WHO WE ARE. . .
....AN ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO VETERANS WHO SERVED WITH THE ARMY SECURITY AGENCY (ASA) IN KOREA - ALL YEARS
OUR STORY:
In 1995, two veterans (Andy Kavalecs and Dalton Harper) who served in Korea with the 501st CRG in the early 1950s decided to try to organize a reunion to take place in 1996.
After a great deal of effort, several pals were located and announcements were placed in veterans magazines. Enthusiasm soon was apparent and plans were made to gather in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1996. Attendance was not very great, with only 66 paid attendees and several interested guests on hand; however, the first reunion produced a hard working nucleus of dedicated vets who volunteered as a governing board to further expand the budding association. This basic board was supported by generous donations from those in attendance. That donated money was to sponsor and operate the activities of the then named 501st ASA (Army Security Agency) Korea 1950 thru 1960.
Word of tthe 501st ASA (Army Security Agency)Korea 1950 thru 1960 association spread quickly, and interest and membership grew at a tremendous rate. The second reunion in Carlisle, Pennsylvania attracted over 225 guests, and subsequent reunions in Madison, Wisconsin (1998), Pensacola, Florida (1999), Sturbridge, Massachusetts (2000), and Camp Hill, Pennsylvania (2001), Frankenmuth, Michigan (2002) and Buffalo, New York (2003), Hunt Valley, Maryland (2004), Williamsburg, Virginia (2005) King of Prussia, Pennsylvania (2006) Lincolnshire, Illinois (2007)and Charlotte, North Carolina (2008) Buffalo, New York (2009) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (2010) and Columbus, Georgia (2011)were well attended and enjoyable.
In 1997 the organization filed for and received tax free status from the IRS, and was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a tax-free, non-profit veterans association.
As publicity of the association and its membership expanded, numerous requests for membership were received from those who served in the ASA (Army Security Agency) in Korea after 1960. It was decided and voted on by the membership in 2000 to change the name to ASA Korea. This allowed everyone who served in the ASA in Korea to qualify for membership. This move was deemed necessary to pave the way for continuation of the group for the future. According to its Constitution, the purpose of ASA Korea is: to promote unity and friendship among its members; to foster and sustain loyalty to God, Country, and Community; to aid and advance the health and welfare of our members as described in our Bylaws; to assist in locating comrades and renewing old friendships; and to hold an annual reunion in a locality as chosen by the members, Board of Directors, and Site Selection Committee.
Dues for membership is $10/year, November 1 to October 31 annually. Life membership is available at $60 over the age of 65, and $100 under the age of 65. (Five years paid annual membership qualifies for free lifetime membership. Click here to join today. Members receive the COMMUNICATOR (our newsletter) and will have access to our information locator files of approximately 3,000 ASA Korea veterans. |
