In 2007, the Board of Directors approved the establishment of an Award to recognize extraordinary performance and activities by a member of the Tan Son Nhut Association which advances the stated purposes of the Association.  Those purposes, distilled from Article 1, Section 3, of our Bylaws, are:  (1) perpetuate the history of Tan Son Nhut Air Base, especially as it existed from 1959 to 1975; (2) to recognize and honor those who served at or were affiliated with the base; and (3) to conduct benevolent, cultural, educational, and social programs of benefit to the Associations members and others.

The Award, called the Tan Son Nhut Military Order of the Dragon, was so named because the Dragon Symbolizes power and excellence, valor and audacity, heroism and perseverance, nobility and divinity.   A Dragon defeats all obstacles until achieving success.  It is energetic, decisive, optimistic, intelligent, and ambitious.  In Vietnam, the Dragon is considered the most important and sacred symbol and the universe, the life, the existence, and the growth.

Written nominations for the Award, setting forth specific justification in support of the nomination, are submitted either to the President (for members of the Board) or to the Board (for everyone else).  If anyone believes a person is worthy and should be nominated for the Award, do not hesitate to take action!