Underage veteran organization visits Cheyenne, Warren Published April 21, 2011 By Senior Airman Daryl Knee 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Members of the Veterans of Underage Military Service organization met in Cheyenne, Wyo., April 14 through 17 for their 19th annual reunion. Created in 1991, the organization honors military members who served in the armed forces before attaining legal age. "We lied about our age," said VUMS founder Allan Stover, who entered the U.S. Coast Guard at age 14. "Call it getting away from bad families, patriotism or just plain old adventure, we all lied about our age to enter military service." For many, many years, he continued, service members were afraid to come forward with the truth about their enlistments in fear of prosecution from the government. However, there is nothing to worry about -- there should be no undue fear of military repercussions for fraudulent enlistment. When the VUMS organization was still in infancy, Mr. Stover wrote to all of the branches of the armed forces asking for their policies regarding underage service. He received responses from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps outlining their acceptance of underage veterans. The Coast Guard was reluctant at first, but after continued requests from Mr. Stover, they adopted the same policies of the Navy. "So come foward if you've served in the military underage," he said. "You don't have to pay anything back. Your benefits are secure. Your retirement is secure." Now, with more than 1,200 members, the organization meets annually to trade stories and share laughs. This year was the group's first visit to Wyoming, which included a guided tour of Cheyenne and F. E. Warren Air Force Base. At a VUMS banquet Saturday evening, Cheyenne Mayor Rick Kaysen addressed the veterans, recounting his time spent in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. He also expressed thanks for the military service represented in the VUMS organization. "I salute you for putting your life on the line and for your continued support of the men and women in uniform today," said Cheyenne Mayor Rick Kaysen. "I also salute all of the families; you could not have done it without their love and support." Leadership from Air Force Global Strike Command's 90th Missile Wing echoed Mayor Kaysen's sentiments. "Whether you know it or not, the example you have become lives on in the hearts of the service members of today," said Col. Scott Fox, 90th MW vice commander. "Thank you for the example and impression you've made on today's force."