What’s New

October 14, 2024 — 2024 New President’s Message

Hi folks, I’m Bill Petrie, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF, ret. and I wanted to take a few moments to introduce myself as your “2024/25 president” of the AC-119 Gunship Association.

I’ve been around since day one of the Association. However, having had some severe health issues I wasn’t as active as I’d like to be… I missed quite a few reunions so It’s exciting for me to be back amongst some of the finest people I know.

I thoroughly enjoyed attending a fantastic AC-119 reunion at the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Colorado Springs. I hope everyone who attended this year’s reunion enjoyed the time like I did where we slowed down, took a deep breath, had some fun and reflected on our remarkable and extraordinary time in Southeast Asia.
A big thank you goes out to members of the AFA class of ’70 for providing us a moving, and educational, tour of their new Vietnam War Memorial where a plaque, donated by our Association, proudly resides. Thanks also to the cadets and instructors who showed off their Campus and wonderful Glider facility.
As we enter the cooler weather of fall and look forward to another great year with the Association, I’m sure you are aware the volunteer members of the board and reunion committee are already hard at work preparing for next year’s reunion.

As October arrives with Halloween fun, it also brings Cooperative Appreciation Month! I’m reminded of the unique strength and sense of community that comes from our volunteers and members. Your volunteers and elected members are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re grateful to those who continue to serve on your behalf. To each member and future member, I hope you will consider donating some of your time, whenever and wherever you can, or consider making a cash contribution to the association and help us connect all the members of our AC-119 Gunship community.

Having said that, I would like to congratulate Dave Voisey, this year’s recipient of the Terry Courtney Above and Beyond Award. We are proud to recognize volunteers who give that extra measure supporting the various activities of our Gunship Association. Congratulations again to our 2024 Above and Beyond recipient!
As we have from the very first reunion, we consider all our members as family … and what does a family generally like to do? Have a family reunion! Next year, we will hold our (can you believe it?) Twenty Fifth (25) Annual AC-119 Gunship Reunion November 11th through the 16th 2025. Gus Sininger and crew are finalizing next year’s arrangements, and we’ll keep you updated as soon as possible.

In the meantime, if you have questions or comments about Association activities, remember, we have squadron POCs to help answer your questions or chat via email and be able to respond accordingly. Please use them.
It was a true blessing to see many of my gunship brothers this year along with the wonderful opportunity to meet many of the family members and first-time attendees. I know I didn’t get to meet all of you…Show up next year and I’ll do my best to bore the rest of you.

I look forward to serving on your board this year and hope to see many of you next year in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. Have a great Fall Y’ALL and I’ll be in touch.

YITB (Yours in the Brotherhood)
Bill