Thank You

A special "Thank You" goes out to the Men and Women serving with the

10th Security Forces Squadron, U. S. Air Force Academy

for hosting the 10th Security Police Association's Second Reunion onto the grounds of the Air Force Academy on Friday July 18, 2008.

It was an experience many will never forget.

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A Very Special Thank You

Goes out to:

SrA Adam Pedersen

&

A1C Dustin Blodgett

These two gentlemen volunteered, on their off days, to come in as drivers for the 10th SFSq and escort members of the 10th SPA onto the grounds of the Air Force Academy.

ur browseGroup PhotorGroup Photos

During the Second Reunion, the entire group gathered at the 50 yard line of Falcon Stadium at the Air Force Academy for a group photo. The first photo shows former squadron members while the second photo shows all who attended the second reunion.

Not pictured in the group photos are Cal & Mary Adkins and Joe Grimes.

Former Squadron Members with 10th SFSq Drivers, SrA Adam Pedersen and A1C Dustin Blodgett.

Young and Old alike, all who attended the Second Reunion of the 10th SPA with 10th SFSq Drivers, SrA Adam Pedersen and A1C Dustin Blodgett.

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Reunion Highlights

As mentioned above, there were four unique situations within this reunion.

First

The 10th Security Police Association has members that stretch the course of the history of the squadron from 1953 to the current day at the Air Force Academy. Between 1953 and 1959 the 10th Air Police Squadron was assigned to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. For this reunion, the 10th SPA was honored to have three former 10th APSq members in attendance. More of the squadron's history could be learned of by talking with these gentlemen. As seen below, they are:

Calvin "Cal" Adkins, Norman "Norm" Hammack, Larry Johnson

Many thanks go to them for attending the Second Reunion of the 10th Security Police Association.

Second

The 10th Air Police Squadron and 10th Security Police Squadron was assigned to RAF Alconbury, England between 1959 and 1994. During that long period of the squadron's history many individuals served as Commander of the squadron. The 10th Security Police Association was honored to have two of the former Commanders in attendance for this reunion. Robert Tonner Commanded the squadron from 1973 to 1974 and Martin Donley Commanded the squadron from 1974 to 1977. As see below, they are:

Robert "Bob" Tonner, Martin "Marty" Donley

Many thanks go to them for attending the Second Reunion of the 10th Security Police Association.

Third

Zadah and Rexal Talkington are the mother and father-in-law of 10th SPA member Ray "Ed" Martin. The Talkingtons recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and Ed and Rexann Martin invited them to be their guest at the second reunion. The 10th SPA was honored to have them as invited guest. Then the big surprise came. Rexal had photos of himself when he served in the U. S. Army many years ago. He had the privilege of serving along side of a famous celebrity. The photos showed Rexal and Zadah standing with Elvis Presley, The King of Rock n Roll, when he was serving. Rexal indicated he was very nice gentlemen to have served with. As seen below, they are:

Zadah and Rexal Talkington

Many thanks go to them for attending the Second Reunion of the 10th Security Police Association.

Fourth

Revisiting England during the Reunion

During the weekend of the reunion, 10th SPA members had the virtual opportunity to somewhat revisit England. There was a large number of British nationals visiting the USA and touring the country. The reunion and the British shared the same hotel. They were here for two reasons, Country Music and Line Dancing. Reunion attendees had the good fortune to get to know this group of people and be able to intermingle with them. Plenty of good stories were shared both ways and some new friendships made. This seemed to add a bit of flavor to the reunion from our old stomping grounds at the "Bury".

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 Tower 3

The Tower 3 Conference Room of The Academy Hotel acted much like a Guardmount Room for all to gather and share memories. During the course of the reunion, many gathered in the room to enjoy company, conversation and a cold beer or two.

After the Banquet Saturday evening, members of the 10th SFSq, including the Commander and First Sergeant, joined reunion attendees for an evening of conversation, beers, and a history lesson or two. It was like being in the barracks all over again. Members of the 10th SFSq were amazed that so many former squadron member's names could be remembered from days gone by. The stories all sounded the same, except the years were different. Reunion attendees and 10th SFSq members walked away with new friendships being established.

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Visiting with the 10th SFSq and the U. S. Air Force Academy

On Friday July 18, 2008, the 10th SPA Second Reunion was picked up at The Academy Hotel by two Air Force posting vehicles driven by SrA Adam Pedersen and A1C Dustin Blodgett of the 10th SFSq. Reunion attendees were driven onto the grounds of the Academy and split into two groups. One group went to the CATM and Cadet area while the other group went to the Canine Section and 10th SFSq Offices.

Both groups came together as one at the 10th SFSq Offices where a Bar-B-Que lunch was prepared by members of the 10th SFSq. Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, assorted Chips, and Cold Drinks were enjoyed by 10th SPA and 10th SFSq members alike. Everyone enjoyed lunch and conversation while taking a break from the tour. When lunch was completed, the two groups went in opposite directions to tour the Academy.

During the tour of the Canine Section, Reunion Attendees were introduced to the eight Military Working Dogs on station. Like their handlers, the K-9 displayed the same pride wearing a Security Forces Badge and performing their assigned duties. They are pictured below.

The day ended with both groups being reunited at Falcon Stadium for group photos. The below galleries depict the day spent on the grounds of the Air Force Academy.

Military Working Dogs of the 10th SFSq

The 10th Security Forces Squadron

The Bar-B-Que

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U. S. Air Force Academy Chapel

This building is probably one of the most recognized and pictured buildings that exist. Its shape is most unique for a chapel. One can look at thousands of pictures of this chapel but never realize how awe inspiring it is until one stands near it.

Pictures of the Air Force Academy Chapel do not tell of its multiple purposes. One would think it is one big chapel but it is not. On the upper level lies the Protestant Chapel the biggest of the chapels. This chapel has a row of pews that are cordoned off and a candle is kept burning at all times. The row of pews is dedicated to all graduates of the Academy who went off to war and never returned. On the lower level lies three more chapels. The Catholic Chapel being the second biggest, then the Jewish Synagogue, and then the Budhist Temple. Most all religious faiths are represented in the Air Force Academy Chapel and cadets have the opportunity to practice their religious beliefs.

The below gallery attempts to portray the reverence of the Air Force Academy Chapel. Many have visited and went away spiritually touched by this chapel. As seen in the gallery the Chapel strikes an impressive profile against clear blue sunny skies as well as impending inclement weather. While the exterior appears to be white in photos, it is actually highly polished aluminum.

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The Tours of the Second Reunion

On Saturday July 19, 2008 two tours were arranged for the 10th SPA members attending the Second Reunion. Both tours offered a taste of Colorado Springs, Colorado and the surrounding scenery. Tour 1 went to the summit of Pikes Peak while Tour 2 went to the Garden of the Gods in Manitou Springs, Colorado. The below galleries will show that the tours provided for some awesome viewing of America or great shopping.

Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak is the 14th highest peak in the world with an elevation of 14, 110 feet above sea level. Recent geographical surveys put the actual peak at 14, 115 feet above sea level. Because of the millions of dollars needed to change the brochures, the elevation has been left at 14,110. What is referred to as the "Great Divide" of America can be seen from atop Pike Peak. The Great Divide is where the waters flow to either the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. When ascending to Pikes Peak, vegetation disappears at 12,000 feet. At the summit of Pikes Peak, you could literallly kiss the clouds as they roll by.

When descending the mountain, you are stopped at the guard shack at Glen Cove. School teachers are given summer jobs at Glen Cove working with the National Park Rangers at the guard shack. You are stopped and a school teacher approaches your vehicle with a temperature meter. Your vehicle brakes are checked for over heating. If you have been "riding your brakes" and they are hot, you are pulled over to allow them to cool. You are then instructed to use a lower gear in your transmission to complete your descent.

A tradition of your visit to Pikes Peak says you must buy a donut at the summit. Legend has it that if you descend the mountain with your donut, it will flatten because of the change in elevation. Truth, the "Crazy Cajun" bought a donut at the summit and guarded it all the way back to the hotel. The only way that donut became flattened is when the "Crazy Cajun" ate it.

On July 23, 1893, Katherine Lee Bates ascended to the summit of Pikes Peak. After viewing the vast beautiful expanse of America, she returned to her hotel room and put pen to paper. She captured the essence of America in a song. Thanks to Pikes Peak and Katherine Lee Bates we have a National Song that describes America. That song is, "America, The Beautiful" which we have all sung at some time in our lives.

By way of the below gallery, please join some of the members of the 10th SPA's Second Reunion in visiting Pike Peak through their cameras.

Garden of the Gods

A trip to Manitou Springs, Colorado would reveal some beautiful rock formations and scenery. Members of the 10th SPA who chose to take this tour would be delighted as they visited the Garden of the Gods. They would have the opportunity to taste the waters from the springs that flow in the Garden. Some would show their strength, through photos, in holding up massive rocks. Blue skies for the day made the trip a very pleasant one in historic Manitou Springs. From seeing a 700 ton rock balanced on a small pedestal of ground to tasting the waters of the springs around the Garden.

By way of the below gallery, please join some of the members of the 10th SPA's Second Reunion in visiting the Garden of the Gods through their cameras.

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10th SPA's Second Reunion Banquet

Like a large family sitting down to a big Sunday dinner, so came members of the 10th SPA and the 10th SFSq. Sharing a meal together to commemmorate a successful second reunion of the association. With 10th SPA members, eighteen 10th SFSq members joined in for the banquet. Breaking bread together during a reunion has become a tradition of the 10th SPA. A tradition which serves to strengthen friendships and close ties. The younger brothers and sisters of the career field were brought into this tradition to experience the squadron's history. After the Banquet, everyone adjorned to the Tower 3 Conference Room for conversation and beverages. More openly did everyone become in sharing the squadron's history.

It is the hope of the 10th SPA, that our younger brothers and sisters have taken the history and heritage of the squadron to heart. That they understand that where they are today, many have come before them with the 10th APSq, SPSq, and SFSq in establishing the history and heritage that they live and serve by with the 10th Security Forces Squadron.

A new tradition for the 10th SPA was established during this Banquet. With the seating of new officers for the 2008/2010 term, a "Change of Command" style ceremony was established for the chair of the President. In the future, the Secretary will present the 10th SPS Guide-on to the out-going President who will then present it to the new President. The new President will then pass it on the Sergeant at Arms for presentation to the association. To establish this tradition, Major Phillip Born, 10th SFSq Commander, presented the 10th SFS and 10th SPS Guide-ons. Martin Donley was called to front and center to accept the Guide-ons as the out-going President of the association. Mike Lanphear was then called to front and center to accept the Guide-ons from Martin Donley as the new President of the association. Mike then handed the Guide-ons to AB Ryan Moholland, 10th SFSq, to anchor the Guide-ons behind the podium. Major Born presented the 10th SPS Guide-on to Wayne "Crazy Cajun" Guidry for the 10th Security Police Association. The 10th SPS Guide-on will be present at all future reunions of the 10th SPA.