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December 5, 2025 — President’s Holiday Message

To Our AC-119 Gunship Association Board and Membership

A Holiday Season Message

From the President, AC-119 Gunship Association

Embracing the Holiday Spirit: Connecting What Matters

As we enter this holiday season—fresh from a day of Thanksgiving and another successful AC-119 Gunship Association Reunion—I find myself reflecting on the true gifts in life: family, friends, community, and the powerful, enduring bonds forged under fire and strengthened over time. Those bonds—our brotherhood—remain the heart of this Association.

As your President, it is one of my greatest honors to stand with you and our dedicated Board, Administrators, Project Officers, and Points of Contact. Together, we work to keep our connections strong, meaningful, and alive. This season especially, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve as the bridge that brings us all closer to the people and memories that matter most. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your story.

2025: A Year of Continued Progress and Brotherhood 

This year marked the 25^th anniversary of our reunions—a significant milestone that speaks to our ongoing commitment to honor your service and to tell our shared story within the broader history of the War in Southeast Asia. Your experiences matter. Your legacy matters. And our mission to preserve both remains steadfast.

Why We Reunite

Every year, our reunion—and this reflective time of year—invites us to slow down and appreciate the ties that bind us. We reconnect with old friends, welcome new ones, and remember those who have taken their final flight. These connections deserve to be preserved and shared. That is why we continue to develop projects that capture your most meaningful gunship moments—your stories, your awards, your history. Please keep those stories coming; they are the heartbeat of this Association.

The Ties That Bind Us

This past year has been meaningful in many ways. As an active governing Board, we take pride in supporting the experiences that bring joy, comfort, and togetherness into your lives. We are honored to serve as the thread that keeps the Association running smoothly— while supporting our members, strengthening our brotherhood, and helping ensure our reunions remain memorable and uplifting. 

A Season of Gratitude and Giving

As I look toward the future with hope, I also look back with gratitude—gratitude for what we’ve accomplished together, for the progress we continue to make, and for the strength and resilience that unite us. Our shared combat experiences formed a brotherhood like no other, and that spirit continues to guide everything we do.

I’m encouraged to see new members joining us, including younger faces who will carry our legacy forward. For those new to our family: your participation matters. To our long-standing members: your continued dedication sustains us. And to all: your Board welcomes your time, talent, and involvement. Some of our original members have carried the load for a long time, and fresh hands are always appreciated.

As a certified nonprofit, we also gratefully accept tax-deductible donations to help preserve our mission—but your engagement remains the greatest gift.

It Really Is About You

This Association exists because of you—your service, your stories, your commitment to one another. I am inspired every day by your dedication to preserving the legacy of the AC-119 fixed-wing gunship and ensuring it takes its rightful place in history. Words cannot fully express my appreciation. 

As we celebrate this holiday season, I hope your homes are filled with warmth, your hearts with joy, and your days with the comfort of family and the unbreakable bond of brotherhood. Thank you for trusting your Association Board as we continue to “reunite to remember,” tell your stories, and preserve your history—one member at a time. 

I look forward to a hopeful new year and to seeing many of you in Phoenix.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Bill Petrie
President, AC-119 Gunship Association