Rattler/Firebird Guestbook
Pat W. Emery, Jr. [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
To all "Rattlers/Firebirds", happy Veteran's Day, thanks for your service. And,thanks to the Association for keeping the history alive for me. You are appreciated more than I can express. God bless you all.
November 7, 2006 - Globe, Az USA
Douglass H Starkey [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Door Gunner with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign:
Resend of message sent in June when Guestbook not working: Your message has been sent as follows: From: Douglass H Starkey To: rattler1@rattler-firebird.org Message: Just received the May 2006 Newsletter I didn't realize there was a problem with the seating at the banquet. Assigned seating sounds too much like a wedding or other formal event. Not the social gathering of friends/new and old. If assigned seating is a must, then this is my formal request to always be seated with my best buddy Greg Arndt. Also, you are only asking for trouble if you start mixing Rattlers with 'FIREBIRDS'. (:-) !!!!!!!! Doug Starkey Firebird Gunner May 70-71 P.S. Only kidding about the trouble! P.S.S. I tried to send this to the Guestbook but got error/Http/Referrer no matter what my browser settings were on.
November 4, 2006 - Eliot, ME USA
Todd Gedeon [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
First of all, I appreciate the great site. Thanks to all for remembering those who served. I am interested in any stories or photos relating to Peter Alden Schmidt. Also, if there is anyone who can help me to decipher the coordinates for the crash sight (154943N 1070111E (YC509163)) also, is there a way to get mission specific information (What was the specific mission, what unit was being picked up, members names for the mission? I know I am asking for a lot of information but any help is appreciated.
November 2, 2006 - Claremont, CA USA
Norm Pruett [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Crew Chief with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign: ANKA
In answer to Don Rodger's 10/18 posting... email coming your way Don, hope you get it OK, with photos of Ronnie King and others, can't tell you how surprised I was by your posting! talk about a voice from the past, just chalk up another little miracle for Seabolt and company... For all my brother Rattlers reading this, Don Rodgers was(is) one of my best friends from back then, if you remember him at all, I'm sure you knew him as a friend as well, he's just that kind'a guy. We should all say a prayer for Ronnie Kings family, on his passing... I know most of us in the association seem to be the crew cheifs and pilots, but we depended on the support we got from guys like Ronnie King, I wish him and his well, God bless.. Ron S. please post Ronnie King's passing on the memorium page, he was good friend and well worth remebering.
October 22, 2006 - Oakdale, CA. USA
Donald Rodgers [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Maintenance with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign:
I tried to beat the computer however I lost.Top heading should be maintainance not other.I don't know if I can put my email or phone# to be reached on this site.Don't want to break any rules.
October 18, 2006 - Mayfield, Ky usa
Donald Rodgers [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Other with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign:
I found this web site with the help of a va rep.I imediately started looking at names on the photo section and call signs.I want to say hello to my fellow rattlers/firebirds.Norm my good friend how are you doing after all these years.I hope fine.I also seen Tom Bokkes name and what a gift of the nose cone for the association.You know I never thought anything of looking at this site if not for my friend that helped.I wished I could remember who I flew with one day doing medivac runs southwest of Da Nang for the 11th ACR.We had boxcar pilot flying left seat.I have some good pictures when the jets did their napalm run.The boxcar pilot did 8mm of the whole event.Doing this we helped some have a chance to live.I worked with the prowertrain & prop and rotor also flew with the 1st Plt Widowmakers when help was needed.On closing for now I am sorry to report the death of a member of our company Ronnie King.He worked for Sfc McGhee at the motor pool.Ronnie lived about 20 miles from me.I was able to be with him before his passing in July of last year.I gave his son this web site to visit.I have alot of photos from ground and air.I'm trying to get them together for the webmaster.Norm I hope you get to see this message.This is a great website I want to thank all involved for making it possible and hope to be at the next reunion.I'll keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
October 18, 2006 - Mayfield, Ky USA
Ron Seabolt [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Crew Chief with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign:
I was informed today of the death on October 4th of former Rattler 6 Joe K. Bell from complications due to Parkinson's Diease. Joe became our Company Commander in August 1967 and served for about 6 months in the position I believe.
October 11, 2006 - Terrell, TX