Rattler/Firebird Guestbook
Hal Bowen [E-mail]
Former: Officer Pilot with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign: Rattler 16 & 3
Hope everyone will join me in a short prayer for Ron's speedy recovery (note the comment on the Home Page). Ron our thoughts and prayers are with you, my friend.
January 15, 2021 - Wake Forest, N.C. USA
Bill Lurvey [E-mail]
Former: Warrant Officer Pilot with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign: RATTLER 20
I hope all Rattlers and Firebirds had a Merry Christmas. Now all we need is a Happy New Year.
December 31, 2020 - ,
Douglass Starkey [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Door Gunner with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign:
Ron and the Reunion committee have put a lot of time and effort into re-scheduling the 2021 Reunion. I've made my hotel reservations which can be canceled at any time. Ron needs to know how many plan to attend if this covid crap goes away by May. Please make your hotel reservations now, cancel if the need is, and relieve Ron and the reunion committee from any more stress anxiety. In my humble opinion. Doug Starkey, May 70-71.
December 29, 2020 - Eliot, ME US
Hal Bowen [E-mail]
Former: Officer Pilot with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign: Rattler 16 & 3
Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to all my Rattler and Firebird friends out there. May God bless you and keep you safe during all this turmoil and uncertainty our country is currently undergoing. Hope to see you all in Mobile.
December 22, 2020 - Wake Forest, N.C. USA
Douglass H Starkey [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Door Gunner with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign:
Got my Newsletter today Dec 22, gotta love the USPS...!
December 22, 2020 - ELIOT, Maine United States
Atty VanHamel [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted with Company A/501st Aviation Battalion
Call sign:
About this time after barely settling in, our organization one of the best all volunteer that I have been associated with had the opportunity to attend the USO Bob Hope show at Bien Hoa. I’ll always remember the great organization with which I served. I wish all the best of the holiday season.
December 17, 2020 - Newtown, Penns USA
Bill Lurvey [E-mail]
Former: Warrant Officer Pilot with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign: Rattler 20
Mobile Marriott in Mobile, Al says they do not have in house reservations. After 4th call I finally got reservations, but insisted the Rattler/Firebird rate, which previously said no such Reunion. They are definitely disorganized.
December 15, 2020 - Grand Junction, CO USA
Ron Taylor [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Crew Chief with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign:
I just saw the posting that Brian Araki died of a heart attack. What a shock, this little buddy will surely be missed. RIP Brian
December 13, 2020 - Salkum, Washi USA
Norman Pruett [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Crew Chief with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign: Peace sign ANKA
Thanks for the link Mr. Winfield! very cool book.
November 21, 2020 - Lincoln, CA
frederick l smith [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Crew Chief with Company A/501st Aviation Battalion
Call sign: Firebird
On November 8th 1965, we were shot down, Bolt holding, the counterweight was shot off, the counterweight, then, damaged outer 8' of one blade. Snakedoctor, came to our rescue. Pilot, was Patrick Gwaltney* Co-Pilot John Mateyko, Crew Chief Fred Smith, Gunner Was Gary Parks. Some of us will be meeting, this Sunday November 8th, The 55th Anniversery, Those of us that were there, seem to remember it well, On another note, have a great Veterans Day, WE EARNED IT
November 5, 2020 - Rochelle, Il USA