The 76^th Fighter Squadron Association

The 76^th Fighter Squadron Association, is a non-profit veteran's organization. The 76^th FSA is part of the 23^rd Flying Tiger Association. A home base for past and present Air Force Veterans. Most members served in World War II. Reunions occur annually. Matters of interest are  communicated quarterly by newsletter. There are no membership fees. Find out more about becoming a member of the 76^th Fighter Squadron Association.

The Vanguard web site was created as a historical reference, and to commemorate the men of the 76^th Fighter Squadron, and other squadrons of the 23^rd Fighter Group of World War II fame.  Historically, the 23rd Fighter Group has been made up of the 74^th FS, 75^thFS,  76^th FS, 16^th FS and 118^th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron. It is to these squadrons and the men and women who served in them, past and present, that this web site is dedicated to. 

The 76's current designation is the 76^th Space Command Squadron. It is the Air Force Space Command's only deployable, combat-ready, space team unit supporting Joint Forces Air Component Commanders (JFACCs) in the field, with specially trained elite units tasked and chartered by USCINCSPACE to direct employment of the multi-billion dollar network of satellites, space systems, and other assets. 

76th SPCS Activated

The 76th SOPS was officially deactivated on January 21 2001 and was replace on January 22 2001 with the 76th Space Control Squadron (SPCS). As America's first counterspace squadron the 76th SPCS is chartered with exploring offensive and defensive counterspace technologies to rapidly achieve effective and versatile space superiority of the theater campaign. The first command of the 76th SPCS will be assumed by Lt.Col. David W. Ziegler. Current command of the 76th SPCS is held by Lt C Todd Gossett.

The 76^th, no longer a squadron of the 23^rd Fighter Group, have become the "Vanguards" of Space.

 

 

Change Of Command 76th SPCS   

LIEUTENANT COLONEL JIM E. JENNINGS

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Mission and By-Laws

The Flying Tigers Association

CONSTITUTION

The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association

ARTICLE 1

NAME AND PURPOSE

1.1     This organization shall be known as the Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association.

1.2     The objective and purpose shall be to;   (1) maintain the history and heritage of the 23d Fighter Group, 23d 
Tactical Fighter Wing and 23rd Wing,   (2) continue comradeship, memories and espirt de corps of former, active and future 23rd Wing personnel and    (3) conduct association gatherings that do not conflict with scheduled squadron activities.

ARTICLE 2

GENERAL PROVISIONS

2.1   The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association is organized as a Type 3, independent organization in accordance with the Air Force Private Organization Program Instructions. SFI 34-123.

2.2   The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association is not an instrument of the United States Government. The Association does not use or require appropriated funds.

2.3   The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association operates on Pope Air Force Base with the consent of the 23rd Support Group Commander. Operation is contingent upon compliance with this constitution, the Bylaws and any amendment thereto. Operation is contingent upon compliance by active duty members with the requirements and conditions of all applicable Air Force rules, regulation and instructions.

2.4   Neither the United States nor any non-appropriated funds instrumentally will be liable for any action or occurrence from any activity/program, claims or judgments against the Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association or its members. The membership is liable under laws of North Carolina for organizational debts in the event organization's assets are insufficient to discharge liabilities.

2.5    The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association and its membership agree to hold harmless and to indemnify, the United States, the United States Air Force, Pope Air Force Base and their officials.

ARTICLE 3

GOVERNING BODY
3.1   The general membership shall be the governing body of the Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association. No expenditure of any funds or actions taken by, for, or in the name of the Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association shall be authorized except upon a vote of the general membership as specified in the Constitution or the Bylaws.

3.2 EXECUTIVE BOARD:
The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association shall function under the Executive Board. Members of the Executive Board will be elected in each specified office for a period of one year. The Executive Board will consist of officers and board

Members as follows:

a. President
b. Vice-President
c. Secretary-Custodian of Records
d. Treasurer-Custodian of Financial Records
e. Board Members:
          (1) Two representatives from the 23rd Fighter Group, China 1942-45
            (2) Two representatives from the 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing, England AFB, 1972-92
            (3) Two representatives from the 23rd Wing, 1992

ARTICLE 4

MEMBERSHIP
4.1   Membership discrimination in the Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association based upon race, color, sex, religion or national origin is prohibited. 

4.2 QUALIFICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP:
Membership is voluntary and open to all personnel who served honorably with the following military organizations:

(1) The 23rd Fighter Group from its activation on 4 July 1942 until 5 January 1946
(2) The 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing from its activation on 1 July, 1972 until 1 June, 1992
(3) The 23d Wing from its activation on 1 June 1992

The qualification, "all personnel who served," refers to full voting membership and all privileges and responsibilities of such membership as hereunder prescribed. The qualification applies to any person who served in units that were either assigned or attached to the above specified organizations. Additionally, any military personnel assigned or attached to a 23rd Unit from 6 January 1946 to 1 July 1972 are qualified to apply for membership.

4.3 APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP:
Any person who wishes to apply for membership must meet the qualifications, petition the Executive Board and express a desire to join the Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association. The applicant must submit a written application that includes a statement expressing desire to join the Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association and a copy of either assignment orders or an award certificate/citation evidencing the period of assignment to a qualifying organization.

4.4 HONORARY MEMBERSHIP:
Those persons recommended by the Executive Board and approved by the General Membership are eligible to become honorary members. Honorary members will further enhance the purpose and objective of the Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association. Members of the American Volunteer Group are classified as Honorary Members.

4.5 ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP:
Direct descendants or spouses of qualifying members who are approved by the Executive Board are eligible to become non-voting members.

4.6 TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP:
Members shall be terminated from the Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association when a written resignation is submitted to the secretary.

 

ARTICLE 5

METHOD OF FINANCING

5.1   There are two primary sources of income generation for the Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association:

1. Fund-raising
   and
2. Voluntary contributions

5.2   The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association shall be authorized to raise money by fund-raising events as approved by the general membership and active duty units as authorized by the AF Private Organization Program Instructions, AFI 34-123. Additionally, every fund raising event must be approved, in writing, by the 23^rd Support Group Commander before it is conducted. There will not be blanket approval.

5.3   The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association shall operate on a non-profit basis, and where required by law, shall obtain a non-profit corporation tax exemption letter and comply with all income tax reporting requirements.

 

ARTICLE 6

ACTIVITIES

6.1   The activities of The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association shall comprise of all events such as fund-raisers, picnics, conventions, reunions, social functions and other related activities as approved by the general membership to support the purpose of The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association .

 

ARTICLE 7

MEETINGS

7.1    The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association shall meet at a time and place designated by the President. Ant other meetings of the general membership shall be set by the Executive Board at a date, time and place as approved by the majority of the Executive Board. Notice to the general membership will be announced at least 180 days prior to the meeting.

7.2   The President may call a special meeting of the general membership if required.

7.3   The Executive Board shall meet at least semi-annually at a time and place designated by the President. Any other meeting of the Executive Board may be called by the President, or upon request of two members with a minimum of 30 days notice. Executive Board members unable to attend a scheduled meeting will appoint a substitute from his/her organization to attend.

7.4   The total number of members attending a general membership meeting, which has been legally advertised 180 days in advance, represents a quorum for the purpose of conducting business at that specific meeting.

7.5 At least seventy (70) percent of the members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum and be required for purpose of conducting business at any general or special meeting of the Executive Board. Executive Board members unable to attend a scheduled meeting will appoint a substitute from his/her organization to attend.

 

ARTICLE 8

ADOPTION AND AMENDMENTS

8.1 The Constitution and Bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the members present at a regular or special general meeting. Any such amendments to the Constitution shall be subject to review by the Staff Judge Advocate and approved by the 23^rd Support Group Commander.

8.2 Any proposed amendment shall bear the signatures of ten percent of the general membership and be distributed to the general membership at least 30 days in advance of the meeting.

8.3 The Constitution, Bylaws and any subsequent amendments thereof, shall become effective upon the adoption by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members present at a regular or special general membership meeting review by the Staff Judge Advocate and approval by the 23^rd Support Group Commander.

 

ARTICLE 9

DISSOLUTION

9.1 In the case of dissolution of the Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association, whatever funds contained in the treasury will be used to satisfy outstanding debts, liabilities or obligations. The balance, is any will be donated to charitable organizations designated by the Executive Board prior to the dissolution.

9.2 The membership is liable under the laws of North Carolina for organization debts in the event the association assets are insufficient to discharge liabilities.

9.3 Neither the United States, United States Air Force, Pope Air Force Base or any non-appropriated funds, will be liable or available for claims or judgments against The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association or its members.

9.4 The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association may be dissolved upon a two-thirds vote of those present and voting at any general membership meeting after written notice is distributed and placed on the meeting agenda as prescribed for an amendment of this constitution.

9.5 Prior to dissolution of The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association, the Executive Board will determine the disposition or distribution of voluntary contributions of memorabilia and artifacts not subject to specified predisposition by the donor or donor’s heirs.

 

BYLAWS

OF THE 

THE TWENTY THIRD FLYING TIGER ASSOCIATION

ARTICLE 1

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

1.1 The President Shall:

(1) be responsible for managerial policy and directives of The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association.
(2) be responsible for custodial care of The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association fund.
(3) Be responsible for presiding at all meetings, unless committed to other functions.
(4) Appoint a committee chairperson when required
(5) Co-sign fund checks.
(6) Conduct routine business between Executive Board meetings.
(7) Countersign minutes of Executive Board meetings.
(8) Be a voting member of the Executive Board.

1.2 The Vise-President shall:

(1) preside at Executive Board meetings in the absence of the President.
(2) Assist the President as an advisor on matters of The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association fund.
(3) Be a voting member of the Executive Board.

1.3 The Secretary- Custodian of Records shall:

(1) act as custodian of records, historical data and correspondence.
(2) Record and maintain a file of the minutes and forward a copy to all Executive Board members.
(3) Send and post notices of meetings to all Executive Board members.
(4) Be a voting member of the Executive Board.

1.4 The Treasurer-Custodian of Financial Record shall:

(1) act as custodian of financial record and funds of The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association.
(2) receive and be responsible for all funds received through fund raising activities and collection of membership dues.
(3) Maintain all financial records.
(4) Make all authorized disbursements approved by the Executive Board or general membership
(5) Co-sign fund checks
(6) Present an annual financial statement to the Executive Board and The 23rd Support Group Commander
(7) Present financial records for audit as directed by the President upon demand but not less than annually
(8) Be a voting member of the Executive Board 

1.5 The Board Member shall:

(1) represent their unit at all Executive Board meetings
(2) present any old or new business to the Executive Board 
(3) act as chairperson for committees when appointed by the President
(4) be a voting member of the Executive Board 

 

ARTICLE 2

ELECTION AND VOTING

2.1 Election of Officers shall be held at the regular meeting of the general membership. Nominations will be submitted from the election committee and taken to the floor. Terms shall be for one year with eligibility to serve a second consecutive term.

2.2 Special elections will be initiated by the President or an election committee as soon as possible to fill a vacant office. See Paragraph 4.1 below.

2.3 Elections will be the primary method for the general membership to select their organization board members to the Executive Board. The nominee must receive a majority vote of the organization's membership to be elected as a board member to the Executive Board.

ARTICLE 3

FINANCING

3.1 Every fund-raising event must be approved by the Executive Board and if conducted at Pope Air Force Base, by the 23rd Wing Support Group Commander. Monies may be raised through fund-raising activities with no limitation to the amount raised through:

1. Open House booths
2. Car washes
3. Donations/contributions
4. Cookouts
5. Reunions
6. Other activities deemed acceptable by the Executive Board 

3.2 All disbursements will be approved by the consent of the Executive Board.
The following are typical:

(a) Cost of printing and mailing of The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association newsletter, "23rd Flying Tiger"
(b) Cost of gifts, flowers sent in the local area for special occasions
(c) Gifts for departing commanders or dignitaries
(d) Plaques, hail/farewell parties
(e) Emergencies as deemed appropriate by the general membership

ARTICLE 4

STANDING COMMITTEES

4.1 The Executive Board may appoint standing committees as they deem necessary to organize and execute functions/activities in The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association. The standing committee shall select a chairman/vice-chairman to report progress of the function/activity to the Executive Board. Such committees shall make recommendations to the Executive Board and general membership for approval or vote on the issue.

ARTICLE 5

FINANCES AND TAXES

5.1 The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association shall operate on a non-profit basis and when required by law shall obtain a non-profit corporation tax exempt letter. The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association will comply with all income tax reporting requirements.

5.2 The fiscal year of The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association shall be from 1 October through 30 September.

5.3 Any credit balance on 30 September of any given year shall be disbursed as follows:

(a) sufficient monies shall be let in the checking account to cover three months of estimated operating expense
(b) any remaining funds after deducting for operating expenses in (a) above shall be deposited to interest bearing accounts.

ARTICLE 6

INSURANCE

6.1 When required by the 23rd Support Group Commander, insurance coverage will be provided for the limits of liability and type of insurance coverage commensurate with the risk involved.

6.2 The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association will submit an insurance waiver request as this organization involved with activities of low liability exposure.

ARTICLE 7

AWARDS AND GIFTS

7.1 Any awards and gifts shall be approved by the Executive Board so long as the giving/receiving of the same do not impair the tax exempt status of The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association.

 

ARTICLE 8

APPROVAL AND ADOPTION

The Twenty Third Flying Tiger Association Constitution and Bylaws are approved by a majority of the membership on this ________ day of ____________________ in the year of our Lord one thousand and __________.