Support Veteran Status for Air America Personnel

The Secretary of the Air Force has accepted an application from the Air America Association for veteran status for those employees working in Laos from 1959 to 1974

Under the provisions of Section 401, 95 and DoD Directive 1000.20, the Department of Defense Civilian/Military Service Review Board has accepted an application on behalf of a group known as: “U.S. and Foreign Employees of Air America, Inc. who operated fixed wing or helicopter aircraft in support of U.S. Army Special Forces in Laos as part of Operation Hot Foot and Operation White Star from 1959-1963; and the U.S. and Foreign Employees of Air America, Inc., who operated fixed wing and helicopter aircraft in direct support of the U.S. Air Force operating in Laos in the Steve Canyon Program (Ravens), SAR and direct support for the Site 85 operation, High Altitude Relay Project (HARP), Photo Reconnaissance collaboration with 7th/13th Air Force and CIA, and with the Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations for U.S. Military flight crews from 1964 through 1974, who were necessary to support those missions and held supervisory positions.”

We Need Your Support

Persons with information or documentation pertinent to the determination of whether the service of this group should be considered active military service to the Armed Forces of the United States are encouraged to submit such information or documentation within 60 days to the DoD Civilian/Military Service Review Board, 1500 West Perimeter Road, Suite 3700 Joint Base Andrews NAF, MD 20762-7002. Direct contact can be accomplished through Mr. Bruce T. Brown, Executive Secretary, DoD C/MSRB, at 240-612-5364, bruce.brown@afncr.af.ml Copies of documents or other materials submitted cannot be returned.

Information about Air America can be found on our web site www.air-america.org The Association encourages members and the public in general to support this endeavor to the fullest extent possible. Air America was a government owned corporation that performed military duties in Laos that included search and rescue of downed military aviators. Many employees were wounded and killed in action performing services for the U.S. government. For the most part recognition would provide an intangible benefit at very little cost to the public and with minor expense to the VA since most employees were former military personnel. Recognition would correct the record of accomplishment to a unique group that deserve more than what they have been characterized by movie spoofs and erroneous information.

Further information about Air America can be obtained by contacting the current Air

America Association president Bob Noble at noble2505@comcast.net