It was great meeting all the brothers and sisters at the reunion. It was and emotional roller coaster for me. The poems and songs in the red room, I don't think anybody left with a dry eye. What a reunion, overwhelming. Thanks to everybody.Rick England 129th AHC Bite N Strike Lane Army Airfield Bull Dog 431 The Iron Butterfly 623 388 2628
Rick England <bd431@inficad.com>
Wittmann, Az USA - Friday, June 30, 2000 at 11:43:09 (MDT)
To Rick England, Bill French, Alex Fernwalt, Mark Jackson, Barry Winkler, Pete Rhome.... Finally got home from my vacation. It was really nice to meet everyone at LZ Charlotte. I wish I could have stayed longer, but had a schedule to keep. I had a real nice time talking to everyone and reliving old times and going over the pictures. Frenchie, I hope you made it home ok. You were pretty schnockered by the end of the night. One of those floppy disks you gave me was completely empty. I do appreciate the thought though. I especially liked the one of Liz Fernwalt with just your jacket on. (This was just an illusion folks don't get excited). If anyone could email me a picture of all of us guys infront of Mark's 129th flag on the door I would appreciate it. For Pete Rhome and wife and anyone else who might want to give me a jingle, my phone # at home base is 315-589-7971. Finally meeting Mark Jackson made me well up with tears. I started thinking of Larry and how much I missed him and meeting his brother was a bit much for me. It was a really great time and Hanging out with Rick and Alex and Barry was great. Liz Fernwalt, you have a way of making anyone at all feel like they have known you for years. Alex, you better hang on to her. Hope everyone is doing well. I'll keep in touch. Robbie
Robbie <hobbes@kodak.com>
Rochester, ny USA - Thursday, June 29, 2000 at 08:47:28 (MDT)
It was very nice meeting all you guys in Charlotte. Looking forward to next year
Harrell Guidry <kgid@mail.pernet.net>
Groves, Tx USA - Tuesday, June 27, 2000 at 21:11:09 (MDT)
Paul and the rest of the flight. I just recieved a color catalog in the mail that offers unit patches and pins, and a whole lot of other stuff. The guy that offers this is a Vet from the 176th AHC out of Chu Lai '68-'69. He has the 1st Aviation Brigade patch ($4.50)ans hat pin ($3.95). Best price I have seen for these items. Postage and Handling are $4.45 so order enough stuff to make it worthwhile. He is online at www.DandGEnterprises.com Email DLG555@aol.com Or mail him at D&G Enterprises PO Box 180 Salem, AL 36874-0180
Dan Hertlein <dhert10408@aol.com>
Sumner, WA USA - Sunday, June 25, 2000 at 09:21:21 (MDT)
Flight, anyone have a clue where I can find a 1st Avn Bde Unit Crest. This is the only one I'm missing from the units I served with. If you have a line on one I sure would appreciate it. Thanks, Lou.
Paul Tenhet <pqt2@trilobyte.net>
Tooele, Ut USA - Wednesday, June 21, 2000 at 22:35:50 (MDT)
.......well, well ,well..................one trip down this year and one more to go............as you have read and seen, the trip to DC on Memorial Day weekend was awesome and very emotional. To meet up with the 129th'ers that my wife and I did....well......it has been taxing on my brain.........but I still take the call......and...you men that have said so mnay nice things to me and about me.............I thanks you for it all.....you really don't know how it warms my heart......Barry Swanson, Mike T, Ron Paye...and all............The 6 and I head out on the bike this Wednesday morn for the VHCMA gig in NC.......and once again......I will meet up with more 129th guys and there loved ones.....what can I say????........the last 4 years has been a dream come true that I never knew that I had.........there is NO words to explain the feelings I have inside. Except one......FRIENDSHIP..............I can honestly say, I have felt the feeling of FRIENDSHIP like never before!!!!!!......I thank you all for that.........as I said....the last 4 years has been taxing for me.......I have swallowed more then I ever dreamed I ever would of come across................the 129th Home Page seems to be flying on its own now.......and I think after this next trip, I am going to take a break and try and sort this all out let it soak in..............dont get me wrong......I still will and will always work on the 129tth page and PLEASE continue to send me anything that you want to be inserted on the page. It just may take a little longer to get it up............I have learned more then I ever thought I would about Vietnam and my brother Larry and I thank all of you here for that....as I have said before, you are the voice of Larry.......Talk to me brothers.....The 6 and I will see some of you in NC, the rest, take care of yourselves and stay in toouch. ........always a brother to you, and a brother of a brother related to the cost of FREEDOM, Mark
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Sunday, June 18, 2000 at 21:19:35 (MDT)
http://www.blu.org/vhcma/ Donnie look at this it will tell you everything you need.Rick
Rick England <bd431@inficad.com>
Wittmann , Az USA - Sunday, June 18, 2000 at 17:28:15 (MDT)
help help help, i'v been out of the net for a while, can anyone tell me the dates and location of the reunion. thanks bulldog 682
donnie r. purvis <dpurvis@lexcominc.net>
linwood, nc USA - Sunday, June 18, 2000 at 17:01:42 (MDT)
Dan, if you have access to any reel to reel tape recorder you can listen to your tapes. it doesn't have to be one of the small 3.5 recorders. I haven't seen one of the small ones in years but the 7 inch recorders are pretty easy to find in pawn shops and second hand stores. good luck, Don 69-70
Donald Miller <ayla@c2i2.com>
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Saturday, June 17, 2000 at 08:18:46 (MDT)
Does anyone have a 3.5" reel to reel tape recorder/player? I have about twenty tapes that I recorded while in Nam but I can't play them back to transcribe some of the messages that I sent home. I have been looking at garage sales and second hand stores but no luck. If someone comes across one, let me know, I will buy it from you.
Dan Hertlein <dhert10408@aol.com>
Sumner, WA USA - Saturday, June 17, 2000 at 07:58:08 (MDT)
Thanks for the tour -it brought back many memories!
Charles Taliaferro <charles@taliaferro.net>
Hanford, CA , CA USA - Friday, June 16, 2000 at 22:03:10 (MDT)
Flight: Apreciate all the birthday greetings. It was a surprise to find them when I got on the computer. Thanks to everyone!!! Well my wake-up is here. Friday night will head out towards Charlotte. If I had one birthday wish that would we all would be there. But, plenty of pictures will be taken. Heading for work!!! Thanks again for the birthday greetings meant a lot. Alex
Alex Fernwalt <alfern@bellsouth.net>
Memphis, Tn. USA - Thursday, June 15, 2000 at 05:35:59 (MDT)
does anybody remember the hamburger with a fried egg on it from the NCO club? This was around 67 68 69.
Rick England <bd431@inficad.com>
Wittmanna, Az USA - Tuesday, June 13, 2000 at 16:30:20 (MDT)
Hi guys and girls. So we have a birthday boy. Happy birthday Alex. Good to here everyboby made it back from the run. Take care, Uncle Slick 71-72 698,693 1st flt plt.
Michael Barrett <michael_barrett@icpphil.navy.mil>
Phila., Pa. USA - Tuesday, June 13, 2000 at 11:10:55 (MDT)
I thought of the upcoming reunion when I read this. I re-wrote it 'slightly'. THE REUNION by Rachel Firth Autumn leaves rustling, together to the appointed place, the old warriors come. Pilgrims, drifting across the land they fought to preserve. Where they meet is not important anymore. They meet and that's enough for now. Greetings echo across a lobby. Hands reach out and arms draw buddies close. Embraces, that as young men they were too uncomfortable to give, too shy to accept so lovingly. But deep within these Indian Summer days, they have reached a greater understanding of life and love. The shells holding their souls are weaker now, but hearts and minds grow vigorous, remembering. On a table someone spreads old photographs, a test of recollection. And friendly laughter echoes at shocks of hair gone gray or white, or merely gone. The rugged slender bodies lost forever. Yet they no longer need to prove their strength. Some are now sustained by one of "medicines miracles," and even in this fact, they manage to find humor. The women, all those that waited, all those who loved them, have watched the changes take place. Now, they observe and listen, and smile at each other; as glad to be together as the men. Talk turns to war and "gun ships" and "slicks" and foreign lands. Stories are told and told again, reweaving the threadbare fabricate of the past. Mending one more time the banner of their youth. They hear the vibrations, feel the shudder of metal as "turbine" engines whine and whirl, and "helicopters" come to life. These birds with fractured "blades" can be seen beyond the mist of clouds, and they are in the air again, chasing the wind, feeling the exhilaration of flight close to the heavens. Dead comrades, hearing their names spoken, wanting to share in this time, if only in spirit, move silently among them. Their presence is felt and smiles appear beneath misty eyes. Each, in his own way may wonder who will be absent in another year. The room grows quite for a time. Suddenly an ember flames to life. Another memory burns. The talk may turn to other wars and other men, and of futility. So, this is how it goes. The past is so much present. In their ceremonies, the allegiances, the speeches and the prayers, one cannot help but hear the deep eternal love of country they will forever share. Finally, it is time to leave. Much too soon to set aside this little piece of yesterday, but the past cannot be held too long, for it is fragile. They say "Farewell" . . . "see you another year, God willing." Each keep a little of the others with him forever. "Clear right!"
129th
USA - Tuesday, June 13, 2000 at 07:43:25 (MDT)
Alex, Happy Birthday you old Bite and Striker.
Stacy McLain <mclain@infomagic.com>
Flagstaff, AZ USA - Sunday, June 11, 2000 at 09:46:17 (MDT)
Alex I was talking to Mark Herring at the legion Fri. he said that you have been the only one from the 129th at the reunions in the past. I think that is going to change this reunion thanks to Mark jackson an all his work that he put into this page and friendship with all veterans. Look forward to meeting all of you. Rick England 129th AHC Bite N Strike Lane Army Airfield Bull Dog 431 The Iron Butterfly
Rick England <bd431@inficad.com>
Wittmann, Az USA - Sunday, June 11, 2000 at 08:32:17 (MDT)
Flight: It's been great reading about every one's journey to the wall. Glad every one made the trip safe and sound. Well a week to go and then I will have the opportunity of meeting some of you. Hoping this will bring alots of us even closer. I wished now I would have stayed in contact with the guy's I served with. Now 35 years later trying to find as many as possible. We all shared part of our lives together in Vietnam. We shared the good and the bad. And, wonder at times why I came home. And others didn't. I guess I will always have those thoughts. But, since finding our homepage and Mark Jackson. I am able to stay in contact with many of you. Take Care My BRO'S. SEE YOU ALL IN CARLOTTE!!!!! Alex
Alex Fernwalt <alfern@bellsouth.net>
Memphis, Tn USA - Thursday, June 08, 2000 at 08:11:50 (MDT)
Hello Flight, I am very glad to hear everyone had a great time and all are arriving home safe and sound. I wish I could have met everyone that was in Williams but I got a little caught up in it all. this is the first time I have ever been to anything like this and it was a little overwhelming. I was helping Jim and gang with the meal (we fed over 300 that night) and then I taped the events that went on. and I had to leave for home around 10PM that night. BUT with the grace of God I will not have to come home next year. I am making plans already for next year and I will go to the wall. just have to find a bike or a trike and the money. but then we all need at least one of those things .... right ? anyway I have been reading the posts and looking at all the pic's. and MARK you are ALMOST as ugly as I am. you need a little more practice LOL it sure was nice to see the bite and strike patch being worn. well time to get going, see y'all in here and hope to meet next year.
Don Miller <ayla@c2i2.com>
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Wednesday, June 07, 2000 at 20:30:34 (MDT)
Good Evening Flight, I am sitting in Santa Cruz, out of town on business. I have not had a chance to rest up before my company sent me out on the road again. Hotels......I was waking up at home thinking I was in another hotel/motel. Additions to my original message........Mike, Gunner, Sleepy (my hooch mate), and I all hooked up again in Limon, CO. As we headed East, another 129'er, a Cobra Crew Chief, ship 442, and a 2nd platoon doorgunner, Billy Cockerel from Louisville, KY invited us to his home. Mike and Gunner went on to Carefree, Ind. but Sleepy and I went on ahead of the pack to meet Billy. When we arrived Billy had dinner all prepared, he even baked 2 different cakes for desert. He really made us feel at home, as he said, he filled us up like ticks, and set the scale back about 6 pounds so we felt like we lost some weight. I Love You Billy. The next morning he made breakfast and then lead us to the Louisville Veterans Hospital where the pack would make it's 1st stop of the day and we would hook up with the group. As we got closer to West Virginia all I could think about was finally getting to meet Mark Jackson. We stopped in Huntington, WV. where the local Harley shop, Benjy's sets up service for all of the bikes. I mean they work non stop until every bike is complete. The next day we headed for Rainelle, WV. This is the most incredible visit on the entire run. This town is a small, low income mining community. We had been filling gallon milk jugs with money to donate to the kids play ground equipment. In all four jugs were stuffed with bills and coins, another donation was made there at the site. We were all gathered to one side while the kids at the elementary school were in the bleachers, the teachers gave the nod to the kids and they poured out into the field. They had small POW/MIA booklets that the teachers had made with colored paper, the kids came up to us asking for our autographs. You have never seen so many grown men in tears, these kids looked up to all of us as true hero's, this is the biggest day of their school year. They even asked if we could sign their T-Shirts. We asked them in return to sign ours, I was wearing my 129th T-Shirt which has even more meaning to me now. I was in the gym reading the papers the kids had made hanging on the wall, Gunner came walking up with Mike, looking for me telling me he had someone to introduce to me. I had the honor to finally meet Mark Jackson, following such an emotional day, I still had the goose bumps rising on my body. It sort of felt that I some way knew him already. I met his wonderful wife Dee, and he introduced me to another 129'er Pete Rhome and his wife TJ. As Mike mentioned, we all hit it off like brothers. If a group was to represent the 129th, I couldn't think of a better blend of guy's. I was totally humbled to be in the presence of these great men. Mark, you are every bit of what I imagined and more. Mike, Mark, and Gunner you are all now part of my internal family, Lesli now has 3 new uncles. Mike I can't start to thank you for what you did for Lesli. She has experienced something that she will treasure for life after riding with you in the Rolling Thunder Parade. Mark, giving Lesli your bracelette of Larry is a gift she will have meaning to, and the reason what this entire mission was for all of us. And Gunner, what can I say, she has your name tag from your Nomex, she looks at that every day and has vivid memories of this incredible weekend. It was very hard saying "So Long", I know I have life long friends, all of you were just the best. But that is what is reflected of our family of the 129th. I Love each and everyone of you guy's, thanks for making this mission so special and providing the love for my family that you gave............Well Gunner, it's time to find a pub and watch the Lakers dice it up with your Pacers......Reggie is back home you know.......... Were clear up on the Left.........The Tail is clear........were outta here.......... Barry
Barry Swanson <Bulldog910@hotmail.com>
Riverside, CA USA - Wednesday, June 07, 2000 at 19:24:40 (MDT)
Hey 129th, I sure wish each and everyone of you could have joined us in DC. It was an incredible experience. Meeting Barry in California was great since I didn't know anyone else yet, except Curt, and as you all know, on our way to Calif from Seattle, his bike died. Ron and I had talked on the phone, and I was looking forward to meeting him in person. We all hit it off great, right from the start. Barry, your family is terrific. I love you all. It was my honor and privilege to have your daughter Lesli ride with me in the parade. She is wonderful and I am humbled and honored that she asked me to be one of her Uncles, along with Ron Paye and Mark Jackson. Say Hi to your wife Donna and the kids for me. Mark, what can I say, I was so glad to finally meet you and your lovely wife De. I will always remember being at the WALL with you and meeting your brother Larry. Ron Paye, we shared a lot together on this journey, from meeting you in Calif, riding two up on our way to Denver, and arriving in DC together. I was sad when I departed Indianapolis for home, but the great memories of the trip were with me. Thanks for riding Donna Elliott on your bike in the parade and honoring her brother Jerry with his name on the fender. I know we will all remember leaving the rotorblade at the WALL, and I'm sure Donna loves you all for your part. And we can't forget Kate, what a trooper. I sure met a lot of great people on this trip, and have made some new friends for life......Love you all, Pathfinder Mike OUT.
Mike Teutschman <mike.teutschman@PSS.boeing.com>
Lynnwood, WA USA - Wednesday, June 07, 2000 at 13:31:20 (MDT)
.................Yo Barry....thanks for the heads up on the C/SPAN coverage of the parade sight........that is really nice of that lady to put it all up....and you be correct..that is my ugly mug on the 3rd page......FOLKS..ya can put that snap shot up to keep all the cridders away from the inside of your house.......that pix was takin' as we all were standing around watching Mike Tuetschman of the 129th , being interviewed by C/SPAN that day in the Pentagon Parking lot before the parade........ GENTLY!!!!!!!!!!..the pleasure was all mine to talk with you last night.............your friend Joe, seemed to be a very nice guy......hope all is working out well there for you..... take care all......and hope to meet each and everyone one of you someday........... Clear left....................... the new "257"....inbound to the beacon and climbing to 6,000FT.............LETS GO HOME LARRY!
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Tuesday, June 06, 2000 at 20:41:37 (MDT)
Welcome home guys! I'm so-o glad you're all safe. I'm so glad you went. Curt, next year you ride.... Mr. Jackson, sir. You grab at my heart and leave me breathless. Your call last night meant so much-you'll never know, you'll just never know. If I do make the reunion it would only be for Fri-Sun---I'm really tempted. Barry...thanks for the web site info...the pictures took me there. Ron-Cobra Boy! No visit until July?? Perhaps the big soldier is still sore from his first big bike trip-pobre sito. With love guys-Gently
Gently <GentlyJ@aol.com>
USA - Tuesday, June 06, 2000 at 18:02:04 (MDT)
Hello Flight, Well I am back in Southern Cal, one piece and everything seems to be still working. I arrived home on Sunday morning June 4th after a last evening in Las Vegas. I have so much to say about this mission I don't know where to start. I have read some of Mark's experience and will try not to repeat. I went to the Fairfield Inn in Ontario on Tuesday evening to check-in, there I was looking for Ron Paye and Curt Classen. I found Ron and he informed me about Curt's unfortuate luck with his bike which had broke in San Diego. Ron had finished eating taco's at the local VFW who provided dinner for the RFTW. I brought my family with me so Ron came along and we had dinner at a nearby resturant. On Wednesday morning heading to the TA Truck Stop, I passed a biker on I-15 who was loaded up and seemed to be headed the same way I was going, We shared the "Thumbs Up" signal. He fell in behind me and followed until I got to the off ramp. As he pulled up beside me he noticed my 1st Aviation Patch, he showed me his, then we seen each others 129th patch. The goose bumps on my arms grew larger. As we pulled into the parking lot, we embraced each other, shook hands and introduced ourselves. Mike Tuetschman was the first biker I encountered on the run. I felt that this was the Lord blessing me with a confirmation that I was meant to be on this mission. Mike had ridden down from Seattle with Curt and another friend. We found Gunner (Ron), and along with a friend I met on the RFTW BB who I was sharing a room with along the way, we all lined up together and headed out in formation with the rest of the pack, 214 bikes in all. The first night we were to meet up with Les Sprague and Don Miller in Williams, AZ. Gunner talked to Les but I never got the opportunity to meet him or Don, although I talked to everyone who was riding a Sportster asking them if they were Les. I think it was around Colorado when Gunner was told that Les had turned back due to illness. When we arrived at a truck stop in Pinion, Colorado for lunch I heard someone yelling over the sound of all of the bikes, as I stopped, shut down, and stepped off the bike Matt Casey walked up to me wearing his 129th shirt, he noticed my 129th patch on my vest. He rode up from his home near Denver with some others, the local ABATE was providing gas and lunch for all of us. I spent the hour talking to Matt, Gunner and Mike were in Denver stopping at the local Harley dealer getting some repairs and visiting a grave site of one of Gunner's fellow pilots. I sure wanted to introduce Matt to them both, but I was really glad to see family coming out to visit us. We left Pinion in route to Limon, Colorado for the nights rest. You can visit the RFTW web site at www.rftw.org, they have a message board and a siterep that has a daily log of the entire trip. Also C-SPAN has pictures at http://Community-2.webtv.net/carolemason/ROLLINGTHUNDER/ about the thrid page is a really good picture of Mark Jackson wearing his booney hat. ..........More to follow.................. Making an approach.......on a right base........Lane Tower clear for POL Barry
Barry Swanson <Bulldog910@hotmail.com>
Riverside, CA USA - Tuesday, June 06, 2000 at 14:47:40 (MDT)
Just a short note to say that I enjoy the war stories. I spent the first half of my tour with the 1st Cav and along with about five other pilots was involved in a DEROS shuffle. The 129th did a lot of moving during the frst half of '67. I remember Dong Ba Thin, Bao Loc, Phan Thiet. Song Ba, Khan Dzuong, Ban Me Thuot, and finally Lane. It sure was a treat to finally live in a building and eat in a mess hall! Just a few random memories - climbing to 5000ft during the dry season just to cool off - the Korean "mad minutes" at 0500 - watching the engine melt on a hot start on a brand new bird with the first L-13 engine and my amazement at how fast the crew bailed out! - a Cpt whose name escapes me trading an AK47 to the Air Force at Phu Cat for a GREAT ice making machine - flying a flight surgeon to a Montenyard village to treat an elephant with a bullet wound - driving the bright yellow "Line Vehicle" jeep and getting it on the C130 on the move to Lane. Names I can't remember but does anyone else get these little flashbacks?
Jerry Sovich <jsovich@webtv.net>
Economy, PA USA - Monday, June 05, 2000 at 20:20:44 (MDT)
.....a continuation of our DC trip........after we all met up and drank a few for the 129th at our hotel, we crashed for the night heavy. The next day we all wanted to go to the WALL.....ended up spending 5 hours there Saturday........got rained on 3 times...but that was OK......I was always told that the WALL was awesome when it rained ,because the names would gather rain drops and it would look as if the namesd were crying............man were they correct about that///that is excactly what it looks like....and if you know me well...you know how the RAIN and Larry and I are connected!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....anyways........I bet I hugged at least 9 or 10 Vets that were at the wall with a heavy heart and tears in there eyes....didn't know a one of them...but I recall the time I was there and the Vets did that to me.........come to find out.,the HUG that they give back....is ten times stronger then the one I am giving them......was a good feeling......... Upon our travels to DC...we married up with some other KIN of KIA and also a KIN of an MIA........the MIA kin had gone back to Vietnam last year with another 129th guy that we were ridin' with to look for remains of her MIA bro's ship, or maybe some stuff of his......all they found was a piece of the rotor blade....they brougfht it back to make a presentation at the WALL with it. I was ask to be a part of it all since I was a KIN of an KIA.........we did so and man was it a very soboring time at the WALL for me. WE started our march to the WALL from about a block away...........we had a POW/MIA flag on the left, and an American flag on the right. as we walked towards the WALL..the crowd just seem tom split like the RED sea.........and you could see some men saluting as we walked by. When we got to the WALL, and the panel as to where Donna's brothers name was...we layed ther Box down that had the Rotor blade in and then folded the flag that draped it.....gave him a final salute and carried on....was awesome...had an Native American Chief blessing us all the way to the WALL with a feather in his hand.........very,very, emotional, to say the least..........the next day I go out and buy a Rolling Thunder 2000 t/shirt.....and it has the name of the guy that belongs to the rotor blade on it........there must of been over a half a million of those shirts sold that weekend.....I gave the one I bought to the Sister of the MIA...she said she has been looking for something with his name on for years....as I have with Larry's name......what a kawinkiedink man.......the Lord works in myisteriuos ways man!!!!! ....Jackson OUT......love to ya all.............got word the Mike Tuetschman, and Barry Swanson and his wife made it home to the LEFT caost all OK.......and Ron Paye is back in INDY.......all are home safe from out insertion into DC and RTB with out any hits.......God Bless you all........ Jackson
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
Coldwater, OH USA - Monday, June 05, 2000 at 20:04:31 (MDT)
...............AND TO DAN HERTLEIN..................YOU BE CORRECT MAN.............YOU DID SEE THE BITE AND STRIKE FLAG ON THE BACK OF THE NEW "257"..........THATS JUST WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE. GALD YOU GOT TO SEE IT. I HAD IT SPREAD OUT AND ATTACHED TO A POLE IN THE PENTAGON PARKING LOT. MANY PICTUES WERE TAKIN OF IT BY LOTS THAT PASSED BY...........129TH!!!!!!!!!!!!!...YOU WERE REPRESENTED AND WELL SEEN IN DC LAST WEEKEND.... ..........................................MARK
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
Coldwater, OH USA - Friday, June 02, 2000 at 14:10:50 (MDT)
Hello dear family of the 129th AHC, As you can tell, we are back from the Memorial Day Freedom Ride to the WALL, and OH what a trip it was. Not just was it a wonderful trip, and another wonderful visit to the WALL, but having the oppertunity to run into some of the 129th guys that did the Run all the way from California was very special to my wife and I. We have gained some ever lasting friendships. Of course the friendships of all you people here are new asset to us also. I have just now had time to set down and write a lil' about the trip because the day we returned we received company and our Grandson is still staying with us until tomorrow. He is napping right now. Dee and I left last Wednesday around 0900 and marryed up with Pete Rhome of the 129th on the other side of Ohio. From there on we traveled down to Parkersburg WV to hole up for the night. That was a nice ride and we only put 250 miles on the bike that day. We got up early the next day to make the short ride of 150 miles down to Rainell WV where we were to meet up with the men that made the Run To The WALL from California. This lil' town of Rainell not only opens up their town to us. but also their hearts. Ther kids line the streets and most wear white T/Shirts and ask you to sign them for them. The Moose Lodge put on a Free meal and the food was plentyful and delicious. It was in Rainell the we rondevued with Ron Paye, Barry Swanson ,and Mike Tueschmen of the 129th. Oh what a splendid gatherin that was. It was great to meet them finally other then just knowing them as a name and some words on the computer screen. We had aready met Ron Paye before. We also met Ron's Freind and neighbors Steve and Patty that made the trip to Rainell in their van. Sterve is a Purple Heart decorated Vietnam Vet. Also we met up with a Sister of an MIA of Nam , Donna Elliott, Sister if MIA Jerry Elliott. MIke Tuechmen and Donna returned to Vietnam together last year to search for remains of Jerry at the crash sight. All they could find was a piece of the rotor blade. They brought that back and Donna was going to leave it at the WALL. We aslo met Kate which is a sister of an KIA. I know I don't have to tell you the feelings of friendship that transpired for me by meeting Donna nad Kate. We all 3 have a tie that brought our bond close. After some great food and a wonderful rest that night we saddled up the next morning to make the final leg into DC. It was to be about a 200 mile ride with 3 gas stops. On the second to last gas stop, the 129th men ask me if the new "257" could lead the pack..........what an honor for me that was. I kept looking in the rear view mirrors and my eyes would well up with tears. To know that I was leading 4 other men that served in the BITE AND STRIKE, My brothers unit, was one of the most awesome things I have ever been ask to do. It still sends a chill through me when I think about it!!!! The 3rd gas stop is where we assembled with about 500 bikes to make the final run into DC with a police escourt all the way to the IWO GIMA Memorial. Being the Marine that I am, it was great to circle the IWO GIMA monument on the bike. On the way into C we ran into a lil' trafic, but not for long. The olice had gone a head of us and devided the cars up from left to right and the next thing you know we were sailing right through the middle of them. The parted like the RED SEA for us. The bikes took up 2 lanes and it was non stop til we reached IWO. Now for a clod hopper from Ohio like me, that was a pretty awesome thing to see;-))) Well, thats about it for the 3 day trip into DC. They Grandson is wakin' up. I will try and write more about our stay in DC later tonight. It sure is great to be back home and with my 129th family again. I missed all you guys. BTW......Curt Classon and Les Sprague did not finish the trip. Curt's bike broke down a few times and last I heard Les got sick and turned back. Was sorry we did not get to meet them, Love ya all, Mark and Dee,
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
Coldwater, OH USA - Friday, June 02, 2000 at 14:06:25 (MDT)
Flight: Well 2 weeks to the Charlotte Reunion. Alot to do to get ready yet. Were hoping for a good turn out from the 129th. Rainer Bauer still hope you and the wife can make it. 35 years a long time in waiting. So Glenn and I are crossing are fingers that you make it. Mark my brother I can't find or put into words to express how I feel for all that you and Larry have done for us of the 129th. For 28 years all I remembered was four names Chamberlin,Whetzel,Gilliam and Neal. The first kia's of the 129th family 10/7/66. But, Mark with this homepage have brought a lot of together. As I look back over the last year. I started the T-Shirts because I wanted everyone to the 129th and the BITE&STRIKE. Since then we came together and we got Window Stickers,Patches,Hat Pins,Maps. I my self with my assocation with all of you. Finally and Truly have found the true meaning of (WELCOME HOME). And I thank you all. This encludes you to gently. And thanks to Mark's wife Dee and his family for there support that they give to Mark. Mark you a true Brother. I am looking forward to seeing quite a few in Charlotte. Alex
Alex Fernwalt <alfern@bellsouth.net>
Memphis, TN USA - Friday, June 02, 2000 at 08:55:35 (MDT)
Hey flight. I ran across this and thought I would share it with you. A forest for the trees scenario. A letter from the Duke of Wellington, a British General who was leading his country's forces against Napoleon. He wrote this letter to the British War Office in 1812: "Gentlemen: Whilst marching from Portugal to a position which commands the approach to Madrid and the French forces there, my officers have been diligently complying with your requests. We have enumerated our saddles, bridles, tents and ten poles, and all matter of sundry items for which His Majesty's Government holds me accountable. I have dispatched reports on the character, wit, and spleen of every officer. Each item and every farthing has been accounted for with two regrettable exceptions. Unfortunately the sum of one shilling and nine pence remains unaccounted for in one infantry battalion's petty cash, and there has been a hideous confusion as to the number of jars of raspberry jam issue to one cavalry regiment during a sandstorm in Western Spain. This brings me to my present purpose, which is to request elucidation of my instructions from His Majesty's Government, so that I may better understand why I am dragging an army over these barren plains. I construe that perforce it must be one of two alternative duties, as given below. I shall pursue either one to the best of my ability, but I cannot do both. 1. To train an army of uniformed British clerks in Spain for the benefit of the accountants and copy-boys in London, or perchance, 2. To see to it that the forces of Napoleon are driven out of Spain. Your most obedient servant, Wellington." Sound familiar? NOTES: Keith Weisheit (Lurch) just moved into a new house. I think his e-mail is down. LTC Dave Wood(Tadpole), Ret. US Army just had a new baby (actually, his wife did)! You Go Boy!!! Have a great weekend. Later
Mike Miles
Easton, MD USA - Friday, June 02, 2000 at 06:49:57 (MDT)
Mark, Ron, Curt----Welcome back! Hurry and tell us about Rolling Thunder! Better yet, get settled in and call me. Banking left boys, Gently
Gently <Gentlyj@aol.com>
USA - Thursday, June 01, 2000 at 17:48:11 (MDT)