|
Casper Aviation Platoon Newsletter Vol. 8 · Winter 2007 |
||||
|
From our President... If you remember my last column, I asked you all to do what you could to help out your fellow Caspers in time of need. Well, since then several of us got the chance to put our money where our mouth is, so to speak. As you know we lost Bob Page and Joe Jones before Christmas. Bob had retired from the Army fairly recently, still had active ties at Fort Campbell; and the family still lives in the area. I am very proud to report that 12 Caspers attended services for Bob as well as many active duty Soldiers. Those that I have spoken with say that it changed them on a very fundamental level. Joe had been out of the service for 30 years, but 5 Caspers attended services along with a retired USAF Master Sergeant and other Veterans. Our Casper & Brigade Colors were displayed both in the First Baptist Church and at the Cemetery. The internment ceremony at the DFW National Cemetery was very moving, especially when we noticed that the young Spec 4 Soldier folding the flag was wearing the 173rd patch on his right sleeve. It was a fitting send off for a Casper and Sky Soldier. I mention this to make a point; there will be fewer of us every year, and we must cherish the living, as well as those who are no longer with us. We must not let any of our brothers’ pass without a Casper there to see him off. It is very obvious what it means to the families, you have only to look into their eyes. But what it will mean to you is even more important. I promise you, it will touch your soul. As we look forward, the reunion at Nashville is just around the corner. If you have been following Ned’s e-mails, you will know that we will be joined by more of our extended Casper family this year. If you have not been able to attend a reunion yet, this is the year to do it! If you haven’t signed up yet, what are you waiting for? Visit the Reunion page on our website and get started ASAP. The folks at the Hotel are waiting for your call also. Remember to send a check to Phil Johnson marked “Any Casper” also ($5 or $10 will go a long way if we all chip in). If you want to share a ride or a room, or you need to get hooked up with someone; give me or one of the other officers a call. I urge each of you to think about your Casper brothers when you plan your spring fishing trip, summer RV trip, fall motorcycle run or winter ski outing. Each of these can easily be made into a mini-reunion. Caspers are spread out all across the country and some are bound to be within a days drive. You can still stay close even if you can’t make the Reunion. Finally, if all goes to plan, I will be celebrating the birth of Grandchild number four at the Reunion. The First Lady has informed me that we will be on our way to California right after we leave Nashville, TN for the formal introductions. I’m hoping to fill out my squad with another boy, but I’m in the minority on this one! Tom Town President, CAPO __________________________
The Chaplain's Corner By Rev. Doug Walton
Well, another year has come and gone. Casper has had some pretty major highs and lows this year. The reunion last summer was “The best yet” as was recalled by Ned. And to our true disappointment, we lost two great brothers. But, you know, we haven’t really lost them as one would think. Their legacy lives on in each of us as we carry on the torch of Casper and remember them. But there is a greater legacy that we carry on in today’s world. You see, each and every one of us is just one heartbeat away from the fate of Joe and Bob. And it’s not where we are or how we die that matters in the big picture. None of us are going to get off of this rock alive. What matters is where we are 10 minutes afterwards, or a year afterwards, or 10,000 years afterwards. The gospel of Mathew 25:21 speaks of such a man. His legacy is that of service to others. His selfless acts to further his master’s kingdom for no gain of his own are noted. And in return his master gives him all of his desires. Because of our service to others and our relationship with God, He promises us the keys to the kingdom. What more could we possibly ask for? Let us seek to continue on the legacy of Casper through our service to family, community, and to God. The highs and lows of this world are like a flash in the pan compared to eternity. But the decisions we make today will certainly be carried with us. My desire is to stand with Him at the Gates of Glory and here Him say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant… Enter thou into the joy of the Lord”. Joshua 24:15 “Choose you this day whom ye will serve…. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Rev. Doug Walton Chaplain, CAPO TAPS Robert Page, Casper Platoon Sergeant. Joe Jones, Casper Mechanic & Crew Chief. Ellis Williamson, Commanding General 173d Airborne Brigade (1966-65). Sick Call Several of our Caspers have been feeling under the weather or recovering from surgery or are under going treatment for cancer or other health issues. They are: Bud Carroll, Pulmonary Fibrosis. Tom Dorn, Esophageal Cancer. Dave Miller, Lung Cancer. Sal Sosa, Legionnaires Deceases. We wish all of you guys the best and pray for a speedy recovery. Update Your Records If you have moved recently or have changed your email address or phone number, please let us know so we can update our directory: Update Records. For Contact Info: Directory. Veteran Benefits
Your Military Records If you need a copy of your Military Service Records, please follow this link to the National Archives and Records Administration site. VA Benefits for Veterans and Dependents This Veterans Benefits Booklet lists the variety of federal benefits available to veterans and their dependents. Casper Aircraft Used
List of assigned Casper Platoon Helicopters used in Vietnam from 1965 thru 1971: Casper Aircraft __________________________
173d Airborne Brigade Association To join, please visit their website at: http://www.skysoldier.org.
War Poem Sands of Time Poem by: Andy Williams, Casper As the wind howls across the desert, whipping up the Sands of Time, It bedevils the ear, obscures the sight, and plays little games with the mind. I watch brave Brothers and Sisters rush headlong into blowing sand, Marching steadily at the ready, never knowing where the enemy will stand. They bring memories of reeking rice paddies, chilling rain and humid jungle heat, They evoke recollections of another time with a different enemy to defeat. The Sands of Time in another dimension, and veiled by monsoon rains, Are the very same sands that are blowing now, bringing with them so much pain. These sands are reddened with man's blood spilled, dating back to Cain and Abel, The same winds have blown throughout man's history; they are real and not a fable. Good and evil, battling fiercely, have raged from the beginning through the ages, It's history not as written in storybooks, but forming right here on these pages. War and death battle incessantly on, through the air, on the land, and by sea, Eternally fought by young men and women who are loved by you and me. Their courage and devotion have kept men free; their love of an idea, a notion, Their pride and glory is a spoken declaration that sets these things in motion. These are the Sands of Time that cover a soul, obscuring the brightness of life, And ageless, sexless Good and Evil takes them from us in this new strife: If this old world continues to stand Many more lives will be lost in the sand. ___________________________ AGENT ORANGE
Agent Orange was an herbicide employed during the Vietnam War. Agent Orange was not the only herbicide sprayed in Vietnam although, due to its intensified usage, it is the herbicide most commonly mentioned and blamed for many of the health problems in connection with that period in history. For additional facts & history: Agent Orange. For information about Veterans Benefits for those exposed to Agent Orange and how to file a service connected claim, please go to: AO Compensation. You can also call the Veterans Administration for this information at: 800-749-8387. ___________________________
The CAPO Website Award Program The CAPO Awards are presented proudly to any nominated Aviation, Military, Patriotic, Veteran or Vietnam Helicopter Websites that meet our award criteria. Website Excellence Award This CAPO Award is given to an outstanding website that recognizes "Excellence" in the design of their website. The main content should be devoted to a military & veteran theme. Patriotic Excellence Award This CAPO Award is given to an outstanding website that promotes "Excellence" in the support of our nation, POW/MIA, troops and our veterans. Win Our Award: Application ___________________________ - Vietnam War Trivia - How many Vietnam War movies can you name? The Movie List. ___________________________
Casper Platoon Challenge Coin Two sided coin & case $10 each. Minimum order 2 coins + $5 S&H Tom Quinn: Order ___________________________
2007 Executive Officers Tom Town, President Buddy King, Vice President Tom Quinn, Secretary Phil Johnson, Treasurer Doug Walton, Chaplain John Steen, Associate Chaplain Gary Braden, Sergeant at Arms Randy Plese, Dir. of Family Services Rick Tompkins, Legal Council Chuck Merkel, Unit Historian Guy Strang, Reunion Team Leader Ned Costa, Executive Director Past Presidents 2003 - Don Charlton 2004 - Ned Costa 2005 - Walt Henderson 2006 - Stephen Greene Executive Officers: Contact Us __________________________
The Casper Platoon Newsletter is published by: CasperPlatoon.com © Copyright 2007 · All rights reserved. |
Our Next "Landing Zone" Will Be in Music City USA! Our next reunion will be held in Nashville, TN at the DoubleTree Hotel Downtown Nashville on June 25-27, 2006. Guy Strang is our Reunion Team Leader and is hard at work planning the 2007 Casper Platoon Reunion. Most of the detail are posted on the website and updates are made on a regular basis. If you have any questions about the reunion, please email Guy at: guystrang@charter.net or simply go to the online Casper Reunion 2007 webpage. Over the years, our reunions have developed nicely into a "family vacation" for everyone who attends. They will continue to provide this fun for all and will maintain a well structured agenda that will provided informative & helpful information to various topics, entertainment and follow military protocol -- with Flags and Color Guard. We want everyone to have a great time and our Nashville reunion will be no exception! If you are planning to attend, please sign-up: Registration Form.
In addition to our traditional reunion activities, three more events have also been added to the agenda in Nashville. A visit to Fort Campbell has been planned for the guys that will include a stop at the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST). This is a 10-lane, computer-based weapons firing range. Lasers are substituted for live ammunition and Caspers will be allowed to fire the weapons. Next is a tour of the Aviation Brigade hangers and their static helicopter display and lunch in their dining facility (they use to call them: Mess Halls). We will also visit were the 173d Airborne Brigade colors that were retired in 1972. Our final stop will be at the NCO/Officers (Common) Club to mix with troops, have a couple drinks, swap a few war stories, etc.
While the guys are away the Fort, our Ladies are invited to attend a special "Ladies Luncheon" that will be held at one of the finest restaurants in Nashville. The Capitol Grille is a celebrated and award-winning venue located in the historic Hermitage Hotel. Superbly appointed in an understated style of traditional elegance, the hotel's restaurant has hosted some of America's most noted individuals. Now it's our Casper Ladies turn. Served on the Veranda will be a Salad of Belgian Endive and Organic Lettuce, Citrus, Candied Pecans, Point Reyes Bleu Cheese, Balsamic Topped with Grilled Chicken. Dessert is a Flourless Chocolate Torte and Vanilla Bean Cheesecake. Rolls and Butter. Coffee & Iced Tea.
An event for your entire family to enjoy is an evening filled with top-notch Nashville entertainment, picturesque scenery, and exquisite food await aboard the majestic General Jackson Showboat Evening Cruise. We will drift along the mighty Cumberland River under the light of the Tennessee moon as we head inside to the elegant two-story Victorian Theater for a first-class dining and entertainment experience. Take your seat at a lavishly set, linen-covered table as you enjoy a multi-course meal complete with a starter salad, expertly prepared entrees, delicious side dishes, and an incredible dessert. As you dine, you'll be able to enjoy an energetic performance from Tim Watson's "Now That's Country," or one of many other talented performances scheduled throughout the year! For more information about these option events or to sign-up to attend these activities, please go to: http://www.casperplatoon.com/Reunion2007.htm.
(L-R) CAPO Past Presidents: Stephen Greene, Walt Henderson, Ned Costa and Don Charlton The CAPO Leadership Tradition Continues At the close of the Nashville Reunion, our 2007 CAPO President Tom Town will join the ranks with our former past CAPO Presidents. As a CAPO Member, you will have the responsibly to elect the 2008 CAPO President & Vice President. The selection process will begin now by nominating your candidate for these two officers. Again, if you are a current CAPO Member, the first step is to make your nominations. Please go here: http://www.casperplatoon.com/CAPONominations.htm. A ballot will follow on March 1, 2007 at which time you will be able to vote for your favorite candidate.
Rolling Thunder... On The Road With Casper WOW!!! Bruce Neva really shows his Casper Platoon Pride and support when he is out on the highway. He spent much of last year customizing his Honda and I think you'll agree -- it looks great! Bruce was an "Inferno" Crew Chief at LZ English in 1968 - 1969. As you can see, the Casper HIADD symbol is also displayed. ___________________________________________________________________
Casper Get-Together at "LZ Sparky" Leo "Sparky" Sparks opened his home to several Caspers and their family members last summer for a weekend Bar-B-Que. LZ Sparky is located in Manton, Michigan. (left) Ted Baysinger sings to Joe Jones. (below) Leo Sparks and Ken Thomas.
___________________________________________________________________
The B.R. Cohn Winery in Sonoma County, California holds many charity events and music festivals each year to raise money for various organizations, one being the National Veterans Foundation. Bruce Cohn is no stranger to the music industry as he is also the manager for the Dobbie Brothers. Last October at B.R. Cohn's picturesque winery, it was also home to some of the finest and most generous musicians in the world. The Doobie Brothers (pictured above) and Willie Nelson headlined and all-star cast at the twentieth annual fundraiser for the National Veterans Foundation -- the concert was sold out! Over the years, the Doobies have raised well over two million dollars for veterans. Senator Max Cleland, CAPO's 2006 guest, invited Steve Greene and his wife Carmen to the benefit in October. It was a perfect day and evening in California wine country.
(bottom, L - R) Senator Max Cleland and past CAPO President, Steve Greene. (standing, L to R) Willie Nelson, Bruce Cohn, Shad Meshad, founder of the National Veterans Foundation and band member Pat Simmons of the Doobie Brothers. ___________________________________________________________________
Casper Receives Technical Award Tom Town was recognized at BAE Systems last year for his accomplishments in the design, implementation and the real-time demonstration of an innovative conformal antenna coupler. For years the aviation community has needed the ability to rapidly test aircraft RF systems prior to mission operations. BAE Systems developed a rapid prototype Antenna Coupler based upon Tom's concept. His efforts culminated in a successful demonstration that impressed BAE customers and helped provide BAE Systems with a significant product discriminator in the Flight Line RF Test Set Business. Based on these accomplishments that advance BAE Systems EW technology and know-how, Tom Town was selected as the Q3 2006 Technical Achievement Award Winner -- Way to go Tom! ___________________________________________________________________
Bill and Nancy Fielding are shown here enjoying their latest vacation in Hawaii. They are standing at the historic Port of Honolulu just prior to boarding a dinner cruise ship that sailed off beautiful Waikiki Beach. They visited Hawaii in October with two other couples, both friends of whom have attended previous Casper reunions.
|
|||
|
8th of November The performing group Big & Rich did an outstanding job in writing and performing their song: 8th of November. As you know, it tells the story about the 173d Airborne Brigade during Operation Hump in War Zone D in Vietnam, were ambushed by over 1200 Viet Cong on November 8, 1965. There were 48 American soldiers who lost their lives that day and the song stands as a tribute to them. Casper Platoon was also involved in Operation Hump. Don Bliss and Dick Hathcock were directly involved in various aviation responsibilities such as medivac, directing artillery fire, controlling attack helicopters and coordinating air strikes. According to Don, he had no idea how many men he threw on board his chopper but he remembers redlining the torque and engine rpm's to get enough power to get the hell out of there. Our ground forces were putting down suppressive fire with their rifles as they entered the chopper along a road. Due to the overweight condition they could not clear the trees without following the road that made a slight turn to the right. As they turned about 7 or 8 Viet Cong were coming at them with their rifles blazing. Thanks to their inaccuracy and obvious surprise to see the helicopter, they missed our helicopter with everything. Big & Rich Tour Project: "Herd Vets on Stage" Made possible by Skip Kniley at the 173d Airborne Brigade, Chapter XVII, several Caspers were able to participate on stage during the performance of this song.
Cliff White - Ontario, CAN 8/9/06 Don Bliss - Atlanta, GA 10/7/06
Ned Costa & Phil Johnson - Phx, AZ 10/28/06 Skip Moorhouse - Phoenix, AZ 10/29/06
Steve Greene - Rio Rancho, NM 11/30/06 Art Cruz - San Antonio, TX 12/3/07 Watch Video: 8th of November |
||||
|
Editorial & Photo Submission - Please provide me with any amusing, historical, reunions, interesting stories or photos for editorial consideration in future Casper Platoon Newsletters. Submit.
Casper Platoon Flight Line, LZ English 1969 ___________________________________________________________________
Okay I know I am not a doctor, but too many of us have been ill recently or are currently being treated for cancer or other diseases. With this in mind, it seemed like a very good time to remind all of you that the Department of Veteran Affairs provides health care benefits to all veterans who qualify. The VA provides a Medical Benefits Package, a standard enhanced health benefits plan available to all enrolled veterans. This plan emphasizes preventive and primary care, and offers a full range of outpatient and inpatient services within VA health care system. The medical benefit package provides routine medical and surgical services. If you are interested in this benefit and are not enrolled, Just click here to get started in determining your eligibility for VA health care benefits. I Recently Volunteered... again! One of the first things I learned in January 1968 after I volunteered and joined the Army, was not to volunteer for anything else! I bet you have all heard that advise before, but if you're like me, you're probably going to do what you what to anyway. So anyway, I got a message the other day left on my answering machine. It was from someone at the VA asking me to volunteer for a new VA Pilot Program. Hey, I really enjoyed it when Gordy Anderson would let me fly my huey on our maintenance flights to and from LZ Lane, but this new program had nothing to do with learning to fly as I quickly learned. All kidding aside, I was asked to participate in a pilot program testing the all new: My HealtheVet website system before it is totally made available for all veterans to use. So naturally being the computer nut I am, I said yes. I was assigned to a group and asked to use the system then report any bugs or suggestions to it's application. My HealtheVet is a web-based application designed specifically for veterans and their families. It will help veterans work better with health care providers to achieve the best possible health. Some of the features are: Personal Health Journals, Personal & Family Health History, Personal Information, Medication Information, Vitals Tracking & Graphing, Activity & Food Journals, Military Health History and VA Benefits and Service.. The feature I like the most is the Online Prescription Refill. Coming soon to the website, Veteran patients will be able to request key portions of their VA electronic medical record. For more information, please go to: http://www.myhealth.va.gov. The Newest Army Helicopter is a LUH The Army recently revealed it's first Light Utility Helicopter. It has been designated the UH-72A Lakota. The Army's new LUH will primarily be used by the National Guard in support of homeland security missions. However, the UH-72 is set to replace the aging UH-60 Blackhawk series of helicopters for the US Army.
The Army has a long-standing tradition of using American Indian names, such as terms, tribes and chiefs for its helicopters. In the case of the Lakota aircraft, the linkage is between the Lakota legacy as stalwart defenders of their homeland and the nature of the aircraft's intended domestic missions. "We're pleased that you honor our tribe by naming this helicopter Lakota. You are not only honoring our past, you are recognizing that we are still here, joint partners in the heritage of the promise of America." RedCloud told the audience. Just a Reminder... If you haven't had an opportunity to sign up for the 2007 Casper Platoon Reunion in Nashville, please go to the Reunion 2007 webpage for all of the details. It's important for our reunion planners to get a solid head count and all of the fees paid soon. http://www.casperplatoon.com/Reunion2007.htm. I am looking forward to seeing you in Nashville! Ned Costa Executive Director, CAPO __________________________________________________________________ Casper Aviation Platoon Organization (CAPO) Casper originally arrived in Bien Hoa with the 173d Airborne Brigade in 1965. We proudly supported the "Herd" and left Bong Son, Vietnam with the Brigade in August 1971. In 2002, we formed the Casper Aviation Platoon Organization and developed the Casper Platoon website. To date, we have located over 280 former Casper Crew Members.
About Our Group The Casper Aviation Platoon Organization has no political agenda. We are a non-profit Vietnam Veterans group and we simply provide the means to stay in touch with those fellow Casper Platoon Pilots, Crew Chiefs, Door Gunners and Mechanics who have all shared the same experiences while serving together in Vietnam. This very important Casper mission was successfully accomplished by providing the means to communicate with each other via the internet, our website, newsletter, email, telephone, snail mail and our annual reunions. If you served in Casper Platoon, we strongly encourage you to become a member of CAPO. The annual dues and donations help fund our organization's maintenance, website, publishing, postage, our annual reunion and other expenses. CAPO Membership held fairly even in 2006 with 106 members. The membership dues are only $25 per calendar year. If you are interested in joining our group, making a donation or would like to renew your expired membership, please send your $25 check payable to: CAPO, c/o Phil Johnson, 30815 Hasley Canyon Road, Castaic, CA 91384. 2007 membership is due January 1, 2007. Membership Application: Apply Today. For more information: CAPO Members. |
||||
Optional
Events are Planned at Reunion
Band
of Brothers...
Casper
Joins with the Doobie Brothers and Willie Nelson in NAPA
.jpg)
Aloha
from the Big Island
Bits
& Pieces...
The
Lakota is shown here on display when
Joe RedCloud, a chief of the
Oglala Sioux Tribe, Lakota Nation, accepted the Army's first Lakota
Light Utility Helicopter UH-72A in a ceremony on December 11, 2006
in Columbus, Mississippi.