Hi all! I just wanted to thank everyone for being such a big help with my dad. It has helped all of us get through this time. I also wanted to thank whoever got him the blanket, he was deeply touched. The blanket is beautiful as was the message card with it. Take care and God Bless Kris
kris <clue4blue@hotmail.com>
baltimore, MD USA - Monday, September 30, 2002 at 19:21:18 (MDT)

Maybe the film brunt up, it sure smelled like it did. Hehehehhehe
Rick England
USA - Monday, September 30, 2002 at 10:40:06 (MDT)

Well guys, you still have me laughing about Kokomo. And photos, geez, are we bad: I didn't take any either! So, when and if any turn out, please include me on the list of "send to's." I think Ted, AKA Skyking, also took some, at least it looked like he was....but who knows what he was really doing, he's as weird as the rest of you!! Ron Coppersmith can't find the kite we all tried to fly(physicaly and/or verbally), so maybe our fallen brothers and friends are now running with it. And Ray....the Commemorative throw....yes, an Angel wanted you to have it and he wanted you to know that the entire 129th has it's arms around you. And dear Angel, you are a star that hovers over the web site, quietly doing wonderful things without seeking the accolades that go with them..go to Heaven. Always there-Gently
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Monday, September 30, 2002 at 08:45:50 (MDT)

Well Fred they found it second year in a row. That acorn isn't hard to find for D=BACKS. I don't think the Cards can remember where they buried it. Heeeeeeeeeeeeeee Will see.*****************Be careful out there.
Rick England
USA - Monday, September 30, 2002 at 02:40:43 (MDT)

Ah Fred, You do have a way with words! I bet you really sweet talked that little Australian gal. LOL!! Gale
Gale
Clinton, In USA - Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 19:56:03 (MDT)

chuckles with gale. az diamond backs? jeeze.... even a blind pig finds an acorn once in a while..heeheeeee
alvis
USA - Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 19:33:07 (MDT)

Thanks Fred. That would be great. It was a time not to be forgot. *************The Az D-BACKS won the west title and their last game with home field advantage. What do you think those D-BACKS now you St. louis fans out there.***************** Ron I haven't forgot that reciepe for carnitas. I will BC you on that. Also the mesquite wood.************* Flight be careful out there. Heading for the bunker.
Rick England
USA - Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 18:38:11 (MDT)

Fred, hope them Budweiser fumes didn't spoil your film! ;0) Gale
Gale
Clinton, In USA - Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 12:24:14 (MDT)

be glad to send some ur way rick.....if they turn out.
alvis
USA - Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 11:56:54 (MDT)

Thanks Gale that would be great. It would diffrent if I forgot my undies. Hahahahaha Would need some of that powder for sure. ****************** Maybe Debbie can get on here and tell what she forgot. Got me guessing now. Hehehehehe.
Rick England
USA - Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 10:57:03 (MDT)

Rick, you are a laugh a minute, I don't care how you laugh!! Forgot your socks?? You won't believe what my Debbie forgot when we went to LZ Louisville.....you'll have to ask Ron. I only took about three pics that night, but, when I get them developed I'll send them to you. Gale
Gale
Clinton, In USA - Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 10:08:19 (MDT)

Good Morning flight! I was just wanted to know if the ones that took pic at kokomo Would send me some I forgot my camera. I would have to pay for the developing of them. I was in susch a hurry to pack an get to Ron's house get ready for the reunion I forgot my socks also. Hehehehehehehehehehehehehe That's a new one. I don't laugh the same all the time. Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Flight be careful out there.
Rick England <bd431@mindspring.com>
Wittmann, Az USA - Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 07:14:04 (MDT)

ty 4 the n vite.i shall give it great thought.shrug, has nothing to do for xmas anyway
alvis
USA - Friday, September 27, 2002 at 20:08:07 (MDT)

dear members of the 129th. we of midwest chapter 17 of the 173d airborne would like to envite you all to join us at our xmas party dec 14th at the pop a top. we will be staying at the holiday express and having a pool party there starting at 1300 dec 14. room rates are 60.00. to book a room call 419 586 4919 and ask for airborne xmas party to get the discount rate of 60.00. meal will be at pop a top at 1830 that night cost 5.75 all you can eat. please bring a $5.00 gag gift for the number inb your party. if (1) just one guy gift if guy and gal one for each. our group will do the same. then we pass them around and the party begins. mark has a band comming for us that night so it looks like a great time for all. mark is like a brother to me as so are other vets. please let me know if you plan on comming so we have enough food. room rates are good up to 30 Nov only. hope to see you all there. thanks peace be with you
steven m spencer <spence00@bright.net>
elida, ohio USA - Friday, September 27, 2002 at 17:55:45 (MDT)

Gale, No, wasn’t me. After 20 years in computers, I know the technical solution for those creepy crawler messages on the bottom of the screen. You just have to remember to use the light weight masking tape. The heavy stuff sticks to the screen. And Rick, yeah, I remember putting everything up to keep it out of the water. I didn’t mind the snakes but those big spiders got to me. You know, the ones about the size of a dinner plate that had those long spindly legs. Now that was creepy. Closest I ever came to firing off a round in the hootch. Soothsayer 67-68
Tom Shanahan <Shanahan00@Cox.net>
Phoenix, AZ USA - Thursday, September 26, 2002 at 23:10:10 (MDT)

thank you all for sharing campfire.sitting around a campfire,talking,the mumer of voices in the distance,good fellowship,safe feeling,watching the fire flicker and dance,its warmth,stareing into the fire with thoughts going back to when ever.... nothing like a camp fire to sit around and bullshit and laugh.thiks there is something primival in us that makes it so comforting, even the trail of smoke,the smell.for those of u that werent there..it was so cold saterday morning...i saw a lawyer with his hands in his own pocket.later that day,it got so hot,,,i saw a dog chasing a cat and both were walking.the wind blew so hard from the tornados here,it streached my telephone lines so much , that when i tried to call next door,it was a long distance call. Wonders if i will be in Atlanta,there isnt a camp fire.
alvis
USA - Thursday, September 26, 2002 at 21:20:43 (MDT)

hello to all brothers ans sisters just want to say hello to all and once again thank the one who sent the gift I Keep it for ever a brother always Ray
Ray Gagner <stilwating@aol.com>
srteet , MD USA - Thursday, September 26, 2002 at 12:34:04 (MDT)

Tom I remember putting the foot lockers on beer cans so the water was flowing through the hootch and not get the clothes wet. after the rain we had this big black snke go down the middle of the hootch, don't know what kind it was big. **************
Rick England <bd431@mindspring.com>
Wittmann, Az USA - Thursday, September 26, 2002 at 02:09:11 (MDT)

Tom, the letter was about the creepy crawler messages that go across the bottom of the screen. The only thing that I saw was Tom Shanahan from Arizona. I guess there must be another one out your way. Kokomo was messy and lots of fun as you've probably read. Gale
Gale
Clinton, In USA - Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 23:49:46 (MDT)

Gale, No don’t think that was me. I have written a few letters recently that burned up some wires and made me wonder who was going to be knocking on my door for the next few days but none to CNN that I remember. I just looked and I guess my e-mail address didn’t get changed. My correct e-mail is below. Sorry to have missed Kokomo. I was watching the weather up there. Those tornados were a little too close. Made me think of that typhoon in what? '68 where everybody was outside throwing sandbags up on top the hootches to keep the roofs on.
Tom Shanahan <Shanahan00@Cox.net>
Phoenix, AZ USA - Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 23:36:21 (MDT)

Tom Shanahan, I just saw your name on a letter written in to CNN.....was that you? Have you changed your e-mail addy that's on here? I tried it & it came back to me. Ray, like Alvis said.....we got you covered. Remember..... when you put that blanket around,you will have 400+ brother's & sister's arms around you. Barry, wish you could have been at Kokomo...we all could have did the "wink dance" with you. Gale
Gale Beard 67-68 <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In USA - Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 23:03:18 (MDT)

EVENING FLIGHT,SOUND LIKE A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL THIS PAST WEEKEND. WISH I COULD OF BEEN THERE,MISSED AGOOD ONE .DID TO MUCH TRAVELING THIS YEAR JUST DIDN'T HAVE THE FUNDS. BUT NEXT YEAR IS ANOTHER STORY. ========= RICK GOT THE PINS THE OTHER DAY ,THANKS. LET ME KNOW WHAT I OWE YOU. RAY SOUNDS LIKE DOING GOOD LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING YOU AT LZ ATLANTA.HEADING UP TO NEW YORK TOMORROW TO SEE MY DAUGHTER.LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT. =======JUST WANTED TO LET YOU ALL KNOW THAT I'M ABOUT HALF HOUR FROM DISNEYWORLD. IF ANYONE YOU WANT TO USE MY PLACE TO HANG YOUR HAT ,YOUR WELCOME, BESIDES I COULD USE THE COMPANY.WILLBE TALKING ON YOU ALL ON MY RETURN FROM NEW YORK. STAY SAFE. WITH LOVE FROM 010 WINK 3/69 10/70
barry winkler <COBRA129TH@AOL.COM>
LAKELAND, FL USA - Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 20:56:06 (MDT)

keep pluging away ray, things will get better. ur 129th brothers and sister all have ur back.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 20:52:19 (MDT)

Today I recieved a package in the mail. Inside was a VietNam Commerative Blanket. Thanks to all and especially to the brother who thought of giving me this gift. Words cannot express the feeling of joy that I felt when I realized that so many brothers and sisters, most I have yet to meet, care so much to be this generous. I want you to know that your friendship will lead me out of this darkness. Much love to all of you, and thank you brother, who ever you are. Love you all brothers and sisters, I hope one day that I can reach out to someone, the way that you all have reached out to me. Love you all! A Brother Always Ray
Ray Gagner <stilwating@aol.com>
Street, MD USA - Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 17:46:57 (MDT)

Katharine, it was great to meet you & Rick.....hope to see you in LZ Atlanta. Thanks Gently, I was gonna ask if anyone knew his addy. As far as clearing the camp.......I thought it was very inconsiderate for the guy (we presume it was a guy,but, who really knows??) to risk all of our lives releasing that around an open flame. :+[ PDD (pretty damned dangerous). But in all fairness, any beer drinker knows that it definetly had to be a Budweiser drinker!!!!! That leaves Rick, Kal & me out. If the flame had ignited & followed that gas, we would know for sure who it was! Rick, you must have really did your homework on those abbreviations.....good job. HDYLMN ? Gale
Gale
Clinton, In USA - Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 07:23:54 (MDT)

With every commo about Kokomo I laugh harder. What a great time. If anyone is interested in thanking the cook for the turkey, salads, camp clearing beans, sharing of the campsite, and cleaning up, here's his email: roncop@merr.com. His name is Ron Coppersmith and he's a member of our VVA Chapter. Joe and I met him two years through "Let me show you my fanny Ron Paye." Next year we'll be better prepared to help him with the food. And we'll all bring our own chairs.....now, that is not directed to anyone in particular, but after the "camp clearing gas eruption" I was concerned about sitting in mine after someone else had. Like me now??!!!! Gently
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 06:44:38 (MDT)

Kokomo was great. Thanks to all for letting Rick and myself be part of the 129th. The fallen were represented at the camp site. Michael Shanley goes with me everywhere. I think my husband has gotten used to that after 15 years. It was really great to finally put a face with names. Judith it was really great meeting you. The 129th is never far from my thoughts. I check the page at least two times a day. I love all the commo. I feel closer to Michael. Mark, thanks for the Pop-A-Top shirt. It is a little big but that is okay. Mark and Dee, we will be up to see you in the future. Don't know when but someday. Hope to be able to take time off and go to Atlanta this summer. Again, thanks for allowing me to be a part of something wonderful. Always a sister. Katharine
Katharine <fricabeunme@aol.com>
Elizabethtown, KY USA - Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 04:57:44 (MDT)

Gale! LOL Heeeeeeeee!!!!!!!! How many beers. You ca=rack me up!HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Those judges should be picked by me. HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE *****************That smell didn't come from me. Fred what do yo think.Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Be careful out there my Brothers and Sisters LOL (Laughing Out Loud)Here are some more*****************Abbreviation Meaning AND Any day now AFAIK As far as I know AFK Away from keyboard B4N Bye for now BBL Be back later BEG Big evil grin BFD Big fricking deal BG Big grin GAMMD Go ahead, make my day GAL Get a life GD&R Grinning, ducking, and running GIWIST Gee, I wish I'd said that GMTA Great minds think alike GOL Giggling out loud GTRM Going to read mail HTH Hope this helps IAC In any case IANAL I am not a lawyer (but) IC I see IIRC If I recall/remember/recollect correctly ILU or ILY I love you IM Immediate message (Instant Message) IMHO In my humble opinion Iming Chatting with someone else online IMNSHO In my not so humble opinion IOW In other words IRL In real life (that is, when not chatting) IYSWIM If you see what I mean JIC Just in case JK Just kidding KWIM? Know what I mean? L8R Later LD Later, dude LDR Long-distance relationship LLTA Lots and lots of thunderous applause LOL Laughing out loud LTM Laughing to myself MorF Male or female MOSS Members of the same sex MOTOS Member of the opposite sex NFW No feasible way (no possible way it can happen!) NRN No response necessary OIC Oh, I see OLL Online lover OTF On the floor OTOH On the other hand OTTOMH Off the top of my head PANS Pretty awesome new stuff PDA Public display of affection PEBCAK Problem exists between chair and keyboard PIBKAC Problem is between keyboard and chair PITA Pain in the ass PMFJIB Pardon me for jumping in but... ::POOF:: Goodbye (leaving the room) PU That stinks! ROR Raffing out roud, Engrish for laughing out loud" ROTFL Rolling on the floor laughing ROTFLOL Rolling on the floor, laughing out loud! RPG Role-playing games RSN Real soon now RTSM Read the stupid manual SNASU Situation normal, all screwed up SO Significant other SOL Smiling out loud SOMY Sick of me yet? STW Search the Web SWEG Stupid wide-eyed guess TAFN That's all for now TANSTAAFL There ain't no such thing as a free lunch TGIF Thank God it's Friday THX Thanks TIA Thanks in advance TLK2UL8R Talk to you later TPTB The powers that be TTFN Ta-Ta for now TTYL Talk to you later TU Thank you VBG Very big grin WDALYIC Who died and left you in charge? WFM Works for me WIBNI Wouldn't it be nice if WT? What/who the ? WTFO What's the Fighting Over? WTG Way to go! WTGP? Want to go private? WTHYTA What the heck you talking about? WU? What's up? WUF? Where are you from? WYSIWYG What you see is what you get YGBFM You gotta be foolin' me! YW You're welcome YMMV Your mileage may vary.
Rick England
USA - Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 19:36:18 (MDT)

and speaking of wetting their pants,,,, who was it that cleared the camp? I was the one yelling gas and incoming,whew,now that brought tears to peoples eyes.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 17:20:54 (MDT)

"Innocent bystander" my rearend!!!! You were the head honcho in that little rating game. And as far as that "poor" girl that wet her pants.........if she had told us how her pants got wet "down there", I'm just sure that she would have gotten a 10+++++++++. Now I thought the judges were very fair. That darn guitar player got a "10" and he only looked into one judges eyes HmmmHm, the guy that couldn't suck it up got an "8" because the judge had to use two scoring sheets to keep from getting thumped. Also,that young Army retiree got "10"s straight across after shocking the judges.....he should have lost some points for hanging with that young ,foulmouthed, barefoot punk in fatigues. Maybe next year we should pick our judges according to how many beers they had. ;o) One of the most sober & fairest judges, Gale
Gale
Clinton, In USA - Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 15:19:28 (MDT)

Thanks Joe. Looks like we all forgot about the woman who had wet her pants! Must have been from laughing at us, because it certainly wasn't from drinking, was it?!. Always there-Gently
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 14:34:40 (MDT)

OK - Troops, I heard about this rate your neighbor game that you were playing while in Kokomo. Well, as you would expect, there have been numerous complaints from some of the women who feel they were unfairly rated. One gal even said that one of our Honorable Judges couldn't tell the difference from a 2 vs. a 5. One soldier stated that he was told, mind you told that he was to suck it in. Well, he stated that he did what he was told and it still didn't matter. Then we have this guy who got a 1, turned around, put his hat on backwards thinking the Judges would view his as a new contestant. Got a 1 again, then he proceeded to MOOn the Judges and there very able accomplices. He wound up with a 1 and were not sure if he got a 2 or a 5. So, 129th. I don't know what to say other than the final complaint came from a very well meaning woman who was so upset about her score that she wet her pants. You all should be proud of yourselves. You are finally getting the recongnition that you deserve. Love to you all Brothers & Sisters, Your "innocent bystander" GB, Joe
Joe Campbell <vva324jfc@aol.com>
Milwaukee, WI USA - Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 14:13:54 (MDT)

That's ok Mark. You didn't seem yourself while you were there. That flu thing will do it to ya!! We can all make it a point to do things a little different next year. By the way...according to the Kokomo Tribune, the reunion was held on 22 acres and there was a crowd of 35,000. WOW!! The first year there were 200 there. You can look up www.kokomotribune.com and read the articles, but, you'll have to register with them. Gale
Gale
Clinton, In USA - Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 11:38:16 (MDT)

...........Damb....you all are correct..........how could I forget not to toast the fallen?........I take full blame. I have been feeling guilty latly about not being in here so much. I know you all will tell me to not worry about it, but I do..........I know you all love Dee and I. Next year, we promise we will not miss out on the "RATING GAME"...and we will have a momonet for our brothers that are here but gone......also.....on Saturday when the rest of the groups are having the pix taken......we, the 129th, need to dfo that also.........be how big, or small......we need to do that under that big flag there. I beleive that that happens around 3 or 4 pm on Saturday..........you all take care........we love you.......always a brother and sister....mark and Dee
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
LZ HOME, USA - Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 11:16:05 (MDT)

Oh No...I apologize..don't tell Joe!! Come to think of it, Fred's woman is in Australia and I bet he was looking into Fred's eyes!! ;o) How ya like me now!! Gale
Gale
Clinton, In USA - Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 10:37:49 (MDT)

I'm laughing so hard I can't breath!!!! Really!! Oh, by the way, Joe's going to be mad that you said that, and I can't wait to tell him! How do you like me now???!!!Gently
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 09:45:12 (MDT)

That's what the song was! Where I was sitting, it looked like he was looking directly into your eyes, but, he could've been looking into Joe's eyes. How the hell you like "me" now?? Heeeeee!! Gale
Gale
Clinton, In USA - Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 09:36:40 (MDT)

Ah, Gale, that song was "I hate every bone in her body, cept mine." But I think he was singing about your "X", not me. How do you like me now???!!!! With a hug-Gently
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 09:25:15 (MDT)

A moment of silence taken....thank you Judith. You are right Fred, but, our fallen comrads were there and I just bet that they enjoyed it as much as us......especially some of your "witty comments" and the "rating" of the passerbys. I thought Kal was gonna get my butt kicked telling that guy to "suck his gut in". I'm glad they all took it in fun as we would have. I really liked the guy that sang "the duct tape blues"!!! And what was that song he was singing to you Judith??? Great weekend....from the beautiful rainbow, presenting the Flag, sharing rations and the final gathering 'round the fire. Also, thank you Ron(brown eye) and Rick. Later, Gale
Gale Beard <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In US of A - Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 09:18:56 (MDT)

Fred it was good to meet you aqlso finally we get togethter. You are right Kokomo is the place. We saluted our brothers and sisters that didn't make it there in out hearts and next year we will make it a point to do so. ***************** I am going Try to make it next year and maybe Tom Shanahan, Don Miller, and any of our other AZ brothers and sisters also. Get a convoy going there. **************** It is a healing station for all of us. Please be careful out there.************* Ray called me, him and Pete Rhome had a good mini reunion good for them. See ya in Atlanta.
Rick England
USA - Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 08:34:03 (MDT)

gently, u are absolutly correct.again.
fred alvis <ghoastrider1@aol.com>
indy, in USA - Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 07:43:41 (MDT)

Fred, you're right, we didn't toast those who were not there, but please note that our campsite was crowded with the spirit of many, Gilliam, Neal, Chamberlain, Whetzel, Brague, Lynah, Wells, Judson, Morse, Walker, Wells, George, Bendor, Stoner, Brooks, Goonan, Stowe, Witmer, Hargraves, Jackson, Desantis, Sawran, Sanderlin, Shanley, Dunlap, Vanden Eykel, Shaw, Strouthers, Billingsly, Nowakowski, Racey, Young, Stamper and Nolen. It was also crowded with those who have died since the war ended, and we all know some of them. The cornfields, all of them, were overflowing with a multitude of friends and brothers fallen in battle, walking with those who since have crossed over, walking with and among us. Giving us strength to carry on, giving us strength to reach out to the next guy and help carry him. Yes, Fred, we did forget to toast them, and the thought breaks my heart, but it also makes me smile to know that they were there, in the thousands, to help so many of you(us), and for them to once again see you as the brothers you were so many years ago. A moment of silence for our friends and brothers now please. Thank you Fred. Gently
Gently <Jsinger@uwm.edu>
Milwaukee, USA - Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 07:21:56 (MDT)

hey rick,was great to meet you. ron, good to see u again. nice to meet gently at last also. JIM WESTWANG, GET UR ASS HERE FOR NEXT YEARS KOKOMO.hell,if moneyis tight, stay at my house, i am an hour away or can camp there.YOU NEED US AND WE NEED YOU. EVERYONE THERE INCLUDING ME should have their butts kicked.we forgot one thing and i cant believe we forgot it.We didnt toast absent companions and for that i apolagize/. CHEERS AND HERES TO YOU OUR FALLEN FRIENDS. ALVIS
alvis
USA - Monday, September 23, 2002 at 17:32:46 (MDT)

I can't see towritee my eyes are wet from reading the the post s here. Ron Thank you for everything you are a grasous host it meant a lot to me this trip being with all my brothers and sisters at Kokomo. Mark thank you froyour hospitality at the popa top and to the americal and we can't forget the Marines there. I love ya all
Rick Egnland <bd431@mindspring.com>
Wittmann, Az USA - Monday, September 23, 2002 at 14:57:09 (MDT)

Gale-you are too funny! Glad to finally put a face to that name, though the face was covered with the, now infamous, "Cobra" sun glasses. We'll meet again in Kokomo-we'll take it ez and we'll take it slow-way down in Kokomo. You're a trip! Gently
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Monday, September 23, 2002 at 12:59:46 (MDT)

"Kokomo"......Everybody knows / a little place called Kokomo / now if you wanna go / and get away from it all / go down to Kokomo. / From Indy, Illinois, Ohio & Kentucky / Michigan, Wisconsin & even Arizona / Come on all my brothers & come on all my sisters / why don't we go........Oooh I want to take you all to Kokomo / we'll get there fast / and then we'll take it slow / that's where we wanna go..........let's meet in Kokomo. We went...we met...we laughed...we hugged...God willing, we'll meet again. Luv you all 129th AHC. Sorry if this is a little corny. Maybe I spent too much time in that "cornfield". Nice meeting some for the first time and seeing some again. Gale
Gale
USA - Monday, September 23, 2002 at 12:05:58 (MDT)

Hello to all my brothers and sisters Iam so glad it all went well Pete Roam stope by to see me on his way to DC we met on Thursday It was so grate and we met on sunday to for breakfast it was so good to see some I was there with I never ever felt so good in side Me and Gail will be in Atlana in june when u know what hotel please let us know so we can make revs I truly cant wait to me all of you I thank you all for all the help you have given to me and to keep pushing on take care Brothers and sisters a brothe to you all Ray
Ray Gagner <Stilwating@aol.com>
street, MD USA - Monday, September 23, 2002 at 09:16:42 (MDT)

Flight, Rather than try to put my feelings on the reunion into words I will just post one of my favorite quotes. It was truly great seeing everyone. Rick, I had a great time, you are welcome in my home anytime. As are you all. Ron Paye This quote from "These Good Men" by Michael Norman holds a tremendous amount of truth....... ********* "I now know why men who have been to war yearn to reunite. Not to tell stories or look at old pictures. Not to laugh or weep. Comrades gather because they long to be with the men who once acted their best, men who suffered and sacrificed, who were stripped raw, right down to their humanity. I did not pick these men. They were delivered by fate and the Military. But I know them in a way I know no other men. I have never given anyone such trust. They were willing to guard something more precious than my life. They would have carried my reputation, the memory of me. It was part of the bargain we all made, the reason we were so willing to die for one another. I cannot say where we are headed. Ours are not perfect friendships; those are the province of legend and myth. A few of my comrades drift far from me now, sending back only occasional word. I know that one day even these could fall to silence. Some of the men will stay close, a couple, perhaps, always at hand. As long as I have memory, I will think of them all, every day. I am sure that when I leave this world, my last thought will be of my family and my comrades..... such good men."
Ron Paye <ronpaye@comcast.net>
Indy, IN USA - Monday, September 23, 2002 at 08:09:25 (MDT)

Kokomo, was a great time!! So many laughs...so many hugs...so many stories! It was even better this year with the arrival of the ng's! What a group we had!!! And so nice to put faces with names. There were a couple of scary moments when Kal challenged those walking by with comments like "Hey, hold that gut in!" and Gale(wearing his now famous "Cobra" glasses) started giving, unbenounced to him, a 21 year retired soldier, the business about his companion wearing sandles! But as soon as this soldier let it be known that he was 21 years-retired, well, talk about our chopper guys standing straight and sucking their bellies in....to-o funny! But this youngster(compared to us anyway)couldn't say enough about how honored he was to meet our Nam helicopter guys! And again, no one got to see Ron Paye's eyes...but we all got to see his a--! Yes, he hung it out, out in the middle of the road, out among the masses!!! His name is now, "No shame Paye," and he said to expect more next year...whoa fella! And among the good times, there was healing: We all met a gentleman(Point man) whose entire platoon was killed in Nam, and this was his first outing with Viet Nam Veterans. He was there to present dogtags to the children of one of the men killed in that platoon(one of the dogtags found by the two salesmen who went to Nam and discovered so many for sale on the streets, remember that story?) We welcomed him home with many hugs, and had he and his wife joined us for dinner-a Thanksgiving dinner. He later went to the vendors tent and purchased "Big Red One" pins and patches. I can't say enough about you guys there that day...so open to help another..so free with the healing hugs...I was proud to be there...and I'm very proud of being part of the 129th. And that is what Kokomo is all about-it's healing ground. We'll see you in Atlanta....and Kokomo next year. I'm still touched...and I'm still laughing! That's the type of event it was and is. It was a pleasure, right Katherine? With arms around all of you-Gently
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Monday, September 23, 2002 at 07:57:55 (MDT)

Hello to all my 129th familey!!.. Well, now that Kokomo is in our past it is time to say thanks to all that were there for all of the fun and brotherhood. It is a great feeling to be among such a great bunch of friends!!.. I must admit that it started off with quite a bang, wet bang that it. There was a lot of rain on Friday afternoon but all that changed and Saturday was GREAT!. Had lots of fun with Judith, Gentley's, rating game and a lot of the passerbys had a laugh too.. It was great to see those I have met in the past and really great to see those that I hadn't met or see before or from a long time ago. Ted Buisker, it sure was good seeing you again after 34 years and to be able to refly some of those missions. It sure did wake up a lot of memory cells.. If everyone had as good a time as I did we will remember it for a long time. I must admit that it was nice to have my car to sleep in with all the rain on Friday, a bit cramped but dry. The turkey dinner which was cooked by Ron from the 26th Americal was great too. This was one of the things a guy, or gal, don't want to miss. I hope all made it home safely. Take care and I hope to see you all again soon.. I hope to make the party on the 14th of December but that is the Granddaughter's B-day and will have to see what that may mean. C U L8r.... Kal...>>>
Kal Bergstrom <n8auu@email.com>
Saint Joseph, MI USA - Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 19:19:29 (MDT)

.........WELL........LZ KOKOMO , COME AND GONE.......THESE TIMES TO ME GO SO FAST. THE WAIT TO GET THERE AND SEE ALL, AND THEN BOOM, IT'S OVER......WAS A GREAT TIME.......ROLL CALL FOR LZ KOKOMO IS THIS.......JUDITH ( GENTLY) AND JOE, KATERINE AND RICK, KAL BERGSTROM, FRED ALVIS, RON PAYE, RICK ENGLAND ( ALL THE WAY FROM LZ AZ ), TED BUISKER AND HIS WIFE....SORRY DARLIN', CAN NOT RECALL YOUR FIRST NAME, SORRY!!!!!!RAINER BAUER AND DEE GALE BEARD, AND DEE AND I!!!!!!!!!.......HOME SAFE NOW....HOPE ALL ARE THE SAME..........COUPLE NEAT THINGS THAT I NOTICED THIS WEEKEND IS THIS...........SATURDAY AFTERNOON SETTING AROUND THE CAMP SIGHT, I NOTICED ALL THE 129TH PATCHES AND SHIRTS AND HATS.........WAS REALLY GREAT TO SEE ALL THAT STUFF...............AND THEN.......KAL AND TED STARTED TALKING ABOUT A MISSION THAT THEY REMEMBERED AND REALIZED THAT THEY BOTH WERE ON THAT SAME MISSION AND SO WAS GALE BEARD.......AFTER ALL THESE YEARS AND NOT RECALLING WHO WAS ON THAT MISSION, IT ALL COMES BACK TO THEM IN THE LIL' CIRCLE AROUND THE CAMP FIRE........THAT KINDA STUFF WARMS MY HEART......................SITTING AT THE CAMP FIRE SATURDAY NIGHT AND JUST LISTENING TO THE CHAT WAS GREAT........IT FEELS SO GOOD TO BE A PART OF ALL THAT.......ONE THING THAT REALLY GRABED ME THIS YEAR AT KOKOMO WAS WHEN THE DIFFERENT UNITS WERE GETTING THIER PIX TAKEN UNDER THE HUGH FLAG THAT FLIES THERE.....SEEING ALL THE 173RD HERD GUYS FROM THIS AO THAT KNOW ME THERE.........THEN THE 4THID WAS THERE ALSO.......AND THEN THE 1ST CAV, ALL WITH THEIR STETSONS......WHAT A SIGHT..............I THINK NEXT YEAR THE 129TH, NO MATTER HOW LIL' WE MAY BE THERE, GET A UNIT PHOTO UNDER THE FLAG ALSO.........SORRY DEE AND I DID NOT SPEND MORE TIME AT THE CAMP SIGHT......BOTH OF US ARE FIGHTING COLDS AND , ALSO, WHEN WE ARE AWAY FROM THE POP-A-TOP, WE TEND TO MOVE A BITS SLOWER AND GET REALLY RELAXED.............AND SOMETIMES A SOFT BED IS ALL WE WANT............NEXT YEAR I WILL DO PT BEFORE KOKOMO SO I AM IN MORE SHAPE TO HACK IT................KOKOMO, TO THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER BEEN THERE, IT IS JUST LIKE THE VHCMA GIG........BUT ALL OUT DOORS WITH CAMP FIRES AND TENTS AND CAMPERS AND CAMPFIRES AND FOOD ALL OVER THE PLACE.WALK INTO ANY CAMP SIGHT AND THAT GROUP WILL OFFER YOU SOMETHING TO EAT OR DRINK........LOTS AND LOTS OF LOVIN' AND BROTHERHOOD AT THE SIGHT.............LIVE BANDS, AND A HUGE VENDERS TENT WITH JUST ABOUT ANYTHING THAT YOU MIGHT WANT TO BUY RELATING TO NAM OR ANY WAR.....VERY, VERY GREAT TIME.........LOCALS IN THE AO OF KOKOMO NEXT YEAR SHOULD TRY AND JOIN IN NEXT YEAR AND SEE IF WE CANT TURN IT INTO A YEARLY THANG FOR THE 129TH..............CHILLIN' OUT TONIGHT AND GETTING GEARED UP FOR MONDAY, MONDAY..................BTW.......MY FRIENDS FROM THE 173RD HERD AND HAVING A X-MAS PARTY AT THE POP-A-TOP DEC 14TH. THATS A SATURDAY.......THEY ASK ME TO POST IT IN HERE SO THAT MAYBE SOME OF YOU NEAR HERE CAN ATTEND TO HAVE A HERD, BITE AND STRIKE, X-MAS PARTY AT THE SAME TIME.........CHECK YOUR CALANDERS AND SEE IF YOU CAN MAKE IT...............THE HERD GUYS AROUND HERE LOVE DEE AND I AS MUCH AS THE 129TH DOES......AND WANT TO LINK UP WITH SOME OF YOU ALL..........NOT MUCH MORE TO SAY......GOT TO SPEND A FEW HOURS WITH THE GRANDKIDS TODAY HERE.......AND ALL THE DAUGHTERS AND SON-IN-LAWS.........TIS BEEN A GREAT WEEKEND FOR ME.............PLEASE ALL TAKE CARE AND STAY ACTIVE IN THIS FLIGHT LOG BOOK..........IT IS OUR LIFE LINE....... ......................ALWAYS A BROTHER AND SISTER...........MARK AND DEE
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
USA - Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 18:39:08 (MDT)

i found the following letter on another heli. units website.I dont thnik they would mind me copying it.
alvis
USA - Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 08:46:41 (MDT)

Visitor Dear Vietnam Veteran, I know I should have written much sooner. I can’t say why I did not. Out of fear of admitting to myself you were there fighting a war. Or maybe ashamed; ashamed that I never accepted the things you felt you had to do. Whatever it is, I know it must hurt. Believe me when I say it hurts me more. I have the burden of your hurt plus that of my own; the pain of not being able to show my true feeling toward you. I am not writing this for the months you served in Vietnam, but for the many years, you were left alone with only your brother Veterans. You served proudly and it went unmentioned. For a long time, I’ve wanted to express the words. The words an honorable Veteran needs to hear. For a long time, I’ve wanted to hold you during your times of pain. God knows I wanted to. And only He knows why I never found the courage. I do not remember what I used to say; maybe I do not want to remember. All I know is I hope that it is not too late to give you those things now. For years, you tried to be part of my world. Doing everything to please me, just to be noticed and given a little time and understanding… I look back and see the demands I placed on your shoulders when you were young. “Fight your weakness, and always show strength to others around you.” Who was I to make such a demand? I sit here with tears in my heart, finally admitting to myself the one weakness you must have seen in me and never questioned. My inability to say the words that I know would have meant so much to you. “Welcome Home.” You served your country honorably. Please hear these words now, from my heart. Please give me a chance to be part of your world now. The world I should have been part of long ago. Love, America
alvis
USA - Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 08:44:45 (MDT)

well said mr. D. Purvis.but then we werent counted as combat troops.And i wonder who it was that i took out on a long range patrol inland of camn ron bay in 72.Smile, for non combat troops,we sure spent alot of ammo and must have been termites that put holes in our helicopters.Did anyone tell charlie that we werent combat troops? Update on kokomo....good friends and cold beer was the order of the day.and a camp fire. chuckle,gently got some cards and passed out ..had numbers written on them.She got us all to "rate" everything that passed by,,and everone.laughing. ty judeth,now that was fun with laughs had by all..was good to meet those of u i havent met b4.hugs all around,brotherhood was the name of the day. Anyone up for a 129th xmas party at "pop atop" dec. 14th? Whiapers are in the air there might even be a 129th wedding that day.
alvis
USA - Saturday, September 21, 2002 at 22:30:44 (MDT)

hi everyone. well i just dont understand, reading a book call The Price of Exit, by Tom Marshall, did you guys know that the war in ii corps end in oct 1970. according to him once the 4th id left for home there was no combat left in ii corps, so all to ca we thought we were flying were realy just a video game i guess. and i quote " I Corps rule of engagement had become our game. If you see them, shoot them. None of that live-and-let-live crap in II Corps." so you bite guys you must have been shooting at ghosts, because according to this guy only i corps was still in the war. But if its any help this is the same guy that admits he begged to get out of flying hueys to fly with the 163rd which was a vip unit. Left his buddings behind and ran as fast as he could. If tom read this i would like to point out a couple of mistakes in you book, first the warrent officer corps was not created in the early 60's, its dates back to the very first army of the usa., second i few with a lot of great guys who support the 33rd tiger division, a korean infantry unit that was secound to none and these guys during their time in country flew as meany if not more ca's (combat assalts) than you. Your book is going where it belongs in the trash. the 129th lost a lot of great people during 69,70,71,72, im not sure about 73, but we did not live-and-let-live, we searched out and destroyed. It was my please to have served the the men of the 129th, we may not have the the best but we were way in front of who every was in 2nd. thats nome that iv said since i started logging on.
donnie r. purvis <drpurvis1@yahoo.com>
lexington, nc USA - Saturday, September 21, 2002 at 16:18:46 (MDT)

weather update,thursday nite,sept,19,for indy area,which includes kokomo. friday..80% chance thunderstorms thru the night.high of around 80,low of 70 saterday clear skies all day,high in 70s low around 60 ...sunday clear skies ..high in 70s lows around 50s. Will be nice people.saterday morn on. please remember to bring something warm to wear for evening and early morns.see all u there. drive careful and god bless. hey,i will be wearing "'pop a top" t shirt( ty mark)
alvis
USA - Thursday, September 19, 2002 at 22:44:25 (MDT)

Well..... Had to go Home to Ohio, take care of some family business. Slap around some Republican friends that were draft dodgers. Like I tell them," If I ever dream about you "Talkin Bad" about me", I`ll come a wake you up and Kick your ass. Had to Go check on my Union brothers, keep them in line...... They don`t call me "Freddie Hoffa" for nothing. I see Brother Kim LaVoie been tellin the truth again. God Love Your Heart,Kimbo. I`ll just jump right back into the shit...... You all know, that back in the day. George Bush Sr, stayed at my Uncle O.D.Williams house. Yea....Uncle O.D. was a lifer.... Air Force pilot. Major O.D. Williams, 33 years in service. His Name is Orville Denver Williams. Big Time Masonic Temple, 33rd degree. Once told me I couldn`t be a Mason, I belong to " The Viet-Nam Veterans Against The War" group. That`s OK, he had to go to Jail, in the "Savings and Loan" scandal. He cheated his "own family" out of money!!!! Not my Mother, She knew he was a pig, to begin with. Ole Yea!!!! Columbus,Ohio is ultra conservative. So I know a little bit about Republicians, and I can Guess the rest!!!!!!!!
Fred Skaggs
USA - Thursday, September 19, 2002 at 21:29:38 (MDT)

OH!!!!!!! Dudes!!!!!! If it`s like "WOODSTOCK", don`t touch the "brown acid". Bad Shit Man!!!!!! No !!!! No!!!! Yea, these is 2002!!!!!! Where have I been!!!!!! Brainwashed!!!!! By Republicians!!!!!!!!!! Yea !!!!! That`s the ticket!!!!!!.
Fred Skaggs
USA - Thursday, September 19, 2002 at 19:12:18 (MDT)

Hey Flight. The grounds are on an old airfield so the camp sites there should be ok. The roads may turn to mud, but that will keep the dust down. I did not make it up there last night, but my neighbor did. He said they have a small additional camp site available on a first come basis. $10. Ted, I don't think I would try to find my way there in the middle of the night. Ya might want to find some Big parking lot, and show up in the day light. I will be there tomorrow afternoon, after the POW/MIA ceremony in Indy. Looking forward to seeing everyone. Ron
Ron Paye <ronpaye@comcast.net>
INDY, IN USA - Thursday, September 19, 2002 at 15:47:40 (MDT)

Ted, what are doing mixing business with pleasure on this trip? I hope they have a "shit hook" somewhere close.....they might have to slingload you otta there. We just had a heck of a storm pass thru here & I'm about 70 mi south of Kokomo. Everyone be careful out there. Gale
Gale <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In USA - Thursday, September 19, 2002 at 14:39:47 (MDT)

UH OH I'll be driving a pickup with a camper, pulling an 18ft trailer with a small load of farm equipment for delivery to Ohio. I hope 4 wheel drive is enough. Is there a Wal-Mart in Kokomo? LOL
Ted Buisker <Skyking@stateline-isp.com>
Davis, IL. USA - Thursday, September 19, 2002 at 14:04:32 (MDT)

That's what I was afraid of ....I guess I'll drive my truck! Think "Monsoons...AnSon,1968" Gale
Gale <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In USA - Thursday, September 19, 2002 at 11:30:20 (MDT)

The Kokomo site is in a corn field-think Woodstock 1968! Fun in the mud! Gently
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Thursday, September 19, 2002 at 10:35:41 (MDT)

Hey Ron, is it very muddy up at the campsite?? Gale
Gale <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In USA - Thursday, September 19, 2002 at 08:29:49 (MDT)

also thanks for the weather report. Keep up the TINS.
Rick England
USA - Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at 19:33:14 (MDT)

That was a great tins (This is no shit). A postive out of all that shit. Thanks and be careful out there.
Rick England
USA - Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at 19:31:32 (MDT)

if u will b n kokomo friday nite, bring rain gear. 70% forcast,rain, spotty showers.saterday morn early also.rest of saterday and sunday, beautiful. Remembers one mission,god knows where,raining so hard,out in bad guy country,pilots had us stick our heads out of doors to warn of towers,mountians,ect.didnt dare land anywhere. shower Didnt last long but sure was exciting for a bit. Was it near bong Son that lay the salt mines/ flats? What 2was name of village where they cooked charcoal and railroad bridge was that some flew under , thru arch,against all orders and good sense? chukle,it was fun.Up the valley,near there, i remember seeing a waterfall,perhaps 5 levels.Bright green jungle,swriling mist,idle,inviting pools of crystal clear water.Remembers seeing one bright red orchid,off to the left.Was very remarkable scene of tranqullity and rested beauty.we were lucky to see such a beautiful tropical paradice.The outlaying country was outstanding.Such a beautiful scab over such a wounded and bloodied land.anyone remember throwing out chu hoi leaflets from 8 or 10,000 feet and being shot at, at the same time?i do.lazy green arcs of death and hate.They wouldnt let us shoot back cause was a piece mission. yea, right.I much prefered the snoppy lows and highs,espically low. God that was exciting.remembers once having mortors shot at us as we flew into one of the firebases.the odd thing was,we were flying high and hadnt started our decent yet, smile,they were trying to shoot us out of the air. now that was truely a high overhaed,corkscrew landing....wow koodles to the pilot.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at 18:56:47 (MDT)

As much as I hate to sound like a know it all, (like hell!!) I feel the need to point out that Rhodes Scholars do not graduate from Rhodes! it's a political indoctrination program. People from all over the world go to Oxford to study, paid for by a trust set up by Cecil Rhodes, ( think Rhodesia ). think back to those times....kids either served, dodged, or, if mommy and daddy had the pull, they hid in the guard! Kinda convenient that the war drums are booming, just before the election, right about the same time folks were getting educated as to corporate America's rape of our country!!!! I've worked Union for the last twenty five years, and, have never been ashamed of it. Same folks that make that Milwaukee Iron that so many people love...just think..ya buy a Harley, you're helping pay a union workers wages!
Kim La Voie
Livermore, Me USA - Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at 18:12:33 (MDT)

Alex, we're all gonna miss you this weekend brother. How about Rainer Bauer...has anyone heard from him? I hope he shows up. Ron, let us know if you need anything. Lee Wood..you out there buddy? You know where Kokomo is. Gale
Gale <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In USA - Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at 14:00:45 (MDT)

Flight: Well a lot of commo going on. Haven't had much time to check in lately. Hate to miss this weekend. Sounds like big turn out. Tried my best to get the time off, but got a manager thats a jerk. Thinks of only himself. but, there's next year! And many 129th mini's always going on somewhere. I found a few of our Brothers recently. But, they are not ready to join in yet. I respect their feelings. Maybe one day!! I know it took me a long time to come out. Well to all my brothers and Sisters take care and have a safe weekend. And Atlanta 2003 is to far off. Will get here before we know it. Always A Brother Alex
Alex Fernwalt <alfernwal@midsouth.rr.com>
Memphis, Tn. USA - Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at 13:07:41 (MDT)

That's right Rick....nobody ever looks Ron in the eyes cause he's always showing his bare ass. Heeeeeee!Heeeee! Gale
Gale Beard <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In US of A - Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at 14:21:23 (MDT)

We plan on leaving here Fri. Afternoon,if that happens, should arrive late Fri night. If not will be there Sat afternoon. Will be good to meet you all. Way to go Wink, you did exactly what I would have done. Personally, I admire President Bush and despise Clinton. I notice the headline in the Paper today says that the weapons inspectors are going back into Iraq. That didn't take long after President Bush made his U.N. speech. Clinton may have been a Rhodes Scholar, but few people know HE DIDN'T FINISH. He took a vacation to Russia instead, and spent most of his time in England organizing protests. So much for taking advantage of a wonderful educational opportunity. I was in a Union for 17 years, but the only time I ever saw an increase in my take home pay was when we had Ronald Reagan in the White House. I was even active in the union til I saw what a bunch of B--ls--t it was, with all the grievance and arbitration funds being spent on about ten percent of the members in repeated trouble because they didn't want to work. We all would have been better off had they been shown the door. JMO How do ya like me now! LOL Ted
Ted Buisker <Skyking@stateline-isp.com>
Davis, IL USA - Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at 14:04:10 (MDT)

hello Brothers and sisters just want to wish you a safe and a fun time at Kohamo be sure to take pic and if u can pass on to me well I plan on making to one in june hope to meet all of you there Ron I still plan on getting a tee shirt soon will wrte u when ok well u all take care ok a brother always Ray
Ray Gagner <stilwating@aol.com>
street, MD USA - Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at 13:19:41 (MDT)

Well put Rick! 2 and a wake-up. Always a sister-Gently
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at 12:36:04 (MDT)

Ron after showing your butt to everyone in louisville and pics here you better be careful out there. HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Rick England
USA - Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at 10:58:55 (MDT)

Hey Flight, Looks like we will have a great turnout at Kokomo. Weather looks great. Highs in the mid-70's, lows in the mid-50's. Chance of a shower Friday morning. Mark and Dee front moving through the area over the weekend. For anyone who has not been there before. Take 31 south of Kokomo to 26. Head east 5 to 8 miles. The grounds will be on your right (south) Last year they wanted everyone to enter from the road that borders the property on the west. When you enter the property our camp spot is along the north perimeter about half way up. (439west) Ya got to be blind or a 2nt Lt. to miss it. If you have a tent we should be able to find room for you. If you have a vehicle you will have to park in one of the out laying spots. I talked to one of the guys from Kokomo Sunday and they have an auxiliary camp grounds but he didn't know where. I will be going up tomorrow after work for a bit and will find out where everything is and post better info. Looking forward to good times. Love and Brotherhood. Ron Paye PS. All this talk of blue eye's and brown eye's has me kind of worried. Definitely not aviator talk. Think I will make sure I sleep on my back:>)))
Ron Paye <ronpaye@comcast.net>
Indy, IN USA - Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at 08:15:04 (MDT)

Lend A Hand- Civilian Assistance Requested Some excellent rules to pass on to our civilian "friends" who might still not get it after all this time. Dear Civilians, We know that the current state of affairs in our great nation have many civilians up in arms and excited to join the military. For those of you who can't join, you can still lend a hand. Here are a few of the areas we would like your assistance with: 1) The next time you see an adult talking during the playing of the National anthem.....kick their ass. 2) When you witness firsthand someone burning the American Flag in protest...kick their ass. 3) Regardless of the rank they held while they served, pay the highest amount of respect to all veterans. If you see anyone doing otherwise, quietly pull them aside and explain how these Veterans fought for the very freedom they bask in every second. Enlighten them on the many sacrifices these Veterans made to make this Nation great. Then hold them down while the Veteran kicks their ass. 4) If you are not in the military, DO NOT pretend that you are. Wearing battle dress uniforms (BDU's), telling others that you used to be "Special Forces," and collecting GI Joe memorabilia might have been okay if you were still seven, but now it will only get your ass kicked. (Veterans are exempt from this rule) 5) If you witness someone calling an enlisted Soldier or Marine "Sir," stand back.....and the Soldier or Marine will kick their ass. 6) Next time you come across an Air Force member, do not ask them "Do you fly a jet?" Not everyone in the Air Force is a pilot. Such ignorance deserves an ass kicking (children are exempt). 7) Roseanne Barr's singing of the National Anthem is not a blooper. It was a disgrace and disrespectful. Laugh, and sooner or later your ass will be kicked. 8) Next time Old Glory prances by during a parade, get on your damn feet and pay homage to her by placing your hand over your heart and quietly thank the military member or veteran lucky enough to be carrying her......of course, failure to do either of those will earn you a severe ass kicking. 9) What Jane Fonda did during the Vietnam War makes her the enemy. The proper word to describe her is "traitor." . . . Hate her or else (asses will be kicked). 10) Don't try to discuss politics with a military member or a veteran. We are Americans and we all bleed the same regardless of our party affiliation. Our Chain of Command, to include our Commander in Chief...the President...(for those who didn't know) is all that we acknowledge. We have no inside track on what happens inside those big important buildings where all those "representatives" meet. All we know is that when those civilian representatives screw up the situation, they call upon the military to go straighten it out. The military member might direct you to Oliver North. (I can see him kicking your ass already.) 11) "Your mama wears combat boots" never made sense to me....stop saying it! If she did, she would most likely kick your ass! 12) Bin Laden and the Taliban are not communists, so stop saying "Let's go kill those Commie's!!!" And stop asking us where he is!!!! Crystal balls are not standard issue in the military. That reminds me ... if you see anyone calling those damn psychic phone numbers; let me know, so I can go kick their ass. 13) Last but not least, whether or not you become a member of the military, support our troops and their families. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas that you enjoy with family and friend please remember that there are, literally, thousands of troops overseas wishing they could be with their families. Thank God for our military and the sacrifices they make every day. Without them, our country would get its ass kicked
Larry Kwiatkowski (Scooter) <Chrger66@aol.com>
Simi Valley, CA USA - Monday, September 16, 2002 at 16:39:28 (MDT)

justsaying hello to all my brothers ans sisters you all take care not to good at writing so I just say hi always a brother Ray
Ray Gagner <stilwating@aol.com>
street, MD USA - Monday, September 16, 2002 at 11:27:21 (MDT)

I don't know who put this together but, they deserve a lot of credit. > > >Osama Bin Laden, your time is short; >We'd rather you die, than come to court. >Why are you hiding if it was in God's name? >Your just a punk with a turban; a pathetic shame. > >I have a question, about your theory and laws; >"How come you never die for the cause?" > >Is it because you're a coward who counts on others? >Well here in America, we stand by our brothers. > >As is usual, you failed in your mission; >If you expected pure chaos, you can keep on wishing >Americans are now focused and stronger than ever; >Your death has become our next endeavor. > >What you tried to kill, doesn't live in our walls; >It's not in buildings or shopping malls. > >If all of our structures came crashing down; >It would still be there, safe and sound. > >Because pride and courage can't be destroyed; >Even if the towers leave a deep void. > >We'll band together and fill the holes >We'll bury our dead and bless their souls. > >But then our energy will focus on you; >And you'll feel the wrath of the >Red, White and Blue. > >So slither and hide like a snake in the grass; >Because America's coming to >kick your ass!!!
alvis
USA - Monday, September 16, 2002 at 10:55:09 (MDT)

Flight: Sure would enjoy getting "into" it with several of you-I have always enjoyed a good fight, eh, debate-but, not today. Glad to see so many others at it though, and keeping it friendly. Kokomo!! 3 and a wake up. We'll be in around 8-9 Friday night and will stop at the site(Ron Paye is going to let us know where the site is this week, so check the postings daily) for hugs and back slapping. It's a 129th mini!!!!!! Always a sister to you Veterans and your supporters(Katherine). Gently
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Monday, September 16, 2002 at 07:18:35 (MDT)

Evening Flight, been reading all of the commo. Sorry I can't make Kokomo,the one who signs the paycheck says I gotta stay at my desk. However, Biketoberfest in Daytona is just around the corner, and that is a must do (per Wife). During the day I will be out on Main street flying the colors from the bike, at night I'll be chillin with the boys at the Jackson Hole Saloon in Ormond Beach. So those in the flight who ride and those who don't come on out Oct 17-20. Also note change of email address(changed servers) Until later , Dennis, Class of 72, 129th Forever, Anson, RVN
Dennis Fuerstenau <dfuerst_2000@netzero.net>
Davenport, FL USA - Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 19:17:15 (MDT)

..YOOOOOOOOOOO......Flight..............just sitting here watchin' the como go by;-))))....as stated, I doubt, and I hope, nobody gets the berries over it all. I have come to believe that this room is a great place to have a talk with each other. Reminds me of guys in the bar that come in and haggle about all the politics and ball games and school issues and Gov in general, all over a couple of beers and then walk out together sayin', " Good to see ya today brother", Take Care"..............Donnie Purvis, So good to see your name in here.......first met you in Charlotte 3 years ago......glad you are still aboard!.....YES...KOKOMO.........Dee and I will be there Friday night around 8:00PM.....not portta potty people so we will be at the Holiday in, but will check in at the camp sight Friday night so we can hang the 129th Flag. Kal, if I am not mistakin', and Ron Paye can conferm this. But I think the camp sight is located, as you enter the west gate, on the north row of sights about 40 clicks up. Sounds like we are going to have a great turn out from the 129th. COOL!!!!!!!!.......As I said.....will be there Friday night, and Saturday. Need to hang with some 173rd Herd friends fer a spell, while there, and also want to look up my 101st buddies that call me Speed Bump. Story behind that is, they had logs in the lane in front of their camp to slow traffic down. I was feelin' my oats one night there and kicked all the logs out of the lane and told them this is how a Marine sets up a speed bump. I procided to lay in the road myself. They have loved me ever since.. See.....and you guys thought us Marines were stupid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!;-)))))))))))))))).......to bad we all cant get a hold of some of them "BARRY" glasses so no body can see the color of our eyes this weekend..............FREDDY BOY.........Good to hear from you so much in here.....keep the como comin man!!!!!!!!!!!!Kal.....good to hear you will be in Kokomo also......Fred, you also....Gale......katherine....Gently.....Ron.....Rick...TELL YOU WHAT GANG.......I'll buy the eggs and hamberger Saturday and we will have them 129th Egg Burgers.......................I love you all,,,,,so much......more then you will ever know.....those who have met Dee and I, have felt and seen the love we have........charis it as much as we do all of you..............you are the touch, and voice, of Larry to me............I THANK GOD and you everyday for this...........see some of you soon............................always a bro and sis. mark and Dee
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
USA - Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 17:45:11 (MDT)

Fred, do you know about what time that you'll be there Fri? Gale
Gale <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In USA - Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 16:31:26 (MDT)

will b n kokomo friday .
alvis
USA - Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 16:04:17 (MDT)

Hello to all the 129 family!! I have been away for a long time and as Kokomo is coming on pretty soon I'd better check in and find out what the skinny is. I have taken Friday off and hope to be headed south that morning. Where and when is everyone meeting up? Also does anyone want to split a room? I may be staying Saturday night also but that depends on whats happening. I hope to be riding my bike down but the WX will dictate that. I have seen a few coments on Kokomo but nothing firm... Who is going and where are they staying or meeting up? I hope to see a nice turnout and look foreward to seeing you there.. Take care!! C U L8r.... Kal..
Kal Bergstrom <n8auu@email.com>
Saint Joseph, MI USA - Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 12:12:39 (MDT)

Everybody has their own opinion and nobody can take that away from us. Pins in the mail on monday Barry. ******************Gale looking forward to friday. Those hamburgers and brewskis sound good. Be careful out there.
Rick England
USA - Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 11:54:07 (MDT)

Barry, I doubt anyone's offended, for sure not me. You are right, everyone has an opinion and I hope nobody on here gets to "outta sorts" with all this yakkin'. Rick, you are right ...I was a union man for about 35 years and the records speak for themselves. You know which party is in when contract time comes along! As Fred said, "Reagan was a union buster and nothing's been the same since". You just never get back what you lose. Nice yakkin' at ya Fred. Ya'll have a great day and Rick, I'll be lookin' at those green eyes this Friday in Kokomo. Maybe we can figure a way to have a hamburger topped with an egg and of course washed down with a few brewskies! How bout it? Gale
Gale Beard <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In US of A - Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 11:13:29 (MDT)

Barry, I doubt anyone's offended, for sure not me. You are right, everyone has an opinion and I hope nobody on here gets to
Gale <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In USA - Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 11:12:08 (MDT)

hi fred you'v been brain washed by the democrats.
donnie r. purvis <drpurvis1@yahoo.com>
lexington, nc USA - Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 10:20:17 (MDT)

IT LOOKS LIKE I RUFFLED A FEW FEATHERS WITH MY COMO. IF I AFFENDED ANYONE I'M TRUELY SORRY.I DO RESPECT THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENTCY,BUT IT'S SLICK WILLIE THAT I DON'T RESPECT AN HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO SO,AND THAT'S WHAT MAKES THIS COUNTRY SO GREAT,AN YES BOY GEORGE DID JION THE NG BUT AT LEAST HE DIDNT AVOID THE DRAFT BY LEAVING THE COUNTRY AS SLICKWILLIE DID. WHEN HE COULD NO LONGER AVOID THE DRAFT HE LEFT FOR ENGLAND AS SO MANY DID, WEATHER ENGLAND, CANADA OR WHEREEVER. AFTER HE FINISHED HIS STUDIES HE THAN WENT TO RUSSIA. SO WHAT DOSE THAT TELL ONE.CARTER GAVE AMNISTY TOO ALL DRAFT DODGERS AN ALLOWED THESE PEOPLE RETURN TOO THIS COUNTRY. AN THATS GOT TO TELL ALL OF US WHAT OUR SACARFICE MEANT TO THIS COUNTRY. BUT FOR ME I WOULD NOT OF DONE IT ANY OTHER WAY.I MIGHT NOT OF SO SCREWED UP IN THE HEAD IF I TOOK ANOTHER WAY BUT I DON'T THINK I COULD LIVE WITH MYSELF IF I'D DONE IT ANY OTHER WAY. BUT THAT'S ME AND MY OPINION AND ALL I ASK FROM ANYONE IN THESE DAYS IS TO RESPECT MY OPINION AS I RESPECT OTHERS. THAT'S WHAT MAKES THIS COUNTRY WHAT IT IS TODAY. BOY YOU TALK ABOUT RAMBBLINS.============= GALE WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT BUT I FORGOT MY GLASSES AND TEETH, MAYBE THAT WAS A GOOD THING BECAUSE WHO KNOWS WERE I'D BE KNOW.ALL TAKE CARE OUT THERE FROM 010 WITH LOVE WINK 3/69-10/70
BARRY WINKLER <COBRA129TH@AOL.COM>
LAKELAND, FL USA - Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 10:00:55 (MDT)

I don't know much about politics. I have been a const. worker since I got back from RVN Thats 34 years I worked the best I could when their was work an that was when a democrat was in office. It was tough supporting a family. Every 4 years I got my bills caught up. I am sure I am not the only one here that had bad times but the stats seem to speak for them self.******************************Now that country music thing I am confused of Alan Jackson,Lefty Frezzel and toby Keith. Also the color of my eyes and I like everybody very well.*************************I am upset about the surviors of the 9/11 Benifits, we need to stand up and be noticed as vetreans so this dosn't happen again.********************** Now when are going to do this and how? Oh! by the way my eyes are Green if your intrested.HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE I also like country music,Rock,and the Blues.Sorry, just drifting their.************************Flight please be careful out there and keep them bores and trigger mech. clean. Clear Left
Rick England <bd431@mindspring.com>
Wittmann, Az USA - Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 23:30:36 (MDT)

Amen Kim, you touched on some things I was reluctant to weight in on. Compensation for the spouse survivors, and not everyone gets the same amount. A custodian doesn`t get as much as a stock broker. So much for being created equal. Plus it sets a bad precedence for the future. That`s right, Osama is Saudi, but they are our allies. Plus we have "oil investments" there. Can`t touch them!!!!! What`s Ralph Nader doing these days? LOL. Moses Heston!!! I love that. Pretty soon he`ll walking around holding hands with Ron(union buster)Reagan,saying,"Who are we and where are we at"?
Fred Skaggs <ac459429@earthlink.net>
Raleigh, NC USA - Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 21:45:46 (MDT)

It still fascinates me that two religions that have as their central tenets, total peace, can be responsible for more bloodshed than any other cause celebre in recorded history. I think it was Abraham Lincoln who noted that both sides in the civil War were praying to the same god for victory. If osama had nuec's, I think he would have used them, instead of kerosene. That fool is Saudi, not Iraqi...It's really a shame to think that all the wiz bangs this country put together to stop the Russians can't deter a country that's trying to build one! Let's face it, we could turn the rest of the world into a glass parking lot if we desired to. Our constitution said that congress declares war, but who cares about the constitution anyways? The same folks ( or tumbleweeds ) who voted twice for slick willie, turned around and voted for asshole georgie. They also voted for the congress people who have the authority to declare war. Despite what pat Buchannan, Pat Robertson, Moses Heston, and, a whole bunch of others think, Democracy is supposed to be the will of the majority, not the will of the most strident. Regarding september 11th, I find it quite ironic that the surviving family members of the victims of that mess are going to receive compensation far above that of any one else in this country. After all, are they any more deprived of companionship, financial well being, peace of mind, than the spouse of somebody who dies in a traffic accident? I don't claim to have the answers, and I know I can't make everything fair, it just strikes me that the inconsistencies should make our leaders a little cautious....like...make a well thought out decision, not some kneejerk, emotional one.
Kim La Voie
Livermore , Me USA - Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 20:46:26 (MDT)

Uh oh! I've got brown eyes! Just remember brothers...we all fought for the right for us all to have our own opinions. We are a diverse group with a common bond. Gale
Gale
Clinton, In USA - Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 18:51:46 (MDT)

Damn Right!!!! That`s the ticket, get them before they get us. Hell let`s just start right here in the good Ole US. Round all the Children of Islam up, put them in camps, and start offing them. Then we`ll just move on to the Blacks, they`ve forced that Motown music and there way life on us. Line them all up and let it rip. Then we`ll get those Orientals, hell they all look alike anyway. We`ll just dig a big hole and throw them in and run a bulldozier right over them. Then we just go a ahead do the Jews, they got all the money anyway. Let`s level the playing field. Then we`ll just start in with people " with brown eyes" we can clean this mess up right now. LAST TIME THAT HAPPEN, A FELLOW NAME HITLER, TRIED TO PULL IT OFF. What happen on 9/11 is terrible, but we got caught with our "pants down" and our arrogance in our hands. Our security people,FBI,CIA, Secret Service right on down the line, drop the ball. Now I am a Patriot in the highest standard, and I will fight to death for my country. But I be damned if I`m gonna endorse someones agenda, because he wants to" finish the business of his daddy". And for somebody to be able to drive his SUV, at cheap gas prices. Oh Yea, don`t think it`s not about oil. The whole world is watching us now and history is being made. I`m not about to sacrifice you children or our children, on somebodies family whose entire Financial Statement is based on oil.
Fred Skaggs <ac459429@earthlink.net>
Raleigh, NC USA - Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 15:18:44 (MDT)

Hello! Amy Catering San Diego California. Thank you for letting me sign your guestbook and thank you for your website. Glad you are here.
Amy
San Diego, CA US - Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 14:32:12 (MDT)

Have you all ready forgotten 9-11, so we wait til a nuke explodes here in the states. i have to kids in the service, son in the army and daughter in the air force would hate to see them go to war but what options do we have. sadam will give all aid and confort to anyone that wants to destroy our way of life. nam may not have been to keep us free, but this one is over 3000 died on 9-11 how many more 100,000 or 1,000,000 before we see that this is muslums trying to force their way of life on us. and as for slick willie i hope he eats shit and dies.
donnie r purvis <drpurvis1@yahoo.com>
lexington, nnc USA - Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 13:18:48 (MDT)

Nicely put Tom. And Freddie S, you sure have a way with words brother!! Barry, I'm sure you are proud of your buddy, it must have been quite an honor for him and you must be a good friend to go all the way up there for him. I was thinking Barry, did you have your glasses on when the camera was on you? You know...the ones you had in Phoenix?? By the way you country music fans ..who did sing "How do you like me now"? Maybe it was Toby Keith? I'm gonna have to beef up on my country singers a little bit. How about it Ray, help me out here!? My all time favorite country song was "I'm gonna hire me a wino to decorate my home" and I think that was David Frizzell. How the hell ya like me now!! Gale
Gale Beard <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In USA - Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 12:26:46 (MDT)

"We are moving into the Valley of the Shadow of Death where you will watch the back of the man next to you, as he will watch yours, and you won't care what color he is, or by what name he calls God. We are going into battle against a tough and determined enemy. I can't promise you that I will bring you all home alive. But this I swear... when we go into battle, I will be the first to step on the field and I will be the last to step off. And I will leave no one behind... dead or alive. We will all come home together." – LTC Hal Moore I watched “We Were Soldiers” again last night on DVD with my son. Some interesting material in the deleted scenes part involving Moore’s meeting with Westmoreland and McNamara. Point of all this being, could you imagine in your wildest nightmares Dubya giving that speech to the troops on the way into Iraq? But, you know, maybe if he and Cheney and Condi Rice were on Chalk One,.....................
Tom Shanahan <Shanahan00@Cox.net>
Phoenix, AZ USA - Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 10:26:40 (MDT)

Yea Gale, Slick Wiilie gave me alot of laughs when he was in the White House. I related to some of the stupid things he would do as human nature. Such as"a stiff d__k has no conscience". Now he had me worried for a while, because I thought they were going to role PERS over into SS. Plus he had a younger brother that was always in to some shit. Now Bush reminds me of "the little rich boy" we use beat up and take his lunch money at school. Spoiled and pampered and always had a new car in high school. Then grows up to be the loan officer that you apply to for your first loan. Always saying," You were in Nam?, "You should have been on campus when the tear gas flying, it was pure hell". RIGHT!!! It`s always bothers me how these dove`s change to hawks, when it`s not going to effect them personally. But as my grandpa said in the mid 70`s," Freddie, if presidential candidates were a forest,then we`re running out of good timber".
Fred Skaggs <ac459429@earthlink.net>
Raleigh, NC USA - Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 06:39:45 (MDT)

Whoa fellas, I don't "admire" Slick Willy or Boy Georgie, but, to have " W " wanting to send our young into battle......I don't think so. How do ya like me now? It's starting to sound like an Alan Jackson concert in here. ;o) Gale
Gale Beard <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In (US) of A - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 23:16:58 (MDT)

And Ex-Presidents, good civics lesson Kim, Really my friend
Fred Skaggs <ac459429@earthlink.net>
Raleigh, NC USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 21:34:20 (MDT)

Just been sitting here, reading the last few bits of commo, reminiscing. I recall sitting in a casual company at the Ft. Dix indoctrination Center. Some sergeant asked how many of us were U.S.. A bunch of hands went up. " You poor f****s" . Lots of laughs. " How many RA's" "You stooooopid f****s!" More laughs..."How many AR/ Ng's?" " YOU ROTTEN, DRAFT DODGING F*****er's!!!!! No more laughter............. There was one guy, when we got to Ft. Eustis. Second day there, daddy shows up, gets his little boy, takes him down town Newport News, he comes back with a new Triumph!!! I think his name was Fadlevitch, or something like that. Daddy was big in the oil bidness in Looooosannnaa! Piece of shit actually paid guys to protect him from his big mouth!!! Sorry for rambling, but, we might as well admit it, the country is full of shitbums like that, in all walks of life, in both political parties. Hell, the personnel manager at the place I work used to brag about staying in college till the draft ended. I say used to...he gained a different perspective on September 11th. Now the asshole is all gung ho about sending people to wipe out ALL our enemies!!!! Said he had a hard time sleeping at night for a long time after....I guess he figured Osama was going to come to Maine and blow up our little paper mill!!RIGHT!!! I think Harry Truman reinforced the notion that our military answers to the civilians. That's one of the things that separates us from so much of the rest of the world. As civilians we're free to criticize whoever we want to, soldiers had better remember to respect the rank, and to that end, it doesn't get much higher than the president! Que la vaya bien.
Kim La Voie
Livermore, Me USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 20:52:12 (MDT)

who cares if clinton is a rhoads scholar. he is a coward, a us and a perversion of the american dream.he hasnt down shit except for himself and his own purposes.same with his ugly ass wife.Do u actually think we should admire that scoundrel?He is a piece of shit.Now, how the hell u like me now?
alvis
USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 19:05:50 (MDT)

THANK YOU MY BROTHERS, That`s exactly what the reserves and NG`s were all about in the 60`s and 70`s. I remember the Cape Cod Set with their Jag`s, going home after AIT. I could care less that Brother Bill Clinton didn`t serve. Can anybody say OXFORD. Man is a Rhodes Scholar, bottom line. Shit, Boy Georgie can`t even speak correct english and the rest of the world knows that. He`s a legacy pledge at college, if the truth is known, he couldn`t get in Coffeyville JC. How you like me now?
Fred Skaggs <ac459429@earthlink.net>
Raleigh, NC USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 16:40:51 (MDT)

Kim, I also remember!! Gale
Gale Beard <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 16:06:57 (MDT)

Am I the only one who remembers what the National Guard was all about in the 60'S and early 70's????? Try: DRAFT DODGER!!!!!!!!Provided daddy had pull, that is. As with most things, it's not fair to paint every guardsman with the same brush, but, the facts ARE the facts...Willie may be slick, but BOY GEORGIE isn't the only chest thumper who had it nice and safe while the shooting was going on!
Kim La Voie <kimlav@megalink.net>
Livermore, Me USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 15:39:27 (MDT)

Barry, just read your log entry and congratulations to your friend, i'm sure he deserves all the Kudos he gets. Also congratulations to you. Man I wish I could have been sitting there with you. I also wish i could have see the look on Slick Willie's face. It always drove me nuts when he was in office and seeing Military people saluting that jackass. Hooray for you man..... Rob
Robbie
Rochester, NY USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 10:52:15 (MDT)

MORNING FLIGHT,GOT BACK FROM NEW YORK CITY LATE YESTERDAY, WENT UP TOO SEE A GOOD FRIEND ,HE'S LIKE A BROTHER TO ME,GIVEN AN AWARD FOR TOP COP.HE,S A DETECTIVE ON THE ATLANTA P.D.IT WAS AN HONOR TO BE THERE. THE CEROMONIES WERE HELD AT THE GITY CENTER AN WAS HOSTED BY JONH WALSH OF AMERICAS MOST WANTED.THERE WERE MANY FAMOUS POEPLE THERE AN TOO MY SURPRIZE SLICK WILLIE,BILL CLINTON,NEEDLESS TO SAY WHILE EVERYBODY STOOD UP AND CHEERED AND CLAPPED ,I DID NOT .I JUST SAT THERE.THIS WENT ON FOR ABOUT TEN MINUTES.I GUEES I COULD OF GOT UP JUST OUT OF RESPECT FOR MY FRIEND AN THE CEROMONY BUT COULD NOT I STUCK TO MY GUNS, AN BELIEVE ME SLICK WILLIE SAW ME . MY BUDDIES FAMILY AN FRIENDS WERE SEATED IN THE FRIST ROW .I WAS ONLY TEN FEET FROM THE STAGE, SO I KNOW HE SAW ME . I ONLY WISH THE VEIT NAM PIN I WAS WEARING WAS BIGGER SO HE COULD SEE IT AND KNOW WHO I WAS.BUT I THINK HE FOUND OUT LATER BECAUSE THE CEROMONY WAS BEING TAPED AN MAYBE IT WAS ME BUT AFTER EVERYONE SAT DOWN I LOOKED TO MY RIGHT AN LOW AN BEHOLD THERE WAS THE CAMERA TRAINED ON ME FOR ABOUT FIVE MINUTES THAN BACKED OFF.THIS WENT ON FOR ABOUT HALF AN HOUR.I LOOKED INTO THE CAMERA A FEW TIMES TOO GIVE THEM A GOOD LOOK AT ME. LOVED IT. I LATER APOLIGIZED TO MY BUDDY.FELT I HAD TOO HE OF CROUSE HE UNDERSTOOD AN FIGURED I DO JUST THAT.DIDNT GET DOWN TO GROUND ZERO TO MAY POEPLE BUT MY THOUGHTS AN HEART WERE THERE.========== RAY SOUND LIKE FROM WHAT I;M READING FROM YOU YOUR HANGING IN .KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.I'M PROUD OF YOU BROTHER,KEEP FIGHTING.YOU'LL SEE THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THAT TUNNEL,AN WE,LL ALL BE WAITING THERE FOR YOU ,DONT WORRY ABOUT SPELLING WE ARE ALL GUILTY OF THAT.============HEY RICK GOT ANYMORE 129TH PINS LET ME KNOW ,NEED A FEW.MY BE WITH YOU ALL.
barry winkler <cobra129th@aol.com>
lakeland, fl USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 09:28:53 (MDT)

Happy Friday the 13th all! It's my mom's birthday, so I like this day. About the throws? I found them in a clearance crate in the home furnishing (curtains, pillows, blankets, sheets etc.) dept at WalMart in Billings. I bought everything they had (six I think) and donated one to the Legion, put one in each car, but have a couple left. The choppers look pretty good on them. I'd be willing to share with anyone who can't get one. Jim W thanks so much for stopping. To all who didn't know - just as Jim was pulling into our driveway, some lady tied her horse up to a gas meter and of course, something spooked the horse. Ron went scurrying off - Jim and I sat and had a great visit. This week's local paper had a really nice thank you to Ron and his crew - and a message about watching where you tie your horse... And so it goes!! God Bless everyone. Jamie DeBates
Jamie DeBates <rebate@mcn.net>
Big Timber, MT USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 09:08:59 (MDT)

Gently visited the web site from Miller, it was great. I emailed him and let him know. The ever quiet Brother. Ron
Ron Cooper <ronsusan@intop.net>
out in the sticks, ms USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 14:39:57 (MDT)

hello Brother and sistersjust caching up on the log just wnt to say a thank u to all its been such such help sitll dont help me spell better ;-) god bless you all Ray a brother always Ray
Ray Gagner
street, MD USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 14:17:27 (MDT)

Happy Birthday Edward William Wells(9/11)KIA 3/5/67. We may have missed your birthday, but you are not forgotten by your friends and brothers here at the 129th. A sister- Gently
Gently
USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 09:52:36 (MDT)

Happy Birthday Larry Jackson (9/11) and Mike Shanley (9/12), from all of us.
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 08:58:09 (MDT)

Flight, Don Miller(129th) has emailed me his web address of the site he has created to remember the POW/MIA's of the 129th. Please visit it when you get a chance. It is quite complete, with 32 names, and information on each and every one of them. It's a labor of love...thank you Don...you have helped us to never forget them. Amen. Always a sister-Gently http://members.tripod.com/~Donald_6/129thwallnames.htm
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 06:40:43 (MDT)

Ted, I picked up one of the Vietnam throws, and it's Mostly Beige and some light blue and has fringe around the edges of it. There are 2 or 3 helicopters about in the middle and on the bottom are some service men with helmets on. Can't remember all the words but it has 1959 - 1975 on it also. I found mine over in amongst the rugs/quilts, and it was folded up to about 1 or 2 foot square and in a clear plastic bag container and was hanging on a hook underneath a shelf. I didn't ask anyone and just kept wandering around the area and finally found it myself. Hope that helps... Rob
Robbie
Rochester , NY USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 05:54:02 (MDT)

Happy Birthday Michael Shanley. You are not forgotten. Mark, How are you doing? Welcome home everyone. Thanks
Katharine <fricabeunme@aol.com>
Elizabethtown, KY USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 04:59:30 (MDT)

Ted, that's same response that I got from the Walmarts down in this area. They looked at me like I was strange and one told me it's a seasonal item. I dunno. Gale
Gale Beard 67-68 <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In USA - Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at 22:39:51 (MDT)

Finally got to Wal-Mart today to look for the Viet Nam throw thing, and they didn't know what I was talking about. Someone tell me exactly what I'm looking for so I can relay the info to the store with a bit more intelligence. I need all the help I can get. LOL
Ted Buisker <skyking@stateline-isp.com>
Davis, IL USA - Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at 19:21:33 (MDT)

Hello Flight... I just got to read everything since i faxed some info to Cups. By the way I am glad to see that Cups is ok and taking showers (so to speak). I had been in some training classes for work and when i got back here I had an awful lot of reading to do to catch back up. Mark, sorry i didn't get to fax that other commo between you and Gently, but am glad it wasn't needed. Ray, how you doing Brother? I got your msg this morning and was glad to hear from you. I agree with you about that Guyman. I don't understand what he's saying either. I must have heard the Star Spangled Banner a dozen times today, and it gave me chills every time. I think it always has though. Whether it is for the Olympics or a baseball game or Nascar or anything. Makes me mighty proud to be an American. Hope everyone is doing good. Rob
Robbie
Rochester, NY USA - Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at 15:37:05 (MDT)

Cups, Glad to hear you are ok. Sounds like the primitive life agrees with you. Keep in touch and let me know if there is anything you need. Snapper
Jeff Sauers
USA - Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at 08:26:12 (MDT)

Thank you Katherine, and I'm very sorry for not knowing. The information continues to grow as we get closer and closer to the men on this web site: sometimes its information that is interesting and sometimes it breaks my heart, as I'm sure it does yours. I will read about our friend Michael and the crew of his helicopter, and pray for closure, if there is such a thing. Meanwhile, Ray, I got an email back as undeliverable....anything to that? Take it easy today everyone..it's a tough one: 9/11. Mark, you especially take it easy at this time...Larry will be on all of our minds. Kokomo-8 and a wake up. Always a sister to our Veterans-Gently always a
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at 06:54:07 (MDT)

Gently, there are more than one MIA for the 129th. On Dec. 2,1969 there was a helicopter go down with all its crew. Michael H. Shanley Jr, William Dunlap, Martin Vandan Eykle, and William Sanderlin. They are not listed as MIA by the gov. any more. In 1991 They recovered the ship and 4 sets of remains. They identified 2 positively and have assumed the other 2 were the rest of the crew. Michael's mother would not accept the assumption and therefore neither do I. Her comment was if I accept this little bag of bones as Michael's then he will never come home to me. There was not proof. The other 2 sets could have been vc. As long as she says Michael is not home then I will support her. I wear Michael's bracelet. That is how I am associated with the 129th. That is why the 129th is a part of me. Michael is a part of me. No I never knew him when he was in the states but now that he is in Vietnam I know him. I have been trying to find out information on him for the past 15 years. The members of the 129th have been very helpful in my search and I am very grateful. Michael' birthday is this Thurs. Sept 12. We must never forget and never forgive the gov. for leaving them behind. I will see you Sat. in Kokomo.Always a sister, Katharine
Katharine <fricabeunme@aol.com>
Elizabethtown, KY USA - Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at 15:49:17 (MDT)

hello I read what I wote didnt sound goog aftre I wrote about Brooks I do rember when it happened some said he ran up the hill shhoting at a 50 cc not sure soryif I sounded bad always a brother Ray
Ray Gagner <stilwaiting@aol.com>
street , md USA - Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at 14:22:48 (MDT)

Hello all My brothers and sisters just want to say hello I Rember Brooks he was with the Frist platoon they were shot down last the heardfrom him so how as every one been I dont under stand what gun man is trying to say Iam doing much better at times some days not most good thank u all a brother always Ray
Ray Gagner <stilwating@aol.com>
street , MD USA - Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at 14:18:21 (MDT)

That Cups! What a guy! Glad he's safe and still doing his Robin Hood thing. Do you all know that the 129th has an MIA? I'm ordering a bracelet with is name on it and have just posted a memorial to him on "The Virtual Wall." His name is John Henry Ralph Brooks-Army-birthday 4/8/49, MIA-5/13/69, 129th Aviation Co., 268th Aviation Battalion, 17th Avaition Group. From Lewiston and Bryant Pond, Maine. Please go to www.pownetwork.org/bios/b/b129.htm, click on the letter "b" and get the story of our friend and brother. We must never let him be forgotten: Panel 25W, Row 95 on "The Wall." Always a sister-Gently
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at 08:44:00 (MDT)

Flight: Had a few minutes so, I thought I would check in. Alot going on with work and 9/11 on Weds. Hard to believe it's been a year already. Wanted to make Kokomo but, between work and getting ready to sell the house, don't think I will be making it. I Would have enjoyed seeing everyone. I feel blessed finding this web site and meeting alot of you. I have a large extended family, now that I have all of you. And proud to have served with alot of you. The memory isn't as sharp as it used to be. But, proud to been apart of the 129th AHC. BITE AND STRIKE, HISS AND PISS!! My Brother and Sisters. Always A Brother!!! Alex PS. Cups hang in there!! If you help were here for you!! Mark and Dee thanks for everything you do and have done for the Brother and Sisters of the 129AHC. Also thanks to David our webmaster, he added the missing personnel page for 1966. And thanks to all of you. Whether you were crew or what job you done with the 129th AHC together as a team we served our fellow brothers of vietnam and our nation.
Alex Fernwalt <afernwal@midsouth.rr.com>
Memphis, TN USA - Monday, September 09, 2002 at 09:53:57 (MDT)

MY PEOPLE MAKE UNA COMOT FOR HEREOOOOOOOH ME I DO PASS HEREOOOOOOOOH NA AWA AWA FOR YOUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH O B T BOYS AND GIRLS GUYMAN O.B.T UWANILE, UWA
GUYMAN O.B.T UWANILE <NIGER@IGBO.COM>
O.B.T , UWA USA - Monday, September 09, 2002 at 09:38:56 (MDT)

Just returned from visiting my Brother & sister in Montana & stopped & had a nice visit with Ron & Jamie Debates (they are great folks Thanks for being there). As I have said many x before Larry Jackson was KIA on my little sister's 17th birthday (SEPT 12), so every one she has, I think of him, this page & all. Thanks Mark & all those who haven given so much & those who have paid the ultimate price including all wars, 9/11 & everything to keep us free!!! You Are The Very best!!!! Jim W
Jim Westwang <westwang@fiberpipe.net>
Sheridan, Wy. USA - Monday, September 09, 2002 at 09:07:14 (MDT)
.....flight............sunday night.......close to 9/11........thoughts.......nobody really knows whats goes on in each mind...............year ago on the 11th.......2,783 checked out in the towers............33 years ago the 11th......one boy from coldwater checked out in vietnam.......along with some other brothers that day.......grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.....love some things less then others, never hate!...........bizz is busy...........Komomo?. will be there!!!!.......time?.....have no time for myself anymore.............talk, but always seem to be wrong............want anything?, NO..........got you.........dreams?....many......some good, some bad.......and I wans't even there!!!!!!!!!!!.....but I still care.........this summer........wonderful.......can't wait until the first snow fall........I love the change in the seasons............am I a simple man............very,very much so..........a single rain drop can make me cry...............I do the best I can............. always a brother,.......................Mark
Pop-A-TopII
USA - Sunday, September 08, 2002 at 21:02:11 (MDT)
hello to all my brothers and sisters justwant to say hello to all dont know what to say but if I can be of help to any Iam here so take care a brother always Ray Oh dont quit under stanf chat where will most be
Ray Gagner <stilwating@aol.com>
steet, MD USA - Sunday, September 08, 2002 at 11:21:04 (MDT)
You need anything let me know. You be careful out there.
Rick England <bd431@mindspring.com>
USA - Sunday, September 08, 2002 at 08:04:19 (MDT)
Go My Brother, Your response is truly gracious. Keep the faith MY BROTHER.
Fred Skaggs <ac459429@earthlink.net>
Raleigh, NC USA - Saturday, September 07, 2002 at 11:06:59 (MDT)
Flight.....Thanks for the emails and thoughts and prayers. Things are okay. They have been a lot worse. Shit, it will be two years October 31st since the last firefight I got caught in the middle of. I'm here by choice and will be here for the duration. I can live without the phone. The electric is another matter. The last hot shower was in Phoenix and the baths from a 5 gal. bucket of rain water are getting old, but hell, things like this made me build the shower in my hooch 32 years ago. Don't send the troops. The last time they were here was to reinstate the little bastard who is responsible for the mess this country is in now. "Slick Willies" claim to a foreign policy accomplishment. This ranks right up there with the Mauriel situation twenty something years ago. Enough.... I appreciate the thoughts, but really things are okay. I know when and how to get out if necessary. I the meanwhile I will continue to do what I started to do.....help make a difference. Take care and know I think of you all often. Cups
Jim Masencup <JimAntilleanM@netscape.net>
Port-au-Prince, Haiti - Saturday, September 07, 2002 at 08:43:02 (MDT)
...ROBBIE...........THIS IS COMO THAT GENTLY AND I JUST HAD...........FAX IT TO CUPS..................NO SURE THING ON THE PILOT.....BUT IT IS WORTH ASKING HIM.......HE HAS OTHER 173RD BUDDIES THAT PROBABLY WOULD GO ALONG JUST FOR THE PUCKER FACTER! Judith, Kokomo,YES!!!..be there Friday sometime....will have 129th Flag with us to hang high......CUPS???????.......yes.........need to get him out......Dee and I have a Nam Vet of the 173rd Airborne that still pilots his own Cesna 182.....and his card reads that he will "FLY UP YOUR ASS, IF THE PRICE IS RIGHT".........price may be cheap....cause Skip, the pilot, is adventuoius............maybe this is a way out for CUPS......if travel is open.....or even a remote landing strip.........Skip has many hours of just about everything in flying and sky diving.....including being in Tanisia last year, training Austrian troops in diving........maybe this will work.........need to help CUPS if he needs, and wants the help.........other then a FAX, and a e-mail......I have no contacts with Cups............need a phone line to him......do you have one???? ....always a brother, Looks like the 129th has always, and still is on call, when a brother is in need, Mark Great to hear from you! I'm worried about Cups, and you're right, he should get out. I"ve had a couple of responses about "getting" him out-our guys, what a group! Are you and Dee going to Kokomo? Joe and I won't get in until later on Friday-but we'll be there. Which hotel are you going to be staying at if you go? Always there- Gently Judith Singer Advising Assistant School of Architecture and Urban Planning jsinger@uwm.edu
MARK JACKSON
USA - Friday, September 06, 2002 at 15:18:59 (MDT)
I copied all the logs starting from Gently telling us about Cups' situation up to Marks get the hell out, and faxed all of that to him. i put a note on it saying we weren't sure if he was getting any emails or not. I did send him one and hadn't heard back. I hope we hear something from this. Rob
Robbie
Rochester, NY USA - Friday, September 06, 2002 at 15:04:53 (MDT)
....Here is CUP's FAX Fax: (305) 436-3688 number.......I have no Fax.....somebody fax him and tell him to get the hell out of that country and he has a place to stay in Coldwater........ always a brother, Mark
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
USA - Friday, September 06, 2002 at 14:42:00 (MDT)
If anyone is interested: www.haitixchange.com has a lot of links & such. Gale
Gale Beard 67-68 <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In USA - Friday, September 06, 2002 at 10:53:20 (MDT)
Thank You Gently for articulating that so very well. Sometimes you have to "think outside the box" and realize that there is a few other concerns than thinking about ourselves.
Freddie
USA - Friday, September 06, 2002 at 08:48:42 (MDT)
Flight. It was brought to my attenion by Fred Skaggs that our friend "Cups" James Masencups(129th) is living in a very dangerous situation: Haiti, where he lives is in serious turmoil: the people of that country are extremely poor, ready to revolt against their present leader, a fuel shortage has reduced electrical services to as little as 3 hours a day(which explains why we don't hear from him), co-ops have collapsed, millions of dollars in international aid is being held up while a stalemate in negotiations between the government and its opposition prevents its release, there is wide spread corruption, people are trying to leave in the hundred,and the U.S. may be forced to intervene. Journalists have been forced into hiding or exile, so we're not getting too much news. I know this is the type of story we read about regarding third world countries every day, the script is always the same. But we have a friend there, Cups, and we need to email him that he is in our prayers and that we are trying to keep abreast of the dangerious situation he may be in(get your cammies on guys, we're going over to get Cups!). His email is: JimAntilleanM@netscape.net,I hope it still works. With a shortage of electricity, don't expect a response, but notes he could quickly read would let him know that we are here for him. Always a sister to you guys-Gently
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Friday, September 06, 2002 at 07:58:31 (MDT)
Donny P. one of the first memories I have of Shakey Pete involved a hang fire. His ship came in for a reload during a fire mission, and, there had been a hang fire in one of the tubes. He jumps out of his seat and tried to pull the dud out, it wouldn;t come out, so he reaches inside his ship, and grabs a hammer and starts beating on the warhead!!!!!! to free it up. The AC is looking out his window and sees him. The look on his face , as the credit card commercial says....is priceless!!!!!! Pete was fun to fly with, and, a lot of fun at the line shack when things were slow. I spoke with Mike's mom, quite a few years back, she told me what happened to him. I feel fortunate to have known him.
Kim La Voie
Livermore , Me USA - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 19:10:59 (MDT)
Their is another shakey from the 57th that comes in our 129th room at the reunions. I am sure there are allot of shakeys out there. You could nave called me Shakey a few times. How about you Gale? Looking forward to seeing the flight that is going to Kokomo. It'll be great.
Rick England <bd431@mindspring.com>
Wittmann, AZ USA - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 16:33:20 (MDT)
Fred Brown and Gary Carlson, went to visit Jay"Shakey Pete" Hillon in 1975, He was killed in 1979 car accident.
Freddie
USA - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 14:00:04 (MDT)
Don Purvis, I was told his name was Jay Hillon, the crazy thing is there is a picture of him posted, & when I went to Las Vegas & met with Festus (LT Richard Trumbo) He had a picture of the shaky I remember & the 2 look different?? is it possible there were 2 shakys, just like more than 1 smitty, more than 1 cobra jester etc. As I remember those nicknames kind of got passed down. By the way, I sent you an e-mail the other day & it came back undeliverable?? Jim Westwang ( not to be confused with several other smittys)
Jim Westwang <westwang@fiberpipe.net>
Sheridan, Wy USA - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 13:11:16 (MDT)
Donnie Purvis and Fred Alvis- Apparently there were a couple of guys named "Shaky" or "Shakey". The guy I knew as "Shakey Pete" was Jay Hillon. He was a crew chief in the Cobra platoon 1970-1971. According to Wes Griffith (another member of the Cobras, and also a friend of Jay's), Jay was killed in a car crash in (I believe) Washington state in the early '70's. I've seen mention of another guy, but didn't know him.
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, Colorado USA - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 13:07:26 (MDT)
hi purvis. your nic doesnt ring a bell but i knew shaky well.he and i wpuld play spades in westwangs ( jim) hootch almost every nite.Somewhere on this site i was told he was killed in an auto accident somewhere on the west coast. I dont know if this is the same shaky or not. he was a gunner,slim,not to tall,a smile that could light up a xmas tree and one heck of a nice guy.he had some sort of condition i believe that made him, or his hands, tremble.hmmm, that was late in 71, i was transfered to 60th ahc in jan.( ghostriders) after being involed in a misshap of gabbys . chuckle. we were just north of nha trang.out in the middle of no where.
alvis
USA - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 12:47:05 (MDT)
http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/2669/0001abdmc.html#17th This is a history of the 1st aviation Brigade. No Asso. that I know of.
Rick England
USA - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 09:58:06 (MDT)
I'd hate to think what word Cisco learned off of this site!? It might have been one of those French words that Freddie thru out there..I was impressed. I hope that he has it explained to him before he speaks it in public....oh well. Ray, glad to send the pix and to hear that you are doing so much better. Gale
Gale Beard 67-68 <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In USA - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 06:55:30 (MDT)
Does anyone know if there is a 1st Aviation Brigade Association. If so, I'd like to join. The Cav isn't the only ones that flew Hueys in Nam. LOL
Ted Buisker <Skyking@stateline-isp.com>
Davis, IL. USA - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 06:46:51 (MDT)
this is to kim la voie, your right good buddy mike was a very special person. after the guns change to ah1g, mike came over and fly as my door gunner for the remainder of his tour. we keep in touch even after we got back from nam. he was killed just out side of heidleberg germany. i think of mike often and miss him, he was always smiling i dont care what the stituation. they say the good die young so i guess thats why god toke him so soon. take care and god bless. donnie
donnie r. purvis <drpurvis1@yahoo.com>
lexington, nc USA - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 05:18:04 (MDT)
was looking at the list of aircraft noticed that bulldog682 was listed as being in the unit from 7201 til 73, dont know where you got your info but i crewed 682 from sep 71 til i left in jul 72, maybe you got the info from the army thats why its wrong lol. when i was at ft rucker i whent by the 1st brade museum and they had the 92nd at lane and the 129th at dong bi ten, i know they started that way but its not how they ended up. i was with the 92 from aug 69 til apr 71 and 129th from sep 71 til jul 72. take care flight and have a nice weekend god bless you all. p.s. dose any one remember a crewchief we called shakey and what his real name was? donnie
donnie r. purvis <drpurvis1@yahoo.com>
lexington, nc USA - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 05:02:52 (MDT)
hello just want to thankGale for pic I save all fron you all I made a file one ones who write and save I realy like this place it good to come and relax thaks so much always a brother to all Ray
Ray Gagner <Stilwating@aol.com>
street, MD USA - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 02:57:24 (MDT)
I just sent Ray a pic of the "Pop A Top". If anyone wants one I'll send them one. The last time that I was there, Mark claimed that "Spongebob Squarepants" was there and even signed in. I don't know where he gets that.......it must be due to that BIG bottle of Jack that he is known to sip on now & then!!! ;) How bout-it Mark?? (As Rick would say)..Heeeeeeeeee! Hope to see some of ya in Kokomo. Gale
Gale Beard 67-68 <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In US of A - Wednesday, September 04, 2002 at 10:59:37 (MDT)
Thanks for keeping things going, Ray Gagner, I hope you have been or are thinking about a formal PTSD Program, you are closer to Jeff sauers AO but there are some out west including one here. KEEP TRYING. Ron & Jamie I am on the way about 3pm today should be in Big Timber about 7-8? Sherwin Bevan, I wrote you a note & am coming to Kalispell & will Try to Call you Thurs/ or Friday. Also got the song pop-a-top. Thanks to all Yours; Smitty
Jim Westwang <westwang@fiberpipe.net>
Sheridan, Wy USA - Wednesday, September 04, 2002 at 09:01:37 (MDT)
Thanks David for getting us back together.
Rick England
USA - Wednesday, September 04, 2002 at 08:12:00 (MDT)
Hello my sisters and brothers I heard that song Pop a Top Again I searched for it and had a friend send I hope you all get tohear and makk I hope hear to I feel good just dont lik fightfor ins benfits at work but I d know alll will work out thanks to you all for I have come a long way since I met you all I thanku from my heart always a brother Ray
Ray Gagner <Stilwating@aol.com>
street, M USA - Wednesday, September 04, 2002 at 07:58:09 (MDT)
Yo! A very cool thing just happened and I must share it---our friend Ray has just sent me an Alan Jackson song that everyone must hear. If you weren't on his list to receive it already please email him, putting "129" on the subject line. The song will be played at the Pop-a-Top every day I'm sure, and the web master of this site might even incorporate it into the site somehow. Ray, thank you for sharing...I'm still grinning. Always a sister to all of you Veterans-Gently
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Wednesday, September 04, 2002 at 06:59:35 (MDT)
I know what mean Gale. I sure missed the log. Judith looking forward to seeing everybody at Kokomo Ind. Be careful out there
Rick England <bd431@mindspring.com>
Wittmann , AZ USA - Wednesday, September 04, 2002 at 06:51:34 (MDT)
Good morning flight. Just a brief comment on the malaria stuff: there is a form of malaria that was contacted in Viet Nam that can linger in your bodies for years. The symptoms are similar to PTSD-so check with your doctor because you might not have PTSD, which would be good news, right?! But then again, do you want to take the malaria medicine? Fort Bragg, stressed out soldiers, and our Afghanistan Veterans-what can I say, other than it's just the beginning. James Oliver-welcome home! Please consider joining some of us in Kokomo, Indiana 9/20-9/22. It's right next door to Ohio, which boasts of it's capital being the "Top-a-Pop." Katherine, we'll be at the camp site Friday night and all day Saturday. Looking forward to giving and getting a hug. Always a sister to you guys. Gently
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Wednesday, September 04, 2002 at 06:47:04 (MDT)
Man...it's great to have my "security blanket" back. Now I know what my daughter went thru when she had to give her blanky up. I hope everyone had a good weekend. What's the latest word on Kokomo?? Gale
Gale Beard 67-68 <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
Clinton, In US of A - Wednesday, September 04, 2002 at 06:40:38 (MDT)
Flight, anyone know if we lost the posting from this week-end? I posted an entry Sunday, and I don't see it. Help...
John Dillman <jdillman@sbcglobal.net>
Liberty, MO USA - Tuesday, September 03, 2002 at 19:59:04 (MDT)
The Flight Log is back in action after being MIA for a couple of days. The server this site is on ran out of hard drive space and that caused the lose of the Flight Log. I last modified the Flight Log on the 25th of August so we lost everything since then. I am hoping to get what was lost from the backups that the hosting service keeps but we will have to see if that happens. In any case, the Flight Log lives on.
David Steinbrunner <webmaster@129th.net>
Cincinnati, OH USA - Tuesday, September 03, 2002 at 19:51:24 (MDT)
Flight, just returned from the VFW national convention. It was a great time to say the least. I am from Department of KY and work for the national HQ. in Kansas City. I was visiting our KY hospitality room and mingling with people I had not seen in years. To make a long story short I was talking to some folks about Lane Army Airfield when all of a sudden Ray Smiley Says I was at Lane, and the rest is well you know. First person I have run into that served with the 129th. What a great week. By the way Mark Rays says hey. Man what a week. Have a great weekend all. Ray Smiley it was great to meet you. Wished I would have known you were from KY years ago when I was attending all the State Conventions. Hope to see you in Oct in Lex.
john dillman <jdillman@sbcglobal.net>
liberty, mo USA - Sunday, September 01, 2002 at 18:27:21 (MDT)

Flight and Marky Mark. contact the web-master and set up a "assign number" in order to log in. Some of the web-sites have that type of setup. Every time someone logs in they got to punch in a number that is assign to their e-mail address. You always know what is up then. Everytime I log in to this site, at some point and time after. I get e-mailed from Africa in Nigeria or the Congo or some third world country I never heard off. Something about a bogus bank account with 'Millions" in it. That all I have to do is"Send some money or a credit card will do. We are not violating any Internet law or free speech laws if we require a number.
Freddie Skaggs <ac459429@earthlink.net>
Raleigh, NC USA - Sunday, September 01, 2002 at 14:11:48 (MDT)

fellas, please don't spoil what I am doing, I am a vet & a computer hacker (fairly good) every time westmoreland posts, he leaves tracks & I am about to get caught up with where he is & then...........
your worst nightmare <homicide.org>
somewhere, USA - Sunday, September 01, 2002 at 13:32:24 (MDT)

Its good to hear from you Wink and Alex. This general guy he's not right in the head. Be careful out there
Rick England <bd431@mindspring.com>
USA - Sunday, September 01, 2002 at 12:28:28 (MDT)

RAY I DON'T QUIT UNDERSTAND WHY THE DAV OR REP. YOU SPOKE TOO STATED THEY CAN'T HELP YOU UNTIL YOUR CLAIN IS TURNED DOWN. GO BACK AN TALK TO ANOTHER REP. OR BETTER A SUPERVISER THAT DOSEN'T SOUND RIGHT TO ME. AS FOR THE DOC OR WHO EVER YOU SAW AT THE VA ,HE HAS NO BUSINESS TELLING YOU THAT YOU HAVE NO BASES FOR A CLAIM, ITS NOT HIS JOB TO DETERMINE THAT BUT LIKE SAID BEFORE IT'S ALL PART OF THE VA TACTIC. YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER THE REP WORKS FOR THE VA AND WANTS TO KEEP HIS JOB,SO HE OR SHE WILL TELL YOU ANYTHING THAT THE VA WANTS HIM TO TELL YOU. ITS THE VA'S FRIST LINE OF DEFENCE. REMEMBER ABOUT THE F--F IT'S. DON'T LET THEM TELL YOU WHAT CAN OR CAN NOT,ITS THE JOB OF THE VA TO DISPROVE YOUR CLIAM. THAT'S A FEDERAL LAW. THE LAW WAS ENACTED APPROX. A YEAR AN A HALF AGO THAT THE VA HAS TO PROVED ANY AN ALL RECORDS ON YOU, IN THE YOU HAD TO SUPPLY THEM WITH YOUR RECORDS. RAY DON'T LET THEM GET OVER ON YOU KEEP PLUGGING. THIS WELL GIVE YOU A SENCE OF PURPOSE AN KEEP YOUR MIND FOCUSED.GIVEM HELL RAY AN DON'T GIVE UP.----------- HEY WHO IS THIS WESTMORELAND CHARACTER SOUND'S LIKE HE'S A WANNA BE OR ONE OF THE DEMISTRATERS WE ALL ENCOUNTERED IN THE LATE 60'S AN 70'S.DOSEN'T SEEM LIKE HE HAS TO MUCH NICE TO SAY WHEN HE LOGS ON .MAYBE I MISSED SOMETHING SOMEWHERE AN IF I HAVE I DO APOLIGIES BUT IF NOT I WOULD RATHER NOT SEE ANYMORE POSTING BY WEATMORELAND.DOSEN'T SEEM TO BE ONE OF US OR KNOWS WHAT IN HELL HE IS TALKING ABOUT. ========== ALLEN DON'T KNOW IF YOU REMEMBER ME , BUT I TOO CAME FROM THE 238TH . I WAS ONE OF THE TIN KNOCKERS IN THE 238TH. THEY ALSO TRANSFERRED ME TO THE 129TH AN JUNE OR JULY OF 69 STARTED FLYING AS DOORGUNNER FOR THE COBRA'S. I TOO AM LIVIVG IN THE SUNSHINE STATE JUST SOUTH OF YOU IN LAKELAND.========FRANK[THE SARG.[ GOOD TO SEE YOUR POSTING HOPE YOUR DOIND WELL. RICK, ALEX MARK AN THE REST OF THE FAMILY GOD BLESS YOU ALL. ===========RAY HANG IN BROTHER. WINK FROM 010 WITH LOVE 3/69-10/70
BARRY WINKLER <COBRA129TH@AOL.COM>
LAKELAND, FL USA - Sunday, September 01, 2002 at 10:26:42 (MDT)

Flight: Well I hope everyone has a safe labor day weekend. Air medals??? 65-66 25 ca hours and 25 reg missions. Hours logged in flight log. But, op's personnel were the ones asigning air medal request. I flew on the same missions as other crewchiefs. They had 10-20 air medals. Where I only had one. And according to my 201 file I don't have none. So, when it came to air medals. I don't know who got what and whom was doing the giving and how they decided to give it. But, we all know how the military is. Ray I hope everything gets better for you. Too much politics. Then to give our vets the help they need. But, it depends on the person your dealing with. Ho! if we all look back. We had guys from the maintence platoon whom flew at times also. Well you all take care. Alex
Alex Fernwalt <afernwal@midsouth.rr.com>
Memphis, TN USA - Sunday, September 01, 2002 at 08:15:17 (MDT)

excuse me? U are an idiot.Go drink another beer then sober up and reread this.stupid ass keyboard cowboys.
alvis
USA - Sunday, September 01, 2002 at 06:13:44 (MDT)

Good Afternoon Troops, Mr.Alvis such a wonderful tale that you told. I suppose you cut off a few ears and told some real war stories. I can see your working on getting yourself a va pension. Your not PSTD, you just have a sick criminal mind. People like you should be in jail, not on our streets. That was poor innocent people in a airplane crash that was a accident. If you remember this website is dedicated to a young soldier who died in a accident, but thats another story. Shame on you mr.alvis, not in my army and not in this life time, will you have my respect. I will talk to the IG about this troop
Gen. Westmoreland <Iam@idiot.com>
Washington, DC USA - Sunday, September 01, 2002 at 00:26:58 (MDT)