Sing Along fokes OLD HIPPIE (BELLAMY BROTHERS) Lyrics: 1. He turned thirty-five last Sunday In his hair he found some gray But he still ain't changed his lifestyle He likes it better the old way So he grows a little garden in the back yard by the fence He's consuming what he's growing nowadays in self defense He get's out there in the twilight zone Sometimes when it just don't make no sense 2. He gets off on country music Cause disco left him cold He's got young friends into new wave Buts he's just too friggin old And he dreams at night of Woodstock And the day John Lennon died How the music made him happy And the silence made him cry Yea he thinks of John sometimes And he has to wonder why CHORUS: He's an old hippie And he don't know what to do Should he hang on to the old Should he grab on to the new He's an old hippie His new life is just a bust He ain't trying to change nobody He just trying real hard to adjust 3. He was sure back in the sixties That everyone was hip Then they sent him off to Vietnam On his senior trip And they forced him to become a man While he was still a boy And in each wave of tragedy He waited for the joy Now this world may change around him But he just can't change no more CHORUS 4. Well he stays away a lot now From the parties and the clubs And he's thinking while he's joggin' 'round Sure is glad he quit the hard drugs Cause him and his kind get more endangered everyday And pretty soon the species Will just up and fade away Like the smoke from that torpedo Just up and fade away
Bill French 68-69 <Frenchie745@(RemoveThis).comcast.net>
SAV, USA - Friday, April 30, 2004 at 23:53:28 (MDT)

Just came from watching Ted Koppel's Nightline: a reading of names and showing of photos of all U.S. soliders that have died in Iraq. Pretty sobering stuff. I weigh in on this as "required veiwing" for all American citizens. While America as a whole supported this action, we were not asked nor expected to sacrifice anything, we should at least have to see the faces and hear the names of the real flesh and blood people that sacrificed everything in carrying out a war our government 'choose' to initiate; not just the impersonal sanitized reports of "2 Marines shot...5 soldiers bombed."
C.B.
USA - Friday, April 30, 2004 at 23:50:19 (MDT)

"We are all capable of believing things which we know to be untrue, and then, when we are finally proved wrong, impudently twisting the facts so as to show that we were right. Intellectually, it is possible to carry on this process for an indefinite time: the only check on it is that sooner or later a false belief bumps up against solid reality, usually on a battlefield."....from George Orwell's 1946 essay "In Frontof Your Nose"...... Today, May 1, 2004 is 1st anneversary of Dubya's "Mission Accomplished" photo-op on the USS Lincoln. ....Yesterday, April 30, 2004 was the 29th anniversary of the fall of Saigon to the NVA. We all remember that "Peace with Honor"! photo-op!
C.B.
USA - Friday, April 30, 2004 at 23:30:14 (MDT)

Political correctness demands we no longer call them towel heads. They arent towels,point of fact is that they are small sheets. So now we must call them sheet heads.
alvis
USA - Friday, April 30, 2004 at 20:37:11 (MDT)

for those of you driving here for the reunion. petrol prices are running between 1.68 and 1.89 a gallon for the cheap stuff. got 5 dollars worth of gas today,was 2.7 gallons.sigh.I thought we won that war.
alvis
USA - Friday, April 30, 2004 at 20:33:49 (MDT)

Animal, I couldn't agree with you more, energy independence is vital to national security, the government has policies concerning the manufacture or most military equipment, it has to be made here, in the event of war we have to know that we can get the equipment we need. The military runs on POL, its too obvious. Did you see the movie "The Formula" with George C. Scott? The great line from that movie was " WE are the Arabs".
jim
USA - Friday, April 30, 2004 at 19:35:59 (MDT)

I just got in from Bangor Maine this afternoon. A fella named Gale Cole has his own land transportation museum up there, and has just finished sticking a pole up the hell hole of 915. It's about fifteen feet in the air, in a takeoff position. The place is on the web, cole land transportation museum. I'm sure he will be more than happy ( he's a native mainer) to explain all the nuances of acquiring one of those things. There have been religeous wars going on in that part of the world for centuries, and, guess what? The christians haven't won too many of them! Now, we're looking at pictures of American's abusing prisoners!!! And we're the "good Guys?" Of course, we all know that American's don't mistreat others, don't commit war crimes, put band aids on folks after we've killed them. It must be a propaganda stunt! In reality, we'd be ignoring that part of the world, if we weren't addicted to oil, no one would have given a sweet damn how brutal hui san was, just as we don't care how brutal the asswipes are in so many other places!.....like so many times before, lower class kids are dying so that the upper class one's can get richer, and, to add insult to injury, they're the one's who will be paying for it!!!! Give tax cuts to the richest in our country, and run a deficit instead of paying as we go!!! What a country!!!! Was it P.T. Barnum who said that "there's a sucker born every minute?"
Kim
USA - Friday, April 30, 2004 at 18:28:04 (MDT)

You're right about the oil Jim. If we didn't need it, they'd just be a bunch of camel humpers on the way to the bazaar. The sad fact is we shouldn't need it. Modern technology has the potential to bypass fossil fuels and there's only one reason we don't do it. FOLLOW THE MONEY! The same people that wage war for oil seem to be the ones that profit the most from it. I hate terrorists and religous fundamentalists of all persuasions. It seems to me the best way to neutralize them is to develop alternative energy sources and let them bathe in their crude oil. The oil industry spends billions to convince us otherwise. This is my opinion and it in no way represents the opinions of those who disagree. ( How's that for a disclaimer?) Peace.... Greg
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Friday, April 30, 2004 at 17:08:52 (MDT)

Fred, have you ever met someone with opposition disorder, no matter what you say they will argue it, you say up they say down, when you get people stuck on their position of rightness they will do everything they can to make you wrong so they can be right.People who are raised in a F&5@ed up fear based culture usually turn out to be just plain mean, to me thats the difference between a redneck and a good lo' boy, rednecks are just plain mean. It doesn't make any difference what we do, we are going to be wrong, we are the Infidel and the big kid on the block. Somalia is a good example of a culture that doesn't work if they haven't learned to survive then Darwin was right and we should let nature take its course, As for the middle east these scumbags ( for the most part)are going to hate us no matter what we do, in Kuwait there is a big anti-American sentiment, F&%K em, if its wasn't for the oil we wouldn't have a need for any of em.But thats just my opinion I could be wrong. LOL
jim
USA - Friday, April 30, 2004 at 15:22:23 (MDT)

Well pictures released of "bad treatment" of Iraqi prisoners of war, sure ain`t gonna help our soldiers over there. It`s just gonna inflame the Islamic nations more toward us. So much for winning "hearts and minds".
Fred Skaggs
USA - Friday, April 30, 2004 at 04:58:25 (MDT)

I have an idea. Why don't we buy a couple hundred acres and the Pop-A-Top and a gunship and a slick. We could have the'Top moved to the north 40 and sell chopper rides. Kinda like a Jim and Tammy Fae amusement world! I just KNOW the fed's would give us a non-profit tax number for the charitable cause that it is. After all, we didn't get a parade! Regards, C.B.
C.B.
USA - Thursday, April 29, 2004 at 22:54:28 (MDT)

Animal/Baron... I gotta say that I like the land idea for more than a few reasons, one of which is that there are certain tax advantages (at least in Colorado) by turning the property into a "conservation easement". By doing so, the land cannot ever be subdivided/developed. A good tax consultant or maybe a CPA could give us a better idea. Like Kim said there is a lot of expense to an aircraft by NOT flying it, as well as flying it. Corporate sponsorship is our only hope there, I think. Real property is a relatively lower maintenance (and less costly) headache depending on the current and planned use. A hunting and fishing place (something with a lake or creek and trees) and a "GC" constructed lodge would be great. Fred S. looking forward to seeing my "prize"!
Dave
USA - Thursday, April 29, 2004 at 14:59:13 (MDT)

Baron, If I can hunt with you I will crew anything. I will certainly put my efforts into helping with whatever the group wants to do in creating a not for profit organization or any organization that would be needed to get a huey bearing the 129th's image going. I had read someone's posting about getting a tax i.d. number. I would not do that until some other important hurdles are jumped. It is needed for a 501 c 3 status but so are Articles of Incorporation, a business plan (that may need a two year projected budget), and by-laws of the organization. None of those things have to be complex, they just have to be what the group agrees to. After all that stuff is drafted and ready to send off to the Gov't, then get a tax i.d. I say that because then the IRS looks for the organization to file tax documents. They will give you time to get off the ground but that is why you would need to have a good treasurer to stay on top of that stuff. Anyway hunting is definitely more fun. I got one doe last year from 90 yards with a 50 cal Knight D.I.S.C. muzzle loader. My second was a scrub buck with a one oz. slug round, Mossberg Shotgun.
Tom Ragonese
USA - Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at 23:01:15 (MDT)

Three men die and go to Heaven, St. Peter tells them, before I let you in you must tell me the Easter story, the first guy says, the Easter story is about this guy Christopher Columbus who flew in a slay pulled by 8 reindeer and he landed at Plymouth Rock, so every year at Easter he flies around shooting off fireworks and handing out turkeys. St. Peter sends him down. The second guy says, the Easter story is about this guy Santa Clause and he sailed in this ship call the Nina to the Statue of Liberty and now every year on the 4th of July he goes around in a scary costume giving candy to Irish men. St. Peter sends him down. The last guy says, the Easter story is about a man named Jesus Christ who lived about 2000 years ago, he did a lot of preaching about God and brotherly love, these men called the Romans killed him, so his followers put him in a tomb, now every year on Easter his follower gather outside his tomb, they wait for him to come out and watch to see whether or not he sees his shadow.
jim
USA - Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at 21:29:16 (MDT)

Morning hunt our private land in pristine Lake county Mi.. nestled in the heart of the Manistee National Forrest. Lake county has 156 lakes , 43 trout streams, and a healthy White Tail population. After a home made breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs to order and my special recipe whole wheat blueberry pancakes with maple syrup, we fire up the Mike Model for destination Ohio. We pick up Fred Skaggs and the current tunes and head over to the Pop-a-Top for lunch. We're back at the lodge in plenty of time for the evening hunt. Good idea Animal, you can take care of the fuel samples . I'll cook breakfast. If someone can find us a suitable crew, we could be back in business.
Baron
USA - Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at 19:47:01 (MDT)

Gale/Animal, I really like your idea of an R&R get away. Lee works entirely too much and would really enjoy some hunting and fishing. I can udnerstand the excitment about buying a helicopter (after my ride in Atlanta) but why don't you consider working with that group who gave the rides, The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation. They were looking for volunteers and support. Some of you might still have their brochure from the Atlanta reunion, take a look at it again. Just an idea. Lee & I are looking forward to seeing everyone at Indy, Carolyn Wood
Carolyn Wood` <CWood86700@aol.com>
Dayton, OH USA - Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at 10:54:02 (MDT)

Animal must agree with you on the cost of getting a huey for a stactic disply. As president of the vhcma. The vhcma memorial designs all had static displays. First- you have the cost of the disply. second- state,county and city regulations/ codes. Third- insurance and maintence up keep. The only way is to get corprate funding for project. And as with the vhcma project. Corprate funding isn't out there. It would be great to have our own memorial to the Brothers of 129th. And right now the Pop-A-Top is it. Glad to see that some at least checking into some of the project that are being brought up here. See you all in Indy. Alex
Alex
USA - Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at 09:27:18 (MDT)

slow hand salute, with deepest respecr, to shaw,strother and stamper.I will look for your huey on fiddlers green.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at 08:02:38 (MDT)

Animal....................I like that idea, yeh........Ilike it. Something for all to enjoy. Gale
Gale
USA - Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at 07:58:31 (MDT)

Brothers Baron(Gary) and Animal(Greg), I like what both of you have to say, you both know that!!! First of all, being a person that has held on to all the properties that I`ve bought over the years, and turn them into rental properties. I love the idea of land, as my mother always said," God ain`t making no more of that". As far as a helicopter....that sounds real good also......the investment could pay-off by by using it at military functions and so forth.....of course we would have to charge a fee. As far as a "static display" at the Pop-A-Top, we need Mark to tell us what the status is of the Top. I forget if he owns the building and land. It might be wise to invest in buying the Top.....if Mark would sell....that`s his dream. I`m not done living yet....so I would love to see "something" materialize. It might cause a debate with my wife.....but we`ve live thru that shit before. My in-laws have 2400 acres of prime farm land....that they want to pass on to two daughters....that don`t farm. And my sister-in-law isn`t married....so I want to get my hands on some of that land. It`s not a point of greed....it`s a point of need.
Fred Skaggs
USA - Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at 05:13:14 (MDT)

I hate to piss in anyone's fuel sample, but it seems to me that a helicopter is a terribly expensive item to aquire and maintain. Don't get me wrong, if we decided to make that commitment, I would donate what resources I could afford. But here's another idea to kick around. What if we raised about half of what a Huey costs, and got a piece of property in the middle of the country to meet, R&R, fish, hideout or whatever. The same non-profit status, by-laws etc could apply, but it would be less expensive to maintain, and easier for everyone to use. Maybe it could eventually be passed on to our brother vets of later generations. There's a website called "United Country.com" that specializes in rural properties of all types. Just a thought.......Greg
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at 22:45:38 (MDT)

FYI, I recieved a reply yesterday from my recent request for information from Garlick Helicopters. ( www.garlickhelicopters.comrotorcraft.htm) GHI has available a Super-B Model N9478 mid to low time remaining components. Approximately $325,000.00 . Gentleman also said GHI has a Mike- model hull that could be made available. Anyone who is interested can check out their website. They have a beautiful facility, lots of experience and 22 hueys in stock. Thanks to ,Dave Powers, for this information.
Baron
USA - Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at 19:35:41 (MDT)

April 27,1972 west of OP1 AnKhe, pass as I understand it they were flying low level down the valley so the could pop up onto OP1, Charlie/NVA had the place registered,as I heard their rotor blade hit a tree, 1st LT. Thomas Shaw and WO1 Claud Strother, may you rest in peace. Bruno Sanchez and Bernie Hernandez, welcome home Brothers.
jim
USA - Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at 17:30:55 (MDT)

April 14,1972 east of the An Khe pass below OP1 there was a CA in progress when we heard,"taking fire" and then "we have a KIA", it was SP4 David Stamper 1st Flt. he was on the right side so his gunner could use his mini-gun, he was wearing a Chicken plate, but the rounds hit him in the right side between the 2 plates,they were just able to get out of the LZ,they landed at the ROK base camp,after we removed Stamper, they tried to fly the slick out but the torque needle red lined, I checked the particle seperator it was shot up and of course the engine ingested the all the loose metal. Some gave all.
jim
USA - Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at 17:15:56 (MDT)

Yes, Diane, 4/27/72. I hope the three of you get to talk tonight. Bruno, Bernie...we"re glad you're with us. Very glad. R.I.P Tom and Claud. Always there for our Veterans-Gently
Gently
USA - Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at 17:08:58 (MDT)

Just a note to say hello to Bernie and Bruno on this anniversary date. I have been thinking of you two all day. It is a warm spring day today, just like this day in 1972. Take care, Diane
Diane Strother Moy <df78759@aol.com>
Austin, TX USA - Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at 14:58:18 (MDT)

Thanks Fred I am still a helivet just haven't been onin awhile. puter to slow for them waiting for new to be finished and maybe get a modem that is faster. Shakey and I have been room mates for the past 3 years at the reunion also swashplate. Rick was in the 57th AHC during easter offensive. swashplate was in the I think the 79 ara. 101st. Be careful out there
Rick England
USA - Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at 12:05:50 (MDT)

Yeah Shakey!!!!
Gently
USA - Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at 11:41:27 (MDT)

Information has it that lane is now a base for armor.Rick England, fellow named shaky..vogel was asking about you.Says he will be at the reunion this year.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at 08:22:21 (MDT)

As a Viet-Nam Combat Vet....I respect history BAGHDAD ø It's one of the loneliest places in Baghdad - the British military cemetery, where hundreds of forlorn gravestones attest to the price of imperialism in Iraq. In 1920, a Shiite revolt erupted against British occupiers, who had arrived in Mesopotamia at the start of World War I. Britain pushed out Ottoman forces, but didn't move fast enough to create a promised new nation state. The uprising surprised the British, left more than 2,200 occupation troops and an estimated 8,450 Iraqis dead or wounded - and cost, by one account, three times as much as British financing of the entire Arab revolt against the Ottomans. Today the US faces the same dilemma that dogged the British: How to grant self-rule to Iraqis as promised, while keeping overall control. Despite rhetoric from Washington that it will transform Iraq into a democratic beacon in the Mideast, few Iraqis believe the US is sincere. "When the British came to Baghdad in 1917, they declared that 'We are here as liberators, not occupiers.' That is the same statement the Americans have made," says Ghassan Atiyyah, an expert on the 1920 revolt and head of the Iraq Foundation for Development and Democracy. "Iraqis thought the British were sincere about it, and they proved to have other designs. [Today] Iraqis are asking: 'How could America get rid of Saddam in three weeks, and have no elections in 11 months?' " The British relied on air power to quell dissent - at great cost to the civilian population and to its credibility. Americans, too, are often accused of heavy-handed tactics while hunting Saddam Hussein loyalists and anticoalition guerrillas. British cabinet papers from 1921 raised doubt about keeping "peaceful control of Mesopotamia" if it "ultimately depends on our intention of bombing women and children." In his memoirs, the British commander in charge of quelling the revolt, Lt. Gen. Sir Aylmer Haldane, wrote in 1922 of the "vanity of what we undertook," in confiscating 63,000 rifles from Iraqi tribes. The Iraqis "not only rearmed themselves but acquired weapons of more modern type," Gen. Haldane lamented, leading him to conclude of Mesopotamia that "it is folly to think, not in one year but even in many years, to draw the teeth of its inhabitants." Historian Paul Rish, in an introduction to Haldane's memoirs, indicates that one method that contributed to the 1920 revolt and future unrest was a British plan that "relied heavily on putting pliable but unpopular Arabs in sham authority." That view echoes complaints today among Iraqis that the Governing Council is a tool of US policy, under Washington's thumb in the same way that powerful British advisers decades ago controlled handpicked Iraqi ministers. The British ensured a 96 percent landslide for their chosen new Sunni monarch, King Faisal I, by inviting his chief opponent to tea, and then whisking him off to exile in British-ruled Ceylon. "Arab rule" had arrived in name only. King Faisal despaired in a secret memo in 1933 that his government was "far and away weaker than the people," who were "unimaginable masses of human beings devoid of any patriotic ideas ... prone to anarchy, and perpetually ready to rise against any government whatsoever." The British-devised monarchy of Iraq lasted until its overthrow in 1958. "[The Americans] should draw parallels from the British experience," says Saad Jawad, a political scientist at the University of Baghdad. "Not only are they insisting on ruling Iraq on their own, but [like] the British, gave promises they did not fulfill." The British expected to be greeted with open arms by Iraqis after forcing out Ottoman troops. But instead they found fierce resentment - precisely the misjudgment made by American planners, who believed that gratitude over the fall of Saddam Hussein would overcome Iraqi uneasiness about a new occupation. "The British saw the Shia religious establishment in the 1920s as a direct rival for power, so they fled back into the arms of the Sunni elite," says Toby Dodge, at the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London. Despite London's detailed efforts to win the support of tribes, anti-British resentment grew to the point where Iraq's majority Shiite and Sunnis put aside their differences, and unified. Likewise, US Administrator Paul Bremer, in his effort to scrub away Hussein's Baath regime, has given reason to broaden anti-US resistance. "Bremer thought he would rule directly ... but [the Americans] started making mistakes. They dissolved the Army, thinking they could [handle security] themselves," says Dr. Atiyyah. There is no Arabic word for de-Baathification, and the closest one for this uncompromising policy means "uprooting." That "smacks of Baathist rule," adds Atiyyah. "The Americans were so clever with these policies of creating enemies, and [wound up] uniting enemies - the Army, the Baathists, and Sunnis." If the US hasn't learned not to create enemies, Iraq's majority Shiites certainly have. So far, Shiites have made their complaints about the US without violence. They sacrificed during the 1920 revolt, Iraqis say, lost power and gained nothing. General Haldane states in his memoirs that Iraqis "respect nothing but force," but he also notes his surprise that "resentment is small or wears off quickly." He writes of "princely hospitality" while snipe shooting with hundreds of sheikhs, including "those who stood by us during the insurrection, and others, a far greater number, who took up arms against us at the time." Iraqis today share such mixed emotions about the US presence. "The first lie of the Bush administration is that they are liberators, but in fact they are occupiers," says Haj-Muhammad al-Khashallee, owner of Baghdad's Shabandar CafŽ, which decorates its aged walls with historical photographs. "If they are sincere enough to make Iraq their friend by handing over power to the Iraqi people, then good." Who else will protect the Kurds from the Turks? Who will protect the Sunnis from Shia hegemony? The secular from the Islamist?
Fred Skaggs
USA - Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at 06:38:18 (MDT)

Animal(Greg), yea Duane Allman did most the "slide work" on the Layla album, and some duel lead with Clapton. What a pair!!! Saw a BBC interview last night with reporters working in Iraq, question was ask, "Why they were not showing the "good things" we are doing in Iraq"? As one reporter for Time Magazine put it, "It`s too damn dangerous"!!!! Also it was said, not compare the Iraqi war to Viet-Nam, but to the occupation by the British in 1917. The Iraqi`s arose up to a revolution against the British.
Fred Skaggs
USA - Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at 04:39:13 (MDT)

Not all but a lot of the Marines I've met ask for it, they come off with this "there no such thing as an ex-marine only a former marine" crap. The Corps really brainwashes them well, which of course is the entended purpose, they hold out that carrot, make them want it bad enough then when they're hooked they can tell them to do anything.But what would we do without them its too easy to make fun of the Air Force and Navy.An Army Ranger was on vacation in the depths of Louisiana and he wanted a pair of genuine alligator shoes in the worst way, but was very reluctant to pay the high prices the local vendors were asking. After becoming very frustrated with the "no haggle" attitude of one of the shopkeepers, the Ranger shouted, "maybe I'll just go out and get my own alligator so I can get a pair of shoes at a reasonable price!" The vendor said, "By all means, be my guest. Maybe you will run into a couple of Marines who were in here earlier saying the same thing." So the Ranger headed into the bayou that same day and a few hours later came upon two men standing waist deep in the water. He thought, "those must be the two Marines the guy in town was talking about." Just then, the Ranger saw a tremendously long gator swimming rapidly underwater towards one of the Marines. Just as the gator was about to attack, the Marine grabbed its neck with both hands and strangled it to death with very little effort. Then both Marines dragged it on shore and flipped it on its back. Laying nearby were several more of the creatures. One of the Marines then exclaimed, "Damn, this one doesn't have any shoes either!"
jim
USA - Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at 01:21:36 (MDT)

Max, I think the reason the marine aviators gave us "stink eye" (hawaiian phrase) was the ribbing they got at Rucker. We lowly cadets would share a bus with them to the various staging areas, and they made us sit in the back of the bus! That didn't sit to well with most of us so we ragged them unmercifully. "How can a Marine Aviator tell he's made a gear-up landing?"......."By the excessive amount of manifold pressure it takes to taxi off the runway, of course." I also think the Marines resented the fact that they got their flight training from the Army! The Marines weren't the only ones to go through Rucker. The Israelis and Jordanians got their rotary wing training there as well, and at the same time. At least they did in 1970. Go figure. Thanks for the feedback Fred S. My E-mail still doesn't work so this is my only source of info. I first heard "Layla" in the Lane EM company area from a radio tape someone had from WLS Chigago. We listened to it over and over, what a mind blower! I only just found out that Duane Allman played on it as well. Aloha Nui Loa, Greg
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at 00:24:49 (MDT)

anyone with pics of the chapel,please send them to me at ghoastrider1@hotmail.com. thanks. As I said, when the nva invaded in 75, and got as far south as lane,they blew up the chapel.Kinda sad I think.
alvis
USA - Monday, April 26, 2004 at 21:32:58 (MDT)

that is Artillary...you knew that!
C.B.
USA - Monday, April 26, 2004 at 21:18:05 (MDT)

KIM: Similar feelings here. According to a Captain friend of mine, a company commander, in Iraq for nine months or so, the problems faced daily go directly back to the absence of a plan when we got there. I was surprised to learn he is not only responsible for his company which daily patrols for roadside explosives and conduct night time raids to hunt bad guys. But is also directly in charge of overseeing the local police department, public works projects (schools, power grid, water supply, etc.) and coordinating with the local governmental folks. Oh, and by the way, this is an artiarlly unit. As he puts it, they have no use for their big guns and were never trained to do what they ended up doing.
C.B.
USA - Monday, April 26, 2004 at 21:15:42 (MDT)

FRANK: I refer to a SFC as "mere" because in the grand scheme of things, they are. The SFC that Jim posted seems to be privy to all things at all levels...I don't think so. An SFC would surely know about and be privy to what is going on in his a/o, but not the entire theatre.
CB
USA - Monday, April 26, 2004 at 20:28:31 (MDT)

.Evenin' everybody........There are 4 pictures of the Chapel in our GALLERY section under "Chapel"......I'm kinda partial to that Chapel because there was a cerimony there for the crew of the "257" there...Alvis...Yeah some of that stone would be nice to have in the Pop-A-Top...Oh Yeah. Fred A.......I will bring the SKS to INDY.......Maybe I can get some stone chips from the Chapel when I am over there next year!.......did I tell you all that I am working now.....see if you can guess what I do. Here is a clue. "I am helping to make the world more beauitiful looking".........good to see everybody in here. Ernie, Frank, Lee, Hey Lee, ya gonna make INDY?...sorry to hear about your friend there in Dayton...C.B.I would like a copy of those Chapel pictures that you have. Can you scan them and send them to me as a JPRG?..I will put them in the GALLERY...take care all, always a brother, Mark
Mark
USA - Monday, April 26, 2004 at 19:53:11 (MDT)

Results of my own UN scientific poll. Iraqi's are upset that the promised jobs never materialized, a truck tire for a Soviet style truck costs 400 dollars, couple months pay. Thus, American trucking outfits have the jobs, pissing the populace off. A friend's girlfriend, just back on leave says that it's wierd, Iraqi's wave and cheer when they drive by, while someone from the back of the crowd takes pot shots at them! The people never move out of the way, so they have a dilemma, either shoot civilians, or...... get shot at! Sound familiar? They can't tell the difference between friend and foe. The electrical production hasn't increased, further enraging the populace, who view American's as liars, full of false promises, unable to deliver. The government has all but given up on recruiting from the general population, and excluding Baath party members, it hasn't worked. The have learned that they need the HATED ENEMY...just to get qualified help! A few members of the 133rd Engineer Battalion are kids I've coached. They lost one killed the other day, and had 4 wounded. They're scared, feel they were not properly trained to deal with being under attack. They're carpenters, truck drivers, equipment operators. NOW, they're getting a crash course in mine avoidance, and ambush busting!!!!! Like Vietnam, there are people over ther who don't care who is in charge, just so they're left alone, other's hate us so bad, they'll do anything to make us miserable. Other's are in it for the money, or the power....so the world goes. Muslim, Christian, kill in the name of religeon, fight for free speech, just so the speech is not against our leaders.....ho hum.....When will they ever learn??? PP&M
kim
USA - Monday, April 26, 2004 at 19:33:47 (MDT)

C.B. you might be suprised at all the info a "mere" SFC is privy to. A "mere" SFC.
Frank Loveday
Bastrop, La. USA - Monday, April 26, 2004 at 19:31:57 (MDT)

The 180th was also one of our sister companies, It was across road by 18th engineers at Dong Ba Thin.
J.W. Wilson
USA - Monday, April 26, 2004 at 19:11:43 (MDT)

Animal(Greg), I picked up Michael Franti today, great music and social commentary, I love it. I got the newest cd "Everyone Deserves Music". Matt Casey...I finally got Sweet Smoke cd`s, the one from 1970 and one from 1973 and a "live" one from 1974. A little raw, but was recorded when they used just 12 and 16 track recording`s, but real good stuff. Also picked up a RARE "Derek and the Dominos" live at the Fillmore East. It was recorded October 23rd and 24th, 1970.....Great double set.....Never realized "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs" album was a concept album. It told the tale of Eric Clapton`s then-unrequited love for Patti Boyd, the wife of his best friend, George Harrison!!!!! There`s some trivia for ya. He does a great version of Cream`s " Crossroads".......Dave Powers...your little package is on the way to Colorado, I mailed it Friday. Only YOU can appreciate what`s in it.....
Fred Skaggs
USA - Monday, April 26, 2004 at 17:21:52 (MDT)

Alvis, I have two good close up shots of the exterior of the Chapel at Lane. Both are Quartering shots, one taken from the S. E. one from the S. W.. Let me know what you want done with them. G. C.
Gary Carlson
USA - Monday, April 26, 2004 at 14:30:37 (MDT)

Group-while saving/buying items for our Iraqi soldiers keep in mind to save/buy only small single items: large containers only make their packs heavier. Travel size items work the best. L-G
Gently
USA - Monday, April 26, 2004 at 12:44:59 (MDT)

thank you cb, will get with you on this.Its important to him.
alvis
USA - Monday, April 26, 2004 at 10:55:19 (MDT)

Vietnam war statistics Vietnam Veterans represent 9.7% of their generation 9,087,000 military personnel served on active duty during the Vietnam era (Aug.5, 1964 - May 7, 1975) 8,744,000 GIs were on active duty during the war (Aug. 5, 1964 - March 28, 1973) 3,403,100 (including 514,300 offshore) personnel served in the Southeast Asia Theater (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, flight crews based in Thailand, and sailors in adjacent South China Sea waters) 2,594,000 personnel served within the borders of South Vietnam (Jan. 1, 1965 - March 28, 1973) Another 50,000 men served in Vietnam between 1960 and 1964 Of the 2.6 million, between 1 - 1.6 million (40-60%) either fought in combat, provided close support or were at least fairly regularly exposed to enemy attack. 7,484 women (6,250 or 83.5% were nurses) served in Vietnam Peak troop strength in Vietnam: 543,482 (April 30, 1969) Hostile deaths: 47,378 Non-hostile deaths: 10,800 Total: 58,202 (includes men formerly classified as MIA and Mayaguez casualties). Men who have subsequently died of wounds account for the changing total.) 8 nurses died - only 1 was KIA. Married men killed: 17,539 Average age of men killed in Vietnam: 22.8 years old More 21 year olds were killed than any other age group Highest state death rate: West Virginia - 84.1 for every 100,000 (national average 58.9 for every 100,000 males in 1970) Wounded: 303,704 - 153,329 hospitalized + 150,375 injured required no hospital care. Severely disabled: 23,214 were 100% disabled; 5,283 lost limbs; 1,081 sustained multiple amputations. Amputation or crippling wounds to the lower extremities were 300% higher than in WWII and 70% higher than in Korea. Multiple amputations occurred at the rate of 18.4% compared to 5.7% in WWII. Missing in Action: 2,338 POWs: 766 (114 died in captivity) 27 million men came of draft age from 1964 to 1972 Total draftees (1965-1973): 1,728,344 Actually served in Vietnam: 38% 25% (648,500) of total forces in country were draftees (In WWII, 67% were draftees; 33% were volunteers) Draftees accounted for 30.4% (17,725) of combat deaths in Vietnam National Guard: 6,140 served; 101 died Last man drafted: June 30, 1973 88.4% of the men who actually served in Vietnam were Caucasian: 10.6% (275,000) were African-American; 1% belonged to other races 86.3% of the men who died in Vietnam were Caucasian (includes Hispanics); 12.5% (7,241) were African-American; 1.2% belonged to other races 170,000 Hispanics served in Vietnam: 3,070 (5.2% of total) died there 70% of enlisted men killed were of Northwest European descent 86.8% of the men who were killed as a result of hostile action were Caucasian; 12.1% (5,711) were African-American; 1.1% belonged to other races 14.6% (1,530) of non-combat deaths were among African-Americans 34% of African-Americans who enlisted volunteered for the combat arms Overall, African-Americans suffered 12.5% of the deaths in Vietnam at a time when the percentage of African-Americans of military age was 13.5% of the total population Religion of Dead: Protestant - 64.4%; Catholic - 28.9%; other/none - 6.7% 26% of combat deaths came from the families in the highest third of income levels 76% of the men sent to Vietnam were from middle/working class backgrounds Three-fourths had family incomes above the poverty level; 50% were from middle income backgrounds Some 23% of Vietnam veterans had fathers with professional, managerial or technical occupations 79% of the men who served in Vietnam had a high school education or better when they entered military service. (63% of Korean War vets and only 45% of WWII vets had completed high school upon separation) Deaths by region per 100,000 of population: South - 31; West - 29; Midwest - 28.4; Northeast - 23.5 97% of Vietnam veterans were honorably discharged 91% of actual Vietnam War era veterans and 90% of those who saw heavy combat are proud to have served their country 66% of Vietnam veterans say they would serve again if called upon As of 1985, on 9% of Vietnam veterans had not graduated high school as opposed to 23% of their non-military peers As of 1985, a Vietnam veteran was more likely to have gone to college than a man of his age who did not serve: Vietnam veterans - 30%; non-military peer - 24% In 1985, 8 of every 10 Vietnam veterans were married to their first spouse and 90% had children In every major study of Vietnam veterans where the military records were pulled from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis and the veterans were then located, an insignificant number had been found in prison. In 1994, the unemployment rate for all males over 18 was 6%; for Vietnam veterans - 3.9% In a study conducted by the Labor Department and Department of Veterans' Affairs - more African-American Vietnam veterans work in white-collar, public-sector jobs than do African-American males who never served.
alvis
USA - Monday, April 26, 2004 at 10:28:52 (MDT)

Thank You, My friend. My friend in RVN is going to try and get some stone chips from the old chapel. Now, that would be a "sacred" relic. b ........going to write him back to see if I can aquire one of those chips for the "pop a top"
alvis
USA - Monday, April 26, 2004 at 10:20:45 (MDT)

Another one of Our sister unit was the 117th. Which was across hwy 1. At Dong Ba Thin. The 129th was at the old Special forces/ Arvn compound in nov. 65. first night on guard duty I was with Sgt. Harper he was the medic. Remember some of us stealing steaks and whiskey and went to Cam Rhan. Got a hell of a sun burn. Ho!! James Hydinger was there also with us. Found John Rastetter in Erie Pa. he was wounded in the leg I think just before we rotated back in Nov. He told me that Donald Eagleton passed away afew years ago. Max are you going to try to make Indy??? Glenn stated that Larry Graham is supposed to be Indy. I am still trying to get few more from the 65-66 group. Alex
Alex
USA - Monday, April 26, 2004 at 09:54:04 (MDT)

There is some information about the 129th at http://www.bragg.army.mil/82avn/history.htm
Ernie Gschwender
Lincoln Park, MI USA - Monday, April 26, 2004 at 08:34:25 (MDT)

Here's a good wet t-shirt pic. (Ladies its not what you think).... http://www.joe-ks.com/archives_feb2004/WetTShirt.jpg
jim
USA - Monday, April 26, 2004 at 08:04:55 (MDT)

CB, your right the Army was good at putting out a lot of BS, I'm trying to get this guys e-mail add. and maybe run the stats by an independant observer, I looked over the figures they dont seem to be out of line, I remeber at first there was a lot of press about the water and power problems and now we don't hear anything, I think thats because it been taken care of. I hope with all the money we are spending over there thats some of the infrastucture is being rebuilt.
jim
USA - Monday, April 26, 2004 at 08:03:02 (MDT)

ALVIS: It will be awhile until I can find them, but I do have some very good pictures of the chaple: Front, sides and interior. Where do I send them?
CB
USA - Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 22:08:11 (MDT)

I was glad to read about what is possibly happening in Iraq. I only wish we could help more people in our own country before we take on the responsibility of rebuilding the middle east.
Sue
OH USA - Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 21:57:43 (MDT)

Lou, I see you already got a pic of George Hain but I thought I would let you know about my web site. it is http://donald_6.tripod.com/129thmiakia1.htm or just click on my name below to take a look at it. there are 3 pages george is on page 3. Later Don
Don Miller
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 21:41:17 (MDT)

JIM: You need to post this guy's (Ray Reynolds, SFC > Iowa Army National Guard > 234th Signal Battalion) email or address 'cause there is a lot to challenge in what he says. Pretty impressive what all a mere SFC would know about what is going on all over Iraq. When I was in basic training I recall a SFC telling us, "it was a fact that it was safer to go to Vietnam than stay in the USA"...because, as he pointed out, "more people were killed on the highways in the US than were killed in Vietnam during the previous year." He really belived what he was telling us. Just underscores why it's necessary to validate information before it's passed on. It does require some effort to verify this stuff. Question: If a person is too busy to verify information, how do they have time to pass it on? CB
C.B.
USA - Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 21:38:04 (MDT)

This is kinda long but for those who are not on VHFCN thought you might like to see it.. Forwarded from a net source > Subject: Real truth about Iraq > > > As I head off to Baghdad for the final weeks of my stay in Iraq, I wanted to say thanks to all of you who did not believe the media. They have done a very poor job of covering everything that has happened. > > I am sorry that I have not been able to visit all of you during my two week leave back home. And just so you can rest at night knowing something is happening in Iraq that is noteworthy, I thought I would pass this on to you. This is the list of things that has happened in Iraq recently: (Please share it with your friends and compare it to the version that your paper is producing) > > Over 4.5 million people have clean drinking water for the first time ever in Iraq. > > Over 400,000 kids have up to date immunizations. > > Over 1500 schools have been renovated and ridded of the weapons that were stored there so education can occur. > > The port of Uhm Qasar was renovated so grain can be off loaded from ships faster. > > School attendance is up 80% from levels before the war. > > The country had it's first 2 billion barrel export of oil in August. > > The country now receives 2 times the electrical power it did before the war. > > 100% of the hospitals are open and fully staffed compared to 35% before the war. > > Elections are taking place in every major city and city councils are in place. > > Sewer and water lines are installed in every major city. > > Over 60,000 police are patrolling the streets. > > Over 100,000 Iraqi civil defense police are securing the country. > > Over 80,000 Iraqi soldiers are patrolling the streets side by side with US soldiers. > > Over 400,000 people have telephones for the first time ever. > > Students are taught field sanitation and hand washing techniques to prevent the spread of germs. > > An interim constitution has been signed. > > Girls are allowed to attend school for the first time ever in Iraq. > > Text books that don't mention Saddam are in the schools for the first time in 30 years. > > Don't believe for one second that these people do not want us there. I have met many many people from Iraq that want us there and in a bad way. They say they will never see the freedoms we talk about but they hope their children will. We are doing a good job in Iraq and I challenge anyone, anywhere to dispute me on these facts. So if you happen to run into John Kerry, be sure to give him my email address and send him to Denison, Iowa. This soldier will set > him straight. If you are like me and very disgusted with how this period of rebuilding has been portrayed, email this to a friend and let them know there are good things happening. > > Ray Reynolds, SFC > Iowa Army National Guard > 234th Signal Battalion >
jim
USA - Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 20:18:05 (MDT)

One of our brother rotorheads from helivet is asking if anyone has pics of the chapel at lane. When the nva went into lane, they blew up the chapel. He has a pic of it,sitting forelonley on the top of the hill, minus the roof and a wall or two.He is a religious man, then and now.I invited him into here to ask if any of you have pics (good ones), of it. thanks. thank you for the kind words, gale. She is doing better but still wheezing like an old train. Takes about 20 steps then has to rest, she is out of breath still. At night,when she is sleeping,I can here her breath wheeze,rattle and gurgle in her chest as she trys to breath. A fish out of water comes to mind.Susan is supposed to go back to work tuesday, we will wait and see.
alvis
USA - Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 20:01:37 (MDT)

GALE: Yes, the 119th was one of our sister companies, as was the 48th. I don't know where they are now, but will be running some searches later this week, when I get tired of fishing. ALEX: you reminded me of something I've always thought was hilarious: the way those Marine Aviators would glare at us whenever we landed with some of their wounded; it seems they had more restrictive rules about endangering their choppers, so we crossed into 1st Corp area more than once to 'dust off' jarheads. (I think it was on one of those missions that I heard my pilot say something that I've never forgotten: "I tried to join the Marines, but I couldn't qualify Ñ my parents were married....")
Max W.
Oregon USA - Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 18:56:45 (MDT)

Randy it oct.7th 1966 when we lost our first crew. Our gunship heard the call and dicided to give them the help they needed. They were heading to Dong Ba Thin we the call came in. Alex
Alex
USA - Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 15:27:52 (MDT)

Well Randy your close!! 129th started at Dong Ba Thin, then we headed to Tuy Hoa on to the monsoons in Pleiku the rear perimeter of Camp Holloway. Then most conveyed to Kontum where we shared the night with 1st Cav. and then on to Dakto. From Dakto back to Tuy Hoa. We supported the 101st, special forces out of Nha Trang and the Tiger Div. When I got to Cam Rhan was just one little hut and a psp runway for bird dogs and mohhawks. In Tuy Hoa me and Grady Harris were tdy to the US. marines. I was pol until I started crewing in the 1st platoon. Rainer and Glenn was there also in 65. We were still getting quite a bit rain around Tanksgiving and Christmas 65. The 65-66 personnel roster s are in the gallery section. Tim and the rest of us are there. Alex 65-68
Alex
USA - Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 15:22:45 (MDT)

Lee, how are ya buddy? It's been a while. Sorry to hear about your friend passing. I must have left DBT in July cause we did'nt meet til you got to Lane.....did we? I hope you & your wife are gonna make LZ Indy. Max, thanks for your help. I had found 2-82d Aviation, but, I had'nt found that website. I was getting so excited,but, now you tell us that they are back from Iraq. How 'bout A Company (was'nt that our sister company the 119th AHC)? Wonder where they're at now. Alvis, I hope Susan is doing better.....give her my best. Clear, Gale
Gale
Clinton, In USA - Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 09:41:37 (MDT)

Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach served time in Vietnam, as did Rocky Bleier, the former Pittsburgh Steelers running back who nearly had his foot blown off by a land mine, but came back to win four Super Bowl rings. And then there's the case of Bob Kalsu, the only active NFL player killed in the Vietnam conflict. Another former NFL player, Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Don Steinbrunner, was killed in Vietnam in 1967 when the C-123 Provider he was piloting was gunned down by enemy anti-aircraft forces. His loss certainly was no less a tragedy than that of Kalsu, but Steinbrunner was 10 years retired at the time of his death, his ties to football then defined by a coaching stint at the Air Force Academy. Bob Kalsu, conversely, had just one year of NFL seniority when he opted not to contest his call-up to active service after his 1968 rookie season with the Buffalo Bills. Chosen in the eighth-round of that year's "other" draft, Kalsu started eight games at guard. "As solid a player and more important, as solid an individual, as they make," recollected Billy Shaw, the Hall of Fame member who played the other guard spot for the Bills, two years ago. "He would have been a great player, believe me, and not because he was the best athlete. He just wanted to be good, that's all, and wanted it so badly that it would have been enough." At a time when it was acceptable for professional athletes to defer military service, Kalsu felt obligated to honor the ROTC pledge that had been as much a part of his life at the University of Oklahoma as had his All-American role on the football team. And so Kalsu left his pregnant wife and young daughter to fulfill what he deemed to be a responsibility he could not ignore. In writing of Kalsu for a column two years ago, when the Buffalo Bills organization chose to honor him on its "Wall of Fame," this columnist spoke to family and friends and former teammates and gained some sense of the man. Noted sportswriter William Nack was far more eloquent than yours truly in a Sports Illustrated piece on Kalsu last summer. Doubtless many readers recall that feature, a narrative that thrust Kalsu into the public consciousness, if only for a too-brief time. First lieutenant Kalsu died on July 21, 1970, on a stretch of desolate Ashau Valley mountaintop known as "Firebase Ripcord," where his 11th artillery unit of the 101st Airborne Division had been pinned down for weeks by relentless enemy fire. The legend was that he was shot as he sprinted across an open field to a helicopter, one he felt was delivering news of the birth of his second child. His colleagues and family have debunked the legend, but Bob Kalsu Jr. was born within 24 hours of his father's death, and took years to accept that the dad he never knew would perish in a war that seemed to mean so little. Years later, the junior Kalsu claims to have heard his father's voice during a reception for the wedding his sister, Jill. The voice, Kalsu Jr. suggested, was his father telling him to substitute for him during the wedding dance. "It was clear and unmistakable," Kalsu Jr. said. And so, apparently, was the voice that spoke to Pat Tillman.
Fred Skaggs
USA - Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 09:08:18 (MDT)

This morning I`ve watched the coverage of news about Pat Tillman.....it is a true tragic episode in this war. Pat was a patriot with integrity. My feelings are that he would have not wanted this type of coverage of his death. Because he was a pro football player and gave up so much to serve his country. My thoughts are....does that make him any better than the 18 year old kid who gave up a job at McDonalds to join the military in order to better his life and lost it in this war? The issue of the public, not seeing the flag draped coffins of our young men and women comes to mind. The press...the administration.....left wing....right wing.... who ever!!! Nobody should try to capitalize on these lost lives of men and women of this war. You know and I know that "the law" about seeing coffins of our soldiers, was passed because of "our war". Out of respect for the families is a great notion....but I don`t buy it as the prime motivator. God love his heart...but Pat Tillman`s tragic story , brings home the reality of war. By the way....this is not the first time this has happen.....as I will post here later. But I am very upset that the "powers that be" are trying to promote "their agenda" using this tragedy. As in the Jessica Lynch story....which we found out later had been, " wasn`t the whole story". Not that Pat Tillman`s story is false.....but the way it`s being used. Again I write this with deep respect to Pat Tillman and sympathy to his family.
Fred Skaggs
USA - Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 09:02:00 (MDT)

CAVEMEN UPDATE: The Cavemen came back to Ft. Bragg from Iraq a couple of weeks ago.
Max W.
Oregon USA - Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 08:33:29 (MDT)

I came to Dong Ba Thin in July of "67" and went to Lane one week later. I remember every truck was loaded and pulling a trailer when we moved. I was crewing 901 Tiger Wagon by then so I got to fly. Our last newsletter had an article about Chuck Lawhorn. He served in the 1st Cav. as a door gunner. Chuck was a master plumber in Dayton, OH and I knew him well. Chuck died the end of March. I talked to him on the phone l week before he died. He sounded so good I didn't go to see him. He had been in the VA for a long time. He never talked about Nam and he wouldn't say what was wrong with him. Just remember you can't wait too long to go see a Brother. Lee 7/67--8/68
Lee Wood <CWood86700.aol>
USA - Saturday, April 24, 2004 at 20:47:35 (MDT)

Robert D Berta, Ft Wayne Indiana, crewchief with 176th AHC, died in helicopter crash on Dec 13,1967 with 5 months in country. Slow hand salute to you Robert for your birthday April 23. Always a Brother, Gale
Gale
USA - Saturday, April 24, 2004 at 18:46:48 (MDT)

*OUR* GUYS IN IRAQ: From what I can find, the 129th AHC was absorbed into the 82nd Air Brigade in July of 1979, as Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion ("Cavemen"), supporting the 82nd Airborne ("All Americans"). They are now stationed at Forward Base Ridgway (no 'e'), near Ramadi, about 110 klicks west of Baghdad. To see some of our guys in the field, go to the following web page and scroll down a ways, to the Blackhawk helicopter picture: http://airbornecombatengineer.typepad.com/airborne_combat_engineer/aircraft/
Max W.
Oregon USA - Saturday, April 24, 2004 at 18:44:52 (MDT)

RANDY: There's a map that shows the location of Dong ba Thin at: www.rjsmith.com/entire-taor-s2.html DBT was located a few klicks north of the floating bridge that connected Cam Rhan Bay peninsula to the mainland. We were on the mainland side of the Bay, though not right on the Bay, itself. DBT was always our homebase, the entire time I was there (early '66 - March of '67), though we rarely saw it. We were always in forward bases, such as Tuy Hoa, Pleiku, Kontum, Phan Rang, Phan Thiet, etc., and even then splinter groups would be supporting smaller units, such as the Special Forces out of Cung Son (working with Montegnards), and the CIA out of Nha Trang (working with the primarily with the Vietnamese Special Forces, or 'Red Caps'). Most of the time, we supported American units, but my first assignement was with a detachment of two 129th choppers in Phan Rang, supporting the ROC Tiger Division. It's my understanding that later, after 'homebase' was moved to Lane, the unit primarily supported the ROKs up there, and various ARVN units, and were pretty much permanently based at Lane.
Max W. (Sgt. Twiggy) <Slick868@(removethis)easystreet.com>
Oregon USA - Saturday, April 24, 2004 at 17:31:50 (MDT)

Good Saturday evening to all. As if I didn't have enought to do with my grandparents I added another thing to do. I got a group of some of my friends from around the country to go in with me and adopt a few units. So far I have found one for sure and am waiting on word from a second. I figure its the least I can do to help out. It is amazing the difference of resources they have over there from past wars. Not that there time over there is easy at all. They can watch movies(DVD's) and play some video games. The price for sending stuff(according to the USPS web site) is not real cheap but again its the least i can do. The one unit has asked for cups of soups, cereal/power bars. Also anything entertainment. I am sending them a few PS1 games and going to look for some travel size games, maybe some books too. Well sorry for caryin on. Hope all have a wonderful evening and Sunday.
Melody Pershall
Amarillo, TX USA - Saturday, April 24, 2004 at 16:50:25 (MDT)

I sent Lou a e-mail, with a picture of George Hain and also a picture of Lou himself.....Albert(Sancho) Sanchez and I were pulling panels off 664 for a PE the day that happen. Jeff Sauers was working on the flight line also that day. I didn`t see it....but I heard it and saw the aftermath.
Fred Skaggs
USA - Saturday, April 24, 2004 at 14:28:01 (MDT)

Lou, relax, his name has been posted in here b4. someone in here knows him.
alvis
USA - Saturday, April 24, 2004 at 13:19:24 (MDT)

Same Salute to Mr. Tillman, i remember watching him play ball, i see on the news they are going to retire his number. Pride, yes but i wish we had cleaned this up the 1st time & were not "bogged down" like we seem to be getting.>> respects>> smitty
jim westwang 71-72
Sheridan, Wy USA - Saturday, April 24, 2004 at 12:08:32 (MDT)

Rick you are right about B Co. In 1987 They became the 183rd Assault Helicopter Company.
Ernie Gschwender
Lincoln Park, MI USA - Saturday, April 24, 2004 at 11:21:20 (MDT)

I hear about people like Pat Tillman & it makes me proud to be an American, it uplifts me, then I think about some of the assholes we have elected to Washington (on booth sides of the isle) & I get depressed. Frank
Frank Loveday
Bastrop, La. USA - Saturday, April 24, 2004 at 11:12:42 (MDT)

Mark, still waiting for those pictures I sent you to be posted, Also wondering if are going to list the name of the door gunner who walked into the tail rotor on the maint pad, if anyone remembers his name or what month it happen. Its been haunting me for 34 years.
Lou Rags 1 @ aol.com
Dover, DEmark USA - Saturday, April 24, 2004 at 09:39:28 (MDT)

thank you for your thoughts ,Ray. Sounds like you have got the right people in your corner.Susan is doing better, now that she is doing her scripts.Slow hand salute to tillman, with deepest resrect. You have some darn good company at fiddlers green.
alvis
USA - Friday, April 23, 2004 at 21:39:30 (MDT)

Randy, go to main page and click on history. Skrol down to 1966 and you will see where the forward areas were in 66. Also the first part of 67 is there. Sometimes I was in forward area and sometimes I was back at our base camp at Dong Ba Thin and what is written there is very near what I remember. The home base was at Dong Ba Thin when I left in July of 67 and Lane was forward area. I will help in giving items to an Helicopter company in Iraq.
J.W. Wilson
USA - Friday, April 23, 2004 at 21:10:09 (MDT)

I would love to participate in writing the people in Iraq. Keep me briefed as to what the plans are, or are we going to wait till Indy to decide all this stuff? I think it's a super idea to contact those that were once the 129th.
sue <lsah1852@hotmail.com>
celina, OH USA - Friday, April 23, 2004 at 14:09:42 (MDT)

Hello to all/ how are you all doing. iam ok now. lost it for a bit. but i have the congress mam lady helping me she got on mt ser rep for not doing his job. he called me told me to never to call her again, i have a dor hearing in may he told me he set it up. i got more paper work from the comgress lady, told her what he said how not to call her any more and how he set up the hearing in may. wow she got mad she did it all. she was calling him back. i beged her not to tell him i called. she said shw wont but when i go in for the hearing take gail with me. she has been talking to gail to for i was so mixed up only thing i said wrong is when she said i was turned down becaused my paper was notturned in on time and that a letter was sent to me i told her i never got it. i told her i think its the va's way to make you miss the hearing, and no wonder people blow up yor bulding and go postal. my servicer told me they were going toinvergest me but he stoped it. so i called the congress lady to say iam sorry for what i said she said no problem then i told her what the serv rep told me she said that was a lie, but she did tell me i got to be careful what i say for all is record. but sge had my recors in front of her.she said she fight 100% for me and told the ser rep he bettet do the same what a week i feel better now a loat off my mind was lost in a wold of confusedion oh fred a ian praying for your wife she will be in my prayes every day i say hello to all the rest to you cant say names dont want to miss any one but nice talking to you alex , so sorry i missed your call kim i try again rick nice talking to you to well be safe. oh fred s liked the joke alwas need a smile thanks gently i see you have a busy week end like you sat always there i guess i went on some may not make since, but it did wen i wrote it a brother always ,, indy not far off see you all there Ray
RAY <stilwating@aol.com>
md USA - Friday, April 23, 2004 at 13:49:02 (MDT)

A SLOW SALUTE to Pat Tillman, Ex-NFL player killed in Afghanistan yesterday. Who gave up a lucrative NFL contract with the Phoenix Cardinals to join the Army Rangers. He severed all media contact, he could have milked the fame out of this move, made himself an icon of patriotic Americana in a time of war, and become the "recruiting tool" Senator John McCain wanted him to be and he didn't. He's not just a patriot, he's a patriot with integrity.
Fred Skaggs
USA - Friday, April 23, 2004 at 13:15:21 (MDT)

This is what I got offof the 268th page from the 1st avaition brigade page. Your probably right the info came from the government. I also looked up the 82nd and the 129th is now the white wolves bravo co 82nd aviation Bat. I was told by vets coming home that the 82 was going to Afganistsan also heard on the tv so I think security has already been blown on their location. Whats new.*******I called monte about the iron butterfly and told he was at the dentist and would call back that was 3 days ago. I will try again. Flight be careful out there 129th Assault Helicopter Company - Bulldogs, Cobras - Tuy Hoa, Dong Ba Thin, Quin Nhon Valorous Unit AwardsÑ1 Janø24 66 and 1ø20 Jun 66 The 129th arrived in Tuy Hoa in late 1965, and then moved from there to Dong Ba Thin then to Quin Nhon in 1966. They flew in support of the Koreans, the 101st, the 25th and the ARVN. During the Cambodian invasion in 1970, they supported the 4th Infantry. They departed Vietnam in Mar 1973. There is a website for the 129th at www.129th.net. In 1979 the 129th became part of the 82nd Combat Aviation Battalion as Company B, and has since served in Grenada, Desert Storm and the current Iraq conflict.
Rick England
USA - Friday, April 23, 2004 at 13:02:05 (MDT)

When I got with the 129th in Sept of 66 the 129th the unit had just moved to Tuy Hoa. We had just lost a gunship a few months before at Dong Ba Thin and everyone was still bummed out. It crashed in Oct and the tail number was 64-13932. So I must assume the 129th came from Dong Ba Thin
Randy
USA - Friday, April 23, 2004 at 12:51:01 (MDT)

I'm Baaack. Went to the V.A. headquarters today and guess what, the man I needed to talk with Mr. Haney (Green Acres ??) was not there. Dick Cheney is in town today and he was at a lunch/meeting with Cheney and a bunch of big shots. But, I left my name and number and I got his. So I'll try again on Monday. Alright, it took me forever (5 minutes) to find my old half-ass journal from Vietnam. I arrived in country on 09/03/66 and a few days later I was at Tuy Hoa. Just in time to catch the back end of a hurricane. We were still in Tuy Hoa for Thanksgiving. But we moved shortly after to Dak To outside of Pleiku. We were there for Christmas and New Years of 66. I can remember the one-o-worst firing off their cannons at midnight New Years. Dak To was our field base but Tuy Hoa was still our rear area base. Next we made two moves and I don't remember which was first. We went down to the Iron Triangle for a big operation for a month and we went to Phrang Rang (spelling) for 6 to 8 weeks. Still our rear base was Tuy Hoa. What I remember most about Phrang Rang was the bones and black scorpions. At some time in the past the French had a big battle there and as we dug bunkers we keep coming up with bones everywhere. There was one other stop along the way on top of a huge platau. But, it was only for a couple of weeks. I remember we lost a slick there. Finally, we left Pleiku and moved back to Tuy Hoa to get all of our ships fix up etc. Then we pick up and moved everything from Tuy Hoa to Lane. I spent my birthday in Sept there at Lane. We were there for Tet of "68" When I left in July of "68" both our base of operations and our home base was Lane. And you are right Gale, we did send slicks and guns all over. We supported the 48th one time in Phu Cat with 4 gunships. I remember Bragg was the other crew chief who's gun flew with mine. But I can't recall the other two crews. We flew all night missions looking for mortar flashs and them would hit them. It was hairy because we could not run any lights on our birds. Here we were looking for mountains, each other and the emeny, all at the same time. By the way where the hell is Dong Ba Thin?
Randy
USA - Friday, April 23, 2004 at 12:17:25 (MDT)

The way I remember it, Dong Ba Thin was our base untill May 67, we sent helicopters all over II corp.A pltoon at Tuy Hoa one at Plieku, and the guns elsewhere. We were always moving and living in those 3-man tents, It was rare for the entire company to be together
Rainer Bauer
Indy, USA - Friday, April 23, 2004 at 09:38:38 (MDT)

Randy, I got to Dong Ba Thin the last part of May 67 and I believe most of the 129th was already at Lane Field. We were still building revetments at DBT. I was flown up in July I think. Things were pretty well set up. Some of the names that were there already was Fisher, Hydinger, McMahon , Denault and a few more if I look them up. How 'bout Jim Hydinger, you recall anything? Clear, Gale
Gale
Clinton, In US of A - Friday, April 23, 2004 at 08:31:37 (MDT)

Sorry Tim and Rick but the 129th started out at Dong Ba Thin and moved to Tuyhoa. Then moved to a base outside of Pleiku for Christmas of 1966. About May or June of "67" we moved to An Son. Only crew chiefs and one pilot was moved by air. All the rest of the company moved by truck. What a mess that was. Days later trucks were still coming into our new home.
Randy
USA - Friday, April 23, 2004 at 08:13:31 (MDT)

Gale - Good comments and I agree. When I go down there today I will see about the old 129th or the new 82nd as it is called now!! I was thinking that if the unit has more people than we have signed up, maybe we might need to correspond with more than one veteran. We don't want to leave anyone out. How would any of us feel if we were the ones left out. Write more this weekend.
Randy
USA - Friday, April 23, 2004 at 08:03:14 (MDT)

Rick England, I think you have you info wrong,The 129th was in DongBaThin in 1965,first base,went to tuyhoa to support the rocks,late 65 and early 66 then moved to the other location.I was at the first base at DongBaThin in I think Sept 65/Oct65 I have to look at my pictures.I was one of the first chiefs flying with the cobra's,my a/c was Cpt Wetzle
Timothy J.Stem <cobra686@omniglobal.net>
Ingram, Tx USA - Friday, April 23, 2004 at 07:44:32 (MDT)

Here`s a good article( http://www.buzzflash.com/editorial/04/04/edi04031.html)......Yes get your young sons and daughters ready to pack....because they are gonna send them off to Iraq. I knew this was coming. Now I`m in pretty good shape....I`d go in place of one of these kids....But they got to give me some incentive.....Black Afgan Hash.....I fight to the death for black hash....
Fred Skaggs
USA - Friday, April 23, 2004 at 05:12:16 (MDT)

keeping a close eye on my bride. Had to take her to the docs today. they wanted to admit her.hard headed shelia wouldnt hear of it.they tried to talk her into just staying over night, wouldnt do that either.Sooo,am staying home tommorow ,do some wood work,keep an eye on her.finaly found a keeper that also puts up with my crap.dont want to lose her now.Asthma and viral chest infections are a dangerous ,one, two punch.Gale, please stop by anytime, you and Debbie are ALWAYS welcome.881 seabreeze drive,avon.
alvis
USA - Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 23:43:25 (MDT)

The forms are available at the IRS web site. You will be applying for status as a 501(c)19 organization. You might need to incorporate in your state. It's not hard, just a little time consuming.
alvis
USA - Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 23:09:52 (MDT)

I am in agreement with Gale about the static display. This is a topic that has been discussed in here more than once. "Pop a top" is the home of the 129th and i think its a good place for the static display. I continue to believe that getting a tax number is the first thing that needs to be done,for many reasons.As I said, you need priorties,I believe that should head the list.without that.all else is pipe dreams.
alvis
USA - Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 23:07:38 (MDT)

count me in for support. maybe I can't do a lot but I know that even a letter from back home can do a lot for moral. when I leave here tonight I will see if I can find out what the address is. Later, Don
Don Miller
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 22:44:40 (MDT)

Randy, my e-mail to you came back as undeliverable, put me down as a sponser, jim216@arczip.com
jim
USA - Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 21:07:08 (MDT)

A good friend sent this to me...... Politics........ A little boy goes to his dad and asks, "What is Politics?" Dad says, "Well son, let me try to explain it this way: I am the head of the family, so call me The President. Your mother is the administrator of the money, so we call her the Government. We are here to take care of your needs, so we will call you the People. The nanny, we will consider her the Working Class. And your baby brother, we will call him the Future. Now think about that and see if it makes sense" So the little boy goes off to bed thinking about what Dad has said. Later that night, he hears his baby brother crying, so he gets up to check on him. He finds that the baby has severely soiled his diaper. So the little boy goes to his parent's room and finds his mother sound asleep. Not wanting to wake her, he goes to the nanny's room. Finding the door locked, he peeks in the keyhole and sees his father in bed with the nanny. He gives up and goes back to bed. The next morning, the little boy say's to his father, "Dad, I think I understand the concept of politics now." The father says, "Good, son, tell me in your own words what you think politics is all about." The little boy replies, "The President is screwing the Working Class while the Government is sound asleep. The People are being ignored and the Future is in deep $hit."
Fred Skaggs
USA - Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 17:22:16 (MDT)

Another aviation truism; the only thing more expensive than flying a plane, is NOT FLYING IT!!!!!! They cost money, whether sitting or flying. That's another issue to consider regarding a purchase. A 503-C is a not for profit corporation, any one can form one. Our school district is in the process of doing such, as a way to invite private donations for a new athletic facility, along with a performing arts theater. Memories of 212. I inherited her from Terry Walker, in mid 71. Thing was touchy about needing to be flushed out every 25 hours. I always felt she had a touchy fuel control. Like to have cried when we hooked a piece of PSP at Pleiku, at the start of an ASAP, went for quite a rodeo ride, and twisted the skids pretty bad when she touched? down. I was told it was a total loss, only to find out a couple years ago that she was cleared for a one way flight to rehab.
Kim
USA - Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 17:04:51 (MDT)

Alvis, sorry that you & Susan could'nt make it all the way here, but, I'm not sure we were even home. We left Mon eve for another two days at Indy (grand jury gig). Got home Wed eve. I came back thru Avon, but, I've lost your address. You must've made it all the way to Montezuma before you turned around!? I bet Susan enjoyed the "Village". We attended a wedding in that church a few years ago....pretty quaint. Do you have your new shop set up yet? Later, Gale
Gale
USA - Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 16:07:00 (MDT)

Rick, I like your idea of adopting the the Brothers & Sisters of the 82nd Aviation. Have you found an address for them yet? Randy, count me in. Flight, I don't think you will find any Air Courier that will ship for free....and why should they. Besides that, the good ole Post Office (that some of you refer to as "Snail mail") is the only one that can deliver to APO/FPO addresses. Do you realize that the USPS delivers to APO addresses at the same rates as they do for the Continental United States. That price is minimal compared to UPS and FedEx Air Courier rates. Also, remember that all of the letters you sent home (or should have) from Nam were "free" and still are for the Iraq troops. In my opinion, if we get an address for an adopted company, we should each do our own thing as far as sending parcels & pay the postage accordingly. As far as the chopper goes..........I'm still in favor of the static display. UH1-D,H,B or M....what difference does it make now. Clear, Gale
Gale
Clinton, In US of A - Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 15:51:54 (MDT)

Thanks Randy. The plan regarding the helicopter purchase stands at our/your having a meeting in Indy about it and funding it. Meanwhile, everyone should keep tossing around ideas. The intent is that it is still a "go." So let's be optimistic. Yes, Fred we need to be 503, and it sounds like that's being looked into. And I think we can purchase one as a VVA chapter. I'm going to confirm that. I mentioned it earlier but haven't really gotten any feed back on it. Someone who has time should look into Fed Ex covering shipping for any items we want to send to our adopted unit. I don't have the time. Sorry. But there are alot of you out there, so step up:>) Gently
Gently
USA - Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 13:04:09 (MDT)

David--- Thank you thank you
Randy
USA - Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 11:23:26 (MDT)

Randy........Glad you noticed that the pushers are absent from here now. Also havnt seen MUGU around and, Gee, what happened to the BLADE...either somebody found out who it was and waxed it, or it fell off the earth. You can thank David, our webmaster from Ohio here. I ask him to do some tweeking with the web sight. Must of worked....anyways, to kinda go along with JIM and FRED'S humor yesterday about imaginary friends here's one. ROSES ARE RED, VILOTS ARE BLUE, I'M SCHIZOPHRENIC, AND SO AM I!........I like Rick England's idea of adopting the old 129th unit.......Randy..put me down for a conributer. Mark Jackson, fourfour@bright.net....and give us an update when you find anything out. I have a sister-in-law in Olathe out that way.Take care all, always a brother, Mark
Mark
USA - Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 10:31:54 (MDT)

By the way how and who got rid of all the drug e-mails?????
Randy
USA - Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 09:59:44 (MDT)

M thanks for the address. Beings that the V.A. Nat'l Headquarters is in Kansas City and I live in Kansas City, I will follow up on this tomorrow. My house is being painted today. However, I called them today to find out what is involved. Will anyone who is interested in this idea, please take a minute and send me your name and E-mail address so I can put them in a folder and get a rough count on how many we have. Please send them to www.kingcobra697@yahoo.com. The V.A. wants to know about how many peolple are willing to sponser a unit. Thanks. The V.A. said we are the first to ask about this adopt a helicopter unit. I told this good friend of mine, who was a gunner with the 117th, about this and he is going to talk to his old unit about it. So we got to get going on this idea so that we can say once again that the 129th led the way as usual. Gently- thanks for your help with this. Does anyone have a contact with Fed-X or UPS? There has to be a better way to ship packages than the mail. If someone can contact them it would really help. It would also be a great marketing tool for Fed-X or UPS. Free advertising. "Doing their part to support our troops." etc. Thanks for the list of what these guys and girls need. It is a start. Anyone going to the reunion in Indy this year, please talk to you friends and see if they will support a unit. The doctor (and my wife) won't let me travel yet. Damn Damn Damn!!!!!!!!!! I will write this weekend and let yopu know how the face to face goes tomorrow. In the mean time please send me your names and thanks for the help and SUPPORT. Randy
Randy <kingcobraq697@yahoo>
USA - Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 09:48:08 (MDT)

COBRA LITTLEJOHN, It would be pleasant for us to have this post find you enjoying your visit to the Continent. Now do they still fly over there in France, or just stand with shovels in hand? Back to Lane and your sweet B-models. After morning the loss of your legendary regime, we finally filled the ancient ruts in the Cobra revetments. Cobra Knight and I took the last B-model up to Pleiku for it's retirement. It took half a day to get her there at 65 knot top speed , but we had a lot of evasive manuvers all along our path which added time. Did the B-models really have a Volkswagon engine in them? The first time I got into a Mike was truly a new and exciting experience. The med staff got my artificial receptors in sync. with the L-13 and when I touched the collective the aircraft jumped three feet off the ground. Our lead ship, 212(MIKE) added huge weight for stability, but I prefered to travel light with the six-shooters in case I would have to push him off. As we traveled out to the client seems like all we did was try to slow down. On the way back it was always a race down the river and when 212 was light she could really move. They often tried to pull away but the only time they really lost sight of us they recieved a message on victor, " Hold steady Rege, I'm comming over the top". Enjoy your stay, and drop us a line if you get the chance.
Baron
USA - Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 08:16:12 (MDT)

to ease logistics problems, does anyone live in a town that has an IRS office in it? I am told,its simply a matter of "di di bopping"into one of their offices and filling out the paperwork.I , my self, perfer a slick, but the mental image i just got of a huey gunship flying by, is pretty cool.
alvis
USA - Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 08:12:30 (MDT)

C.B. and Kim LaVoie,..... C.B., I got off the phone because I was waiting on a phone call from my brother, It turned out to be Kim LaVoie....Kim....The phone call I got was from my brother, our conversation was just getting good. My brother said my mom came out of surgery great....she was giving orders and sassing the doctors and nurses...that`s a great sign....but she was getting a little sick at her stomach which is normal. That`s a load off my mind....C.B. and Kim, I will contact you both again and we will solve the worlds problems.....LOL
Fred Skaggs
USA - Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 05:35:32 (MDT)

Alvis: Tom Ragonese posted Friday, April 16, 2004 at 01:51:36 concerning info on tax status. Others have put forward teaming up with already existing organizations with required status. Getting the correct tax status isn't the starting point. We have to decide what we are doing first...all the "who, what, where, why, when and how, before we can even apply for tax status. So if we are getting a gunship (my vote), who is "we"? "When" are we gonna do it? "Where" will it be? (Baron has a lead on that (Monday, April 19, 2004 at 18:40:31)? "Why"?????? because we can! "How"? ...will be addressed after the first questions are answered. Sleep on it folks.
C.B.
USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 23:33:49 (MDT)

about the perchase of a helicopter. First and formost, this unit has to have a tax free number,not for profit, ect. There will NOT be any big ticket contributions unless this comes to pass, period. sorry, but nickles and dimes isnt going to buy a chopper.We cant even get a gift of one, from uncle sam, without a exempt tax number.That needs to be done first and put on top of a priorty list.That is step one. Now, are we going to do this?We can dream, scream, or walk the walk.Does anyone have any insight on how to go about it? lets get that number.lets go legit. Comments are suggested and welcome.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 22:52:54 (MDT)

So what is this about buying a helicopter???? or was that just one of those times when old guys nearly get there heads up, but quickly resign themselves to routine? Just wondering!
C.B.
USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 21:44:38 (MDT)

Brand new 2004 edition of "You know you're a redneck when..." 1. You take your dog for a walk and you both use the same tree. 2. You can entertain yourself for more than 15 minutes with a fly swatter. 3. Your boat has not left the driveway in 15 years. 4. You burn your yard rather than mow it. 5. You think the "Nutcracker" is something you do off the high dive. 6. The Salvation Army declines your furniture. 7. You offer to give someone the shirt off your back and they don't want it. 8. You have the local taxidermist on speed dial. 9. You come back from the dump with more than you took there. 10. You keep a can of Raid on the kitchen table. 11. Your wife can climb a tree faster than your cat. 12. Your grandmother has "ammo" on her Christmas list. 13. You keep flea and tick soap in the shower. 14. You've been involved in a custody fight over a hunting dog. 15. You go to the stock car races and don't need a program. 16. You know how many bales of hay your car will hold. 17. You have a rag for a gas cap. 18. Your house doesn't have curtains, but your truck does. 19. You wonder how service stations keep their restrooms so clean. 20. You can spit without opening your mouth. 21. You consider your license plate personalized because your father made it. 22. Your lifetime goal is to own a fireworks stand. 23. You have a complete set of salad bowls and they all say "Cool Whip" on the side. 24. The biggest city you've ever been to is Wal-Mart. 25. Your working TV sits on top of your non-working TV. 26. You've used your ironing board as a buffet table. 27. A tornado hits your neighborhood and does a $100,000.00 worth of improvements. 28. You've used a toilet brush to scratch your back. 29. You missed your 5th grade graduation because you were on jury duty. 30. You think fast food is hitting a deer at 65 mph. And last, but not least... 31. Someone tells you that you've got something in your teeth, so you take them out to see what it is! _______________________________________
jim
USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 21:31:32 (MDT)

Did you say it was this morning, that you last saw your good friend, lying on the pavement, with the misery on his brain? Stoned on some new potion, he found upon the wall, of some unholy bathroom, in some ungodly hall?......a lot of relevance there!!! Alvis, one other saying. There are old pilots, and bold pilots. Thee are no old,bold pilots!!!! Used to love the cyclic climb, pop out of low level, pick up the target area, roll in hot!!!.......Kid from Maine got kia'd the other day. He's in a unit with a bunch of kids I used to coach. Felt a little guilty that I was relieved it wasn't one of them! I've made no bones about my feelings regarding our venture over there, and I feel no less strongly now! I was sick at the thought of marines sitting around while the iraqi's gathered strength, reminded me of reagan making targets out of them in Lebanon. The only way out now is to kill any who want to fight, until they decide it isn't worth it. What a frigging mess!!!!!Ole uncle sugar, just out there, winning their hearts and minds!!!
Kim
Livermore, Me USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 20:25:55 (MDT)

Hello FLight I hope everyone is doing well. Cherry good to see a post from you again. I Just got off the phone with Mike Solar. He told me he was the peter pilot on 465 when we crashed and rolled it down the mountain. He was the first person i have talked to about that crash that knew as much about it as i do or more, and I was actually shaking while we were talking. I told him i have 3 pictures of 465 sitting in Qui Nhon after they slung it off the mountain. Mike lost his leg from the knee down in the crash. It was a scary ordeal indeed, and I was glad i got out when i did. I won't bother you with the details. Mike is still flying commercial Airplanes. Cherry, I mentioned your name but he seems to have the same affliction as most of us "CRS". He said I am the second person he has talked to from the 129th in 34 years. I gave him the web site and he said he would try to get on. He also asked about the reunion. I told him the info is on the front screen. Hey Ray how are things going for you? I suppose you're busy with the guys at the house. Rob
Robbie
Rochester, NY USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 19:39:20 (MDT)

Thanks to Fred Skaggs and Jim for lightening my day. I read the posts to my sons. We all laughed out loud, first time in a few days. Thanks guys!!
Sue
OH USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 19:06:32 (MDT)

Brothers of the 129th I have been having major problems with my computer. I am a NFG at this game and I have not been able to get the Flight Log to respond to anything. It came back today and I wanted to say hi to everyone. I have not received any new E-mail from Fred, Robbie, or anyone for that matter. I got one from John Stone. He asked if I remembered him and I sent back the important facts I remembered. He said he would be in Stead Nev. after the 20th of April. I am hoping that we can get together when he arrives as it has been over 33 years since we last saw each other. I noted that someone posted the fact that more and more people are finding this site and as we get older are trying to get back to the past. I have sure found this web site to be a wonderful tool for me. I am proud of my service in Viet Nam and it is great to know that my brothers in arms were proud to serve too. I am signing off for now Bulldog Cherry. Mark I will attempt to call you again soon. I saw where you listed all the members of the 129th who gave thier all and I was shocked to see how many of them I knew.
Dick Muirhead Bulldog Cherry
Susanville , Calif USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 19:01:46 (MDT)

Ya see, I left out the "know" between don't and how. Now what was the question.
jim
USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 18:45:09 (MDT)

Brother Fred, now I don't how many there are, a shrink once told me I had ADD or ADHD,something like that, I don't know I wasn't paying attention.
jim
USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 18:41:48 (MDT)

Brother Jim....Would that be along the lines of .....Me...Myself...and I....LOL....Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today!!!
Fred Skaggs
USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 16:45:45 (MDT)

Correction, "Snowblind Friend" by Hoyt Axton.
Dave
USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 14:15:23 (MDT)

Baron... "Snow Blind", right?
Dave
USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 14:11:03 (MDT)

This came off the Vhfcn, its a list of requested items from a soldier in Iraq,while we are looking for a unit we can stockup....>deodorant >>shaving cream/razors >>shampoo >>microwave safe bowls >>any snacks, chips, etc. >>hard candy >>insect repellant >>30+ or more sunscreen >>sunflower seeds >>liquid body soap >>foot powder >>baby powder >>Febreeze >> >>That's all I can think of now. The guys and I would really appreciate it.
jim
USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 13:59:12 (MDT)

What if 2 of those friends are imaginary.
jim
USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 13:52:18 (MDT)

One out of every four people in this world is mentally unstable. Think of your three best friends. If they seem normal, you`re the one.
Fred Skaggs
USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 11:55:47 (MDT)

hmmmmm, so far all i can find out is that they are out of fort bragg,and attached to the 82 airborne. There is in fact, a Kimberly hampton that was a helicopter pilot for the 82nd, that was kia over there. seems the wings continue
alvis
USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 11:09:24 (MDT)

This might be the unit to adopt. The old 129th. Check it out.**********The 129th arrived in Tuy Hoa in late 1965, and then moved from there to Dong Ba Thin then to Quin Nhon in 1966. They flew in support of the Koreans, the 101st, the 25th and the ARVN. During the Cambodian invasion in 1970, they supported the 4th Infantry. They departed Vietnam in Mar 1973. There is a website for the 129th at www.129th.net. In 1979 the 129th became part of the 82nd Combat Aviation Battalion as Company B, and has since served in Grenada, Desert Storm and the current Iraq conflict.******** The 82nd co B. Now if we can find and address?????******** I am sadden to hear about Julie Moore I had met her in Washington with Gen Moore and Joe Gallaway at the operation freedom bird trip. I gave her one of the 129th pins and she said she was going to wear it at the white house she was a very kind to us vets I also will salute her. Your right Fred we will all meet at fiddlers Green. Be careful out there
Rick England
USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 09:22:38 (MDT)

If I remember correctly, Kerry recieved his first purple heart just north of Cahmron bay, up near where the mountians jutted into the sea,and south of Nha Trang.I do remember the Place looked kinda of spokey.I was involved in, my only experince, taking out u.s. troops west of cham ron. I believe it was a lurp team.I do remember thinking,glad I am not with those guys,as we flew back toward civilzation.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 09:06:26 (MDT)

He only had a dollar, to live on till next Monday, But he spent it on his comfort for his mind. Someone should call his parents, a sister or a brother, and they'll come to take him back home on a bus. But he'll always be a problem ,to his poor and puzzled Mother, and he'll always be another one of us. He said he wanted heaven, but prayin' was too slow, Did you say you saw your good friend flyin' low. Hoyt Axton , Steppenwolf , (vocals) John Kay 1970
Baron
USA - Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 07:43:01 (MDT)

Once you are in the fight, it is way too late to wonder if this is a good idea. 2. Helicopters are cool! 3. It is a fact that helicopter tail rotors are instinctively drawn toward trees, stumps, rocks, etc. While it may be possible to ward off this natural event some of the time, it cannot, despite the best efforts of the crew, always be prevented. It's just what they do. 4. NEVER get into a fight without more ammunition than the other guy. 5. The engine RPM, and the rotor RPM, must BOTH be kept in the GREEN. Failure to heed this commandment can affect the morale of the crew. 6. A billfold in your hip pocket can numb your leg and be a real pain in the ass. 7. Cover your Buddy, so he can be around to cover you. 8. Letters from home are not always great. 9. The madness of war can extract a heavy toll. Please have exact change. 10. Share everything. Even the Pound Cake. 11. Decisions made by someone over your head will seldom be in your best interest. 12. The terms "Protective Armor" and "Helicopter" are mutually exclusive. 13. The further away you are from your friends, the less likely it is that they can help you when you really need them the most. 14. Sometimes, being good and lucky still was not enough. There is always payback. 15. "Chicken Plates" are not something you order in a restaurant. 16. If everything is as clear as a bell, and everything is going exactly as planned, you're about to be surprised. 17. The BSR (Bang Stare Read) Theory states that the louder the sudden bang in the helicopter, the quicker your eyes will be drawn to the gauges. 18. The longer you stare at the gauges, the less time it takes them to move from green to red. 19. It does too get cold in Vietnam. 20. No matter what you do, the bullet with your name on it will get you. So too can the ones addressed "To Whom It May Concern". 21. Gravity: It may not be fair, but it is the law. 22. If the rear echelon troops are really happy, the front line troops probably do not have what they need. 23. If you are wearing body armor, the incoming will probably miss that part. 24. It hurts less to die with a uniform on than to die in a hospital bed. 25. Happiness is a belt-fed weapon. 26. If something hasn't broken on your helicopter, it's about to. 27. Eat when you can. Sleep when you can. Vist the head when you can. The next opportunity may not come around for a long time. If ever. 28. Combat pay is a flawed concept. 29. Having all your body parts intact and functioning at the end of the day beats the alternative. 30. Air superiority is NOT a luxury. 31. If you are allergic to lead it is best to avoid a war zone. 32. It is a bad thing to run out of airspeed, altitude, and ideas all at the same time. 32a. Nothing is as useless as altitude above you and runway behind you. 33. While the rest of the crew may be in the same predicament, it's almost always the pilot's job to arrive at the crash site first. 34. When you shoot your gun, clean it the first chance you get. 35. Loud sudden noises in a helicopter WILL get your undivided attention. 36. Hot garrison chow is better than hot C-rations, which, in turn is better than cold C-rations, which is better than no food at all. All of these, however, are preferable to cold rice balls (given to you by guards) even if they do have the little pieces of fish in them. 37. WHAT is often more important than WHY. 38. Boxes of cookies from home must be shared. 39. Girlfriends are fair game. Wives are not. 40. Everybody's a hero on the ground in the club after the fourth drink. 41. There is no such thing as a small firefight. 42. A free-fire zone has nothing to do with economics. 43. The farther you fly into the mountains, the louder the strange engine noises become. 44. Medals are OK, but having your body and all your friends in one piece at the end of the day is better. 44a. The only medal you really want to be awarded is the Longevity Medal. 45. Being shot hurts. 46. Thousands of Vietnam Veterans earned medals for bravery every day. A few were even awarded. 48. Running out of pedal, fore or aft cyclic, or collective are all bad ideas. Any combination of these can be deadly. 49. Nomex is NOT fire proof. 50. There is only one rule in war: When you win, you get to make up the Rules. 51. Living and dying can both hurt a lot. 53. While a Super Bomb could be considered one of the four essential building blocks of life, powdered eggs cannot. 54. C-4 can make a dull day fun. 55. Cocoa Powder is neither. 56. There is no such thing as a fair fight, only ones where you win or lose. 57. If you win the battle you are entitled to the spoils. If you lose you don't care. 58. Nobody cares what you did yesterday or what you are going to do tomorrow. What is important is what you are doing NOW to solve our problem. 59. If you have extra, share it quickly. 60. Always make sure someone has a P-38. 61. A sucking chest wound may be God's way of telling you it's time to go home. 62. Prayer may not help . . . but it can't hurt. 63. Flying is better than walking. Walking is better than running. Running is better than crawling. All of these however, are better than extraction by a Med-Evac, even if this is technically a form of flying. 64. If everyone does not come home none of the rest of us can ever fully come home either. 65. Do not fear the enemy, for your enemy can only take your life. It is far better that you fear the media, for they will steal your HONOR. 66. A grunt is the true reason for the existence of the helicopter. Every helicopter flying in Vietnam had one real purpose: To help the grunt. It is unfortunate that many helicopters never had the opportunity to fulfill their one true mission in life simply because someone forgot this fact. 67. "You have the right to remain silent" is always EXCELLENT advice.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 20:56:40 (MDT)

The Lady did a heck of alot of good for lots of folks.I lived in Columbus Georgia,went thru jr high and high school there,as well as drafted there.Thank you for your efforts, mrs Moore.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 20:48:39 (MDT)

WASHINGTON---There is mourning in a number of small corners of the >country this week. With a dozen new American soldier and Marine >deaths in Iraq over the weekend there are shattered lives in a dozen >new towns. And at Fort Benning, Georgia, this week we are laying to >rest one of the finest Army wives who ever walked. > > Julia Compton (Julie) Moore, 75, was an Army >daughter, an Army wife and an Army mother. In the dark days of >November, 1965, she did the hardest duty of all: She visited the >small bungalows and trailer houses around Columbus, Georgia, to >offer her sympathy and support to new widows whose husbands had died >in action in the Ia Drang Valley of South Vietnam. > > In those early days of the war the Army was >overwhelmed by hundreds of death notices for unsuspecting families. >It had forgotten how to do this right, so the Western Union >telegrams were handed over to taxi drivers. > > Julie Moore was horrified when one taxi driver >pulled up to the small house where she and the five young children >of Lt. Col. Hal Moore, commander of the 1st Battalion 7th Cavalry in >Vietnam, were living. It took her a long, long time to answer the >doorbell, a lifetime really, and then the driver apologized, said he >was lost and asked her where he could find this address. > > Mrs. Moore followed in the wake of that taxi and >others to comfort the new widows and orphans of a war that would, >itself, ultimately be orphaned and abandoned. She also raised >unshirted Hell with the Pentagon about so callous a method of >notifying the families. Within two weeks the policy was changed and >a new one instituted, requiring that an officer and a chaplain >personally deliver the sad news. It was also a small beginning of a >concern for Army families that has grown into a major program >throughout the Army.......... slow hand salute,ma'am,with deepest respect.Will see you in, fiddlers green. >
alvis
USA - Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 20:43:47 (MDT)

THERE IS A LINK AT THE END OF MY POST. ITS ABOUT THE OH-58D KIOWA WARRIOR PILOTS AND CREW CHEIFS FROM THE 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION. MIGHT BE A POSSIBLITLY. INFORMATION IS ON THAT SITE.
:o)
USA - Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 12:18:14 (MDT)

Thank you M-we're on it. Always there for our Veterans-Gently
Gently
USA - Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 12:02:08 (MDT)

I have nothing to do today and I found this with a search. Don't know if it will help. The procedure for adopting a unit is simple: Post or Auxiliary completes an adoption application. Send completed application to VFW Natinal Headquaerters or fax to (816) 968-1149. There is no initial cost in adopting a unit. This program does not end when the troops re-deploy home; they and their families continue to need our backing and assistance. For more information about adopting a unit contact your Department MAP chairperson or contact us at: Military Assistance Program VFW National Headquarters 406 W 34th St. Kansas City, MO 64111
M
TX USA - Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 09:22:40 (MDT)

I will do that this morning Wink. Don't you practice to much on that golf I would like to come close to geting of the bottom of the totem pole. Thanks Gale.hehehehehehehe
Rick England
USA - Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 08:51:56 (MDT)

Randy, that's a great idea! Let's adopt a unit and start with letter writing, then at the re-union we could all bring "items" they would like to have, actually need since they aren't getting supplied as they should(Am I going to have to verify that or is it obvious enough). The first thing we have to do is find out if Fed Ex would ship it for free to them(I think the President, or at least someone high up in the company, is a Vietnam Veteran). So, who would like to write Fed EX? Who would like to look into a unit to adopt? Who would like to donate cash(you can email me if you're a "quiet angel)? Who would take items to INDY? Who would be responsible for sending the items out? We need to have some leaders here. None of this is hard or difficult. Let's walk the talk. Always there for our Veterans-Gently
Gently
USA - Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 08:06:37 (MDT)

Greetings! It's time for me make comment about current and past discussions on this site. as for the presidential election,a change is needed. Do I think Bush had a hidden agenda coming into office-yes. Things I care about "MANDATORY FUNDING for VA HEALTHCARE", "MANDATORY DRUG COVERAGE for MEDICARE"(Thank goodness for TRICARE),"A QUIK BUT ORDERLY END TO IRAG SITUATION". There the anger is out, so now on tho other things. 1. Wink, glad you are settled in to your new home, watch out for them big toothed golf ball grabbers at the waters edge. 2. My new home construction has been set back 4-6 weeks cuz the cabinet makers have fallen down on the job, looks like move-in will be taking priority over a chance to go to the Reunion. 3. The adoption of another Helicopter unit is a great idea, keep me posted. 4. any comments or reply's to dpf092003@yahoo.com. And finally when you can't FLY, do as I do and swing a leg over the two wheeler and ride. Later, Dennis
Dennis Fuerstenau <dpf092003@yahoo.com>
Haines City, FL USA - Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 06:39:50 (MDT)

evening flight, rick,the name of the company monti works for is lance aviation in lakeland the phine is 863-646-1242. was going to give him a call but never got around to it , playing a lot of golf. but i think it would be better if you do the calling,he dosen't know me. if you get in touch with him give him my name an phone #. would love to see her,an i could take some pictures. everybody be safe out therewink 3/69- 10'70 from 010 with love
wink
USA - Monday, April 19, 2004 at 22:23:11 (MDT)

I love your idea Randy. find us a unit. I think it would be neat to have a mail call for the unit and have about 200+ letters show up from the 129th ...........
Don Miller
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Monday, April 19, 2004 at 22:04:48 (MDT)

Just an idea, have ya'll thought about asking other heli units about going in together? I saw one site that specialized in this sort of thing, I think. http://www.thehueystore.com Just maybe you could get an idea of a price and if its reachable.
Melody Pershall
USA - Monday, April 19, 2004 at 22:00:52 (MDT)

Hey Jim, I have my A&P licence! Went to school for a year and a half after my stay in the Army. Once I got my ticket, the airlines were laying off and the only job I could get was working for Air America back in Nam. I said, "no thanks, been there now that I am married, I am not going back." Found another job that lasted a while. Still married to the same sweetheart.
Dan Hertlein
Sumner, WA USA - Monday, April 19, 2004 at 21:14:25 (MDT)

I made a phone call yesterday to an old avaiator who has an air park 30 min. north of Grand Rapids Mi.. I told him a short version of our 129TH story and about our formulating a plan to aquire some hellicopters. He eased into the conversation as if he was sitting there waiting for my call. He opened up with a story of a deer hunt on Fox Island. He had killed 3 deer himself and they had more hanging in camp. A planned 5 day hunt, turned into 13 days of eating venison when their guide boat was sabotaged. All men and rifles were evacuated to the mainland by a helicopter from Greenville. The guide was able to get the deer out soon after. His first question, (How much hangar door do we need?). I said at least 12 and one half feet. He then said that between he and his neighbor, there is plenty of real estate for proper hangar. Then he told me a story about a Piper he converted to a tail dragger. Upped the H.P. from 120 to 180 and picked much speed. I told him we are trying to locate helicopters with 1300 H.P. that would blow anything at his airport off the runway. He said," I am willing to talk further as this plan comes together". I want to hear him say, "Bring them on up".
Baron
USA - Monday, April 19, 2004 at 18:40:31 (MDT)

Gale, took Susan to Bille Creek yeterday, then continued on to about 8 miles from your place. Ran short of time ,so did a you-e. Yes Gale, we have discussed getting a chopper before,and I still think without a major benifactor,its kinda a high goal.Would be neat to see a static display out in front of "Pop a Top" , or on top.Mark, sometime between now and the the reunion, I need to get my sks back.I want to take Jim Westwang,and perhaps shadow, if he wants, shooting.( anyone else too ,if they want).Thats a good idea about adopting a unit.
alvis
USA - Monday, April 19, 2004 at 17:49:16 (MDT)

Sure is exciting reading on here. That would be mighty neat if ya'll did that. I would like to help if there is anything I could do, though my only talent that is marketable is I make some jewelry. Hope everyone is doing well.
Melody Pershall
USA - Monday, April 19, 2004 at 16:12:52 (MDT)

Randy... Great Idea! Lead the way, and make it so. How do we help?
Dave Powers
USA - Monday, April 19, 2004 at 14:24:48 (MDT)

Rick, I think your typing has improved!? ;o))) Give that grandkid a big ole 129th hug from me will ya? HeeeHeHeeeHe!! Gale
Gale
USA - Monday, April 19, 2004 at 13:27:46 (MDT)

EXCUSE THE CAPITALS I AM HOLDING THE BABY AN DOING THIS WITH ONE HAND. YEA WINK I THOUGHT IMENIONED 431 IS WITH GATOR HELICOTER AN THE TRANSMISSION ISDOWN THEY EYHER RAN OUT OF MONEY OR CAN'T FIND ONE. IHAVE TREID TO CONTACT THEM THAT IS NOT ESAY. MONTI THE OWNER OF 431 IS AN EX ARMY RANGER. IWILL TRY ANCONTACT HIM TODAY AN CHECK ON THE CONDITION OF THE SHIP. BR CAREFUL OUT THERE. RANDY YOU TAKR CARE AN IF YOU HAVE ADDRESSES I WOULD BE GLAD TO SEND PACKS OFF. I DID THAT BEFORE TOSOMR MARINES PLEASE FORGIVE ME. HEEEEEEEEEE
RICK ENGLAND
USA - Monday, April 19, 2004 at 10:19:02 (MDT)

Good morning my fellow boys and girls 129th veterans!! Early this morning (3AM) as I lay in my bed(since my heart attack I don't sleep much) I was thinking about our brave men and women fly helicopters in Iraq. Half of me wishing I was over there flying again and half of me wondering if the guys and girls of other helicopter units were like us. Missing home, loved ones, friends, their cars, or just as scared as we were. Never knowing who the emeny was or when you were going to get hit or when it would be that you straped your flight helmet on for the last time. I know I built a false front around me. Crew chief on "929" gunship. Devil may care attitude afraid of nothing that Charley good throw at me as I was the meanest gunship in the world. We had to do this to save face. None of us wanted to admit we were just scared young boys playin at a mans game,that really wish we were not over there having to make war. I know myself I would of rather been home going out with "Mary Rottencrotch". Anyway to the point. I came up with an idea. I think all of my fellows men and women veterans of the 129th should get together and show what a great unit we are. We can talk about how good we were, well lets be again. We talk about what we all did but what have we done lately? I think we should find a helicopter unit in Iraq and adopt them. We could all take a man or woman and write to them, send packages and let them know WE of the 129th know what it is like and WE the 129th suppot them. Help boost their morale. Damn folks they are our fellow veterans. We made a differance once lets do it again. We know what they are going through first hand who better than us? Lets please all rally together and show how great of a unit we are now as well as in the past!! Let us support our fellow flying veterans as no one supported us. What I think is great as we were made up as a unit of crew chiefs, gunners, pilots, cooks, and clerks. (sorry I know I missed some of you.) We all pulled together to make up a great unit. We can all contribute to this effort. Lets turn back the hands of time and right a wrong. Lets let them know we CARE!! You guys and girls are the best and thank you for the support you have given me and allowing me to write this. Randy (66-68) kingcobra697@yahoo,com
Randy
USA - Monday, April 19, 2004 at 08:38:23 (MDT)

To Baron, Shorty, Sue, and dear Fred: You are in my thoughts and prayers. Very difficult times for all. Always there for our Veterans-Gently
Gently
USA - Monday, April 19, 2004 at 06:29:16 (MDT)

Flight, a warm "welcome home" to the NFG's and I hope everyone who is not feeling well a "quick recovery". As far as buying a chopper..............we've discussed this before and we all decided against it for a number of reasons. I think the sensible thing would be to buy a non-functional Huey for a static display at the "Pop A Top". Who cares if it's a Sedan, Coupe or Hotrod. This site is for all members of the 129th AHC......Clerks, Cooks, Motor pool, Avionics. All that was with the 129th are welcome and have just as much say as anyone else, be you a Pilot, Crewchief, Gunner or Mechanic. I'm really not trying to put a damper on this, but, think about it. NOBODY is following us.........when we are gone, the 129th is gone. Our youngest member is probably pushing 50 and some has never even flown. Hey, I'll go along with the majority......maybe "Wink" has something going there. I guess this will be discussed at Indy. All I'm trying to say is..... we welcome all past members of the 129th, so, let's really make them welcome and not scare them away. In 2004, a Huey is a Huey is a Huey! Alvis, I hope that you got thru the weekend ok. You know you can call if you need to. Also, send me your new address again...I must have misplaced it. Always a brother, Gale
Gale 67-68
Clinton, In US of A - Sunday, April 18, 2004 at 18:31:18 (MDT)

Mark, another Birthday? You must be gettin old. I hope you had a good time Brother. Rob
Robbie
Rochester, NY USA - Sunday, April 18, 2004 at 18:17:40 (MDT)

Flight, have tried to stay ouy of politics but a guy sent me this site & am putting the addy on here for your perusal, please form your own opinion & member "don't kill the messenger". I did not make this. Sue, sorry to hear of your sons' friend. Happy birthday Mark & Fred A.(hang in there), only acceptance will heal, not whiskey.>>>> http://www.stopjohn.com >>>>> respects to all>>> Smitty
Jim Westwang 71-72
Sheridan, wy USA - Sunday, April 18, 2004 at 16:24:22 (MDT)

Mr. Mark Jackson...a belated Happy Birthday to you, my friend. I was going to send you greetings on that day, but things have been difficult in the last few days. My son, Brent, lost a friend in an accident...funeral is tomorrow...so my mind has been preoccupied trying to help him deal with this. Anyway...hope you had a good one!!
Sue
Celina, OH USA - Sunday, April 18, 2004 at 16:07:05 (MDT)

Cups and North- Missed this yesterday but I do know what we were doing 33 years ago on April 17. I think one was paying 5 bucks for a Crown Royal at the Sea-Tac airport. Take care!
Snapper
USA - Sunday, April 18, 2004 at 08:55:50 (MDT)

I post this now,as I am getting drunk now and plan to continue intill that damn day has passed. clear right,tails clear,and look out, another one in coming down the pike.
alvis
USA - Saturday, April 17, 2004 at 21:39:11 (MDT)

april 18th,1972,2 corp, vietnam,60th ahc compound. The place was quiet. A hushed atmosphere covered the place like a wet blanket.Rumor had it that we had a bird down, all crew lost.I was camped out in operations, awaiting word.The day was drawing to an end,colors spread across the sky as only vietnam could display them.In the growing gloom,word came in,": ship down,all crewmen lost".Both my roomies were on board,I was worried. The news came as right to the chin, it floored me.Walking back to the hootch,surging with emotion,I saw nothing ,nor anyone.Jarvis,barley old enough to be there and the "pet of our close circle of friends, confronted me, with that young, innocent smile of his."Hey Alvis,you heard anything yet"? "They are dead", was my reply.With a stop shitting me around look, he ask again," come on man, he heard anything"? He was the first person I remember passing,in that long walk back to the hootch, where I shared a room with two of the crewmen of that doomed ship." They are fucking dead man, understand?, fucking dead and they aint comming back"!, I almost screamed at him.utterly crushed,I will never forget the look on his face, his shoulders sagged, his face turned toward the ground, he did an about face,to return to his lonley hootch.In my anger and hurt, I had just crushed another of our close circle of friends,our friend.I continued to walk,alone,uninviting, to our hootch.Surrounded by their belonging,alone,I wept.For 3 days,I stayed in that hootch, ner a vistor except the offericers that came to claim there belongings.I had to tell them whos was what. The c.o. wouldnt let me write to there familys yet,I suppose he wanted time for the goverenment to tell them their sons and husbands were dead.I used to go to the wall every april 18th, have a drink with my roomies, but i cant do that any more.To many people.Now I mourn privatly,every april 18th.I still have my drink with my roomies.cw2 Ronald H. Wiggins, cw GREGORY w. HERMAN, SP4 DAVID d. Stover, pfc Tommy J. Becker,I render a slow respectful hand salute, to you my brothers, who gave all. I tried to contact your familys. forgive me , I failed. PTSD got to me in those early years,now its to late. I will see you at fiddlers green, i will have our drink .You are in my thoughts, almost daily.TO those on this site, forgive me for posting this,buts its a yearly thing i do,something I must do, I have no choice.Its a private thing that must sometimes be displayed plibicly. forgive me. I request,nor invite, any comments.They slammed into a mountian, then burnt to death.Wings are for angels as well as vietnam helicopter crewmen. peace my brothers.
alvis
USA - Saturday, April 17, 2004 at 21:05:32 (MDT)

good luck and best of health to you shorty.
alvis
USA - Saturday, April 17, 2004 at 19:41:32 (MDT)

Just to hit base with all the ones i know. Here is my new e-mail. I am starting to have problems from the war. I do not get around as much as I use do but still think about you all. Powers Vega and the others give me a ring or email phone is 509-469-7461. I go into the hospital in seattle on may 14 for a mri and will go from there. Good luck and happy hunting to you all. Shorty howard or mini oik
Howard "Shorty" Boling <boling7461@msn.com>
Yakima, WA USA - Saturday, April 17, 2004 at 12:19:00 (MDT)

You may have heard that they've released John Hinckley from the mental facility for unsupervised visits to his parents home on weekends. For those of you who may be too young to remember John Hinckley shot President Ronald Reagan to impress the actress Jodie Foster. This is such a nice letter from the President: THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON D.C. Mr. John Hinckley St. Elizabeth's Hospital Washington, DC Dear John: Laura and I hope that you are continuing your excellent progress in recovery from your mental problems. We were pleased to hear that you are now able to have unsupervised visits with your parents. The staff at the hospital reports that you are doing fine. I have decided to seek a second term in office as your president and I would appreciate your support and the support of your fine parents. I would hope that if there is anything that you need at the hospital, you would let us know. By the way, are you aware that John Kerry is screwing Jody Foster? Sincerely, George W. Bush
alvis
USA - Saturday, April 17, 2004 at 07:55:48 (MDT)

Fred Skaggs and crew....just received a call from G.C.tonight and he wanted my to convey that he has Baron up North to take in the cool Spring air to take the heat off Baron's 4inch titanium disc brain implant. Northern Tier VA Medical team dispatched to treat Baron over weekend. G.C. says, although Baron was shakey on the drive up they dined on wall-eye at NA-TAH-KA. Baron calmed down only after returnung to the cabin and played some long lost tapes....10 Years After Anthology 1967-1971, "Good Morning Little School Girl" 7:65 and Live at Woodstock, "I'm Going Home" 11:50. Strong recovery expected by Monday. P.S. Fred, your criptic prose post delivered via land line to Baron. Message received.
C.B
USA - Friday, April 16, 2004 at 23:09:32 (MDT)

with all this talk about getting a ship well it occured to me that we already have one in our back yard, so to speak. an the good part is we know it's one of ours without searching for one. you guessed it THE IRON BUTTERFLY. a few months ago i went up to leesburg to locate tropical aviation where it was being stored. i located tropical aviation an spook to the owner of the business an he told me that the guy who owns the iron butterfly no longer works for him. he also told me that the owner of the iron butterfly is now working for an outfit at the lakeland regional airportan that the iron butterfly is storing it at his home in sumter county. my thought is maybe we can buy into ownership with him. if he is restoring the iron butterfly on his own or has a partner, we might be able to buy in .it could work out well for all concern, we have our ship, a place to store it ,a certified machanic an we could supply him with what he needs,cash.rick what do you say?i would like to get a bor c model but if we work it rightwe could get one later in time. just a thought.
wink
USA - Friday, April 16, 2004 at 22:49:29 (MDT)

For Cobra F.Baron......Santa Clause came in late last night/ Drunk on Christmas wine/ Hung his bag out on the laundry line/ There`s a Cobra Gunship for his golden boy/ And there`s a Bulldog Slick for his pride and joy/ And there a star by you name in the book of fliers/They hung a star buy your name in the book of fliers
Fred Skaggs
USA - Friday, April 16, 2004 at 22:15:15 (MDT)

Smitty, gotcha on that one!!! Made the 'Man' out of useless, E-4 was the reward!!! Was asked if I wanted to go to shake and bake school, quite a laugh at that one, I was such a kid!!!! :>)) Me, a 17 year old E-5 buck sergeant???. Sue, you might as well know this; a HUEY can't fly!!!!!! One of the first things we learned in AIT! The Piasecki was quite an ugly bird, still, it did the job. I thought the only difference between the B-C-M models was the engine. The mike had an L-13 in it, still, we used to load it up so that it had to crawl down the line on a hot day....Gene Turcotte showed me nothing but respect when I got back from Nam, after I went through a few episodes of despair, we sat down and had a long talk. His observation was that everyone wanted to know what you did, just so they could be revulsed at what you did! According to him, only a few really killed, and for the most part, wanted to be left alone in the kowledge. The one's who talked the loudest were usually the one's who did the least. HIs message stayed with me, eventually I got over it....A tank Destroyer was an improvisation. A 105 howitzer, mounted on a deuce and a half, sometimes it was on a half track. Quite effective when on offense, but, it could be knocked out by a sniper!!!! Still, it could knock out a Tiger tank!! More than could be said about the Sherman!!!!
Kim
USA - Friday, April 16, 2004 at 20:28:28 (MDT)

I forgot to give out my e-mail if anyone wanted to get a hold of me, it is ragonese@delaware.net. If anyone needs to get a hold of my dad Lou Ragonese he changed his e-mail address a few days ago to lourags1@aol.com. If anyone has tried to reach out to him he requested that you resend any e-mails that recently went out. Or I can pass stuff onto him myself. I am pretty sure that any maintenance done is legal, as long as an A&P mechanic inspects the work. Most of the time that Mechanic wants a fee for the inspection or will contract the work needed. Engine work is the most critical. Any avionics (my specialty) today is pretty reliable. Most avionics packages come pre manufactured and it is just a matter of running all the wiring harnesses. Once a plan is devised I can do some leg work around here in delaware because there is a company I almost went to work for that is a small outfit that specializes in helicopter build up. They maintain the State Police helicopters and are very good at what they do. Or I can always talk to the Base Museum guys at Dover Air Force base as to do the structural work. Certainly whatever gets the job at a good and fair price especially if it comes as a donation to the organization. On my days off I will start e-mailing some people about researching and locating those tail numbers posted. I will report back with any findings.
Tom Ragonese
USA - Friday, April 16, 2004 at 17:39:12 (MDT)

Sorry to hear about the losses that have happened, haven't checked in in awhile. My personal feelings on the ship is B or C Model fits the bill. I remember going into an LZ & when they were right beside us , felt safer somehow when in CE seat i could see the gunner of b/c right in the eyes, often shooting under our skids. They covered us like a warm blanket. No offense to AH-1 jockeys meant. We just didn't have them much. When i was in the 120th down south, our oldest ship was b model 62-1892 Note year & only 4# behind, was still there when i left. I know we have a lot of guys who can fly & work on these but remember, it takes a civilian license to fly & an A&P ticket to work on same, not trying to rain on parade just facts. Mike Miles i think is still flying for the Govt. Although mostly fixed wing & Don't know if he has a Rotary license. Anyone else? Anyone with an A&P ticket? Not to blow my horn but was a good mech. & grad 4th in class at eustis,Va. Am willing & sure will pay my $ to have ashes shot from ship.>>>Respects & more at Indy>>>Smitty
Jim westwang 71-72
Sheridan, Wy USA - Friday, April 16, 2004 at 17:02:57 (MDT)

Wow...what an awesome idea. Purchasing an aircraft! Would it be an artifact or actually capable of taking flight? Also, where would it be located? Count me in on helping raise whatever money is necessary or brainstorming to come up with ideas on fundraisers. I know very little about the aircraft themselves so would leave it to you good gentleman to decide what model to go after. I would be more than willing to help in any other ways...perhaps, once we get going on this project...a story? Sometimes taking an idea or story public at the appropriate time generates interest that can lead to some positive things. Keep up the thoughts and suggestions here... Sad here in Ohio...my 16-year-old son's friend/tennis teammate was killed in a car crash last night on his way to the school's tennis match. The community is in mourning as he was an exceptional kid. I'm trying to explain to my son the reason such things happen. He's never been exposed to death on such a personal level. The team voted to play their scheduled match today, but I know their mind's won't be in the game. Gonna be a long weekend.
Sue
OH USA - Friday, April 16, 2004 at 16:17:16 (MDT)

GOOD EVENING FLIGHT Of course Baron would like a M Model. He likes to hover. No offense, but the sole of the Cobra's was a B model We had the name before the AH-1G and we did things with them they could only dream about.We couldn't carry much, so we had to make it count. No truer test of being sober, straight , or crazy than first thing in the morning pulling pitch, hoping for enough pedal and trying to hop the damn thing out of the revetment, drag it down the line with sparks coming of the skids, hoping again to hit transition so you hop over the fence, power line and plunge the nose praying that it was going to fly again before you hit the ground. Of course if this does come to be , with a full dressed gunship , it better be a Mike Model or you would only carry one person at atime. Any way I'm off to the South of France for a family wedding and will check back in a couple weeks\ LITTLEJOHN 70/71
LITTLEJOHN
USA - Friday, April 16, 2004 at 15:31:49 (MDT)

Baron asked me to touch on a few points befor we go off on much needed weekend leisure. Kim, sorry about your 2nd. Dad, sounds like he was a tou