(Click the graphic above to read the Registration Form)

"Tan Son Nhut Association 2009 Reunion Registration Form" Once the registration form is opened, print it, fill it out and mail it to George Plunkett. To read the "Registration Form," you will need Adobe Reader.  If you do not have Adobe Reader yet, you can download it for free at:  http://www.adobe.com

Name:  George Plunkett,  (1961st Communications Group)                Feb 25, 2009
Email:  
Comments:  Bob Laymon received word recently from Tom Norris - Medal of Honor, that Norris would not be able to attend this year's TSNA 2009 reunion.  Norris was just notified that he, Goldie Hawn, Connie Chung, Carl Bernstein, Ben Stein {and other notables   http://blairalumni.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=43&Itemid=79  are going to be inducted into their Montgomery Blair High School Alumni Association Hall of Fame, in Maryland  http://blairalumni.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=226&Itemid=78  and  http://blairalumni.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=242&Itemid=1  on the same night as our TSNA banquet.

Tom promised that he WOULD attend next year's 2010 TSNA reunion as our guest speaker, and to please check with him before we picked a 2010 date, to ensure his calendar availability.   Coincidentally, Darrel Whitcomb also has a conflict this year, as he wants to attend his RAVEN FAC reunion in San Antonio, TX {same weekend as TSNA}.

Not to worry - I suggested to Bob Laymon that we find another Medal of Honor recipient … and he did!!!

Mike Thornton, then-Petty Officer (Engineman) 2nd Class (now-Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, retired).  Mike received the Medal of Honor for rescuing WIA Tom Norris and is available to be our 2009 guest speaker in Pigeon Forge.

Mike just called Bob {after getting a call-for-help from Norris} and said he will waive his usual speaking fee because Tom Norris asked him to substitute for him at Pigeon Forge, as a favor {…not the first time that Mike has gotten Tom out of a ‘jam’!}.

Thornton, the first person in more than a century to be the recipient of the Medal of Honor for saving the life of another Medal of Honor recipient.  Mike Thornton - "Not Without My Lieutenant!"

Note:  Mike Thornton’s 2009 TSNA keynote speech is timely … exactly two-weeks prior to the 37th anniversary date of his MOH action in Vietnam {on 31 October 1972}.

FYI:  We’ve asked Tom Norris to record an introduction DVD for the 2009 Pigeon Forge Reunion banquet, where Tom {on the banquet projector screen} will explain in first-person to our audience the circumstances why he had to miss 2009 {high school Hall of Fame} and to assure our members he will speak at the 2010 TSNA banquet.  Norris will then set-up the military situation for his SEAL Team reconnaissance mission near the DMZ on 31 October 1972 … followed by a very personal introduction of the Petty Officer who saved his life on that memorable Halloween day.

Here is a great link to an interview with both Norris and Thornton:    http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/tho0int-1  {advance through all 9 story page links at the bottom}.

Thanks,

George Plunkett
Director of Membership Development
TSN 1962-63-64-66-67

Tan Son Nhut Association Scatback Personnel 2009 Reunion October 15 - October 18, 2009 Military and Civilian Employee's that were assigned to, or came thru Tan Son Nhut, Air Base, Republic of Vietnam 1959 - 1975  * Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is the destination  * Dollywood Theme Park  * Ripleys Aquarium Of The Smokies  * Music Theaters  * Restaurants  * Shopping Outlets  * Great Smoky Mountains National Park  *  Guest speaker: LT Mike Thornton, U.S. Navy, SEAL Advisor, (Ret,) Recipient – Medal of Honor Thornton's Citations is at URL:  http://www.specialoperations.com/MOH/thornton.html Mini-symposiums, will be publicized as plans are finalized  Meet your Veteran Brothers and Sisters  Point of Contact TSNA:  George Plunkett  Email:    Point of Contact Scatback:  Bob Laymon  Email:

October 2009 Calendar SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT         1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Registration and Check-in:  Identify yourself with the TSNA - Scatback 2009 Reunion, to get this special room rate. You do not have to be a member to attend. MainStay Suites Hotel 410 Pine Mountain Road Pigeon Forge, Tennessee  37863 Toll Free:  1-888-428-8350 Fax:  1-865-428-5217 Room Rate:  $ 102.00 per night, plus tax Check-in Thursday, Oct 15, 2009, 3:00 p.m. TSNA 2009 reunion cost will be $130.00 per person, the same as last year. This cost covers the expense of the hospitality suite, Saturday night banquet dinner, Sunday morning buffet breakfast and travel expenses for our honored guests.  Breakfast:  Free Deluxe Continental.  Banquet Dinner will be:  A Smoky Mountain Luau  Tropical Fruits with a Pina Colada Dip, Fresh Tossed Greens with Condiments and Honey-Lime Dressing. Feaures a Slow Roasted Whole Hog, Baked Tilapia with a Ginger/Soy Glaze, and Sweet & Sour Pineapple Grilled Chicken Breast. Served with Boiled Red Potatoes, Vegetable Medley and Key Lime Pie for Dessert.  A Refreshing Tropical Fruit Punch is served along with Tea and Coffee.  We'll See You There!

Name:  George Plunkett,  (1961st Communications Group)                Feb 25, 2009
Email:  
Comments:  "Fellow Members and friends:  The TSNA Board of Directors is committed to holding annual reunions and keeping fees at the lowest cost possible.  We are mindful that many members are retired and living on fixed incomes.  Therefore, the 2009 reunion cost will be $130.00 per person, the same as last year.  This cost covers the expense of the hospitality suite, Saturday night banquet dinner, Sunday morning buffet breakfast and travel expenses for our honored guests.

George Plunkett
Director of Membership DevelopmentTSN 1962-63-64-66-67

Name:  Johnnie Jernigan,  (460th AEMS (Navigation Shop)                Feb 16, 2009
Email:  
Comments:  Gary Redlinski has designed/identified lots of items with the TSNA logo on it.  See the web site at URL:

1.  TSNA Reunion 2009 at Cafepress  at URL:   http://www.cafepress.com/gardiaphotos/2711301

2.  TSNA logo at Artsnow  at URL:   http://www.artsnow.com/tsna

3.  7AF Scatback Reunion 2009 at Cafepress   http://www.cafepress.com/gardiaphotos/2713281

4.  7AF Scatback at Artsnow   http://www.artsnow.com/7AFScatback

You can only order the items from the web pages listed above.  Each item is beautifully manufactured.  There are various items with various sales costs.  Items will be mailed within twenty four hours of the receipt of your order, from the above web pages.

We do not stock them in our PX/BX at all.  Gary Redlinski gives 100% of the sales proceeds to the Tan Son Nhut Association

Gary donates 100% of the money brought in, to the Tan Son Nhut Association.

Your Friend,

Johnnie Jernigan

Name:  Charles Penley,  (377th Security Police Squdron)                Feb 14, 2009
Email:  
Comments:  Being as the TSNA 2009 Reunion is being held at the Main Stay Suites, Pigeon Forge, TN., I thought it would be nice if you viewed their 3:08 video at URL:    http://www.mainstaypigeonforge.com/mainstay_movie.html  On that web page click on the movie reel.

Your friend,

Charles Penley

Name:  Bob Laymon,  (377th CAMS, Scatback T-39, Crew Chief)                Feb 09, 2008
Email:  
Comments:  

MainStay Suites Hotel
410 Pine Mountain Rd
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Please go to Map Link at URL:    http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=410+Pine+Mountain+Road+Pigeon+Forge,+Tennessee+37863&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=37.956457,57.480469&ie=UTF8&ll=36.844461,-83.562012&spn=9.595906,14.370117&z=6&iwloc=addr

Use the "Zoom In" vertical sliding bar {top-left of map} to zoom in to Pigeon Forge, in southeast Tennessee

Click on "Get Directions" {top-left of Google Maps page} then enter your home address in the green circle-A date block

Detailed driving directions to: 410 Pine Mountain Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Estimated road miles

Estimated en route time {hrs/min}

Pigeon Forge ...or, Bust!

Name:  George Plunkett,  (1961st Communications Group)                Jan 19, 2008
Email:  
Comments:  "TSNA Golfers:

If you would like to arrive early for the reunion and play golf in the Pigeon Forge area, please email me with your name and phone number.  Tee time reservations are not accepted more than 30 days in advance.  I will contact Eagles Landing Golf Course on Sept 14 and give them a list of interested participants.

Here is an internet link to the golf course at URL:   http://www.seviervilletn.org/DepartmentPages/Golf.htm  And don't forget -  the MainStay Suites will honor our special Reunion rate for three days before AND three days after the Reunion - so come on down!

George Plunkett
Director of Membership DevelopmentTSN 1962-63-64-66-67

Name:  George Plunkett,  (1961st Communications Group)                Nov 23, 2008
Email:  
Comments:  Its Official!!!  The 2009 Tan Son Nhut Association 2009 Reunion will be held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, at the MainStay Suites    http://www.mainstaypigeonforge.com

Beginning on Thursday, October 15 and ending on Sunday, October 18.  To obtain the special rate, reservations must be made by calling toll free 1-888-428-8350.  Mention "Tan Son Nhut Association 2009 Reunion" to get the special rate.

The rate is $102.00 per night, plus tax.  This rate will also be offered for up to 3 days prior and 3 days after the reunion dates for those planning to come early and/or stay later.  A total of 129 guest rooms are available and we expect a large turnout, so please make your reservations early.  MainStay Suites feature 1 or 2 beds, kitchens, a sofa and iron/ironing board.

Reservations made with a credit card will not be charged to your account until you actually check in to the hotel.

Some of the amenities offered are a business center, cable/satellite TV, elevators, exercise room, free continental breakfast, free high speed internet, indoor and outdoor heated pools, guest laundry and a free newspaper (Monday thru Friday).  No pets are allowed.

A guest speaker, honored guests, mini-symposiums, and registration costs will be publicized as plans are finalized.

George Plunkett
Director of Membership Development
1st Mobile and 1961st Communications Groups
TSN 1962-63-64-66-67

Name:  George Plunkett,  (1961st Communications Group)                Oct 01, 2008
Email:  
Comments:

Hello Fellow Members:  The Board of Directors has decided to hold the 2009 Reunion in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee during October or early November.

Pigeon Forge is centrally located in the mid-east and is a great place to meet.

Check out:    http://www.mypigeonforge.com for details on this great location.

Three great hotels there meet our requirements.  We will begin negotiating with them soon and will inform you as soon as one is chosen and firm dates for the reunion have been set.

Honored guests and a guest speaker will be announced when plans are finalized.

Please contact Charles Penley at:      if you intend to attend the reunion.

We look forward to a LARGE NUMBER of attendees.

George Plunkett (TSN 1962-63-64-66-67)

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