LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz.—The 56th Security Forces Squadron hosted the 27th reunion for the Vietnam Security Police Association, Oct. 7, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.
The VSPA is an association of U.S. Air Force veterans who served in Vietnam and Thailand between 1958 and 1975. The purpose of the organization is to preserve the history and legacy that was made in southeast Asia.
“The impact of this event will be seen and felt for many years to come by each of the respective unit members that participated,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jason Parrish, 56th SFS security forces manager. “Each member was impacted in their own way that they will carry for the rest of their lives. The unit coming together to plan and execute the event builds our resolve and commitment as an organization.”
Parrish highlighted the rich history and the vital role that the 56th Security Police Squadron played in the Vietnam conflict, while assigned to Nakhon Phanom (NKP) Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. The actions of those 56th SPS Defenders, and all USAF Security Police during the Vietnam Conflict serve as the cornerstone of their career field today.
“The Defenders who served as escorts on the busses will never forget the looks and smiles on the faces of the VSPA members and families as we welcomed with the full police escort and with salutes as they entered the installation gates,” added Parrish.
Every year members of the VSPA gather at various Air Force bases to memorialize those who were lost in the Vietnam War.
During this year’s event, the 56th SFS showed a static F-35 Lightning II display and a weapons and equipment display for the VSPA members. A coining ceremony for the attending Luke AFB Defenders also took place to honor those still serving.
As the largest career field in the Air Force, Defenders have always kept protecting mission assets as their number one priority.
“The most important thing in the association is the brotherhood we’ve formed,” said Ret. Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Nelson, VSPA president. “The love and support we have for each other doesn’t exist anywhere else.”
From fighting in the jungles of Vietnam to standing sentry in Thailand, past and present defenders have and will forever share a bond that will never be broken.