NOW HEAR THIS!!!!!!###########################2007 VHCMA REUNION INFO IS NOW AT THE BOTTOM OF OUR FRONT PAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark
USA - Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 18:36:39 (MDT)
Gale, don't know who that eldora mark would be. See if you can get a last name.
Mark
USA - Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 18:34:47 (MDT)
Best to let sleeping dogs lay......I guess that`s the way I always lived with Nam....Plus I graduated high school in 1968, there was 20 or 30 guys from the neighborhood, that enlisted in the Army, Marines and Navy and even the Air Force. We all left for service about the same time, plus most of our parents knew each other. And most of us had grew up playing on the same playground since 4th or 5th grade. We were and still are, those who are still alive, life long friends. We all buildt "forts" and clubhouses together, played sandlot sports and HS sports together. Hell, Jim Turner inherited his parents house in the neighborhood, and Jim Dunning(Marine), Jim McGreevy,(Air Force) Bill Pollard( Marines) all worked construction as carpenters, and plumbers....They fixed up the old homestead...and ended up living together there. They all got devorces and had child support to pay......made things a little easier for them...... They`re in their mid-50`s and STILL live together. We had a mixed crowd also, Robin(101st) and Stirling(11th Armor Cav) White and Bobby Banks(1st Field Forces), Doug(Dumbo) Durr( Marines), Larry Baker(Marines), Larry and Jerry Mann(twins)(Marines) were black kids from great families, Larry Mann is dead, his crazy wife shot him......Some of the guys were grunts with the 25th, 9th, 101st, 5th and 3rd Marines(I think). In 1969, my mother opened her bar for business and became the local pub for the parents of us kids...And when we came home on leave....Mom always felt, "If these kids can go off to war, they`re old enough to drink"....So everyone hung at my Mom`s pub.....The first one to come home was Jerry Whitaker, he was a grunt with the 25th Infantry, Jerry got his leg blowed off and nobody said a thing while we all were in Nam......They waited until we came home to find out.....You had a bunch of parents upset and worried about their own kids that was in Nam....My mom still talks about Friday nights parents would come in and drink, and by the end of the evening, everyone was talking about us kids......Dave Smith was next to come home, he had stepped on some sort of "booby-trap", his whole thigh mangled. Dave was a Marine up north in Nam. After we all came home, Dave would ride "ten-speeds" with all....He would put a "ace bandage" around his scared thigh because it bother the girls....We finally told Dave.....Fuck those people......But before we would all come home.....Paul Holley was the first to get killed, he was a Navy Corpsmen and got put with the Marines in the field, then Kent McKnight got killed, he was a Marine. Nobody told us until we were all home.......But there was a 4 or 5 year period, some went to college, some got married, some just dropped out....that we didn`t see each other. It was strange, but about 1975 or 76 we all started to come back home. Mom had expanded her bar and had added a kitchen...and the food was good...comfort food...nothing fancy. Now Jerry Whitaker had got a job with the Ohio Employment Division....His job was finding jobs for Vets.....That might be the reason we started coming back home. But my Mom`s bar was the "focal point"...everyone related to each other and it was a safe place for us to drink and hang out together. But Jerry took care of all us guys, he helped us all find good jobs with the state, city, federal goverment, post-office.... Local Politicians had started to come in the bar, and Mom would always try to find out where job openings were....So between my mother and Jerry, we all found good jobs.....some of us had our undergrads, but we just needed a job period. That`s when we all started hanging out together again....and started talking about Nam with each other....My mom`s bar became a "comfort zone" for all of us to deal with Nam.......PTSD....Oh hell yes, it was there...But by that point and time we all just wanted to get on with living normal again.......I was a Sciology major in college and by the middle of my junior year, I realized, something is really wrong with me. I was writting papers and making reports about mental disorders, that I was experiencing. My anger sometimes was just "out of hand"......Finally I approached the Behavorial Science Departments dean, Wilma Parr was her name, PHD.....And I told her about my problems, PTSD was all theory back then..."Battle Fatigue" and "Shell Shocked" were the coined phrases then.....and sometimes a real stigma. But that would become a "topic of conversation" at the bar amongst us Nam vets, life long friends. I remember a drunkin guy sittin at the bar made the comment, "You guys need to get over it"......He thought he was gonna get murdered that night.....But cooler heads prevailed, and my mom told him to leave....before we got really got drunk.......Today, we still get together, when grand children and other obligations, lets everyone free. And we still talk about Nam, but just in a different tone.....The "old gang", we were lucky.....we have each other...... we`ve all just about stopped drinking heavy or whatever we did, to chase the demons....Well some of THEM....PTSD....most of us just don`t want to go through the hassle....Just don`t feel like being pissed -off....And being fucked over again........You are right Dave.....In my case.....Best to let sleeping dogs lay.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 14:52:18 (MDT)
Mark, was just wondering cause a friend of mine goes to Eldora and gets on the forum. He said "eldora Mark" is from Coldwater. Can't wait to see your place!
Gale
USA - Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 13:10:43 (MDT)
Hi Flight I have live with this for a long time 7 when Nolen was flying in my spot that day & it stick with me 351 I was the gunner on it & Paul was in my spot that one of the two time some one had ben in my place & is on the wall I got a photo of 351 & Paul 60 he was a GOOD CREWCHIEF to & I hope to see him one day to tell Paul he gave me the best WIFE there is Glenda went tooth & nail with the VA & I know are wife went throw hell &they have PTSD to & my HART go out to all of THEM SISTER & I was not DRUNK When I had to fly the next day I would not get loaded yes I would have a some beer that knight with a EGG BURGER or two Art
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA USA - Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 12:13:10 (MDT)
Hi SMITTY I dont know you but you had to be a very GOOD CREWCHIEF & yoy have my repec Art
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 11:55:17 (MDT)
hey mark are you doing commericals?thouth i saw you in one. it's a capital one commerial. it shows a family jumping a freight train because their travel dates were blacked out.there were two hobo's in the car and the one one the right look's like you.heeeeeeeeeeee. flight when watching tv keep in that commerical. it looks like we have a star in the family.heeeeee wink 3/69-10/70
wink
lake wales, fl USA - Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 08:58:04 (MDT)
Have any of you guys seen this? Below is a message from Capt. Parker. If you have received the information already, forgive me. If you are interested in the activites of the HHC/4/160th SOAR(A) please e-mail him and let him know you are with the 129th and would like to be added to his mailing list. Gents, Attached is a one-page justification, that I plan on giving to the boss. Please let me know if I’m spot on or off base and what needs to be added or changed. Thanks a bunch. Captain Matthew L. Parker Company Commander HHC/4/160th SOAR(A) DSN: 357-6946, Comm: 253-967-6946 Mobile : 253-495-8369 parkerma @soar.army.mil 129 th AHC “BULLDOGS” The 129 th AHC was initially activated in July of 1965 at Fort Campbell, KY. Following Vietnam, the 129 th was inactivated in September of 1979 at Fort Bragg, NC. In October of 1986 it was again activated at Hunter Army Airfield, GA. Finally, it was inactivated in January of 1988 at Hunter Army Airfield, GA. Originally, the 129 th AHC was assigned to the 10 th Combat Aviation Battalion. Later, 10 th CAB would re-flag as the 268 th Combat Aviation Battalion which became part of the 1 st Aviation Brigade in 1968. From 1966 to 1967 the 129 th supported Special Forces Groups out of Cung Son, the Republic of Korea’s Tiger Division at Phan Rang, and multiple CIA missions out of Nha Trang while performing cross border operations to Laos and Cambodia. In 1968 and 1969, the 129 th supported a SEAL group near Qui Nonh Harbor assisting in the ship interdictions. In 1971, they supported the insertions and extractions of M/75 th Rangers as well as transport an unspecified unit on POW camp raids attempting to repatriate imprisoned Americans. Though the 129 th only operated approximately 32 aircraft (24 slicks and 8 gun ships) at any one time, they utilized 233 aircraft and flew over 160,000 hours from 1966 to 1975. In 1966 alone, they flew over 21,000 hours performing almost 66,000 sorties and carrying over 86,000 passengers. Their unit awards include two Valorous Unit Awards, two Meritorious Unit Citations, two Vietnam Crosses of Gallantry, and a Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal. Due to their dedication to duty and their support of multiple special operations forces, I feel that their lineage should be carried on today by the modern Special Operation Aviation unit and, more specifically, HHC/4/160 th . The members of the BULLDOGS are in full support of this continuation and will be honored to see their name carried forward in the fight against terrorism and injustice around the world.
Mike Miles/Frog <michael.miles@goeaston.net>
Easton, MD USA - Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 07:01:58 (MDT)
Ken...........I saw that sun set also. Got 2 photos of it. Wierd man.......
Mark
USA - Friday, September 29, 2006 at 21:03:09 (MDT)
Putting this up in here now, but it will also be showing up on the bottom of our front page soon also. This is info about the 2007 VHCMA gig. Vietnam Helicopter Crew Members Association The 2007 VHCMA REUNION will be in ORLANDO, FLORIDA June 20-24, 2007 Wyndham Orlando Resort 8001 International Drive Orlando, Florida 32819 Reservations after October 1, 2006 Hotel Phone Number 407-351-2420 Booking Code On-Line: VHCMA Room Rate: $99.00 per night Tax Included -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our reunions are held the 3rd Thursday of the month of June each year. This could change depending on location and hotel availability. This is a Family orientated reunion. Our reunions sites typically follow a western, central and eastern location. 1998, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX central 1999, Denver, CO Western 2000, Charlotte, NC East 2001, Louisville, Ky Central 2002, Phoenix, AZ Western 2003, Atlanta, GA Eastern 2004, Indianapolis, Ind Central 2005, San Antonio, Texas Central 2006, Phoenix, AZ Western -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The itinuary of our annual reunion usually consists of the following: Wedensday: Registration and getting settled in. Thursday: Registration and organized trips during the day. Dutch Covert Golf Classic in the morning Friday: Organized trips during the day. At night we have a Social Hour. Saturday: We have our general meeting and election of board members. Ladies luncheon for the wives. In the evening, we have a dinner/dance and raffle. Sunday: Everyone heads home. NOTE: We have planned side trips that are usually done on Thursday and Friday during the day. This is subject to change with each reunion. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark
USA - Friday, September 29, 2006 at 21:01:51 (MDT)
Thanks Mark and guys, Should Remember the sun set Saturday night that looked like a Jap Flag. I am going to start lining up a sight there. Also will scan the GhostRider Patch and send it to Mark. I also want to bring my camper to the mini where there is more time to talk and connect. Guys thank you again for having our flag displayed. I know you were part of another group in years gone by but do think seeing just the units flag meant the world to me. ALSO next time I will bring an alarm clock so I can make it to breakfast..
Ken Strong Jr 72-73
Lafayette, IN USA - Friday, September 29, 2006 at 20:43:57 (MDT)
We stand tall amongst our Vietnam brethern,for they know.They pay us the respect due a warrior,from another warrior and those that were there.No one,and I mean no one, really knows,except for flight crews. Some have a clue and from these warriors, respect is heart felt and recieved with gratitude.That being said,comming home and the life after (veteran wise) has sucked.Our goverenment continues to turn its back on us.After years of crap we recieved for being vietnam veterans,america is trying to make its conscience clean and happy with all the welcome home ,thank you for serving ,stuff.Thank God vietnam veterans are making sure the current crop of veterans ARE NOT treated as we were. We dont have a heck of a lot of influance but i do believe we have done some good here.Is it Americas guilty conscience or us? both? who cares....these men and women dont deserve,and we didnt either,what we recieved from John Q Plublic.
alvis
USA - Friday, September 29, 2006 at 20:17:48 (MDT)
Dont worry Smitty,you had/have the respect of everyone that flew with you or knew you.You were a damn good chief!
alvis
USA - Friday, September 29, 2006 at 19:57:07 (MDT)
Gale, nope, don't know anybody with the call sign of eldora Mark, sorry...... Robbie, sorry about the tree story, I just assumed that was the crash you did that in. Was the tree thing with the "265"?. Shoot, I don't know. I have heard way to many stories to recall who did what when and in what ship........ Alvis,and all, England Phil sent me this huge picture of the "509" hovering. It is an awesome photo..........Ken Strong, got your photos, they are cool, I'll send them to the web master to insert. You said that you have a Ghost Rider patch? Alvis was with the Ghost Riders at one time also......Been spending 10 hours or more out at the log cabin site. The weekend after the 4th of July sounds like a winner to me for a 129th mini here in Ohio. WE have room for campers on our land and there are hotels just 5 miles away in Celina. How many of you all would be coming? We also have a bonus room above the garage at the cabin that could probably sleep all that came. It's a wide open room so it would kinda like be stayin' in the hooch again. All are welcome. We have 2.5 acres over 200 hundred trees in the forest. Cleaned out all the way to the ground with grass planted. A beautiful place. Out houses, shelter houses, did I mention that we have electric for the campers out in the woods also. Dee and I would love to have as many of you as can come. It will just be billed as a relaxing time in ohio. Maybe Saturday night we could go out the the race track. 1/2 mile dirt track that Tony Stewart owns. Who is the 129th guy that works with the Biffle Nextel car that comes in here. Maybe he could get Biffle, or Steward to show up in the woods. Huge camp fire circle with stumps to sit on. Roast some wienies, tell truths and lies around the fire. Anybody interested in all that?..........let me know and we will make plans and I can reserve some hotel rooms for the ones that want to stay in them. Bring the gals and the kids too. Coldwater has a huge city pool and park..........always a brother..................
Mark
USA - Friday, September 29, 2006 at 19:55:11 (MDT)
>>>> Has personaly seen Smitty after an episode of " GUNS COLD<>REPEAT<>GUNS COLD". Hell hath no fury like a pissed off crew chief.
alvis
USA - Friday, September 29, 2006 at 19:54:18 (MDT)
Hey Ken Strong.. U were on the east side and we were on the west side.. Take another look B4 you pick a site...I think we are trying for sites in the 329 to 429 W area for next year. Robbie, sorry to hear your brother is not doing too well. It sounds like they are trying to keep him comfortable and as I look back now I wish they would have done more of that with my mother and brother as their time came. It seems strange that they were worried about the addiction to pain meds when it didn't really matter at that point. Smitty, sorry to hear you are going to give the bike up but I can understand that decision. As I work my way in my 60s and ol Arthur kicks me hard some times I am just grateful to be able to ride as much as I do. Rob, I think I put about 4000 miles on it this year. A few guys and myself rode out to Spirit Lake, Iowa to the Victory factory bash, about 1300 mile round trip, and had a good time. I must admit though that those long rides are getting harder to do now. I ride in a group locally each Tuesday evening that does a 40 or so mile ride and has dinner at some on the area restraunts, which is a lot of fun and I get to check out a lot of pretty good places to eat too as it seems like eating is getting to be one of my main recreations now days.. You guys doing the VA benifit thing should look at the new VHCMA newsletter which came in the maiil today. It looks like they have a lot of pointers in it that should help get and keep the ball rolling for you. Well gang, that about it from COOL Michigan, as fall is upon us now. It never got out of the 50s today but they are saying it should warm up later in the weekend. Take care.... C U L8r....Kal 67/68...>>>
Kal Bergstrom <n8auu (a) hotmail dot com>
Saint Joseph, MI USA - Friday, September 29, 2006 at 17:18:52 (MDT)
Hey Mark, do you anyone in the "open wheels forum" called "eldora Mark"?
Gale
USA - Friday, September 29, 2006 at 17:03:14 (MDT)
Ken, Me thinks that you may have your East & West reversed!? I believe the site we were at was 429 W and you were on the East side. Correct me iffin I'm wrong....... Gale
Gale67-68
USA - Friday, September 29, 2006 at 17:01:00 (MDT)
I'd ask a question on Wednesday about my last bird. I still must be brain dead but am still remembering more and more details. I said the wrong thing and it hit me that it was the 17th CAG Co's bird. I have sent the pictures I had to Mark. Last of all I know the main site in Kokomo was 429 East. Has everyone already reserved the sites for next year? I have the form next to my computer to reserve one because I don't want to be over in the West again. To my new found brothers of the 129th I am hoping to see more of you all next summer.
Ken Strong Jr (72-73) <ken7776@aol.com>
Lafayette, IN USA - Friday, September 29, 2006 at 16:38:58 (MDT)
I tried to be as good a CE as i could, that shit about not being able to fire back is still eating me alive & always will>>>>>>>sorry for my shortfalls>>>>>>>respects>>>>>Smitty
jim westwang 71-72
Sheridan, wy USA - Friday, September 29, 2006 at 15:36:43 (MDT)
Alvis, Your guilt and mine are somewhat different. You as a crew chief teach your gunners what to do in the care of their weapons, how to take care of the ship and about staying alert when you are flying looking for shots fired etc. Thats all you can do for him. The best of the best have died on there first combat, even before ever seeing the enemy. You teach them and then the dice are rolled. As a pilot, I felt complete resonsibility for everyone in the ship for getting them safely to there destination or back to Lane, more importantly home, but still there is a guy on the ground probably with a mentor trying to kill us and do his job. We can't win every situation. You did your best as I tried to do mine. You were a good crew chief and should be proud of yourself as all of us are of you.
Dennis Faucher <dennis_faucher@hotmail.com>
USA - Friday, September 29, 2006 at 08:52:39 (MDT)
Howdy Flight. Smitty... care packages. I received one from Mom once while in the Nam. She had packed it with lots of goodies, such as Slim Jims, pudding, razor blades (she thought we lived in the bush, I guess) and surrounded everything with chocolate chip cookies. By the time the package made the 10,000 mile trip the cookies were smithereens, so we sat around and ate them with a spoon. Fred A. I never answered a letter form James Young's mother after he was killed... don't know why. Maybe it was a form of survivor guilt or something. I finally contacted (about 5 years ago) a boyhood friend of James'. He gave me James' sister's e-mail address. I wrote, but never received an answer. He also told me that his mom was still alive, but in a nursing home. I wonder if it's best to let sleeping dogs lie...
Dave
USA - Friday, September 29, 2006 at 08:30:57 (MDT)
HI Donnie Some time four wheel are not much better I had a new 04 s 10 & got hit in the driver side bad it nock me out cold the wife told me we were headed into a gas station for the gas pumps the truck made a u turn & back into the road then headed for a buildin then turned right & then headed for a propane tank then made a left turn & headed for the biges oke tree there was & the truck just seem to stop & the front end was lifted up & set down nice a soft & the wife shut it off my foot was caught so that gas peddle was to the floor all this time Then I woak up an coud not move at all then the FIRE fighter got there & I was gasping for air but coud not get some the FIRE FIGHTER took his knife out and cut my seat belt & sead you shoud be dead . THE only thing I can think of is that a ANGEL took over the truck from the time I went out. THANK FOR ANGELS or I would not be here know ART & GLENDA
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Thursday, September 28, 2006 at 20:12:49 (MDT)
Alvis...I know we all have that sense of foreboding when approaching this sort of thing. I still have to go with my own experience, his family meeting someone who knew their son....it has it's own healing qualities. Good Luck friend
Kim
USA - Thursday, September 28, 2006 at 19:56:08 (MDT)
Hi Flighe well LARRY will be back in the hospital monday & the DOC his first open hart then he got to heal up then 2or 3 more time I PRAY for him to make it out good & I Let you guys know how he is tuesday what shape he in OK Art
Arthur <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Thursday, September 28, 2006 at 19:46:44 (MDT)
hi flight alvis i hope you were kidding when you said you failed. i you were his mentor then he had the best. unfortunatly even the best pilots, crewchiefs, and door gunners have to pay the highest price. I'll pray for you. donnie
donnie purvis <donnie.purvis@us.army.mil>
lexington, nc USA - Thursday, September 28, 2006 at 18:51:33 (MDT)
Hi all, better check in--- been awol a bit---Bike almost fixed Robbie but i might sell it, I think the wreck is enough evidence that i am too far gone physically to be safe as well as 37 pills a day. But on to more important things, Hope Larry hangs in there, i have a 4 vessell bypass & it has bought me almost another 10 years. If you are going to apply for a sc disability it does help to use a vets org. Mine is the VFW. Also i have talked with a US senator & that never hurts. MARK- Love YA- ( gotcha). Have been real busy with the kids in School. Very important time in their lives. Sheridan HS Homecoming tomorrow night & then travel to Rapid City For my Sons on Sat. Am going to rest & pack & finish my sons (care package)>>>>>>Love & respects to all>>>>>>Smitty
jim westwang 71-72
Sheridan, wy USA - Thursday, September 28, 2006 at 17:09:13 (MDT)
Just recieved an E-mail from a fellow that was in my other unit,,,60th ahc,ghostriders,out of Ninh Hoa. he thinks perhaps he has found the family and burial plot of my other room mate,who was my best friend in the 60th.I was his "mentor" or big brother, as we all had one to show us the ropes,things to keep us alive. Guess I failed . Anyway,that "dread" is creeping back in,,facing pain,sorrow,guilt, some of you know what i am talking about and feeling.Dennis,I gave you advice when you aproached this..guess i should take my own,huh? shit and shine ola.
alvis
USA - Thursday, September 28, 2006 at 13:04:41 (MDT)
Morning Flight, It is a good morning, we are still here, and for those that are having our aches and pains,I hope that you will recover soon, be because our Prayers are with you all that need them. know we all need them for we are one Brother hood, and I dont know how we can make it without our brothers and family. About the VA. Iam going back to my shrink next month for more talks with her she is a great lady and is more for the brothers than the VA. I dont know how she still has a job with them. Like some of you said, the AV looks out for them selves, then us. I hope thet I can get through the PTSD testing that she said I will have to go through. Does any one know how Larry is doing about his Blockage? Our Prayers are with him, we can not give up, we have a lot of work to do here, what ever that is. We were saved from all that hard ship that we went through for a reason, I guess we will know when we get to that point in our lives. Have a great day Brothers. (CatMan) Out
Joe Nicolich (CatMan) <joeandkristy@mstar.net>
Eagle, ID USA - Thursday, September 28, 2006 at 09:32:53 (MDT)
Mark, the Peter Pilot you are referring to is Mike Solar. He was a wobbly 1 at the time. He lives in Howell Michigan, and for the last time I did not grab onto a tree to get out of that ship..... I know you're just bustin my chops. Ray, how are you doing Brother? Kal, how's the riding been this year? I put about 1.5 K on mine this year just riding to work and back. Smitty, did you get your bike fixed yet? I went to Va. a couple of weeks ago to see my brother. He has lost about 70 lbs and doesn't look like the same person. His bottom lip hangs and he shuffles around the house. He and I and my other two brothers did play some Euchre and he did pretty good. So Physically, he can't really do much any more. Mentally he seems ok, but his short term memory is shot. His wife took off from work to be home with him, so she is with him all the time. For those of you who have said prayers for him, We thank you, and they have kept him around this long.
Robbie
Rochester, NY USA - Wednesday, September 27, 2006 at 13:12:01 (MDT)
Hey Fred, My son's team (Bradford Owls) is now 4-0. Should be 5-0 after this weekend..weak opposing team, but have to be careful. They are averaging 41pts per game. Last week the fullback Taylor O'Brien ran for 216yd and five TDs. A good offensive line got that for him.
Dennis Faucher <dennis_faucher@hotmail.com>
USA - Wednesday, September 27, 2006 at 10:27:36 (MDT)
Morning Flight, I did see my DAV rep on Monday and he told me that the fact that they sent me to a shrink for three hours for an exam was a good thing. I just like the whole catch 22 thing the VA has going for them. I was treated at Walter Reed in DC, they didn't even know where that was. Back to me digging things up, I know I Crewed 68-16351 for a while but I wrote down another number, 71-21210, not on list. I fouund my pictures, it was "Ruthless 6".. and my patch of the nose, Strive For Excellence. In 1972 it was the Bn Co's bird, was it assigned to another unit?? Lane 72-73
Ken Strong Jr
Lafayette, IN USA - Wednesday, September 27, 2006 at 09:05:29 (MDT)
Thier were allot of brothers that helped Sam Hennsey helped me also maybe Sam can come on here and give some suggestions. Talk to some vets that have 100% in your area an find out what organization is working. As Sam told me always get copies of your med records while processing your claim and carry them with you always. Flight don't give up and be careful out there
Rick England
USA - Wednesday, September 27, 2006 at 06:50:36 (MDT)
Hi DAN I got a lot of slids I will pay for the disk & shiping .I going to get the lamp for my supper 8 projector & I know I got a lot of the 129th I cant wait to get to see them & try to put them on dvd & give the one of the 129th to how ever wants them ok ART
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 23:06:04 (MDT)
I now have a scanner that will do slides. If anyone needs to have them scanned onto a disc, send me a message and we can work out the details. dhertlein at comcast.net Mark, got your letter, patches should have been mailed yesterday but I forgot them at home. I will try to remember to post them tomorrow. Lots been going on lately.
Dan Hertlein
Lake Tapps, WA USA - Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 21:35:56 (MDT)
Hey Robbie......what is the name of the pilot that lost his leg in the crash where you grabed a tree branch to get out of the ship as it rolled down the hill?........
Mark
USA - Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 20:23:19 (MDT)
Hi Flight have you seen that old movie article 99 that vet how was bangen his plastic leg on the counter or the Marine with the truck & there are DOC that want to help you get what comming to you I had one how got every I sead & my Wife to I had one DOC you would not belave his name he was a special forces here it come RAMBO it spelled a little difrent than that & when I went in his room & is some one pulling my leg he sead nop it just not spelled the same DOC I wish I was not leaving here HE told me he hate the VA & his Wife does to Art
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 20:15:30 (MDT)
I was a grunt & I was glad to see you guys come & get us out & after I was close to going home I 1049 for slicks I thort it was a better job but when we put some grunts in a HOT LZ you had no place to hide & I sead this is as bad as beeing on the ground at lease you coud find a tree for some cover that little corner back there was nothing but the gun mount & you might as well put your finger up I like to take that A$$ hole in DC in charge of the va for a week on the ground then take him & put him in that little corner & go into a HOT LZ & then let him piss his pance like I had & you say this in not COMBAT & if he able to get his head out of his A$$. so he can talk& I have heard with my EARS that theu were not scard I told them you are talking throw your A$$ because your mouth know better. From this GRUNT it hard to tell what the worst JOB. Art
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 19:44:28 (MDT)
BTW.....Ray the Ravens beat the crap out of the Browns.....15 to 14 on a 52 yard field goal by Matt Stover with seconds left in the game.....I didn`t even think Stover was still playing......As bad as I hate it, I`m gonna have to start getting on the Cincy Bunggles bandwagon....they are good again this year.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 17:42:46 (MDT)
WTF....NON-COMBAT....A helicopter gunship is and was the most aggressive form of combat and inserting troops by a "slick" in a "Hot LZ" is not a friggin picnic.....green tracers and muzzle flashes in the tree line.....That`s not friendly people doing that.....Where do these VA folks come from?.......Why do they think it`s called "CA flight hours" COMBAT ASSAULT MOTHERFLECHER.....That`s why I don`t own a weapon.......because a positive thing about the midwest and south, they believe in the Criminal Homicide Defense of, "He Needed Killin".......
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 17:30:50 (MDT)
Flight: Rick and Wink are right. We need a service officer. Herein Tennessee we have a group at the VA Hospital that I first when to and they worked with the VA. And thats a NO!! NO!!. So, I'm Contacting a few of the Organizations to see whom will represent me. The VA Hospital is they to help us. Then you have the VA claims. They are not our friends. If you have a service connected claim while in the military makes it easier. I have heard every excuse from the VA. But, I'm still standing tall and they can't discourage me. These VA people that does our claims. Don't have an idea what we did as a crew member in Vietnam. But, when I'm through they will!!! Take Care Bro's Bite & Strike
Alex
USA - Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 16:58:55 (MDT)
Thank You Wink! Your pissing me off. I want know excackly your file says about we not being in combat. You can e-mail me or wink Iam sure. Joe johnson is another that help me. Don't tell me I was't in combat. I am 100% perm and disable. Bob Hiedenriech, Shakey, and Larry Burbrige was one if the bros that helped. Don't tell Larry that he doesn't have gang green in his leg from a round or a buddy of mine that was mia for 13 days or a brother that died from agent orange. Don't telll me WE were not in combat. Flight be careful out there If I can help or WE can help lets do it. GET ORGANIZED
Rick England <bd431@mindspring.com >
USA - Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 16:06:09 (MDT)
I watched a video story/song/documentary called "The 8th of November" last night Big & Rich did about a 173rd soldier named Niles Davis of Deadwood, SD who fought down in the delta. His unit lost 48 men on (I think) Hill 35 that day. Davis and Big & Rich's film crew went back there, and Davis buried his old jungle boots on the hill where his buddies died. Great story... hope you all can see it. I guess the song (same name?) is a hit these days.
Dave
USA - Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 09:34:13 (MDT)
this is to all who has or will file a claim with the v.a..this is a must, i repet, a must! once you have filed a clain with the v.a., you MUST have a service org. to represent you. if you just rely on the v.a. rep.s to work your claim you are dead in the water. the va rep.s are there for you to a certian point, after that they can not help you. remember they work for the v.a. an if they help out to mush , they won't have a job.so, to have your claim worked properly you must get a service org. working your claim.your service org.s DAV, VVA, VFW, AMERICAN LEGION, THESE service org.s have staff to help you on your claim, thats what they are there for.the va can pull the wool over our eyes but not the service org.s they have protecting our veterans rights for decades. wink 3/69- 10/70
wink
lake wales, fl USA - Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 07:56:00 (MDT)
I cannot understand why everyone is having so many problems with the VA. I have been 100% service connected since my active duty. HOWEVER, ,there is a way to get the VA's Attention. All of us who served in country were exposed to "AGENT ORANGE", if you haven't done so get to the nearest VA Hospital/Clinic and get an Agent Orange Screening. Why??? because there is a long list of ailments that are considered Service Connected. for example: My daughter in laws father was dianosed with lukemia less than a year ago and now is rated 100% P&T. I myself was just diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, also Agent Orange related. I also recieve from the VA a Newsletter on Agent Orange every Qtr. So, Don't Delay "GO GET THAT EXAM Dennis 129th 1972.
Dennis Fuerstenau
Haines City, FL USA - Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 05:20:30 (MDT)
Hi flight well Larry going to be cut on thursday on his aorder just thort I let you know well I going to wal mart for somthing to do cant sleep see what i can get for scooter I got to be back home by 530 to go get him then do some work on the well house & clean up a old iron bed & paint it well take car Art
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 01:32:33 (MDT)
Hey ken, i too have been to the VA in indy (so has gale). The boys in the federal building where i filed my claim says being a helicopter crewmen isnt a combat MOS.We talked a "bit" longer before i stormed out of there.Roubush VA did do another PTSD test on me...says i have it some....and that was it,,,no service connection for it,nothing.just..you have some of it. Heck,isnt that like being pregenat? you are or aint? I know,there are degrees of it...but they didnt even service connect me on it,,,jeeze...Gale,think i am going to look around for an older pull behind like you have. I might be on to some 1/8th inch plywood...gotta follow a lead on it.
Alvis
USA - Monday, September 25, 2006 at 20:43:45 (MDT)
Jack Newton, sorry that you missed the info on Kokomo. I mentioned in here about a post with info about kokomo I had placed on the front page of the website at the bottom. I recall having it up there a least a month before Kokomo was. Again, sorry you did not see it. I guess I need to have a link to "REUNIONS" only , that way it would be more visible. Hope you get to make the next gathering. More info will be added soon. Love to all................
Mark
USA - Monday, September 25, 2006 at 19:35:09 (MDT)
Hi flight on hearing loss I put about $400 out of my pocket by the best hearing DOC in Rhode Island & the Va told me we can not take his report on my lost & got turned down & the Va run some nearve test on my legs pref I have a hard time saying it but because I had not let them know in two years I coud not get service compensationfor it BUT I got from 50% ptsd to 100% & gave me a electric wheel chare because of my legs problem & made me perm & TOTAL & they just told me about 4 month ago that my WIFE get every thing I get from the va & I found that my wife canget sence I started going to Tuskegee AL.& i ben a100% P&T from 1992. I got one thing to tell you dont giv in to them Art
Arthur <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Monday, September 25, 2006 at 19:03:14 (MDT)
Hi Flight, In speaking of PTSD.. I just got back from the VA in Indy and took them copies of my Air Medal Orders and other records. I got out with back problems which started getting worse two years ago. I started trying to get an increase for that when I saw I wasn't going to be able to continue working (Feb 2005). As they were digging about that they have come up with all kinds of stuff, the last hold up is PTSD. Someone read a doctor wrote that down and I started saying I am not asking for it. I may not get a rating for it but am becoming very upset they keep stalling. I do get money for my hearing and ringing which as you all know can drive anyone crazy. That was not from a Huey, it was a dive in a U-21 I was Crewing. The PTSD started while on leeve after getting home from Nam, at least the nightmares. I never knew why, I am just glad they have us a name for it. All take care and hope to see more of you soon..
Ken Strong Jr
Lafayette, IN USA - Monday, September 25, 2006 at 14:21:10 (MDT)
Good afternoon flight: Hope everyone is doing OK!! Glad to see the commo on the log. Knee is getting better. Still have some stiffness. Hope to be at 80% in the next few weeks. I have some information on the VHCMA Reunion 2007 in Orlando. Dates June 20-24th.2007. Room Rate is 99.00 per night including taxes. I will send all the information to Mark when I get the compete package. Still playing with the VA. on my PTSD claim. Will Probably need more buddy letters about our experiences as Doorgunners and Crewchiefs in a helicopeter unit. For some reason the VA doesn't think we ever seen combat, wounded oe KIA's. They are some strange people the VA has judging our claims.
Alex
USA - Monday, September 25, 2006 at 11:41:59 (MDT)
Good to see Alex back, Hope the knee is doing well. My youngest Cody (14) just had his tonsils out last Tuesday. Boy is that a brutal surgery. He has lost 8 lbs and still going down. It has be quiet though. The only up side.
Dennis Faucher <dennis_faucher@hotmail.com>
USA - Monday, September 25, 2006 at 10:58:05 (MDT)
Flight,Weare in the process of installing a new puter and going to DSL hookup. I'll notify all of the new addy. Wish me luck! Gale & Debbie Beard 765-832-9638
Gale 67-68
Clinton, In USA - Monday, September 25, 2006 at 07:56:23 (MDT)
prayers sent
alvis
USA - Sunday, September 24, 2006 at 04:22:46 (MDT)
Hi flight Got some bad news Larry in bad shape heart has a 70% block & they not shore he take the surgery & live when I find some thing out ok. Art
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
h, GA. USA - Saturday, September 23, 2006 at 18:51:56 (MDT)
Hi All, Been reading about Kokomo and the great time you all had. The same weekend we in South Dakota were finally honoring our Viet Nam vets. And we did it in style. Our Governor and others made the arrangments. Big and Rich came to sing their song "The Eighth of November". The Beachboys,Steve Miller Band, and Credence Clearwater Revived all gave concerts.The Sky Soldiers brought three Hueys to give rides. My wife and I sat in the gunners well..Had a good pilot. Did some tight turns. What a thrill to be in a Huey again. About 30 thousand people attended. I know that is puny to you all in the East, but for South Dakota that is hugh. Adrian Cronaur was MC at the memorial ceremony. Very touching ceremony. Many tears. By the way, South Dakota is the first and only state to commsion a memorial statue and have a dedication, We are last in the nation to pay our teachers but at least we are first to honor our Viet Nam Vets. Flame
darwin schmiedt
woonsocket, sd USA - Saturday, September 23, 2006 at 11:40:31 (MDT)
Jack - I really apologize - I didn't see the request about reunion dates. Last I heard, the VHCMA reunion is the third week of June in Orlando, Florida. Mark always has the best dates for the mini-reunions. I haven't been able to attend the mini's due to traveling, but am planning to attend them now that the travel is slackened. The 129th website here does post that info on their menu. Again, sorry Jack. Bill
Bill Wolf
USA - Saturday, September 23, 2006 at 10:14:56 (MDT)
Hello Flight sounds like you all had a good time there. we are going to plan to go next year. but got to get a hotel. also need to knoe where the plane lands and the best time to make rev for hotel, gently when do you make then i guess they fill up fast. rob i be calling you and rick and checking on alex gail is going on a business trip for 4 days i behere with no where to go so i be on line, kris is going to check on me and my sister, and the old man i know will every day,he get my but out of the house and do something he is a good friend.i guess iam doing ok.mark had a dream you called me it wasgood to hear from you. oh did i tell ya my 5 year old grand wson ooned my wife last saturday. boy did kris go off put him in time out. the next dad was so mad he made himsat he was sorry that he mooned her, this is not like hin hocked us all, i had to goin the other room i wwas lauhging so hard. i thought he make a good 129THher but when called gail he could tell he felt bad. then he asked her if still could come over for her cheese burgers. he loves theway she makes te, she said ofcourse it was funy to me but kris and keven didnt.but i understand how they feltwell flight i wish you all love and peace oh jim i have a dvd on how to make your on flute. i know you like to make things. love you guys gently take care ok a brpther always ray... RAVEN OVER THE BROWENS EASY LOL LIKE KOOBOOM JUST KIDDING STRING UP THE POT
RAY <stilwating@aol.com>
MD USA - Saturday, September 23, 2006 at 09:09:17 (MDT)
Jack, Kal is right.....there's been Kokomo info on the site for a good while. I'm sorry you missed it as I'd like to see you again. I think you got to Lane a month or so before my deros and replaced Sgt Guthring (sp?)as Tech. Of course, I was short and spent most of my time at the NCO club. Anyway,we have no meetings unless a few of us get together such as Kokomo and beat it around, but, we do try to get everyone's opinion here on the site. As Alvis said, we have a tentative date at Marks in Coldwater, Ohio. During that meeting, maybe we can decide on the next year.Of course the major gig at LZ Orlando in June. Kokomo for 2007 is Sept 13th-16th (www.hcvvo.org)put on by the"Howard Co Vietnam Vet Org". It's a very large camp ground and there is Motels available in Kokomo about 8 miles away. As far as flying in, I imagine you would have to fly into Indy about 30 miles south of the site. Mark your calendars!! YA'LL COME!!! Gale
Gale Beard 67-68
Clinton, In US of A - Saturday, September 23, 2006 at 08:04:35 (MDT)
Jack,it was a pleasure to meet you and your lovely wife this past summer. The "mini" is NOW under construction, hope to have more input.As it stands ,cause no one has said otherwise, its a week after 4th of july at Marks place in Coldwater Ohio. Kim,hope you can make it.YOU to Fred S.
alvis
USA - Saturday, September 23, 2006 at 03:17:39 (MDT)
Jack Newton... You must be doing some pretty selective reading on your reading of the posts here. We have been talking about the Kokomo reunion for months here and have put out plenty of info on where you can get more info on it on the web. There were at least a dozen of us there this year and we had a ball. You seem to be pretty well versed on the net and should be able to find all the info you need on Google search engine. Just try "Kokomo Veteran reunion" for a start and that should give you plenty of info for a start. Ken Strong... Good to see you post and it sure was nice to meet you and your wife at Kokomo!!.. It is good to see we have shaken a few memories loose and should have lots to hear about between now and next Kokomo. Here is a little background on Kokomo, and I'm no expert on it.. It is held out in the boonies about 5 miles south on US31 from Kokomo then 8 miles east on route 26. If you have "Google Earth" you will see a small old twin lane airfield on the SE corner of rt26 and 800. Thats it..The past couple years they have taken out some of the corn for more parking and that sure has made a big imrovement. We usualy just sit around the campfire drinking beer or various other flavored refreshments while shooting bulls that are abundantly stalking the area..Stay tuned in here and I am sure the dates for Kokomo and various other happenings will be mentioned. I hope to see you next year.. Alex, great to see you are getting around a little better now. I hope all is getting better and they have gotten the problem fixed. Ray Gagner, I have missed hearing and talking with you on MSN. How is Gail doing? Will be looking for your return. Thats it for now.. Take care.. Always a brother.. Kal...>>>
Kal - 67/68 <n8auu (a) hjotmail.com>
Saint Joseph, MI USA - Friday, September 22, 2006 at 22:00:53 (MDT)
Mark/Gently: Read the flight log about once a week and didn't even know about the Kokomo reunion until I read the remarks about it being over and everyone going home. Gently says it is alway the 2nd or 3rd week end in Sep of each year. What is it? The 2nd or the 3rd week end? How can I make plans to attend when I don't know what week end to plan for? Also I read something about a mini being in Ohio. How about you guys getting your heads together and either post location and dates on the flight log or send everyone a written invitation by mail. Number one you will know who is coming and who can't make it. Number two it will give you a headcount to find out how many spaces in the campground or the nearest motels/hotels is needed. If you know of any motels/hotels or campgrounds close to to the reunion please try to include them in your invation.I didn't know about it so didn't make plans. I am sure it was a lot better than the one in Phoenix. Grant you the one in Phoenix was for the Association but I was kind of disappointed that not too many from the 129th was there. Now I find out that just about everyone from the 129th was at Kokomo and I didn't get a chance to go.I asked Bill Wolf to see if he could find out when the 129th Reunion and the 129th mini reunions were to take place (where & when) and even asked if he would post it on the flight log so everyone could see locations and dates in order to make plans. But so far nothing has happened. Come on people let the rest of us know where and when the get togethers are. PLEASE. You should have an up to date contact list to mail out invations. If not, please ask the folks to up date their home address/phone numbers and e mail address on the flight log. Wish I could have been there. Jack Newton
Jack Newton <jenewton@caexpress.net>
Hartley, IA USA - Friday, September 22, 2006 at 21:21:25 (MDT)
Hi 129th, First off, Mark did you get my e-mail about my address in contacts being ken7776 instead of ken7775? My other news is that my second grandson was born this morning 11 days after my first who was born on Sept 11th. It has been a really exciting couple of weeks finding the sight. Reading the log reminds me of how the 129th changed my life so much. In 1972 after the XO was blown up I got sent to drug counselers training in Siagon. I spent the rest on my 12 years in the Army doing that. The second thing was the only article 15 was there too for shooting over Sp4 Marion's head on the flight line. That was one crazy place and mini mortors was all the time. After last weekend my mind is coming alive with things I had not thought about in years. Like almost blowing a gunner named Hudson's head off with a garnade fuse popped under his pillow. Wow if you read this I am so sorry about that. I can't remember the others who dreamed up the idea. I know I want to go to a mini in Ohio next year and back to Kokomo....
Ken Strong Jr
USA - Friday, September 22, 2006 at 20:38:21 (MDT)
Well Goodevening Flight: Finally made it up to the computer and Two Army Cobras just flew over heading NE towards Fort Campbell KY. I guess. Been reading some of the log. Sorry that Ohio State tore Texas up. But, us Buckeyes on this log know our football.( sometimes). Well you all have a safe weekend. Sorry to miss Kokomo. Will try next year.
Alex
USA - Friday, September 22, 2006 at 18:06:31 (MDT)
Kim...you could drive down here to Jersey...And I`ll drive the rest of the way......It`s "private property" so no one can be arrested for bad habits.... kinda like the UN property ....... My in-laws are only 2 hours away in north central Ohio. ......I leaving for Ohio as soon as Kimberly gets home from work tonight.....Go watch Cleveland get beat by Baltimore......July in Ohio can be "Hot Fun In The Summertime"
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Friday, September 22, 2006 at 16:07:33 (MDT)
If you ever get totally bored, look up the U.N. online. Do you know that the site is not U.S. property? It is it's own entity. The first meetings were held in London, and the U.S. Congress unanimously passed a resolution requesting that America be the home site. Interesting stuff...... ole' hugo is just another wannabe, what? weellll, that's for him to decide. Unfortunately, as soverign territory, that wingnut,along with all the other people in this world who think we're unjustly arrogant, has as much right to say whatever he wants, while he's at the podium. As for speaking in Harlem???? That's a little different. Of course, free speech is one of the tenets of our society. He has the republicans here in Maine trying to make hay, as he provided a few hundred thousand gallons of heating oil to poor folks last winter. They want the governor to denounce him, and refuse to allow him to give discounted oil this winter. and the games keep getting played...politics is a messy business, and doing good is not always in the best interests of the politicians. Diogenes made a lot of interesting observations, and I like picking up on the inconsistencies. Things like: Islam is a peaceful religeon, and anybody who says otherwise will be killed...or, we American's are a peaceful people, and anybody who says otherwise ought to be shot!....what ever happened to the beanie cap that the pilots had to wear if they wanted to tell a war story at the"O" club?...the mini?? I guess it doesn't matter when or where. I doubt many will miss me if I don't show. Still, if it works out, I'll be there. Just decide before April, that's when we pick for vacations starting in June.
Kim
USA - Friday, September 22, 2006 at 14:41:02 (MDT)
ok,time for discussion from the rest of the troops. Mini Reunion,east. The date that was discussed was one week after july 4th. place was Marks new digs.(Coldwater ohio),Thats in western ohio,bout 3/4 of the ways up. Input/Comments are asked for.
alvis
USA - Friday, September 22, 2006 at 12:10:34 (MDT)
thats his post from years ago.I believe he passed 7 or 8 years ago.
alvis
USA - Friday, September 22, 2006 at 11:59:07 (MDT)
When I got there in February 1971, all the newbies pulled guard duty. In the tower I remember making "mini mortars" out of tracer rounds: Extract the round from the cartridge, expose the phosphorus by cutting a hole through the copper in the round's tail, empty half the powder out, place the round down into the cartridge, top it off with the remaining powder, set it on a sandbag and light... made this nice little fizzle and a "POP".
Dave
USA - Friday, September 22, 2006 at 11:45:54 (MDT)
Fred...You know I don`t think anyone, at some point and time, didn`t have a experience something like that....From Shakey Pete pounding on a rocket head with a hammer to just rookie things like that. We had a gunner from the 2nd Plt. that came into the shack one night after a CA....dropped both weapons on the floor....BANG.....just missed Albert(Sancho) Sanchez......I shot myself in the hand, with one of those "pen-flares" from a pilots survival vest........Just partying too much, and goofing off. I still have a perfect round scar on my left hand from it.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Friday, September 22, 2006 at 11:30:02 (MDT)
There is a fellow in helivets that post ,old posting,war stories,ect.A voice from the past was heard today,a member of our unit that has passed..... Bob Heidenreich (RIP) "Beer In the Morning." When I first got to the 129th AHC they had a work formation one morning for the maint. guys. I noticed a guy standing drinking a beer in formation. After a while Sarge Mc Doogle the line boss said "Enos what the hell are you doing drinking the beer in formation?" Enos said "it's going to be my day off and what the hell are you going to do send me to Vietnam." McDoogle went on doing his thing and said no more. Now Enos was a head strong guy and is the guy who got me off my ass and got me up there flying as he would work on choppers sometimes and go gunning too. He would always volunteer for test flights and any kind of mission to get up there and would grab me and make me go too. But what Enos didn't realize old Sarge McDoogle had a memory like an elephant. So a few more times of his bullshit got him a permanent position out at LZ English and that wasn't like being at Lane Field. Enos came back a few time to Lane and said it was nothing to be mortared during the day time out there. I reminded him what he said to McDoogle "What are you going to do send me to Vietnam." Enos said "yes I remember very well and I wished I had kept my mouth shut." Now McDoogle was a neat guy. One day a gunner or Crew Chief forgot to clear his 60. McDoogle was cleaning something with a brush and JP4 when all of a sudden we heard a loud "pow". The guy shot himself in the foot between the toes. McDoogle just kept cleaning his parts and calmly looked over at the guy and said "Well asshole are you going to go to sick call or just sit there with you finger in your ass?" Funny how we remember such shit isn't it? Bob Heidenreich
alvis
USA - Friday, September 22, 2006 at 10:16:47 (MDT)
It's hard to picture the U.N. as an "important forum" on the world stage when it's run by a bunch of America-bashing thugs and terrorist puppets who only want our money to use against us... blessings without responsibility, and pretty "ballsy" of them. I think the only reasons we stick around there is because its headquarters happens to be here, and the rest of the world "expects" us to participate. The organization fancies itself as a world government wannabe. Unfortunately for us all corruption is not limited to our own government.
Dave
USA - Friday, September 22, 2006 at 07:48:42 (MDT)
Amen, Fred S.
Dave
USA - Friday, September 22, 2006 at 07:25:23 (MDT)
Why does America give 1.3 billion in dues to the U.freaking N? So GWB can continue going there and telling people that if they don't get on the peace and democracy bandwagon we will blow them to smithereens and force a "democratic" government on them.....Man, tin horn dictators like Chavez and the lug nut in Cuba and "midget man" from Iran....Screw them MF`s, I just as soon blow their brains out or cut their throats like any common swine......They don`t need to come into "my house" and talk $hit.......You`re in the USA.....
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 16:32:47 (MDT)
Sorry Gently...the devil made me do it :>))
Kim
USA - Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 15:08:53 (MDT)
on another note, a few of us who responded to Cpt. Parker's request for special op's info received a letter from him. What he's written sounds pretty good to me. HOWEVER...there are a lot of holes in the timeline. I know we covered insertions and extractions of Rangers based at LZ English during 71. I can't remember the unit that was at Tuy Hoa.........Kilo 75? What about 70? Does anyone have info for that year? Green Berets, SEAL's, Marine Recon, Rangers, Vietnamese SF types? I always felt that the HERD was a special outfit, but that's just a personal opinion.
Kim
USA - Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 15:07:54 (MDT)
Kim:>))))
Gently
USA - Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 14:46:18 (MDT)
On a personal note, I think boy georgie is worse than what chavez described. heh heh.... as far as the U.N. goes, we need to make up our minds, either the organization is meaningless, as we like to say unless it's members are acting as we approve, or, it's an important forum where all in the world have a venue to deal with issues important to mankind....on the historical side, who remember Kruschev pounding his shoe on the table? Who remembers Arrafat wearing pistols on his hips when he addressed the body? The resolution relating zionism to racism? The peacekeepers who stood by as gangs butchered hundreds of thousands in Ziare? How many other times has that body fiddled and diddled while one disaster after another befell a hapless, helpless group? And I'm supposed to care what some wannabe commie thinks of bush????
Kim
USA - Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 13:53:18 (MDT)
Hi Dave I got about 800 ft of film & I will try to get it all on cd or vcr & some still shots to. Art
Arthur <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 12:07:47 (MDT)
Hi Brother Bill is wright on the head of it & I will never go in one again I dont car if the GAS is FREE. He talking throw his but hole because his mouth know beter or it might NOT he might be all but hole he nead his ASS FRAG Art
Arthur & Glenda Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 12:02:56 (MDT)
ATTENTION FLIGHT: I don't usually use this site for a political statement, but this is just too much. If you heard the Venezuala President degrade our President at the UN you were probably as angry as I was. Calling the President of the US a "Devil" and saying that the podium "still smelled of sulfur" was never something I thought would be said at such an institution (I know - I was naive). We often feel like "what can we do about it?" Well, did you know that Venezuala owns the Citgo gas stations located throughout the US? So here's how you can show your digust at these demeaning statement about our President: BOYCOTT CITGO GAS STATIONS and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Okay, I'm hopping off the soap box now. Bill Wolf
Bill Wolf
USA - Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 08:52:44 (MDT)
Fred A. another fine piece of prose... keep 'em coming! Art Foster, have you looked into having either a DVD or a VHS made of your super 8mm movies? I have exactly 2 short movies I made in Nam, and years ago my mother had a VHS made from it. Since VHS is now a dinosaur, a DVD makes more sense.
Dave
USA - Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 07:19:49 (MDT)
The muddy brown river twisted its way slowly and in no hurry, along its merry path. Bambo vipers and mice played thier deadly game of hide and seek,along its sandy banked shores. Down stream a ways,children played in the shallow river,much like children play all over the world. Mothers busy washing clothes,rinseing them in the slow eddys of that lazy river. Blue skies,warm days,insects buzzing,filling the trees and air with their music.More music filled the air in the form of childrens laughter as they splashed each other, eyes shinning with happiness and innocence. Suddenly, helicopters appeared from around the bend,the whopping of the blades echoing off the sandy banks.Machine guns protuded out of the sides,trouble from above had arrived.Racing up the river at 130 mph,the birds of death were upon them before the mothers could gather their children,like mother hens gathering their flock.Overhead, the birds of prey flew, the shadow of death, racing them across the ground.In seconds,the birds and their sound,was gone.Another day of peace and perhaps life for their children,has begun.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at 22:56:36 (MDT)
Hi me again I found a place to get a lamp for my supper 8 projector & it not no 85 dollersit 29 dollerscant wait to see how on it from the 129th I got some of the 68th top tiger & the 129 th it ben 15 to 20 years I am going to try to put them on cd if i can
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at 18:26:09 (MDT)
Hi Flight when I go to my daughter house we go by a slick & I want to stop & get clouse to it she look good on tail number on it She is a proud LADY siting there. Art
Arthur <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at 18:08:41 (MDT)
Gently and all, I enjoyed reading about Kokomo. Thank you for posting about it. I would have liked to have been there also but was not able to get off work at the time. I have marked out the time slot for next year. It will be nice to visit with all my brothers.
Jerry
Pa USA - Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at 10:20:00 (MDT)
I was pretty angry most of the time for about 6 years after coming home , directed at who-knows-what... didn't seem to matter. I think it was mostly about how we were treated by the "patriots" back home... people who had trouble separating the soldier form the acts of the politicians.
Dave
USA - Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at 09:49:38 (MDT)
GREG, I went through PTSD back in 74. Guilt over surviving and David Stamper, Claud Strother and Tom Shaw not. I should have seen someone about it, but felt pretty isolated. Threw a lot of Vietnam stuff away, but gradually started pulling out. I still relive things so that I get injured and hopefully that would balance things out so others could live, but thats just me dreaming, but overall I am proud of what we did, the people I met and would not trade it for a million bucks.
Dennis Faucher <dennis_faucher@hotmail.com>
USA - Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at 09:42:48 (MDT)
Kokomo is a MUST for as many of you as possible next year! It's always in Sept and usually the 2nd or 3rd weekend. It's so wonderful to just sit, talk, and laugh with those who make it. This year Ken and his wife Janet joined us for the first time, and like many of you would, he needed to "feel" it out before he joined us. He got there several days early to scope it out and get comfortable..and comfortable is exactly how we tried to make he and Janet feel. Welcome you 2! some in the group got new names this year: Retro Man, Lady Magenta, and Wild Turkey, stick with me the most:>)) We talked to Rick England every day(be there next year, Rick) and left every night smelling like a campsite fire...I loved it. I always love it. And as Gale(Retro Man) mentioned in an earlier post---let's have a mini there next year. Mark is also talking about having one at his place, maybe in July...so we have things to talk about and want your input. Fred, please tell Lady Magenta(Susan) that I didn't take any photos..I always forget my camera..always. And Wild Turkey(Paul McGrath), don't forget that you're going to grill something very special next year...some meat thing. Ron Paye...you rock! You're also a dirty pig, but I love you anyway:>)). Kal...still lighting them up, sorry, and next year I'll bring my own beer:>))). And next year...let's have more of you there. Please. It's our Veterans Woodstock...it's for you. With great comfort and satisfaction in seeing my friends at Kokomo again this year, I close. L-Gently
Gently
USA - Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at 07:13:47 (MDT)
mark Your right about some moments, those i try not to think about to much, but sometimes its impossible not too remember the bad times. i just try to even them out with the good times. donnie
donnie purvis <donnie.purvis@us.army.mil>
linwood, nc USA - Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at 20:06:33 (MDT)
I did try and repress my Vietnam experience for about twenty years. I think that had contributed to my PTSD. Discussing the experience with others (especially my 129th brothers) has helped tremendously. Thanks, Greg
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at 13:11:12 (MDT)
Fred and Donnie, you are absolutly correct. You should never forget Vietnam. If you did that would mean that some that knew Larry wouldn't think about him. Nobody's asking you to forget, but would you not agree that sometimes there are some specific moments that you would rather not think about? I'm sure that that is what Pete ment. .......always a brother................
Mark
USA - Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at 04:29:51 (MDT)
Good Morning Flight I agree with you alvis, i dont think we really want to forget vietnam, me personally i love my two tours in vietnam. Like all of you i had some bad times lost some good friends. but i also meet a lot of people and made great friends and got to fly on a huey and i would not tread that for the world. You may not like the army or your time in vietnam but each and every one of you know that because of our time in vietnam we meet friends that we will have for as long as we live. people that we would never have meet if not for our tours. take care and God bless you all. donnie r. purvis ce stallion 547 aug 69 - apr 71 bulldog 682 aug 71 - jul 72
donnie purvis <donnie.purvis@us.army.mil>
linwood , nc USA - Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at 04:05:58 (MDT)
if we were trying to forget Vietnam and our memories that lay within, we wouldnt be on this site nor would we be at any reunion.While being true to the fact that some memories I would just as soon not have,its with my brothers that I can share and be comfy doing so. Besides,all of you are great pepole.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at 03:12:29 (MDT)
######################################### KOKOMO ######################################## Ounce upon a time , he stood in a field, and in this field many things were growing. There were no weeds in this field, but he did see in the field plants that looked as if they, at one time, were very tall. But those plants seemed to have some how been cut off from any form of life giving nourishment's. They were withered and falling over. Some had turned brown and appeared not to be living anymore. He noticed that all the plants that were in this condition at one time had thorns on them. But all the thorns had fallen to the ground. To touch these plants one would not get pricked by the thorns. But since the thorns were still on the ground one could step on one and injury may result. But as long as you saw them laying there they could be dealt with.He was saddened by this. Now in this field there were creatues who walked around all day long. Some went about their business the whole time and never even saw the thorns. Others did the same but on occasions would step on a thorn but it would not break their skin. Others stepped on the thorns , the thorns punctured the skin, they felt the pain, said some words, but quickly removed the thorn and the creature moved on. Others encountered the thorns, and never did remove them, and still others came with thorns already stuck to them from another field they had been through.Some of the creatures had thorns stuck to them from years and years of walking on them with never noticing that they had steped on them and with never feeling the pain. This also saddened him. He heard voices in the field. Some of the sounds of the voices was laughter, some sounded tearful, others in the field said nothing and others in the field weren't even there at all. Now in this field he saw, heard, smelled, tasted and felt Goodness. The Goodness seemed to overwhelmingly over power the thorns to the point where they did not bother anybody and had no affect and caused no adversity to anyone as long as the creatures had the wisdom to know, and understand the bad affect of the thorns. He stood in the field and he could feel his heart start to grow. Soon his heart was bigger then he was, and soon it encompassed the entire field. His heart seemed to be stuffing all the creatures into a place that he never knew he had until all of them were safe and sound inside. Then just as he thought that there possibly could not be anything bigger then his heart, out of the blue, came a Heart of never ending size. It quickly engulfed his heart that was already full to it's max and even after that the, Heart out of the blue, had more space then ten thousands hearts of his size. He opened his over sized heart and let all the creatures spill into the, Heart out of the blue. He was delighted by this. He cared immensely for all the creatures but let them go to a place where he was sure they were cared for more then he could ever do. As the creatures entered the, Heart out of the blue, all the thorns were left behind never to bother them again. He was delighted by this....................Once upon a time, I stood in a field of Heros'.
Mark
USA - Monday, September 18, 2006 at 20:19:06 (MDT)
About that UH-1H that the guys are talking about, with all due respect men, they were not "Charging" to get close to it, they just had "Donation" barrels setting around. They did charge 10 bucks to take your photo in it somewhere if you so desired. Now, for me, that Huey was like a magnet. I could not stay away. When ever you didn't see me around the camp site or wondered where I was, it was at the Huey. I just had to keep going back to it. I spent most of my time in her, in the left rear well. To none of your surprise. Larry's seat. I will never say that I could see things that happened in Vietnam as I sat there, but I will say that I have read, heard, looked at, studied and imagined enough to tell you this. I was setting in the left rear seat, and leaned forward and peered over into the cargo area and out the right hand cargo door. I saw the gunner swinging around the pole and anchoring his feat firmly on the floor and reaching out to pull in a soldier that had eyes as open as a fifty cent piece. I saw a soldier being helped in that his arms was torn in shreds and blood was every where. I looked up towards that front and I saw a lifeless soldier deadly staring into no where, I saw the AC turn his head to the right to see if all were in and the look on his face was as if he had seen a ghost. It was noisy in the ship. I heard "tink, tink", I assume they were the sounds of rounds headed upward through the skin of the ship. Smoke was all around the outside of the ship and there was an ere smell. The grass outside the ship seemed to as if it was being pushed down, or smashed by some invisible force. I stood outside the left rear seat and was cleaning the 60. I walked around it to see if I could see any missing or loose rivets or new holes that were not there before. As I was setting in it one of the times there was what I believe to be an AC in the left front seat. He was fuss-in' with all the controls and looked as if he surly knew what he was doing. I visioned that he and I would soon be lifting off go get that VC/POW just on the other side of the mountain range. I had confidence that the mission would only take only a hour or so. Next thing I knew, I stepped out of the ship, and was at Kokomo. I understand how you guys feel about having to maybe give a buck or two to do something that you got paid to do in Vietnam 365 days. But as for me, I wouldn't take a million dollars for the images I had as I sat in the Huey. Pete Rhome put it best as he and I sat around the camp fire late Saturday night after everybody hit the sack. He said, " Isn't it ironic Mark, how you are trying to get the feelings, that all of us are trying to forget".............Thanks for the best Kokomo I have had so far guys and gals.............Love to all the 129th.......................always a brother.........
Mark
USA - Monday, September 18, 2006 at 19:18:33 (MDT)
Hi YOU TELL THEM GALE your A lot like my wife Glenda she say you should be brould to let a guys that know about them first hand & if I had a couple of beer I stick them on the tail skid but first. Art
Arthur <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Monday, September 18, 2006 at 18:52:49 (MDT)
I am back again, made a mistake earlier, it was in 1997 that I chatted with Mark. I just read the post about the UH-1. I paid to take my wife and the ammo in the 60 was upside down. The guy from that group did not get that as I flipped it over. He asked me what the clip on the mount was for. I said to hold the gun but they had a ground sixty with just the butterfly on it. The guys asked me a bunch of questions, like what the mt was in the left chin bubble, (KY-28) Than it was like wow, we need your help for only $35 a year to join. There is a large investment they have, but agree it was not the place to charge admission. The main thing was the two I talked to didn't have a clue about Hueys, it was a 1963 D converted to an H. Ken Strong
Ken Strong Jr
USA - Monday, September 18, 2006 at 17:02:44 (MDT)
Just checking in, had a great time thanks to all,i cant put it to words. had a great ride home. Always a Brother Pete
pete rhome <pow.pete@hotmail.com>
cleveland, ohio USA - Monday, September 18, 2006 at 16:35:27 (MDT)
ok.ok.ok, if no one is gonna say it,I will. At the reunion,there was a Huey, H model to be exact. They had a "60" mounted on the crewchief's side and a "50" mounted on the gunner's side.We can all nick and pick at things,but it was pure pleasure to see one up close again...even one that was unflyable at the moment.All was there,just lots of things needed rebuilt.ok,ok,ok, they wanted 2 (two) bucks to get in very close or climb around the cabin,sit behind the guns,ect.They would even take your pic. Now I can understand them wanting to make a buck,and even agree with it,,but,,but...give me a few beers,,,"Hey,why dont you let me in free to see that thing.I used to be a gunner and crew chief in NAM on one of those". " nope,gotta pay". " Pay hell,they used to pat ME to get on one and now you want me to pay to get on one? Like hell I will." I did mention i had had a few beers ,right? Gale adds in.."and they didnt pay us very much either!".lmao at that one from Gale.
alvis
USA - Monday, September 18, 2006 at 16:34:51 (MDT)
Mark,disregard my post,i have gotten it straightend out.
ALVIS
USA - Monday, September 18, 2006 at 16:22:36 (MDT)
I just wanted to thank everyone for making my whole weekend after seeing the Bite & Strike Flag. Also wanted to relate that in 1979 I was living in a tent in PA when I came accross Larry's brother. It is a small world and I am glad to see members of the 129th again and hope that someday we'll all be able to get together. Have a good day from Killer Strong, 72-73. I never did understand where that came from.
Ken Strong Jr <ken7776(@)aol.com>
Lafayette, IN USA - Monday, September 18, 2006 at 14:04:50 (MDT)
Kokomo....what a party. Cookie monster, Brat-man, Lady magenta, Wild turkey and even Veggie-girl was there. Nothin' better than sittin round a campfire at night sippin on your favorite drink(some even had beer....ugh) and telling stories and maybe a few lies. Then there's the jokes, hoots & hollers, laughs, tears and hugs...............that kind of says it all. Ray and all should try to make it to Kokomo next Sept. Maybe we can make that our mini reunion!? Let's have your input. Welcome home Ken.....glad you found us. Retro-man
Gale 67-68
Clinton, In USA - Monday, September 18, 2006 at 13:13:05 (MDT)
MARK, contack me. I believe Phil has us mixed up...got a package today from him.
alvis
USA - Monday, September 18, 2006 at 08:33:48 (MDT)
Hello to all.Glad to see tha all made it home safe,Sounds like all had a good time Perhaps next year i make it i hope. we see/ I havent seen Genyly check in yet.But she is always busy ;-). OH I see the Ravens play the Browns Sunday Get ready to dig a hole to burry the browns, Of course iam just kiddig i realy dont care who wins dont put no money in my pocket \;-))) ,,just string up the pot ,, but i wach the game. well takle care all gale kal mark dee rob rick cc gently and everyone eles oh alex you take care of that foot. miss Liz you be sure you keep him well fed ;-) yo all take have have a good daya brother always. oh jim ibought anothe flute bothe are being made one in scale of ( A ) minor and 0ne of ( F ).i talk to you soon; i have a dvd on how to make flutes and it plays musc to its nice i listen frist. but now i been getting chest pain again i seen the heart Dr he said its a mussel but gave me nitroglycerin .04mg i used it once . i walked to much yestday with gail at a craft show, but if i can copy the dve i send it to you ok. well went on enought a brother always Ray
RAY
MD USA - Monday, September 18, 2006 at 07:33:28 (MDT)
New supply of unit patches are in. If anyone would like, the price now is a mere $6.25 each. Send your checks to 16406 44th St Ct E Lake Tapps, WA 98391.
Dan Hertlein
Lake Tapps, WA USA - Sunday, September 17, 2006 at 22:18:00 (MDT)
"Retro-man" checking in........made it home ok. Sorry I didn't check in sooner. Talk to you all tomorrow.
Gale 67-68
Clinton, In USA - Sunday, September 17, 2006 at 19:45:05 (MDT)
gale did you make it home ok. just checking
paul mcgrath
oglesby, il USA - Sunday, September 17, 2006 at 17:33:18 (MDT)
Made it home from Kokomo. Most emotional one for me as of yet. Will tell why later. I love you bunch of Larrys..................always a brother
Mark
USA - Sunday, September 17, 2006 at 13:23:18 (MDT)
just got home and wanted to thank everyone fo a helluva weekend.hope everybody else had a safe trip and hope there are many more to come
paul mcgrath
oglesby, il USA - Sunday, September 17, 2006 at 12:34:54 (MDT)
Wow!!Gee!!WOW!!!.. Another Kokomo in the dust... What a time you that weren't there missed.. Had a fabulous time, good friends, food and time. even found a new 129ther that stumbled upon us and was welecomed home and to the group.. Ken will have to sign in for himself but I am sure he will be doing that soon.. Just wanted to let everyone know that I made it back home in good shape and that the computer still works.. Later...Kal, 67/68.
Kal Bergstrom 67/68 <n8auu (at) hotmail dot com>
Saint Joseph, MI USA - Sunday, September 17, 2006 at 10:55:24 (MDT)
" Lady Magenta" as ask me to say " I forgot the camera and request pictures please."
alvis
USA - Sunday, September 17, 2006 at 06:42:49 (MDT)
we made it back.
alvis
USA - Sunday, September 17, 2006 at 06:05:00 (MDT)
Hi Flight I was just on the 1st avn bde website and according to their records the 129th ahc bulldogs were part of the 268th combat aviation battalion. hope everyone is well and god be with you. donnie purvis
donnie purvis <donnie.purvis@us.army.mil>
linwood, nc USA - Saturday, September 16, 2006 at 20:26:02 (MDT)
Wow did it take me a long time to catch up on all the commo in here. Mark in response to you and 9/11. I feel the same as you. That date has bothered me for a very long time. I couldn't bring myself to go to the Chapel after 257 went down. I knew I would bawl like a baby, and I didn't want to do that. In hind sight, I wish I would have gone... I too was with Smitty and Mark and a few other Viet friends at Larry's grave site and I was wiping tears. Ray, good talking to you too. I hope Gail will be ok. Alvis, I thought you had hair when I met you. Maybe that's a beard I was thinking of. hmmmm.
Robbie
Rochester, NY USA - Saturday, September 16, 2006 at 12:15:55 (MDT)
My cell # is 419-733-3154..........Mark.........Lane tower, requesting permission to taxi and depart fully loaded..........no, I didn't start drinkin' again;-)))...Katheren, you will be missed but enjoy yourself with your parents.
Mark
USA - Friday, September 15, 2006 at 05:01:05 (MDT)
CatMan Mestup sent note twise not thinking must be the weather Out.
CatMan
USA - Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 22:15:40 (MDT)
Flight Have A great Time in KOKOMO this weekend, I hope that I can see all of you next time around, got to pay bills not good, have a safe one there and back home. CatMan 745 Brothers for ever OUT.
CatMan -Joe
USA - Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 22:12:38 (MDT)
Flight Have A great Time in KOKOMO this weekend, I hope that I can see allof you next time around got to pay bills not good, have a safe one there and back home. CatMan 745 Brothers for ever OUT.
CatMan -Joe
USA - Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 22:11:34 (MDT)
I used to live just outside of binghamton Ny. for years.I traveled both ways on 17 many,many times. KOKOMO tomorrow.come mud or shine.
alvis
USA - Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 20:51:28 (MDT)
Military dot com's shock and awe video gallery...anyone who wants to watch a few taliban types get theirs, check it out. sniper vs. sniper. Just click on the picture and wait, it will play automaticly.
Kim
USA - Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 17:46:29 (MDT)
gale; my cell number is 815 343 6709
paul mcgrath
oglesby, il USA - Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 15:13:02 (MDT)
Alvis, Salamanca is about a twenty minute drive up US 219 and west on I-86 which use to be I-17. It is located on the Seneca Indian Reservation along the Alleghany River which flows to Pittsburgh. We flush twice, Pittsburgh needs the water. They have a Casino that is about two years old and booming. A new hotel is being added now. All that is leading to an outlet mall being developed.
Dennis Faucher <dennis_faucher@hotmail.com>
Bradford, Pa USA - Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 13:37:03 (MDT)
What I meant to say was : No Gulf War Syndrome...no heroine in Iraq and Afghanistan either. Ya! Gently
Gently
USA - Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 13:34:25 (MDT)
Home everyone has a most enjoyable and SAFE trip to the Komomo reunion!! Bill
Bill Wolf
USA - Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 13:33:25 (MDT)
Fred: no Gulf War Syndrome....no heroine in Afghanistan and Iraqirat n
Gently
USA - Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 13:33:13 (MDT)
Yes you WILL be babysitting me! :>))Gently
Gently
USA - Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 13:28:39 (MDT)
Dennis, have some friends that have family in Salimonica. Great country up there.
alvis
USA - Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 09:13:43 (MDT)
Katharine, you will be missed this weekend, but, we understand your priorities. Michael will be remembered as usual. Tell your "hubby" hello..............and by the way??????????? Who's gonna keep Gently in line? I'm not "baby sittin" her this year!! Flight, I talked to Ron Paye this morn. His report from Kokomo is that they had lots of rain up there and pretty muddy. The sun is out here now, so, hopefully it will dry things out. Our original site number is 439-W. The site number that Ron has rented is 429-W (ten sites to the west) and that's where I'll be parking my '65 Shasta (cream and gray). If you have a tent or van (Kal), there should be plenty of room. Mark,Alvis,Kal, Paul.......here's my cell phone # (812-201-4144). How 'bout sending me your cell numbers....just in case!? See you all in the morn.
Gale 67-68 <beardatpaige1(*at)cs.com *(@)>
Clinton, In US of A - Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 08:15:52 (MDT)
Fred, We are in Bradford Pa. We are due south of Buffalo NY 90 miles just over the state line. We have the Big Thirty game, which is NY and Pa Players. the game is in Bradford in August.
Dennis Faucher <dennis_faucher@hotmail.com>
USA - Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 06:49:49 (MDT)
we will mis you katherine,and yes,we will remember for you,in the circle.
alvis
USA - Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 06:37:46 (MDT)
Hey guys and gals I will not be at Kokomo this year. Every year I take my mother (80) and dad (84)on a trip and this year they picked the Kokomo weekend. I am sorry I am going to miss you guys but I am quite sure I will have a great time with my parents. They are still in good health. I know that they will not be here forever so I am making the most of my time with them. Please remember Michael and all the fallen at our mini rememberance ceremony we have and know that I will be thinking about and missing all of you. I hope everyone has a safe trip and it is not too wet in the camp ground. Gently if you are going try to keep them in line you know how they get. I will just have to hug you all twice next year. Take care. As always Welcome Home and Thanks
Katharine
USA - Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 04:33:08 (MDT)
Art, Dont you think that it would be better to have her on a dustoff and let out at about 1500 ft. over north Nom where she belongs??? I think so. CatMan 745 Out. (Brothers for ever.)
CatMan 745 - Joe
USA - Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 00:16:18 (MDT)
Hi Flight my wife had a work out record of HANOI JANE a 308 don a job on it it improved here looks Ithink if you coud put it back in one pice& when she die I AM GOING TO PISS ON HER HOLE IN THE GROUND &then a stick of c 4 then the shit will fly for shor. Art
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 22:54:51 (MDT)
KOKOMO weather update. we have had lots of rain here folks.ok,thursday, cloud cover till about noon,then clearing,high of 79.Fri,sat,sun.sunny and warming,highs between 80 and 83. rain monday.A word of caution. It still may be a little muddy friday,so wear socks and shoes with this in mind.I hope it has dried up,chances are good that it has.see you guys,and gals,fri.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 21:17:50 (MDT)
Got a letter from the VA today stateing that the laptop and hardrive that was stolen with personal indentifying data on service members and veterans have been recovered and they say based on the resolts of forensic test the FBI says that they are highly confident that the sensitive data was not accessed. Given the FBI's high degree of confidnce that the info was not compromised, individual credit monitoring will not be necessary.....................Mark
Mark
USA - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 19:47:56 (MDT)
Dennis....Terry Ginn`s father coaches Glenville(suburb of Cleveland)....He started out as a security guard and worked his way up as Head Coach. He`s put a lot of Division 1 college football players from that school in the college ranks. OSU has several on scholarship, they are just fundementally sound players and good students......Garrett McEwen might be headed to OSU....or Penn State if he keeps playing like that......Where are you at in PA.? Are you close to Jersey or New York.....I always remember the "Big 33" game between Ohio and Penn HS Stars......I don`t know if they play that anymore.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 18:32:36 (MDT)
hi flight as a christian i should forgive, but in the case of jane fonda i will forgive her when they place her cold dead body in the ground. for her to go to hanoi and say that our pows were being treated humanly for the purpose of advancing her self is unforgiveable.
donnie purvis <donnie.purvis@us.army.mil>
linwood, NC USA - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 17:02:28 (MDT)
Fonda did what she did, and has managed to get more rich and famous as the years have gone by. I won't listen to her program, then again, I don't watch Oprah either......while we were fighting over there, the politicians dithered and fretted, and we died, got wounded, or, got scarred and didn't even realise it! Who were the criminals?...Interesting...Kofi Annan just got back from the middle East. Said the general concensus of the governments over there is that America is between a rock and a hard place. WE can't stay, yet, we can't leave. sounds familiar......anyone remember when Park Chung Hee came into our AO and got escorted out to some of the ROK field units? I heard he crapped his pants while riding in Tiger Wagon.
Kim
USA - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 14:37:06 (MDT)
A good friend of mine has gone back to Cu Chi (He was a Wolfhound-25th Inf Div) and met some of the Vietnamese he fought against. There was a mutual respect and forgiveness between them. I personally won't forget what Jane Fonda has done, but she has apologised to Vietnam Vets publicly, and I, for one, forgive her. With respect, Greg
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 12:50:14 (MDT)
ran across this i think on vawatchdog.org. they say the va motto is EVALUATE......DENY..... AND HOPE THEY DIE. kind of sounds like it might be true
paul mcgrath
oglesby, il USA - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 11:17:31 (MDT)
perhaps so,but fonda was in the north while i was in the south. Not only that.fonda was in the north while my uncle was in the north,in a stinking Nva prison.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 10:35:24 (MDT)
Hey Fred, My son's football team. Bradford, Pa Owls are 2-0. Beat Clearfield 56-35, 22 pts given up by our 3rd string. Beat Olean, NY 38-0. We face Punxutawney This weekend. Punxy and DuBois are our next big rivals. The Owls are now an honorable mention for top 10. The boy we talked about Garrett McEwen is at Strongsville OH. He was district player of the week about two weeks ago and is the top tackler on the team. Strained his Achilles tendon last week, but expects to be back this week. I believe that the last team they played was the one that Ted Ginn out of Ohio states dad coaches.
Dennis Faucher <dennis_faucher@hotmail.com>
USA - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 09:41:31 (MDT)
I`ve always had the habit of "thinking for myself" and "forming my own opinions", I could care less what Jane Fonda thinks or any other "talking head" on TV or radio.....They don`t don`t put any money in my pocket....so piss on them.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 09:27:16 (MDT)
I believe that Jane Fonda was in the north in 71 or 72. I avoid all of her movies. Her dad split with her for years. Felt sorry for him to see his daughter do what she did. She should reside in NVN.
Dennis Faucher <dennis_faucher@hotmail.com>
USA - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 09:20:33 (MDT)
out of respect for some folks,I will not get more candid than already posted.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 08:53:44 (MDT)
come on you guys,lets think up some good names for that person." Bright Intelligence Thru Commo Hut", or "BITCH" for short.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 08:50:44 (MDT)
perhaps its "The Proper Aiming Points , some military echos and returns" or "pap smear" for short. Targets Required And Infared Traces On Radar",or "traitor" for short.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 08:45:37 (MDT)
I just saw on MSN that Jane Fonda "launched a radio network". I wonder if it is an affliate of Radio Hanoi????
Jeff S.
USA - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 08:09:30 (MDT)
You have to remember that when FDR beat the Nazi's in less time than we have been in Iraq he was fighting an organized polical structure. Hitler was crazy and he did ruin his country, but once he was dead common sense prevailed and they surrendered. There was no post war terrorism in Japan or Germany. They gave up, and the average man and woman got back to rebuilding their countries. The Islamic terrorist have no qualms about destroying their infrastructure and there own kind. Its all about hatred for none Muslim and getting those 72 virgins for fighting the infidel.
Dennis Faucher <dennis_faucher@hotmail.com>
USA - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 06:54:12 (MDT)
well flight,now its our little brothers turn...http://wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=5396446............they say Gulf War Syndrome does not exist
alvis
USA - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 06:52:58 (MDT)
That was in 73. I was stationed at Benning then. Gas went from 30 cents a gallon, to fifty overnight, IF you could find it. They (arabs) followed that with an attack on Israel, which was the whole point of their embargo.....funny thing, inflation compensated for the price increase. Net result? Oil was valued less than before the embargo when inflation was taken into account! Remember Gerald Ford? WIN?....makes one wonder...If we'd developed alternatives to arab oil back then, where would we be now?
Kim
USA - Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 04:55:58 (MDT)
Paul,depending upon the foot traffic ( less i hope)and the amount of sunshine ( more i hope) before friday, it may be somewhat muddy off the roads and perhaps in the camp areas.With what i saw on the forecast,we should be fine.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 21:27:06 (MDT)
ahh,I was comparing hilter and saddam in their murderous ways,not the country nor the economy.That being said,i seem to remember a mid-east oil embargo against us in 1972 or 1973.It darn near shut this country down.Unfortunately,they have that oily stick they can wave at us.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 21:24:02 (MDT)
alvis thanks for the weather report. kal looks like i'll be getting there friday nite about sundown. speaking of other dictators that the us supported how about ho chi minh. the us supported him and then tried to kill him later when he didn't do as he was told.
paul mcgrath
oglesby, il USA - Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 17:25:23 (MDT)
WOW...you guys have been busy today......Bin Laden is a friggin Saudi....period. And he`s from a wealthy Saudi family....that`s friends with a wealthy politically connected family here in the States. There`s a unsaid, "Hands Off" agreement. The comparison of Iran to pre-WWII Germany is bogus. Neither Iraq nor Iran are the industrial giants Hitler had built. I recall reading somewhere that Germany had the 3rd largest economy in the world. Hardly comparable threats. Polticians are trying to invoke comparisons to WW2 because they`re out of options. I might add, FDR was able to win WWII much quicker than we have dealt with Iraq....... Liberal Pacifists? Please. We should always be ready to defend ourselves when there is a clear and present danger, it don`t have a damn thing to do left or right. The issue today is what exactly constitutes a clear and present danger.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 16:06:16 (MDT)
Trouble is: sadass thought he had the approval of Bush 1, when he told the ambassador of his plans. yeah, he's a terrible person, so was the shah of Iran, along with a few hundred other dictators that the U.S. supported. It's all a matter of who's tyrant he is. If he's ours, well....... if not, then, he's terrible....before bin stupid, it was the PLO. Remember them? Seems they didn't like the U.N. giving what they considered 'their land' to the Jews. They've never gotten over it....terorism is the method of those who do not have the ability to win militarily. there are two ways to beat them. Either out terror them, or, keep hunting them down, and try to win the 'hearts and minds' of those who would otherwise be supportive of them.....we need to remember that not everybody wants to be 'like us'. Our's is an experiment, if we turn into our enemies, they win......Animal, we probably won't have to nuec Tehran, Israel put on their little show in Lebanon as a warning to the Iranians. Don't forget, they took out sadass's reactor long before we got involved.
Kim
USA - Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 15:54:01 (MDT)
I liked the "Short People" song by Randy Newman. Talking about cartoon sensitivity, Gale sorry about the accordion joke... my mom's ex-husband Wally (an old Finlander) played PROFESSIONALLY, and I showed him the cartoon. With a deadpan face he simply said, "Yeah." I once watched him chase some poor wheel chair-bound guy singing "Happy Birthday To You". I laughed until I cried.
Dave
USA - Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 15:36:06 (MDT)
KOKOMO Weather forecast...wensday- rain, thrusday-fri-sat-sun-all days clear and sunny,lows of about 58 on thru to a low of about 60 on sun.. Highs of about 80 on thru going up to about 84 on Sun.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 15:30:52 (MDT)
Your right, they don't like us anyhow. You know, I believe that Bin Ladin is part of a sect that started back in the 1920's called Wahabbi or something like that. They are a radical sect that basically preaches destruction of the infidel (you and me). He was angry that we as infidels even set foot in Saudi Arabia in 1990 or after. We are basically dirty. These schools are all through Saudi Arabia and many other areas, probably even here in the USA. We probably have an absolute breeding ground for them in every major US city. I don't think that most of them realize that most American homes are like Arsenal. You know, with most of US, if an Arab burned a Bible in front of us, we would go, Oh well, thats between him and God. They would absolutely flip if one of us did that to the Quran or Kuran. They can't even decide how to spell it. Look how they flipped over the Dutch and the satire of Mohammad.
Dennis Faucher <dennis_faucher@hotmail.com>
Bradford, Pa USA - Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 15:00:46 (MDT)
Remember the Randy Newman song "Political Science"? "They don't like us anyhow, so let's drop the big one now" ("We'll save Australia, don't wanna hurt no kangaroos"). Great satire.
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 14:43:03 (MDT)
When Great briton did terror acts against this country,we did in fact do something about it.Its called the war of 1812 or the second war against Briton.I do not agree that Bin L. didnt do anythig against us untill we hit Iraq the first time.Wasnt the first try at bombing the towers before desert storm? Still,if it wasnt,Bin L, didnt simply snap his fingers together and create an army of terrorist,it was there.The bombing of American targets has been going on for 30 years.Sure he wasnt behind all of them,but can you tell me whuch ones he diffintly wasnt involved in?... 30 damn years..how much longer should we wait to do anything? How many more times do we get our face slapped? Iraq? you gotta start some place and getting a wannabe hitler that has gassed thousands of his own people to death ,in my opinion,is a good place to start. Not only that,we was trying to take over mid east countrys..you remember kuwait? they robbed hospitials of everything,took babbies of support equipment,,,stole the place blind. They set fire to oil wells..i can go on and on..we ARE NOT some big bully picking on a little harmless guy...by gosh,we were attacked,and its time to clean out the nest of snakes. again,why not start in iraq? As Fred S. said," alot of people would be singing a different tune if THEIR sister,mom,brother,dad,ect, had burnt to death in the towers.
alvis
USA - Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 13:47:43 (MDT)
Bin hidin didn't declare his personal war on us until we occupied Saudi ground during the first gulf war. Even with our long standing support of Israel, he didn't bother getting his looneys together and attacking us, until then. He's a Sunni muslim, and didn't like us attacking other sunni's, even if was to free a Sunni run kingdom....Sunni and Shia Muslims don't get along, ala Anglican's and Catholic's. ( think Ireland)...we've been attacked many times before, Mormon's, No nothings, SLA, Weather Underground, and we'll be attacked again, maybe by muslim extremists, maybe by christian extremists. If I'm going to die because of a terrorist, tell me now. I'm shingling my roof, and I'll quit now if I'm going to die tomorrow!!!!...we know who attacked us, we have an idea where they're hiding..what's the problem??? On second thought, lets attack Great Briton, there MUST be somebody over there who doesn't like us.
Kim
USA - Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 12:53:23 (MDT)
In both WWII, Korea and even RVN we had sovereign nations that we were fighting. There were terrorist like acts done, such as Battaan that were perpetrated, but there was a nation involved. Fred is right, this is religious based. They hate us because we are not one of them and they have at some level felt that way since the crusades. Dave said, he is afraid it will take one or more 9-11 type events to get us really going. That is sad and shameful, but probably true..."We will get pissed if you kill 3,000 two or three times, but one time we'll let you slide. There is a lack of resolve by to many people to just let it go. As for Iraqi, it is turning into a civil war, those who hate anything not Islam who are not tolerant of any other view within Islam against those two weak or spineless to risk live or limb for the possibility of a better future. Once they are more organized in this "our country" they will begin trying it here, and our children will have to deal with a religious civil war on our soil.
Dennis Faucher <dennis_faucher@hotmail.com>
Bradford, Pa USA - Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 10:41:44 (MDT)
Me again I got one thing I like to know if you are born in the GOOD U S then you are american wright but if you were born in a nother country & come to the US then you can call you where you are from american wright & some dont know what they want to be called Art
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA USA - Monday, September 11, 2006 at 23:05:30 (MDT)
Hi guys we need to do what the AUSTRALIA are doing you rag head go by or laws or get out or we throw you out I dont think the sharks would even like the flavor of there meat & if they coud talk they say what are you trying to do kill us with that shit. Art
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA USA - Monday, September 11, 2006 at 22:55:07 (MDT)
Hi MARK thank you for putting it that way .ART
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Monday, September 11, 2006 at 22:41:27 (MDT)
As most of you probably have also, I have watched it all over again all day on TV. This time with detailed personal dramas. I usually don't talk like this any more......................but.....................SON-OF-A-BITCH!.................
Mark
USA - Monday, September 11, 2006 at 21:00:42 (MDT)
Shared Sacrifice.....try buying a 42-43-44 passenger car, won't find any! What's our sacrifice??? getting ripped off by the oil companies? taking an extra 10 minutes to go through airline check in? being scared because our guvment says to?...I'm more liable to be killed by a drunk driver than a terorist. be just as dead, though....I'm not trying to belittle what happened on september 11th, and we should be tracking down anyone even remotely associated with the attack. still, there were warnings, just like Pearl Harbor, which were ignored, just like Pearl harbor.
Kim
USA - Monday, September 11, 2006 at 20:18:54 (MDT)
I wonder if Katheren and her husband are coning to Kokomo this weekend?........Pete Rhome, you should come down too.......................Mark
Mark
USA - Monday, September 11, 2006 at 20:00:46 (MDT)
"Shared Sacrifice" that`s the key right there ....You hit it.....Kim.....That`s where the "passion" came from. Kim....you know me...I still feel the Saudi`s and Egyptians should be held more accountable.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Monday, September 11, 2006 at 19:54:25 (MDT)
Lost the passion to fight??? Nope! The idea of just lashing out at anyone, or anything Muslim though, is just as stupid as lashing out any white person just because Koresh and McVay are white. The first thing that must happen, if we are to win, is to identify the enemy. Comparisons to WW2 won't work. We didn't declare war on some japanese sect, or the ss. WE declared war on their country's, and fought against their standing militaries. If the comparison were made with WW2. WE WON. America defeated the Taliban and the Iraqi army on the field of battle. The problem is that we're fighting an idea.Look a little further at WW2. The Marshall plan, or McArthur's rebuilding of Japan...what did we do as far as rebuilding Iraq? Why did the planned insurgency in Germany fail??? We need to do a better job of occupation if we're going to"nation build" There aren't enough of the looneytoon's to win, as long as we don't give up, or, keep creating a ready supply of fodder for the loonies.....Where's the 'shared sacrifice' that kept most American's personally involved in WW2? An all volunteer military, tax cuts during a war, what has changed in the average American's day to day existance?...I'm part of a generation that served in a cluster**** war, and see the results of fighting an undefined war. PTSD, all kinds of outreach programs, thirty some odd years after the conflict. I don't want to see that kind of screwed up situation repeated on another generation of servicemen ( and women).....here's hoping that 06 will see bin hidin killed and his organization discredited among the muslim community.
Kim
USA - Monday, September 11, 2006 at 19:27:46 (MDT)
most people dont remember news shows showing arabs dancing in the streets with joy of the twin towers destruction.they should show that on this day.Americans dont realize the deep hatred the arabs have toward us.They dont want to capture a town,a city,a state or a country...they want us DEAD.
alvis
USA - Monday, September 11, 2006 at 19:02:44 (MDT)
You know I think if you look back on our fathers war and our war you will see we have been fighting some type of terrorist based enemy for a long time. Look at the SS and the mass murder tactics they employed or Japan and the destruction of Nanking and many other places and the VC and the tactics they used against thier own people as well as us and not much has changed. Granted the WWII types wore uniforms. Charlie wore black PJs like most of the people just as the ones now dress like those around them. It would seem we are in a never ending ciccle of it. Just my opinion and food for thought. I do know that at least one male from this family has servred in every war except Korea since the revolution. I only hope and pray my grandsons do not have that honor. While I am here I would like to recommend a book called "Who The Hell Are We Fighting" Author is Hiam. Seems the govt was slightly underestimating the number of VC we were deaaling with. To the tune of 300,000 to 400,000 thousand. Even after a young CIA analyst figured it out {and his analysis was correct} they just ignored him. Imagine that!!! One of the better books I've read on Nam. Everyone take care.
Jeff S. ( Snapper 70-71)
USA - Monday, September 11, 2006 at 18:23:44 (MDT)
I don`t really think that people have lost the passion to defeat or "pay back" Islam...In wars before , we`ve always have a "defined enemy"....In Nam it was "communism" and their idealism. Islam facist, well fascism is anti-religious, unified, nationalistic.....So sometimes when that phrase is used, it just doesn`t fit the criteria. I prefer to call this a "faith based" war.....which always been the bloodiest and most brutal type war.....and the longest. We as a unified country have never been in this type war. The war on terror is really just beginning, just as Americans appear to be "growing tired" of it. They say that America must win the war of ideas, and in order to do that, need to place a greater emphasis on nonmilitary tools. They also called on the government to think more creatively about the real threats to America.......that being "loose nukes and other weapons of mass destruction" pose the great long-term threat, we still got Tim McVay`s running around out here. Those are types that scare the hell out of me.....Americans killing Americans......Also living in the "burbs" of NYC (New Jersey)....these people have NEVER lost their passion for revenge, they lost fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters...and cousins in the 9/11 attacks. You can`t talk to a "local" that doesn`t know someone who died. It`s as strong as ever around here......I`ve heard people say, " In the far-west, midwest, south, those people act like 9/11 NEVER happen". I tend to disagree with them, but I`m not going to engage in a passionate argument about that with them.....You can`t go down a street, that`s not covered with American flags.......Here at the 129th, we approach this "war on terrorism" more hardcore than the average American, because we ARE "war vets", but also we are sometimes more reluctant to go to war.....we want the "red meat" before jumping into it. We should know as Nam Vets, guerrillas do not need to win; they simply must survive and avoid losing.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Monday, September 11, 2006 at 16:49:38 (MDT)
Talking about losing the passion, I've always thought it will take another one or two 9/11's to finally convince the people in this country that this really is a war, and that we'll finally have the united resolve to do something about it. Until 2001 it's only been "little" episodes, such as Beirut barracks, WTC #1, and USS Cole. It is a mystery that the passion fades rather quickly. Our memories must be awfully short.
Dave
USA - Monday, September 11, 2006 at 16:17:16 (MDT)
It is hard to believe that five years have past already. It is absolutely amazing to me how many of the American people have lost the passion to give the pay back for what happened. We lost more than we did at Pearl Harbor. Thank God our fathers and mothers didn't lose the drive to get even. This is something that the terrorist will not forget. If we let our guards down, they will try to avenge what we have done since that time. We are talking about people who still hold a grudge about the crusades. The only way those people would accept us is to convert to Islam...and that ain't happening.
Dennis Faucher <dennis_faucher@hotmail.com>
Bradford, Pa USA - Monday, September 11, 2006 at 13:49:13 (MDT)
Fred A. Thanks for all the stuff pal, specially that thing from the General, it was on!! You are the man!! It was an Honor to fly with you!! Today i thought about where i was , i had just come out of report on the psych unit at the Va here when the 1st Tower was hit, then the 2nd, pentagon & the one that went down in Penn. We must remember this attack on our soil & that we cannot knuckle under (EVER)!!! Pres Bush says that we are at war with islamic facists, I say that is only because we are not killing enough Islamic Facists.Mark, a special Day of rememberance for you & I love you Bud, I have been with you at Larry's gravesite & it was emotional for me. BTW congrats on the Football. Yesterday, I was in Rapid City, SD & Final score Rapid City School of mines & technology 21----Haskell Nebraska 19. Quite a game. My Son Plays at Tech 6'5" 320# now, big for 18 years old, grades are good & very proud of him. My undying Respect to everyone who has or is now putting it "on the line". Especially all of you>>>>>Smitty
jim westwang 71-72
Sheridan, wy USA - Monday, September 11, 2006 at 12:08:51 (MDT)
DEAR FLIGHT: As I reflect on the anniversary of the horrible events of 9/11, I struggled to control such strong emotions. I put my flag up on the porch out front. I wrote to both of my sons serving in the military and thanked them once more for putting their young lives on the line to keep us safe. And,,,I reflect on how we too served to keep our country free. So, today as I watch the cerimonies on television (and bawl like a baby) I will use today to reinforce within myself how fragile our freedom is and how each of us, in our own ways and abilities, must continue to do what we can to keep that freedom safe. God bless all of you and comfort you on this (and every other) day. Bill Wolf
Bill Wolf
USA - Monday, September 11, 2006 at 10:23:25 (MDT)
9/11 has sucked for me for 37 years. Ever since 9/11/69. The Healing Fields is about 10 miles from here on display the next 4 days. Dee and I went there last night. I bought a flag for Larry and Dad. Went there again today with our daughter and her husband and grand kids. The kids are 2 1/2 and 4 months. I wanted the 2 1/2 year old to see all the flags. She is a deep thinker like me and I know it will remain in her mind forever. This afternoon I laid down for a nap. Had a dream. I was perched up on a piece of plywood. Held up pieces of wood. LARRY WAS THERE. I was up on the wood trying to hide something from him. Don't know what it was I was trying to hide. Never saw it in the dream. Larry's' appearance seemed to look as if he was back from the war and my mind set in the dream was as if he was back also. I fell asleep on the wood and woke up. Larry was trying to get me and the wood down. I tried to stop him. I could feel the plywood start to fall and I tried to stop it. next thing I knew I was still on top the wood but it was down and Larry was under it. Then I looked out the window and Larry had gotten up and was out in a barn working on Dad's old Chevy. ( My son-in-law still has this car ). I went out side and ask Larry if he was ok. We talked but his speech was broken and very soft. Next in the dream Larry was on the phone and he seemed to be mad about something. He began to fall apart and cry. I tried to comfort him by talking to him but he just kept on crying. Then I ask him if he knew Tom Risch. Tom is the local VA rep in this AO. (Strange to have reality appear in the dream)..........Larry said he did not know Tom. I told Larry who he was and ask Larry if he would go over with me and see him tomorrow and began to tell him how lots of his Vietnam buddies went and saw the VA and were getting help.I mentioned some names of Larry's friends from Nam that I know were getting help from the VA. I again ask Larry if he would go with me and finally with tears in his eyes he agreed............................I woke up............
Mark
USA - Sunday, September 10, 2006 at 20:31:51 (MDT)
sorry arthur the purple heart is for wounds received in combat. the cause must have been from enemy action. the following might help clear up the confusion: The Purple Heart was established by General George Washington at Newburgh, New York, on 7 August 1782, during the Revolutionary War. It was reestablished by the President of the United States per War Department General Orders 3, 1932 and is currently awarded pursuant to Executive Order 11016, 25 April 1962, Executive Order 12464, 23 February 1984 and Public Law 98-525, 19 October 1984. a. The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force or any civilian national of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after 5 April 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded- (1) In any action against an enemy of the United States. (2) In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged. (3) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. (4) As a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces. (5) As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force (6) After 28 March 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the Army, or jointly by the Secretaries of the separate armed services concerned if persons from more than one service are wounded in the attack. (7) After 28 March 1973, as a result of military operations while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.
donnie purvis <donnie.purvis@us.army.mil>
linwood, nc USA - Sunday, September 10, 2006 at 19:12:32 (MDT)
Hi guys I dont think that wright. the purple hart is for a Man or WOMAN how put there life on the line during WAR time & we were not at WAR at that time I have my thorts with them .I coud have had one a Cobra was at a fuel point taking on fuel & it caught fire my ship was not even on the ground I graved the fire ex. 7 jump off with it got on the wing & open the little veaw port & stuck the fire ex. in side got a pice of hot mettle in my hand my AC sead are you ok yes you got blood on your hand want me to take you a aid ststion to get it look at & with a grin on his face he told me that a purple hart & I sead keep it up you want me to die wright here from lafing.
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA USA - Sunday, September 10, 2006 at 16:26:58 (MDT)
Did you know that every single person hurt ,in the Pentigon crash of 911 ,was awarded a purple heart?
alvis
USA - Sunday, September 10, 2006 at 11:36:38 (MDT)
Hi Flight here one you might like I did not wright it HIGH FLIGHT Oh ,I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,and danced the skies on laughter-silvered ;Sunward I,ve climed and joined the tumbling mirth of of sun-split clouds-and done a hundred thingsyou have not dreamed of-wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov,ring there My eager craft through fooless halls of air. UP,UP thelong delirious, burning blue Ive topped the wind-swept hights witheasy grace Where never lark, or even eagle, flew; and while the silent, lifting mind I,ve trod the high untrespassed sancity of space put out my hand, and touched the fac og GOD. pilot-officer JOHN GILLESPIE MAGEE JR., R.C.A.F.
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Sunday, September 10, 2006 at 11:22:27 (MDT)
Re. Texas-Ohio ST; That my friends, is why I don't bet on sports. Nice one Alvis!
Animal
Puna, USA - Sunday, September 10, 2006 at 00:53:29 (MDT)
That was real cool Fred......I like that alot.....
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Saturday, September 09, 2006 at 21:48:41 (MDT)
Alvis, Where did you find this great work??? You are the MAN.Maybe some day we all will over come. We have to keep on and help each other like this, we deserve nothing less. He is on our side that is why we are here now.I hope to see all of you guys next year. Brothers for ever.CatMan745 My wife gave this call sign I think it fits.
Cat Man 745
USA - Saturday, September 09, 2006 at 21:33:27 (MDT)
OHIO STATE 24....Texas 7......
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Saturday, September 09, 2006 at 21:24:14 (MDT)
hey guys does anybody remember a phillip arellano from the 129 in 70.he posted a thank you for the 67th evac on their page on military.com.according to his post he crashed in mar 70 and was treated at 67th evac. don't see his name on contact page but i believe he can be contacted thru military.com. see you in kokomo PAUL
paul mcgrath
oglesby, il USA - Saturday, September 09, 2006 at 21:22:57 (MDT)
God and Namvets When the Lord was creating Vietnam veterans, He was into His 6th day of overtime when an angel appeared. "You're certainly doing a lot of fiddling around on this one." And God said, "Have you seen the specs on this order? A Nam vet has to be able to run 5 miles through the bush with a full pack on, endure with barely any sleep for days, enter tunnels his higher-ups wouldn't consider doing, and keep his weapons clean and operable. He has to be able to sit in his hole all night during an attack, hold his buddies as they die, walk point in unfamiliar territory known to be VC infested, and somehow keep his senses alert for danger. He has to be in top physical condition existing on c-rats and very little rest. And he has to have 6 pairs of hands." The angel shook his head slowly and said, "6 pair of hands....no way." The Lord says, "It's not the hands that are causing me problems.... It's the 3 pair of eyes a Nam vet has to have." "That's on the standard model?" asked the angel. The Lord nodded. "One pair that sees through elephant grass, another pair here in the side of his head for his buddies, another pair here in front that can look reassuringly at his bleeding, fellow soldier and say, "You'll make it".......when he knows he won't. "Lord, rest, and work on this tomorrow." "I can't," said the Lord. "I already have a model that can carry a wounded soldier 1,000 yards during a firefight, calm the fears of the latest FNG, and feed a family of 4 on a grunt's paycheck." The angel walked around the model and said, "Can it think?" "You bet," said the Lord. "It can quote much of the UCMJ, recite all his General Orders, and engage in a search and destroy mission in less time than it takes for his fellow Americans back home to discuss the morality of the War, and still keep his sense of humor." "This Nam vet also has phenomenal personal control. He can deal with ambushes from hell, comfort a fallen soldier's family, and then read in his hometown paper how Nam vets are baby killers, psychos, addicts, killers of innocent civilians." The Lord gazed into the future and said, "He will also endure being vilified and spit on when he returns home, rejected and crucified by the very ones he fought for." Finally, the angel slowly ran his finger across the vet's cheek, and said, "There's a leak...I told You that You were trying to put too much into this model." "That's not a leak", said the Lord. "That's a tear." "What's the tear for?" asked the angel. "It's for bottled up emotions, for holding fallen soldiers as they die, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American Flag, for the terror of living with PTSD for decades after the war, alone with it's demons with no one to care or help." "You're a genius," said the angel, casting a gaze at the tear. The Lord looked very somber, as if seeing down Eternity's distant shores.... "I didn't put it there," He said. (Pause for reflection)........God bless Nam vets. --Author Unknown
alvis
USA - Saturday, September 09, 2006 at 15:24:04 (MDT)
U of Akron knocks off NC State.....in Raleigh!!!! Major win for the Zips.....and MAC Conference
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Saturday, September 09, 2006 at 13:59:12 (MDT)
That was the wife of John B. Connally, Fred....Her last words to Kennedy was," You can`t say Texas doesn`t love you , Mr. Kennedy".
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Saturday, September 09, 2006 at 12:33:53 (MDT)
oPERation Ranch hand study will stop at the end of this month.The study will no longer exist.
alvis
USA - Saturday, September 09, 2006 at 08:16:08 (MDT)
this past week,the last living person that was in the car when JFK was shot,has died.She was the wife of the texas Goverenor.
alvis
USA - Saturday, September 09, 2006 at 08:14:43 (MDT)
enough of this chit chat..lets get back to the real burning issues...now,about my missing hair.
alvis
USA - Saturday, September 09, 2006 at 08:13:19 (MDT)
OSU has a untested young defense, look for Ross Homan, he`s a future LB stud, from Coldwater,Ohio.......If OSU`s offense is hitting , they can "outscore" Texas. Texas is missing it`s best secondary defensive back, Terry Ginn could run wild......I`m hoping for a "high scoring" shoot out......OSU 35 Texas 31.........
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Saturday, September 09, 2006 at 06:26:28 (MDT)
I agree with that Texas over Ohio St prediction. 129th 1st plt, Jan 68 to Jan 69
Terry Strong <TCSMMS@aol.com>
USA - Saturday, September 09, 2006 at 03:34:20 (MDT)
OK, Here's some controversy: Tommorow.....Texas 31, Ohio St. 28
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Saturday, September 09, 2006 at 01:48:57 (MDT)
Friday Night Lights. Coldwater 56, New Bremen 7. Coldwater is 3-0 now.
Mark
USA - Friday, September 08, 2006 at 20:34:19 (MDT)
ron is supposed to be there friday,he might even show thursday. there are folks there most likely this weekend,some like to make a week of it.
alvis
USA - Friday, September 08, 2006 at 13:52:06 (MDT)
thank guys I cant make it. Larry is doing good he was crying in his beer no back paystill waiting some word about Glenda SS they told coud be between July of 06 to march of 07. it giv me the BUT.
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA USA - Friday, September 08, 2006 at 12:57:59 (MDT)
All this talk about an accordion reminds me of the old Far Side cartoon... two panels, the first a picture of St. Peter saying, "Welcome to heaven, here's your harp". The second, a picture of the devil saying, "Welcome to Hell, here's your accordion":)))
Dave
USA - Friday, September 08, 2006 at 11:32:11 (MDT)
Alvis, do you know when Ron P is gonna be there? I would like to get the spot # of the other site. Weather permitting (as far being muddy) I'll be pulling my old "Shasta". Kal, been a while since we've seen each other.....................Hey Rainer, I've got Dee's bowl(left at my "mini" reunion) in my glovebox, so, remind me. Mark, no accordian buddy. I played when I was a kid and still have a small one (accordian that is!!!!!). Switched to the organ in the 70's and played in a rock band for a few years. 'Bout forgotten everything now tho!!
Gale
USA - Friday, September 08, 2006 at 08:24:30 (MDT)
I hope to be there friday.Will have to return home saterday for shower,sleep,beer,food and Susan,in that order..well,maybe not shower first.Who needs a stinking shower anyway,come to think of it,who needs sleep or food..chuckle/,.
alvis
USA - Friday, September 08, 2006 at 03:16:36 (MDT)
I'll be in the cornfields of Kokomo around noon on Friday... Will have the suds on ice.. C Ya all there....Kal...
Kal Bergstrom <n8auu (at) email dot com>
St Joseph, Mich USA - Thursday, September 07, 2006 at 19:49:27 (MDT)
I'll be rollin' into LZ Kokomo Friday around noon.Will the water be in the hot tub by then?.............Gale, you bring your acordian?...Yeah Lurch, would be grand to meet you. If you can, try and make it!..............always a brother............
Mark
USA - Thursday, September 07, 2006 at 19:01:07 (MDT)
Paul, affirmative on the cookies!!! Alvis, I will be there around noon on Friday. Gotta make sure I have plenty of brewskies on hand for the "lush"....aka Gently. Gale
Gale 67-68
Clinton, In USA - Thursday, September 07, 2006 at 18:44:08 (MDT)
Kokomo is about 40 minutes to an hour ,north of Indianapolis,Indiana.The reunion itself is held in the countryside,southeast of Kokomo proper.
alvis
USA - Thursday, September 07, 2006 at 18:41:23 (MDT)
i'll be there by saturday morning at the latest may be able to make it friday but that will be a last minute call. should i ask the wife for more chocolate chip cookies.
paul mcgrath
oglesby, il USA - Thursday, September 07, 2006 at 17:38:06 (MDT)
Hi guys where is kokomo be at. Art
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Thursday, September 07, 2006 at 17:03:45 (MDT)
Lurch,love to see you there....pretty sure i flew with you'
alvis
USA - Thursday, September 07, 2006 at 16:30:34 (MDT)
ok,just talked to Kal and to Ron 2 weeks ago. we three will be at kokomo.Who else is going? opps,paul and mark will be there as well
alvis
USA - Thursday, September 07, 2006 at 16:29:21 (MDT)
Lurch, nice to see you back in here... I may have asked you before, but do you happen to have a photo of Jim Young I could have?
Dave
USA - Thursday, September 07, 2006 at 16:28:54 (MDT)
i dont have hair anymore
alvis
USA - Thursday, September 07, 2006 at 10:41:44 (MDT)
In case some of you do not read the Army News Service they have an article on Richard Smith getting a silver star on 9-6-06 from action on 11-17-65 with the 229th Assault Helo. His actions were mentioned in the book We Were Soldiers Once...and Young. It is a short article but brings to mind how routinely you guys did some hair raising activities until they became normal actions in that time and place.
Jerry H.
USA - Thursday, September 07, 2006 at 10:34:49 (MDT)
LZ English... as I recall our RON there, we started out trying to sleep in some barracks but the heat and humidity were stifling. I remember the bright/dim droning of the lights in the building due to what appeared to be a failing generator. We decided to bag it and go sleep on/around the helicopter. We were awakened that night by a cacophony of voices, sirens, and outgoing mortars. We were told that there were some bad guys just outside the wire and our 173rd guys went after them. Jelliff... Kim, everything you said sounds absolutely right. Interesting character...
Dave
USA - Thursday, September 07, 2006 at 07:42:52 (MDT)
8 days till kokomo..Lane tower,Lane Tower,This is 027,were coming thru the pass for gas,over.
alvis
USA - Thursday, September 07, 2006 at 06:13:46 (MDT)
Arthur, You got the phone# righe (208) 939-9302 I have to get the slides to Wolf be for I totaly for get. there over 300 slides they belong to the Flight and family. Hang in there Brothers for ever. 745 OUT.
Joe 745
USA - Wednesday, September 06, 2006 at 22:34:27 (MDT)
hi flight in thephoto matt Casey how was the guy on stage with her & the crew Chief with the thump gunI flew with him & I had a photo just like that there was one more guy Adem he had a thump gun he was red head& close to 4 1/2 ft or so. Joe lost your number I like to talk to you .
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Wednesday, September 06, 2006 at 19:50:37 (MDT)
Dave, that sounds right. As I recall, he had perpetual VD, was either getting it, or just getting over it LOL....loved to drink, thankfully, he didn't get mean very often....English was always interesting. Probably the spookiest night I can recall was one night we couldn't get through the An Khe pass, got right into the trees before turning back to An Khe. The place was all but deserted. I don't think there was even a company of soldiers there. We spent the night next to the control tower, expecting to get mortared. Sunrise was a welcome sight.
Kim
USA - Wednesday, September 06, 2006 at 19:44:57 (MDT)
Alvis she would be if she goseto PT and dose what the Dr say she gose vack to the Dr on the 15th i let you knoww,thanks for asking. Ray
Rsy
md USA - Wednesday, September 06, 2006 at 17:31:58 (MDT)
Brain scan was easy,Va treated me well and got thru quickly.Twas an easy ride till they did the second scan..thats when they inject you with iodine.Doesnt hurt,can be described as many things except fun.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, September 06, 2006 at 16:42:38 (MDT)
Ray, is Gail alright?
alvis
USA - Wednesday, September 06, 2006 at 16:38:57 (MDT)
Dennis, yep I got your numbers but have not had the time to call yet and be able to do it right. I promise I'll call as soon as I get a free hour!
Dave
USA - Wednesday, September 06, 2006 at 15:47:08 (MDT)
hello to all. Alvis i went to the dr for my eyes to i have double vision now for about 6 years, they canttell me why, and my sight is getting worse. i hope they can help you brother. Fred S i ne Curt Frank real well. I guess we there the sametime. oh as for the foot ball game don't think I go to cleveland and rout for the ravens joking. Alex hang in there and get better, mark and dee take care. kal i been off msn i get on look at mail. gail took week off but i be back you take care. Rob it was good to hear from you, gently how you doing i don write i know you are to busy at times i wait till you have time gail is going to pt her ligments are pulling away from her bone in her foot . i think thats it she said but she wont stay off. i guesss she wait till she needs surgry just like a lady wont listen ( just kiding ladies ) well i best go i beback just wanted to say hi i dont post much a brother always Ray rember i was joking about the ladies ;-))))be safe stay well
RAY <stilwating@aol.com>
md USA - Wednesday, September 06, 2006 at 15:28:36 (MDT)
DAVE POWERS, did you get my Phone number when I posted them? If not Cell is 814-558-0156. ALEX, hope you heal up quickly. ALVIS, good luck at the VA.
Dennis Faucher <dennis_faucher@hotmail.com>
USA - Wednesday, September 06, 2006 at 14:43:26 (MDT)
Kim, could the guy in 2nd platoon you're thinking of be Ron Jelliff? He was a big blonde guy, and gunned for me for a while. He also RON'd over at LZ English with Rebel Animal, and me.
Dave Powers
USA - Wednesday, September 06, 2006 at 14:17:38 (MDT)
Art, I recall a night when we had a company cookout, SSG Richards did the BBQ, A band played at the motor pool, and a couple ambulances brought in a bunch of girls. If I remember correctly, a lot of the regulars ( the one's who stayed in the company area) were upset at the competition. I think First Sgt. Stroup organized the thing.
Kim
USA - Wednesday, September 06, 2006 at 14:05:12 (MDT)
going down to VA in a couple of hours to get my stinking brain scaned.Still having vision disturbences,getting alittle worse when i do get them,up to about 1/2 of my vision gets screwed up during the episodes.Its really stange. Doc thinks its nothing "organic" but just checking to make sure.Wonder if the can tell whats on my mind? if so,they will see KOKOMO.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, September 06, 2006 at 11:51:38 (MDT)
hope you feel better fast.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, September 06, 2006 at 10:54:19 (MDT)
HI flight well ben sick for a week it was hell siting on the john & head in a trash can had a viruscout not eat for four day the last two got some food to stay down got 2 to 3 cat naps a day. Do some of you guys rember the comp poty when they got some girl from the vill & top told that no p&p girls coud come O I think I will try to go to be now havent ben yetit ben 24 hr. when I was in bed they took my 300 mg of traz at night to help me sleep lost 25 pounds so far but the pace maker is working out like a champ so take care Art
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Wednesday, September 06, 2006 at 04:19:38 (MDT)
Vega and Higdon, a couple great guys.(even if they weren't in the cobras) Tony was well put together, very athletic.....Do you remember a guy in the 2nd, I think, named Jellison? Another was ssg. Stoner. He was in charge of the company arms room. ex gyrene. Remember the company fund? Every payday, twenty bucks to pay for the hootchmaids, cleanup crew, KP's, and Missy Hoa........Anson was put on limits sometime during the summer of 71. Danny Samsel and I went to the steam baths one day. I'm laying on a table, getting worked over by one of the girls, when we heard the girl in the next 'room' (curtains dividing us) scream, and start spouting all kinds of vietnamese rap. After a few minutes, all the noise died down, but there was a steady line of girls walking into and out of,the room. Being curious, I asked my girl what was going on.( she'd gone and looked, too)I got one of those ,sshhh warnings, and she pulled back the curtain between us. Danny was 'well endowed', for sure! Would have put John Holmes to shame!!!! Gave me a bit of a complex, for a few minutes. Kinda funny, every place we went the rest of the day, girls would point our way and giggle, or chatter. It was fun, being in the presence of greatness!!!
Kim
USA - Tuesday, September 05, 2006 at 18:52:05 (MDT)
My hootch was 6 people, Curt Frank, Albert(Sancho) Sanchez, Bill Pecknold, Bobby Carter( 173rd) transfer, Charlie Solomon and myself.....it was a diverse crowd...Curt was a All-State wrestler from Minn. Sancho was from San Antoine, Texas..absolute wild man, Bill Pecknold was the good looking San Jose, Califonia guy, without a ounce of ego. Bobby Carter, ex-grunt from the 173rd, real withdrawn...had bad dreams at night. Charlie Solomon, 10 year vet of Marine Corp, on his 3rd tour of Nam....He had fought in Hue, during TET of 68, said he couldn`t make rank in the Corp. So he came over to the Army a E-4, he left Nam a E-6.....I can still picture those brothers, faces and personalities.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Tuesday, September 05, 2006 at 18:05:48 (MDT)
Mark Triggs and I inherited a hootch from Tony Vega and Mike Higdon. It had a nice knotty pine veneer wainscot (Early American Rocket Box vintage)and they had rigged up running water via a hydraulic tube fitted into the bottom of a jerry can into a "shop-built" sink. The cockroaches LOVED the sink, but we rarely filled the jerry can. Air conditioning... there was screen from the top of the wainscotting to the ceiling. The black light and "Endless Summer" poster completed the decor.
Dave Powers
USA - Tuesday, September 05, 2006 at 16:46:30 (MDT)
Alex - glad to hear the surgery went well. Have been away from the internet for a while and missed the posting. The cd I sent you with the videos is not a DVD. They are .wmv files for playing on a computer. If they don't play on the computer, let me know and I'll get you another. Am off to California this morning to teach a class this week and will be back on Saturday. Everyone stay safe!!! Bill
Bill Wolf
USA - Tuesday, September 05, 2006 at 09:24:15 (MDT)
Liz......thanks for the update on Alex..........Fred A......shucks man.........I would of been one unhappy camper ifin' I would of went this weekend :-)))........
Mark
USA - Monday, September 04, 2006 at 19:06:58 (MDT)
Evening everyone. Alex wanted me to let everyone know he is doing fine and misses posting on the page to all of his brothers and sisters. He is getting around some on a walker and the swelling is starting to go down. He is very alert and off all meds at this point so if you have a minute tomorrow, please give him a call on his cell. It would make his day to hear from some of you guys. Mark I haven't heard exactly when the reunion in Orlando will be, but I will find out and get back to you. It is usually the 3rd week in June, but that is always subject to change at this stage. Bill Wolf, the DVD you sent to Alex will not play, it just says there is nothing on it. Could you send another one when you get a chance. Tell Kat hello for me. I will try and keep ya'll posted on the progress here. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. Love to everyone. Liz and Alex
Alex Fernwalt <afernwal@midsouth.rr.com>
Collierville, TN USA - Monday, September 04, 2006 at 17:56:21 (MDT)
No Mark,,,its the 14th thru the 17th....you gotta wait thru one more weekend man.
alvis
USA - Monday, September 04, 2006 at 17:42:41 (MDT)
Little John.......good to see your post, gald to know you are still reading..........Kokomo next weekend, right????........hey does anybody know the exact date for the reunion in Florida next year?...........always a brother..........love ya all and God Bless.......................
Mark
USA - Monday, September 04, 2006 at 17:18:30 (MDT)
Kim....Like I told my Dermatologist, " If I knew I was gonna live this long, I would have taken better care of myself"....My Grandpa died at 45(1945) and his son(my dad) died at 54(1980).....so I lived life like there was no tommorrow. Only thing I`ve had go wrong is skin cancer....But I`ve also had a "shit load" of dental work....implants, partials, veneers....alot of work...and pain.
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Monday, September 04, 2006 at 16:27:25 (MDT)
The Cobra EM hootches didn't have AC in 71. We had fans up the giggy though. I roomed with a guy named Samsel for a while, second hootch in on the right, going up the hill. sides were 1 sheet of plywood high, screening above that. 55 gallon barrels of sand stood on end, all around, back to a bunker at the rear of the building. PA&E supplied hot wter, but the heater died, and we did the cold shower routine for a couple months. The showers were next to the road between us and dustoff. I don't think I brushed my teeth once while over there, and have paid for it ever since! Heck, I wasn't going to live to see 20, what did I care about teeth?......I think the best room I ever saw over there was a guy in unscheduled Maintainance, CATE? All kinds of playboy centerfolds, and black light photo's.
Kim
USA - Monday, September 04, 2006 at 13:28:46 (MDT)
In 66 The only hot water for showers was black panted drop tank from the AF, and it was first come first serve, and you could see the choppers comming in at the end of the day to get to the shower, you snooz you loose. Then we got a mergen heater to heat hot water in the drop tank, great hu...You guys had it made but not like the AF guys but still not to bad. when the Co gave us the name of Gypsys, it fit us great because we lived like then. You cant fool me , I saw the Hoochs you guys lived in but thats ok to. We had a great time even when things were bad, not to take away any thing ftom you guys. We still are Brothers right. Love the 129Th band of Bros. (Thanks for being there). BullDog 745
BG 745 (208) 939-9302 <joenadkristy@mstar.net>
USA - Monday, September 04, 2006 at 13:04:22 (MDT)
We epoxyed a large electric charcoal starter into a 55gal barrel for hot water. Worked well, but everyone had to make sure that they refilled the barrel and did not leave it plugged in without water.
Dennis Faucher <dennis_faucher@hotmail.com>
USA - Monday, September 04, 2006 at 12:02:13 (MDT)
I know that the cobra hootches were a/cd for my entire tour. We used to get them out of phu cat. The hot water heaters were harder to find. The only place I've seen people guard their mattresses more intensly was in prison.
Rick Benedict , Little John 70-71
USA - Monday, September 04, 2006 at 10:25:23 (MDT)
Bill Shillito had curly sandy blond hair.
Dennis Faucher <dennis_faucher@hotmail.com>
USA - Monday, September 04, 2006 at 08:59:14 (MDT)
There was AC in some of the hootches. My first was in the last one on the left going to the O Club. Later, I shared one with Claude Strother and later Tom Leitz after Claudes death. The last one had been lt Barber and Lt Wolfs. I am certain that one had window type unit ac. Seems like Strother and I paid Barber and Wolf about $50 each for that room when they left. The inside was lined with half inch plywood with beds built up on the left as you entered on the inside and outside walls. There was a bar on the right as you entered and the ac on the outside wall. It didn't get ice cold, but it was bareable.
Dennis Faucher <dennis_faucher@hotmail.com>
USA - Monday, September 04, 2006 at 08:52:19 (MDT)
Art...Well then somebody was BSing me about the Air Condition Hooches.....LOL
Fred Skaggs
Summit, NJ USA - Monday, September 04, 2006 at 06:48:43 (MDT)
Hi flight I left the 129 aug no air then you go out the door from air to out side it coud put you on your ass .Art
Arthur E Foster <tigerwagon@msn.com>
Hogansville, GA. USA - Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 17:08:07 (MDT)
Good Morning Hisser & P-------'s. Just for your info. The Hurricane,of the Phang Rang scenatio, happened in October of 71. The hurrricane was named Hester. Bill Shelletto, where are you???
Bruno E Sanchez
Laredo, TX USA - Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 09:24:44 (MDT)
"Nightmares are for Warriors that have gone and fought"- Amen Fred
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Saturday, September 02, 2006 at 22:00:59 (MDT)
something i wrote awhile back in response to "there is no glory in war".If i remember correctly,I was feeling a "bit down" when I read the post this is a response to. To bad this foreum doesnt allow me to post it as written.....-- ..Glory in War... I must disagree; there is glory in war. from teens we are taught, this is what we're for. ... We get our letter, and leave this land. We have our inner fears, But think it’s grand. .... We hear the bugle, we see the Flag. Off we go, with no thoughts of body bags. .... Innocence is lost, soon after we arrive. This isn’t what we were taught, it’s keep your buddy alive. .... The hell with the drums, and the bugle corps. The eyes of our brothers, contain trust and more. .... I will die, to save my friends. This they will do for me, it’s a circle without end. .... But yet, times of glory do arise. only to be seen, by your buddies’ eyes. .... Don’t mean squat, back at home. When you return, you find yourself alone. .... But yet, in those glory days. All bullshit aside, your heart knows the way. .... You didn’t let down your friends, and you get to come home. You never forget, the friends you have known. ...... Glory is for the books, that young are taught. Nightmares are for warriors that have gone and fought..... © 26 May 2006 by Fred Alvis
alvis
USA - Saturday, September 02, 2006 at 20:17:56 (MDT)
hi lurch you must be thinking about someone else bill was slinder and did look 19 , but he was blonde i have a pic of bill, franch, and a crewchief name shakey, if you want i can post it. Lurch was you my ac when we lost our hydrolics and had to make an emergency landing at the korean airfield. donnie
donnie purvis <donnie.purvis@us.army.mil>
linwood, nc USA - Saturday, September 02, 2006 at 20:04:22 (MDT)
his PC is down Rick
alvis
USA - Saturday, September 02, 2006 at 13:24:02 (MDT)
Ron Paye did Frank Davis get hold of you?
Rick England
USA - Saturday, September 02, 2006 at 12:14:17 (MDT)
ZANDRI...ahhh, thanks Alemaster, it's funny, I always knew his first name, never his last. I was hanging on to my 60's bungee strap for dear life for a few seconds during that ride, when I got back against the bulkhead and sat down, Fred had disappeared from view in his seat!!! For the life of me, I don't know how you managed to keep the main rotor from hitting the psp and getting us scattered all over Plieku. Huey tuck plus, there....funny, that time, just like any time we were on a gun run, everything just went into slow motion, seemed like we were bouncing around for an hour Bill Shillitto. The story I heard was that he stripped and went after the donut dollies while everyone else cheered him on. LOL Thanks for the straight story on that, Lurch.
Kim
USA - Friday, September 01, 2006 at 12:46:43 (MDT)
Kim, Fred's last name was Zandri. He was our PP when I screwed 212 up at Camp Holloway. As we were in the process of crashing, I remember seeing Fred looking over the top of his chicken plate and the toes of his boots sticking out of the bottom of the same. Don't know how anyone got that balled up to protect himself in such a short time. Mike Lovejoy was also about Fred's size. We called him Soothsayer; understand he was killed in a AH-1 crash in the states. Keith, I also remember Bill Shillo (sp) as a newby. We all roughed him and the other newbies up too much but Bill played the game well. He used to like to run around in the buff so I doubt if you guys had too much trouble helping him out of his flight suit. Good guys, all. Regards, Alemaster
Vic Gilliland <vic.Gilliland@flightsafety.com>
San Antonio, TX USA - Friday, September 01, 2006 at 08:22:05 (MDT)
Lurch,you comming to kokomo?Ron P. and myself were both there when you were and will be in kokomo. 13 days left
alvis
USA - Friday, September 01, 2006 at 07:10:44 (MDT)