Rattler/Firebird Guestbook
Hal Bowen [E-mail]
Former: Officer Pilot with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign:
*****IMPORTANT NOTICE******** On Page 23 of the July/August issue of the VHPA Aviator Newsletter is a request for a picture of one of our Rattler KIAs, Sp5 Johnny Lee Williams, Jr. KIA 22 Sept 1969. The Florida Chapter of Vietnam Veterans is attempting to honor the Florida KIA with a photo on their Vietnam Veterans Wall of Faces memorial. If any of you have photo of our Rattler, Please Contact Johnny Byard (RVN '66-'67 & '69-'70) at Jbyard1@comcast.net or at (757)868-0919 or cell (757)897-2726 and share same with them. Let's try to help them honor one of our own. Thanks, Hal
July 29, 2018 - Gasburg, VA USA
frederick l smith [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Crew Chief with Company A/501st Aviation Battalion
Call sign:
welcome home, to all of you rattlers & firebirds. as we all know Freedom is not Free, as we honor another 4th of July, we know what the cost of freedom is, we have all lost many friends to combat, to all of them, I give my deepest thanks, to the rest of us, as we are in the last season of our life, we think a lot more about the time we spent in Vietnam. God Bless All
July 4, 2018 - rochelle, il USA
Jim (Scotty) Moore [E-mail]
Former: Warrant Officer Pilot with Company A/501st Aviation Battalion
Call sign:
To all of my A/501st friends, there are very few of us left. I thank you all for your service with me, and wish you all a happy fourth. My year with you in Bien Hoa was the best year of my life.
July 3, 2018 - Quantico, MD USA
Todd Dunn [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
My father, Creig Dunn was fortunate to have had Joe Bruce as his crew chief while serving in VN. Both Joe and Crieg worked together after military service in commercial aviation in to the 90's. Like Chuck said " joe was the baddest mf in vietnam" Rip JB
June 29, 2018 - Parker, CO United Sta
Todd Dunn [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
RIP Joe Bruce a true American warrior
June 29, 2018 - Parker, CO United Sta
Frank Anton [E-mail]
Former: Warrant Officer Pilot with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign:
Gentlemen. I agree totally with all of you. It was a great get together, thanks to all who did the hard work for us. I must also comment that the days of BS-ing with my former Rattler and Firebird greats was the best ever. I guess age gets to us, but never have I had the good talk and stories as we had this reunion. Love You all. Frank
June 25, 2018 - Satelitte Beach, Fl USA
frederick l smith [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Crew Chief with Company A/501st Aviation Battalion
Call sign:
I had a really good time in Nashville, good to see all you guys again, we all look to be getting older, enough said about that. I was impressed by the standing ovation, both at the grand old opry, and the boat. I was sitting at the table as Frank Anton, told a portion of their captivity, about Jim Phister, continually pushing them, even in their condition, so they would survive. You are both my Hero's. God Bless All
June 16, 2018 - rochelle, il USA
Greg Arndt [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Door Gunner with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign:
I agree with Ron and Hal. Nashville reunion was a good one. Missed the slick. Looks like we need drivers. Maybe Ron can hire some grandson,etc to drive and association pays their room. I'd contribute. Back to Nashville. Hotel was very nice to us. Banquet food was best in a long,long time. Free breakfast was very good. Southern gravy and biscuits how can you go wrong? Tiniest bathrooms ever. Brought Debbie for first time. She was super excited and impressed with the 71st, the memorial service, honor guard, banquet, all the helicopter guys and Ron, Chuck, Wilke, Sandy, Kirby and crew. Already thinking about the next one and God willing he keeps my health up to attend. We are getting old like it or not. Now the big question? Where is the next one gonna be?
June 9, 2018 - Huntsville, AL United Sta
Hal Bowen [E-mail]
Former: Officer Pilot with Company A/501st Aviation Battalion
Call sign:
I agree with you, Ron. This was absolutely one of our best. I seriously doubt if there was a dry eye in the room when Frank finished his talk. What an ordeal. Those who did not attend missed a great experience. Frank and Jim, you are both terrific guys and I am honored to call you friend. May God be with you.
June 7, 2018 - Gasburg, VA USA
Hal Bowen [E-mail]
Former: Officer Pilot with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign:
Only one more week guys! Sure hope to see lots of you there.
May 23, 2018 - Gasburg, VA USA