AFTN Memorial Post 10249 was established 8 January 1972.  The post is named in honor of the nine Air Force Thailand Network (AFTN) servicemen that lost their lives during the Vietnam War. 

• TSGT JACK A. HAWLEY        Wakeman, Ohio     
• TSGT FRANK D. RYAN JR.        Mercer Island, Washington
• TSGT ROY WALKER         Albequerque, New Mexico 
• SSGT JAMES T. HOWARD        Denver, Colorado
• SSGT ALFRED N. POTTER    Forest Grove, Oregon
• SSGT EDWARD W. STRAIN    Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• SGT JOHN C. ROSE     Bloomfield, New Jersey      
• A1C ANDREW C. McCARTNEY    Lakewood, Ohio
• A1C THOMAS L. WATERMAN    Roanoke, Virginia

On that fateful day (10 April 1970), an RF-4C Phantom reconnaissance aircraft (codename: Falcon 34; tail number; 65-863) was on a tactical recon mission over Northwestern Laos.  While climbing out of his first target run, the master caution light illuminated and the pilot reported PC-2 hydraulic failure.  A six (6) inch diameter hole in the right wing indicates that the damage was caused by enemy ground fire.  While attempting an emergency landing with barrier engagement, the PC-1 hydraulic system also failed causing the battle damaged, aircraft to take an un-commanded roll to the right.  Subsequently the out-of control aircraft hit the ground and careened through the housing area, spraying burning fuel in all directions.  After knocking off part of a two (2) story barracks and destroying a couple of officer’s quarters (nine buildings and a trailer), it finally came to a stop after piercing the AFTN Station.  The impact and associated fire instantly killed everyone on duty inside the station except one airman who jumped from a window and later died from burns.

A Memorial Service was held on 17 April to honor the nine men of AFTN who died while serving their country.  The final Commendation of the Memorial Service contained these words from the Holy Bible “I am the Resurrection and the Life; He who believeth in me, though he may die, shall live; and he who liveth and believeth in me, shall never die.”