Gift Box given to Col. Bullock as Reunion Guest Speaker

Left to right, back row.
Dan Moore, Nolan Watson, Bob Taylor, Joe Vaccone, Al Vasquez, Don Wyatt, Tom Gajeski, Bob Sterkenberg (behind Dave Wells), Dave Wells (black shirt), Travis Quinn (behind Dave Wells), John Ryan, Bill Vickery, Paul Lockerbie, Willie Altemose, Dennis Galt, Ron Frankovich, & Edwin Savitsky.
Left to right, front row.
Ed Bailey, Larry Slone, Florentino Lopez, Richard Mack, John Cardinali, Bruce Fern, Bob Lockhart, Bill Wallace, Dwight Smith, and Billy Joe Bowers. Missing, Jerry Medlin.

Hey, Who do you think TOOK the Pictures???
"The Wives"













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Los Toros de 3973rd Reunion
By CMSgt (retired) Bill Vickery

Former members and significant others of the former 3973rd Combat Defense Squadron (SAC), Moron and San Pablo Air Bases, Spain, AKA: Los Toros de 3973rd, gathered in the Drury Hotel, San Antonio, Texas, 25-27 September 2008 for their annual reunion. Some of these folks had not seen each other since leaving Spain in the early to mid 1960s.

Those attending were: Willie and Jean Altemose; Bessie Baker; Ed and Faye Bailey; Billy Joe and Sis Bowers; John and Ellen Cardinali; Glenn and Manuela Ellison; Bruce and Carol Fern; Dan Foronda; Ron and Barbara Frankovich; Dennis Galt; Tom and Rose Lynn Gajeski; Martin Gamboa and Betty Salcido; James and Eunice Hester; Dianne Hughes; Garry Jefferson; Maria Kindred; Marie Katrancha; John Ryan; Bob and Mary Lou Lockhart; Paul and Jeanne Lockerbie; Florentino and Delores Lopez; Richard and Judy Mack; Jerry and Shirley Medlin; Daniel Moore; Lee Pinder; Terry and Lucita Petersen; Travis and Kathy Quinn; Adolf Vasquez; Edwin and Elaine Savitsky; Larry and Janicegail Slone; Dwight and Janet Smith; Bob and Marcia Sterkenburg; Bob and Sue Taylor; Joe and Rose Vaccone; Bill and Margo Vickery; Bill and Dell Ree Wallace; Nolan Watson and Stephanie Stevens (Nolan’s daughter); David Wells; and Don and Mary Helen Wyatt.

We were fortunate this year to have located one of our former Base Deputy Commanders for Security and Law Enforcement, Lt Colonel (retired) David Wells and one of former our Operations Officers, Lt Colonel (retired) Daniel Moore. We suspect both were a bit surprised to hear the rest of the story on some of incidents during our times at Moron and San Pablo ABs.

Social time and individual introductions on Day One were the highlight of that day. It was heartwarming to hear what folks have done since leaving Spain and that many had fulfilled the dreams they had on the flight line or on patrol while in Spain. Clearly their time as SAC trained killers and the associated learned discipline helped them in their subsequent lives.

Our trip to Lackland AFB, Texas on Day Two was the highlight of that day. We were treated to a very well done overview into the training provided at the AF Security Forces Academy, an on hands demonstration of the “Shoot – Don’t Shoot” training received by trainees, a well received trip through the Security Police Museum, and lunch at the Gateway Club on base. Some of our folks tried their hands at the “Shoot-Don’t Shoot” drill whereas a potential hostile scene is on a large screen and the trainee has a pistol equipped to shoot simulated bullets at the scene. Our star was Stephanie Stevens who nailed the bad guy between the eyes with her first shot. After lunch, a side trip to a vendor in front of the Base Exchange allowed many of our folks the ability to get highly collectible SAC, 16th AF, and Security Police pins. That evening, many of our members toured the River Walk on and beside the water.

The highlight of Day Three was our dinner at the Texas Land and Cattle Company Restaurant and the subsequent speech given by our Guest Speaker Colonel (retired) Jerry Bullock. Colonel Bullock was joined by his wife, Lucille Bullock. His presentation included some history of the Air/Security Police, now known as Security Forces. He mentioned his role in writing a formal history of the career field which will be published very soon. He provided some amusing stories of how “things” happened during his days as an inspector. Colonel Bullock also spoke about the AF Security Police Association and its evolution. He also acknowledged one of our members, Garry Jefferson, who is on the Board of Directors for the AF Security Police Association.

Our reunion committee, Dianne Hughes and Bessie Baker, did a super job in organizing and keeping the reunion moving along. They had help from Glenn Ellison, Ed Juarez, and others. Dennis Galt also did a great job in designing and delivery of highly collectible 2008 reunion tee shirts. Great team effort!

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My Visit to Texas
By: David S. Wells, Lt Colonel (retired), USAF

On the Los Toros de 3973rd Reunion. The 'Air Police' part of our Reunion was more than anyone could ask for! The humorous and mellow 'Old Folks' that came to re-unite just 45 years after our USAF service in Spain, are 'The Salt of the Earth'!!!

I enjoyed (immensely!) re-meeting Bill Vickery, Dan Moore, Bob Sterkenburg, Dan Foranda, John Ryan, Nolan Watson (+ his darlin' Daughter, Stephanie), Billy Joe Bowers, Dennis Galt, Willie Altemose, Ed Bailey, Jim Hester, Garry Jefferson, Paul Lockerbie, Bob Lockhart, Terry Petersen, Larry Slone, Bob Taylor, Joe Vaccone, Bill Wallace, Don Wyatt and others too shy to come forward and show who they are and/or why they came.

My 77-year old energy was just enough to meet and hear histories and learn how valued men's "Maturing" in Air Police experiences helped them in all Life's other challenges in work, studies and marriage. I can’t get over how ENJOYABLE each guy's story was (especially when they attributed their success as husbands, fathers, and men) stemming from their time as AP's. The stories about the 'Naughty' things kept from me then - both amazed - and - amused me! Well worth the 1350 mile drive...

And, the wives & three widows who were enthusiastic and involved participants absolutely amazed me! The humor and emotion exhibited by all was overwhelming.

Stephanie, Nolan Watson's gorgeous girl, confessed that she came with "her Daddy" 'cause Mommy couldn't... fully expecting to be bored to death... But, she loved every moment and happily admitted all of the above! Stephanie lit-up our Reunion! She smiled four hours through our individual 'Biographies' while cam-cording our laughs & tears! Stephanie was the clear winner of our 'Simulated Shoot-out at the AP Corral' at the SF Academy and buoyed our spirits with her constant smiles and sincere interest in all we were involved in.

I'd bet $1M that most that came to the reunion would say much the same: they never expected to have such rich, reassuring and rewarding moments - ever again! But wiping tears and extreme laughter aside, while constantly nodding their heads in agreement with the testimonies of most men... everybody will say... "I can't wait to re-unite again, it was good for me!!! The sincere sense of bonifide "Camaraderie" was what I'll take to the grave with a smile on my face.

It was great seeing and visiting with our guest speaker, Colonel (retired) Jerry Bullock and his bride, Lucille during this visit. They are great folks.

On San Antonio,Texas. The River Walk was very beautiful and the Drury beyond any expectations! The poor economy hasn't arrived along the river banks where cafe's, bars and Art Galleries are over-crowded! The San Antonio area is unbelievably expanded in every regard... but 'The Natives' are well-mannered and exceptionally polite!

On Lackland AFB. The Bright Young people in training as students and instructors are 'To Die For'! There were 2,000 kids who volunteered for 13 weeks Basic Training plus 13 weeks of Security Forces Academy. And, their instructors are all well-spoken, built like 'Gladiators' and very sensitive to the 'Backgrounds' of Older Air Policemen in the audience! The ribbons on display prove their 'Devotion to Duty' and the reason for so many stripes on such young folks! Our future is in the good hands of remarkable 'Teachers', with Hi Tech learning tools and their bright & shiny 'Student Body'. Their weapons, tactics and support systems are truly 'State-of-the-Art'. Our future is in 'Good Hands'!

The Security Forces Museum is super interesting, but could use more personal 'Memorabilia' that your kids really don't want. I will donate a bit of my estate to up-grade the inadequate spot-lights (track-style) of Olden Day's Heroes such as our first 'Career SP Officer' to make Brigadier General, Neal Scheidel and the much beloved Chief, CMSgt John Renfro who mentored me at my desk at HQs USAF Directorate of Security Police in 1970. Some trophies, B-15 jackets with CDF/CDS Squadron patches + 'Badge Holes,' or good photos could be donated.

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Personal Thank You Note By LTC (retired) Dan Moore

Dear fellow warriors of the 3973rd Combat Defense Force, the organizing committee, wives and friends of members.

What an honor it was to see you again, meet those who came before and after, and visit with each and every survivor of tumultuous times recounted and relived at the reunion. I doff my hat to the organizers, their perseverance, talents and charms (yes, that too) that made our meeting so successful, and now so memorable.

I humbly realize as never before what a contribution you made to me and my success. And to the success of our boss, then Captain Dave Wells, and above all, to the success of the 3973rd CDF. A salute to you, and to those who have fallen from our company.

It was heartwarming for me on a very personal level to visit with you and your companions. Listening to you and learning of your adventures, ordeals and successes since 'back in the day' was healing therapy and affirmation of who we are now. I like what we are. The anticipation of the reunion and the flow of messages leading up to it was like listening to distant war drums in the jungle of daily activity, drawing us forth from the distance to a greater home, that where camaraderie dwells, camaraderie forged in our hearts a time long ago in a place far away.

As a post script, I want to personally thank Otto Kosa who could not be there, but gave us all a repository for our memories which would have been otherwise lost.

Warm regards to all,

Dan Moore

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Thank you note from Otto Kosa; Web Site Host

Greetings 3973rd CDS 2008 Reunion attendees, committee members, and others in attendance at the 2nd reunion in San Antonio, Texas.

The web site www.3973cds.com was established almost three years ago with a limited number of photo's, idea's and knowledge of our history while serving in Spain. The site has grown through contributions from our fellow members, friends that served in other Base organizations, dependents of Airmen that served with us during the time we were in Spain and EBAY.

I take this opportunity to thank you for the generous funds received in support of the web site. While it has been a labor of love, it has cost money to run and develop and your contributions will insure its internet life and future development. Yes, there will be more additions to the web site in the future. We have found other sources of information on USAF activity in Spain and Morocco during the 1950's and 1960's and we hope to add information as it is received. So keep an eye on the site for additions and if you would like to draft up your Bio and send it to us for posting on the site, please do so. We are still looking for MMS ADT room photos, SSI or post instructions and BDCL photo's.

In conclusion, keep up with life's experiences, good health and hopefully I will be able to attend the next reunion and see you all in person

Otto Kosa

Lest we forget: Send us your pictures and BIO to update our web site!


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