JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. — The 11th Security Forces Group here hosted the 25th anniversary for the Vietnam Security Police Association, Oct. 10. “We do this to remember our fallen brothers and sisters,” said Jerry Nelson, Vietnam veteran and VSPA president. “We’ve existed for 25 years, and every year we find a time to come together.”
This year’s anniversary brought roughly 100 veterans to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and JBA.
“Of all the reunions we’ve had, [JBA] has definitely put on the best show,” said Steve Gattis, president emeritus of the Vietnam Security Police Association. “Our motto is ‘We take care of our own,’ and these active duty defenders definitely exemplified that.”
During the day, the veterans were shown a static aircraft display, military working dog demonstration, a weapons and equipment display, and a simulated firing range, all while getting to spend some time with JBA defenders.
“It was amazing to be there,” Nelson said. “Seeing those who followed in our footprints and all of their new technologies, I just can’t put into words how cool it was.”
From the jungles of Vietnam to standing sentry at a stateside installation, past and present defenders have a common bond.
“We may have had different assignments and missions, but we all fall under the same concept,” Nelson added. “It doesn’t matter when you serve, once a defender, always a defender.”
As the largest career field in the Air Force with a long and rich history, defenders have been protecting mission assets since their inception.
“To those that defended us in Vietnam, I just want to say thank you,” said Col. Joseph A. Engelbrecht III, 11th Security Forces Group commander. “We were proud to have our active duty defenders here with these living legends.”
By Airman 1st Class Spencer J. Slocum11th WG/PA, published Oct. 17, 2019
Staff Sgt. Colin Jamero, left, 11th Security Support Squadron, helps a Vietnam Security Police Association member with a simulated firing range during the association’s 25th anniversary held at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Oct. 10, 2019. During the day, the veterans were also shown a military working dog demonstration, and a weapons and equipment display, all while getting to spend some time with JBA defenders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Slocum)
A Vietnam Security Police Association member shows patches he earned during his military career to security forces Airmen during the association’s 25th anniversary held at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Oct. 10, 2019. The VSPA is an association of U.S. Air Force veterans who served in Vietnam or Thailand between July 1958 and May 1975. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Slocum)
A Vietnam Security Police Association member takes a photo of an aircraft during their 25th anniversary held at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Oct. 10, 2019. During the day, they were also shown a military working dog demonstration, a weapons and equipment display, and a simulated firing range, all while getting to spend some time with JBA defenders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Slocum)
Paul Shave, a Vietnam Security Police Association member, poses for a photo during the association’s 25th anniversary held at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Oct. 10, 2019. Every year, the VSPA gets together for a reunion to reconnect with each other. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Slocum)
Vietnam Security Police Association members, their family members and Joint Base Andrews Airmen stand for the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Oct. 10, 2019. The VSPA visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and JBA as they celebrated their 25th anniversary. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Slocum)
Vietnam Security Police Association members and defenders socialize during the VSPA 25th anniversary held at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Oct. 10, 2019. Airmen, past and present, exchanged stories from their careers as defenders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Slocum)
A memorial patch is worn by a Vietnam veteran during the Vietnam Security Police Association’s 25th anniversary held at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Oct. 10, 2019. Over 58,000 armed forces members never returned from the Vietnam War. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Slocum)
Jerry Nelson, Vietnam Security Police Association president, left, presents Col. Joseph A. Engelbrecht III, 11th Security Forces Group commander, a plaque of appreciation for hosting the assocaition’s 25th anniversary at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Oct. 10, 2019. The VSPA presented awards and challenge coins to multiple Airmen for supporting the VSPA event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Slocum)
