Hi everybody. Alvis, did you ever read my response about Joe Depuglia? Second, there's a British magazine called "Fly Past" and it has about a 6 page spread in there about tail # 72-21509. This Huey was with the 129th from July '72 - Feb. 73. It has found it's way to England and has been restored to perfection. I'm assuming a lot of you might all ready know about it but I wanted to tell ya'll about the article. It's in the November issue. I had to go to a Barnes & Noble to get it. I have a question though. When I was there in '70, all the birds except Tiger Wagon had a bulldog on the nose. Did we ever have the unit patch there instead? Take care all.
Larry Kwiatkowski
Simi Valley, CA USA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 16:02:25 (MST)
Flight I just got this from "Retiree Assistance Office": TSD REEVALUATION UPDATE 04: VA is apparently initiating a new review of PTSD diagnosis, treatment and compensation. The VA’s plans came to light on 16 NOV, six days after they had canceled a review of 72,000 PTSD claims awarded at 100% disability. Information about the new PTSD review was made public in a press release by Senator Larry Craig (R-ID), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The release, in part, said, “The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that it has contracted with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on a two-pronged approach to the examination of PTSD.” The VA’s announcement was in the form of two documents they sent to Sen. Craig's office. One, a Fact Sheet prepared by the VA's Office of the Under Secretary for Health detailing the contract between the VA and the IOM. The other was a Question and Answer sheet prepared for members of Congress and the press. At www.vawatchdog.org/newsflash/newsflash11-23-2005-3.htm.both documents are available for review. They going to keep on reviewing till we all gone. Take care all. Frank Sep69-Mar70.
Frank Loveday
Bastrop, La USA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 16:00:41 (MST)
Everyone can join the party at Kokomo....you just have to bring some food to share and your own damn booze. Gale is always drinking mine and enough is enough! :>)) And get a damn hotel room...there's too many tents there as it is! Gull darn it anyway! And don;t park your big-ass truck in front of the campsite--it blocks our view and we can't harrass people innocently walking by! Just funnin' ya all. But not really:>))) I want to get Jim and Sue Hydinger to join us next year too. Jim, you out there?? :>) Let's bid!!!! Gently
Gently
USA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 15:15:53 (MST)
Cpt. Johnny D Durden 1971 & some of 72Months ??? respects, smitty
jim westwang 71-72
Sheridan, wy USA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 12:51:28 (MST)
WOW a test...cool idea Jack...........
Mark
USA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 11:43:26 (MST)
Hey flight: Let's see you fill in the blanks for the history file of the 129. COMMANDERS OF 129 _____ ______ ______ 5 Jun 65 to 2 Jan 66 (First commander in Vietnam) Major Robert Sterns 2 Jan 66 to 20 Jul 66 Major Lavere Bindrup 20 Jul 66 to 26 Oct 66 Major ______ Merritt 26 Oct 66 to 18 Mar 67 Major Bobbier R. Fernander 18 Mar 67 to _______ Major Curtis Crouch Jr. ________ to 1 Mar 68 Major Ronald H. Emery 1 Mar 68 to 1 Aug 68 Major Curtis R. Dassonville 1 Aug 68 to________ Major Nelson Cooper ______69 to _______ Major William Taylor ______70 to _______ Major Donald L. Winters ______70 to _______ _____ ______ __________ ______71 to _______ Major Allen F. Jones ______72 to _______ Major _______ Durham ______72 to Mar 73 (Last Commander in Vietnam) Keep safe, Sp6 Newton the TI, 394th Dec 67 to Mar 68, 129th Mar 68 to Dec 68; 129th Jun 69 to Jul 70 e Mail Captial S, small eye, small r, captial Eye, small zee, small kay (SirIzk@centurytel.net)
Jack Newton <SirIzk@centurytel.net>
Tomah, WI USA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 11:31:52 (MST)
Rick, I thought I met her somewhere before. I believe She is also in the documentary that tyhe AL is offering now. AMERICAN HONOR..................always a brother
Mark
USA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 11:26:56 (MST)
JEFF.....Diana told me that she and her husbanbd, Carl, were just in the Vets Day parade in Charlotte. So I assume that they live there.............
Mark
USA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 11:24:47 (MST)
Rick, we hope you can make it to Kokomo also. Me thinks you owe me a "brewskie". :o]
Gale
USA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 07:45:45 (MST)
Does Diana live in Charlotte???
Jeff
USA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 07:06:22 (MST)
Mark I haven't seen Diana Poole since the Charlotte reunion. I hope I can make it to Kokomo? Flight be careful out there
Rick England
USA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 06:35:49 (MST)
Paul, Diana sent me an e-mail yesterday about what you are talking about and I told her we would love to have her with us..................God Bless all of you............I love you....always a brother..................
Mark
USA - Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 19:58:23 (MST)
Flight; have been talking lately with a nurse from the 67th evac that lives in nc. she says that a friend of hers (from the 67th)married one of you 129thers. i told her to check in here and see if there is anybody here that she remembers. her name is diana dwan poole(think i got it right)i also told her that i was sure you guys would not mind if she and husband (marine,nam, 65-66)were to join us at kokomo.they wouldn't be camping.i'm sure nobody would object. she will proabably stop by in the next couple days
paul mcgrath
oglesby, il USA - Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 17:42:58 (MST)
Cool to see that bidding is going on to help ones of our brothers and sisters. I have seen, heard, anbd felt what the reunions do for you guys and to help someone get to one is a special blessing that you bidders are giving. God Bless, Hey Katie!!.so glad that you stoped in to say hey to the gang. come back and visit and participate in the talk. garanteed you'll learn something. I do all the time. WELCOME HOME and back to the 129th all you newbees. THANKS for your service and please join in on the commo in here or for those who have MSN messenger hook up with those on board there. My address is fourfour44@msn.net there or fourfour@adelphia.net..........Judith, you are an angel.....b/day dinner for one of our son-in-laws tonight.......take care all and God Bless...........always a brother....................
Mark
USA - Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 14:32:10 (MST)
Welcome to all the new guys:>))) You're home now. WI Jim, I'm going to be in Waupaca this weekend for the State VVA meeting..any chance you and Sue wanna join me? L-Gently
Gently
USA - Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 09:33:44 (MST)
Geeeeezzzz Kal, does it ever end!?
Gale
USA - Monday, November 28, 2005 at 21:41:40 (MST)
Mel....they're beautiful! And what a nice surprise Christmas gift for one of our sister/wives:>)) But I know Gale and Kal would each like one for themselves:>)) Thge cane bid is now up to $200. L-Gently
Gently
USA - Monday, November 28, 2005 at 14:57:35 (MST)
This is the 2nd one I have made so far. I know what i;m doing for the other 2 just not done yet. This measures about 8 inches. It can be customized to a size as well. ITs made out of the different colors of Burmese Jade. Its almost always cool to the touch.
Burmese Jade Bracelet
USA - Monday, November 28, 2005 at 13:42:06 (MST)
Ok here is the first Bracelet I have made. Want ya'll to see which one ya want! This one measures about 7 1/2 inches. It can be made a few donuts bigger or smaller. Its made out of Ocean Jasper donuts. ~*~*~*~*~ Mel
Ocean Jasper Bracelet
USA - Monday, November 28, 2005 at 13:40:25 (MST)
Yahoo! Things are picking up for the Christmas fund! We might be able to send a 129er and spouse(if that's the case) to the re-union if it keeps it up! So send me your $10's your $20's and of course, those $100's. :>))) When I get the $10's and $20's I say a special prayer for the donor...I understand and appreciate:>) so very much what you are doing. God Bless you. When I get $100...I dance a special "crazy" dance, knowing that our fund has just lept to a new level:>)) You are all so special for wanting to help a brother..what I experience behind the scenes in working this Fund beings me to tears many times....if i could only share the stories. I can't of course...but trust that the generosity and love I see is very over-whelming. I'm so proud to know you and be a part of this web brotherhood and sisterhood. Geez..... I have a confidential bid of $150 on Mark's cane, and $25 on one of Mel's bracelets. Mel, make four...you go girl! No word from Cups, and the emails to John Dillman(a 129er) in Iraq are bounced back. Hopefully that means he's home...and if so....John, we need to hear from you. Fred...I don't see that you've shared your news with your friends here. Please do, I'm bursting at the fat turkey day waist of mine to share it...and it's not mine to share yet! It's a good day my friends, a good day. With a hug-Gently
Gently
USA - Monday, November 28, 2005 at 08:37:21 (MST)
One more think B4 I forget.. Katie, thanks for the kind words.. It is good to see that the site has good effects on its non military viewers..Welcome and come back often. Have any questions, go ahead and ask... We do have our slightly wild times here so you will have to take some things with a grain of salt, but all in all we have fun and a great brotherhood.. C U L8r... Kal...>>>
Kal Bergstrom 67/68
Saint Joseph, MI USA - Sunday, November 27, 2005 at 18:05:03 (MST)
Hey folks.. Looks like I missed it a little.. Reading the coodinates is not as easy as it used to be..Ha.. Try these.. 13degs 48mins 23 secs North, 109degs 06mins 01 secs East. The only change is in the seconds and that still ought to be pretty close.. Have fun..C U.. Kal...>>>
Kal Bergstrom 67/68
Saint Joseph, Mich USA - Sunday, November 27, 2005 at 17:58:11 (MST)
GE everyone... Don and anyone else using the Google Earth maping pgm... I have Lane AHP pinned at... 13dgs 48mins 74secs North, 109dgs 06mins 67secs East That ought to get you pretty close. Rick Jensen told me that they pulled up all the PSP and probably have leveled the reventments and such so it will probably be about impossible to see any of the things we remember anymore. I used the vally to the north as a ref as I remember them shooting the pom-pom gun up it a lot of night to see if they could scare anything up. I also switched back and forth between a online map that showed Lane so I think I got it pretty close. Y'all take care... C U L8r... Kal...>>>
Kal Bergstrom 67/68
Saint Joseph, Mich USA - Sunday, November 27, 2005 at 17:48:47 (MST)
Hi All! I work for Mark's mom and he told me to give this site a look. How wonderful! I want to first say thank you to all of you for my freedom. Though not one person is single handedly responsible, all of you made up the pieces that complete the puzzle of the freedom we value today. Thanks to you wives, mothers, and fathers that suffered many long nights worrying about those dearest to you in a far away land going through things so terrible that the rest of us will never know. I cannot express how grateful I am to all of our service men and women. Thanks for this site, it really gives the rest of us a look beyond the telivision screens and the countless documentaries on the war into the lives of those effected first hand. I cannot imagine what you all went through, and I can only pray that the grace of God that sustained you over there be enough to bring healing here and now so many years later. Thanks for your priceless service, and God bless and keep you in His perfect will. I pray that the work put into this reunion effort will bring healing to all of you. To those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, I am eternally in debt to you, I hope that I never take for granted the price you paid for my freedom, rest in peace. Thanks Mark for such an inspiring gift. Katie:)-God Bless!
Katie Harsh <harsh.km@rhodesstate.edu>
Celina, OH USA - Sunday, November 27, 2005 at 11:01:20 (MST)
Flight.... has any one heard from "cups". Mark will you post the picture of the plate?.....Tails Clear Left.........Matt Casey
Matt Casey <mcasey1947@msn.com>
Hemet, CA USA - Sunday, November 27, 2005 at 00:21:11 (MST)
Oppps....I can also do a crocheted red, white and blue cross. There is a link to the picture like what it would be in my name.
Melody Pershall
Amarillo, TX USA - Saturday, November 26, 2005 at 22:36:03 (MST)
Gently, sorry for taking so long to get back to you on this. How about 4? I have plenty of supplies just laying around.
Melody
Amarillo, TX USA - Saturday, November 26, 2005 at 22:32:15 (MST)
Kal, I can't find Lane, I have Qui Nhon located but I still can't find Lane, what's the grid ? h o g l e g 2 4 4 at y a h o o . c o m .......... later, Don
Don Miller
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Saturday, November 26, 2005 at 21:14:06 (MST)
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!.. I have been flying around a bunch of my old hangouts using Google Earth and what a hoot. Most of the stuff at old Ft Wolters, Mineral Wells, TX. are still there and appear to be doing well. The heliport is a mess with buildings and such scattered all over them. The classrooms accross from the heliport are still there and it looks like the civies have changed things quite a bit. It looks like you can't drive over the Lake Mineral Wells dam anymore, we use to take that route to the drivein theater to do our beer night at the movies thingy.. I have found that tilting the thing makes it almost like being there and adds a new prospective to the flying..What a hoot...Mark, I have pretty much pinpointed Lane AHP now using some of the online maps and switching back and forth to Google. It sure has changed and you would never know a heliport was there.. I guess, as expected, things are changing and it is amazing to go back and have a look.... Well enough for the.. Take care folks.. C U L8r... Kal...>>>
Kal Bergstrom 67/68
Saint Joseph, MI USA - Saturday, November 26, 2005 at 10:35:24 (MST)
Judith, will be sending you Christmas Fund money Monday...for those who want to bid on Cyclic Stick walking cane go to this address and see it......< http://spaces.msn.com/members/THE-257/ >........... Hand made, 100 coats of varnish, hand wood burned graphics, with a original UH-1H cyclic stick handle. If you can't reach that address, tell me and I will send pictures via e-mail.........love to all, Hope all had a great Thanksgiving.............My girls did the "Black Friday" thing and are not home yet. I got the Blues on the XM radio to cheer me up. I miss Dee, even if for just a day..............Judith, you are so good...............Hey Alton Page???? you still out there?..........Cups??????????????????????.........all you that don't check in, check in!!!!!...Love to all...................Frenchie???????????????????...........God Bless...................................always a brother..............
Mark
USA - Friday, November 25, 2005 at 17:34:56 (MST)
The donations for the Christmas Fund aren't even trickling in....And what happened with the bidding? Did it get too confusing? Let's start over: Melody is going to make some of her very pretty bracelets, which by simply being made by one of the supporters of the 129th men adds greatly to their value immediately. The bidding will start at $10 per bracelet. How about 3 Mel?! Marks handmade pilot shift handle walking cane will start out at $50. I've purposely started the bidding low so that you all think you have a chance:>)) Bids can be made on this website or confidentially to me (Gentlyjs@yahoo.com) for those of you who are thinking of Christmas shopping at our little store. So let's go...the bidding will stop Dec. 16th, which will allow the items to be mailed in time for christmas. I have received some donations from people who have donated in the past--God Bless you! And remember every $5 or $10 helps tremendously...trust us. Hanging around-Gently
Gently
USA - Friday, November 25, 2005 at 14:47:39 (MST)
Humuhumunukunukuapua'a???? How in the world is THAT promnounced? Folks say that our Algonquin names are hard to say?!?...Reading the curent issue of AOPA, reminds me of a mission we flew over east of LZ English. On our way back, we crossed Phu Cat Airspace, and nearly got run down by a C-119. Probably the one thing I did over there that amounted to anything was looking up from my ground scan and seeing that thing coming at us from our 10 O:clock, dead level, about .....CLOSE!!! Hope all had a good Thanksgiving...
Kim
Livermore, Me USA - Friday, November 25, 2005 at 13:33:20 (MST)
.........and pass the sweet potato pie......
Animal
HI USA - Thursday, November 24, 2005 at 15:57:26 (MST)
Give Thanks !
Animal
HI USA - Thursday, November 24, 2005 at 15:55:53 (MST)
Everyone have a good safe Thanksgiving, I have so many things to be thankful for the list is too long to print but YOU ALL are near the top. Fred, do as you will i would not presume to advise you but be careful & keep in touch>>>>>>>>Respects>>>>>Smitty
jim westwang 71-72
Sheridan, wy USA - Thursday, November 24, 2005 at 15:12:52 (MST)
To all my brothers ……Sisters too…….. Our best wishes for you and yours…… I wish for you the best of holidays…………. Also I will put the information on the New Wall back on this sight, so that all that didn’t get it initially will get it now…… Please ….…..Think of those brothers that have left us already……. Some just couldn’t understand why they were never recognized for their contribution…. Here is your chance to give those veterans the recognition that they never experienced in their life, …. Just costs $10 bucks…….. Please think back to those who deserved more than they were shown and send in their information (name). I realize that this is an area that we are challenged to acknowledge….. but do it for your family your friends and those that would never have felt that they deserved what is do to them….. Sermon finished……. Love you brothers………………Matt Casey………..Crew Chief …… Bulldog 174
Matt Casey
Hemet, c USA - Thursday, November 24, 2005 at 14:16:06 (MST)
Gus good to hear from you hope everything works out in your new adventure all the best to you and your and family. Jim Welcome home I was in the 1st platoon then. again be careful out there
Rick England
USA - Thursday, November 24, 2005 at 12:32:37 (MST)
Family have a safe and good thankgiving. Fred I know you will do what you have to do I probably would do the same in your situation just be careful out there my brother. There is always something to drink over there.******Have a toast to our brothers that didn't make it back and the ones that didn't make this one. Flight be careful out there.
Rick England
USA - Thursday, November 24, 2005 at 07:29:32 (MST)
Have a Save Thanksgiving to all My 129th Family. Alex 40 years ago Glenn,Rainer and myself with alot of our Brothers spent our first Thanksgiving in Vietnam.
Alex
USA - Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 18:58:40 (MST)
HAVE A GOOD TURKEY DAY fred; take a homebrew kit and you could at least double that 80k
paul mcgrath
oglesby, il USA - Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 18:18:20 (MST)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL...........
Keith 72-73
USA - Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 18:06:37 (MST)
Ya'll have great Thanksgiving !!
Gale
USA - Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 16:55:26 (MST)
Fred Skaggs............are you out there? I need your new address. Alvis, just remember(iffen I recall right) that over there you're not protected. In other words, you're on your own. Kinda risky, but, I know you will do what's best for you!
Gale
USA - Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 16:53:16 (MST)
Ron Smith...good to see your post brother.....a gracious Thanksgiving day to all of my 129th brothers and sisters................I will honor you all with a toast tomorrow. God Bless............always a brother.........
mark
USA - Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 15:42:36 (MST)
Fred, I just bought a "USMC Terrorist Hunting Tag". No bag limit, tagging not required. May hunt day and night, with dogs.....ya wanna take it with you?.........seriously though, who knows Fred, it would be a trip to remember, that's for sure. Only you know what your heart is telling you. We would , for sure , stay in tough here!!!!.....HEY, I got a great idea, take a Bible and convert all them muslins!!!!...............always a brother.............
Mark
USA - Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 15:40:22 (MST)
you guys are funny:>) Gently
Gently
USA - Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 12:55:01 (MST)
I say go for it Alvis. Take a home brew kit and you'll be royalty.
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 10:32:50 (MST)
My two cents worth..Alvis, do what you gotta do, and don't look back. As much as I hate that war, and the cretins who got us into it, we're there. An acquaintance of mine just got back, spent 18 months training Iraqi police. Got into a few scrapes, but otherwise unharmed. He made enough to buy a pizza parlor, and says he'll go back in a heartbeat if it goes under.....who ever heard of a 'totally dry' Army unit? There's always a way (smile)
Kim
Livermore, Me USA - Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 10:26:04 (MST)
"perk" , no beer? hope all of you find a happy thanksgiving,warmth and full of laughter.Hoping this post finds all you ,my friends,in good health and cheer.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 08:50:22 (MST)
Thanks Ron....anyone else wanna give 'em a kick in the old behind? Please do. Having said that, with great love for Fred, and he knows that, I want you all to be thankful tomorrow: We may not all have alot to be thankful for, but we've got more than alot of others have. I am mostly thankful to you..my friends...because you are always here for me. God bless. With my arms around all of you-Peace. Gently
Gently
USA - Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 07:32:09 (MST)
Fred, Go for it dude! I mean, how bad can it be. What's a few sand storms, snow storms, gawd awful bugs and snakes, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), mines, mortars, snipers...not to mention 'friendly fire,' bad drivers, bad food, shi--y t.v. (if any at all), no movies, no Big Macs, no KFC, no cold beer...no fishing, no hunting. Yeah, sounds worth it to me....NOT!! Jester
Ron Smith <ron@kku.ac.th>
Khon Kaen, Thailand - Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 07:17:11 (MST)
if they give me the chance, i am gone.Would i bet my life against paying off my home? you bet.Gently,everyone here has been there,done that.We know the ropes and know everyday isnt a fight for life.Are dreams worth betting on? i think mine is
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at 21:05:33 (MST)
Not worth it Fred. Contractors are being killed over there also big guy. Go to "icasulties" to find out the number. Then come back here and get a spanking for even thinking you might go over there! L-Gently
Gently
USA - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at 14:33:44 (MST)
gently, i have 10 years left till i retire and 18 years left on my morgage.A chance to make a huge dent in that? You bet.They may not hire me anyway.It will almost triple my income,would love that for 2 years,to pay off house.aint no stinking spring chicken anymore.we do what we have to do.nothing more to be said on the subject.By the way,they need welders bad right now,almost immediate deployment.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at 09:50:38 (MST)
Hi Jim good to see you in here. I never seem to post much but I drop in and read the mail now and then. Kal, Gale, Mark and the rest you all have a good turkey day. Things are fine on this end. Lost two PCs to lightning in a week and just got things put back and on line. My Son and I started a new biz so that has been keeping me out of touch with the rest of the world since Aug. Now winter is back so I will be going back into the den. Think I will poke my nose out along about Feb. Ted (Gus) Gustafson 67-69 CE Cobra 949
Ted (Gus) Gustafson <tgusATuslinkDOTnet>
Grand Rapids, MN USA - Monday, November 21, 2005 at 23:02:46 (MST)
I know it has been a long time since I have seen or heard from any of my fellow mwmbers of the 129th. I was their from 67/68 as a gunner. Started in the gun platoon and was transferred to slicks. I wish all of you well and I hope you were able to put all the horrow behind you. SP/5 James C Ellis PS It would be nice to get a copy roster during that time so that I may remember so of the personnel their.
James C Ellis <webmaster070143@yahoo.com>
Newport, NC USA - Monday, November 21, 2005 at 19:01:35 (MST)
FRED.......Come on! You've done your time in Hell. This is not the time for you to be making such a quick decison like that...about that. Come on guys...talk to him! On a more upbeat note: I'm sure looking forward to Mr. Wolfe's book!!!! I hope all of you are getting in your stories so we can pass them on to the children and grandchildren and great grandchildren....as long as they live, you live, so let's give them some history to remember. It's so exciting:>))) L-Gently
Gently
USA - Monday, November 21, 2005 at 14:27:58 (MST)
just returned from applying for job in iraq. 12 hour shifts,7 days a week.live in trailers or tents.No Booze.arghhhh.have e mail addy for anyone else interested.must have ,or get ,a passport.I am going for tool room dude.pays 80k a year,tax free, if 335 days spent there.Guy said they havent had anyone killed yet,but have had wounded.no work,no pay.
alvis
USA - Monday, November 21, 2005 at 13:09:30 (MST)
Hey Kal.I have LANE pin pointed on google earth, I'll send you the grids later today........it is a cool program...I have been flying round the mountains that Larry went down in. I have some photos of the mountain and am trying to fly the same rout they did. Give me an erie feeling.....God Bless you all and take care........always a brother...........
Mark
USA - Sunday, November 20, 2005 at 07:49:38 (MST)
Good evening Bite and Strikers. Here is wishing all of you a Great Thanksgiving!!.. Mark, thanks for the heads up on the Google Earth pgm. I have been cruising around Nam and am having a tough time finding Lane field. I cant make out the hover lanes and probably because they don't exist anymore. Does anyone have the cordinates for Lane anymore. I threw out all my maps and charts thinking I'd never be going back and now that I am in my "golden years" never thought I'd be looking back so intensly; any help would be epreciated. Phu Heip(?) AF Base is almost faded away and it looks like Phu Cat AF base is being maintained. The airfield at Qui Nhon looks like they have over-run it and it isn't used either. Mark, thanks for the "heads up" on the mapping pgm as it is neat to go looking around.. It takes you right down to the roof color on my house and the cars in the driveway..Neat.. Ray and I have been "talking" up on MS Messenger. So if you feel more inclined to speak instead of typing, give it a try..Works pretty good. So, take care, eat LOTS of turkey and have a GREAT Holiday season..C U L8r...>>> Kal>>>
Kal Bergstrom 67/68
Saint Joseph, Mich USA - Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 19:29:21 (MST)
Gale and all, new mailing address is 701 East Vine Street, Coldwater, Ohio 45828. Phone numbers are the same.............Coldwater just won the Reginal football title. 13-0 now and 2 more to go for the state title. Won 28 to 0 tonight............WELCOME HOME Frank, and THANKS brother.............Yes Matt, I got the photo. Thanks brother. Helped the youmgest move into our old house today.............take care all. We love you.......always a brother........................
Mark
USA - Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 19:07:38 (MST)
Goodevening Flight: Welcome Home Frank. Were almost neighbors. Hope everyone is doing ok. Still seeing the ptsd people at the VA. Gently will get a check in the mail this weekend for the Christmas fund. Mark you and Dee will have to let me know the log home works out. Want to build one in the next few years. Ray will call you Tuesday I'm off from work. Liz and I want to wish all of our 129th Family a safe Thanksgiving Day. We all have alot to be thankful for. We have each other. Rainer and Glenn 40 years ago we we on our way to Vietnam. Time is flying by. Always A Brother Alex
Alex
Collierville, TN USA - Friday, November 18, 2005 at 18:50:52 (MST)
I believe the price of your meds is going to up a buck....l-Gently
Gently
USA - Friday, November 18, 2005 at 13:18:27 (MST)
Hello Flight!!! Have been away for a while doing some teaching back in California as well as here in Colorado. The feds just approved a course I designed on the National Incident Management System, so I'll get to travel a bit more now which will be fun! A few months ago I found out I had a half sister living in San Francisco and finally met her!! What a kick!!! My son in the 82nd Airborne is doing well and applying for Special Forces as soon as he makes Spec4. And my 17yr old who has signed up for the Marines will go in next June!!! Hey Guys....I've only received a couple return packages for the book. Please keep in mind that I can't use anything on the web directly (the stories, etc) without the "author" sending me a copy and permission (I know you guys wouldn't mind me just using them, but I've already had one person send me a nasty later telling me not to bother him!!) Anyways, if we want to do this Book, I need feedback from the forms I sent out. We send out over 150 letters and have like 4 back. So, please - pull collective and lets get going!! Love you all! Bill
Bill Wolf <VNHeloReunion@aol.com>
USA - Friday, November 18, 2005 at 11:05:59 (MST)
Mark..... your name will always be etched in glass.....dito Dee......By the way Mark did you get the picture of the License plate I haver on my bike..... What ever happened to the befor and now pictures we once talked about......Take care Bro.....Tails Clear Left....Matt Casey
Matt Casey
Hemet, CA USA - Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 18:41:39 (MST)
Duh !! I see that you are from Arkansas. I was at Mountain Home, Ar last year to check on a small piece of property that I own there.
Gale
USA - Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 16:54:55 (MST)
Welcome home Frank and welcome to our (your) little family here. I was in hootch 408 (129th AHC)from May 67 -May 68. It was right under the 394th hootch that had the tailrotor blade over the door. Do you remember Gary Villamaino from the 394th? I think there's a few others in here from the 394th. What part of the U.S. are you in? Gale
Gale Beard 67-68
Clinton, In US of A - Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 16:52:13 (MST)
I was with 394th transportation 1967 & became a door gunner in 1968 for 129th
Frank J. Sharp <f_sharp@sbcglobal.net>
Benton, AR USA - Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 16:26:34 (MST)
HI ALL HOW ARE YOU DOING MARK I NEED YOUR NEW E MAIL ADDRESS TO OK TAKE CARE GENTLY, YOU KNOW THE OLD SAYING THE CHECK IS IN THEE MAIL LOVE YOU ALL ABROTHER ALWAYS RAY
ray
md USA - Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 13:44:59 (MST)
Mark, do you have new mailing address yet?
Gale
USA - Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 12:39:34 (MST)
WOW!!!!..My Brother Matt. Thats sounds like an awesome WALL. Underserving that I am, I thank you brother. WOW..Now my name just wont be on my granite tombstone. No kidding Matt. Bless you and I thank you............love to all of you.........always a brother...............
Mark
USA - Wednesday, November 16, 2005 at 21:05:56 (MST)
Flight…..I have come across a special gift that I must pass on to all…..some might call it self serving, others will feel it’s about time. For many of who spent our time in purgatory upon our return. How many of us were willing to talk about our experiences for the first 10, 15 or 20 years. Only through the selfless acts of those like Mark Jackson do we have a place like this to reach out……The General Patton Memorial Museum, located in the desert of Southern California, has announced the creation of a wall to pay tribute to Vietnam “era” vets that returned to a less than welcome home. The names will be carved in granite, so they are aligned to our brothers in Washington. It’s a permanent way of thanking those that served during those years. They only ask for a $ 10.00 donation for each name. Now take note that this not only includes the combat vets but all other vets that served during that time. My first check covered 3 friends and myself (that’s the self serving part). My next is covering my favorite pilot and because I found it first,…. Mark…. I am sending in your name as well…..Here is the address…….General George Patton Memorial Museum…..62510 Chiriaco Road……Chiriaco Summit, CA 92239….I hope you find this as a totally bitchen as I did. ….Always a brother….. Matt Casey
Matthew Casey <mcasey1947@msn.com>
Hemet, CA USA - Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at 22:36:39 (MST)
Bet you thought I fell off the end of the Earth..silly people. I've got a couple too many coals in the fire right now and am losing total control of the 24 hour day. LOL! My Vets....God Bless you all. I prayed for all of you on Veterans Day, I also thanked God that you returned from Nam(even if just last night) and have helped make this site a healing place that thrives on the brotherhood it was built upon. i have to go back and read the posts....but first I have to remind all of you that the christmas fund is in dire need of cash. I have received one check so far(Thank you "L")..shall I be nervous? With a hug-Gently
Gently
USA - Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at 07:43:16 (MST)
Flight……… Been a while, sense I last put some words in….But this weekend has gone down in my book, as one of the best. Thursday me my wife and family drove to Las Vegas (and not to gamble), because on Friday; they had a Veterans Parade that was for of all things A “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans”. Now to the best of my knowledge this was the only event that I’ve heard of by a major city to celebrate our return. It may have taken 30 some years, but maybe others will take note. I got to walk in the parade with a friend I made while stationed in Germany (he was a door gunner in a hook outfit, in Nam). We were both quite emotional as for the entire route people were clapping and saying welcome home, thousands of them. Only wished each of you could have been with me. I did have a vest that had our patch on the back, and a 1st Aviation Brigade tee shirt underneath. So in spirit you all were…… Take Care Brothers and sisters…..Matt Casey..AKA Tripper...crew chief all of 70….. Mark did you ever get the picture of the plate I got for my bike????
Matt Casey
Hemet, CA USA - Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at 00:51:37 (MST)
CP, I agree to all that you wrote. Also, you are pretty special 'cause you shared that "pizza" with all of us that day!! ;o)
Gale
USA - Monday, November 14, 2005 at 21:50:59 (MST)
...I love you guys............................
Mark
USA - Monday, November 14, 2005 at 21:26:00 (MST)
hi kal iam doing somethinh wrong i heard you grate nice qnd clear i needto learn to use it. in time i will take care to all of you a brother always ray
ray <stilwating@aol>
md USA - Monday, November 14, 2005 at 18:10:18 (MST)
Hey CP... You "blubbered" that out pretty well!!.. I hope, and think, that Dee and Mark know how much we appreciate their hosting of this page for us. It goes without saying that the page has turned into something special to all of us and has added a new demention to most of our lives.. Thanks... Love and respects... Kal...>>>
Kal Bergstrom 67/68
Saint Joseph, Mich USA - Monday, November 14, 2005 at 15:36:18 (MST)
Mark, Dee, Respects to you...... Just wanted to take a minute to THANK YOU both....... Mark for attaching yourself to us guys and gals, and giving us this forum to stay in touch with each other...... I hope you are truly aware of all the good you've done with this....... I admit that I haven't been one to openly express my feelings and thoughts and have gotten bogged down with serious thoughts of "why",and "how", the Vietnam era has affected SOME of us so strongly....... WINKS poem, for one thing, has hit me pretty hard, and to paraphase his line, "It doesn't matter which round did the damage, what matters is, there is damage." Who caused it, doesn't matter, who won or lost, doesn't matter, who pulled the trigger, or made the mistake that killed, doesn't matter...... What matters is IT DID HAPPEN, and it affected a lot of us......... It affected us in different ways, some minor, some major, but it DID affect us......... Thanks to you for allowing us to vent our feelings, and hopefully others see them, and share those feelings as their own, and know that they are not alone..... THANKS MARK....... And DEE,,,,,,,, When I first met you up at the Pop-A-Top, back in April 2002, you fixed me a pizza and coke,and Welcomed me Home, and made me feel really special that day....... I have a picture of you and Mark and I of that day, and it's special to me..... When you stopped by our house last June, Jean says you made her feel the same way........ and we have pictures of that day also..... You are a very special lady to allow all of us to interfere with your life and family........ You have so many things going on all the time with the special kids you teach, yours and Marks family, your community, and US!!!!! ....... Not many people have the patience to put up with so much... THANK YOU DEE, for allowing Mark to allow US into your world......... I hope you both realize how much you mean to us, and never, ever feel that we don't appreciate all you do...... OK, enough of this blubbering....... It isn't macho, but I really don't care........ Hopefully, you can BOTH read this and know how you're loved and appreciated....... ktf....
C.P.
- Monday, November 14, 2005 at 14:57:18 (MST)
just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in.......
Stacy McLain <smclain@aol.com>
flagstaff, az USA - Monday, November 14, 2005 at 13:23:46 (MST)
HI AGAIN I READ I NOTIVE I LEFT THE H OUT AND SAID MELLO TO YOU ALL . BUT NOW AS I THINK OF THATS NOT SO BAD LOL LOVE YOU ALL RAY
RAY <STILINGWATING@AOL.COM>
MD USA - Monday, November 14, 2005 at 07:50:49 (MST)
mello to all. i hope all is well for all maark not sure but this what i have frenchie745@comcast.net hope it works i still need yours glad to see you and dee doing well how are you doing dont like to put names then i feel i leftsome out, dont want to do that, love you al i will always will for you all. rick thanks and alex thanks for the call. a brother always ray. you all mean a lot to me
rAY <stilwating@aol.com>
md USA - Monday, November 14, 2005 at 07:47:08 (MST)
frenchie745@comcast.net This is the one I use Mark I think it still works. Flight be careful out Oh! I remember seeing wink poem in the VHCMA newsletter When i first joined idon't think I met you wink yet.
Rick England
USA - Monday, November 14, 2005 at 07:47:05 (MST)
Well, here I set, let's see, 7 houses down and across the street from our old house. lil' 2 bedroom apartment, kitchen, living room. That's it. It's comfortable and homie. lived in the other house for 27 years. All 3 of our daughters walked out that back door to go to kinder-garden, and all 3 of our girls walked out that back door to get married. It's been a good ole' home but times are a changin'. Hope to be here less then a year. Plans are to purchase some lots in a near by woods just down the street and put a log cabin up. Ain't got no log cabin yet. Ain't got no lots yet, but that's the plan. Dee and I have wanted to live in a log cabin for a long time. Our youngest and her husband are buying the old house all they sold theirs and thinks started to happen fast but all seem to fall into place this weekend. So here we are. Just because the place is smaller, anybody, at anytime can still come and stay with us.................I love all of you........take care and God Bless.......always a brother.................
Mark
USA - Sunday, November 13, 2005 at 21:00:55 (MST)
Anybody got Bill french's e-mail address?..................always a brother
Mark
USA - Sunday, November 13, 2005 at 20:45:00 (MST)
WINK.....I am so glad that your story is finally up. I am very sorry for it taking so long to get it there. There have been 2 other stories inserted also. " I Wake Up" and " Thinking and Wondering" by one who wants to remain anonymous. All excellant writings. Thanks guys.....Robbie, prayers for your brother. Sometimes it is hard for us to understand God's will. But His word tells us that " He works all things out, for the good of Man". Faith my brother, faith. Fred Alvis,........................................................................shrugs. No words, under the sun, anybody can say here will fill that void. A shared joy , is a double joy. A shared sorry is only half a sorry. We celebrated with you with your life with Susan. We now sorry with you. Don't reach inside of yourself to ease the sorry. As I said, nothing under the sun will help. What will help is higher up, in the Heavens, above the sun. I love you brother..........I love all of you..........Ray, hang tuff brother................
Mark
USA - Sunday, November 13, 2005 at 20:28:53 (MST)
I was in the 129th nov 1965 nov 1966 Im looking for two of the pilots Lt Ushery& WO2 Burton I need to get in contact with them to help with my records Email me please
Glenn Pearmain <trailnsage@yahoo.com>
Lonetree, Wy USA - Sunday, November 13, 2005 at 17:03:28 (MST)
cp, yes its ok to let your kids read it. i guess without knowing it when i wrote it that it was written with all of us in mind.i might of wrote it but it belongs to all of us.i let my two oldest read it an they understand me better for it.so let anyone who wants to read it let them.you said your son dosen't have much interest in our past, let your daughter read it frist,than let your daughter pass it on to your son to read.just let your son know it there for him if he wants to read it. an thanks for writting about rascy. i was home on speical leave when rascy got it.when i got back to company, know one would talk about how rascy bought it, other than getting it between the eyes.for years i blamed myself for rascy death because i was not there for him. when i got into the cobra plattoon rascy was assigned to train me. he train me well an in that time we became close,so you can understand how i felt when i returned from laeve.for many years i carried this with me , even now ,as i write, i have butterflies in my stomich an tears in my eyes.while in the stress unit in the montrose v.a. i can to grips with my thoughts. i learned that it was not my fault, but the pain an sorrow i fell is still with. but i now can deal with a lot better. i let my feelings go . where years ago i would try to surpress those feelings about rascy.the night i wrote the poem i could'nt sleep so i got out bed an went to the livingroom to watch tv. while watching a movie the poem started coming to me.i spent all night writting it . i've always thought that rascy helped me write the poem, because i wrote the poem in april of 1997, an if memory serves me correctly that the month we lost rascy. i know it sounds crazy but i think he was right there helping me write my poem.six months later i had the flash back that put me in the v.a..i guess that should be enough for now. think i got carried away with myself. sorry. alvis, the day that we all have not being looking forward too has come.an i think i speak for all who knows sue that a part of us is sadden by her leaving for her home land an like you we will also miss her. our thoughts are with you. may all our thought on this day, veterans day, bring comfort too all of us. wink.
wink
lake wales, fl USA - Sunday, November 13, 2005 at 09:04:01 (MST)
My flower,in my garden of life,is gone.The season sets my mood now..easing into winter.My home,my happy,warm home,is simply a house now.We left here at 7am for Chicago,I just returned,at 8:15pm.Long,long,sad day.We took my dog with us,I got her as a pup 6 years ago.I gave her away to a good family with kids.Susan beat me,she arrived in L.A. before I returned home.The house is dark and quiet,lonely.The scent of her hair will remain with me,on her pillow,in an otherwise empty,cold bed.Soon,that to,will be taken away from me.Snow has been forecast,the frost is here now.I walked in the door when I returned,poked my head in,and said,with a tear in my eye,"honey,I'm home.
alvis
USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 18:53:01 (MST)
Wink. C.P. here..... Thank you for your dedication to Racey...... I was there also when the round ricocheted off his gun mount and came up and hit him between the eyes.... They struggled hard to save him in Quinhon, but couldn't..... May he and all the fallen rest in peace....... Wink, I also want to thank you for your story, "Dad, what was the worst thing you saw in Vietnam?" With your permission, I'll show it to my two children.... My daughter has been asking questions about my past, but my son hasn't shown much interest...... I think someday he will, and hopefully, he'll understand how I became the way I am...... Jean, my wife, read your story, and says it helps her understand some of the things we went through......... Alvis wrote a short story a while ago about himself, that she also read, and she said to me; "That sounds exactly like you"..... I, for one, truly appreciate you, Alvis, Masencup, Mark, Liz, Johnson, and all the others, that have told OUR stories so well...... Those of us that don't seem to have your talent, We thank you....... ktf,
C.P.
USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 17:22:18 (MST)
Kal you hit the lotto. It was the clerk typist at the time. The orders I have was for an air medal in Oct.66 it was the 129th AHC. The orders were dated 9 april 67. But TDY orders to the 5th Special Forces was Sept.66 and was dated Oct.66 As the 129th AVN. So, I am still confused as ever. The only way I see it. That the unit became the 129th AHC between. Jan.to April 66 Take Care Alex
Alex
USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 15:54:20 (MST)
Well guys.. There must have been a couple of typests along the way that were in different companys. I just looked at my first air medal orders and as of Nov 27, 1967 it was the 129th Avn Co APO 96238. Lt Steven Atkins of the 129th was also on the same orders. So, I guess it is who you talk to or ask. I have my orders for appointment to Aircraft Comander on 20 June, 1968 and they call the company the 129th AHC.. So it was in there somewhere that the name was changed or used as the user saw fit. Take care all..Kal...>>>
Kal Bergstrom 67/68
Saint Joseph, MI USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 14:19:30 (MST)
Jeff, Rick.....I agree. I was assigned to 129th Assault Helicopter Co in 67. Alvis, my thoughts are with you today Brother....call if you need to.
Gale
USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 09:07:16 (MST)
Yea Paul a good one not happy. Fred that is good to hear. My orders say the 129th assalt helicopter co. I got there in Jan 68.I don't know when it started. Flight be careful out there
Rick England
USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 08:24:44 (MST)
Hey Guys I check my flight records and as of October 1967 the title of the 129th was Assault Helicopter Company. I will continue to research but I think the orders assigning me to the company said 129th Assault Helicopter Company. Jeff
Jeff Lashbrook <jefflash@aol.com>
Little Rock, AR USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 07:23:20 (MST)
paryer said for your brother Robbie.
alvis
USA - Friday, November 11, 2005 at 21:42:05 (MST)
have a good veterans day. i don't say happy because there are a lot of us that have trouble being happy on any day of the year.we all need to find some way to get together and stop the government from putting the screws to us. that might make us somewhat happier. god help us all
paul mcgrath
oglesby, il USA - Friday, November 11, 2005 at 17:53:05 (MST)
Hope all my Brothers have a safe VETERANS DAY. Always A Brother Alex
Alex
USA - Friday, November 11, 2005 at 15:31:32 (MST)
Want to thank all the Veterans who have gone before ( you had our front). The Veterans who were with me then ( you all had my back then). The Veterans who have been since & are doing it now ( you have our backs now). Everyone who has suffered a loss of a Veteran or with a Veteran. You were & are our Countrys' strenghth. Have a good Veterans Day & may we all have Peace someday>>>>>>>>>>Respects>>>>>Smitty
jim westwang 71-72
sheridan, wy USA - Friday, November 11, 2005 at 14:51:38 (MST)
Ray, good to hear from you. Sorry about you getting lost. Didn't you have your directional gizmo with you, or is it just for the car? Anyway, I hope you start feeling more up to par. Mark------- a new house huh? Good luck with all of that. My brother told me his cancer count is back up and he is going in for more tests. They think the cancer might have moved again. Hope everyone has a good Veterans Day....Rob
Robbie
Rochester, NY USA - Friday, November 11, 2005 at 12:03:48 (MST)
HAPPY VETERANS DAY!!! You guys are the definition of Americans...I love you all.
Ali Sanders <alikatt22804@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, NC USA - Friday, November 11, 2005 at 11:18:08 (MST)
we'll be off line in a few days until I don't know when. Moving to an apartment. Kids sold their house and are moving in here. We are getting out so they can remodel. Plans for Dee and I are to build new with in a year..........always a brother.....
Mark
USA - Friday, November 11, 2005 at 09:50:25 (MST)
sorry,left this out...it should be anounced tomorrow on vets day or within the next few days.
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 10, 2005 at 21:24:42 (MST)
ok boys, you heard it here first on the 129th site....V.A. is no longer doing reviews on 72 thousand vietnam vets for PtSd or other 100%ers.They have been told to stop the huge waste of time,resources,and money.Hope this makes many of you breath eaiser and get a dark presence away from the background of your piece of mind. Congrads brothers.
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 10, 2005 at 21:22:56 (MST)
Hello to all........going to the Marine Corps Ball at the AL in a local town.......Happy Birthday Marines, (I think that would be only Ron Paye and me as far as I know) and Thanks for serving to all Vets on veterans Day.........love ya all....God Bless...always a brother.........
Mark
USA - Thursday, November 10, 2005 at 15:56:27 (MST)
HELLO TO ALL SORRY FOR NOT WRITING ON MORE, BUT GET READY FOR TESTS. NOW I FIND OUT I HAVE TO GO TO THE BLOOD BAK EVERY 2 WEEKS FOR ABOUT 3 MONYHS DUMP OUT A PINT OF BLOOD. THEY SAY MY BODY IS MAKING TO MUCH BLOOD AND I GAVE TO MANY RED CELS I ASKED HOW COME ALL OF A SUDDEN HE SAID HE DIDNT KNOW. AAND THEY ARE STILL WORKING ON THAT OTHER PROBLEM I BEEN HAVING I GO FOR THAT TEST DEC 13. I GOT LOST TAKING MY WIFE TO THE STORE THAT I USE TO GO ALL THE TIME BUT I HAD TO STOP AND CAL GAIL HOW TO GET THERE. I GUESS THATS WHY I DONT POST I DONT GET ONMUCH I DO AT TIMES GET ON TO SAY HI AND SEE HOW ALL ARE DOING MOST OF THE TIME NO REPLAY BUT I DO GET CALLS FRON SOME. JUST DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY. BUT NO MATER WHAT I LOVE YOU ALL REALY JUST SO MUCH HOING ON IN MY MIND SORRY CC I SEE YOU TRYING TO SAY HI BUT MOST OF THE TIME I LEAVE THE PUTER ON AND SIT ON THE COUCH IAM NOT INGORING YOU HONEST WELL I WENT ON ENOUGHT OH GENTLY TAKE CARE A BROTHER ALWAYS RAY A HELLO TO MIS ALI NICE TO MEET YOU
RAY <stilwating@aol>
MD USA - Thursday, November 10, 2005 at 13:41:07 (MST)
Fred, if you want I can send you a scan of the 129th Aviation Company patch
Rainer Bauer
Indy, USA - Thursday, November 10, 2005 at 11:56:13 (MST)
Thanks Ernie....another tidbit falls into place.
Alvis
USA - Thursday, November 10, 2005 at 05:39:22 (MST)
They added the assault in 1969.
Ernie Gschwender <ernieg3@hotmail.com>
Lincoln Park, MI USA - Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 20:36:09 (MST)
HEY Gale,the guy is suppose to be here the 21st to interview folks for jobs in iraq.I am going to go talk to him around 11am or so.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 20:24:23 (MST)
Frank, thanks for the come back on Don Trout. I've written it down this time and will put it on the back of my picture in case my memory fails again. What do I mean in case it fails again? It's been cold with thunderstorms all day here. Hope the rest of the flight is ok. Ray, get on here and give us an update Brother. Haven't heard from you in awhile....Rob
Robbie
Rochester, NY USA - Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 14:07:26 (MST)
Thats an interesting bit of fact.Thanks kal.Another piece of the 129th story falls into place. So,wonder when they started calling some chopper units assault.I am pretty sure I know the whys.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 07:16:08 (MST)
Thats an interesting bit of fact.Thanks kal.Another piece of the 129th story falls into place. So,wonder when they started calling some chopper units assault.I am pretty sure I know the whys.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 07:16:01 (MST)
Fred... It was the 129th Avn Co back when I was there. They must have changed it after I left, Oct of 68. I always thought the the "Assault Helicopter Company" sounded better, just my thoughts though. Ya'll take care.. C ya... Kal...>>>
Kal Bergstrom 67/68
Saint Joseph, MI USA - Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 05:57:49 (MST)
Ali I don't have AOL but will be looking forward to seeing you at the reunion. You have my phone # if you need anybody to talk to or send me your phnoe # BC. Everybody you be careful out there
Rick England
USA - Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 03:36:55 (MST)
Hey guys...I don't have msn messanger but I do have AOL IM sooo whoever has that let me know i'd love to talk on there, it sure is a hell of a lot easier. And Yes, I WILL be making it to Pheonix for the reunion. Love you guys
Ali Sanders <alikatt22804@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, NC USA - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 22:48:31 (MST)
Robbie, your great big Plt Sgt was SFC Don Trout. Take care all. Frank
Frank Loveday
Bastrop, La. USA - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 21:13:39 (MST)
anyone notice that above our kia's names,on "509",that its spelled 129th aviation company,not 129th ahc? Just wondering.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 18:06:57 (MST)
flight: i see kal mentioned it a couple times and i'll jump on the bandwagon also. messenger has gotten pretty lonely lately. kal and i talk pretty often but haven't seen a whole lot of anybody else on. Ali: if you want to talk to some of the people on here in real time you should try msn messenger also. if you are interested say so on the flight log and we can send you our contact information. if you don't have msn messenger and want it we can proabably get rick jensen to talk you thru it. he is the msn guru on here i never had the chance to meet your dad but he sounds like an interesting person.lets see if we can get some more activity on msn around 7pm central time cul8ter paul
paul mcgrath
oglesby, il USA - Monday, November 07, 2005 at 17:24:20 (MST)
CP are you still out there or did you drop off the face of the earth. i know there must have been a terrible accident that permanently affected your typing finger. seriously tho we are somewhat concerned that no one has heard from you paul
paul mcgrath
oglesby, il USA - Monday, November 07, 2005 at 17:10:20 (MST)
Hi Robbie... I understand abt you not being able to make the ride, new job and all.. No problem.. Ali, I didn't meet your dad at the reunion but sure do remember him in his Cav Stetson and the Proposal, neat... Glad to see you making friends here and I hope everything are going well for you. It is good to see you post and see that you are getting some good out of the contacts you are making here.. Pretty good bunch of people. I am sure that if you make it to a reunion we all would be honored to meet you in person. Hey Gale, I hope you and Debbie are doing well, come on up to the MS Messinger some time and chat....Matter of fact, all of you ought to give Messinger a try, it works pretty good and is a nice easy way to converse.. Take care... Kal...>>>
Kal Bergstrom 67/68
Saint Joseph, MI USA - Monday, November 07, 2005 at 16:00:40 (MST)
Fred A. I went to Phils site and did see a picture of 265 that I took. That was the one and only day I had my platoon sgt flying gunner for me. That guy was about 7'2 or so tall. Can't remember his name. Someone on the flight log remembered him and put his name in here once. If you could post again, I'll write it down on the back of the picture this time. Kal................I really don't think I can get enough time off from work to go on a ride like that. Wish I could, but I don't think so. I just got done putting new sprockets and chain on Saturday. Rides nice with no slap and has more pep because of the one tooth smaller sprocket on the rear. Couldn't get the size it came with. I probably don't have many more days of riding here..Rob
Robbie
Rochester, NY USA - Monday, November 07, 2005 at 15:42:15 (MST)
Hey Alvis.. Tell Susan Happy Birthday for me.. I hope the doghouse was nice and cosy for you.. Only response, so far, has been from Mark. I am hoping CP and a couple others will be giving it a shot too. As I said it is still a long way off but time has been flying, for me at least, and it will be time to head out before you know it. It looks like you guys down there in Indiana had quite a blow.. Hope all are OK...Ray, it was nice chatting with you up on MS Messinger. It works pretty well... Take care all..C U L8r... Kal...>>>
Kal Bergstrom 67/68
Saint Joseph, MI USA - Monday, November 07, 2005 at 15:39:51 (MST)
Hey guys...just saying hi since I haven't posted anything on here in a while...hope everyone is doing well. I'm thankful that I've made some friends through this website so quickly. I know my dad is proud of me...if only he was here. Love you guys, and ALL of you keep in touch!!! Much love, Ali
Ali Sanders <alikatt22804@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, NC USA - Sunday, November 06, 2005 at 23:55:24 (MST)
ut oh,its 8 pm and just remembered its Susans birthday....hope the dog house is warm and dry tonight......gotta go.
alvis
USA - Sunday, November 06, 2005 at 18:03:10 (MST)
death count is up to 22.Yes Gale,would like to have a mini.Trying to sell Susans car,no luck so far.She leaves saterday,her daughter,Tiffany,arived today to spend the last days with her mom.Jim,got your letter.thanks buddy. hope your doing better.Kal,hope the mail has been good to you.
alvis
USA - Sunday, November 06, 2005 at 17:03:31 (MST)
Alvis, ok here! As usual, lots of limbs down in the yard. Debbie's sister & brother live In Evansville, but, all were spared. You still talkin' about getting together before Christmas? Let me know. Gale
Gale
USA - Sunday, November 06, 2005 at 14:25:46 (MST)
Gale,Rainer,Ron,things ok at your places? Wind last night come thru here tearing holy hell out of anything not tied down.Busted my fence gates open ( padlocked and barred from the inside) but other than that,we are ok.Seems evansville got hit hardest,12 dead so far.
alvis
USA - Sunday, November 06, 2005 at 11:08:53 (MST)
was just nosing around Phils site (again).I believe there are 3 or 4 pics in the gallery from our unit,Bird 265,one that says popasan and one that says free and easy.They show the bulldog on the nose.
alvis
USA - Saturday, November 05, 2005 at 07:23:49 (MST)
Alvis wrote: As I ask before, anyone ever heard of Joe DePuglia,says he was with the 129th 69/70.He posted on phils site and i am courious if its true or if he is a wanna be. alvis USA - Monday, October 24, 2005 at 21:31:02 (MDT) Ya Alvis. Joe Depuglia does exist and he's no wanna be. I flew with him during most of 1970. His call sign was "Sir Francis". In fact, I went to see him a couple of years ago in No. Ca. I was a real god visit. Still send him emails, crappy jokes, etc. I wish I'd remember to check in here more often.
Larry Kwiatkowski
Simi Valley, CA USA - Saturday, November 05, 2005 at 00:26:12 (MST)
Kal, I'll take the call for that mission!
Mark
USA - Friday, November 04, 2005 at 20:56:46 (MST)
Kal, just maybe I can get off enough time to play "chase car" and go along. Will have to see.
alvis
USA - Friday, November 04, 2005 at 17:31:32 (MST)
Hello Bite and Strikers!!.. I was just sitting here thinking about the upcoming reunion in Pheonix, and even though it is still 7 and a half months off was wondering if there is anyone interested in riding their motorcycle this year. I am interested in seeing who, as I don't want to ride alone that far. I will be retired then and won't be in a hurry which lends the trip to being a site seeing as well reunion attending trip. Me, being from Michigan would like to meet up with others along I-70 and ride on from there as we did last year to San Antonio. Any thought are welcome. Mark, CP, Pete Rhome, Robbie, Ron Paye and anyone else interested can post here or email me with questions or answers. If there is no interest, I will have to make air reservations and the earlier the better for that. I hope everyone is doing well and I am looking foreward to seeing you in Pheonix.. Never too early to start making plans..Later.... Kal...
Kal Bergstrom 67/68 <n8auu (at) email dot com>
Saint Joseph, Mich USA - Friday, November 04, 2005 at 17:17:34 (MST)
Welcome home John. alvis,71/72
alvis
USA - Friday, November 04, 2005 at 03:17:52 (MST)
Served with 129th January 71 thru August 71 just found website. Call sign Bulldog 25 look forward to returning to site.
John A. Jones <display6@aol.com>
Spokane, WA USA - Thursday, November 03, 2005 at 19:06:05 (MST)
Fred, got the letter & sent one straight back, letter is fine >>> thanks >>jim
jim westwang 71-72
sher, wy USA - Thursday, November 03, 2005 at 16:16:48 (MST)
Just recieved a letter from the State Of Indiana tax folks.Tis a questionair about the 129th ahc assoc. They want to know how much we took in and how much went out.chuckle, that will be an easy short chore.
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 03, 2005 at 13:43:07 (MST)
Thanks for posting the website for my dad's proposal to Stephanie...it was very hard to watch...I miss my dad so much. I want to definitely come to the reunion and plan on starting to save my money. A friend of mine will also be attending hopefully...Alvis- I got your email but it had no writing, I saw your message about there being an error. no problem...Does anyone know of any other websites that might speak of my father??...I had a breakdown last night when reading some of his poems I found on the net, and some of the old pics of him and me I found in my picture box. Everyone please talk to me, I feel like you guys are an important piece of my father that is still tangible...I love you guys...
Ali Sanders <alikatt22804@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, NC USA - Wednesday, November 02, 2005 at 19:02:36 (MST)
tried writting ali early today,was error on letter. Bro. Leroy wanted ali's addy,so I sent it to him.or rather,posted it on heli vets...........Jim,you get the letter?
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 02, 2005 at 18:20:46 (MST)
Just got caught up on the log after not looking for a few days. Mark, you're absolutely right about all of that stuff with the trees and such. I'll settle up with Larry when I see him again. I think he knew that young girl had a problem and that's why he said he would take the Momasan. Hope the rest of the flight has a good winter....Rob
Robbie
Rochester, NY USA - Wednesday, November 02, 2005 at 11:41:38 (MST)
Ali, I met your father for the first time at the reunion in San Antonio this year. We sat at the Saturday night dinner table with he and Stef. In just the few minutes we had to share with him, I found him to be a person who enjoyed life to the fullest. We could also tell that he was totally in love with Stef - and she with him!! I took the video of him proposing to Stef. If you go to the website: http://www.VietnamHeloReunion.com/book.htm you'll see a green book cover. Scroll down to the bottom of the book cover and look on the right side and you'll see a silver dot with no label. You can double click on it to watch the proposal. If you'd like to download it - right click on it and select "Save Target As". You'll probably need high speed internet or a lot of patience as the file is very large. I would also encourage you to attend the VHCMA reunion in Phoenix next June (www.vhcma.org)! God bless you and be safe! Bill Wolf
Bill Wolf <VNHeloReunion@aol.com>
USA - Wednesday, November 02, 2005 at 10:24:15 (MST)
Rick, thanks for emailing, it meant a lot...I want to thank everyone else for caring so much about my father, he was one hell of a person, not to mention one hell of a poet. I will be checking this message board out everyday to hopefully continue to learn about my father and to make new friends myself. Maybe I'll even make it to a reunion. Keep in touch everyone, and PLEASE email me with any info about my dad, or just to speak of him...I miss him so much...
Ali Sanders <alikatt22804@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, NC USA - Wednesday, November 02, 2005 at 09:24:52 (MST)
I just went in to get info on Popeye. I haven't been in there for long time this has happened before. I doubt if I go back now. some of them in there do not know when to keep there mouth shut and treat some like shit. be careful out there
Rick England
USA - Wednesday, November 02, 2005 at 08:47:03 (MST)
Rick,my heart goes out to her.I will e-mail her later. I think we might have a tough go of it trying to keep the poetry reading going.Popeye put all of his weight behind that one and still had tough going.Yes,I agree,it should carry his name.Helivets was very disrupted when they threw Stef out cause she wasnt a bona-fied member.Lots of folks left at the cold heartedness of it all.I was pretty angry myself.Seems like some of the boys in there want to keep it just men,and not necessairly helicopter people,fixed wingers are in there as well.Like you,I am thinking of getting out of it.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 02, 2005 at 04:54:36 (MST)
Fred I e-mailed Ali. Maybe you have some stufff from Heli Vets. I told her to come to the reunion she would learn more about her father and us there. I am sure Steph will be there. I would like it if they would name the poem reading after Popeye. What do you think guys. Flight be careful out there
Rick England
USA - Wednesday, November 02, 2005 at 04:02:59 (MST)
My name is Ali SANDERS, the only daughter, only child of JIMMIE POPEYE SANDERS...I have been desperately looking everywhere I can on the web to find his friends and anything and everything about him. I hate to say, but say it with truth, that I wasn't very interested in his past in Vietnam...I'm seventeen years old and am the typical highschool girl. I beat myself up constantly because I know I could've learned more about his past...before he died. I love my father very much, and I know he is watching me... I want to talk to anyone and everyone about my daddy. I'm not sure if he's ever mentioned me or not, but it would make me smile to get in contact with his most close friends....his brothers...my dad was an AMAZING person...he was everything, a hero, a soldier, a husband, a teacher, a parent....I miss him terribly...I love seeing his name all over the net and all the good things his buddies say. I type in "Jimmie Popeye Sanders" in the yahoo search engine and BAM! his name is everywhere... My dad was one of God's most perfect creations and I told him days before he died that I would do great things in life for him, and in return he told me he would be there to watch me, no matter where he was...At his funeral I read Fiddler's Green in his honor...thats his favorite poem. I also read it the night before he died...I told him everything would be ok. I'm sorry I'm so emotional, but I miss him. ANYONE...please email me with any information about my father...I know he had many friends and its my duty to carry on the Sanders way of doing things. JIMMIE POPEYE SANDERS WILL FOREVER BE WITH US!
Ali Sanders <alikatt22804@yahoo.com>
Wilmington, NC USA - Tuesday, November 01, 2005 at 18:32:06 (MST)
Wink - got your package today! Thanks - I'll scan the photos and return them. As for the rest of you - get on the cyclic stick and get your packages compelted and sent in!!! Ray - I expect to hear some good music from that fute next time!!!! Bill
Bill Wolf <VNHeloReunion@aol.com>
USA - Tuesday, November 01, 2005 at 15:24:35 (MST)
HELLO TO ALL . JUST SAYING HI, ITS BEEN A WHILE SINCE I POSTED I GUESS IAM OK. JUST NEED TO GET OUT AND DO IT/ I STILL WALK MY 2 MILES A DAY BUT COMESO TIRED, I USED TO IT WELL. I SEEN MY CONSLER TO DAY, LIKE ALWAY I FEEL BETTER AFTER, THEN WHEN I GET HOME O WONDER HOW I DID, IF I SAID THE RIGHT WORDS. I DO KNOW WHEN HE BRINGS UP NAM I DO STRAW FROM IT I GOT TO STOP THAT, I DONT KNOW WHY I DO IT, I AM WAITING FOR A DATE FOR THOSE CAMERA TEST YOU KNOW THE ONE WHERE NO CAMERA SHOULD GO, WELL KAL HOW ARE YOU DOING. HAND EVERY BODY ELES CP HPW ARE YOU BEEN I HAVENT HEARD FROM YOU. AND GENTLY HOW ARE THINGS , ITS HARD TO SAY ALL THE NAMES BUT LOVE YOU ALL. TAKE CARE. A BROTHER ALWAYS RAY
RAY <stilwating@aol.com>
md USA - Tuesday, November 01, 2005 at 14:08:34 (MST)
I absolutely do not believe that.Excretmentsfrom our bodies,whether liquid or simi solid form,have had ALL the nutrients extracted,as well as having out bodies poisens depostited in them.Futher more,urine cannot support the bodies need for water,in fact,it willk rob the body of water...why do you think folks die of thirst in the desert or on the ocean.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 01, 2005 at 07:04:54 (MST)