I wasn't at ground zero for the earthquake, but I shure got the heck shook out of me. I was outside when it hit. At first I thought a large truck was passing by, but then to many things started to rock and roll. I thought it would be over almost before it began, but it kept on rolling. Standing felt like surfing as the ground rolled under my feet. A few more seconds and I would have been sea-sick. The power lines, to my surprise, did not sway in the tremor, but the trees were moving east to west like an 80 mph wind was blowing. I helped man the Emergency Operatins Center in Renton and learned that a slide had blocked the Cedar River. The river was backing up, one house was lost (it had been gutted by fire a month ago. Talk about bad luck for that home owner!) another house was in danger of being flooded. If a channel was not opened soon, water could build up and then cause a flash flood when the dam let loose. Luckily, a large excavator was nearby and was able to cut a channel. All I did the rest of the day was track equipment that went back in service and available for another emergency call. Lots of chimneys fell, lots of brick fronts fell in the old part of town, and a few gas mains and water lines broke. It will be a little while before everything is back to order. At home we lost power for a few hours and a few things fell off the shelf, but all OK. Got word this morning before the earthquake that the patches are ready! Mark, I will take you up on your offer and send some patches for you to take to the reunion. 129th May-Oct 1968.
Dan Hertlein <dhert10408@aol.com>
Sumner, WA USA - Wednesday, February 28, 2001 at 22:20:08 (MST)
I hope that none of our 129th comrades or their families in Washington were involved in the earthquake today.We wish you all the best of luck! Gale
Gale Beard 1967-68 <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In USA - Wednesday, February 28, 2001 at 20:21:03 (MST)
Olen W. Garrett wast in the 129th on 9 Aug 68. SP4 63B20. I have a copy of orders awarding him the Aircrewmans Badge dated 9 Aug 68. He was there, anyone else remember him? If so pass it along to Melody.
Ted (Gus) Gustafson <tgus@brainerd.net>
Brainerd, MN USA - Tuesday, February 27, 2001 at 06:02:37 (MST)
When I first got involved in the VFW, I became friends with a B-17 pilot. He always snorted at the hype about the FLYING FORTRESS! His words " A beer can had thicker walls than that thing did! Goebbels' wasn't the only proppaganda master in WWII!" His retort to the comment that the 'fort' would bring you home when noting else would, was; ask the 55000who didn't live to say that! In spite of the cynicism, he professed a love for those planes that made for a lot of nights discussion of the joy of flying. That's the way I feel about the Old, Slow, Huey. Just as I know a 55 chevy was never as reliable as one of the new models, I still smile when I see one! I think that the Huey fits about mid way between the original Sikorsky and todays high tech rigs, but, it was my first time, and..... who ever forgets the FIRST time???? Keep em out of the weeds!!Kim
Kim La Voie <kimlav@megalink.net>
Livermore, Me USA - Monday, February 26, 2001 at 17:37:39 (MST)
I'm not sure if this the right place but I am looking if my uncle was in this company. It says he was in the 129th Avn Co 208th Avn Bn. His name was Olen Wayne Garrett. He was a gunner on a helicopter. If any of you know if he was in this company please let me know. Melody Pershall
Melody Pershall <melodypershall@hotmail.com>
Amarillo, TX USA - Saturday, February 24, 2001 at 14:20:59 (MST)
Flight: been reading some of the commo. Yes! we can,t name one of the men killed in the helicopter crash. I never seen much on the news about it. But, have to agree with the writer of the email to Mark. It's a sad note for country,that other news dominates the media. Also agree with Kim. History is passing by fast. 10 years ago I joined the VIETNAM HELICOPTER CREW MEMBERS ASSO. with the purpose of finding the guys from the 129th I served proudly with. I took me 8 years to find the first Glenn Pearmain and last year at LZ Coldwater finally met up with Rainer Bauer and kally Bergstrom. And have had the opportunity of meeting ohter 129th members at the VHCMA reunion last year. Time isn't as plenty as it was . It passes by to fast as the older we get. Alot of us may not be in the best of health,and don't know what lies ahead. My time in the 129th was alwasys there! I have forgot alot of things. But, never forgot the 129th and our kia's. I am looking forward to the Louisville reunion in June. Having the opportunity to seeand meet new and old friends from the 129th. Mark has done a HELL of a job bringing the 129th together after all these years. But,we need to get the word out that the Vietnam Vets and units like the 129th are looking for these men. There's alot of men from the 129th out there. And don't that were looking for them. Take care my Bro's! Alex
Alex Fernwalt <alfern@bellsouth.net>
Memphis, Tn. USA - Friday, February 23, 2001 at 09:52:00 (MST)
Hey everybody.........always good to be here and really great to see all the commo going down...........Pete Rhome, Thanks for the kind words about the Pop-A-Top. We are not just a bar, but a server of fine food also. Yesturday for our lunch special, we served over 65 heads. As you could see, we are doing a great business there.......and Pete tells no lies about the spirits in the joint. Beleive me brothers and sisters, the guys are there!!!!!!!!!!.....Pete you probably right, them hooligans are belly up to the bar after closing time;-))))......no wonder my Jack Danials always keeps running low!!!!!!!............Hey all......did you see the post from Dan Herlein about having some more 129th patchs coming soon. If you dont have one yet, I advise you to get one for a keep sake. I ordered 5 more for myself Dan. The check is in the mail. Ya know Flight, Dan sinks his own money into the patches and does not make a penny off of them. Whatta ya say we help him out and run him outts pstches again so he can recover his cost. THANKS DAN for a job well done, and the oppertunity for us to have the beautiful patches...DAN if you like......you could send some to me and I can take them to the gig in Louisville and see if some of the guys there need some there??????? Again my friends.........it is always my pleasure to be a small part of your world of so long ago, and the present........and just plain thankful that so many of you are still out there. Last roll call, we are 171 strong. I received this on e-mail yesterday I printed many copies out and placed in the Pop-A-Top today for all the lunch special to read. I leave you with this................. debbie.garcia@16cav.knox.army.mil Writes........................ I think this puts things into perspective for mainstream America On 18 February 2001, while racing for fame and fortune, Dale Earnhardt died in the last lap of the Daytona 500. It was surely a tragedy for his family, friends and fans. He was 49 years old with grown children, one, which was in the race. I am new to the NASCAR culture so much of what I know has come from the newspaper and TV. He was a winner and earned everything he had. This included more than "$41 million in winnings and ten times that from endorsements and souvenir sales". He had a beautiful home and a private jet. He drove the most sophisticated cars allowed and every part was inspected and replaced as soon as there was any evidence of wear. This is normally fully funded by the car and team sponsors. Today,there is no TV station that does not constantly remind us of his tragic end and the radio already has a song of tribute to this winning driver. Nothing should be taken away from this man, he was a professional and the best in his profession. He was in a very dangerous business but the rewards were great. Two weeks ago seven U.S. Army soldiers died in a training accident when two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters collided during night maneuvers in Hawaii. The soldiers were all in their twenties, pilots, crewchiefs and infantrymen. Most of them lived in sub-standard housing. If you add their actual duty hours (in the field, deployed) they probably earn something close to minimum wage. The aircraft they were in were between 15 and 20 years old. Many times parts were not available to keep them in good shape due to funding. They were involved in the extremely dangerous business of flying in the Kuhuku mountains at night. It only gets worse when the weather moves in as it did that night. Most times no one is there with a yellow or red flag to slow things down when it gets critical. Their children where mostly toddlers who will lose all memory of who "Daddy" was as they grow up. They died training to defend our freedom. I take nothing away from Dale Earnhardt but ask you to perform this simple test. Ask any of your friends if they know who was the NASCAR driver killed on 18 February 2001. Then ask them if they can name one of the seven soldiers who died in Hawaii two weeks ago. 18 February 2001, Dale Earnhardt died driving for fame and glory at the Daytona 500. The nation mourns. Seven soldiers died training to protect our freedom. No one can remember their names and most don't even remember the incident. Mark Jackson writes; Sadly, I too, am guilty of this, always a brother, Mark MARK JACKSON (POP-A-TOPII) PROUD BROTHER OF LARRY JACKSON (THE ORIGINAL POP-A-TOP) OF THE 129TH ASSAULT HELICOPTER COMPANY BINH DINH PROVINCE,AN SON, IICORPS,SOUTH VIET NAM DECEMBER,19 1968..TILL KIA..SEPTEMBER,12 1969 ( Larry's 21st birthday ) ( the last radio transmission between the "257", and the ground ) "TURNING INBOUND TO THE BEACON AND CLIMBING TO 6,000FT" ***************LETS GO HOME LARRY****************** .................to be continued forever................................................
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Friday, February 23, 2001 at 01:41:01 (MST)
Was talking to an old Nam Crew chief at the Ga. Guard and Reserve day in Dobbins ARB where I work We got talking about the old days and I asked how the Black Hawk was compared to the Huey. He broke my heart. No comparison he said... Other than they both hover that is where the similarity ends. He started bragging about what it could do. I had to believe him; after all he was over there. Said he was going to get me a ride well update soon. Ass And Trash Again.. Shinny side up. Frenchie
Frenchie <frenchie-745@mindspring.com>
Hot Lanta, Ha USA - Thursday, February 22, 2001 at 20:07:05 (MST)
Folks, I'm afraid that history is passing us by. there's an article in this month's Flying Magazine on the Bell 430. In the article. they comment that the new 430 vaults Bells image from being a DOWDY maker of hueys, Stuck in the Vietnam era, to producing one of the most desirable helo's available! DOWDY? The HUEY may be old news, but, I still look up when one of Brunswick Naval Air Station's medivac Hueys fly over! Even with the new, improved rotors, they still sound good! One more month till the weather breaks. Kim
Kim La Voie <kimlav@megalink.net>
Livermore, Me USA - Thursday, February 22, 2001 at 19:16:24 (MST)
Hey Donnie Purvis: Were you in the 129th, Christmas of 1971?
Mike Miles
USA - Thursday, February 22, 2001 at 11:01:43 (MST)
It is a hope that I can make it before the reunion. Uncertain of what is to come.Hopefully in the near future. Thanks Pete for your como and thanks to Mark for all his work and devotion. Be careful out there.
Rick England <bd431@inficad.com>
Wittmann, AZ USA - Tuesday, February 20, 2001 at 19:10:20 (MST)
Flight, had the awsome pleasure to go see Mark, this weekend at the POP A TOP,believe me it is the greatest,its all us. Brothers, eveywere you look,its us, the big 129th flag, the wall behind the bar. I just sat there and looked at those names,and was so proud to be there it was something,and Larrys stuff is there, and Mark told me that alot of them think there are spirts in there,well I think Larry and the others are belly up to the bar after closeing hooping it up, see I think they needed that. If any of you have the chance to go there , I think you will feel it like I did and to top it off after saying my goodbuys to Mark and Dee and eveyone, just as I opened the door a ship flew right over the place,man now that toped it off. I think it was a Ranger probably the Sheriff or some thing, but it was realy cool. I know what your thinking but I quit drinking 15yrs ago ask Mark, I drink Odouls< really. Mark I cant wait to go back. LOVE YOU ALL PETE.
Pete Rhome <PBULLDOG216@msn.com>
Brunswick, OH USA - Monday, February 19, 2001 at 14:09:17 (MST)
Most the time I would lean the seat plate back at a 45deg. angle on the fire wall and stretch out. Was flaying along and I heard a static voice of my gunner. “Got a Match?” You know what a bitch it was lighting a cig. With those dam “C-rat matches that were all sulfur. Used to light one and set the rest of the pack on fire so you could light up. So I grabbed mine and go across to where Gunny was and he wasn’t there. What the Fuck Over... The son of a bitch was outside hanging on the skids, one arm and one leg clamped on to it. Swinging in the breeze.
Frenchie <frenchie-745@mindspring.com>
Hot lanta, Ga USA - Thursday, February 15, 2001 at 19:44:43 (MST)
I remember being on a CA, inland from Miami Beach and leaning back against the trans. panel. When I leaned forward, my shirt stuck to the damn thing. We'd developed a hydraulic leak,and I spent a few minutes remembering the cautions about losing the hydraulics on a Mike model. Supposedly, there was only enough fluid in the accumulator for a couple of collective strokes, after which, things would freeze solid! I always wondered how we could land, with only throttle control. Glad I never had to find out.
Kim La Voie <kimlav@megalink.net>
Livermore, Me USA - Wednesday, February 14, 2001 at 15:40:20 (MST)
there is a transmission behide that pannel, but you have about 3 feet of hell hole, the rounds go through the open space and then your in the shit, by the way i had a typo, i wanted to say beebees not bees lol. but anyone that flew on uh1's know there great aircrafts. loved every minute in the air. we had some of the greatest pilots. hay frinch was you the ac when we where coming back from plakiu and had the engine problems and had to glide into anka. it think it was a bleed band problem as i remember. but my memory is not as good as it use to be, 30 years ago. hope all are well and god bless. donnie.
donnie r. purvis <dpurvis@lexcominc.net>
lexington, nc USA - Tuesday, February 13, 2001 at 16:34:09 (MST)
Gus, If you have Vernon's SSN please bc that to me. If you don't mind. Thanks again for all your help.
Rick England <bd431@inficad.com>
Wittmann, AZ USA - Saturday, February 10, 2001 at 02:18:11 (MST)
Anyone know what became of SP6 Rufus L. Meeks Jr., SP5 James R. Lulay, SP5 Vernor R. Clark, SP4 Clinton E. Schneyer, and SP4 David L. Hopkins ? I was looking through some of my old papers/orders and found an original copy of a leter of appreciation from LTC Donald E. Mulligan for some work done on C&C ship 61035 in Jan 68. If I remember right it was a transmission replacement. Not the normal type of work done in the 394th. I remember we had a time reinstalling the old tail rotor output quill as the new xmsn did not come with it installed. One of the last jobs I can remember doing before coming over to the 129th. I am putting a list of names togather off the old orders and will send it to Mark. If he wants he can list it and see if it helps jog some memory. I know mine is foggy. I never used the armor seat plate they had as we figured we could carry a little more door gun ammo. Then we took one in the fuel cell and rethought the idea and decided to sit on the hard buggers. Gus
Ted (Gus) Gustafson
Brainerd, MN USA - Friday, February 09, 2001 at 21:22:36 (MST)
What time? Que orta in spanish. What airport? Be careful out there.
Rick England <bd431@inficad.com>
Wittmann, AZ USA - Friday, February 09, 2001 at 20:11:08 (MST)
Don Purvis, good to hear ya!!!!!!!! I thought there was a transmission behind that wall? ? Hello to all & wanted to let you know that on Tues. 13th, I will be flying with a pt. to Phoenix. I should have a few hours there & then a few hours in Denver on the way back. If anyone is real close & would like to meet & rap a little, let me know, Yours as always, Smitty
Jim Westwang <westwang@cyberhighway.net>
Sheridan, Wy USA - Friday, February 09, 2001 at 17:03:59 (MST)
OK FLIGHT, I HAVE ORDERED FIFTY MORE OF THE 129TH EMBLEMS. (THE COMPANY GAVE IN TO MY DEMAND FOR A SMALLER ORDER). THEY SHOULD ARRIVE IN FOUR TO SIX WEEKS! THE COST IS $7.00 PER PATCH AND INCLUDES POSTAGE. IF YOU DON'T HAVE YOUR NEW 129TH EMBLEM, ORDER NOW!!!! SEND CHECKS TO 16406 44TH ST CT E, SUMNER WA 98390
Dan Hertlein <dhert10408@aol.com>
Sumner, Wa USA - Thursday, February 08, 2001 at 21:56:50 (MST)
.......Donnie Purvis!!!!!!!...........Great to see some commo from you.......thanks for the kind words.......Hey Donnie????....do you know if Robert E. Lee will be making it to KY????...Great to hear that you and Jean will be there:-)))).........Michael Barret, I do plan on calling you sometime. I did recieve your e-mail with the phone numbers......and Don McCort.......also plan on returning your call brother. I have just absolutly almost run out of time with the fun I am having at the Pop-A-Top............sorry for being so slow.....such as, here it is 3:00AM and I just finished the book work for the bar. Got a few minutes to set here and say a few words....and then of to bed only to get up, restock and get ready to rock and roll and do it all over again tomorrow night.......Things are REALLY,REALLY going well at the Pop-A-Top. The place is the hottest spot in town in the evenings and always have Vets walking in off the street to have a cold one and to enjoy the decore and just plain feel like they have a place where they can come to and somebody still cares about them!!!!!!!.....that is what the joint is all about!!!!!!.....YOU GUYS!!!!!! take care 129th family.........getting realy excited about the Louisville gig this year. Sounds like the 129th will be in full strenght.........always a brother.........Mark
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Thursday, February 08, 2001 at 00:54:25 (MST)
don't know who told you that the trans panel would protect you, it might be good up to including bee's or rocks from long distance but anything else will go right through lol. had two rounds go through the panel and hit me in my hard seat. guess you could say it truly saved my ass lol. hope to see you guys in ky. mark and dana keep up the great work. donnie and jean.
donnie r. purvis <dpurvis@lexcominc.net>
lexington, nc USA - Wednesday, February 07, 2001 at 16:10:52 (MST)
It is the soldier,not he reporter Who has given us the freedom of press. It is the soldier, not the poet Who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not he campus organizer Who has given us the right to demonstrate. It is the soldier Who salutes the Flag Who serves beneath the Flag. It is the soldier Whose coffin is draped by the Flag Who allows the protester to burn the Flag. By Rev Dennis Edwards
Gale Beard <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In USofA - Wednesday, February 07, 2001 at 05:58:18 (MST)
Good evening flight.............hope all are well........all is well here!!!!.........wow wee........it sure is great to see all the commo in here about the chicken plates and the reunion. We are sure gonna have a great time...........Frenchie!!!...you are makin' my jealous saying that you had the bike out last weekend. Stop that man. Ya make me cry;-))))......I walk by the softail everyday on my way out the door to the Pop-A-Top.....listen man...if you can swing a ride up here after the VHCMA gig to see the joint, I would be honored. You remember that pouncho liner you gave me last year?.That is what I am havin' all the patches that I am collecting sewed on to hang in the bar...........Rainer and Gale.....we will have to talk about hooking up over by INDY to make the rest of the ride down to Louisville later. OK with you guys????............Matt and MIke and Cups......if you are really plannin' on headin' this way first and then ridin' out from the Pop-A-Top to Louiseville........stay in touch with me and we will have to plan a mission..........sounds like a great idea to me.....but dont want to make anybody go out of their way to get to Louisville. We will all be there anyways sooner or later............I will have a good black marker for all the 129th guys that pass through the Pop-A-Top to sign the Chicken Plate!! Michael Barrett............what ever you want to either send me, or scan to me......I will make sure that it ends up on the 129th Home Page and at the Pop-A-Top......Thanks for the trust in me......TO ALL..........I was saving the AO on the wall above the back bar for a special thing.........as of last Tuesday.......there is now two pieces of Black Granit formica in the shape of a triangle V( like the WALL)......13 feet long, 4 feet high at the center peak, and 2 feet high at the ends....it is what I acll the "ALL WARS MEMORIAL WALL".....meaning I will put a name on it for anybody that has a relative of "any" war on it...thats what I tell the patrons and you.....but as of right now......the only names that are on it are the KIA's of the 129th........ evertime the bar is bought a round, I ring the bell that Smitty, (Jim Westwang ) sent me.....and ask that all raise their glasses to the names of the ones that cant be with us. It is qiute a sight to see the whole joint raise their arms to the 129thers that gave all!!!!!!!....stand proud men......stand tall......forever, and for as long as I live.....YOU and THEM will always be remembered!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...........I hope that I have responded to all that have made a comment to me........if not,,,,,BC me and I will......but until then.....to all...be safe, be good.......and keep you head, and ass down...........without you all here, and that includes the ladies........I am nothing here...........always a brother, Mark
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Sunday, February 04, 2001 at 19:32:20 (MST)
Good to Girls and Guys, It's been a while since I checked in. The chicken plate subject brings back a lot of bad times and good times. One of my friends is still alive because of one. We would sit on the sliding armor the pilots had on their seats, we would take them of helicopters that were trashed. Mark I got some stuff but, I don't know how to scan it. I think we have the we have the stuff that can do it, call me anytime at work (215) 697-1247 or home (215) 743-5093. I'll send you my stuff use want you want, and send me the rest. I trust you. Take care.
michael barrett <michael_barrett@icpphil.navy.mil>
Phila., Pa. USA - Saturday, February 03, 2001 at 12:02:13 (MST)
HI fellas: Yes , I got the chicken-plate to Mark,please all who pass sign it! I was going to send it to all but too expensive even for the outside. I think the thing weighs 26# & it was $18 to send it ups to him but it is in the Bar where it belongs for all of you. By the way I was taught to wear the front half & put the back half under the seat. Slick only, because back is protected by transmission wall ,Yes? B&C model didn't have that luxury, & Pilots could wear the front half in case of a direct frontal Hit. As I recall, some chose not to use them at all as they were very hot (on ash-trash,resupply, etc) but on a CA everyone seemed to scramble for one. maybe my mind is scrambled? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Wyoming Cowboy Poetry ~Author Unknown >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Jake, the rancher, went one day to fix a distant fence. The wind was cold and gusty and the clouds rolled gray and dense. As he pounded the last staples in and gathered tools to go, The temperature had fallen and the snow began to blow. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> When he finally reached his pickup, he felt a heavy heart, from the sound of that ignition, he knew it wouldn't start. So Jake did what most of us do, if we'd have been there He humbly bowed his balding head and sent aloft a prayer. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> As he turned the key for the last time, he softly cursed his luck, They found him three days later, frozen stiff in that old truck. Now Jake had been around in life and done his share of roamin' But when he saw Heaven, he was shocked -- it look just like Wyomin'. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Oh, there were some differences of course, but just some minor things, One place had simply disappeared -- the town they called Rock Springs. The BLM had been shut down, and there was no grazin' fees, and the wind in Rawlins and Cheyenne was now a gentle breeze. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The Park and Forest Service folks -- they didn't fare so well, They'd all been sent to fight some fire in a wilderness called Hell. Though Heaven was a real nice place, Jake had a wondering mind, So he saddled up and lit a shuck, not know'n what he'd find. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Then one day up in Cody, on a cold fall afternoon, He saw St. Peter coming, and he knew he'd be there soon. Of all the saints in Heaven, his favorite was St. Peter, Now, this line, it ain't needed but it helps with rhyme and meter. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> So they set and talked a minute or two, or maybe it was three, Nobody was keepin' score -- in Heaven time is free. "I've always heard," Jake said to Pete, "that God will answer prayers, But one time I asked for help, well he just plain wasn't there. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Does God answer prayers of some, and ignores the prayers of others? That don't seem exactly square -- I know all men are brothers. Or does he randomly reply, without good rhyme or reason? Maybe, it's the time of day, the weather or the season. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Now I ain't trying to act smart, it's just the way I feel, And I was wonderin', could you tell -- what the heck's the deal? Peter listened very patiently and when Jake was done, There were smiles of recognition, and he said, "So, you're the one! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> That day your truck, it wouldn't start, and you sent your prayer a-flying, You gave us all a real bad time, with hundreds of us a trying. A thousand angels rushed to check the status of your file, But you know, Jake, we hadn't heard from you in quite a while >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> And though all prayers are answered, and God ain't got no quota, He didn't recognize your voice, and started a truck in North Dakota. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Yours as always,Smitty
Jim westwang <westwang@fiberpipe.net>
Sheridan, wy USA - Saturday, February 03, 2001 at 11:26:15 (MST)
Flight, been following the commo on the chicken plates. Several of us, Kim and others, saw first hand that one of those things could stop a burst of 4 AK-47 rounds.
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, CO USA - Saturday, February 03, 2001 at 10:48:09 (MST)
Mark about the chickenplate Only the pilots wore them when I was there. Crewchiefs and gunners usually sat on ours, More important things to protect, and we didn't have a armored seat like the pilots did. Rainer
Rainer Bauer <bauerrv@aol.com>
Indy, USA - Friday, February 02, 2001 at 19:10:59 (MST)
Hello flight............Rainer and Gale.....not sure of our route to louisville yet.....but a swing through Indy, then down is a possiblity..........will talk later about that. OK?....MATT........do have that Chicken Plate in hand.....is up at the Pop-A-Top and I show it to just about everybody. I pick it up and thump it on the bar and they say, " What the hell is that?"!!!!!!!......I tell them that you' all wore them in flight and they about crap. It has been a great topic piece of talk.........Thanks Smitty for sending it to me...Will talk later in here to all that would want to pull pitch to Louisville from the Pop-A-Top. The gang will give us a big send off!!!!!!!!......always a brother, take care all.............Mark
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Friday, February 02, 2001 at 11:54:47 (MST)
Flight, Yes I saw the program on PBS about Nam pilots, good program brought back a lot of thoughts. Was this aired only in the Colorado area or was it all over?? Mark I like your idea about headin for the Pop-A-Top on the 20th and then going down in mass the next day. Kida hope you'll have the chicken plate by that time as I would be honored to sign it. Spent some of the most interesting days of my life behind one. Tails clear left Matt Casey
Matt Casey <mcasey@rjrinc.com>
Denver, CO USA - Friday, February 02, 2001 at 08:05:53 (MST)
Hey, Flight... Did anyone else see the program on PBS (at least in Colorado) last night (2-1) of the army helicopter pilots in Vietnam? Sure took me back...
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, CO USA - Friday, February 02, 2001 at 07:25:09 (MST)
Mark, I'm going to Louisville on the 21st. I wasn't sure if you were heading down I-65 or down through Ohio. If you are planning on I-65, I'd like to hook up with y'all around I-465 & I-65 if you would know your ETA to that point. I don't have a bike, but, I could cover y'alls tail in my Mustang. If Rainer is going, he could also hook up in that area. I guess we have a while to work this out. Gale
Gale Beard <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In USofA - Friday, February 02, 2001 at 06:12:16 (MST)
Mark, My reservations are already made for the 20th thru the 23rd. Rainer
Rainer Bauer <bauerrv@aol.com>
Indy, USA - Friday, February 02, 2001 at 02:12:08 (MST)
Yo Robbie and Pete.............what ever you guys decide is OK by me. Heck we will all be together in Louisville anyways:-)))).........Rainer and Gale!!!!!!!.......are you guys just talking bout getting together for just a spell on our way down to Louisville, or are you guys planning on heading down there also?????........Dee and I could make the trip down that way through Indy, but Gale, the treck over to Clinton would be a lil' out of the way. unless you are talking about hooking up over by Indy at Rainer's for a spell???....Gale and Rainer, if you guys could swing some days off, both of ya'all aut ta head down to Loiseville also. Gonna be a good time. That is if you can get the time off!!!!!!........the rest of the crew......MAN O MAN O MAN.........:-)))))))))))))))))......sure spounds like the 129th will be well represented at the VHCMA gig this year............ya all warm my heart!!!!!!!!!...cant wait to bump heads with those going and wish the best to the rest. We will think of all there and carry the weight for all!!!!!!!.....Always a brother,...Mark PS........Robbie!!!!........Great talking to you on the phone today at the Pop-A-Top!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Friday, February 02, 2001 at 01:21:58 (MST)
Pete, I have talked to Mark Jackson and told him that I didn't want you to have to ride down by yourself, so I will come out your way on the 21st and We'll ride down together. Seeing as how you will be heading south east after you leave the reunion, I would ride back with Mark and see the Pop A Top and then continue on home from there. So We'll have to figure out are we going to head out after you get out of work or what. Let me know what you think, and maybe we will need to talk on the phone. Let me know when's a good time to find you home. I'll give you my number if you want to call me. 315-589-7971. We'll figure it out, we've got 4 1/2 months to do it.
Robbie <hobbes@kodak.com>
Rochester, NY USA - Thursday, February 01, 2001 at 15:28:18 (MST)
Flight: Sorry I have been missing for a while. Sounds like a great turn out for Louisville. Alot of old faces and alot of new ones. Hopefully we have given plenty of time in advance for everyone to make plans for this one! If you have any questions about the reunion don't hesitate to email me. I am working with Charlie Rains of the VIETNAM HELICOPTER CREWMEMBERS ASSOCIATION. Alot lot work preparing for these reunions. Last years about 450 attended from all the different helicopter units.We had a great time. I hope some of our pilots will join in our mini-reunion. Our mini-reunion is from June 20th thru June 24th. Take care Bro's! Alex
Alex Fernwalt <alfern@bellsouth.net>
memphis, tn USA - Thursday, February 01, 2001 at 09:35:38 (MST)