Kim LaVoie....I had to re-read your posting again.....sometimes I still use that Evelyn Wood speed reading method.....sometimes a person will not get the "full breath" of what someone is saying in a message....The tinge of jealousy, yea I do feel that way at times, and I try hard to fight those feelings. The press reports every single death, every single day in Iraq....In Nam they just waited until the "end of the week" and gave one big report, "500 dead this week in Viet-Nam". Almost gave you the impression they, "dug one big hole" and pushed all our deceased in it and covered it up!!!!!!Case Closed!!!!! FRED ALVIS..what can I say big guy...There it is.....Thank You my man.....ONE MORE THING THAT CONCERNS ME....In Nam we had alot of "OUTLETS", for lack of a better word...Example: We could go to the Club and get loaded...We could go to "the ville" and see a woman or fly a bunch in....or we could stay at the hootch and get loaded or go to "Dust-Off" company and indulge....These young men in Iraq..can`t do anything like that. These young men are going to have some problems when they get home. And the public thought WE were crazy.....Those V.A. Centers are gonna be packed!!!!!!!
Fred Skaggs
USA - Sunday, November 30, 2003 at 17:45:18 (MST)

HEY KEITH MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY,,,,THIS TIME OF THE SEASONS MAKES THINGS SEEM WORSE,,,WHEN 1 DOOR CLOSES MANY OPEN. FRED AND KIM I WAS THINKING OF YOUR POST. I TOO HAD THANKSGIVING AT LANE IN 71. I WAS IN FIRST FLT. AND I ALSO DON'T REMEMBER MUCH GOING ON,,,THAT'S GOOD,,PROBABLY FLEW,,,DON'T REMEMBER MY BIRDS # BUT WENT ON TO CREW MANY MORE BIRDS,,,,GOT MY MASTER CREWMEMBER WINGS MORE IMPORTANT TO ME THAN RANK,,,OH WELL ONCE A FLYBOY ALWAYS A FLYBOY.GENTLY ( ) SHOULD PUT YOU IN TOUCH WITH ME. JOYUS HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE,,,,LATER
jim oliver
pembroke, ga USA - Sunday, November 30, 2003 at 17:44:23 (MST)

Kim LaVoie....Moody Blues.....The guys use to call them the "trip masters", but I`ll leave that part of it, where it was 30 years ago. But the album,"Every Good Boy Deserves A Favor" is a classic. Little story here....You all know I love to tell stories...When Kim and I were living in Holland, we would empty our left-over food in the garbage cans. Our Dutch neighbors would see us, and start shaking there heads. One day while I was emptying some food in the garbage can,( they don`t have garbage disposals), my next door neighbor Wim(pronounced) Vim. He got on me about being so wasteful, he said," Fred...Fred...people in Africa are starving, and you throw away "good food". I said," Do you want the food? He said, No!!!!, but everyone thinks you are so wasteful!!!! From that point on, Kim and I would kid each other about wasting food....but over time the joking turn to a serious thought and we would realize that "We were wasteful" and did take alot for granted. Thursday as I started to throw away the leftovers, Kim, joking like any "old married couple" do between each other, Kim said, "Fred....people in Africa are starving". So we did something about it, that`s all.....The joking provoked a serious thought!!!! And it`s no slur to the African people or of African origin, just something Kim and I used to kid each other about........But I never tossed out "good food" again in Holland....not in daylight hours.... I put it in a plastic bag and waited until darkness......LOL..... Dave Powers...I thought about your son in Liberal, Kansas....after Keith`s posting....very thoughtful David.... Well it`s back to the "salt mines" Monday, taking care of my tropical plants in the office buildings....it`s a great job....all the older female executives and the YOUNG female junior executives all see the older man working with the plants and being meticulous with the plants. They think, a man that`s good with plants.....he`s safe to talk to....he`s not threat....because he`s more than likely is......we won`t go there. But they are always shocked to find out I`m a Nam Vet and been married for 20 years( February 4th, 2004), and I`m retired from one career. The owner of the company I work for has complimented me for work I do with plants. Instead of replacing a dying plant at the companies expense....I try to save them!!!! I`m just at good at that kind of thing. The owner has said to me," Fred that is such conservative conservation of you". I always look him in the eye and say,"Conservation!!!, yea I am that...... CONSERVATIVE....not by a long shot!!!!!!!!!
Fred Skaggs
USA - Sunday, November 30, 2003 at 14:31:20 (MST)

Keith, you and your family are in our prayers. Please let me know if I can help in some way. My son is a minister in Liberal, Kansas.
Dave Powers
USA - Sunday, November 30, 2003 at 10:17:35 (MST)

Kim, I too have a hard time remembering thanksgiving of 71,but I do remember they( the cooks) worked their butts off to get us all the trimings,hot and cooked correctly. You know, those guys really supported us ,and where very under appriciated.I am very guilty of that one. What Fred Scaggs and Kim did was very generous of them,like you,it made me think that maybe next year.... Over the past 3 years I have worked with habitat for humanity.dont get me wrong, its just been a few weekends.Having worked construction most of my life.I feel at home doing that but one doesnt get the sense of really helping that I think Fred and Kim got.Hats off to you Fred. Gale,I am going to try to make it up to Pop a Top for the 6th,then return that night.You going to make it?
alvis
USA - Sunday, November 30, 2003 at 06:00:50 (MST)

Trying to remember Thanksgiving,71. I have to think that the mess hall folks did their best to provide us with a good meal, I just can't recall anything special about it. This was my first one alone in 28 years. I worked, no sense making a younger family type work, while I had nothing special going on. Its nice to reflect on the happy times....young kids getting all excited about the commotion, anticipating the upcoming holiday's. Maybe next year, I'll try following Fred Skagg's lead, and try making myself useful. Made up for it last night, went with a friend to see the Moody Blues. Ahhh...memories. I was reflecting on how they seemed to have all the answers to lifes mysteries, what with the way their albums told a story.The beauty of youth!!! One cool thing, at the opening of the show of one of the original anti war bands, they asked who had kinfolk overseas, and all? gave a standing ovation to them! Question: if I don't give a sweet shit who knows what I did in Vietnam, why do I feel a tinge of jealousy at the accolades given those who serve now? At any rate, hope the holiday was a good one for all..we survived the war, survived some of the peace...may all have a few more holiday's left before father time calls the last roll! Gently, you're a sweetheart! Thanks
Kim La Voie
Livermore, Me USA - Saturday, November 29, 2003 at 19:40:41 (MST)

Kieth. sorry to learn about your brother.
J.W. Wilson
USA - Saturday, November 29, 2003 at 17:10:15 (MST)

Happy Thanksgiving flight.Bernie thanks for the phone call-made my day hombre.Keith I'm sorry for your loss. Diane check in once in while, Bill Shilleto same goes for you. E'nuff Said 426 is otta here.
Bruno E Sanchez <bsanchez1@stx.rr.com>
laredo,, Tx USA - Saturday, November 29, 2003 at 11:57:17 (MST)

what bashing?
alvis
USA - Friday, November 28, 2003 at 20:40:49 (MST)

Miss Melody, of course you can donate to the 2nd Annual Christmas Fund. This Fund is made up of financial donations from the 129th family to help 129th brothers in need. We would like to give it to them as insurance that they make the 129th re-union in June, but we have no problem helping them out in whatever way they need. Names of those we feel are in need are given to me by 129 brothers and supporters. Alex Fernwalt, Mark Jackson, and I discuss the suggestions, and do the best we can in making the decisions. Last year we were able to get a 129 brother and his wife to the re-union and it changed his life. Today he is getting physical and mental help, as advised by his brothers at the re-union, and he is a changed person. The support he recieved at the re-union helped him take some steps that were very difficult, still are, and now several doors toward healing have opened for him. This year he and his wife made a donation to the Fund. None of this would have happened without the support of the friends and family he met at the re-union, and without the Christmas Fund that got him there. So, yes, if you can, please do help us. You can be part of next years' wonderful Christmas story from the Book of the 129th. My address is(and as a reminder to others): Judith Singer, 7221 W. BLuemound Road, Milwaukee WI 53213. I know someone who sent us $250....I know many who sent in $5 and $10....I know someone who bid $250 on the Tail Rotor Bracelet...all adding up to over $1000. With three weeks reamining. God Bless all of you. Gently
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Friday, November 28, 2003 at 13:15:36 (MST)

Opps, meant can I, sorry!
Melody Pershall
Amarillo, TX USA - Friday, November 28, 2003 at 12:39:50 (MST)

I'm not 100% sure what the Christmas fund is, I can find out mmore about it? I mind be able to send in a little bit.
Melody Pershall <melody1181@yahoo.com>
Amarillo, TX USA - Friday, November 28, 2003 at 12:35:17 (MST)

And we love you Keith. Your 129th family surrounds you and Alex in this time of great sorrow. Your sister-Gently
Gently
USA - Friday, November 28, 2003 at 10:25:44 (MST)

I LOVE YOU ALL... KEITH
Keith 72-73
USA - Friday, November 28, 2003 at 10:02:04 (MST)

Thats a pretty cool thing you and kim did Fred Scaggs.
alvis
USA - Friday, November 28, 2003 at 08:49:20 (MST)

Friends, if you stop for one minute to think of those we have lost this year alone, that short pondering would mandate that you to join us at Indy in June. Though we may not individually know each of those who have passed, most recently brother Tom and Keith's younger brother, those of us who have made re-unions know through the closeness,love, and support that is created there that we are not alone in our times of sadness. We meet or re-meet friends, and deep and caring friendships take over, strong friendships which become very dear to our hearts. As we age and the effects of such fall upon us, it becomes more and more clear that friends and family are the key to a good quality of life. As our health deteriorates, family and friends still lift us up, and as we pass o, family and friends keep us alive in their thoughts and memories. But little by little our circle of family and friends becomes smaller and smaller, and it becomes imperative that while we can, we do: while we can we must get to know one another, while we can we must still creat memories with each other, we must smile, cry, and laugh with and for each other, and while we can we must do what we can to keep the 129th brotherhood alive. My friends of the 129th, you are family to me, and my life would not be as blessed and fun-filled without you. And when we share sad news, such as illness or death, we know we are not alone. We know we have our 129th bothers and supporters to turn to....we are never alone. Like Alex, I want to stress your joining us in June at the re-union. We don't know what 2004 will bring us, but let it at least bring us together. Please. And in closing...our Christmas fund is over $1000!!!! What a family!!! We still have three weeks to go and I haven't heard from some I know plan on giving....so....with great love and appreciation, I close. Gently
Gently
USA - Friday, November 28, 2003 at 08:44:10 (MST)

Just wanted to stop by and say, "hi". I feel like I have been out of the loop. Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving.
Mike Miles <michael.miles@gsa.gov>
Washington, DC USA - Friday, November 28, 2003 at 06:54:41 (MST)

Happy Thanksgiving Flight!!!! This one has been a little diffrent.....Kim and I didn`t go home to Ohio and we didn`t feel like cooking... we were by ourselves, so we ordered a Honey Baked Ham. We don`t like turkey...but we had a bunch of food left over. So I called the Faith Mission here in Raleigh to see if they wanted the food...of course they said, YES. So Kim and I packed up some extra stuff and went down to the Mission. We were both so taken back by the scores of "hungery people" we decided to just stay and help out. It was quite rewarding for both of us. I don`t know...maybe we are becoming "soft" in our older years...or just trying to be good human beings. Fred Alvis....I still have my menu`s for Thanksgiving and Xmas 1970, we didn`t eat until late in the day that year...we had to fly. My condolences to Keith and the Mangum family.....
Fred Skaggs
USA - Thursday, November 27, 2003 at 17:53:36 (MST)

make that 71
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 27, 2003 at 13:17:13 (MST)

tahnksgiving vietnam,,72..damn if i can remember except i flew that day and did get to eat turky later on.
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 27, 2003 at 11:54:57 (MST)

Keith, my sencere condolences to you and your familey. Novermber has been a trying month for a lot of us. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I also want to wish everyone on the page a Blessed Thanksgiving!!. I know in these trying times that I have a lot to be thankful for. (spammers aren't one of them).. Take care and enjoy the day... Think Indy!!!... Kal...>>>
Kal Bergstrom <n8auu(a)email.com>
Saint Joseph, MI USA - Thursday, November 27, 2003 at 08:48:51 (MST)

Keith, I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your brother & the prayers of me & my family go out to you & yours. I agree with Alex that as we are a dwindling breed, the reuninons are more important each year. i got to my 1st one last year & believe that it has helped me to change some. If you have not been there, give it a shot, you might be surprised as i was in Atlanta>>> God Bless You All on this Thanksgiving >> & especially you Keith & you Alex>>>> Jim
Jim Westwang 71-72
sheridan, wy USA - Thursday, November 27, 2003 at 08:13:38 (MST)

Kieth, your brother will be remembered today as susan and I bow our heads. Sorry about your brother.
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 27, 2003 at 06:57:37 (MST)

Everyone have a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Keith you and your family will be in our prayers today. Rainer
Rainer Bauer <bauerrv@aol.com>
indy, USA - Thursday, November 27, 2003 at 06:24:21 (MST)

I would like to wish all the brothers here the very best for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Wish all were as lucky as I am. I seem to have had someone looking over my shoulder for a very long time. I just hope he doesn't retire when I do (ha). God Bless.
Harrell Guidry
Groves , Tx USA - Thursday, November 27, 2003 at 06:13:00 (MST)

Flight: Correction on the address of Tommy Mangum's wife Ophelia it's po box 421 Batesville,MS. 38606. Keith, sorry to hear about your brother. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Alex
Alex
USA - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 20:02:57 (MST)

My youngest brother was struck by a train and killed last night about 11;30 in Libral KS. He was 45 yrs. old. Remember my family in your prayers. Keith
Keith 72-73
Ms USA - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 19:25:33 (MST)

Flight: Today we gave Tommy Mangum To our lord. He has joined all our fallen Vietnam Brothers. Our VHCMA EXC. DIRECTOR (Comand Sargent Major ) did the honor of presenting Tommy's wife Ophelia the flag that draped Tommy's coffin. Charlie performed this task with a heavy heart. But, the VHCMA is Brotherhood. And we support or VHCMA Famlies. Tommy's last reunion was in Louisville. I called him from the huey rides in Atlanta so he could hear the sounds of the huey's once again. He will be missed. Brothers and Sister of the 129th. We are a dying breed of Soldiers. That's why these reunion are so important. Along with finding our Brothers whom served with the 129th. Welcoming the families of our KIA's or families of our Brothers whom have passed on. It's been a honor to serve beside the Brothers of the 129th. And be apart of the Vietnam Brotherhood of Soldiers!! If any one wishes to send a card to Tommy's famly the address is: Ophelia Mangum 102 Jones St. Batesville, Ms.38606. As I sit here trying to deal with the loss of my Friend and Brother. in closing Liz and I hope you and your families have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Alex 129th 65-68
Alex
USA - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 19:05:42 (MST)

"( If that happens),the Western world, the free world, loses what it cherishes most, and that is the freedom and liberty we`ve seen for a couple of hundred years in this grand experiment that we call democracy"......Retired General Tommy Franks, on his belief that if the United States is hit with a weapon of mass destruction that inflicts large casualties, the Constitution would likely be discarded for a military form of goverment.
Always Amazed
USA - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 17:15:54 (MST)

info on xmas party at "Pop aTop" this year,being hosted by 173rd airbourne is as follow..s dec 6ht pool party stsart about1300 dinner around 1800. hotel phone and rate is 55.00 ask for airborne xmas is 419 586 4919. byob at pool party snacks furnished. looking forward to seeing you both. have a happy thanksgiving and a safe one. this was sent to me by spence,told him Ron Payne and I were both talking of going. have a great and safe thanksgiving day flight.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 12:43:17 (MST)

a letter posted on helivets.....From: A Vietnam Army Aviator now back on Active Duty in Iraq.... To: Another Vietnam Army Aviator.... First of all, you don't want to be over here. Especially, since you are a dinosaur like me, and mostly, you drive everywhere you need to go. And driving means IEDs, mines, and RPG attacks. So far, I've missed four serious attacks (guys killed or seriously wounded) by being in the area a day early, to include the CH-47 shot down on the 2nd. "On tactics".... The problem over here is that there is nowhere to hide. There is no backdrop. Out in the desert, where we do most of our work, there is really very little danger. These guys are getting hurt around the urban areas, and they have been flying at kind of a "compromise" altitude. Prior to the attacks of Nov. 2nd, most of the aircraft damaged by enemy action had been due to small arms and RPG, and not missiles. They are also targeting us right around the airfields, where it is more difficult to vary routes. I'm getting the sense that their intelligence doesn't exactly suck. You may be surprised to learn that the CH-47 that was downed on the 2nd was flying during the day because they didn't have NVGs. They couldn't fly at night. I know because I flew that route and flew right over that spot on the day before, coming back from Camp Victory in Baghdad. We were worried that we wouldn't get picked up on time, since we knew they had to have us back before dark. All the CH-47 flights going west are doing so at night now, as they switched out units. There is a general shortage of gear over here, like NVGs, body armor, personal weapons (I don't have one), and uparmored vehicles. Not important stuff, obviously. Oh, they didn't have anti-venom for the snakes we have over here until recently, either. Another thing I am learning is that neither our aviation equipment, nor our aviators, are suited to this type of fight. Think about it, these airframes were designed to fight the Soviet Union in central Europe, utilizing long stand-off distances. Nobody is trained nor inclined to do this "look 'em in the eye" type fighting. My squadron safety officer, a CW3 Kiowa Warrior driver, was briefing me on the aircraft when we first got here. He pointed to the skin, and said how thin it was, and that was why they don't go near areas where there is small arms fire. Obviously, you and I didn't make our living like that "back in the day." I'm not saying that these guys lack the right stuff, just that all their training and instincts are geared for a conventional conflict, rather than a guerilla one (oops, not supposed to say that word "guerilla"). I can't even conceive of the frustration of commanders over here. My boss commands the only "heavy" armored cavalry regiment in the Army. Not one tank has fired a shot over here. They are parked, and will be for the duration. We do use the Bradleys and the Palladins, but most of the work is done dismounted. And our guys are not trained to do this "cordon and search" stuff in urban terrain like the infantry and special operators are. They have no close air support, since none of our aircraft are really designed for it (nor our aviator's specifically trained). The KWs (OH-58Ds) can do it, although what we really need are some Snakes and/or the little birds (OH-6s) that the 160th use. The army is going to have to rethink the whole Commanche thing, and get guys ready for these types of fights. ~~~~~<>~~~~~ Don Joyce Another "Dinosaur".... but with 60 minutes in a UH-1H in July
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 09:01:50 (MST)

Good morning flight. Jim O., what is your email please. Welcome back Matt! Friends, our Christmas fund is still growing, and reaching $1000 is becoming more and more possible. Isn't that wonderful!!!! Please remember that those gifts of $5 and $10 add up, and most certainly will help us make our goal. You are all being very generous and caring. I wish I could list your names so that your brothers and supporters could see that you care for them and their welfare, especially those of you who donate but don't post on the site, or may have only one income, or are even unemployed!. If I could only share the beautiful secrets I have. Please know that your names will remain a secret, but that your kindness and concern for a brother in need overwhelms and humbles me. It has been a blessing for me to find this site and join this family. Like Tom, we shall all pass from this world, but let us pass having all met(again). I cannot express enough, the importance of going to the re-unions, and the healing and joy they offer. Your donations will help get some of your brothers to Indy in June....please try to be there yourself, before it's too late. Happy Thanksgiving to a wonderful group of Veterans and friends. Don Miller, I need to have the bracelet sent to me, asap. With gentle thoughts-Gently
Gently
USA - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 07:42:19 (MST)

Good Morning Flight, Its been quite a while sense my last post. Moved back to Southern Cal, was off line for almost a year. But that was then. I look forward to visiting much more often. I looked back for any posts from "CUP'S" but haven't seen any, does any one know what he is up to? Best wish's for a happy Thanksgiving .......... Matt Casey.....1st Plt.......all of 70.......Clear Left
Matt Casey
Hemet, CA USA - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 03:54:07 (MST)

WELCOME HOME BOBBY. MY CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO TOM'S FAMILY, OUR RANKS ARE GETTING SMALLER. TO ALL MY 129TH FAMILY MAY EACH OF YOU HAVE THE MOST ENJOYABLE THANKSGIVING, COMPLETE OF COURSE WITH SOME OF THAT LIP SMACKING GOOD FOOD I'M SURE EVERYONE IS CHOMPING AT THE BIT TO GET STARTED ON,,,,OH YEAH THROUGH IN A BIG DALLOP OF LOVE, FAMILY TOGETHERNESS AND JUST A TINY BIT OF THAT SWEET TREATS,,,COME ON THURSDAY. THE FLYING IS GOING GOOD WILL BRING EVERYONE UP TO DATE ON THAT NEXT WEEK,,,TILL THEN BE SAFE AND ENJOY LIFE,FAMILY & FRIENDS,,,JIM
jim oliver
pembroke, ga USA - Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 23:24:52 (MST)

Sorry to hear about Tom, another gone home, in better hands than ours, God will care for you until the big reunion up there. A safe & grateful Thanksgiving to all>> My deepest respects>> Smitty
Jim Westwang 71-72
sheridan, wy USA - Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 16:09:13 (MST)

Hello to all my brothers and sisters. May I wish you all and your family's a happy ThanksGiving. May you all have a safe holliday and God Bless you all. a brother always.RAY & Gail. We see you in indy. BE SAFE ALL Gently I hope you make your goal of 1000 $
RAY <stilwating@aol.com>
Street, MD USA - Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 16:00:34 (MST)

ALex, was Tom the gentleman at the last re-union who, along with his wife, joined us for our trip downtown and walked with a cane? In any event, please give us a mailing addy for sending cards of support to the family of this fallen brother and friend. L-Gently
Gently
USA - Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 07:14:07 (MST)

flight, you gotta love the boys at ft. benning. http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGA58CLKCND.html
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 04:49:23 (MST)

Welcome home. Tommy,r.i.p. brother,you spent your time in hell.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 04:35:53 (MST)

Great website...much better with high speed internet, than when I last saw it at 14,400. I was in-country as a WO1 on November 11, 1968, flew slicks in the 1st Platoon and left a year later...Imagine that...now thirty-five years later..Instructor Pilot at Wolters, until ETS in '71. Retired CW5 with the Washington Army National Guard in November 1999. Best Regards to all.
Robert N. (Bobby) Bryant <grlsbike@comcast.net>
Shelton, WA USA - Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 00:18:50 (MST)

Flight: Was informed that VHCMA member Tommy Magnum lost his last battle. He passed away about 3:55 pm this afternoon. Tommy had a massive stroke 2years ago. And Tommy has fought a long hard battle. One goal was to make another VHCMA REUNION. He will always be remembered as VHCMA MEMBER and A VIETNAM BROTHER!! But, most of all a TRUE FRIEND Alex Fernwalt 129th 65-68
Alex
USA - Monday, November 24, 2003 at 15:36:27 (MST)

Eu,Lazaro Jose Rodrigues do Prado rezo prarque voces tirem eu do brazil re
lazaro <ljoserp@ig.com.br>
s.j, USA - Monday, November 24, 2003 at 12:32:59 (MST)

Somalia comes to mind..Gently
Gently
USA - Monday, November 24, 2003 at 11:35:22 (MST)

anyone wanna help me frag these people?
alvis
USA - Sunday, November 23, 2003 at 19:25:21 (MST)

Hey Gail and Rainer, you guys going to the "Pop A Top" for the airborne xmas party? Ron Payne came into work today and we talked of it. We both will try to be there.Ron, hope your back isnt hurting after all that manuel labor,chuckle,I know how you pilots are.
alvis
USA - Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 13:39:17 (MST)

Evening flight, I just got this E-mail I thought it was very neat. hope you like it as much as I did. On A Rock in Rural Iowa Hi, As you can see corn and beans aren't the only things Iowa has.....This huge rock is located on Highway 25 .....There is a huge gravel-rock pit here and the kids used to use if for obscenities, etc. but since it has been painted like this it has been left alone! Be sure to scroll down to see all the sides of this patriotic rock. Very nice! http://www.ticz.com/homes/users/bob/On-A-Rock/On-A-Rock.htm On A Rock In Rural Iowa This is awesome.....hope you enjoy it too!
Don Miller
Valley Farms , AZ USA - Friday, November 21, 2003 at 20:42:46 (MST)

Could this be true....????? =============================================== LITTLE KNOWN NAVAL HISTORY The U.S.S. Constitution (Old Ironsides) as a combat vessel carried 48,600 gallons of fresh water for her crew of 475 officers and men. This was sufficient to last six months of sustained operations at sea. She carried no evaporators (fresh water distillers). However, let it be noted that according to her log, "On July 27, 1798, the U.S.S. Constitution sailed from Boston with a full complement of 475 officers and men, 48,600 gallons of fresh water, 7,400 cannon shot, 11,600 pounds of black powder and 79,400 gallons of rum." Her mission: "To destroy and harass English shipping." Making Jamaica on 6 October, she took on 826 pounds of flour and 68,300 gallons of rum. Then she headed for the Azores, arriving there 12 November. She provisioned with 550 pounds of beef and 64,300 gallons of Portuguese wine. On 18 November, she set sail for England. In the ensuing days she defeated five British men-of-war and captured and scuttled 12 English merchantmen, salvaging only the rum aboard each. By 26 January, her powder and shot were exhausted. Nevertheless, and though unarmed, she made a night raid up the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. Her landing party captured a whiskey distillery and transferred 40,000 gallons of single malt Scotch aboard by dawn. Then she headed home. The U.S.S. Constitution arrived in Boston on 20 February 1799, with no cannon shot, no food, no powder, NO rum, NO wine, NO whiskey and 38,600 gallons of stagnant water. GO NAVY! Now these guys knew how to drink!
alvis
USA - Friday, November 21, 2003 at 18:15:03 (MST)

Dear Tech Support: Last year I upgraded from Girlfriend 7.0 to Wife 1.0. I soon noticed that the new program began unexpected child processing that took up a lot of space and valuable resources. No mention of this was included with the product information. In addition, Wife 1.0 installed itself into all other programs and now launches during system initialization, where it monitors all other system activity. Applications such as Poker Night 10.3, Football 5.0, Hunting and Fishing 7.5, and Racing 3.6 no longer run, crashing the system whenever selected. I can't seem to keep Wife 1.0 in the background while attempting to run my favorite applications. I'm thinking about going back to Girlfriend 7.0, but the uninstall doesn't work on Wife1.0. Please help !!!!!! Thanks, A Troubled User. *************************************** REPLY: Dear Troubled User: This is a very common problem that men complain about. It is due to a primary misconception. Many people upgrade from Girlfriend 7.0 to Wife 1.0, thinking that it is merely a Utilities and Entertainment program. Wife 1.0 is an OPERATING SYSTEM and is designed by its Creator to run EVERYTHING !!!! It is also impossible to delete Wife 1.0 and to return to Girlfriend 7.0. Hidden operating systems files cause Girlfriend 7.0 to emulate Wife 1.0, so nothing is gained. It is impossible to uninstall, delete, or purge the program files from the system once installed. You cannot go back to Girlfriend 7.0 because Wife 1.0 is designed to not allow this. Some have tried Girlfriend 8.0 or Wife 2.0 but end up with more problems than in the original system. Look in your Wife 1.0 manual under "Warnings--Alimony/Child Support." I recommend that you keep Wife 1.0 and work on improving the situation. I suggest installing the background application "Yes Dear" to alleviate software augmentation. Having installed Wife 1.0 myself, I also suggest that you read the entire section regarding 'General Partnership Faults' (GPFs). You must assume joint responsibility for any faults and problems that occur, regardless of their cause. You will also find that GPFs are cyclical. The best course of action is to enter the command C:APOLOGIZE. Avoid excessive use of C:YESDEAR because ultimately you will have to give the APOLOGIZE command before the system will return to normal anyway. Remember the system will run smoothly as long as you share the blame for all GPFs. Wife 1.0 is a great program, but it tends to be very high maintenance. Wife 1.0 comes with several support programs, such as Clean and Sweep 3.0, Cook It 1.5 (which replaces Burn It 1.0), and Do Bills 4.2. You must, however, be very careful how you use these programs. Improper use will cause the system to launch the program Nag Nag 9.5. Once this happens, the only way to improve the performance of Wife 1.0 is to purchase additional software. I recommend Flowers 2.1 and Diamonds 5.0 should this happen. WARNING!!!!! DO NOT, under any circumstances, install Secretary With Short Skirt 3.3. This application is not supported by Wife 1.0 and will cause irreversible damage to the operating system. Best of luck, Tech Support.
Fred Skaggs
USA - Friday, November 21, 2003 at 13:13:40 (MST)

hey michael Jackson, dont you know the law? three tykes and your out!
alvis
USA - Friday, November 21, 2003 at 11:30:45 (MST)

welcome home Lee.
alvis
USA - Friday, November 21, 2003 at 08:15:16 (MST)

Lee, good to see you on here. Also,glad to find out that you can handle something besides a "pipe wrench". :o] You should remember Dan 'cause I remember you both. It's funny how things pop in & out of our minds when you get to thinking of things. I can remember you both being in our hootch, but, not necessarily together. Oh well, later. Gale
Gale
USA - Friday, November 21, 2003 at 08:13:19 (MST)

Lee, I did not crew with the 129th. I worked the flightline maintenance. We did the unscheduled maintenance on helicopters and went on test flights, recovery missions, etc. We worked in two platoons. Basically 24 hrs on and 24 hrs off. Only rarely did we work past 3 AM. I stayed away from the maintenance hanger. I did that kind of work with the 192nd AHC at Phan Thiet(check out the 1968 history of that unit on the internet home page). Those 100 hour inspections, engine changes, and transmission replacements were very boreing. I hope you were not the crew chief that got mad at me when I told him that his sissors assembly was not lubricated properly. I thought he was going to hit me. Then I explained that, yes, I did see that he had lubed the bearing, but when the bearing was last replaced the recessed bearing housing was not filled with grease prior to placing the protective cap over the opening. The short squirt of grease he added never reached the bearing. All crew chiefs learned that you did not over lube your bearings. That act would cause a lot of problems on it's own.
Dan Hertlein
Sumner, WA USA - Friday, November 21, 2003 at 08:10:35 (MST)

Welcome Lee(thanks). Nice to have you with us. You're home now. Always there for our Veterans-Gently
Gently
USA - Friday, November 21, 2003 at 06:54:22 (MST)

Dan H. What ship did you crew? I was there from 7/67 to 8/68, seems like I sould remember you but can't. I crewed Tiger Ship 901, just wondering what you might remember. Hello to all, just learning about this computer stuff but enjoy reading everyones comments.
Lee Wood
USA - Thursday, November 20, 2003 at 19:32:27 (MST)

Fred, thanks for bringing up the "Project" again. I have mentioned it in the past, but I don't know if anyone acted upon it. It's a pretty cool and important idea: Veterans can send in photos and stories that will be archived with the Libray of Congress to be used by future generations for reference, and maybe even family trees. In some cases you can make video tapes. Please look into it you guys-I can't stress enough the importance. You might check with the VFW's etc., to see if they have anything on-going with this "Project." Love to all-always-Gently ------------Send money!!!!! Christmas Fund!!!!
Gently
USA - Thursday, November 20, 2003 at 13:23:34 (MST)

Veterans History Project.... Flight, you might want to check out this site.Its being ran by the library of congress.We can participate as a group or single, up to you.At lest go look. the site is...... http://www.loc.gov/folklife/vets/
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at 20:54:34 (MST)

DAn,sounds like you were good at what you did and lucky to have been able to keep doing it.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at 20:47:53 (MST)

Alvis, I was there between May and October of 1968. From there I was sent to Ft. Bellvoir VA for the rest of my tour until August of 1969. At first I hated the idea of being posted so far from my home town. I went to Ft. Lewis and asked if I could be transfered to an aviation unit there. They had no openings and no helicopters. Reluctantly I went to Virginia. I was assigned to a company that was to support the Pentagon but we had no UH-1's. It wasn't long and we picked up a bunch of rebuilt helicopters flown out of the factory in Texas to Ft. Knox Kentucky. I was the only crew chief that went with the pilots. At Ft. Knox there were a lot of upset helicopter mechanics that did not want to see the only helicopters on their base leave. At first they were not going to help me get the six aircraft ready for flight. I had to clean all the glass, move the batteries to the front position (flying with only one pilot), and do pre-flights. They had only one guy with any experiance so I called on him to help. He was a Nam vet and I explained how I needed him. He got his guys together and had no problems after that. At Ft. Bellvior I flew missions called O.P.A.L. (Operation Pentagon Air Lift). We were set in a ready room durring the day with our helicopters ready to go. On an alert from the tower, we ran and took off for the Pentagon to take some of the big wigs to the mountain hideout. At night the crewchiefs rotated being on call from home. The rest of the time was letting generals keep their flight pay and instrument training for the pilots. Occationally a few side trips to air shows where the crowd wanted to see where these rebuilt aircraft had been hit. Mine did not show any bullet hole patches, but must of the others had a few. Another thing we were tasked to do is fly the mail for Westmoreland. We would get up before the sun, fly to Dullas, pick up the mail and fly to the Pentagon. At night we would reverse the trip. We would land at the Pentagon at the heliport that you see in pictures of the damage from 9/11. I was lucky to have the time to decopress and spend time doing some joy riding. A week before I was to get out, a flood hit part of Virginia and we were going to go down and help. They said because I was short, I did not have to go. I asked if we were going to save anyone or just collect bodies. They said the latter. I said, no thanks. I did not want to leave with that last bad experiance. I was only one of few that got to work in his primary MOS when returning to the states. Sorry to go on so long.
Dan Hertlein
Sumner, WA USA - Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at 20:43:12 (MST)

Flight - The Veterans Party of America is a political party being formed by Veterans. It is a registered party in some states & in the process of forming in others. Go to http://www.veteransparty.us/States.htm for more info. Sounds good to me. My state, Louisiana is not registered yet but we are working on it. The rest of you check it out & if you like it maybe we could promote it on our site. Seems like a lot of people read us especially spamers. I think we need something like this, there is about 26 million living veterans, but when we vote we tend to cancel each other out by some voting Republican & some Democrat. If we could vote as a block we could get some of the things we have been fighting for.Cobra Sep69-Mar70.
Frank Loveday <bluecobra7@yahoo.com>
USA - Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at 13:39:49 (MST)

Gently, thats the second time now,I have heard the veterans party mentioned.To me, it starts off well then it driffs away from my line of thinking.I wonder if its an ultra right wing party trying to gain acceptence.I suppose I am right wing,but not to an extrodnairy degree. Flight,in case you havent heard,In the Shadow of the Blade concept/organization has parted ways with the founders.If I read my emails correctly,non- nam vets now control it.As always,ego,power,money have gotten in the way.I believe its now know as "americas huey". Smithsonian wants it for a 30 year dispaly. Lawyers are involved and all that crap,so now we wait and see.Dan H.,did we not fly together?I was there in 71/72.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at 10:05:57 (MST)

Alvis, didn't make it over there. Alex, I think that I may remember him. I might have a picture I'll send you to see if it's him. Gale
Gale
USA - Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at 13:39:22 (MST)

Gale: Dan Raslowsky was the 67-68. I pulled guard duty with him on the first bunker to the left coming into lane. Don't have any pictures. All but, a few were burned in a attic fire. Alex
Alex
USA - Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at 11:58:34 (MST)

hey Gale, you guys make it up to "pop a top"?
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at 10:42:05 (MST)

Alex, was Dan Raslowsky there in 68? You wouldn't have a picture of him would you? Gale
Gale
USA - Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at 09:35:55 (MST)

Dan, I always gave my support to our troops through this conflict. Like us their doing what their commander in chief is asking of them. National guard and reserves units are being called up. Some small towns here in this area of the south. It cleans out the mayor,police deparments, and the everyday people whom serve in these units. As we all know miltiary pay doesn't compare to our real employment. Dan glad to hear the support the troops are getting. Remember we all are all soldiers just, a different country. Judith, glad to hear the christmas fund is growing. And I couldn't have put it better!! DONATE WHAT YOU CAN!!! As I sit here writing,I can't get our Vietnam Brother Tommy Magnum off my mind. He is in the last stages before taking his final flight. He has suffered over the last two years. I know it's real close before I get that phone call. Before his stroke, Tommy was able to find and meet with a few of the Brothers he served with. Plus meeting all the Brothers and Sisters that attend the Vhcma Reunions. I am glad that I have had the opportunity of meeting alot of you. And there's alot more I hope to meet once again. Life is getting short !!! For those of you that read and go on. Please log on and say your with us!! The VHCMA reunion in Indy!! Let's make this a 129th reunion that we'll never forget. They will be the best 2 or3 days you'll have spent in years. Looking for a James Hardy ets from lane in 68. Lived on Salem Ave. Dayton, Ohio. Found Daniel Raslowsky from Bayone,NJ. But, like a lot of vets don't get on the commputer. Well take care Brothers and Sisters!! Alex 65-68
Alex
USA - Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at 09:30:46 (MST)

The Washington National Guard had it's largest call up since WWII. Saturday they were to start showing up for deployment for six months training before being shipped out to Iraq. The story here, for me, was the nearly 4,000 people that showed up on the interstate off ramp leading to the base. The people put up with the cold and wet weather to show support. Some were Vietnam vets that showed up to give the guys and gals a supportive send off. They said they wanted to be sure that these troops got the send off support that we never recieved. Reguardless of their feelings about the war, they wanted to let the troops know that they were heroes for answering the call and being ready to step on hostile ground. Of course, the news media tended to pay more attention to the 80-or-so protestors.
Dan Hertlein
Sumner, WA USA - Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at 08:07:29 (MST)

Good morning Flight. Rainy and over-cast here.....I love it! I was able to count our Christmas Fund money last evening and we are at, with the bracelet money, $675. We're not closing the fund yet, so those of you who still want to donate(every $5 and $10 counts), I await that donation. Remember I am the only one who knows who donates, so if you can't, it is honored and understood, that if you could you would. Also, we need names of 129th soldiers we can help. I wonder if we could get another $325 in the next three weeks for a total of $1000........? Ponder that, Gently
Gently
USA - Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at 07:22:54 (MST)

Belated Veteran's Day wishes to all. Just caught up on log again. My father was back in hospital again but is now doing better. He was very cheered up when he received clipping from home town paper about the county dedicating a memorial to all WWII vets. It looked quite impressive and his name appears along with his four brothers who all served in combat at same time. All returned but only two of them left now. Kal I was sorry to hear about your brother- our prayers go to you and your family. I was reading about "combat vets" in the postings but can't find the original. One of you quoted how many helicopter crewmembers were killed. If you do the math the total number represents almost one-tenth of total deaths. I also read somewhere once that the WO aviator had the highest per-capita death rate of the war. I'm sure glad we were not "real combat troops". Think how bad that would have been! Jeez! Well enough. Everyone take care.
jeff
lake norman, nc USA - Sunday, November 16, 2003 at 17:37:53 (MST)

Flight: Well a few minutes before heading to work. Kal just finished reading the log few a few weeks back. Sorry to hear about your Brother. Your in our thoughts and prayers. Went to Batesville Mississippi last nifgt to see VHCMA Brother Tommy Magnum. They called all the family in. Tommy had a stoke two years ago. But, he keeps fighting. I placed a Vietnam throw over him. The ones Wal Mart sold with the Huey's on them. And held his hand and let him know that all his Vietnam Brothers are with him on this flight. It hits hard to see him on his last flight. Another VHCMA Brother from this area Passed away this month last year. Llyod Godwin. These Brothers will never be forgotten. But, the Medal of Honor goes to the wives. The 24/7 of taking care of our Brothers. I have high respect for these women. To all the spouses of my 129th Brothers, I say thanks for your support and understanding. We are better men today with you. Please keep Tommy Magnum in your thoughts and prayers. To all the 129th Brothers and Sisters. Thanks for being part of Liz and I's family. Alex 129th 65-68.
Alex
USA - Saturday, November 15, 2003 at 08:16:30 (MST)

I thought that my grandpa had Olen's records but it was just his medical records. So I'll be sending in a request for them. I have been told by family that Olen was shot by a richochet(sp?) from his own gun. I have no idea if that is true or not but its what he said. Hopefully the records will help me find out the unit he was in when he first got over there. Hope so! On another note, found out today that my cousin was called up from the reserves, don't know what he'll be doing for sure but i'm betting Iraq. This is the cousin that served in Bosnia and just went into the reserves earlier this year. So the family is a bit upset. I had another cousin that was in Afghanistan earlier this year.
Melody Pershall <melody1181@yahoo.com>
Amarillo, TX USA - Friday, November 14, 2003 at 18:56:32 (MST)

Wow! Look at the names posting these days! Very cool to hear from you guys. We know you read the posts, but it's always great to see you post. Kal....I am so sorry. If I could help with the pain right now, you know I would. Just know that we are all here for you and will be your support in any way you need us to be. Mark and Dee......a grandchild born on Veterans Day!!!! How special is that! Little "MIA"...may her life be blessed, and a blessing to you two. Geez! Veterans Day birthday...guess who helped with that:>)! Robbie...any job things happening? Jim W....you doing OK? Riding to INDY next year? Fred:>)))! You teddy bear. Melody-see...they all want to help. It's a "family " thing. Katherine----got it-thanks. Don't forget the Christmas fund everyone. With the $250 bracelet donation we're still low(I'll give a report on Monday, with moving recently I haven't counted it recently, but I haven't gotten many checks or money orders anyway). It was great to read the postings today.....nice to hear from all! With smiles-J
Gently
USA - Friday, November 14, 2003 at 09:19:08 (MST)

make that without meeting. hey gale.I found a ford 427 for sale.u just need to supply the carb and water pump,oh,and 8 thou dollars.Its in hemming motor news web site. They also have an "alvis.1953 I think. good looking car,wish i had held up as well.
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 13, 2003 at 21:25:52 (MST)

Melody, when I got to fort carson,after Vietnam.I was assigned to an infrantry unit cause fort carson was "overstrenght" in aviation people.Even tho I had a 67n2o (helicopter repairman),I was in a secondary "mos" 11bravo. that is an infrantry man.So 11 b was my secondary 'mos" for my last year and a half.I still wore the wings( which pissed off alot of remf lifers)but I was a grunt.For a while, i was a apc driver also. It happened to othre people the other way around as well.We simply did what we were told,when we were told and sometimes we got lucky.Your uncle probably wantedd to fly and was granted his wish.earlier on or later on,as the case may be, he went into a different job.That happened to alot of us.The military put us where they needed us wih on the job training.mos is a very "loose" term.After I was made crew chief,my mos didnt change to reflect it , for some reason.Thats the military.You will find out more when u find people that knew him.As had been said,there are new people coming in here all the time,so hang loose hon,your time is comming.Jim Westwang was in here for years b4 I found him and I had been thinking of him for 30 years.I was even in his hometown many times years ago with us meeting each other.Its very confusing,as had been said,
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 13, 2003 at 21:20:25 (MST)

Melody - Welcome to the crowd, we are all confused too. Alvis you are basically right about MOS's, your unit usually assigned you where they needed you, but there were different kinds of MOS. Primary, Secondary & Duty with Duty MOS being the one you were actually working in. Cobra Sep 69 - Mar 70.
Frank Loveday <bluecobra7@yahoo.com>
USA - Thursday, November 13, 2003 at 19:51:44 (MST)

Honestly I am very confused! I never knew that my uncle was in anything other than the 129th. He just never talked about it at all.
Melody Pershall <melody1181@yahoo.com>
Amarillo, TX USA - Thursday, November 13, 2003 at 17:14:11 (MST)

mos = military occupational specility, in other words, the job the military trained you for.That being said,lots of folks did lots of different things and mos didnt mean didly squat.
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 13, 2003 at 16:36:52 (MST)

Flight I think MOS 11B20 was the Duty MOS of the door gunners on the 129th TOE.
Frank Loveday <bluecobra7@yahoo.com>
Bastrop, La USA - Thursday, November 13, 2003 at 14:56:14 (MST)

Hello Flight! just a quik note the 2 digit number after the letter in an MOS is the rank and skill indentifier for example 10 e-1 thru e-3, 20 e-4 thru e-5, 30 e-6 thru e-7. Good example 67A1F means helicopter crew member (67A), e-3 (1), the F is a skill indentifier for Gunner. I retired a 16C3A, which means Nike Hercules Fire Control Section Chief w/TS cypto clearance. Nuff Said. It's hard to realize that I have been retired since 1979(25yrs). Hope all is well with everyone. The sun is still shining here in Florida. Dennis
Dennis Fuerstenau <dpf092003@yahoo.com>
Davenport, FL USA - Thursday, November 13, 2003 at 14:45:49 (MST)

winds up to 60 mph this afternoon!!! I'm surprised we haven't lost power yet! yah..11Bravo is a grunt. 20 is enlisted man (or woman) Charlie is for crew served weapons, delta is for scout. Echo is armor..Melody, as I said yesterday, MOS'S didn't tell a true story of a person's occupation. WE had 67N's who worked in the motor pool, company clerks, sentrys, carpenters...you name it, they did it! It wouldn't be out of order for a grunt to be assigned to an armor unit, or a helicopter unit. kal, sorry about your brother.......Fred A. thanks for the memories about the snoopy missions. I can still remember how we'd take off, all wound up, anticipating what we might find, getting bored when nothing was happening, and panicking when it did!!!! Relying on training to start functioning again, and hoping that the split second it took didn't mean that someone was dead because of my screw up!....yeah..I can't say enough good about the pilots either....very professional when flying, very crazy when they weren't!!! Had a civilian call me last tuesday, just to wish me a good veteran's day. First time that ever happened!!!!! Kim
Kim
windy northeast, Me USA - Thursday, November 13, 2003 at 13:04:01 (MST)

Kal, sorry about your brother, God be with you. Good advice about the smoking. As far as I know, all 11 MOS's are infantry 11b10 is rifleman, 11b20 a little different, 11c like machine gunner or mortarman & I am sure these are wrong (Except 11b10), hope this helps a little, maybe there is a real Grunt out there who can clarify this. Fred Alvis>>>> glad you did not get away from the page. >>> respects>> Jim
Jim Westwang 71-72
sheridan, Wy. USA - Thursday, November 13, 2003 at 12:20:05 (MST)

our condolences kal. alvis's
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 13, 2003 at 09:55:25 (MST)

Gale and Max wasn't 11B20 a grunt??? I know the airbone and grunt's mos was 11B. Alex
Alex
USA - Thursday, November 13, 2003 at 08:21:02 (MST)

Flight: Well great to see all the commo from all of you. Mark and Dee glad to hear of the new grand daughter and that everyone is doing well. I know you and Dee are staying busy but, it's always good hearing from you all. Kal always a pleasure seeing you post. Liz is in Conn. on business. She flies home tonight, if the weather in New York don't delay her. She stayed White Plains NY. Woodstock!! Well Max look on the personnel rosters I Had posted. He found melody's uncle Wayne in the 67-68 years. Along with sgt. Ellish. Rick, Kal, Gale and Myself and some more were there at the same time. The nose art looked like a joker on the one picture. But. wasn't a clear photo for me. Eyes ain't what they used to be. But, Hopefully someone reading the log will regonize Wayne's name. Hang in there Melody. Gently a check in the mail. Ain't much but, they cut me back on hours. but, will make it. Robbie let us know how everything is going!! Ray hope chris is doing better. Take Care. Alex
Alex
USA - Thursday, November 13, 2003 at 08:17:50 (MST)

Kal, good to hear from you last night and sorry to hear about your brother. Debbie & I send our regards to you and to your brothers family. Mark & Dee, I guess you guys haven't forgotten us in here. Congrats to you on the birth of your grandchild...........you guys are getting quite a family there. Melody, Have you checked our 129th roster for 1968? Your uncle's name is on there along with me & a few others on here. The way I read it, your uncle's Army service dates were 3/65 to 2/68. He left the 129th 11/67 and got out in 2/68. His primary MOS was 63B20 and his duty MOS was 11B20. Does someone know what 11B20 was? I hope this doesn't confuse you.....just trying to help. Gale
Gale 67-68
USA - Thursday, November 13, 2003 at 06:54:17 (MST)

.......HELLO BROTHERS AND SISTERS!!!!..............long time since I have spoke in here.........all is well.....Dee and I are still sober and feeling great about it. We have renewed our friendship with our Creator...............a belated Great Veterans day to all!!!!.........On Veterans day, we were blessed with and new "LITTLE" ( 4 lbs 11 oz ) Granddaughter. Grand she is. She is perfect and will be coming home soon. Born 3 weeks early, but healthy and fully developed. Her Name is Lilian ( LillY ) Mia Lennertz. Her middle name is pronounced MY A, but spelled MIA in honor of Veterans Day. Her mother Ambie Rain, is probably our daughter that is more closer to her Uncle Larry then the other children..............once again.....I apoligize for not being in here and takeing care of new guys that come in by getting your names on the roster........I will get to it, but I am way behind............but will do................I think of you all everyday, and send my love........................will be back..........always, always.....a brother and sister..........Mark and Dee
Mark & Dee Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
USA - Thursday, November 13, 2003 at 06:29:46 (MST)

Here is more about my Uncle: His name was Olen Wayne Garrett, may of went by Wayne. Max helped me decifer a paper and figured he was with the 129th approximately February of 1968 to June of 1968. He also said that he was with an armor unit before that, of which I had no idea of. I'm going to ask my grandpa for Olen's records. He has them hidden away somewhere. I really appreciate all of the help, it really means alot to me to know more about my uncle's service.
Melody Pershall <melody1181@yahoo.com>
Amarillo, TX USA - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 23:31:31 (MST)

I hadn't been here in a while. I went back and read what mr.XXXXXXX had to say about combat vets. I tell you what, your a coward...if you really believe in what you say then why don't you give your name?????? You may not think certain groups are not Combat Veterans, but you may also not think your head is up your rear. These guys from the 129th are combat vets whether you like it or not.
Melody Pershall <melody1181@yahoo.com>
Amarillo, TX USA - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 23:24:16 (MST)

Mz. Clinton is now on the veterans bandwagon. Seems V.A. wants to close an old hospital(or clinic) in up state N.Y.(her district).V.A. says they will save 23 mill a year by doing so. Mz. Clinton isnt on my favorites list and i am thinking about this one .As I have lived in upstate N'Y'(Binghamton) for about 6 years b4 moving here, I know how spread out hose hospitals are there.The nearest one to me was in Scraton PA.,60 miles away. It was more cost effective to go to a local doc,as I would only miss 1/2 days pay.I know that on her part ,its only a political ploy,but I suppose we do have to sleep with the devil sometimes.The gov says it has increased V.A. spending by 50% but what they fail to say is that patient load has increased by 75%.What you think?
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 23:06:27 (MST)

Who sat still? The first grunts were assisted off the chopper,by a well placed shove.The rest got the idea.An air force col. came into work today and me being me,had a chat with him. He saw my hat so we talked a little about that also. He said ,"you must have had some good pilots".He didnt know it,but I thought that was the understatement of the year.I said bad pilots got them selves and their crews killed and yes, i had some damn good pilots.That brings me to my point.Thanks guys.You did a damn fine job ,took care of us,lived up to and beyond our trust.You got us home, one way or anotherby the joy stick or sometimes a "wing and a prayer".You gave us a big wink when some remf type wanted to insure his flight pay,just play along boys and we will soon be rid of this turd.You listened to our advice and concerns over our birds.Hell, once or twice,I even saw a few of you twisting a wrench.You guys got to fly,but we had the fun of firing those damn guns.I will never tell on those peter P's that I switched seats with so they could play with the guns.Shit, I degress.Job well done fella's. Ahhh. to those gun platform pilots.You guys where kinda like a big brother in the background with a big stick, just waiting for someone to disrespect us.When you guys saw green, you got mean.I only flew one snoppy low/high( sniffer mission). We had the low ship and damn that was so intense.Ever once in a while I would look up and back toward our high 6 and see you guys cruzing.Man that was reassuring,I didnt have a worry(well to many) with you guys there , I absolutly knew,with out a doubt,none,that you would be there.I knew if we got our butts in a sling,you guys would make charlie pay hell untill we could get extracted.Thank god I was never to experience that one.We all were a bit like the ww1 pilots you see on the old movies. We had our swagger(which we damn sure earned),we drank to much,partied to much,bird dogged to many women,even fought among ourselves.When the sun rose the next day, it would find us doing preflights,checking the guns,laughing and joking with one another,complaing about the food, the weather,the army,the mail,the resupply system,the lack of of kool cigerattes,overwork,the mission of the day,what c-rat we had to put on our amno mount,the rain.korens stinking breath,ect.Once the starter button was hit ,we were all profesional,all things forgotten.We hoped and prayed that we wouldnt have one of those days when bad luck struck.NO matter how good you were,no matter how good the people around you were,there was always that skull faced angel.looking over our shoulder.Bit of cloud here,a transmission failure there,an engine that coughed at exatly the wrong time,a sudden cross wind up on the matterhorn during landing,a stray,lucky bullet, troops running into the blades during an exctration, so many things beyond our control.We drank hard cause we lived hard and we all knew that could be our last night or the person we were looking at last night.I dont believe I have ever thanked the pilots before.Hey Shadow(Mr Page),I know I flew with you.You were damn good,Thank you.Very Professional,sense of humor and treated us unwashed enlisted men with respect.KIm, good to see you post.Animal,are you in one of those pics my son sent and i posted?Good to see you back.You to fred scags.Gale, hope this wind tonight doesnt blow your yard over to mine,50 mph gust tonight.Sorry you cant make it kal.Me either, I have to work 1 till 10 that saterday night.The 11th hour,the 11thday,the 11th month,veterans day. hope you all had a good one.Trying to take off nov 30th thru dec3rd.RON PAYNE,want to make a pop a top run?
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 22:48:31 (MST)

Hello to all my 129th family!!.. I hope all of you had a GREAT Veterans Day. It has been a while since I have posted and things have been pretty busy for me. My brother passed away last week and I have been doing things I'd have prefered not to have to do but "SH*T happens". He just turned 57 last month and was a "mocho man" having done a lot of those kinds of things like the "toughman contests" and the like.. BUT, he never thought all that smoking would ever get to him.... Well, much to his defiance, it did and I personally hope that my words here are not passes off as meaningless to all of the smokers reading this. It is one thing to do this to yourself but you have to consider all the others in your life that have to pay the price also. He had a really great wife and kids and its no fun seeing what they were going through. Oh well... Enough of that.. Ray, I hope your daughter is doing better and the get to the cause of the problem and fix it. I know there has been a lot of things going on with a lot of you folks out there and hope everything comes out OK.. Gale, I won't be able to be at the Pop-a-Top this weekend as I have had to be off work too much lately and have to pull my weight.. Need the bucks too.. Have a great time if you go.. Alex, good to hear you are in the new house finally! Say Hi to Liz for us.. Alvis, good to see your son is back home safely!! I hope you get to see him soon. That about sums it up for now..Take care and.. Think Indy!!!! C U L8r... Kal...>>>
Kal Bergstrom <n8auu(a)email.com>
Saint Joseph, MI USA - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 18:06:24 (MST)

Kim, good to see your post! I think Fred A. would agree that there was a certain comfort looking up and seeing the guns going hot on the treeline from where we were watching muzzle flashes! The few seconds we were on/offloading troops seemed like forever, especially if you had reluctant grunts on board. It was difficult manning your M60 while trying to toss an ARVN out by his rucksack!
Dave Powers
USA - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 17:00:44 (MST)

Fred A. I last served in combat support, 4/64th armored, in Germany, 74-75. CSC was comprised of scouts, which I was, Redeye missle, mortar, and ground surveilance radar platoons. I guess none of those MOS's really were combat. After all..we WERE COMBAT SUPPORT!!! One lesson I learned a long time ago....no one can hurt me unless I let them. It's just a case of mind over matter. I don't mind, they don't matter!!! I'm considered an equal at the local VFW, which is where I interact almost daily with nam vets. It's funny to listen to the chatter...every unit had people who worked outside their mos's...11b's driving jeeps and working as company clerks. cannon cockers who drove trucks, telephone linemen who went on ambush patrols......who's to say who did what??? I do know that I got shot at, and I shot back....fuc* anyone who doesn't think that's combat........on another note, boy georgie can kiss my crank! It's past time for our military to come up with a strategy to stop the one a day killings over there..... I flew cover on some of your CA's Fred...I wouldn't trade places with what you did for all the tea in China!!!!!Sitting still while on or offloading troops wasn't my idea of fun!!! Kim
Kim La Voie
frozen north east, Me USA - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 14:57:57 (MST)

Thank you to Judith for all your work with Vets. Thank You. Melody That nose art looks like a Joker they were the 48 AHC not far from us. The Jokers are the gunships of the 48th. Check out there site maybe they can help. Flight be careful out there
Rick England
USA - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 08:50:16 (MST)

Soldiers!!! I thought of all of you yesterday, and, everything I involved myself in yesterday and last weekend I participated in because of you, my Veterans, my friends. I'm so blessed to know each of you, and thankful that you came back to "the world," where you can help carry on the memories of those who did not. We miss them, but they are with us, and let us find peace in that knowledge. The Christmas fund is slowing growing, but thankfully we will be adding $250.00 to it in the near future: the high bidder wants to remain unknown for personal reasons(Christmas gift??? Birthday ????)and I am going to honor that. Congratulations high bidder, and a "thank you" to the rest of you who tried-or perhaps an "I'm sorry" would be more appropriate:>(( I need the high bidder to contact me so we can work out our espionage. Melody, sister, welcome back to your 129th family. Please give us your web page address so we can all visit and perhaps help you. In June at our last 129th re-union, Dave Wall attended in honor of his brother Ken Wall, a fallen 129er. His attending meant alot to him and to our 129 brothers and friends also attending the re-union, and I'm sure we will see him again in June of '04. Please consider joining us in '04, Melody. You are with family, come and meet us. 'nuff from me. Always there for our Veterans-Gently
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 08:18:01 (MST)

To all the wonderful vets. You have my heartfelt appreciation. I thank you and welcome you home. You will never be forgotten as long as I am around. Always a sister Katharine
Katharine
USA - Tuesday, November 11, 2003 at 15:46:23 (MST)

Melody, no one in here thinks you are pest.....believe me. Why don't you put all the info in here again. We have newbys checkin' in all the time. I wish I could do more for you. Gale
Gale
USA - Tuesday, November 11, 2003 at 15:27:09 (MST)

Ok I did that to the photo and I added more to that page. I know i'm kind of pesty but I just want to find out if anyone recognizes them. I also put a picture of him on there incase anyone reconizes him, though it seems noe one has :o) Thanks.
Melody Pershall <melody1181@yahoo.com>
Amarillo, TX USA - Tuesday, November 11, 2003 at 15:07:37 (MST)

Animal, Skaggs, (been a while) Smitty. Hope all had a good day today. I went to a local Elementary School for a free breakfast and Vet Day program. It was real nice. Seems like the programs that the kids put on always kinda put things back into perspective for time. Melody, it's hard to recognize much in the photo. Is that a slide? I believe the picture is reversed, so, you might want to turn it around ( not that it will make much difference ). Good luck. Gale 67-68
Gale
USA - Tuesday, November 11, 2003 at 12:57:26 (MST)

Hi all, I hope veterans day is good to everyone. As for the Combat vet thing, I have been dealing with vets x20 years if you recall & have virtually seen it all. I could not say it still any better than Greg ( by the way, it's good to hear you are still there). I flew with this man a lot ( a combat vet)!!!!. Mr. Combat vet, if you doubt this please read our unit history & KIA page. I have talked with a lot of 11B folks over the years & give all the respect in the world to them. My dad was one. To a man, the real ones say-- they hated us when we put them in, loved us when we resupplied them ( sometimes under fire), loved us more when we med-evaced them, more when we provided Gun cover, & the most of all when we extracted them. I only did my little piece. I remain respectfully your brother. Have a nice day!! Smitty
Jim Westwang 71-72
sheridan, Wy. USA - Tuesday, November 11, 2003 at 09:30:39 (MST)

Animal(Greg), well said!!!! My friend!!!! Today will be a big reflection on the past....one of those " Strange Days"....
Fred Skaggs
USA - Tuesday, November 11, 2003 at 05:21:46 (MST)

This link should work to that picture.
Melody Pershall <melody1181@yahoo.com>
Amarillo, TX USA - Monday, November 10, 2003 at 21:54:29 (MST)

Flight: Hope everyone has a safe Veteran's Day!!! Alex 129th 65-68 1st flt. platoon.
Alex
USA - Monday, November 10, 2003 at 19:36:40 (MST)

God bless you too Ray....
Keith 72-73
USA - Monday, November 10, 2003 at 19:04:06 (MST)

HELLO FLIGHT.. MAY I WISH ALL MY BROTHTHES AND SISTERS A HAPPY VETERANS DAY. AND A WELCOME HOME ,AND MAY I BOW MY HEAD FOR A NOMENT OF SILENCES FOR ALL OF OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS WHO NEVER MADE IT HOME, MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND KEEP YOU ALL IN THE PARM OF HIS HANDS, AMEM. A BROTHER TO TOY OU ALL ALWAYS RAY YOU ARE ALL ARE PART OF OF OUR LIFES AND I THANK YOU
RAY <Stilwating@aol.com>
md USA - Monday, November 10, 2003 at 18:48:56 (MST)

As many of you prob know I've been looking for anyone who knew my uncle. Well I have a pic that was his of a Huey. Some people said it was either a B or C model. They also said it had rocket pods on it. The link on my homepage is the picture, I hope that it shows it. I am just curious as to where he got it from. Thanks!!!!!
Melody Pershall <melody1181@yahoo.com>
Amarillo, TX USA - Monday, November 10, 2003 at 18:47:15 (MST)

Thank you Animal. Gently
Gently
USA - Monday, November 10, 2003 at 14:46:57 (MST)

Hello all ! It's been awhile since I've posted here, but I feel a need to add some thoughts on the "combat" vet thread. While it's true that most vets in Viet-nam were in a "support" role, who's to say they couldn't suffer as much stress and anguish as a "combat" veteran? I know viet-nam vets who never looked into the eyes of the enemy, or fired a shot in anger for that matter. Believe me, these folks aren't immune to readdjustment problems. One guy I know is a recovering heroin addict with severe PTSD. What's his problem, you may ask? He worked in Graves Registration, preparing hundreds of GI bodies for shipment back to the states. Others were nurses and medical people who saw their gore from the "safety" of a Hospital. So next time I hear someone who was "knee deep in grenade pins behind enemy lines" rag on some support trooper, I'll ask them to get back in their monster truck and look for something to increase their size and stamina. Most soldiers who have seen combat don't need to disrespect the troops that served in support of them. The exception would be the people who exagerate their role in viet-nam. Now, who is the one most likely to be exagerating? the one locked in hand to hand combat surrounded by gooks? or the guy in the rear rearranging body parts? With respect to all who served, Animal 1st plt. 71-72
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Monday, November 10, 2003 at 14:04:23 (MST)

But I do want to thank you all for serving-and coming home. Always there for our Veterans-Gently
Gently
USA - Monday, November 10, 2003 at 13:20:45 (MST)

Someone better explain "combat" Veteran before this whole thing falls apart! I never had a problem with it. Geez...this BS is getting old. Gently
Gently
USA - Monday, November 10, 2003 at 09:34:32 (MST)

hi all. wanted to wish everyone a happy veterns day and give a big thank you. i am feeling better, have an appt. with a neurologist tomorrow. he saw something on the cat scan the concerned him. thank you for your prayers. my son is having a fit over something so i need to cut this short. happy veterns day
Kris
balt, md USA - Monday, November 10, 2003 at 09:01:25 (MST)

HAPPY VETERANS DAY from MILWAUKEE, WISOCONSIN To my Brohers & Sisters I share with all a deep heartfelt oen letter to us all. WELCOME HOME!! Joe Campbell - Vietnam 67/68 So Little…..So Late A Love Letter to a Viet Nam Veteran As I view the wall before me, I’m overcome with emotion. The thousands of names against the blackness begin to emerge as a painful reminder of my shame. I’m forced to think of a time I’d rather forget, when I was young and dear ones were departing to take on different life-roles. Some were off to college…some to the work force and others to fight a war we knew little about. You were young too. Viet Nam…the name seems so insignificant right now. We rarely hear it mentioned in the news or school any more. However, these seven letters, like the names on the wall will not go away from my heart and my hurt. The letters represent more pain, shame and confusion than I can say. I want to say “thank you” to those who served…the last of a generation of young men and women who followed authority without question. To those who believed in: “America” – country worth fighting for … “leaders” – those I can trust… “the cause” – something worth dying for. Yes, I want to say thank you. It seems too little…too late as I see the pain in your eyes, the puzzled look on your face, the struggle to overcome anger and bitterness and get on with life. I want to say, “I’m sorry”. I’m sorry for not understanding what you went through: ….for not supporting you when you came home ….for letting you down when you needed me …for not sitting and “listening” to your silence or allowing your anger to subside. I want to say “forgive me” for seeing your pain and moving on with my own life because it was more comfortable.…“Forgive me” for judging you, allowing myself to believe it was your problem and I wasn’t involved. I want to say, “forgive me, I’m sorry.” It seems too little…too late. I don’t have the images you have in your head, or the emotions that seem dead in the daytime and wide awake at night. I don’t have the reactions of a man about to die, or the pain of comrades who are finally at peace…the “lucky ones” who are safe when you must go on. But I do have today…the assurance I can seek to make you understand the guilt I bear for your pain. I pray for you to be able to forgive me and…all of us from your generation…and trust in the God who gave his own son and watched Him die. For I believe God was there and understood your pain. I believe He’s still here, waiting for you to cry to Him, to fall into His arms where: He can hold you close and assure you there is a cause worth fighting for and a God worth trusting…and a country in Heaven awaiting you with no pain, no fear. I’m telling you this because I don’t want this news to come to you “too little…too late” for an eternal life with Him in Heaven. (written by MiMi Festerling, when The Wall came to Wisconsin Lutheran High School
Joe Campbell <vva324jfc@aol.com>
Milwaukee, WI USA - Monday, November 10, 2003 at 07:08:07 (MST)

Is there a Vega on here. Crew Chief with the 129th... Mclain, gunner, 129th, '70-71, 1st Flt. Platoon...
Stacy <smclain4@hotmail.com>
Flagpole, AZ USA - Sunday, November 09, 2003 at 10:43:46 (MST)

Dropped by today on a flight through history. Great site, thanks for letting me visit. Drop by the Capital Military Assistance Command (CMAC) website at www.saigonwarrior.com sometime. Regards,
Jim Finnegan <Finnegan@SaigonWarrior.com>
England - Sunday, November 09, 2003 at 03:21:57 (MST)

hello all did i miss something alvis who the heck said we are not combat vets they must have head up butt i dony blame u for hetting pissed off may be we should tone down politics for a bite we are a family let stand to gether i may have missed something i know i say thing wrong but i get so mixed up half the time i dont know what i mean for that iam sorry if i said anything wrong alvis a brother always ray
ray <stilwating@aol>
md USA - Saturday, November 08, 2003 at 20:37:44 (MST)

There were 2,202 helicopter pilots and 2,704 non-pilot crewmembers killed in the Vietnam War from all services including Air America. May they rest in peace. I will not forget them on veterans day
airborne truck passenger
USA - Saturday, November 08, 2003 at 16:33:28 (MST)

Flight-I don't think the question is "where do we find another Black Jack Pershing", but where do we find Commanders who would back him. We just had a Lt Col Alan West who fired his pistol near an Iraq prisioners head & the powers that be are trying to Court Martial him. This reminds me of what we hit in Vietnam "don't fire till you are fired at". MY God how stupid can our armchair Commanders get?
Frank Loveday <bluecobra7@yahoo.com>
USA - Saturday, November 08, 2003 at 14:39:39 (MST)

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX or what ever your name is did you ever get your Al Quaeda terrorists for whom you were bellyacking about their treatment to look out for and reform?
J. W. Wilson
USA - Saturday, November 08, 2003 at 14:20:11 (MST)

Hi flight, Just before World War 1,there were a number of terrorist attacks on Unites States forces in Philippines by Muslim extremists. So General Pershing captured 50 terrorists and had them tied to posts for execution. He then had his men bring in two pigs and slaughter them in front of the horrified terrorists, Muslims detest pork because they believe pigs are filthy animals. Some of them simply refuse to eat it while others won't even touch pigs at all, nor any of their by-products. To them, eating or touching a pig, its meat, its blood ,ect., is to be instantly barred from paradise { and all those virgins} and doomed to hell. The soldiers then soaked their bullets in pigs blood. and proceeded to execute 49 of the terrorists by firing squad. The soldiers then dug a big hole, dumped in the terrorist's bodies and covered them in pig blood, entrails, ect. They let the 50th man go. And for the next 42 years, there was not a single Muslim extremist attact anywhere in the world. Maybe its is time for this segment of history to repeat itself, maybe in Iraq? The question is, where do we fine another Black Jack Pershing?
J.W. Wilson
USA - Saturday, November 08, 2003 at 13:50:19 (MST)

just to let my old friend know am still around i talk to a few such as Dave Powers a one hell of a fine person, and would like to hear from some more of you Vega if you see this i lost your phone call me at 509-469-8640 Howie, howard , shorty or mini oik as i was called
howard boling "Shorty" <boling8640@msn.com>
McCleary, wa USA - Saturday, November 08, 2003 at 13:24:09 (MST)

jesica Lynch wa just a helpless victum. trying to stay alive and scared shitless, same as we would have been. Seems the media and the goverenment are the ones trying to hoopula this up, not her. beancounters at work again.I am going to have to leave this site for a while.How dare someone post that we arent combat vets. That just pisses me off to no end.So I say to that person, go fuck your self.I do not need that kind of crap in my life anymore.Period.
alvis
USA - Saturday, November 08, 2003 at 10:11:25 (MST)

I guess by this diffinition.I am not a combat veteran.My units were never overrun,nor did I have a RPG fired towards me.I was never ran out of my hootch by incomming arty( till we figured out it was out going).I was never in any hand to hand sitituions.I guess I was just a passenger on an airborne truck.Haunted ia a very apt word to use to discribe my sometimes recolections of loss of non combat crewmmbers, roommates and friends.Haunted by the memory of looking down the barrel of an M60 with runnung figures in my sites.Haunted by the green glow of tracer rounds slowly arcing their way towards me, the richocet of a sniper's bullit hiting the helicopter reventment side, next to my head.Haunted by the memory of falling out of the sky, out of control,regaing control just above tree top level,and almost being relieved when a nva fired a full 30 round clip at our slow moving,exposed underbelly.I laugh at throwing out chu hoi leaflets from 10 thousand feet while again seeing green tracers race our way and being told not to fire back cause "WE are on a peace mission".I am haunted by the face of a Korean solider that was laying on the belly of our ship,hurt by comming to close to rotor blades on a hillside,he and his comrades. The ship crashed ad rolled down the hillside,leaving dead,mangled,choped up ,Korean bodies scattered willy nilly about the site.We landed and took that young ,(hopefully not) dying young man to the nearest bandaid unit,with me squating next to him,sharing my ciggerattes and trying to ward off his fearand hurt,make it my own.The question still remains in my mind if he made it or not.I remember with a strange smile of flying into a firebase while being shot at with morter rounds trying to knock us out of the sky,having to do a emergency high overhead ,corkscrewing down ,to avoid it.The bugle at funerals still saddens my heart and to this day,its difficult to listen to the end,sorry, cant do it,it flashes to much pain thru me still.Thank god I am not a combat veteran,or I might truely have mental problems.I suppose thats why I do support the war, just being a airborne truck passenger and all.
alvis
USA - Saturday, November 08, 2003 at 09:22:50 (MST)

A Redneck on Peace and Patriotism By Richard J. Ducey, Gazette War Correspondent from The New Hampshire Gazette Vol. 247, No. 23, August 15, 2003 I’m a red neck. At least, I think I am. I grew up in a small New Hampshire farm town. My father and uncles were all veterans of World War II and blue collar guys. There were several of us kids in town who were all the same age and every one of us enlisted during the Vietnam era. It wasn’t a big deal. It was what you were supposed to do. I was raised to respect the flag and my elders. I’m more concerned with teaching my kids about hard work and common sense than political correctness. I believe that the best form of gun control is regular target practice. In my mind, a self righteous liberal with a cause is more dangerous than a Hell’s Angel with an attitude. I’m a Republican because I believe the best government is one that stays out of your wallet, and your personal affairs. Most of my adult life I’ve driven a pick-up truck. I know I’m not a pacifist because if anyone ever tried to hurt one of my children I would rip their throat out. I believe in a strong national defense. I mean, lets face it, if you were a mugger and on one street corner was a little old lady with a Social Security check, and on the other corner there was a body builder, who would you mug? America got mugged at Pearl Harbor. We can’t afford to let it happen again. As Lynyrd Skynyrd says in their new song, “my neck is red, my hair is turning white, and I’m still blue collar.” Yeah, I guess I’m a redneck. I’m also a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. After 11 months in-country I was at a place called Patrol Base Diamond. Two reinforced battalions of North Vietnamese Regulars came pouring across the border of what was supposed to be “neutral” Cambodia. There were so many of them that within a few minutes we were being overrun. Once the enemy gets inside your position, things get pretty desperate. But hey, we’re Americans. Remember the Alamo. Fight to the death. The company commander called in artillery on our own position. Sure, it would kill even more of our guys, but it would keep the enemy from capturing all our weapons to use against other Americans later on. It stopped them, but a lot of people died. I’ve spent over thirty years wondering why I was one of the survivors. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not ungrateful, just haunted. When I meet other combat veterans I recognize an intangible quality about them: they are haunted too. Twenty-seven million American males came of age during the Vietnam war years. Fewer than one in three of them served in the military. Of the nine million who did, fewer than one in three went to Vietnam. And of every nine who went, eight were support troops. So, out of those 27 million, about 311,000 were in regular and sustained combat. In other words, in my generation of American males, just over one percent have seen combat. (And if you check out the Chickenhawk Database you can see that not many of them were rich kids.) But wait a minute - my generation is in power now – and we have American troops in over 130 countries around the world. We invade oil rich countries to “save the people” and turn our backs on murderous regimes in countries without oil. The chickens of Vietnam have become hawks with your children’s lives. They call it Patriotism. I call it something unprintable. I don’t say they were wrong to oppose Vietnam, I say they are wrong to support the invasion of Iraq. Some of the worst hawks are non-combat veterans. If one more guy tells me that “I really wanted to go to Vietnam but they wouldn’t send me,” and I ask what branch of the service he was in and get told the Coast Guard or the Air Force, I’m going to scream. Any damn fool knows that if you really wanted to serve in combat in Vietnam all you had to do was join the Marine Corps and your ass would have been there in four months flat. Now, don’t get me wrong. Obviously many Air Force veterans did see combat in Vietnam. I even know a few, but they were the exception, not the rule. And I’m not disparaging the service of the fine men and women who served in non-combat support roles. Their service was critical. Just don’t pass yourself off as Rambo, because I happen to know that almost every real combat veteran I’ve ever met hates war! They hate war because thirty years later they can still smell it. With very little effort they can still feel the gut wrenching terror. There will never be a day in their lives they will forget the friends they put in body bags. Like the combat troops in Iraq today, they kept putting one foot in front of the other and hoped to God to make it through another day. They were not fighting for grand patriotic principles, they were simply trying to stay alive, and help keep the guy next to them alive too. Their entire world was defined by the kill radius of a rocket propelled grenade. Combat veterans are true patriots, even if they don’t want o be where they are. And unless they’re psychotic, they probably don’t. Combat is only cool to non-combatants and movie stars. Despite all the “support the troops” rallies, the soldiers in Iraq are likely to return to a country that realizes invading Iraq was a mistake. They seem to know it already. The people they saved hate them, and want them either dead or out of their country. And no matter how many parades we give them when they come home they will not sleep well at night. They are the combat veterans, and in my mind every Iraqi on the planet is not worth one of their lives. And then there are the those who hurl insults at anyone who dares question the wisdom of the chickenhawks who thought up this war, and who question the patriotism of those who don’t want to throw away the lives of another generation of Americans. They think patriotism is a bumper sticker, and they’re willing to let someone else die so they can have cheap gas for their SUV. They don’t believe Americans have any right to oppose the war. They must have slept through civics class, and missed the part where we learned that we not only have a right to disagree with the government, but we have a responsibility. Several generations of real patriots have died for that right. They don’t seem to understand the difference between loving your country and trusting the government. Their grasp of history fails to recall that the Gulf of Tonkin incident, which justified the Vietnam war and 58,000 American deaths, was a lie. They have conveniently forgotten that we have not found weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. They don’t seem to make a distinction between our real enemy, Al Qaeda, and this government’s quest for cheap oil. The dead bodies keep coming home every day and yet they remain smug in their belief of “my country, right or wrong.” In order to demonstrate their belief in democracy they verbally assault anyone with the courage to question what these kids are dying for. But they should be careful. The next time they disparage someone who is opposed to this insane folly it might be a real combat veteran. It might be me, and although I hate war, and oppose it for any other reason than our national survival, I am not a pacifist or a pantywaist. I am a patriot, and a redneck. And I’m mad as hell. God Bless America (not the government) and work for peace. It’s the patriotic thing to do.
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xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx - Saturday, November 08, 2003 at 06:06:10 (MST)

Ron Payne, I just recieved an E-mail from spence about the xmas party at pop a top.he says its bigger this year,ie, more in attendance. You going this year? gale, Rainer, you guys going? Was lots of fun last year.Those jumpers are nuts.
alvis
USA - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 22:29:54 (MST)

> EVOLUTION > > The division of the human family into its two distinct branches, liberals > and conservatives, occurred some 20,000 years ago. Until then all humans > coexisted as members of small bands of nomadic hunter/gatherers. > > A thousand generations ago, in the pivotal event of societal > evolution, beer > was invented. This epochal innovation was both the foundation of modern > civilization and the occasion of the great bifurcation of > humanity into its > two distinct subgroups. Once beer was discovered, our prehistoric > forebears > decided it was time to settle down. Making beer required grain, > and securing > a steady supply of it ordained the invention of agriculture. > After that was > accomplished, ancient man quickly, and unfairly, consigned actual > cultivation to women. Men couldn't just run off, willy-nilly, however. > Neither the glass bottle nor the aluminum can had yet been invented, so it > was necessary to stick pretty close to home, and the brewery. > This left our > male ancestors with a lot of time on their hands, and led to the > division of > the species, which persists to this day. > > Some men tried to conserve remnants of the old way of life (hence the term > "conservative") by spending their days in the open field in the dangerous > pursuit of big game animals. At night they would roast their prey at a big > barbecue, and afterwards sat around the fire drinking beer, > passing wind and > telling off color jokes. > > Other, more timid, souls stayed closer to home. They are > responsible for the > domestication of cats and the invention of group therapy. Mostly, they sat > around worrying about how life wasn't fair and concocting > elaborate schemes > to "liberate" themselves from inequity (thus their designation as > "liberals"). In the evening they gathered around their fire, nibbling on > fruit and nuts, sharing their innermost feelings. > > Today some liberals try to pretend they're really sort of > conservative, and > sometimes succeed in confusing people. The following are a few tips to use > in distinguishing the two types: > > By definition liberals believe in big government and high taxes. Life is > unfair and the government is there to do something about it. Most > people are > too stupid to spend untaxed income wisely, they say, and high taxes allow > liberals in government to do a better job of it. > > Conservatives don't like government, and, aside from the military, wish it > would just go away. They hate taxes, regulations, speed limits, and small > cars. Typical conservatives are Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronald Reagan, Rush > Limbaugh and, up there with the Big Man in the Sky, the incomparable John > Wayne. > > Typical liberals are Dustin Hoffman, Shirley McLaine, Pee Wee > Herman, Martin > Sheen, Sean Penn, Barbara Streisand, Ted Turner and his former wife, the > traitor Jane Fonda. > > All conservatives drink beer - American beer. Some liberals like imported > beer, but most prefer white wine or foreign water from a bottle. Liberals > like to drive Volvos and Saabs because they're made in socialist Sweden. > They like to eat weird food because it's un-American. Your basic > conservative vehicle, especially in Alaska, is the Chevy > Suburban. It's big, > it's American, it's four wheel drive, and it sucks up the gas. > > Conservatives eat beef, which they (surprise!) like to barbecue. > > Decorators are liberal. Liberals invented the designated hitter rule in > baseball because it wasn't "fair" to make the poor pitcher take > his turn at > bat. > > Conservatives, inspired by a remark of the legendary Pittsburgh Steeler > linebacker Jack Lambert, believe quarterbacks should be required to wear > skirts, so they can more easily be distinguished from real > football players. > > James Brown and Ray Charles are conservatives. Michael Jackson and Milli > Vanilli are liberals. > > Most social workers, personal injury lawyers, journalists, and group> > therapists are liberals. Most ranchers, loggers, professional > soldiers, and > steeplejacks are conservatives. > > Liberal jurors distrust the prosecutors and police. Conservatives > figure the > defendant must be guilty or he wouldn't be on trial. > > Most conservatives not only believe in the death penalty, they would > cheerfully implement it, personally, if called upon to do so. > Liberals think > capital punishment is a barbaric relic, and unfair to boot. > > Liberals believe Europeans are, generally speaking, far more enlightened > than Americans. Conservatives think they're basically decadent, > as evidenced > by their complete absence in wars. > > Typical conservative movies are "Raising Arizona," "Patton," and > "Conan the > Barbarian." Typical liberal movies are "Prince of Tides," "Last Tango in > Paris," and "The Big Chill." > > The quintessential liberal is the handicapper, the person who decides how > much extra weight to saddle the faster horses with in order to > make the race > "fair." The American cowboy, of course, is your basic, full bore > conservative. A hundred years ago an Englishman in South Dakota was trying > to find the owner of a huge cattle ranch. He rode up to one of the ranch > hands and asked, "Excuse me, but could you tell me where to find your > Master?" To which the cowboy replied, "That sumbitch hasn't been > born yet." > > > And that's how we got to where we are........................ >
by steve shepard
alvis
USA - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 21:38:36 (MST)

Dave, thanks for the tip on the boston globe artical. I looked it up and read it, very interresting. I also read a rebutal to that artical.Both make sense but Jeffs writting hit a more resonant chord with me.If I read it correctly,he states..hang in there,its tough now but it will work out.
alvis
USA - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 16:36:32 (MST)

man I'll tell yah. this t'ing keeps breakin' down and the fool I am keeeps tryin' to fits it... HEY, how you all doin'?
Stacy <smclain4@hotmail.com>
flagepole, az USA - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 16:28:19 (MST)

Flight: Well first a few comments: How many rescues that we made had someone filming the whole thing. Also, it was nice for all the guards to have the night off!! So, the rescue team could just walk in without anyone to bother them. Um! sounds a little staged for the public. Or is it all in my mind. Gently thanks for address, I will get a check in the mail. Gale it must have been a miss print for the nov.15th date. Ray,Gail and Chris were all here for you. Take care flight. Alex
Alex
USA - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 14:21:12 (MST)

Hello flight and all my brothers and sistes. if I remember I thought she didn't recall anything, and i think i seen the rescue was staged for TV all they had to to was walk in an get her. oh I do believe she had it hard and went threw a lot but to have a book, and a movie is about $$$ just my thought again dont want to ofend any one. but so many others gave there lifes to, to me they are all heroes just my thought sorry i guess i been talking to much but i don't think of her as one. do feel bad for what she has gone threw i best stop a brother always who sometimes says to much oh alix i havent goteny thing from the i think they are the letters i for got them but i know if i got my member ship ends in march. WELL U ALL TAKE VARE MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS A BROTHER ALWAYS RAY OND DAY I BE HELPING SOME AS YOU HAVE HELPED ME FOR I NEVER BE WHRE IAM NOW IF NOT FOR YOU ALL I THANK YOU ALL FROM MY HEART GOD BLESS U ALL. I MAY GET CONFUSED BUT I GET IT IN TIME THANKS AGAIN,,OH MY DAUGHTER HAS AN APPT WITH A NEROLIGIST ON TUE BE SAFE
RAY <stilwating@aol>
MD USA - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 13:11:03 (MST)

In my opinion, Ms. Lynch was but a pawn in a laid out plan to make it look like we rescued a POW. She is no hero, you're right. But Fred, I'm not talking about terraine and French involvement in my comparison to Vietnam-it's more the quagmire and increase in troops being sent there that make me pause and ponder....and fear. Lest we forget....... Gently
Gently
USA - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 12:46:01 (MST)

Actually, the article ran yesterday.
Dave Powers
USA - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 10:56:07 (MST)

Fred A. - Jeff Jacoby of the Boston Globe wrote a good article today (I think) talking about the "quagmire" that was post war Germany in 1946. Knowing a little history can be a good thing when trying to interpret the present.
Dave Powers
USA - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 10:51:47 (MST)

Ready to get pissed off again? That Lady solider( lynch) new book is coming out veterans day.They are calling her a hero.She doesnt remember anything about the entire ordeal.The book people have already made her a millionair.I hope they dont make dime.In my book,she isnt a hero.Tell me one brave thing, one saved life,something she did heroic? Again the press is chossing out hero's. Not one word has been said about Shoshana Johnson,who was also captured and god knows what happened to her.She remembers all.Is it because she isnt a pretty little blond from small town,southren, usa?Al sharpend( who i hate) has ask this question.It happens to be a good question for once.I will not buy the book. Yes, we need hero's, but i think lynch is deffinetly the wrong lady. idont intead to piss off anyone with my views and do respect different ones from my own.This is kinda confusing to me and I would appericate and welcome views from others
alvis
USA - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 10:44:27 (MST)

ok , dreamers.Pontiac is comming out with a new gto late this year.Its suppose to be like a "sister" to the corvette. comes with a all aluminum 350 engine,putting out 350 horse and 365 tourque.does the 0 to 60 in 5.3 seconds with the 6 speed. also offered in a automatic.rearend is 343 POSI I THINK.cost is around $32,495. Looks kinda like a cross between a grand am and a firebird.Really is a nice looking car . You can see and read bout it at gto.com. Nice site too, by the way.
alvis
USA - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 10:32:52 (MST)

folks, it not another vietnam.We are fighting a civil war with another goverenment.Most of the people back home support the soliders.Russia nor china is backing the efforts of the terrorist.We have been there only a short time,and the french werent there b4 us.Theyt hate us because we are americans,not becaUSE WE ARE TRYING TO ESTABLISH A DEMOCracy.Its the desert,not the jungle. We didnt go into vietnam,distroy the existing goverenment.Whats going on now is called mop up operations, wheather this is accurate terms or not,it does apply.There is no army to fight as well as local freedom fighters. we have defeated that army.Yes, thereare many parelles,but I truely believe its a mistake to say its another vietnam. I have been going into the helivets site also.Its open to any nam vet,crewmenber.Lots of good talk in there.One thread is about a lt, col. Alan B. West. he captured a terrorist in Titkut,Saddams home district.This person was also a local cop.Seems like he had knowledge of a upcomming ambush of some sort. The Lt.Col, let 2 of his men whip the prisoners butt. The prisoner still didnt talk.Lt. Col. West then took out his pistol and fired off 2 rounds,one close to the prisoner.He then talked.( I hope I have summed this up correctly).The ambush was the averted,possiably saving american lives. The Lt.Col.,then turned himself in to his commander for violation of the uscmj, in reguards to the treatment of prisoners.His command was taken away.he is facing dishonorable discharge and 8 years in prison.He has been in for 19 years.The soliders under his command were fined for abusing the prisoner.We all know that he did wrong,but wa it morally right? As I have said b4,I would have looked the other way in this case.It isnt a me lia massacre.The problem is that things like this can start the snowball rolling toward worse abuse.He crossed the line,but he possiably saved some lives.Does he deserve punishment or a silver star that the generals like to award themselves?
alvis
USA - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 10:25:19 (MST)

Well, Stacey...you know I'm nuts:>)) Especially because I would love to go to Iraq in the place of a young person so that he/she could return home and experience all of the wonderful things I have as I've safely grown older. And thank you Veterans for that safe feeling all these years. Remember when you guys felt guilty about leaving your friends in Nam when you were derosed? Remember wanting to make sure your brother or cousin didn't have to go and experience what you did? That's next. And it sounds like Vietnam to me. Gale and Ray..it's all very sad, painful, and difficult to watch, I agree. I'm not going to voice my opinion on the war, but I will listen to what all of you have to say-with an open mind. I hope that any of you (experienced Veterans) who get into this discussion on the war in Iraq will respect the freedom of speech(thank you again Veterans)the other side has a right to exercise. Please do not attack or anger each other. This, as Gale said, is a place to discuss such important issues. So discuss....express your views...and be open to others coming from a place you can't understand, and may even hate. Meanwhile, no matter what your stance is on the war, pay attention to how your political representatives are voting...and then you vote. If we can't go in the place of our youth, let's make sure we can trust those who vote that they go or don't go. Alex, my address is: 7221 W. Bluemound, Milwaukee WI. 53213. And Thank you $100 man. A generous gift and one obviously from your heart. I close with Gentle thoughts for all. :>)
Gently
USA - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 09:46:59 (MST)

Ray, your dAUGHTER IS in our prayers.We hope for the best. I remember her last post, which was about your encounter with the fastest way off a roof.Hoping she is better by the time you read this, the alvis's.
alvis
USA - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 09:18:19 (MST)

HI ALL GALE IAM JUST WORRYED FOR WHEN SHE WAS BORN SJE HD WATER ON THE BRAIN AND IT STOPED BEFORE SHE WAS BORN. JUST WONDERING IF IT COULD START UP HAS THE DRS STUMPED OH MADE A MISTAKE THIS TIME MAY MOT BE MENAJUICE I GUESS I JUST WORRY TO MUCH i just dont know THANKS GALE BE SAFE RAY
RAY <stilwating@aol.com>
MD USA - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 08:16:08 (MST)

Ray, hope they find your daughters problem soon...we're thinking of her. Ray, don't be afraid to vent your problems in here. We all may not agree with each others feelings, but, we all care for each other. Hopefully, we can all vent without being jumped on. I read everyone's commo and read it carefully to try to understand their viewpoint. Whether I agree or not doesn't matter. I hope we all can remain civil to each other. Alex, do we have to have our reservations at the Adam's Mark Hotel by Nov 15th like it reads in the newsletter? That's only a week away. Gale
Gale
USA - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 07:47:40 (MST)

HELLO FLIGHT I AGREE WITH YOU ALL, I CAN'T WATCH THE NEWS . AND SEE OUR MEN DIE. AND BUSH SAY WE WILL NOT RUN. WHERE DOSE HE GET THE WORD ( WE ) HE'S NOT EVEN THERE. WE CAN NOT LET THIS BE ANOTHER VIET NAM.I DON'T WANT TO BE OUT SPOKEN BUT TO MANY ARE DIEING. AND ALL HE SAYS THAT'S WAR. WELL LET HIM SEND HIS NIECES OVER THERE. AND SEE HOW HE FEELS. SORRY. WE NEED DO GO THERE WITH MORE MEN AND FIGHT TO WIN, NO GAMES. LIKE I SAID I CANT EVEN WATCH THE NEWS , I WAS GOING TO SEE THW WALL ON VETRANS DAY BUT MY VET CONSLER RECOMENED I DIDNT GO. WELL AGAIN I OPENED MY MOUTH SORRY ,, BUT I HURT TO SEE OUR MEN DIE, AND BUSH DO NOTHING BUT TRY TO GET RELECTED DON'T MEAN TO OFEND ANY ONE HONEST A BROTHER ALWAYS RAY
RAY <STILWATING@AOL.COM>
MD USA - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 07:27:55 (MST)

Flight: Well back from Ohio after visiting family. But, the cool weather followed Liz and I home. Talked to Ray, he wanted us to know that Kris was back at the er, having severe headaches. Ray and Gail let Kris know that she's in our thought and prayers. By some of the commo were ready to hope in a huey with our m-60's and kick some butt. I know it's hard to sit back and watch the news. But, I hope someone opens thier eyes to see another Vietnam in the making. To many of our troops being killed. All the middle east knows is to fight and kill each other. But, as long as we support our troops is the main thing. Gale your right about the VHCMA newsletters alot of our Brothers are dying off. It's a fact My Brothers The Vietnam Vet is dying off at fast rate. I see the death notices in all the papers. The communications between us may save someomes life as far as getting this medical checkups. Hey!! if your not a member of the Vhcma I have the applications here. Also if your a member and have moved send me your new address. We had 60 Vhcma directories come back. That a double chare from the postal service. Gently adress to send a check my Sister. GTO's Here in Collierville Tn. you can find from 64-68 models. Was real surprised to to see so many old cars. Take care Brothers and Sisters. Robbie how are the Grand Kids!!! Alex
Alex
USA - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 06:51:22 (MST)

Stacy, don't know where you're coming from or what you mean with that statement.............Another chopper down, more troops killed. I still stand my ground about goin' into Iraq. Not one American soldiers life is worth what they have accomplished over there. I had to turn off the TV this morning....I can't stand to hear about our troops dying day in & day out. All the politicians can say is "well, people die when there's war"...DUH!!! No war, no dead! Or, " we need to fight them over there or fight them in our own streets"....another big DUH!! As I said before, does this sound familiar to anyone,"would you rather fight the commies over there (in Nam) or fight them in your own back yard?" The story's the same......just the names have changed. I'm not trying to upset anyone or start something....................I just need to vent!! YES..I remember 9/11 and YES...I support our troops 100%, but, do I support the actions taken by our politicians? NO!! Alvis, it's good to hear that your son is home and I would like to meet him some day and welcome him home in person. Maybe you can get him to LZ Indy. If you move to Avon, you could almost walk to the reunion at the Adam's Mark hotel (at the airport).Robbie, thanks and good luck to you next month. JW & alvis, all that talk about cars got me to thinkin'. I've almost had more cars than I can remember 1st car a '51 Ford flathead V8, 52 Merc,55 Merc,57 Merc turnpike cruiser,57 Merc conv,61 Ford Starliner, 65 Stang fastback V8 4sp. When I got back from Nam in 68 I bought an "almost" new 67 Stang GT fastback 390V8 4sp (real strong), 69 ford XL 429),72 Torino,71 Lincoln Mklll, 77 T-bird. I then switched to GM, Pontiac, Buick, Pontiac, Buick, Pontiac. Then a Mazda, Then a divorce.........kept my restored 66 Stang coupe V8 a/t. Eventually sold it and got my present 92 Stang 5.0 conv. Lotta memories over them years. As you can tell I do favor Fords. That's all we argued about in Nam was Fords & Chevy's and no body ever won an argument.............so long ago. Thanks for listening brothers & sisters. Clear, Gale
Gale 67-68
US of A - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 06:43:22 (MST)

HELLO FLIGHT . JUST LETING YOU KNOW THEY TOOK KRIS BACK TO ER YESTERDAY. AMD DONE MORE TESTS EVEN ANOTHER SPINAL TAP STILL CLEAR, BUT STILL HAS BAD HEAD ACKES HEPT HER AWHILE AMD SENT HER HOME AT MIDNIGHT BUT MADE ARANGEMENTS FOR HER TO SEE A NEROLIGIST , THERE OFFICE IS WAITING FOR THERE CALL I HOPE THEY SEE HER SOON. SHE CANT BE GOING BACK TO ER EVER FOR A SPINAL TAP EVERY TWO WEEKS, IT COULD STILL BE THAY MENAJUICE I JUST DONT KNOW JUST LETTING YOU ALL KNOW HOW LONG DOSE IT LAST AND SHOULD THE HEAD ACKES BE THAT BAD.THANKS FOR LISTING.. SHE LIKES COMMING ON HERE TAKE CARE MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS BE SAFE A BROTHER ALWAYS RAY
RAY <stilwating#aol.com>
MD USA - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 06:14:47 (MST)

I don't know about you all...I think you are all nuts...Just a note about the French... We bailed them folks out more than once...Our dead are turning over in their graves and should be cauasing an earthquake if they all turn over at the same time... Hey Rick, how ya doin' ??? Stacy 129th gunner
Stacy McLain <smclain4@hotmail.com>
Flagpole, az USA - Thursday, November 06, 2003 at 19:42:46 (MST)

Gale i'm glad your colonoscopy came out ok. I have an appointment for mine on 12/12. I asked them if i could take a pill, and they said no we don't offer that option because it doesn't always work as it should and causes complications. So i guess i'll suffer with drinking the Swill. I'll just pretend i'm on Fear Factor or something. As long as i don't have to eat any slimy bugs or anything, i'll be ok. Rick, i hope everything comes out ok for you. Fred A, i'm glad you Son is home safe. You must be relieved. My last day working here will be Nov 12th. I have a Puter at home now and will monitor from there. I have a new email address, and will give it to anyone that wishes, but i hesitate to put it on here for all the damn Spammers to see/have. Hope all the rest of the Hiss and Pissers are ok. Ray just sent me a note and said Kris had to go back to the Hospital. I hope they can help her with those headaches Ray... Rob.
Robbie
Rochester, NY USA - Thursday, November 06, 2003 at 11:59:51 (MST)

thanks for all the well wishes about my son. He is now out and back in Colorado, I do believe. Havent heard from him,proably trying to catch up on things and enjoying his freedom and all america has to offer. Gale, glad you recieved good news.Good luck on your next one Rick. Hey Robbie, the transport people are testing in Albany Ny. and clevend Oh., among a few places.I think those are the closest to you, at this time. Jw,In my opinion, the 67 gto was the last of the good looking ones.I just like that body style.Darn things sure had some grunt to. be well all and may your river crossing go well.
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 06, 2003 at 09:54:58 (MST)

Fred good to hear your son is home. Is he out or on leave?******Gale good to hear your clear and ready to get back to normal. My second checkup is coming up soon. Flight it is something we need to do.****** Right on Robbie. Clear left and still hot.
Rick England
USA - Thursday, November 06, 2003 at 09:08:10 (MST)

Just a quick stop in until I get a minute to read the recent posts. Fred Alvis!!!!!!!!! Your son came home yesterday! The Nemitz is back in port. I'm so happy that he is home and safe. Take him to the Pop-a-Top with you....it's a home for our soldiers. Always -Gently
Gently
USA - Thursday, November 06, 2003 at 08:28:57 (MST)

Flight, came thru my colonoscopy screen just fine. I had one small polyp removed and the Doc says everythings fine. Of course the prep time was the worse part....two days on liquid diet, two little bottles to drink ( pretty nasty stuff) and an enema before the procedure. I was pretty sick most of the afternoon, but, feel fine today.....with peace of mind. They say you will never die of colon cancer if you just get tested................. For those of you that don't get the VHCMA newsletter (I encourage you to join), there is a letter from a 54 year old Nam vet left to his friend to read upon his death. It's a little lengthy, but, worth the time. Pete wrote: "If you get this letter then it means I have lost my fight with colon cancer. This is no ones fault, I did not get the checkup. Don't do what I did. / Don't weep or mourn for me, I have had a good life and I have met some very good people along the way. / I will miss you all. / For all of you, who during my life were there for me when I needed help, thank you. / Now it is time to go. I have cashed in my chips and saddled up for the last time. Take care and enjoy your life, I did".......................................................................Gale
Gale
USA - Thursday, November 06, 2003 at 07:32:14 (MST)

Avis,you brought a lot of good memories to me by mentioning about a GTO. I save most of my army money and bought a new 67 GTO for $3154.00 when I got home from Nam. What a ride!Four years later I traded it on a truck, for last 20 years I have regretted that trade.
J W Wilson
USA - Wednesday, November 05, 2003 at 22:39:00 (MST)

Rick, why don't you tell us how you really feel?????? Just joking. I feel the same as you do at times. Then i get people around me saying why are you getting so upset and i say it pisses me off. If they start dancing around some of our people after a crash and putting helmets etc on, then there would be a few holes in the damn helmets after the fact. Rob
Robbie
Rochester, NY USA - Wednesday, November 05, 2003 at 11:32:54 (MST)

was just thinking about the first cars i drove. The one i learned in was a 53 chevy,4 door,6 banger,powerglide. Cant remember if it had a heater, but it did have a am radio.Back seat was just the right size too.Fist muscle car i drove was a tri power,4 speed,64 gto. was in 66 i believe. The first time I power (speed) shifted that beast, i was going from second to 3rd and hit 1st by mistake.That left lots of little skippy black marks on the road, tho it (thank god) didnt tear anything up.My big brother had a 61 fuelie vet that he would let me drive to school and on dates sometimes. Damn that car was fast.Would outrun 4 barrel gto's but not the tri power ones.We took it to the drag strip a few times and the best we could do (stock) was 14 flat at about 103 or so.never could get laid in that car though,it had a steering wheel the size of a river boats and no back seat.now my highschool ride( i owned it) was a 48 plymouth special delux. suicide doors and all.No heater nor radio but I didnt care,it was mine and those really cool 8 track units were just coming out.Alos , those cool headrest add ons had came out a few years earlier,but i didnt get them either.I did find a radio in a junk yard later,ned those tunes when ur bird dogging a little lady,trying to talk her into getting naked.Now that car had a backseat the size of texas. TINS, you could sit in the back seat and yoller (alone) and it would echo once. sadly to say,the 48 is the only car still within my reach, money wise. 61 fuelie vet will sit you back over 50 thou and a nice 64/65 tri power goes fo around 20 grand, while the old plymouth( which i may have concieved my first son in) is still around 5 grand.My brother bought the vet for 12 hundred and had payments of around 99 per month. The gto,he didnt buy cause the bank wouldnt lend 23 hundred on it. we have to give it back after test driving for the week end.( the salesman was an old army buddy of my dads..this was in columbus, georgia).ahh, the plymouth set me back 6oo bucks and was in almost perfect shape. A friend gave me a roll and pleated front seat for it, chuckle, I was styling. What you guys learn on and liked?. Loved my little mg midget,and another time my 48 jeep( in colorado).Used to tear up rampart range road from te garden of the gods in that thing, think i even drove it sober a few times.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 05, 2003 at 07:49:50 (MST)

good to hear Joes doing well.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 05, 2003 at 06:20:27 (MST)

Just got a commo from Joe Johnson from Thailand and he is doing well. Plans on living there. If we do a trip that is were we should go he knows. He told me to let you know he doing well.
Rick England
USA - Tuesday, November 04, 2003 at 18:58:45 (MST)

sorry abot the fucking spelling
Rick England
USA - Tuesday, November 04, 2003 at 18:44:05 (MST)

Fred I will fly with you on any side brother. These mothers don't know yet what there getting into. Thats is what is pissing me off. The fucking government is cutting off troops ond money already. Le6ts ether do it or not and get out. These fucking polticains are goingf to fuckit up again. Guns are hot on ether side I would like to have those minis that I seen in the later years. clear left or right I am there
Rick England
USA - Tuesday, November 04, 2003 at 18:42:37 (MST)

Rick, you pick the side of the bird u want to sit behind a gun, I'll take the other side, got your 6 covered also.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 04, 2003 at 13:31:23 (MST)

I will check on flight prices to bagdad, I think we can pick up some weapons and show them how to do it without calling in an getting a clearnce # we don't need the confirmed kills. I don't care who I offend anymore. Bush better get off his ass. We as Vetreans have a large voting power we just need to get together. Go to the VVA site and you can find out what your dumb ass politicans in your state are voting for. Judith thanks for that info. Flight its time not to be careful out there anymore. Clear left and guns are hot.
Rick England
USA - Tuesday, November 04, 2003 at 09:42:52 (MST)

We are sending how many billions to Iraqa? have we all gone daft? I wish thery would show those pecker heads dancing around the crash site ANd after the trade towers just b4 bush ask for that money again.Again, Have we gone nuts?
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 04, 2003 at 08:34:23 (MST)

It"s a lot easier to get across my lap than under my chin to use a bow....
Keith 72-73
USA - Tuesday, November 04, 2003 at 05:27:45 (MST)

Hey Kieth, how in the world do you get that bass across your lap to strum it? hehehe
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 04, 2003 at 03:24:57 (MST)

hello all I agree with u Rainer at the chest and ones wearing helment blow them off but what we realy need are more tropps to fight to win and a presdient who realy cares take care all its a shame so many dieing a brother. you all mean alot to me Ray thats all I say be safe
Ray <stilwting@aol.com>
md USA - Monday, November 03, 2003 at 17:24:47 (MST)

Hey Alvis, Rag on their head.....Gun in their hand....Killing American soldiers....no Uniform....Deja-vu.....?????????
Keith 72-73
Ms USA - Monday, November 03, 2003 at 17:19:35 (MST)

I also believe that when they picked up helmets from around the crash site,and put htem on, they then are legitament targets, dancing targets, but legit non-the less
alvis
USA - Monday, November 03, 2003 at 17:07:35 (MST)

Well Rainer,I didnt want to say that but if it happened and i was there..I darn sure would have been looking the other way when it happened, if asked.
alvis
USA - Monday, November 03, 2003 at 16:50:38 (MST)

Alvis, I disagree with you, I don't think that the M60 burst should be over their heads,maybe more like chest high. Rainer
Rainer Bauer <bauerrv@aol.com>
Indy, USA - Monday, November 03, 2003 at 16:18:59 (MST)

Again, the T,V, has shone people dancing around american dead bodies. I am way over it. they did it after 911 and do it after ambushes.Its time to let the army go to work,get the liberal politicans and the news media out of there. Next time the do he dancing, let loose with a m-60 over their heads.Its not like they are going to hate us even more.Take a few up in a helicopter and threaten to throw them out,find out just where the bad guys are hiding their wepons and their commaders.Take off the gloves, this is B.S.Like Ray, I hope I dont piss offf to many people, but thats how I am starting to feel about this whole cluster%&#$#$.
alvis
USA - Monday, November 03, 2003 at 08:43:09 (MST)

HELLO FLIGHT. IAM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE CRASH OF OUR TROOPS COMING HOME HOME FOR SOME R&R. AND MY HEART GOSE OUT TO THERE FAMILYS, NOW I HOPE WHAT I SAY DON'T OFEND ANY ONE BUT I THHIK IT'S ABOUT TIME THAT BUSH PUTS MORE FOCUS ON THE WAR, IN STEAD OF RUNNIG AROUNG THE COUNTRY TRYING TO GET RELECTED, AS RUMFELT KEEPS SAYING WE WILL PERVAIL.BUT AS OUR TROOPS DIE, SORRY IF I OFEND ANY ONE JUST TIRED OF SEEING OUR MEN DIEING A BROTHER ALWAYS RAY AGAIN DONT MEAN TO OFEND ANYONE
RAY <STILWATING@AOL.COM>
MD USA - Monday, November 03, 2003 at 07:32:26 (MST)

HEY FRED I HEAR YOU BRO, YEAH I'M HAVING A BLAST. THE TYPE OF FLYING YOU DO IN AN ULTRALITE IS FOR RECERATION AND THE FASTER YOU LEARN THAT THE BETTER OFF ONE BECOMES. THIS IS NOT HAVING TO GET SOME WHERE IN A HURRY, GO RESCUE SOMEONE OR THAT TYPE OF FLYING, WHICH ACTUALLY MAKES IT MORE ENJOYABLE. I'M GETTING REAL CLOSE TO MY SOLO AND THE INSTRUCTOR GETS MY SHIRT TAIL,,,SO WHEN YOU SEE ME NEXT YEAR AT INDY JUST LOOK FOR THE GUY WITH A BIG GRAY BEARD AND A BLUE VHCMA T-SHIRT WITH THE BACK MISSING. GALE HOW ARE YOU MY FRIEND. HOW'S DEBBIE,,,YOU GUYS HAVE NOT SET THE BIG DAY YET,,,,OR HAVE YA. WELL GUESS I'LL GET OFF AND DO A LITTLE STUDYING,,,JUST GOT LAUNDRY DONE,,,DISHES TO DO,,DAMN SOME GUYS WORK IS NEVER DONE. WINGS LEVEL,,,I'M OUTTA HERE
jim oliver
pembroke, ga USA - Sunday, November 02, 2003 at 20:08:34 (MST)

Alvis, yeah, US 36 is about 10 minutes north of us. Where's your house at......close to Target area? Come thru there quite often. Debbie's Dad lives up by St Vincent Hospital and here brother lives just off 36 , but, east of 465. Enjoy your day. Randy, did you get hold of Gerry Deneault ?? Clear, Gale
Gale
USA - Sunday, November 02, 2003 at 13:42:40 (MST)

Sounds like you are having the time of your life, Jim.You be careful up there.Sounds like harell has the best of both worlds, glad for you buddy.Gale , saw that on he news, brings it home to us.We been there,done that and know the frightening dangers involved.I hate to hear stories like that..so many familys,young people gone, brave lads.You know some saw the damn thing coming, gut wrenching,horror story.Anyone heard from Ron Payne, if he is going?Might be the last good ride of the year on his bike.Gale, we are still waiting to close on the house,its takes more time than i realized. Hope to be in by feb, but one never knows.We still live in clermont,on crawfordsville rd.I believe we are moving close to state highway 36, which runs into your neck of thE woods doesnt?i HAVE YOUR GIFT SITTING ON MY DESK, BY THE COMPUTER,see it daily, chuckle, its kind of attracted more unit things, the pilots wings Ron gave me, our unit patch.Thanks again for that Ron,thank you for your kindness and generosity.You too gALE.dANG, i HAVE TO BE THE WORLDS WORST TYPEST.Hey Freddy how you doing out htere?Haveny seen you post in a while. ANYONE GO INTO THAT SITE AND SEE IF THEY KNEW ANYONE?Any Cobra jockey fly a ship with the numbers ending in 29? Its hard to make it out. Ahh, a sunday off, its great.Cup of coffe,bisquits,gravy, warm day..mmm see all later, have a good day folks.
alvis
USA - Sunday, November 02, 2003 at 08:39:00 (MST)

Flight, well, it's a sad day......"shithook down".....13 more of our young men dead.....I can't hardly stand to check the news. Harrell, sounds great buddy....happy for you. So many don't get to enjoy retirement. I swore that they weren't going to carry me out of the Post Office feet first. If you get up to Indiana the door is always open..........for any 129th brother & sister. Alvis, did you & Susan ever find that house you looking for? Too bad about the 15th...was looking forward to seeing you. Kal, how 'bout it....can you make it? Lee Wood, can you tear yourself away from work for one day ;o)? Nice weather here in Indiana. Mid 70's and sunny ( except for all the dead leaves). Clear, Gale
Gale
USA - Sunday, November 02, 2003 at 07:34:29 (MST)

Hey Brothers. Been a while since I posted so I thought I would say hello. 13 more working days until retirement.Company says after almost 36 years here is a retirement incentive. If I work in 2004 I will lose my post 65 medical insurance. Well at 57 I am ready and they also want me to work 1-2 days a week for a couple of years keeping the gasoline octane engines up to par since I am the only one trained to do it. I told them I would do it for the nominal fee of $125/hr. This is the industry service rate. They say OK, no problem. Go figure, won't pay my post 65 insurance but will pay this without flinching. Life could be worse. After all these years it all comes together. SOmeone has definitely been looking over my shoulder with a kind hand on it. Who knows, I just may hit the road and visit some of you guys. Take care brothers.
Harrell Guidry
Groves, Tx USA - Sunday, November 02, 2003 at 04:59:50 (MST)

WELL I GUESS IT'S TIME TO ADD MY TWO CENTS WORTH. FRED I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL,,ONE OF THE GUYS I WORK WITH WENT INTO SERVICE IN 73,,,IE BASIC TRAINING. WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF DOING PAPERWORK FOR A NEW CONTRACTOR(JOB) AND I JUST HAPPENED TO SEE HIS COPIES ON THE BOSS'S DESK. YEAP, HE A VIETNAM VET, I FEEL LIKE RIPPING HIS F_CKING HEAD OFF AND TAKING A DUMP DOWN THE STUMP,,,BUT IF I DID THEN EVERYTHING WOULD BE TURNED AROUND TO MAKE ME THE BAD GUY,,,SO WHAT THE HELL I HOPE THE HELL HE HAS NIGHTMARES,,,OH WELL CHANGE WHAT YOU CAN AND LIVE WITH THE REST,,,THE FLYING IS GOING GREAT,,,GOT STALL TRAINING FRI. ALONG WITH SLOW FLIGHT AND STEEP TURNS. THE NEXT SESSION WILL BE THE IDIOT CIRCLE,,,THAT'S TRAFFIC PATTERN WORK UNTIL IT IS BURNED INTO YOUR MEMORY. THERE'S ALSO A LOT OF OTHERS THINGS ALSO BUT IF YOU ALL WANTED TO KNOW THAT I'M SURE YOU WOULD BE OUT THERE GETTING THE SAME TRAINING THAT I'M GETTING. I'M THINKING OF GOING TO OHIO THIS MONTH AROUND THANKSGIVING AND I MITE TRY AND GET OVER TO MARK AND DEE'S PLACE. TAKE CARE ALL MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS,,,,,WINGS LEVEL JIM
jim oliver
pembroke, ga USA - Saturday, November 01, 2003 at 20:46:20 (MST)

had a son of a bitch call me a kid killer..at work, today. its bee so long since thats happened that it left me speechless..for a minute.I told him, if any kids where killed , it was in self-defense or a stray bomb.The commies where the ones that did that crap.People saw 9/11, didnt they learn anything?people saw our bombing of baddag, didnt they connect the dots?Jesus Christ I am tired of these hollywood stereo types.I should have just hit him in the mouth and gotten fired.the cure for ignorance is education, but i am afraid there is no cure for stupidity. Cant go the 15th fellas, sory, will have to do it alone again.Why dont you guys talk mark into taking down my sks and go shooting with it. I left him a bunch of rounds.I am thinking of bringing it home soon anyway,want to teach my new daughter to shoot.
alvis
USA - Saturday, November 01, 2003 at 18:15:14 (MST)