Al, don't give up, I turned my claim over after years of work with the VA to the VFW, & also a Congressman involved, sometimes they can & will help. As Fred A. Said , we are the only living representatives of what really went on.>>>>Smitty
jim westwang 71-72
Sheridan, wy USA - Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 21:07:12 (MST)
Alex, sorry to hear about your claim. When they told me the same thing I took a copy of the Air Medals to my DAV Rep and he took it straight to the VA while I sat at his desk. Like everyone else here I can't beleive these people. Why don't you get a copy of the reasons to be awarded an Air Medal, then shove it someone at the VAs you know what. I see my shrink Monday and was going ask why I feel so much anger. The ones in Indy managed to frustrate me for years over the MOS deal until I pushed the right button. So Alex keeping on pushing until you get someone who is not an idiot!
Ken Strong Jr. 72-73
Lafayette, IN USA - Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 20:54:34 (MST)
Alvis, as soon as I get done here I will write Phil. Donna is doing a lot better, she is healing up quite well. (faster than the Dr. thought she would) she still has a lot of pain but that should eas up when her surgery wounds heal. she still has 3 wounds open that have to be cleaned and re-packed every day. and antibiotics 4 times a day. ALEX, great to talk to you tonight. hang in there Bro. YOU CAN WIN it just takes time. Later, Don
Don Miller
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 20:32:52 (MST)
Fred Alvis, My e-mail is screwie dewie, Get a hold of Phil for me and tell him to call my cell for the 3 way call this weekend. 1-419-733-3154.
Mark
USA - Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 20:25:05 (MST)
Man, this place is on fire. Cool.........Fred, I talked to Val ( Larry's daughter ), she is getting back to me. I told her I had to know this week. I am free anytime for a call with you guys. I need to ask Phil questions about the trip also.........pretty exciting. Ray, take care brother. Alex, sorry to hear about the claim set back. Stick with it brothers.........Moving in the cabin this weekend and will be out of service for a couple of days. Fred, I will give Phil my cell phone number for the call.......Ken Strong. I am so glad that you saw the 129th flag this summer. john D. great to see your post as well as Denis too..........and all of you........always a brother........
Mark
USA - Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 20:05:19 (MST)
Alex,Its my impression that you know the history of the 129th,perhaps better than anyone.
You and a few others were there very early on,but we need some mid years guys too.
I just got off the phone with Phil,seems he wants 2 or 3 pages on his site about the 129th.One page will be history of,I think he wants to put Dons KIA page in there and one page showing the doors of the 509 ,that have our KIAs painted on them.Thats the plan as far as I know.The pictures of the 129th guys were indeed taken from Bill Wolfs CD. If any of you dont want your picture on his site,please tell him. Bill,he needs your permission concerning the CD,or pictures anyway. Mark,he ask about a time for a 3 way phone conversation between the 3 of us..this weekend.I am off this weekend,so anytimes thats good for you is ok with me.He is 5 hours ahead of us. Phil also ask about Larrys daughter,if she was going or if I had herad anything concerning that.I told him .."I had no idea". Filming is to be finished by late JAN,so the ball is rolling.Its also a time of year they have "free" time to persue these avenues,the rest of the time is spent at airshows,maintainance,ect.If Larrys daughter isnt interested,perhaps someone else in here is.He needs to know soon.I think this affair might result in some hits to this site...people wanting to know about the war//school kids and stuff and perhaps folks interested in huey helicopters. Dont forget guys..we ARE (and other unit crews)the only living experts on helicopter warfare/vietnam.We did the walk and now some want to hear the "true" talk,not the news media crap.
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 17:48:51 (MST)
Alvis: I been to Phil's site and logged in to the guest log. I think it will take all of us to tell about the 129th. The aircraft was well after most of us left. But, will help any way I can.
Alex
USA - Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 16:35:02 (MST)
(((( DON MILLER ))))),please contact Phil Connely,the guy that has 509,asap. Guys...espcally you Alex, we need help. Do not think I can do this alone.Lets get the record straight.Folks from all over the world hit Phils site.Yea,its about the 509,but its about us too. Don,I sent Phil your addy for the KIA site..he is impressed.This is the e-mail i recieved from him today.........Attachment : image001.gif (< 0.01 MB)
Hi Fred
The link you sent us is good, Do we need permission from Don to us this info? Also what about the Relatives?
Can you guys supply the other info such as history ect, of the 129th.
My web guy will get on with it as soon as we have the permission,
Can you check up with mark if he will be able for a conference call sometime this weekend between the three of us.
we need to discuss this BBC project, I have the phone to arrange it at my end just need to know a suitable time.
Phil
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 13:51:25 (MST)
Alex...stinking bean counters..grrr. They seem to overlook the word ASSAULT, in assault helicopter company. RAY,not to worry brother. Gail is a fine woman and a great care taker..it will work out..more of the work of stinking bean counters.
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 13:42:26 (MST)
DENNIS CAN YOU HELP E I HAVE DOUBLE VISION FOOR YEARS, A VERY ENLARGED PROASTE . MY DAUGHTER HEAD WAS REAL BIG, BUT THEY BLAMED IT ON SOMETHING ELESE.I JUST DONT HAVE DIEBEATES TYPE 2. I HAVE NO BALANCE. LETME KNOW WHAT OU THINK PLEASE IF YOU CAN.FLIGHT DO YOU RECALL LAST YEAR YOU WOULD NOTBELIVE THIS. DO YOU RECALL LAST YEAR WHEN I HAD TO MAHE GAIL POWER OF ATTORNEY, YESTERDAY I GOTA LETTER THAT THAT LETTER WAS UNEXCEPTAL. SO THEY WANT TO APOINT SOME ELESE. I BLEW UP.BUT IT WAS TO LATE TO CALL SOME.I WENT TO TOM
HE CALLED THE VA THEY SAID IT WAS ON THE WRONG FORM.I ASKED HIM IT TOOK A YEY TO NOYICE IT, SO WE START OVER.I ALSO CALLED THE CONGRESS MAN,SHE WAS SUPRISED TO AND IS GOING TO LOOK IN TO IT .THE FORM THEY WANT IS A ARMY FORM, NOT A REG POWER OF ATTORNEY FRON FROM A LAWER. I ASHED HER WGAT TOOK SO LONG, SHE GOING TO CALL ME TO DAY, THEY ARE GOING TO SEND PEOPLE TO LOOK AT THE HOUSE SEE IF I LIVE IM A CLEAN PLACE IF WE HAVE FOOD IF WE HAVE A VITEL MARRAGE HOW DOME. BUT WHEN THE CONGRESS LADY CALLS IAM GOIG TO ASK HERIF LETTERS FROM THAT KNOWN US A WHILE WOULD HELP SO STAND BY OK.. I TELL YOU I WAS SO MAD AT THEM. THE ANGR POURED OUT
WHO THE HE^^
ARE THE TO JUDGE US. DEBBIE THE CONGRESS LADY DIDNT UNDER STAND HOW COME THEY DIDNT TAKE, BUT WILL FIND OUT WHY
I LET YOU KNOW.
TOM SAID NOT TO WORRY THEY JUST COME UP IN ABOUT 6 WEEKS LOOKS US OVER LOOK AT OUR BANK STATNENT, TOM SAID THAT I BE SUPRISED HOW MANY WIVES THE THE VETS MONE AND SPEND IT,WHEN HE WAS ON THE PHONE WITH THE VA HE SAID I KNOW THEN BOTH VERY WELL AND HAVE A VITIAL MARRAGE SO WE SEE I WAS SO MAD. BUT MY CONGRES MAN SAID SHE GET TO THE BOTTOM OF IT
THANKS FOR LISTEN. IAM GOING TO ASK HER IF ANY LETTERS FROM PEOPLE WHO KNOW US WOULD HELP
WELL I RAMBLED ON SOORY I JUST CANT BELIVEIT 6TOOK A YEAR FOR THEN TO SEE IT.. A BROTHER ALWAYS RAY
RAY <stilwating@aol.com>
md USA - Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 10:31:46 (MST)
Alex, contact me at dpfirst50-hotmail.com. Substitute - with @. I have some positive suggestions for you and the VA Quest. Most of them involve Agent orange claims and what's considered covered ailments which cannot be denied
Dennis Fuerstenau
Haines City, FL USA - Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 09:27:32 (MST)
Well got my paper work from the VA in Nashville. As usual they denied my claim. Acording to them. They don't hold much salt to what the VA Hospital staff or Vet Center staff has to say. And, if it isn't on your DD214 it didn't happen. Letters from Brothers of the 129th Pilots and crew still didn't lay a foundation for seeing any combat in Vietnam. Air Medal doesn't mean you seen combat. Beause it doesn't state combat on the air medal. I appreciate all the 129th Brothers whom sent Buddy letters. But,I will check with the VFW to see what options I have Have. The personnel keeping records,didn't list everything. And, at time we had guys flying for regular gunners or some crewchiefs. Records weren't kept. The only log was kept with the aircraft. And, we'll never find them. Flight records don't know any place to find them either. when, we left Vietnam know one told us to get copies og the flight records. Some from later years were told to get copies. Well it's been an experience. I still go for PTSD at the VA Hopital. Hopefully they will be to help with the memories of What I saw and experienced in Vietnam. To all of you keep fighting and get into the VA for PTSD help. I never thought I had it. But, until about 94 I stayed in my own little world. Life is to short. Looking for to Orlando.
Alex
USA - Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 07:56:04 (MST)
thanks Don...hows Miss Donna doing?
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 00:36:20 (MST)
Alvis, I have my site up and it has some pictures. I don't have everyone yet but I am still trying. just click on my name below oe copy and paste http://donald_6.tripod.com/129thmiakia1.htm that will get you there. anything else I can do, let me know. Later, Don
Don Miller
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at 20:04:51 (MST)
Ken: As soon as Charlie Rains get back to town. I will have him run the tail number. His is a complete run down on the aircraft. What units and dates of service and non-service. He did one for an aircraft on display in Piegon Forge TN. It turned out the Vietnam service was with 3 units and spent most of the tine in the 187th. Started a group session of PTSD at the VA Hospital. this one is only 4 weeks. Still have my regular conselor.
Alex
USA - Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at 09:34:26 (MST)
To add about claims, My PTSD was added by the VA after the fact this year because they said I could submit letters from employers, etc. I got about eighteen letters from most employers back to 1985 and also guys that I knew in the Army who were also in Nam. Two of the guys wrote that we shared our problems years ago about nightmares. I was trying to get my back rating increased and after they got those they added PTSD on their own. The other thing was having a near mental breakdown in April when a VA Doctor pissed me off over my Morphine. The DAV Rep said that and the letters helped, than just had to take copies of my Air Medal Orders when they said the couldn't show where I was in Combat. The 100% came in a month after that. I had nightmares starting only a few weeks after I got home and like many kept it to myself rather than saying I was nuts. Like in the unit no one showed being scared of anything. Even now it is hard to say getting shot at scared the hell out of me. This site is a wonderful place to know we are not alone.
Ken Strong Jr. 72-73
Lafayette, IN USA - Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at 06:22:22 (MST)
flight if you are going for your ptsd claim try and get the # of the form to get your 215 its the addendem to the 214. It is an update of medals. This will help a great deal with your claim. I found out I had 14 air medals and was in 5 major campains. You can get the form from your conselour or service officer. I did mine after I got 100% this will help with the reevaluation if it happens. I know in 68 that they did not keep up with the records. Flight be careful out there
Rick England
USA - Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at 04:27:00 (MST)
What was the name of the comic book we used to get, the one that had the woman who was always admonishing us to 'not let complacency kill us'? I think it was a supplement to Aviation Times? I'm a millwright in a paper mill, and still spend a lot of time doing PM work, inspecting cranes.
Kim
USA - Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at 03:28:50 (MST)
As I get ready to call it a night I will have tall numbers in my dreams. In 1975 I became hooked on aircraft historical records and reading them after the unit changed a tail boom on a Cobra. It didn't work and we were pulling our hair out and the year of the boom was the right part number. Ya it was in Nam, I looked at the data plate on the aircraft very closely and questioned the rivets. With a tech reps help it appeared not to belong to that airframe. Strange things happened over there but after that I read everyone I could get my hands on. You might be suprised but Air America had quite a few and the records went into a black hole while there. Or the other that the unit had two 1968s ending in 351 but different series/contract numbers. I was on the second one. It had bullet holes in it when I got it. Not to knock our TI's there but wonder if they wrote a lot down in the records. Not a suprise that flight records and air medals were off. I got the five I did when some guys were bitching because they had ten and up coming and they went through to issue orders. I am sure a bunch missed theirs all together. In my case those orders were my ace in the hole for PTSD. All Be Safe.
Ken Strong Jr. 72-73
Lafayette, IN USA - Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at 21:18:37 (MST)
BINGO...John,I believe you have hit the nail squarely on the head. There might have been over speed issues...with what we went thru, but the bird was red Xed cause tourque screws were missing...twas way over tourqued.The Dennis thats up in Bedford PA.was the P.Pilot on that mission.Hope he checks the flight log soon.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at 18:16:31 (MST)
alvis, i left the 129th mid jan 72. duane corcoran (not sure if spelled his last name right)was to leave before me, but i got a thirty day drop. duane and i came from up north flying out of chu-lai. both of us dust-off. anyway one day just before xmas i came down the hill to pre-flight my ship, only to discover it missing. seem gabby had come in sometime after our last mission and took my ship. i believe the one they had down south had developed maint issues. make a long story short he had an overspeed (eng/trans) don't remember. they hooked it back to lane and dropped it in he south china. don't remember who crewed it during the overspeed, but i ended up with his aircraft after it came out of maint. when i left i believe gabby had been grounded. i believe i have the tail number written down somewhere will have to look when i get back to liberty.
john dillman <jdillman1@charter.net>
MO USA - Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at 17:57:58 (MST)
Thanks Dennis, I did get the ARCOM when I got back to the states. As far as the 509 I was just asking because I didn't remember getting any 1972 models. I am kind of weard that way, have trouble with names but remember numbers. Also I guess that trough mid January anyway I didn't remember getting any more new aircraft in 1st Flight. Alvis I am sure you remember that getting a brand new aircraft was something guys would fight over. I can't say what happened in 2nd Flight because they could be like a hundred miles away in my memories. Guess my life was attached to the building on the line and doing inspections with a flashlight, cleaning the guns and also getting the next day missions on the board. Than grabbing a box of seas and going back to the houch. I gained about 25 lbs in Nam on those things. Now I wish we could get the word out to more of those who served and maybe we would be able to figure out who crewed what.
Ken Strong Jr. 72-73
Lafayette, IN USA - Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at 17:05:18 (MST)
Ken,if you notice alot of writting on the cargo doors of 509...its our KIAs.At our request,we ask Phil to put the names in some small,out of the way, place.perhaps under the tail boom ,anywhere.He responded by painting the names on each side of the bird,big as life.
ok flight, time for the 129th ahc to make a statement,set the record straightand honor our KIA,s. help needed on his site...I recieved this email today....Hi guys
I have received your emails about the January project and will speak to you soon when I know more.
On another note, we are planning to redo certain section of the huey website. There will be a section on the 129th. I am hoping that one of you guys or one of your colleagues could supply me approximately two or three pages of text about the 129th to include
History of the 129th, start date etc
History of the 129th operations in Vietnam
Some brief text on reunions etc
Details of the air crew killed in action-names and photos please.(I know I have the names but I cant put the faces to the names)
Anything else you would like to add about the 129th and Huey 509
I intend to put photos of the KIA on the site to tie up with the names on the door of 509. I hope you think this will be ok with their families. I think it would make a moving end to the article.
I would appreciate your help with all this! I’d like to have the info ready to put on the site ASAP! The BBC will probably follow the link between huey 509 and the 129th in the documentary, so I want to make sure we have all the facts right!
Lastly, can you let me know when would be a good time for you to travel over here? We’re definitely looking at mid-end January 07.
Speak to you soon.
Regards
Phil
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at 16:36:08 (MST)
Dennis and Ken, Phil (the owner of 509) is looking for guys that were there, when that ship was.Do either of you remember it? Ken,I left after xmas of 71 or early jan. of 72.Whenever they were taking after action reports on the loss of the bird,,they got my ass out of there,sent the crew chief home..a week early,Dennis F,the P.pilot was found innocent of all responabilties and poor Gabby had his wings taken away,,GROUNDED.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at 16:16:09 (MST)
Bruno, I have a bad case of crs, all I know is the pictures were taken in Apr. or May of 67. Iwas hoping someone could put some names with them.
Rainer Bauer
USA - Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at 14:56:55 (MST)
Ken, I believe you and I were there at the same time. I got the April 72 and left in November of 72 cuz my primary Mos was in shortage status in the States. I was in the Supply room for a short time, then to 2nd flt with the likes of Coffino,Belanger, et al. I was in the Orderly room till I left. I was Doing the orders and request for Awards and Decorations. In fact if I were to go home and get out my file I believe your standard name line is listed as a recipient of a ARCOM as the unit was standing down. Dennis.
Dennis Fuerstenau <dpfirst50athotmail.com>
Haines City, FL USA - Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at 14:39:12 (MST)
Robbie, our prayers are with you and your brothers family. We love you and knowing you're in pain breaks our hearts. Love-Gently
Gently
USA - Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at 14:22:56 (MST)
Alvis, by the way when did you leave the 129th? Figure it was in 72 sometime and also what platoon were you in?
Ken Strong Jr 72-73
Lafayette, IN USA - Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at 11:17:32 (MST)
oH, AND kEN, it doesnt surprise me about the tail numbers. After spring of 73,we were out of vietanm ,so the demand for replacement helicopters would have sharply dropped.The replacement demand should have started in late 71 or early 72,as many units were being pulled out.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at 08:07:22 (MST)
Ken, I believe that list isnt complete. Dennis F. and I almost crashed and burned xmas of 71,neither one of us can find that ship on the record.Of course,we have both forgotten the tail number,but seems like there is no loss listed for that ship..and it was lost,,dropped into the South China Sea while being slung back by a hook. Dennis was the Peter pilot,Gabby,(Mr.Gibson) was the pilot,and for the life of me (and Dennis) I cant remember the crew chiefs name.WE all three met again (not gabby) in Washington DC at the dedication to the wall (homecomming), back in the early 80s. Last time I saw or heard from any of them till Dennis came into this site a few months ago.Thats why this site is such a blessing to me,as I found Smitty waiting here and a few others.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at 08:01:41 (MST)
Good Morning Flight, Alvis. I guess after finding the Site I have been trying to regain a lot of forgotten memories and I know my mind is going South. Still if anyone can tell me about the last UH-1s at Lane I would like to know. I looked at the list of aircraft on this site months ago and saw that the last one I had wasn't on the list. Than I was trying to remember if it was an extra because it belonged to the CAG Commander, 71-21210. The other 1971 models were the old series of 71-20 etc. and got there in June of 72. They show that 509 is 72-21509 and Alvis the reason I asked that question is I got 73-21790 out of the box w/ 12.5 hrs for test flight at the factory in February of 1975 in Korea. Just curious because I didn't remember any new aircraft, do remember we got a couple transfers from MACV complete with crews but don't remember much about them now either.
Ken Strong Jr. 72-73
Lafayette, IN USA - Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at 06:29:29 (MST)
Ken, 509 was in the 129th in 1972,at lane.
alvis
USA - Monday, November 27, 2006 at 20:42:26 (MST)
Alex, I looked at the sight with the 509 tall number. Was that in the unit after it was reactivated? I noticed that it couldn't have been in the unit when the cease fire was signed.
Ken Strong Jr. 72-73
Lafayette, IN USA - Monday, November 27, 2006 at 16:16:17 (MST)
The Namburger....with a egg.....That`s the way the French, serve a hamburger also.....Some of that French influence in the Asian culture maybe......
Fred Skaggs
Summit , NJ USA - Monday, November 27, 2006 at 16:03:34 (MST)
Alex,its just above my last post. will do again here....http://www.huey.co.uk/
alex
USA - Monday, November 27, 2006 at 13:45:57 (MST)
Rainier Bauer: I was going your pic's in the Gallery. On Page # three. The last Pic. If I dont' any better that look's like me. Or do you know the name of person in the Pic. Let me know. Thanks Bruno
Bruno E Sanchez
Laredo, TX USA - Monday, November 27, 2006 at 13:05:59 (MST)
Alvis: I need better glasses to read the small print.
Alex
USA - Monday, November 27, 2006 at 12:01:56 (MST)
Robbie: Liz and I will have you and your Family in our thoughts and prayers. Were all here for your Brother!! Fort Benning!! Nov.1966- May 1967. Had the worlds largest chesseburger joint on Victory Drive. I was with the 106th trans. Co. across the street from the museum. And ,real close to the NCO club. The cook at the club. We called Hawkeye would get us in. Got my Georgia Driver License in Columbus. Alvis what's the web site for Phil ??
Alex
USA - Monday, November 27, 2006 at 12:00:25 (MST)
Dave, Can't beat the "namburger".......with loads of mayo!
Gale 67-68
USA - Monday, November 27, 2006 at 09:19:55 (MST)
Here's a Chickenman link for y'all. http://danoday.com/chickenman/chickenman.shtml Also, who could forget AFVN television and radio, and VN regular programming? My son-in-law says he wants to try the "Namburger", the burger at the EM club served with a fried egg on top. Served with a warm Schlitz... doesn't get any better than that... literally.
Dave
USA - Monday, November 27, 2006 at 08:36:47 (MST)
http://www.huey.co.uk/
alvis
USA - Monday, November 27, 2006 at 07:01:53 (MST)
I was just in the "509" site. Phil now has pics in his gallery from the 129th in vietnam.
It appears they are from Bills disc,that I sent him, perhaps Bill ,you sent them,shrug. Its well done.I do recognize Kim,s pic,Bills Wolfs, as well as Larry Jacksons. Looking around the "shop", they now have T shirts,tie pins,dvds books,ect. I did notice one book they have,"CHICKEN HAWK" by Robert Mason. The guy has written two books,both while he was with the CAV,An Khe area and a little somewhere else,I cant remember,but you have been there probably.Good books,both , they can be had from the local libary.If I remember correctly,in one of the books,he talks about staging just down from the AN KHE pass (low side) an making assaults into happy valley...where,like us,they always got the shit shot out of them.Anyway,they are good bedside reading.
alvis
USA - Monday, November 27, 2006 at 06:59:14 (MST)
Hi well got to try to get some sleep got to pick up Scooter at 7 but gut to get up at 530 take care GUY night flight out Art
ArthurEFoster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Monday, November 27, 2006 at 01:22:24 (MST)
Auther, after Dad retired ,we moved into Columbus Ga.That was ,I believe,1964.We moved way out Macon road,turning left onto forest road.I lived just off of Bull Creek.Spent alot of great summers wading that creek,killing cotton mouths with my BB gun.Used to buzz up to Calloway gardens,swim all day,look at the girls.Spent alot of Sundays over in Phoinex City drag strip,across the river.Used to be a great cat fish house off of Buena Vista road,cant remember the name of it.Oh,and a BBQ place to die for, off of Macon road,near the old dive inn.It had the best Brunswick stew going.I remember they built the bypass,going to Benning from Macon road or the air port.I was there when Kennedy got shot,when they pulled the old confederate iron clad gun boat out of the river and clear water revival was singing about a bad moon rising.About the time,I found a soliders wallet in the back seat of my car...my (at the time) wife had had the car out the night before. nuff said about that.My Dad is buried on fort Benning.
alvis
USA - Sunday, November 26, 2006 at 19:49:58 (MST)
Robbie, I am sorry for your loss, may god bless your family.
J.W. Wilson
USA - Sunday, November 26, 2006 at 19:26:55 (MST)
Yep, Columbus Georgia! had a great time there, place was pretty wild in 73. I was stationed at Harmony Church, lived in Sand Hill housing till I tossed my then wife. My first real girl friend.....I was shy around girls, but finally met one from another town. She swore she'd wait forever when I went into the service. Wanna guess where this is leading?...Yep, I got orders for nam, she said she didn't want to wait around for some baby killer, in a letter, of course :>)) Wrote the words to the Carol King song, it's too late. I wrote back, sent her the start of the Country Joe and the Fish song from Woodstock. Gimmee an EFFFFFF........
Kim
USA - Sunday, November 26, 2006 at 18:28:18 (MST)
Hi how about ROAD RUNNER & Jonny Quest the chick momks porky pig tweety bird silvester.
ArthurEFoster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Sunday, November 26, 2006 at 13:50:45 (MST)
Hi Kim are you talking a Columbus GA. I live about 45 mints from there to sam shoping for the month. Art
ArthurEFoster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville , GA. USA - Sunday, November 26, 2006 at 13:32:15 (MST)
Hi you old GUY talking about there first car I was 18 teen when I got my first one my uncle gave it to me 50 pontiac flat head six for door love it & due some of you rember your plate number mine was an 878 & the first new car was a 65 chev supper sport convertible 283 with duel quards on it it would fly eat gas but gas was cheep so & a 8 track in it plaied ale opp & beach boys & other & that was a good time. How about your first GIRL friend in high school mine was the most pick on in school because every one seed she ugley so I talk to her & we became good friends& we liked each other she had the best things a guy coud want. now think BACK Art
ArthurEFoster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA USA - Sunday, November 26, 2006 at 13:25:16 (MST)
Hi Flight ROBBIE i know how you feal about your Brother I lost my MOM a few month ago she was 86 & she was sick for a long time & now I know she is not now & she with my DAD & other no pain & HAPPY & so your BROTHER is with no pain & with famley & HAPPY GOD taking car of them he know it was time to stop his hurting & call him home with him so take care your Brothet Art.
ArthurEFoster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA USA - Sunday, November 26, 2006 at 12:51:12 (MST)
Thanks to everyone for the kind words. My brother made it to his 66th birthday on the 18th. I had a hard time wishing him a happy birthday, but I sent him a birthday card about farts and he said he had a chuckle reading that....Rob
Robbie
Rochester, NY USA - Sunday, November 26, 2006 at 12:06:07 (MST)
Robbie,sincere condolences from my family to yours about your loss, May God grant you peace as i am sure he is at peace with God now>>>>Love & Respects>>>>>Smitty
jim westwang 71-72
Sheridan, wy USA - Sunday, November 26, 2006 at 11:47:46 (MST)
ROBBIE IAM SO SO RRY FOR YOUR LOST IAM GLAD HE HE A EASY TRANSION. I CALL YOU SOON
RAY
MD USA - Sunday, November 26, 2006 at 10:21:59 (MST)
Robbie, Sorry to hear of your loss. Kat and I send our deepest condolences.
Bill Wolf
USA - Sunday, November 26, 2006 at 09:08:43 (MST)
Nov 24, 2006 07:50 AM EST
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie take a motorbike ride in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - Instead of stuffing themselves with turkey and all the fixings, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie spent Thanksgiving cruising around Vietnam's largest city on a motorbike.
Pitt was spotted driving the motorbike through the city center with Jolie perched on the seat behind him Thursday in a country where virtually everyone travels on the two-wheeled machines. The couple later dined at a popular Vietnamese restaurant converted from an old temple.
When asked by a local reporter from Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper about whether he was worried about navigating the chaotic streets, Pitt smiled and said, "There will be no problem."
Pitt also said he and Jolie had a great time exploring the former U.S.-backed wartime capital of South Vietnam, known then as Saigon. It fell to northern communist forces on April 30, 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War.
"We had a wonderful day in Vietnam," the newspaper quoted Pitt as saying.
alvis
USA - Sunday, November 26, 2006 at 07:33:00 (MST)
funny thing I heard about Bill Herd the other day on 60 minutes,or a show like that. Its seems they are now one of the nations largest dealers.( they are in lots od towns now).It also seems they have the most lawsuites against them.I can remember when they were just one chevy dealership in downtown Columbus..then opened up a lot on Victory Drive.They loved the returning Nam vets and espically the OCS candidets from Benning.We had my brothers 61 vette painted at heard's after he wrecked it showing off for a cheerleader from columbus high school..chuckle.Favorite spots at Benning (remember I was raised there) was Lawson army airfield, Sandhill swimming pool and also Dairy Barn (ice cream),and the swamps of Upotia Creek near Martin Army Hospitial.Used to like watching the airborne guys train too.
alvis
USA - Sunday, November 26, 2006 at 07:04:08 (MST)
(*) Do you remember when you could ride around all night on fifty cents worth of gas?
Do you remember when all the drive-in restaurants had carhops? And you had to park on one particular side or you just weren't "groovy".
Remember when if the word "sh*t" happened to fall from your mouth in front of your mother, you got the old soap-bar-in-the-mouth-until-it-bubbles treatment? AND...if that word happened to be worse than "sh*t", the treatment to that offending mouth might well be a swat.
Remember Dick and Jane and Spot? I loved those guys !!
Speaking of guys, do you remember Buckwheat and the gang?
How about the Bowry Boys?
Do you remember when Baby Ruths were a nickle, Cokes were a nickle (little bottle), and the peanuts you poured into the Coke were a nickle (and the peanuts might have money in the box?)
Remember fender skirts?
Remember the AM radio staions that broadcast from drive-ins and insured the drive-in of a lot of customers (not necessarily paying ones)?
Remember '49 Fords?
Do you remember trying to learn the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America? And...you faked it every morning until you learned it so well you could say it in your sleep (and still can). (* The Free Republic)
Gale
USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 22:39:51 (MST)
(*) Do you remember when you could ride around all night on fifty cents worth of gas?
Do you remember when all the drive-in restaurants had carhops? And you had to park on one particular side or you just weren't "groovy".
Remember when if the word "sh*t" happened to fall from your mouth in front of your mother, you got the old soap-bar-in-the-mouth-until-it-bubbles treatment? AND...if that word happened to be worse than "sh*t", the treatment to that offending mouth might well be a swat.
Remember Dick and Jane and Spot? I loved those guys !! (*free republic)
Speaking of guys, do you remember Buckwheat and the gang?
How about the Bowry Boys?
Do you remember when Baby Ruths were a nickle, Cokes were a nickle (little bottle), and the peanuts you poured into the Coke were a nickle (and the peanuts might have money in the box?)
Remember fender skirts?
Remember the AM radio staions that broadcast from drive-ins and insured the drive-in of a lot of customers (not necessarily paying ones)?
Remember '49 Fords?
Do you remember trying to learn the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America? And...you faked it every morning until you learned it so well you could say it in your sleep (and still can).
Gale
USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 22:38:42 (MST)
Robbie, sorry to hear about your brother. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Gale & Debbie
Gale
USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 22:29:11 (MST)
Wally gator, Chilly Willie, Wally the Walrus..what was the early Saurday show??? Super car? with the puppets? Comedy Capers, abbott and Costello....who's on first is still one of the best routines of all time, in my opinion...Mark, I've had my share of junkers. 72 comet, 75 pinto, 73 chevy pickup that I bought new, from Bill Heard Chevrolet, down on Victory Drive. Thing rusted out in one winter in Maine...come to think on it, that is the only new vehicle I've ever bought! Probably the best car, dependability wise, was an 89 Olds Cierra, bought it in 91, wife and kids ran it till 03. thing had well over 200K on it, and the only thing other than brakes and lights that went bad was the computer. Even then, it ran! Just didn't have a speedo, and it would surge a lot. I don't even remember changing the plugs and wires in all that time.
Kim
USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 20:53:23 (MST)
........and how could we forget "Our Gang" and the Lil' Raskels. Buck Wheat says, " I can istle".......and Froggy......and, "aint' that right Ah Ha......Ahhhhhhhh Haaaaaaaa!!
........OH Waldo, your wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark
USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 19:41:10 (MST)
Anybody mention Woody the Woodpecker?
Mark
USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 19:38:00 (MST)
Elmer Fud is chashin' Daffy Duck across the top of this building. Daffy gets to the end of the roof and turns and says."THUSTOPS, ONE MORE THUSTEP, AND I'LL JUMPTHS". Elmer takes one more step, and Daffy jumps, screamin' and hollerin' all the way down. Elmer has this "feelin' bad" look on his face and walks over to the edge of the roof and looks over, Daffy jumps up from hangin' on the edge of the roof and kisses him and says. WOOOHOO, WOOOHOO, WOOOOHOO
Mark
USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 19:37:26 (MST)
Robboe, sorry to hear about your loss. Thinkin' of you brother. Have a safe trip. First car I owned was a 63 Fairlane. Automatic with a 6 banger. Used to run that thing in reverse form about 30 yards then drop it into to drive. One wheel peel and twistin' the steering wheel to make a curvy patch. One of the funnist things I ever drove was a 61 International TravelAll. Kinda of a suburban. That thing had such a low grandma gear that we would step on the gas, then let off, then on, then off, and we could make the front wheels come off the ground. Shoot, it could of been the beginning of the hydralics fad;-)))).........When I got out of the Corps I bought a brand new 72 Z28. That was a fast one....................
Mark
USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 19:36:09 (MST)
Robbie, my condolences on your loss
Kim
USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 19:12:28 (MST)
Ken, I haven't flown since my divorce...$$$$$ problems. Well, money's no problem when ya have none, right? I used to amuse myself by setting up runs while I was boring holes in the sky. It would be fun to walk tracers onto a target once again, just for old times sake. Nothing human or animal mind you, certainly nothing that would be shooting back! Those memories are enough to last a lifetime...Gale, the best car I never drove was a 69 Camaro SS. I was making payments through my allotment while at An Son, and my brother wrecked it! Got 2 pictures of it...before and after :>)) Most fun car I ever owned was a 67 M.G. It wasn't very fast, but it was a dream on a twisty road....best bike I ever owned was a 71 Norton. Like the MG, it handled like a dream. Thing would stick to the road, it would start in any weather, and was light enough to drive in snow. As much as I love my HD, the thing is a bear to fire up when it gets below 50....first car I had that had Fm was a 67 vette, which I got in 75. Shoulda hung on to that one (sigh)
Kim
USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 19:10:05 (MST)
Speaking of old TV characters,I just ran across,and read,this interesting bit,about Route 66,the corvettes,the actors,and the show....
http://www.geocities.com/martin_milner/gettingkicks.html
alvis
USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 18:11:07 (MST)
Robby, Susan and i send our condolences and love. I am very sorry to hear about your brother. A slow,respectful,hand salute,rendered.
alvis
USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 18:07:54 (MST)
Hello flight. Sorry I haven't been around in awhile. My Brother took a turn for the worse and last night he died in his sleep. His wife and daughter were there with him and said he went peacefully. He will be creamated and I will be going down this coming Friday. I would like to thank all that said prayers for him for these last 3 years. Ray, I got your message the other day. Thanks for calling. Alex and Mark, the Grandkids are fine and so am I.
Robbie
Rochester, NY USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 17:28:31 (MST)
Ken, I hope you can make the LZ Orlando reunion in June. I'm sure you will be back to Kokomo in Sept. That's getting pretty big. Back outside now. Gotta get those Xmas lights up before Debbie gets home or I will be in deep s--t. All of you who met her knows how mean she is!!
Gale 67-68
USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 12:59:28 (MST)
Gale, thanks you got me and that made me remember. That was something that I forgot in my old age I guess. The other good thing about chatting with all of you, it makes the mind work. I Kokomo when I found the flag and meant Ron Paye I could not remember much about the details of my time with the 129th. This site has really brought back so many things for me to think about. I remember a bunch of the pilots now and am just getting back to the maintenance plt. It hit me the other day that a SSG in charge at Ft Rucker was also in the unit when I got there. I spent a lot of time getting ready to go and knew all about sawed of 60 barrels and nickles to beef up the rate of fire. I spent six months learning Vietnamese just to end up supporting Tiger Div. Even flying on Choppers was a dream I had from the time I was 15 when I flew on one at the county fair. Nam was a great start for me and even as a crew chief I had assignments that some could only dream of. While in a MAAG unit in Tiawan I got the chance to get so much stick time I never cared to fly in the Left seat again. I have landed on a 9,000 foot high mountain, flew low level down the streets of Tiapei. Looking back on life now I must say it was a great ride even though my body is shot to hell now. It is like after returning from Nam I spent over a year with the 3rd of the 7th Special Forces in Panama where I learned to suba drive and sky drive plus a few ways to blow things up and try to keep a bomb from going off. For the years in the military staying in the Army after Nam was a plus. By the begining of the 80's it was like they were not so positive. For all of you that were not in than I found myself frustrated. The pilots were gone or promoted and teaching door gunners were done at the unit. The last class I taught at Fort Benning was with another old guy, we had a Capt and an Lt who were never in Nam. We tried to teach the real world ways and they jumped us several times for not following the book. That and telling that they could only fire 3 to 5 round burst. That was the last class in Hueys and the next time the unit was in Germany with Blackhawks. That time I spent the time training everyone on Claymore Minds which was a much bigger kick! Oh well just wanted to share my thoughts with all of you. If the 160th Sp Ops is getting our call sign I wish we had a sub site to share the knowledge we have with them and know what has changed for them. Oh well guess I almost wish I could go to Iraq. I have the UH-60 MOS and could pick right up as a crew chief I am sure. Maybe they could start a new unit made up of old frats like us. It wouldn't hurt my ears, they ring all the time, just have to issue a cane or maybe a wheelchair to get to the ship. Just let some of us get our fingers on those trigers again and I bet we can still lead the rounds into the target. I still have my servival vest and helmet, but my flight suits are way too small. Let me know if any of you have these same kind of feelings. Take care all.
Ken Strong Jr 72-73
Lafayette, IN USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 12:40:37 (MST)
Smitty, you do a pretty good Leghorn there boy! I say, I say, I say...looky here son. Ya have anymore impressions up your sleeve? Heeheehe Hey Ken, you are probably thinking of the the horsepower of the 239 c.u. which was 100 hp. See what you started Mark? I'm trying to work outside today since the weather is so nice here, but, everytime I come in the house I have stop and get on here and see what next cartoon character is.....................brother. A few more brewskies and I'll doing my own impressions!! Hhehehe
Gale
USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 11:37:06 (MST)
Hi Flight, see we're still going down memory lane. My first car was a 1949 Ford Custom Coope 2Dr with what I thought was a 100 Cubic Inch flathead V8. It stayed tuned to WLS also and had it when I went into the Army so late at night would still get the Chicago station all the way down at Ft Rucker. I put a lot of miles on that car and than messed up when I went to Panama City, Fla on a weekend. A guy offered me over twice as much as I paid for it, so sold it on the spot. I was stupid because of all the years after that I regretted selling the ugly old things built like a tank..
Ken Strong 72-73
Lafayette, IN USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 11:12:05 (MST)
Used to listen to Chicken Man almost evry day in the Ship on AFVN FM, Foghorn, my fav was when he would say to the little chicken hawk isay,isay,isay son now thats a chicken boy & point at the Dog & the shit broke loose>>>>>>>>>>>>Smitty
jim westwang 71-72
Sheridan, Wy USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 10:21:24 (MST)
Yeh Kim, I now have a '47 Plymouth with the flathead six and the big oilbath cleaner. I want to rig it with a paper filter. Hey Rick England, where's your input on these cartoons?? Go Yosemite Sam!! How 'bout the Tazmanian Devil ? Boy Mark, you really started sumthin' here for us old folks.......you ever think of being an activities director in a nursing home? LOL
Gale
USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 08:59:24 (MST)
I was waiting to see if Huckleberry hound showed up, along with quick draw McGraw......buck buck bawk bwaaaaa....it's.....CHICCKKKKKKEEENNNN MMMAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNN....Gale, you're probably right about the flathead, though I always knew it as a 242. It didn't like to hot start, THAT I do remember! Carburetor sat about a foot above the engine, big ole oil bath breather on top of that.....or am I transposing that engine with the chevy 232???
Kim
USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 08:43:03 (MST)
WOW Alvis,what a story! But you left out the "main" character......FOGHORN LEGHORN!! LOL
Gale
USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 08:12:21 (MST)
is it wonder dog?,is it mighty mouse? Is it space ghost? nooo, its sky king but ,but,looks like he has an engine failure because he flew into two crows,heckle and jeckle who were racing daffy duck towards a worm that was riding on tutor the turtle's back.Rin tin tin was called in to help in the search,aided by peppy gonzolus. The trail was wiped out by that woman chaser,pirrer la phew.Nothing could be heard over the loud singing of Dale and Roy Rogers,who had bought their guitars from ACME rocket.Soo fans,Mr. Wizard and his pet human,were called in by Deputy Dog,to no avail,cause the stool pigeon,Tweety,let silvester the cat,out of the bag. That white hat gang,gene Autry,The lone ranger,threw out zorro from the gang for drinking wine and chasing women.
alvis
USA - Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 06:34:33 (MST)
hi flight
does anyone remember the radio show chicken man , he's everywhere he's everywhere. boy does that cuase flash backs. flying along and on afn you hear its chickenman
donnie purvis <donnie.purvis@us.army.mil>
Linwood, nc USA - Friday, November 24, 2006 at 23:25:34 (MST)
Kim, are you sure that flathead ford wasn't a 239 ? That was the stock engine in '51 and my Merc was a 255 c.u. Mark, I used Brylcream. Remember..........."a little dab will do ya!" Heehhee
Gale
USA - Friday, November 24, 2006 at 22:09:16 (MST)
Duck 'tail'??? I thought it was a DA...lol..my older brother had a 51 ford, 242 flathead, 3 speed with over drive
Kim
USA - Friday, November 24, 2006 at 19:30:28 (MST)
Hey Gale, Mom used to buy a hair grrease for us by the gallon with a pump handle on it. It was called Wild Root. Fantastic for the "Duck Tail"
Mark
USA - Friday, November 24, 2006 at 17:40:23 (MST)
Bill & Kat, congratulations to you and your boys!! Had a great T-day Alex. Tell Liz hello for us. Mark, you got the wheels turnin'. When I was sixteen I would pull my '52 Mercury into our drive (usually around midnight)and sit there for an hour or so (or til my battery ran down). I remember listening to WLS in Chicago, KOMA in Oklahoma and also an AM station in Gallatin, Tenn (I recall the sponser was "white rose petroleum jelly"; a hair dressing). Good ole memories!!
Gale 67-68
USA - Friday, November 24, 2006 at 17:04:21 (MST)
Bill Wolf congradulations on your son's graduation from the Marines. I know you and Kat are very proud of both Boys. Hope all the 129th Family had a save Thanksgiving. Fred S. glad had a chance to get back to Ohio. My last Thanksgiving at home in Ohio was in 1966 after my 1st tour with the 129th. Glad to see Jim and Sue Hydinger post. Hope you both are doing OK!! Jim do you remember Gerald Morgan?? He was in the maintence platoon. Mark was great getting the email and picture you had forwarded. I am still trying to explain the shorts!! Robbie how are the Grand Kids doing?? Well my 129th Family Hope you all have had a safe Thanksgiving. Starting another PTSD class at the VA. Hospital on Tuesday. This is a 4 week session. I told them I couldn't handle the 45 day residental ptsd session they wanted me to do. I am glad some of the Brothers have hung in there and got their ptsd ratings. Always A Brother!!
Alex
USA - Friday, November 24, 2006 at 14:27:56 (MST)
Mark, just reflecting on the music I grew up with, compliments of having older siblings. Jim Reeves, Faron Young, Marty Robbins, Eddie Arnold, Johnny Horton...they were just s likely to be played on the radio as Bill Haley, the lettermen, Highwaymen, Coasters..... We had 2 tv stations here, nbc and cbs. Most of what we did for entertainment was outside.
Kim
USA - Friday, November 24, 2006 at 12:32:26 (MST)
Well, my son Bill is now an official US Marine! He graduated on Wednesday. They always have a great ceremony. He gets 10 days leave then off to Camp Pendleton for Infantry training. Hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving!
Bill Wolf
Bill Wolf
USA - Friday, November 24, 2006 at 09:03:44 (MST)
word is they had a "5" earthquake in Hawiai yesterday.Hope animal is ok.
alvis
USA - Friday, November 24, 2006 at 06:02:29 (MST)
One more thing.........Robbie??/ How are you doing???......and JIM O "Stickman" where have you been, and a big hello to Ray and Gail..............Love to all and to all a good night........God Bless......Smitty, take care of yourself............always a brother...............
Mark
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 21:13:03 (MST)
Art, guess you and I are the only ones tonight that the turkey didn't get the best off ;-))))...........I'm heading for bed myself.......you take care brother, it's been all my pleasure chating with you here tonight............Love ya brother..........
Mark
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 21:03:45 (MST)
Hi MARK on 351 I wish I coud it come & go but if I can I let you know ok I would not get close to some one but PAUL was A good BROTHER HE would help out every one how need someI got him on supper 8 film & some other .
ArthurEFoster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 20:57:06 (MST)
Art and everybody, if you havn't heard this yet, go to this site , and listen to Red Skelton say the Pledge of Allegiance before they took it out of our schools. It's awesome and a must hear!!!!
Mark
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 20:29:15 (MST)
Art, Jack Benny's butler was named Rodchester....
Mark
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 20:21:50 (MST)
Got a 129th'er that needs info...Charles " Chuck " Gregory, Cobras, 69/70 is looking for his purple Heart papers that he said he saw on this site. I have looked in the History section and rosters and saw nothing and I am asking if any of you, ( without checking myself yet) if maybe in some of the photos you have submited that there may be some papers in them???.do any of you recall Chuck???/.........if so, email me with info. Lets see if we can help him!!!!.........
Mark
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 20:20:58 (MST)
hi How about Jack Benney & what was the black guy name he would crack me up
arthurEFoster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
hogansville, ga USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 20:19:50 (MST)
Yeah Art The segals were Gurtrude and Heclips. Yeah, that was funny stuff for sure man............
Mark
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 20:14:46 (MST)
RED Skeleton I like the seagull flash gorden sky king dead end kids
ArthurE Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville , GA USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 20:12:46 (MST)
Ya, that one too Art.....hey Brother Art??.have you got anymore more info on that 351 incident you emailed me about???......hope you are getting some sleep brother. Sorry I havn't emailed you back about it. This is about the first time in a long time I have been able to set down here and make a post.......Love ya brother............
Mark
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 19:57:01 (MST)
Hi you bunch of kids Howdy doody Art
ArthurE Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GD USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 19:46:31 (MST)
Man, memory lane tonight!!!!!!!!!
Mark
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 19:23:05 (MST)
You always knew when it was time for Uncle Orrie to come on because in Coldwater the fire whistle blew at Noon every Saturday. Uncle Orrie would come on and say "It's 12 oclock and time for the Uncle Orrie show"........then Uncle Orrie would jump in the ole jalopy and drive away with Ferdie chasing him and falling down about ever ten steps. Sure was funny back then........
Mark
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 19:22:10 (MST)
What were your favorite Saturday Morning cartoons. I loved Mighty Mouse......Heckle and Jeckle, the 2 crows.........How about Clyde Crashcup, the scientist and his lil' assistant that always whispered in his ear...........Did any of you ever see the one called Tom Terrific and his wonder dog Manfred?????? Tom wore a funnel on his head for some reason..............locally on Saturdays at Noon the Uncle Orrie and Ferdie Fuss Buget show would come on.
Mark
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 19:18:13 (MST)
....and, ..and...........what was on at 4:30 after school in the late 50's and early 60's??????
Mark
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 19:11:42 (MST)
Speaking of electronics, I recall my brother's friends coming over on Friday nights and mom would let them watch Shock Theater and the Twilight Zone.They turned all the lights out. That stuff scared the ba-gee-bees outta me and Larry and David would laugh at me. Good ole' days man. :-) Prime time (believe it or not), 8 o'clock, on Wednesday night after we got home from Lent services at the Lutheran church was????......does anybody recall what was on then?????.....I do, just seeing if you do!!!!!!!! It was network TV so it had to be on at you location also.................
Mark
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 19:08:35 (MST)
Ya, WOWO 1190 on your Dial, Guy names Jack Underwood was the DJ back in the 60's and 70's. Also CKLW out of Detroit 800 on the dial. Dick Purton was the DJ. My dad used to fix TV's and radios after he machaniced all day and he built me a radio that had a wooden shell. I can still see that thing. He painted it white. Then, Then.......the transistor radio came out. By then Pop was into sellin' electronics too. had a shop in the basement. Called it "ACME" electronics. We put up just about ever TV tower around town and in the county back then. Now they is all rustin' out with cable being in. Anyways. On our b/days back then, we all got Channel Master transistors. man, like, you could carry it around and listen to music where ever you were. I still have one that belonged to my brother. Not Larry, my other older brother. I should get it out and see it it will pick anythin up..........always a brother.......
Mark
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 19:06:27 (MST)
Our big thing was listening to the clear air stations at night...WOWO, Fort Wayne, WPTR, WBZ in Boston, WSM...remember how they would screetch, fade in and out. It was early 70's before FM made it into Maine. Growing up, there was little difference between C&W and rock on the radio. we had a bunch of 100 watt stations scattered around the state, with a couple of 1k sites which would drown them out...... The first hot night mission I was on, I thought we'd blown up when the mini's first fired! Big ball of white flame rolled over the gun right beside me, big ball of red going down stairs. It took quite a few seconds ( minutes?) before I could make out anything to shoot at, Baron yelling at me to get that EFFING gun firing......I just knew I wasn't going to survive a tour of that stuff!!!!......I think the rain is going to go out to sea, which is nice. I don't think the ground can hold much more after all we've received this fall...should have been flying this afternoon, instead of working. Warm front, stable air, winds light and variable, 12 kts at 3k.....Mark and Alvis, hope the England deal happens, I know you'll do us proud.
Kim
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 18:13:36 (MST)
Kim, and the rains came; about 8 inches before the eye passed over then another 2 inches. It looks as if it is headed your way. I hope it weakens before it get there.
J.W. Wilson
Kinston, N.C. USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 17:07:57 (MST)
Hi Mark you got a trip in alift time.Will look to see some pictures of there ok Art
ArthurEFOSTER <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 17:02:31 (MST)
Thanks for the info on the song everybody...Fred, hope ya had a good stay here in Ohio. Sure was foggy in these parts this morning. How about over your way?
Mark
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 16:24:54 (MST)
Been thinkin' hard about this invite to go to England and be with the "509" What and Honor and what a long journey it has come to be from way back when I had that dream to start the 129th web site.............unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable. Wish all of us could go over, you guys deserve the trip more then I..............always a brother,
Mark
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 16:22:46 (MST)
Talk Back Trembling Lips was Johnny Tillotson.....Mark...1963.....I`m here on the farm in Ohio......Had a GREAT Thanksgiving.......
Fred Skaggs
Nevada, OH USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 16:19:59 (MST)
HI Flight that must have beena good station I got to say I went throw OHIO in 74 from KENTUCKY to Rhode ISLAND & I thort I never get out of OHIO but it a good looking state there was a lot to see but my little state got you all bea for one thing if you blink your eyes you will not even see it. I got to sleep a lot last night a shot or IRISH wiskey & med work goodI am IRISH ENGLISH GERMAN SPANISH & came into the world on march 17 that was a lot of years ago.Well hope you had a good TURCKY DAY ART
ArthurE Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 15:12:09 (MST)
yea Dave,KKFM was my favorite station. They are the ones that turned me on to Sonny and Brownie(delta blues).You may have seen them in the beginning of the Steve Martin movie,"The Jerk".That was one of them on the pourch playing harmonica. Ahhh,fire fly missions....Me and Smitty had one one night..people in the wire and they wouldnt let us go hot.Ken,I too had a 60 with the flash cut off. We were on a CA when I used it the first time...chuckle,the C and C bird came on the radio and said " what the heck is that.over". The crew and I laughed for days over that. course it was worthless,as you said,you couldnt see past the damn ball of fire at the end of the weapon...but bet it scared the crap out of any Victor Charles that saw it.
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 13:34:59 (MST)
Kim, enjoyed your comments about flares. It brought back the visons real well. To me it was like being at 4,000 or 5,000 feet with a flashlight as they swung around under the shute. My first time I made the mistake of having my sawed off barrel on my sixty. I had no night vision when I went to return fire as it seemed I had a four foot ball of flames at the end of the barrel. I felt pretty stupid, didn't say a word but next time I knew what the flash supressor was for. Like you I loved it too as a fire fight on the ground was going on with the red and green tracers knowing who you were shooting at. I also like flying FireFly even though it was a pain rigging the light up after flying all day long. In the days of being the FNG, it seemed like you get all the missions that no one wanted. Well FLIGHT, have a great day, just got back from Florida last night.
Ken Strong Jr. 72-73
Lafayette, IN USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 10:30:42 (MST)
Freds A. and S., remember KKFM in Colorado Springs? That was THE underground station. I knew a jockey there who gave us several freebie albums... Humble Pie, Dave Mason, Jeff Beck, B.B. King. Good stuff. Most of the little stations in Western Colorado played both kinds of music... country AND western. Fred A. and Mark, Blimey! See you on the telly later, eh? Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
Dave
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 10:04:39 (MST)
Hi flight some of you were hitting on old songs I got some old 45 love is a splendored thing Four Top woman woman union gap the streak Ray Stevensgitarzan Ray Stevens tie a yellow ribbion round the old oke tree & the best GOD BLESS THE USA Lee greenwood Dicky Lee patches oo shanty town. got to go to va for a scope at the top & botom I just hope they do the upper first is the one I dont like the bottom is fast I only got less than a foot left in me. Well HAPPY THANKsgiving From Glenda Scooter Tammy & me & GOD BLESS ALL ARE BROTHER THAT WONT BE HOME THIS DAY WITH THERE LOVE ONE.
ArthurEfoster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 09:59:15 (MST)
For those of you who want a little variation to your stuffing, in memory of Sue's mother, here is her stuffing recipe -
2 cups bread stuffing, 1 cup water, 1 cup unpopped corn. Add salt, pepper, onion & sage to taste. Roast turkey at 325 degrees. You'll know it is done when the popcorn blows the ass off the turkey! HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL! Jim & Sue H.
Jim & Sue H.
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 07:10:04 (MST)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL. AND HAVE A GOOD NIHGT. A BROTHER ALWAYS ,,ALVIS THAT TURKEY TEST WAS NEAT WE DIDN;T DO WELL.I SAVED OR THE GRND KIDS. TAKE CARE ALL. MAY YOUR DAY WIT FAMILYS BE NICE .
RAY
MD USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 05:58:28 (MST)
have a great day folks
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 04:02:21 (MST)
Kim,I would think that would have to have been the early 60s? Good question,I cant remember when they started doing that.I do remember when the FM rock stations where called "underground" stations cause they played rock instead of classical music.Man,at the time,that was good stuff....compared to the AM dial...and fewer commericals.Not sure,but I think after FM started going rock...lots more cars were offered with FM stereo as an option or standard.If i remember right,thats also when the 8 track tape and casset wars where at their hottest.
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 04:00:59 (MST)
At what point did radio stations start identifying themselves as country vs. rock? In my area, it was somewhere in the 60's.........J.W., hope you haven't washed away! Stay dry down there.
Kim
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 03:17:41 (MST)
Talk Back Trembling Lips
-Artist: Johnny Tillotson
-peak Billboard position #7 in 1963-64
-previously a # 1 country hit for Ernest Ashworth in 1963
-Words and Music by John D. Loudermilk
Don Miller
USA - Thursday, November 23, 2006 at 00:07:08 (MST)
My Son is Home for Thanksgiving break, I'm glad his trip was safe & my family is around me. Fred A. Don't freak man, i had the lab drawn but dont see the DR. till the 29th, will keep you posted. I am feeling some better. All have a good Thanksgiving, Lets remember who bought it for us>>>>>>>>>>>>>Smitty
jim westwang 71-72
Sheridan , wy USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 21:48:44 (MST)
Mark - "Talk Back Trembling Lips" was put out by Mel Tillis. I think he wrote it too.
Remember he was the guy with a bad stutter, except when he sang. HAPPY THANKSGIVING
FLIGHT.
Frank Loveday
Bastrop, La. USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 20:44:51 (MST)
Were the Mills Bro's a country group? I recall hearing that song on a country station , I think.........
Mark
USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 19:24:01 (MST)
sounds like the Mills Brothers....re: thanksgiving. pig out on turkey day? O.D. on football day? Nawwww a day to reflect on all we have. Have a happy one, y'all
Kim
USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 18:54:20 (MST)
I do remember Donnie, all too well. The guard and reserves were not called after a reserve unit took a lot of casualties early in the war. After that, Johnson made the decision that reserve troops would not be called up. Doing that automatically made the guard and reserve billets prime territory for the influential. I know that when I was in AIT, there were a bunch of NG (NFG) types mixed in with us. They made no bones about the fact that'they' were not going to vietnam to get their asses shot off. It's too bad...they gave the reserves and guard a bad name. After the all volunteer military was adopted, there was no need for the privilidged types to hide out, and things returned to the status quo. Isn't it interesting that 'now' the reserves are called at will?...Regarding slick willie, the one big difference between him and boy george is that he made no bones about not wanting to serve, just like cheney and a whole bunch of the current administration. Maybe if he had a rich and politically connected daddy, like georgie, he could have pulled some strings and ended up in the guard? probably! I've already posted, some time ago, my feelings regarding the stupid labels we like to throw around...as if 'liberal' is going to make me cry?? My biggest concern is that we continue to trash other nam vets, and disparaging their service, for their beliefs, instead of trashing a politician on political issues. Kerry has certainly done things that I don't approve, serving on a swiftboat isn't one of them. As I said earlier, when we don't respect another veteran as a veteran, we open ourselves up to attack from those who don't want their tax dollars to be spent supporting those of us who need support....hhmmmmm liberal??? maybe THAT'S WHY THE PILOTS USED TO COMMENT on the pink insulation and the doiley's that I kept on their seats? Our armorer, Phillips, was nice enough to rework the trigger on my 60 so that my limp index finger could hold it in. I was never sooo happy as the day he put a c ration can full of steel wool over the flash suppressor, it quieted it down enough so that I could stand to fire it. Before then, the noise would jusst soooo upset me :>))
Kim
USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 17:59:57 (MST)
Speaking of songs, this one has been in my head all day and I don't know why."TALK BACK TREMBLIN' LIPS, SHAKEY HANDS, DON'T JUST STAND THERE. DON'T LET HER KNOW THAT SHES GETTING THOUGH TO YOU"..............I recall hearing that back even before Larry went to Vietnam. Hey music man, who wrote that song? I have........Well, looks as if I better brush up on my ENGLISH..ha,hA!!!!!!!!!!!Everybody have a great day tomorrow and lets focus on some of the Little Things that we have to be thankful for. Some I know that I take for granted at times. Sunshine, the blue sky, sunsets, trees, food , shelter, air to breath......all gifts and things to be thankful for............I love you guys.......always a brother...........
Mark
USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 17:46:27 (MST)
From my family to yours,I wish each and everyone of you, a happy,healthy,and great ,thanksgiving day.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 17:07:26 (MST)
Smitty...what the doc say? how you feeling?
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 17:05:55 (MST)
Just recieved a phone call from Pommy Phil,who owns "509". He said he has been doing a few things (again) with the BBC (British Broadcast Company). For the past 6 months or so he has been trying to get the BBC to fly some of us over for one of the history channel type things...reuniting unit members with one of their helicopters,ect.Get some shots of them flying around in the "509",interviews,ect.He recieved word today ...he called to see if Mark,Larrys daughter,and myself,could fly over to London for a few days,at BBC's expense.I couldnt believe what I was hearing...anyway, I am going to do my best to go,but just in case i cant,,,there just might be an open seat...stay tuned guys.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 16:43:55 (MST)
cancel ...I found his number
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 16:34:27 (MST)
anyone have Marks number? I need to contact him asap
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 16:20:33 (MST)
Flight, everybody have a wonderful Thanksgiving day and be careful on the roads. I have a Thanksgiving day menu from Nam 67 with the 129th. Always a brother!! Gale
Gale
USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 16:14:03 (MST)
MARK ..I need you to CONTACT ME ASAP.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 16:12:50 (MST)
I remember a time when guys did go into the Reserves or Guard to get out of Nam. I also know that guys went to Cananda to avoid the draft,but,I've never had much respect for a "fortunate son" !
Gale 67-68
USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 16:11:21 (MST)
kim
where were you when cliton was in office, talk about draft dodgers. at least bush was in the air national guard. i guess your saying anyone serving in the guard is a draft dodger. at least he did not go to russia and protest the war like cliton. oh wait you liberals were quick to say dont bring up the war when clinton was running against a wwii hero.
donnie purvis <donnie.purvis@us.army.mil>
lexington, NC USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 15:41:05 (MST)
Art, I did'nt "want" to go and I was drafted at age 24 and married. I did what I was called to do and served right along side of you (crewing & maint) and had the same remarks when I got home, so...................... I equally respect anyone who served in Nam!
Gale 67-68
USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 15:32:57 (MST)
Panama Red and Owsley's Acid....sorry...had a flash back when "red" was menitoned. Named my cat after Owsley:>)) Happy Bird-----Gently
Gently
USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 15:09:47 (MST)
NRPS.....aahhhh, the good ole days! For some reason today, I got fixated on Sky Pilot...funny how the words took on a new significance as I got older...... Strange, I always loved night flights. Of course, we weren't looking for landing areas, just the little flashes, sometimes the big flashes, quite often the tracers floating around, in slow motion, until they got close. I never thought that I had good night vision,and it didn't matter what I had once the guns started firing. Flare missions were fun, white light dancing around, shadows fluttering all over the landscape...landing and refuel, rearm, one last critique regarding the blades final resting place, crossways or in line, lay back with a smoke for a minute, put the bird to bed, carry the gear back to the line shack, find a cold one, church key it open...........Art, there was no work in my area in 72. I swung a hammer for my dad for a while, when there was something...I couldn't focus on any thing for any length of time. I rmember going hunting in November, sitting in a tree stand, watching another hunter go past, realising that he didn't see me, and that I could pop him. I laid my sights on him....that's when I knew I had to get away from home!!! I went back in the Army, and I think that tour was crucial for allowing me to decompress. I feel that I came out a totally different person than I was when I went in.
Kim
USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 13:52:23 (MST)
Hi flighi I had to hear that were drug babby killer & all the rest & that how come I had went from job to job after nam people looked at me like I was $hit & I never went out in places & I dont like but holes that left the country to get out of going I went because I wanted to like a lot of other & all that went had there job each one help the other with out one then it would not work out & I dislike the one that would do somthing to them self to go home & there was other ways to do it. My wife brother got married to get out of going. but that all in the past I try not to think of it but I do think of the good time like crashing the officer club when I was in the 68 top tiger & they told me if I had the balls to walk throw that door I coud stay & that was the best NEW YEAS poty I have ever went to & I like to go back to nam & see some of the placesI was at & the 129th if I can wife got some thing for me to do GUY dont get a inter com in your house ita stinker Art
ArthurE Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville , GA USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 09:29:04 (MST)
Arthur try "An Khe Topo Map." Also try "Rays Map Room" & scroll down to Lane Army Heliport. It'll show a map of Lane. Click on " The Entrance." It will show the Main Gate. There is also a pic of a "snake" with a little write up that mentions the 129th.
Bruno E Sanchez
Laredo, TX USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 08:44:34 (MST)
In all fairness to Senator Kerry,it wasnt his fault he didnt get in a huge firefight, where 1/2 the platoon got zapped.Thats a good thing.I remember one of his actions took place at night.You guys remember night flying...I hated it myself...dangers tripled(or more).If Mr. Kerry had gotten into BIG trouble,a flight of Gun Ships would have been sent in to support those troops.In my opinion,there are enough names on that damn wall.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 04:39:44 (MST)
Rollllll another one.Dont bogart that joint my friend,pass it over to me.ahh,the old songs.Isnt that right,Panama Red? Hope I didnt get Stoned and I missed it.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 04:29:51 (MST)
I guess I just still find it amazing that nam vets are more in love with, and more supportive of a draft dodging punk than they are another vet! I spent a little time in maintenance before going to the guns....were the mechanics nam vets? Kerry served, in a dangerous assignment. What he did after he returned is irrelevant to that fact. Gore was there....as a photographer. Hardly a combat MOS, eh? Still, he served, just like the mechanics, tech clerks, payroll clerks, cooks. If we can't respect THAT part of them, none of us deserve anything but what we get! Who decides who had the worst duty? most dangerous duty?.....ART, if you take the time to read what I wrote, you'd know I didn't agree with that sentiment. Tell me you never heard that said about us........yeah Freddie, you just can't have it all :>))
Kim
USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 03:24:40 (MST)
Hey Kim.......Losers??????? Beautiful Loser.....
He wants to dream like a young man.....
With the wisdom of an old man.......
He wants his home and security,.......
He wants to live like a sailor at sea......
Beautiful loser, where you gonna fall?.....
You realize you just can`t have it all......
He`s your oldest and your best friend,......
If you need him, he`ll be there again.......
He`s always willing to be second best,.......
A perfect lodger, a perfect guest........
Beautiful loser, read it on the wall.......
And realize, you just cant have it all........
...you cant have it all, you cant have it all,........
Oh, oh, ... cant have it all.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, OH USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at 20:48:04 (MST)
This is Bulldog 664!!!!!Taking political fire from the extreme right.....Request permission to return fire.......(crickets)....
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at 20:37:15 (MST)
HI I think the ONE that wrote that HE SHOUD LOOK IN A mirror because he THE ONLY ONE ART
ArthurEFoster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at 19:32:26 (MST)
I think I read somewhere that ALL Vietnam vets are nothing but a bunch of drugged out losers........sad. same same as rostum, he's the guy that challenged Duckworth's patriotism
Kim
USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at 19:23:00 (MST)
and the president spent almost as much time as gore and kerry, course if kerry had been on the trip he would have cut himself with a butter knife and then asked for a purple heart, or claim he was in cambodia.
donnie purvis <donnie.purvis@us.army.mil>
Linwood, nc USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at 18:08:59 (MST)
just went and looked at it...my M-60 is in the right side of the pic with a clear shot of that turn.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at 14:26:21 (MST)
I have a picture that I took flying thru the pass...of that turn.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at 14:22:20 (MST)
Hi Flight Bruno I tried that wen sight & could not get it up coud you send me the web address I like to look at it thank Art
ArthurEFoster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at 09:28:17 (MST)
Bernie, Check out An Khe Pass. Click on the "hair pin" turn. There'great "overhead aerial shot of the hair pin turn. A long time ago Huh. Later
Bruno E Sanchez
Laredo, Tx USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at 08:53:33 (MST)
Good Morning Flight. Wishing "all" a happy thanksgiving. Bernie,your "retirement".Bill Shilleto, where are you? What happen to LT. Jones? Flight found a great web site for maps. Check it out. Map of Lane, Qui Nhon, Phu Cat AFB, An Khe Pass & others. The address is: www.rjsmith.com/topo. E'nuff Said. Dawg 426 clear left.
Bruno E Sanchez
Laredo, Tx USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at 08:29:37 (MST)
This place is too quiet! Maybe we need a bit of politics to keep it active? Now that our president is a Vietnam vet, I got to see a few shots of life over there. As I recall, one of the group went on a visit a couple years ago, wish I could recall who it was.(crs) What's life like over there? Has the government relaxed their control? Seems they interviewed a bunch of folks who left America for opportunities in their native land, has the love of the dollar changed their views of capitalism? What's life like in the country, away from the major cities? Are the 'yards' still living their stone age lifestyle?.......USC is still #2, as long as they keep winning, there will be no rematch.
Kim
USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at 03:09:23 (MST)
Fred A........Alot of that stuff is people that don`t even go to Ohio State, they come from miles around Central Ohio. Not that students don`t do that......they do their share.......With my mother owning a bar on campus for 18 years, I was always in the middle of the OSU vs Michigan insanity.......After I got older, we would go to someone`s house and watch the game on TV and avoid campus.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Sunday, November 19, 2006 at 11:18:44 (MST)
Fred S. was good talking to you on Friday. It's good to some Ohio Boys talking about football and the good times living in Ohio. I was surprised at the high scoring game between Ohio State and Michigan. Your thoughts on the score is about where I was thinking. I haven't got the Home town paper to see the article they will have on Bo Schembechler. Don, nerver thought I would have so much Bull Shit!!! Was I in for a fooling. The DM and Store Mgr still think these people have lost it. Will give you a call later. Glad to hear Donna is doing better. Hope all of you have a Safe Thanksgiving Day. Always A Brother Alex and The Better Half Liz
Alex
USA - Sunday, November 19, 2006 at 09:16:40 (MST)
over 40 fires in columbus from fans celebrating the win...never could understand..win the game..burn the city.
alvis
USA - Sunday, November 19, 2006 at 06:35:56 (MST)
Smitty, I say "Play It Again".....That`s the two best teams in the country. Shock me it was such a high scoring game......On to Glendale
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Saturday, November 18, 2006 at 17:43:11 (MST)
Let me say that i doff my cap to the Buckeyes, that was one of the best ball games i have seen in a long , long time>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Smitty
jim westwang 71-72
Sheridan, wy USA - Saturday, November 18, 2006 at 17:26:54 (MST)
hi & just wear RED on FRIDAY
Art <tigerwagon@msn.com >
Hogansville, GA USA - Saturday, November 18, 2006 at 10:05:01 (MST)
Hi brother try & go to this web address www.iwo.cam/heroes.htm & see what you think & if you want to send it to other & they got a thing going on it to wear somthing RED on to are BROTHER come home I do Art
Art <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA USA - Saturday, November 18, 2006 at 09:59:50 (MST)
Alex, 6 months is not very long, will it make that big a diff. in your retirement money? if not I would just tell them what I tell them every time I get another phone call from them: MAKE AN AIRIAL ASSAULT ON A ROTATING PASTRY ! they are still trying to sue me for $580.00 it is a crock. I am about ready to get a lawyer of my own and see what happens.
Alvis, Donna is doing better ~ last month she had to go thru 6 1/2 hours of surgery to remove all the grafts they put in 4 years ago. it all had staph in it. so he removed it and went down the other side. this time he left 6 incisions open so they would heal from the inside out. they must be cleaned and re packed/bandaged every day (thank GOD for my sis). I am taking care of the house and giving her 4 IV's a day (till 11 Dec) LADIES ..... I used to think I knew what Donna did around here to take care of us ...... SILLY ME ......... BUT I KNOW NOW. I have decided I would rather go back to Nam for another year than do your job. THANK YOU LADIES for everything you do for us. take care all. Later, Don
Don Miller
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Friday, November 17, 2006 at 20:47:58 (MST)
Brother Alex it was WONDERFUL talking with you today. Two old guys from Ohio, talking about, fast cars, pretty young wives, and FOOTBALL, and just plain good times and bad times. Sit home and take care of your health, I want you to be around for a long time Brother.........With the passing of Bo Schembechler today, a Barberton, Ohio native, THE GAME....is going to be that much more intense......Well I call it right now....Ohio State 24...Michigan 14.......this is one of the best OSU and Michigan teams in years......And Mark, I think you got a Coldwater All-American in the making, in Ross Homan....He got in for 5 minutes last week, got a sack and a interception, man he`s gonna be good.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, OH USA - Friday, November 17, 2006 at 15:27:30 (MST)
gently; i believe the name of the movie that art was talking about was Operation Pacific
paul mcgrath
oglesby, il USA - Friday, November 17, 2006 at 15:17:33 (MST)
HELLO FLIGHT JST SAYINH HI. ITS BEEN A WHILE. LAST WEEK I HAD 3TEETH PULED AT THE VA DENTIS THEY DID A GRATE JOB. I STIL WORKING ON MY BREATHING THE VA DR GAVE ME A PULMONARY FUCTION TEST, BUT FRIST SHE TOLD ME SEE MY OWN DR.BUT SOME THE VA DID IT CUGHT M4 BY SUIRISE, THEN ON THE 12 I SEEN MY DR BUT I BROUGHT ALL MY RECORDSFROM THE VA. HE TOLD ME MY LUNGS ARE CLEAR AND CAN FILLL UP GRATE. HE SAID MY STOMACH IS PUSHING IN TI MY LUNGS AND CRUSHING TYHEM SOME HOW ,WEND HE WANTS A CAT SCAN OF MY CHEST ALL THIS WAS SAI BY OUT SIDE DR,BUT I DINT UNDER STAND I WAS WALKING 2 MILES A DAY FOR A LONG TIME AND BIB BY BIB COULD NOT WALK, BUT I STARTED IT UP AGAIN A LITTLE AT A TIME.SO FAR THE VA IS DOING ME GOOD WE SEE AFTER JAN 4 WHEN I HAVE A GI . WELL IS EVERY ONE DOING. HOW YOU AND DEE DOING MARK..KAL I GET BACK ON MSN. I JUST LOOKED BAD. ROBHOW IS YOUR BROTHER, GENTLY HOW THINGW UP THERE, I KNOW YOU ARE BUSY. I AM STILL GETTING THINGS MIXED UP. OTHER THINGS TO BUT WONT GO THERE. BUT NOT GOOD
WELL MY BROTHERES TAKE CARE LOVE YA ALL EVEN IF I DONT POST I STILLTHINK OF YOU ALL A BROTHER ALWAYS RAY
OH MARY LIKE RICK SAID YOUR DAD HELPED BOTH OF A LOT.I THINK I WAS THE LAST ONE HE SENT THE VA A LETTER TO. NOT SURE IF YOU KEOT IT BUT RICK SENT ME A COPY OF COUNTY JOE AND THE FISH, I SENT HIM A COPY, WE TALK ON THE PHONE SAID HE LOVED IT, IT WAS HIS FAV, CD YOU WANT A COPY E MAIL stilwating@aol.com. i make u one. i hope i saying the right
thing sorry if iam not ok
RAY FROM 129th 69 - 70
RAY <stilwating@aolcom>
MD USA - Friday, November 17, 2006 at 13:11:21 (MST)
Well Don Miller you'll love this!! I have been back at work for a month. Yesterday I found out that I can't return to work because of some restrictions. So, today I have to try and get the restriction altered. Have 6 months to complete 25 years of service. Been hard. Can't sit here all day. Fred thanks for your comments about the Christmas fund. The way I look at it. Were helping Family. It meant alot to me to see you and Susan at the reunions. Life is too short. We have lost some of our Brothers over the last few years. And they will be missed!! But, we have had the opportunity to share a few days once a year. And, enjoy our 129th Family at these reunions. We have been blessed to have found some of our Brothers and Friends and Family of our Brothers whom have passed on. Always A Brother!!
Alex
USA - Friday, November 17, 2006 at 07:04:58 (MST)
congrads Don. Hows the misses?
alvis
USA - Friday, November 17, 2006 at 05:48:56 (MST)
evening flight, I have some great news. the VA FINALLY came thru for me. I was 30% for my back injury I got while on active duty with the AZ National Guard. today I got a letter from the VA saying I was approved for 30% on my PTSD. now when I was in school I was always taught that 30% + 30% was 60%. well the VA has a new math that I don't think even Einstein could figure out. they came up with a total of 50%. now I AM NOT complaining mind you any win with the VA is great. I just thought it was really neat the way the VA changes the basic laws of math. DON'T GIVE UP ............. YOU CAN WIN ! ! ! ! Later, Don
Don Miller
Valley Farms, AZ USA - Thursday, November 16, 2006 at 20:36:29 (MST)
jim,keep me updated please,even back channel if you wish. Hopeing for the best for you,alvis
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 16, 2006 at 17:56:28 (MST)
My Lab isn't till the 20th & Dr. appt 29th, I am hangin in there. Thanks for thinkin bout me. This will make some of you grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, I have been a Wolverines fan for many years, ( Both are great, may the best team win). These are some of the things that make america great>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>respects>>>>>>>>>Smitty
jim westwang 71-72
Sheridan, wy USA - Thursday, November 16, 2006 at 13:57:35 (MST)
Mr retro is here!! ;o)
Gale
USA - Thursday, November 16, 2006 at 13:22:09 (MST)
Fred and Susan..it's been hell for you, we know that. Our hearts were broken many times as you told us of your ordeals and Susan's pain and suffering. We're all just glad it's over for you. As a note: After Susan wins her national award for the pictures she has donated to the 129th Christmas Fund, they will have to be used in many magazines prior to being given to the highest bidder. So the pictures will probably not be available for a Christmas gift if that is your thought when bidding. On the other hand, they will be worth much more after she wins. Much more. And Mark....you mentioned a cane:>)))?
Alex, my membership has expired..thanks for the reminder. Damn. Smitty? Mr. Retro..where are you? And Melody!!!! Love to all - Gently
Gently
USA - Thursday, November 16, 2006 at 07:01:22 (MST)
Smitty.....how you making out buddy? whats the doc say?
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 16, 2006 at 06:04:19 (MST)
for the new folks. Susan was told she had breast cancer 2 xmas's ago.Operations,chemo and radiation followed in the insuing year. The emotional cost was terrible,but the finacial cost was catistropic.For instance,10 anti nausea pills cost 800 dollars,thats right, 10 pills cost 800.With my insurance,they cost 400.That gives you an idea of what we went thru.Most weeks we had to chose which medicine we could buy,and which had to wait till next payday.All in all,it cost us over one hundred thousand dollars.I dont know what we paid out of that,but most of our money went towards docs and hospt.To make things worse,Susan was so sick from chemo she couldnt walk. She was so burnt from radiation,she couldnt leave the house or dress herself.We came veru close to losing our house.For those of you that dont know,Susan and I were on the reciving end,and very greatfully so,of a couple of those checks.It allowed us to go to a reunion,but more importnatly,it got Susan out of the house and her mind on other things,if just for a wek or so.I am extremely greatful! So,thats how it works.Its also the reason,Susan wants to give something back.Art to her is extremely personal,and she is very good at it.Sha could think of no other way to give back all that she as recieved,and this doesnt even come close.I feel that way also.I/we ,are indebted to the goodness of those here, and i thank you. Folks,this is just one true story of the good the xmas fund has done.In a angry sea with huge waves,raining bricks of dispair,the 129th light shinded brightly.thank you.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at 16:56:28 (MST)
Gently: great to see you post!!! You are correct about some of our Brothers not posting because of politics and disagreement we have among each other. Mark has given us the opportunity to find our Brothers of the 129th with this web site. And, we as Brothers of the 129th should respect his wishes. Now about the Christmas fund!! Any amount little or big will be appreciated. As our devoted 129th Sister said. This help our Brothers whom may not have enough to get to a reunion. I have been to 12 reunions and I have to save all year long. But, I am lucky to have a job!! The few years itt has been tough because of medical problems with my feet and knees. But, I know there is some of my Brothers that are not as lucky as I am. That where our Christmas Fund helps. I am looking forward to a large turn out in Orlando of the 129th. I also hope everyone whom is a member of the VHCMA has renewed their membership. In closing, the purpose of this site is to Remember Our Fallen Brothers Of The 129th and to FIND our Living Brothers. I was there from the beginning of the 129th. And ,through this site have found Rainer,Glenn,Joe,Gerald,Max,Jim from the first group. My second tour with the 129th, Gale,Rick,Daniel,Kal and made many new Brothers and Sisters Here at OUR HOME OF THE 129th. Always A Brother!!
Alex
USA - Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at 15:49:56 (MST)
Art, wow! Try and remember the name of the film..I'd love to see it. Regarding your question about the auction procedures: bidding is open to everyone, effective yesterday. You can post the price you want to bid on this web site, but I also request that you send them to me via email(Gentlyjs@yahoo.com) to make sure I don't miss any bids. I will keep everyone up to date on the highest bid as they come in. The items will be sent to the highest bidder in time for Christmas, and if the gift is suppose to be a surprise our track record is good for keeping it such. We do alot of behind the scenes work to make sure everyone is happy with the results. When the bidding is over and I have recieved the last donation (yes, the 129ers also send me checks to help get their brothers to the re-union..they're a very generous group, and I am the only one who knows who gives what so no one should be embarassed if they are unable to donate) I let everyone know how much we collected. I'd have to check, but I think it's been as high as $3000-$3500. Then names are sent to me of 129ers (by all of you) who need help getting to the re-union. I pass that info on to 3 of our 129 leaders, and decisions area made as to who and gets how much they will need to attend. The 129ers we help are kept a secret with the four of us...we can also use this fund to help a 129er in dire straits of some sort. Again, it's the call of the 129 leaders. All you have to do is let me know "who." For those of you wishing to donate this year my address is: Judith Singer 7221 W. Bluemound, Milwaukee WI 53213. We have already recieved $250 from one you and his wife...what a pair! I hope those of you who have stepped up in the past are able to help again this year, but we know how times change and will understand if we do not hear from you. Having said that, hopefully some of you who have not donated and are able, will donate this year. Again, I am the only one who knows who gives and who doesn't so there is no reason to feel badly if you are unable to contribute. No reason at all:>) Let me know if there are any more questions. Peace-Gently
Gently
USA - Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at 07:18:39 (MST)
I got two pouncho liner that are 35 years old one was with me out in the bush & it about all green the other one is like brand new my Mother had it put up & my younger sister sent it with all my fother things & his NAVY rec. & the proud RED WHITE & BLUE I am going to have a will maid up & that FLAG it be on my casket. Have you seen the movie that John Wain maid about a sub picking up a bunch of kids & mother & some nuns well it was a true story because it was my DAD sub that had dun it I got his records & it tell all about it & that some thing to be proud of & I am prout of my DADHe died two day after my 21 birthday 67 & I went to nam in 68 take care Art
ArthurE Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com >
Hogansville , ga USA - Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 21:36:01 (MST)
HI flight what about this auction how does it work some one let me know.
ArthurE Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville , GA USA - Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 20:47:57 (MST)
Ken, I want to echo what Fred A. said. I get on my high horse on occasion, and sometimes get brought back to earth when I read what other's opinions mean to them. As you said Gently, we need to stay in touch with our elected officials, and sometimes we need to dig beyond what they say in order to ascertain the truth...big game this weekend #1 vs #2.... I count my blessings daily for having good health, so far. Hope everyone recovers from this spate of maladays in time to enjoy the holidays
Kim
USA - Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 19:04:05 (MST)
Ken,dont sweat the small stuff....me and Kim and fred been going around and around ever since we been here,,,and we are still friends and brothers.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 13:53:09 (MST)
edit...its a nationial contest,,,
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 13:50:49 (MST)
Susan has entered both drawing in some sort of art judgement/contest by one of her art magazines.This does NOT affect the bidding ,nor when the winners recieve the drawing.However,if Susan wins,the art work must be submitted (mailed) to the magazine for a short time to be photographed.Whether the new owner(s) decide to do this,is up to them.We do ask for coperation,and will fund the "mailing",plus guarantee the winning bid their monies back,if for some reason( i cant think of one,but just in case) they dont get the drawing back or its damanaged.The downside is you will be without the drawing foe a short time,The up side is, it just might be worth more bucks if it wins.thanks
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 13:49:02 (MST)
You are among friends here Ken. L-Gently
Gently
USA - Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 09:51:01 (MST)
Gently, Again I want to say I am sorry to everyone who was upset by me starting the talk a bunch of us had here. Please remember I am the new guy but was upset and used this as a way to vent my feelings. Even though the subject was heated I hope my brothers were not offended because for just a few days I felt exchanged our feelings and I think to a point it helped me change my feelings. Right now my wife and I are in Florida with her brother that has every thing on the list for Agent Orange. I just thank God that I still don't show any of the effects yet thinking of what the guys are going through is hard as well. We all hope my brother in law will be here next spring but he is showing signs of giving up. As to that, Flight I hope no one is not posting because we all have our demands that need healing. All be safe out there!
Ken Strong Jr. 72-73
Lafayette, IN USA - Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 09:26:30 (MST)
One more thing: while looking back on the posts I couldn't help but get very pissed again over the political editorials. That's what your newspapers are for, or better yet write the man/woman you voted for last week. This website is for healing and brother hood...I wonder how many brothers have decided to "NOT" post anymore because of this last "exchange"... how many have gone back to being alone again rather than dealing with your slams...damn it. We lost too many the last time this crap happened..and they haven't come back to us....what don't you get about "no politics?" Sorry Mark...my place is not dammage control, I know. Gently
Gently
USA - Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 07:53:19 (MST)
Mary....welcome my sister!!! Your wonderful father sent me a list of books to read on the war in Vietnam, and every time I go to that list to find another book...I am reminded of him. Feel very welcome here..and please join us when we "gather" througout the year:>) With a motherly(only cause I'm older) hug-Gently
Smitty-you're my angel:>))
Gently
USA - Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 07:26:04 (MST)
Oh yes..there will be a Christmas fund this year:>)))) And the checks can bve sent to me anytime hence forth: 7221 W. BLuemound Road, Milwaukee WI 53213. To my knowlwdge we have 3 auction items: 2 beautiful hand drawings by the weird girl from Australia, and another, yes, another helicopter chain bracelet from our dear Mr. Don Miller. We have one bid each on the 2 drawings at $100 each. Please email me your bids at "Gentlyjs@yahoo.com" and I'll keep the crew updated here on the web site.
Remember, all the money raised through your donations and biddings goes toward getting your brothers who need some financial assistance to the re-union. This year the re-union is in Florida, but we have yet to decide if that's the one to attend, or if we'll do a 129er only. Please give me your feed back on that issue at the above website also. All donations and votes will be kept confidential, per usual, and I ask that you contact me via email so I can keep a paper trail on the votes, and bidding. As to who becomes a recipient of the "sky crew scholarships," I ask you to send me names of those you know who can use our help, and also to ask for help for yourself: this is not a time to be too proud to ask for such, it's a time to be with your brothers...some of us may not be here next year so don't miss this beautiful opportunity to bestowe love upon one another.
Mel....are you going to do some of those very cool bracelets for the auction again this year?
Ok..the bidding is open.... and will close DECEMBER 8TH AT 4:30 PM CST. That's 12/8/06 at 4:30 PM CST. Love you all. (I know Kim-thanks) L-Gently
Gently <Gentlyjs@yahoo.com>
USA - Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 07:21:01 (MST)
flight:check out this story on msn.its about agent orange and its affects on the vietnamese. addy is www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15692010. might give some insight on why our govt doesn't want to admit to AO having any affect on us. see ya paul
paul mcgrath
oglesby, il USA - Monday, November 13, 2006 at 18:53:51 (MST)
Seems as if we are all falling apart. I go in the hospital Thursday morning in Houston for a proceedure on my heart called ablation. hey burn nerve endings inside the heart to stop fast erratic heartbeat. Atrial flutter or fibrulation. Hope it works. Good luck with yours smitty.
Harrell Guidry
Groves, Tx USA - Monday, November 13, 2006 at 17:30:32 (MST)
hope its nothing little buddy..
alvis
USA - Monday, November 13, 2006 at 17:10:29 (MST)
Smitty, prayers going out for you, Man!
Dave Powers
USA - Monday, November 13, 2006 at 17:04:07 (MST)
Well, i have been gone on a trip for our 25th wedding anniversary that was Nov.6, I just got back today, i downloaded & watched the Video Bill, it was Great ,thanks for all your hard work. I have not been feeling well lately, I have a dr's appt again at the Va, some real bad pain when swallowing & a lot of fatigue, i'll let yall know what i find out, Hang in there folks, thanks for being here for me.
>>>>>Smitty
jim westwang 71-72
Sheridan, wy USA - Monday, November 13, 2006 at 15:43:55 (MST)
Thanks for all the nice words on the video. I'll leave on the internet for another week or so. Here's the address again for those who haven't seen it: http://www.wolfcms.com/Vday.html (its case sensitive so make sure you use a capital "V" on the Vday.html)
Bill Wolf
USA - Monday, November 13, 2006 at 11:42:48 (MST)
Me too... gotta get DSL. I had to do it from my work computer.
Dave
USA - Monday, November 13, 2006 at 10:02:41 (MST)
Bill, great job bother on the video. Don, I just switched to DSL and man what a difference.
Gale
USA - Monday, November 13, 2006 at 08:03:17 (MST)
Bill, beautiful job. gotta get DSL finally went to bed and let it finish downloading and played it this morning. dial up is W A Y T O O S L O W . later, Don
Don Miller
USA - Monday, November 13, 2006 at 07:59:04 (MST)
Bill Wolf... outstanding job on the little movie. I loved the version of "Taps"... beautiful horn. If you all have not see or heard this one please do so.
Dave Powers
USA - Monday, November 13, 2006 at 07:45:22 (MST)
ok flight...for those of you wondering about "Black Friday" ( the day after thanksgiving) sales...here is a site that has lots of ads already..looks like a few good deals comming..
http://gottadeal.com/
alvis
USA - Sunday, November 12, 2006 at 15:52:15 (MST)
Mary - welcome to the "clan". Hope you'll be a regular visitor. If you'll email me a snail mail address, I will send you the videos that I have put together over the past couple years. Maybe you'll see a familiar face.
Bill Wolf
Bill Wolf <vnheloreunioin@aol.com>
USA - Sunday, November 12, 2006 at 11:18:27 (MST)
Mary welcome home. Your father helped me and Ray Gagner out with support and with buddy letters. Its good to see you post here. How is your mother and your brother doing? I thought you were in San Fransisco? I would like to know were your Dad's final resting place is. You be careful ou thtere and lets us know how your doing? Flight be careful out there.
Rick England <bd431@mindspring.com>
USA - Sunday, November 12, 2006 at 07:14:21 (MST)
Mary, I'm sorry, I forgot to WELCOME you to the 129th. You are as much of a part of this place as all others that are here. Please feel free to post , contact, or stay in touch with us at all times. Also you are welcome to attend any of the gatherings that we have anytime...........always a brother..........
Mary
USA - Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 18:26:09 (MST)
Mary, My wife and I stayed at your dad's house in O'Fallon back in , lets see, maybe 98 or 99. Your Pop knew of my brother Larry, who is a KIA of the 129th, while the were in Vietnam together. At the time we were at your mom and dad's house Big D was satying there and Rick "Shakey" Vogel came to visit also. We had a wonderful time. I have some photos some where of that weekend. I'll e-mail you...........Alvis, your writings put me in a place I have never been as if I was. Good stuff brother..............always a brother................
Mark
USA - Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 18:20:07 (MST)
ahh,the pot smoke burnt his throat,but made him feel good .The stereo blared its tunes, its good to be among friends.The hot day receded into cool dark nights, time to relax.Beer quinced the burning in his throat,pot quinced the burning in his brain. A letter from home,if he got one,quinced the burning in his heart.Grab me one mother fucker,or roll another one you sum a bitch,deal the card ass hole,was heard from room to room,depending on its occupants.Sometimes all three was heard.Friends bantering friends,each knowing the specter of death hovered over them daily.Its black shadow,ever present,made the bantering more intense,but yet, more friendly. Posters tacked to the walls,Make love not war,winged goddess,melting clocks,velvet pics glowing in black lights.Ahh,its veterans day and i am hitting the sauce..back at you guys later.Have a good day.
alvis
USA - Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 17:15:09 (MST)
hello everyone, my name is Mary Heidenreich. I am Bob Heidenreich's daughter. I was doing a search of his name online to read things he has written on the 129th's websites and I saw his name on here. It's nice to see that he is remembered. For those who knew him, please email me some memories that you have of him. I would very much appreciate it. Thank you.
Mary Heidenreich <marylai77@gmail.com>
St. Louis, Mo USA - Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 17:01:10 (MST)
The smoke curled up around his face,as he cleaned his machinegun. The sound of hovering helicopters,blades whopping,in the background.His hands caressed the gun,like a lover,full attention given to its deadly lines.Sweat poured down his face,his shirt was darkend with dampness,stained with grease,oils and use.As he was bent over the 55 gal drum,cut in 1/2,holding gun solvent,his thoughts turned to the show at the club tonight.It was veterans day and,as usual, the beer was going to flow.
It had been a long day,he had flown up thru the An Khe pass,seeing all the aircraft bodies littering the sides of it,delevering fresh troops and mail.It didnt feel like a holiday,just another lonely day in the nam.He smiled at the passers bye,gretting other crew members with some sort funny sharp remark ,reserved for his brothers in arms.His hands,wrinkled and dried out from the solvent,felt cool in the hot air.Time to cool the inside as well.Back home,the WW2 Veterans all dressed up,put on their medals,and were proud of their service.Perhaps bands and picnics were in the picture.Little did he know what was in store for him when he returned.
alvis
USA - Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 16:40:19 (MST)
A Blessed and Graceful Veteran's Day to all my brothers. Bill Wolf, thanks for the video clip. Had a lot of 8th graders that made a recent trip to DC stop us and tell us that the "Touched" Larry and had their photo taken with him at his address 18W, Line 75. Happens every year that they make the trip. The 129th Larry and the rest of the KIA's are talked about here in town and always looked up during the trip. I Love you guys......well, Coldwater ran into a brick wall last night in the team of Oak Harbor. We lost 38-20. Their front line averaged 245lbs. I know that's no excuse, but it hampered Coldwater. Was the end of a 26 game winning streak. But at's OK, losing builds character........All of you be safe and have a peacefulsolom day. Kim, I signed the Bill Of Rights for Vets you sent me. Thanks for sending it. I will try and get another "Walking Stick" made for the Christmas auction. Work on the cabin has brought a halt to all other activities though.........I love you guys................always a brother.........
Mark
USA - Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 11:33:42 (MST)
Bill Wolf appreciate the Veterans Day Clip. I hope everyone has a chance to see it. Hoping all my Brothers and Sisters that served our great country. To have a safe Veterans Day. And remember our KIA's and POW/MIA's. They will forever live through us.
Alex
USA - Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 08:31:03 (MST)
Hello, Lightning killed my computer. I'm at an Internet Cafe right now. I'll check in when I can and let you know when I'm back. Aloha, Greg
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Friday, November 10, 2006 at 20:16:42 (MST)
I'll start the bidding on the second one with a bid of 100.00. Gently, are you going to be the contact? I'm hoping that Mike Michaud ( another Franco )returns to Veteran's affairs in congress. If so, I'm going to pass along any develpoing issues that we should be aware of. Please take the time to get in contact with your congressman/woman, and let them know how you feel about veterans issues. AS the politicians are saying, the election is over. There is about a six month window where things can get done without all the partisan grandstanding, before they start placing themselves for the next election cycle.....Gently, war tends to bring pain, whether it's percieved as a 'just cause' or not. Some person gets killed, and a bunch of people grieve. People get all pumped up in a spate of patriotism, imagine themselves righteously invincible, and get brought up short by the reality that the other guy is capable of hitting a target. They come home forever changed by what they do, what they see, and the one's at home don't understand why or how they're different....... my little protest, I wrote the commandant of the VFW, threatening to resign from the organization because of their support for Tammy Duckworths' opponent, who trashed her as a vet. One thing we need in this country is a return to civility. It's one thing to disagree with someone's political views, it's quite another to 'swift boat' any veteran, question their patriotism.
Kim
USA - Friday, November 10, 2006 at 17:10:44 (MST)
MOVIE ALERT! MOVIE ALERT! In honor of Veteran's Day, I put together a little video for the 129th. You will need to go the following address: http://www.wolfcms.com/Vday.html (its case sensitive so make sure you use a capital "V" on the Vday.html) You can either download it or open it in your Explorer. Either way, those with dial-up will have to be patient (suggest you folks download it and then watch it). Hope you enjoy! Bill Wolf
Bill Wolf
USA - Friday, November 10, 2006 at 15:50:14 (MST)
this mean we have no xmas fund this year?
alvis
USA - Friday, November 10, 2006 at 14:39:51 (MST)
Fabricating Life of Valor Insults All Veterans......
Thursday, November 09, 2006.......
MIKE HARDEN........
Mary Schantag’s phone has been ringing a lot lately.
"Veterans Day, we always get an upswing in calls," said Schantag, who, along with her Vietnam-veteran husband, Chuck, operates an organization that unmasks frauds who claim to have served in combat in Iraq or Vietnam, Korea or World War II. They boast of service as Green Berets or Navy SEALs, of covert missions, being tortured as prisoners of war or winning medals they never earned in battles they never fought.
"It’s an epidemic," Mrs. Schantag said from Skidmore, Mo., where she and her spouse founded the POW Network in 1989. "You’ve got Iraqi War veterans coming home right now, and a lot of guys just feel inferior. Everybody wants to be the hero they weren’t.
"Sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year, I’ve got someone turning in a phony. It’s a good day for me if I don’t have anyone calling, but that hasn’t happened in a long time."
Complaints come from across the nation, she said. "Some of our most celebrated cases have come from Ohio."
Among them was Donald Nicholson, a former chief of police in Amelia, in southwestern Ohio, who claimed to be a member of the Army’s Special Forces and a POW during the Vietnam War. Nicholson even purchased a Distinguished Service Cross in 1999 and persuaded a National Guard battalion commander to award it to him.
In 2000, Nicholson was sentenced to three years of probation after he pleaded guilty to "unlawful use of a false military-discharge certificate and unauthorized wearing of military medals and decorations."
Ken Andrews, an outreachservices coordinator for the Open Shelter, said his efforts to help Columbus’ homeless frequently bring him into contact with men who fraudulently claim combat service.
"I had a guy recently who said he was a SEAL and a Green Beret at the same time," said Andrews, who is an Army veteran of Vietnam. "It’s kind of like fishing stories. A guy will say, ‘I have nothing, and all these guys around me are talking about something proud.’ "
Military service, particularly if it involves combat, carries with it a certain cachet. The people who call the POW Network to learn if an individual is entitled to that distinction sometimes are employers, neighbors of professed war heroes or lovers suspicious of a suitor’s claims of honors for bravery in combat.
One of the complaints coming out of Ohio was leveled by a martial-arts student at an instructor who is alleged to have claimed service in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
It troubles Schantag that the Internet has made it easy to obtain the blank military forms needed to reinvent oneself.
"It’s easy to build a complete military record," she said.
She hopes Congress will pass the so-called Stolen Valor Act, a bill that would impose stiff penalties on military frauds.
Perhaps the most damning thing about the deceit of hoaxed combat service and misappropriated medals is not how infuriating the lie is to the combat veterans who decry it. Rather, it is the sin against the dead it represents.
War’s truest heroes never lived to comb gray hair or march in Veterans Day parades.
Of all the things Congress owes them, nothing now is more important than justice. Mike Harden is a Dispatch Metro columnist
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Thursday, November 09, 2006 at 14:32:25 (MST)
I'm trying my hardest to be here! Please forgive me...there's just sooooooo many families with broken hearts due to this @#%$@*&^)(*&)% war/conflict/invasion. Call it whatever you want..but our Nation is screaming out in pain due to it. L-G
Gently
USA - Thursday, November 09, 2006 at 13:17:41 (MST)
thanks John
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 09, 2006 at 05:26:47 (MST)
alvis check out this website. It give pretty good detail of how the uniform was developed, and why. Has more to do with current situation. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/acu.htm
dillman
john dillman <jdillman1@charter.net>
USA - Wednesday, November 08, 2006 at 18:15:19 (MST)
thank you Bill W. I was hesitant to post that.I am trying to get Gently in here to handle this thing,hope she finds time.
Alot of soliders come into where I work,from a main traing camp just south of here. Lately,I have noticed that they dont wear the rank on their shoulders anymore,but on a button on their chest. I ask a captian (army) today what was going on with that and if it had anything to do with the "sand box"? His reply was, "partially,but really its to get in line with nato and Europeian dress codes." He futher stated that they had been wearing it like that for about a month and as of ...i think march 1st,the entire service will switch to what he had.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 08, 2006 at 15:15:51 (MST)
As indicated at the reunion, I have a $100 bid on Drawing A. Bill
Bill Wolf
USA - Wednesday, November 08, 2006 at 13:22:46 (MST)
oh,the drawings are on the front page of this site.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 07, 2006 at 19:41:56 (MST)
thanks Mark. Flight,the drawings are framed in 15x18 inch frames,to give you an idea of the size.I just e-mailed Gently.Again,these are for the xmas fund.No monies go to me or Susan,they go to whom ever is doing the fund this year. These are professional level drawings as well as pro framed. Susan and I will take care of any postage in mailing the drawings to the winners of the auction. The bids will be for either A or B,please make sure you say which one you perfer.Both will be sold.Susan likes the B,while I like the A,but thats art for you. For those of you that are wondering whats going on....each year the 129th has a xmas fund.The amount varies from year to year. Thru the year we sell, or action things for this fund.ALL monies go into the fund,none is taken out for postage,time,ect.The people that decide who gets the fund,have a tough time of it,but always goes to someone that can really use it.I have not ever been part of the decision making,nor want to...to tough for me. The fund is given quietly,no one knows who it goes to,unless the reciever wishes it known.Its called trust folks,and it works. Thank you.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, November 07, 2006 at 19:40:47 (MST)
Great responde Alex,
Today at a voting place I amost told a guy this. I was an American fighting man and served in the forces witch guard your country and its way of life, I was prepared to take our enemys life in your defence,So you have this prevlege to be here on this day, if it were not for my Brothers this would not be the case. Some one had to do the durty work, and all of my Brothers from day one did it with honor, So make the best of it, Make your vote count and dont cry if you throw it out the door. There is and was a lot of blood that was shead to made it possable for you to be here on this day.
CatMan
USA - Tuesday, November 07, 2006 at 16:54:34 (MST)
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAFFFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
NWA AFO IMO <MAGA@EGOBIA.COM>
LOME, LOME USA - Tuesday, November 07, 2006 at 12:14:04 (MST)
Flight: Mark: is right. Get out and VOTE!!! And let's see what happens next. As Far VA welfare. The Vietnam War has affected us all in some sorts. Flight crews seen alot. That left some nasty memories. It's the VA hospital shrink that determines whether a Brother needs help. As far as money. No body I know whom is drawing 100%. Are living a good life. If your after money, your in for a surprise. If your looking for help with health issues. Your rating is to determine whether you have a co-payment or not. Let's focus on finding more of our 129th Brothers. Life is to short to waste. Have A Great Day. I was asked at the voting place whether I was a democrat or republican. My reply is an American!!! I vote for whom I think will do the best job.
Alex
USA - Tuesday, November 07, 2006 at 06:45:40 (MST)
Today is the day when your political voice can speak the loudest. Go out and cast your vote..................God Bless America...............always a brother..........
Mark
USA - Tuesday, November 07, 2006 at 04:59:34 (MST)
Well, went to San Diego to see my son Bill graduate from MCRD boot camp. Got there on Wednesday afternoon. Wednesday evening, we get a call that they are holding him back 3 weeks because of some training he missed due to an injured hand. Sheshhhh!!! Think they could have let us know before we left Colorado. Oh well. Am returning to see him graduate on Nove 22nd. Did get to visit with him for 4 hours - looks great. Anyway, just wanted to share that as some of you met him at the Reunion in San Antonio. Bill Wolf
Bill Wolf
USA - Monday, November 06, 2006 at 09:42:56 (MST)
Just a reminder: Many of you sent me photos or posted them on the 129th website, but often without complete information on each photo. So, to help, I've set up a website for YOU to go to and see if you can identify any of the folks in the photos. Here's the website: http://www.vietnamheloreunion.com/129th.htm Look gang, this book will be our legacy to current and future generations. Let's give them the most info we can!!! I'm gonna repost this message often over the next two weeks, so be patient. I love you guys and want to make sure the final book is worthy of our efforts. SO, EYES RIGHT: check out the site: www.VietnamHeloReunion.com/129th.htm
Bill Wolf
USA - Monday, November 06, 2006 at 09:40:45 (MST)
I want to share this poem by a friend,Woody,a nam vet...
Brothers Mine...
Brothers, brothers, where did you go?
Off to heaven and left me below.
Full of grief still unexpressed,
Alone and sorrowing, totally bereft...
I often feel that you’re near,
And wish that you were really here.
I miss the camaraderie we shared,
The silly things we sometimes dared...
There’s an empty place in my soul,
Where you once made it whole.
And there’s some guilt that I still live,
While you gave all there is to give...
But, surely as the night follows dawn,
While I breathe, you’ll never be gone.
Search the world; you cannot find,
Monuments surpassing those in my mind...
© 10/31/2006 Thurman P. Woodfork
alvis
USA - Monday, November 06, 2006 at 06:35:19 (MST)
Same here, Wink. It's good to take a little time to question why I believe as I do. As a union leader, I am quite involved in politics, and have seen it from both sides. It's a nasty business at times, with charlatans on both sides playing for votes, and lying to any and all to get them. That doesn't mean that there are not any good ones out there, there are. All too often, however, people get used for the good of the election. That's what is happening to those of us who have been neglected for so long. If all these politicians support the vets, why is the funding so lacking? Yet we'll get sucked into backing some flack who gives lip service to us, because he'll create some firestorm over some meaningless emotional issue, only to get screwed again and again....we do the same thing at the local level. People want to cut the school budget, first thing we threaten to eliminate is sports. That always ends the debate.....what's more important to us, stem cell research or va funding? abortion or va funding? capital gains tax breaks or va funding? When enough of us decide that it's va funding, regardless of the other issues, maybe they'll do something about it.
Kim
USA - Sunday, November 05, 2006 at 18:47:56 (MST)
kim , thaks for the debate.it's always good to learn about others opinions. it gets the thoght process going and to understand others opinions. it's liken a tree in a wind storm if it dosen't bend in the wind it will break.
an to the flight thanks for putting up with us.
wink
lake wales, fl USA - Sunday, November 05, 2006 at 09:35:15 (MST)
Hi Brother 7 Sister well Scooter got operation friday & I want to thank all of you & Scooter doing good he might go home today.
Arthur & Glenda Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Sunday, November 05, 2006 at 07:10:35 (MST)
If you did not see the special "OBSESSION" on Fox Last night ,it will be shown again
today Nov 5 At four and ten EST. Every one should see this And I mean everyone. It is a show on a documentary done by a independant South African that is not being covered by anybody else. What ever your political feelings are, you need to see this program.
Rick Benedict <stij@alltel.net>
USA - Sunday, November 05, 2006 at 06:27:12 (MST)
Hi KEN I know it help I started in 82 going to PTSD groop & up to 5 years ago they told me Art just take your med & if you think you need to talk go to a vet center or come to the va & tell them you need to go in& all the years I have don just that I spent 6 month at one click. My Doc told me in 82 you are not crazy you are holding somthing in that hapen to you in nam it took him to get it out in about 92 or3 & I say this I cried like a babby & you never for get it but you be able to handel it from now on. Art
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA USA - Saturday, November 04, 2006 at 21:51:31 (MST)
Hi flight KIM you wright about welfare.
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Saturday, November 04, 2006 at 21:32:16 (MST)
Sad to report that a young teen girl,here in Indiana,who was bitten by a bat this summer,has died of Rabies.Last Indiana death due to rabies was in 1959.Folks,dont take getting bitten by an animal lightly.No,I didnt know her,just another senseless death.
alvis
USA - Saturday, November 04, 2006 at 15:34:24 (MST)
Actually Ken, I think we are getting along, quite nicely. Point is, welfare is a benefit! It's America's promise that someone who needs a helping hand will receive it. It's the stories about the welfare caddilacs, lobster buying moms, slackbags who won't get a job or make up kids in order to collect more, they're the reason welfare has a bad name. Here in Maine, the majority of people who draw AFDC are on the system for a very short time. It's the politicians, trying to stir things up in the name of lowering taxes, who have made it into such a bad thing. There are always a few ( isn't it always so?) who will try and take advantage of anything as a way to get over. I don't care if it's SSI, AFDC, unemployment, VA disability....they're crooks, and need to be dealt with, even if we spend more to catch them than what they steal. Sad fact is; if there's money involved, someone will try and get some of it illegally, and someone will point to someone who is receiving it, and use it as political point to arouse the public.....As a coach, I'm charged with providing for the kids welfare. That's a big responsibility. If I manage to do so, I'm doing a good thing. If the president provides for the welfare of all Americans, he's doing a good thing. However, if someone is receiving welfare????? uh oh. very bad!!!! If I use my unemployment BENEFITS, that's ok. However, If I use them too long, I'm a leech who is too lazy to find a job!......terminology. It can really hurt us. Who doesn't like a LIBERAL helping of their favorite food? Who knows somebody who is conservative with their finances? Use either of those terms in a political sense, however, and the sparks fly! How many here know their congressman's voting record? I know Mike Michaud, who represents my district. He's on the veteran's affairs committee. according to him, the administration failed to fund 300 million in veteran's outreach for mental issues, most related to ptsd. Why? So we could lower taxes for some group? Would anyone here be in favor of higher taxes if it meant more money for VA?...That's the terminology we need to become familiar with, if things are going to improve for our veterans. If we are so willing to create another generation of us, the least we can do is ensure that the funding is available for treatment, and if necessary, sustenance benefits to provide for their 'welfare'.
Kim
USA - Saturday, November 04, 2006 at 14:30:16 (MST)
In the words of the guy beat by the cops in CA, "Can't we all just get along". I must say that I check the sight a couple times a day and guess seeing all the opinions shows how we all see the same thing and have different views on the subject. I find everything that any of you say as an education. We are still all brothers of arms and have been through the same things. I do not think the VA is welfare but was a promise made to us for severving our country. My father lost a leg in WW2 and what he got was a real joke money wise. He past away in 1978 and I did not understand him. The PTSD group meetings are helping me understand a lot about both of us. My politics are really a feeling that everyone is letting the country down in the world today. So this past week on the Flight Log I see that we are all at least lisening to things going on even if we don't all agree. I'm sorry Mark, but you must admit that maybe us old vets are more in touch then about half the people in the country today.
Ken Strong Jr. 72-73
Lafayette, IN USA - Saturday, November 04, 2006 at 11:27:58 (MST)
Wink, I don't disagree with you, or Alvis either. It's all a matter of terminology. A benefit is something negotiated, agreed to ahead of performing a service. You used the word 'entitlement', which in political speak, means funding for social programs. When they cut 'entitlements' they're cutting your funding, too. I never said that you, or anyone else who is receiving VA benefits were not deserving, or entitled, to them. The hullaballoo is over the word 'welfare'. I chose that word deliberately, for just that reason. It's only a dirty word in sense that our present day speak has made it so. People on this site have thrown out the word 'liberal', like it pertains to beastiality or child abuse. I stewed as the word 'French' was thrown around as a synonym for coward. I'm Franco american, if anyone thinks I'm a coward, come on over and I'd stand against anybody, twenty paces with pistols, and may the luckiest man win. Dumb shits on this site don't even know that if not for France, we'd still be a british colony...btw, where ARE all the british colonies now? :>)) ...back to the real point. As long as we allow ourselves to get sucked into 'wedge issues', we lose. The r's have been in total control for more than a few years now, why are nam vets still having to fight tooth and nail for treatment of ptsd? The scumbags (both parties) love to thump away on their wedge issues, and almost as an afterthought, oh yeah, I support our veterans. And we buy into that BS, time after time. Sometimes I think Charles Schultz parodied Lucy with the football after the American voter. We're Charlie Brown...Until we wake up and make it a 'wedge issue'things are not going to change. Freddie, you're right. The poison in D.C. is incredible. When boehner dumped on the generals, the floodgates opened. Military men, neo cons, all are scrambling to distance themselves from the American public's outrage over the conduct of this little adventure. My gut tells me that the r's are getting an earful over their support of the bush policies, luckily for a lot of them, local politics will keep a bunch of them in office....My opinion, get out of iraq, and get ready to take out al queda in Somalia. Our military should be hunting down those scumbags where ever they gather in sufficient numbers, special ops should take on the individuals or small groups, regardless of whose borders they hide behind. Iran, let Israel take care of them.
Kim
USA - Saturday, November 04, 2006 at 11:01:19 (MST)
"maloderous stigma"......It`s just two Latin words to me, Fred......... But I do love Kinky Friedman`s Definition of Politics — "Poly means more than one, and ticks are bloodsucking parasites."
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Saturday, November 04, 2006 at 09:41:36 (MST)
welfare i think not. it's an entitlement.not until 1985 could the dr put a finger on what a lot of vets were going through. stress canplay hell in ones life.they called it shell shock in w1 an battle futige in w2 an koren war.an all vets were sweeped under the rug and forgotten, because they were called slackers, lazey etc. not until 1985 did they realize what caused the problem in war vets an that was stress.some people can handle stress better than others.it also has a lot to do with your family enviorment. in my case i had a father who did nothing but put me down, always told me i would never amout to anything. growing up in a enviorment like this dose not build up your confendence of ones self.than you enter the service, you all know how mind bending that was.then you go to veitnam. before go even started with the service one has a few strikes.an from that point it just festers.maybe if they know more about stress an what it can do to a person when my father was in ww2 an gave him treatment maybe i would not be in the shape i'm in now.if not for the so called welfare as you put, i would not be able to exsist as i do now. kim, i think you said words can be a two edge sword, which is true.i also agree with you that ppoeple have the right to voice thier oppinions, thats what makes this country great.but most poeple in this country forget how some words can hurt.poeple should think frist. so this may ones oppinion about the welfare as you called it it not to many many others. the disablities given are entitlements for what we as vets have indured over the years. wink 3/69- 10/70
wink
lake wales, fl USA - Saturday, November 04, 2006 at 08:37:16 (MST)
actually,its maloderous stigma and it has nothing to do with pits.
alvis
USA - Saturday, November 04, 2006 at 08:24:07 (MST)
Kim.....You have studied "military history", has the military leaders ever called for the resignation of the Secretary of Defense? Has anything like this ever happened before?.........Looks like they are going to, according to the "Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Times publications.........Fred A...."oderous stigma"....I know if I didn`t get to take a shower for a couple of days in Nam, I had a "oderous stigma".
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Saturday, November 04, 2006 at 06:52:43 (MST)
Uh huh....still, anyone wonder why there was an increase in the approval rates for ptsd just prior to the 04 elections? Point is, we should be looking at how the leeches vote instead of being impressed with all the catchy one liners they like to throw out. Does anybody really think that the money that pays for the VA benefits we recieve was set aside when we joined? That's a yearly appropriation, subject to the whim of the politicians. When they talk about cutting taxes, does anybody here think that they're going to keep VA funding up while they cut funding for 'all those other welfare' programs? Hell, have you ever talked with a politician who WASN'T in favor of funding VA? So, why doesn't the department have the funds available to provide for all who are in need?.....trouble is (to my way of thinking) we allow ourselve to get caught up in things like swift boat political character attacks, family values debates, pro life ( vs pro death?) sideshows, instead of focusing what sustains so many.....'family values' whose family? whose values?...Are we supposed to follow the pedophile politician's family values? Maybe Haggard's family values?.....Yes Fred, words can cut! They also cut both ways; the words that evoke a stigma, regardless of their intent, the words that make us feel good, that have no intent of action behind them.
Kim
USA - Saturday, November 04, 2006 at 05:39:35 (MST)
yep,to many nam vets are slackers.Comparing nam vets to ww2 vets is ludicris.Putting aside a dictionarys definition of welfare...the term has a oderous stigma attached to it,right or wrong,its there.
alvis
USA - Saturday, November 04, 2006 at 04:46:42 (MST)
Kim....I would say I`m 75% Liberal and 25% conservative......So my conservative side(my right side) tells me....WE NEED A MILITARY DRAFT........ The best side effect of the draft is that the neo-con base would evaporate the second it was proposed. All the brave flag waving young neo-cons would shit their pants at the thought of actually having to serve their country. When a country goes to war, I think there should be a draft.
Kim.... I realize this isn't a popular position, but until everyone has a stake in fighting a war, they will be far too easy to declare. The Vietnam War was protested so much because of the draft--the whole populace had a stake in it(shared sacrifice). Even though the draft was unfair, with deferments given right and left, it still affected the nation as a whole. When everyone knows their children stand a chance of being called up, they are much more seriously minded about letting their government start and conduct the act of war. Most professional soldiers in today's military support the all volunteer army specifically because they end up with more motivated troops who train, learn, and perform better. But the other side of the draft question is that when you institute a draft, you bring in people from all over the country, from all walks of life, from all economic classes. The impact on the citizenry is substantial..... Send those OD green buses into yuppie and preppy millionaire neighborhoods.......NO DEFERMENTS.....
Start collecting males between the ages of 18 and 28.
Stop when you've hit the number that Generals are begging for.
Train them, equip them, and send them to Iraq.......And let`s call it a "progressive draft", based on income and wealth...
The higher the income or the greater the wealth - the greater your chances of getting pulled for service.
The lower the income/wealth, the less likely you are to be drawn.
It only makes sense. The rich enjoy a greater share of the wealth and benefits of this country, therefore, they are much more invested in maintaining the system.
Otherwise, I will never support a draft and I would fight to my death to keep OUR kids from fighting the wars of the elite.......
I bet those "soccer moms" would start yelling!!!!!!
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Friday, November 03, 2006 at 14:42:15 (MST)
one of the definitions of 'welfare'..... a group or organization that provides money or other benefits to those in need. I purposely chose that word, in leiu of another term. The point is that we are victims of our terminology. Why is that word an insult?....why is 'liberal' an insult?...funny, I've known a lot of ww2 and Korea vets. Very few ever applied for combat stress benefits. The only couple I ever knew were looked upon as slackers by their peers. Was that a result of having won their war? It's over, time to get back to work?????....The politician's like to swell up and thump their chests at how " they support our veterans", yet, when you listen to their comments in other venues, they drop that buzzword, 'entitlements'. I say buzzword, because it is used to describe welfare, social security, medicade, medicare, and VA.....think about it :>))
kim
USA - Friday, November 03, 2006 at 13:59:49 (MST)
I think "benefits" is a better choice of word than "welfare". Other than that I agree completely Kim.
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Friday, November 03, 2006 at 13:23:41 (MST)
I find the term "VA Welfare" total unjust as well as offensive.Look around,just in THIS group alone,and I believe you will find those brothers among us with no other recourse but VA and..and...the service,or Vietnam, was the cause of it.Not one of those among us have ask for nightmares,bad hearing,diabeties,cancer,the lose of feeling in our hands and feet,jittery nerves,depression,flashbacks,black anger,survival guilt,loniness,and a host of other problems.VA walfare my ass.
alvis
USA - Friday, November 03, 2006 at 13:17:02 (MST)
How can I defend Kerry??? One, I listened to his speech in which he made the reference to bush. As for what he said thirty years ago.......a lot of people said a lot of things a long time ago, who is holding any of us to account for what we said, thought, or felt back then? Like it or not, he served. That's more than a lot of the executive branch types can say. Face it, war crimes were committed during our war, just as they were in previous wars, just as have happened during this war.......so, what have we here? We can't speak ill of another vet, unless he belongs to the opposing political party? I do know that all here who are living on VA welfare should thank him for his efforts to fund VA, against the wishes of the president. Has anyone seen the proposed military budget for next year? or this year's budget? Shared sacrifice!!!!! B*S*!!!!! Keep in mind, all the pols who decry 'entitlement programs", are talking about VA along with a bunch of other one's. Remember, politician's don't 'DO' anything. They collect taxes, and spend tax dollars. Someone has to pay for what we as a nation want provided for us. In that regard, Kerry does his share..... How is it that he's a friend of John McCain? Anybody here have any respect for McCain?.....Where did all these accusations that dem's want to lose to the terrorists come from? I'm a democrat, quite liberal, in a libertarain sort of way, andI sure as hell don't want the U.S. to lose. However!!! It would be nice to know that if we're asking people to die to keep us safe, at least we're going after the right enemy, with the best tactics, best equipment, and a united national resolve that will allow us to stay after them until we win. another concern for me is that we need to win while staying within the framework of our constitution. If we need to dissolve the constitution in order to win, we've already lost!
Kim
USA - Friday, November 03, 2006 at 12:59:03 (MST)
"FORTUNATE SON" Kerry Ain't.
Bruno E Sanchez
Laredo, TX USA - Friday, November 03, 2006 at 11:38:25 (MST)
Wink, a lot of us owe the military.....some people gained good "skill sets" by going in the military. Some were able to go to "tech schools" and get apprenticeships to trades. Some of us went on to college and still ended up in "public service trades".....It`s great retirement benefits. BUT.....Viet-Nam was the price we had to pay.......there`s always a "price to pay". I understand your point Wink, and you`re pretty much right.......In todays world,The John Kerry`s, wouldn`t even give military service a thought. They leave Yale and Harvard with their MBA or Law degree.....only thing they`re going to fight for is "the big money".......In Mr. Bush’s world, there are only two kinds of Americans: those who are against terrorism, and those who somehow are all right with it. Some Americans want to win in Iraq and some don’t. There are Americans who support the troops and Americans who don’t support the troops. And at the root of it all is the hideously damaging fantasy that there is a gulf between Americans who love their country and those who question HIS leadership....that`s all it boils down to. As far as insults to the military.....why don`t they show the
video of Bush doing his "Where's the WMD in the Oval Office" schtick. Demand that he apologize to the troops and the American people for a "joke" that was infinitely more disgusting and an affront to all thinking Americans.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Friday, November 03, 2006 at 10:32:02 (MST)
maybe someone can explain to me why any vietnam vet can defend kerry. he turned on us years ago. he painted a pretty bad picture of us when testifing before congress an then going to paris, withot the ok to do so, an talk too our enemy.his thougth from an earily age was to enter politic, which there is nothing wronge with that. but was is wronge is he used the war for his advancement into politic. after collage he entered the service volineered for the swif boats all for one reason, it would look good for his run into politic. once he got out with metals in hand, he saw the changing climate in this country an decided that being a vet would not help him it would hurt him. so he turned on his fellow vets, by throwing his metals away an making the vn vet look like filest people on earth.thirty years later the climate in the country changes again to honoring our vets, even us veitnam vets. now kerry is a war vet an prode of it, a joke, all politians use what they can to advance themselfs. but maybe kerry's statement was correct, i for one had a limited education, my spelling is poor, my reading skill are much to be desered, see what i mean,and i guess i had no other place to go but in the service!but i can say this while in the service i meat the best people in this country.and never will meat better in my life time.
prode to be a veitnam vat.
wink 3/69-10/70
wink
lake wales, fl USA - Friday, November 03, 2006 at 07:51:21 (MST)
John Dillman, I belive I have that photo of you. Gently sent it to me, BUT send it again to me and I will have it posted on the web GALLERY section, and any other ones of you in Vietnam and Iraq that you might have............always a brother..........
Mark
USA - Friday, November 03, 2006 at 07:05:56 (MST)
Mark, yes I've been back a while. Currently stationed @ Ft. Riley, KS. I'll here for a year, then back to retired status. I commute to Liberty on week-ends so it's not to bad. I have a picture that was taken in Iraq where I'm displaying an operation uplink phone card, but it is a great shot of the 1st AVN BDE Patch, by the way I also carried a bud the stud patch I my pocket. dillman
john dillman <jdillman1@charter.net>
liberty, mo USA - Friday, November 03, 2006 at 06:39:55 (MST)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Everyone needs to watch this video before you decide to take your car to Jiffy Lube. Here is the link:
http://mfile.akamai.com/12924/wmv/vo...52183.200k.asx
alvis
USA - Friday, November 03, 2006 at 05:27:12 (MST)
Kim,In my opinion,you hit the nail squarely on the head,period.I know of NO vietnam verteran that does not support the troops nor will they let folks talk trash about the returning veterans.That is a truth,in my case anyway.That statement you made is a huge differance twix the two. And you know KIm,I wonder how many of those returning veterans will not have the bitterness in the hearts many of us have,down deep inside,still to this day. Sprayed and betrayed.
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 18:55:21 (MST)
WELL.....nothing has been solved with all this talk now has it, so please move on to something else other then the kerry and Bush stuff. If any of you think you can do a better job, run for something. But dont state your platform in here. There are plenty of POLITICAL forums you can go to and do that. John Dillmen. God Bless you sir, and a BIG THANKS for protecting our rights. Are you back in the states now? I see your email address says the state of MO..................No more politics PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.............................always a brother................I love you all.................
Mark
USA - Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 17:29:30 (MST)
Fred Alvis........sent the photos of Susan's work tonight to the web master. Should be up on the bottom of the front page soon..........thanks...........Mark
Mark
USA - Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 17:20:47 (MST)
sorry kim
kerry was trashing the soldiers, just like he has done before, calling them baby killers and other names. he lied before the congress in 71, and now trashes the troops calling them stupid. he was not talking about bush, how could he, they went to the same college and bush got better grades. kerry is like all the left wingers they hate the military.
donnie purvis <donnie.purvis@us.army.mil>
Linwood, nc USA - Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 17:13:32 (MST)
Ken, don't be.......I don't think I have to serve in Iraq in order to understand what they're going through. They're going through the same thing soldiers have gone through in any other war. Kill or be killed, nothing beyond the immediate mission, nothing beyond the platoon. Only thing changes are the gizmo's that make killing more efficient. Kerry wasn't out of line, even the talking heads admit that. He didn't articulate very well in that he was attempting to trash bush......the big difference between Vietnam and now??? us! I haven't heard anyone diss the troops, except for the common criminals who have murdered civilians over there. The problem with Vietnam was the kids who were protesting got the soldiers confused with the politicians. I'd like to think that we who have been on the recieving end of that garbage will make sure it doesn't happen now. That doesn't mean that I'm obligated to blindly follow along like some lemming, just because bush makes a bunch of noise about fighting them over there instead of over here. I'll exercise my right, until the right wing gestapo truth squad kicks in my door, to despise this administration? ( gang) until the are out of power. John, I respect you exercising your right to love all of them, even though I think you're following a judas goat.....It amazes me just how little thought we give to words! We all took an oath when we joined. Every politician takes the same oath. Does anyone take the time to understand it? I will uphold and defend the constitution of the United States? How can we just sit on our hands when politicians of both parties stomp all over it, in the name of keeping us safe? I hope the judiciary can bring some sense back to this country, we can't depend on the voters to do so..........As for dissing Barb Bush, hhmmm, Jane Fonda is a mom, we don't seem to have any problems trashing her on this site. Besides, I think Freddie wrote that she 'should have', not that she did :>))
Kim
USA - Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 15:19:05 (MST)
Ken, don't be.......I don't think I have to serve in Iraq in order to understand what they're going through. They're going through the same thing soldiers have gone through in any other war. Kill or be killed, nothing beyond the immediate mission, nothing beyond the platoon. Only thing changes are the gizmo's that make killing more efficient. Kerry wasn't out of line, even the talking heads admit that. He didn't articulate very well in that he was attempting to trash bush......the big difference between Vietnam and now??? us! I haven't heard anyone diss the troops, except for the common criminals who have murdered civilians over there. The problem with Vietnam was the kids who were protesting got the soldiers confused with the politicians. I'd like to think that we who have been on the recieving end of that garbage will make sure it doesn't happen now. That doesn't mean that I'm obligated to blindly follow along like some lemming, just because bush makes a bunch of noise about fighting them over there instead of over here. I'll exercise my right, until the right wing gestapo truth squad kicks in my door, to despise this administration? ( gang) until the are out of power. John, I respect you exercising your right to love all of them, even though I think you're following a judas goat.....It amazes me just how little thought we give to words! We all took an oath when we joined. Every politician takes the same oath. Does anyone take the time to understand it? I will uphold and defend the constitution of the United States? How can we just sit on our hands when politicians of both parties stomp all over it, in the name of keeping us safe? I hope the judiciary can bring some sense back to this country, we can't depend on the voters to do so..........As for dissing Barb Bush, hhmmm, Jane Fonda is a mom, we don't seem to have any problems trashing her on this site. Besides, I think Freddie wrote that she 'should have', not that she did :>))
Kim
USA - Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 15:17:04 (MST)
knock of the politics...jeeze
alvis
USA - Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 15:01:09 (MST)
Flight I am very sorry for even bringing up the subject. I do agree that this war has been hard on all of us and was why I started seeing a doctor about my dreams in 2003. I have friends that are dealing with the same reactions of watching the news. I just feel strongly about those guys fighting now and any of you that go to the VA can see the results. This time it is not just the young men, but young woman as well walking with a cain or worse. I go out of my way to try and speak to them or open a door. I also feel respect from them in return there. It is not about politics, just standing behind our own kids this time. I am finished and will be quit about any other subject..
Ken Strong Jr. 72-73
Lafayette, IN USA - Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 14:21:12 (MST)
Well look here MSG John.... Distortion of Kerry was OBSCENE, NIXONIAN, FANTASTICAL....period!!!!You know when I first heard about this whole Kerry thing Tuesday, I just shrugged and didn't think about it twice. Then, later in the day, I saw several "talking heads" on TV dedicated to it, and was puzzled why people were so fixated on it. Now today I think the whole thing is hilarious.....WHY?......Because, no one gives a rats ass about what John Kerry said.....Shit..I see the "chickenhawk neo-cons" trying to turn this into a story. I see them trying really hard to spin(lie) this. I mean Kerry probably should have chosen his words better, and this goes to show that Kerry really isn't that great of a communicator. This is all feigned outrage by the "chickenhawk neo-cons". This is DESPERATION personified. After all, if they were so outraged why are they not demanding that House Majority Leader Boehner(Ohio) apologize for his comments about the Generals and the Troops being responsible for the Iraq debacle and not Rumsfeld? Bu$h and KKK Rove decided to preempt and attack Kerry while they still have the advantage. The point is to discredit Kerry and the like in advance of the argument about Iraq and institutional powers in next spring about Iraq. Keeping that power allows them to survive politically, losing that argument means collapse of the Administration. Face it.... MSG John, with all due respect, The Bu$h Crime Mob lost credibility in the war on terror, their policy is failing in Iraq, their Congressional ranks are full of crooks and pedophiles, and their solution to border security is to build a wall that will do nothing but produce a generation of illegal immigrants who are really good at climbing walls.......So MSG John, you can go after Kerry all you want.....But I go after Bush and his neo-con minions for pretending to be stupid enough to cynically and dishonestly distort the meaning of Kerry's words.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 14:09:09 (MST)
In WW2 Gen. MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz bitterly disagreed on the correct strategy to defeat the Japanese. Does this make either one of them disloyal? I don't think so. I don't think anyone on this site has has disloyal or traitorous thoughts. There are a lot of different ideas on how to best fight terrorism, and whether Bush is doing the right thing. I agree that this place probably isn't the proper forum for political debate. I will say, however, that I am extremely proud to live in a country where it is a citizen's duty to question his government. That's what separates us from totalitarian regimes like Nazi Germany and Red China...........Thanks, Greg
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 14:07:18 (MST)
HI flight i HAVE NO ROOM TO TALK BUT mark HAS THE RIGHT WAY no more ABOUT THEI MESS & THINK ABOUT WHAT TIME IT IS THINK ABOUT ARE brothers HOW WONT BE HOME WITH THERE famleys NEXT MONTH LIKE A LOT OF US HOW WERNT FOR CHRISTMAS you & me know what it like I had 3 of them over there & some had more & the POW & how about the ONE that never had no more with there FAMLEY AGAIN & the MIA SO let stop it now I will PRAY for all are BROTHERS & SISTER how are serving other countrys.& some mighe not like what I have seed so it might be my last time here TAKE CARE BROTHER art
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 13:06:18 (MST)
HI flight i HAVE NO ROOM TO TALK BUT mark HAS THE RIGHT WAY no more ABOUT THEI MESS & THINK ABOUT WHAT TIME IT IS THINK ABOUT ARE brothers HOW WONT BE HOME WITH THERE famleys NEXT MONTH LIKE A LOT OF US HOW WERNT FOR CHRISTMAS you & me know what it like I had 3 of them over there & some had more & the POW & how about the ONE that never had no more with there FAMLEY AGAIN & the MIA SO let stop it now I will PRAY for all are BROTHERS & SISTER how are serving other countrys.& some mighe not like what I have seed so it might be my last time here TAKE CARE BROTHER art
Arthur E Foster <t>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 13:05:25 (MST)
Fred S, Kerry was out of line. The comment wasn't meant just for those currently serving; it meant the military in general, which I believe to include Vietnam veterans. On a lighter note if people want to compare Iraq to Vietnam that's fine, but for it to have any validity I would expect the person to have served in both. I for one can tell you they are not the same. As for your comments Ref. the Bush family, all I can say is that I'm glad I continue to protect your rights. Just think if you were in Iraq, or Vietnam.
MSG(R) USA and still in uniform.
john dillman <jdillman1@charter.net>
liberty, mo USA - Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 11:59:10 (MST)
Frank...My Mom owned a "bar" for 38 years, and her being a "single parent" with three boys.......I`ve just about heard everything someone could say about my mother, in the 60`s and 70`s and 80`s. That WAS before the computers, I was cleaning it off the "restroom" walls or overhearing it in a "bar room " conversation. As far as POLITICS, I rarely say anything anymore .....until someone else "makes a move". As Kim L. said, "sometimes things just beg for discussion"......
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 11:38:02 (MST)
Fred S. you did not insult me, you insulted Barbra Bush & the entire Bush family.
How would you feel if someone posted something like that about your mother on
a web-site for the world to see? Mark has ask us time after time not
discuss politics on this Flight Log & the majority of us respect his wishes.
Enough said.
Frank Loveday
Bastrop, La. USA - Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 09:26:57 (MST)
Barbara Bush said: "Almost everyone I’ve talked to says we're going to move to Houston."
Then she added: "What I’m hearing is they all want to stay in Texas. Everyone is so overwhelmed by the hospitality.
"And so many of the people in the arena here, you know, were underprivileged anyway, so this--this is working very well for them." .........WHAT a classy statement about "Katrina victims" who had to relocate to Houston,Texas, referring to the poor who had lost everything back home and evacuated..........That`s my take on Barb Bush........Wasn`t meant to insult you Frank......Kim LaVoie, nice letter here..........................Iraq's Impact on Vietnam Vets.........
As with the Vietnam veterans in "Battlefield Flashbacks" (Oct. 2), the Iraq war has been a trauma trigger for me. I served in Vietnam in 1966 when we were "winning the war." As a young battalion surgeon with no Army background, I was not qualified to evaluate the merits of the war or how it was being fought, but they seemed senseless. Several West Point graduates in my unit had similar opinions. I tried my best to stay out of what I viewed as the senseless war in Vietnam, but was unsuccessful. While there I served to the best of my ability, receiving a bronze star for meritorious service and another for valor. One of my jobs was to pronounce dead young men whom I had known. A recurring dream I have after 40 years is that I have new orders to return to Vietnam. We have heard we learned the lessons of the Vietnam War and they would not be repeated. Iraq seems a lot like Vietnam to me. Many privileged men found a way to stay out of Vietnam. It is a shame some of these same men find it necessary to send young Americans to Iraq to be killed and maimed. It would be interesting to survey Vietnam veterans to see how many of them think we should be in Iraq......
Michael Schaen.......
Mason, Ohio
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 04:01:45 (MST)
You guys can say what you want about George W. & Kerry but what was said about
Barbra Bush was despicable. As far as I know, her only role in this mess is that
she was a Mother.
Frank Loveday
Bastrop, La. USA - Wednesday, November 01, 2006 at 18:18:05 (MST)
Not a problem Ken. I know we're supposed to stay out of politics here....sometimes things just beg for discussion....interesting, Cambodia fell apart as a result of Nixon's invasion, and who put an end to Pol Pot? Our Vietnamese enemies!?!? At about the same time, people were disappearing in Argentina's 'dirty war', and very few folks in this country got excited. This stuff is going on all the time, Darfur to name one, and again, just a yawn from civilization. I don't have any idea what it takes to make it all stop, maybe it shouldn't. I wonder how many more people this planet can sustain, what sensible, humane measures can we take to stem the population explosion, where it all is leading us?.... I think we should be sweeping the Pakistani/ Afgan border, and making plans to invade Somalia. That's where the al queda loonies are. There will be plenty of opportunities for our service people to defend us......on another note, there is an article in this month's VFW magazine, talking about how our volunteer military is bereft of upper class Americans. The article is a reprint titled AWOL: the unexcused absence of America's upper class from military service- and how it hurts our country. It's worth reading, in my opinion.
Kim
USA - Wednesday, November 01, 2006 at 17:46:20 (MST)
Kim , Scaggs........................thanks!
Gale
USA - Wednesday, November 01, 2006 at 16:53:14 (MST)
email pics that is.sorry for the confusion.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 01, 2006 at 16:09:03 (MST)
Mark,have i missed the posting of Susans painting I sent you for the xmas fund?
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 01, 2006 at 16:08:04 (MST)
Well Hi Flight, guess my hearing is going too. I watched Kerry's whole speach and not a sound bite on the news. I look at bits of things that are stated, like October is the worse month in two years, or that October two years ago was before the election. Maybe I am stupid but I think the military was good in Nam and even better today. I spent almost 13 years in the Army and I feel like we are repeating Vietnam all over. I hate Jane Fonda and back in the 70's didn't think much of Kerry. We are at war for real this time and Iran is next door with the next Hitler. If we pull out of Iraq, guess what? Remember the killing fields? Of coarse thats just my feelings, but I would tap all phone calls, build a fence like the DMZ or Chex boarder. I think Clinton was cut and run plus treated the Military like shit. I feel politics is not what we need now, we need to get behind the mission. The North knew what was going on while we were flying missions, we lost that war at home and these people are doing the same. The difference is they truely want to kill all of us if they can get a nuke here.
Sorry I got this going but will try to keep my mouth shut. Good evening...
Ken Strong Jr. 72-73
Lafayette, IN USA - Wednesday, November 01, 2006 at 15:49:02 (MST)
WELL PUT MR SKAGGS.
paul mcgrath
oglesby, il USA - Wednesday, November 01, 2006 at 15:07:28 (MST)
fred,i take it your not feeling kindlt toward Bush?
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 01, 2006 at 15:04:18 (MST)
Kim......The White House knew exactly what Kerry meant. They just went into their standard panties-in-a-bunch hissy fit. Sound and fury spoken by idiots signifying nothing....... If Barbara Bush had only swallowed we wouldn't have all the problems we have today....... Rumsfeld, Bush and Cheney (Rummy, The Dummy and Dick, Oh my) owe the troops and humanity an apology for the crimes they've committed.........
John McCain is so terrified of the Bush crime family he just does what ever he's told to do. His recent behavior indicates he's unfit to hold public office. He attacked someone he's called a friend for what he perceives is cheap political gain........When McCain was savaged by Rove and Bush as being "not stable" in South Carolina, it was John Kerry who went to the well of the Senate to defend McCain..... Kerry just made the point....
Boy George didn't understand the complexities of the region. Kerry has said what he meant to say, but he is not going to apologize to a bunch of liars who pretend to support the troops.....The administration constantly cherry picked information and lied about the war. That’s a common WH talking point. Hmmm….a nation 1/3 the population of Iran, crippled by over a decade of sanctions just six months away from a nuclear device. When Iran, which has a much larger population, greater wealth and has been working on one for years is still 4-10 years away. That’s not an intelligence failure, no one is that incompetent; that’s a lie designed to convince the public that war was the only option. By the way, the weapons inspectors were allowed back in before the war and they said that there were probably NO WMDs! Which was conveniently ignored......So...George Bush is still the same coward he was during the Vietnam War.
It's what he is. Everyone on earth knows it, but no one will say it.
COWARD.
John Kerry and John Murtha and Max Cleland need to tell the Bu$h Crime Mob and to stop hiding behind our soldiers and Marines.
Using our soldiers and Marines as shields against criticism for their catastrophic policies is COWARDLY and UNMANLY. And it proves that George W. Bush is still the coward he was during the Vietnam War.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Wednesday, November 01, 2006 at 04:56:26 (MST)
I was just contacted by a Mr.Arnold Chung,who is trying to do a movie about the ROKs in vietnam.I invited him to this site,telling him that perhaps others are better suited to answer questions he has as well as covering many years of support of the ROKs.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, November 01, 2006 at 04:31:05 (MST)