12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Veterans of the 6990th Security Squadron held a 50th anniversary reunion for Combat Apple/RC-135 missions over Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. These United States Air Force Security Service (USAFSS) flyers operated sophisticated electronic equipment aboard RC-135 aircraft operating out of Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan, and on several other airborne platforms in Vietnam and Thailand, intercepting communications of enemy combatant forces during the Vietnam War. The USAF Doggers, a group of Vietnamese linguists, and the Heritage Chapter of the Freedom Through Vigilance Association, as members of the EC-47 History Site Commemorative Partner Program (CPP) Committee, organized a special recognition program to pay tribute to these Vietnam War veterans and their families as part of this 50th anniversary celebration of the first Combat Apple mission in 1967. During the five days of the reunion, veterans and their families were treated to a tour of the L-3 Technologies facilities that continue to maintain the electronic equipment that was on board the mission aircraft, a tour of AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, hours of entertainment in the Holiday Inn Express hospitality room, and an incredible buffet dinner at the Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club in Rockwall, Texas. The commemoration ceremony was conducted immediately following the evening dinner. The squadron reunion leadership, Larry Mills, Bob Cope and Bud Rosenstrom, presented the commemorative lapel pins, chapter certificates and Commemoration-provided materials. Bob Cope and his wife, Debbie, presented a Commemoration Certificate of Honor and a Surviving Spouse Lapel Pin to Mrs. Lois Larson, wife of the late Maj. Gen. Doyle E. Larson, the first commander of the former Electronic Security Command. Three of the grown Larson children were present for the heartfelt presentation. Additional distinguished attendees at the reunion and ceremony were Mr. John Rowan, national president of the Vietnam Veterans of USA