Honoring the Legacy of the Vinh Long Outlaws
The Vinh Long Outlaws Association (a 501(c)19 nonprofit, tax-exempt organization) was formed from personnel previously assigned to aviation units with lineage to the original and all succeeding Outlaws, Mavericks (later called Bushwhackers), and Roadrunners that deployed to and operated out of Vinh Long, Vietnam, and to a more recent unit that bore the same Outlaw call sign and fought in Iraq.
A Short Directors Corner
Jim Donnelly
I don’t have much to say but I would like to thank everyone who has made the VLOA an outstanding association of Vietnam Vets and their Families. A special shout out to Frank Estes who held the Association together over the years filling a great many important and necessary offices, and many times more than one concurrently.
I am grateful for the many years that Bob Sharp has produced an outstanding Newsletter and getting it distributed to those who comprise our VLOA mailing list.
I am very grateful for my Outlaw brother Phillip Wright Van Alst for bringing the VLOA website into this decade. Phil monitors the site and guest book daily to ensure that there is no content that does not reflect the values we as members of the Association share.
Finally, a big thank you to Bob Allen for his past dedication and his volunteering to be the Next National Director and his future attempt to keep the VLOA alive for many more years. Creating a future for the VLOA will be a difficult and noble task. I say difficult because there is a lack of volunteering for the critical offices required to keep the VLOA moving forward. The Association’s membership is aging and traveling has become more difficult for many of us. This is apparent as one of the factors in the low reunion registration numbers so far. Just nineteen members have signed up at the time of this writing. This number is way below the past year’s attendees. The VLOA had reserved a block of rooms more than twice the number of current registries. Don’t let this opportunity to join in our fellowship pass you by. The registration cut off date is August 17, 2026 so it is only about three weeks away.
I hope to see you all in September.
SILENT AUCTION IS ON
The Anderson Silent Auction is a GO!
Jim Donnelly
The Silent Auction is back on thanks to Ken Bemowski’s sons. Ken was there during my time and I look forward to seeing him again.
A very big thank you to Dan and Gerald Bemowski for taking the reins of this major fund raiser. Since I will be driving up from Virginia Beach the items you would like to donate to the auction should be mailed to me if you cannot bring them with you. If you have decided on an object to donate, please email me a brief description and your requested opening bid amount. A picture of the donation is not necessary but would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You all in advance for your donations and I can’t wait to meet new friends and reunite with old ones. Jim Donnelly
2413 General Longstreet Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23454-2611
VLOA 2026 Reunion Sterling Virginia, September 17-20.
Jim Donnelly
Well, it is getting close. The Sterling Reunion will be a little different than those in the past. There are only two excursions/tours during the Reunion which allows for more time to enjoy catching up with your fellow Vinh Long Veterans.
My wife Vickie and I spent two nights at the Holiday Inn Dulles Airport. We scouted out the hotel and the available amenities. I think everyone will be quite comfortable during their stay.
We also toured the surrounding area for alternative dining locations. I will attempt to include a list and rough location for those who wish to venture out. I have already found a nice Mexican Restaurant with great frozen margaritas in several flavors that will definitely be on the list.
We will have the usual Welcome Dinner and closing Banquet. Also, lunch is provided at the National Museum of the United States Army. This is provided out of the VLOA treasury as a small thank you for all the support over the years.
A list of the dining possibilities near the National Air and Space Museum will also be included in the Welcome Bags.
Of course, the Hospitality Room will be stocked with cold canned soft drinks, water, canned beer, light beer, wine and an assortment of snacks.
One other addition to the Welcome Bags will be a flash/thumb drive containing all the pictures and files the Outlaw History contains for the years you served with or in support of the Outlaws. Attached to your thumb drive will be a metal numbered tag. This number will be your number for the Anderson Silent Auction bidding.
Upcoming Gatherings
PDF links
Vinh Long Registration Form Vinh Long Hotel Info Sheet
Greetings, I am pleased to present the final information sheets for our VLOA September reunion. I have endeavored to make this reunion our most affordable ever. I know hotel prices are higher in the DC area but we have negotiated the hospitality room and silent auction room and breakfast for two. This has allowed for the non-hotel portion of the cost to be lower.
The reunion has only two excursions so that we can spend more time catching up with each other.
I hope to see you there.
Soon!
Vihn Long Outlaws Image Gallery
VLOA AWARDS PROGRAM
Introduction to the VLOA Awards Program
The VLOA has established an awards program designed to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the organization. Each award recognizes different levels of involvement and achievement, with specific criteria that must be met for nomination and selection.
Directors’ Award
This is the highest honor the VLOA bestows during any reunion year. The award is not required to be presented at every biennial reunion. Only one Directors’ Award may be given at a time, with the intent to clearly recognize the single individual or couple who has had the greatest impact on the VLOA over an extended period. Recipients of the Directors’ Award are members or couples who have offered substantial, measurable, and long-term support to the VLOA. This includes contributions of time, energy, and achievements that have significantly advanced the goals and mission of the VLOA as a war veterans’ not-for-profit organization.
Outstanding Outlaw Award
This honor is intended for nominees whose contributions, while noteworthy, do not reach the level required for the Directors’ Award. The Outstanding Outlaw Award may be given to those who have served the VLOA in significant ways, such as holding an officer or director position, and who have provided important service toward furthering the organization’s goals, objectives, history documentation, member outreach, and the preservation of the VLOA.
Nomination Submission Process
Anyone interested in submitting a nomination for either the Directors’ Award or the Outstanding Outlaw Award, to be presented at this year’s Outlaws Roundup in Washington, D.C., should send an email nomination to Phil Van Alst, Awards Committee Chair, at 175th_AHC@proton.me, or submit a letter of nomination to:
Phil Van Alst
2147 Tantalus Drive
Honolulu, HI 96813
Cell: (808) 372-6728 (please pay attention to time zones if calling. Hawaii is 5 hours behind the East Coast, 6 during DST.)
Nomination Deadline and Required Information
All nominations must be received by the Awards Committee Chair no later than August 1, either by email or letter as outlined above. Nominations should include the following information about the nominee(s):
Name
Address
Phone number
- Specifics regarding service in the Outlaws, Mavericks, Bushwhackers, Road Runners, Signal Detachment, or associated support organizations.
- Clear reasons why the nominee deserves the award, such as service to the VLOA, contributions to veterans’ or civic organizations, and any leadership roles or support activities relevant to the nomination.
Guestbook
We invite you to share your heartfelt messages, cherished memories, and tributes in honor of the Vihn Long Outlaws association.
Voices of Valor
“The Vihnlong Outlaws have been a beacon of hope and camaraderie for me. Their support has helped me reconnect with my brothers in arms and find peace.”
John D., Vietnam Veteran
“As a family member of a veteran, I am grateful for the community the Outlaws have built. It’s a place where stories are shared, and healing begins.”
Mary S., Daughter of a Veteran
“Joining the Vihnlong Outlaws has been life-changing. The shared experiences and friendships have brought a sense of belonging and understanding.”
Robert K., Vietnam Veteran
Join the Vinh Long Outlaws Assocation
The Vinh Long Outlaws Association (a 501(c)19 nonprofit, tax-exempt organization) was formed from personnel previously assigned to aviation units with lineage to the original and all succeeding Outlaws, Mavericks (later called Bushwhackers), and Roadrunners that deployed to and operated out of Vinh Long, Vietnam, and to a more recent unit that bore the same Outlaw call sign and fought in Iraq.