Mark, What Route and what time are you planning to leave Coldwater. I would like to meet up somewhere if you are coming by Indy. Rainer Bauer
Rainer Bauer <bauerrv@aol.com>
Greenfield, In USA - Wednesday, January 31, 2001 at 17:39:25 (MST)
GUYS I think im confused?? or I scewed up on my dates but I cant leave till the 21st not untill I get off work about 2pm,and then ill be off for 2weeks, am going to go on to Florida from there to see my daughter, and granddaughter, you no a little beach time but be cool to run to atlanta with Frenchie?? I hope this is not going to screw you up Robbie,Get back to me. OK PETE
Pete <PBULLDOG216@msn.com>
USA - Wednesday, January 31, 2001 at 15:28:59 (MST)
Mark, What route would you take from Coldwater to Louisville? Gale
Gale Beard <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, IN USA - Wednesday, January 31, 2001 at 13:47:58 (MST)
Yo Robbie........sorry for the confusion brother.....thats what I ment also......will be reading out the 24th and not staying over that night also. So that sounds good to me.....sound ok to you????..............always a brother............Mark
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Wednesday, January 31, 2001 at 08:06:49 (MST)
Mark, I read your commo, and that sounds fine to me, although I was thinking about leaving on the 24th not staying over again that night. I'll wait to see When Pete is planning on leaving. Would rather ride out with someone than by myself. Frenchie, I'd hook up with you to ride out west, but i believe that would add 1000 miles or better to my trip to do that. Mark, don't we have any 129th guys in Frenchie's area or Florida somewhere that could ride up with him? Anyway Mark it does sound like a plan, lets see what everyone else in the plan has to say. Robbie
Robbie <hobbes@kodak.com>
Rochester, NY USA - Wednesday, January 31, 2001 at 05:54:08 (MST)
Just thinking, all this talk about the ride. Had the bike out this weekend. There was a brief bit of weather in the 50’s. It’s good to live in the South. If any one is coming this way I would like to volunteer a rest stop in Atlanta. Then ride up the next day. Could be talked into a swing by Coldwater and see the Pop-A-Top for my self. Any one interested?
Frenchie <Frenchie-745@mindspring.com>
Marietta, Ga USA - Tuesday, January 30, 2001 at 20:57:57 (MST)
Flight, All the chatter about scooting around the country sure helps take my mind off the freezing rain outside. Just to let you know, The FDA has approved a liquid form of Viagra. It's going to be marketted under the brand name` MYDIXADRILL' Now, when a man comes home from work, he can pour himself a STIFF one. Kim
Kim La Voie <kimlav@megalink.net>
Livermore, Me USA - Tuesday, January 30, 2001 at 14:29:51 (MST)
Hey Pete, Robbie, Matt, and Cups.............I got a plan in my head here. See what you think. Robbie I know I originally told you that you and I would roll out of Coldwater on the 20th. But I am having trouble getting someone to cover the bar that day. Soes whatta ya say that you still hook up with Pete up north there and still ride down here the 20th. and then you guys can spend the night down here at the Pop-A-Top. We could roll out the 21st and have a nice easy ride to Louieville. How ever we do it, I am booking Dee and my room today for the 21st til the 24th......................Matt and Cups!!!!!!!.....if you guys are ridin' across this way, and if it looks like it could be in your plans time wise and route wise, you guys could also end up here on the 20th and stay the night and we all could ride out the 21st from the Pop-A-Top. WE could arrive at the gig as a unit then......just another dream mine........but it could be come true. Some others of mine have recently..........and that goes for anybody....even if you are going in a car......the whole dang 129th could leave Coldwater on the 21st and arrive as a unit!!!!......Dee and I would not be able to bunker everybody but there are near by nice hotels in the AO...........always a brother..................Mark
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Tuesday, January 30, 2001 at 07:31:47 (MST)
Pete, I just saw your commo and without a doubt, i can stop by in Cleveland and We could ride out to Mark's together. I appreciate the invite to stay at your place. It will be Much better riding along with someone from the unit, than Riding along by myself. We'll have to work the final details out as the date gets closer. We'll find out when Mark is leaving and if it takes 4 hours to get to his place, we would want a bit of a rest before riding another 5 or 6 hours to the Reunion, or our butts will be as sore as CUPS. I'll keep watching the site for more info. Robbie
Robbie <hobbes@kodak.com>
Rochester, NY USA - Tuesday, January 30, 2001 at 06:12:15 (MST)
Mike, it's going to be sore. I've ridden horses since I was on a bike and know how sore that gets. I've never made a long ride on a bike but it's not too late to try. Casey is going easy on me. He could have had me meet him in Denver. Cups
Jim Masencup <JimAntilleanM@netscape.net>
Port-au-Prince, Haiti - Tuesday, January 30, 2001 at 05:54:12 (MST)
Hey Cups! Not that I have a personal interest, mind you but I was wondering how much you ride now days. Cause' I was wondering just how sore your butt is going to be by the time you get to the reunion. Don't forget to bring a pillow!
Mike Miles
USA - Tuesday, January 30, 2001 at 05:24:24 (MST)
Flight. Not to change the tone or subject of recent commo about the reunion, which has been great, I remember a sling load incident. We were the flair ship one night. I can’t remember who were the other crew members, I don’t even remember if I was PP or AC, it was one of those things your mind tries to forget. It was late that night when we got a call to re-supply an ARVN unit under siege in the Phu Cat Mountains. We stripped the bird of the flairs and buckets and went to Phu Cat AFB where were we were to pick up sling loads of mortar rounds from the ARVN CP across the road. When we arrived the loads were ready but no one knew how much they weighed. We tried to lift one and couldn’t get it off the ground. We sat back down and told the ground crew to take boxes off one at a time until we were able to break ground with the load and pulled pitch again. I don’t remember how many boxes were removed before we could lift the sling. We knew where the unit was in the mountains………during daylight. This was an overcast night as black as black could be and we had to be blacked-out as was the compound we were going to. The only light to guide us in close was the tracers from the ground conflict. Once in the AO we contacted the American Advisor on the ground and told him to put a jeep next to the pad and when we thought we were on short final we would tell him to blink the lights. In total darkness, when we felt the load hit the ground we punched off the load and kept going. We had no way of knowing where the sling actually landed, we never got below maybe 20 knots. For all we knew it was on top of the jeep. We did learn the next day that the unit was not over run, so at least we were inside the compound when we punched off the load. I’m sure there’s at least one of the other crew members who check in here who will maybe remember more of the details/names. It was a night I soon wished to forget. Cups
Jim Masencup <JimAntilleanM@netscape.net>
Port-au-Prince, Haiti - Sunday, January 28, 2001 at 13:43:36 (MST)
Robbie,if you plan to come by way of Cleveland let me know we can hook up if you can make it this far on first leg, you can stay here, and we can go to Marks from here,Coldwater is about 4hrs from me.It well be a great ride, I realy think this is a great site, I just got back up,did some catching up on the flight log, This is just a great thing, wish we could find more old Bros,I was tight with SAMMY LeFEWW, cant find him?? yet,but if your out there Brother,let me know. TO ALL OF YOU LOVE YOU ALL
Pete Rhome <PBULLDOG216@msn.com>
USA - Saturday, January 27, 2001 at 04:52:28 (MST)
Mark, Did you actually get the chicken-plate & stuff yet?? A friend sent this via e-mail & I thought you-all might relate to it: For all of you military history buffs. >> > > > >> > > >We have all heard the haunting song, "TAPS." It's the song that gives >> > us >> > > >that lump in our throats and usually creates tears in our eyes. But, >> > > >do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think >> > > >you will be pleased to find out about it's humble beginnings. >> > > >Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union >Army >> > > >Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in >> > > >Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow >> > strip >> > > >of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a >> > > >soldier who lay severly wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a >> > > >Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life >and >> > > >bring the stricken man back for medical attention. >> > > >Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached >> > > >the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. >When >> > > >the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was >> > actually >> > > >a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a >> > > >lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In >the >> > > >dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The >boy >> > had >> > > >been studying music in the South when the war broke >> > > >out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate >> > Army. >> > > >The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of >> > > >his superiors to give his son a full military burial despite his >enemy >> > > >status. His request was only partially granted. The Captain had asked >> > if >> > > >he could have a group of Army band members play a >> > > >funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down >> > > >since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the >> > father, >> > > >they did say they could give him only one musician. The Captain chose >a >> > > >bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had >> > > >found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform. >> > > >This wish was granted. The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" >used >> > at >> > > >military funerals, was born. >> > > > >> > > > >Day is done >> > > > >Gone the sun >> > > > >From the Lakes >> > > > >From the hills >> > > > >From the sky. >> > > > >All is well, >> > > > >Safely rest. >> > > > >God is nigh. >> > > > >> > > > >Fading light >> > > > >Dims the sight >> > > > >And a star >> > > > >Gems the sky, >> > > > >Gleaming bright >> > > > >From afar, >> > > > >Drawing nigh, >> > > > >Falls the night. >> > > > >> > > > >Thanks and praise, >> > > > >For our days, >> > > > >Neath the sun, >> > > > >Neath the stars, >> > > > >As we go, >> > > > >This we know, >> > > > >God is nigh.
Jim Westwang <westwang@fiberpipe.net>
sheridan, Wy USA - Friday, January 26, 2001 at 17:29:46 (MST)
Cups, John, Flight, K.C. is indeed a central point ( a good days ride from Denver). Plan to hook up with Cups at that point and enjoy another day in the saddle, but with compamy on our way to Louisville. So far plan is; leave Denver 19th, leave K.C. on the 20th, be in Louisville the evening of the 20th. Plan to celebrate my bithday (23rd) with a great bunch of 129th allumni. Tails clear left. Matt Casey
Matt Casey <mcasey@rjrinc.com>
Denver, CO USA - Friday, January 26, 2001 at 08:36:42 (MST)
Flight...Flame...Robbie. Casey, let me and the rest know how and when we are going to do this. I'm to old to plan missions any longer. That's why I I'm leaving this one to you. It's time I sat in the hole and you flew............... Cups
Jim Masencup <JimAntilleanM@netscape.net>
Port-au-Prince, Haiti - Thursday, January 25, 2001 at 22:32:32 (MST)
Cups, finally am figuring this thing out. Made reservations for Louisville. Sounds like a good time. See you there! Flame
Darwin Schmiedt--Flame <Schmitty@Santel.net>
USA - Thursday, January 25, 2001 at 19:04:50 (MST)
Glad to hear about the people coming to the reunion, it'll be great. I have been talking to Bob Heidenreich an maybe he'll come also an meet in Louisville for the 129th reunion, with our own room for a mini. Be careful out there. Thanks
Rick England <bd431@inficad.com>
Wittmann, Az USA - Thursday, January 25, 2001 at 18:18:21 (MST)
This is to cups, does K. C. stand for Kansas City. If it does I'd be intrested in hooking up with you I plan on going, but wasn't planning on riding. Does Casey live in the area or, is this just a centeral point for both of you? Look forward to your commo.
John Dillman <dillmanjc@worldnet.att.net>
liberty, mo USA - Thursday, January 25, 2001 at 12:46:15 (MST)
Mark and Flight if Jim Masencup can make it from Haiti, I will definately be there. I will be riding Bike out from Rochester and meeting up with Mark and Dee Jackson and continue on down from there with them. Mark and I have been talking and some others might join us for the trip down to KY. Barry Winkler, I know you live in N.Y. somewhere. If'n you are planning on going to the shindig again this year, i would be glad to meet up with you and travel together out west if you want to. Send me an email or put something in the flight log. I am always checking it.
Robbie <hobbes@kodak.com>
Rochester, NY USA - Thursday, January 25, 2001 at 06:04:19 (MST)
Mark and Flight, Let me be first to put my name on the list of those who will be there in June. I have heard from a few who will also be there, and if all goes well I will meet Casey in K.C., pick up a bike and make the rest of the trip with him as lead. I can't wait. Cups
Jim Masencup <JimAntilleanM@netscape.net>
Port-au-Prince , Haiti - Thursday, January 25, 2001 at 01:43:12 (MST)
One more thing 129th Family........we now stand on the net as 169 members strong.......I think that is awesome...........some units have not near the amount of members that we do, others have more......none the less....you are out there...I thank you for that...stand proud brothers and sisters..............it is all my pleasure to be a small part of it all...........THANKS.............always a brother........Mark
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Tuesday, January 23, 2001 at 23:41:49 (MST)
HEEEELLLLOOOOO.....129th family..........sorry for being so AWOL lately in here....the Pop-A-Top takes up most of my time. I stoped home earlier this eve to write you all something, got ready to send it, and the dang machine shut off. Lost the whole message to ya!!!...sorta ticked me off;-)))...but...just a miner set back...ha,ha......I have to laugh at myself anymore as to how not to much upsets me anymore. LIFE IS GOOD!!!!!!!.....the Pop-A-Top Bar and Grill is skids off the ground gang. The place is the hottest spot in town. Day or night. We average a sale of over 25 noon specails daily now, which is awesome for this lil' burg we live in, and the evening crowd is the regulars, and they light thier beer!!!!!;-))).......what a grand respose we have had with the joint and I am very honored and thankful that so many from town come in the doors to enjoy themselves and the good food.............it is so grand to see all the commo in here lately.......all the talk about the sling loads has been very interesting to read.....it warms my heart to see so many participate.........I thank you for that. I thank you for staing active in the Flight Log Book..............MIKE MILES!!!!....you are so correct about the juke box and the selections that you put on there. I had inserted 16 of my own cd's that I had at home here. Some old stuff by the Beatles, Clapton, Stevey Ray Vhagn, The Who, Cat Stevens, and lots of Blues stuff. I even spin some old hot wax on Satyrday afternoons for a few that come in, and late at night also when others are not playin' the juke box. I play the game of, Name they song and artist, and get a free drink. It goes over very well, and lots of fun......but Mike, as you mentioned, nothing can tame a crowd down then like a good ole' song that everybody knows......be it Bing, Frank, Andy Williams, Poppa John Creach, old REO.......all that stuff. will mellow a crowd out in a heart beat...........will be proud to dosplay that chicken plate you speak of Mike, and the bell......I will put a 129th window sticker on the bell. Already have one on the mirror behind the bar.......... GENTLY....YES....Dee and I did meet Sam Hennesee and his wonderful wife in NC last year. What a great couple.....and plan to see them again in June this year in KY at the next VHCMA gig........ya know....I was thinkin'.....I know, scary thought;-)))....but..we should try and take a head count in here of just how many plan to attend the VHCMA gig in Louisville this June. Just to try and see how many will be there.........not that we need to......makes no diff how many come...as a matter of fact, the more the marrier!!!!!!!!.....so if any of you plan to make the gig in Louisvills for the 129th Mini-reunion at the VHCMA gig....post it in here and lets just see how many plan to attend....last year we had 12 members there and from the commo in here, it appeares that more will be there this year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....I want to thank each and everyone of you for some of the best years of life the last 5 years. meeting you all, be it on the net, or in person has been very healing for me. I hope it has done the same for you. I mean that. I wish no harm on anybody and to open a can of warms that some did not want to open. That was not my intentions. Besides that, I could not stop what I am doing now anyways. I am giuded by Larry to do so......it has been a long time coming for us all!!!!!! Just good things!!!!!!!!!!!!.......a heart warm WELCOME HOME to all, and an invet to please, please, if every in the AO round here, stop in at the Pop-A-Top,and have a ferw on us. We owe it to you all............God Bless......and again.........THANKS for being out there.......... always a brother,............................Mark
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Tuesday, January 23, 2001 at 23:30:12 (MST)
Gently! Nice to hear your commo again! Robbie and Kim, it seemed the locals always had a tough time with English (but I had an even TOUGHER time with Vietnamese, and Korean when around them!). Another mission (1971)... we were flying some ARVN's, a mortar tube, and about 500 lbs. of rice somewhere, when smoke started pouring into the cabin. The pilot put it on the ground ASAP and all four of us crewmembers bailed out in four different directions! I looked back at the ship and the Viets were still just sitting in the cabin wondering why the crew left. I remember waving/motioning to them to "GET OUT!", and they finally did, once they realized the chopper was on fire! The cause of the "fire" turned out to be a leaking NiCad battery. I think we called for Snowsnake, who evaluated that the damage was light, but the whole episode sure threw a scare into us all!
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, CO USA - Tuesday, January 23, 2001 at 07:21:21 (MST)
Reading the como about dropping sling loads. While flying resupply one day with the pilot that had the bumble bee on the back of his helmet.1969-1970 guys might remember him. We were taking water to the Koreans. I am not sure if it was a single 55 gallon drum or one of the doubles they had fastened together, but when the pilot hit the wrong button, you could actually feel the ship rise a bit. I immediately looked under the ship and could see the barrel headed for the ground. The pilot asked me if that was what he thought it was and i told him it sure was. We turned around to go back and the Korean interperter wanted to know why so i had him look under the ship. He wasn't real good with english, so it took us awhile to explain to him that it was an accident.
Robbie <hobbes@kodak.com>
Rochester, ny USA - Tuesday, January 23, 2001 at 06:47:35 (MST)
Right on, Dave. As I recall, the cyclic had more gizmo's than a leatherman pocket tool! The first snoopy mission I flew, I'd just taken over 212 from Terry Walker, and he helped the armorer and I get the ship back together after it's 100 hour inspection. Jackson, the armorer, and I, put on the left side rocket pod, and boresited it just before the mission. We were flying south of Miami Beach, when snoopy took some fire. On our first run,( I think Cpt. Able, Knave, was pilot ) the second time he fired a rocket, the left pod fell off! I was ready to jump out and end it all right then, I just knew that was the end of my flying days. Gently, I read some of your past commo,it's good to know you're still here. Kim
Kim La Voie <kimlav@megalink.net>
Livermore , Me USA - Monday, January 22, 2001 at 20:40:43 (MST)
Yo to all! Always here, Always reading. I went to a veterans reunion this last weekend(Ron Paye was supposed to go, but didn't make it) and met a 129th guy: Sam Hennessee. His e-mail is powhorse@vbe.com. Write him and welcome him home. I think he went to the N.C. reunion last year and met our fearless leader, Mark. Anyway, take a minute. He's a singer/songwriter not unlike our Mr. Hobbs and Jackson. Peace to all-Gentlyj
GentlyJ <GentlyJ@aol.com>
Milwaukee, WI USA - Monday, January 22, 2001 at 15:59:15 (MST)
Smitty and Kim, I remember flying with a sling full of c-rations once. I forget who the pilot and peter-p were (Thor?), but I heard intermittent whistling with each click of the mike switch, coming from up front. Then, all of a sudden I heard *click* "Oh S---!", looked below and saw the sling and its contents speeding toward the ground! I think the sling release got punched instead of the mike switch... I remember landing and getting out to "secure" the area (about a 1/4 mile long, it seemed) where the stuff got scattered!
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, CO USA - Monday, January 22, 2001 at 14:02:09 (MST)
James: Thanks for the heads up. I get that Jane Fonda e-mail about once a month.
Mike Miles
USA - Monday, January 22, 2001 at 09:55:27 (MST)
Hold on, guys. Yeah, stuff like the "Hanoi Jane" article below pisses me off too, but wait. This is a long time Internet hoax. Check out the following site: http://urbanlegends.miningco.com/science/urbanlegends/library/blhoax.htm?pid=2733&cob=home As Vietnam Vets we stand on our own record and achievement. We don't need to perpetuate fabricated or misleading articles from any source to sway opinion one way or the other. Be careful what you read and what you believe on the Internet. Stand proud and Welcome Home. James C. Jobe, 129th Bulldog 21, "Hobie" Dec '69 - Dec '70.
James C. Jobe <nightops6@yahoo.com>
Ogden, UT USA - Saturday, January 20, 2001 at 11:57:14 (MST)
E-mail sent to me. Pass it on. Mike Miles Jane Fonda is being honored as one of the "100 Women of the Century."Unfortunately many have forgotten and still countless others have never known how Ms. Fonda betrayed not only the idea of our country but specific men who served and sacrificed during Vietnam. Ê Part ofÊ my conviction comes from personal exposure to those who sufferedÊ her attentions. The first part of this is from an F-4E pilot. The pilot's nameÊ is Jerry Driscoll, a River Rat. In 1978, the former Commandant of the USAF Survival School was a POW in Ho Lo Prison-the"Hanoi Hilton." Dragged from a stinking cesspit of a cell,cleaned,fed, and dressed in clean PJs, he was ordered to describe for a visiting American "Peace Activist" the "lenient and humane treatment" he'd received. He spat at Ms. Fonda, was clubbed, and dragged away.During the subsequent beating, he fell forward upon the camp commandant's feet, which sent that officer berserk. In '78, the AF Col. still suffered from double vision (which permanentlyÊ ended his flying days) from the Vietnamese Col.'s frenziedÊ application of a wooden baton. From 1983-85, Col. Larry Carrigan was in the 47FW/DO(F-4Es).He spent 6 years in the "Hilton"- the first three of which he was"missing in action". His wife lived on faith that he was still alive.His group, too, got the cleaned/fed/clothed routine in preparation for a peace delegation" visit. They, however, had time andÊ devised a plan to get word to the world that they still survived. EachÊ man secreted a tiny piece of paper, with his SSN on it, in the palmÊ of his hand. When paraded before Ms. Fonda and a cameraman, she walked the line, shaking each man's hand and asking little encouraging snippets like: "Aren't you sorry you bombedÊ babies?" and "Are you grateful for the humane treatment from your benevolent captors?" Ê Believing this HAD to be an act, they each palmed her their sliver of paper. She took them all without missing a beat.AtÊ the end of the line and once the camera stopped rolling, to the shocked disbelief of the POWs, she turned to the officer in charge ... and handed him the little pile of papers. Three men died from the subsequent beatings. Col.Carrigan was almost number four but he survived, which isÊ the only reason we know about her actions that day. I was a civilian economic development advisor in Vietnam,andÊ was captured by the North Vietnamese communists in South Vietnam in 1968,and held for over 5 years. I spent 27 months in solitary confinement, one year in a cage in Cambodia, and one year in a "blackbox" in Hanoi. My North Vietnamese captors deliberately poisoned and murdered a female missionary, a nurse in a leprosarium in Ban me Thuot, South Vietnam, whom I buried in the jungle near the Cambodian border. At one time, I was weighing approximately 90 lbs. (My normal weight is 170 lbs.) We were Jane Fonda's "war criminals." When Jane Fonda was in Hanoi, I was asked by the camp communist politicalÊ officer if I would be willing to meet with Jane Fonda. I said yes, for IÊ would like to tell her about the real treatment we POWs were receiving, which was far different from the treatment purported by the North Vietnamese, and parroted by Jane Fonda, as humane and lenient." Because of this,I spent three days on a rocky floor on my knees with outstretched arms with a large amount of steel placed on my hands, and beatenÊ with a bamboo cane till my arms dipped. Ê I had the opportunity to meet with Jane Fonda for a couple of hours after I was released. I askedÊ her if she would be willing to debate me on TV. She did not answer me. This does not exemplify someone who should be honored as partÊ of "100 Years of Great Women." Lest we forget..."100 years ofÊ great women" should never include a traitor whose hands are coveredÊ with the blood of so many patriots. There are few things I haveÊ strong visceral reactions to, but Hanoi Jane's participation inÊ blatant treason, is one of them. Ê Please take the time to forward to as many people as youÊ possibly can. It will eventually end up on her computer and she needs to know that we will never forget. Ê Charles (Skip) Klingman Asst. Professor of Music Southwestern Oklahoma State University Weatherford, OK 73096 (580) 774-3219 FAX: (580) 774-3795 Ê If having Jane Fonda named one of the woman of the century bothers you as much as it does me, then mail this to everyone on your list.
Mike Miles
USA - Friday, January 19, 2001 at 09:04:41 (MST)
Kim, It was not me who punched off the water blivit but I remember reading it awhile back & thinking i'm damn sure glad I wasn't under it. As for the Alcoa ( semi-monocoque construction), we all know how easy stuff went through that. I am foggy about 1 thing. I remeber a ship coming in shortly after I got there & it was shot up & a major who was riding in the cargo compt had taken one in the rear end up through the floor & I think someone had gotten KIA?? Was this the ship Jimmy Young was on?? or another?? Was the KIA a Korean?? MY damn memory, i just get it in bits & fogs. Anyway, Today I am sending a Chicken-Plate to Mark so he can put it in the Bar. I was going to send it to everyone to sign but it would have gotten quite expensive. They would stop a little stuff but it weighs 26#. It will be there for you all to sign if you get to his place. I am also sending him a book "letters home from Vietnam". Fact & quite poignant as it is real letters from guys like us. Unfortunately, a lot of them are last letters submitted by family. I am also sending him The "Timber" bell that was in the Bar where my dad worked after WW2. When someone would but a round for the house, The Bartender would yell "timber" & set the drinks up. Montana is logging country, at least Kalispell is, where i originally am from. Hope it will bring the place luck & prosperity. Yours: Smitty
Jim westwang <westwang@fiberpipe.net>
Sheridan, Wy. USA - Thursday, January 18, 2001 at 09:50:34 (MST)
I can't claim the patent on cynicism, doc beat me to it. HOWEVER, I do wish that the ship I crewed was made of that miracle aluminium that the movie birds are. .060 alcoa, and plexiglas that bullets ricochet off from would have been nice! Gotta love hollywood..... Smitty, you were going to tell me about punching off a water blivet on a hilltop. A video of something like that would be something to see! We're in the middle of January thaw, up here. 25 degrees and sunny today, just like spring time! Kim
Kim La Voie <kimlav@megalink.net>
Livermore, Me USA - Wednesday, January 17, 2001 at 18:13:45 (MST)
I've been reading all the comments about the flights you guys had over there and the birds on TV. I have enjoyed reading everything. I remember the first time we were shot at night. it was pretty scary but at least we could see the tracers were missing us by a pretty fair margin. I was always glad that the ones shooting at me were not the best shots in the world. and even after 30+ years I can still feel the turns when I watch a movie with choppers in it. I guess that is something that you never forget. Mark, what kinds of things would you like to have to hang up in the Pop-a-Top ? It would be an honor to send you something. be safe brothers, Don, Mar 69-70
Don Miller <ayla@c2i2.com>
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Tuesday, January 16, 2001 at 21:17:00 (MST)
Kim, I also think it's curious how, when there are helicopters on TV shows that people can actually hear what each other is saying, without a flight helmet on, and the rotors sound like they're on ground idle speed.
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, CO USA - Tuesday, January 16, 2001 at 16:43:03 (MST)
Mark: Since I am an 'idea man' and not a 'do it' type of guy like yourself, I have an 'idea' for you. When I got off active duty and joined the police department I met a man who owned a Bar B Q restaurant in my beat. He was a vet of WWII, tail gunner on B-17 who started out in flight school. To make a long story a 'little' longer. He only wanted other vets and people who remembered WWII in his restaurant. How did he do it? There was nothing on the junk box past 1950. Every song on that thing was popular either just before, during or just after WWII. Who did he get in the restaurant? A buch of WWII vets, cops, Korean and Vietnam vets who appreciated the WWII vets for what they went through. I don't know if you have a junk box in your restaurant, but nothing sets the tone for a particular clientel like a junk box. Sounds like you are already there with the flags. Maybe us 129th'ers need to get off our duffs and start sending you some 'museum quality' items to hang in your restaurant!
Mike Miles
USA - Tuesday, January 16, 2001 at 06:10:28 (MST)
Dear Vets. I am 14 years old. I am writing this paragraph to thank all of you again in the 129th assualt helicopter comp. I know that not enough people say that anymore. BUT.. I DO!!! Thanks again. Mark, great page!! I have used this site a couple of times for reports too. -Bye-
Matt Wermert <chairlift_man@yahoo.com>
St. Henry, OH USA - Monday, January 15, 2001 at 18:57:18 (MST)
Mark and flight, I am out of the 129th emblems, and a minimum order of 100 will run close to $700. I have been reluctant to reorder for fear that the market has been flooded. The rate of requests are way down, only one this month. I am trying to get the shop to allow us to order t-shirts, shirts, jackets, sweatshirts etc. directly from them, one piece at a time. I may be able to order, in small batches, things like a veriety of sizes of T-shirts with the embroidered emblem on them. I would like to have something ready for the reunion. I hope to make it to the reunion, but expenses exceede my allowances. Hope they have a reunion closer to the west coast someday. The talk about the PSP reminds me of constucting the revetments when I was with the 192nd in Phu Heip. We had to nail the PSP to the wooden framework, which meant driving a 16p nail through the steel planking. The only way to do it was to hit the nail as hard as you could to drive it through. Did not have a drill to pre-drill a hole. Of course, being a mechanic and not a carpenter, meant hitting you fingers from time to time. When your thumb and forefinger could not stand another hit, I used the next to fingers to hold the nail. Soon the expectation of the impending agony caused the nail to be missed more often. As I recall the hammer I was using ended up the mine field.
Dan Hertlein <dhert10408>
Sumner, WA USA - Sunday, January 14, 2001 at 09:41:59 (MST)
Teah, Dave I remember the big orange pills we were supposed to take on monday's, The small ones we got the rest of the week. Gale, My first experience at night attack was the most confusing, sensory overwhelming thing that's ever happened to me! This fac fired a willie pete at a spot and said `put it there' next thing I knew, I was blinded by 3-4 rockets leaving the tubes. Thankfully, the first time we broke uver the target area,I was on the sky side. I don't think I would have been able to hit the ground! Next run, I was expecting the rockets, and averted my eyes when they went out.HOW EVER, the first burst of the minigun did me in , again!This time, the break was on my side. At least there was a fire going by then,so, there was something to use for a reference point. I get a kick out of watching a tv show when they depict a minigun in action. I never did hear one go rat-tat-tat..... what a bunch of assholes!!!! Kim
Kim La Voie <kimlav@megalink.net>
Livermore, Me. USA - Saturday, January 13, 2001 at 19:05:11 (MST)
To Dave Powers, I was just thinking of those malaria pills today when they mentioned something on TV about malaria and I also remember the sandals, although, I never had a pair of my own. Then I got thinking about returning from my Hawaii R&R 33 years ago this Month. I flew in to Cam Rahn fairly late at night. As a slick was returning me to An Son, we were caught in the middle of a barrage of ground fire. I had never seen so many tracers coming up at one time. I was never so glad to see the 129th again. That, my bros, was the first I had heard of the 68 TET OFFENSIVE. Take care all! Gale
Gale Beard 67-68 <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In US of A - Friday, January 12, 2001 at 21:03:19 (MST)
Hey, Flight... Thought I'd check in and say "Howdy". Mark, glad to hear things are hoppin' at Pop-A-Top! Mike Miles... I still wish I had a pair of those sandals. I remember the inner tube straps used to turn my feet black, though. Do any of you remember taking those "horse-sized" malaria pills while going through the line in the mess hall?
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, CO USA - Friday, January 12, 2001 at 20:27:15 (MST)
Hey Dawgs, another job opportunity - coordinate direct - Bulldog/Cobra 52 out Doug Snyder flies for ICS, Ltd., and needs help finding a good pilot. Please put the word out. You can fax him a resume at (404) 256-3770 or email him at snyderp160@hotmail.com -----Original Message----- From: Paul Snyder [SMTP:snyderp160@hotmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2001 2:54 PM To: tlclju@yahoo.com Subject: Job Opening I need someone with CE-550, 560 or 560XL type ratings. I will type someone in the XL with 550/560 type and current refresher within last 12 months. Salary is better than average, and the livin is good. They'd have to move to the Atlanta area. The job is posted on the www at avcrew.com, findapilot.com and climbto350.com. I would prefer to find someone from the community, i just can't think of anybody right off the bat. I might be able to fully type a guy with Turboprop experience later in the year, but right now I need the experience. Well, if you guys would put this out over the network I would appreciate it. Have a great day! Later, Rooster NSDQ SGDM
Bill Jeanes / Bulldog 52 <jeanesb@socom.mil>
Tampa, FL USA - Wednesday, January 10, 2001 at 05:19:07 (MST)
Dear 129th Family...........please forgive me for being so AWOL here latly. This new business of running the Pop-A-Top Bar and Grill has kept the all of us very busy. Beleive me though, that each and every day you all are in my heart!!!!. I have had to many of times explain what the 129th flag on the wall, and the photos of Larry on the wall, and all the other stuff that we have hanging in the joint to many that are interested in what they represent. So beleive me 129th family, I have talked about you many of times!!!!!!One of these days we will have to organize a reunion at the Pop-A-Top!!!!.......Last time I checked, we as a unit, were 168 strong. Had a few new connections over the holidays. That is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!....never in my wildest dreams would I IMAGINED that day about 5 years ago when I started the 129th Home Page that so many would find their way back home. It surly warms my heart to know that I have been a part of you all!!!!.....it would be great to see as many of you as can at the VHCMA reunion in Kentucky this year in June. The info has been posted in here by Alex Fernwalt, and also is on the Front page of the 129th home page. Check it out and make the call for a room. It is really a good time had by all and a family oreintated thing. Dee and I will be there come hell or high water. We plan to make the trip with a few of you 129thers on the bikes from here.................Dan Hertlein??????. did you get any new 129th Patches made?????...still could use a few, and some of the newbies probably want some also!!!!!!.....if you need $$$$ help, just ask!!!!!!!....TED BUISKER???.if you still have that UH-1H rotor blade for me, I now have a place to put it. It would look great in the Pop-A-Top. Some how we will have to make arraingments on how to get it here!!!!!........did anybody ever come across a UH-1H tail rotor set of blades yet. Would like to have one at the gathering in kentucky this year to have eveybody sign it and also hang it hang in the Pop-A-Top also!!!!!!!!...........AGAIN.......am sorry that I have been AWOL............but I check the flight log book and up date newbies as soon as they come in. Just have not had to much time to commo in here................I thank all of you for the very nice things that say to me about starting the page up.....rest assured loved ones, it has done as much for me as it has for you all!!!!!......I pray that all of your new years is bright!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!......ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....A BROTHER.........MARK
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Tuesday, January 09, 2001 at 23:59:35 (MST)
Thank you all who responded to my plea for help regarding my picture. None of them worked. I kept getting the "invalid file" message. Matt Casey sent me that pic plus another one. I can open the other with no problem but mine won't. It's pretty bad when one is so ugly his own pic won't allow him to see it. hehehehe oh well, C ya all later. Rotor in the green, 60 kts, a little right pedal and pull pitch, we're goin in!
Larry Kwiatkowski "Scooter" 12/69-12/70 <Chrger66@aol.com>
Simi Valley, CA USA - Monday, January 08, 2001 at 18:56:58 (MST)
Hi my 129th extened family... Yes I have been lurking in the background too long. I just wanted to say what a pleasure it is to have our own home . When I think of all the storys that we have and all the life long frends we have made , it is truely a dream come true. Alex, Bill, Rick, Roddis. The hole POP-A-TOP family, is blessed. From the bottom of my heart I wish all the best for the New Year. We Had the right stuff...
Frenchie <frenchie-745@mindspring.com>
LZ Atlanta, Ga USA - Saturday, January 06, 2001 at 18:44:46 (MST)
About the psp steel. We had some very sharpe knives from it. And about the sandals we are talking about the good old firestone tread with the inner tube straps. Alex
Alex
USA - Thursday, January 04, 2001 at 08:56:21 (MST)
Flight: Well a New Year! I am forwarding info on the 129th mini reunion being held along with the VHCMA this year in Louisville Ky. Location: Holiday Inn Downtown Address: 120 West Broadway Louisville,KY.40202 PHONE: 1-800-626-1558 & 1-502-582-2241. Rooms: Rates $72.00 plus tax good from June 17th Sunday to June 25th Monday. The 129th Mini reunion will be weds. June 20th,21st,22nd and 23rd. Of coarse the VHCMA will have a hospitality room set up for those whom arrive early. For any questions you can email me or Charlie Rains Excutive Dir. VHCMA__ vhcmaed@sprynet.com. Also Mark will the info posted on the web page. make Plans to attend. Take Care Bro's Alex
Alex Fernwalt <alfern@bellsouth.net>
Memphis, Tn USA - Thursday, January 04, 2001 at 08:50:52 (MST)
There is a picture of myself and another pilot named Joe in the "Men in Groups" gallery, "group13 picture. How can I capture this picture? If I right click and save it, I get a message saying it's not a valid file?
Larry Kwiatkowski <Chrger66@aol.com>
Simi Valley, CA USA - Wednesday, January 03, 2001 at 22:54:43 (MST)
PSP's were 12' long and 12 to 18" wide and H E A V Y ! !
Jim Hydinger <oldstuff@pointonline.net>
Junction City, WI USA - Wednesday, January 03, 2001 at 17:16:33 (MST)
Would any of you men out there remember the size & weight of the "portable steel planks"(P.S.P. that were used for the L--shaped bunkers on the flight line? Gale
Gale Beard 67-68 <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In USA - Tuesday, January 02, 2001 at 07:54:21 (MST)
To Dave Powers: I had a pair of those sandals. I think the straps were made from the inner tubes cut into about 3/4" straps. Wish I had them now. Still looking for anyone who knows about Vietnam copies of Fender, Gibson guitars. To Bruce Cromwell: Yes, we are lucky to have Mark. We all took a vote the other night and after counting all the hanging and pregnant 'chads', we have decided to keep him! Hope everyone had a great New Year's!!
Mike Miles
USA - Tuesday, January 02, 2001 at 05:40:33 (MST)
AHH Christmas 67, drew Peter pilot duty on the Tiger Wagon, Flew general Chung to the Bob Hope show at Phu Cat AFB. Couldn't see the show as we had to "stand by" the chopper. Boy were we pissed, don't remember who was AC that trip. AHH those were the days. LOL
Ted Buisker <skyking@stateline-isp.com>
Davis, IL. USA - Monday, January 01, 2001 at 12:34:59 (MST)
To Jim & Sue Hydinger: Glad to see you on here. I hope Jim is feeling a whole lot better now.I'm retired now, so, I might try to get up your way this summer. Happy New Year to you guys and all fellow 129th comrads & families. If anyone in this area would like to meet and drive up to see Mark's new Pub( or meet there on a certain date) let me know. I'm sure that a few of us 129ther's could really break his place in. I wonder if Mark serves "33" beer and some of those "ham?? burgers" that we used to get in Qui Nhon?! Best of luck to all!! Gale
Gale Beard--67-68 <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In US of A - Monday, January 01, 2001 at 09:49:01 (MST)