Flight: Well March is almost gone. So put's the count down to about 80 days or so to the reunion. Hope to stop in the Pop-A-Top II on my to Ohio to see family. Then head to Louisville later in the week. It's look like a larger group then what we had last year. Really looking forward to seeing everyone from the 129th. hopefully John Hastings will have the pictures on Lane field from the beginning when the 161st was there. HE had them in Charlotte last year. I will be staying in close contact with the page. An try to monitor how big of a group we are going to have, so I can have a big enough romm for us. Take Care Bro's! Alex.
Alex Fernwalt <alfern@bellsouth.net>
Memphis, TN USA - Monday, March 26, 2001 at 12:49:01 (MST)
Sorry, I will not be able to make the reunion. I just can't get the time off. At the Va we have to plan a year ahead & the won't let more than 2 people off at once. One of these times though. Hope you all have a good one & I will be thinking of you!!! Yours, Smitty
Jim Westwang <westwang@fiberpipe.net>
Sheridan, Wy USA - Monday, March 26, 2001 at 11:39:55 (MST)
Kim. A lot of Rasta Mon. It's been hotter than Hell the last week. To add to the fire the've been burning tires in the street. Had to stay home three days last week. "FLAME"....Get the Caddy to Coldwater and I'll fly backseat with you from there after a beer (or two) at the Pop-a-Top. Mark....You have Red Stripe don't you? Cups
Jim Masencup <JimAntilleanM@netscape.net>
Port-au-Prince, Haiti - Sunday, March 25, 2001 at 01:48:01 (MST)
Cups, I've given up on Bhuddist chants. Got any Rasta's down there who have something to put an end to all this blasted snow? Don, I'm looking at flying in to Cinci, then renting a car from there. Probably 6/20-24. My schedule is to tight to trust to VFR flight. Maybe it's time to pick up my instrument ticket? Griff, Dave, Smitty, are you still planning on making it down? It'd be nice to make it to the Pop-A-Top, to sign in, That's something that will have to wait till later to firm up. Innkeeper, are you planning on attending? Kim
Kim La Voie <kimlav@megalink.net>
Livermore, Me USA - Friday, March 23, 2001 at 14:45:46 (MST)
That last message was directed to Darwin with our support.
Rick England <bd431@inficad.com>
Wittmann, AZ USA - Tuesday, March 20, 2001 at 20:10:08 (MST)
I think, we can all relate to what your saying, that is what mark did for us and I thank him and love to see you at the reunion. Be careful out there. Your brother.
Rick England <bd431@inficad.com>
Wittmann, AZ USA - Tuesday, March 20, 2001 at 19:43:45 (MST)
I better see ytour ass there Don. Hopefully we can meet longer this time. Be careful out there brother.
Rick England <bd431@inficad.com>
Wittmann, AZ USA - Tuesday, March 20, 2001 at 19:37:32 (MST)
Hey Flight Glad to see you made it home Kim.Flight Kim and I had a short but nice visit with each other.We meet 30 years ago,flew as team crews, his being the mini gun ship and mine the heavy ship. and thats with out me on it!!I'am amazed of what he remembers and of what I've forgotten,sometimes I wonder if I was there at all.Hope to meet some others at the Louisville reunion if I can swing it. I'd Like to say thanks to all that have made this all possible. SLAUTE to all my BROTHERS
Don McCort <mccortfmly@aol.com>
Largo, FL USA - Tuesday, March 20, 2001 at 19:11:27 (MST)
Flight--have really been enjoying all the commo. Have had most of Nam buried in the closet of my mind. Since finding this site, I have opened the closet and many memories have fallen out. Most are good memories because they involve the wonderful people I served with. The names are beginning to have faces. Who could forget Cups. I too remember Apple and am saddened that he is no longer with us. Cups wrote a story about Paul Nolen and the circumstances of his eventual death. Needless to say I was floored when I read that story. I was the AC of the high ship on that mission. Roger Lange was the Ac on the ship that Nolen was on. I have since visited with Rocky thru the internet. I have not had contact with the pilot that was with me, Richard Laughlin, since we parted at SeaTac on our way home. That mission is one of the not so good memories. Some day when I can muster the courage I will share my memory of that mission. Since finding this site, I have become quite excited about the reunion at Louisville. I have reservations and hope nothing happens to prevent me from attending. Think we will leave early and try to make it to the Pop A Top. Sounds like a cool place. Cups, you let me know whats going on. I understand Casey isn't going to make it. I got a place for you in the Caddy. It ain't no Harley but it gets me there. Mark--I want to thank you for this great site. It's hard for me to comprehend the dedication that you have for the memory of your brother and for the members of the 129th. You do a great service to all. I am looking forward to meeting you and seeing the Pop A Top. Take Care Gang Flame
Darwin Schmiedt--Flame <Schmitty@Santel.net>
Woonsocket, SD USA - Monday, March 19, 2001 at 19:50:42 (MST)
Good afternoon Finally got out of the frozen north east for a week of sun in Florida. I could learn to like the heat,again! Took in about 30 ball games while there. Started the Red Sox current winning streak! While there, I got to stop in on Don McCort, for a little while. I have to say a great thank you to Mark,Alex, and every one else who has had a hand in making this web site work! I'm not sure how many days I'll be able to spend in Louisville, But, I'm going to make a couple days of the mini reunion. hope to see some of the crew there. Kim Spring is coming!
Kim La Voie <kimlav@megalink.net>
Livermore, Me USA - Monday, March 19, 2001 at 15:07:47 (MST)
Flight: Well I am partially got this old computer up and running again. Been down for a few weeks. Alot of commo. I am still working to get an upgrade to run social numbers. Right now Charlie Rains of the VHCMA is running them. Hopefully it will produce more members of the VHCMA and enlarge all our units. Sorry to see that Dan can't make the reunion. But, there's always next year. Louisville will be my 10 year aniversary with the VHCMA. First one Louisville 91. In 94' at the Richman VA. reunion. alot of members talked me into getting a computer and getting on the bunker hill chat line on the VHFCN.ORG. As I scrolled down the page I saw the 129th. That opened a new world and one of the finest men to ever know. That right Mark Jackson!! With the encouragement from VHCMA and Mark I decided to find as many of the 129th I could. Mark has done a hell've a job with the home page. And he will always a brother to me!! And am proud to have met many of you already. And Looking forward to seeing and meeting more of you in Louisville. Were not getting any younger. And Glad to have the opportunity to seeing as many from the 129th brotherhood while I am able. Take Care Bro's Alex
Alex Fernwalt <alfern@bellsouth.net>
memphis, tn USA - Monday, March 19, 2001 at 11:06:11 (MST)
Dave, Thanks for the web site for the Chickenman programs. It brought back a lot of memories. Having grown-up (probably debatable)in Chicago I can remember listening everyday to Chickenman on WCFL radio. Thanks again.
Carl Brader <Harleydogs@Yahoo.com>
Addison, IL USA - Saturday, March 17, 2001 at 17:29:19 (MST)
Hey, Flight... John Dillman and Carl: I found several 2 minute episodes of Chicken Man at the following website. http://surf.to/chickenman I just did a Yahoo search and got several links displayed.
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, CO USA - Saturday, March 17, 2001 at 13:30:40 (MST)
John Dillman, you might try the following site for recordings of "Chicken Man" OTRSITE.COM/LOGS/LOGC1034.htm. I'm not sure if it is what you are looking for but they have a lot of old time radio recordings. Good luck.
Carl Brader <Harleydogs@yahoo.com>
Addison, il USA - Friday, March 16, 2001 at 22:32:41 (MST)
If anyone knows where I can find sound bytes of Chicken Man please let me know. Nothing like leaning back in the well and listening to it. Don't remember much about AFVN tv though, just the radio.
John Dillman <dillmanjc@worldnet.att.net>
Liberty, Mo USA - Friday, March 16, 2001 at 18:08:40 (MST)
how about calling the" bot"jesus nut.
fred alvis <fredfrostyjr@aol.com>
indy, in USA - Friday, March 16, 2001 at 08:37:29 (MST)
Chicken Man Rocks! That's my vote, too! I watched "Good Morning Vietnam" the other night on the tube, and it made me think of AFVN radio and TV. Remember those G.I. "news anchors" and those interesting local Vietnamese theater performances? I think there are some sound bytes floating around the web of Chicken Man broadcasts in Vietnam.
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, CO USA - Friday, March 16, 2001 at 07:12:27 (MST)
talk about digging in the dirt for a memory ... I had forgotten about CHICKEN MAN till I read your post. great idea .... he has my vote ...... Don
Don Miller <ayla@c2i2.com>
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Thursday, March 15, 2001 at 20:22:30 (MST)
David with respect to a name for the BOT, I vote for "CHICKEN MAN". For those that might not of heard the program on AFVN, it was comical. Anyway that's my vote.
john Dillman <dillmanjc@worldnet.at.net>
Liberty, MO USA - Thursday, March 15, 2001 at 11:42:30 (MST)
Hey all, It's me, David your Webmaster. I know I don't make my pressents know often but here I am now =) In any case I'm looking for feedback on the site. If you thing there is anything that can make the 129th.net site better let me know. Also in the chat room there is going to be what is called a bot.. It will be a perminate resident of the chatroom and it is there for purposes of the operators of the room so they can kick unwanteed users and the like. This bot needs a name. I'm sure there is a name out there that is meaningful to all of you and the 129th that could be given to the bot. And as for the issues about my pay.. I don't ask for much and Mark always has a smile and open arms when I'm around. If anyone wants to help me out.. try sending some more work my way =) fell free to post here or email me with the one below.
David Steinbrunner <webmaster@129th.net>
Wapakonta, Oh USA - Thursday, March 15, 2001 at 08:42:56 (MST)
PETE, JIM, RICK, FLIGHT, FAMILY, AND BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF THE 129TH.................I hope, and I know, that none of you thought I made that post about havin' ta cut David a check as a plea to help defray the cost of this page. Your offer to do so is deeply received with appreciation. The trouble I have with all this commo is this, and PLEASE understand me. Just the mear fact that I have been of a small service to any of you people has been help enough for me. Beleive me when I say, my life has changed drasticly because you are now a part of my life, and you have accepted me as your BROTHER. What I do, and what David does, is very small compared to what you have done for us. I know you all will disagree with that, but....well shit fire.....it's just the way I feel. I love each and everyone of you as much as I love my family here at LZ Coldwater. Shoot gang........I never had so many friends in my life before!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!............it's not that I am trying to hog the page, or own it all to myself, hell family, this page is more yours then it is mine, and compared to what you did for me , not only in the near past, but 30 some odd years ago, I will forever be in det to you...............beleive me family....this comes from my heart.......and PETE.....how could I ever be pissed at you brother......after all that you have done for me and all the new friends that I and Dee have met because of you. Such as the Chained Eagles.....................ALL OF YOU GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL, IT'S MY TIME TO GIVE BACK TO YOU.........I LOVE YOU 129TH FAMILY...always a brother..........Mark
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Thursday, March 15, 2001 at 01:31:54 (MST)
I Agree, I could help a little with this expense on this page; maybe we all could?? It's done so much for us; Smitty
jim westwang <westwang@fiberpipe.net>
Sheridan, Wy USA - Thursday, March 15, 2001 at 00:30:33 (MST)
Yes, Pete I agree.
Rick Englandb <bd431@inficad.com>
Wittmann, AZ USA - Wednesday, March 14, 2001 at 19:01:37 (MST)
Mark how about you give us Davids numbers??? Maybe I would like to cut him a ckeck to after all bro he is doing a hell of alot for all of us, why should you pay all the time???? I know your pissed, oh well but let me help ALLWAYS YOUR BRO
Pete Rhome <PBULLDOG216@msn.com>
Brunswick, oh USA - Wednesday, March 14, 2001 at 14:04:11 (MST)
Good morning, Flight! Great to see your post, Jesse! Mark, you've done us all a GREAT service with this web site! Who would've thought 30 years ago that we could "hook up" like this?
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, CO USA - Tuesday, March 13, 2001 at 07:16:08 (MST)
I have a chat room all set up if any one wants to use it, it stays empty most of the time. to get there you can click on my name below or copy and paste http://beseen3.looksmart.com/chat/rooms/u/7907/ to youw browser and you will be there. you are more than welcome to use it anytime. the name of the room is Hoggies pig pen ( in most circles I am known as Hogleg.) see you there till Mark gets the 129th chat room up and running. be safe, Don
Don Miller <ayla@c2i2.com>
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Tuesday, March 13, 2001 at 06:41:20 (MST)
......Evenin' 129th Family....closed the Pop-A-Top early tonight and have a few seconds to commo with you..........brother DON......WELCOME HOME 31 years ago. Glad that you are here and that I can read your comments. As I have often said, all of yous guys typin's, is the voice of Larry. THANKS FOR THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!................our "web master" (David) has been doin' some improvements on the home page. Please bear with us as theses changes go on. I want to personaly thank David for doin' such a grand job that he has in here. Which reminds me;-)))....I need to cut him a check for doin' so;-))))))).........as you can see, and at the last count...we have over 400 photos in the GALLERY section, Thanks to all that have sent them. If there is any thing that any of you would like to have changed, please feel free to notify me or David. We are doin' the best we can to bring you all, the Home Page of the 129th that is one of the best, of the best, on the net......David is still workin' on the CHAT ROOM deal.......again........bear with us as these changes take place. ..as always........and until my last breath........this page and all of you that come here, are on my mind until the end. Rest assured that somebody, ME, cares about you all. ........always a brother,..............................Mark
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Monday, March 12, 2001 at 23:08:32 (MST)
Hello Flight, well in about 6 hours I will have been "home" for 31 years. I have been thinking about all you guys all day. since it was 7:00 AM here on the 12th that I lifted off for the long ride home. I found this site a little over a year ago and things have been up and down ( like all of us )but I would like to say there have been a lot more ups than downs since I have started coming in here. I made the run to the run last year which I would never have known about if it hadn't been for Mark. (THANK YOU BROTHER)I was trying to make the run to the wall this year but at this point it doesn't look like that will happen. but I WILL be making the run to the run again and I will be looking for anyone from the 129th in Williams AZ, on the 16 th of May. looking forward to seeing more of you there this year. be safe Brothers ( and sisters ) Don Mar 69-70
Don Miller <ayla@c2i2.com>
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Monday, March 12, 2001 at 20:11:23 (MST)
......and one more thing..........Katharine..........we look forward to meeting you in Louisville in June....it will be an honor......thanks.......take care all.....always a brother,................Mark
Mark Jackson
USA - Monday, March 12, 2001 at 15:43:13 (MST)
HELLLLLLLLOOOO 129th family.............just a quick note before I lay me head down to cop some ZZZZZZZZZZZZ before I go into to the Pop-A-Top to pull the night shift and releive my wife......if you go to the 129th Home page and the 3rd "LINK" down now is labeled CHAT.....our webby is in the process of hooking us up with a chat room that we can talk on with a scrolling screen. This would be a live chat room that we can meet in at any time to talk. Please bear with us until we get the bugs worked out of it. I hope that someday we can meet in the chat room and have some great commo in there............ALSO.......Did you all see the post from Katharine Marsee about info on Michael Shanely?????.......clear those cob webs out brothers, and lets' see if we can come up with some info on Michael.......I do recall Ted "GUS" Gustafson saying he had papers on Michael getting a medal while in the 129th. TED!!!!....contact Katarine when you have time, if you did not already, Katharine!!!...contact Ted....... and anybody else that has info pertaining to Michael, please forward it to Katharine. I must be off for now. I hope we can get this CHAT ROOM THANG going, and maybe on a specail night some of us can meet there. That would be cool..........as always. God Bless, and THANKS for being out there for Larry and me....we owe you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....always a brother..........Mark
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Monday, March 12, 2001 at 15:35:51 (MST)
I visit the 129th everyday hoping to find out information about Michael Shanely. It has been a while since I have heard anything about him. I am looking for someone who remembers him. I will be at the reunion in June since Louisville is only an hours drive from my home. Welcome Home Katharine
Katharine Marsee <fricabeunme@msn.com>
Elizabethtwown, KY USA - Sunday, March 11, 2001 at 09:06:40 (MST)
Hollo Flight, Got a phone call a few years ago out ot the blue from a guy passing through Portland. Asking if I had ever been in the 129th.AHC. As the shock, and thoughts and memories raced through my mind, back to that time long ago (Yesterday) I realized that the person on the phone was Dave Powers, he remembered that i was from Oregon, and gave me call. We talked for a while about old times, said we'ed stay in touch. Still in shock I cought my self asking, Did that call realy happen?? A Few years passed by and the phone rings again, almost 30 years disapear as an old friend's voice ask's How Ya Doin? haven't heard from ya in a while, let's get together and look at soom pictures, and talk about old times. The bond's we share, will stand the test of time. THANK YOU, DAVE You ARE A TRUE BROTHER and Friend. Big Jess
Jesse Hancock <Demo8Dog@aol.com>
Portland, OR USA - Sunday, March 11, 2001 at 02:32:13 (MST)
Hello flight, I was just sitting here and looking at some of the stories that have been written by you guys and I got to thinking, maybe I could do a little more for the unit. if you click on my home page listed you will see a page I set up for our MIA-KIA's. I have had it up for some time so you may have already seen it but, I would like to do more to it and I need your help. I was thinking that it would be nice to put a picture of them over their name and info. if you agree with me and have a picture would you please send it to me ? I will take it any way you can send it but, the best way for me would be if it was sent as an attachment to an E-mail in JPG format. thanks in advance. keep 'em in the green. Don
Don Miller <ayla@c2i2.com>
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Saturday, March 10, 2001 at 13:39:30 (MST)
Gus your right on with smells went down some of those same runways. Thanks Gus for that and Thanks Tom for your concerns on the flood situation. Be careful out there.
Rick England <bd431@inficad.com>
Wittmann, AZ USA - Thursday, March 08, 2001 at 20:00:45 (MST)
Ted, You nailed it with SMELLS. I remember that run and wonder that we didn't break our necks coming down that hill in the middle of the night. And then there were the short lived guard dogs on the flight line. Looking back, it seems surreal. Run, saddle up, jam two circuit breakers in, CLEAR, crank, Lane Tower, Cobra 949 ASAP departure Whiskey One and go. Talk about automatic pilot. Thanks for your silent prayers. They probably got us back a few times. Soothsayer, 67-68.
Tom Shanahan <Shanahan00@home.com>
Phoenix, AZ USA - Wednesday, March 07, 2001 at 17:45:17 (MST)
Trying to find photos of C Model Huey 68-16261. If you know how I can get photos, please contact me.
Loretta Stager, B/1/9 Web Admin <loretta@pe.net>
Bravo Troop 1/9, CA USA - Tuesday, March 06, 2001 at 19:08:07 (MST)
Hey, Flight... Lurch, your talent as a wordsmith is really starting to surface! Well said, my friend! Carl, yep I do remember Mr. Pittman. Flew with him a few times, I'm sure. I borrowed my friend Jesse Hancock's (gunner, Bulldog 635) 1971 129th yearbook, and there are several shots of Mr. Pittman in it. Mark, glad things are going well for your business!
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, CO USA - Tuesday, March 06, 2001 at 15:43:03 (MST)
Guys, I sat down one hot summer night a few years ago and put this on paper. This one I call Smells and I have another somewhere I call Sounds. If I find it I will post it. Gus SMELLS IT IS A HOT SUMMER NIGHT AS YOU DRIVE ALONG WINDOW DOWN. YOU PULL UP TO THE STOPLIGHT AND A TRUCK PULLS UP NEXT TO YOU. THE RADIO IS TUNED IN TO AN OLDIES STATION, IT'S THE 60'S TONIGHT. THE SMELL OF HOT ASPHALT AND DIESEL EXHAUST DRIFT IN THE WINDOW,YOUR MIND WANDERS. YOU RUN THE WELL KNOWN PATH IN THE DARK TO THE UH-1B RESTING IN A REVETMENT. YOU UNTIE THE TAIL ROTOR, PULL THE SHELTER HALF OFF THE MINI GUN, FOLD IT AND STOW IT UNDER THE SEAT. YOUR GUNNER IS ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE AND MIRRORS YOUR ACTIONS. YOU DO NOT SPEAK AS YOU GO ABOUT YOUR TASK AS YOU HAVE SO MANY TIMES BEFORE. THE PILOTS ARE STRAPPING IN AND AS YOU YELL "CLEAR" THE ENGINE STARTS TO CRANK. YOU CAN SMELL THE JP4 MIXED WITH TARMAC AND THE EXHAUST AS THE ENGINE CRANKS. YOU PULL THE SAFETY PIN FROM THE MINI GUN, STRAP IN AND PLUG IN YOU INTERCOM. "CLEAR LEFT?" YOU RESPOND IN KIND AS THE CONVERSATION FILLS YOUR EARS. YOU ARE AT A HOVER, OUT OF THE REVETMENT, DOWN THE TAXI WAY, ACROSS THE "H" AND OUTBOUND OVER THE WIRE INTO THE NIGHT. A SILENT PRAYER FLASHES THROUGH YOUR MIND. "LET US ALL MAKE IT BACK AGAIN THIS TIME." THE LIGHT CHANGES TO GREEN AND YOU PULL AWAY AS WOOLY BULLY PLAYS ON THE RADIO. IT DOES NOT SEEM SO LONG AGO AND FAR AWAY EVEN AFTER ALL THE YEARS. I GUESS IT NEVER WILL. Ted "Gus" Gustafson 394th/129th August 67 - March 69 CE COBRA 949
Ted (Gus) Gustafson <tgus@brainerd.net>
Brainerd, MN USA - Sunday, March 04, 2001 at 23:11:21 (MST)
A GRAND GOOD EVENING TO ALL OF MY 129TH BROTHERS AND SISTERS. SUNDAY NIGHT, THE POP-A-TOP IS CLOSED FOR THE DAY, ME AND MOMMA ARE CHILLIN' OUT HERE AT HOME.THE JOINT IS RESTOCKED AND READY TO ROCK ON MONDAY FOR THE LUNCH CROWD AND THE BEER DRINKERS AND HELL RAISERS IN THE EVE. I AM 50 BAZILLION EMAILS BEHIND BUT ALWAYS WANT TO MAKE SURE I GET A POST IN HERE FOR THE WEEK. I WATCH THE COMMO EVERYDAY IN HERE BUT ONLY HAVE TIME TO READ IT AND NOT RESPOND UNTILL SUNDAY NIGHTS......................MATT CASEY!!!!!!!!!!!BUMMER MAN. WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING UP WITH YOU, BUT DO UNDERSTAND. WE ARE WHERE WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE AT TIMES. GODS PLAN. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU ON YOUR NEW JOB. KEEP THE FAITH BRO..........MOLEDY!!!!!!!!.....HOPE YOU HAVE CHECKED BACK IN TO SEE THE POST FROM TED GUSTAFSON ABOUT YOUR UNCLE..GUS!!!..THANKS ON THE HEADS UP ON THAT FOR MELODY!!!!!..SEE THAT GUYS.........STILL OTHERS THEN ME OUT THERE THAT CARE A WHOLE HELL OF A LOT ABOUT YOU MEN. THATS GOTSTA WARM YOUR HEARTS!!!!! LURCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....NOT BEING THERE, I TRULY CAN NOT RELATE TO YOUR FEELINGS, AND NEVER WILL CLAIM TO, BUT WRITINGS LIKE YOURS BRING IT "EVER SO CLOSE TO HOME" FOR ME. I CRIED MY FRIGGIN' EYES OUT WHEN I READ YOUR POEM. THANKS FOR SHARING IT WITH US AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. YOU GET A A+ IN MY BOOK WITH THAT ONE!!!!!! KEITH, IF IT'S OK WITH YOU, I WOULD LIKE TO ADD THE POEM TO THE STORIES SECTION OF THE 129TH DAN HERTLIEN........GOOD TO HEAR THAT YOU CAME OUT OK DURING THE BIG SHAKE OUT THERE. I WILL FOR SURE TAKE SOME OF THOSE PATCHES TO THE GIG IN LOUISVILLE WITH ME TO SEE IF OTHERS WANT SOME. DAVE POWERS, GALE BEARD, JIM SMITTY, ALEX, AND EVERYBODY.......SO GREAT TO SEE YOUR COMMO IN HERE. THE THANG IN LOUISVILLE IN NEAR. WE ARE VERY EXCITED ABOUT IT AND HOPE TOM MEET LOTS OF NEW HISS AND PISSERS............DAMB, I GET CHOKED UP EVERY TIME I MAKE A POST BECAUSE SO MANY EMOTIONS RUN THROUGH MY HEAD. JUST THAT FACT THAT I HAVE BEEN A VERY SMALL PART OF YOUR LIVES TO POSSIBLY HEAL SOME WOUNDS, AND HELP YOU MAKE CONTACTS THAT HAVE BEEN LOST FOR 35 YEARS. IT ALL BLOWS MY MIND FAMILY!!!!!......AND THEN I GET TA THINKING ABOUT LARRY............AND HOW THE WORDS THAT YOU SAY IN HERE ARE PROBABLY THE VERY SAME WORDS THAT HE WOULD BE SAYING......I HAVE SAID IT BEFORE IN HERE....."YOU" ARE THE VOICE OF MY BROTHER.....NOW DONT GET THE IDEA THAT I AM A CRAZY.......JUST A DAMB PROUD BROTHER OF ONE OF YOUR BROTHERS....AND AM SO PROUD TO BE ABLE TO TOUCH THE KEYS IN HERE, AND IN TURN, TOUCH EACH ONE OF YOU!!!!.......I CANT SAY IT ENOUGH JUST HOW MUCH EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU MEAN TO ME!!!!!............TAKE CARE, AND KEEP THE FAITH, ALWAYS A BROTHER, MARK
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Sunday, March 04, 2001 at 16:49:23 (MST)
Brothers, It pains me to say that circumstances are forcing me to miss the reuion this year, I had to change jobs and the new one won't give me a week until I have been with them a year. i did confirm a room for the 22nd thru the 24th so if any one needs it I'll be happy to transfer it to them. Dam I was so looking forward to it. Was givin a little flier with some words that we all can relate to,so here it is: I was that which others did not want to be, I went where others feared to go, and did what others failed to do. I asked nothing from those who gave nothing, and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness... Should I fail. I have seen the face of terror, Felt the stinging cold of fear, and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment of love. I have cried, pained and hoped... But most of all, I have lived times others would say were best forgotten. At least someday I will ne able to say that I was proud of what i was... A soldier... Lirch, sure liked your writing, plese do more. Tails clear left Matt Casey
Matt Casey <Dbrh768@cs.com>
Aurora, CO USA - Sunday, March 04, 2001 at 15:02:30 (MST)
Brothers, It pains me to say that circumstances are forcing me to miss the reuion this year, I had to change jobs and the new one won't give me a week until I have been with them a year. i did confirm a room for the 22nd thru the 24th so if any one needs it I'll be happy to transfer it to them. Dam I was so looking forward to it. Was givin a little flier with some words that we all can relate to,so here it is: I was that which others did not want to be, I went where others feared to go, and did what others failed to do. I asked nothing from those who gave nothing, and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness... Should I fail. I have seen the face of terror, Felt the stinging cold of fear, and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment of love. I have cried, pained and hoped... But most of all, I have lived times others would say were best forgotten. At least someday I will ne able to say that I was proud of what i was... A soldier Lirch, sure liked your writing, plese do more. Tails clear left Matt Casey
Matt Casey <Dbrh768@cs.com>
Aurora, CO USA - Sunday, March 04, 2001 at 14:58:51 (MST)
Dave, Read your entry about the helicopter pilot going down recently by you and I also thought about Mr. Abplanalp. When you emailed me that photo of him, me and the VN p-pilot it jarred my memory. He was a pretty funny guy as I recall, and a lot of fun to fly with. Do you (or any of the other 129th guys) recall W.O. Marty Pittman? I flew with him at the 119th at AnKhe before I was sent to the 170th AHC at KonTum. Does anyone have an email or land address for him? Keith (Lurch), your poem was very good. You put to words what a lot of vets feel,thanks. Take care all. Carl Brader C/E Feb-Apr'71
Carl Brader <Harleydogs@Yahoo.Com>
Addison, IL USA - Saturday, March 03, 2001 at 19:51:58 (MST)
Thanks for the poem Lurch!! I was dx with same years ago & was forced to put the Bottle down 19.5 years ago. That is what is so dear about this web site & finding it is that we truly all share the same load (helluva slingload if you will). I (working at VA) once attended a several day Seminar at the University of Wy. put on by Tom Williams & his sidekick who was a triage Nurse as they brought in the wounded in Saigon (TET 68) & he had to make the choice (this one is treatable & this one is going to die). Now this guy really carries some stuff. After the seminar, I asked Mr. Williams, did he think I had PTSD & he asked what I did & when I told him I was a CE on a Huey , He said he never met any Helicopter crew who did not have some sort of PTSD. So we all have it folks, the question is how well we are able to function with it. I work with folks who struggle with this & other things daily & although I have my own issues, compared to some of them, I count my blessings. My Dad, who was a ww2 grunt said that nothing helped like talking with those you were actually there with & this site is sure a blessing in that fashion. Thank you all for being there for me & Lurch, i remember flying a number of missions with you,animal,Bill Shillito,Shadow,Frog,Tadpole & many others. Some day, I hope to see you all again. Special thanks to Mark & undying thanks to those who gave ALL!! Yours as always, Smitty
Jim Westwang <westwang@fiberpipe.net>
Sheridan, Wy USA - Saturday, March 03, 2001 at 12:56:03 (MST)
Thanks for the poem Lurch. It helps. ...for those who sent me there to know... For me, the loads a little lighter knowing we all carry a little piece of it. Thanks.
Tom Shanahan <Shanahan00@home.com>
Phoenix, AZ USA - Saturday, March 03, 2001 at 10:50:40 (MST)
Here's something I'm sure y'all can relate to. I don't get to see a Huey very often in this part of Indiana. It's fairly nice weather today and I was in my garage messing around when I hear this all to familiar sound coming toward me from the South. You all know what I mean, that "Whop, Whop, Whop" that gets louder and louder until you are'nt sure if it's the Chopper or your heart thumpin'? I called for my girlfriend to come out and see it and she came running out bare footed (what a sweetheart). Of course, she went back in after a few minutes and left me standing there watching the Huey following the Wabash River north until it faded out of sight. After I got rid of the lump in my throat, I headed to my PC to visit the 129th. Also to Lurch, that's a very nice and touching poem--keep up the good work. Gale
Gale Beard 67-68 <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In US of A - Saturday, March 03, 2001 at 09:55:30 (MST)
Thanks Lurch for that poem I and others here can relate to that. I am saving that one in my poems to share with others if you don't mind. Thanks and be careful out there
Rick England <bd431@inficad.com>
Wittmann, AZ USA - Saturday, March 03, 2001 at 07:47:40 (MST)
Before you guys get started, I was given an assignment to write a poem rather than "right" same. Also, due to the way our page appears it is quite difficult to follow the rhythm, the flow, and the rhyme scheme of my poem. What the hell, I never claimed to be a Wilfred Owen, or Siegfred Sassoon, or Issac Rosenberg! I'm just the slick jockey a few of you knew as Lurch, out.
Keith "Lurch" Weisheit <rkweishe@evansville.net>
USA - Saturday, March 03, 2001 at 00:07:06 (MST)
Hey flight -- It has been a while since I dropped in to see what condition your condition was in. My hope is that you are all doing well. I am taking a poetry class at the university this semester. Recently I was given an assignment to right a poem regarding some specific aspect of my life. I was to create a "poetic form" -- that is I was to have some regularity as to the feet or beats per line and I was to create a rhyme scheme. I thought I would pass along the results. I will try to show the line breaks by using a double vertical line, like this ||. PTSD -- Definition and Manifestation post-traumatice stress disorder n. (1980): a psychological reaction occurring after a highly stressing event that is usually characterized by depression, anxiety, flashbacks, recurrent nightmares, and avoidance of reminders of the event -- called also post-traumatic stress syndrome. I struggle to hold my thoughts intact|| as my mind races away, driven from me|| by forces unseen. The now, under attack|| from days long past and the memory|| of bloodlust awakening in me the desire to act|| on my need to extract life from our enemy.|| And then, the flashes come and the twitching|| starts. Deep within my gut, the trembling,|| tears at my psyche, questioning my being|| alive when so many breathe no longer.|| Guilt clouds my world as I remember|| how the taking of life made us feel stronger.|| It is too late once the twitching starts.|| I need for those who sent me there to know|| all that is taken from one who must go|| to those dark places where the twitching starts. That's what I came up with. I was diagnosed with this shit in 1992, five months after I put the bottle down Vietnam came calling and at least up to this point I have been unable to show the bad parts of my experiences there the exit. I felt a need to share this with you guys. Go easy on me. One of the things that I am proudest of is that I flew with the 129th AHC, I never crashed a bird, and I never turned down a mission. Now, I get to feel all the things I would not back then. Miss you guys! Sure enough miss you hooligans -- so, keep 'em in the green! Lurch, out.
Keith "Lurch" Weisheit <rkweishe@evansville.net>
Evansville, IN USA - Friday, March 02, 2001 at 23:59:09 (MST)
Flight, Dave....I remember Peter Abplanalp (Apple). We were there together most of my tour. I don't remember who got there first. If I remember correct he was a short guy with dark hair. Sorry to hear of his demise. I know both Mike Miles and Roger Lang will remember him....Good to hear everyone made it through the shake. I sent a few of you on my list the mail I received from my son just after it was over. He attested to the E ticket ride aspect. I was out there in June for his wedding and we did the Underground tour. I saw on the news tonight there was quite alot of damage in that area of town. Sad to hear. Cups
Jim Masencup <JimAntilleanM@aol.com>
Port-au-Prince, Haiti - Thursday, March 01, 2001 at 21:57:56 (MST)
I thought I would give ya'll some more information. My uncle died in March of 2000. He was born in May of 47. He entered the army in 65 and was discharged in 71. He received the Air Medal in March of 68 for actions on Feb 10-Feb 17 of 68, he also received a Purple Heart. I am not sure what else he received. He was a E4. He served a little over 2 years in Vietnam. His service number was 18 715 653. Thank ya'll again. Melody Pershall
Melody Pershall <melodypershall@hotmail.com>
Amarillo, TX USA - Thursday, March 01, 2001 at 17:13:37 (MST)
Dan, glad to hear all is well in your neck of the woods! Rock on... Another disaster: our Flight for Life chopper from Grand Junction went down near Whitewater here Tuesday, and the pilot was killed. One observer said the rotors appeared to simply "fold up", and the chopper took an 800 foot nosedive. It made me think of Peter Abplanalp of the 129th (1971), warrant, I think... anyone remember him? (Callsign "Apple", had one painted on the back of his helmet). He hung one up in a powerline at night near Denver a couple of years ago and died in the crash. I think he was also flying Flight for Life, and as I recall, trying to rescue a drunk driver involved in a car accident. Carl Brader, you and I crewed with him and a Viet pilot once (my first "regular" mission).
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, CO USA - Thursday, March 01, 2001 at 07:22:05 (MST)
Flight: Well first glad everyone is doing ok after the earthquake in washinton. Got word from my cousin that they were alright. And no major damage to their home. Second Iam sending my computer off to be cleaned up and some new programs added. Some of the free downloads has me waiting forever to get things done. one project that I will be working on for the VHCMA will be running socials numbers. I ran some at Charlie Rains and found current address on a few frw the 129th. The Vhcma is charged per social. Once I get back up and running I will give all info need. The purpose is to find more membership to the Vhcma and also in increase the size of the units. As soon as I get back up. I will let you all know. Hope to see as many of you all in Louisville. Talked to Glenn Pearmain and his is driving a 51 Ford pick up to the reunion. He said he had extra parts. Take care Bro's!! Alex
Alex fernwalt <alfern@bellsouth.net>
Memphis, Tn USA - Thursday, March 01, 2001 at 06:58:46 (MST)
Dan, Good to hear that you and yours are alright. It sounds like a pretty scary ordeal. Take care, Gale
Gale Beard <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In USA - Thursday, March 01, 2001 at 05:43:20 (MST)