Logbook July 2016 - US Army Otter Caribou Association

Transcription

November 11, 2016
In this edition: Caribou Chronicles, Otter Odds & Ends, Crazy Cat Corner,
E-mail, Who’s Under the Weather. All this and much, much more. . .
Logbook Available Online - Go to www.otter-caribou.org
P.O. Box 55284 - St. Petersburg, FL 33732-5284
1-727-576-0480
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
November 2016 Volume XXXII Number 3
Published three times a year
Publisher - Bruce D. Silvey
Editor - William R. (Bill) Upton
The Logbook is the official publication of the Army Otter-Caribou Association,
Inc., P.O. Box 55284, St. Petersburg, FL 33732-5284, a not for profit
organization, IRS ID 58-1663032, granted 4/26/90. © 2016 Army Otter-Caribou
Association, Inc. All Rights reserved. Not for profit military or veterans
organizations may reproduce items providing credit is given to the author and
the Logbook, Army Otter-Caribou Association, Inc.
Association Officers and Directors
President
William R. Upton
1st Vice President
2nd Vice President
Secretary
Samuel Kaiser
Chuck Hadley
Edward E. Shuster
Treasurer
Dennis Toaspern
Parliamentarian
Donald S. Seymour
Historian
Wayne Buser
Scholarships
Julian T. Caraballo
Chaplain
Edward E. Shuster
Legal
Kenneth S. Womack
Recruiting
Floyd T. Burks
Reunions
Wayne Buser
Information
William R. Upton
Executive Vice President
Bruce D. Silvey
Immediate Past President
Glenn Carr
Please tell us if you’ve moved, changed your e-mail, gotten lost or
recently found so we can update your membership roster information.
Call EVP Bruce Silvey at 1-727-576-0480, e-mail him at
[email protected] or write him at P.O. Box 55284, St. Petersburg, FL
33732-5284. Roster copies available on request.
Visit AOCA’s web site at: http://www.otter-caribou.org/
Want to see your name in print? If so, please send your
aecdotal, amusing, audacious, historical, and/or
hysterical Otter, Caribou, or Neptune tale(s)
(photos encouraged) to: Bill Upton, 2360 Vaccaro
Dr., Sarasota, FL 34231 - 941-923-1695
Email: [email protected]
AOCA Logbook
What a dream come true;
President of the great, never-say-die,
Army Otter-Caribou Association.
I’m proud to serve AOCA’s
magnificent warriors; you all know
who I’m talking about, don’t you?
It’s those folks who sit with us at
reunions, who joke with us, who
relate stories that no one who hasn’t
“been there” can believe. That’s you
I’m talking about. You are all
Bill Upton
warriors in every sense of the word. And, I’m not referring only
to flight crews, but to each and every member who flew, crewed,
worked on or guided our airplanes into and out of combat. I
couldn’t be more proud of all of you. Thanks for allowing me to
serve you.
The reunion was an unqualified success thanks in no small
part to Wayne and Roberta Buser. And they had expert help from
EVP Bruce Silvey, Reggie & Kenne Edwards, Johanna Seymour,
Dwight & Chris Ward, Laura Shuster and Earl Burley. Thanks
also to Armed Forces Reunions for providing superb staffing.
Want to know what I liked most about the reunion? Our trip
to Hunter Army Airfield. The tour was well-planned, thanks, in
part, to Earl Burley. The soldiers we interacted with were the
absolute cream of the “All Volunteer” military crop. They were
accommodating, courteous and highly respectable.
Hey, if you weren’t in Savannah, you missed a Thursday night
Army band performance that would have knocked your socks off.
There are not enough positive adjectives to describe that evening.
Suffice it to simply say, “outstanding!”
And how about our reunion emcee, Earl “The Pearl” Burley?
He is a force to be reckoned with. Sometimes irascible, sometimes
impossible; he’s always on target and his performances are
impeccable.
One more thing, breakfast time at reunions is, without fail,
something to enjoy because you can always find a special old or
new friend with whom to share some bacon, eggs and coffee.
Ain’t nothing better.
It was great to see Past President Bill Potts and the lovely,
former “Hat Lady,” Lila Jean. Although Bill uses a walker to get
around, he seemed lively and happy to be around his old friends.
One person I sorely missed was 2nd VP, Chuck Hadley, who
is in a bit of medical trouble. Chuck is always fun to have around
snapping photos (some of them strange, indeed) and cutting up.
Veterans Day comes this month (November) – a poem:
To All AOCA Members on Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a solemn event
For my friends who took the oath and went
To fight for life and liberty
To keep our great, great nation free.
You are my friends who took that vow
My friends then and my friends now.
I salute you all and want to say
Please have a great, great Veterans Day.
Celebrating the Otter, Caribou and Neptune Aircraft
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Wings of Friendship
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Bruce D. Silvey
Lindbergh Chapter
$1,000 to Alexander Charles Mark,
grandchild of LTC Harry Chambers,
Chesterfield MO. University of Illinois at
Chicago
Otter-Caribou Heritage Scholarships
1. $1,000 to Andrew C. Mark, grandchild
of LTC Harry Chambers. Boston
University
Proof That I Made It to Savannah
THE SAVANNAH REUNION
. . . We missed you at the reunion - it
really was one of our best - I think because
of the major effort put forth by the Hunter
Army Air Field military personnel. We all
enjoyed the renewed military connection.
MEMBERSHIP STATUS
2. $1,000 to Chad B. Helton. grandchild
of CAPT John Ulbinsky, Colorado
Springs CO. University of Colorado at
Boulder
3. $1,000
to Hannah E. Larson,
grandchild of Mr. Kent Hulse. University
of Alabama
4. $1,000 to Samantha P. Sprengeler,
grandchild of COL Ronald Sprengeler.
Winona State University, Rochester
We currently have 575 active
members which is less than we had at this
time last year. Several more flew “West” 5. $1,000 to Jeanne A. Smith, grandchild
this year. We will miss them - expecting of LTC John Burden, Lovettsville VA.
American Military University
them to hold a place at the table for us.
The web site remains a principal
source of contact: www.otter-caribou.org
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The scholarship program continues to
be hugely successful. Support from the
membership is impressive. We had 13
applicants this year and 10 received some
form of scholarship assistance. Five were
from the AOCA donation of $5000 and
five were from the Army Aviation Assn
family of established scholarship funds
We congratulate each and every one
of these outstanding students and wish
them well in their education and life.
2016 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Lindbergh Chapter Past Presidents
Scholarship
$1,000 to Christopher W. Mark,
grandchild of LTC Harry Chambers,
Chesterfield MO. Missouri University of
Science and Technology
COL Russell Baugh Memorial Scholarship
$1,000 to Josh P. Brady, grandchild of Mr.
Larry Rose, Lawrence KS. University of
Kansas
Washington-Potomac Chapter
$2,000 to Kirby L. Caraballo, grandchild
of LTC Julian Caraballo, Fairfax VA.
University of North Carolina at Asheville
North Texas Chapter George H. Schultz
Memorial Scholarship
$1,000 to Jamie Nicole Calder, Midlothian,
TX. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Tom Caraballo, Scholarship Director,
urges everyone with an interest in
applying for a scholarship should note that
the cutoff date for applications is:
1 MAY 2017
The Address:
AAAA
755 Main Street, Suite 4D,
Monroe, CT 06468-2830
(203) 268-2450
FAX: (203) 268-5870
www.quad-a.org
Just click on “Scholarships” and follow
the instructions.
You will see there is an added prequalifying requirement. It is pretty easy and a great way to help a student get
started. It is necessary for someone in the
family to join AAAA, but the one year
membership requirement is waived for
AOCA members.
You must receive a packet from AAAA.
Do it early - there are details to complete.
REUNIONS
HERE’S THE LATEST
For next year the plan is Kansas City
but it is not locked in - so that could
change depending on hotel availability
and other variables. We will let all know
as soon as possible.
A date is to be determined but likely
late September/early October.
Looking ahead - Wayne Buser is looking
at locations for two and three years from
now - in the mix are Williamsburg, VA
and Louisville, KY.
RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP NOW
Take the initiative and send $15.00.
Most of you are regular members.
Associates are $20.00. Mail to official
address:
AOCA
PO Box 55284
St Petersburg FL 33732-5284
Multi-thanks to all. It’s been a great
year - and thanks for all the nice comments
you have sent my way. The Best of
Everything to each and every one of you.
Which means you should begin your
thinking process very soon - in order to
get the paperwork completed. It is not
difficult but needs to be done on time.
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Wings of Friendship
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
AOCA
OFC
(Old Fart’s Club)
Honors John Stanfield
Association Secretary
2001 - 2014
n
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I wish I could have been at the lunch for
John. He did a truly outstanding job and will be
missed. It was a real honor and pleasure working
with him. My best regards, Ken Womack
You guys really surprised me. I fully
appreciate what you did but I question that I was
as good at the job as you implied. In any case
AOCA has been worth any effort I put forth. It is
wonderful to have such friends and comrades
and both Fran and I are sorry that her strokes
and loss of most of her sight have placed a
limitation on her traveling and me leaving her
alone.
God bless you and I thank you from the
heart. John Stanfield
John, my friend, I’m so sorry to have missed
your “retirement” ceremony. I’ve enjoyed both
you and Frannie over the years and I’m very glad
to have you as friends. Your value to AOCA has
been inestimable but your duty must now be to
Frannie. Thank you. Bill Upton
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Wings of Friendship
November 2016
I asked those who would do so to send in comments about
what made the Savannah reunion special to them. Bill Upton
SAM KAISER
1. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with the CWO 3 and CWO
5 Chinook Pilots and talking about Chinooks and Chinook units,
pilots, crews, and leaders.
2. Touring old homes and museums and discussing the
history of the folks who lived there was a great pleasure.
3. It was inspirational listening to the current Battalion
Commander talk about his unit and his “Millennial Soldiers.” For
example, both the military bus driver and the lieutenant and who
served as our guide were courteous, most helpful and were proud
of completing the task they had been given. They knew their work
reflected on their unit and all its members and their pride shown
through their work.
4. The greatest pleasure was visiting with old friends and
their wives from long ago and far away – so many have already
“flown West.”
5. The bus tour of the local city with a tour guide who knew
the history of the sites we saw and who enjoyed sharing her
knowledge with those of us on the tour was a highlight event.
6. Not to “Suck UP” to our new supreme leader, Bill Upton,
but I put his poem/presentation at our reunion dinner in the same
league as the prayer he wrote overnight for the dedication
ceremony of the AOCA memorial at the Mineral Wells, TX
National Vietnam War Museum.
7. I always thoroughly enjoy Earl Burley as our master of
ceremonies. He is witty, thoughtful and brings joy to our hearts
and I always look forward with anticipation as to what he will
say and do next.
8. The hotel employees were all friendly and pleasant and
seemed to care about their guests and were most helpful.
9. The hotel facilities were excellent and well suited to
support a bunch of sexagenarians, septuagenarians, and
octogenarians. I don't believe we have any nonagenarians, yet
but some are getting close.
10. I must pay the highest compliment to our Reunion
Coordinators, Wayne and Berta Buser, and to the hard work they
do. Without Wayne and Berta there would be “No Joy in
Mudville.”
TRACY KAISER
1. I enjoyed renewing old friendships and meeting our new
red star (first-timer) couple, Larry and Gail Lattin from Montana.
2. We had good tour guides.
3. Outstanding Band entertainment provided by the Aviation
Brigade Band.
AOCA Logbook
4. Thoughtful speeches from young active duty officers and
our own officers.
5. Beautiful City – Savannah is definitely a walking about
city and a delight to the eye.
6. We experienced kindness from all we met and the young
soldiers from Hunter Army Airfield are such a credit to our Army.
FRANK MAYS
Bill,
Once again, congratulations on becoming our 31st President.
Also thanks for being the editor-in-chief of our award winning
Logbook.
Now, Savannah was special because it was my way of
introducing my wife, Phyllis, to a group of guys and gals who
were instrumental in shaping my Army career. The members of
the AOCA are among the BEST and are Leaders of the REST.
They are the reason that I, as a SP/5 CV-2B crew chief and flight
engineer, went on to the Warrant Officer Rotory Wing
Qualification Course. Going on to became a dual rated SIP and
Flight Examiner in both rotary wing and fixed wing. I told Phyllis
of the many great life stories shared with this group of men. Only
now does she understand how wonderful a group of officers and
enlisted are who pointed me to a service in the US Army and a
career in Army Aviation.
Savannah and Hunter AAF hold a special place in my heart.
I finished my secondary and final phase of flight school at Hunter.
I only wish that I could have flown the CV-2B Caribou.
Phyllis wishes to thank all of those who planned, organized,
helped and attended the 31st reunion of the AOCA and for
sharing with her the friendship and warmth that only comes from
a group such as ours.
A VERY special thanks to Wayne Buser. Top notch and
Above The Best!
KEN LaGRANDEUR
The outstanding memories I have about the Savannah
Reunion are the tour of Hunter Army Airfield ( being caught up
on the readiness activities of our Army Troops today), the
extremely wonderful musical presentation by the band at the
dinner buffet, and the CO's presentation as to the readiness
training of his troops and how they are ready to go out into any
part of the world to defend our troops and our Nation as a
whole.
Overall it made me proud to know that we have the readiness
of the troops and how we can count on them to insure our health
and well-being wherever they are. And that we can depend upon
them to keep us free and out of harms way. May God Bless them
all.
Reunion Comments Continued Next Page
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Wings of Friendship
BOB GLENN
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
I know that our organization faces problems with the aging
and dwindling of the membership and how to deal with this and
still have meaningful reunions. And, as one of the younger
members of the AOCA, you are now in charge of solving these
problems.
By the way, since I missed the business meeting, where is
the reunion next year? Thanks for soliciting input.
I liked the choice of the reunion location since my last
military assignment was as Director of Engineering and Housing
for Ft. Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield. It was great to see so
many individuals that I served with in my early military career.
The banquet speaker provided a very interesting and
informative update on the aviation branch, giving us all the
opportunity to marvel at the changes that have taken place since
HARRY CHAMBERS
we were young aviators. I think the best part of every reunion is
the opportunity to reconnect with individuals that were part of Hi Bill and Bruce,
those days.
First, you two are doing wonderful. You both, along with
All reunions are great, they all offer many opportunities to Wayne Buser, always conduct great reunions and of course the
see different places and participate in activities, but it ultimately Logbook is always a work of art. And of course (again) many
is the opportunity, to go back in time and share experiences that thanks to all the wonderful folks who do the grunt (Army slang)
were very unique in our flying days.
work behind the spot lights. Without them it could never run like
Thanks again for the effort that went into making this a a Swiss train.
success.
Next, and by the way Bill, I read your wonderful book, Pizza
and Mortars. Great story telling about what you experienced in
BILL GILES
Vietnam. Brought back many similar memories. In fact when I
was enlisted (5 ½ years) about 100 years ago I also was an aircraft
President Upton,
mechanic, but on the L-19A. I really enjoyed reading your stories
Congrats on your ascending to the presidency of the AOCA. but it took me two days to read it. Guess I’m getting slow in my
If it were anyone else, I would tell them to, "get to work," but old age. And before I get my butt chewed out again Bill I’ll invent
you already do so much for the organization that a comment like another story for the Logbook. I’ll even confess how I lied about
that would be out of place.
my age when I joined the California NG and again lying about
This is a response to your request to share experiences from my height when I passed my flight physical. Hope the Army
the reunion. I have three main reasons for coming to the reunions. doesn’t courts martial me now that I have confessed. If they do
First is to see the friends I served with in Vietnam; that would I’ll blame it on Uptoe!
mainly be Belford (Murphy) Benenhaley and Jim Honeycutt. Warm regards to both,
Murphy was there at Savannah and we roomed together as usual. Harry chambers
Second, I enjoy seeing the friends that I have made since I PS: Congratulations, Bill, for being elevated to President and still
started coming to the reunions back in Albuquerque and making keeping the Logbook. You’ll do great.
new friends each year.
Third, I like to travel and see new places. Despite being a
GEORGE OWEN
native Carolinian, I had never been in downtown Savannah, so
taking the City Tour on Friday morning was a highlight for me.
Bruce, I want to thank you for all the hard work you have
I have been to nearby Tybee Island and to the Eighth Air Force subjected yourself to to make another reunion the greatest. And,
Museum, as my father served with the Eighth in WWII, but those thanks to Wayne Buser, our reunion chair. It seems that each year
aren't the places for which Savannah is famous and make it the reunion is greater than ever. I haven’t missed a reunion since
unique.
my first in 1989. I cannot image that an organization could ever
My reunion stay was cut short on both ends due to personal have such a group of loyal members. It is a wonderful
conflicts. I had a friend visiting from Tanzania and I had to put organization that Bill Hooks and his small staff down in Georgia
her on the plane in Indianapolis to return home on Wednesday that put the first reunion together more than a quarter of century
morning, so I couldn’t leave for the reunion until that feat was ago. I am extremely proud to be a member of such a wonderful
accomplished. Then, I had a family reunion in South Carolina on organization and it’s members. “What a Group!”
Saturday, so I had to leave on Friday afternoon to attend that
Bill, Thanks for what you do for the organization. I enjoy
event.
your humor. Congratulations on your rise to President. Serve well.
So, my stay at the reunion was only about 24 hours. But, that I have tons of tons of wonderful memories from the first day I
was long enough to have a big highlight. I discovered that Reggie became a member of the 1st Otter Company way back in 1956.
and Kenne Edwards have retired to upstate South Carolina about We were a separate breed from day one. Although the 2nd Otter
a mile or two from where I was born. They know my Company was formed shortly afterwards it ended up in Europe
grandmother's house where I lived as a small child. Reggie told so was no composition here in the States for a while. I had left it
me about putting flags on veterans graves in the area and asked for the Infantry Advance Course before the Caribou replaced the
me about the Foster grave in the New Prospect Cemetery. That Otters at Fort Benning.
would be Gary Evans Foster, second most decorated American
soldier after Alvin York in WWI, who is buried about 50 feet
JIM GREENQUIST
from my grandparents. We had a delightful conversation and I
made more new friends.
Bill, Thanks for your request on what keeps this organization
going and congratulations on being elected the 31st President.
Reunion Comments Continued Next Page
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Wings of Friendship
November 2016
The Savannah reunion was great. Keeping our meetings near
the active military made it special. The day at Hunter Army
Airfield was well spent. Our group was small enough so we all
had an opportunity to talk with the crew chiefs, mechanics,
aviators, and command personnel.
All the active military soldiers I talked with were well
prepared to answer questions. I was quite proud to see army
professionalism up close. At lunch at Hunter, I sat next to a Fort
Eustis trained mechanic - a delight to talk with. My close-up view
of the all-volunteer Army was very positive. The dinner military
music (Thursday) and the talk by the Sgt Maj kept my attention.
The banquet speech by the Bn Commander was exceptional - his
presentation was well focused and his message of early Army
Aviation contributions was well received by all.
Many of us have attended retiree gatherings from other units,
Div's, etc, the AOCA has survived because we are well organized
with exceptional personnel in leadership positions. Wishing you
continued success as President.
ED SHUSTER
Each reunion gets better, each participant more dear to swap
stories with. We look forward to showing up for another great
event next year. We were disappointed that we did not have the
AOCA Logbook
boat ride but the meal made up for it. But, as I had an event to
plan for, going home early was okay.
Earl Burley works hard to do a good job as emcee. His effort
is worth the show he puts on. Nice to see someone think on his
feet. Bruce was a joy to have back on duty and we really enjoyed
the slides he made up for the Rotary Club. Our guest speaker did
an excellent job of telling what they do and how our history is
tied together. All in all, a great evening and a great reunion.
GEORGE OWEN REDUX
I would, once again, like to send my thanks and
congratulations to those who hosted the Savannah, Ga. reunion.
Having once hosted an AOCA reunion, I know the work and
worry that goes into hosting. I really know how exhausted our
host was even before the reunion. Great – great job, Wayne.
Thanks. My wife and I had a wonderful time.
One of the great blessings
of an Army Reunion
is to see old buddies
one more time. . .
Bill, Bruce and Wayne:
Well, where to start. . . First, thank you for making a Special Lady feel very special and very happy. I used to tell Ernie that I
did not think that I would be able to come alone, but I am so glad that I was nudged to do so. Everyone goes out of their way to make
the reunions welcoming and I so appreciate it. I would echo that if you missed it, you really did miss out and this year especially. I
heard over and over during the weekend that this was one of the best reunions. Every thing about the Savannah reunion was fantastic
– the hotel location was perfect and the city tour was a great introduction. The boat ride made for a beautiful evening and let our group
know we haven't lost our ability to be flexible to whatever comes our way. Thank you Wayne for juggling all of the arrangements
and hospitality – superb job! The band members and the banquet speaker let us know that our military is filled with great folks. Best
of all is reuniting with old friends from 50 plus years ago and meeting new friends every conference. This hotel seemed to be well
suited for mingling with the hospitality room so convenient. Overlapping with the WWII veterans was a bonus. A last thought – if
you feel you can't manage the trip on your own, invite your children. My daughter, Lu Ann, has been coming for the last few years
and enjoys the group and the other Army Brats she has met and shared common experiences with them.
Looking forward to seeing everyone in Kansas City in 2017!
Kind Regards,
Clara Holmes (Special Lady)
Thank you so very much, Clara. It is Special Ladies like yourself who put the frosting on the Reunion cake. Very nice comments.
Bill Upton, AOCA President
An absolutely fabulous letter - makes it all worth while. I think all Special Ladies feel like this. Bruce Silvey, AOCA Executive
Vice-President
Thank you very much for your kind words about the Savannah Reunion. Savannah provided a great location, so everyone could
enjoy their time there. The reunion committee works hard to include our Special Ladies and spouses in planning our reunion events.
Your letter makes all our efforts worthwhile and we thank you and LuAnn for attending.
Wayne Buser, AOCA Reunion Chairman
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ABOUT THE REUNION
A report by Earl B. Burley
I returned from Savannah, Georgia and the AOCA 31st Reunion about 12 hours ago and hope to finish this report before I sober
up.
I have been the MC of our reunions for about seven years. And every year since I joined in 1988 and attended the 3rd Reunion
in Enterprise, Alabama, the gathering has always been been well worth the price of admission. This year’s meeting was about as
good as it gets or might get in the future. Some may say our attendance is seriously low to which I reply; it has decreased lately (130
attended this year), however there were only five attendees at our first meeting. No reason to panic. Size does not matter; this year’s
attendees were about as fine a group of spirited folks as you may ever meet. Their enthusiasm and camaraderie was about as high
as the moon.
President Glenn Carr and Pat were all about making sure everything was properly arranged and that members were comfortably
settled. Wayne Buser and Roberta’s planning for this Reunion started about eleven months ago to ensure the event was as excellent
as about any we have held. And it was. Our Executive Vice–President, Bruce Silvey, was everywhere, all the time, providing
assistance and guidance in about as smooth, casual and effective manner as imaginable. He entertained us at the Saturday dinner.
At the Thursday buffet a DOD ceremony awarded 61 Vietnam Veterans a gold lapel pin in recognition of their service to our
Country. A signed presidential certificate was included with the award. The 3rd Infantry Division band performed about the most
exciting and entertaining show (military or commercial) of any act in town. The first number by the eighteen select musicians and
two vocalists brought the house down and the attendees to their feet. A long, enthusiastic, standing ‘O” erupted.
Our guest speakers were about the finest any Army Aviation audience could hope for. At the Thursday buffet dinner CSM Mike
Dove, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, spoke about the high intellectual level and expert technical skills of current aviation soldiers.
At the Saturday dinner, Lieutenant Colonel Reggie Harper, Cdr. 3rd Bn, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment explained
the Battalion's mission, and he talked about the select aviation men and women and the best flying machines in any Army.
The opening ceremony Saturday featured the presentation of the colors by a very sharp honor guard from the 160th, the Memorial
Table dedication and the video, “A Tribute to Vietnam Veterans,” narrated by Sam Elliot. The food, the service, the atmosphere, the
brotherhood was about as good as can be!
About Our 2017 President, William R. Upton.
Following the outgoing President Carr’s swearing-in, the perky new President Upton took a firm grasp of the podium and looked
to the full ballroom. He delivered an inspired, personal recognition of the heroics of the Vietnam Veterans of the AOCA. He noticeably
spoke from his heart based on personal service experience and love for his Army brothers. When he finished there was a silent pause
while we absorbed his words, then we stood and applauded. It was a special moment. I’ve recorded it for you.
President Upton’s inauguration address:
Ladies and Gentlemen, Honored Guests and AOCA Dignitaries. It is my special honor to stand before you as the 31st President
of the great Army - Otter - Caribou Association.
It is a position that could be somewhat more involved were it not for folks like our Executive Vice-President, Bruce Silvey, our
inimitable Emcee, Earl Burley, our esteemed past presidents, the AOCA Board of Directors and all the wonderful committee chairs
and volunteers who have served faithfully over the years. Thanks to you all.
As I look out over this audience and at our distinguished head table I don’t see a group of aging retirees and Special Ladies; I
see young men and women who once offered up their lives in defense of our great nation. I see determined, hearts of steel pilots,
many of whom flew missions over deep jungles and into tiny, often enemy infested, airstrips in order to deliver troops, ammo, food,
fuel and medical supplies to beleaguered camps while red hot tracer bullets punched holes in wings and fuselages.
I see courageous crew chiefs whose job was to ensure their plane was was ready to go, who often made emergency repairs in
remote outposts, who loaded and unloaded cargo, who helped wounded soldiers to board and who, with great respect, bore stretchers
bearing amorphous body bags filled with the remains of fallen soldiers.
I see capable mechanics who spent long hours performing routine maintenance and making the mission critical repairs that kept
our planes in the air so that our support missions could be successful.
I also see the Tech Inspectors, Control Tower Operators, support staff and others who sacrificed their time and dedicated their
skills in support of our war efforts.
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I see the devoted and loyal wives who spent countless, agonizing minutes, hours, days, months and sometimes years wondering
if their warriors would come home alive. These wonderful women were every bit as brave in playing the cards life had dealt to them
as were the husbands who fought.
In other words, I see heroes. Not the storybook kind, but actual heroes who, when their country called, chose not to evade the
draft, chose not to make excuses, chose not to move to Canada, or to ask for college deferments, but in most cases volunteered to put
their lives on the line.
Before I close, I’d like to read you a poem I wrote as editor of the AOCA Logbook:
Our Legacy
We flew all over that war torn land
From Khe Sanh to Can Tho.
We hauled in some of the damndest things
To places no one should go.
We flew cows and pigs to Dak To
To feed our forces there.
We carried bayonets, bullets and mortar rounds
To damn near anywhere.
We carried shavetails to their first commands
Fresh out of OCS.
We carried grunts to some hot LZs
Then brought them back to rest.
We flew movie stars to far outposts
To entertain the troops.
We brought “Donut Dollies” in sometimes
To give morale a boost.
We carried hard-nosed officers
And apron strung recruits.
We carried booze and C’s and cigarettes
And tons of jungle boots.
We ferried many a wet-eared troop
Into cong infested nests
And brought them back as heroes
With Purple Hearts on their chests.
We flew into the shortest strips
A man’s mind could conceive
And dropped our precious cargo
Then turned around to leave.
We flew the Otter, Caribou and P-2V
Back in the days of old
And when we have a beer or two
Our stories they unfold.
Well, my friends, I’m here to say
That this poem is just for you
You went to where you had to go
To do what you had to do.
Once again, Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your
president. Ladies and gentlemen, I salute you. AMERICA, THE
LAND OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE! Bill
Upton
Excellent Job, Mr. President!
Now, after 16 abouts, you have my report on what the Reunion was all about. (17 abouts).
As I write, Bruce, President Upton and Wayne are looking at where and when the 32nd reunion will land. If you can make it to
next year’s event, please do it and see for yourself what it’s all about! (18) We are still having fun, just at a slower pace.
Regarding any rumors about phasing out the Reunions. . . What? Hell no ! . . .We're just getting started! That’s about it from
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA VIETNAM WAR
COMMEMORATION
Military Families Organization (35 Veterans) and 25 Awards to
former members of the 9th infantry Division.
The DOD lapel pin awarded to Vietnam
Veterans at the 31 st AOCA Reunion.
The back side of the pin to be closest to the
heart of the wearer, reads, “A Grateful Nation Thanks And
Honors you.” An official awards ceremony performed by COL
Earl Burley presented 42 AOCA members with the pin.
The Department of Defense honored the AOCA by awarding
the designation as a “Commemorative Partner” of the Vietnam
Veterans recognition program. As a “Partner” the Association
provided assistance, pins and Awards Ceremony supplies to
qualified recipients.
To date ceremony material has been provided to a Tampa
Left: DOD Designates
AOCA as a Commemorative
Partner
Right: Lapel Pin
Table at Savannah
Reunion
Page8
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
Board of Directors
Elected Officers
William R. Upton, President
Sam Kaiser, 1st VP
Charles Hadley, 2nd VP
Edward E. Shuster, Secretary
Dennis A. Toaspern, Treasurer
Don Seymour, Parliamentarian
Appointed Officers
Wayne Buser, Historian
Edward E. Shuster, Chaplain
Kenneth Womack, Legal Officer
William R. Upton, PIO
Wayne Buser, Reunions
Floyd Burks, Recruiting
Tom Caraballo, Scholarship
Executive Vice President
Bruce D. Silvey
Immediate Past President
Glenn P. Carr
AOCA Logbook
P. O. Box 55284
St. Petersburg, Florida
33732-5284
Tel: 1-727-576-0480
EMail Address: [email protected]
WebPage: http://www.otter-caribou.org
August 15, 2016
Office of the Commanding General
Major General Jim Rainey
Building 1
942 Dr. Ben Hall Place
Fort Stewart, GA 31314
Dear General Rainey:
Thanks to you and your staff for your part in the successful reunion of the Army Otter-Caribou Association. Members report
that this was one of out best reunions due to the renewed contact we made with the active military. We’d like to recognize to the following:
1st Lt Alec Velasco
603rd ASB, 3 CAB, 3rd ID
Action Officer
Greg Davis
Manager
Hunter Virtual Training Facility
Lt Col Mike Squires
Command Overview Briefing
Lt Zack Brown
USCG Air Station Savannah
CSM George Dove
3rd Combat Aviation Brigade
Lt Col Reggie Harper
CO, 3-169 S. O. A. R.
The 3rd Infantry Division Band
Steve Hart
Public Affairs Officer
Hunter Army Airfield
Please extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to these individuals.
William R. Upton
President
Army Otter-Caribou Association
Page9
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
3rd COMBAT AVIATION BRIGADE
HOSTS AOCA
SAVANNAH, GA, UNITED STATES
08.05.2016
Story by Sgt. William Begley
3rd Combat Aviation Brigade
HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. – The veteran Army
aviators and Family members of the Army Otter-Caribou
Association brought their colorful group to Hunter Army Airfield
to reconnect with each other and reconnect with modern aviation
and the Soldiers who make it happen as part of their 31st reunion
August 4.
The Otter and the Caribou were the first fixed wing Army
aircraft to be deployed as aviation units to South Vietnam in 1962,
three years prior to the use of ground forces. Their mission was
to support Special Forces personnel in the area. The aircraft were
specifically designed for short takeoff and landing for the “Bush
Pilots” of Alaska and the Yukon Territory. This made them
perfect for providing support to areas which were previously
deemed inaccessible.
Glenn Carr, a retired lieutenant colonel and Caribou pilot,
spent 28 years in the Army and his first duty station was Fort
Stewart in 1959. When he left there he was the commander of
Liberty Field, which is now known as Wright Army Airfield.
Back then he said it was a strategic air command base.
“I remember flying a scrounging mission with the Air Force
and I landed an [Cessna Liaison and Observation Aircraft O-1
Bird Dog] L-19 out on the runway and the tower told me to get
it under control quick, turn left off the runway onto the grass
immediately and shut down,” Carr said. “Then I watched a SAC
alert and 18 B-47’s took off right in front of me. That’s exciting
to watch.”
Memories flooded back to the veteran aviators as they were
given an opportunity to view the updated version of the CH-47F
Chinook Helicopter along with the AH-64D Apache helicopter
and the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter. Many of the
experienced pilots were re-trained on the CH-47 Chinook aircraft
when the Otter and the Caribou were no longer used.
During their time in Vietnam the aviators had colorful calls
signs they would use over the radio.
“My old call sign when I was in Troop B, 7th Squadron, 17th
Cavalry Regiment in Pleiku, Vietnam was Embalmer 6, my gun
platoon leader was Undertaker, my lift platoon leader was Pall
Bearer, my maintenance officer was Mortician and the hangar
was the Morgue. We hoped that had some deleterious effect on
the enemy but I kind of doubt it,” Carr said with a smile.
The veterans especially enjoyed meeting with the many
Soldiers they met during their visit. Every chance to connect and
share stories with the Soldiers was monopolized upon. The group
enjoyed a dinner where Command Sgt. Maj. George M. Dove,
command sergeant major, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade
delivered the keynote address.
“For me it’s exciting to meet them and talk to them and get
to thank them for their service. They’re a great group of people
and it’s great to have them here at HAAF,” said Dove.
For one CH-47F Chinook helicopter pilot experiencing the
camaraderie was priceless.
“Immediately when they walk up to you they’re not looking
at me as a stranger, they’re looking at me as the next generation
of what they were. There’s that mutual feeling that we were both
a part of something awesome,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3
Michael Slagle, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation
Regiment.
Slagle is an instructor pilot for the CH-47 Chinook and said
he appreciated meeting the pilots who flew the first generation
of the aircraft he flies today.
“To meet the pioneers that brought this airframe into
existence from engineering to reality and to put it into play for
the first time in a combat environment was a real treat for me,”
Slagle said. “It is really fulfilling to be able to show them that
their efforts helped spawn this machine that has carried the United
States Army across the globe.”
Page10
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
Reunions are sometimes poignant, sometimes serious,
sometimes out-of-the-way but are always fun. . . Why
don’t you make plans to be at the next?
Page11
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
F
AOCA Logbook
m
Sa ser
s
o
s t Kai hoto
k
P
an cy
Th Tra nion
u
d
an se re
the
r
o
Past President Bill Potts
And the Irrepressible
Lila Jean (“Hat Lady”) Potts
Betty (Gissendaner) Wright
And
Ross Wright
Your New President, Bill Upton,
And his Lovely, but busy, Escort, Mara Lewis
Dick “Easy Rider” Lochner
The Lovely Tracy Kaiser
And her Beau, Sam
Judith and Ross McKimmey
Francis and Richard Baker
Mary and Dick Drisko
3d CAB Chinook
AOCA Members visit the
Davenport House Gardens
Hunter AAF Dining Facility
Page12
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
The ARMY OTTER-CARIBOU ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES
Savannah, GA
August 3, 2016
Meeting was called to order by President Glenn Carr.
Members of the Board: Elected and present: Glenn Carr (President), William 'Bill' Upton (1st Vice President), Sam Kaiser
(3rd Vice President), Ed Shuster, (Secretary) Don Seymour (Parliamentarian), Denny Toaspern (Treasurer).
Appointed and present: Bill Upton (PIO), Ed Shuster (Chaplin), Kenneth Womack (Legal Officer), Wayne Buser (Reunion
Coordinator), Tom Caraballo (Scholarship) and Bruce Silvey (Executive Vice President).
Members absent and excused: Denny Toaspern (Treasurer), Chuck Hadley (2nd Vice President) and Floyd Burks (Recruiting
Officer).
Sequence of VP positions: Bill Upton moved that Sam Kaiser be moved to 2nd VP due to Chuck Hadley’s illness and that Chuck
Hadley be moved back to 3rd VP. Motion was seconded, discussed and passed.
President Glenn Carr appointed the following positions for the coming year: PIO Bill Upton, Chaplin Ed Shuster, Legal
Officer Ken Womack, Historian Wayne Buser, Recruiting Floyd Burks, Reunion Coordinator Wayne Buser and Scholarship Tom
Caraballo.
2015 Minutes at Dayton, OH Board of Director’s meeting and the General Meeting minutes. Bill Upton moved that we
accept the minutes as written and dispense with the reading as they were in the Logbook and posted in the hospitably suite.
Motion was seconded and passed.
Approval of expenses for Special Ladies. It has been our policy to assist Special Ladies who attend our reunions by paying
hotel room costs for those who ask for assistance. It was recommended that this approval be granted for a period of no more than
four nights for each Special Lady. A motion, to that effect, was made, seconded and passed.
Approval of expenses for the ExVP. Expense reimbursement requested was for personal use of his automobile in checking post
office box, mailing Logbooks, procurement of plaques, stamps and transporting items to the Annual Meeting. The ExVP requested
$600.00 and it was moved, seconded and passed.
Membership Report by Floyd Burks and given by Bruce Silvey: Membership each year was:
2006-838
2007-814
2008-784
2009-779
2010-757
2011-720
2012-695
2013-689
2014-653
2015-614
2016-574 this includes 5 honorary members.
The continual membership decline is related to the aging of the members of the Association.
Treasurer’s Report. The treasurer’s report was prepared by Denny Toaspern and presented by ExVP Bruce Silvey. We are a
nonprofit organization but Bruce files a tax form each year to fulfill our status with the IRS. The AOCA is in good standing
financially and the report is attached to the minutes. Motion to approve, discussed and passed.
Nominating Committee Report: Glenn Carr presented the following officers: President Bill Upton, 1st VP San Kaiser, 2nd VP
Chuck Hadley, Secretary Ed Shuster, Treasurer Denny Toaspern, and Parliamentarian, Don Seymour. Motion was made to
approve the slate of officers and it passed.
Logbook Report: Bill Upton asked that we keep those stories coming and that he plans to reduce the size of the book in order to
relieve Bruce from having to lift so much weight in getting the Logbook to the Post Office.
Historian Report: Wayne Buser reported that he had about 80 people contact him asking him about any information of a family
member's service connection in Vietnam.
Legal Report: Ken Womack reported that there were no legal issues for the Association and that we are in good shape.
Scholarship report: Tom Caraballo reported the Quad A Scholarship Committee results. There were 13 qualified applicants and
they were only able to award 5 scholarships.
Reunions: President Glenn Carr suggested we go back to planning out 3 years in advance. The reunion coordinator Wayne Buser
suggested that according to population centers we consider 1st Kansas City, 2nd Louisville and 3rd Williamsburg. We felt we
needed to continue to use AFRI to do the leg work but may look into other organizations for this service. Wayne suggested we
keep the 2 to 3 year locations flexible to allow getting the best deal. Ft Rucker was suggested as a reunion location but we felt that
the Museum project should be finished prior to returning to Rucker.
Ft. Rucker Museum Update: Earl Burley has been in contact with personnel at Ft. Rucker and he reported that improvements
are in the works and we just have to wait for funding to get in place.
Adjournment: Bill Upton moved that the meeting be adjoined, seconded and passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Ed Shuster, Secretary
The 1st VP, Bill Upton, started making campaign speeches, was over ruled as out of order many times during the meeting. Also,
as the ballot counting was preformed, more votes were cast than there are members. Criminal investigation is under way.
Page13
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
THE ARMY OTTER-CARIBOU ASSOCIATION
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES
HILTON HOTEL, SAVANNAH, GA
August 6, 2016
The business meeting was preceded by a “Service of Remembrance” for our departed comrades. Fifteen names were added to the
“We Remember” list since our last reunion.
Business Meeting Called to Order: President Glenn Carr called the 31st AOCA annual meeting to order. The President asked the
Parliamentarian, Don Seymour, if a quorum was present and received an affirmative answer. Don led the members in the Pledge
of Allegiance. The President noted that anyone was permitted to speak, only members were allowed to vote.
State of the Association Report: The Board approved changing the Vice President sequence from Sam Kaiser to 1st VP and
Chuck Hadly to 2nd VP. The President announced the following appointments: PIO Bill Upton, Chaplin Ed Shuster, Legal Officer
Ken Womack, Historian Wayne Buser, Recruiting Floyd Burks, Reunion Coordinator Wayne Buser, and Scholarship Tom
Caraballo.
Reunion: President Glenn Carr gave thanks to our reunion organizers Wayne and Roberta Buser, Don & Joanna Seymour, Bruce
Silvey and Earl Burley and the Armed Forces Reunion Company.
Logbook: President Carr noted that the Logbook continues to show high quality due to the efforts of PIO Bill Upton.
Minutes of the 2015 Meeting in Dayton, OH.: Motion to approve the minutes as published in the Logbook and as posted in the
hospitality room and to dispense with the reading of the minutes. The motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report: Bruce Silvey presented Denny Toaspern's Treasurer's report with the explanation of some of the expenses.
The Logbook was our biggest expense. Motion to accept the treasurer’s report was discussed and passed.
PT Smith Awards: PIO Bill Upton presented the PT Smith award for articles submitted to the Logbook for
publication. Awards went to: John Bachmann, Robert Flanagan, Richard Handly, Ross McKimmey, Lawrence
Patch and posthumously to Jack Serig, Sr. and Jim Hart.
Historian Report: Wayne Buser reported that most of our materials have been donated to the Fort Rucker
museum. As Historian, Wayne said he receives about 80 calls a year with questions about did my relative serve in
Vietnam? He then has to look through the files he has to see if there is any record.
Nominating and Elections Committee: President Glenn Carr, on behalf of Nominations Chair, Denny
Toaspern, presented the Nominating and Elections Committee's slate of officers for the coming year.
President
1st Vice President
2nd Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Parliamentarian
William R. “Bill” Upton
Sam Kaiser
Charles “Chuck” Hadley
Ed Shuster
Dennis Toaspern
Donald S. Seymour
President Carr then asked for nominations from the floor. Finding there were none he asked for a motion
by acclamation. A motion was made, seconded and passed whereupon the new board of directors was
duly installed.
Future Reunions: Bill Upton moved that we go to Kansas City in 2017, Williamsburg in 2018, and
Louisville in 2019. The motion was seconded, discussed with recommendations and the motion passed.
Raffle: Reggie and Kenne Edwards along with Joanna Seymour did an excellent job of running the raffle,
choosing items for auction and raising funds for the Special Ladies.
Adjourn: Motion to adjourn was made, seconded and passed.
Respectively submitted,
Ed Shuster, Secretary
Page14
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
Reunion Chair, Wayne Buser and Bill Upton
R
E
U
N
I
O
N
AOCA Logbook
Laura Shuster and Kenne Edwards Hard at Work
P
I
C
S
Immediate Past President, Glenn Carr aka “Papa Bou”
Two Girls
Four Boys
Page15
Wings of Friendship
WANTS PATCHES
Hello Bruce,
I'm getting use to the pace maker that
was installed last October, but now skin
problems are flaring up again. The VA
doctors think the blisters and peelings are
caused by some the new medication I'm
taking. I have disability and payment
agent orange exposure,but that doesn't
help all the misery (Smile).
I Heard through the grapevine that
you have 18th Avn. Co. shoulder patches.
If possible I would like to have three. I was
assigned to the 18th at Fort Riley, Kan.
January 1960, deployed to Vietnam
January 1962 and rotated February 1963.
A.B Holley was my platoon sergeant and
later platoon leader. Stay Healthy. Joe
Talbert
PAT TOASPERN UPDATE
It looks as though Patty and I won't be
coming to Savannah for the reunion. Her
hip difficulties continue. We made a six
hour jaunt to Maine for our nephew's
wedding and, while she's a trooper and
gritted her way through the trip and the
return, it was uncomfortable. Two cardays to and two days from Savannah
might be just a wee bit too much. I don't
think flying would work, given the poor
regional aircraft that service Broome
County Airport and the length of time in
the air.
I believe that we have a strong
medical malpractice suit against the
November 2016
orthopod who did her hips (he has since
left town after being bounced from his
orthopedic group), but she won't have any
truck with that idea – she has watched the
circus that surrounds liability cases during
the 30-plus years that I was involved with
the legal system and she doesn't want to
devote that much of her remaining years
to something that won't make the
discomfort go away anyway. I can respect
that.
Hope to see you all next year. Denny
Toaspern
AOCA Logbook
LOOKING FOR JOHN HALL
John Hall may have been a member
of the Gold Hat L-19 Primary Flight at Ft.
Rucker in 1962. He is reportedly a retired
Delta Captain and may be living in Florida.
John Spencer is looking to make contact
if anyone has any information. Contact
John at [email protected]
LOOKING FOR WOODY BERGERON
I am looking for Woody Bergeron, an
Air Force Lt. who got shot down in LAOS
on Dec, 5 1969 while using the call sign
BOXER22, which was the Title of the air
force standard for rescue of downed pilots.
He was on the ground for 51 hours and
there were three spads, some jolly greens
and a couple of fighter aircraft shot down
in effecting his rescue. I met him and Capt
Danielson the pilot of an F4-C the night
before the shoot down in the club of the
558th Tactical Fighter Wing - Cam Ranh
Bay.
The action took place in the Mu Gia
Pass just east of Tchepone, Laos. We
agreed to meet back at the club and have
drinks. Unknown to me was the fact that
Keith Glasgow and I had been tasked to
fly a mission to monitor the action and
LOOKING FOR A NAME
have our folks do bomb damage
This picture was taken in Hue at one assessments of the action.
I sent a write-up to Bill Upton about
of the temples when I and another fellow
five
years ago on this incident. You can
also TDY from the 1st RR Co,(Avn), were
gallivanting around in the company's jeep. Google Woody Beregron or Boxer 22 to
Can you circulate among the Crazy Cats get more information. In a Book written
and maybe get a full name? I think his last by John LaPointe entitled, All For One,
credited all participants but did not know
name was Neal. May have been an 05H.
that the CRAZY Cats were present.
Thanks, Paul Struxness
I will send you a copy of the write-up
The man in the photo is my husband, Neil if you are interested. I understand that
Thorne, who was in the first group of the Woody became a Delta Airline pilot and
1st RR Company that went over from Ft. lives in the Atlanta Area, He was
Benning. He passed away in August of originally from Louisiana. Capt Brian
Danielson was the pilot and Woody was
2014. Karen Thorne
the RIO. Bill Baker
Page16
Wings of Friendship
Letters Continued
REUNION TRAVEL WOES
Pat and I were planning on the
attending the reunion but the doctor said
I needed an operation on August 5th. I
have a cystoscopy. I hope everyone has a
great reunion. Maybe next time. John
Williams
With deep regrets I must advise that
we will not be attending the reunion this
year (especially since I was stationed at
Hunter 1968-1970). There is no significant
hindering cause, simply a combination of
circumstances. Best regards and wishes
for another great reunion event. Larry
Welch
A REQUEST
Hello, I’m Jack Fust's daughter, Julie
Doiron, and I wanted you to know that he
has moved to assisted living. We are
hopeful he will get strong enough to come
home soon. In the meantime he would
love to hear from you.
Let me know your contact phone
number and or if you would like his. I am
sure he would also love cards and or letters
if anyone still does that. I will get an
November 2016
address if you would like it.
Mother is staying with my sister
Linda for the time being. Again, after 65
years of marriage we hope we can have
them back together soon.
Please email [email protected]
or text 703-431-4480 with your info so I
can pass it on to Dad. Thanks, Julie Doiron
AOCA Logbook
and grandkids won’t get it. I still have to
get one more story for the Logbook, Have
to dig out a couple pictures to help me
remember – 1951 and ‘52 was a long time
ago. Take Care. Joe Talbert
SAND PAINTING DONATION
LORRAINE DAVIS STATUS
We have received word that Lorraine
Davis is beginning treatment for breast
cancer. Those that have prayer lists could
activate that for her - Lorraine is the wife
of Life Member and Past President, Jim
Davis, and lives in San Antonio. You can
contact her by email at:
[email protected]
THANKS FOR THE PATCHES
Bruce, thanks for 18th Aviation
patches. My Renate had her right hip
replaced in early July and she went back
to swimming at our local sports center
today. She's not line dancing yet, but she's
giving me back talk. That means she's fine.
She booked a trip to Mexico for
September this year; she says we still have
a few bucks to spend. That way the kids
We (my mother and I) have one of the
sand paintings of the AOCA logo. My
father, Walter E. "Ed" Johnson, has been
gone for 20 years this month and I think
that the art might be more appreciated by
a current member, perhaps as a raffle or
silent auction gift. I would be happy to
mail it to the appropriate person in time
for the reunion. Renè Johnson
Renè, thanks to you and your mother for
the nice sand painting. It was a very sought
after auction item and contributed a nice sum
to our Special Ladies fund. Bill Upton, Editor
This stunning patriotic themed tapestry was
lovingly made by Barbara Huff and
presented to Reunion chair, Wayne Buser,
in Savannah to be raffled or auctioned off in
benefit of AOCA’s Special Ladies Fund.
Thank you, Barbara. This work of art is
beautiful.
Page17
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
CARIBOU CHRONICLES
Reprinted from
Logbook Archives
A FOLLOW-UP ON THE LIFE OF 63-9737
By Jack Fust
Following a successful period of TDY to Eureka/Arcata, CA,
the 17th Avn. Co. returned home to Ft. Benning. Most of the unit
was back by mid-February 1965, except for a shave-tail named
Bruce Silvey, who was left there to provide the final wrap-up.
He recovered to (at) Benning in March.
All Caribou units continued in support of the 11th AAD,
training as required. In early ‘65, activity in Vietnam was
changing rapidly, and the buildup of aviation units for deployment
increased significantly. The 10th Air Transport Bde. (Later
changed to 10th Avn. Group) received a tasking to organize,
equip, train, and deploy four Caribou companies and several new
helicopter companies to Vietnam.
The deployments of the 1st, 61st and 92nd Caribou
companies had previously been through Europe and their stories
have been detailed in earlier Logbook articles. This time, though,
the units would move from the West coast. The following
continues the saga of Caribou 63-9737 that I wrote for a previous
Logbook when we were “hors d’ combat” for a while on a small
strip near Klamath, CA. With thanks to Denny Toaspern for the
historical record, and to Allen Stroklund for confirmation of the
story.
The planning for westward movement of Caribou companies
to Vietnam was extensive. Previously, only a few three-plane
flights had gone via the Pacific route. This time it would be entire
companies, moving together. Leaving from their home airfields,
each company would fly a circuitous route to the CONUS
departure airfield, Hamilton AFB, CA, to approximate the
distance to Hawaii. The remaining legs were selected so that
Hamilton to Hickam was the only one with a “point of no return.”
Thankfully that situation never developed. The final “island hops”
from Hickam to Midway, Wake, Clark AB, PI, and Guam and
then to the designated RVN airfield.
The initial planning for the deployments was done in
conjunction with STRICOM at McDill AFB. The Logistics staff
was the point of contact and they coordinated the movement of
all units to Southeast Asia (SEA), from both eastern and western
US ports. The people in this office were able to arrange for the
Air Force to provide a C-124 to accompany the flights and carry
the maintenance support personnel, along with spare parts. Air
Force LTC Freeman headed the logistics support office.
As CO of the 10th Avn Bn, Tom Ziek had been charged with
the responsibility for deploying the Caribou units until Bn HQ
also left for RVN. He directed Jim Childers and me to take a
maintenance and operations support team to Hamilton to prepare
for the movement of each unit on the way to Hawaii. We were
on station at Hamilton a few days prior to each unit. Our team
coordinated with the local maintenance units and with Sacramento
Army depot to clear any avionics or communications related
problems that developed on the initial flight.
The OIC at Sacramento Army Depot (SAD) happened to be
a friend of mine who served with me in Korea, so the liaison was
easy and they went beyond all expectations to help the units. Most
of the time we just exchanged complete systems rather than wait
for repair. On one memorable mission Jim and I used 9737 as
our means to transport our illustrious crew to CA. Little did we
know how much excitement would come our way on our return
flight.
We left Hamilton AFB en route to Ft. Benning with a stop
over at El Paso (ELP). The weather was reported to be VFR all
the way to ELP, passing Bakersfield and Phoenix en route. It was
late afternoon when we arrived in the ELP area, having filed to
El Paso International thus avoiding Biggs AFB and the attendant
SAC Base security difficulties. Everything was normal as we
entered the pattern to land at ELP; I was in the left seat leaving
all the other duties to Jim and the crew. The assigned crew chief
was Charlie De Priest, assisted by the rest of the maintenance
folks in back.
The first hint of a problem raised its ugly head on downwind.
When I selected the gear, the left main went half-way down, the
Page18
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
right and nose gear were “in the green.” We extended our representative and a very senior and knowledgeable Chief MSGT
downwind leg to allow for time to recycle the gear twice, came to the plane. I asked him for hangar space to complete a
unsuccessfully, before we became concerned. Prudence dictated gear retraction test, telling him we would need two wing jacks
a go-around as we informed the tower about our problem and, as with jack pads, we had a pad for the nose jack already on the
could be expected, they asked if we were declaring an emergency. plane. He scratched his head and said, “I’ve got three B-52’s up
We said no and asked for clearance to depart the pattern, staying on jacks right now and they take 12 jacks apiece, but I’ll see what
away from the terminal area, to go through emergency gear I can do.”
extension procedures. This was approved and we climbed to
We were given hangar space while our benefactor looked for
complete the manual procedures. Over the next 30 minutes we the wing jacks. He returned with two airmen, each with a jack on
went through all “Dash 10” prescribed emergency methods to wheels. He said, “this solves one problem, let me have your jack
extend the gear, having no success at all.
pad.” He turned to one of his helpers, and tossing him the pad
As it approached sunset we decided to call Biggs to ask that said, “build me two more of these.” The airman left for the
the runway to be foamed for an emergency landing. At this time machine shop. The CMSSgt, said, “let’s go watch,” which we
we felt the use of military facilities was preferable, and a landing did. When we walked into the work area, the CMSSgt turned to
on foam would be better in daylight. The crew in the back had us and said, “Watch this kid work.. Do you think I can keep him
pored over all the manuals we had on board trying to find another in the Air Force when he can make $25-$30 dollars an hour on
way to get the recalcitrant gear down – to no avail. Then DePriest the outside?” From a bar of stock steel the Airman produced two
climbed up between the seats. He said, “I have an idea!” to which exact copies of the jack pad, in very short order. So we were ready
we, of course, asked rather desperately, “What?” He said to me, to do our test.
“stick your head out the window so you have a good view of the
With “Old ‘37” off the ground, an APU and a hydraulic mule
gear, select it down, when it gets to the stuck place, select it up. in place we were ready to go. If memory serves properly, we
Then just as soon as it starts going up, bring it back down.”
asked De Priest to do the cockpit honors with the gear switch, as
Both Jim and I were wondering out loud, “What in heck will we all stood back praying in silent anticipation. The gear went
that do?” DePriest said, “I’m not certain, but it sure as hell will up easily, as it had done before, then the acid test – when selected,
cause some confusion in the hydraulic system – and the strut may it fell down and locked smoothly in place, to lots of cheers! We
come down.” So we tried the “De Priest emergency gear recycled the gear a few more times and then declared the test a
extension” procedure, and even though the port gear shook success.
violently, it clunked into place and lo and behold, we had all three
With profound thanks for the CMSGT and his team, we
gear down with all three green lights! The cheers in the plane departed Biggs for Ft. Benning and a complete examination of
must’ve been heard in downtown Cuidad Juarez! We asked for the left gear assembly. Remember that 9739 was the star of the
landing instructions, being some 15 miles to the East, and “sinking through the parking area” episode in December 1964. A
proceeded to make a normal landing at ELP, International. Whew! records check and examination of the gear showed that it had
When we parked, everyone gathered around the gear to see never been fully cleaned after being underground. Lots of small
if the problem could be seen. Of course all looked normal. I scratches indicated that dirt, sand and probably very small gravel,
decided to short hop to Biggs to see if maintenance could do a on the cylinder caused the gear to hang up half way and create
system check (retraction test) for us before going on to Benning. our very stressful landing at El Paso International.
Our only other choice was to fly to Benning, gear down (pins in
The plane numbered 63-9737 was number 182 from
place). I didn’t like that idea. One of the stalwarts in our crew, DeHavilland coming off the line on 6/16/64 and was accepted by
Allen Stroklund, had an idea that probably provided the fix but the 134th Aviation Co. for the Army. It was deployed to RVN
we would not know that until we returned home and had a full and flew with the 134th until transferred to the USAF 1/1/67.
gear check. Allen poured a can of hydraulic fluid down the leg, The Air Force kept the plane, bringing it back to the US from
after we put a lot of rags on the ground for the drippings, and we RVN, until it went back to the Army. 9737 was stored at
adjourned to quarters for the night.
Davis-Monthan AFB during ‘84 to ‘85, at which time it was
The next day, a visual inspection showed nothing out of order transferred to the Mississippi ARNG for use in logistics support
with the gear, all the fluid that had dripped out was cleaned up
missions. In 1990 she was stored for a time at Pensacola, FL. Her
and we prepared to fly to Biggs for a retraction test. Leaving the last known location was West Point, NE, the owner was Turbines
gear pins in place, to preclude any possibility of raising them, we LTD, and the number had been changed to C-FBOO.
took off for Biggs. At Biggs I asked to see a maintenance
Sign at an Optometrist's Office:
"If you don't see what you're looking for,
you've come to the right place.
Page19
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
RAAF CARIBOU TO PARKES
AOCA Logbook
Submitted by Wayne Buser
After many months of planning, Caribou A4-275 was safely
transported by road from its base in Oakey, QLD to the HARS
satellite museum in Parkes, NSW on the weekend of 6 and 7
August.
Surplus to RAAF requirements and languishing in the harsh,
open conditions at Oakey, the remaining Caribous were
threatened with disposal to scrap merchants when a last-minute
decision by Defence saw them offered to aviation museums
around the country for preservation. HARS Aviation Museum
was very fortunate to be offered A4-275 but the condition was
that none of the aircraft were to be flown from the base. This
meant that the aircraft had to be painstakingly disassembled and
the components loaded onto a truck for transport by road.
One of the biggest hurdles to overcome was obtaining a
permit to transport the 8.7 m wide fuselage 600 km down the
Newell Highway, the wing centre section being left intact.
The aircraft and all its parts are now safely at Parkes where
they are being reassembled so that it can be displayed as part of
the growing collection there.
Thanks to Wayne Buser
Page20
Wings of Friendship
Shadow of the Otter
“Red Baron“
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
"Handy Capp"
Otter 58-1710
Above are a few photos that I took when I was in Vietnam. I thought that they might be of interest to the Association. First is a
photo that I took as we were landing somewhere in Vietnam. The shadow of the Otter on the ground is easily recognizable.
The next two photos are of nose art that we had on two of our Otters. One is "Handy Capp." That is U-1A Otter 58-1710. The
next photo is of “Red Baron.“ That is U-1 A Otter 59-2225. Both of these Otters belonged to HHD, 2nd Signal Group, Aviation
Section. We were the Aviation support for the 1st Signal Brigade - the largest brigade in Vietnam with 22,000 men.
Finally included is a photo of U-1A, 58-1710 “Handy Capp" of the HHD, 2nd Signal Group, Aviation Section, taken at Tan Son
Nhut AFB near Saigon, South Vietnam in 1967. All 2nd Signal Group aircraft had the Signal Corps emblem on the rudder of fixed
wing aircraft (U-1 As, U-6A, and U-21As) and on the nose and pilot and co-pilot front doors of our Hueys. All of our Hueys had a
horizontal red-orange stripe over the serial number on the tails. All of our fixed-wing aircraft had the red-orange rudder tips painted
for easier recognition. Terry Love
Page21
Wings of Friendship
OTTER SURVIVOR?
I am trying to resolve a decades-old
issue that surrounds a rescue flight from
Saigon to Japan, most likely sometime
between 1968 and 1969.
A dear friend of mine was a C-141
Commander, refueling at Saigon one
afternoon, when two guys ran past him
down the flight line, got into their Otter,
and departed Saigon in a big hurry. Within
two minutes of departure, the Otter
crashed into a field within 2-4 miles of the
runway, in a big fiery mess. Immediately,
a rescue team was dispatched to the crash
site. Both US Army pilots had survived
the impact, but were severely burned.
My friend, Col. Doug Wood, ran to
the dispatcher’s office on the flight line as
he wanted to hear their fate. He was
present when they were brought back to
the base infirmary, and heard that the burn
unit at Saigon was not capable of treating
such intense burns, as both pilots had gone
into extreme shock from the pain and high
level of burn coverage over their bodies.
He overheard the conversation and
knew the time-critical situation at hand.
Just as the dispatchers were beginning to
formulate a plan, he interjected that his
C-141 was fueled and a flight plan to Japan
(the nearest intense burn recovery unit)
could be made ASAP.
This was accepted, and he ran back to
his C-141, briefed the crew and made
preparations for an expedited departure for
Japan.
They flew that C-141 beyond it’s
limitations in an effort to save those two
men. However, a nurse came to the flight
deck to report that one had deceased, and
this was only a couple of hours from the
destination airfield. Doug added more
power to the plane’s four engines and they
accepted no delays on arrival, landing the
C-141, crew of doctors/nurses and it’s sole
November 2016
survivor Otter pilot at the maximum
approach and landing speeds. Doug
ensured the ambulance and every ground
support unit was ready before their arrival
so that the instant that the plane stopped,
that pilot was to be immediately removed
and sped away to the hospital without
delay.
Since that day, he has never known
of the fate of that surviving pilot. He
thinks about this every day of his life and
cannot find an answer. He flew hundreds
of hours per month and cannot recall event
details (like a firm date, names) or other
things that might help him find the answer.
He said that he recalls for certain that they
were Army and in an Army Otter. Saigon
was the departure point. The years were
either 1968 or 1969. Doug went on to fly
in the 89th Airlift Wing and cared for the
likes of Presidents and their families as
well as many political and foreign
dignitaries. He eventually commanded
that unit under Reagan, test flew and
bought the 747s, and then retired.
If you ask him what was the most
significant event of his flying career, he
will tell you that the fate of the Otter pilot
is all that matters to him.
Please, if you know of a person who
could read this and support a conclusion,
I know that a good, honest man’s heart
will rest. So, if you could, please forward
to anybody in the Otter community, US
Army in mid-to-late Vietnam War era,
who might be able to answer this request
for information. He knows of no names of
either pilot. I am reachable 24/7 at
[email protected]
THANK YOU SO MUCH! Rich Morgan
585-727-0765
I looked through all of the
information on the 18th Otter Company
and the following is the only one that
seems to fit the request. Jim Davis
AOCA Logbook
An Otter departing a Special Forces
camp three miles west of Hue Phu Bai
experienced a partial power failure on
take-off. The aircraft descended and
became entangled in barbed wire which
was strung across the departure end of the
airstrip, causing it to pancake several
hundred feet from the runway. Upon
impact the aircraft immediately burst into
flames. Specialist Gustin, seeing the sheet
of flames enveloping the aircraft,
immediately attempted to open the rear
exit door. Due to the impact, the door had
jammed and did not release by normal
measures. After he had physically forced
the door open, Gustin assisted his
passengers from the burning aircraft
before taking into consideration his own
personal safety. Both pilots, Chief
Warrant Officers Warren Griggs and
Charles Smith, escaped the flaming Otter
through the cockpit doors with second and
third degree burns. They were medically
evacuated to Japan. CWO Griggs
returned to duty three months later and
CWO Smith was evacuated to the United
States for further treatment. Specialist
Gustin, for his heroic actions in
evacuating the passengers without injury,
was recommended for the Soldier's Medal
by the Special Forces Camp Commander.
I definitely think that the aircraft
mentioned was NOT an Otter. The units
which flew the Otter in Vietnam have
published their histories, and so the fates
of the Otters which served in Vietnam are
known, particularly any involving fatal
crashes. There is no mention of any such
crash in any published source, and I know
from my researches that all the Otters are
accounted for, so I really don’t think it is
an Otter. Could of course be a U-6 Beaver
or some other type. Karl Hayes
PUNS FOR EGGHEADS
1. Those who jump off a bridge in Paris are in Seine.
2. Shotgun wedding - A case of wife or death.
3. A man needs a mistress just to break the monogamy.
4. Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?
5. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.
Page22
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
Crazy Cat Corner
My friend produces a Crazy Cat baseball cap
with an embroidered patch. His nephew will process
and orders that you Crazy Cats may want.
David Rettig
American Outfitters
3700 Sunset Avenue
Waukegan IL 60087
847-623-3959 ext 100
800-397-6081
[email protected]
Prices range from $20 to $25 based on
quantity. Bernard(BJ) Voit
SPY FLIGHT
Lockheed P2V / RB69A Neptune
During the Korean War the US Navy
operated a number of specially equipped
Lockheed P2V Neptune’s flying ELINT
sorties against the Soviet Union and two
aircraft were eventually lost on these
operations. Later, in the Spring of 1952, a
Navy P2V–3W made nine shallow over
flights of the Siberian coast to determine
what military activity was taking place in
that area.
When the Cold War became a reality
the US Military began expanding their
various roles to include intelligence
gathering activities against the USSR. Not
to be outdone, the CIA began manoeuvring
to enhance and enlarge its own role in this
activity and, when necessary, used its
influence to have the latest military
hardware modified to perform a specific
Agency function.
By 1954 the CIA decided that it had
the means to support its own world-wide
airborne electronic gathering capability. A
small team of CIA and USAF officers met
with US Navy officials and made
arrangements for the purchase of 7 new
P2V-7 Neptune’s. The Neptune suited the
CIA because it was a reliable, proven
aircraft that met their mission
requirements and could benefit from
world-wide US Navy support facilities. It
was also hoped that these 7 CIA Neptune’s
could operate unnoticed in amongst the
much large number of other US Navy
Neptune’s spread throughout the globe.
However, the CIA knew that it needed to
establish a credible cover story to account
for the loss of one of these aircraft on a
clandestine mission. Unfortunately the US
Navy, reluctant to bear the brunt of
criticism should a CIA spy Neptune be lost
with their markings, declined to allow the
aircraft to operate under US Navy cover.
Although the CIA attempted to identify
another suitable aircraft, they eventually
came to the conclusion that they would
have to find another way to operate the
Neptune, without US Navy colours.
Using the code name ‘Project Cherry’,
later ‘Project Wild Cherry,’ in conditions
From www.spyflight.co.uk/p2v.htm
of total secrecy, the 7 Neptune’s were hand
built in Lockheed’s ‘Skunk Works’ facility.
The aircraft were given standard
production numbers and Navy Bureau
Numbers but were officially accepted by
the USAF. The 7 aircraft were given the
Lockheed designation P2V-7U and were
allocated USAF serial numbers 54-4037
to 4043. After much persuasion, the USAF
Air Material Command eventually came
up with a specific type designator for these
7 aircraft – RB-68A and they were
delivered in overall Sea Blue, the standard
US Navy livery for the type.
Because of a funding shortfall,
various CIA departments had contributed
funds towards the costs of the RB-68A
project and each felt it had a right to have
its specialised equipment on board the
aircraft. Consequently, the aircraft soon
outgrew it’s design load limits and the
Page23
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
specialist equipment manufactures were became operational 5 were dispatched to
The first RB-69 was lost to antirequired to redesign the systems to be Taiwan and 2 were sent to Wiesbaden in aircraft fire over Shantung Province on 6
detachable. This meant that no two aircraft West Germany. From Wiesbaden the November 1961. A second aircraft
were alike, but that they could be easily aircraft were used on leaflet drops along disappeared over China on 8 January 1962
configured for a specific mission. The the borders of Warsaw Pact countries and in unknown circumstances. Another was
RB-69A was eventually fitted with a for general ‘ferret’ mission where they shot down by Chinese MiG-17PF night
variety of unusual systems, one was a would stir up the Soviet air defence radar’s fighters, with assistance from the Tu-4,
huge device which completely filled the and monitor their readiness and reaction. near Nanchang on 14 Jun 1963. A MiG
bomb bay and could dispense tens of For operations near border areas Polish or 17PF, aided by flare dropping IL-28’s,
thousands of leaflets in rapid succession, Czechoslovakian speaking crews were claimed another RB-69A near Yantai,
another was a large wooden supply often used. On occasions the RB-69A’s Shantung Peninsula on 11 June 1964.
container which could sustain agents actually crossed the border into Warsaw Another aircraft was lost en-route to South
dropped from the same aircraft. As it was Pact territory, to conduct ELINT sorties Korea on 25 March 1960. The fate of the
planned from the outset to parachute or photograph specific targets. After the two surviving RB-69A’s is unknown and
agents from the RB-69A, it was decided Wiesbaden operation was compromised by no examples of this unique aircraft are
to investigate fitting the ‘Skyhook’ aerial an American officer, it was terminated in currently on display anywhere. One
retrieval system. The first ‘live’ pickup 1963.
rumour is that all the surviving RB-69A’s
was accomplished in 1958 and at least one
The RB-69A’s from Wiesbaden were were converted back to standard SP-2H
RB-69A was modified with the ‘Skyhook’ transferred to Taiwan to join the other 5 Neptunes for the USN.
system. All the RB-69A’s were fitted with already based there with the ROCAF 34th
Very little has been released on the
a highly sophisticated low-level Sqn, 8th Group at Hsinchu Air Base. The operational activity of the RB-69A’s;
photographic system using Fairchild ROCAF RB-69A’s normally flew with a which given the widespread release of
cameras in conjunction with arc lights crew of 14 and were painted sea blue, information on other reconnaissance
installed in wing-tip pods. A General dulled to a dark grey, with gave the aircraft aircraft is surprising. The CIA states it
Electric Side-Looking Airborne Radar an overall ‘black’ appearance. Some may neither confirm nor deny the
(SLAR) was also installed in some RB- aircraft were even fitted with 4 aft-facing existence or nonexistence of RB-69A
69A’s. One of the first terrain avoidance Sidewinder air-to-air missiles on wing records. That material is classified to
radar’s and a Doppler navigation system pylons to discourage any potential attacker, conform to an ‘Executive Order in the
were other new technologies first tried on but they were never used.
interests of national defence or foreign
the RB-69A; all aircraft were also
As well as carrying out ELINT policy.”
equipped with a variety of ECM jammers snooping and leaflet dropping, these Losses:
and sensors, some housed in the MAD aircraft routinely overflew mainland
6th Nov 51 - P2V of VP-6 carrying
boom at the rear. For ELINT missions a China, occasionally as far as Peiping and out a ‘weather reconnaissance mission
crew of 12 was carried, usually consisting Kwangchow. Over 80 penetrations of over international waters off Vladivostok’
of pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, radio Chinese airspace were conducted between was attacked and shot down by a number
operator and 8 ELINT system operators.
1958 and 1960, generally at night, of MiG-15s. All 10 crew killed.
sometimes dropping agents by parachute
18th Jan 1953 - P2V of VP-22 was
along with the wooden cargo container shot down off Swatow Island in the
from the bomb bay. In an attempt to Formosa Straits by Chinese AA fire. All
prevent the continual penetration of their 13 crew killed
airspace by the RB-69A’s, the Chinese
4th Sep 54 - P2V of VP-19 attacked
devised one of the first rudimentary by 2 MiG-15s about 40 miles off the
AWACS using the Tupelov Tu-4 ‘Bull’ Siberian cost and ditched in the Sea of
rigged with an AI radar. The most Japan, nine crew rescued – one crew
successful system employed Iiyushin IL- member lost.
Once they came into service the RB- 28 ‘Beagles’ and Shinyang J-5s to drop
22nd Jul 55 - P2V-5 of VP-9 attacked
68A’s were all based at Elgin Air Force flares to illuminate the low-flying RB- by two MiG-15s off the Western Aleutians.
Base in Florida. Flight tests and pilot 69A’s for Chinese MiG 17 fighters. Aircraft crash-landed near Gambell on St
training were conducted at a variety of However, two MiG 17PF night fighters Lawrence Island in Alaska just south of
units including Edwards AFB, Palmdale were observed to fly into high ground the Bering Strait. All crew members
and Shaw AFB. Once the RB-69A’s whilst attempting to intercept RB-69A’s.
survived 3 injured.
Page24
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
ARMY
OTTER-CARIBOU
ASSOCIATION
“Our Legacy
is
Our Pride
in
Having Served!”
A SENIOR’S GUIDE TO TECHNOLOGY or Why I Won’t Sign Up on Facebook. . .
When I bought my Blackberry, I thought about the 30-year business I ran with 1800 employees, all without a cell phone that
plays music, takes videos, pictures and communicates with Facebook and Twitter.
I signed up, under duress, for Twitter and Facebook, so my seven kids, their spouses, my 13 grand kids and two great grand kids
could communicate with me in the modern way. I figured I could handle something as simple as Twitter with only 140 characters of
space. Suddenly, My phone was beeping every three minutes with the details of everything except the bowel movements of the entire
next generation. I am not ready to live like this. I now keep my cell phone in the garage in my golf bag.
The kids bought me a GPS for my last birthday because they say I get lost every now and then going over to
the grocery store or library. I keep that in a box under my tool bench with the Bluetooth (it's red) phone I am
supposed to use when I drive. I wore it once and was standing in line at Barnes and Noble talking to my wife
and everyone in the nearest 50 yards was glaring at me. I had to take my hearing aid out to use it, and I got a
little loud. I mean, the GPS looked pretty smart on my dash board, but the lady inside that gadget was the most
annoying, rudest person I had run into in a long time. Every 10 minutes, she would sarcastically say,
"Re-calc-u-lating." You would think that she could be nicer. It was like she could barely tolerate me. She would
let go with a deep sigh and then tell me to make a U-turn at the next light. Then, if I made a right turn instead.
Well, it was not a good relationship. . . When I get really lost now, I call my wife and tell her the name of the
cross streets and while she is starting to develop the same tone as Gypsy, the GPS lady, at least she loves me.
To be perfectly frank, I am still trying to learn how to use the cordless phones in our house. We have had them
for four years, but I still haven't figured out how I lose three phones all at once and have to run around digging under chair cushions,
checking bathrooms, and the dirty laundry baskets when the phone rings.
The world is just getting too complex for me. They even mess me up every time I go to the grocery store. You would think they
could settle on something themselves, but this sudden "Paper or Plastic?" every time I check out, just knocks me for a loop. I bought
some of those cloth reusable bags to avoid looking confused, but I never remember to take them with me. Now I toss it back to them.
When they ask me, "Paper or plastic?" I just say, "Doesn't matter to me. I am bi-sacksual." Then it's their turn to stare at me with a
blank look.
I was recently asked if I tweet. I answered, No, but I do fart a lot."
We senior citizens don't need any more gadgets. The TV remote and the garage door remote are about all we can handle.
or
Page25
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
VIETNAM TRIP 2015
John Bachmann
Continued from the July Logbook
take the bus, which runs thru the Mang
Yang pass, by the old 1st Cav base at An
Khe, and on to Pleiku. $6 about 3.5 hours
and quite an experience.
Nha Trang train station. Note the first
Lang Co Beach, SE of Hue
French forts at the top of Hai Van pass
word GA, derived from the French GARE,
train station. Their rail gauge is metric,
39 3/8 inches, also derived from France,
compared to ours standard 56 1/2 inches.
End of Lang Co Beach before heading up
the Hai Van Pass. Note that a tunnel on
National Route 1A was completed in June
2005. Work was a joint Vietnam, Japan,
Korean, USA endeavor. Trains and large
truck still have to use the old route shown
below.
China Beach. The northern part of the
beach has been developed by the big name
international hotel groups and as many
beaches in Vietnam are, is beautiful!
Nha Trang Beach
What's left of USMC Marble Mountain
airfield across from China Beach
On the road climbing to the Hai Van pass
I bypassed staying in Danang and
continued about 30 minutes south to Hoi
An, a UNESCO Heritage city. The
downtown area has been maintained as its
ancient self with beach side hotels just a
few miles outside of town. The city lights
up at dusk and is great for walking, buying
tailor made suits, clothing and dining.
From Danang I took the train to Nha Trang,
10 hours. The train stops at various places
en route and for those of you interested in
going to Pleiku you get off at Dieu Tri,
about 10-15 miles WNW of Qui Nhon
(there is NO train station in Qui Nhon) and
Road paralleling Nha Trang Beach
More Next Issue. . .
Page26
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
A LITTLE BIT OF
Submitted by Sam Kaiser
SS WARRIMOO ENTERS
The passenger steamer SS Warrimoo was quietly
knifing its way through the waters of the mid-Pacific
on its way from Vancouver to Australia.
The navigator had just finished working out a star
fix and brought the master, Captain John Phillips, the
result. The Warrimoo’s position was latitude 0 degrees
x 31 minutes north and longitude 179 degrees x 30
minutes west.
The date was 30 December 1899. “Know what this
means?” First Mate Payton broke in, “We’re only a
few miles from the intersection of the Equator and the
International Date Line.”
Captain Phillips was prankish enough to take full
advantage of the opportunity for achieving the
navigational freak of a lifetime. He called his
navigators to the bridge to check and double check the
ships position. He changed course slightly so as to bear
directly on his mark. Then he adjusted the engine speed.
The calm weather and clear night worked in his favor.
At midnight the “Warrimoo” lay on the Equator at
exactly the point where it crossed the International
Date Line!
The consequences of this bizarre position were
many. The forward part of the ship was in the Southern
Hemisphere and the middle of summer. The stern was
in the Northern Hemisphere and in the middle of winter.
The date in the aft part of the ship was 30 December
1899. Forward it was 1 January 1900.
This ship was therefore not only in two different
days, two different months, two different seasons and
two different years but in two different centuries-all at
the same time.
Page27
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
The Italian Air Force
Robert Flanagan
It was a matter of indifference to the
recovery teams whether the body was
intact or not; it just made it more difficult
to account for whole numbers when the
parts didn’t match. They policed up the
hillsides and mangrove swamps, the reddirt riverbanks and the orderly rubber-tree
rows, and they’ll tell you the only thing
that remains from that cleanup is that in
today’s expedient domestic world, they
cannot use those large, black garbage bags
for anything. A bag in the sun — plastic
or rubber — is a harsh memory you don’t
forget.
That was someone else’s way to pass
their three-sixty-five. Mine had to do with
the living, if possible, the dead if
inevitable, the in-between if unavoidable.
Even the non-existent, if practicable. But
there’s this thing with helicopters ...
I’m afraid to drive the Beltway now.
The overhead presence of a traffic chopper
would send me into a barrier wall or
on-coming traffic — despite the challenge
of that — or anywhere away from the
sound. “Skywatch” and news copters
ubiquitous. Army dragonfly movements,
constant to-and-fro with the Pentagon,
from Davis Army Airfield at Belvoir, Fort
Myer, Meade, Vint Hill Farms, Quantico,
Andrews, Bethesda and all the ships at sea.
And you can hear them from miles away,
in other counties. . . in other provinces.
Always, after the battles — which we
played at calling engagements or
skirmishes or “contact” in a desperate,
euphemistic search for lesser realities, but
each was no different for the ambiguity —
there were the same signs: trees shattered,
cut off inches above the spongy jungle soil,
spread about in slivers and red-stained
chips, and the frayed foliage of palms,
brittle or feathered chaff on the soaked,
littered ground. Leaves and bark, splinters
and bits of things.
At Chancellorsville where the best of
Meade’s infantry cringed in trenches
below the parapet near the farmhouse, and
later at Spotsylvania the rifle fire so
intense it gnawed through a 20-inch
sycamore, felling it across the attacking
ranks — there was such litter. Devastating
volleys, too, in The Wilderness, a marshy
hell that blazed and smoldered from
muzzle blast and flash pan; and scouts, too
far out in front of their lines in search of
water, hearing, seeing without interference
the enemy scouts on the same hunt,
somewhere beyond, through the smoke
and noise of battle, caught by the
unintended fires, blackened to blue-gray
mounds that would be forever indivisible
between the ever-shifting lines.
In Quang Tri the forest never burned
from frag grenades or white phosphorous,
and even the rare, raging fury of napalm
lasted only as long as its own chemical
fuel; the rain that came in the night,
moving up the mountain pass from the sea,
quenched the smoldering killing ground.
Even on the slopes above where the big
Chinese mortars had been, where the F-4s
delivered their withering hellish
destruction, there was no fire. Nothing,
no intermission that lasted beyond the
killing drill. Never enough to stop the
choppers from coming, the Hueys that
were the answers to prayers. . . and their
most feared indictment, the objects of
curses. It was too easy to remember
they’d brought you there, while you were
praying for them to come and take you
away.
But in the shallow treelines, along the
paddy dikes and in the water-spaced
treachery of the Delta, it was the gunships
you looked for. Hueys and Cobras, a
Kiowa, even a Loach if you were desperate.
Gun and rocket platforms, lift-off, recon
and Eagle Flights. They all came as
friends, but wearing a double face.
You can only live with reminders like
that for so long; then it becomes, not the
Chinese mortars or the VC sappers, the
NVA hardcore who wouldn’t die when
you killed them, the fanatics, the scared
ones, the booby traps and the heat ... then
it becomes only reminders. And the
Hueys always came.
In the midst of firefights they came,
bringing replacements, ammo, mail, “C-s”
and fuel, firepower, beer and plasma. In
the quiet, laid-back times they came,
bringing the curious, the straphangers, the
body-counters, the newsman who’d had
one too many martinis at the Caravelle bar
and screwed up his faux courage to take
the dare, ask for space on a “ride to the
field.” In the good and the bad — and
Page28
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
there was no good, only the bad — there So I have nothing to remember of that time. were nevertheless filled with screams
were always the Hueys.
But the soundtrack brings back all the partly lost among the blades and the sirens.
Above whatever, din of battle or wrong things, the black & white film
A constant threshold of noise, the
slump moment, some voice would bark, evolving into living-and-dying color. And generators kept going for the air
“Here comes the Italian Air Force!” and the God, I do hate re-runs.
conditioners and Operating Suite lights;
Wop! Wop! Wop! Wop! of their coming
I know some who don’t like to hear a trucks hauling the goods of war gone to
was relief. The slur on a Mediterranean trumpet solo for its kinship to “Taps.” commerce; funky Soul sounds and
heritage is clear now; then, there were Wynton Marsalis can’t triple-tongue his Hillbilly nasal whines blasting from 100-P
larger issues and half the jokes arose from way out of that. Some can’t wear green, Alley fly-beaded bar doorways, obscuring
bitter critics with vowels on the end of reluctantly forgoing St. Paddy’s; some the sound of wind chimes; Honda bike
their names.
can’t eat beans-and-franks; some quit bleets, Renault taxi brake screams;
And now I hear the Italian Air Force, smoking, others started. There’s no barefoot, cone-hatted peasant farm girls
even when they’re not there. And with all competent analogy, but there’s an elegiac hawking vegetables and ugly fruit along
the Mea culpas I might feel constrained to mood , a pathos, overriding any visceral the palm-littered streets; an occasional
offer, I lie; I’d offer the same plea without key.
synthetic squeal of sexual ecstasy out of
expiation. They first called it PostTraffic copters induce a state of self- darkened, piss-smelling alleys, choruses
Vietnam Syndrome — PVS — but now hypnosis, an anticipation that I can’t stand of ecstatic play-acting in similar
demands are more egalitarian; PTSD, for to wait for. Dustoffs, well. . . I saw a exchanges. . . and above it all the choppy
Post (any) Traumatic Stress Syndrome Dustoff once, hanging in a tall, crooked flutter and attendant turbine whine —
will answer. I call it nightmares.
tree, speared through its open door wells in-bound or out to the lined pads of Tan
When I was a small child on a farm like a child’s toy hung on a shoe tree. It Son Nhut — like some Cervantean
in the deep South, I was frightened by a came down from the late sky to an knight’s late evening adversary gone mad,
baby pig, its squeal equating to some improbable landing without choice, its whipping his huge blades in frenzy to
unremembered threat.
For years I litter-bound cargo already en route from defeat the puny human’s lofty aspirations.
dreamed of that pig chasing me in an one mistake to another bad-judgement call. The smell was something else, and doesn’t
ever-tightening circle until it caught me to Just outside SABERTOOTH Operations, come into this.
make bacon and lard of me. The dreams the UH-1D hung there for days. The crew
There were never heroic tales that
I have now are no different; the pig’s a was messed up; the “load,” the passengers grew out of ‘Nam; the motif is missing
Huey, and even if it’s supposed to be already in transit to surfeit and mind- entirely. But there was heroism in the
friendly, it wasn’t always easy to tell. It numbing drugs, scarred and torn from coming and going. And mostly — always
still isn’t!
prior conflicts, perished in the unlikely — there were the Hueys.
Command choppers, logistics hogs, banyan tree. The ship might still be there,
Chinooks, Skycranes, Dustoffs ... they’re but it lacked dignity, close as it was to the
used now by the oil companies, surveyors, Joint ARVN Headquarters; they cut the
loggers. But the price is too high. I can’t tree down to remove the unsightly
work there. Because when the big, heavy- confusion.
lifters are around, they’re always followed
The 3rd Field Hospital dealt in its
close by gunships. And then the stuff hits constant gathering of wounded-dyingthe fan.
dead on a pad across the street from the
Quang Tri was a movie I saw once, Newport BOQ; and my waking hours,
and I’ve forgotten all but the funny parts. confined to that concrete block institute,
Page29
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
First Air Force One
The Columbine II, The First Presidential Aircraft
To Be Called Air Force One
AOCA Logbook
Submitted by Richard Davis
The Interior Of The Columbine II
The first presidential aircraft to be called Air Force One is being resurrected by a company in the Shenandoah Valley. On
Wednesday, the aircraft built in 1948 spread its wings once again.
The first Air Force One, a US Air Force Lockheed C121A Constellation, flew from Arizona to Texas to its final destination in
Bridgewater, Virginia on Wednesday.
“The whole trip, the weather has been perfect and the airplane has been performing very well,” said Lockie Christler, captain of
Columbine II.
Nicknamed the Columbine II, the aircraft is almost 70 years old and has been mostly stripped on the inside. It is now in the hands
of the Dynamic Aviation Group.
“We'll put the interior back pretty well like it was when Eisenhower flew in it. We already have some of the things we need
inside the airplane,” said Karl Stoltzfus, Dynamic Aviation founder.
The four engine plane has had its share of famous passengers, carrying President Dwight Eisenhower to Korea to help end the
war. Eisenhower’s phone space, the buttons he would press, and the interior are all originals soon to be restored to their former glory
in the first Air Force One.
“It's going to be as good as when Eisenhower had it and that's pretty darn good,” said Christler.
“We want to see it used as a teaching aid for young people understand that era of American history, which was a very, very good
era of American history,” Stoltzfus stated.
As for future flights, Dynamic Aviation expects the Air Force One restoration will take many years.
MILITARY BUMPER STICKERS
Sniper Bumper sticker
MACHINE GUNNER BUMPER STICKER
YOU CAN RUN
Accuracy
BUT YOU’LL ONLY
By
DIE TIRED
Volume
Page30
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
The Edgefield (SC) Advertiser
Old 96 District Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution
Honors Vietnam Veterans
Veterans (L to R): Tommie Burton, James Bowman, James Mosley, Carolyn Piekielniak representing the late Matthew Piekielniak, Sonny
Smith, Jimmie Boland, Frank Chapman, Gehrig Minick, Bill Murrell, Sammy Crouch, Luther Beason. Other participating veterans not
pictured were Grady Clark, Bob McKie, William Peterson, and Paul Potts. DAR members (left side): Vera Miller, Dr. Bela Herlong, Sara
Sears, Paulette Rollins, Suzanne Bams, Judy Duncan and (R side): Ann Ella Adams, Meade Hendrix, Billie Ellis.
The Old 96 District Chapter, Daughters of
the American Revolution, partnered with
10,072 other organizations across the
country in the Commemoration of the 50th
Anniversary of the Vietnam War. Ann Ella
Adams worked with the veterans in this
group to write their “Remembering
Vietnam” stories which appeared in local
newspapers. The Old 96 District Chapter
recognized the veterans who participated American Revolution. The pin features an
in the remembrances project, and thanked eagle on the front, and the back reads, “A
and honored them during a ceremony at Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You.”
the Saluda County Historical Society Since the first of the year, the Saluda
Museum on June 14, 2016. Each Vietnam County Museum has featured an exhibit
Veteran received a Vietnam Veteran lapel of Vietnam Veteran memorabilia.
pin supplied by the Department of Defense Ed Note: Carolyn Piekielniak is an AOCA
and a personalized certificate from the “Special Lady” who is a dedicated
National Society Daughters of the supporter of The AOCA.
VETERANS: REMEMBERING VIETNAM
The following article is provided in observance of the USA Commemoration of the
50”’ Anniversary of the Vietnam War.
delightful visit with her, hearing her enthusiasm and joy as she
told of him and how she continues, at age 87, to participate in his
This interviewer recently received a call from Carolyn military reunions and keeps up with his buddies and their families.
Piekielniak of Edgefield County, offering to provide information
Matthew Piekielniak was born in Massachusetts and grew
on her late husband, Matthew Piekielnick, who was a pilot in up in Indiana. After finishing school, Mr. Piekielniak joined the
Vietnam. In fact, he was in the military for 23 years (1945 to Air Force and stayed in for three years, hoping to get pilot training.
1968) and participated in a number of events that we had heard When he found out he would not get pilot training, he left the Air
of.
Force and joined the Army.
In the Army, he went through warrant officer training and
Having written two books on her own family history, Mrs.
Piekielniak wanted to perpetuate the memory of her husband and was stationed in Greenville working as an Army recruiter when
his history with the military. I went to her home and had a he got his pilot's license on his own through private lessons.
MATTHEW PIEKIELNIAK
Page31
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
About that time he met and married stretchers plus eight seated passengers.
Carolyn, a small town girl from Allendale, They hauled artillery pieces, ammunition
SC.
and troops, groceries, plus mail and other
Sometime later Mr. Piekielniak got cargo and had excellent handling
flight training through the Army. His capabilities in a crosswind.
career took them to live in Greenville, SC;
With Piekielniak piloting one of the
Virginia; Fort Campbell, KY; Fort 18 planes, they flew cross country to San
Benning, GA; and Fort Rucker, AL before Francisco, a 17-hour flight. Then six days
he retired to Edgefield County, SC, where later they proceeded across the Pacific
his widow continues to live, now for 42 Ocean to Hickam AFB in Hawaii, where
years in the same house. Their one son they stayed for four days. The next day
lives nearby in Johnston.
they flew to Johnston Island, then the next
It is Mr. Piekielniak's duty with the day to Wake Island, then two days later to
135th Aviation Company that Mrs. Guam, and two days later to The
Piekielniak especially wants us to know Philippines, before proceeding three days
about. She has kept in touch with many of later into Vietnam at Qui Nhon, arriving
their friends in the military and now she on January 23, 1966.
alone attends the reunions of the 135th.
In 20 days they had set the record for
The 516th Transport Airplane Co. was the longest flight by the largest number of
re-designated as the 135th Aviation Co. in Army aircraft. Their average ground speed
1965 at Fort Benning, GA. They spent had been 136 MPH.
three months preparing for deployment to
In April 1966 the Air Force took over
Vietnam to supply our forces over there the Caribou. This unit was involved in
with the Caribou transport planes.
“normal combat operations” from Dong Ba
It was in January 3, 1966 that flight Thin. One plane went down into a
crews departed from Fort Benning in 18 mountainside, resulting in the deaths of all
Caribous for their trans-Pacific ferry flight four men on board. On Dec. 31, 1966 the
to Vietnam. There were four men in each Air Force officially took over, and the
plane. Also in each plane were two 500- 135th became the 458th TCS.
gallon bladders of fuel and one 100- gallon
For the 11-month period from 3 Jan
tank of oil. The twin-engine Caribous 1966 to 1 Dec 1966, the 135th’s flying
were built by DeHaviland of Canada and time was 13,888 hours or 41.9 hrs. per
were designed to take off and land on short day; sorties flown, 20,031 combat or 63.5
landing strips. They were known by three sorties every day; passengers carried,
military designations: AC-1 at first, then 133,170 troops or 402 every day; cargo
CV-2, and finally the C-7. They were hauled, 11,738 tons per day. Their months
robust high-wing planes with two R-2000 of highest accomplishments were March
HP Pratt & Whitney engines. They could and August 1966.
carry 32 passengers, or 14 wounded on
AOCA Logbook
Many of us who were not in Vietnam
will recall pictures, movies, and news
reports showing pallets being dropped or
parachuted out of the back of planes. Most
likely those planes were Caribous. They
hauled supplies, people (military and
civilians) – and even a cow on one
occasion when its owners were being
evacuated and could not stand to leave the
family cow behind!
Piekielniak and his crew, as well as
other Caribou crews, also had the job of
spraying Agent Orange from their planes.
Mr. Piekielniak later developed cancer and
died in 2004.
Mrs. Piekielniak remains quite active
with the Caribou veterans’ affairs and
keeps the Edgefield Veterans Affairs
officer supplied with whatever info she
receives concerning Agent Orange.
There were 18 planes in Piekielniak's unit.
One of these is now on display at Fort
Rucker, AL.
As their unit historian, David Pruess,
said, “The 135th has never had an easy
path to trod, but the thousands of jungle
weary troops we've supported will always
remember us as THE CARIBOU
COMPANY, the one who got the job done,
come Hell, High water, or Charlie.”
We thank you, Mrs. Piekielniak, for
sharing your husband's – and your – story
with us.
The above article was provided by the Old
96 District Chapter, Daughters of the
American Revolution, an organization whose
objectives are patriotism, education, and
historic preservation. These interviews will be
preserved at the Saluda County Museum and
at the Tompkins Library in Edgefield.
Cecil and his significant other,
Carolyn Piekielniak
ONCE AGAIN, CECIL SLADE STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE WITH AUCTION ITEMS FOR THE REUNION.
We don’t deserve you, Cecil. . .
Page32
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
AOCA REUNIONS AND PRESIDENTS
This chart shows Presidents elected during reunion
Reunion
Year
1985 Assn Started
1st
1986
2nd
1987
3rd
1988
4th
1989
5th
1990
6th
1991
7th
1992
8th
1993
9th
1994
10th
1995
11th
1996
12th
1997
13th
1998
14th
1999
15th
2000
16th
2001
17th
2002
18th
2003
19th
2004
20th
2005
21st
2006
22nd
2007
23rd
2008
24th
2009
25th
2010
26th
2011
27th
2012
28th
2013
29th
2014
30th
2015
31st
2016
Location
Columbus, GA
Columbus, GA
Columbus, GA
Enterprise, AL
Seattle, WA
Dallas, TX
Reno, NV
Hampton, VA
Colo. Spgs, CO
Orlando, FL
Boston, MA
San Antonio, TX
Albuquerque, NM
Charleston, SC
Nashville, TN
San Diego, CA
Corning, NY
Branson, MO
Reno, NV
El Paso, TX
Dallas, TX
Dothan, AL
Washington, D.C.
St Louis, MO
Rochester, MN
Columbus, GA
Corning, NY
Chattanooga, TN
Charleston, SC
Pensacola, FL
Dayton, OH
Savannah, GA
New President
Sam Pinkston
Sam Pinkston
Ken Blake
Jim Lybrand
Jim Lybrand
Floyd Burks
Hal Loyer
Bob Richey
Paul Herrick
John Stanfield
Jim Johnson
John Williams
Bob Echard
Leon Wiggins
Jim Davis
Bill McIntyre
Don Seymour
Bill Potts
Cecil Ramsey
Ed Shuster
Lew Pipkin
Ron Sprengeler
Dave Benoit
Perry Brausell
Earl Burley
Ken La Grandeur
Ed Fodor
Jim Greenquist
Reggie Edwards
Dennis Toaspern
Glenn Carr
William Upton
AOCA Logbook
Member Web Sites
William Upton
http://www.vietnammemoir.com/
Wayne Buser
http://www.dhc4and5.org
Dar Sword
http://www.darsbydesign.com
Jim Wittel
18th 54th 18th CAC Aviation Association
www.18thaviationcompanyotternest.com
Robert “Bob” Flanagan
http:\\www.connemarapress.org
Other Military Related Sites
http://www.militaryconnections.com
http://www.ArmyAvnMuseum.org
http://www.USArmyAviation.com
http://flyarmyair.com
http://www.C-7Acaribou.com
http://www.veterantributes.org/Index.asp
www.otter-caribou.org
Page33
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
Tributes
and
Memorials
JOHN A. AGNEW
John was a Life Member, 25 years, of
the Otter Caribou Assn. He had served
during the 11th Air Assault tests at Ft
Benning and had been assigned to the
134th Avn Co and 260th Military
Intelligence Battalion.
A life-long resident of Royal Oak, MI,
John attended grade
school and high school
at St. Mary’s in Royal
Oak, graduating in
1961.
John
was
drafted and served our
country in the United
States Army from
1964 through 1966.
While in the Army, he earned several
decorations including the Army Air Medal
for bravery during his service in the
Vietnam War. He was a life member of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars and supported
many veterans’ organizations including
the Disabled American Veterans.
He received a B.S. degree in Finance
from the University of Detroit where, in
1976, he earned a Juris Doctor degree. He
served for several years as an Assistant
Prosecuting Attorney in Oakland County,
Michigan followed by many years in
private law practice. John was a good
friend to many and leaves behind many
people whose lives were positively
affected by his friendship and enduring
spirit. John was the devoted son of the late
John R. and the late Kathryn D. Agnew.
He is survived by his first cousins,
Catherine (Sekora) DeHorn of Troy,
Michigan, Sandra Sekora, of Berkley,
Michigan, and Georgine (Bugor) Berridge
of Plymouth, Massachusetts.
AOCA Logbook
Tennessee Baptist churches as their
minister of music, worked for the TBC
from 1995-2001, and served as interim
director of Tennessee Baptist Disaster
Relief in 2015.
His disaster relief volunteer work
continued through Judson Baptist Church,
Nashville, where he was a member, and
after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York
and Washington, D.C., Mike became a
full-time DR volunteer, helping victims of
Hurricane Katrina and other natural
disasters. He was heavily involved with
TEMA
(Tennessee
Emergency
Management Agency) and with Tennessee
VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active
in Disasters), and served as a trainer for
various disaster relief certifications
through TBC Disaster Relief.
Mike was also known for being the
voice of the Brentwood Bruins football,
basketball, and marching band for the past
25 years.
RAY J. HILL
Ray had been a member of the Association
for 18 years; flown with the 57th and 61st
Avn Co's.
JAMES A. “MIKE” OVERCASH
Mike was one of our original
members, joining in 1986, and becoming
Life Member #48. He had flown with the
61st Aviation Co. 1965-1966. Thanks to
Darryl Neidlinger for letting us know.
Born October 10,
1935, he went home to be
with his Lord on June 8,
2016.
Survived by his wife
of 52 years, Jean;
daughter, Kim Stanford
(Steve); son, Michael
Overcash (Christy); stepgrandsons, Derek and Justin Bush; and
sister, Sylvia Timmons.
Mike was a graduate of Wake Forest
University and the New Orleans Baptist
Theological Seminary. He served his
country actively in the U.S. Army and
reserves for more than 40 years, was a
veteran of the Vietnam War, and retired
from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Mike moved to Brentwood, TN, in 1978
to take a position with Brentwood Baptist
Church. He then worked for LifeWay
Christian Resources, helped several
Col. Ray J.
Hill, U.S. Army
(Ret.), age 83,
passed away on
Thursday, June 23,
2016
in
San
Antonio, TX. He
was born in Baton
Rouge, Louisiana
to John and Eunice Hill on July 14, 1932.
Col. Hill attended Louisiana State
University and received a Bachelor of
science degree in Agriculture. He then
received a Master's of science degree in
Entomology. Hill proudly served in the U.
S. Army for 26 years. He had one tour of
duty in Korea and two in Vietnam. He was
a Master Aviator in both fixed wing
aircraft and helicopters. His last
assignment before retirement from the
Army was as a Professor of Military
Science at Bowling Green State University
in Ohio.
He retired to Naples, Florida where
he formed Ray J. Hill, Inc., a General
Contractor and Real Estate Inspection
Service. He then retired from that business
in 1997. While in Naples, he was an active
member of the Naples Sailing and Yacht
Page34
Wings of Friendship
club and served on the Board of Directors
and as head of Maintenance and Grounds.
He and his wife, Jean, were avid ballroom
dancers. Ray also loved cooking and
fishing.
He and his wife moved from Naples
to San Antonio, TX in 2010 to be closer
to his daughter, Suzanne. In San Antonio,
Col. Hill was involved with many social
activities at Independence Village
including treating fellow residents to his
delightful culinary creations at their
weekly gatherings.
Ray was preceded in death by his wife,
Phyllis Jean Hill; his parents, John and
Eunice Hill; siblings, J.T. and Lynn Hill.
He is survived by his daughter, Suzanne
Wiersig
and
husband,
Jeremy;
grandchildren, Madeline and Jake
Wiersig; and sisters, Shirley Tassin and
Elaine Brandao.
Ray always showed initiative and
intellect wherever life took him - from
Cajun country to combat zones, from
fishing waters to Independence Village.
"Looking back over my life, I see I've really
had a wonderful life," he once said.
ELLIS G. “ROCK” ROCKSWOLD
We have learned from Larry Johnson
that Rock Rockswold passed away June
21st. He had been a member of the Army
Otter Caribou Assn for 20 years and had
flown with the 92d Avn Co and 1st RR Avn
Co.
Ellis
G.
"Rock" Rockswold
died 21 Jun 2016
at Emory St.
Joseph's Hospital
in Atlanta, GA.
He was 77 years
old.
Born in 1939
in Valley City,
ND, Rock is the
son of the late
Selmer E. and
Florence
M.
Belling Rockswold. He married Mirtie A.
Skow 24 Nov 1962.
Rock served seven and a half years as
a decorated US Army aviator, flying two
tours of duty in Vietnam, retiring as Major
in 1970. Rock's joy was flying for Delta
Airlines; he retired Captain of the B-767
in May 1999, serving the company 29
November 2016
years.
Survivors include his wife, Mirtie; his
daughter Michelle K. Armstrong (Tom)
and grandchildren Erica L. and Patrick T.
Armstrong of Salt Lake City; his daughter
Brenda L. Rockswold Ross (Brian) of
Snellville; his sister Carol D. Weiler and
brother Steven B. Rockswold (Faye) of
ND.
JIMMY N. MOORE
Jimmy was a Life Member (#43) of
the Army Otter Caribou Association and
had been a member 28 years. He was the
first of the Logbook editors setting a style
and standard that has been retained down
through the years.
Jimmy Nelson Moore
passed
away
peacefully at home in
Temecula, CA, July 14,
2016. He was born
March 5, 1935, in
Fort Smith, AR.
He is survived by
his wife, Peg, who
he met in 1953
while both were
students at the University of Illinois.
Jimmy Moore, 74, spent 21 years in
the U.S. Army before retiring as a
lieutenant colonel in 1974. His duty
assignments took him all over the world
including a two-year stint in Vietnam
flying helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
Following his military days, Jimmy
Moore and two partners started a software
company in Baltimore. In 1984, the
company relocated to California, where
Moore wrote software used in dentist and
optometry offices. He eventually sold his
interest in the software firm.
After moving to Temecula the couple
formed a commercial and business
brokerage that also did taxes, bookkeeping
and small-business consulting.
AOCA Logbook
as a fellow AOCA member and a friend.
P.T. Smith
I must echo the above comments
from P.T. Smith. Not only did Jimmy
Moore set the standard for future Logbook
Editors, he raised the bar. He performed
his editing and layout magic with the
literal “Cut and Paste” journalism of days
past. While P.T. And I were years ahead
of him in technology, a look back at old
Logbooks shows the depth of his talent
and the breadth of his dedication to AOCA.
He will be missed and our wishes go out
to Peg and her family. Bill Upton,
Logbook Editor and AOCA President
Jimmy Moore joined the 1st Otter
Company, I believe, in early 1957 as a
young 2Lt. He was just out of flight school.
Even as the junior grade officer in the
company he was quite vocal. Both he and
his wife looked like teenagers when they
joined the Company. I am sorry to hear of
his passing. My symphony goes out to his
wife and family. George Owens
MARSHALL R. BRACEY
Marshall had been a member of the
Otter Caribou Assn for only a few years had flown with the 57th Avn Co. We were
unable to find an obituary.
Marshall Bracey's sister in Charleston
called to inform me that Marshall passed
away July 17, 2016 after being diagnosed
with stage 4 lung cancer. There was no
service at his request. I am deeply
saddened as we spent a lot of time together
in the air over South Vietnam. He was a
hell of a pilot and a good friend. I'm glad
to have been able to spend time with him
at our reunion in Charleston. I'm going to
miss him. Bill Upton
REMEMBERING JIMMY MOORE
Jimmy most certainly set the
precedent for style and standard for our
AOCA Logbook. I followed him as the
editor and his diligent work and tireless
effort, on behalf of the membership, made
the transition in editors and my work as
editor much much easier. I shall miss him
Marshall Bracey at Albuquerque Reunion - 1997
Page35
Wings of Friendship
JOHN W. “JACK” FUST, JR.
Colonel John
(Jack)
William
Fust, Jr., US Army
(Ret.), 84, passed
away on August
28, 2016, at Inova
Loudoun Hospital.
Colonel Fust
is survived by his
wife of 65 years, Gloria; four children:
Linda Fust Callagy, John William Fust, III,
James Phillip Fust, and Julie Fust Doiron.
Colonel Fust was born on July 12,
1932 and grew up in Louisville, KY where
he attended Louisville Male High School.
He graduated from the University of
Kentucky in 1954 with a BA in physical
education/biological sciences, and later
earned a MS degree in Mass
Communications from Shippensburg
University.
Colonel Fust served his country for
23 years with distinction and pride as a US
Army officer. He was commissioned as a
2nd Lieutenant, Infantry, in 1954. He
TAPS
MEMBERS
JOHN A. AGNEW
February 20, 2016
JAMES A. OVERCASH
June 8, 2016
ELLIS G. ROCKSWOLD
June 21, 2016
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
earned his Airborne, Jumpmaster, and
Ranger qualifications in 1955, and
Jack Fust was an original member of
qualified as an Army Aviator in 1956 and the Otter Caribou Assn., joining in 1985.
as a Master Army Aviator in 1963. He He was Life Member #81, and had flown
piloted both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, with the 1st, 17th, 61st, and had been on
and served in the US, Korea, Vietnam, and the 37th Air Transport Bn. and 10th Air
Germany. He was awarded the Legion of Transport Bde. staff. He was one of the
Merit (2-OLC), the Bronze Star (3-OLC), finest pilots I had the privilege to fly with.
Air Medal (2-OLC and “V” Device), Army Bruce Silvey
Commendation Medal (1-OLC), National
So sorry to hear about Jack Fust. He
Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Armed was a good guy as the QB's say. The core
Forces Honor Medal 1st Class, and of the 17th seems to be narrowing down
Vietnam Service Medal (with 4 Bronze to a precious few. Our thoughts and
Service Stars), Vietnam Campaign Medal prayers are with the family. Gary
(with 60 Device), Vietnam Cross of Edwards
Gallantry with Palm (2 awards).
Upon retirement from the US Army,
I am saddened to learn of Jack Fust’s
Jack pursued a successful second career passing. He was a man among men and a
for 16 years as a financial planner in the friend always. May God rest his sole. At
US and then Germany, assisting military least I got a chance to talk with him in the
service members. When he returned from past two weeks. . . same ole’ Jack as
Germany, Jack went into business with his during his leadership days. He referred to
wife and two daughters for another 16 me as, “JTH.” Jack will be sorely missed,
years, operating The Potomac Gallery in but we are all a better person for having
Leesburg, VA, an art gallery specializing known him. Tom Denney
in, among other things, military-themed
art. Throughout this time, Jack pursued
I worked for Jack twice, went on
many other activities and business pursuits, R&R together, etc. Will miss talking w/
and was an active participant in the Army “spadersix.” John Critchfield
Otter-Caribou Association. He enjoyed
keeping in contact with his many friends
I'm really grieving for COL Jack Fust.
and colleagues and always had a story to He was X/O on my first trip to Vietnam.
tell.
A true friend and a great inspiration to
Life without Jack will be difficult. He those us who served with him and under
was such a part of our lives and everyday him. I'm very sorry for Gloria and family
activities. May God bless him and keep and will keep them in my prayers. Charles
him close.
Nix
REMEMBERING JACK FUST
We are so very, very sorry. He was a
great friend for many years. The world and
the U.S. was a better place because of him
and now, is a lesser place. Vern McNamee
RAY J. HILL
June 23, 2016
MARSHALL BRACEY
July 17, 2016
JOHN W. “JACK” FUST
August 28, 2016
Page36
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
My Last Will and Testament
Information supplied by
AOCA Legal Officer
Ken Womack
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November 2016
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November 2016
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November 2016
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November 2016
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Page45
Wings of Friendship
November 2016
AOCA Logbook
Last night my sister and I were sitting in the den and I said to her, ‘I
never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and
fluids from a bottle to keep me alive. That would be no quality of life at
all. If that ever happens, just pull the plug.’
So she got up, unplugged the computer and threw out my wine.
She’s such a b***h.
Page46
THE ARMY OTTER-CARIBOU ASSOCIATION, INC
P.O. Box 55284
St. Petersburg, FL 33732-5284
Address Service Requested
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit # 1467
St. Petersburg, FL

Logbook July 2016 - US Army Otter Caribou Association

Transcription

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