56th SPS - Nakhon Phanom Photo Gallery by Thailand Dog Handlers at pbase.com

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Thailand Dog Handlers | profile | all galleries >> 56th SPS - Nakhon Phanom - Unit Director Dutch VanHatten Jr. >> George Conklin >> 56th SPS - Nakhon Phanom

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The Secret War | 40th AARS Combat Rescue | 56th SPS - Nakhon Phanom | Air Base NKP-Thailand | Bob Hope - 1969 | Community of Nakhon Phanom | NKP Air Base - The Early Days | NKP Today - 2002 | NKP's Air Operations in Laos | SEA Map | Poetry

56th SPS - Nakhon Phanom

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56th sps kennel's	56th sps K-9 patch	56th sps KIA 1	56th sps KIA 2
56th sps k-9 class of 74'	56th sps k-9	56th sps orderly room	56th-sps
AFESSENTIALS74-75	After Guardmount	Ango- WSA	Armory4
BS session	Best buds- Conklin & Ango	Bob Stettner	Brovo 11
CSC	Chow Time NKP 1970	Cobra Snakes	Col. Bill Raven & Duke

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Allen Workman		22-May-2012 16:51
Served at Nakhon Phanom RTAFB with the 56th SPS 73-74. Worked on the perimeter, mostly in towers and bunkers until I made Sgt, then was SAT leader and sector supervisor mostly in Bravo and Charlie sectors. Did a little time on the Panther teams. Good to see the photos. Member of the Vietnam Security Police Association and have met several other SPs that also served at NKP.

Jim Cottrell		06-Apr-2012 18:39
Hello Ed, check back with the VA. New developments there. I just got 30% for blockage and got a stint. It took year and half. You have to prove you were on perimeter or worked in proximity to sprayed areas.

Ed Pulvino		03-Apr-2012 06:49
56 SPS Day Shift, 1970-71 I have been treated for bladder cancer, type 2 Dia. the VA also told me that Agent Orange was not used in country. I haven't been able to find a DR to field a study or confirm that's what caused my cancer. Does anyone have extra 56th SPS (not K-9) squadron patch ?

Jim Cottrell		02-Apr-2012 00:44
Hi, Jim Cottrell, Udorn 70/71 ABCCC, NKP 71/72, and 74/75. Commo guy and did Augmentee at Udorn and NKP. Great site, good memories.

Louisa Hill		17-Feb-2012 21:15
My husband, Nathaniel Hill, was stationed at NKP, '68-69, I believe. trying to prove that he flew into Vietnam on planes that delivered supplies. Does anyone know anything about this? Please email: n41hill@juno.com. Thank you.

GUEST		08-Jan-2012 21:59
I was also stationed at NKP from 10/67 to 8/1968, when I was discharged from the AF and sent back home. I nlisted in the USAF in June 1967, right out of high school, and served 6 weeks of basic training and 6 weeks of SP school at Lackland AFB. Was temp. assigned to the 3700 PPP Group, after the 12 weeks, as an SP on perimeter beat walk in the Mens training areas, and sometimes on door post at the CC barracks at theLackland AFB Training Center. Received my orders and deployed to NPK,Thailand 10/1967 for my 1 year TOD, 56SPS. Assigned to the fuel storage and weapons armament areas on the flight line. Lots of memories.I started having a lot of physical problems on my TOD,and in 07/1968, was sent back to Lackland AFB, to the Willford Hall Medical Hospital on base. Discharged in 08/1968 for a physical disability which was existed prior to, and during service. I had bad eyesight to begin with, but the AF supplied me with 3 pairs of prescription glasses, But, that was not my main problem. The main problem was that I had a severe aversion to the tropical heat and humidity. I had severe inflammations and dermatitis, and all kinds of external and internal allergies. So, in 07/1968, 2 doctors at the NKP hospital,on base, checked me out, and sent back to the Lackland AFB hospital. I remember the 1 doctor, a Thai, at the AB hospital there, told me " You no look good. You need go home". After many medical tests and checked out, I was discharged and sent home ( Hororable Discharge 08/1968). Thanks to all the fond memories and photos.

Robley Evans		08-Oct-2011 17:39
I really enjoyed the site, Robley Evans @ NKP Late Oct 1973 till Jan 1975, 56 th SPS ASFC 81250, worked LE and Town Patrol. Joined the Army In Febuary1975 and retired in Jan 1994. Sometimes wished i had stayed in the Security Police. Have blessed day and stay safe. Also check out USAFSPG.NING.com

Guest		08-Oct-2011 17:31
I really enjoyed the site, Robley Evans @ NKP 1973 till Jan 1975 56 th SPS worked LE and Town Patrol.

Dave Williams		14-Apr-2011 04:23
Hi I have really enjoyed your site. I was one of the first K-9 at NKP Feb 68-Feb69 I had a Dog name Bruno was the first dog in NKP News. A Harrison S Reed lll had posted here, but did not leave a e-mail address. But to answer his question yes we used the kenel area he built was really crude but did the job. We operated out of two tents. was really a good duty. I have enjoyed our site brings back lots of memories. Keep up good work.

james a bolduc		11-Feb-2011 01:27
jim bolduc nkp jan 68 thru jun 69 worked in personnel and combat augmented about 6 months on the outer perimetter served 17 years had nervous condition in hospital 18 months medically discharded with 30 percent i am on 28 medicines and my whole body is affected think it is agent orange but because i was in thailand it does not count after 18 years with the va i finally got 100 percent only back paid 1 year just got my normal social security no back payment i have 18 awards and decs in my oppinion the 56 wg during this time was one of the best damn units in af god bless all and always keep the fallen deep in our hearts i almost died over there the rest of my career and i will do it again with you guys love my comman do hat. tsgt retired james a bolduc

Albert Maksel		22-Jan-2011 23:04
I was at NKP 68 May to 69 May. Worked on flightline with Aircraft Maintenance as well as SP Augmentee for extensive periods. Base was pretty much bare bones at that time. I have no doubt Agent Orange and/or Ranch Hand was used on perimeter. I fell in red mud near ammo dump and now have rare disease that causes rash and I have had cancer. Filed claim with VA; no success to date. Was kind of boring, but had some great times with the guy's in town. Best wishes to those who served at NKP. Remembering the many warriors who lost their lives in combat missions out of NKP. Thank you

Debby		11-Jan-2011 19:51
My husband was stationed at NKP from June, '74 to May, '75. I joined him in Sept. and soon found employment at the base as a GED teacher and counselor. Have any of you returned for a visit? I would be interested to know what NKP is really like today. Thanks to you all for your service.

Robert Jandrucko		21-Dec-2010 23:34
I was at NKP from Oct 73 till the end of Sept 74. I was with the 56th USAF Hospital as the base Bioenvironmental Engineer. It was my job to take care of all of the issues related to public health, occupational medicine, and environmental hazards. I remember having to collect samples outside the perimeter for evidence of herbicide leaking from it's use in and around the perimeter. At the time many of the local were complaining about lost rice crops and deaths to water buffalo due to the herbicide we were using leaching into the rice patties. I presented a report to officials in the Philippines that although high levels of dioxins were in and around the perimeter no evidence existed that it had spread into the rice patties outside the base.

Dave Carothers		11-Dec-2010 22:34
When I was stationed at NKP (1972-1973), one of the guys in my hootch had a war comic that described the use of sensors that were dropped in the jungle in Vietnam and monitored from a US computer facility in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand. I finally discovered what comic it was printed in: DC Comics, G.I. Combat, #161, June 1973. The story titled "Push-Button War" appears after the main story. Those of you who worked at TFA (Igloo White) might be particularly interested in the story. A number of these comics can be found on eBay.

Guest		13-Jul-2010 05:11
I was at NKP from March 1974-March 1975 as a member of the 56th Security Police unit, LE. Thanks for posting the pictures, brought back a lot of long lost memories. I remember the first day I was there it seem Thailand had a feel and smell all its own that made you understand just how far from home you really were.

Mark Zweig		09-May-2010 18:11
I arrived in beautiful NKP in November of 1974. I was assigned to the Radio and Television station there. For the majority of my assignment, I helped to entertain the Security Police on duty during those long nighttime hours. It was a truely hectic time with the evacuation of embassy personnel from Phnom Phen, the final evacuation of Saigon and the rescue of the Mayaguez crew. I met many good friends there and still see some today.

David Dean		28-Apr-2010 19:32
I was stationed at NKP as a dog handler from 1974-75. I came over with a friend named Daniels from Carswell AFB,TX and left NKP a year later with 2 friends, Gene and Larry, to Altus AFB, OK. Great pics and I can't believe the base is a jungle now, but hey, it's been 35 years!

Jack D Bartlett		23-Apr-2010 08:25
Served with 56th SPS from Oct 67 to Oct 68. Did anyone of you work Pilferage Control during that time? Served 1965-69 as Air Police/Security Police.

Tony Amato		09-Apr-2010 01:15
Tony Amato task force alpha what a place for a country boy-just saw russ buford's name down below-Russ where are you its me Tony!! Been looking for you boy!!

Robert Hoyt		12-Mar-2010 04:10
I was at NKP 70-71,56SPS,k9. I like many of you,also suffer from type 2 diabetes,though mine was diagnosed while in the Army in 1982. I remember that defoiliants were used in Delta sector on the perimeter,which I often walked patrol.---------A.J.

Dave Carothers		08-Sep-2009 01:41
I was stationed at NKP from 11/1972 - 11/1973. I worked at Data Automation, right next to the NCO Club. My favorite memory was of my arrival at NKP. I was taken to report in and meet my OIC, Capt Arnio. I must have looked pretty bad after the long flight because, after reporting in, Capt Arnio turned to our NCOIC, SMSgt Rios, and said "Take Sgt Carothers to the Club and buy him a couple of drinks. He looks like he could use it." Capt Arnio, I'd follow you to hell and back. I was also an SP Augmentee and spent many a night in one of the towers around the perimeter. I developed a healthy respect for the SPs who performed that duty throughout their entire tour. God Bless all of you who served at NKP.

Mark in Texas		23-May-2009 03:01
Hah! A fellow retired NKP vet once told me, "Woodhull, it wasn't Agent Orange that did you in, it was probably all that sediment-laden Mekong Whiskey and skunky Singha beer you drank for 15 months at Johnny's Bungalow, all the highly suspect khao pat you ate at Somsuk's fly-infested restaurant in NKP town, and the feline company you kept at the Shindig and Rising Sun bars in the evening hours." He just might be right...

Mark in Texas		23-May-2009 02:47
Joe There are a lot of us in the same medical condition. I was at NKP from Oct 73-Dec 74 working at INVERT with two gigs as a security police augmentee. There was no way to keep NKP's perimeter clear of jungle creep without the wonders of modern chemistry. It certainly wasn't being bulldozed like we did years later in southern Colombia (another secret war I managed to get sent to serve in). In 2003, I came down with unexplainable Type-II diabetes at age 52 which was preceded by neuro numbness in my hands and arms and legs. I live with it. My military doctor thinks it's Agent Orange exposure. The VA says no, NKP is not on the qualifying list. I'm fortunate to be a USAF retiree, so TriCare Prime meets my medical condition needs. But I feel for the many "Secret War" veterans who are not as fortunate as me and are suffering not only similar conditions to mine, but far worse. God bless and keep safe all my fallen, and still falling, brothers-in-arms who served at NKP from 1966 to 1975. Mark D. Woodhull, Kerrville, TX

Guest		05-May-2009 18:53
I was stationed at NKP from 02/71 to 02/72. My assignment was with the 1987th Comm. Sq. as a teletypewriter repairman. While I assigned to the 1987th Comm. Sq. , my full time duty station was at Task Force Alpha (TFA). In order to get to work, I was required to walk (no motorized transportation was available) along a trail from the main part of the base to the TFA complex which was located at a remote corner of the base. This trail was named the Aderholt Trail. It ran between the rear of the USO building to the TFA complex. This trail was constantly in a state of being over grown with jungle vegetation and I believe that herbicides/defoliants and insecticides were used to control the jungle vegetation growth. I have come down with red rashes and a nervous condition which I believe was a direct result of exposure. Can anyone out there substantiate the existence of this trail and the fact that defoliants/herbicides and insecticides chemicals were (or may have been) used on it to kill off the jungle vegetation. My email address is: frenchy01970@hotmail.com Thank you. Joe Michaud

Guest		14-Apr-2009 13:42
Forgot my email. If you can contact Luis Sorondo give him my email. Macduglar@verizon.net. Mac McPherson

Guest		14-Apr-2009 13:39
I was in K-9 at Udorn in 1974-1975. Been trying to get in touch with Luis Soroondo a K-9 buddy (from Kunsan) who was at NKP in 74-75. The email address in his comment below didn't work. Anyone have his email? Mac McPherson

Rich Donley		01-Apr-2009 21:30
I was stationed at NKP from July, 67 to Aug, 68 assigned to the 56TH Logistics Support as a UNIVAC Computer Operator When I first arrived I slept in a tent while the first Hooches were being built by RED HORSE and the SEABEES. COL. Ernie Adderholt was Wing Commander of the 56TH AIR COMMANDO WING. The small NCO club had a menue with 10 items on it and when the waitress came to your table it never failed each number you ask for she said NO HAVE. lol God Bless our Warriors who did not make it back.

Russ Buford		20-Mar-2009 02:54
I was stationed at NKP from Aug, 1967 thru Aug. 1968. Worked at Task Force Alpha - Top Secret facility. Got there while it was being constructed. We were there through the 67 Tet...did everything in our power to convince the powers that be in Viet Nam that there was armor coming down the trail. We pulled 12 on 12 off shifts - 7 to 7. Rotated the day shift with the night shift one month at a time. It was the pits trying to get any sleep during the day.

Don Caterson		05-Feb-2009 12:04
Make that "56th Security Police Squadron".

Don Caterson		05-Feb-2009 12:03
Assigned to 5th Security Police Squadron. June 1970-June 1971. Pretty amazing to see myself in a picture. Col Bill Raven & Duke. Front row, 5th from the left. 1st guy in front row is Steve Gore; 2nd guy is Monroe; 3rd guy is Darrel Rothwell. All good friends of mine

eugene beaulieu		05-Dec-2008 23:57
I was stationed at NKP first as a jet engine mechanic in 1969-70, and again at the end, as a first sergeant of the headquarters squadron in 1974-75. It was an experience i'll never forget.

ron huffman		17-Nov-2008 14:52
My name is Ron, I was stationed in nkp june 68 to june 69, worke din transit alert and kept the goonie birds flying. I actually marshalled in the 130 that Bob Hope and Ann Margaret was on, great to see a picture of that on this site. Intrestingly, I didn't know that Air Force personnell weren't classified because of agent orange, could explain the kidney cancer I had in 83'

Llarry Orbeckarry Orbeck		14-Oct-2008 15:28
pulled a tour in "71" did some air bas security for a short while, then moved over to K-9 ( sentry dog OJT ) dogs name was Dante,remember another dog (forgot handlers name, 37 years a go) Bruno, Hope everyone still alive and well,had good times & some bad , but a great experience, K-9 was pretty tight nit group of some characters, God bless all ! lawrenceorbeck@bellsouth.net

Luis Sorondo		21-Apr-2008 14:10
Luis Sorondo Stationed with 56 SPS K-9,1974-75. I was also a member of the Mayaquez recovery team. I am looking to hear from fellow K-9 handlers and or Mayaquez team members. Please e-mail me at lmsorondo@hotmail.com.

William (Bill) Cessna		11-Feb-2008 04:11
Stationed there May 74 til May75. Worked in the antenna field, as NCOIC of Air Capabilities. Was there when Siagon fell can recall chaos when the VC took over and captured all our intel equipment. Ran the skeet range on weekends and make many friends.

Charles Turner		06-Feb-2008 20:15
I was at NKP Aug 72 to Aug 73. Worked day Flight in SPS. Fly Night Intel missions. Enjoyed almost every minute of my time there. Tried to stay, but ws married and they wouldn't let me extend. Stayed for 30 years, retired in 1991.

Guest		22-Nov-2007 14:29
Station at Task Force Alpha Mar 71 to Mar 72. Funny started my career there and finished it there in Sep 93 as a member of mia investgation team. Chok dii. Rick John MSgt, USAF, Ret.

String- 56th SPS		15-Nov-2007 04:44
Send me an email. Aug 74-Aug 75

sgt robert shelton		15-Oct-2007 02:37
my name is sgt robert shelton, tiger flight,56th sps jan 74 to jan 75. i was a tower gaurd on the flight line the night six sappers got through the wire fence and attacked the MARS station and the supply hut. also during that year my bunker gaurd(thai) was shot in the head by the thai flight chief for sleeping on duty. i was also a participant in operation eagle pull to remove some government workers from panom phen loas. several of my friends did not return. i am a vet no matter what the washington folks say.

Bill Griffith		08-Jul-2007 19:09
I served at NKP as a Chapel Management Specialist for Nov 73 - Oct 1974. One of my best friends at NKP was Sgt Murphy from Chicago. He was a good friend. Recently a report was presented to Congress called "The Exclusion of Thailand Veterans Report." Apparently all USAF personnel who served in Thailand is not considered as Vietnam Veterans. This report details the inequelties that the VA is showing towards the USAF and any other vets who served in Thailand. This is why all claims for exposure to Agent Orange are being denied. Also, the reports tell how all of your beautiful guard dogs, that served you so faithfully, were treated once you guys left Thailand. Unfortunately, they were all put down, for scientific research purposes. I am sadden to say that the list included Tina M777 and Ango OK31. They were beautiful dogs that should not have been treated that way after all they did.

Harrison S Reed III		10-Jun-2006 19:01
I was stationed at NKP from 6/67 - 6/68 and built the first dog kennel in preparation of getting dogs at the base. Having previously been an instructor at the Sentry Dog School at Lackland AFB my commander Capt Paul N. Schiedel, who subsequently became a General, asked me (ordered) to build the kennel area. The work was somewhat crude since there were limited materials available and the Thais stole about everything they could get their hands on. I wonder if any of you former dog handlers ever saw the first kennel area? I doubt that it was ever used. Harrison S. Reed, III - formerly SSgt

wayne hogstad		10-Jan-2006 04:32
I wish we had all the vehicles and firepower which you had in 1967-68 when I was at NKP.

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