Safesiders past and present share history

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The Safeside Association was formed in 1985 with the goal of gathering men who served in Operation Safeside during the Vietnam War. These men were members of an elite unit of security police under the 82nd Combat Security Police Wing.

Every two years the members of the Safeside Association have a reunion at Moody and interact with their modern-day counterparts, the 820th Base Defense Group. The Safeside Association had its most recent reunion from June 2 to 5.

"We usually try to come down to Valdosta once a year to see the new troops that will carry on the legacy," said retired Sgt. Roger Nelson, former 823rd Combat Security Police Squadron fire direction controller and Safeside Association treasurer. "The 820th is the new blood so it's good to come out here to keep the new troops aware that we are still around and kickin'."

In December 1968, the 82nd CSPW was deactivated. Then in 1997, the unit was reactivated as the 820th Security Forces Group and later renamed the 820th Base Defense Group.

"The Safeside Association can have this reunion anywhere but they choose to have it here because the 820th BDG is the closest thing to what the 82nd CSPW was," said 1st Lt. Tory Holton, 820th BDG intelligence officer. "This is our heritage."

The 82nd CSPW started as an experiment under a new concept of "active defense." The 820th BDG has evolved and built on the concepts originally created by the 82nd CSPW.

"It's great to see the unit finally reach its potential," said Sergeant Nelson. "They are a dedicated protection force, and they have come a long way. The Air Force would be lacking without a unit like the 820th BDG."

The members of the Safeside Association toured the 820th BDG facilities, and watched a static-line jump and a military operations in urban terrain demonstration. The Vietnam-era Airmen said how happy they are with the Safesiders of today.

"It's great to see these young troops have such great opportunities," said retired Senior Master Sgt. Pete Villarreal, former 822nd CSPS NCO in charge of Charlie Flight Heavy Weapons and Safeside Association vice president. "They are better trained and have access to better weapons and equipment than we had. These troops also have the opportunity to go to Airborne, Ranger and Air Assault schools. I'm delighted to see these troops get the training they deserve."

At the end of the last day, Safesiders new and old gathered for a cookout. During the dinner, the Airmen and veterans had a chance to share stories.

"It's great to interact with these veterans and share our experiences," said Lieutenant Holton. "You can learn a lot from them. A lot of the problems they faced then are the same ones we face today. You can also learn a lot about leadership from them, and how to better solve problems."

The members of the Safeside Association participate in many different events around the country. They are all different people living in different parts of the country, bound by one aspect of their lives.

"Safeside is like a brotherhood," said Sergeant Nelson. "We all loved it, and it is something special that we will never forget."