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The Preamble to the Association By-Laws states "The objectives of the ASSOCIATION OF FORMER OSI SPECIAL AGENTS, INC., (AFOSISA) are to maintain and further friendships emanating from service with or employment by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI); to assist one another through combined efforts and mutual association; to perpetuate the ideals and principles of AFOSI; to facilitate contact with members on a worldwide basis; and to unite former and present AFOSI Special Agents in the common interest of promoting the security and welfare of each other, AFOSISA, AFOSI, the United States Air Force and the United States."
Those objectives are little changed from thirty-five years ago when one man in Southern California started with a dream — a dream that resonated among a small group of retired OSI Special Agents, who articulated their desires for an Association essentially as the preamble states. Starting with twenty-eight members in 1966, active membership has grown to 1,976+/- at June 1, 2001. Of the first 200 members who joined by 30 June 1967, 66 are now known to be deceased, but 59 of the remaining 134 still retained their affiliation in FY 2000.
Clearly a new generation is represented by this growth. In actuality, one can perhaps detect almost four AFOSI generations in the membership. The first generation could be characterized as those charter members of OSI who came from AFCID and AFCIC as the initial cadre. Then a group arrived who came from successful careers in the Army Air Force and the new and independent USAF in other career fields. Following them came the generation that essentially entered OSI directly (or with minimal other Air Force service) and served full careers in OSI. The fourth generation can be characterized as those now on active duty who are joining the Association in greater numbers. All of these groups are represented in the membership. Probably as much separates these generations in terms of attitudes as there are commonalities. Thus, perhaps it is fitting to look again at our beginnings and the highlights, as well as some low points, of the past 35 years so we may have a better understanding of who we are and what we have been collectively seeking.
A word about source material is relevant at this point as a caveat. Administration of the Association has always been by volunteers — for many years a labor of love by one former member and his wife — Charles and Ann Woolhouse. Data for this article comes from three general sources: first, the available documentary evidence in the files of the National HQ; secondary sources with heavy reliance on the AFOSISA Newsletter and the Global Alliance, specifically articles written by the former, long-time Editor, Bob Sheeran; and third, some recollections of members.
Association Origins
Early in 1965, Robert (Bob) Beckner, who had retired in the Los Angeles area two years earlier, after 15 years in OSI, thought that an association for former OSI people would be a useful way to renew and continue past friendships. Some weeks later, he met with Walt Lange, Boyd Ames and I. B. Pedersen and found them to be enthusiastic supporters. In late 1965, some fifteen former OSI Special Agents all from the Los Angeles area were surveyed to determine their reactions to forming an association. All were in favor and indicated they would definitely join and encourage membership. In January 1966, under the leadership of Beckner, a group of twenty-six met and agreed to pursue organizational development. This founding group elected Beckner (#
 0001) as President, I. B. Pedersen (# 0006) as Vice-President, and Walter A. Lange (# 0005) as Secretary-Treasurer, all to hold office until a later national election could be held. Soon thereafter, the function of Treasurer was separated from the Secretary and Boyd W. Ames (# 0002) was appointed to fill this national office. Of this founding group, twelve are known to be deceased and six others remain active members.
While on a business trip to Washington, DC, in March 1966, Lange met with Brig General Joseph J Cappucci, then Director of OSI. He advised Gen. Cappucci of the intention to develop the Association. Gen. Cappucci was very receptive to the idea and promised whatever unofficial support he could offer. Although Gen. Cappucci officially endorsed the aims of the Association, based on Air Force legal guidance, he issued OSI (USAF) Letter No. 900-6, on 19 September 1966, establishing a policy that active duty OSI Special Agents could not accept membership. Clearly this had a deterrent effect on the immediate growth of the Association. Gen. Cappucci later became a Honorary Member and in retirement was a constant supporter, frequently attending meetings of the National Capital Chapter and discreetly offering financial support when he perceived an apparent need.
Organizational efforts continued and by July 1966, Articles of Incorporation were being drawn up by member Lynn D Compton, then an Assistant District Attorney for Los Angeles County. The incorporators were Beckner, Pedersen and Lange, with the Articles being filed on 7 December 1966 with the State of California. The Internal Revenue Service later approved the Association as a Section 501c(3) non-profit organization.
The by-laws of several nationwide security organizations were reviewed, including those of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI, which became the model for developing those of the Association. The original By-Laws were adopted on an unspecified date and appear in a Membership Directory issued September 1968. Initially, membership was open exclusively to men of good moral character who formerly served as OSI Special Agents and whose service was with due fidelity to their oaths of office and with loyalty to the Air Force and their fellow agents. The By-Law's wording was subsequently changed to “persons of good moral character, military and civilian, who are now serving with or formerly served with or were employed by the OFFICE OF SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS, IG, USAF (OSI), or the AIR FORCE OFFICE OF SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS (AFOSI), and who served with due fidelity to their oaths of office and with loyalty to the service and to their fellow agents and AFOSI/OSI coworkers.”
Four National Officers, as identified above, were provided for by the By-Laws along with Regional Vice Presidents for five regions within the United States. Two of the Regional Vice Presidents were also to have responsibility for the European and Pacific areas respectively. With the exception of the Treasurer, who would serve a two-year term, all officers were to be elected annually. All the officers were considered to comprise the Executive Committee to direct the Association's business. At an undetermined point in the early years, an Executive Committee decision appears to have been made to postpone annual national elections until the general membership exceeded 600 persons. This was formalized in a By-Laws Amendment, dated 1 April 1973. This first national election would not occur until FY 1974 with a change of officers effective in 1975. The regions were discontinued, effective 1 July 1977, because chapters tended not to be formed in alignment with the regions. A By-Laws Amendment, dated 11 July 1984, changed the terms of office for all elected National and Chapter officers to two years, effective 1 July 1985.
An artist of national repute designed the Association's emblem, based on the OSI Badge. A Membership Certificate, which was later discontinued, was also commercially designed.
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