Flight: Hope everyone had a safe Memorial Day and took a few mintues to think of our fallen Brothers,also the POW/MIA. Most Americans seem to have forgotten the meaning of Memorial Day. And if we don't remember who will? Well I have gone back on our flight log to email as many as possible about the reunion. I think we will have tripled last years, if not more. I sent out 30 letters to 129th guys that I found through social numbers. Hope to get some responses before long. My goal was to double last year. I think we will have some first time reunions made again this year. As the years are passing quite fast now. My goal, like Mark's isto reunite as many of the 129th as possible. And with the help of Mark and the VHCMA they are making it possilbe. About, 3 weeks to LZ Louisville!!! Mark my friend hope to see you and Dee before then. Your Bro!! Alex
Alex Fernwalt <alfernwal@midsouth.rr.com>
Memphis, Tn USA - Thursday, May 31, 2001 at 10:24:19 (MDT)

TAPS To the fallen of the 129th AHC Robert Gilliam,Johnny Neal,Robert,Chamberlin,Harry Whetzel,Fdwin Brague,Timothy Lynan,Kenneth Wells,Hampton Judson JR,Reginald Morse,Michael Walker, Edward Wells,James Geore JR,John Bendor,Larry Stoner, John Brooks,Paul Goonan JR,Jeffery Stowe,Kenneth Witmer,Stephan Hargrave,Larry Jackson,Stephen Desantis,Ricchard Shawran,William Sanderlin,Michael Shanley,William Dunlap,Martin VandenEykel,Thomas Shaw,Claud Strother,Lee Billingsly,Glenn Nowakowski,Bradford Racey,James Young,David Stamper.. ALSO To the others unknown to us that passed after retuning,because of that war!!! And to ALL that gave ALL,so that others may live.. May GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Don McCort <cobra632ce@hotmail.com>
FL USA - Monday, May 28, 2001 at 11:30:50 (MDT)

TAPS to the fallen of the 129th AHC Robert Gillam Johnny Neal Robert Chhamberlain Harry Whetzel Edwin Brague Timothy Lynah Kenneth Wells Hampden Curtis Judson JR Reginal Morse Michael Walker Edward Wells James George John Bendor Larry Stoner John Brooks Paul Goonan JR Jeffery Stowe Kenneth Witmer Stephan Hargrave Lawrence Jackson Stephen Desantis Richard Sawran Willam Sanderlin Michael Shanley William Dunlap Martin Vanden Eykel Thomas Shaw Claud Strother Lee Billingsly Glenn Nowakowski Bradford Racey James Young David Stamper ALSO OTHERS UNKNOWN TO US THAT RETURNED BUT PASSED BECAUSE OF THAT WAR! And to all that gave all,shall we never forget. GGOD bless you all,THANKS that you all gave so that others may live.
Don McCort <cogra632ce@hotmail.com>
FL USA - Monday, May 28, 2001 at 11:00:49 (MDT)

Mark...Flight...Mark good to see you UP!!! I can't wait for the 19th of June to arrive. I'm at work today. This country doesn't respect US holidays. I thought of everyone and everything yesterday. Thirty years was a long time ago but so much is still fresh. Good thoughts, memories and bad. Most good. If only..... I did my annual BBQ ritual, ribs and chicken and such but a lot was missing. I had power but no cable so no race or news of the run to the wall. I'll try and catch up today. Mark, I didn't know Larry had a daughter. I hope we will be able to meet her in June. Trust all had a safe holiday and look foward even more than ever, as a result of the solitude and reflections yesterday to our reunion in June. Casey am I clear left?? Cups
Jim <JimAntilleanM@netscape.net>
Port-au-Prince , Haiti - Monday, May 28, 2001 at 07:39:12 (MDT)

My Dear 129th Family.......I set.....I think........I can't IMAGINE all the thoughts that run through each and ever one of our heads...........millions!!!!!!!!!!......so many seconds in a day......so many thoughts in a second............my pride stands tall today to know each and every one of you.......through the last few years, you have built me into someone that I never thought I could be. I am strong, I am Free, I have courage, courage I never knew I had, I have a brotherhood that I belong to. Something that I never knew existed. That brotherhood is priceless to me.....PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!priceless!!!!!! .....we had a graduation party today for our youngest daughter today. Held it at the pop-A-Top......good turn out, lots of old friends there. Good time.......soon Dee and I will live in an empty nest...........had to take my brother Larry's daughter's keys away from her tonight.....she had a few to many beers at the party......I will be dambed if at that time is one of the most times that she reminds me of her father the most.....so many times when I was 15 and Larry was 18, we would drive to a near by tavern in his RED 59 Ford. 3 speed on the floor, with a 351 engine. Real ,pretty lookin' car..........Larry would stop at the Town Teveran in Celina. He would jumb out of the car and tell me that the car was mine till 1:00. Come back and pick me up then. I would cat around town all night in that 59 Ford and chase girls while Larry was up at that Gun And Knife Club, as we used to call it. I would be Johnny on the spot to pick him up at 1:00 every night.....and I'll be dambed if he didn't stumble out of that bar just like his daughter did tonight ........needless to say, Larry's daughter and I cried together today........the party for our youngest daughter went very well.............the food is all gone..........Alex and all........caint wait untill June and the gig in Louisville..........I am pumped!!!!!! ..................................lost for any more words tonight.....................love ya all.....and feel your friendship more then ever tonight!!!!!!!!!!....YOU ARE THE WORDS, AND TOUCH, OF LARRY. I will take you all to my grave with me. I have no other stronger way to say it that that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......always, always a brother...........MARK
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 20:47:56 (MDT)

Flight Well tomorrow is memorial day. Have a safe day if your traveling. And take a seconds to remember our fallen brothers and sisters whom go it all. It seems like most people have forgotten the purpose of memorial day. Well Flight take care. And I will you in Louisville in a few weeks. Alex
Alex Fermwalt <afernwal@midsouth.rr.com>
Memphis, Tn USA - Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 08:45:29 (MDT)

To all, the summer is going to start this weekend, but a lot or all will never forget the guys. Have a good summer! The guys would not want you to have anyother way. Mark I still have the pictures I want to send you. Just tell me where to send them. Take care CE 698 / 693 UNCLE SLICK 71-72
michael barrett <michael_barrett@icpphil.navy.mil>
philadelphia, pa USA - Friday, May 25, 2001 at 08:06:15 (MDT)

Dear friends: Monday is officially the day to remember our Veterans who have died-we, of course, remember them every day. I have made a 2 by 15 foot long banner of the "Vietnam In-country Ribbon" that I will be presenting to the Vets in my VVA chapter just before the parade Monday. It will be with great pride that I present such-it will be with great pride that I march with them. I will be wearing my 129th T-shirt and thinking of all of you. Be safe. Gently
Gentlyj
USA - Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 07:25:14 (MDT)

Flight: Well first like to wish Ron Paye and all the other riders making the RFTW!! a safe trip there and home. And Hope you can make it to Louisville Ron. Well memorial day is here again. And hope all of you and your families have safe memorial day while remembering our Brothers and Sisters who gave it all!! I finally made contact with Truman Mills. He is a brother from the 1966 team of Bite and Strikers, Along with Stu Weiss that Rainer contacted for me. I will be picking up info on about 30 129th personnel that Charlie Rains found through their social numbers. Mark, well Bro!! just wanted to say welcome home to your family. were here for you! like you have been here for us. This page has brought the 129th back together. There is alot more out there. Just wish I could find some free TV attention about Were looking for our guys. And to the reunion in Louisville. Maybe one of the Tv people will come in the store and I can Drop a hint. Only a small amount of Vets have computers. Well See you all in Louisville!!! Alex
Alex Fernwalt <afernwal@midsouth.rr.com>
Memphis, Tn USA - Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 07:23:27 (MDT)

You sound like your old self, Mark...welcome back:)) Ron Paye--Thanks for sharing the 129th story, be there for us! And be safe! Will I see you in the Milwaukee area this summer?
Gentlyj <GentlyJ@aol.com>
USA - Monday, May 21, 2001 at 06:55:26 (MDT)

Gollee gee wizz. RON....what a wonderful post.........wish you a safe trip to DC......can't make it this year.....the lil' one' Steph, gradutaes the same weekend. I will be there in heart. Stop at panel 18 west, line 75, and tell Larry that I love him. I know that you will...........your como of just before of the ones that came homemade me cry. Look for some 129th guys there!!!!!!!!!!!........Ron and to all.......the Pop-a-top was a stop off for a poker run this weekend of the Chained Eagles of Ohio. A group that my wife and I belong to. We are dedicated to the POW/MIA issue............... Saturday we had over 500 bikes in the parking lot. If the town can't see us, they sure heard us;-)))))))......RON.......when you get to DC, look for the Chained Eagles of OHIO patch on some vest. They will know me. Tell them that you know me, and you will have some new friends for life. Like you can't do that already ..HUH!!!!.......GOD BLESS YOU ALL>..............Ride safe Ron and all........see ya in June in Louisville.......always a brother,...........Mark
Mark Jackson
USA - Sunday, May 20, 2001 at 21:09:27 (MDT)

Hey 129th, AWOL Ron Paye here. Haven't posted here in way to long. Been keeping up with the posts but lazy with the Como. Never have liked to put my thoughts down in writing. To hard on this limited brain of mine. I will try and do better. Mark, glad to see you are back on your feet. Its hard to keep a good Marine down. I know you will never fully realize how very much you are loved and respected. Not only for what you do in here, but for who you are as a man. Just an all around good guy. I/we are proud to call you a friend and a brother. God bless you for who you are. That also goes for that good looking gal that follows you around on that scoot of yours. Two days from tonight I will be heading out for DC and The Run For The Wall. If anyone wants a rubbing from some one let me know and I would be honored to get it for you. Also if anyone will be in town let me know and we will hook up. Pete Rhome and Mike Miles, I hope to see you there. I was kind of bummed out about the Run this year. Last year I was able to ride all the way from Calif. and had a truly incredible experience. This year I can only go from Indy, and I thought "how can this compare to last year?" No way can it come close. Well let me tell you how wrong I was. Last year on the run I met a hook pilot from KC. I e-mailed him a few days ago asking if he was going on the run. He told me he was and also informed me of a hook with a crew of five that was in his co. in Nam that disappeared in 1968. We were in Nam for five years after it went MIA and I am sure his co. looked for it every time they flew. In 1994 the wreckage was discovered by a couple of fisherman. It was excavated several times by teams but after 30 years there was not much left. It had crashed into a mountain and burned. The recovery team was able to find dog tags and numerous (60) bone fragments. They got DNA from family members and after 30+ years they were able to get a positive DNA of all five crew members. After all this time the crew of five will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington on Friday. I am changing my plans and will bypass Rainelle (Mark, you know how hard that will be) and I will go direct to DC so I can be there to pay honor and respect from the 129th AHC for our fallen brothers. There but for the grace...... It has really gotten me pumped (humbly) for The Run . I know it will be the experience for this year. I get choked up just thinking about it. They will represent all those we lost over there. Brothers and sisters you will be with me at the ceremony and on the run. So far it looks like I (might) be able to come down to Louisville for the reunion. If so I look forward to seeing you all there. Enough of my ramblings. You all take care. Keep the faith. and hope to see you all soon. Love and Brotherhood. Ron Paye
Ron Paye <ronpaye@home.com>
Indy, IN USA - Sunday, May 20, 2001 at 20:37:28 (MDT)

Good evenin' dear 129th family............feels so great to be able to come in here and talk. Something that I was taught by all of you last week. I thank you for the lesson. I will not forget it...........as I said before, thanks for all of your well wishes in here, on the phone, and the one visit I recieved from one of you that I will tell about........Thursday, after yet another busy lunch hour at the Pop-A-Top, in walks 4 guys. I reconize one of then right off the bat, but , can not recall his name. Then I notice that he is carring a round, OD colored bag with a original 129th patch on it. His name comes to me, it was Kal Bergstrom from MI. Kal was down here in Coldwater last Spetember when the Traveling WALL was in town. ............NOW..................Guess what the OD bag was, and what was in it???????.......KAL brings me his original helmet bag from the Nam that he used while he was a Wobbly pilot over there.............AND.....in it......is the helmet that he wore over there as a pilot..............you talk about feelin' like a kid on Christmas Morn......YEP...thats the way I felt............Kal said that it had been collecting dust at his house for to long and it was time for it to come to rest at the Pop-A-Top.......OH what a day that was.....oh what day!!!!!!!!!!!.......KAL.....THANKS.....the gift you brought to me this week is priceless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hey gang.......Kal can 99.9% tell me that this helmet he wore in the nam, flew on Larry's ship.........and if my feelings are on check, I can feel Larry when I hold the helmet.......I also, and Kal, you probly did not know this, but I took the screws out of the visor to try and make it work a lil' better...........and.......under it.......I noticed some dust..........I gently ran my index finger across it....and then looked at my finger. The dust was RED..............I will take this as RED dust from the soil of Vietnam....has to be........ALSO.......KAL.............as you where at the Pop-A-Top the other day, and I listened to you tell a few stories of being a AC, remember that???......I now hold your helmet, and look at the visor and wonder deeply as to what you eyes saw through it.........that thought blows my mind man!!!!!!!!!!!!!......this flight helmet has so many strong feelings coming from it, it is unbelieveable...I have it setting on the back bar right now.....I have shown it to all that ask about and tell the story of you, and Larry , and all the 129th...........you men are remembered each and everyday at the Pop-A-Top......I have a plastic case ordered to stow that helmet in soon!!!!!! ...................gosh.....ramblin' again..............but I HAVE VERY,VERY strong feelings about Larry being very close to me right now......not just in my mind........but in spirit..........he is here......as all that have past from the 129th are......ya know........all of you have told me what I have done for so many......and that comes from the living.....ya also know what..........the souls that were left behind in the Nam, your buddies, They come to me also...................they also know, I guess, what I have done.......NOW........I am not patting myself on the back here.........just telling you......that for some reason........YOUR buddies that did not come home, use me as a link to all of you............I TAKE THAT CALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....and damb proud of the mission I have been givin. Just like Larry's last one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ramblin again!!!!!! ..........................to each and everyone of you...............well shit........my eyes well up with tears when I type that.......................I am just a brother of a KIA, and, for some reason, have been called upon to do this.................this has been one of the greastest things that I feel that I have ever done in my life.......... ..........our younghest graduates next weekend............gonna throw a party.......but will be sad to have the last of my girls leave home.........I liked being a daddy all those years......guess I still am a daddy.......;-)))))))))))).........just not to the lil' ones...........oh hey......just remembered, NOW I am a grandpa.........I'll go with that:-)))))))))))))))))....GOD BLESS YOUR ALL..........those headed for Louisville and live in the AO near me.....we need to do some talking in here soon about times that we plan to meet up over in INDY, and then to head down to Louisville.....last we talked......we were plannin' on meetin' up at the 1st exit south of INDY around 2:00PM at a CRacker Barrel.......is that a green lite????......any sugestions from all that plan to make the trip.........lets talk in here and then orginize ourselves.................again.........I LOVE ALL OF YOU>>>>>>>>AND THANKS................THANKS..........THANKS>>>>>>>>>>>>always a brother.............Mark
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Sunday, May 20, 2001 at 19:27:27 (MDT)

Flight: Hope I got the email straight. This computer stuff is getting ut dated like my self. Mark were all family here. When One of us is hurting you can count on the rest of us being there for them. There is the greatest bunch of brothers and sisters on this page anyone would love to have. Here you get the real thing!!! And never forget it. We all need each other. Because we walked the walk! Take care Mark and Brothers and Sisters! See you all in Louisville. Alex
Alex Fernwalt <afernwal@midsouth.rr.com>
Memphis, Tn USA - Sunday, May 20, 2001 at 14:18:48 (MDT)

Hey Mark, Now don't you go bad-mouthing JD. Why son, Jack and I go waaaay back. Me and him was in the 'Nam -- fightin' side by side, sometimes. Now I ain't sayin' that he ain't caused as many problems as he's solved over the years, but hell, I can say the same thing about a bunch of my 129th buddies. But, through thick or thin, they still my buddies.:) Hang in there bro'. Jester
Jester <ron@kku1.kku.ac.th>
Khon Kaen, Thailand, USA - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 22:35:21 (MDT)

Mark, hey Bro that is what this page is all about isn't it ? if you are having a problem and want to get it off your chest then go for it. I know I am not alone when I say " been there done that" sometimes just saying it helps without anyone responding. but with the bunch that come in here you can bet you will get a response. we helped each other a long time ago and, thanks to you, we are together to do it once again. BTW if anyone is making the Run For The Wall this year let those of us that couldn't make it know how things went. be safe my Brothers and Sisters. Later, Don
Don Miller <ayla@c2i2.com>
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 21:11:59 (MDT)

..........so sorry my family for the ramblin' of the other night. I caught myself at a very bad time. I should learn to back away from myself at those times. I am alright, OK and moving forward. I thank all that have wrote to me in here, behind the lines, and that have called me. I never knew that I had such a large family that cared so much. That is a mistake I made. I love you all and will be onboard this Sunday night to post again. God Bless you all. Got a band at the Pop-A-Top tonight. So home to get some rest before I do the night shift............Love to you all, and thanks so much........always a brother.....Mark
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
USA - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 15:43:40 (MDT)

Mark, My Brother..............Please let us hear from you!!!!! Cups
Jim Masencup <JimAntilleanM@netscape.net>
Port-au-Prince, Haiti - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 11:06:36 (MDT)

Mark, it's been five days since you wrote in the "Log." We are worried.....contact us. Gently
Gentlyj
USA - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 10:27:16 (MDT)

Goodmorning Flight: Well first off had to change internet suppliers. So have a new email address. Hopefully hopefully I won't be left high and dry all the time. Mark! good hearing your voice. And hope to see you at the Pop-A-TopII. In a few weeks. Well about four weeks to go and counting. Went through about 350 sets of orders for Charlie Rains of the VHCMA and found 40 socials of our men. I don't know how many were go. But, will pick them up and try to get letter in the mail to them. letting them know about the reuion and our129th homepage. From the last of 1967 on is when the army started using social nunbers on orders. Dave: The silkscreen was kept by the company who I was using. I just took in my orginal shirt and he made the drawing from that shirt. I had him put a better looking chopper,bulldog and cobra on it. Well my brothers take care. See you in few weeks. Alex
Alex Fernwalt <AL&LIZ@midsouth.rr.com>
Memphis, Tn USA - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 08:20:33 (MDT)

Mark/Cups: I like the Latin phrase from The Red Green Show - "Quondo Omni Flunkus Moratati"... Translation: "When in doubt, play dead".
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, CO USA - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 11:27:43 (MDT)

Mark, My Brother. There was a engraved plank over the door leading from the 1st platoon dayroom. What it ment has never left me. It was in Latin. Something like "Non Illuminatus Carborundum". At the time I was ashamed I had to asked what it ment. Once I learned I never walked through the door without touching it. Through life since I have touched it many times. Don't EVER let the bastards wear you down. Cups
Jim Masencup <JimAntilleanM@netscape.net>
Port-au-Prince, Haiti - Wednesday, May 16, 2001 at 07:15:36 (MDT)

Mark, I was just reading the mail and came across the latest. There's so much I'd like to say. How ever, I'd start sounding like a preacher, and,that's something I'm not! I will go so far as to point out that, even though we all know that some things in life just aren't fair, that shouldn't stop us from screaming at some of the injustices, once in a while! This place is wonderful therapy, something I didn't even realise I needed! For all the things you've brought to us, the least I can do, is listen when you need to unload! 207-897-2620. Kim
Kim La Voie <kimlav@megalink.net>
Livermore, Me USA - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 20:32:18 (MDT)

My friend Mark, my brother to a lost loved one, my eyes well as I read your latest entry. I know this "down" will pass, but know the anger will always be there...it will always be there. And you have a right to be angry..we all do. Note though, that the booze doesn't really help. What does it change? You've been a light in the storm for many of us. Allow us to be there for you when you need us. Call(414-607-0527)any time, dahling(as you would say). Call us, any time(give him your phone numbers guys). Today you are on my mind and in my prayers more than you have ever been before. "I said a prayer for you today, and I know God was listening." With gently thoughts, Gently
Gentlyj <Gentlyj@aol.com>
USA - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at 14:06:38 (MDT)

Got back from Billings deaconess. My Father-in Law had 5 bypasses ,right after that cardiac arrest, somehow came back. He is still in ICU & questionable. Will just have to hang in there & support the family. Mark, my heart is with you & yes who should have PTSD more than you. It is diagnosed by a Traumatic event over which we have no control but feel we should be able to do or should have been able to do something about. You Have carried your loss of Larry for Many years & I assume you ask yourself a lot of questions like why not me instead of him & Maybe if I was there or could I have said something different. I am also assuming that the loss of "H" has triggered an exacerbation of PTSD symptoms & brought this all rushing back. My heart just cries for you buddy!! You are right about one thing. You will never solve it with old#7 black JD. I tried that for years. If you remember that old song "Lean on Me", lean on us & your family & friends there. I couldn't agree more with what Tom Shanahan wrote about the Monday Morning Quarterbacks. They will never understand & I have a Love for you & all Vets that they will never understand either. God Bless YOU & all you do for us & anyway I can help, anytime, just let me know. Right now, my Mother in Law, my wife, & the rest are an absolute basket case & so am I a little I guess. More later; Smitty
Jim Westwang <westwang@fiberpipe.net>
Sheridan, Wy USA - Monday, May 14, 2001 at 14:11:08 (MDT)

Mark, It sounds like you're pretty stressed out,but, we've all been there. First of all, you are not alone! Your 129th Family is always here for you or any of us. I'm sure that we all have been there before-I know I have. Sometimes we take on too much and it can get pretty overwhelming.I find that a list of my priorities with the most important on top can help--the ones on the bottom I let go for awhile. Anyway, you have done plenty for "us" and it is greatly appreciated,so, don't feel that you owe us anything or that we expect anymore out of ya. Sometimes we need quit racing back and forth, up and down or around and just "Hover" for a little bit. Take care Bro. Clear Left, Gale
Gale Beard <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In USA - Monday, May 14, 2001 at 07:34:47 (MDT)

Mark, Sleep well tonight brother and rest. You have a lot of friends out here to cover the perimeter for you and keep watch in our thoughts and prayers. That Kerry stuff and that China stuff and the rest got us all stirred up a bit I suspect. But then most of it was written by Monday morning quarterbacks who were never there. Let them rattle on. They will never understand the sacrifices and the honor of men like your brother. Rest with our thanks for being there.
Tom Shanahan <Shanahan00@home.com>
Phoenix, AZ USA - Sunday, May 13, 2001 at 23:15:41 (MDT)

My dearest,dearest friends..............drunker then a skunk tonight.....the bottle got the best of me....damn JD............tired....from what???.....dont know.............lots of schtuff happinin' round here..........the Pop-A-Top always keeps me a hoppin'........life?????????........well.........thats always a hoppin'.....just like all of yours.......doin the best I can..........ats all I can do.........ask no more then that from me..........am I copin'???...me thinks so!!!!!!!!.....as I said.....doin the best I can.........amazin' that I can even type tonight...........not sure what or where my hang up is tonight..........silly me....... I do a lot of cryin''''''''''silly me..........what is that???....why do I cry so much..................ya all got the same problems as me...........what is this feelin' I have tonight>?...................feel alone.........I dont know.........I just dont know tonight...............................this Senater Kerry shit.......china....you all......man.........makes my head go flippity flop.............and the GD JD dont help none either.......gotta shake that shit............I dont know what I am doin............sept I know this...............I owe ya all a howdy........HOWDY!!!!!!.......and.....well...............................bottom of this page.................HEY......up at the bar.....the Pop-A-Top.......had a fight go down lst night......ya all would of been proud of me iffin' ya woulda seen this 50 year ole fart fly over the top of the bar to break it up...........ha,ha,ha,ha,.......gota laugh at meself..............seriously though folks......one thing ya dont do in the Pop-A-Top...is raise a fist............after flyin' over the bar............I call attention to Larry's picture on the WALL, and all the other 129th guys that are KIA./and I tell the stupid drunks that they will not, absolutly disgrace the loss of them to be free, and the fact that the KIA are gone so they can be free!!!!!!!!...fightin' in the Pop-A-Top is disrespectful to them.........nothing pisses me offf more......then that!!!!......I'm sorry......I am ramblin' tonight!!!!!!!!!......just still cranked tight from last night......I guess...............have been told I have PTSD.......maybe I do!!!!!!!!!.....just wanna to stop in and say I love you.......family...........please,please...until the end...remember this.......there is one small nothing of a guy, that DOES CARE ABOUT EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU>................always,always........your brother...Pop-A-TopII.....good night!!!!!!!!!
Mark Jackson <somewhere>
USA - Sunday, May 13, 2001 at 22:06:20 (MDT)

Mark,Dan and Dave: Dave thats a good price. I just went to a better art work on the patch on the first shirts I made for myself in 98. I used one of my orginal t-shirts for the new silk screening to use for their pattern. The main reasons on the shirts. Like I explained to Dan in a email. Since last sept. I only had shipped 6 shirts. I have gone through 250 shirts. Since I started having them made in 99'. Between the VHCMA REUNIONS in charlotte and the moving wall in Coldwater I almost completed the stock. It's hard to have money tied up on a product that your shipping 1 or 2 every four or five months. But, I know between all of us we can find a good price. One reason I tried to keep a low price. We have guy's on fixed incomes,retirement, disability and even unemployment. I will check differnt avenues from this end. Also working on a few other projects. But, will be more and glad to assist in any way. Gently Glad to see your making Louisville. And looking for to seeing everyone who lands at LZ Louisville. Take care My Brothers and sisters. Alex
Alex Fernwalt <alfern@bellsouth.net>
Memphis, Tn USA - Tuesday, May 08, 2001 at 12:28:52 (MDT)

Yes, I'm still around. And looking forward to meeting many of you in June at the reunion. I'll be staying at Mark's house..I understand his bathtub sleeps four. with Gentle thoughts-Gently
Gentlyj <Gentlyj@aol.com>
Milwaukee, USA - Tuesday, May 08, 2001 at 11:22:46 (MDT)

Dan Hertlein, Alex Fernwalt, and Mark... I have a friend whose business is silk screen printing, etc. and she said they could do T-shirts for $7.50 each (one color), plus 50 cents for each additional color. Also, there would be no setup fee (since we're friends). Maybe I can come up with a new design, unless you want to just make copies of the old design, in which case I'd need the original artwork. Let me know what you think, and maybe we can get something going!
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, CO USA - Tuesday, May 08, 2001 at 08:47:04 (MDT)

While doing the typical weekend chore of cleaning out the garage I came across a familiar looking brown envelope with typical military writing. It turns out to be an "O" ring for a UH1. I must have had it in one of my old flight suites and threw it into a bunch of odd and ends container. The real treat was when I looked at the back of the package and I had written the tail number of the aircraft that I crewed back in Virginia. Good old 65-9926. I have had a hard time remembering the full tail number of the bird until I saw the writing. Talk about a feeling of completeness!! Now I would like someone that has access find out the history of that wonderfull aircraft. Also found were a bunch of screws that held the inspection panels in place. Always carried a few extra, never knew when they would come in handy. All these little trinkets will end up at the Pop-a-Top. Mark, Making the unit patch into a shirt will require another set up fee etc. It can be done. One method is silk screening and another idea is embroidery. I will start looking into the cost of each and come up with prices.
Dan Hertlein <dhert10408@aol.com>
Sumner, WA USA - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 22:50:41 (MDT)

Mark and Dee, my feelings about your loss are echoed through out this page by all who wrote before me. It's been said that there's no better eulogy than to know that the mention of a name brings forth fond memories. Remember fondly.....Kim
Kim La Vooie <kimlav@megalink.net>
Livermore, Me USA - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 16:49:52 (MDT)

Mark and Dee: I was sorry to read of your loss. I am sure that your father-in-law passed away knowing that he raised a great daughter who had married an honorable, caring, and loving man. A dad could not ask for more. I am sure that you and your wife brought him a lot of joy in his time here. Take care,
Mike Miles
USA - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 12:32:25 (MDT)

Mark & family, hope you got the card I sent & once again "H" sounded like a great dude. As things will have it, now, 3 days ago, my father in law, a WW2 vet 11b10 ( so he is one of us) had a Heart attack. They did the cath yesterday & we were hoping to get away with an angioplasty or something simple but no soap. In 2 days, he will have 3-4 bypasses, just like I did 4 years ago. Same Hospital- same DR. -- same unit. He is a strong man & am hoping for a good outcome. He has been awfully good to me as i have lost my own parents several years ago. I hope the rest of you are doing well. If we need to get a stock of shirts or something & keep some of hand I would be willing to contribute some to a fund so one person isn't bearing all the expense. My best to you all: Smitty
James westwang <Westwang @ fiberpipe.net>
Sheridan, Wy USA - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 07:03:42 (MDT)

Greetings my 129th Family.............well..............with tears in my eyes, not sad tears, but happy tears. I write to you all. The tears are happy ones because of all the very nice things that you all have said in here about the passing of Dee's dad, and also just the plain nice things you say about this page. I never in my wildest dreams would of wonder that it would mean so much to so many. I am honored to be a small part of it. The dust has settled here. We put Haroldto rest Friday at 11:00. God bless him. He was a great, gentle man. More of a father to me then my own. We miss him dealy. I have a great crew that covers for me when I am not at the Pop-A-Top. I was gone all day Thursday only to get just in time to close at 2:30. Friday was the day we buried the "H" and got back in time to work the joint untill closing again. Had a solo guitarist in the bar Friday night. Had another player walk in late in the night. The two players talked for a minute. Next thing I know, the one runs out to his car, gets his quitar, and the last set was done by the both of them. They both are very good and the vocals was fantastic. The crowd went crazy. I am working on having the two back together some time later this year as a pair. It was actually one of the best in promt to gatherings I have ever saw and heard. It turned out so good that the owner of another bar in town heard what was gojng down at the Pop-A-Top and he closed his joint early to stop up at our place and enjoy it. I ask my son-in-law who was helping my tend bar that night to take a head count. He stoped at 90. WE was locked and loaded and rockin' and rollin'!!!!!!!!......good night for the deposit..he,he,he,he!!!!!.................FRed Alvis, thanks for the kind words that you said about Dee and I and the Pop-A-Top. It was a honor to spend the hour together that we did.....you were an angel sent from God that day!!!!!!!!.........RAINER BAUER.......not a problem about you not making the convoy down to Louisville. We will see you there. Have a safe trip.....................MIKE MILES....great to see your como in here....I am hardly worthy of the kind words you say to me. Just doin' the best I can......Thanks Mike, and Mike...what ever you want to part with and send to the Pop-A-Top to be put on display, will be gaurded with my life and put in a place of honor. You are a kind man.....THANKS!!!!!!...............I see out T/shirt man Alex fernwalt is running low on them and will not have any more available, except for the ones he brings to the gig in Louisville..............if there is anybody else out there that may want to take on a t/shirt deal or has a thread on some good prices from other companys, step forward.......Dan H....I think you said something about that at one time. Seems to me that with as many as we have in the roster now, we should be able to raise the moneis ahead of time to make an order. Lets all think about it. I would hate to see a newbie stop in the page and not be able to get a shirt. What do you guys think??????....KIM La Voie..........as I said above, anything that anoy body wants to send to the Pop-A-Top as a wall hanger....it will be put in a place of honor.......It is great to see the como in here about seeing a dude named Newt that some of you recall. Good to know that you are looking at the pix. Please feel free to send me any pix that you would like inserted on the page. I will see that they get put there and credited to the sender.........it's YOUR page gang.....feel free to contribute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:-)))))))))))))FLAME.......Glad to hear that you will be here to help pick up Cups...as far as the Perry deal and the press..........damn shame that we have to bash our heros like that........leave the man alone. God Knows that he has live in that hell in the back of his mind for the last 32 years.........let him alone......He just happens to be a high profile dude, so they pick on him!!!!!!!!!FLAME....see ya in JUne......nobody oder any hotel rooms....everybody can crash at our house....if you crashed in the guard tower at Lane, you can crash here:-)))))))))......well.......I hope I have answerd all questions and kinds words said to us............My mind is shot right now........I need to go set in front of the TV and go brain dead............take care my friends.....keep up the como, and the faith..... always a brother......see ya in June.................Mark
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Sunday, May 06, 2001 at 18:04:41 (MDT)

To Mark and your family, sorry to here about your loss. Those guys are priceless. I got some pictures you might like. Work number is (215) 697-1247. home is (215) 743-5093. Take care, CE 688, 683, UNCLE SLICK 71-72.
michael barrett <michael_barrett@icpphil.navy.mil>
Phila., Pa. USA - Saturday, May 05, 2001 at 12:56:22 (MDT)

Dee, Mark. My thoughts are with you, I feel your loss. There are so few good ones. Enjoy them when you have the chance. And then never forget..... They are forever. Cups
Jim Masencup <JimAntilleanM@netscape.net>
Port-au-Prince, Haiti - Saturday, May 05, 2001 at 07:12:31 (MDT)

Mark, Dee, and Family Know that I am thinking of you all. God gives us the sweetness of memory To carry us through times of pain..... To know that love lives beyond sadness And in memory, love smiles again. Constance Parker Grahm Gus
Gus <tgus@brainerd.net>
Brainerd, MN USA - Friday, May 04, 2001 at 17:41:26 (MDT)

Mark, Dee & Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. Gale Beard & Debbie
Gale Beard <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In USA - Friday, May 04, 2001 at 07:23:55 (MDT)

Mark and Dee: My sincere condolences on your loss. My thoughts and best wished will be with you. All the best to you.. CUL... Kal
Kal Bergstrom <n8auu@email.com>
St. Joseph, MI USA - Friday, May 04, 2001 at 03:07:25 (MDT)

Sincerest condolences on your loss Mark. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Tom Shanahan <Shanahan00@home.com>
Phoenix, AZ USA - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 23:34:11 (MDT)

Mark,Dee and Jackson family: Liz and I wanted you to know that your in our thoughts and prayers through this tough time. Your Bro! Alex
Alex Fernwalt <alfern2bellsouth.net>
Memphis, Tn. USA - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 09:40:28 (MDT)

Mark, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Dee in this tough time!
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, CO USA - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 07:15:54 (MDT)

Mark, sincere condolences to you and yours on the passing of your loved one. Such a loss is never easy. We all will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Cups----We are still planning on getting to Coldwater on the 19th. I will probably drive up from Coldwater to get you. Hopefully someone will go along and navigate for me. The old cowboy don't do so well in the big cities. I will definetly be there to pick you up. I understand that we will convoy to Louisville on the 21st. Think I made reservations there for the 20th so will have to change. On another subject-----Has anyone been following the former senator Bob Kerry folly? Our good friend Dan Rather and CBS are again bashing the military and its' veterans. One who has not even been in the military much less combat, should probably defer to someone who has. Everyone has studied the Nam war for 30 years and they still don't get it! Everyone stay well and safe!
Darwin Schmiedt--Flame <Schmitty@Santel.net>
Woonsocket, SD USA - Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 19:19:15 (MDT)

My brothers and sisters, My Farther-in-Law, Harold, The Big "H" , as I would call him, passed away at 3:45 this afternoon. He cleared the gates in no pain. He has been more of a father to me then my own. "H" was a Acme league baseball coach at one time in his life. Won a state championship. Today, he hit the grand slam, rounded the bases, and is safe at home now. Fare well my hero, my father, my friend. Job well done. No need to respond, it just feels better to talk about it in here. always a brother, Mark PS.....sorry for being so AWOL in here. The Pop-A-Top and "H"'s last days have consumed me. I will talk more later.....
Mark Jackson
USA - Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 15:26:53 (MDT)