Newt, how the heck are ya. I was in 2nd plt maintenance ( Sp/5 Beard) when you replaced the Tech. Was his name Guthrie or Guetering (sp)? Our crew was Whigham, Czuba, May, Alvarado, Warner(and others) under Sgt Miedowicz. I was just asking someone about you a couple months ago and I even tried to locate you to advise you of the reunion in San Antonio. There's a bunch of Jack Newtons out there. Hope you can make the reunion.It would good to see ya again. Welcome home brother and to this site. Clear, Gale Beard 67-68
Gale Beard
Clinton, In US of A - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 20:28:37 (MDT)
Reference previous e mails Sorry about the screw up my e mail address is SirIzk@centurytel.net That is captial S, small eye, small r, Captial Eye, small zee, small kay
Jack Newton <SirIzk@centurytel.net>
Tomah, WI USA - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 19:26:04 (MDT)
Reference: Photo of Lane Field Main Gate Go to http://www.dustoff.net/lanefield-large.htm There is a beautiful photo of Lane Army Heliport Main Gate 498 Air Ambulance Company (Dust Off)was stationed there with the 129th 196 Support Helicopter Company (CH-47 - Flippers) was on back side of hill Going thru your site sure brought back memories. Thanks, Jack Newton
Jack Newton <SirIzk@centurytel.net>
Tomha, WI USA - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 19:20:12 (MDT)
Reference: Photo of Lane Field Main Gate Go to http://www.dustoff.net/lanefield-large.htm There is a beautiful photo of Lane Army Heliport Main Gate 498 Air Ambulance Company (Dust Off)was stationed there with the 129th 196 Support Helicopter Company (CH-47 - Flippers) was on back side of hill Going thru your site sure brought back memories. Thanks, Jack Newton
Jack Newton <SirIzkNewton@centurytel.net>
Tomha, WI USA - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 19:17:52 (MDT)
Ref Photo Gallery: Photos from Dan Hertlein, photo strip #2, photo #7 in strip is me. SP6 Jack Newton, Chief Hcptr Insp.This had to be during my 2nd tour from Jun 69 to Jul 70.I had trained SP5 Rodney Bebee to take my place when I left in Dec 68. Also trained Mr. Desantis as Maint Off. When I got to RVN in Jun 69, I called Mr. D and he flew down and picked me up. Needless to say I really missed him. He and I went on many test flts after unscheduled maint and PE test flights. We had just finished the flt schedule for the next day and he turned it into Ops. I went up the hill and saw his acft sitting on a pinicale surrounded by fog. It was an eiry site. You couldn't see the bird, but you could see the nav lites flashing.I heard the bird throttle down and assumed he was going to wait out the weather. About 1/2 hr later I heard the bird rev up and thought he was on his way to the Korean Compound. After ops didn't hear from him we launched birds to search for him. Didn't find acft till next morning. We held services in the Chapel for all four and it was really hard to know they were gone. He was a hell of maint pilot and a down right great person. I often think about them even to this day.
Jack Newton <SirIzkNewton@centurytel.net>
Tomah, WI USA - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 19:03:38 (MDT)
Going thru the gallery of photos. Reference photos from Matt Carey, Photo Strip #5, photo #6 in strip is me (Sp5 Jack Newton) Chief Hcptr Insp during my first tour. I was orginally assigned to 394th Trans Det from Dec 67 to Mar 68. When 129 reorganized and incorp 394th into the 129th I was assigned to 129th Service Platoon from Mar 68 to Dec 68. I replaced SP6 Guthrie. He was a CH34 Crew chief that OJT'd as Hcptr Insp.
Jack Newton <SirIzkNewton@centurytel.com>
Tomah, WI USA - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 18:44:17 (MDT)
I got in country just as Lam Son 719 was getting under way. The way I understand it, the ARVN had never attempted an operation so big, the overall commander wasn't up to the task, and made a couple tactical errors, compounded when decisive action was needed. The biggest problem was not setting up enough firebases to provide flanking, and forward support. It was similar to Montgomery's attempt to win ww2 in 44 by striking on a narrow front. The corridor was too narrow to secure a lane of transport, even the air support got pounded by the flanking fire....what it did accomplish was diverting a lot of NVA to the area, making the rest of the country relatively quiet for a few months.
Kim
Livermore, Me USA - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 17:23:31 (MDT)
All thats nice for background info,but dont say squat about U.S. chopper companys getting the shot out of the sky like so many ducks.The 48th ahc was moved from Ninh Hoa (just north of nha trang where they supported the whitehorse div of the rocs)in 2 corps up to and above da nang.( the 48th used to do operations with the 129th ahc around tuy hoa). That report doesnt say anything about the 51 cal machine gun nests,which was crewed by nva that were chained to their guns so they couldnt run away.Choppers where hit by morters in LZs with deadly results ,cobra gunships where knocked out of the sky.It was perhaps the worst helicopter insertion of the entire war.At one time,( I believe)the 48th ahc had NO airworthy slicks.They had to scramble to borrow ships from other units.There where other units involved but my knowledge isnt as deep as i intend for this to be,about this battle.If there had been very many more "sucessful" battles like this one,bell couldnt have shipped choppers to vietnam fast enough,nor the army... crewmembers and pilots.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 17:17:53 (MDT)
Gently,Thanx for continued prayers for my son; thanx Dave,& oh yeah,hang in there "Rags"..We still need each other here! God Bless y'all. Mark, you're a blessing. Hey Matt c...do you still have 129th window dressings available? ClearLeft,Lenny.
Lenny Adams sr.
USA - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 16:53:01 (MDT)
In October-November 1970, domestic and political pressure again compelled Nixon and Kissinger to accelerate the timetable for U.S. troop withdrawals from South Vietnam. By the beginning of 1971, roughly 180,000 American troops remained in Vietnam (about one third of the peak U.S. strength.)(35) Moreover, it was anticipated that by the summer of 1972 only a small residual, logistical-type U.S. force of about 40,000 personnel would remain.(36) Thus, MACV thought that the dry season of 1970-71 (October-May) would be a good opportunity for the South Vietnamese to take the offensive. MACV could then objectively critique the impact of Vietnamization on ARVN up to that point. In effect this would be a “coming out party” for ARVN, and a chance to show the Communists they could initiate large operations without major U.S. involvement.(37) This was the basic rationale that led to a White House proposal to launch an invasion into Laos in February 1971.(38) The origins of a planned invasion of Laos illustrate how Henry Kissinger came to dominate not only the negotiations to end the war, but also showed how for all intents and purposes became the de facto chairman of the American Military Joint Chiefs of Staff. Nixon had basically abdicated his authority over the American military and the process of Vietnamization to Kissinger, at that time a “mere” special assistant to the president.(39) It was a very strange circumstance that found the respective commanders of the different branches of the U.S. military having to go through Kissinger before being able to discuss operations with President Nixon. Many senior level military personnel have since commented that it was a situation where Kissinger was essentially doing the job of secretary of defense and secretary of state at the same time. Politically, the objective of the Laotian campaign would allow the final phase of Vietnamization to move forward on Kissinger's schedule. Militarily, the operation was to seize the Communist logistic complex in the Tchepone area. This region was a key strategic junction of supply routes along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. A successful campaign was considered necessary by MACV to help buy time for ARVN to reach its training and modernization goals. (40) Operation LAMSON 719, the South Vietnamese designation given the operation, involved some of their best troops—the 1st ARVN Division, 1st Armored Brigade, and three ranger battalions from I Corps; and most of the elite Airborne Division and Marine Division from the JCS's strategic reserve. The overall commander of LAMSON 719 was Lt. General Hoang Xuan Lam, commanding general of I Corps, whose reputation as a combat commander was deemed “mediocre” by U.S. advisors.(41) Senior American and Vietnamese leaders were therefore quite aware of the great risks involved in committing ARVN forces to a major offensive more or less completely on their own.(42) In December 1970 the U.S. Congress had imposed a legal prohibition on the expenditure of funds for any American ground forces operating outside South Vietnam. This would mean that the ground operations in Laos would have to be conducted solely by South Vietnamese troops without American advisors. Thus, U.S. forces were allowed to support LAMSON 719 with only limited tactical air support and long range artillery operating from South Vietnamese bases.(43) The prohibition of American advisors, partly as a result of the final phases of Vietnamization, was a new and potentially critical obstacle to closely coordinated operations. ARVN commanders were accustomed to counting on their American counterparts in arranging for U.S. air, heavy artillery, and logistical support. Nixon was counting on the ARVN invasion of Laos to achieve two political objectives, as well as its military goals: To show the Communists that ARVN had become a viable fighting force, and pressure Communist officials in Paris to respond more favorably to Kissinger's peace initiatives. Although LAMSON 719 began on schedule on 8 February 1971, just about everything went wrong from the beginning. Bad weather limited tactical air support the first day, and heavy rains on 9 February turned Route 9 into a quagmire.(44) Five days into the invasion and meeting only light resistance, an operation slated to last three months, stalled. Kissinger later claimed that on 12 February South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu, feared that some of his best units were at risk, ordered his commanders to proceed cautiously and to cancel the operation once 3,000 casualties had been incurred.(45) Though ARVN units were allowed to resume the operation, the “taint” of the casualty directive by Thieu, and the fact that ARVN was meeting much stiffer resistance than anticipated caused the government in Saigon to re-assess the operations objectives.(46) Now instead of keeping an ARVN presence in Laos for ninety days, Thieu merely wanted to capture Tchepone, apparently for political and morale reasons.(47) General Abrams, by now extremely frustrated with Thieu's actions and an apparent dearth of ARVN initiative, summed up the situation in a message sent to General Lam, Abrams stated, “you go in there just long enough to take a piss and then leave quickly.”(48) Finally, on 7 March the South Vietnamese occupied the deserted village of Tchepone, and on 8 March they abandoned it. Leaving behind many of their 1,830 casualties to an uncertain fate in the hands of the North Vietnamese.(49) On 7 April 1971, Nixon proclaimed in a televised speech to the American people that the South Vietnamese had demonstrated in Laos that, “without American advisors they (ARVN) could fight effectively against the very best troops North Vietnam could put in the field. Consequently, I can report tonight that Vietnamization has succeeded.”(50) Privately, however, Nixon and Kissinger thought LAMSON 719 “was clearly not a success,” and had exposed lingering deficiencies in Vietnamization.(51) The other major problems caused by the debacle of LAMSON 719, was that the North Vietnamese viewed the operation as “a big defeat” for Vietnamization, which encouraged the communists to persist and endure, realizing that American de-escalation would very shortly be completed.(52) The operation also exposed a gigantic logistical problem that the South Vietnamese were never able to rectify; that being without American logistic experts in country, ARVN was extremely hard pressed to move the supplies needed for large operations. This would come to haunt ARVN the following April when the Communists initiated their largest attacks of the entire war.(53)
___________________________________________ <_____________________________________________>
________________, ______ USA - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 16:36:08 (MDT)
lam son 719....for those that dont know...twas a major battle.our boys (choppers),48th ahc ,i believe,got the shit shot out of them,One mission I believe 10 choppers went out,3 returned.Every pilot from the 48th ahc (i believe) was shot down at least once.radar controled 51 cals,morters and ground fire took their toll on slicks.Was it not in early 71 or 72? Glad I missed that one.it was bad.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 14:34:15 (MDT)
Dave, i was on the Lam-Son 719 program & had the same feelings (strange). Are you coming to Texas?? Smitty
jim westwang 71-72
Sheridan, wy USA - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 11:33:51 (MDT)
Lenny Adams... the "lump in your throat thing" happened to me last night as I watched Military Channel programs about the Lam Son 719 and Iwo Jima campaigns. It especially hit home when I saw the 1st Aviation Brigade patches. Fred A. and Lou Rags... ghosts are everywhere, it seems... when you walk down the street and catch a whiff of diesel smoke, the smell of urine in the hot sun, or (as Kim has said) when you hear the familiar "whopp-whopp-whopp" of Huey rotor blades those images return. I find myself growing impatient with folks who don't seem to grasp the significance of Memorial Day, but then I realize most have little frame of reference.
Dave Powers
USA - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 08:58:16 (MDT)
Gently, you are the greatest and we all love ya. Also, thanks for the birthday greeting. ;o)
Gale 67-68
USA - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 08:19:30 (MDT)
Lou, if I have neglected responding to any of your posts, please forgive me. And that applys to all of you. Sometimes I'm so busy that I can't even get in here to post any more, and then when I do I'm so far behind in reading them that I miss responding to most. Unfortunately, very unfortunately, Lou, yours must have been some of them. And to anyone else who feels the way Lou does(did, I hope) please forgive me. Mark, congrats! Lenny, your son is in my prayers, as is john, our own 129er serving in Iraq, and all the men and women who, as you are reading this, are on the front lines and the reas areas. God bless them all. Fred, glad ou got the rooom thing straightened out, and Animal....geez, what's a couple of more days when you'll be so close anyway:>). Kim..you rock:>) It was a very difficult Memorial Day...having met most of the families from Wisconsin who have lost a loved one in Iraq or Afghanistan and not being able to ease there pain, and being with the the Tycz family yesterday, whose brother's teeth were just buried at Arlington, 38 years after he went missing in Vietnam. I have no right to complain about anything....I have many blessings..please remind me of that if I forget. Let us not forget our fallen...as long as we live they live. Feeling kinda melancholy..Memorial Day did that to me again this year. Love to all-Gently
Gently
USA - Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 07:00:13 (MDT)
Jim and I were at our son's tonight for a cook-out. He had explained earlier to his four-year-old daughter, Ashlyn, what Memorial Day was all about. She came running over to where Jim was sitting, threw her arms around his neck and said "Grandpa, thanks for being a soldier!" I don't know who I was more proud of - Todd for taking the time to explain to Ashlyn about Memorial Day, or Ashlyn for being so thoughtful to thank her grandpa, or Jim, for being a VietNam vet! Oh, heck, there's enough love and pride to cover all three! Thanks to all YOU for being soldiers! LET FREEDOM RING! Sue H.
Jim & Sue H.
USA - Monday, May 30, 2005 at 21:29:12 (MDT)
Listen up troops, I do take all blame for this home not being as up to date as it used to be. Just a few notes about that. When I started this site, I was working for Pop full time and kinda had the run of my own time. Which ment I did have more time to spend on it. Then in 2000 Pop sold the place out from under my feet and the new owner would not hire me. I then made the blunder of going into the bar and grill business. Now that business, the Pop-A-Top, was a huge success but lil' did I know that it would turn into a 25 hour a day, 8 day a week job. After 4 years of that and a long road to soberity we just sold the place last month. During that time Pop had bought his business back and just last year I went back to work for him while our son-in-law and daughter ran the Pop-A-Top. The 4 years away from not working with Pop was a great thing. He and I made amends to 40 years of not getting alone in just 4 short years. Instead of he being a "BOSS" and I an "EMPLOYEE", we became "FATHER and SON". But it was the will of our God to make it a short relationship with his death last November. None the less, we did reconcile with each other and for that I am forever greatful. I also have made the change from a Macinstosh computer to a Compaq. Whole different formate and not being a geek about it all I still have "129th Stuff" stuck in the Mac that I just don't know how to get out yet. But I will figure it out and when I do, I promise all of you that all entries to me will be added to the website. I ask all of you to bear with me............. Lou, I got your e-mail and I am glad all is well between you and I. Please stick with us brother. I need you to help fill the empty hole in my heart that Larry left, like all the other brothers and sisters do here for me. Again, I accept the blame and take full responsiblity for our house here not staying in tip top shape and I am not blaming anyone for myself feeling this way except myself. So no long draged out discussions on this matter and no finger pointing at anybody please................I love you all and, God willing, He will continue to bless my life with the likes of this bunch of lunatics, with respect!.............always your brother.............................
Mark
USA - Monday, May 30, 2005 at 19:54:38 (MDT)
Evenin' Flight. Hope all had a blessed Memorial day. We went to a lil' cerimony at our park which is named "Memorial Park". The land was set aside after WWII to honor veterans. The main baseball field there is named "Veteran's Field" and boast of a grass infield, with red brick dust as the base lines. Something about that stuff drys faster. Really a beautiful field. Matter of fact the whole park is just a wonderful place. Oympic size swimming pool,6 tennis courts,6 ball diamonds ( 2 with lights ),5 shelter houses that are for renting for parties, the old town train depot was purchased for $1.00 and moved there to be rented out also, and lots of wooded area for picnicing.Those of you who have been to Coldwater will remember it is where the "Moving Wall" was the year we had it here (2001). It has a grave stone at the south side of the pool that list all the names of the fallen Vets of Coldwater from WWI,WWII, Korea, Vietnam. The stone is were the cerimony was at today. With a few speakers and prayers and a 21 gun salute and taps played. Then the local VFW went out to the graveyard where Larry and Dad are buried and did a small cerimony and a 21 gun salute there also. The rest of the day for me was spent reflecting of the loss.............We did have a suprise today. Our youngest daughter and son-in-law stoped down today and on there lil' Jack Russell dog they had a T-shirt on that read, " I am going to be a big sister ".......so Dee and I will be grandparents for the 4th time sometime in January. It will be thier first child. God Bless them......................I love you guys. All of ya.......and forever will. Remember this my brothers, as I have said many times in here, " You are the voices of my brother " Keep talking to me. And ladys, and associates of this site, it would not be the site that it is without all of your dedication. I am forver greatful to all of you..............I too was lost, and had the ghost of Larry stuck deep in a hole in me until I met all of you. Your brotherhood extended to me has brought Larry back to me larger then life. Again, I will forever be greatful, and in debt to you for that wonder. WELCOME HOME and THANKS for serving..................always your brother.........
Mark
USA - Monday, May 30, 2005 at 19:21:52 (MDT)
Well,i was going to say something but my friend Fred said it for me. Had a moment of silence at 3. They have a deal going on TV now about voting for who we think was the greatest American. My Vote goes to those who " Gave All" in service to this country. Seems easy when you consider it. Prayers & Respects to all>>> Smitty
jim westwang 71-72
sher, wy USA - Monday, May 30, 2005 at 19:02:37 (MDT)
ahh Lou,the ghost of times past.The scars inside us,perhaps a certian empty spot,or is it a spot we allow no one to enter.Do you hear your ghost during fireworks on 4th of july nights? Does your ghost ever butt into your thoughts ,for no reason?Does your mind drift off to that southeast asia paridise when taps are being played? Do wanna be"s still piss you off? Do you still "just want to be left alone"?Do you feel betrayed by your goverenment?Ever had an episode of "black anger",for little or no reason?A bullet ever whisper your name? A bottle ever shout your name? Ever run into folks that have absolutely no idea of vietnam,nor what we went thru,espically helicopter crewmen? If you have Lou,your not alone.While i ,of course,havent ever experienced anything like that,many here have.Sometimes Lou,when someone is feeling down,or needs to think out loud,they turn to these pages and these men (and women) in here.We understand.Many have been thu it,going thru it and will go thru it some more.We havent finished paying the price yet( or I havent it seems).Perhaps seeing some of the ugliest parts of life and living in a country that doesnt have a clue is part of it.I just dont know....Pepole read your post,they read every post.They think on it,they may or may not respond.It isnt as important as posting.Sometimes posting will let alittle of the hurt,or lonliness not seem so bad for a little bit.Alot of the times we go back and forth in jest cause we have drank and /or gotten drunk together.Come drink a beer with us,or coffee ( gales buying).Stay away from Kals stuff..it isnt fit for human consumpsion.And they all lie,i am the only one you can believe.
alvis
USA - Monday, May 30, 2005 at 15:48:24 (MDT)
Flight, I'm not putting blame on anyone, nor do I expect to have things done overnight. I send the pictures at least 8months or more, and everytime I asked just for a comformation that the pictures were received, no reply, and everytime I posted or answered a post by someone, there was no acknowlegement, it breaks my heart that only certain people will respond. I've been battling ghosts for 35 years alone, and I thought I found a place of comfort with people in the know. Im just too tired
lou rags 1
Dover, De USA - Monday, May 30, 2005 at 14:49:02 (MDT)
Afternoon Flight...Long X,no see.. Wishing all "Bite n' Strikers a Peaceful & safe Memorial Day weekend. Spoke to my son Lenny in Kuwait this morning. He asked me to send his reguards to all you "Nam Vets".. His group will be holding an Memorial service for their KIA tonight @ 2000hrs.."Lest we forget"... The lump still comes back in my throat:The Losses,the ultimate sacrifices.. May God richly Bless you & yours, and God Bless this great nation! As I told both my boys at a young age: "YOU HAVE NEVER LIVED 'TIL YOU'VE ALMOST DIED. FOR THOSE WHO FIGHT FOR IT, LIFE HAS A FLAVOR, THE PROTECTED WILL NEVER KNOW" Thank you all, for all you've done. Respectfully, "Fire"............Clear Left.
Lenny Adams Sr. <rtrwingnut@yahoo.com>
USA - Monday, May 30, 2005 at 11:46:44 (MDT)
Lou: Hate to see you cancel out of the reunion. Please understand Mark pays a webmaster to update the page. And this isn't a full -time person either. So much is thrown Mark's way. Mark like alot of us work full-time jobs. And don't feel like getting on the computer for half a night. The web-master is a great guy, but, he has a real job. And does this on the side when he can. As past president of the VHCMA I understand the cost of the website anlong with trying to find someone to constantly updating it. I don't know how Mark is on the computer. But, if he is like me. Ain't know computer whiz or fast typist. Lou don't leave!! Your part of the 129th Family Whom served his Country Proudly. Evertything takes time, even months. Fred glad Charlie was able to help. Cinda told me that she had talked to Cinda. A few hours to Mermorial Day. Came past the Veterans Cemtery on the way home. They had all the flags out. Will be a tough day. All of you have a safe Mermorial Day. Always A Brother Alex
Alex
USA - Sunday, May 29, 2005 at 20:03:03 (MDT)
Lou, Don't give up buddy! You belong here ! I think one of the missions of this site is to make insiders of all of us, as different as we are. As no-one administers this place full time, things don't happen overnight. One suggestion to you and/or anyone else who has images to post on the WWW is "PHOTOSITE". I wouldn't ordinarily plug an internet business, but I've been totally happy with their services to me. They provide software to download that enables you to set up your own photopage. They allow you to post 150 pictures free on your own site, but include advertising. For ten bucks or so a month, you can post an unlimited amount of photos and text with none of their ads and your own URL(address). I'd been checking around with local computer gurus for a long time to see how much it would cost me to set up a website, and decided I couldn't afford hundreds of bucks. Photosite enables you to do it yourself. If you don't have a scanner, you can easily have a disc made of your pictures. Believe me, If I can learn their software anyone can. Just a thought, Google them up if you're interested, Aloha, Greg
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Sunday, May 29, 2005 at 13:37:38 (MDT)
Great Memorial Day weekend to you all............I wrote the web master about the Pusher that was in here last night and droped the load in our FLIGHT LOG BOOK and here is his reply..................Mark wrote: > Somehow somebody got into the FLIGHT LOG BOOK and posted a bunch of pill crap today. > Can you go in a erase it. There are about 50 post with it. Mark, Kat and I are currently in Zurich Switzerland vacationing. I will not be able to get to it till Thursday night... Sorry! If it makes you feel any better, we are having a great time!! Later, -- David Steinbrunner .......................................so it will be a few days until he can get rid of it....sorry.................enjoy this day to remember you Veterans. I am doing such............God Bless you all.......................always your brother.........
Mark
USA - Sunday, May 29, 2005 at 13:21:46 (MDT)
To those warriors that have gone before,to those that died from war.To those that were required to fall,to those names on the wall.My brothers of this picitular heroric band,I do indeed raise my hand.You are gone from this space,flying now in a much better place.You took a bullet,a shell,a crash,for your brothers,you did not hide.From your ashes so many have cried.I salute you,I give a cheer,you still live in my heart and in our tears.You lay beneath old glorys flag,you gave everything and more that, you had.We of the wars know what it brings,we know the price of those things.To you my brothers,I do think,of doughboys,GI's and of yanks.This day is to the fallen,so many,many fallen.The mist and fog of time are crowded with those gone before,those many that have fallen in war.This is your day,I salute you,i think of you,you are not forgotten,thank you.
alvis
USA - Sunday, May 29, 2005 at 06:39:12 (MDT)
IF I were president; after I'd solved the health care problem, nuked any suspected bin laden hideouts, passed legislation requiring that any country we trade with enforce the same environmental and labor laws as we have,....I'd put in place mandatory sentencing that all spammers have one hand amputated!....Lou, I'm about as much an outsider as one can be, and still be in this group. The reunions are not at a good time for me, as summer is softball season, and coaching is my passion. I have made a few friends here, and communicate with a few folks on the back channel. For that, I thank Mark, for providing this site. I've learned a bit about our unit's history, got in touch with a few folks I served with, learned the fate of a few others'. It could be worse, foah shoah!
Kim
Livermore, Me USA - Sunday, May 29, 2005 at 06:22:36 (MDT)
I hope that ya'll can go to the link on my name and check this post out. It makes ya teary eyed but its a good read and great pictures for memorial day. Mark, I know I'm not exactly close with you are very many at all here. Without you allot of these guys wouldn't have the bonds they have. That is a huge gift you gave to them. Not sure if the link works or that unregistered users can see it.
Melody Pershall
Amarillo, TX USA - Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 22:21:12 (MDT)
i also would like to ask you guys to take a minute and remember 1lt Sharon Ann Lane US ARMY NURSE CORP,Canton,Ohio, kia on 6/8/69 at 312 Evac hospital in pleiku.she was the first army nurse killed in action and i believe the first as a direct result of enemy fire.a long and respectful salute to her and the rest of the women in the army nurse corps that didn't even have to be there.Us guys figured we would be forced to go but they couldn't force them and they went anyway.i know it meant a lot to guys to have a woman taking care of you while you were badly hurt or dying.even if they couldn't do any more for you than hold your hand
paul mcgrath
oglesby, il USA - Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 15:54:37 (MDT)
mark; you are doing just fine please don't jump ship. i have always been impressed with the way i was accepted on this site by most of the people here. i'm an outsider as i wasn't with the 129. all i have in common was i was at lane. i don't think lou (or a lot of the rest of us) realizes just how much effort goes into a site like this. not to mention the problems you have had this past year.this site is a lot different than some of the others i have visited.i was not accepted as readily on one of the dustoff sites because i wasn't regular crew even tho i did fly some on a volunteer basis.i can't even get membership in vhcma. on this memorial day lets put our efforts towards remembering our brothers that never made it home. there are times when i wish i didn't make it home either, but those things pass.A LONG SLOW HAND SALUTE to those that didn't make it back, and to mark for providing us with a place to get together and give a salute to them
paul mcgrath
oglesby, il USA - Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 15:10:21 (MDT)
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pagerank main <www079@mail.com>
unknown, US US - Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 09:46:42 (MDT)
ok,the hotel is booked solid the 23rd,100%. I spoke with charlie rains (thanks Alex),took his advice,and now have a room.Seems on the 23rd,Susan and I will be staying at the raintree Inn,They will have a suttle going back and forth between the 2 hotels.A waiting list in ongoing for rooms on the 23rd.Sorry to hear you cant make it Animal,would be good to see you at one of these ,.With smitty,shadow,baron you and myself,we could get another beer trough going to throw in the newbies.Lou Rags,get your butt down to Texas with the rest of us,your a brother.If there is an "incrowd",your part of it.Many jus read,rarely posting,thats fine.They do post when someone is wrong (usually me),or just when they feel the need.My pics havent been posted either,thats ok.This isnt a pro site,things take time as life has a way of interfering with pleasure.Getting Mark and the college boy ( who actually changes stuff in here,in cincy ohio) together,is almost a mission impossible.time,distance and lifes speed bumps are hell on plans.do not forget as well,that sometimes we check out the site between "honey do list" and simply dont have time to respond.Have patience my friend.Mark has done much in allowing us this room,you belong here and what you post gets read as surly as i am sitting here at this keyboard.you are part of out history. opps,time for me to get to work.see y'all later.
alvis
USA - Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 08:50:04 (MDT)
Ya know, here it is going on 3:00 am and I'm just headed for bed from yesterday's work. Maybe I am to busy for this website. Anybody wanna take it over?..........
Mark
USA - Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 00:43:37 (MDT)
Gezz Lou......................sorry..............that sure bums my weekend out. No, make that my year..............sorry is not enough to say, but, I'm sorry...........dang.
Mark
USA - Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 00:10:23 (MDT)
Gently, Glad they got there ok. I tend to worry about them getting there ok so I tape and bubble wrap! So glad you like them :o) Memorial day is coming up(like ya didn't know..duh on me) and we already have our day planned out. My grandpa has always put flowers on loved ones and flags on the vets in our family. Will be going to both the big ones in town where our family is. The hardest since its the most recent is my uncle. They usually don't put a flag by his stone, there are no clues to his service on it. Among his last words were "Jesus Loves Me" so that is what is on there along with his vital info. God we miss him but I know that he is no longer suffering. I'll remember him and all of the other Men and Women that have given there life for me and everyone in this country. I know it is odd to some out there but I still think the Vietnam war killed Olen. Drugs and booz became his comfort for the memories. He couldn't see the way out but was able to find his way home in the end. Thank you for your service guys. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Sorry for blabbing so long :o)
Melody Pershall
Amarillo, TX USA - Friday, May 27, 2005 at 23:56:02 (MDT)
Alvis, I agree with you 100% about a mission specific "Dust Off" medal. I flew dust off with the 498th and the 283rd Med Det. for a few months before coming to the 129th. They are great and brave crews, but hell, so were the slicks, guns, scouts etc. I think a Combat aviation award that covers all of the above would be more appropriate. Sorry I can't make the reunion, but I am going to be in Dallas visiting my Dad while my sis is gone for aweek or so. I'll be there from the 12th to the 18th of June, then must get back and try and catch up with business. Anybody in that area at that time? Pop needs assistance, but I'm sure I could get away for awhile. Let me know please. Greg
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Friday, May 27, 2005 at 23:03:37 (MDT)
Lou Rags... Sorry to see you cancel your room.. I must say that Mark has had a lot on his plate the past year with his fathers passind and having to take care of busisness side of things. If it wasn't for his efforts to get this bunch together in the first place none of us would have a place to call home. His sponsorship of this page has ment a lot to a lot of us and carrying the weight as he has done has not been an easy chore. I have been on the page for most of its life and can say that I don't feel that there is an "in crowd". Sure there are a few fellas that chat among themselves a lot but thats mainly because the others haven't jumped in. There are a lot of us on the page that don't say much and not real often. So please reconsider your leaving and attending to reunion. I am sure it would help you as it has a lot of us.. Hope to be seeing you at the reunion.. Take care ... Always a brother.. Kal...
Kal Bergstrom 67/68 <n8auu (at) email dot com>
Saint Joseph, MI USA - Friday, May 27, 2005 at 21:21:12 (MDT)
Should be an open room for reunion as I just cancelled mine. It sure is depressing when you send pictures to get posted on the site and they never do, and when you ask about it you get no reply, guess if you're not part of the in group nobody answers your comment, signing off
lou rags
Dover, De USA - Friday, May 27, 2005 at 18:12:12 (MDT)
Shoiuld be an open room for reunion as I just cancelled mine. It sure is depressing when you send pictures to get posted on the site and they never do, and when you ask about it you get no reply, guess if you're not part of the in group npbody answers your comment, signiong off
lou rags
Dover, De USA - Friday, May 27, 2005 at 18:11:01 (MDT)
Robbie, check out Home Depot! Heck, check out Lowe's, maybe Fred will give you a hands up:>)) "How old does Debbie Feel?" ...that's funny. LOL! L-j
Gently
USA - Friday, May 27, 2005 at 15:14:28 (MDT)
Gale, happy birthday you old fart. Just kidding Gale. You don't really look that old. Of course we are only as old as we feel. How old does he feel Debbie? Is it you that is going to rebuild that 37 plymouth? That would be a lot of fun. Wish I was there to help. Ray, good seeing you post again and thanks for those shirts Brother. I had an interview at a local Target store, and I came away with a good feeling. Maybe I'll have a job before too long. I sure need to get more money coming in than going out. It's been since Nov 2003. I hope everyone has a good Memorial weekend and I'll be thinking of all of our fellow 129ers that didn't make it back with us.....Rob
Robbie
Rochester, NY USA - Friday, May 27, 2005 at 13:43:10 (MDT)
HELLO TO ALL IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE I MADE A POST. LOTS GOING ON. I GUESS. GALE WANT TO WISH YOU A HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ME AND GAIL ARE FLYING INTO TEZ ON SUNDAY , WE HOPE TO LOOK AROUND SOME I GUESS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE VA TRYING TO GET AN APT I NEED A MRI FOR MY SHOLDER THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD TAKE 5 MOMTHS TO GET AN APPT. SHE TOLD ME SEE MY FAMILY DR BE FASTER. I ASLSO GOT TO SEE MY UROLIGIST AGAIN I CALLED HIM TOLD HIM WHAT WAS GOING ON ALL HE SAID WELL YOU ARE A HARD CASE COME AND SEE ME ONTHE 13th. BUT I WONT LET HIM CUT ON ME TILL AFTER I GET DACK. IAM SO SICK OF DRs ALL THEY WANT TO IS GIVE OUT PILLS OH WEL SEE YOU IN TEX AGAIN HAPPY BITHDAY GALE TAKE CARE, GENTLY YOU HAVE A GOOD WEEK END HOPE ALL GOSE WELL TAKE CARE A BROTHER ALWAYS RAY BE SAFE
RAY <STILWATING@AOL>
MD USA - Friday, May 27, 2005 at 13:13:44 (MDT)
alvis i agree with you, does that apply to us, we flew a lot of dustoffs.
donnie r. purvis <donnie.purvis@us.army.mil>
linwood, nc USA - Friday, May 27, 2005 at 12:14:43 (MDT)
The email address of the sister of our 129er Glenn NOWAKOWSKI: linda.hintze@aurora.org She'd love to hear from anyone who knew Glenn...and she'd love to hear from all of you, his 129th family. Ron Paye did a beautiful presentation on April 30th to Glenn's family, with quotes from some of you who served with Glenn. We also presented the family with a 129th hat, 129th pins, and the 129th flag(sorry Mark). All of which now are proudly displayed in Glenn's mothers' living room. There were probably about 15-20 family members at the presentation..it was beautiful! They were all moved to tears that Glenn was not forgotten...and totally surprised that he had another "family" out there--you, the 129th AHC. God Bless all of you. Take a minute, even if you didn't know Glenn, to say hello to her, especially for this Memorial Day. You brought him back to the family----let them know who you are. love to all-Gently
Gently
USA - Friday, May 27, 2005 at 09:14:57 (MDT)
not to belittle the perposed dustoff award,but perhaps helicopter combat crews should get one too.How about a rotorblade worn around the neck or perhaps issued in pairs so one could also use them as skis in the snow.How about badges for the times we lost meals flying "HOTand COLDS" to the guys out in the field ,or firebases, at thanksgiving and xmas.Perhaps a badge for getting lost in a monsoon rain.how about a badge for flying into a LZ to pick up the "now" dead guys you, inserted "alive" the day before?While meaning no disrespect toward the wonder,brave,deadly job the dustoffs did,I just dont see a special badge,but then,I have been very wrong before.
alvis
USA - Friday, May 27, 2005 at 06:43:30 (MDT)
Happy Birthday Gale! And 63! Yikes! You're sooooo much older than i am:>))) We can't make your party but send us some beer:>) Melody. Girl! I got your bracelets last night. It took me several hours to open them(you really know how to tape up stuff) but after I got done sputtering about it and they were finally opened-WOW! They're beautiful...I want all 3! Beautiful. And made by your own paws..for the 129th. Very cool girl! This weekend is a holiday weekend with Monday off. But for some of us it's a special weekend followed by a very important day of remembrance: Memorial Day. There is a national call for a moment of silence at 3PM(no matter the time zone)to remember those who have given their all. So try and remember... 3PM. Be safe. With a wink-Gently
Gently
USA - Friday, May 27, 2005 at 06:19:40 (MDT)
House approves Dustoff award Thursday, May 26, 2005 BY BRETT LIEBERMAN Of Our Washington Bureau WASHINGTON - Dustoffs -- the helicopter crews who fly into combat zones and rescue their fallen comrades -- may finally get a medal of their own. The U.S. House of Representatives last night approved a Harrisburg-born effort to force the military to issue a new award, the Combat Medevac Badge, to every pilot or crew member who has served in combat in a medical evacuation helicopter since June 25, 1950. The measure was part of a defense authorization bill passed by the House on a 390-39 vote. "Democracy works," said John Travers, one of the Vietnam veterans who approached U.S.Rep. Tim Holden, D-Schuylkill County, with the idea of honoring the helicopter crews. The Army has opposed awarding a group-specific medal. "To attempt to identify soldiers in specific categories has an adverse effect on team concept and uniformity of purpose," Lt. Col. Kevin V. Arata, an Army public affairs officer, said previously. Holden and U.S. Rep. Joseph Pitts, R-West Chester, joined forces to lobby for the legislation after 214 medals made by the Harrisburg group were laid at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial earlier this month to honor those who died. "These Dustoff crews deserve all the honor we can give them," said Pitts, a Vietnam veteran who secured the support of House Armed Services chairman Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., to include Holden's provision in the measure passed last night. Kentucky Republican Rep. Geoff Davis, who was an Army helicopter pilot, offered an amendment in the Armed Services Committee on behalf of Holden and Pitts. "It's a day where justice prevails," Holden said. "These pilots and their crews were heroes. They flew into hot spots under fire and provided medical care." Dustoff crews, so called because of their radio call sign, flew nearly a half-million missions and evacuated more than 900,000 casualties between 1963 and 1973. A third of Dustoff medics were killed or wounded. The legislation still must pass the Senate, where U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., has introduced a companion bill, and survive a conference committee as the two chambers resolve differences. The idea for the combat medal was born 21/2 years ago in a Harrisburg bar. Travers, a retired Army chief warrant officer and president of the Harrisburg chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America who flew 955 missions in Vietnam, Michael C. McLaughlin, a Marine who served in Vietnam, and other area veterans were irked that the Army refused to recognize the group's sacrifice. They brought the issue to Harrisburg Mayor Stephen R. Reed, who enlisted Holden's support. "This is a group of guys in Harrisburg that said it's the right thing to do," Travers said last night. Now that it's closer to becoming a reality, Travers is flabbergasted. "It's long overdue that this country recognizes these guys and the Army recognizes them," he said. BRETT LIEBERMAN: (202) 383-7833 or blieberman@patriot-news.com
_______________________________________________
alvis
USA - Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 22:05:20 (MDT)
Hello Flight... Here is wishing all of you a Great Memorial Day weekend!!.. With the reunion less than a month off now it is time to rattle a few cages.. Hey... Tom Pedersen, Glen Pearman, Alton Page, Bud Rainey, Pete Rhome, Tom Shanahan, JW Wilson, Lee Wood, Cups, Larry Kwiatkowski, Bill French, Mat Casey, Ron Paye and all the rest of you guys and gals out there.. Time is getting short and I sure would like to be seeing you at the reunion!!..It been a while since I have heard or read anthing from most of you so make yourselves heard.. This ought to be a good reunion and with you all there it will be a GREAT reunion!!.. If you have never been to one, all the more reason to make this your first!!.. You will not regret it and will be gald you did. I must admit that it has changed my life and this may be the thing that you are missing in your life that you just can't put your finnger on... This group has become more like a familey to me and get togethers like this seem to be too far apart. Join in and become part of the fun.. Well, enough said.. Hope to be seeing all of you in San Antonio... One more thing... Happy Birthday Gale!!! If I'd have known, I'd have ridden down.. C U L8r... Kal...>>>
Kal Bergstrom 67/68 <n8auu (at) email dot com>
Saint Joseph, Mich USA - Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 18:47:08 (MDT)
Fred Alvis: Call Cinda at the VHCMA's 1-800-842-6201. And see if she can help you. She should be at the VHCMA office about 2:00pm central time. Tell her I told you to call. Like I posted earlier. This is going to probably be the biggest reunion. So get those registrations in. Always A Brother Alex Gale have a great birthday. Glenn Pearmain will be 60 on june 1st. And I will be 59 on June 13th.
Alex
USA - Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 18:44:35 (MDT)
Folks,am in northern Montana at present & will be Riding Harley back this weekend. Prayers for the safety of all & of course to our fallen comrades & POW/MIA. God Bless all those serving overseas & at home. Barry, i have to contact Shadow again & will do so after this weekend & if he is coming will room with him, if not, we may be able to free up another room for 129ers. >>>> undying respects to you all>>> smitty
Jim Westwang 71-72
Sheridan, Wy USA - Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 17:58:33 (MDT)
Rainer, how're you doing buddy? Good to see ya post. Alvis, we have great old junk yard close by, but, I haven't been there for years. When I was working at the P.O. people would call from all over the country trying to find the place. It's between here & Terre Haute on the Wabash and the guys name is Gib Elliot. I'm gonna have to make it down there soon. Gale
Gale
USA - Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 14:47:38 (MDT)
Fred. You must be thinking of Studebaker International, it used to be called Packard Farm. They have a web site just Google the name but I think they only have Studebaker parts. You might try going to Knightstown. There is a place called The Paddock tha sells a lot of Pony car parts,I think they have a web site also. I bought a lot of 67 Firebird parts there. How is Susan doing now?
Rainer Bauer
Indy, USA - Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 14:23:15 (MDT)
Alvis and Susan, Let me check at home , but when I had to change our dates to Texas we had to take a 2 king bed room instead of a one bed, so we might have room also for Susan. Not you though Fred,;-))).just kidding brother. Let me check tonight when I get home and I'll yell at cha...............ride safe all.......always a brother...........
Mark
USA - Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 11:05:10 (MDT)
gale, i was told yesterday od another "old car" junk yard.I havent checked it out yet,perhaps raineer knows about it. Its east of indy on '40" (washington st.),out past greenfield I think.
alvis
USA - Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 10:21:13 (MDT)
Flight, you are "all" invited to my birthday party here on Saturday!! (just had a thought...........what if everyone "did" show up) :o] Ooooooh!! What a party! I'll turn 63 on Friday. Of course that always stirs up feelings for those comrads that didn't return.....you all know what I mean. Alvis, I hope you get a room. If not, Susan can bunk with us........you'll be on your own. Hehheeheheehee. Clear, Gale
Gale 67-68
USA - Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 09:10:01 (MDT)
As last minute as I am,i just contacted the hilton for a room.All are gone,there are no more.That being said,they are trying to block off another few rooms.They are supposed to return my call to tell me the results.The cheap rooms there (non-blocked) are $109 per night,plus tax.Call TODAY if you want a chance at a room at cheaper rates.
alvis
USA - Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 08:36:29 (MDT)
Goodmorning Flight: Great to see all my favorite people posting. Just got promoted good or bad don't know time will tell. Still working alot of overtime and Liz is traveling. Wink even though she's in Flordia don't have time to stop by. She will be in San Antonio next week. Speaking of the reunion from what I can see it will be bigger than Atlanta. And the biggest VHCMA since the organization was formed. Rooms are filling up fast. Had to get another small block of rooms. The hotel has to keep a certain percentage for other patrons. Should be real warm in texas. So think cool when packing. A record number unit reunion are in the making and we might have to share a room. Of coarse I will be keeping tabs on that. I have to see how many 129th have pre-registered to get an idea on the room size. Dark Horse of the Cav. has almost 125 pre-registerd. Between work some medical problems(same left foot and now the right knee. Plus the VA on my day off. I haven't had time to look for new 129th Brothers this past year. Well have safe Memorial Day. I will be working!! But let's pause and remember our Brothers whom gave it all. So many have forgtten what this day means. For those making the RFTW have a safe trip. See you all in a few weeks in San Antonio. Always A Brother Alex PS. Fred hope Susan is doing much better.
Alex
Collierville, TN USA - Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 07:51:42 (MDT)
jim sounds good to me, my dates are 22nd an check out the 26th. haven't heard from pete, i'm going to email him today,or call.but in either case it sounds good.......mark haven't checked out contact list yet but will do so now. thanks. see yu all at reunion. wink 3/69-10/70
wink
lake wales, fl USA - Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 07:20:58 (MDT)
flight, I received a beautiful hand-carved wooden plaque(approx 17x11) last night. It was carved by one of our own 129ers and is of the 129th patch. Very cool! At first I thought it was for me, but nooooooooooo. He, per usual, wants to remain unknown, but wants it to be used for fund raising. So, I'll take it to the re-union along with Melody's piece:>). Damn! Isn't this cool! Hand made stuff ...from the family. Beautiful stuff. We also have the Rotor hub up for bidding and presently the bid for it is $75. Mark, we'll have to have the bracelet ceremony on Friday evening, along with our KIA/POW/MIA ceremony. That i s the only night Barb will be able to attend to present it to you or Katherine(I hope she and Rick are attending). Sound good? Love to all---in Northern-Gently (Mr. Alvis, my dear friend... you are so damn special, I love you-here's a hug. Now get to Lowe's before some of us(like Kal and Gale) show up there to do a little under $50 shopping:>))
Gently
USA - Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 06:59:10 (MDT)
Mornin' Flight, A blessed and safe Memorial day to all of you and yours. THANKS for serving........................always a brother,
Mark
USA - Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 06:42:56 (MDT)
Hey Wink.........Your info in correct now, isn't it??.....I told the webby to change it. Check it out and let me know please...................Mark
Mark
USA - Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 19:12:43 (MDT)
Freddie Boy,:-)) Now ya got the picture,sept ya got one thing wrong. Sooner or later this world will stop turning, and that will be the age, when it all means everything..always a brother...........
Mark
USA - Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 18:16:51 (MDT)
Well, keep a couple pair of dry socks and your powder dry and the world will keep turning. Because it don`t mean nothing, it don`t mean a thing. There it is.....
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 16:42:57 (MDT)
Barry, Shadow has been going to room with me but hasn't gotten back to me yet as he isn't sure he can make it. I have made reservations as well, but one of us could always cancel & stay together if you think you could stand me, i have res 22-25 so at $83 a night, splitting the cost would be a big deal. Hope all are well. Shadow, any ideas yet?? Respects>>>>Smitty
jim westwang 71-72
USA - Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 16:30:41 (MDT)
actually gently,you were speaking southern.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 15:45:08 (MDT)
morning flight,just checking in.......hey pete still looking for someone to room with at the reunion, call me on my cell phone 863-370-0633 tonight,anytime. don't go to contact list my info is all wrong.if anyone else out there wants to share room let know, already have room reservation. see you all at reunion.wink
wink
lake wales, fl USA - Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 07:36:49 (MDT)
Gently........eye undurstood evree werd ya sed.
Mark
USA - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 18:09:22 (MDT)
Hey All, Gently, wanted you to know you should be getting a blue package soon. I sent it off today. Hope it gets there ok, its not much.
Melody
Amarillo, TX USA - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 16:23:29 (MDT)
If'n we're gonna start groupin folks together ya'll better not be puttin me in with them dawg gone broads! I'm better than them. And beings than I'm white I'm guessin I better bone up on my english a bit so I kin get in here and talk to ya'll better. Ya, boys, ya'll got it right, gosh darn...ain't no better speech than english..and if'n ya can't speak and writ it, ya better get out of our dawg gone US of A! My folks they didn't speak no english when they got to these here United States, but look at us, they're yungins, we're readin and ritin with the best of em. YAHOOOOO! Just having a little fun my friends.. No offense meant ....but I was speaking and writing English wasn't I? My point: What is "English" today? :>)))) Loving ya-Gently.
Gently
USA - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 14:53:17 (MDT)
Well, Dubya has come and gone and said his piece and I watched most of it on the TV. Had some Protestors outside the school booing him, and the Police had to arrest a couple of them that couldn't keep their place. The TV people had to go inside at the airport when he was leaving because Air Force 1 has such a back wash when it starts up and moves that things were flying and tipping over and such. Mark, sounds good will wait to hear from you. Fred S. it sounds like you lived in the North before, so you know how the summers are. Not as hot and humid as NC. Still waiting for it to warm up in NY.....Rob
Robbie
Rochester, NY USA - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 13:56:52 (MDT)
..gesssh, I better get out of the pulpit for a spell :-)
Mark
USA - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 10:51:26 (MDT)
Yeah Freddy Boy, I know you are being civil, and I thank you all for that. Ya know, as a saying goes, which I belive may have started in the Vietnam era, " It Don't Matter". I mean as far as who's country's policy is best, or who rules , or whether you are black, white, yellow, tan, green, orange, or even Pink. "It Don't Matter", whos got the money, who dont' have the money, what job you have, where you live, when you lived, " It Don't Matter", who your president is, your congressmen, your mayor, your wife, your children. It all don't matter. "It Don't matter" how big of a building you built, how tall a mountain you climb, how deep you have dived, how fast you have run, how far you have run,......................"WHAT DOES MATTER" is, do I realize that I am at peace with God, do I realize that I am standing in grace, if I realize the hope of glory, do I realize the possession of love, do I realize the certianty of deliverance, and do I realize the joy of God................in the end there will be only 2 kind of people. People who "LIVE WITH" God forever, and people who "LIVE WITHOUT" God forever........... "It Don't Matter" WHO we are, it matters WHAT we are! Through the ages, there have been tons of people already, that have done, what Mark Jackson has done.But nobody else can be, the person, that God intended Mark Jackson to be. Finally, after 54 years, that, is an realization to me............The rest, "It Don't matter"!..Love to you all..............always a brother.....................
Mark
USA - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 10:47:55 (MDT)
Robbie..yeah brother, I got you e-mail about the stones. I'll write to you about it tonight. Sorry for not getting back to you. Is also good to here that Bud Rainey and Deb are doing ok. I talked to Billy Perri, Elmer Holthuas and Roger Austin recently but havn't had a chance to call Bud yet...........always a brother.........
Mark
USA - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 09:53:25 (MDT)
Just checking in (been a Loong time) to see what condition my condition is in. Been trading emails with Gary Carlson. Great to hear from him. 4 years to go until I retire a second time. Can't wait to get on that golf course 'full time', which will mean that I can play really bad golf full time instead of part time. Bulldog Frog 70-71
Mike Miles <michael.miles@gsa.gov>
Easton, MD USA - Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 05:54:47 (MDT)
Parents: Army disrespected Tillman's memory...... WASHINGTON (AP) -- The family of former professional football player Pat Tillman says the Army disrespected his memory by lying in its investigation of his death in Afghanistan last year........ http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/05/23/tilman.probe.ap/index.html.......The Army lied..... No Way...... Robbie, it`s great to be back north, I`m ready for the the cool summers. NC is lovely country, with the ocean and mountains, but the humid summers are a killer. I just can`t get over how hilly and green Jersey is as you go west.......it reminds me of Southern Ohio or Eastern Kentucky........We`re gonna be OK here
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 17:20:43 (MDT)
Thats for sure we agree on the VA. hehehehehehe look out San Antonio. Here I come Fred you better be there looking forward to meeting Greg and other new ones I am hoping. Be careful out there
Rick England
USA - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 16:12:07 (MDT)
Sorry you're taking a hiatus from the cultural discussion, Animal. :>(( It's been fun just reading, and reflecting, on the comments. I think it's true of most societies that as a collective, they all want to believe they're good, just, and, in some way, superior, to others. Our country's biggest schtick is capitalism, every one makes money, and is better off because of it! We tend to omit little troubling factiods when selling ourselves to others...things like most of the capital being held by a very few people, having the largest prison population in the world, astronomical murder rates, suicide rates....hell, should we be shocked that some in our military have murdered, tortured, and otherwise violated, suspected enemies? Look what we do to each other! Maybe not 'us' specificly, but, 'us' as we're viewed from the outside. Our quest for cheaper goods has led our government, at the behest of our business leaders, to engage in a global enslavement program! We've gone from the Henry Ford ideal that 'every worker should be able to afford a car', to the Carl Icahn school of 'let them starve, just so the product is made cheaper, so we can enhance our stock profile'!...I got a kick out of the uproar over Vincente Fox's statement that the U.S.A. wants illegials in this country because they'll do jobs that even blacks refuse to do!!!! He certainly was politically incorrect, and could have used a little more tact, however, I don't think he's wrong about why we have such a loose border. Cheap, compliant labor has been the main goal of the moneyed elite for over a century! Heaven forbid that some billionaire have to pay a 'common gardener' a living wage, just to take care of a little piece of landscape!..We have migrants come to our state every year, to pick apples in the fall, (cold weather, frosty mornings, climbing ladders) and harvest blueberries. ( backbreaking work, low pay) The reason they're here is that no one else will do the work for the pay offerred! Hell, if the growers paid more, they'd have to charge more, and folks would bitch!..Freddie, what was the John Lennon song? Working class hero?.... It's almost never fair to lump all of any group together as good or bad, and I know there are still good emplayers out there...however, it just seems to get worse and worse!
Kim
Livermore, Me USA - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 16:09:18 (MDT)
Right on my Fred! Democracy IS diversity. You know, living in Hawaii has been quite a lesson in civics. The white man here is in the minority, held in contempt by many, and blamed for many of the problems that face our islands. It gives a person the chance to view racism from another direction. In spite of all that, I wouldn't trade places with anyone. There are just too many good and wonderfull people here to offset the negativity. My skin has thickened up quite a bit,though. The discourse HERE has been good for me, as this is one of the few places I feel comfortable venting. ( The other is my VA counseler) I am going to back off and enjoy other topics for awhile. Say hi to Dubya for me if you bump into him Fred! I've never been close enough to talk to a President, but did get the oportunity to moon Gerald Ford once back in the seventies. C'est la vie, Greg
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 14:51:12 (MDT)
Well, believe it or not, George Dubbya is coming to Rochester tomorrow to talk to High School kids about his Social Security ideas. Hopefully nothing will happen to him here. His Motorcade showed up here today. I am just staying away from the whole thing. For those that care, I spoke to Bud Rainey yesterday, and he and his wife are doing good. Ray, hope you and your family are good. Mark, did you get my last email about the rocks? just wondering. Don Miller, how's that computer holding up? Fred S, how's it feel to be a yankee? Welcome to high gas prices and taxes. Fred A, I hope you and Susan are doing ok. Gently thanks for sending me the info about the Nowakowski family. Hi to Gale and Debbie and Alex and Liz and Smitty and Frenchie and Rainer and Pete Rhome and Kal and Rick Jensen and CP and paul Mcgrath and Rick E and Everyone else that I can't remember right now. Almost warming up in NY......Rob
Robbie
Rochester, NY USA - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 14:13:31 (MDT)
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., . USA - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 12:08:02 (MDT)
Mark, I think we do try to stay civil anymore. With the elections and run up to the war, emotions ran high, be it right or left or center. We all are war veterans and supporters of us vets. We feel we still have a stake in this countries future. Now I don`t know if "our stake" is a reality or just a "figment of our imagination" the ways things are handled anymore, I wonder. But back to Greg (Animal)......., English is the language of choice in international commerce and the official language of international diplomacy........ English enjoys official or special status in at least 75 countries, totaling over two billion speakers....... English is spoken as a first language by approximately 375 million people and as a second language by about 375 million. About 750 million people are believed to speak English as a foreign language....... One out of every four people in the world speaks English to some degree of competence 80% of the world's electronically stored information is in English....... Of the estimated forty million Internet users, approximately eighty percent communicate in English. And I think, not sure.....French was the universal language of diplomacy until English recently supplanted it......... French figures among the official working languages of many international organizations including the European Union, Interpol, the International Olympic Committee, the UN, the Red Cross, and many others......... The importance of the French language in diplomacy can be seen from the words that have found their way into common English usage. For example, "chargé d'affaires", "émigré" and "cadre." Now see, this was just a exchange of "idealisms" of two people, that share alot of common ground. All I know is, when it comes to attacking the VA, on most of their BS, we all line up together and are NEVER lost for Dirty Adjectives to direct at the VA.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 11:38:16 (MDT)
Just checkin' in from the garage. Puter has been down at home all weekend. Pete Nolen, Thanks for riding for the 257 and others brother. God Bless you and all the bikes headed to DC with a safe ride. Remember in here, it's OK to, agree to disagree, with respect. Love to you all and prayers for healing and Grace...........Texas soon...........always a brother......................
Mark
USA - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 05:53:42 (MDT)
As long as english is the language of commerce, people that seek to get ahead will learn to speak it. I just think that there are other "languages of commerce" emerging as this world gets smaller. I don't have a problem with that myself, cause like I said people that are going to transcend their culture are going to learn it(English/spanish/Chinese). When I lived in LA I looked at learning some spanish as a way to improve my own situation and opportunities. All the other stuff: Uninsured, wellfare, etc: I think they are a product of poverty and not race. If I didn't have the proper papers, I wouldn't let it stop me from trying to get to a job and putting food on the table.If I lived in the 3rd world, across the border from a beautiful,wealthy oasis,I'd be on my way! Unionize! good idea. Next we can tackle the homeless problem. Thanks, Greg
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 23:40:07 (MDT)
I forgot
, last posting didn`t pick-up on his e-mail. It might do it again.......But he teaches at and has got a PHD from Harvard, and is part owner of a GMC dealership in Hugary.
Fred Skaggs
USA - Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 22:07:05 (MDT)
Honestly Greg, I have a long history of positive relationships with immigrants, here I`ll give you a email address of a Hugarian immigrant that was a childhood friend since 5th grade. Deszo(David) came to this country in 1960 and couldn`t speak a word of english. He became my friend his first summer in the hood, and we started with hand signs. By the beginning of the school year, he picked up on english.......he`s done pretty good since then....ask him about Freddie Skaggs. He`ll give me a good reference......( David Apathy
). Greg, you and I share alot of the same idealism and are allies on many issues. One disagreement out of 1500 issues, not a bad percentage that we agree on. But Dezso stayed with the program and became a good American.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 21:58:37 (MDT)
Animal,(Greg), I had to re-read your posting, about disagreeing with me on "guest workers", did you noticed....By Bob Lonsberry © 2005........? He wrote that article.....he`s a conservative repub....I posted that because of how ironic is was. As far as guest workers, I stand down on the or up on the border and have them sign union cards. Get them in a 4 year Apprenticeship, and give english classes. The test will be in english.......as far as racism and "jack-boot" treatment.....Greg, the United States since WW2, has done a wonderful job of bombing brown, yellow, and black people. Here's a list of the countries that the U.S. has bombed since the end of World War II...... .....China 1945-46.... Korea 1950-53...... China 1950-53...... Guatemala 1954...... Indonesia 1958...... Cuba 1959-60....... Guatemala 1960..... Congo 1964....... Peru 1965....... Laos 1964-73...... Vietnam 1961-73.... Cambodia 1969-70..... Guatemala 1967-69....... Grenada 1983....... Libya 1986....... El Salvador 1980s....... Nicaragua 1980s......... Panama 1989......... Iraq 1991-present..... Sudan 1998...... Afghanistan 1998...... Yugoslavia 1999......... Is that because white people in general, Western Europeans, and Scandanavians are less inclined to cause us problems than people of color? I'd be interested in your version of exactly what problems the countries on the list "caused us." Other than wanting a government unlike ours or, not doing what we told them to do. Also, save for china and possible indonesia, those countries were simply ones we could dominate with force, the history of US policy centers on force and subterfuge, the removal of governments to instill puppet regimes, several of which that were more barbaric than the ones the US deposed. But if you started this list from the revolutionary war to today, we have bombed /attacked just about everyone in the world. I wonder...did the German goverment give "vets benefits" to the German verterans of WWII...I`ll have look that up. But I wouldn`t care to bet, that they were taken care of. With a lot less hassle that we face getting them from our VA system....and they lost. Kim LaVoie.....you`re great with history, help me brother.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 21:12:37 (MDT)
boyfriend of my daughters needs a grill for a 47/48 chevy coupe.no other years or body style will work.He will pay shipping ,ect.
alvis
USA - Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 09:00:03 (MDT)
Well, the bike is sitting in the drive, warming up. All the bags are packed. I'm enjoying a good cup of coffee. I'll be pulling pitch in about and hour or so. It will be a flight of 6 leaving Lafayette, for Monroe. Where we will meet with the Southern group of about 300. It is estimated that by the time we join with the Central group and get to DC on Friday that we will up to 5000 bikes. This will be my 2nd. run, but this one is special. That's because I'll be making it with Raymond (Soothsayer). Friend, Stick Buddy, Brother, for over 35 years. I wish we could all make this ride together. This year I'm riding for the ones that can't. Bulldog 257, Cobra 959, and there crews. We will never forget our Bothers. http://www.fhtm.us/ Chech out the website, and maybe next year you can join us.
Pete Nolen <petenolen@fhtm.us>
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 07:20:46 (MDT)
Mi Casa es Su Casa, Mi Amigos! These are all very good points you make, but I still hold true to my futile idealism. The problem with grouping a people together in stereotype is that the many good folks of a certain race/country/religon cannot be differentiated from the assholes. I truly believe there must be some good person/asshole ratio in every race. I've been in a situation where La Migre (Immigration) came charging into a work place of mine and rudely lined up everyone with a certain look(hispanic) and demanded to see documentation. Being under the cruel influence of PTSD,Alcoholism and drug addiction at the time, I was totally undocumented.(not even a drivers license,much less insurance)Well La Migre wasn't the least bit interested in my sorry ass. They more or less told me to shut up and mind my own business. It made me wonder how I'd feel if the rolls were reversed and I was jack booted simply for the way my DNA settled. That's not the path this country started out on although we're very much there now. Most of those workers were Americans, I've gotten my shit together, and I love this discourse with my brothers and sisters. By the way, one of the reasons I love this country so much is I feel empowered to try and change things I disagree with. I just think it would be enough to say; "That asshole is uninsured" rather than; "that mexican/irish/jewish/italian asshole is uninsured"..........Aloha, Greg
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 03:25:03 (MDT)
Whatever Animal, you`re still my dude......But.......When Kim and I moved to Europe, Kim took classes on how to speak Dutch. She knew Spanish from HS, Italian is very close to Spanish.....Latin based language and Kim can speak French also. My point is, she accomadated her co-workers by respecting THEIR culture, and speaking to them in their language. Me...in Holland...all I had to know was, Marlboro Green, Heineken, and 7 grams of that stuff. But the Dutch would not let me have work permit, they felt my wife made enough to support us both. I wanted to work in a "coffee shop" owned by two Americans BTW...Last time I checked, the Aussie`s are pretty good with English..... And right now I`m learning to be a Jersey Boy......I don`t speak to anyone, unless I know them.
Fred Skaggs
USA - Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 23:24:45 (MDT)
Alex, it was nice talking to you but I guess I told you a little fib, when I went outside after talking to you it was 110 not 102, and today was 112. summer is upon us. I thought my new DM was going to be alright but it looks now like I might have been mistaken. I was informed today that if I want to have a smoke I have to clock out/ smoke/ and clock back in. so I am looking for another job. things are getting really CS around here. that is just one example. 07:30 - 15:30 tomorrow.got new rear wheels on the trike yesterday so I am getting closer. Later, Don
Don Miller
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 22:47:58 (MDT)
One day I`d like to be rich and famous, maybe be funny like Andy and Amos. Be on TV and play like Stevie and have a best friend that would never leave me. But I`d really love a place, where the ain`t no war. A bright and shiny world where there ain`t no poor. Where there`s opportunity and peace and unity, where people can be what they what to be. Where racism can never happen again, where people don`t judge by the color of your skin. While I hold your hand and you hold mine, where a helpful hand is never hard to find. A place where people care and no one can bare, when someone is hungary and nothing is there. Where the heart is never cold, the young are never needy, the old are never poor and the rich are never greedy. So bring the power to the people, bring the people to the power. Because NOW is the time, this is the hour. Stop fighting the war, and think about peace. So on this life, we can get a new lease. So with a lesson to learn, a new direction to turn. Because for so long, we`ve been to wrong. Yea, we`re hitting the right notes, but playing the wrong song. So stop thinking with your wallet and think with your mind. So we can move ahead, instead of behind. We got companies selling bad drugs, and people are dying. Politicians are talking and you KNOW they`re lying. Taxes on the poor, none for the rich. People are starving in America, now ain`t that a........bummer! We got missles on the ground, lasers in space, underground shelters just in case. That something goes boom, a certain doom. Because in our hearts, we didn`t make enough room. For the love that comes from up above, let`s stop talkin war and offer the dove. Because when it`s done it`s over, when it`s over it`s done. We look back at the war and see nobody won. We need a better place for your daughters and sons, where life can be a blast........Pardon my pun.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 22:35:14 (MDT)
The only minorites in the US are American Indians
G Marshall
USA - Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 20:44:28 (MDT)
I can't even afford any kind of insurance at all for myself. I can't afford to go to the doctor or dentist. Here the illegals are able to get free medical help. That pisses me off. True that many of the names of towns are of spanish names. Amarillo is one of em. The fact is this is our country now and we need to support the people in this country instead of people taking it else where. I am all up for people who are legal and LIVE here. They are taking advantage of America.
Melody
Amarillo, TX USA - Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 13:08:52 (MDT)
Animal,mexico's second LARGEST income for the country is from monies sent home from the usa. The first is from oil production.I have worked construction most of my life,many times with uncarded mexicans.They tell me they would not Fight for this country in time of war cause its not their country. They tell me they send bucks home to build houses,then they plan to return home.They are here simply to rape the country,to get all the gravy they can.They have all the benifits,without any of the responsability.My car has been hit twice by uninsured,non licensed mexican drivers.I had to pay for the repairs myself.They didnt go to jail,nor were arrested.They are here illegally.Some commit crimes, then flee back to mexico for protection.Case in point,A mexican driver hit and dragged a child with his car.He hit the child on purpose ( they were teasing him),I am sure he didnt kill on purpose.That was 5 years ago..they are still looking for the jerk.Mexicans make up the fastest growing minorty in the Indianapolis area.They are distructive to the homes/apartments they rent.They punch holes in walls to pass the one telephone thru to different apartments,for example.I welcome any LEGAL person to this country,I fully understand them trying to make a beter life for themselves and their children.It took me 2 years to get Susan here legally and lots of money.They can do that as well.I do not approve of people here simply to rape my way of life without any social responsability what so ever.
alvis
USA - Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 07:04:18 (MDT)
This was passed on to me by a friend. Its an amazing site. find your old friends atwww old school photographs . com
alvis
USA - Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 06:48:40 (MDT)
Hello all! Hi Fred! Your lengthy post was interesting, but I respectfully disagree with your position on illegals and sealed borders. America's immigration laws are racist and in my opinion,only seek to exclude people of color. Hell, we stole the western states from Mexico in the first place, and most of the cities have spanish names!My ancestors spoke German when they sneaked over. I've worked with illegals and respect their ethics and family support system. Most send their money home to provide for wife, kids grandparents etc. Most would like to relocate their families here permanantly. Can you blame them? Unless a person is of Native American extraction, their ancestors came here to better themselves also, and I can't see the difference between then and now. What about homeland security? Well I guarantee you it's not a poor hispanic smuggling a suitcase nuke into the country. More likely it's one of Dubya's Saudi friends bringing it in a shipping container. They only check a small percentage of those coming in. Homeland security is a joke designed to keep us in line, and profits up!........................Replies appreciated, with respect, Greg
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Friday, May 20, 2005 at 20:22:33 (MDT)
Rick, welcome to our future!! That's the unfortunate thing about how politics are practiced in our country. We only had to look at what the current regime did in the last 4 years, to predict what was gong to happen in the next 4! The die is cast on Social Security too. Once it's turned into a program for the poor, it'll be denounced as a welfare program. When will we ever learn........swift boat veteran's for truth, war on terror, energy crisis...why is so much media time dedicated to Michael Jackson? Is he the only person in America who has been charged with molesting kids? Was Terri Schiavo the only brain damaged person in America who had the plugged pulled by her legal guardian? Hell, some deputy sherriff gets sideswiped and gets more air time than than the national debt, tax cuts, ( which contribute to the debt), and political pork spending. ( not for vets ) WHO CONTROLS WHAT???
Kim
USA - Friday, May 20, 2005 at 19:51:49 (MDT)
"Pommy" Phil Connely will be sending out a newsletter updating the info and progress on "509".Phil says due to time constraints the bird wasnt painted in our units colors pior to filming by the discorvery channel.Phil also stated this was mostly due to a "few glitches in the old bird",as well as the film crew showing up a bit early.Mark,he also asked me to pass on his reguards to you as well.I ill pass on anymore info as i get it,when I get it.
alvis
USA - Friday, May 20, 2005 at 18:46:01 (MDT)
I sorry for not giving info on that statement. Both Larry scott and Tom Philpott write the columns for Military .com newsletters which they monitor the government for updates of whats going on concerning military personnel and Vets. Its allot of typing look on military .com and look under welfarizing the VA and Rise in Vetreans rated 'Unemployable'. Thank you for your time if you look this up.
Rick England
USA - Friday, May 20, 2005 at 18:15:50 (MDT)
Go to miltary.com look under Tom Philpott you will see what the new admin. is doing to the VA. they are calling us welfare now. I am ready to lock and load. Fuck them
Rick England
USA - Friday, May 20, 2005 at 17:56:08 (MDT)
"Give me your hungry, give me your poor....."
Gently
USA - Friday, May 20, 2005 at 12:58:21 (MDT)
Personally,I voted for Bush.I also voted for the ONE crongresswoman that took the time to help me with immigration issues getting Susan over here.The rest I voted liberation party.yes,I know most didnt get elected..but i and a bunch more,sent a message with our "worthless vote".We send new folks to crongress cause we are tired of the old ways.They are full of exciting new ideas and want to do some good.They run smack into a brick wall of old, very powerful, politicans.They HAVE to dance to their tune if the new guys want to get anything done.The fix? Thhe oldtimers and elect new folks with no ties to any lobbies.Get rid of the lobbies.
alvis
USA - Friday, May 20, 2005 at 06:27:43 (MDT)
well here we go again, this is the third "new" hard drive I have installed and maybe it will work. it seems to be but this is the first time I have been on line with it so we will see. Alex, they have cut our hours so badly thay most of the time there are only 2 people in the store. we are in tandem with 2759 and we don't have a commercial line anymore, all our comm. calls are routed to them then the orders are printed up in our store. ( what a mess ). I am off tomorrow (friday) so you should be able to catch me at home. I will be gone early AM .... taking munchkins to school and a friend of mine is getting his new trike tomorrow so I have to go see it LOL. but I should be home most of the day. Later, Don
Don Miller
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Friday, May 20, 2005 at 01:14:21 (MDT)
By Bob Lonsberry © 2005........IT SUCKS TO BE A REPUBLICAN. It sucks to be a Republican. A real Republican. A conservative at heart who believes in principles, who believes in a small government and a free people and a secure homeland. It really sucks to be one of those. Because we're being betrayed left and right. We've given the Republican Party the White House. We've given the Republican Party the Senate. We've given the Republican Party the House. We're about to give the Republican Party the judiciary. And what we've gotten in return is a bigger government, a deeper deficit, a meaningless border and more welfare. We've gotten everything we've ever voted against. George W. Bush is a OK president when it comes to fighting the war on terror. And he's a OK president when it comes to talking about God. But he sucks at everything else. Him and the Congress and everything they've done. A conservative can't help but look at Washington and wonder what in the heck is going to become of our country. When the enemy of freedom was the Democrats, we knew what to do. But now that the enemy of freedom has become the Republicans, we have nowhere to turn. The good guys have gone bad, and the only distinction the bad guys have is that they're a little worse. The Democrats stab you in the back 12 inches. The Republicans stab you in the back six inches. It's better, but not so that it makes a difference. You're still stabbed and you're still in a bad way. And I'm afraid for the future of the country. And, no, that's not an exageration. The actions of this administration are endangering the integrity and existence of the nation. If not now, then in 50 years. I'm talking about illegal immigration. George W. Bush's inaction on this subject has been essentially treasonous. To fail to secure our borders and to fail to enforce the laws of our land is a fundamental failure of his prime responsibilities. He swore to uphold and defend the Constitution, and by flippantly ignoring duly passed immigration laws and procedures he is not upholding the Constitution. We are a nation built on rule of law, and he has disregarded the law by failing in his duty to enforce and uphold it. Further, he has sat silently and idly by as we have been invaded. To the conservative estimate of a half a million new illegal aliens a year, he has given over our national security and territorial integrity. The impact of this invasion is overwhelming, whether you are counting the costs to our medical, welfare, criminal and educational systems, the artificial lowering of our wages, or the cultural erosion and displacement. The values of the United States are being supplanted by the values of Mexico -- values which are inconsistent with our society and liberty. It is estimated that in the lifetimes of our children the American Southwest will be majority Spanish speaking. Already the influx of illegals, though many are hard working, is straining and breaking the social structures and values that have prospered and protected the United States and its freedom. Unlike earlier immigrants who melted into the American culture, enriching it by their cooperative presence, these new illegal immigrants are displacing American culture, bringing the social failures of their homelands north to our country. It is a clear, galvanizing and potentially catastrophic matter. And the Republicans, who have held exclusive power for five years, and significant power for all but two of the last 25 years, haven't done a darn thing about it. Ditto for the deficit and climbing debt -- and the runaway welfare "entitlement" programs that fuel them. The party of fiscal and individual responsibility last year introduced and passed the largest new welfare program in a generation -- President Bush's old-age prescription plan. Homeland defense has been sucked into the morass of big-government bureaucracy. George W. Bush and the Republican Congress turned natural concern for national security into more and more federal employees and spending. We have all but nationalized our airports, searching frantically for fingernail files while leaving millions of tons of annual cargo unchecked, all the while convincing no one that safety or security has been truly enhanced. It was George W. Bush and the Republican Congress that gave us No Child Left Behind, a dramatic, patently liberal, big-government intrusion into education matters that should be left to state governments and local school boards. It was George W. Bush and the Republican Congress that left us conservatives out in the cold, uncertain about the course of our government or the future of our nation. At first we felt that we were taken for granted, now we know that we were just plain taken. Taken in by what seems to have been a con. And we have nowhere to go. Third parties are forever powerless. The Democratic Party is forever liberal. The Republican Party has bitten the hand that feeds it, and there's nothing we can do about it. The wolf has worn sheep's clothing, and won. It sucks to be a Republican..............With ALL due respect to the 129th Brothers and Sisters.......This is the kind of Republican I grew up with in Ohio....a moderate "Rockafeller" Republican.......That we would vote our choice, go to the pub together afterwards, take a break in the parking lot of the pub, and go home. Get up the next morning and go to work and mess with the loser party....for about 45 minutes and go to work and it was over until the next four years.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Thursday, May 19, 2005 at 21:12:21 (MDT)
You're right Gently. Things are not going to get any better for the vets, (or any other group of poor folks) under this administration. It's unfortunate that we have to wait till some politician comes around, pandering for votes, before any attention gets paid to the problem. Unfortunately, that's politics as currently practiced. We spend too much time getting jerked around by side shows, and falling for them, to get together on the serious issues, and, that's just the way the controllers like it!!! Heck, if we would spend a quarter as much time talking about health care as we do abortion, we'd have the problem solved!
Kim
USA - Thursday, May 19, 2005 at 18:19:42 (MDT)
Goodmorning Flight:Well alot of commo here lately. Melodoy it took me several years of looking for Brothers I served with. Then, one day everything started to fall in place. Takes time, but don't give up. Fred Alvis how's Susan doing? We keep her in our prayers and hope to see you both in San Antonio. San Antonio checked in at the VHCMA office. Running out of rooms. Need to get your registration forms mailed in. Just finish painting the last tail rotor blade the we have for the ruffle. Charlie is back on chemo for his lung. Don Miller tried calling you at work!! Pone just rang and rang. Send me your commercial nunber! Ray was good talking to you and Rainner lately. Well about 4 weeks to the reunion and it will be a large turn out with all the different units. As usual the 129th will be well represented. Always A Brother Alex
Alex
Collierville, TN. USA - Thursday, May 19, 2005 at 06:20:32 (MDT)
I meant "news services," not new services...but yet ....Gently
Gently
USA - Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 11:02:11 (MDT)
You guys are not getting the help you need from the VA, nor are the "new" Vets, especially the injured and those with PTSD. And the new VA budget is a joke, as is it's leqadership. If you're only reading the mainstream newspaper and watching the mainstream news you're not getting the full story. Accept that. If you want to know more, start digging and questioning. A good question to start with is who owns the conglamorate new services? After you find that out, some things will start to make sense...but scare the ---- out of you. On the other hand, ignorance is bliss. No caskets=no deaths....good one! L-Gently
Gently
USA - Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 10:43:41 (MDT)
and that includes us rotor heads...we remain faceless,nameless,but our deeds stand tall.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 10:21:30 (MDT)
Patriotism is selfless.And it is not the generals who are the bravest--They usually have the means to stay away from the battle and thereby lengthen their lives.The bravest are those whom we do not know or hear about....It has always been the many faceless men,those foot soldiers,who have suffered most,who have died.It is they who make a nation....F. Sionil Jose, DUSK
alvis
USA - Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 07:05:51 (MDT)
Hey Fred, used to go to shea all the time, loved those Mets, even in the losing years. Glad to see you settled in, the only reason they pump your gas in NJ is they want to make sure they get paid. You got lucky getting to Shea so fast, must have been an off day for traffic. Drop me a e-mail, maybe we can get together one day and talk over our days at the 129th
Lou Rags
Dover, De USA - Tuesday, May 17, 2005 at 15:13:08 (MDT)
i know there will be a few that don't like this but here goes anyway. i think they should take the name of every taxpayer in the country and put it in a hat and find a way to randomly pick a name, and make that person president.it would give a lot of politicians experience at standing in the unemployment line. might even force a few to work for a living.
paul mcgrath
oglesby, il USA - Tuesday, May 17, 2005 at 11:39:55 (MDT)
fred S., try the delaware water gap for a great place to vist and picnic,take a canoe also..
alvis
USA - Tuesday, May 17, 2005 at 10:09:20 (MDT)
Fred A., my friend,......That's exactly why we need to establish a multi-party government. One Party = Monopoly Multi-Party = Market Diversity What is true for the marketplace is also true in politics. Just as the people are never well served when a select few interests are allowed to dominate and control the market, no one except the dominant interests benefit when those interests control all branches and aspects of government. Whenever we manage to take back our country, we need to ensure that a single party or interest group is never again able to take control of the goverment and run roughshod over everybody else. Forget the existing two-party "big tent" system. What we need is a 5 or 6 party proportional Parliamentary system that respects and accounts for the broad and vast diversity in this country. The United States is a very diverse country -- too diverse for a small and select cabal of stubborn, insecure old weasels, thieves and charlatans to have the exclusive privilege to determine our destiny........Fred A. yesterday I drove my "ole 96 Dodge pick-up" to Shea Stadium in Flushing. The Cincy Reds were in town for series with the Mets, so I said, "I`m going"......I-78 is only 3 miles from my apartment took it east to the NJ Turnpike and headed toward the Lincoln tunnel, then took 495 to Dyer Ave and hit 34th St and took the Queens mid-town tunnel, then hit Grand Central Parkway and headed to Shea. It only took me about 45 minutes for the drive, but took a half hour and 29 dollars to park. My ticket(green seats) was only 28 dollars.....But it was cool.....REDS LOST.....But for the game, few beers and couple hot dogs, tolls, and parking...120 bucks wasn`t that bad....And I loved every minute of it Jersey is starting off to be a great place to live......until weather!!!!
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Tuesday, May 17, 2005 at 09:39:51 (MDT)
perhaps ( i am dreaming now) someday,someone will get into office and do this.First ,surround themselves with the best minds in the country( not political minds) in the respective fields,and actually come up with some answers that are fair,just and workable.Answers that will help heal the earth while improving the lot of mankind.We live in a biosphere that is quickly getting posined as well as exhausted.Politicans surround themselves with self serving people with very limited agendas,usually money orrenited,with plans to get more money= more power.Social security will never be fair and just as long as congress doesnt have to pay into it nor live off of it, but they do reap all the bennies.If congresspeople had to go thru V.A.,I bet funding would get handled quickly and many of the problems would disappear.But then again, I am only dreaming.
alvis
USA - Monday, May 16, 2005 at 21:48:17 (MDT)
I'm departing Lafayette La. Sunday morning for Monroe, a flight of 6. We will meet with the RFTW southern group. Is anyone making the run this year? If not, then I'll see you in San Antonio. BARON
Pete Nolen <petenolen@fhtm.us>
Maurice, LA USA - Monday, May 16, 2005 at 21:36:37 (MDT)
Good luck with the search, Melody. You're keeping him alive by doing so..... SAR huey flew over this afternoon, felt the vibration long beore I heard the wop wop, had to stop the jeep and watch it fly over.
Kim
USA - Monday, May 16, 2005 at 20:41:25 (MDT)
Kim, I dislike em all for the most part. I REALLY dislike the current leaders. I think its our jobs as citizens of our country to question EVERYTHING they do and everyone in there. No on should be able to have absolute power without question. I personaly am scared for the future of this country when my generation takes charge. That will be something strange to see. Everything is so dirty and under the table anymore its insane to think any of em are that decent anymore. _____*_____*_____*_____*_____ On another note I forgot to put in last night. My uncle would of been 58 on the 12th. Doesn't seem like 5 years. No luck as of late about finding anyone that knew him. The search goes on :o)
Melody
Amarillo, TX USA - Monday, May 16, 2005 at 20:05:03 (MDT)
I don't disagree with you Melody. That was my point. It's funny, some one can trash the 60's democrats for the vietnam quagmire, and it's not polite to question it. HOWEVER....trash the 03 regime,,,and it's a different story. I don't claim to have all the answers, I do, however, like to think I've learned a couple lessons in my short life. Folks like to say that history repeats itself, because no one wants to learn from their mistakes...and yes Frank, I'd have no problem charting a direction for this country, I couldn't do any worse than some of the recent leaders, and I feel I have a little more common person's perspective than the lawyers who manipulate the party apparattus and make sure no real changes get implemented....of course, if anyone really wants to get nasty, I'm capable of rising, er, lowering myself to the challenge
Kim
USA - Monday, May 16, 2005 at 19:39:41 (MDT)
Well put Melody.
Mark
USA - Monday, May 16, 2005 at 06:13:54 (MDT)
Hope all are doing well. Not to much happening here. My view on the major political parties are Democrat/Republican......same stink, different pile. Wishing all a great week.
Melody
Amarillo, TX USA - Monday, May 16, 2005 at 01:23:47 (MDT)
just a note unless I start to ramble ..... got a new hard drive and got it booted up but it still ain't working quite right gotta go thru a lot of (*)(*& when I re boot the puter. and I can't get messenger to load at all. I try to sign on and it tells me to download a newer version or I can't go on. so I do and nothing happens after the down load. in fact I can't even find the file it downloaded so ........... if I get this thing working right I will get back on MSN. till then I have to hide all my big hammers to keep me from changing this "TOWER" to a "PILE" a real short pile LOL. Later, Don
Don Miller
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Sunday, May 15, 2005 at 22:09:43 (MDT)
Seems more to debate at the reunion,about pommy phil and neil.Some of the things kim and Fred S. write keep things interesting..and that sure beats boring anyday.Hey Fred S...yankee stadium is just across the GW bridge and of 155 st.You cross manhatten,up and then down the hill,cross the harlem river and you can see it from there.Used to go to 158th (spanish harlem i think) back in the early 90s when I was strung out on coke..stuff came straight off the plane for 20 a gram.I worked all over that area when I was an iron worker,sufferin,the oranges,woodbridge,west ny city(in jersey)allentown,alpha,paramus,and more.had a great time there with my (then) southern accent,women loved it.Say hello to atlantic city for me,I must have paid for 1/2 of it to be built.
alvis
USA - Sunday, May 15, 2005 at 21:39:55 (MDT)
Evenin' Flight............Got this e-mail from the guy who flew with England Phil, owner of the "509" of the 129th. Hey Dan H. Did you get out to see Phil while he was there in Washington?...............we need to stay in touch with Phil gang!!!! Mark, I just finished flying training forPhil Connolly and Neil Airey from G-UHIH. They have contacted you guys before about the Huey they are importing to the United Kingdom to operate as an airshow warbird. They are some very nice people and are looking forward to hearing from any of the 129th unit members who care to do so. They are also interested in any thing folks might like to provide regarding the 129th and its members. Phil is a former North Sea Diver with a very interesting past....and Neil is a retired RAF Squadron Leader with a vast amount of helicopter flying experience. Flying with them was a real pleasure. Part of their training involved doing formation flying for a Discovery Channel program. During the filming we flew two Huey's in formation for a couple of hours and did some very nice shots for them. How about posting something in the unit web site about their web site www.huey.co.uk if you would.....maybe even discuss making them honorary members of the unit for their good work restoring and flying one of your unit Huey's. I would also ask for your assistance in trying to get them honorary memberships to the VHPA as well.....Phil is spending a lot of money paying for this project and is worthy of some thanks from those of us who served in Vietnam. I will be writing to the VHPA and suggesting they do this. Your unit member's support would be appreciated. Please feel free to post this message as you see fit. These guys deserve all the help we can give them. Regards, Ralph Chappell Geronimo 33 VHPA Life Member # 10 2700 Sawgrass Court Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27103 336-671-5800
Mark
USA - Sunday, May 15, 2005 at 20:29:24 (MDT)
Flight - If we could figger a way to get Fred S. & Kim in the White House, we would not have to worry about a thing cause they sure know what is wrong with everything. Take care. Frank. Sep69-Mar70.
Frank Loveday
Bastrop, LA. USA - Sunday, May 15, 2005 at 20:02:00 (MDT)
hhmmmm...the news just reported that 'operation Matador' just ended. The Marines captured all kinds of weapons and materials from the enemy. Meanwhile, a bunch of Iraqi's were killed in insurgent attacks, including 'government officials'.........does any of this sound familiar?????......congressman Mike Michaud, Union truckdriver by trade, signed on to a request for the bush asswipes to come clean on the runup to war. Seems there are strong indicators that blair and bush decided to attack Iraq, and spent a lot of time looking for a reason to do so! The term "Illegial War" is used in the letter. Of coourse, our ultra liberal news services won't touch the story!!! If there's one thing that bothers me, it's wimpy liberals! I wish they'd take off the kid gloves and declare war on those facist assholes, in the name of defending the constitution against all enemies, both foreign and DOMESTIC!!!!!!!
Kim
USA - Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 23:07:59 (MDT)
Will the real Fred Skaggs please stand up.........and stand tall. :o)
Gale 67-68
USA - Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 17:27:02 (MDT)
Bro Kim LaVoie, tell ya what.......this administration is just about the most inept corrupt bunch we've had in a while. Nominations for various offices/positions are a joke, policies are a sham, their moral and ethical compass is off kilter...DeLay needs to resign even as his cronies try to protect him...boy I hope the country gets it's fill of neo-cons humor. The fact that Tom DeLay is a part of the Administration speaks volumes. DeLay is a corrupt weasel and he needs to go. The White House has distances itself from him, as have more and more congressional Republicans. His days are numbered. If he does not take the hint soon and step down (at least from his leadership role), he needs to get the boot.The Pentagon has finally admitted that the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have put such a strain on the U.S. military that any future actions will be longer, with higher casualties and higher collateral damage (that's the killing of innocent civilians). Iran and North Korea, well aware of the limits of American military power, are thumbing their noses at us, and the president's "my way or the highway" approach to diplomacy has yielded nothing but a loss of American prestige. In the meantime, the president is proposing the wrong solution to the wrong problem (his cockamamie scheme to gut Social Security) while he ignores the real problems: skyrocketing costs of medical care; the skyrocketing U.S. budget deficit; the skyrocketing U.S. trade deficit; illegal immigration; poor relations with the one country that could destroy us, Russia; a looming energy crisis; the dismantling of environmental protections; the bleeding of American jobs to overseas cheap labor; excessive secrecy and government propaganda; the weakness of the American dollar; the decline of education; and the usual corruption. I think we are adrift in a sea of epic proportion troubles, and our captain, like the infamous fictional Captain Queeg, is more concerned about who ate the strawberries than saving the ship.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 10:39:56 (MDT)
Fred Alvis, they still "pump the gas" for you here in NJ. Freak me out, the first time I got gas, they ask for my debit card. I was ready to fight!!!!! I live in Summit,NJ......home to the famous late John DeLorean, I think he was the General Motors designer engineer, that had the idea for the GTO. Meryl Streep the actress lives here also and Jock Mahoney lives here also(he played "Frasier`s" father on the TV show. But I don`t belong to that crowd, we live in a two bedroom apartment. This is just another stop on my wife`s career.........But Kim loves NJ and New York City.....so we are going to take in the "full breath" of being here.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 06:51:21 (MDT)
Hi Mark, Recived the poncho liner. Glad you got the use of it.always a brother. Frenchie
Frenchie 68-69
Savannah, USA - Friday, May 13, 2005 at 19:38:32 (MDT)
Just think, we'd have all been so much better off if we'd just had honest Republican's running things in the 60's. Just like now, clear threat, clear mission, no lies, just good honest facts!!! NO one is getting killed in the line of duty, at least, there are no body bag pic's on the evening news. NO dead American's, good war, huh?...BTW, did we have PBS back in the 60's? Not in Maine. For us, it was ABC, CBS, NBC. Three stations, not much need to channel surf...AAAHHHHHHH nostalgia.
Kim
Livermore, Me USA - Friday, May 13, 2005 at 18:17:08 (MDT)
welcome back fred S. and you too don.What town did you finally end up in fred?get used to pumping your own gas and paying tolls.
alvis
USA - Friday, May 13, 2005 at 17:55:06 (MDT)
Fuhgeddaboudit !!!!!What`s up flight , finally settled in a little bit, here in NJ. This move almost "kicked my ole a$$". It was a hard move, my mind was making promises, my body couldn`t keep. I had 20 "tropical plants", I moved myself, all 14 and 16 inch planters. I got them all in the apartment, but two plants. I gave them to a cute little Italian 5 foot 3 inch "ball of fire" , next door neighbor, who was making a big fuss over my plants. Like my wife said, " Fred....a man with manners and loves plants......Fuhgeddaboudit !!!!!! She thinks you`re gay!!!!!!!........ Mark.....I got "high speed" internet, and the web-site comes in fine now!!!!!!
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Friday, May 13, 2005 at 11:17:36 (MDT)
yes the left wing pbs will do its best trying to destroy the va. but where were they when johnson sent us to nam. everyone forgets it was the democrats that put us in vietnam and it was johnsons wife who owned most of flying tiger air lines. the most common carrier of us to troops to and from vietnam. so lets watch the half trues and lies pbs will try to make us beleive this evening. they have a better shot of keeping a snow ball in hell than me watching their lies.
donnie r. purvis <donnie.purvis@us.army.mil>
linwood, NC USA - Friday, May 13, 2005 at 10:49:48 (MDT)
Mark, Gale, Fred... I sure miss my '56 Chevy 210 4 door... naugahyde tuck 'n roll interior, 283, T10 4-speed, Hurst Competition Plus, headers, Cragar SS mags... ahhh, those were the days, eh?
Dave Powers
USA - Friday, May 13, 2005 at 07:08:00 (MDT)
Tonight on PBS: "With hundreds of thousands of soldiers having served in Iraq, conservative estimates indicate that 1 in 6 are returning from combat suffering from major depression, generalized anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can be as crippling as any physical wound. Is the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) equipped to treat these soldiers who have risked their lives for their nation? On Friday, May 13, 2005 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings), NOW investigates how the VA is planning to deal with this influx of new cases while meeting the needs of current veterans." Just an FYI-Love to all-Gently
Gently
USA - Friday, May 13, 2005 at 06:44:42 (MDT)
Flight, well I am back up for a while at least. I found a 19 gig drive laying around the house and just got it installed today. there are still a few problems but I hope to get them worked out soon. hopefully I can slave my old drive and recover the data on it but at this point I lost everything. I will try that tomorrow after I get some of the bugs worked out on this drive. Alex thanks for letting everyone know and rick thanks for the phone call and the help. Later, Don
Don Miller
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 21:27:39 (MDT)
your in luck Gale,If I remember correctly,plymouth had just ended installing tourqe tubes in their products.....makes working on tranies alot easier.
alvis
USA - Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 14:53:28 (MDT)
Mark, Alvis...actually I'm a Ford man, but, got a good deal on this 47' Plymouth 2-dr sedan. Just bought a rebuilt flathead six w/tranny to replace the one that's in it. Now, all I gotta do is switch 'em!
Gale
USA - Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 12:39:12 (MDT)
I believe Gale is the proud owner of a 47 dodge.
alvis
USA - Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 09:00:03 (MDT)
Gale, your a Plymouth man right?
Mark
USA - Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 08:20:16 (MDT)
Gale, the old car junk yard isnt in Avon,its in indy,off Washington street.Its near the drive In movie off of Tibbs.Their phone number is 317-243-7777,closed wensdays and sundays.9 am till 4:30 pm,m,t,th,f,sat hours are 9am till 12:30 pm. They claim to have "nos" parts from the 30's. A quick glance from outside the wire standing on roads edge,I saw lots of 50s and 60s cars as well as pick-ups.I am off today and tommorrow,would be more than happy to go with you down there to look around.Susan has chemo tomorrow,so day will be full till about 2 o'clock or so.On-line at "model T haven" yeilds a fellow that sells old parts,but mostly cars and trucks of the vintage years we so love and hold dear to our hearts.Also, about 30 miles south of here,going toward and past Mooresville,a fellow has a field FULL of old cars and trucks from the teens thru at least the 60s.He sells "as is" and isnt into selling parts.I have seen bunches of 32 ford coups there as well as a 56 vette,all needing work.usually,lots of work.gas is cheap this week,come see us and we will go "junking".Susan is up and around,should be that way till monday or tuesday,then the crap hits.The guy down south of here has 3 barns (outbuilding) that I have been into and looked around.The stuff he had amazed me.
alvis
USA - Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 07:37:22 (MDT)
Gas in Central Wisconsin is anywhere from $2.21 to $2.26/gallon. A few weeks ago it was as high as $2.43 for a short time. Wisconsin has about a 30 cent/gallon state tax which is one of the highest in the US. When we go to St. Paul MN to visit our daughter, gas is usually a quarter cheaper per gallon. Starting to see alot of pickups and SUV's for sale. Too bad we still don't have our Volkswagen Rabbit! Jim says the cheapest gas he has gotten lately was from the wine he drank the other night! Oh, boy.... Hope everyone has a great time at the reunion. Wish we could see you all but it isn't in the cards for this year. We are shooting for 2006. Jim & Sue
Jim & Sue H.
USA - Wednesday, May 11, 2005 at 21:09:16 (MDT)
Fred, it's $2.25 here in Colorado. Greetings to everyone!
Dave Powers
USA - Wednesday, May 11, 2005 at 16:48:19 (MDT)
Holy Cow...gas is down to $1.87 here in indy.Quick Ma grab the family speedster and lets go to town.On a serious note..sure is one heck of a state of affairs when $1.87 sounds like a bargain.Bet you guys up north and on the left coast are really getting slammed.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, May 11, 2005 at 07:08:34 (MDT)
New email address reminder: gentlyjs@yahoo.com. Please end me an email so I am able to add you to that address book. Love to all-G
Gently
USA - Wednesday, May 11, 2005 at 06:48:02 (MDT)
Frenchie, poncho liner is on it's way. Thanks for letting us use it..always a brother.
Mark
USA - Tuesday, May 10, 2005 at 06:05:18 (MDT)
HI HO DUH…. http://www.rolandwolff.com
Frenchie 68-69
USA - Monday, May 09, 2005 at 09:06:40 (MDT)
COMPANY, French here. Hope all you “Mothers” had a Happy Day. Janet worked up a guy at the hospital today with a web sight every one might like it’s a little spooky but familiar in some strange way. HI HO
Frenchie 68-69 <Frenchie745@(RemoveThis)comcast.net>
USA - Monday, May 09, 2005 at 08:43:37 (MDT)
Want to wish all our Mothers a late Mother's day greeting. And My Brother's did you all justice!!! Which I know they did!! Joe Johnson good hearing from you. And hope you can make the reunion. Rainer emailed me. He bought the 1st 129th patch on ebay. It was the 129th Aviation Co. We change in 1966 I believe to the 129th AHC. Rick was great talking to you. Appreciate the call. After the Vet Center meeting it take alot out of me. I try and forget the bad we seen as a crewmember of a helicopter unit on the CA's and medic vac that we did. Well BRO's see everyone in San Antonio. Always A Brother Alex
Alex
USA - Monday, May 09, 2005 at 07:33:22 (MDT)
Good Morning flight.HAPPY MOTHERS DAY !!!!!! Bernie Thanks for the call. E'nuff Said.
Bruno E Sanchez
Laredo, Tx USA - Monday, May 09, 2005 at 06:18:39 (MDT)
Happy Mother's Day to all the ladies. Hope you have a special day. God Bless You for all you have done and gone thru. God, Country, and Honor. Rick
Rick Jensen <RickardAllanJensen@cox.net>
Clovis, NM USA - Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 22:14:55 (MDT)
Rated 100% disabled that is. Frank
Frank Loveday
Bastrop, La. USA - Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 13:45:21 (MDT)
Flight - Any of you rated 100% by the VA can get a Computer at no charge. Check it out at http://www.hhv.org/special.asp?docID=9.Clear from here, take care. Frank Sep69-Mar70.
Frank Loveday
Bastrop, La. USA - Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 12:19:48 (MDT)
Joe , I e-mailed you the reunion info........hope you can make it brother.
Gale67-68
USA - Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 09:29:19 (MDT)
Gently--------I will be in the states as of the 15th of this month for aprox. 60 days. e-mail or call if you wish 760-363-7432; I am not sure where I will be in December. Good chance that I will be back in Thailand and vacinity.----------Gail: reunion? when and where?
Joe Johnson <cobra073@yahoo.com>
USA - Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 08:43:31 (MDT)
I have a new email address effective today: gentlyjs@yahoo.com. Please toss out my other one(jsinger@uwm.edu)....it was my work address and things got a little out of hand. So please email me at my new address so I can put you in that address book. Went to priceline.com gave them a price on tickets to TX and ended up with round trip tickets for $300 each-saved a bundle in doing so(our flight leaves Milwaukee at 6:30am but who cares! LOL!!) San Antonio here we come!! With a wink-Gently
Gently
USA - Friday, May 06, 2005 at 15:05:18 (MDT)
keep on with faith
tina samuel <tinaoky@yahoo.com>
aba, abia nig - Friday, May 06, 2005 at 12:42:10 (MDT)
We lost a wonderful soldier: David Hackworth, Vietnam vet and military analyst, dies at 74. RIP Sir. Gently
Gently
USA - Friday, May 06, 2005 at 07:08:13 (MDT)
I just emailed info to every on my list,about the tininntus update.Please ,as you look over the mailing list,send it on to those whom arent on it( if they want the info.).thanks. CP,thanks for the email brother.
alvis
USA - Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 19:33:55 (MDT)
Flight: Rick Jenson as god talking to you. Hope you can help Don out on his computer problems. Gently and Melody good seeing you both post. Gently is right!! anything you make will be great. It's the thought and caring that goes into it. Fred and Susan will be looking forward to seeing you all in San Antonio. I know it's been a hard road for you all. But, you both are in our thoughts and prayers. Will another tough meeting at the Vet Center. Just can't talk about some things. Except, for the reunions and work I guess you say I'm a loner. Don't assoiate with noboby by Liz. But, thats all I need!! Ray good talking to you also today. Always A Brother Alex
Alex
USA - Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 15:49:52 (MDT)
Melody, we can get huey charms ....what can you make? You're being a member of this family, and making something to raffle off at the re-union is what's important. But this is not to stress you out about it. A bracelet, or whatever, made by you will sell because it was made by you,...with your love of this family as your inspiration. So don't worry about it girly girl( I said that for the Arnold lovers on this page:>)))....if it's jewelry I'll probably be the one to buy it anyway:>?))) You rock for even considering it. And we all hope you can get away for alittle while to join us at the re-union and get some of those good 129er hugs. Hey C.P.-gonna go? L-Gently
Gently
USA - Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 12:24:09 (MDT)
Gently, I am trying to find a charm of a Huey. So far the only one I like is 110 bucks and way out of my price range, most peoples too. I have gotten a few things for it. I am thinking about a bracelet. I will try and get some pics taken of what I have so far. I am still thinkin about it all. Lots to look up.
Melody Pershall
Amarillo, TX USA - Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 11:44:08 (MDT)
Alex, Could you send me Don's number? I would give him a call to see if I could help him recover his data from his computer crash. Might be possible to do a recovery installation.
Rick Jensen <RickardAllanJensen@cox.net>
Clovis, NM USA - Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 06:59:31 (MDT)
:>)) The 30th Anniversary commemoration in Milwaukee last weekend was pretty nice, but I am not going to tell you about it. Ron Paye will, right Ron? Joe, thanks for the info invite on Nam in Dec...I may be calling you. Will you be in Nam at the same time we are, 12/1-12/15? Mark, are we going to build a library in Larry's name? Melody, hmmmm, can you make anything that reflects the 129th? Gale, call the VA about the change in the ear diagnosis. Sue and Jim, we'll be at the Gold Star Mothers State Convention in Stevens Point on the 19th. Can you join us? Other than that, find some Peace everyone, and we'll see you in June! Love to all-Gently
Gently
USA - Thursday, May 05, 2005 at 06:52:22 (MDT)
if anyone is rated for tinnitus,but both ears are are rated as one 10%,and you applied before july 03.the goverenment has just been taken to court. The court ruled that BOTH ears must be rated seperatly,so you can now contact your va folks and get 10% for each ear.This is only for folks july 03 or before.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, May 04, 2005 at 21:20:07 (MDT)
Flight - Sp4 James was crew chief on Ship 525 when it went down, and Wells and Walker were killed. The report we got that James jumped at about 50 feet. He injured his back in the accident. Due to his injuries, he was sent back to the States. Jim H
Jim & Sue H.
USA - Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 21:09:48 (MDT)
Flight: Don Miller wanted to inform everyone his computer has crashed!! He doesn't know when he will get back up. Lee good to see you post. Tell Carolyn Liz and I said hello. Glad to see all the commo here lately. Just waiting for the reunion. Always A Brother Alex
Alex
USA - Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 18:56:46 (MDT)
Morning FLIGHT, Hi Bruno. You be up early man. Diane and Melody. Soo great to see your post. God Bless all.......
Mark
USA - Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 06:22:55 (MDT)
Good Morning flight. Diane good to see you log in. Thanks for your thoughts.
Bruno E Sanchez
Laredo, tx USA - Tuesday, May 03, 2005 at 06:10:27 (MDT)
Just a quick hello to everyone. Been busy with stuff around here. Grandpa has been sick for a while now. Mix of coughing(asbestos(sp?) stuff and the weather is making his arthritis horrible. Still ornrey through it all. Gently if you still want me to make something to auction off or sell let me know what kind of thing you would like me to make. If not let me know and i'll try and send ya some money.
Melody
Amarillo, TX USA - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 23:43:44 (MDT)
Hey Flight, check this out if you havn't already. http://www.poofcat.com/july.html .Red Skelton doing the Pledge of Allegiance some 50 years ago with a definition for each word. Really great to listen to and has a eery forsight into the future from back then.....always a brother..........
Mark
USA - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 20:47:59 (MDT)
Hey Lee, Good to see ya here brother. Whats up down in the Gem City?....Hope all is well for you and Carolyn. Are you guys going to make the gathering in San Antonio? Would be great to see ya there. Again, good to see that you are still reading the FLIGHT LOG BOOK. Take care brother....Rick E. I sent England Phil some photos also of the 2nd platoon BULLDOG and the paintings of the 129th.,.JOE JOHNSON, so great to see ya here brother. I hope to be going along with Gently and the crew over there. Hope we can hook up with you. Thats would be great..........Dont forget all....If you can, get MSN MESSENGER and get a FREE Hotmail account and get in on some of the fun talk we been having there. It's a blast...........Take care all.....always a brother, Love ya's
Mark
USA - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 20:44:14 (MDT)
Good evening to all. I was just reading the log and read the message from Gerald Gulliam. He was asking if anyone remembered the name of the crew chief on 64-13525 that went down with Mr. Wells. (67) The gunner was Walker and I think the crew chief was a guy named Pickrel. I don't remember his first name. Does anyone else remember him. He was shot in the leg only 14 days before he was to go home. Lee K. Wood
Lee K. Wood <Cwood86700@aol.com>
USA - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 19:39:57 (MDT)
Flight, i recieved this from a friend, please look, it takes time to load but well worth it>>>>>>>>>>>> respects>>>> Smitty http://www.clermontyellow.accountsupport.com/flash/UntilThen.swf
jim westwang 71-72
Sheridan, wy USA - Monday, May 02, 2005 at 19:23:07 (MDT)
Joe, how ya doin' pal? Do you ever plan on making another reunion?
Gale67-68
USA - Sunday, May 01, 2005 at 15:13:29 (MDT)
Gently If you would like some tips on you Dec. travel to Viet Nam Please E-mail me. Joe
Joe Johnson <cobra073@yahoo,com>
thailand - Sunday, May 01, 2005 at 14:37:21 (MDT)
I sent the nose art to Phil Mark
Rick England
USA - Sunday, May 01, 2005 at 09:45:24 (MDT)
we just haad a good commo with about 6 of us on the msn its great Fred Robbie Rick J Ray CP
Rick England
USA - Sunday, May 01, 2005 at 07:52:45 (MDT)