Rattler/Firebird Guestbook
John Mateyko [E-mail]
Former: Officer Pilot with Company A/501st Aviation Battalion
Call sign: Rattler 21
The reunion of helicopter pilots held during the weekend of February 23, 24 & 25 in Louisville was attended by Harold Stafford, Roy Lowery, Jim Moore and myself. With four Rattlers of the 60 pilots in attendance, A/501st had the largest percentage of men. Roy Lowery was honored with a special wall hanging. With side trips to various historical sites, all attending had a variety of options. One local helicopter operator made a Jet Ranger available to those pilots who wanted to grab about five minutes of stick time. After 35 years, most still had the magic touch. Next reunion for the Ohio River LZ group is scheduled for the last full weekend of February, 2008 in Columbus, Ohio. All aircrew members in the local area should consider attending.
March 3, 2007 - Lansing, Ill USA
Janet (Buck) Choate f/ SFC Bill Buck [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
My dad SFC Willard (Bill)J. Buck, passed away on July 31st 2006, he always enjoyed you guys of the 71st AHC. I would love to here from anyone that knew him. he is truly missed, and a special Thank You to all of you! Janet rlchoate@leru.net
March 1, 2007 - , MO
Janet (buck) Choate f/ SFC Bill Buck [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
My dad passed away July 31st 2006 he sure enjoyed the guys of the 71st AHC, I would love to here from anyone that may have known him. he is truly missed, Thank You for the great web site!
February 28, 2007 - ,
Ron Taylor [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
I am in the middle of creating a competitive teachers union in Las Vegas. To honor my unit 71st AHC, I am calling this Teachers4Change Local 71. If you would like to follow my exploits go to teachers4change.net Hope this message finds everyone doing well. Can't wait till Denver.
February 28, 2007 - Las Vegas, Nv USA
Bill Di Dio [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Door Gunner with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign:
Rattlers and Firebirds...on March 17th, 2007, thousands of our "brothers" (Gathering of Eagles) will be in Washington, DC to protect the "Wall"...see you there! http://www.usvetdsp.com/feb07/eagle.htm
February 17, 2007 - ,
Don Roof [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
Hey 501ST Rattlers/Firebirds : Great Web Site! Brought back many memories. I was a Crewchief with the 118th Thunderbirds/Bandits in 65-66. Always think of you guys whenever I hear Johnny Cash's "Ring Of Fire". You claimed it as your themesong in 65/66 ! Hope life has been kind ! Bandit #3 (Heavy Hog)
February 11, 2007 - West Seneca, NY USA
Pat W. Emery, Jr. [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
In memory of WO2 Patrick Wallace Emery, Sr. 3/16/40-1/11/97. Served with the "Rattlers" in 1965. Rest in peace, Dad.
January 11, 2007 - Globe, AZ
Pat W. Emery, Jr. [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
I'm glad to hear of the return of the remains of our men. We must continue to pressure our government and that of Vietnam to return ALL our soldiers remains. My regards to the families, God bless you all. Happy New Year to my heroes, the "Rattlers/Firebirds".
January 1, 2007 - Globe, AZ
John Mateyko [E-mail]
Former: Officer Pilot with Company A/501st Aviation Battalion
Call sign: Rattler21
The remains of three MIA Rattlers/Firebirds have recently been identified. We should make an effort to be at their internment. I trust information will be posted on our home page as it becomes available.
December 30, 2006 - Lansing, Ill US of A
odell suttle [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Maintenance with 151st Transportation Detachment
Call sign:
Merry Christmas to everyone!!!! I think of the people I knew in Nam every day---not just Holidays. Today is starting out pretty rough, dark, dreary and pouring rain but reading the Guest Book helps a ton. I was in the 151st June 1966-June 1967. I think we should all make an effort to get the address of someone in Irag and send them cards to let them know we care. Sometimes I wonder what the people who were killed in Nam would think of the changes in America if they could suddenly be brought back to life. A lot has happened. 25--December--2006
December 25, 2006 - Fountain Inn, SC USA