Air Force Communicators & Air Traffic Controllers Association

 

 

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******Latest News******

The stand up of the AF Cyber Command previously announced for Oct 1, 2008 will become a numbered Air Force.  The AF will create the 24th Air Force under the Air Force Space Command.  Major General Dick Webber has been named as the Commander.   Current announcements state that the 24th AF will be based at Lackland, AFB, TX.   The status of the Air Force Communications Agency (AFCA) at Scott AFB, Illinois has been determined, it will become the AF Network Integration Center (AFNIC) and will report directly to AF Space Command. US Space Command will also absorb the AF Frequency Management Agency.The tentative date for the Redesignation of AFCA is July 15, 2009 at Scott AFB, IL.  This means that all the awards, honors and lineage will continue from the AACS days right up till today.  Scott is now putting together an invitation list for the redesignation ceremony.

Major General Michael Basla has been named to be the Vice Commander, AF Space Command (he is a Life Member & Communicator)

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The Chief of Staff of the USAF has announced a new Cyber Policy, one with "teeth" in it.

Click here to see it

DOD TO CREATE A NEW UNIFIED COMMAND CALLED "US CYBER COMMAND"

 

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                       SAF/XC                      

                                                    

 Air Force Communicators & Air Traffic Controllers Association

Formerly called
"The AACS Alumni Association" 
(1977 to 2008)
(which stood for both the Army Airways Communications System & the Airways & Air Communication Service)

www.AFCOMMATC.ORG

Comprised of over 2,200 members (Communicators, Information/Cyber, Air Traffic Controllers, Air Field Managers, Maintenance & other Related Support personnel ) who have served or are serving in any communications or air traffic control unit. (This includes those who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps)

Or hold or held a communications, information/cyber, air traffic control. maintenance or related support skill set.
The term "Communicators" is all inclusive and it includes ALL operational, maintenance and administrative skills in the U.S. Army Air Corps and the U.S. Air Force (including Reserve and Air National Guard)

"Fellowship in the Company of Equals" is more than just motto, its who we are !!

 

ATTENTION 33RD CONVENTION GOERS !!!!

ON THE REGISTRATION FORM IN THE JUNE 2009 COMMUNICATOR, WE HAVE THE INDIAN CASINO TOUR LISTED ON FRIDAY, WHEN IT SHOULD BE ON THURSDAY.

The Registration Fee, Banquet Only cost & Tour costs are listed on the schedule and convention events.

PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF THIS WHEN YOU COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION FORM..

          

LEGACY COMMANDS/AGENCIES

  • Army Airways Communications System (AACS) - Nov 1938
  • Army Airways Communications System Wing -  Apr 1943
  • Army Airways Communications System (AACS) - Apr 1944
  • Air Communications Service (ACS) -               Mar 1946
  • Airways and Air Communications Service (AACS) - Sept 1946
  • Air Force Communications Service (AFCS) - July 1961
  • Air Force Communications Command (AFCC) - Nov 1979
  • AF Command, Control, Communications & Computer Agency (AFC4A) - May 1993
  • Air Force Communications Agency - June 1996

CURRENT COMMANDS/AGENCIES/CENTERS

  • AF Flight Standards Agency (AFFSA) - Oct 1991
  • AF Space Command
    - 24th Air Foce (Cyber) - Apr 2009
    - AF Network Integration Center (AFNIC)
     - Jul 2009
    (AFNIC & 24th AF both report directly to Space Command)
    Major Air Commands are colored
    DARK BLUE

All  current and/or past
Air Corps/Air Force/ANG/Reserve Communicators, Information/Cyber, Air Traffic Controllers, Maintenance or related  support skills in any Major Air Command or Joint Command (past or current) are eligible for membership.

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   Association Links

Links to News, Events, and Membership Information

2009 Convention
Sep 23-27, 2009

Convention Area Photos
(2009 Convention)

Membership Application  
(print a copy or join  ON-LINE)

Mailing & E-mail Address Changes On-Line

NEW MEMBERS REPORT Nov 3, 2008 - April 29, 2009)

Name Change Rationale (from AACS to AF Comm & ATC Assoc)

PX/BX Order Form & Contributions
Photos of PX/BX Items


Current Officers (w/photos)
Ham Radio Net Schedule
Scrapbook
Leadership List

Convention Proposal Form
More AACS Assoc. Info

AFC4A--Air Force Command, Control, Communications, and Computers Association


AF COMM/INFO
Hall of Fame
(1999-2008)

AF Comm & ATC Pages of Honor

POLICIES:

Constitution & byLaws
Hall of Fame Policy   (page of honor)
  

Hall of Honor policy                  
Life Achievement policy
Active Duty Awards policy
Thomas F. Buckley Service Award Policy
Convention Committee Charter
BOD Nominating Committee Charter
Fiscal Policy Charter

Convention Host Guide (contact the Executive Dir or the Exec Secretary for a copy)                 

Position Descriptions    Board of Directors
Executive Director     
Vice Director             Executive Secretary  Treasurer                 
Dir for Membership  
Editor & Publisher           Sgt-at-Arms
Dir for Information  

Term of Office for Board Members     


All visitors are welcome to sign our guest book. Tell us what you did in the AF, what units/locations you were in/at and the dates to help jog old memories.
Sign the Guestbook
View the Guestbook

NOTE 1
: When viewing the guestbook click on a person's name if it is underlined and you will receive their email address automatically.
NOTE 2: IF YOU CLICK ON "PRIVATE" ONLY THE WEB MASTER CAN READ YOUR ENTRY !!!!!!!!!

Other Links
USAF Locator--If you are looking for ex personnel, links to AF sites, click here

AF Generals & CMSAF BIOS (active & retired)

ANG Comm Units

Veteran Programs


Rohna--The Rohna Survivors Memorial Association-"The story of some of our AACS Family"

AF CYBER COMMAND

Air Force Communications Agency--Current News

AF Hall of Fame   

 
1st MOB-1st Mobile Comm Sq Homepage
2nd MOB-2nd Mobile Comm Sq.
3rd Mob 3rd Mobile Comm Sq
5th MOB-5th Mobile Comm Sq

Biak Island & Phillip Sturm

Links to Other Military Associations-Courtesy of wiredawg.net
TUSLOG Det 150
Info on all AF Bases
1882nd Comm Sq-Phan Rang RVN
AF Caribbean Mapping
AACS C-47 Transport Plane
Live ATC
South Ruislp

Comm Troop

www.retirees.af.mil


Berlin Airlift GCA
Video, please be patient, it may take a few seconds to load and requires a movie viewer, such as Windows Media Player in order to play the movie

USANewSongSalutesAFBlueL.wmv

USAF Together We Served

Veteran Friends

Questions, comments, suggestions should be directed to Hank Sauer, DirAACS@comcast.net  If you want to send Photos for the "Communicators", you can send JPEG photos to my email address or mail them to Hank Sauer, 111 Carson Lane, Oak Ridge, TN 37830-7626.  All original photos that I receive by mail are returned to the sender after scanning unless there are instructions otherwise.

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PURPOSE OF THE AF Communicators & Air Traffic Controllers Associations WEB SITE (Formerly called the AACS Alumni Association)  is to provide past and current Air Corps and Air Force Communicators, Air Traffic Controllers, Maintenance, Information/Cyber and other support skills with information to learn about the Association and who and what we are.   It also provides other useful information for our members concerning our annual conventions and other important news and announcements about the Association.   Over 65% of our members have Internet access.  Most important, is the fact that we do not "sell insurance", "barter for discounts" or "advertise any products".   We operate on annual dues ($10 per-year, which we like in two year increments to keep the paper work down) and donations and  we are in a great financial position. We sell shirts, hats, patches, pins, etc at cost plus mailing and not at a profit and we run our annual convention on a break-even basis, not as a fund raiser. All Board & Committee Members are volunteers and there is no pay for anyone.

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WHO TO CONTACT FOR ASSOCIATION INFORMATION

Walt McLain:   For Information about the Association, conventions, membership and reporting members and spouses for the"Missed Roll Call" Listing..  aacsmbrship@comcast.net or call TOLL FREE 1-866-299-1045

Ray Sharpless: For Information about Donations, PX/BX Orders and Alumni Financial status. rayshrplss@kc.rr.com

Hank Sauer:  For Information about the WEB Site and "The Communicator",  DirAACS@comcast.net                                                                                                        

Stan Phillips:  Current Executive Director,  sjpaacs@woh.rr.com

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Latest News

June 23, 2009: Congrats to BGen Ronnie Hawkins on his nomination to the grade of Major General and to Lt. General William Lord who has been confirmed in that rank.  Good news cannot get any better than this.


June 13, 2009:  See Conventions News below.  We have a signed contract with the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (September 22-26, 2010).

UPDATED MAY 1, 2009.  IMPORTANT:   The Database for membership has been purged for all members who were delinquent in payment of their dues.  December 31, 2008 was the expiration date for members who had an 08 in front of their first name.  We waited till April 30th as a grace period before removing names.   These individuals will not be on the mailing list for the June 2009 Communicator.   If you are in this category, contact Walt McLain at aacsmbrship@comcast.net or call him toll free at 1-866-299-1045 and get reinstated. 

We have discontinued sending post cards to notify members that their dues are expiring, as most are ignored or the addresses are incorrect. We are now sending Notices for DUES RENEWALS VIA EMAIL   THEREFORE YOU MUST KEEP YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS CURRENT.  Approximately 35% of the emails in our database are incorrect.  MEMBERS CAN UPDATE THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS BY ADVISING THE DIRECTOR FOR MEMBERSHIP AT aacsmbrship@comcast.net  or you can use this on-line link Mailing & E-mail Address Changes for changes.  Visit the membership roster Click here to see  to see the year when your dues expire (the number in front of your first name) and also see what email address we have listed for you in our membership database.

UPDATED APRIL 16, 2009:  The Air Force Communicators & Air Traffic Controllers Associations Communications/Information Professional of the year for 2009 is SrA Stephen T. Janson.  He won the award while stationed with the 31st Comm Sq, Aviano AB, Italy and is now stationed with the 87th Comm Sq, McGuire AFB, NJ.  I had the opportunity to see him receive the Air Force award, by Lt. General William Shelton, SAF/XC at Andrews AFB, MD.  I also had the opportunity to meet his Commander.  We expect to see him at the 2009 Convention/Reunion in Grand Island, NY in September, where we will also honor him.  The Air Traffic Controller of the year has not yet been selected.


FOR
NON-MEMBERS:  YOU CAN LOOK UNDER FEATURES TO  VIEW THE NOV 07 AND THE JUNE 08 ISSUES OF THE COMMUNICATOR (YOU do not need a user name or password).

*****IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT *****

Our name has been officially changed in the State of our Incorporation and with the IRS, please make checks out for Membership Dues, PX/BX items or Donations to the "AF COMM & ATC ASSOC. 

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INDEX of Home Page Information
**Features**

"Members ONLY SECTION"
(For viewing and downloading the
Membership "Roster" or
the Current
"Communicator")

**Convention News**

**Honors/Awards**

**Active Duty News & Leadership Changes **

**Alphabetic Listings of Locations/Comm Units**

**Missed Roll Call**

**How to Join**

**General Information/News**

**Looking For Notices**

**Alumni History/Information**

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FEATURES

FOR NON-MEMBERS: The June 2008 & the November 2007 Communicators are on the web site. You are welcome to see what we publish twice a year. TO SEE THE JUNE 2008 COMMUNICATOR CLICK HERE . TO see the NOVEMBER 2007 COMMUNICATOR. CLICK HERE. YOU DO NOT NEED A USER NAME OF PASSWORD TO VIEW THEM. They tell you lots more of who we are and its well worth the visit.

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See "Berlin Airlift GCA" under "other Links" below on the left hand side of this page.  See the GCA (MPN-1) Approach to Templehof over 60 years ago. or click here:  Berlin Airlift GCA Run,
Please be patient, it may take a few seconds to load and requires a movie viewer, such as Windows Media Player in order to play the movie

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AF  2008 Hall of Fame Program

Andrews AFB, MD, April 30, 2008

Click Here

Please be patient, this is an extremely large file (84 Mb) and will require a movie viewer, such as Windows Media Player in order to play the movie.  In many cases, depending on the speed of your internet connection, it may be easiest to download the movie (right click on the link to the movie, click Save As and save it to your hard drive and then play the movie from your hard drive).

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             See a Great old Air Force Tribute to the "Boy's in Blue"   

              Click here:    USANewSongSalutesAFBlueL.wmv

Please be patient, it may take a few seconds to load and requires a movie viewer such as Windows Media Player in order to play the movie.   The movie is old, but worth watching.

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The Pentagon 9/11/2001 Memorial Dedication.

Click Here

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MEMBERSHIP SECTION

YOU MUST  BE A MEMBER TO ACCESS OUR MEMBERSHIP ROSTER OR THE COMMUNICATOR.

THE ROSTER WAS UPDATED On MAY 28, 2009 (as of MAY 28, 2009) You can read The Roster in the PDF format or in Microsoft WORD or it can be downloaded to your computer.   If you view the ROSTER, you can use View to enlarge the text to 100% - 150% to read the listings better. The "COMMUNICATOR'S" ARE IN A PDF FORMAT ONLY.   If you do NOT have Adobe Reader loaded on your computer, there is a FREE link to download Adobe Reader from our download page. The Roster will usually be updated AT LEAST quarterly.  Click here to go to the ENTER USER NAME AND PASSWORD PAGE. IF YOU CANNOT REMEMBER IT, CONTACT HANK SAUER AT DIRAACS@COMCAST.NET OR SEE A COPY OF A PAST ISSUE OF THE COMMUNICATOR. 
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CONVENTION NEWS

GRAND ISLAND, NY (near Niagara Falls) IS THE SITE FOR THE 2009 ANNUAL CONVENTION, September 23-27, 2009 at the Holiday Inn Resort. Click here for:  A snap shot of Grand Island,NY  There is a signed contract in place for 2009. We will be adding more photos and other information to this link in the coming weeks and will have all the necessary forms and other convention information uploaded no later than April 1, 2009.

The Convention committee has a signed contract for the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort, Myrtle Beach, SC,  The dates are Wednesday September 22 to Sunday noon, September 26, 2010.   Bill & Pauline Bethea are the 2010 hosts.  PLAN NOW ON COMING, THERE IS MORE TO DO, THAN JUST GOLF.  STAY TUNED FOR EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS AFTER THE 2009 CONVENTION.

IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE HOTELS AND LOCATIONS OF PAST AND PLANNED CONVENTIONS CLICK HERE
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15th Biennial GEEIA-MDA-EI WORLDWIDE REUNION

October 8-11, 2009 at the Oklahoma City, Biltmore Hotel.

Contact Jim Street (streetjames@att.net) or Drrell Getchell (304teamchief@geeia.net)

or visit www.geeia-mda-ei.org for more information
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HONORS/AWARDS

The following individals have been selected for induction into the Air Force Communications/Information Hall of Fame, Class of 2009.  All eight (8) of these outstanding leaders will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at Hilton Mark Center, Alexandria, VA on December 11, 2009.

Lt Gen (Ret) William J. Donahue (LM AF Comm & ATC Assoc)

Lt Gen (Ret) John L. Woodward (LM AF Comm & ATC Assoc)

Maj Gen (Ret) George P. Lampe (Member AF Comm & ATC Assoc)

Maj Gen Gerald L. Prather (Ret) (LM AF Comm & ATC Assoc)

Maj Gen John T. Stihl (Ret) (LM AF Comm & ATC Assoc)

Brig Gen Duncan W. Campbell (Ret) (Member AF Comm & ATC Assoc)

Brig Gen Charles B. Jiggetts (Ret) (AFC4A)

Colonel Gil Sentimore (Ret) (AFC4A)

Click here AF Hall of Fame   to see the Founders listing and all those inducted from 1999 to date. NOTE: The current selectees may not yet be posted. To see an individual's career summary, click on the year of induction.

Since the Hall of fame was created in 1999, 65% or 26 of the 40 Inductees have been or are Association Members.  Some incumbents passed away before 1977 when the Association was formed.

Association members wishing to nominate other members for this high honor (AF Comm/Info Hall of Fame) should click on the Hall of Fame Policy link on the left hand side of this home page.  The criteria for selection is Air Force Policy.  The Association policy is how we review and approve any nominations to forward to the Air Force. This is an Air Force Program that we have been invited to participate in.  The Association can nominate no more than one person each year.  See the inside front cover of the  Communicator for the name and addresss of the Hall of Fame Committee chairman.

ALSO SEE THE POLICIES FOR NOMINATING MEMBERS FOR THE HALL OF HONOR AND FOR THE LIFE ACHIVEMENT AWARD.  "IF YOU DON'T DO IT !!  IT WON'T HAPPEN !!

The Board of Directors do not have the authoriy to approve any award that is NOT submitted by a member and processed through the Hall of Fame and Hall of Honor Committee.

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The Associations 2009 Nominee for the Air Force Communications/Information Hall of Fame was CMSgt Willian Mosley (USAF-Ret).  In addition to Chief Mosley, we have several Association nominees that remain on the Candidates list but not yet selected. The Association nominees still on the list are: MSgt Joseph Duffy and (USAF--Ret), Col Garland Hilton (USAF-Ret).  There is one other Association Member that is on the list, who was nominated thru other USAF channels; Mr. Robert Feik (Deceased). 

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ACTIVE DUTY HONORS PROGRAM

The Association has instituted an honors program for our active duty air traffic controllers and our communications/information professionals.  The Hq Air Force Air Traffic Control Function  and a Air Force Communications Function (not known what role the new AF Center for Network Integration will have after the current reorganization) select from the major air commands and/or joint commands, an outstanding enlisted airman to be honored by our Association.  The two selected airman the "Enlisted ATC Manager of the Year" and the "Communications/Information Professional of the Year" will be presented with a trophy (an engraved Eagle), a two (2) year membership in the Association and a certificate.  Presentations will be made at our annual convention banquet each year.  This program is keeping with our mission statement and core values to honor those outstanding airman serving in today's Air Force.
        2006                      2007                      2008
SrA Joshua A. Matias (ATC)          SrA Sara O'Brian (ATC)                SSgt Kevin M. Killoren (ATC)
SSgt Jacob Flores (Comm/Info)    SSgt Jaclyn Rutan (Comm/Info)  SrA James R. Pettet (Comm/Info)

                                                                    2009
                                                (Not yet selected (ATC)
                                                
SrA Stephen T. Janson (Comm/Info)

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Lt. General William Lord has been selected to replace Lt. General Shelton as the SAF/XC.  General Lord is a Life Member and a strong supporter of the Association.  We wish General  Lord much success in his new position as the Air Force continues to "reinvent" itself.

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                               Membership Report

Current Active Members:
2270 (as of Feb 20, 2009)
Dues renewals due by Dec 31, 2008:  445

Members whose dues are due by December 31. 2008 must renew in order to receive the June 2009 "Communicator".

Members with just 08 in front of your first name on the November 2008 Communicator address label, your dues will expire on Dec 31, 2008. New members and renewing members will have dates like 0310 in front of their first name, which in this case indicates that dues expire on March 31, 2010.  We have changed the system to help prevent all dues expiring on December 31 of each year. It also insures a full year of credit for each $10 paid for each new/renewing member. 

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ALPHABETIC LISTINGS OF LOCATIONS/COMM UNITS

Updated February 26, 2008

Alphabetic listings of  LOCATIONS where Communication Unit designators were assigned has been posted.  Members are requested to review this listing and submit to Hank Sauer at DirAACS@comcast.net any additions or changesThis is an imperfect listing and your HELP is solicited.  As an example, many Vietnam and Thailand locations and units (Groups, Squadrons, Detachment and/or Operating Locations) are missing.  Locations are listed under categories: Africa, Alaska, Canada, Caribbean, CBI, Europe, Mexico, No. Atlantic, Pacific, So. America, UK and US. Many of the locations MAYBE listed in the wrong category. It was very hard to tell  what country or area a lot of the WWII locations were in.  Your HELP is again needed to make this an accurate listing.  "CLICK HERE"   for accessing the microsoft word listing.  IF YOU RECEIVE A MENU SCREEN ASKING FOR A USER NAME AND PASSWORD, CLICK ON CANCEL.

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MISSED ROLL CALL

The following members/spouses have Missed Roll Call since the November 2008 Communicator.

Notify Walt McLain at aacsmbrship@comcast.net of those who have missed roll call.

NOTE: All names that have an ++ in front of their name, were not listed in the November 2008 Communicator

(this listing will be used to prepare the Memorial Service of individuals who have MRC since the last Convention)

     AIREY, PAUL (1ST CMSAF)

** Bauman, A. W.
** Cassity, James S.
** De Bord, Mrs Wallace (Anna)
** Gallant, Norman
** Geffen, Howard
** Goggins, William F.
** Green, Sam, BGen
** Haley, Wendell P.
** Moffat, David L.
** Mosley, Rev. Cyrus P.
** Payne, (Brown) Doris
** Pugh, Robert L.
** Schuman Mrs. Maury (Joan)

 

HOW TO JOIN

If you hold or held an Air Corps or Air Force Specialty code as a communicator, information (networks, programmer, systems, visual, multimedia, combat camera, etc), cyber, air traffic controller or assigned to a communications and/or air traffic control unit in any skill (commander, administrative, crypto, teletype, radio, radar, nav-aids electronic maintenance, etc), you are eligible to become a member of this great Association.  We would love to hear from you.  You can click on MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION on the upper left hand side of this home page for an application, either to download or to join On-Line. Membership dues are currently $10 per-year, payable in two year increments.   Dues are planned to remain stable for the next few years.  If you need more information, you can contact Walt McLain, our Director for Membership at  aacsmbrship@comcast.net or if you want to talk to Walt, call 1-866-299-1045 Toll Free

The Association publishes two issues of its official Publication, the "Communicator" a year, one in June (which includes convention information, forms, etc) and one in November (with photos of the convention). "The Communicators" contain Association reports, news and lots of personal stories and photos from our members.  Members and Non-Members are welcomed to see what we publish twice a year. CLICK HERE to see the June 2008 Communicator.   CLICK HERE to see the November 2007 Communicator. Other than the PX/BX items we sell at cost plus shipping, we do not advertise, barter for discounts or endorse any products. The   "Communicator's" have become the "glue" that holds our Association together. Each issue runs around  72 pages, with 24 pages in color. 

When you join, and our Director for Membership receives your dues payment, we will mail you a copy of the  Membership Roster and a copy of the latest Communicator.  More often than not, you will receive two copies of the AACS Communicator if we still have copies on hand from the previous issue. REMEMBER ONCE YOU JOIN ------"YOU ARE THE AFCOMMATC ASSOCIATION"

                                       "TYPICAL COMMUNICATOR COVERS"

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GENERAL INFORMATION/NEWS

New Snow-Bird Policy for mailing Communicators.  If you are a SNOW-BIRD, PLEASE CLICK HERE  FOR THE NEW POLICY.

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NOTICE:  IMPORTANT: When using the "CLICK ON" to go to an INTERNAL web site page from this Home page, you may receive a menu screen asking for a "User Name and/or Password"... if so, just click on CANCEL.......(Except for the membership roster, where you do need a user name and a password.  See our old newsletters or the new AACS Communicator for the current user name and password). 

John Watson, Chair of the BOD Nominating Committee has a new email address:  jdcfwat@comcast.net.  Nominations for the Board should be sent to John.

ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS:  We want your stories and photo's FOR THE AACS COMMUNICATORS. Try to keep stories to one page. Send to Hank Sauer, at 111 Carson Lane, Oak Ridge, TN 37830-7626 or email stories with JPEG attachments to DirAACS@comcast.net  Submit early as first in first published is the process due to the many stories and photos we receive. Photos that are mailed will be returned if requested.

View The Online Scrapbook to see pictures from past events and activities. The scrapbook also contains information on how to submit pictures for display.

From the Air Force Communications Community Archives you can view the outstanding leadership that we have had over the years for AACS, ACS, AFCS, AFCC, AFC4A, AFCA & AFFSA.  Visit the Leadership List page now!

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**Looking For Notices**

We will post appropriate type "looking for" articles for approximately 45 days after the publication of each issue of the "Communicator".

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AFCS & AFCC NCO ACADEMY COMMANDANTS
Click here:
NCOA Commandants.doc

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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HISTORY/INFO

Based on the offical change of our Association name, effective on September 28, 2008. we will add all historical facts and other information after this date as the: "Air Force Communicators & Air Traffic Controllers Association"

The AACS Alumni Association was formed on September 30, 1977.   Larry and Doris Camp were visiting Dux and Pearl LeDoux in Eunice, LA in the fall of 1976 when the subject of old WWII friends came up. Larry and Dux were assigned to the 5th AACS Wing in Europe . What began as an invite to a "Poker Weekend" in Columbus, Ohio, (Larry and Dux were part of a London, England  Poker group for AACS Det Commanders) to be hosted by Larry and Doris Camp, resulted in what turned out to be the "first AACS Annual Reunion".    The Camp’s and the LeDoux’s contacted as many old friends as they could, who in turn contacted others, who in turn made more contacts. A large number of ex "AACS Troops" and their spouses made their way to Columbus and the result was the formation of what is now one of the strongest Air Force Alumni Associations going. The name "AACS Alumni Association" was adopted as the official title and was of course derived from the Army Airways Communications System (AACS) and the Airways and Air Communications Service (AACS) organizational titles. Individuals who were part of the first "Convention/Reunion" had been assigned to AACS units before, during and after WWII, the Korean War and up to 1961 when AACS became a Major Air Command and was renamed the "Air Force Communications Service (AFCS). Over the years, because the missions were basically the same, the AACS Alumni Association, expanded membership to include AFCS, AFCC, AFC4A, AFCA, AFFSA, other Major Commands up to and including today's Air Force Organizational structure.  Over the years, the Association was incorported in the state of Michigan and obtained 501 (c) (19) IRS approved status.  There is an annual convention held in different cities each year.  Our conventions usually begin on the last Thursday of September (taking into consideration the Jewish High Holidays) and end on the following Sunday after a Get-Away-Breakfast and short briefing on the next years convention.  We do not advertise, barter for discounts or endorse any products.  We manage the Association on membership dues and member donations.   

What "AACS" stands for: In 1938 the Army Airways Communications System (AACS) was formed.  During WWII, for a short time it was renamed as the Army Airways Communications Wing and then the Air Communications Service, but that only lasted 9 months, when the clamor reached the halls of the Pentagon to retain the AACS designation and it was renamed as the Airways and Air Communications Service (AACS) in 1946. This new designation was also a better fit due to the high volume of airplanes now flying thru US and US controlled airspace and the need to control "airways".  In 1961 AACS was elevated to Major Air Command status and it was renamed the Air Force Communications Service (AFCS).  This designation remained until 1979 when it was again renamed as the Air Force Communications Command (AFCC). AACS basically stands for both the Army Airways Communications System and the Airways and Air Communications Service.  The old blue original AACS Logo is our official Association logo. 

The Mission of the AACS Alumni Association is to foster continued awareness of the Air Force Communications & Air Traffic Control missions previously accomplished by AACS, ACS, AFCS, AFCC, AFC4A, AFCA, AFFSA , other Major Air Commands and todays Air Force organizational structure.  To provide a forum for educational and humanitarian services, to renew & make new friendships and to exchange ideas of common interest concerning people and activities associated with Communications and Air Traffic Control. To fully support the goals and missions of the United States Air Force and to honor each year at our annual banquet, the Air Traffic Controller of the Year and the Communications/Information Professional of the year (selected by the Air Force in grades of E-1 - E-5). Of significant importance is to ensure that a viable Alumni Association is in place for those serving today.

The AACS Alumni Association is an IRS approved 501 (c) (19) Tax-Exempt Organization. We DO NOT sell insurance or barter for discounts.   The PX/BX items (hats, shirts, jackets, patches, etc) we stock are sold to members at cost plus shipping and our volunteer host manages the annual convention on a "break even" basis. Our Dues are minimal, currently $10 per-year, payable in two year increments.  The membership dues are planned to remain as is for at least the next 4 to 5 years.   The IRS approved 501 (c) (19) Authorization has been transferred to the AF Comm & ATC Association and the name change has been registered with the State of Michigan where we are Incorporated.

From the Air Force Communications Community Archives you can view the outstanding leadership that we have had over the years for AACS, AFCS, AFCC, AFC4A, AFCA & AFFSA.  Visit the Leadership List page now!

HOW WE BEGAN
The AACS Alumni Association was formed on September 30, 1977.   Larry and Doris Camp were visiting Dux and Pearl LeDoux in Eunice, LA in the fall of 1976 when the subject of old WWII friends came up. Larry and Dux were assigned to the 5th AACS Wing in Europe . What began as an invite to a "Poker Weekend" in Columbus, Ohio, (Larry and Dux were part of a London, England  Poker group for AACS Det Commanders) to be hosted by Larry and Doris Camp, resulted in what turned out to be the "first AACS Annual Reunion".  The Camp’s and the LeDoux’s contacted as many old friends as they could, who in turn contacted others, who in turn made more contacts. A large number of ex "AACS Troops" and their spouses made their way to Columbus and the result was the formation of what is now one of the strongest Air Force Alumni Associations going. The name "AACS Alumni Association" was adopted as the official title and was of course derived from the Army Airways Communications System (AACS) and the Airways and Air Communications Service (AACS) organizational titles. Individuals who were part of the first "Reunion" had been assigned to AACS units before, during and after WWII, the Korean War and up to 1961 when AACS became a Major Air Command and was renamed the "Air Force Communications Service (AFCS).

Eligibility to be a member was for an individual to have served in any capacity in an AACS or ACS organization. In 1995 and again in 2002, eligibility was expanded to include any service as a communicator, air traffic controller, maintenance or other support skills in the Air Force Communications Service (AFCS), Air Force Communications Command (AFCC), Air Force Command, Control, Communications & Computer Agency (AFC4A), Air Force Communications Agency (AFCA), the Air Force Flight Standards Agency (AFFSA) and any Major Air Command, past or current, including the AF Reserve and Air National Guard units. 

In addition to the Camp’s and LeDoux’s, some other notables who were key players in the formation of the Alumni Association were: Eugene "Flash" Gordon, Haskell "Hack" Neal, Ken Klise, Paul Haas, Dick Dickerson, John Hoff, Glenn Turner, Don Donnell,Ted Carlson and George Yunker. This group, along with many others not mentioned here, set the standards that are sill in place today. Each member wishes to thank each and every individual who took part in the early days of our Alumni Association and helped to make it what it is today.

The first Board of Directors were:

Executive Director: Haskell "Hack" Neal

Executive Secretary: Mary Louise Gordon

Treasurer: Paul Haas

Publicity: Jean Winbigler

Newsletter Editor: Ted Carlson

Ham Radio Coordinator: George Walborn

Nominating Chairman: Larry Camp

In addition to the first Board of Directors, Regional Representatives were also created to coordinate and recruit ex-AACS members in the different parts of the country (Regional Representative positions have been eliminated):

Initial Regional Representatives:

Ken Klise and Glen Turner (Northwest)

John Hoff (Rocky Mountains)

Gene and M.L. Gordon (So. California)

John Stevenson (Southwest)

Larry Camp (Midwest)

Dick Dickerson (Greater Washington D.C. area)

Max Mankofsky (New York

Over the years, the composition of the Board has changed and the following individuals have served on the Board of Directors:   Current Incumbents are listed in RED

Executive Directors:

1977-1978  Haskell "Hack" Neal

1979-1980  Bob "Dick" Dickerson

1981-1982  Joe Beler

1983-1984  Don Donnell

1985-1986  Wally Bailey

1987-1991  Bob Brewer

1992-1993  Cal Venable

1994-1997  Jasper Vaughn

1998-2001  Richard "Hank" Sauer

2002 - 2005  Dick Frye

2006 - 2007  Richard "Hank" Sauer

       2008 -      Stan Phillips (AFCOMMATC)

Vice Directors:   Randy Randall, Bob Leske, Maurice Schuman, Gil Kania, Stan Phillips & Bill Bethea (AFCOMMATC)

Treasurer:   Paul Haas, Bob Brewer, Barney Glettler and  Ray Sharpless (AFCOMMATC)

Executive Secretary:   Jean Beler, E.O. Wogstad, B. Clair Lofchie, Ed Evans, Mary Lou Fitzpatrick and Bob Akard (AFCOMMATC)

Publicity:   Maxine Porter, Nancy Donnell, Shorty Bailey, Vietta "Offie" Dowd, Chester Hankins, Ed Hooker, Wilbur McCracken, Rich Kao and Dan Morabito (no longer a position)

Newsletter Editor:   Betty Doyle, Wally Bailey, Vietta "Offie" Dowd, "Smitty" McClellan, Mary Venable, Dewey McClellan, Ted Carlson and Hank Sauer (

Communicator Editor/Publisher: Ted Carlson and Hank Sauer  (AFCOMMATC)  NOTE: Editor/Publisher is  now one Position.

Historian: E.O. Wogstad, Dewey McClellan, Hank Sauer, and Gene Sheridan (AFCOMMATC)

Ham Coordinator:   George Walborn, Dewey McClellan, Ed Evans and George Reeves (AFCOMMATC)

Membership (was initially performed as an extra duty in the Executive Secretary position):

Ted Carlson, C.B. "Mac" Maginnis and Walt McLain (AFCOMMATC)

Director of Information:   David Moore (AFCOMMATC)

Air Force Liason: Gerald Prather (no longer a position)

Sgt-At-Arms: Hank Sauer, Bob Rimmer, Bill Bethea, & Gerald Prather (AFCOMMATC)

Judge Advocate:   John Milano (AFCOMMATC)

Chaplain:  P. C. Brown, Jim Burch (AFCOMMATC)

Director at Large (no longer a Board position): Vic Doyle

NOTE:  The AFCOMMATC Web Site Manager is Hank Sauer.  This is not a Board of Director's Position.  It is a appointed position by the Executive Director

For more information about the Association, please Click on More Association Info

 

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