The history of the 41st MAS Alumni Organization

The 3,127 or so former members of the squadron span the years of 1955 to 1992.  The squadron moved from Tripoli to Charleston in 1955.  The 41st ATS brought C-54s to Charleston when they arrived.  Later, the C- 54s were phased out and replaced with C-121s or " Connie's." As with all good things, the Connie's were phased out and replaced with C-130s.  The C-141 arrived in the late 60’s and was the last airplane flown until the squadron was deactivated on 24 March 1992.

 

The 41st Military Airlift Squadron Alumni Organization was conceived of at all places, Waterloo, South Carolina in 1996. Three retired Loads got together for some Emergency Crew Rest. Two of the Loads were from the Charleston area and took ideas back home with them. The rest of the story "ain’t no fairy tale." 

 

The first reunion of the Fighting 41st was held in June 1997, then in 1998 and 1999, at Short Stay Navy Recreation Area on Lake Moultrie, Moncks Corner, South Carolina, with the 2001 Reunion held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We have also had reunions at Charleston, SC and Wright Patterson AFB, OH.  Our latest reunion in 2007 was at North Myrtle Beach, SC. This year's Tampa reunion is the first we have had in Florida.

 

From an average of 90 former squadron members attending the first reunions,  membership and participation has expanded annually since that time. 

 

Today we have been able to put together a membership eligibility roster with 3,127 names; however, we only have addresses for approximately 800. We have over 350 dues paying members of the association. Our active members live in 14 states. Our members have experience in SOLL I and II ops, Presidential and Vice Presidential support missions, personnel and cargo airdrop, Military Airlift Command exercise and world-wide airlift missions, and a world of other tasks related to multi-engine cargo and passenger airlift and ground operations.

 

Dues are $10.00 per calendar year, and are valid from January 1 through December 31. The dues help pay for a newsletter, that goes out before and after the reunion, one roster per member after each reunion, and other administrative costs. Use the following link to submit your information or updates.  Please include all requested information. 

Member Update Form

If you have any additional questions, comments, concerns please do not hesitate to contact the Alumni Association directly.