News, Maxwell-Gunter Cops

Reunion 2011, IMPORTANT REMINDERS

2011-06-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

When entering Maxwell, use the Maxwell Blvd Gate ( formerly the "Bell Street Gate" aka "Gate #1" ).

When entering Gunter, use the Congressman Dickinson Drive Gate ( formerly "Federal Drive" ).

For the Friday tour: FOLKS WHO DID NOT SEND IN A REGISTRATION FORM SHOULD ARRIVE BY 0800.

On Friday, the bus will depart the Visitors Center at 0900, however Roll Call is at 0830.

If you will be driving your privately owned vehicle on either base, click the "Security & Contacts" link above for details about documents you'll need.

Weapons are NOT allowed on either base. Click the "Security & Contacts" link above for details about securing your weapon.

Contact J.P. Brown via cell phone after Tuesday, 6/7/2011, and for the duration of the Reunion.

New Biometric IDs Needed by July 2011

2011-01-08T10:41:00.000-08:00

~summary of story by Kelly Deichert, AU/PA

The new Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) cards will be required for access to Maxwell and Gunter by July 2011. SSgt Joshua Allen, 42nd SFS, Pass and Registration, is the Site Manager for DBIDS.

Active-duty military, DoD civilians and retirees are given priority registration through February.

Family members can begin registering in March. According to Sgt Allen, "Members holding a dependent's (military) ID card will not need their sponsor present," however the sponsor must already be registered.

Visitor's Center: (334) 953-4283

Defense Biometric ID Systems (DBIDS)
TSgt Linnette Clarke (908th FSS), Mark Vansandt, Nicholas Vansandt - 2010
(USAF photo by A1C Christopher Stoltz)

MSgt Rodney Hickson, Superintendent of Plans and Programs stated "Visitors will also need to be registered in DBIDS via a paper pass with a photo and bar code on it issued by the DBIDS system." DBIDS will eventually be implemented across the country at all military bases.

Official AU/PA Story

Reunion 2011, Activities

2011-01-06T22:47:00.000-08:00

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

June 10-12, 2011

SCHEDULE SUMMARY
Fri 0800 - 0900 - Gather at Maxwell Visitors Center
Fri 0900 - 1130 - Maxwell Base tour
Fri 1130 - 1600 - Release group for lunch on own
Fri 1130 - 1600 - Enlisted Heritage Hall on own
Fri 1600 - 1900 - Gunter Community Center Social Hour
Fri 1900 - 2400 - Dinner and night life on own
Sat ---- - ---- - Golf has been CANCELLED
Sat ---- - ---- - EHH is CLOSED on Saturday
Sat 1100 - 1500 - Hopper Lodge picnic
Sat 1500 - 1800 - Break
Sat 1800 - 2200 - Biscuits baseball game
Sun 0830 - 1200 - Chapel services on own
Sun 1200 - 1400 - Farewell lunch

PLEASE CHECK SPECIFIC ACTIVITES FOR TIMES WHICH MAY HAVE CHANGED

Friday, 06/10/2011, 0800, Base Tour and MWD Demo
Tour POC: TSgt Mark Delcambre (42nd SFS)
Visitors Center POC: TSgt Dee Long (42nd SFS)
Veterans POC: Gene Cody (3800th SPS)
Veterans POC: J.P. Brown (3800th SPS)

We will assemble at the Visitors Center next to the Maxwell Boulevard Gate (AKA "Gate 1", AKA "Bell Street Gate"). Be there NO LATER than 0830 for roll call and processing.

Maxwell Blvd Gate, Maxwell AFB - 2009
VISITORS CENTER IS TO THE RIGHT
(photo by Mark Guest)

Visit location of old SP HQ, Building 837, the Campbell Building.

Drop by the modern barracks.

Visit "new" firing range.

Sight seeing via bus (AU HQ, 42nd ABW HQ, "O" Club, Academic Circle).

Visit current SF HQ, Building 130. Tour of building and MWD demo.

Friday/Saturday, Enlisted Heritage Hall
POC: J.P. Brown

Enlisted Heritage Hall (EHH) is a museum on Gunter which highlights the accomplishments of enlisted service members. It is not part of our formal tour, however you may visit it during our "slack" times. It is open during the following times:

Monday-Friday 0700-1700
Saturday CLOSED

550 McDonald Street
Gunter AFS, AL
(334) 416-3202

Friday, 06/10/2011, 1600, Social Hour and Registration
POC: J.P. Brown

1600 - 1900 - $10.00 per adult, $5.00 per child. This will be at the Gunter Community Center. We may extend the hours into the evening, since this appears to be an excellent venue to sit and reminisce about old times. Volunteers needed to help with set up, and clean up.

210 Ramp Road
Building 825
Gunter AFS, AL
(334) 416-4888

Community Center Game Room ~ 2010
Note: Unknown if this picture is at Maxwell or Gunter. They both have Community Centers.
Click HERE for Official Community Center Web Page
(official USAF photo)

Friday, 06/10/2011, 1900, Dinner & Night Life on Own

There are numerous restaurants in the Prattville and Montgomery area. We'll compile a list of venues, and post them later.

Saturday, 06/11/2011, 0720, Golf at Cypress Tree
POC: Gene Cody

NOT ENOUGH FOLKS WANTED TO PLAY GOLF, THEREFORE IT HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Gene Cody has released all the tee times on the University Course at the Cypress Tree Golf Course on Maxwell.

Cypress Tree Contact, Mike: (334) 263-7587

0720 - Tee time
we now have zero (0) tee times

Saturday, 06/11/2011, 1100, Picnic, Hopper Lodge
POC: J.P. Brown and Gene Cody

1100 - 1500 - $10.00 per adult, $5.00 per child. Gene is organizing this and doing the shopping. J.P. will do the hauling and set up. Volunteers needed to help with set up, grilling, and clean up. We have some games planned. Hopper Lodge is under renovation, scheduled for completion on May 15th, so the venue might be changed.

Hopper Lodge, Maxwell AFB ~ 2010
Click HERE for Official Hopper Lodge Web Page
(official USAF photo)

Saturday, 06/11/2011, 1800, Biscuits Baseball

The game is "Military Appreciation Night", and we have a block of seats for those interested. $12.00 per person. Click HERE for the Biscuits' web site.

There will be a fly over, enlistment ceremony, and other pre-game activities.

There is limited parking at Riverfront Stadium, so plan to arrive around 1800, if not sooner.

The first pitch is scheduled for 1905.

There will be fireworks after the game.

Sunday, 06/12/2011, Chapel Services

There are four (4) services on base at the two chapels. The Base Chaplain states that a group service is not normally held, therefore folks interested in attending will need to do so individually. The four services are:

0830 - Chapel 2 - Protestant, Contemporary

0900 - Chapel 1 - Catholic Mass
***TIME CHANGE***

1100 - Chapel 1 - Protestant, Traditional

1100 - Chapel 2 - Gospel / African-American

Chapel 1
101 Poplar Street
Building 3

Chapel 2
331 West Drive
Building 155

Chapel 2, Maxwell AFB - 2011
Rev. Robert Graetz and Father Linn Harbour, Chaplain
(USAF photo by Melanie Rodgers Cox)

Sunday, 06/12/2011, Farewell Luncheon

We might have a farewell brunch/luncheon for those of us still in Montgomery on Sunday. Many of you will be departing on flights that day, so we'll aim for 1100 to 1300.

Reunion 2011, Messages

2011-01-04T23:16:00.000-08:00

Post messages specifically for the Reunion.

Please remember that anything you post will be accessible by anyone with access to the Internet. Inappropriate messages will be deleted.

Reunion 2011, Security and Contacts

2011-01-04T23:09:00.000-08:00

Valid Identification:

Active Duty Identification Card

Military Retired Identification Card

Dependant Military Identification Card

Government Issued Driver’s License

Valid Passport

Base Access - Retirees
Retirees may sponsor their guests.

Base Access - Prior Service
We will need to provide an Entry Authority List (EAL) of prior service members and their guests to Pass and Registration no later than 06/03/2011. J.P. Brown is compiling the list, and would like all names NO LATER than 05/27/2011 so that the list can be mailed, and receipt verified.

Each person will need to list their full name as listed on a State ID, Federal ID, or passport. TSgt Veith says this information is required for entry, and must be submitted to the Visitors Center Pass and ID no later than about 06/03/2011.

AU/PA story about events and the EAL

Privately Owned Vehicles
To operate you POV on base, you will need:

1. A valid driver's license

2. Proof of insurance

3. Your registration

Weapons
Persons authorized to carry weapons off base are not allowed to carry on base, even if you are an active or retired law enforcement officer, or have a CCW permit.

Weapons must be stored at the 42nd SFS Armory. Form 1297 for temporary storage will be issued. Gunter does not have such facilities, so for the Gunter activities you will need to either store your weapon at Maxwell or leave it at your motel.

42nd SFS Contacts

TSgt Mark Delcambre
( sounds like "Delcome" and rhymes with "Welcome" )

TSgt Dee Long

3800th SPS Contacts

J.P. Brown
Home: (623) 487-9215
Cell: (480) 335-9517

Gene Cody

Helpful Links

Directions to Gates

Base Phone Numbers

Visiting Maxwell & Gunter FAQ

Unofficial Info One

Unofficial Info Two

Other Info

Bell Street is now Maxwell Blvd

3rd St is now Mitchell Blvd

8th St is now Twining St

Peach St (next to old SP Barracks) is gone

Reunion 2011, Hotels

2011-01-04T23:08:00.000-08:00

Attention: Change of Plans

The hotel that previously offered us a group rate altered their rates and added more conditions, therefore we are not going to try to have a "group" hotel. Also, our Friday reception will be at Gunter, therefore we will not need a central hotel for a dinner.

ALL RATES LISTED BELOW ARE APPROXIMATE, SUBJECT TO CHANGE, AND SUBJECT TO THE HOTEL RULES. THESE RATES DO NOT INCLUDE THE 12.5% TAX.

Prattville - These are in close proximity:

Courtyard, Prattville (exit 179), $99

Days Inn, Prattville (exit 179), $59

Hampton Inn, Prattville (exit 179), $73

Marriott, Prattville (exit 179), $109

Econo Lodge, Prattville (exit 181), $67

Home-Towne Suites, Prattville (exit 181), $77

La Quinta, Prattville (exit 181), $89

Super 8, Prattville (exit 181), $62

Montgomery - Downtown, Maxwell, and Gunter

Embassy Suites, Montgomery (downtown), $129, full restaurant

Renaissance, Montgomery (downtown), $159, full restaurant

University Inn, Maxwell AFB (billeting)
(334) 953-2055

Lodging Office, Gunter Annex (billeting)
(334) 416-5501

Reunion 2011, Attendees

2011-01-04T22:39:00.000-08:00

Here's a list of confirmed attendees with their name, number of guests, current location, and whether they are retired or prior service.

As folks pay, I indicate what they have paid for; please check for accuracy.

Current total number of attendees: 64

Alex, Robert (AL)
FRI: (0)Tour, (1)Gunter
SAT: (1)Picnic, (1)Baseball

Alexander, Jr, Johnson L. (AL)

Atteberry, David [+1] (AL) retired
FRI: (0)Tour, (1)Gunter
SAT: (0)Picnic, (0)Baseball

Berdeaux, Jim (AL) retired
FRI: (0)Tour, (1)Gunter
SAT: (1)Picnic, (0)Baseball

Branyon, Steve (FL) prior service
FRI: (1)Tour, (1)Gunter
SAT: (1)Picnic, (1)Baseball

Bredenberg, Don (??) prior service

Briggs, David (AL) retired
FRI: (0)Tour, (1)Gunter
SAT: (1)Picnic, (0)Baseball

Brockman, August (AL) retired
FRI: (0)Tour, (1)Gunter
SAT: (1)Picnic, (0)Baseball

Brooker, Denis [+1 Janice] (TX) retired
FRI: (2)Tour, (2)Gunter
SAT: (2)Picnic, (0)Baseball

Browder, Gene (FL) prior service

Brown, Philip "J.P." (AZ) prior service
FRI: (1)Tour, (1)Gunter
SAT: (1)Picnic, (1)Baseball

Buono, John F. [+1 April] (AL)
FRI: (0)Tour, (2)Gunter
SAT: (2)Picnic, (0)Baseball

Champion, George J., Jr [+1] (AL) retired
Will possibly miss

Cody, Gene [+1 Betty] (AL) retired
FRI: (0)Tour, (2)Gunter
SAT: (2)Picnic, (0)Baseball

Coleman, Dave [+1] (AL) retired

Connors, Jeff [+1 Deb] (OH) retired
FRI: (2)Tour, (0)Gunter
SAT: (2)Picnic, (0)Baseball
Might miss due to new assignment.

Davis, Chuck (Australia) prior service
   FRI: (0)Tour,   (1)Gunter
   SAT: (1)Picnic, (0)Baseball
   Note: fees paid by Terry Roman

DeRamus, Dave [+1 Stacie] (MS) retired

Drake, Chuck [+1 Gail] (SC) retired
FRI: (2)Tour, (2)Gunter
SAT: (2)Picnic, (2)Baseball

Eaton, Larry [+1] (FL) retired

Eckert, John R. "Richard" [+2] (??) retired

Essman, Skip (AL) retired
FRI: (1)Tour, (1)Gunter
SAT: (1)Picnic, (0)Baseball

Fellion, Ron (WA) prior service

Fiedler, Scott (CA) prior service
FRI: (1)Tour, (1)Gunter
SAT: (1)Picnic, (1)Baseball

Garland, Tim [+1 Julie] (AL) retired

Giesey, Don [+1 Arleen] (PA) prior service
FRI: (2)Tour, (2)Gunter
SAT: (2)Picnic, (0)Baseball

Griggers, Dr. James E. (Austria) retired
FRI: (1)Tour, (1)Gunter
SAT: (1)Picnic, (0)Baseball

Guest, Mark (AL) retired
FRI: (1)Tour, (1)Gunter
SAT: (1)Picnic, (0)Baseball

Hale, Jimmy (??)
currently deployed, but hopes to attend

Hall, Jimmy (AL) retired

Harrell, James (??) prior service

Heaton, John (AL) retired

Hodges, Amy (AL) prior service
FRI: (0)Tour, (0)Gunter
SAT: (4)Picnic, (0)Baseball

Jennings, Bill [+1 Lisa] (VA) active duty
FRI: (0)Tour, (0)Gunter
SAT: (0)Picnic, (0)Baseball
Will miss.

Kovach, Tom (TN) prior service
FRI: (1)Tour, (1)Gunter
SAT: (1)Picnic, (1)Baseball

Lambing, Rick [+1 Tina] (PA) retired
FRI: (0)Tour, (2)Gunter
SAT: (2)Picnic, (2)Baseball

McCrary, David [+1 Deborah] (AL) retired
FRI: (2)Tour, (2)Gunter
SAT: (2)Picnic, (2)Baseball
possibly two (2) grandkids also

McCue, Bill (FL) prior service
FRI: (1)Tour, (1)Gunter
SAT: (1)Picnic, (1)Baseball

McGregor, Lorne [+1 Sharon] (FL) retired
FRI: (2)Tour, (2)Gunter
SAT: (2)Picnic, (0)Baseball

Miller, Andy [+2 C. True, C. Miller] (NC) prior service
FRI: (0)Tour, (2+1)Gunter
SAT: (2+1)Picnic, (0)Baseball

Phillips, Darryl (??) retired
FRI: (0)Tour, (1)Gunter
SAT: (1)Picnic, (1)Baseball

Roman, Terry [+1 Ann] (GA) retired
   FRI: (0)Tour,   (2)Gunter
   SAT: (2)Picnic, (0)Baseball
   Note: included fees for Chuck Davis

Smith, Jr, Jerry [+1] (MD) retired

Spigner, Ray [+1 Jeannie] (AL) retired
FRI: (2)Tour, (2)Gunter
SAT: (2)Picnic, (2)Baseball

Stallard, Phil (NC) retired
FRI: (1)Tour, (1)Gunter
SAT: (1)Picnic, (1)Baseball

Stanford, Bobby (MS) retired
FRI: (0)Tour, (0)Gunter
SAT: (1)Picnic, (0)Baseball

Steele, Jim [+1] (AL) retired

Thompson, Cliff [+1] (AL) retired
FRI: (0)Tour, (0)Gunter
SAT: (2)Picnic, (0)Baseball

Ward, Jerry (AR) retired
FRI: (1)Tour, (1)Gunter
SAT: (1)Picnic, (1)Baseball

Wells, Richard "Dick" [+1 Donna] (AL) retired
FRI: (2)Tour, (2)Gunter
SAT: (2)Picnic, (2)Baseball

Wilson, Ken [+1 Belynda] (TN) retired
FRI: (0)Tour, (2)Gunter
SAT: (2)Picnic, (0)Baseball

Couple Murdered at Base Store, 1973

2010-07-29T23:53:00.000-07:00

~Compiled from accounts by Maxwell SPs and news reports

On Saturday morning, May 5, 1973, a married couple was found murdered at the Town and Country Store on Maxwell AFB. They were MSgt (Ret.) Lawrence Shaw and MSgt (Ret.) Ruby Shaw of Prattville, AL. Both were shot to death. The bodies were discovered by a milkman making his deliveries. Reports state that $1,900 was taken during the robbery.

Town and Country Store (left), Maxwell Blvd - 1979
Crossing Guard SrA Cindy (Rawlings) Smith, child unknown
(photo by Philip "J.P." Brown)

The investigation was conducted jointly by the OSI and FBI. Accounts from Maxwell AFB SPs who were stationed there during that era indicate that some base officials entered the crime scene, contrary to protocol, and thus contaminated the area. This would have compromised the evidence to some degree. The murder was never solved, and no arrest was ever made.

Update, 05/05/2011 - A former SPOI investigator related that a suspect was identified, but that he was imprisoned in another state serving a life term without parole. Prosecutors decided to not prosecute him given that he will never again see the light of day outside a prison. This is certainly good news for those seeking justice over these many years.

Newspaper Sources (all via Google Archives):

President Ronald Reagan Visits, 1982

2010-07-10T23:42:00.000-07:00

~Compiled via accounts from Maxwell SPs, plus news reports

Speech to Joint Session
On March 15, 1982, President Ronald Reagan flew into Maxwell AFB to deliver a speech to a Joint Session of the Alabama State Legislature. He was greeted at the Flight Line by U.S. Senator Jeremiah Denton (formerly the highest-ranking POW of the Vietnam War), Montgomery Mayor Emory Folmar, and other dignitaries. Senator Denton and Mayor Folmar then escorted the President to the Alabama State Capital. President Reagan was received there by Alabama Governor Fob James and a delegation from the Legislature. At that time, Denton was a senator from Alabama. He and Reagan were personal friends, and they were staunch allies in efforts to fight Communism.

President Ronald Reagan
(official White House photograph)

Awaiting Air Force One, Maxwell AFB Flight Line - 1982
Podium: Mayor Folmar (left) and Senator Denton (right)
Background: A1C Andy Miller (SP), plus four others unknown (hidden and/or in suits)
(courtesy of Andy Miller)

Air Force One and Motorcade Security
The 3800th Security Police Squadron, Montgomery PD, Alabama State Troopers, OSI, FBI, and the Secret Service were involved in the team effort. Our unit provided security for Air Force One (which was parked behind Base Ops, Building 844), and along the route of the motorcade. Tensions were high, because it was almost one year to the day from when President Reagan had been shot (30 Mar 1981) by John Hinckley, Jr. (see video below).

SP Guarding Air Force One
AFB and Year unknown
(via Global Security.org Web Site)

Incident Approaching Base Ops
On the return trip, the motorcade entered through the Bell Street Gate, turned onto Poplar Street, then left onto Ash Street towards 8th Street (now named "Twining Street"). A "plug" car had been parked in the southbound lane of 8th Street, and northbound traffic was stopped by SSgt Tom Kovach. An individual on a motorcycle bypassed the traffic that had been stopped, and drove his motorcycle between the automobiles and the curb, towards the motorcade.

Intersection of Ash Street and 8th Street
Note: "8th Street" has been renamed "Twining Street"
(photo ©2010 Yahoo! Inc.)

At the same moment that Kovach observed the motorcycle, he could hear the distinctive engine sound of the presidential limousine as it turned onto Ash Street and passed the First Alabama Bank building (no longer there, as seen in aerial view). Kovach calculated that, unless he took immediate action, the motorcycle would arrive at the intersection at the same moment as the president's limousine. That, of course, was an unacceptable risk.

Beginning with the lowest level of force, Kovach raised his hand in a universal "stop" signal, and shouted, "Halt!" He shouted so loudly that pedestrians on Maxwell Boulevard immediately halted. From his nearby post across Ash Street, A1C Andy Miller heard the shouting and radioed the incident to the Desk Sergeant.

The motorcycle kept coming. Maneuvering between the line of stopped cars and the curb, the motorcycle traveled at about 10-15 miles per hour. Kovach could see the face of the rider inside a full-face helmet. So, it appeared to Kovach that the rider's continued movement was deliberate. Having no other choice, Kovach escalated the level of force.

He was not alone. Just east of the intersection of Poplar and Ash, there had been a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter hovering about 500 feet over a viewpoint of the motorcade. As the incident rapidly unfolded, the helicopter swooped down, made a "pirouette" turn over the incident, and the long-barreled rifle of a Secret Service sharpshooter could be seen sliding out the side door. The chopper took up a new hover position no more than a hundred feet above the SP Dorm.

Kovach drew his caliber-.38 revolver from its holster, shouted for occupants of the stopped cars to get down and take cover, and ran to the trunk of the second stopped car for cover as he aimed his pistol at the motorcyclist. By this time, Kovach and the motorcyclist were no more than 25 feet from each other. The bike came to a halt. But, the rider kept his hands on the controls and did not turn off the engine. Things were rapidly approaching an impasse.

Using exaggerated hand signals and lip movements, Kovach shouted for the biker to dismount. The two men were looking at each other. Even with the helmet's face shield, there was no doubt about eye contact. The biker stated, "I can't hear you," but took no action in response to Kovach's hand signals. Using an exaggerated hand movement, the Security Policeman cocked back the hammer of his pistol. Immediately after that, the biker exclaimed, "Oh! You want me to get off the bike!" He began to dismount.

As the motorcyclist -- wearing civilian clothing and a leather jacket -- was getting off his bike, OSI Special Agent Ron Norris roared around the corner in an unmarked sedan, accompanied by a Secret Service agent on the passenger side. The "plug" car backed up, making way for the agents, who then leaped out of the sedan and ran to assist Staff Sgt. Kovach with the apprehension. All three men simultaneously introduced the motorcyclist to the fence of the base swimming pool.

As the two special agents took up close-watch positions on either side of the subject, with pistols at the ready, Kovach searched the subject. No weapons or explosives were found. Kovach handcuffed the subject (who was tentatively identified at the scene as a Federal civilian GS-15, employed at the Air University Library), and then the agents took the subject into custody. He remained in Secret Service custody at SP headquarters for approximately four hours.

Diagram of Incident
(photo ©2010 Yahoo! Inc.; comments added by Tom Kovach)

Follow-up at Building 837
After the departure of Air Force One, the SPs involved in this incident were back at SP headquarters (the Campbell Building) – doing paperwork, of course. One of the supervisors, TSgt Mark Guest, came into the briefing room to give Kovach back his handcuffs. Guest had been in the room during part of the Secret Service interrogation of the subject. Guest told Kovach that the subject had explained that, because of his position on the base, he felt "entitled" to get up close to the motorcade for a better view. Guest also told Kovach that the Secret Service had confiscated a TV-news video of the incident.

Building 837 (south side) - 1979
(photo by Philip "J.P." Brown)

For about two months after that incident, Kovach was derisively nicknamed "Quick Draw" by a few people in the unit (mostly lower-ranking airmen), but upon learning about this, then-Major Carson told supervisors at a staff meeting to put a stop to it.

A recollection is posted on this web site by LtCol (Ret.) Leonard Carson. He was a Major then, and Commander of the 3800th SPS from 1981 to 1985. LtCol Carson wrote, "No one in the 3800SPS assigned will forget the day Pres. Reagan visited Maxwell. That was the day we almost killed the stupid Major. Us, the OSI, or the Secret Service.". Note: A GS-15 is a Civil Service rank roughly equivalent to a Major.

Weekend Threat in Birmingham
The Tuscaloosa News reported that a Birmingham, AL, man was arrested over the weekend prior to President Reagan's Monday arrival. The man allegedly made a threat against the president's life, and claimed to be a member of a "group of people who would kill the president" (see link below). Although that incident was not related to this incident, and no charges were filed in the Maxwell incident, the Birmingham incident illustrates the seriousness with which the Secret Service takes presidential security and protection.

Editorial Comments
The motorcyclist should have known better than to bypass stopped traffic, and disregard the order to "halt" of a Security Policeman. This was during an era when terrorist threats were high. During the 1972 election, then-Governor George Wallace of Alabama (a candidate for president) had been shot in the spine at close range, and was a paraplegic for the rest of his life. President Ford had two attempts made on his life in 1975. Given the hindsight of the Beirut Marine barracks bombing (Oct 1983) and the USAF Khobar Towers bombing (Jun 1996), and the current era of suicide bombers, security at presidential motorcades has hopefully been increased even more.

The job of a Security Policeman has been described as "98 percent boredom, occasionally interrupted by terror". The day of President Reagan's visit to Maxwell was a clear example that any moment can become a historic moment in an SP's life.

Related Links:

Full Text of President Reagan's Speech
via the University of Texas Reagan Archives

LtCol Carson's posting at the 3800th SPS "Message" Page

The Tuscaloosa News Article
via Google archives

Global Security.org Web Site

President Reagan Library Site

Admiral Jeremiah Denton's Book, When Hell was in Session,
at Amazon.com

1981 Assassination Attempt on President Reagan

ABC News Nightline Broadcast, March 30, 1981

Former President Reagan Assaulted by Protester

President Reagan's "Tear Down This Wall!" Speech

Gates Undergo Major Overhaul

2010-05-28T05:34:00.000-07:00

~Based on Mark Guest and AU/PA stories/photos
Thanks to Mark Guest for two photos of the new gates at Maxwell AFB. "Gate 1" (Poplar Street) is now further towards Bell Street, and is called the "Bell Street Gate". "Gate 2" (Day Street) is in its same location, but is now under construction.

The construction on the Day Street Gate (AKA "Gate 2") was scheduled for completion by December 16, 2009, although it may have been delayed by inclement weather. Some features of the gate reconstruction include:

Construction of a canopy over the road at the gate building,

Repair work to the gate, and

Adding a restroom (for a "10-14") to the gate building

Maxwell AFB story: Gate Renovations

Bell Street Gate, Maxwell AFB, Fall 2009
(photo by Mark Guest)

Gate 1 (Poplar Street, 130 yards west of new gate) - 1979
(photo by Philip "J.P." Brown)

Day Street Gate (under construction), Maxwell AFB ~ Summer 2009
(USAF photo by Carl Bergquist)

Day Street Gate (under construction), Maxwell AFB, Fall 2009
(photo by Mark Guest)

Gate 2 (Day Street) ~ 1978
(photo by Philip "J.P." Brown)

Day Street Fence - 2010
(USAF photo by Bennett Rock)

Gate 3 (Kelly Street, next to intersection with March Street) - 1979
(photo by Philip "J.P." Brown)

Related story: Contract Guards, DOD/DAF Police Hired

Gunter SPs Deploy for Desert Storm, 1990-91

2010-05-28T05:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Charles "Dave" Catholdi for the following great photos from the Desert Storm Deployment by SPs from Gunter AFB.

The Gunter AFB SPs were assigned to the 62nd SPS at Mirage AB in Sharaj, United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). The 62nd SPS was the unit from McChord AFB.

Gunter and McChord troops were merged into the
1650th Tactical Airlift Wing Provisional

At lookout posts (such as "Echo 1"), SPs were armed with M-60 machine guns.

SPs served 12 hour shifts (such as 0600-1800). After being there awhile, they received at least 1 MRE for a meal a day, a cold breakfast, and 1 hot dinner. Quote from Charles "Dave" Catholdi, "God I hated those MREs!".

Front Row, Left to Right: Rajesh B. Patel, Eric F. Phillips, Ernest C. "Dog" Murray, Jeff Stokely, Ken "Truitt Can Do It" Truitt, Randy Cunningham
Back Row, Left to Right: Michael A. "Mike" Doty, Terry L. Pridemore, David B. "Dave" DeRamus, Robert "Boos" Bussalacchi, Richard J. "Rich" Wryobeck, Charles "Dave" Catholdi, Donald L. "Don" Carter
Not Pictured: A1C Jeffrey Anderson
(USAF photo via Charles "Dave" Catholdi)

"Tent City", Mirage AB, U.A.E.
(photo courtesy of Charles "Dave" Catholdi)

Halloween During Desert Storm - October 1990
Seated Left-to-Right: Sgt Terry Pridemore, A1C Randy Cunningham, Charles "Dave" Catholdi, A1C Jeff Anderson (handing out "Trick or Treat" candy to British kids)
Standing: A1C Dave Deramus
(photo courtesy of Charles "Dave" Catholdi)

"R and R" at Kentucky Fried Chicken in Downtown Dubai, U.A.E.
Robert Busalacchi (facing), Randy Cunningham (glasses), Ernest C. Murray (right, white shirt), and Dave DeRamus (blue shirt)
(photo courtesy of Charles "Dave" Catholdi)

Dave DeRamus and Eric Phillips (from Gunter AFB);
Sgt Ken Jones (from McChord AFB)
Humvee, Mirage AB, U.A.E.
(photo courtesy of Charles "Dave" Catholdi)

UFO Visits Maxwell

2010-04-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

In the early 1980s, a "UFO" was spotted northwest of Maxwell AFB. It was seen over a two hour period, and it moved in the direction of Prattville. Sgt Jimmy Hall spotted it, and John Bolender of MAFB Flight Control tracked it on radar. Although the UFO approached the Prattville airport, there were no personnel there to identify it in the early morning hours.

Note: Even though this story is published on "April Fools' Day", this was a real story in the newspaper.

Newspaper "UFO" Clipping
(Clipping courtesy of Jeff Connors)

Contract Guards, DOD/DAF Police Hired

2010-01-03T03:16:00.001-08:00

~Summary of AU/PA stories by Carl Bergquist
Maxwell AFB and Gunter Annex have shifted some duties from the sentinels of the 42nd SFS to contract guards, and DOD/DAF police officers. The first changes involved having contract guards man the gates. Next, Department of Defense police were hired starting in October of 2008 to take on many of the roles filled by SFs. By Fall 2009, Department of the Air Force police had taken over the duties at the gates.

These changes were prompted by the overseas deployments of sentinels from the 42nd SFS to expeditionary units.

Maxwell AFB story: DOD Police Arrive

Maxwell AFB story: DAF Police Man Gates

Contract Guard Inspects Vehicle - Winter 2009
Kelly Street Gate, Maxwell AFB
(USAF photo by Jamie Pitcher)

DOD Police Officer Chris Langston - Fall 2008
Assigned to 42nd SFS, Maxwell AFB
(USAF photo by Jamie Pitcher)

DAF Police Officer Monica Roberts Verifies ID - Fall 2009
Bell Street Gate, Maxwell AFB
(USAF photo by Bennett Rock)

Related story: Gates Undergo Major Overhaul

Maxwell AFB History

2009-12-31T01:39:00.000-08:00

In 1910, the Wright Brothers established a flying school at what is now Maxwell AFB.

Wright Brothers' Plane
year and location unknown
(USAF photo)

The following photographs were found at a history web site for multiple Air Force bases. I contacted the web master for that site, and he replied that he obtained them via an official Maxwell AFB web site. The pictures have since been removed from the official site. They are quite old, and appear to be official photographs, therefore they are in the public domain.

(Unofficial) Maxwell AFB History web site

2Lt William C. Maxwell ~ 1920
(official photograph obtained via web site noted above)

Maxwell Field before WW II build up
Austin Hall (AU HQ) is in the center of the photograph
(official photograph obtained via web site noted above)

Austin Hall Graduating Class - 1931
(official photograph obtained via web site noted above)

Compare the doorway above with the one below.

Air University HQ - 1979
(photo by Philip "J.P." Brown)

WAAC - 1943
(official photograph obtained via web site noted above)

British Cadets - 1941
(official photograph obtained via web site noted above)

Compare the roof gables in the background in the above picture with similar ones in the background below. It appears that the SP Barracks (Building 813 and others) were built by 1941. The screens around the porches would have been needed since air conditioning was not widespread.

Building 813, facing north ~ 1976
(photo by Ron Fellion)

Gunter AFS History

2009-12-31T00:55:00.001-08:00

Gunter AFS was established in 1940. The following document outlines how the City of Montgomery, AL, provided the municipal airport for the training of military pilots. It was used extensively during WWII. Its mission and use changed over the years.

History page for Gunter AFS
(via Bill McCue, scanned by Steve Branyon)

Commissary Destroyed by Fire, 1973
On February 18, 1973, the Commissary at Gunter burned down. There were no injuries, and the cause of the fire was unknown.

The Tuscaloosa News bulletin
via Google Archives

Gunter AFS Map ~ 1976
(via Bill McCue, scanned by Steve Branyon)

Maxwell SPs Aid Hurricane Frederick Victims, 1979

2009-12-31T00:26:00.000-08:00

09/10/2009: Thanks to Jeff Connors for the list of names of SPs who were involved with Hurricane Frederick relief efforts.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE FULL SIZE

SP Unit and Base Designations

2009-12-30T22:25:00.000-08:00

The various security and law enforcement units at Maxwell AFB and Gunter AFS have had numerous designations over the decades. Since the Air Force was once part of the Army, there were "M.P." units during World War II and into 1948. Maxwell AFB was known as "Maxwell Field", and Gunter AFS was known as "Gunter Field", during that era.

SP Unit Designations

Here are the possible unit designations at Gunter and Maxwell:

1947 ~ 502d Air University Wing

1948 ~ 3800th Air Police Squadron

1966 ~ 3800th Security Police Squadron

1992 ~ 502d Security Police Squadron

1994 ~ 42nd Security Police Squadron

1997 ~ 42nd Security Forces Squadron

Thanks to Bill McCue for providing, and to Steve Branyon for scanning, numerous photos and documents from Gunter AFS. Below is an organizational chart for the 3800th ABS SP Section circa 1978. It shows how the SP unit at Gunter AFS was separate from the SP unit at Maxwell AFB.

Gunter AFS 3800th ABS/SPS Organizational Chart
(via Bill McCue, scanned by Steve Branyon)

Gunter and Maxwell Designations

Over the years, Gunter and Maxwell have had numerous designations. These occurred as the USAF became a distinct service from the Army, combined with Gunter's evolving role. The base closings in the early 1990s also affected this.

Gunter Field

Gunter AFS

Gunter AFB

Gunter Annex

Maxwell Field

Maxwell AFB

Maxwell-Gunter

Maxwell/Gunter Pistol Rifle Team 1977

2009-12-30T22:05:00.001-08:00

Thanks once again to Ron Fellion. Here's a clipping he sent of the Maxwell AFB Gunter AFS Combined Pistol/Rifle Team. This is at the "Top Gun" competition in 1977 at Lackland AFB, TX.

Left to Right: Ron Fellion, Steve Branyon, Gary Nickols,
Ralph Conner, Bill McCue, Jeff Connors
(clipping by Ron Fellion)

Thanks to Jeff Connors for the following photos:

Firing Range at Lackland AFB
(photo by Jeff Connors)

Crouch Position at Lackland AFB
(photo by Jeff Connors)

Jeff Connors also sent a PDF file from "Airman" magazine from 1979. Thanks to Jeff for sending that file. It is very large, but I may post it in its entirety later. Below are excerpts from it:

Article and photo credits
(photo by TSgt Bob Wickley, AAVS; article by Capt Katie Cutler)
(submitted by Jeff Connors)

Welcome sign for "Top Gun" Competition
(photo by TSgt Bob Wickley, AAVS; article by Capt Katie Cutler)
(submitted by Jeff Connors)

Unsnapped: The Smith and Wesson .38 Revolver
(photo by TSgt Bob Wickley, AAVS; article by Capt Katie Cutler)
(submitted by Jeff Connors)

A Red Hat, plus other clippings
(photo by TSgt Bob Wickley, AAVS; article by Capt Katie Cutler)
(submitted by Jeff Connors)

Firing the M-16
(photo by TSgt Bob Wickley, AAVS; article by Capt Katie Cutler)
(submitted by Jeff Connors)

Is this Jeff Connors?
(photo by TSgt Bob Wickley, AAVS; article by Capt Katie Cutler)
(submitted by Jeff Connors)

TSgt Guy R. Harrison, Air Training Command, Aggregate Honors
(photo by TSgt Bob Wickley, AAVS; article by Capt Katie Cutler)
(submitted by Jeff Connors)

Top Gun 1977 notepad
(via Bill McCue, scanned by Steve Branyon)

Unit News Headlines

2009-12-30T21:51:00.001-08:00

Individual News

New IDs Needed by July 2011

SSgt Olson Wounded in Afghanistan, 2010

News About Murder of TSgt Tom Campbell, 1978

President Reagan's 1982 Visit

Couple Murdered at Base Store, 1973

SP Audio Recordings During V.P. Mondale's Visit, 1979

Building 837 Torn Down

Building 813 (SP Barracks) Gone

Gates Undergo Major Overhaul

Gunter SPs Deploy for Desert Storm, 1990-91

42nd SFS Bike Patrol (AU/PA)

Contract Guards, DOD/DAF Police Hired

Maxwell-Gunter "Top Gun" Team 1977

Maxwell SPs Aid Hurricane Frederick Victims, 1979

UFO Visits Maxwell

Gunter AFS History

Maxwell AFB History

SP Unit and Base Designations

Building 837 Torn Down

2009-12-30T21:38:00.001-08:00

SMSgt (Ret.) Mark Guest wrote that Building 837, which for decades served as Security Police Headquarters and Operations, and was named in honor of TSgt Thomas L. Campbell, has been torn down. The first image below (via Google) shows it standing (perhaps in early 2009). The second image (via Yahoo) shows it torn down. The third image at the bottom, shows Maxwell Field prior to WW II, and one can almost discern Building 837.

Details on exactly when Building 837 was demolished, and where the portrait of Tom Campbell has been moved to, are unknown as of this posting.

01/13/2010 - Update - Gene Cody related that the portrait of Tom Campbell is on display in the entry hall of the "new" 42nd SFS Building.

Two other large buildings directly across Maxwell Boulevard on the south side have also been torn down (one was a recreation center, the other housed a post office). The new 42nd Security Forces Squadron building is located at 130 W. Selfridge.

Building 837 (perhaps early 2009)
(image ©2009 Google - Imagery; ©2009 DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, U.S. Geological Survey)

Maxwell Boulevard with three buildings gone (perhaps late 2009)
(image ©2009 Yahoo! Inc.)

(official U.S. government photo)

Building 813 (SP Barracks) Gone

2009-12-30T21:27:00.000-08:00

Remember the song "They Paved Paradise and Put Up a Parking Lot"? Well look below.

The image below is from Google Maps. It shows where the old SP barracks (Building 813 and others) were torn down for the new Building 804 (headquarters for the new 42nd Air Base Wing).

The barracks were located just north of Peach Street (which routinely flooded).

Building 837 was standing when this was originally posted. It is now torn down.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE FULL SIZE
(composite of Google image and photo by Ron Fellion)