Name: Joe Duvall
Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Comment: As some of you know the Hornets will have a Beehive ( hospitality room) this year at the VHPA reunion. Open from 9 to 5 or as long as someone is there to protect our memorabilia. Open door policy, all are welcome!!! 3 days July 2-4. Starting Saturday July 2 ( Gene or Joe S are you getting there early? I fly in around noon.) Hover and Cover Fund Raffle. That night is Eric Burdon show that I think we should see. Sunday July 3rd, Beehive open all day, maybe into the night, Hover and Cover Fund Raffle. Groups eat out. Monday, July 4th, Beehive open all day, Hover and Cover Fund Raffle. Night 4th July Dinner cruise! Fireworks! Tues, July 5th, Final Banquet & Dance, Coat and tie. Nice ending till we meet again next year! At VHPA registration desk look for room location posting or ask someone! -- Your Friends, Joe & Donna Duvall 767 Forest Glen Court Maitland, FL 32751 407.644.1835 HORNET 31 —68/69 HORNET Reunion July 2-4 th San Francisco, Marriott www.116AHC.org and www.vhpa.org Hornet T-shirts = $20

Name: Carl Scott
Date: Sunday, March 13, 2005
Comment: Hey Pat Shurness let me know if you are out there or some one who might know him. Thanks guys. Check out geocities.com/doorgunnerone for some pictures of us all.

Name: NATHANIEL WILSON JR
Date: Sunday, March 13, 2005
Comment: I WAS A MEDIC IN THE 1ST WOLFHOUNDS IN 1968.THANKS,AND GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU.HOPE I CAN VISIT REUNION IN SAN FRAN.WOULD LIKE TO MEET CAPT MIKE ADKINSON,STINGER96

Name: Paul Sadowski (stinger 92)
Date: Sunday, March 13, 2005
Comment: Looking forwaard to seeing many of you at the VHPA mini reunion in San Francisco.

Name: GILBERT E. TREVINO
Date: Saturday, March 12, 2005
Comment: I WAS IN THE 605TH TRANS. FROM AUGUST1969-AUGUST1970.COMMO CHECK,OVER

Name: Joe
Date: Friday, March 11, 2005
Comment: Hi Guys, The Hornet reunion now has a Hospitality suite" BeeHive" for 3 days at the San Francisco Marriott July 2-4th,2005. VHPA reunion. Bring yourself!!! We are not getting younger!!!

Name: George Cathey
Date: Thursday, March 10, 105
Comment: Just a quick update. I am still in Texas but time is growing short. I want to make you aware of a magazine article I just ran across. The newest issue of FLIGHT JOURNAL (April 2005) tells about the 135th AHC (call sign EMU-short for Experimental Military Unit). They were made up from combined Americans and Australians. Today’s EMU Inc. tried to get a UH-1M model for restoration but had to settle for a UH-1H instead. Guess what? Seems aircraft UH-1H 65-09870 served with the 117th War Lords and later with the 116th Hornets. You can check it out on their web site: www.emuinc.org. The magazine article might be on their web site: www.flightjournal.com although being a new issue they might not post it till the next issue is out. Take care and I’ll be in touch. “You All Done Good” George Cathey

Name: Ken Lindberg
Date: Thursday, March 10, 2005
Comment: 70-71

Name: Dave Mathias
Date: Monday, March 7, 2005
Comment: Sorry. Meant to enter HOWIE STURGIS. Please call Dave Mathias at (303) 750-4405 or cell at (303)319-3555 or anyone else trying to reach me, please call.

Name: Dave Mathias
Date: Monday, March 7, 2005
Comment: HOWARD STERNS? PLEASE CONTACT DAVE MATHIAS AT(303)750- 4405. HEARD YOU WERE TRYING TO REACH ME AND WOULD LIKE YOU TO CALL.

Name: Tom Pool
Date: Monday, March 7, 2005
Comment: Jim Freeman, CW5!! you son-of-a-gun. IN IRAQ??? I guess you must still be with the Guard. It is good to hear from you. Any of the old Guard gang still around? I saw Frank Itini when he was a Colonel, after I retired, and Jim Morris as a Brig. Gen, also after I retired. No BOOZE damn, Army aircraft won't fly w/o booze! Keep your head down and make it back to Long Island. At least you don't have any more "B" Models left! They called me and asked me to come back on active duty during the first Gulf War. They said they would give me a desk to fly stateside. I couldn't say no for a while because I had a pain in my side from laughing. Take care Jim.

Name: George Cathey
Date: Sunday, March 6, 105
Comment: Thought you might be interested in these two Articles http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/opinion/11059783.htm http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/special_packages/veterans/11066273.htm Talk to you all later. George.

Name: ej sharp
Date: Sunday, March 6, 2005
Comment: i would like to talk to anyone from the 91st engr.co.any imformation about the stops in vietnam,while on the ship usns barrett.and a list of names of all the personal in the company.

Name: Pete Heim
Date: Saturday, March 5, 2005
Comment: RE: Steve Herring: Please give me a call at 801-360-9741.

Name: Gary Brown
Date: Friday, March 4, 2005
Comment: Sam (the monkey) came to stay with me in the summer of 1968 in the supply room. Art, do you remember? What became of him after I left in October 1968. I remember we survived several mortar attacks together in the back room wrapped up in the laundry bin. We both liked whiskey also.

Name: Ken "Dead eye Frenchman" Fleury
Date: Friday, March 4, 2005
Comment: Wondering if anybody knows of, I believe his name was " WO Zimmerman" from 1965-1967. He piloted the "813 Hornet" in 1966. I was known as Fleury, the dead eye frenchman. Looking to see if anybody is still out there that may remember me. I am also the one that had the pet monkey!! I was a door gunner.

Name: Charlie Putnam
Date: Thursday, March 3, 2005
Comment: I flew as a volunteer with you guys out of Phu Loi a couple of times. Great unit, and great guys! I served in the 605th Trans, and 184th Recon Airplane company from 66-68. We done good! :-) Charlie

Name: Gary Deems
Date: Wednesday, March 2, 2005
Comment: I served with the Wolfhounds 1/27th, 1st.Platoon. Delta Company Sept.1969-March 1970. Would appreciate hearing from anyone who served with me. Also served in E-Company (Crip) from April 70-Sept. 70.

Name: Pat Dougan
Date: Wednesday, March 2, 2005
Comment: Three pilots came to the 269th on 23-24 Mar 68. I was assigned to the 187th. The other two were second tour warrants who had also served with each other during their first tour. If I remember correctly both had less than twelve months left in the army when they got there. Anyone know who they were?

Name: Arthur (ART) Shull
Date: Monday, February 28, 2005
Comment: Hi Hornets been a long time since I have been on the site. Just want to let you know still am with the living. Will turn 76 years old next month. Got word about Paul Buksar passing away. Sorry to hear that as I still can see him standing at the Officer Bar having a good time Got a picture from Pat the other day and Paul was in it. HORNET 4 68/69 Art

Name: Suzanne Buksar
Date: Sunday, February 27, 2005
Comment: Hello. I am signing this guestbook in search of information about Paul Buksar. I am his niece and the daughter of his only brother. Sadly my uncle passed away yesterday at the age of 58. I was wondering if anyone out there remembers him, or has any information about him. From what I could gather he was part of the 116th AHC from 1969-1971. Please feel free to e-mail me with any stories, pictures, etc. Thank you.

Name: Frank Reilly(Doc)
Date: Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Comment: Flight, Thanks for all the prayers and good wishes And especially the flowers.There was a plant from the HORNETS, when I woke up from my 'coma'. Mary pointed this out,knowing my love for the HORNETS. I was discharged from the Rehab hospital on Saturday. I'm trying to recover from the myopathy caused from the various drugs used during my 'Coma'.I currently need a cane, walker etc to get around the house. Woody Weiss, Chief of Pulm and Critical Care(Boston) and a good friend, made arrangements to have me on a Med Flight to Boston. As it turned out, it was decided to have me remain at Norwood-Caritas Hosp. Thanks Again. Doc

Name: Joe Skarda
Date: Monday, February 21, 2005
Comment: Hello all you HORNETS, I was just reading some of the comments in the guest book and thought I had better post this info again. The 116th has a list server running and has near 50 members now. If you aren't familar with what that is ... Two very important things. It's free, and you don't have to change your e-mail address. Here's how it works... If you post a message all members get a copy from your one send and conversly if someone sends a message everyone gets a copy. It's that easy and the server has helped a number of folks find each other and there are some wonderful stories and some pretty funny jokes. It's just kinda friendly way to keep in contact with guys from all years, and if you don't like it the system will allow you to unsubscribe by yourself Just send me an e-mail at jskarda@cox-internet.com and I'll send you the e-form to request this service. Hope to see some new guys soon. joe 68-69 Cu Chi

Name: Lloyd Mathis
Date: Saturday, February 19, 2005
Comment: I am looking for information on Lt. Jimmy Wayne Crisp who was a pilot in the Stinger Squadron in Vietnam. He was shot down in June of 1969. He was stationed out of Cu-Chi and flew missions in the area of the Black Virgin Mtn. Anyone with information, please contact me at my e-mail address. Thanks.

Name: Edward Harrison
Date: Friday, February 18, 2005
Comment: To Jim freeman at Speicher, am at Kirkuk with 116BCT on FOB Warrior, been here since Dec. e-mail if you get a chance Hornet 31 69-70.

Name: Mark Hohstadt
Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Comment: I was (am still) a Hornet (Cu Chi 1970, Wasps) Does anyone remember or know where door gunner Rawles is? Here is an interesting story. The enlisted men that lived in the hut with Rawles asked me to stop by one afternoon.. one fellow checked outside the door to see if the coast was clear and then he moved a bunk or cot away from the wall and pulled a door open on the floor. under the floor was a hidden dug out that had a painting of the Play boy bunny logo and a row of brandy snifters.. each snifter had a photo of the owners girlfriend or wife in it.. They had a snifter added with a picture of my own wife that they had lifted from my hooch. this was one of the most touching things that I saw in Vietnam.. I am getting older now and have forgotten many of the names but I do remember some of the good moments along with the bad.

Name: Tim Templin
Date: Monday, February 14, 2005
Comment: I was at Cu Chi in 1969-1970. Ft Walters 70-71. Hornet 34 at Cu Chi. Spent a little time as Black Baron 6. I now live in Eastern TN.

Name: Carl Scott
Date: Sunday, February 13, 2005
Comment: Hello everyone. Just as a reminder you can check out my little site of Chu Lai '70-71 at geocities.com/doorgunnerone Peace

Name: al sever
Date: Friday, February 11, 2005
Comment: Xin Loi is now out in paperback. Mananaged to get a few names into this edition that were not in first edition. Thanks for kind words from those who have read it.

Name: James G. Freeman Hornet 25 70-71
Date: Thursday, February 10, 2005
Comment: Hi fellas, It's been a while since I posted anything up here. Actually I've been having difficulty with the e-mail here in Iraq but it seems to be fixed now. i always love to read the messages up here, it really brings back the memories. One particular thing I noticed is the amount of traffic from the grunts in the 25th ID. Well an interesting thing happened a few weeks ago. My Brigade did a night CA into a small town just prior to the elections. Guess who we hauled around. I'll give you a hint, the op was named Wolfhound Fury. Can't really say much more about it because of the OPSEc stuff but it was nice to work with wolfhounds again. I didn't actually get to fly the mission because I'm a staff puke now and all the young buffalo's think I don't remember how to do CA's. If they only knew. Garcia I remember you very well, you painted "trans Love Airways" and some very stylized custom wings on my helmet. Hello Tom Pool, you were the Army Advisor when I first joined the Guard. Nice to se Larry Tyndall is still writing notes, tell your daughter to write me and i'll tell her all about the silly things we used to do. I think I even have a picture of you on christmas 70'. You look inebriated. Different war now buddy, no booze. I'm the BDE SP and one of my lift BN's is 25% female. The CDR, S1, S2, S4 and CSM all females. It's a different war guys. Anyway I'm at FOB Spiecher which is near Tikrit, the food and amenities here are great. The PX is horrible, just barely has the necessary stuff and no Stereo Equipment except BoomBoxes. No PACEX catalogue either. 122 MM rockets going over your head sound the same though. I remember one night in Chu Lai I was a little drunk and they started mortaring us. It didn't happen very often there but enough. I tape recorded it one night from on top of a bunker. I already said I was A little drunk. Well I thought I'd come over here and videotape it. A couple of problems have immediately become apparant. First you can't get drunk enough to want to do something as stupid as that and second, the cowards only shoot one or two rockets at a time so you don't have time to film it anyway. I'm going to include my snail mail address in case any of you guys want to write. Bye for now. CW5 James G. Freeman HHC AVN BDE, 42ID OIF, FOB Spiecher APO AE 09393

Name: Pat Emery, Jr.
Date: Tuesday, February 8, 2005
Comment: Hi! I just received my Dad's Vet recs, found that in addition to serving w/71st AHC, he spent 2 mos. with the 116th. He was w/ 116th from Nov. of 65 to Jan of 66. His name was Pat Emery, Sr. He was a pilot. was wondering if anyone knew and remembered. If there's someone who does, pleas e-mail me. Thanks, Pat Jr..

Name: harvey wicklund
Date: Saturday, January 29, 2005
Comment: Hello, I'm looking for Joe Skarda....please respond

Name: Tom Pool
Date: Thursday, January 27, 2005
Comment: Walt, Buddy, don't tell me you didn't know about this site. I'm sorry, I thought you knew. It must be Dick Gray's fault. You know how these guys who retire as Colonels are (but sometimes he still acts like a WOJUG). Just kidding. Dickey is still a died in the wool Hornet, and one of the best. I see him regularly, plus Marshall Clarke and Hank Small are local. I'm surprised we don't hear more from the Hornets and Stingers of our time. Paul Jenkins just got me in touch with Mike Usher, who was flying with me in a Yellow Jacket and was wounded in a bad way at the Duc Hoa Horseshoe. That was just before I went to the Stingers. Keep in touch Walt. And buy the way, one of these days I am going to tell the story of you and I Snake Hazelbaker, and Andy Hernandez, North of Loc Ninh, when we flew out with 15 Nungs in a "D" Model as in L-11 Engine. I'm not sure, but I think that may be a record. Or maybe the one where you and I hovered around at the end of the runway at Phuc Vinh trying to get a sniper on Christmas Day 1966. Peace Brother Walt

Name: Joe Duvall
Date: Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Comment: VHPA Reunion in San Fran. Downtown Marriott July 1st thru 6th. The Hornets will have a Mini reunion on the 3rd from 1-5. Check out vhpa.org then call Lorean at VHPA Headquarters 1.800.505.8472 to make reservations TODAY! Don't forget to tell them your a Hornet and Joe sent you.

Name: Walt Winters
Date: Sunday, January 23, 2005
Comment: Just found out about this web site. Wonder why? 66-67. Took an hour to go thru all the mail. Enjoyed

Name: Martin
Date: Sunday, January 23, 2005
Comment: can anybody help me? i'm a 18 year old guy building the revell gunship. i need some info about a certain bird. i have the 1/32 UH-1H gunship scalemodel...but info is limited so i hope you can help me. the birds tail number is 674 and it's a "hornet" (white bug as nose art) all i want to know if anybody knows it/flown in it and what arnament it had. i thank you if you can help me. Martin Berends. The Netherlands

Name: Irene T. Stephens
Date: Saturday, January 22, 2005
Comment: What a wonderful surprise! My husband, Lawrence E. Stephens (born 2-24-49), served in Vietnam with the Hornets (Wasps) as a Door Gunner during 1968-69. He has many pictures and still has his patch and uniform. I will have him contact you as I am sure he will want to attend the Hornets Reunion! Sincerely, Irene T. Stephens Lawrence & Irene Stephens 24721 Glenwood Drive Lake Forest, CA 92630 949-768-4615

Name: Leroy Rutherford
Date: Friday, January 21, 2005
Comment: Flight I am in the data base and just update my E-Mail Address and I am a Pastor now and would like to know the Tail Number of Big Daddy. Bro. Leroy Rutherford Pastor Midway Independent Baptist Church 86 Lost Corner Road Post Office Box 46 Cleveland, AR 72030 Home Phone 501-669-2573

Name: Erika
Date: Thursday, January 20, 2005
Comment: I am looking for a man who was stationed at Ft Wolters, Tx especially during x-mas of 67. His name is Mike Kulisek. I believe he was training for helecopter pilot, but could have been a mechanic for the copters. If you have any information on him or pictures or whearabouts, I would most greatly appreciate it. I know that he is from back east, NY, Boston, NJ. Please contact me. Thank YOu Erika Vietnam Baby

Name: John Barrera
Date: Sunday, January 16, 2005
Comment: Hello all hornets, am looking for any info anyone may have on a John Jammer, he was a sp/5 crewchief in the yellow jackets, around 70' John was a good friend, and I remember him moving up north with us and then went home shortly after that.I just came across a photo of him with his ship Sleeze Dee if anyone is interested. Thanks, John Barrera.

Name: Paul A. Merrey SSG RET USA
Date: Friday, January 14, 2005
Comment: Was assigned to the 116 as a crew chief, 1966 - 1967. My door gunner was Raul Villa.

Name: JJ Garcia
Date: Tuesday, January 4, 2005
Comment: Does anyone know the whereabouts of Larry Picket? I tried his email address but they have been undeliverable. Larry Pickett and our crew ended up crashing into a few trees while on a supply mission near LZ Mary Ann. If anyone knows his whereabouts let him know that the crewchief for the Frito Bandito is trying to make contact with him. Thanks a bunch. JJ Garcia

Name: Jerry Hazen
Date: Thursday, December 30, 2004
Comment: Hope that everyone had a nice Christmas this year. We had a good one with our families. May God be with those that our doing their job to keep this country a free nation no matter what some people think. Hold your head high and keep on keeping on. God bless you all and keep Him in every thing you do

Name: Juan "JJ" Garcia
Date: Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Comment: I would like to extend my very sincere thanks to those fellow Hornets that have come forward with pictures from our days in Vietnam. A very special thanks to John Barrera, Carl Scott, Larry Pickett, and Mike Barlow, who started all. After all these years the camaraderie among the Hornets still remains strong and will probably stay as strong until our last breath. We all went through some horrible experiences that ordinary people just can't relate to. Happy New Year to all. May the lord watch over all of you. God Bless. JJ Garcia "Frito Bandito"

Name: Joe Duvall
Date: Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Comment: Hornet reunion Sunday July 3rd 1:00 Marriott Downtown San Francisco, meeting room posted in lobby. Make your plans now!

Name: Joe Duvall
Date: Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Comment: Hornet Mini-Reunion July2-6 VHPA. I have requested Sunday July 3rd for the Hornet reunion at the Marriot in San Francisco,CA. Flight plan filed soon. Hornet 31, 68-69

Name: jeff l meadows 'sr
Date: Monday, December 27, 2004
Comment: thank for saveing usa it pay to be a winner [qd-qb] all times

Name: Charlie Taliaferro
Date: Monday, December 27, 2004
Comment: You can retire your tattered, worn out and frayed American flags without cost to you. Send your flags to the Kitchen Table Gang Trust, 42922 Avenue 12, Madera, CA 93638-8866 and we will dispose of your flags in a proper and dignified manner with full honors pursuant to the United States Code. Please, don’t throw your old flags away, send them to us! Thanks, Charles Taliaferro THE KITCHEN TABLE GANG TRUST http://www.kitchentablegang.org

Name: Bob Warns, Hornet 33 (Original)
Date: Sunday, December 26, 2004
Comment: 39 years ago was feeling a bit depressed because I missed the draw on the Bob Hope Show at Long Binh. Tonight I am thankful for all the blessing the good Lord has brought to all of us. Pray for the young one's who now carry on for us and are facing the same media harrassment that we faced. Wishing all Hornets and Stingers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Name: Mike Ward
Date: Saturday, December 25, 2004
Comment: Thirty-five years ago today I was marking time in Cu Chi, looking forward to derosing and making it home in time for New Year's Eve. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all you Hornets and Stingers out there. I wish you all the best in the coming year. Stinger 94 Feb-Dec 1969

Name: Arthur (Wop) Silacci
Date: Friday, December 24, 2004
Comment: Al, my email is still kicking back. Art

Name: Fossil
Date: Thursday, December 23, 2004
Comment: Merry Christmas guys. We've got a lot of potential Hornets over here/there. Keep the faith w/each other. Funny thing, my Stinger Shirt doesn't fit anymore. I guess they shrink hanging in the closet? Pat

Name: Carl Scott
Date: Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Comment: This is by far the real Hornet site, but I do have some extra pictures and stuff at www.geocities.com/doorgunnerone

Name: Dave McAdams (Hornet 21)
Date: Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Comment: Merry Christmas to all of you!!!!

Name: marshall jackson
Date: Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Comment: served in B-1-35inf, 12-65 to 10-66.title 38 us code of federal regulations, is the bible for the veterans administration. everyone should read title 38. it can be found by typing title 38 usc in most search engines. what congress does not want us to know is va can LEGALLY award or deny ANY claim they receive. va adjudicator's are professional manipulators, and you can be assured they are looking out for the government, not the veteran. you owe it to yourself to read title 38 us code.

Name: John Barrera
Date: Monday, December 20, 2004
Comment: Here's to a joyfull holiday season to all members of the 116th ahc, and to an even better 2005' John Barrera 70-71.

Name: Linda Wilsher Clance
Date: Monday, December 20, 2004
Comment: Merry Christmas and a Happy new year to all of you veterans of the 116th. It has been another remarkable year meeting many of you, finding more information regarding my brother and becoming more a part of this group. I have a red, yellow and white ribbon tied to my tree to honor the 116th. God Bless and I am working hard to make it to the reunion in San Francisco this coming year. Lil Sis

Name: Arthur (Wop) Silacci
Date: Saturday, December 18, 2004
Comment: Al Sever, my emails to you have been coming back. Hope the Holidays treat you well. Art

Name: cw4 john knox retired 3/17th
Date: Friday, December 17, 2004
Comment: Nice job- Thanks guys- Merry Christmas to you all and our sons and daughters in service now.

Name: Bill Chavez
Date: Friday, December 17, 2004
Comment: Merry Christmas @ Happy New Year to the best dam Assault Helicopter Unit in Vietnam and the Men who made it that way and God Bless those who are not here to be with us today. Ill never forget my fellow Sky Warriors and those who supported us. The Calif Flash!

Name: Jim Isbell
Date: Thursday, December 16, 2004
Comment: Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all >>> instead of two front teeth fixed for Christmas, getting two new eyes that work >>> will be flying again in Jan 05, take care all, see you at the DC reunion, Jim

Name: Arthur (Wop) Silacci
Date: Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Comment: Best of Holidays to all Hornets. Art

Name: Roger Price
Date: Monday, December 13, 2004
Comment: To All Hornets: Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. May this post find you all in good health and doing well. Will be trying to make the next reunion in San Francisco. Take Care and God Bless. (Flight ops feb 70 to jan 71)

Name: Frank Reilly(Doc)
Date: Monday, December 13, 2004
Comment: Army Reporter Stories From Vietnam THE ARMY REPORTER is published weekly under the supervision of the Information Office. United States Army Vietnam and is an authorized Army publication. The command newspaper has a circulation of 80,000 and is printed by the Pacific Stars and Stripes Tokyo, Japan. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Department of the Army. This newspaper utilizes the facilities of the ARMED FORCES NEWS BUREAU and ARMY NEWS FEATURES. Contributions are welcome and may be sent to: THE ARMY REPORTER, USARV-IO, APO 96375 or telephone Long Binh 4204/4411. Gen. W.C. Westmoreland....................Commanding General Lt. Gen. Bruce Palmer Jr.................. Deputy CG Col.Joseph R. Meacham....................Information Officer Maj. Fletcher Jones........................Officer-in-Charge EDITORIAL STAFF SSgt. Frank Randant ..................................Editor SSgt. Maury Moser...............................Asst. Editor Sp4 Ross Carletta ..............................Staff Writer Sp4 Mark Follansbee.............................Staff Writer PFC Larry Johnson ............................. Staff Writer Here is a comical story: 05Aug67-Clerk Hops Chopper, But Not Right One CU CHI, (25th INF-IO) - Captain Roger Taylor, commander of the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, was flabbergasted when a nervous soldier crawled up to him in the middle of a heavy fire fight with a Viet Cong battalion and said, "Sir, I'm not supposed to be here."The commander's amazement grew as he crouched down behind a rice paddy dike to hear the man's story.While bullets snapped overhead, Sp4 Lyel Roush explained that he was a clerk sent from the 25th Infantry Division Finance Office to make an annual check of leave records. When he arrived at the battalion's forward base, everyone was loading up on helicopters, "So I figured the unit must be returning to the division's base camp, and hopped on." Roush said. Instead of coming to the base camp here, the ships were heading for a combat assault 40 miles northwest of Saigon, along the Oriental River. Minutes after they touched down the landing zone erupted with VC automatic weapons fire.Roush found himself with a .45 cal. pistol, a flak jacket, and leave records. He loaded the pistol, wrapped the records up in the jacket, and began his crawl toward Taylor."There was nothing we could do," said Taylor, "but issue him more ammo and some grenades," Roush fought for the next four hours like the rest of the men and finally caught an ammunition resupply chopper out. "They always told us in basic training that no matter what our job, we were always fighters," Roush said. "Now I believe it." He returned to the quiet finance office with a real story to tell.

Name: Lawrence Tindall
Date: Sunday, December 12, 2004
Comment: Wishing all my fellow Hornets a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hornet 23 1970

Name: Carl Scott
Date: Saturday, December 11, 2004
Comment: Merry Christmas everyone. I'm still looking for Pat Shurness or David Mossier. Peace

Name: tom clausen
Date: Saturday, December 11, 2004
Comment: I want to wish all the Stinger, Yellow Jackets, and the Wasp a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years. Let all of us remember the troops in Iraq. After all, we understand what they are going through. May God keep them safe and return them to their families soon.

Name: Tom Pool "Stinger 81"
Date: Thursday, December 9, 2004
Comment: To the Villa Sisters, Ladies, My name is Tom Pool. I was in the attack helicopter platoon, the "Stingers" when your brother was killed in the Hornets. I am from Houston, and my name was in the Chronicle for receiving a Distinguished Flying Cross. It listed my parents home number. Your brother, who was a graduate student at Rice, called me. My brother had graduated from Rice as well. Your brother asked me to tell him what happened and I did. I was in the area flying a Stinger aircraft, and knew what was happening. After I told the story, your brother called me several more times. He said that the writing in the citation ( an Air Madal for Valor I believe) Raul received with his Purple Heart made it sound like he was not supported by his fellow soldiers. Your father thought it had something to do with the fact that he was a Tejano. I explained more than once that the language of a medal for bravery always tells of the individual action, so it can be distinguished from the unit. I was younger and less patient in those days and was aggrevated because I felt that this reduced the sacrifice your brother had made. After several discussions I avoided talking to your brother. I will tell you what I know. Your brother Raul was well liked and a team member of one of the most elite fighting units to have served in Viet Nam. If you look at the unit awards you will see a Presidential Unit Citation (equivalent to a Medal Of Honor for an entire unit) four Valourous Unit Citations (equivalent to a Silver Star for an entire unit) two Meritorious Unit Citations (equivalent to a Bronze Star for an entire unit) and four Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Raul served in the Wasp Platoon, one of the two lift platoons. It was their job to insert the troops in a combat assault, and get them out, sometimes under withering enemy automatic weapons fire. This is never a job for the faint hearted. Raul's job in the aircraft was to put machine gun fire on the enemy while his aircraft was going in to land and taking off. This may sound simple, but it is not. All of your natural instincts tell you to duck and hide when the bullets are ripping the metal aircraft to pieces around you and all you have is a very small armored vest, and partially bullet proof helmet. I didn't know Raul well, but I know that the men of our unit liked him, and that says it all. To be welcomed into that group, you had to be a heck of a guy. The word hero has been somewhat diluted in the last two conflicts. But in the Hornets, it was the price of admission. The day Raul was killed his platoon was taking members of the 25th Division, probably the Wolf Hounds into and out of a dirt airstrip near an old abandoned Suger Mill very near the Cambodian Border. That was always a very dangerous area, since it was in the direct path that fresh North Vietnamese Troops infiltrated into the III Corps area. It is red dirt with lots of Nippa Palm. These are bushes that grow to about 20 foot height, and are so close together that you can not see people in them from above, much less when you are on the ground. He was hit in the head with a single shot, and very probably dead within seconds. His unit was picking up troops that were in trouble and needed to be evacuated. I am a Tejano, who can tell you, your brother did a very good job in a nasty war. I don't know if this helps or not but thirty seven years later, some of my best friends are Hornets and Stingers. We lost something like 6000 people in Army Helicopters in Viet Nam. I sorry your brother was one of them, but I am proud of him.

Name: juliet
Date: Thursday, December 9, 2004
Comment: your website is great.. im tryin to find a jouh parker..who was studying aviation in london during early sixties..thank you

Name: Frank Reilly(Doc)
Date: Thursday, December 9, 2004
Comment: Merry Christmas, and a Healthy New Year. Doc 116th AHC/431st Medical '67

Name: Mike Coleman
Date: Tuesday, December 7, 2004
Comment: Hornet 49

Name: juan j garcia
Date: Tuesday, December 7, 2004
Comment: This web site brings lots of memories for me. I was, also, a crewchief with the Yellow Jackets from 21 mar 70-feb 23 71. I worked in maintenance for a short period of time. My tour started in Cu Chi and months later the whole company moved up to Chu Lai. Boy what a beautiful site it was when we all were flying up north. I recognize a few names on the veteran's list. I would say I maintained a low profile. I crewed "D" models. My name that I put on my helicopter was the Frito Bandito 1 and after I got a shot up, I got another helicopter and called it Frito Bandito 2. My gunner at that time was a guy with the same last name as mine. He spoke fluent vietnamese, cambodian, and thai. He was a point man with the 25th Wolfhounds but decided to become a door gunner. Great job on the web site. I have been through a couple of divorces and I beleive my ex burned all the pixs from nam. What a bitch! Got rid of my past history. Juan J. Garcia "JJ" xcopterdr@hotmail.com

Name: Bob Allsup
Date: Thursday, December 2, 2004
Comment: My brother was in the 116th assault helicopter division and I was looking to see if anyone on this list might know him. I'm hoping to put him in touch with some of the guy's he was in with. If anyone knows Earl Allsup please contact me and I'll get him intouch with you

Name: david rodgers
Date: Wednesday, December 1, 2004
Comment: I have not been here in awhile. I'm the one always looking for info or pictures of Ssgt Carroll Rodgers. Thanks to Stan Perry, Andy Skiller, Andy Schorr and all of you guys. last night my best friends son was killed in the Blacjhawk crash in Waco, outside Ft. Hood. He did a tour in Iraq and was about to rotate back. He was a crew chief. All on board were killed: pilot cwo 2 mark w. evans jr cwo 2 david h. garner brig gen. charles b. allen col. james m. moore capt. todd t. chrismas cwo 5 douglas v. clapp **sp 4 richard brown I do not know if any served n Vietnam. But they flew and crewed helicopter's. please remeber them tonight.

Name: Jerry Hazen
Date: Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Comment: I'm glad to find this web site for along time I couldn't find anything about the 116th. I'm trying to remember some of the people that I was with while there, and see if anyone remembers me. I worked on the flight line at night mostly making sure the radios worked for the next day. When possible I liked to fly as a doorgunner. Maybe somebody can remember a guy with a bright yellow helment that looked like a bee when the visor was pulled down. I think that I was right doorgunner for a guy named Foxy,but I saw that there is a Fox that got shot down after I came back to the states. I do wish that somebody would let me know.

Name: Phil Landis
Date: Sunday, November 28, 2004
Comment: I found a website that showed Stinger 64-13954 B-model has been restored and located in Huntsville, Alabama. If anyone knows where in Huntsville it is, please contact me with that information. Thank you very much.

Name: Carl Scott
Date: Saturday, November 27, 2004
Comment: There are some guys in Kansas that are restoring D-Model 970 that was part of the Hornets in 70&71 if not sooner. I think I was crewchief on that ship. If you have any info contact rhebert11@msn.com

Name: John Barrera
Date: Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Comment: One of the best thanksgivings I ever expierenced was believe it or not in vietnam 1970. We were assigned to re supply the 196th that day, we found out that we would be delivering turkey dinner to the unit in the field. The 196th was spread all over there ao so we were flying to many different locations, this took up most of the day, and you know it was hard work, we had to slide around those heavy mermite cans full of food in the ship so they could all fit, and then slide them out the side to unload. We smashed a few fingers in the process, but to see the look on those grunts faces when we came in with the food was worth it all. It was getting pretty late but we just kept going, we all agreed that we wanted to make sure everyone got some turkey. Looking at my watch I knew we all were going to miss dinner at the mess hall, but no one said a word, we just kept plugging along. Finally we were done and were released, so we headed back to Chu Lai resigned to enjoying a c rat dinner. Well I guess somebody took notice that we were the only crew bringing in the food all day, and maybe felt sorry for us because when we arrived at the nest there was a jeep with a lt.col.waiting for us. He was a big wig from the americal and said he would make sure that we had our turkey dinner. Of course we made him wait till we post flighted the ship and put her down for the night, then we jumped in the jeep and off we went to the mess hall of all places. You figure it was almost seven in the evening and I thought man those cooks are going to be pissed off for having to go back to the mess hall and start warming things up again. The battalion mess would close after dinner. But when we arrived the place was dark except for the serving which was lit up and all the cooks we ready to serve us just as they would on a normal day, and they all had smiles, I guess they knew we were the one's that were taking care of there boys in the field that day. The col. and his driver also were in line with us. After we sat down all the cooks also got trays and sat with us, after giving thanks we began to feast. That day I knew how those men in the field felt to have there thanksgiving dinner even if they were in a combat situation, it had to make them feel good, because I know it made us feel wonderfull not only to do it, but to not be forgotten and invited also, it's all about family, and friends. Happy Thanksgiving to all hornets and your family. John Barrera

Name: Lance Sides
Date: Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Comment: Greetings to all. My name is Lance Sides. Some of you will remember me from earlier postings on this site. Jimmy Crisp (Stinger 96) was my cousin and so many on this site have been so very helpful in retracing his time with the Hornets / Stingers. I have changed e-mail and moved out of South Texas so wanted to post and provide my new address. bpdsgt@classicnet.net. Anyone with photos of Jimmy or stories please drop me a line. God bless you all for all you did and all you gave. Lance

Name: AGUSTIN VEGA TINO
Date: Monday, November 22, 2004
Comment: I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE FROM PUERTO RICO STATIONED AT PHU LOI VN DURING 1969 TO 1970 PLEASE CALL 787 815 2767 OR 787 815 3616 PLEASE LEAVE MESSAGE WAITING TINO

Name: Norma Villa
Date: Sunday, November 21, 2004
Comment: I would also like to hear from anyone who could share a memory of my brother, Raul Villa, nicknamed "Pancho Villa" by his friends in Nam. My sister Marta just sent me this cite, thanks Marta.

Name: Marta Villa
Date: Saturday, November 20, 2004
Comment: Would like to hear from someone who could share a memory about my brother, Raul Villa while he served in Cu Chi from 10/66- 05/67. Raul was killed by enemy sniper in May 1967. The pilot was David Lee. It's still an open wound.

Name: Robert Bilicki
Date: Thursday, November 18, 2004
Comment: Dear Suzanne, This is truely a hidden site. Robert & Joanne Bilicki P.O. Box 378 Pictur Rocks, PA 17762

Name: Carl Scott
Date: Sunday, November 14, 2004
Comment: I've added quite a few pictures of the Hornets check it out at www.geocities.com/doorgunnerone

Name: Carl Scott
Date: Saturday, November 13, 2004
Comment: Pat Shurness. I knew a Pat Shurness from Colorado. Did we dig a room in the dirt under your hootch and get busted for it? Were we stationed at Fort Riley together after Nam? If it is or not please let me know.

Name: wayne ashley
Date: Saturday, November 13, 2004
Comment: I was mavosog. Long time ago. Wish to hear from some buddies

Name: Stinger 87
Date: Friday, November 12, 2004
Comment: Thought all the crewmembers might like to read this post from Iraq. On Veterans Day this Thursday, November 11th we will honor all those service members and their families that have served and sacrificed before us. We deeply respect and admire the dedication and selfless ! service of all combat veterans. Task Force 185th Aviation would like to dedicate our success here in Iraq to the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots, crewmen and all support people that developed the basics of our modern day Army Aviation doctrine. Thanks to our predecessors we have the most modern high tech aircraft, we have tried and true tactics, techniques and procedures and we have the proven skills to accomplish our mission. When we arrived in Iraq we were more than prepared for the challenge. In contrast the helicopter pilots of Vietnam were young men that went from high school to flight school and then straight to Vietnam. The average age of a helicopter pilot in Vietnam was in their early 20's and the concept of helicopters in combat was a novelty. 35 years later, the average age of TF 185th pilots is 34 and the average flight experience is almost 3,000 hours. Despite their inexperience, the Vietnam era pilots were fearless and innovative as they adapted and developed! ways to utilize the helicopter in combat. The 185th is mostly a National Guard and Reserve task force. While most Vietnam Veterans have long been retired, 10% of our pilots are Vietnam "old timers" in their mid 50's. Over the years these veterans along with many others have been our mentors and role models as we trained and prepared for combat. The enemy in Vietnam was more ferocious, smarter, and dedicated. Iraqi insurgents are cowards, picking on the innocent, or using hit and run tactics to avoid a fight. The Viet Cong may have used hit and run tactics, but they were deliberate in their prosecution of the war. When in a situation they couldn't back out of, they fought fiercely. Shoulder fired man portable anti-aircraft missiles appeared at the end of the Vietnam War, so the aviators did not have to contend with them for long. What they learned about these new, small heat seeking missiles was critical to our tactics today. The greatest threat to our aircraft! in Iraq is encountering new versions of this man portable anti-aircraft missile. Due to the enemy threat and dense airspace usage here in Iraq detailed and time consuming mission planning is a way of life. Fortunately we have the computers, software and internet transmitted airspace coordination means to create computer generated maps and mission data for each flight. We also have GPS navigation systems, long range radios and complete flight instruments. For protection we only fly in pairs here, while in Vietnam they many times flew single ship with minimal pre-planning time using only a map and compass. Today in Iraq, safety is paramount to everything we do. We even say our biggest enemy is ourselves in the form of an accident. We are required to conduct thorough risk analysis and track our duty time to prevent fatigue. In contrast, Vietnam Vets developed safety procedures only after frequent accidents or shoot-downs. In Iraq we also enjoy the tactical advantage of! flying "blacked out" at night with Night Vision Goggles that were not invented back then. But, perhaps the greatest difference between Iraq and Vietnam is the support at home. Today we enjoy widespread support on the home front. Even those who can't see why we are fighting rarely slander soldiers when they protest the war. This may be in part due to 9/11, but it is also because our nation remembers the nature of 1960s war protesters, and their actions toward returning Vietnam Vets. Such conduct is no longer acceptable in mainstream American society. This quote by Vietnam Veteran CW4 Ronnie Wells makes it clear: "When comparing Vietnam to Iraq, there were a few things that were painful. First, we went as individuals, not as units. We came and went at different times. We often left in the middle of the night, coming home to a town that may or may not have known you even left. We were cursed, called baby killers, and completely disrespected for many years. You, however! , are seen as heroes and should receive the accolades you deserve." We in Task Force 185th have a lot to thank the Aviators and men of the helicopter units of Vietnam for, from their pioneering tactics in Air Mobile Warfare; to the way they proved what was needed in the way of future aircraft. The burdens they bore both at war and at home have made our success in Iraq possible. We could write a book about this issue, but not at this time. We ask that you forward this email to a Vietnam aviator, crewmember or mechanic and thank them. On this Veterans Day we also want to give a special thanks to our family members for their sacrifices this year while we serve in Iraq. Your thoughts, support and prayers are literally a God send. Our families are now veterans too and they are our heroes!!! Catfish 6 Bradly MacNealy TF 185th Aviation "In the Sunni Triangle" Commanding DSN:302-527-2401/302-559-2444 bradly.macnealy@us.army.mil bradly.macnealy@us.army.smil.mil

Name: Carl
Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Comment: I was a crechief for the Wasps and Stingers in 70-71. I made a small web site at geocities of pictures of Wasps,Yellow Jackets and Stingers at Chu Lai. If you should recognize me send me an e-mail. The site is http://www.geocities.com/doorgunnerone

Name: Linda Wilsher Clance
Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Comment: Another Veteran's Day has come around. My thoughts this year are with all of you who served with the 116th. As many of you know we have been turned down by the Review Board in an attempt to have the personnel records changed to read that the crew was on a combat mission that resulted in their casuality on 2/21/69. It seems that the government is standing by incomplete and inaccurate records to base decisions on rather than eye witness accounts. I have not given up as I sincerely believe those four men deserved the "Purple Heart". As to the survivors, you men also deserve far more recognition than you received. My wish for you is a Happy and Blessed Veteran's Day. Sister to Everett N. Wilsher, Stinger Crew Chief 68/68

Name: Carl Scott
Date: Saturday, November 6, 2004
Comment: I can't believe I found this site. I was a crewchief for the wasps and stingers in chu lai in 69 and 70. What a ride! I was the short guy who always "seemed" stoned. If anyone should remember me please e-mail me. I still have some photos of those days that I'm going to try to send to this great site. Bless you all and to the ones we left behind.

Name: Mike Richardson
Date: Friday, November 5, 2004
Comment: I was wondering if anyone knows an e-mail or regular address for Captain Haun,or CWO Jessie Rawals.I was also a close friend to Danny Dye if any one has an e-mail address for his family.I served with the 116th in 71-72.

Name: Jack W Hanlon
Date: Thursday, November 4, 104
Comment: trying to find anyone who knew me (the big C) - i was a door gunner from late 1969 to early 1971 - to verify my unit and decorations -- HELP -- tks

Name: LARRY PICKETT
Date: Saturday, October 30, 2004
Comment: I would appericiate anyone with Ed Denny's E-Mail add.to contact me, haven't been able to find him. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP.

Name: Jorge Escobar
Date: Saturday, October 30, 2004
Comment: Was a very proud gunner from 1967-1968 with the wasps and stingers. Flew with CW Underwood (278) and with thStingers. Left Chu Chi October 1968. Best frien SP4 Plavkin who die October 3, 1968 as a proud Stinger. Just wanted to say Hello to all who serve during that time.

Name: howard Sturgis
Date: Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Comment: http://www.stolenhonor.com I have just finished viewing the documentary. It should be on every network and on every night until John Kerry is forced to apologize to the pows in that documentary. It won't be and he won't. The words of those American pow heroes deserve your attention. Go to the web site and learn about the suffering that those pows had to endure. Listen to them tell of the abuse that they suffered when traitors like Hanoi Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden visited Hanoi. Listen to them tell about the suffering that John Kerry's betrayal caused them. These are not the words of a slick spin artist or a biased Dan Rather who will not tell it like it was. These are the words of the pows who bore the brunt of the cruel treatment by their communist captors that was given false legitimacy by John Kerry's accusations. Don't accept my interpretation of the presentation. Be objective enough to listen to it and form your own opinion. See and listen to John Kerry speak the words that betrayed our sons, husbands, and fathers. As for me, everyone on my email mailing list will receive the link with the request to forward it to everyone on their list. We can use the Internet to circumvent the liberal national news and get the truth to the American people about the harm that John Kerry's actions put upon American pows during the Vietnam War and afterwards. John Kerry does not deserve to be the commander-in-chief of the children and grandchildren of these pows to whom he did a disservice.

Name: Mike Barlow
Date: Monday, October 25, 2004
Comment: Ron, I was in the 116th from apr '70 - apr'71. Assigned to engine shop. I remember working on that ship. I may have a photo or two of it. I'll see what I can dig up. M.B.

Name: Ron Hebert
Date: Sunday, October 24, 2004
Comment: I am a member of Chapter 243 of the Vietnam Veterans of America. We have a UH-1D/H Huey that we display at various events. (This aircraft is very much intact)Tail #0-60970 This particular Huey UH-1D was assigned to the 116th in October of 1968 Any history of this aircraft is welcomed including Crew & Pilot names etc. I would also welcome any possible photos of this and other aircraft assigned to the 116th Assault Helicopter Company as well as "War Stories" that are associated with the 116th. With Great Respect, Ron

Name: Jeff Hillman
Date: Thursday, October 21, 2004
Comment: Driver mumu: I was a medic in the 431st from 3/68 through 2/69. I think I got your electric fan when you left. Tried your email but no luck. Fred still lives in Gordon Nebraska but his name is spelled Hlava.

Name: Howie Sturgis
Date: Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Comment: Toni C. yes we were together there. Where is Bruce? He was my main incountry IP..If Walt Winters is listening and knows where Matt is, I'd appreciate hearing. Please be sure to flush the Johns.

Name: Bob Sirop
Date: Saturday, October 16, 2004
Comment: I served as a stinger gunner on 54, 1965-1966. We were the first group of gunners to serve with the 116th in nam. At that time they were in Phu Loi and part of the 11th avn. Bn. I left may 1966. Back 10 months later with the 25th Div.Would like to say hello to all of you who served. God Bless.

Name: John Monaghan
Date: Friday, October 15, 2004
Comment: Door Gunner 2nd. flight platoon . 1967-68

Name: Richard O. Nash
Date: Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Comment: Co. B, 25th Aviation 66-67

Name: Tom Pool
Date: Monday, October 11, 2004
Comment: Mathias was at the dedication for the Stinger Gunship in Baltimore a few years back. I believe he lives in California. It seems to me that he and Walt Winters were in contact.

Name: driver mumu
Date: Sunday, October 10, 2004
Comment: I was a medic with the 116th from Feb 1968 until Aug 1968. I am looking for any other medics from the unit or Fred Halava from Gordon, Neb.

Name: Anthony Coggeshall (Toni)
Date: Thursday, October 7, 2004
Comment: Just reading the list of Hornets and saw (Doc ) Forrider's entry. Also Howey I think we were in the same class at Wolters and Rucker.. great to see all the e-mails and memories .. Just got together with Bruce Cary Hornet 3A Best regards to all Toni( Hornet 44 & 3B) 66-67

Name: Howard Sturgis
Date: Wednesday, October 6, 2004
Comment: Anyone have any contact with or know where David Mathias is? Believe his name is incorrectly spelled in data base. He was a hell of a crew chief. Some Battalion brass was my pilot one day and, after take off, asked me if I had preflighted the air craft. I told him that, usually, my pilot did that. I'd forgotten that was beneeth Battalion brass, so I asked Matt if there was anything wrong with our bird. "The trunion bearings have about ten thou, but that's all, Sir". I think he tossed in the 'Sir' because of the Col. sitting up front. I told my pilot that I would preflight first chance we got. The Col. made some dumb commernt to the effect, "You really trust your crew chief?" Don't remember what I said, but I'll bet it wasn't what I'd like to have said. And, of course, those bearings were the only prob - knew that would be the case before I started, but had to humor the Col. If anyone knows Matt's whereabouts, I'd appreciate hearing. Last I heard, he was in Denver.

Name: tom clausen
Date: Saturday, October 2, 2004
Comment: Hi Mathew Arnaudo, I also have a picture of a Stinger ship sitting next to Nixon's Hired Guns. I believe the CE you have a picture of is Sp4 Day. I don't remember his first name any more. I also remember getting into trouble for the painted sign Nixon's Hired Guns. The company commander didn't see the humor in it. We had to paint over it with black paint. I hope things are well with you. Tom Clausen

Name: David McAdams (Hornet 21)
Date: Friday, October 1, 2004
Comment: Tom...I love reading your letters here. You honestly need to write a book. A real way with words!! Also, to Paul...great job keeping the site up like you do!

Name: Dave Daugherty-Hornet46
Date: Thursday, September 30, 2004
Comment: Very nice site. much information and history that has been lost or other wise forgotten.

Name: Stan Perry (hornet 21)
Date: Sunday, September 26, 2004
Comment: Should have let the crew chief shoot the idiot.

Name: Tom Pool
Date: Friday, September 24, 2004
Comment: Chopper was alive and well when I left Cu Chi in 1967. I have heard others talk about him taking a dive out of a helicopter from altitude at a later date. With the amount of flight time he had, that is hard to understand. Lucky I'm told, was killed in a mortor attack. We had another medium sized brown dog in the company. He may have been called Whiskers. In mid 1967 a new Major (I think his name was White) on about his second day in Viet Nam (he didn't last but about 2 weeks before Hank fired him), pulled his pistol and shot the dog. I was enroute to the flight line and saw him. I asked him what was going on. He said the dog was foaming at the mouth. I explained that the ditch water had a film on it the clung to the dog's mouth when they drank from it. As I went on toward the aircraft, one of the crew chiefs was getting his M-60 off the aircraft, intending to go kill the Major, who he was cursing. I had heck of a time stopping him, while the Major just stood there wide eyed.

Name: Jon Jacobsmeyer
Date: Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Comment: Had the good fortune to hop a ride in April 1969 from Hotel 3 in Saigon to Cu-chi and meeting up with Joe Skarda from my high school days. Enjoyed the site very much. I flew anytime I could hop a ride and even got a turn in an OV-10 Bronco out of Cu-chi. I was an infantry sargeant, APC mortar carrier commander, and National Guard activated guy with a wife and two kids who happened to be in the right place at the right time and became General Williamson's headquarters barber in the 25th Div. At least I got so see what war was all about. It sucks! Jon

Name: hornet 31 Howard
Date: Monday, September 20, 2004
Comment: When I first arrived at Cu Chi, I was dropped off at the Hornet pad and aimed towards the Ops shack. This mangie mutt came up to me as I entered the Hornet compound, wagging his tail and looking for a pat or two, with which, I complied. I was later informed that said mutt would normally have had me for dinner, other than the fact that, somehow, he knew I was joining the Hornets. Had I been a member of the 25th Inf and had, mistakenly, cut the corner, he would have, immediatly, chewed me a new ass hole. Sadly - I do not remember the actual circumstances surrounding his demise, but he did take a dive from aproximately, 3000 feet without a parachute. Hmmmm.

Name: Roger Price
Date: Friday, September 17, 2004
Comment: Paul Jenkins: Thank you for all you do on this website. I have made contact with many and visited a few. After 34 years of Wondering about "where they are and What they are doing now" I am beginning to move forward. Many thanks: Roger Price (Flight Ops Dispatcher)Feb 70- jan 71

Name: Mathew Arnaudo
Date: Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Comment: Hello to Terry Ryan, Tom Clausen, John Barrera, Rodney Tabita. I remember all of you. Tom I have a picture of you and I believe the guy was your CE in guns, I don't recall his name he was on the tall side and had like dishwater blond hair. He used to always wear a bandana. The picture was taken while I was on take off and you and this guy were walking on the taxi way next to a stinger gunship and on the the ground was painted "Nixon's Hired Gun". Terry I remember you as our platoon sergeant. I remember when you used to roust us out of our hooches when Top was coming around looking for anyone that wasn't flying or working that day. I also recall when we were building our 'bar' on the beach. Terry I also have pictures of Lady Jane and I have pictures of Problem Child after it hit the dike.

Name: John Barrera
Date: Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Comment: Hello to all hornets, hope this finds you all well,in particular Rodney Tabita. I saw your name on the veterans list, and I hope you check in once in a while, because I would really like to speak with you again. It's been alot of years since you went home, went thru some bad times and good together, but we survived because we were such a good team. You were by far the best gunner a crewchief could have, and I am forever greatfull to you for saving my neck that one day(you know) I also remember when you came back and flew as my gunner for lam son 719, you really didn't have to after what you had recently had gone thru, but you did, and that took alot of guts. Your a good man Rodney, and I hope life has treated you well you deserve it. Drop me a line if you can, or if anyone else knows the whereabouts, or any info on Rodney please let me know. Thank you. John Barrera, Yellow Jackets 70-71

Name: Mike Rhinehart son of Lincoln Rhinehart
Date: Monday, September 13, 2004
Comment: Great site! My dad recently found this site while trying to plan a trip to the Vietnam Memorial for next year. He doesn't talk about his time over there (6/67-6/68) much but I think he's looking forward to seeing the memorial, as are all of us. Thanks to all who helped put this together and keep up the great work!

Name: Edward Harrison
Date: Monday, September 6, 2004
Comment: Well Guys I have to say that I really love seeing this web site and the memories and all. I am still at Ft. Bliss training and on my way to Ft. Polk next, should be in Iraq by Christmas, I was looking at the Crusader web page and I guess Kevin Randell is in Iraq already so I won't be tyhe first or only Hornet to go, Hope I am the last though as we are allo to old for this shit now. The last mission I remember flying with the Hornets I flew the Smoke Ship with the Flea and we made a big peace symbol on the way back to CuChi. Wish I could say I have confidence in the people I am currently with but I have some real reservations about some of them. Just because the unit is the 116th don't make it the Hornets. Any way I remember enough to build a bunker around my bed , I learned that at Tay Ninh, so I will be on the freedom bird home in the end no matter what.

Name: Jon Stack
Date: Thursday, September 2, 2004
Comment: Hello, this site is very well done. I am 19 years old and I currently am flying a Griffon in the Canadian Air Force. I just wanna say that I am always amazed at what I read on this site.

Name: Charlie Gibbs
Date: Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Comment: (continuing from previous writing)....Another time I left Chopper at the base while on a mission, my bunk area in the tent was the only one not cleaned up by our hootch girl. Chopper wouldn't let her near my bunk. Chopper liked his beer, and could whip any other dog in the company. On one flight with W.O. Stan Perry, Chopper managed to climb through Stan's legs and get into the bubble. Officer Perry was not amused. Our last flight together on 001 took place at the Tay Nynn airstrip when our tail rotor hit a light pole. It was sad to see the "Dear John" being shit-hooked back to Phu Loi. When I rotated in August '65, I left Chopper with another crew chief in the Yellow Jackets. If anyone has any more stories concerning Chopper, please contact me.

Name: Charlie Gibbs
Date: Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Comment: We opened up Phu Loi when it was nothing but an old Japanese air strip. I was a crew chief on Yellow Jacket(Dear John). I was surprised to see a picture of my dog Chopper sent in by Paul Jenkins. I picked up Chopper in Tay Nynn as a pup. He flew with me every day and hated the Vietnamese with a passion. One day we took a round through our hydraulics and were forced to land near a village. While waiting for the Bee Keeper, the village kids came out looking for handouts. Chopper kept them at a 20 foot radius from my ship. ))

Name: Charlie Taliaferro
Date: Saturday, August 28, 2004
Comment: 116th Assault Helicopter Company retirees . . . got problems getting your veteran's benefits? Check out the Kitchen Table Gang's website at http://www.kitchentablegang.org It's a great resource, and might be able to give you direction towards the right answers you have been searching for!

Name: Tom Clampitt
Date: Saturday, August 28, 2004
Comment: I served with the 25th Division, 2/27 Wolfhounds. Just wanted to thank you for all the rides you gaves us and never leaving anyone behind. Thanks Bros and WELCOME HOME!!

Name: Robert Crain
Date: Friday, August 27, 2004
Comment: A Son Looking For INFO On His Dad. This Is What I Have Received. If Anyone Know`s The Sender Or How To Contact Him Please, E-Mail Me.... Robert, I remember that night well, March 15th, 1967. We were watching a movie and we started hearing explosions in the distance. Then we could see flames and next mortars started landing in our area. No sirens went off and everyone was running for cover. As I remember you father worked in avionics and they had a semi trailer they worked in and when the attack hit our area he left the trailer and as he exited a mortar exploded right in front of him. Your father had recently arrived at our unit and I only talked with him once. He seemed like a fine person. Paul Jenkins Hornet 28 2/67 - 2/68

Name: George Cathey
Date: Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Comment: Flight, By now I assume most of you have looked at your VHPA/Hornet Reunion pictures and probably found out you didn't get what you ordered. When the rest of you sober up, you to will see that this also applies to you. I talked to the folks at the Dunning Company and they have assured me that even though all Hornets are crazy, they will get things straightened out. After talking to Joe Skarda and the photo people we figured out there were two seperate photo sessions. The first session was Saturday afternoon and consisted of two seperate pictures being taken. The 1st picture was a group shot of 116th members (as in men only) and was coded: N-G. The 2nd picture was the same group of men plus the attending wives and was coded: N-L. The second session was Sunday mourning consisting of one picture coded: X. This photo had 11 Hornets & Miss Linda holding the Hornet Sign. Also note that at the top of the photo, they misspelled Hornet. Or maybe we have been spelling it wrong all these years and they're correct. Either way, it doesn't match the 116th sign in the picture. Also note that in the upper heading "116th AHC Horntes" the letter "C" seems to have gotten a bit larger then the other letters. So, now you know what is and isn't, let's talk about fixes. If you still have your receipt and I know you all do, you can just call them and they will apologize and tell you what I'm about to. Send your incorrect photo or photos back with a note explaining which photo you wanted along with a brief discription and the picture ID code. Be sure to tell them to check their spelling. They said it will take several weeks to get new prints. Probably they're back logged down at the instant photo print center at Walmarts. In your letter, be SURE to include the following Job Number: Job# 04139. That tells them something but I don't have the secrete handshake so I'm only guessing that's photo cripto for 116th Hornets. That should do it. If you want to contact them, you can use e-mail at www.cdphotomemorybooks.com. Or you can call them at 251/653-7486 Their mailing address: Dunning Company Inc PO Box 759 Theodore, Alabama 36590 Hopefully this will get everyone on the right track. Good luck and keep me posted. "We're Trying To Do Good" George Cathey

Name: nwanna biko
Date: Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Comment: I LOVE THIS SITE IT IS ONE OF THE BEST SITE

Name: Howie Sturgis
Date: Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Comment: We've been going to Savannah on a tregular basis to a shrink for our daughter. All pretty much under control now. Yesterday, hopefully, was our last on a regular basis. We are in Schlatterville, 3 miles west of Hoboken and 10 miles east of Waycross. Bet that pin-points it for you. Ha! About 55 miles NW of Jacksonville. Am glad you WERE behind me that day at TAC-X. We had a hell of a time convincincing that a-hole Colonel that we didn't do anything to cause it. I found the write up of in the Army Aviation mag last spring. Brought back memories. We did have fun, didn't we. The Hornets as we new them were one hell of an outfit. C U, Howie

Name: Dave (Doc) Crawford
Date: Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Comment: Guys, I saw your link on the 196th website. I am curious as to how helicopter crew resupplying my unit at Que Son on 5/28/71 and shot down by an RPG fared. I was the medic in the ground unit and treated the guys on the helicopter. I do not know what unit the helicopter was from but thought it might be one of those with links on our website. My unit was Americal (23rd) Div., 196th LIB, 3/21 battalion, Co. B, 3rd platoon. Email me at work if you know something.

Name: Tom Pool
Date: Thursday, August 12, 2004
Comment: Boy, Howie, It sounds like you still see the place now and then. Where do you live? When I left there Mike Cheney still had his VW engine broken down in pieces in his front yard. That was 1969. I flew into Stewart one time in 1982. I was an LTC staff puke at Rucker. But I would get out to the airfield and fly the U-21 every chance I got. As I recall, the place was built up with a Mech Div. It didn't look the same. Now, that was 22 years ago. Where does the time go? I remember being there on short final behind you when you lost your tailrotor. I'm telling you we had a lot of fun in the good old days. The most thrilling thing I get to do today is drive in traffic back and forth from work.

Name: howie
Date: Saturday, August 7, 2004
Comment: Sadly, Mammies is gone. Sold out several times after nephew blew the old man away. now 4 lane past the place and stop light at Quacco Rd. Super Wal-Mart just south of 204 overpass. Been a few changes to the area.

Name: Tom Pool
Date: Friday, August 6, 2004
Comment: Good to see you back Howie. There are several names on the VHPA Hornet Mini-Reunion from our time. Walt Winters, is the only one from our Savannah South Group. I wonder if there is still a Mammy's Kitchen on US-17? We could stop by and get some "Pulled Pork and Batter Dipped French Fries"!!!

Name: Howie
Date: Tuesday, August 3, 2004
Comment: Ending date should be Dec., '67.

Name: Howie Sturgis
Date: Tuesday, August 3, 2004
Comment: Has been a long time since I've been here. Was Hornet 31, Dec., '66 - Dec., '68. Anyone know the whereabouts of Dave Matthias, my crew chief, who, when our bird was down, made sure my hot sauce was transfered to whatever bird I was flying that day? Tom Poole got me back today. Great letter, Tom. Am surprised how few names I recognise. Is that old age or are there just not that many here from my time there? Great site! Great to be home!

Name: Tom Pool
Date: Monday, August 2, 2004
Comment: I am reading "Xin Loi" Viet Nam. I think I had better tell the history of Big Daddy before it gets lost. In the Stingers we had a large amount of trading with the USAF. We traded some AK-47s and VC Flags for a four door Air Force Blue Pickup. Major (now Major General Retired)Hank Small, Hornet 6, made us get rid of it before the IG. Then we traded with the Air Force guys in Tuy Hoa for two 20mm cannons off of F-100s. We got the ammo chutes and all the other gear. We tried mounting it on a B Model but were unsuccessful. WO-1 Walker was the primary on these experiments. After we screwed up the B Model we tried a D Model. WO-1 then 2nd LT Mike Cheney took the lead on the project when Walker rotated home. We fashoned a five gallon bucket as a flash suppressor to keep from blowing out the chin bubbles. We still had to completely tape them with green tape. From experiment to working gunship was a couple of months.

Name: Jennifer Tindall daughter of Lawrence Tindall
Date: Thursday, July 29, 2004
Comment: I want to thank everyone who has a part in this website. During college I wrote a term paper about the effects of the vietnam war on soldiers. My father was a helicopter pilot in 1971. (Hornet 23). It was hard for him to talk about the things that happened or the pain it caused, but then I found this website and I could understand why. I still find him sitting at this computer looking for names and stories of those that he served with. I would like to know of anyone who served with my father and I would like to compile a scrapbook of stories and pictures. If anyone is able please email me any information possible. Again I want to say thank you to everyone. This website is a blessing.

Name: Joe Duvall, Stinger 91
Date: Monday, July 26, 2004
Comment: I know how you feel Tom. Al Serer has a book " Xin Loi "Viet Nam that is the escents of the Hornets and Stingers, Gunner 68-69. Tom Wright has a book "Memories and Miracles" Hornet CE 68-69. Richard Jellerson Hornet 21 68-69 has a video " The Personal Experience Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam" A&E Network. We need to put this all together for History!!! Mike Phillips Hornet Ops 68-69 has slides as does Tom Johnson etc... Paul Jenkins, myself and others. VHPA has a History of the Hornets and all the people we supported, Paul Jenkins & Gary Roush. Joe Skarda The Gas Man has beautiful photos. I have a hard time watching "We were Soldiers Once..." does bring back memorys as does all this, but we need to preserve it for the future. "The Shadow of the Blade" is showing on the History Channel November 11th, Veterans Day and it is like the Hornets in spirit. Lets show the Hornets the way they were so the future will know, now is the time! You done good.

Name: Tom Pool "Stinger 81" 66-67 Coachman 16 and 3 1970
Date: Monday, July 26, 2004
Comment: This is a copy of a letter I sent to my son last year in reference to the Book and Movie "We were Soldiers Once.." He served as a PVT through Captain and then got out several years ago. There may be some sentiments here that we, as Hornets and Stingers share. JR, a few thoughts invoked by "We Were Soldiers Once .. and Young" I am very glad you gave me the unabridged book on "We Were Soldiers..". I was confused by the movie and said that wasn't exactly how it happened. As it turns out the movie portrayed the action almost exactly. That is, the part they let you see in the film. The battle they show was only about 1/3 of the total battle of the Ia Drang. You will understand when you finish the book. The book is excellent, and explains the entire LZ X-ray battle. Hal Moore's 1st of the 7th Cav was evacuated with a total of 79 KIAs. The 2/7th with elements of 2/5th were ambushed enroute from LZ X-ray to LZ Albany. This was the part I was trying to explain about the force moving from one LZ to another and getting ambushed. I did not realize the movie was only trying to portray the first part of the battle. Although this is billed as a huge battle, there were only two US BNs engaged with four NVA BNs. US dead were 220 (79 1/7th and 141 2/7th) out of the 1000 engaged. The NVA had over 1000 killed. There is a lot of data online. The next two years were escalated with each battle until the battle of TET, January 1968, had 2500 US dead and 37,000 NVA and VC killed. I have been in dozens of battles bigger than the Ia Drang. The main thing about the Ia Drang is that it was the first big US vs NVA engagement. It truly doesn't matter how large the overall battle is, if you happen to be one of the people fighting for your life. One of the main emphasis points of the movie and book is the unwillingness of the Med Evac Helicopters to go into a hot LZ. Hornets and Stingers did things on a daily basis what Med Evac pilots got Silver Stars, DSCs, and Medals of Honor for. The Hornets and Stingers of the 116th NEVER failed to go in, no matter how hot, night or day. I will say, that the aviation units 229th and the 1st of the 9th Cav discussed in the book, were almost as well regarded as the 116th. I have had battle hardened Infantry officers, Rangers and SF guys see me at the club in base camp with a Stinger patch and come over and give me a bear hug with tears running down their cheeks. The best ground troops to serve in Viet Nam weren't the Cav or the Marines. It was the 1st and 2nd BNs of the 27th Infantry, 25th Division, Wolfhounds. The Wolfhound is a good image, but I swear to you they were tigers to a man. They have never been recognized for the day in day out heroism they displayed. Hornets, Stingers and Wolfhounds were blood brothers. If we heard the Wolfhounds were in trouble we would pull aircraft out of the maintenance tent, or commandeer aircraft from the Division Aviation BN (Little Bears) to go help. When they heard a Stinger or Hornet was down they would be at the heli-pad loaded for bear before we could get lift aircraft there. What the movies and historians will miss is the continuous action of Viet Nam. By 1967 we were losing 400-500 KIAs per week with no significant name brand battles. And by mid 1968 we were losing 1000 per week. The US total killed was 59,000, but we know we killed well over 1,000,000 VC or NVA. The Vietnamese will admit to 1,000,000. The American Military never lost a battle on the field, but politics caused the death of at least half of the people killed by allowing sanctuaries in Laos and Cambodia, and assured an American withdrawal in 1973. There were no US fighting forces in Viet Nam in 1975 when the South was finally over-run. I'm going to send you a narrative that I put together to get Geo Cathy his VA benefits. I may have sent it to you before. In that 25-minute firefight we got over 350 entry holes in our UH-1B. Think of loading and firing over 17 twenty round magazines from your M-16, shooting them at point blank range into your Explorer. If you can imagine, we were shot literally to pieces. One of the difficulties of telling about a combat action is that if you tell the truth, it will sound like a bullshit story. Who would believe that on that flight George Cathy caught an AK-47 round in his teeth and spit it on the floor in the operating room at the 12th Evac Hospital? Now that is tough. He was trying to apologize to me for not firing after he was hit directly in the face. That is why the veterans of every war get together and tell each other "GD straight I remember that day we got our f---ing asses blown off at Duc Hoa" The movie had no significant effect on me, but the book took me back to the moment. I could hear it, smell it, and feel it. The blood, the death, the gung-ho spirit, the loss of good friends, the laughter at base camp, the stink, the burned bodies, and the absolute joy of blowing their ass off. I guess what got my blood back up was the part where the NVA were going around at night executing the American wounded. I didn't go to Viet Nam a tiger. The final straw was when I picked up a little Hispanic kid, E-4 from Texas (homeboy), I knew in the Wolfhounds. He was blown to pieces from a booby trap, and trying to live so hard. When he died on my aircraft I swore I was going to kill as many of them as I possibly could. I had been flying Hornet "Yellow-jacket" lift ships (slicks) for four months, and this wasn't the first person I had seen killed or even the first one killed on my aircraft. That night I went to our platoon leader and told him I was going to ask to go into the Stingers (guns). My good friend and classmate from flight school was in the Stingers from the time we got there, Mike Atkinson. He told me, let's go see the platoon leader and get you in our platoon. That was 36 years ago. As you know, I was a platoon commander and operations officer in the Coachmen later, but I am still a Stinger and will be until the day I die. The Cav had "Garry Owen", and the 101st "No Slack", but in the Stingers we used to say "Ya done good boy". That got institutionalized as "You Done Good". We even put it on the Stinger Plaques. The most common saying in those days was simply "Stingers take the lead". There is an old Korean War movie called "The Bridges of Toko Ri". As the aircraft are being recovered on the carrier, and many are missing, the Admiral Says "Where do we get boys like these". Dad

Name: Troy Heath Bolhouse
Date: Monday, July 26, 2004
Comment: Greetings Hornets from the Bolhouse family. Thank you Mr. Cecil Johnson for continuing to keep in touch. Next time you guys are in Vegas, would like to get together with you to meet you. God bless you all.

Name: Robert Crain
Date: Friday, July 23, 2004
Comment: This Is My E-mail The Other Is WRONG

Name: Robert Crain
Date: Friday, July 23, 2004
Comment: I`am Just Trying To Find Out About My Dad Who Died In 67 He Was, From My Understanding With The 116th Assault Helicopter Company Robert V Crain I`am His Only Son And His Wife Has Past So Info Is Hard To Get. If You Have Info Or Know Were To Get It Please Contact Me. Thanks....

Name: Roger Price
Date: Saturday, July 17, 2004
Comment: I just got through reading a book written by one of our crew Chiefs from the 70-71 era. Tommy Wright who Crewed the (079) C&C chopper. Since I knew all of the cast members I loved the book. Here is his email address hornet079@comcast.net Drop him a line.

Name: Joe Duvall
Date: Thursday, July 15, 2004
Comment: Hi Hornets, I want to thank 32 of you for attending the Hornet 2004 Mini-reunion. The Hover and Cover fund took in $200+ and Ed Duke donated a Hornet plaque he made for future reunions. Joe Skarda and Linda Wilsher donated many items to raffle for the Hover and Cover Fund. The Vietnam Museum saw Gene Humphrey Donate 86 Bricks for our fallen Hornets and challenges others to do the same!!! To me, this is what it is all about.. ”Above the Best”. Here are those who were there, July 2004. Keep in touch and forgive if I have made a mistake. jd Jimmie Akridge Hornet 26/3 67-68 Mike Albert Hornet 18 67-68 Tom Aretz Stinger 69-70 Mike Barlow Chester Bass 65-66 George Cathey Stinger 67-68-69-70 Greg Clinton Stinger 68-69 Ed Duke Red Rat 66 Joe Duvall Hornet 31 68-69 John Fowler Stogie 14 68 Bill Garrison 69-70 Milan Georgia Stinger 90 70-71 Gary Harrell Stinger 98 65-66 Ray Hatton Beekeeper 75 69-70 Bill Heilman Hornet 66 Gene Humphrey Stinger 85 67-68 Dan Johnson ? 67-68 Charlie Marvin Hornet 16 67-68 David McAdams Hornet 21? 67-68 Gary McFadden Stinger 67-68 Mik Mikulan BlackBaron 3 69 Harlan Miller Beekeeper 70 Mike Phillips OPS 68-69 Glenn Salger 70 Joe Skarda Stinger 68-69 Pete Taylor Hornet 3 68-69 Gene Traylor Hornet 21 68-69 Bob Warns Hornet 33 65-66 Steve Williams 71 Linda Wilsher -Clance 68-69 Steve Wing Hornet IP 69-70 Walt Winters Stinger 9 66-67 Ray Young Hornet 49 69

Name: Jerral L Platt
Date: Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Comment: served in 67-68 116 as gunner in YellowJackets I hope all my Buddy Gunners made it back safe and in one piece. I would love to hear from all of you. God Bless You All.

Name: Joe 'Ragman' Tarnovsky
Date: Saturday, July 10, 2004
Comment: Feel a real closeness to the 116th AHC, one of your KIA's, Danny Dye, was my doorgunner in the 240th AHC gunships, the Mad Dogs. I was an OJT C/E so needless to say, I only learned so much about the maintenance of a Huey. They brought Danny out of maintenance to help out and it was a blessing! I was a SP5 and, Danny who had been busted a couple of time, was a private. I just turned over the ship to him and did what he told me to do and he was an excellent C/E. I left the 240th on October 22, 1970, and Danny was killed with the 116th on October 22, 1971. At one time, in the early 70's, I was in tough with his mother and she had invited me out to California to visit the family. Like many returning combat Vietnam Veterans, I wasn't ready for that and didn't go. When I was ready, in the early 80's, I couldn't find Mrs. Dye and wrote to the postmaster of Cupertino, CA inquiring about Danny's mom. This wonderful gentleman, when his carriers began their routes, ask them to iquiry about Mrs. Dye and he told me she had passed away. I was going to Cleveland State University at the time and a young lady that was in my class, was visiting a friend in the area where Danny and his mother were buried and she took some photos for me. Several years ago, I spoke with a 116th AHC member that gave me the details of Danny's death and although tragic, I had wanted to know what had happened to my buddy/brother. In 2002 the 240th had a reunion at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and I a lady I met through the internet, Barbara, attended the reunion and she was a life long friend of Danny and his family. We talked and I found out more about how Danny's death affected his family. We honored Danny, even though he was KIA with the 116th and also our 240th Brothers that paid the supreme sacrifice. If anyone knew Danny and have any stories, I would love and appreciate you dropping me an email. Welcome Home to all the great men of the 116th AHC, you guys did one fantastic job while serving in Vietnam! We have two websites, LZ of the 240th and 240th AHC Flightline, and we have honored Danny on LZ. If any 116th Brother would care to visit, we would be honored if you signed our guestbooks. Thanks for listening.

Name: Bob Warns
Date: Wednesday, July 7, 2004
Comment: Hello to all, and many thanks to the crew that put the mini-reunion together at the Dallas VHPA fest. There were 3 of us originals amongst all you new guys. Much fun though and it was great to be with Gary Harrell, Bill Garrison and the rest. Bob Warns, Hornet 33 (Original Aug 65/Sep 66, Phu Loi)

Name: Mike Barlow
Date: Tuesday, July 6, 2004
Comment: Got back from Dallas Sunday. What a hoot! I want to thank everyone for making me welcome. It was so good too see some old friends and share stories. I feel as though I've found my lost family! I'll be there next year for sure. Mike Barlow '70 - '71

Name: Craig Fielding
Date: Sunday, July 4, 2004
Comment: Maybe it is the smell of gunpowder giving me this nostalgic moment, but I would like to wish my Bud's from the 69-70 years Stingers and Hornets a happy 4th. Lurch, Wop, Tinker, Duffy, Blue Goose, Toad, Pappy, Meat, JJ, Rahm, Candy, Bubbles, Retta, Willie, Snodgrass, Chappy, Wiflie, Baby Son Achelpohl, Boone, Capt. Hendricks, Sully, Nasty Joe, George Cathy, Crazy Clinton, Winny, Wolfe, Foster, Gilchrest, Keister, Griffen, Marsh, Farrell, Fast Eddie, Shurnas.... Also, would like to light a sparkler and eat a hot dog for the guys who have passed to the other side. Moose, Foxy and crew, Chasin and crew, Deacon, Tweedy, Kenny Koch, to name a few. I have many sets of friends: high school, flight school, college, work and family, and most define friendship with words like dependability and reliability. Under any definition the men above are, and will always be my BEST friends. Enjoy and Celebrate your Freedom. Still flying and (occasionally) eating. Flea Fielding Stinger99 (69-70)

Name: Milan Georgia
Date: Saturday, July 3, 2004
Comment: It is my understanding that an inquiry was made about Kenneth Koch . . . I knew Kenny when he was in Viet Nam and was ther when he died.

Name: Thomas E Russell
Date: Friday, July 2, 2004
Comment: tour of dudy 8/1/67 to 8/1/68 crewchief on hornet 968

Name: JohnHarrington
Date: Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Comment: I got the dates wrong on his service, it was Feb. 67 to Feb.68. Also, does anyone remember Kenneth Piper? A military historian contacted me saying that he is researching all recipients of the DSC (not DFC). Ken got one for a mission that he flew with my dad where they were shot down. He's been trying to reach him for years.

Name: John Harrington
Date: Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Comment: It's been a while since I've looked at this website but I just wanted to see if anyone remembers my Dad from the Hornets (Jan. 66 to Jan 67). I would be very interested to hear some stories about him since he hasn't really told me much about his experiences over there. He's living in Virginia Beach right now and hasn't flown since he retired from the New York State Police Aviation Unit in 1992. The guys he flew with said he was the best stick they ever had and I would just like to see how he got his start. Thanks, John Jr.

Name: Linda Black
Date: Sunday, June 27, 2004
Comment: I was a classmate of Robert W Jantz from Syracuse, Ks. He went down on Jan 2, 1969. I was wanting to find more as to why this accident came about. I live in Calif and had a change to visit the WALL that came into Oceanside April 23-25. Until recently, when I watched a program of a young girl whose father was killed, I did not know of pulling Bobby's name up on the computer, of finding info of how/why my friend was killed. I could not find that amongst this info, but was glad to know more now, than what I did before coming here. Thank you for having this info.

Name: EdwarHarrison
Date: Saturday, June 26, 2004
Comment: Will not be at the ReUnion will be at FtBliss training to go to Iraq with my National Guard unit 3/116 Cav/AR

Name: Gary McWhorter
Date: Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Comment: Looking for any info for guys I served with from 1970-1971 in the 116th aviation assault helicopter com

Name: Joseph W. Stacy,Jr. Hornet 32
Date: Saturday, March 1, 2003
Comment: 116Aviation Co 1965-66 Roanoke Va. 24019

Name: Al Sever
Date: Saturday, June 19, 2004
Comment: Anyone know how to get in touch with family of Steve Herring? Heard from them shortly after book, Xin Loi, came out and believe they were disappointed that Steve wasn't in the dedication with other KIAs. Random House is bringing it out in paperback Spring of 2005 and I'm getting Steve's name back in dedication. Several other names were cut by original publisher for formatting purposes and if you want your names put in dedication send me an email. I can't promise anything, but I'll try to get them put in dedication--publisher has final say on formatting, not me.

Name: Mike Phillips
Date: Thursday, June 17, 2004
Comment: I can actually remember Mr Randall coming into OPS & telling me a story of seeing a UFO back in 68-69? I didnt believe him, thought he was trying for a section 8,( I believe he may have seen the blackbird, classified back then) 10-15 years ago I saw him on Larry King, talking about ufo's. Will he be in Dallas?

Name: Fossil
Date: Thursday, June 17, 2004
Comment: Meat, How are ya? Been a long time since you've come up for a commo check... Are you in the Chicago AO? Great to know your OK... Pat

Name: MEAT, STINGER 91 69-70
Date: Thursday, June 17, 2004
Comment: I JUST FINISHED CRUSING THE WEBSITE. BEAUTIFUL JOB, SO MANY NAMES, MEMORIES.....YOU REALLY DONE GOOD!!! SAEP

Name: MIKE O'CONNOR "MEAT"ST-91
Date: Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Comment: HOWDY FOSSIL,LURCH,FLEA AND ALL OTHER BROTHERS. I WENT UP TO WILLAMETTE MEM. CEMETARY THIS MEMORIAL DAY AND HAD A VISIT WITH RICH HOLMAN, JIMMY CRISPS' PETER PILOT,QUITE AN EXPERIENCE. YOU ALL CAME FLOODING BACK OVER THE 35 YEARS. I CAME HOME TO A BOX OF PICTURES AND MOVIES AND SLIDES I HADN'T SEEN IN A WHILE. HAVE YOU GUYS SEEN KEVIN RANDLE? HE'S LIKE THE FORMOST EXPERT ON UFO'S NOW. DROP ME AN E-MAIL SOMETIME IF YOU WERE AROUND THE POOL IN "69", I'LL BET I'VE GOT A PICTURE OF YA.

Name: Michael "MIK" Mikulan
Date: Thursday, June 10, 2004
Comment: Yellow Jacket and Hornet Peter Pilot early '69. Would appreciate a contact from anyone living in the Yellow Jacket houch Jan-Mar '69. Live in Sprinfield area, MO.

Name: Bill Confer
Date: Wednesday, June 9, 2004
Comment: Need to be sure you update my records in your file for my new e-mail, it's conferw@comcast.net. I was Hornet 13 and 16 during the year in RVN from 1968 to 1969. Thanks for the update.

Name: Jesus Muniz (EL Chicano)
Date: Wednesday, June 9, 2004
Comment: I am very surprise to have found your address. Since i got back from Vietnam. I have only met one pilot and that was in Egpty in 1985.Bright Star 85. I, was reassigned since leaving the mos.to Finance Specialist. Which I hell till I retired in September 1990. My best memories are with the 116th AHC, I was one of the ones that got selected to go to NaDang, after the unit stood down in Dec 71. Yes, to work with the Air force. Yo, Campbell..Lets go play a song for old times...Remember the good Johnnie Cash song...I hear a Train ah coming..which we change it to to" Hear a Chopper comming"...We were up in the Highlands outside "B-50"..Campbell, write me...this chuy..Texas-Mex.By the way...how is patches?

Name: J. L. Foster
Date: Tuesday, June 8, 2004
Comment: Mike C., saw your post about David S. Daugherty not being on the Hornet's list. Daugherty did not get his wings until 1974. Drives around wearing "Special Forces" license tags. NOT Special Forces either. FYI.

Name: Richard L. James III
Date: Monday, June 7, 2004
Comment: I was looking through the website and noticed someone is missing from your roster,my father, Richard L. James Jr.- Feb 67- feb 68. Hornet 15. Nice website by the way.

Name: Jim McDaniel
Date: Saturday, June 5, 2004
Comment: Hi Guys. Hornet 20 here from 1971. Sorry I'm not making Dallas this year. You guys have a great time. I just sent a note to Paul but I'll also post most of it here as well. I was cleaning up my basement this week and found an old audio tape I had lost about FIFTEEN YEARS ago! It was taped in 1971 by some of the Stingers -- not sure who. I got a copy of it while a Hornet in the unit in 1971. The title is "Bring Me Hot!" It really has some great door-gun and rockets working out. No miniguns but LOTS of rockets being fired and LOTS of dual M-60s from the two GIBs. I have not converted it to digital form yet, but when I do I'll send it to Paul for the website. You all may know I have a lot of cockpit audio tapes on my 174th website (http://www.174ahc.org/audio.htm). I'll probably also put this tape on my 174th website, but if I do I will certainly credit the tape to the 116th Stingers. Any of you know of this tape or know who recorded it? Would like to credit the right people. Jim McDaniel 174th AHC Webmaster 174th Dolphin 1967 174th Shark 1968 116th Hornet 1971 jim.mcd@cox.net

Name: Joe Duvall
Date: Wednesday, June 2, 2004
Comment: Thank you Paul Jenkins for posting the reunion on this web site. It is less than 30 days till Dallas and I wish all of you could be there, I look forward to our reunion of old and new friends.

Name: GARY MANN
Date: Sunday, May 30, 2004
Comment: I TRANFER FROM 173 AHC TO THE 116AHC IN OCT OR NOV 66 TO FEB 67 WOULD TO HEAR FROM OLD FRIEND.

Name: Linda Wilsher Clance
Date: Friday, May 28, 2004
Comment: Happy Memorial Day to each and every one of you. This is indeed the greatest unit. May God bless you and keep you. 2004

Name: RONALD E PRICE
Date: Friday, May 28, 2004
Comment: MY BROTHER , ROGER L. PRICE , SERVED IN VIET NAM FROM JAN 70 TO FEB 71,I THINK THOSE ARE THE CORRECT DATES. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO SERVED WITH HIM, AND ALL OTHERS, I HOPE EVERY ONE RETURNED SAFELY AS HE DID AND WISH TO THANK ALL VETS FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION IN THE SERVICE OF OUR COUNTRY.

Name: Roger Price
Date: Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Comment: Joe Duvall, I received your email, replied to it and sent it. It still comes up undeliverable to jdduvall@earthlink.net I don't know what's going on here. Do you see anything wrong with the address? thanks roger price 70-71 flight ops dispatcher

Name: Joe Duvall
Date: Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Comment: LESS THAN 30 DAYS TILL Dallas Hornet Reunion Calling all members of the 116th AHC HORNETS Yellow Jackets, Wasps, Stingers, Beekeepers and !!!!!!Party Animals!!!!!! The annual VHPA Reunion, July 1-5, at the Adams Mark, Dallas is almost upon us!!! All former 116th AHC personnel are always WELCOME. MOS is not an issue, you Pilots bring your Crews & attached unites. Crews sign up as a Guest of the VHPA It’s that simple. Call 1.800.505.8472 and say Joe sent you. Check out www.vhpareunion.org and search there for more details. Additionally, to try and entice more of you to join us, we have secured a room and we will have a UNIT-reunion on July 3rd Saturday 1-5, right after the Ft. Wolters tour. Look for a “sign in” sheet at Registration. Please sign in so others can find you, where you are and how long your staying. We had over 30 Hornets last year in Orlando Only you will make it even better!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do bring Memorabilia!!! 35mm slide and screen provided. Call everyone and encourage them to be there!!! Fun and Camaraderie is SOP for the HORNETS, so be there!! Unit mini-reunion. Also visit the new Hornet web site at www.116ahc.org M, L, XL,2XL, 3XL, T-shirts now on sale $20 includes s&h. Send sizes, return address, and check to Joseph E. Duvall, 767 Forest Glen Court, Maitland, FL 32751-5109 407.644.1835

Name: Joe Duvall
Date: Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Comment: LESS THAN 30 DAYS TILL Dallas Hornet Reunion Calling all members of the 116th AHC HORNETS Yellow Jackets, Wasps, Stingers, Beekeepers and !!!!!!Party Animals!!!!!! The annual VHPA Reunion, July 1-5, at the Adams Mark, Dallas is almost upon us!!! All former 116th AHC personnel are always WELCOME. MOS is not an issue, you Pilots bring your Crews & attached unites. Crews sign up as a Guest of the VHPA It’s that simple. Call 1.800.505.8472 and say Joe sent you. Check out www.vhpareunion.org and search there for more details. (Non-computer users contact me and I’ll have VHPA send you all the info). Additionally, to try and entice more of you to join us, we have secured a room and we will have a UNIT-reunion on July 3rd Saturday 1-5, right after the Ft. Wolters tour. Look for a “sign in” sheet at Registration. Please sign in so others can find you, where you are and how long your staying. We had over 30 Hornets last year in Orlando Only you will make it even better!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do bring Memorabilia!!! 35mm slide and screen provided. Call everyone and encourage them to be there!!! Fun and Camaraderie is SOP for the HORNETS, so be there!! Unit mini-reunion. Also visit the new Hornet web site at www.116ahc.org M, L, XL,2XL, 3XL, T-shirts now on sale $20 includes s&h. Send sizes, return address, and check to Joseph E. Duvall, 767 Forest Glen Court, Maitland, FL 32751-5109 407.644.1835

Name: Frank Reilly
Date: Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Comment: Flight, I just off the phone with Barry Breyer. He got my name from the 116th Homepage. I was shocked to hear from him, we talked about old times and names, some I don't remember and some Barry doesn't. One guy we both remember is Baby Huey, Burin. I guy I thought was KIA at TET '68. Barry was the 3rd Medic on flight status in '67. He lives in the Atlanta AO, but still has a NY accent.:-)) BTW, he lost his virginty(sp) at CuChi, as I did.:-)) Frank

Name: George Cathey
Date: Monday, May 24, 2004
Comment: Just received a 12 page VA publication called "Agent Orange Review." Not sure where I was when I signed up for it but it does have a great deal of information and sites to contact. It is available online at; www.va.gov/agentorange Hope you done need it but if you do i hope it helps you. Hope to see all of you in Dallas. Take care. George Stingers '67-67 & '69-'70.

Name: tom clausen
Date: Sunday, May 23, 2004
Comment: Hi to robert norwood. I remember you well. You broke me in as a Stinger. I hope life is treating you well.Take care,Tom Clausen.

Name: Stan Perry
Date: Saturday, May 22, 2004
Comment: John VanBlarcom contact me when you get time.

Name: David J. Lee
Date: Friday, May 21, 2004
Comment: Mike Mooney gave me the web site and I really enjoyed seeing the old Cu Chi pictures. Just does not seem that long ago. I was Hornet 43, November 9, 66 to November 9, 67, Villa (Poncho) was my crew chief. Thanks for the memories.

Name: ROGER PRICE
Date: Thursday, May 20, 2004
Comment: I just found this web site a few weeks ago. I served with the 116th from feb 70 to jan 71. Started out in Chu Chi and made the move to Chu Lai. If you ever had the occasion to contact "CONTROL" you were talking to me. I was flight operations. We lost 10 great men on my watch and I have never forgotten one of them. Just going through to Guestbook I see names of vets I know remember. Would appreciate hearing from anyone who remembers me. Live 35 miles west of jacksonville fla. If anyone is close by, would loved to see ya. GOD BLESS YOU ALL

Name: ROBERT S. NORWOOD
Date: Thursday, May 20, 2004
Comment: SSTINGER CREW CHIEF 1970-1971 AUG.

Name: Charle Yonts(Hornet 17)
Date: Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Comment: I just send an E-Mail concerning the 116AHC unit awards, I hope it went thru; if you have any questions call me at 850-907-1100

Name: JF Meyer
Date: Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Comment: From June 70 till July 71 I headed a small-6 man-MACV Mobile Advisory Team (MAT-I-58) in the remote former SF camp at Ha Thanh (A-104) in Son Ha District of Quang Ngai province. While in the Americal AO, we advisors were sorta bastard step-children and out of the main line of support. I well recall on a couple instances of heavy contact in our area the welcome arrival of the Hornet bunch and how much their immediate assistance was appreciated by us on the ground as they greatly helped in resolving the issue to our advantage. I salute those brave skillful crews of the Huey birds and offer to buy any and all Hornets a beer anytime er' anywhere... JF Meyer LTC/USA (ret.)

Name: Joe Skarda
Date: Monday, May 17, 2004
Comment: TO ALL HORNETS We have a list server for Hornets. If you wish to join please e-mail me your name,tour dates and where you served with 116th. Would love for all of you to contact me and join the 45+ Hornets that are members already. Yellow Jackets and Stinger Gunner 68-69. It's free and your logon id does not chance. Come on Hornets lets talk!! joe Skarda

Name: Joe Duvall
Date: Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Comment: Less than 60 days until the Hornet mini-reunion at VHPA Dallas, TX. Email for details. Hornet 31, 68-69

Name: ROBERT E. WALLEY
Date: Saturday, May 8, 2004
Comment: WORKED IN ARM. SHOP IN 1970, OJT AS CREW CHEIF ON TAIL #304 WITH W/O THOMPSON AKA ( SKEETER ) HORNET 11. CAME HOME IN SEPT. 1971 BEST COMPANY IN VIET NAM

Name: Ray T Hunziker
Date: Saturday, May 8, 2004
Comment: Crew Chief December 1965 to March 1967 Yellow Jacket crewed Aircraft 998 and later 720. Retires US Army Msg 1982 live at Arlington, Texas, retired.

Name: Chet Atkins
Date: Thursday, May 6, 2004
Comment: Welcome home, Hornets. I joined 25th Div in Feb, '66, (Div Ammo), at Cu Chi. Became a Diamondhead gunner (B co, 25th Avn), in Dec, '66 until deros in Aug, '67.

Name: Jim Isbell
Date: Saturday, April 24, 2004
Comment: Is anyone going to "Rolling Thunder" this year? Another VNHP and I are going and was wondering if anyone else was.

Name: Robert Wing
Date: Saturday, April 24, 2004
Comment: i was very happy to find this site, and I am proud to say I was with the Hornets during 69-70 Cu Chi and Cu Lia areas. Please list me in your veterns area as well i was from Bowdoinham Me and would love to say hi to anyone out there, and Thank you for makeing this site available

Name: Tom Aretz
Date: Monday, April 19, 2004
Comment: Forgot, Going to Melboune, Fl this weekend, anyone going? Give me an E-mail or call 850-837-7013.

Name: Tom Aretz
Date: Monday, April 19, 2004
Comment: Stinger Crew chief 69-70 Now live in Destin Fl. Would like to hear from guys in that time frame.

Name: Mauriio Morales
Date: Saturday, April 17, 2004
Comment: My nicname was "Pato". With the 116th @ Chu Lai and Da Nang I felt pride to find this site. Thanks.

Name: Jorge Escobar
Date: Friday, April 16, 2004
Comment: With the Hornets from January 1968 to October 1968. Please place me on your Verterns List. Assigned to the Hornets 2nd plattoon and with the Stingers. WO Underwood was my pilot

Name: John Barrera
Date: Thursday, April 15, 2004
Comment: Hello Mr. Tindall, got your message and tried to e-mail some pic's to you, but they keep comming back. I have sent a few out already and have been recieved, so I know my end is ok. Check it out and I'll try again later. John.

Name: Terry J Ryan
Date: Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Comment: Hi again John Barrera. Nice to hear from you. I certainly would like a copy of the picture with you, Highsmith,Walley,and myself. I can vaguely remember that day. Also a picture of 642 if possible. Have a nice day.

Name: Lawrence Tindall
Date: Monday, April 12, 2004
Comment: Hi, John I'm glad to hear that someone has some pictures of 642. I was the 1st. aircraft commander of 642 and we had so many problems with the electrical system when we first got her that we named her "Problem Child".Dont remember exactly when she came to the Hornets, but it was around August or September of 1970. She turned into a fine ship after we ironed the bugs out of the electrical system. I want to thank you for the memory.If you can e-mail me a picture of her. Hornet 23 1970

Name: John Barrera
Date: Monday, April 12, 2004
Comment: Hey Terry!nice to hear from you after all these years, still living in up state ny? You do have a good memory still. I have some photos 642 after you guys knocked the tail boom off on that dike, also of you Highsmith,and Walley when we tried to string up Payton from the tree out back remember? Let me know if you want copies, take care good buddy.

Name: Terry Ryan
Date: Sunday, April 11, 2004
Comment: Hi John Barrera. Happy Easter! I enjoyed your email about the trip to Quang Tri.If I recall correctly 527 was named "Lady Jane". Do you remember "Problem Child 642"? I flew several missions with you and also with Tabita. I would also like to say hi to all Hornets!

Name: Terry Ryan
Date: Sunday, April 11, 2004
Comment: Hi Tom Clausen! I remember you and your brother. Everything is well with me. I hope the same for you. Happy Easter! Hope to read more of your emails.

Name: John Barrera
Date: Sunday, April 11, 2004
Comment: Hello out there and happy easter to all hornets. Every year this holiday rolls around I think back to easter of 71, is there anyone out there that remembers that day.It was a stand down day for everyone except the night before somebody decided that they needed to extract a group of arvn's from the field. It was a four ship mission, it would be no big deal, then we would be off (right)We took off early I know with at least two hornet aircraft my yellow jacket and a wasp ship it was a who ever wanted to fly deal I guess because we had a stinger a/c can't remember who the pp was, we were to be covered by the muskets guns. On short final to the pz, a box canyon we came under heavy automatic weapons fire, there was nowhere to go except to do a 180 and go back the same way we went in, we got the crap shot out of us to say the least. We went in lead and were trail comming out when the wasp in front of us took hits and burst into flames it started to go down, at the same time we took some hits thru the center consol and took out the radios, another hit went thru the fuel cell and out between my feet and out the roof. I caught some of the floor over my eye. We were dropping like a rock I thought we were going down too! But it was just that we were going in to recover the crew in the wasp,and with no radio we didn't know what was going on. Thru this whole incident no muskets god only knows where they were. There was a gripe filed about the lack of protection you can imagine with a stinger in that flight. I have nothing but the highest of respect for the stingers for all they did, and needless to say we never had anything to do with the muskets. I don't recall that stingers call sign but if your out there or anyone knows drop me a line, your one cool guy! It could have been a lot worse, thank god it wasn't a 51 cal. I have a lot to be thankfull for today, Happy Easter!!

Name: David (Pappy) Hall
Date: Sunday, April 11, 2004
Comment: HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE...Pappy

Name: tom clausen
Date: Saturday, April 10, 2004
Comment: Hi to Terry Ryan. I remember you as our platoon Sgt. I was with the yellow jackets for a few months and then went to the Stingers for the rest of my tour. My brother Darrel was in maintenance in 69-70. I hope everythings been good with you.Let me know.

Name: terry j ryan
Date: Saturday, April 10, 2004
Comment: responding to the email from carla highsmith haley. i knew her dad very well first as a cmpany clerk and as a door gunner. i served from july 70 - sept 71 crewchief and platoon sgt temporarily with the yellow jackets. its been 33 yrs i remember jim as a real gentleman and a good friend.

Name: Sandra Anderson Gonzalez
Date: Friday, April 9, 2004
Comment: am searching for cousin Tom Materene. I believe he flew 68-69 336th T-Birds, 69-70 121st Vikings Soc Trang. We have an elderly aunt in her late 80's who is wanting to contact him. His posted e-mail is no longer good. Anyone with info please contact me. Thank you for any help you can provide.

Name: Marko Smokovic
Date: Wednesday, April 7, 2004
Comment: I found this site searching for history of helicopter with tail number: 67-17674. I am modeler from Croatia (Europe) and i work on UH 1H Gunship 674 model from 1971. Chu Lai in scale 1:32.

Name: Raymond (Ray) Young
Date: Tuesday, April 6, 2004
Comment: Ray Young was Hornet 49 in 1969. That was me. I think this year I will meet you again at the VHPA Reunion.

Name: Joe Duvall
Date: Tuesday, April 6, 2004
Comment: LESS THAN 120 DAYS TILL Dallas Hornet Reunion Calling all members of the 116th AHC HORNETS Yellow Jackets, Wasps, Stingers, Beekeepers and !!!!!!Party Animals!!!!!! The annual VHPA Reunion, July 1-5, at the Adams Mark, Dallas is almost upon us!!! All former 116th AHC personnel are always WELCOME. MOS is not an issue, you Pilots bring your Crews & attached unites. Crews sign up as my Guest, Member # M 04887 of the VHPA It’s that simple. Call 1.800.505.8472 and say Joe sent you. Check out www.vhpareunion.org and search there for more details. (Non-computer users contact me and I’ll have VHPA send you all the info). Additionally, to try and entice more of you to join us, we have secured a room and we will have a UNIT-reunion. Look for a “sign in” sheet at Registration. Please sign in so others can find you, where you are and how long your staying. We had over 30 Hornets last year in Orlando Only you will make it even better!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do bring Memorabilia!!! 35mm slide and screen provided. Call everyone and encourage them to be there!!! Fun and Camaraderie is SOP for the HORNETS, so be there!! Unit mini-reunion. Also visit the new Hornet web site at www.116ahc.org M, L, XL,2XL, 3XL, T-shirts now on sale $20 includes s&h. Send sizes, return address, and check to Joseph E. Duvall, 767 Forest Glen Court, Maitland, FL 32751-5109 407.644.1835

Name: TERRY J RYAN
Date: Sunday, April 4, 2004
Comment: CREW CHIEF /PLATOON SGT 70-71

Name: Craig V. Fielding
Date: Thursday, April 1, 2004
Comment: I was the fire-team lead on the day we lost Steve and all aboard 205. This was the first major insertion of American troops into Cambodia. The 116th was putting an entire brigade of the 25th on a NVA regiment's base. We were hampered by low ceilings and were afraid that we were not going to get everyone in by nightfall. Finally, shortly after noon, the ceiling rose to 3000' and we all agreed that the flight could be brought in under the clouds. We could now make three sorties per hour instead of two. The terrain was hilly, and the flight path from the PZ to the LZ would take the flight over a landing zone made by a daisy-cutter. Those of us that knew what happened at Rang-Rang a year earlier were relieved that we were not going to use this landing zone on this day. We would leap-frog over it a go ten clicks on into Cambodia. I beleive the NVA had set the trap in the bomb produced LZ. They were hiding in the abatis made by the trees that were pushed by the explosion around the clearing. They would wait until the helicopters were touching down and open fire. 51 cal. positions were placed on the hills around the LZ to bring fire on the gunships or any slick trying to escape. But- the helicopters did not rumble into the trap. Instead, they were heard slapping the air, out of sight- above the clouds. Back and forth seven or eight times. The next time they were louder, they could see them, they opened fire. The uneventful morning was smashed by three events in less than a minute. C&C was landing to drop of the commander. He called "taking-fire". My wing man (Achelpohl) transmitted that he had a fire light and was setting down to check it out. The flight called "taking hits from 50cals". As I flew toward the flight I could see the green tracers arching though the flight of nine Yellow Jackets and Wasps. One ship fell out of formation into what appeared to be an autorotation. Steve's voice came over the radio telling his crew to pull his chicken plate back. One of the 50 cals kept firing at them all the way down. I began lobbing rockets ineffectively at the position, but I couldn't take my eyes off the huey. He was headed toward a clearing and for a second it looked like he was going to make it. At 75 feet from the ground he initiated a flare and everthing looked good. But, then the nose kept coming up and the aircraft climbed straight up, fell over inverted, the rotor departed and the she exploded. The fuselage fell 1500 feet back into the same clearing that he was trying to land in when his controls were shot out.

Name: Bob Wormell
Date: Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Comment: I knew and flew with Herman Serna who was the crewchief of that a/c. I believe it was aircraft 68-16205 and the night before it crashed I had a few beers with Serna and we went out to his aircraft to just bullshit and unwind. I remember very well the call when his ship went down. I have chatted with his brother over the internet and his mother always wanted to know what happened to her son.

Name: Lawrence Tindall
Date: Sunday, March 28, 2004
Comment: I was in the flight that went into Cambodia the day Steve's aircraft was shot down.We went in with a fligh of nine aircraft that day and we came under fire from a 51 cal. machine gun. two other aircraft were hit but made a safe landing. The chopper Steve was in had the hydrolics shot out and was on fire.I can still hear them say "We can't get the doors off." About the time they reached tree top level the chopper started a