Rattler/Firebird Guestbook
CPT Nathan Degen [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
Gentlemen, I am CPT Nathan Degen. I am currently assigned to A/2-501 based out of Ft. Bliss, TX. We are currently deployed in Afghanistan supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel and Operation Resolute Support. We are a CAC/VIP company supporting the Army through passenger and cargo movements, VIP transports, MEDEVAC Chase operations, and future deliberate operations. Upon our deployment into Afghanistan, we merged with A/3-501 which is our sister Assault Company. Together we are completing the mission set in Afghanistan. Due to our merger as two UH-60L/M companies, we decided to use a common call sign. After conducting research on units before us and the 501, we decided to make our call sign "Rattler" in honor of your unit and to hopefully carry on the extraordinary legacy that you all paved before us. If at all possible, I would love to connect in some way with the men of the unit from Vietnam and ask for your permission and blessing on utilizing your call sign both in Afghanistan and possibly, into the future upon our return to the US in the fall. It would be an honor to learn from your experiences, discuss both of our units histories and missions, and hopefully merge our companies with yours. Myself, and our companies, BN, and BDE thank you for your service and the sacrifices you all made for each of us. It is because of your unit that we are who we are today. Please let me know if there is any way to connect further. Very Respectfully, Nathan R. Degen CPT, AV Executive Officer Alpha Company, 2-501 General Support Aviation Battalion Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division TF Desert Knight Blackcats! Rattlers
May 3, 2019 - , Texas USA
frederick l smith [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Crew Chief with Company A/501st Aviation Battalion
Call sign:
this message is to Jason Diebold. Jason, Fred Smith, from Rochelle Il, I was a crew chief, door gunner, with the Firebirds, from may 1965 to may of 1966. I believe we had one of the best, Gunship Platoons in country, our pilots, Rattler or Firebird, were fearless. I had a very interesting year, as i'm sure your dad did. my phone # is 815-762-2579, call me if you like.
March 30, 2019 - Rochelle, Il USA
Rita Whitehead Fulghum [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
Thanks for all of your service! A big shout out to Shirley Whitehead!
March 29, 2019 - Fredonia, Ks USA
Bill Di Dio [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
HAPPY VIETNAM VETERANS DAY...to the best chopper company in Nam!
March 29, 2019 - ,
Jason Diebold [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
My father was in the 71st Firebirds. (1970-1971) -- Unfortunately he passed away in a motorcycle accident on 9/18/2014 - Just was always interested in what he did.. Just learning.. He always told me he was a door gunner... Just thinking about how he always talked about how he a was proud to be a Fire Bird.
March 1, 2019 - Somonauk, IL US
harold bowen [E-mail]
Former: Officer Pilot with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign:
Mobile, Al sounds like a super site for the '20 reunion. Put it on your calendars now and let's set a new attendance record. For many, this will be the last reunion they are able to make. No one knows who that may be. Please don't miss your last opportunity to enjoy the pleasure of a reunion in the Snakepit. See ya there.
January 26, 2019 - Gasburg, VA USA
victor HOPPER [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Other with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign:
was in this unit in 71, wish you all the best.
December 27, 2018 - medway, OH US
John Reis [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Maintenance with 151st Transportation Detachment
Call sign:
Wishing everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR. And a big thank you for Ron and the group that put together our GREAT REUNION . . this was only our 3rd. REUNION AND we really had a lot fun and seeing of the members of a great group
December 24, 2018 - Rio Rancho, N.M. U,S.A.
frederick l smith [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Crew Chief with Company A/501st Aviation Battalion
Call sign:
time to wish you all, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. May all of you be well, and God Bless you all, hope to see you all in 2020
December 24, 2018 - rochelle, il USA
harold bowen [E-mail]
Former: Officer Pilot with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign:
Happy Veterans to all of my brother Rattlers, Firebirds and fellow Veterans. During 26 years of serving, including another tour in Nam, I served with many great guys. None that I am as proud to call BROTHER as my fellow Rattlers. Though the war was controversial, we should all be proud that we accomplished our country's bidding in an honorable manner. May our departed brothers Rest In Peace. Hal
November 11, 2018 - Gasburg, VA USA