about our brotherhood of "Tigers" - Please contact Mike Gilkerson at following email address: mikegilkerson@charter.net or write to: 6924th Heritage Association - P.O. Box 132 - Mascoutah, IL. 62258

Da Nang Main Site ................................................... Monkey Mountain ................................................Ramasun Station

This web site was created to provide a presence on the Internet for those of you who are searching for the 6924th. It is our hope that you will find us - make a connection and reunite with those brothers who you served with so long ago. Our main purposes are to promote Patriotic activities and to develop a group of unit members and associates to search, discover and promote the historical significance of the unit and its members throughout its existence from first activation. Just as important is the desire to stay in touch with those brothers that we served with and to meet and connect with all of those brothers who served in the 6924th from it's earliest days. Through some of our fund raising we sponsor a 6924th Scholarship Award in memory of Paul Wayne Anthony that is presented to AFROTC candidates at the University of North Carolina - Charlotte (where Paul attended). Paul was a young Airman in our squadron who was killed in a rocket attack on Da Nang - April 8, 1970.

Once you have joined our organization you will be given a membership to our main website (powered by MyFamily.com) which houses hundreds of pictures, stories, and historical notes along with a Registry List of all personnel sorted by flights (Able, Baker, Charlie, Dawg), Day Ladies, Iron Horse, AP-SP, Pioneers, Fallen Tigers, Maintenance, Monkey Mountain and Comm Center. There are many other categories of information. You will have an opportunity to post pictures or information to the web site as well as reply to postings by others. There is a weekly chat session and a monthly newsletter. You will receive a daily 6924th Heritage Association Update via email. Membership dues are only $12.00 per year - so give Mike Gilkerson a shout (see email and mailing address above) and find out what you are missing.

News and Events:

Spring 2009 UNCC Awards Ceremony - The Paul Wayne Anthony AFROTC Scholarship awards were presented to Cadet Reginald Luper and Cadet Thomas Zajac at the University of North Carolina - Charlotte on April 16th, 2009. The following 6924th members attended the Ceremony: Paul Deshaies, Ralph Jones, Alan and Mary Forbes, Al and Bess Skipper, Rex and Hazel Faris, Eddie and Jackie Brown. Paul also made a special 6924th presentation to LTC. Rose who is retiring soon.

Al Skipper presenting to Cadet Luper and Ralph Jones presenting to Cadet Zajac.

Paul Deshaies makes special 6924th award to retiring AFROTC Commander LTC. Rose.

Eddie and Jackie Brown, Paul Deshaies, Ralph Jones, Cadet Luper, Alan Forbes, Cadet Zajac, Rex Faris, Mary Forbes, Hazel Faris, Al and Bess Skipper.

Donation to "We Serve Too" Program (March 30th, 2009) - In another undertaking by our Philanthopic Committee the 6924th donated $1,000.00 to the "Randolph Elementary School - Military Kids Serve Too" program. This program provides activities for the children of Service men and women stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan to interact with their parents. Another big plus of this program is that the children are involved in collecting shoes, clothes, toys, etc. to give to other children of U.S. servicemen not attending the Elementary school and to send to children overseas. Not only are these children being given something, but they are being taught to give back to the community. Ruben and Mary Villafranca represented the 6924th in presenting the check to the school and the children (see pictures below). Ruben said that it was a real heart warming experience for he and Mary to hear the children talk about their parents stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also sent along a quote from Ms. Dana Sommers (one of the sponsors of the program) - "The children often ask me if they have pay for things and I explain that they do not because people are so proud of their parents and what their parents are doing and also what they themselves are doing - that these people want to treat them. I think seeing your face was a treat for them as they began to put faces with these mysterious people that are proud of them and their parents."

We received the following thankyou note from the Principal of the Randolf Elementary School: "All of us who are part of "We Serve Too" thank you for your very generous donation. These Elementary students, each of whom has a Mom and/or Dad serving in Afghanistan or Iraq, receive support and special fun activities through this club. It could never happen without caring, giving people like you! Thanks for your service - to our club and to our Nation. Sincerely, Karen Bessette, Principal."

Donation to FACES Program (March 2009) - Following information and picture was received from Bruce Foreman:

Left to right.   Larry Graves, Bruce Foreman, MSgt Bavin the manager of the F.A.C.E.S. program.   Credit photo by SMSgt Sarah Wagner.

"The presentation of the check from the 6924th Heritage Association took place at 1400 today at the Airman and Family Readiness office. I explained a little bit about the 6924th Scty Sq, told that we had lost one young airman to enemy fire and presented annual scholarships to deserving AFROTC students in Paul Wayne Anthony's memory. I further explained that the Association made an occasional grant as in this case to worthy and special causes. Then we posed for the picture showing the check being presented.

The program this grant goes to is Families Apart Can Endure Separation (FACES). This effort does not wait for the families of deployed troops to come to them, F.A.C.E.S. hosts two functions monthly, having the families come for a dinner or some other social event so that they know they are not totally on thier own.

I personally felt honored to make the presentation and am glad I was asked to do this. I kept my remarks short but feel that I explained enough so that the folks in that office understood our heritage and appreciated the grant even more."

Bruce Foreman

Here's some background info (provided by Gil) on the board action as proposed by the Philanthropic Committee. The committee was very comfortable with this recommendation and asked that the Board of Directors approve a $1,000 contribution to this program. The Board of Directors authorized immediate funding for $1,000 to "FACES (Families Apart Can Endure Separation) located at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas.   Richard Goldy has provided careful due diligence relative to this program.   Also Bruce Foreman, an Association member living in the Goodfellow AFB area, has volunteered to make first hand contact, deliver the check and provide photo coverage. (NOTE: The question has already been asked about this being a one-time donation or a continuing program. The answer was "this is a one-time donation unless the committee sees fit to recommend it again at a later date for a second donation".)

The following introduction was provided by one of the local leaders of the organization: The Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC), Readiness NCO is the POC for FACES. Funding is provided through donations made to Friends of Family Support and earmarked for Readiness. These events are held at least quarterly and anyone who has a loved one deployed, on a remote assignment, or TDY for more than 30 days is invited to attend. This is the opportunity for us to give to our hero’s who are in remote areas of the world making our homeland safe from those who wish to harm us. We host events that will appeal to both the children and adults, so that everyone feels like they had a good meal and a great time. Each event last an average of two hours and may include briefers to assist with identified issues, dinner out, lunch and fun out, pot lucks, BBQ’s, bowling, skating, support nights…you name it we do it to support the families. The one constant is we always provide food and drinks. We do everything we can to keep these events informal for the spouse and children. After a brief welcome we casually interact with the families and introduce families to one another, but there is never a written agenda.   In 2008, the average attendance rose to 60-65 family members per event. This is a big leap from the previous year’s 18-22 average. Families enjoy asking questions and visiting with leaders face to face, and Leadership involvement demonstrates their concern for the welfare of our families left behind. There is never a cost to the families, we pay for everything, they just attend and enjoy. Any donations made to “Friends of Family Support” in support of the Readiness program are used to directly support the families of our deployed personnel.  

Fall 2008 UNCC Awards Ceremony - The Paul Wayne Anthony AFROTC Scholarship awards were presented to Cadet Julien Adams (Sophomore) and Cadet Scott Sena (Junior) at the University of North Carolina - Charlotte on December 4th, 2008. The following 6924th members attended the Ceremony: Paul Deshaies, Ralph Jones, Alan Forbes, Al and Bess Skipper, Rex and Hazel Faris.

Det 592 AFROTC and Tigers / Tigers with Cadets Sena and Adams.

Paul Deshaies presenting Scholarships to Cadet Adams and Cadet Sena

Ralph Jones, Hazel Faris, Alan Forbes, Bess Skipper, Al Skipper and Rex Faris

Roger Polk, Terry Kearney, and Bobby Edwards represent the 6924th with a Unit Guidon Colors Presentation at The Wall. The Black Streamer is that of Paul Wayne Anthony, KIA April 8th, 1970.

New Registry List Established (29 May 2007) - Thanks to the efforts of Terry Kearney and a few others a new "6924th Pioneers Registry" has been established. This Registry is dedicated to the men who served with Team 1A, 6920th Security Wing and Detachment 1, 6923rd Security Squadron, at Da Nang Air Base and Monkey Mountain, Vietnam, 1962 - 1963. They were the troops who started us on our journey in Southeast Asia - culminating in the 6924th Security Squadron, one of the longest tenured, most highly decorated USAF units of the Vietnam War.

This is a work-in-progress as are all the Registries. Entries will be added and expanded as people are ID'd, located and their jobs defined. When new folks first come on board, many can't recall the details of their assignments (e.g., the names, AFSCs, and tour dates of others with whom they served). We suggest they check out the other Registries on the site to help "Stir the synapses". The success of these Registries is up to you. We need your help to get these Registries into shape and to correctly identify you and your brother Tigers. If you were one of us and you haven't joined the 6924th Heritage Association yet, please join us and become a part of something that you will never forget - Become a part of an organization that will always remember you.

Reunion 2009 - This year's reunion will be held in Minneapolis - September 30th through October 3rd.

March 2009 update - Registration Form now available. (click on link to open - then select File and Print). There will be a number of changes to this years's reunion. We will not be having a cash bar prior to the Welcome Dinner and Banquet Dinner as we have had in the past. We will have our pre-dinner cocktails in the hospitality room. This years's raffle will be a 50/50 drawing with 50% going to the winners and the remaining 50% going to support our philanthropic efforts. Ruben has againg volunteered to head up this project and you will see his posting in the very near future. Dave Husby suggested the possiblility of organizing a contingent of reunion attendees to visit the Minneapolis Veterans Hospital. In response to thes excellent idea, several of us will be visiting the hospital on Friday (a totally free day). Dave will be in charge of coordinating the visit. We intend to purchase and deliver needed items for hospitalized veterans. Should you have any questions or suggestions, you can email me at fishinfred@aol.com.

Fred Sepelak

January 2009 update - We continue reunion planning but allow me to give you information that is available at this time. The dates for the 2009 Minneapolis reunion are Sept. 30th thru October 3rd. We will be staying at the Minneapolis Hilton Airport Hotel. The hotel provides free shuttle service from the airport as well as other local tourist destinations. Very close to the hotel, with shuttle service available, is the Mall of America. There is light rail service from the Mall of America to downtown Minneapolis. There will be plenty of free for attendees to either go and do or just hang out at the hotel. A few of the things to do on your own will be Mall of America, Mystic Lake Casino, river or lake cruising, brewery tour, Mall of America, a zoo, art center, downtown Minneapolis to name a few. The tentative agenda planned is registration September 30th and our Welcome Dinner that evening. There will be ONE major group tour (unknown at this time) either Thursday or Friday which will be optional.   The other full day you will be on your own to do what suits your fancy.   We will provide as part of your registration package a listing of things to do and places to go. There will be a pizza night on either Thursday or Friday evening as we did last year. Our annual fund raising raffle and business meeting will, of course, be held on one of the days as the agenda is fine tuned at times that make sense.

Cost............The hotel we'll be staying at is both nicer and larger than what we had in Tucson. Room rates will be less but you can expect a per night cost of approximately $112. per night.   We're still working on the dinner selections and cost. A ball park reunion cost number for the four night stay at the Hilton, plus the Welcome Dinner, Pizza Night, Saturday evening Banquet $650 per couple. That information necessary for registration and firm cost will be posted in early March. You will make your reservation for your room directly with the hotel and there will be a separate registration for the reunion events.

We anticipate numbers will be down for the Minneapolis reunion. As you all know we are in an extremely difficult recession with many unable to attend for financial reasons. In addition, a couple of regulars will opt to attend the the San Antonio get together this year. Do know that the planners are doing everything possible to keep cost to a minimum without sacrificing the assurance that a good time will be had by all. We will continue to bring back the string of who plans to attend. Again, I cannot stress the importance of letting us know if you will be attending. Many have not responded for one reason or another. Your support and assistance is greatly appreciated as we go forward.

Fred Sepelak

Reunion 2008 - This year's reunion was held in Tucson Arizona. At this years reunion the 6924th Security Squadron Guidon and it's Award, Decoration, and Campaign streamers (1962-1973) were presented to the Members at the 2008 Reunion Welcome Dinner. You can read more about the Guidon above.

In addition to the Guidon presentation, the Ziemba family (Judy, Jack, Mike, and Michelle) designed and produced a Guidon Stand (see pictures below) which they presented to the troops at the Welcome dinner. The Ziembas are non-military friends of Fred and Connie Sepelak who "adopted" the 6924th SS several years ago for it's 15 year service in SEAsia. They are in the machining business (Aristo-Cast Co., Almont, MI) and thought that we could use a floor stand for our Guidon. It took months to complete - and it is truly a work of art. The base of the pyramidal stand is 0.5 inch aluminum, weighing in at 32-lbs. On each side are bronze casting of our "patches", representing several of the guises of the unit: Team 1-A, 6920SW ("Zobel's Zomibes" - the Pioneers); Det 2, 6924SG; Monkey Mountain; and the 6924SS.

Terry Kearney who was instrumental in researching and reproducing the Guidon had this to say: "Our Guidon, Streamers, and the Stand are both unique and send a profound message to each of us: While each saw his tour and experiences through a single, personal "lens," the Flag, Streamers, and Stand serve to mold all those experiences into a single entity. For 15 years, we WERE the Unit. Today, we ARE the Unit. Our Squadron set the standard for Combat Intelligence for decades to come. Major General Gary O'Shaughnessy recently revealed that the very techniques and methodologies we developed at Da Nang, Monkey Mountain, and Ramasun are employed today - in Afghanistan and Iraq."

Reunion 2007 - Our reunion this past October 11-14, 2007 was held in Washington, D.C. - The theme of this reunion was "Remembrance" and that certainly held true to form as we visited "The Wall" and placed carnations at the names of those who gave their lives, including our own Paul Wayne Anthony. We visited The Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, The Korean Memorial, The World War II Memorial, The Women's War Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of The Unknowns where the 6924th represented by Ralph Jones and John Thelen had the great honor of placing a memorial wreath. (see pictures below)

John Thelen, Honor Guard Member, and Ralph Jones place Memorial Wreath - 10/12/2007

At the Wall - Ralph Jones, Ed Simmons, Al Skipper - 10/12/2007

Memorial Day - May 26, 2008 - In Remembrance - Paul Wayne Anthony

The 6924th Heritage Association is a nonprofit wartime 6924th (various locations) veteran association under IRS Section 501(c)(19).

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