Home Page : News: Last Updated June 11, 2009 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! The film, Flying Men, Flying Machines, is now available online in its entirety in streaming formats. Click on the link above to watch this film about the men and women who served with Air America in Southeast Asia.
CIA Citations, Commemorative Medallion, and Postal Cachet Order Copies of Citations, Medallions, and Postal Cachets You can now view CAT/Air America Oral History Interviews online on the following web page: CAT/Air America Oral History Project. In addition to information about online transcripts and ongoing interviews, you can also find out how you can participate in this project. CAT/Air America employees and their family members are all welcome to participate in this project. In addition to being online as part of the Virtual Archive at TTU, copies of interviews will also be made available at UTD. We hope you will participate in this project to preserve and make available the individual and collective history of Civil Air Transport and Air America through the voices of those who were there. Thank you.
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