Ten years ago next year, a war-battered Huey helicopter lifted off on a beautiful fall morning from a Fort Rucker ceremony on a documentary film mission to capture the untold stories of Vietnam War veterans and their loved ones.
Photo by Sarah Beal. (c) 2001.
Since then, Huey 091 and In the Shadow of the Blade have been the catalysts for lifelong connections, emotional reunions, educational initiatives, and many, many tributes to our nation’s veterans. It’s one of those things that’s worthy of celebrating.
The Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association has invited us to do just that, as In the Shadow of the Blade marks its tenth at the annual VHPA reunion 2-4 August 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. You’ll for sure wanna join the ITSOTB cast and crew for this great reunion! We’ll be posting more info soon on special room rates and event schedules (including a very special film screening). For now, start putting those pennies in the jar and save the date, because it just won’t be the same if you’re not there.
Arrowhead Films
why do we pick a hot time of the year ?do you want all of us vets to feel like were back in nam?oooooo wellll maybe we will loose some weight.
I am greatful to the Dust Off crews because they saved my life on two occasions. First time in Vietnam in 1967 after being wounded. The next time was at Camp Shelby,MS in 1984 while I was in the National Guard with a head injury. Thanks again guys.
Great video. I was an Air Traffic Controller? at Ft Rucker from 1996-2000. I had the plriviege of working with my favorite aircraft of all, the Huey, before they began phasing them out. Bring back good memories :0)
I am not a computer wizard, but my dead husband loved his helicopters, always said if he had a choice of way’s to go, wanted it quick & easy & in a helicopter. Unfortunately for us (wife & son) he got his wish. Bruce was killed 18 Oct.1982 mid air crash. Another well known helicopter flew into his Air Logistics 206 at 10:12a.m.. Bruce was never found nor his passenger. Only Bruce’s wallet floated to top of oil slick. Bruce was a medevac pilot in VietNam June of 1968-June 1969. If there is anyone out there that knew him, wish you would get in touch. He was a good man,but haunted by VietNam. I will see if I have enough savings to get back to Louisiana in August 2012… I was a cop in Lafayette & Bruce loved to brag with his friends, but was not real happy when I worked the 11:00p.m. shift to 7 a.m. shift. when he got home for his 7 days off and there I was, with a cop uniform on and a gun strapped to my hips.Gordy Hine was our best friend and I certainley miss him. However, I strongly feel that Bruce & Gordy are having a heck of a good time together agaqin.
Take Care, Be Safe, Donna Barker (reply)
Looking forward to it ! We’ll be there.
I am excited about this reunion. I was with the 9th from 68 – 69. I trained on the huey at Rucker, but when I got to Dong Tam I was put on the Loah (OH6As). I flew with a lot of these hueys.
I Did? IERW and WOCS in 89-90. Had Big-Daddy Grossman for a fghilt instructor, and CW3 Belflour for Senior Class TAC. I loved flying the Hueys, and was lucky enough to fly my entire 6 1/2 years in them. Left Mother Rucker for Stuttgart Germany in 1990, then Desert Storm, then MedEvac (507th Med Co.) at Fort Hood Texas. I stopped flying in late1995, but the memories are fantastic! Thanks for a great video.
My name is John Brennan, and I am the VN vet author of “U.S. Army Helicopter Names In Vietnam” from Hellgate Press, 417 pages, 40 photos. The listed price is $31.95, however, you may obtain a signed copy for $29.95, shipping included, by sending a check or money order to: John Brennan, 17355 Via Annette, San Lorenzo, CA 94580
P.S You are welcome to preview the first 20 pages by accessing the publisher’s website at http://www.hellgatepress.com and clicking on the .pdf hyperlink
Just a reminder, this is a two book series, this first one lists all of the named Army helos in VN. The next one (Fall 2012), “U.S. Army Helicopter Nose Art In Vietnam”, will feature 300 beautiful color nose art photos, together with 400 anecdotes from Army helo veterans. They are a tandem set that go hand-in-hand and compliment each other.
Thanks, Jerry for the nice comment. Did you know that Dustoff Medics did not receive the Combat Medics Badge only because the medics were not an “Infantry Unit”. I understand that this is not the case now because they are under the operational control of an infantry unit. They “grandfathered ” in units during the war in Iraq but did not include the Vietnam Medics…..what a crock of shit. I saw where a female colonel ….a ring knocker from the Academy got her’s for working in a hospital but not us Nam Medics with 1697 flights, 4334 patients evaced, 50 Air Medals, DFC, Air Medal with “V’, Army Com with “V”, and two Purple Hearts during 19 months of flying as a Dustoff Medic and I know many, many more that had a much better record.
I wish I could make it. I have never flew in this magnificent bird. My father has significant history with it. He has not only flew in them, but he helped the restoration of this particular bird. I would love to see it again. I have only seen it as it was before the transformation. If I would shed a tear for all the wounded and dead it carried I would cry for a lifetime.
I have many memories on this bird. I crewed July 64 – Nov 67 many times sitting in the right seat. I would love to touch one again. I silently cry’d for those we trained who did not come back.
John Brennen – I flew Dustoff in Dong Tam supporting the 9th Inf. , but we flew out of our area when needed which was a constant need as we never turned down a mission to save lives. Did not know that you lived so close to me ( 24940 Lucien Way Hayward , Ca 94544 ) would be great to get together and share moments also looking forward to getting copies of the books just to see if my nose art is included ( The Frito Bandito above the Red Cross in front ) Lots of memories good / bad but still close at heart. Will send more info to you so we can get together . Thanks Ray