To Larry Potter, I tried to put as many pictures of guys out as I could with the hopes that some of you could put names with them. my mind is gone after 34 yrs., I can remember faces but not names take care Rainer
rainer Bauer <bauerrv@aol.com>
Indianapolis, In USA - Wednesday, November 29, 2000 at 11:47:47 (MST)
Flight: For those of us that are members of The VHCMA the Louisville reunion dates are wrong. It's the 3rd week of june. I figured that we could start our mini reunion on june 20th thru 23rd. of coarse you can arrive anytime from the 17th on. But, the 17th is father's day. I am waiting for the hotel info from Charlie Rains. And will post it here and will do a mass email to all the names that I have. Take Care Bro's. Alex
Alex Fernwalt <alfern@bellsouth.net>
Memphis, Tn USA - Wednesday, November 29, 2000 at 09:27:41 (MST)
Good morning ladies and gents, It's been a while since I last checked in. To lurch, if somehow you could send me a couple of pictures of 703 I would appreciate it. That was my bird when I was with 61st AHC. It still makes me laugh when I think about that night. I'm pretty sure they (129th) were going to turn it over to VNAF in a couple of days. It was the VIP bird for the Korean and ARVN generals in the area at that time. Happy holidays to all. CE 698/693 Uncle Slick. 71-72
Michael Barrett <michael_barrett@icpphil.navy.mil>
Philadelphia, Pa USA - Wednesday, November 29, 2000 at 08:29:59 (MST)
Hi, Looking in the Gallery Section. Pictures from Rainer Bauer, 1st page last picture. Who is the first guy in checkered shirt. He sure looks familiar. Wish I could remember names. You all have a nice day. See ya, Larry Potter Mar 67-May 68.
Larry Potter 67-68 <pot1941@qwest.net>
Cheyenne, WY USA - Tuesday, November 28, 2000 at 19:54:35 (MST)
Hey Lurch, Please keep in mind that most of us mechanical types held you pilots in pretty high esteem. I was stationed at Ft. Stewart prior to my sojourn,across the pond.The unit I was with spent a significant amoount of time and taxpayer money, training VNAF pilots. I had the good fortune of working Unscheduled maintenance,and got to ride along on at least a hundred check rides. I got in a bunch of stick time, including portions of hover control. It was impossible for me to control more than two axis, and then only for a few seconds, before the gyrations and oscillations had us swinging all over Georgia! Up drafts, downdrafts, straight and level, were one thing,,,Hovering? Even now,I have to shake my head in wonder at what that dude had ingested. Kim
Kim La Voie <kimlav@megalink.net>
USA - Tuesday, November 28, 2000 at 14:17:04 (MST)
Hey you bunch of maniacs -- how's it hangin'? I remember the incident with the avionics guy who decided do a little night flying in the wee hours of the morning. I had not heard about him telling the tower he was heading for San Francisco -- that's great! I remember the guy as being a good sort, a little spaced, in fact something of a cadet. But, he definately did enough weed to create some delusional thinking. I have some great pictures of what was left of the nearly new H-Model he destroyed. Greg "Animal" Henke and I stood in front of the carnage while someone took our photo. The way I remember the deal is that W.O. Larry "Thor" Thies had the duty that night and sometime around 0200 hours he heard a chopper cranking down on the flight line. He walked out of the HQ in time to watch the chopper lift up out of the revetment to 40-50 feet and then belly flop back down crashing into the ground so hard that the skids flattened and actually pushed up through the airframe. The main rotor flexed down so far that it cut the green house above the A/C's seat in half. The main rotor actually chopped into the tailboom prior to separating from the aircraft's transmission. In one picture the main rotor, complete with push-pull tubes is lying upside down and you can see the blades have broken apart and twisted themselves around the hub. It was truly one f-cked up aircraft. Now, here are two more little tidbits. This guy was the guy who each morning plugged in the code to scramble our radio transmissions. You all may recall that to insure some security the piece of avionics equipment he used to do this was chained to the anti-torque pedals each night, well this mastermind had not taken the chain off the peduals. He basically had no pedals. My memory tells me he had washed out of flight school -- you would think he would have known better. Also, most of us believed there had been another man in the chopper -- a Warrant from the second platoon who used to blow weed with the guy -- I'll not name him. One last thing, Thor and I went through basic and flight school together. We were pretty tight. My memory of the Nam plays tricks on me, but I have always remembered that upon scrambling down to the flight line and gettint to the guy my man Thor asks the ace aviator, "What the hell did you think you were doing?" After some hesitation, which is understandable given the chemicals in the fellows system, he answered, "Man, I was just lookin' for the answer!" I swear that is the way I remember Thor telling me about it. How appropriate is that -- "Hey dude, I was just lookin' for the answer!" Weren't we all? Keep 'em in the green guys. Lurch, out.
Keith "Lurch" Weisheit <rkweishe@evansville.net>
Evansville, IN USA - Tuesday, November 28, 2000 at 11:17:28 (MST)
Kim, just read your commo about Sp/5 Blase... he was the guy who strapped in "Dudley" the dog as Peter P and radioed Lane Tower that he was outbound for San Francisco. He was an avionics or maintenance hand, I believe, not first platoon... It so happened that the helicopter landed precisely in front of the first flight's line shack! The accident report is in the "Helicopters" section of this website, although I'd have to do a little searching to find out which aircraft it was...753 maybe? Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, CO USA - Sunday, November 26, 2000 at 00:03:43 (MST)
Hey flight, I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in! I was interested in recent commo regarding the safety of Lane and our A/O. When I first arrived in country, Lam Son 719 was going on up north and the 101st was really in the shit. I remember, on the very first day at the 129th, two CW3's, Mr. Lance and "Shaky(?)," (Two of the revered!) gave Larry "Thor" Thies and me a hard time about how our unit was on standby to head north as replacements. They told us that since we had not received our in-country check-rides we would have to serve as convoy officers if the 129th was actually moved north. They spoke of how convoy's were still ambushed with regularity especially to the north and west of Lane. By the time we had bought them 4-5 beers and listended to their stories and their good-natured bitchin' about how being assigned to a rotary wing unit on their third tours was distinctly and most decidedly unfair, both Thor and I were concerned in a deeply meaningful way about our personal well-being. Of course, because of the 129th's relationship with the Tiger Division and what I believe was the high level of satisfaction, on the part of the ROK's, with the job we did for them the 129th remaind at Lane. As for our A/O being a safe place, I guess safety is a relative issue. I remember having other human beings attempting to kill my crew and me with great regularity. I remember the day Jimmy Young and Michael Wilson (a friend of Thor's and mine from the 61st) were killed. I remember the day when I was flying with CW3 Lance in support of the "Herd" and we flew into a hornet's nest where his crewchief was nearly killed and we were amazed that any of us got out of the LZ alive. I remember a day during the monsoon when Conley, "Shaky", (our baby-faced doorgunner--whose guns always spoke when Charlie spoke to us) along with one of the VENAF pilots we were training. We were working out into the Highlands WNW of Phu Cat. Ash & Trash stuff. But, the weather was so horrendous that every take off and every landing was an incredible challenge. We were literally risking life and limb in order to take grub, water, ammo, etc. out into the mountains. Anyway, it was probably close to 1400 hours when we attempted a landing to a ridgeline LZ, the LZ was smaller than most and the wind was howling. I made one go around because of the winds and lack of visibility. Then I can remember thinking, (as I often did) if we don't get this shit in now we'll just have to bring it back later. Quite literally I battled '697 onto that mountain. The updrafts were so strong and they were creating so much lift that I nearly bottomed out he collective until the last instant when I popped some lift into the roor system to keep us from crashing once we lost the lift from the updraft. I landed the chopper to the ground and the ARVN's scramble out to unload whatever it was we had on board.Well, the spot where we landed left the front tip of our skids off the ground, I would guess that 4-5 feet of our skids weren't in contact with the surface. I had the collective bottomed out and yet the aircraft's nose kept trying to rise up off of the ground. I checked the airspeed indicator and it was fluctuating between 60 and 70 knots. I swear I thought the wind was going to blow us over backwards. I had never been in such a situation -- they didn't show us this one in flight school. I shut the governor off and rolled the throttle down and as the rotor system slowed down so did the rocking. We sat there for a few minutes as I discussed the situation with Conley, my right seat wasn't a great deal of help. Finally, Conley and I agreed we did not wish to remain on that mountain any longer than necessary, "Shaky" agreed with our decision. I brought the RPM back up and turned the governor on, Conley and I had decided that I would gently push the cyclic forward, without pulling pitch, and then as soon as we lifted off I would push the cylic dramatically forward and pull a subsatantial amount of pitch so that the aircraft would not get "pushed" down onto the leeward side of the mountain. Well, it was far from a smooth take-off but our plan worked. So, I don't know about how dangerous our A.O. was. I do know that with great regularity thje pucker factor got relatively high for me. But, then being shot at on a regular basis, and flying into hoverholes and tight LZ's was just a part of the job -- maybe other folks carried a bigger set of gonads than I did. I do know that I am proud to have served with the men of the 129th and I am proud to say that despite all that I encountered while flying the UH-IH, I never crashed one. I know also, without a doubt, that I became an adreneline junky -- and the strangest thing, I'd do it all again! Keep 'em in the green boys and girls, Lurch, out.
Keith "Lurch" Weisheit <rkweishe@evansville.net>
Evansville, IN USA - Saturday, November 25, 2000 at 12:17:34 (MST)
Well Bill Roddis & The Flight, Dangerous? If memory serves me right, didn't you go down with your helicopter twice? I saw you go down once taking off....that could be dangerous. Didn't you get the 5 ton wrecker stuck out-side the compound in a riverbed one day?......that could be dangerous. Didn't you have a case of gernades under you bunk,(they made you get rid of) ....that could be dangerous. I saw the girls you dated....that could be dangerous.. But as luck would have it we made it out alright, and had a wild time to remember.It's something I will never forget.( but I have the pictures)ha. ha. Good to hear from you all... 277 out.
Bill Whelan <bwhelan@thedisplayworks.net>
Bensenville, IL USA - Saturday, November 25, 2000 at 11:54:39 (MST)
Right on about Lane being the safest place in Nam. As far as the significance of the area, remember, the first major U.S. action was at Ia Drang, and the end came after the central highlands fell. It's a long standing military doctrine; divide and conquer. My time over there was relatively quiet. We got scrambled only a few times to react to enemy probes, real or imagined. One time, we went up in response to a probe on the S.E. side of the compound. We didn't get any target directions, so, our pilots turned on the landing and search lights! Pissed off the CO. The only thing we saw was a coouple of villagers pisking up the parachutes from the flares. We weren't going to shoot anyboly for that! Another time, we got sent up when there was a probe on the other side. The sentry dog team kia'd one. We fired up the base of that big hill to the north west of lane, supposedly some sensors had been triggerred. During that same time, the ammo dump at Quin Non got blown up, twice. I was on guard duty the first time. The whole eastern sky lit up, then, about 20 seconds later,KAAA-BLOOOMM. hought it was going to knock over the sentry tower! My partner, a guy named Higginbottom, was sleeping on the parapetat the time,( I screwed him over one time, another story) luckily, he rolled to his right, into the tower! I think you guy's are right about the self inflicted damage. But, you give a bunch of kids expensive,( and deadly) toys, almost no discipline, and things are going to happen. We had a guy in D-troop, who shot himself while on guard duty. He was playing with his 45. There was a crewchief in the slicks who got all drugged up, and decided to go for a ride. He did manage to get the ship cranked, pulled pitch, and crashed. Speaking for myself, I never had worked on anything more complicated that a John Deere 14-T baler before joining the Army. Looking back, I'm amazed that I didn't kill any one through sloppy maintenance! all clear to the rear, Mushmouth
Kim La Voie <kimlav@megalink.net>
Livermore, Me USA - Friday, November 24, 2000 at 21:04:12 (MST)
I am a retired Canadian Air Force pilot. My hobby is Stained Glass and my Three Dimensional Stained Glass Aircraft may be of interest to your guests. If anyone wishes to view my work, please visit me at http://members.home.net/stellarimages
Rudy Preus <stellarimages@home.com>
Comos, BC Canada - Thursday, November 23, 2000 at 12:26:35 (MST)
Hello Flight, just a word of thanks to all, today is a day I do a lot of thinking ( and cooking). I have always thought a lot of the 129th and the people there. altho names are fuzzy and other memories have also dimmed over the last 30 years the 129th was the best (worst) duty I had in all my time in the service. so thank you all that came before me for making the 129th the best unit there, and all that came after me for keeping it that way. and MARK, Thank you for getting all of us together here so we can help each other remember. Have a great Thanksgiving brothers. Don, Mar 69 - 70
Don Miller <ayla@c2i2.com>
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Thursday, November 23, 2000 at 08:40:46 (MST)
Good Day my family of the 129th.............sorry I have been AWOL fer a spell in here. Have been wheelin' and dealin' with lawyers and the such to ink the deal on the tavern and grill that we were looking into buying. It is a done deal now. Have been puting in lots of hours there getting the place cleaned up and doing some cosmetic changes to the inside. Should be ready to slide a brew down the counter top in about 3 weeks.............just wanted to stop in and tell all of you to have a great and safe Turkey day. Rest assured that, one thing that I am thankful for, is all of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ............Take care, and be safe, and stay active in the LOG BOOK. Great to see all the commo in here going on. I read it everyday....................... always, a brother, of a brother, related to the cost of FREEDOM, Mark and Co.
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2000 at 22:39:09 (MST)
Dangerous? According to the story I heard when I got there in 1967, the Korean General said that as long as his Tiger Division was there guarding Lane, Lane would not be hit. True or not, CPT Lee our Korean observer, repeated it. During my tour 67-68, Lane was never hit. It was said by some that the Koreans and Tiger Division were given a quiet AO. I think they just kept it that way. They gave the impression that if such a promise had been made, they would die to the last man to keep it. Hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Soothsayer.
Tom Shanahan <Shanahan00@home.com>
Phoenix, AZ USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2000 at 21:57:11 (MST)
Hello flight; I always wondered if the time I spent in the 129th (68-69) was really as dangerous as Viet Nam was really suposed to be. After reading all these hunting stories I'm wondering if we didn't use up more amo on the flore and fauna than we did on the VC. I know that the only things I killed (confirmed) was a pheasant a water buffalo and a big hornets nest that I shot out of the top of a big tree. I put at least 300 rounds into that tree with the hornets nest. No small trick flying by at 80 knots. In my tour at Ann San more Ships got ruined by accident than by hostil fire. My heart goes out to the familys of those who were lost, but I'm very thankfull that I am a part of the majority who served their tour and made it back to the U.S. of A alive to tell the story! COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS AMIGOS!
Bill Roddis <piopub@mcn.org>
Fort Bragg, CA USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2000 at 10:29:12 (MST)
I hope everyone in the 129th has great Thanksgiving! Gale Beard 129AHC 67-68
Gale Beard <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2000 at 06:44:20 (MST)
Evening, Just reading the hunting stories, and reminiscing. I was forever trying to get the Pilots to fire up the huge flocks of ducks that the Viets would have in their rice paddies. They never would. I'm glad. I was thinking back to the night that some guy in the 1st plt. got drugged up and decided to take a huey for a spin. He got the thing out of the revetment, pulled pitch, then lost control. Scratch one Huey! Thanksgiving,, day after tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving every one. Kim
Kim La Voie <kimlav@megalink.net>
Livermore, Me USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2000 at 19:52:55 (MST)
I too shot a Peacock and tried to shoot pheasants also, but they were real hard to hit. I know I told Mark Jackson about this and anyone that was at Lane when I was 69-70, we had a very large boar hog at the entrance to the free fire zone. We were told not to shoot it. I believe I had Mr Mckay for A.C. the day we went in and saw the hog take off running. Mr Mckay wanted to try to hit it with his M-14 so i passed it up to him and he was shooting out of his door window and had the hog running, but no KIA. He gave me the green light and I started walking tracers towards the hog and when the tracers and the hog met i let off and he started tumbling. We set down to get him and he was too heavy for me and the gunner and the P.P. so we locked the controls and kept the ship running and all four of us got it in the ship. My gunner for the day pulled one of the tusks out and wore it around his neck. We took the hog to Phu Cat and traded it to the Air Force for some lumber for the Club i believe. Bill Wolf has a picture of the Gunner that was with me for the day. I think his name was Dunn.
Robbie Robinson <hobbes@kodak.com>
Rochester, ny USA - Monday, November 20, 2000 at 07:59:39 (MST)
Fred Alvis... Yep, shot a peacock,too, in 1971... with a tracer round. It was in the same area where we used to hunt deer, south of An Khe. No need for charcoal...
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, CO USA - Monday, November 20, 2000 at 07:27:36 (MST)
lots of deer stories- no-one but me hunted peacocks?129 ahc 71-72 from columbus georgia flew with gabby when we lost 027,had it slung back and they dropped it into the s,china sea
fred alvis <fredfrostyjr@aol.com>
indianaoplis, in USA - Sunday, November 19, 2000 at 10:30:13 (MST)
Flight: Well Thanksgiving is here once again. For some reason I thought of the first 129th Thanksgiving dinner of 1965. Rainer and Glenn will probably remember this also. Liz and I would like to wish you and your families a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Alex & Liz Fernwalt
Alex Fernwalt <alfern@bellsouth.net>
Memphis, Tn USA - Thursday, November 16, 2000 at 18:59:29 (MST)
Tally Ho, flight. Survived another Veterans Day. Always wondered why we couldn't stand on the side walk, and let the civilians walk past! I did all the marching I needed many years ago! Griff, you `DO' realize that `little JJ' is at least 47 years old, now. Last time I saw him, he was pre flighting for a ROK insertion around Miami Beach.He got wounded there, and was medivaked from 67th field hospital. Like you, I wonder where he is. I have a picture of him test firing is 60, somewhere east of Lane. We took a bird right at the top of the windshield that day, blood and guts all around the air filters! Thing really woke everyone up, Kim
Kim La Voie <kimlav@megalink.net>
Livermore, Me USA - Tuesday, November 14, 2000 at 20:20:13 (MST)
Good Morning Flight, I hope all had a "Great Veterans Day", I was able to participate in a Veterans Day ceremony, first for me. Saturday the Long Beach VVA chapter dedicated a Vietnam Memorial Monument with a plaque of the 103 men who gave all. Above the plaque rests a "C" model huey, refered to as a "Slick on a Stick". I met up with about 40 members of the RFTW family (run for the wall) who I rode across country with. We were honored to ride in the Veterans Day Parade. While waiting for the start of the parade, we were treated by a tree top (palm tree mind you) fly by of a "Cobra", just as he reached where we were staged, he pulls pitch, flys straight up into a near stall, rolls back over and goes in for a gun run. Talking about goose bumps, Gunner I was thinking about you....... It was a great day, Art Linkletter was the grand marshall, yes he is still alive. I was proud to sport my 129th patch on my vest for all to see. Hope all is well with everyone. Take care, tails clear and were clear left, Barry
Barry Swanson <barry_swanson@milgo.com>
Riverside, CA USA - Monday, November 13, 2000 at 12:49:14 (MST)
Hey Flight - here is another job opportunity for a pilot - call directly Bulldog / Cobra 52 ... out. Subject: AAHF Wanted Aviator for Atlanta Pilot Position SUBJECT: Wanted Aviator for Atlanta Pilot Position AAHF Members: Following from CW4¨ Jim Castillo, AAHF Member and Active Professional Pilot with Dept of Interior. Skip Skip would you put the following message out to the entire membership. My office currently has an openning for an helicopter inspector pilot doing natural resource flying and contract compliance inspections for the Department of the Interior. The series/grade is GS-301-11 with a starting salary of $42,179.00 per year. Once fully qualified, promotion to GS-301-12, at $50,552.00 per year. Applicants must possess a commercial and/or ATP rotorwing - helicopter pilot certificate, a certified flight instructor certificate for rotorcraft - helicopter and a 1st or 2nd class medical certificate. Additional airplane ratings are desirable. Please call Jim Castillo at (770) 458-7474 or Sue Varallo at (208) 387-5806 for a copy of the job announcement. Jim Castillo
Bill Jeanes <jeanesb@socom.mil>
Valrico, FL USA - Monday, November 13, 2000 at 07:45:02 (MST)
Dear Veterans, I would like to thank all the men and women who served in the 129th helicopter squadron a very happy Veterans day. More people need to appreciate Veterans more often. Some people say," Oh, well I didn't do much in the war..." But anyone who served in any part of the military and was away from home at some part in time, is a Veteran. So thanks to all you men and women!!!! Matt Wermert
Matt Wermert <chairlift_man@yahoo.com>
St. Henry, OH USA - Saturday, November 11, 2000 at 19:27:10 (MST)
Dear 129th Family,...........happy Veterans Day, and a belated Happy Birthday to the Marine Corps. My branch of service.............It is all my pleasure to be a part of your lives. We am getting ready to go to the local American Legion for a Vets Day dinner. I am a member of this legion, but was also invited as being a member of the Moving WALL committee. What a honor. I was also presented the POW/MIA flag that flew over the Moving WALL the week it was here the other night at one of our final meetings. What an honor to have that flag........ ....it is so great to see so much commo in here..........Kim...as far as me talking to the youth about the 129th , Larry, and my relationship to Vietnam, that also is a pleasure, and a healing process to me. I must be getting through to the kids because I had to sign autographs yesterday after I talked and I also had 2 young ladies and one young man tell me that they were going to join the Marines when they grow up:-))))).............the reunion next year???......WE WILL BE THERE ALSO!!!!!!!....and it sounds like that we will be having a bigger turn out then last year. That would be wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!.......I love you 129th family.........soon as Alex gets the info on the hotel I will post it on the front page of the 129th Home Page...and I am sure Alex will post it in here....as far as the dates, the gig is on June 19th throughy the 25th, 2001. But you can arrive at any time. Dee and I were only there from the Thursday till Sunday of this years one. It will be a great time had buy all and is developed to be a Family thing. Not just a thing for the Vets.......................................Take care my brothers, sisters, and family.....ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS.....YOU ARE THE VOICE OF MY BROTHER, AND I THANK YOU FOR THAT!!!!!!!!! .............always, a brother, of a brother, and your brother, related to the cost of FREEDOM...........Mark
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Saturday, November 11, 2000 at 15:28:28 (MST)
Good afternoopn, flight. I keep telling myself that Veteran's Day is just another day... some years it works, this year, it doesn't. I hadn't been in the 129th very long, when some guy in the slicks was KIA, or am I dreaming it up? I think he was in 2nd platoon, a crewchief. For some reason, tha name Miller comes to mind,however, after looking through the casualty reports, I can't find him. Probably the best highlight of my time with the Cobra's is knowing that other than a few wounded, we came through unscathed. I'd like to say that this was because we were good,,, however, I suspect it was just shit luck. Re: the next reunion, all I can say is" me too". It's never been a problem to go AWOL, and this seems to be a good year to go. Smitty, my hat's off to you. I spent a year as Post Commander at the local VFW post, and went to the VA Hospital a few times. It had to be one of the hardest, most rewarding, most frustrating superlative superlative,,,, things I've done. Mark, it's great to read that you're making a difference in some young people's lives. Keep up the good work, brother. Kim
Kim La Voie <kimlav@megalink.net>
Livermore, Me. USA - Saturday, November 11, 2000 at 14:43:50 (MST)
I'd like to wish everyone a safe & happy Veterans Day. I work 330-12 today but at the VA so I am working with vets & that makes it special. I have a 1st Cav Med -Evac Pilot on the unit right now & have been talking with him quite a bit. He has some issues as we all do & it is a pleasure trying to help him a little. My Gratitude to all of you who served that we may continue to live free. Thank You All; Jim
Jim Westwang <westwang@fiberpipe.net>
Sheridan, Wy USA - Saturday, November 11, 2000 at 11:15:43 (MST)
Wes, I've been thinking of trying to get to the reunion this year. Also, Rick "Rebel" Smith called last night and said he was thinking of coming. Alex, could you post the dates, etc. on the Flight Log again? Thanks, and all of you have a safe V-Day!
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, CO USA - Saturday, November 11, 2000 at 10:36:48 (MST)
Morning Flight, Wishing all a good Vetrans Day, I too must work; but I console myself that this action will allow me to make the reunion next year. Thake care my brothers. Tails clear left Matt Casey All of 70
Matthew Casey <mcasey@rjrinc.com>
Denver, CO USA - Saturday, November 11, 2000 at 07:25:34 (MST)
Morning Flight, Whishing all a good Vetrans Day, I too must work; but I console myself that this action will allow me to make the reunion next year. Thake care my brothers. Tails clear left Matt Casey All of 70
Matthew Casey <mcasey@rjrinc.com>
Denver, CO USA - Saturday, November 11, 2000 at 07:24:43 (MST)
Hello Flight, hope everyone is having a great Veterans day. I have to work but I will wear my "special" hat. I was reading some of the posts and saw a request for a chat room .... well I have one that is almost never used. if you go to my URL ( it is mostly genealogy ) you will see as you scroll down a link to this site and a few other veteran related sites. under the link to here is a link to my chat room. feel free to use it AT ANY TIME. Mark and I have used it a couple times. it is really easy to use and I would love to chat with anyone that shows up. I have ICQ and my number is 17438072, if I am not in the room try contacting me with ICQ and I will meet you there. have a great veterans day. Don Mar 69 - 70
Don Miller <ayla@c2i2.com>
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Friday, November 10, 2000 at 22:28:13 (MST)
FOR THOSE WHO FOUGHT FOR IT, FREEDOM HAS A FLAVOR THE PROTECTED WILL NEVER KNOW! Guess that is some thing politicians, and most people just cant seem to understand. Flight, It has been a while since I have posted on the net. Been to busy with life I guess. To all the Guy's who have logged on, may I say "Welcome aboard, and Welcome Home." I hope every one has a great day tomorrow. Take care. I know we will be thinking about those who didn't make it back, but lets not forget.... Veterans day is for YOU. Do something special for yourself. You deserve it. Love and Brotherhood. Ron Paye Cobra 34 1972-1973
Ron Paye <ronpaye@home.com>
Indianapolis, IN USA - Friday, November 10, 2000 at 17:59:45 (MST)
Kim LaVoie / Dave Powers / Don McCourt: Hope you guys are planning for the reunion in Louisville. I have scheduled time off for it already. Am trying to find the data I put together back in 88 when I first started to find some of the guys. When I do will post it here. I think we really need to find Barker, Walker, Carpenter, Eric Brown, Bass, Schmidt, Jackson, Boling and little JJ Johnson for the reunion. I have info on some of these guys but just have to find it.
Wes Griffith <gtsinc@clatskanie.com>
Clatskanie, OR USA - Friday, November 10, 2000 at 17:03:04 (MST)
Flight: Wanted to wish all of you a safe Veterans Day tomorrow. I am glad to see the como pick up. And wish we had a chat room to hit. Charlie Rains the Exc. of the VHCMA is in D.C. this weekend. On his return will be trying to get a program for finding people by thier social. Also, will be posting hotel info for the vhcma reunion in Louisville,KY. I have requested for a conferece room so we can have a 129th mini reunion. This was decided from all the emails I recieved about a mini reunion. So I have secured our room. I will keep everyone posted including Mark. So between the two of us we can keep everyone up to date. Takecare my brothers ALEX
Alex Fernwalt <alfern@bellsouth.net>
Memphis, Tn USA - Friday, November 10, 2000 at 08:17:36 (MST)
good story about the deer, but does any of the slicks remember a mission flying for the rocks and where all we did was wild game hunting. take care and god bless
donnie r purvis <dpurvis@lexcominc.net>
lexinggton, nc USA - Friday, November 10, 2000 at 05:03:07 (MST)
I think that Mark Jackson did a very good job today at my school. I would like to thank him for everything he has done for our school. I also appreciated when he visited our school just to talk to us 8th graders about Vietnam and his brother. Today he talked about Patriotism in our Veterans Day program. Thanks a lot Mark! Best wishes to all you!
Matt Wermert <chairlift_man@yahoo.com>
St. Henry, oh USA - Thursday, November 09, 2000 at 14:14:14 (MST)
Bill Roddis, yeah I'd like a copy of your deer shots! JPEG (.jpg) images are great! Jim (Smitty) Westwang also has a nice shot of a buck hanging out of a slick.
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, CO USA - Thursday, November 09, 2000 at 07:28:52 (MST)
Yo Flight; I have some photos of one of those BIG deer getting dressed out. I think it is by the First platoon tent. I can scan and download the photos if anybody wants to see them. I would need to know what file format to scan them into. Maybe youall could recognize the guys working on the deer. One of the guys fits the discription in these last entrys. Mr. Bill is "clear left" for now.
Bill Roddis <piopub@mcn.org>
Fort Bragg, CA USA - Wednesday, November 08, 2000 at 21:08:29 (MST)
Just in case you guys or someone you know can fly/crew something besides the slicks/// Here a chance for the CH-47 guys to pick up some good money. This oversea job needs four crew chiefs, but they also need four pilots. The pilot request should come out in the next two weeks. Please pass on to any 47 types who needs the work. Bill Jeanes Bulldog/Cobra 52 -----Original Message----- From: LR234WK@aol.com [SMTP:LR234WK@aol.com] Sent: Tuesday, November 07, 2000 9:11 PM To: pere@sti-security.com Subject: Jobs Richard We have the following Job openings. Requirement for 4 x Crew Chief/Flight Engineers for Boeing 234LR. Preference given to applicants with FAA A&P License and previous experience on CH/MH-47. Intentional location, tours to and from home of record, several different rotations available, package starting at $7,000 per month. Ground School for 234 provided prior to deployment. Immediate start. Reply with Resume and POC to LR234WK@aol.com . Thanks, James Montgomerie, DO-VSC
Bill Jeanes <jeanesb@socom.mil>
Tampa, FL USA - Wednesday, November 08, 2000 at 09:42:58 (MST)
Just a quick note on my first hunting experience....We were released from convoy cover, and RTB'D south of An Khe. After going passed a deep valley, with a cliff with a waterfall and a small pool at the bottom of it , we upon a ridge. It was pretty rocky, with a few scrub trees and some patches of grass. The ship spooked a couple deer, on my side,and the pilot, Knave, told me to go ahead and fire them up. I cut loose with my 60 and started walking the tracers toward one. I'd fired maybe 20 rounds and was closing in, when the gun jammed. After everyone in both ships got done congradulating me on my prowess as a gunner, we circled so that I could try again. Sure enough, we jumped them a second time, and I went hot again,(I wass going to show em!) I must have placed 4 tracers right on top,under, around,,,every where but through one,when my gun misfired....I took soooo much grief on the rest of the trip home,,I was ready to quit the guns and return to maintenance. Terry Walker,(Bulldozer) tried to console me, by pointing out that they were V.C. deer, and at least they weren't capable of shooting back. Besides, IF they'd been REAL V.C.,they probably would have ducked, at least for a couple of seconds, before they realized that I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn ith a shovel!
Kim La Voie <kimlav@megalink.net>
Livermore, Me USA - Tuesday, November 07, 2000 at 14:35:02 (MST)
I could not help notice that there has been some commo regarding "big game hunting" in the Nam. I remember when Hollywood came out with "The Deerhunter" that the movie spooked me in some ways, but it, like the recent comments on our website carried me back to my "hunting" exploits while with the 129th. My most vivid memories seem always to be of the first time something occurred or at least the first few times some event became a part of my life. I remember one day when I was flying as Peter-P for CW2 Dan "Baccer" Baxter. His crewchief at the time was a great guy that I can only call "J. J." I can't remember J.J.'s full name. He was a good looking kid, blonde hair, 6' and 175 or so. My memory keeps trying to tell me he was from California. He was a great guy and we flew together many times. On the day in question Baccer's doorgunner was a tall red-headed drink of water with "Opie Taylor" freckles flecked across his body from head to foot. I can't remember his name at all, even though I flew with "Baccer" and his crew several times. I learned a great deal from about flying from "Baccer" and a great deal about teamwork from "J.J." Anyway, back to my hunting story. One day when we had been flying out west of An Khe, maybe even as far away as southwest of Pleiku, out near the Ia Drang, we got an early release and we were headed back to Lane under typical IFR conditions -- we were following Highway 19. But, when we reached An Khe, instead of continuing eastward along the highway, we turned to as south-southeasterly heading and ventured off into an area that was totally new to me. I remember "Baccer" saying something about going hunting and I remember "J.J." and the red-head laughing and getting excited. Somewhere between An Khe and the string of ROK firebases along the Song Ba that we used to resupply out of "Miami Beach" we came to a large grassy valley with 2000' mountains surrounding it. The grass averaged 6-8' in height and was taller in many places, I guess it qualified as "elephant grass." Upon our arrival, "Baccer" had "J.J." and the redhead climb into the cargo compartment with their M-16's. He started near the northwest corner of the grassy area and slowly hovered probably 5-10' off the top of the grass. The three of them are laughing and "Baccer" is wisecracking and I am thinking what kind of lunatic bullshit is this. Here we are, single ship, off any reasonable course for our return flight, out in what looks suspiciously like "Victor C's" territory. Hell, there could have been elements of the "November-Whiskey-Alpha" out in this no man's land. "Baccer" tells "J.J." that when we stir one up he'll be given first crack at bringing it down. I swear, the way I remember this is that they still haven't told me squat about what we are doing or anything. They speak in codes and keep laughing at me. Gawd, I hated being an FNG. Well, we aren't hovering for more than a few minutes when one of the three of them spots a deer. "Baccer" begins to employ every trick in his bag (and his bag was large and full of 'em) to spook this doe out toward the open area. He succeeds and then he gets the deer on "J.J.'s" side, the left side, of the aircraft. "J.J." is kneeling and bracing himself against the framework of the rear bench seat and me -- well I'm starting to get into the adrenaline producing potential of the situation, that and I am about to wet myself. Within a few seconds "J.J." begins to click off single rounds from his 16, full automatic would have taken the sport out of the activity. Well, this is one shifty, quick-footed, mother of a deer and she keeps bounding under the aircraft -- a couple of times she pulled a 180 that even "Baccer" couldn't keep up with and they think she has escaped their clutches, but each time the ole' eagle eye from Alabama catches a glimpse of the doomed creature and the chase is on once more. Eventually, "Baccer" gives the red-head a go at bringing in the sheaths - so to speak. He fairs no better than "J.J" and then once again it becomes "J.J.'s" turn. By now the doe has slowed down considerably, she has eluded probably 30 rounds of well aimed ammo, she has probably covered the equivalent of at least a mile, and she becomes an easier target. Finally, "J.J" nails her through her right front hip and she crumples to the ground in a heap. "Baccer" circles around and after a minute or so we spot her. "Baccer" lands with the doe nearly touching the left skid and out jump "J.J." and the redhead to pull in the trophy. I remember that "J.J." put a round through her brain to end her miser. That is when the problems began. You see she's a big doe, a great big doe -- and she is in the motherly way! So, here we are out in the middle of nowhere with our crewchief and doorgunner out of the aircraft struggling to load this big mother of a doe and it is not going well for the boys. You know what's coming, don't you? "Baccer" turns to me and says, "Get out there and help them!" Now, if I had been a civilian; if I had not had reason removed from my respones to life's little misadventures by the training the Army had given me; if I had had any sense at all -- I would have refused. But, this was "Baccer." I mean this was the man! My A/C had given me an order, I unbuckled and climbed out to help. Eventually after tremendous struggle and many aborted attempts we got the deer up into the cargo area. Within 30 seconds - tops - the deer voids itself and now we have little deer turds and pungent deer piss all over the back of the chopper. That's the first installment of my 'Deerhunter' story. If anyone is interested I'll finish it later this week. Until then, keep 'em in the green boys! Lurch, out.
Keith <rkweishe@evansville.net>
Evansville, IN USA - Monday, November 06, 2000 at 16:27:42 (MST)
Kim, As I told Smitty, I remember shooting two big old doe deer with my M-16, each at different times. The first we traded to the Koreans at an outpost west of Lane in the mountains for a case of C-Rations, and the second we hauled back to Lane and hung it up at first platoon's line shack. I was told that some of the guys took that deer and barbequed it. I think it was a Sunday. I had to fly the day they did that, or I would've gotten a taste!
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, CO USA - Monday, November 06, 2000 at 07:17:27 (MST)
Congradulation mark and dee, we had our second the week before the reunion. their so much more fun the kids. hope to see you again next year keep up the great work. donnie & jean p.s. thanks for making us feel at home on or first reunion
donnie & nolia Purvis <dpurvis@lexcominc.net>
lexington, nc USA - Monday, November 06, 2000 at 05:07:05 (MST)
Forgot to note the above E-Mail Change to westwang@fiberpipe.net Mark, will you change it in the contacts for me?? Thanks, Smitty
Jim westwang <westwang@fiberpipe.net>
Sheridan, Wy USA - Sunday, November 05, 2000 at 14:25:58 (MST)
Hi to all; been gone a couple weeks but got away from work. Congrats on the new arrival & once again, Mark, Thanks for all you do. Was discussing a time when I was pulling into the revetment with the ship & one of the B or C model guns came in on final & a couple little red pigs fell out the cargo compartment & lane tower said*** Good Hunting*** seems the had caght a whole herd of those little red pigs in the open & had a whole ship load. The company had a big cookout that night with of course the cursory drinking etc. (Thanks Gun Platoon) Kim lavoie thinks it was Cobra baron did the shooting?? Anyone remember this? Things come to me in little pieces. *** a blonde goes into a gas station & says she has locked herself out of her car at the pumps. The attendant gives her a coat Hanger to try to snag the lock with. After a long time, he goes out & there!! in the peter pilot seat is another blond saying, a little more up, a little to the right>... On another note, Dolly Parton goes to the pearly gates & St Peter asks her " what have you done special"? She says that she has graced the world with one of the largest pairs of Boobs ever. He tells her to take a seat on the bench. Princess Diana shows up & he asks her what she has done & she said she had recently cleaned hersel with Summers' Eve. He teels her to go right in. After a while, Dolly Parton gets up, somewhat upset & asks why she was let right in & not her & St. Peter says " anyone who knows anything about poker knows that a Royal Flush beats a pair anytime. Hope this offended no one. Hope you are all doing well. I have been lucky enough to get a Harley, But I don't think it's the Bike you Ride but the fellowship. I went to the Millenium Sturgis rally, Not only were there lots of Harleys, but wings,Bikes from a lot of Nations, Indian is reborn & I saw a new one. Exelcior-Henderson as well. Please remember to vote & think about your vets benefits, the military future as well. Regards to all, Smitty
Jim Westwang
Sheridan, Wy USA - Sunday, November 05, 2000 at 14:20:03 (MST)
Evening, Flight. Was looking through the photos, and came across Bill Jeanes'shot of Tiger Wagon. If memory serves me correctly, the Korean General wasn't the only one who didn't trust his own Air Force! I remember one time in 71, President(dictator) Park Chung Hee came to visit his troopies. He refused to get into the Korean bird, and spent the day in Tiger Wagon. We were supposed to stage a phu gas drop for him, but, something came up. The story was that he got both scared and airsick!
Kim LaVoie <kimlav@megalink.net>
Livermore, Me USA - Saturday, November 04, 2000 at 18:51:11 (MST)
Flight: Been a week or so since I last checked in. Well a new month has arrive. And this year is about over. It's been a busy one. Still looking for our Brothers of the 129th. We have had a great year of reunions everywhere in this great USA. And hoping 2001 will bring more and larger reunions for the 129th. We have 6 months to save for the Louiville Ky. reunion it's given by the VIETNAM HELICOPTER CREWMEMBERS ASSO. On another note want to wish everyone a safe veterans Day coming up a week from saturday. Thanks ALEX
Alex Fernwalt <alfern@bellsouth.net>
USA - Thursday, November 02, 2000 at 08:37:34 (MST)