The Summer 2012 Word From Willie newsletter is out. There is more detail about the upcoming reunion in the newsletter, but in brief the reunion will be a great opportunity to renew old friendships and learn the "rest of the story" about events big and small. The reunion will be at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Hampton-Marina, 700 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton, VA 23669. Make your plans to attend now. You can make reservations by accessing the Crowne Plaza reservation system at the booking link Society of Wild Weasels. Our block code is SWW. You may also call toll-free at 1-888-233-9527. Please also let us know if you plan to attend by emailing us at Society of Wild Weasels Board of Directors

The Wild Weasel mission was developed by the U.S. Air Force in 1965, during the Vietnam War era. Its primary concept was the use of two-seat aircraft, to counter hostile radar-controlled surface-to-air weapons. The first Wild Weasel aircraft were F-100Fs. Next came F-105s, followed by F-4Cs. The "last of the breed" were the F-4Gs, a few of which flew over the skies of eastern Europe until just recently. Evolution in many areas means that the Weasel role has now been passed on to a "new breed" of animal: a single-seat F-16 "Viper". Many of the traditions, as well as the esprit de corps, and sense of purpose are being accepted by these new warriors in the Gulf region today.

The criteria to join and remain a member in good standing of the Society of Wild Weasels is described in Article 8 of the Society's Charter. The applicable section reads:

Members or former members of the United States Armed Forces, Industry, Civil Service, and other organizations or individuals as defined below are eligible for regular SOWW membership:

1. U.S. Armed Forces: A military member that actively participated in the WW Hunter-Killer Mission or contributed to the WW program, concept, or mission.

2. Industry: Made unique contributions to the WW program, concept, or mission as a contractor.

3. Civil Service: Contributed to the WW program, concept, or mission as a U.S. Government civilian employee.

4. Other Organizations or Individuals: Supporters of the WW program, concept, or mission other than those defined above, as determined by UNANIMOUS VOTE of the Board.

If you believe you qualify under one of the above criteria, please fill out the Membership Application form.

The Society collects annual dues use for the benefit of its members as per the Society's Charter. Members have the option to join as a Lifetime Member removing the need for annual dues payments. To pay your annual dues or for a Lifetime membership complete the Membership Update form.

The Society publishes a seasonal (or as occassion demands) newsletter in PDF format titled A Word from Willie that is emailed to the Announcements mailing list. Back issues are available at the newsletter subscription site.

The Society maintains several private email lists for the communication needs of its members, and two publicly accessible list.

Anyone may join the publicly readable low volume Newsletter list used by the Society for announcing the occasional newsletter.

Anyone also may join the publicly readable low volume Announcements list used by the Society for announcements more time sensitive than the occasional newsletter, which also automatically receives postings to the Newsletter list.

The Wild Weasels list is private to members in good standing, which also automatically receives postings to the Announcements list.

The credo of the Wild Weasel mission is to be the First In and the Last Out to provide maximum protection from radar guided enemy air defenses to the strike force. Noted aviation artist Keith Ferris has immortalized the destruction of the first Surface-to-Air-Missile site near Phu Tho, North Vietnam on 22 December 1965 by F-100F number 58-1226 flying out of Korat RTAB, Thailand flown by Pilot Captain Allen Lamb and EWO Captain Jack Donovan. The limited edition signed lithograph can be purchased at Keith's website.

A number of books have been written about the Wild Weasel mission and aircrews. You may learn more about any of these books by clicking on the image of the cover. Contact the Society's Board of Directors via the link at the bottom of this page to have a book added here.

The Society of Wild Weasels maintains a Google Calendar of events believed of interest to the active membership. If you have an event you believe may interest the membership please submit the details to the Board via the contact form below.