Air Force Communicators & Air Traffic Controllers Association

Formerly called
"The AACS Alumni Association"

 

 

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

DATE SITE LAST UPDATED 3/16/10
ALL 2010 CONVENTION EVENTS
ARE FINAL

________________________________

    The Chief of Staff of the USAF has announced a new Cyber Policy, one with "teeth" in it. Click here to
see comply or else !

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The AF Communications & Information Hall of Fame Evaluation Committee for the Class of 2010 will meet in the Pentagon on WEDNESDAY, March 3, 2010.  Inductions will take place at the SAF/XC "Spring Update" Banquet on May 13, 2010 at Andrews AFB, MD.
Committee Members are:

MGen Paul Capasso (SAF/XCI)
BGen Dave Cotton (SAF/XCT)
BGen David Warner (AFSPC/A6)
Mr. Bobby Smart (SAF/XCP)
LTGen (R) William Donahue
CMSgt (R) Bill Bethea

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 Air Force Communicators & Air Traffic Controllers Association
(A 501 (c) (19) organization)

Formerly called
"The AACS Alumni Association" 
(1977 to 2008)
"AACS stood for both the Army Airways Communications System & the Airways & Air Communication Service"
(1938-1961)

www.AFCOMMATC.ORG

Comprised of over 2,200 members (Communicators, Information/Cyber, Air Traffic Controllers, Air Field Managers, Maintenance, E&I & 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, E&I or related support skill set.
The term "Communicators" is all inclusive and it includes ALL operational, maintenance, administrative skills and other skills in the U.S. Army Air Corps and the U.S. Air Force (including Reserve and Air National Guard) communications or air traffic control units.

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

LEGACY COMMANDS/AGENCIES
(Dates created)

  • 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

 

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CURRENT COMMANDS/AGENCIES/CENTERS

  • AF Flight Standards Agency (AFFSA) - Oct 1991
  • AF Space Command
    - 24th Air Foce (Cyber) - Apr 2009
        = 67th Network Warfare Wing
        = 688th Info Opns Wing
        = 689th Combat Comm Wing
    - AF Network Integration Center (AFNIC)
     - Jul 2009
    (24th AF and AFNIC both report directly to Space
                              Command)

    Major Air Commands are colored
    DARK BLUE

Current Air Force Communications/Information/Cyber/Air Traffic Control Leadership


 
   SAF/XC                    AFSPC/CV                  24th AF/CC
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   LGen Lord                MGen Basla             MGen Webber

   AFNIC/CC                Airfield Opns          Career Field Mgr
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    Col Odey                   Col Jones              CMSgt Hassan
                                       Air Staff                     Air Staff

                   

All  current and/or past
Air Corps/Air Force/ANG/Reserve Communicators, Information/Cyber/Space, 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

Click on:
2010 Convention for Info & Forms
Myrtle Beach, SC
September 22-26, 2010

ALL EVENTS ARE FINAL

See snow in Myrtle Beach in February

CLICK TO SEE 2010
Myrtle Beach Attractions

 

SEE WHAT YOU MISSED IN NEW YORK In 2009

See the Falls 100 years ago

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

Mailing & E-mail Address Changes On-Line

New Current list of General Officer  members

 

New Members Report
From May 1 - Nov 1, 2009

Name Change Rationale (From AACS to AF Comm & ATC Assoc, Approved September 27, 2008)

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


Current Officers (w/photos)
Ham Radio Net Schedule
Scrapbook
Leadership List
(AACS -AFCS-AFCC)
Convention Proposal Form
More AACS Assoc. Info

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


AF COMM/INFO
Hall of Fame

(1999-2009)

 

AF Comm & ATC Page Of Honor

POLICIES:

Constitution & byLaws
Hall of Fame Policy/ with nomination form
  

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

ALL MEMBERS SHOULD SEE
THIS OPSEC HOLIDAY VIDEO
(CLICK HERE OPSEC VIDEO)
Note: when first screen appears, LEFT CLICK on mouse to get next screen.

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

AF Generals & CMSAF BIOS (active & retired)


AF COMM/INFO
Hall of Fame

(1999-2009)

ANG Comm Units

Links for finding answers to Veterans Questions

Veteran Programs

FREE SAT/ACT SOFTWARE


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

AF CYBER COMMAND

Air Force Network Integration Center- (fomerally AFCA) -Current News

A Vietnam Virtual Wall.  Look up names on the wall by state/city CLICK HERE

 
1st MOB-1st Mobile Comm Sq Homepage
2nd MOB-2nd Combat Comm Gp.
3rd Mob 3rd CombatComm Gp
5th MOB-5th Comm Gp Alumni
5th Combat Comm Gp Active Duty

Biak Island & Phillip Sturm

Links to Other Military Associations-Courtesy of wiredawg.net
TUSLOG Det 150
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.
We are a 501 (c) (19) IRS Certified Tax-Exempt Veterans Organization and we are Incorporated in the State of Michigan. In accordance with current IRS tax regulations, donations to the Association are tax deductible when filing a IRS Form 1040.
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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

January 21, 2010
:  See 2010 Myrtle Beach Convention information above.   We are now planning the "Greater St. Louis a

Area" for 2011. The "Manske's and Sonnenberg's" will be the hosts in 2011.

UPDATED MARCH 13, 2010: The Executive Director announced today, that the Board of Directors have voted to rename our annual active duty awards for the Air Traffic Controller and the Communications/Information Professional of the Year to the "Major General Van C. Doubleday Award" for the ATC award and the Communications/Information award to the "Major General Gerald L. Prather Award". These changes not only honor General's Doubleday & Prather, but make the awards more meaningful.

UPDATED March 6, 2010:  To view the 2010 AF Posture Statement, visit www.afc4a.org and click on the Posture LINK.

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).

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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.
Cover of the November 2008 Communicator with our new name

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See "Berlin Airlift GCA  See the GCA (MPN-1) Approach (9W)  to Templehof in the 1948/1949 time frame. 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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MEMBERSHIP SECTION

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

THE ROSTER WAS UPDATED On January 21, 2010   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

The 34TH ANNUAL Convention will be at 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. to be published soon.  Click on 2010 Convention and Myrtle Beach Attreactions to see what is being planned for 2010.

IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE HOTELS AND LOCATIONS OF PAST AND PLANNED CONVENTIONS CLICK HERE

IF YOU WANT TO SEE PAST "GENERAL FARMAN" GOLF WINNERS CLICK HERE

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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 2010.  All five (5)  will be identified when officially announced by General Lord (SAF/XC) and these outstanding leaders will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at Andrews AFB, Maryland on May 13, 2010.

***** INDIVIDUALS WILL BE NAMED SOON *****

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, 69% or 32 of the 45 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 2010 Nominee for the Air Force Communications/Information Hall of Fame is CMSgt James Sutton (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) and CMSgt William Mosley (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
                              
MSgt John Kirby (ATC Enlisted Manager of the Year)
                                                
SrA Stephen T. Janson (Comm/Info)

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                                                                                                                                    Membership Report

Current Active Members:
2046 (as of Feb 9, 2010)
(
note: We have 4o memembers who we have incorrect mailing addresses for.  Please check the membership roster to confirm your correct mailing membership roster for mailing & email address and phone number.  If incorrect, please notify Walt at   aacsmbrship@comcast.net

Dues renewals due by Dec 31, 2009:  251

Members whose dues are due by December 31. 2009 must renew in order to receive the June 2010 "Communicator". We have a grace period up to April 1, 2010 for dues to be paid.


Members with just 10 in front of your first name on the June 2010 or November 2010 Communicator address label, your dues will expire on Dec 31, 2010. 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 2009 Communicator and 2009 Convention/Reunion.

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
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   ++ Burch, James O.
++ Butts, William
    ++
Chimi, Francis J.
  ++ Donnell, Nancy
        ++ Keating, Donald W.
   ++ Murphy, Joseph
    ++ Vaudo, Albert A.
   
  ++ Walborn, George

 

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      (NOTE: ALL NAMES IN RED ARE THE CURRENT OFFICERS)

       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 (AFCOMMATC)

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), Bill Mosley

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), Fr. Donald Seeks

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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