DEATH OF COL (RET) RODNEY COX

AFSFA Headquarters has been notified of the death of Col (Ret) Rodney Cox. Col Cox died  in Georgetown, Texcas, on January 29 at 11:30 a.m. after a long struggle with Parkinson's Disease. Col Cox was a Life Member of the Air Force Security Forces Association. He served as an officer and as a member of the Board of Directors. Those who worked with him and knew him remember him as a top notch officer and commander. We will post more information as we receive it.

TET REMEMBERED 31 January 1968

As the Vietnamese planned to celebrate TET, their New Year, everyone expected the holidays would be a quiet time. Then, in the early morning hours of 31 January 1968 simultaneous attacks began at USAF installations throughout South Vietnam. For the first time USAF Security Police forces were fighting for their lives and the lives of the men and resources on their bases. It was not the first time they had faced small groups of sappers attempting to damage aircraft, but in this battle they were fighting against up to division level North Vietnames regulars. When the smoke cleared, the NVA had been routed wherever they attacked. No bases were overrun.

This memorial is to the bravery of all security policemen who stood in the breach and celebrated the Vietnamese New Year with exemplary courage. It is with special thanks that we remember those who fought and died in the battles of the TET Offensive.

SMSgt (ret) Lawrence James Ryley II, AFSFA Board member, dead at 69

Lawrence James (Larry) Ryley II, 69, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2010, at Northside Hospital. Born and raised in Norwich, CT, Larry moved to Florida with his wife, Kay, in 1988. Larry served in the U.S Air Force as a security officer for more than 21 years, including active service in Vietnam. After retiring from the Air Force, Larry continued his career in security management while earning his Ph.D. Larry became a tenured professor at National Louis University where he taught until his retirement in 2003. Larry is survived by his wife Kay, daughter Judy McGowan, daughter Linda Ryley, daughter Karen McKay, son Tom Ryley, nine grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Larry was a charter member of AFSFA and had served loyally on the Board of Directors and as an officer. He was a good friend and will be missed.

The Air Force Security Forces Association

is a world-wide organization of Security Forces professionals with local chapters. Since its birth in 1986 it has been a significant factor in preserving and enhancing the honor and pride that are inherent in the Security Forces career field. Our membership spans generations, encompassing the military policemen (air provost marshals) of World War II and continuing over the years to the men and women who are serving their first hitch today. Membership is open to anyone who has served honorably in the Army Air Corps MPs, Air Police, Security Police, or is now serving in the Security Forces career field--or that component of the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserves, IMAs, or DoD police officers.