MSCA History
Ideation
Several hundred retired Air Force MSC officers met at an ad hoc reunion organized by a group of dedicated San Antonio retirees in 1991. Some of them were “charter” MSCs, having transferred from the Army when our corps was established in 1949. Others were relative newcomers, younger and with different priorities. However, it quickly became clear the consensus supported creating a formal organization to promote the interests of MSC retirees.
Formation
In 1992, the USAF MSC Association was incorporated in the State of Georgia and approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a non-profit veterans’ organization. We serve as a focal point for communications with and among members for educational, social and recreational purposes. We convene biennial membership meetings (reunions) which have become excellent learning opportunities, not to mention a place to renew acquaintances and enjoy old friends.
Activities
Since then, our membership has grown to over 700. Biennial meetings/reunions have been held in Las Vegas in 1993, 1995 and 2001; Charleston, SC, in 1997; San Antonio, TX in 1999 and 2007; and Biloxi, Mississippi in 2003. Membership rosters are printed annually and sent to active members, and periodic newsletters are published on matters of interest to our members. Most members agree that the value of the roster alone exceeds the cost of annual dues. Added to that are benefits derived from the reunions that are more and more becoming educational seminars featuring presentations by knowledgeable staff from the Surgeon General’s Office, the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and similar non-profit groups.
Expansion
While initially established as an organization of retired Air Force MSC officers, bylaws amendments have opened the association to active duty and Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard MSCs. Because of the increased number of members from the USAFR and ANG, makeup of the board of directors includes an officer from one of these groups. Finally, in 2003, bylaws were again amended to expand eligibility to all former Air Force MSCs. Surviving spouses of Corps members are also eligible for full membership. The Honorary Membership category is available to recognize worthy individuals who have contributed to the growth of the Air Force Medical Service Corps.
Founders
Col Jim Polkinghorn
Lt Col Vincent Abrahamson
Col Wally Jarboe
Col John A. Johnson
Col William M. Johnson
Col Edward Nugent
Capt Tommy G. Reddin
Lt Col Adolph H. Swimmer
Col Ron Powell
Tribute to Two of the Founders - Gone … But Not Forgotten
We pay special tribute to one of our founding members who passed away in 2009. Col Wallace (Wally) E. Wally Jarboe was instrumental in establishing the Medical Service Corps Association. He volunteered to serve as our first president until we were fully operational. He was then named President Emeritus at the request of the then Chairman, Bill Johnson. Wally continued to serve, helping with phone calls to solicit new members and contacting members and fifth and seventh 15th fifth fifth non-members to attend our reunions. Wally never turned down a request to assist our Association
We pay special tribute to Colonel Edward S. Nugent, one of our founding members who passed away in 2011. Colonel Edward S. Nugent was instrumental in establishing the Medical Service Corps Association (MSCA). He served in a number of roles and offices and was recognized as our Chairman Emeritus for many years. He ran the hospitality suite for as long as anybody can remember. The hospitality suite is named in his honor and see Colonel Edward S. Nugent Hospitality Suite.
Send any updates or corrections to info@mscassiation.org