Rocky Mountain Chapter – VHPA

DRAFT MEETING MINUTES

16 JANUARY 2010

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER

VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION

President Gary Hurelle called the meeting to order at 10:00 am at American Legion Post No.1. Continue Reading »

Getting there and getting around

Reunion hotel: The San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina, 333 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 619-234-1500. By agreement between the hotel and the VHPA, we are using the Passkey System to make, modify and cancel hotel reservations. It is important to know that calls directly to the hotel or any of Marriott’s regular toll free reservations numbers result in the caller being asked to use the Passkey toll free number. There are two ways to use Passkey: Continue Reading »

DRAFT MEETING MINUTES

21 NOVEMBER 2009

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER

VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION

President Gary Hurelle called the meeting to order at 1005 hours at American Legion Post No.1. Continue Reading »

Upon arriving in Vietnam in 1971 I was assigned to Lighthorse, C/3/17 air cavalry.  My very first mission was a Mekong river convoy escort.  I flew Army Huey 69-15217, or Huey 217 as we called our aircraft.  My flight time for that day was 6:35 hours.  I flew Huey 217 six more times, including a night medivac mission for a total of 23 hours. Continue Reading »

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER

VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION

Meeting Minutes, October 17, 2009

Buffalo Rose, Golden, CO

Meeting called to order at 10:45 am by VP Walt Wise.

10 members in attendance.

1. Treasurer’s report not available.

2. Minutes from previous meeting not available.

3. Phil Lanphier reported that the event at Mullen High School posthumously honoring helicopter pilot and MOH receipient CPT Jon Swanson went very well. The event was held Friday 10/9. Duplicate classes honoring Swanson and discussing the Vietnam War were held, one each in the morning and in the afternoon. Visiting the Museum trailer was included in the event. Chapter members participated in the classes, as well as hosted in the Museum. An estimated 850 students and teachers attended. Ceremonies and recognition of military veterans took place at Friday evening’s football game half-time. The Museum was set up Thursday, and packed up for travel and moved on Saturday to a location in Golden.

4. Many instruments for the Huey cockpit instrument panel were received as a donation from Bill McPherson, Cripple Creek.

Motion made to send a complimentary 1-year RMC-VHPA membership to McPherson as thanks for donation and cost of shipping. Motion seconded and approved unanimously.

5. Flyer for John Grauff’s Christmas Party on 12/05 in Johnstown handed out .

6. Greg Mann offered date options for his annual Christmas Party. Saturday, 12/12, 5:00 pm, was selected.

7. Ed Fickes will check on date availabilities for the traditional VA Hospital cookie party.

8. A thank-you and expense reimbursement was made to donor of the Huey seat, collective, cyclic, and instrument panel.

9. American Legion Post #1 will donate a mannequin as soon as all parts are found.

10. Chapter officers need to provide an updated list of member contact information. Robie to make request for current member information thru Chapter Yahoo Group.

11. Next meeting scheduled for Saturday, 11/21, 10:00 am, at American Legion Post #1. Guest will be Jeff Roy, former National Commander of the Military Order of Purple Heart.

12. Discussion on adding the ½ Huey cockpit to the Museum, plus other upgrades.

Meeting adjourned 11:30 am, followed by lunch at Buffalo Rose.

After lunch, members traveled short distance to Museum trailer location on 8th Street in Golden to inspect and discuss ½ Huey cockpit installation. Protective covers placed on outside trailer tires. Fickes took Huey seat frame to investigate nylon web covering. Robie took cyclic to repair broken grip.

Respectfully submitted, Bill Robie

After Action Report – RMCVHPA Helicopter War Museum

CPT Jon Swanson

Medal of Honor Recognition

Mullen High School, Denver, CO

October 8, 9, 10, 2009

The Rocky Mountain Chapter of Vietnam Helicopter Pilots (RMC) brought their Helicopter War® Museum to Mullen High School on 10/8/2009 for setup for display to the students of Jon Swanson’s High School. CPT Swanson graduated Mullen in 1960. A special program hosted for Jon’s widow Sandee was held in the HS gymnasium the following day– ½ of the 840 students, and faculty, attended in the morning and the balance at a second afternoon program in the afternoon. The presentation included the background and actions leading up to CPT Swanson’s award as well as why it took over 30 years to be presented; and also information about the discovery of Jon and his crew member’s remains in Cambodia and their subsequent burial at Arlington National Cemetery in 2004.

Sandy Swanson brought the CMOH for students to view, and fellow B 1/9 pilot and friend of Jon’s detailed the events of the fateful day in 1971. Four RMC members gave short bio’s of their tours and all answered questions from the 100’s of students in attendance. Students not in the assembly program came through the War Museum in class size units through-out the day. The RMC assembled a shadowbox display honoring CPT Swanson, which will be part of the permanent Museum display. Several hundred additional guests visited the Museum prior to the start of the football game that evening.

A special recognition and appreciation of all veterans’ was made at half-time of Mullen’s home football game Friday evening – which ended in the snow with a victory for Mullen. Member’s came back Saturday morning to pack up the Museum for its transport to the new yard in Golden. While wintering in Golden the RMC hopes to install a mockup Huey cockpit and improved storage and display items.

Ed Fickes, Operations Officer

RMC Helicopter War Museum

Members participating in this event were: Phil Lanphier, Mike Law, Hal Bergdahl, Tom Landis, John Grauff, Gary Hurelle, Doug Neil, Fred Lyssy and Ed Fickes

DRAFT MEETING MINUTES

19 SEPTEMBER 2009

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER

VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION

President Gary Hurelle called the meeting to order at 1010 hours in American Legion Post No.1.

Members Present: Gary Hurelle, Ed Fickes, Brian Foote, Mike Law, John Grauff, John Hargleroad, Walt Winters, Phil Lanphier, Doug Neil, Hal Bergdahl, Tom Landis, and Jim McNamee.

The minutes of the August meeting were approved with a correction introduced by Jim McNamee (the Evans VFW donated $200 to the Helicopter War Museum Maintenance and Development Fund instead of the $400 stated in the draft).  (Ed Fickes moved, Mike Law seconded.)  The Treasurer’s Reports for July, August and September were approved. (Mike Law moved, Phil Lanphier seconded.)

Honor Flight: Gary, Ed and Mike talked about the reception that the chapter hosted at DIA for 132 WWII veterans returning from an Honor Flight visit to the WWII memorial in Washington, D.C.  The reception was on September 12^th at the Signature Flight Facility, They reported that the reception was very successful and a great experience.  The chapter provided refreshments and member Bruce Cameron arranged for a song and dance duo to entertain the veterans.  The chapter probably will host two receptions a year in the future.  Gary proposed an “attaboy” for Ed for arranging the receptions, and the members responded with kudos.

Recognition for Bill Brewster: Jim proposed that the chapter give Bill Brewster, owner of B&B Trucking in Greeley, recognition for the transportation support he has provided for the Helicopter War Museum (HWM) since its inception.  Bill was an infantry company commander in the 173^rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam.  He provides a tractor to transport the trailer at his cost, and often transports it to local venues for no cost.    His support has been invaluable.  The members approved the proposal, to include recognition at the museum’s venues and a Huey model and plaque for Bill.  Phil will provide the recognition and award, and Ed will provide nose art for the Huey.

Evans VFW Breakfast Fundraiser: Ed and Gary talked about the breakfast fundraiser that the Evans VFW had for the HWM on August 30^th.  The VFW donated the proceeds from the event to our museum ($600).  They also donated $200 to the museum for our support at the State VFW Convention in June.  Several members and some wives attended the breakfast and reported that it was very good.  Ed mentioned that they have breakfasts on the first and last Sundays of every month and that we should support them if we are in the area.  The Evans VFW is located at 3501 State Street in Evans, which is adjacent to Greeley.

Huey Parts: Hal mentioned that we should continue to search for Huey parts for the museum.  We have a good start on the cockpit display, but could use more.  Tom said that he may be able to get more parts from his contact.  The members discussed building the cockpit display once the trailer is located in Golden (after the Captain Swanson event at Mullen—see below).  (Note–Bill Robie is arranging space for the trailer in the Golden lot where we built the museum so that we can work on the display there.  If we are able to relocate the trailer to Golden, we probably will hold some future meetings/work parties there.)

Draft meeting minutes, 19 September 2009 (continued)

Mullen High School event: Phil, Ed and Mike talked about the Mullen High School event which will include testimonials to Captain Jon Swanson, an MHS graduate who won the Medal of Honor as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam.  The chapter previously decided to participate in the event and display the Helicopter War Museum.  Members will address classes in addition to being museum docents.  The classes will be in the gymnasium on Friday morning, October 9^th.  There also will be a veterans’ recognition event during halftime of the football game that night, with all attending veterans invited onto the field. The museum will be located in the parking lot just outside the main stadium gate.  We will set it up Thursday afternoon, October 8^th, and man it through halftime on Friday night.  Lunch will be provided to members on Friday.

Ed Fickes passed around a duty roster for museum docents and class participants.  If you want to participate, please contact Ed.  Phil also will prepare a schedule and a notice for Brian to send to members when we get closer to the event.  Ed, Phil and Mike will work on a shadow box depicting CPT Swanson’s feats.

Mike mentioned that between four and six pilots who flew with CPT Swanson will attend the event.  He asked that anyone who could provide lodging for the pilots contact him. He also talked about CPT Swanson’s heroics and the efforts since them to honor him.

Phil mentioned that the media would be there, and Mike stated that this would be a great opportunity for us to begin our school education campaign, which was one of the initial reasons we built the museum.  He also stated that we should send an article about the event to the VHPA “Aviator.”  He mentioned that the magazine is always looking for articles, and that members should consider submitting them.

Military Order of the Purple Heart: Gary mentioned that Walt Wise has arranged for the current MOPH Commandant, Jeff Roy, to be present at the at the November meeting along with a service officer.  Jeff, a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, is a great source of information because he has spent a considerable amount of time in places such as Congress working for veterans.  The MOPH is very helpful with veterans applying for VA benefits, even if they haven’t been awarded the Purple Heart.  Gary encouraged members to attend the November meeting.

“Welcome Home” Wristbands: Gary mentioned that Ed has purchased wristbands that we will use as fundraisers.  The wristbands have a Vietnam campaign ribbon motif and cost 71 cents apiece.  We will sell them for $2, with the proceeds going to the HWM Operating Fund.  He sold about a dozen to members.

Chapter Clothing and Hats: Gary mentioned that Jim had shirts that members had ordered and also hats.  He has extra shirts and hats for sale at very reasonable prices.

Heritage Square Outing: Gary mentioned that Bill Robie is willing to set up a Heritage Square Opera House outing.  The Opera House puts on an entertaining melodrama with a buffet dinner for a reasonable price.  Several members expressed interest.  Gary will contact Bill to arrange it.

Chapter Message Site: Gary mentioned the Yahoo site that Bill has set up for messages.  He asked that members use it only for chapter business and refrain from using it for other purposes.

Draft meeting minutes, 19 September 2009 (continued)

57^th AHC Reunion: Brian passed along a message from member Terry Sullivan—The 57^th AHC is having a reunion in Colorado Springs September 24^th through the 26^th. Contact Terry for details.

Christmas Gathering at John Grauff’s: John announced that he and his daughter, Laurel, will host their annual Christmas party on December 5^th.  All members are invited.  Jim mentioned that this is an event not to miss, with decorations similar to Macy’s and hospitality second to none.  Details will follow.

Upcoming Meetings: The October 17^th meeting probably will be at the Buffalo Rose in Golden. It will be followed by a museum work party (the museum will be transported after the Mullen event to the same lot in Golden where we originally built it so that we can work on the cockpit display).  Rick Beaver and Jerry Marshall are going to be the OIC’s for building the display.  Details will follow.

Unless otherwise decided and published, the meetings from November through May will be at the American Legion Post No. 1 on I-25 and Yale on the third Saturday of the month.  There will be no meeting in December, although we may host our annual cookie party at the VA Hospital that month.

Gary adjourned the meeting at 1130 hours.

Submitted by Jim McNamee, Secretary/Treasurer

MEETING MINUTES

27 JUNE 2009

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER

VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION

President Rick Beaver called the meeting to order at 1005 hours in the Leprino Aviation reception area at the Rocky Mountain Regional Airport.

Members Present: Walt Winters, Walt Wise, Phil Lanphier, John Grauff, Bob Stewart, Jerry Marshall, Don Rice, Mike Silva, Rex Gooch, Hal Bergdahl, Swede Holmgren, Danny Cram, Tom Landis, Ed Fickes, Bill Robie, Fred Lyssy, Rick Beaver, Brian Foote and Jim McNamee.

Minutes of the May meeting were approved, (Walt Wise moved, Fred Lyssy seconded) as was the Treasurer’s Report for June (Ed Fickes moved, Phil Lanphier seconded).

Chapter Officer Elections: Rick discussed the fact that no one had volunteered or been nominated for Vise President or Junior Member at Large.  The new officers, including the new President, Gary Hurelle, are due to take office on July 4^th.  Rick stated that some of the members had suggested that we eliminate the Member at Large positions (allowing the current members at large to finish out their terms) because those officers are hardly ever consulted or utilized by the President.  He also said that the members had proposed having the VP’s term be only 1 year, rather than having an automatic succession to President.  This would result in having to elect two positions every year after this year (President and VP), but may encourage people to run for VP.  The final suggestion was that the Secretary/Treasurer be an elected position, rather than an appointed one.  After some discussion, all of the proposals passed unanimously (Walt Wise moved, Walt Winters seconded).

Following the vote, Walt Wise volunteered to run for VP, and was elected unanimously.  Rick then nominated Jim McNamee to continue as Secretary/Treasurer, and he also was elected unanimously.  The chapter officers for the next year, therefore, will be: President-Gary Hurelle; Vice President-Walt Wise; Senior Member at Large-Roger Patterson; Mid-term Member at Large-Fred Lyssy; and Secretary/Treasurer-Jim McNamee.  There will be no Junior Member at Large.

Jim mentioned that the chapter by laws would have to be changed, and Rick said that he would chair a committee to draft the new by laws.  Any member that wants to volunteer to help is encouraged to do so.  (Note—the members present acknowledged and approved the fact that the new officers were elected before the by laws were changed.)

Chapter website: The website currently is down for a transition to a new webmaster.  Ed Fickes son is taking it over, and is exchanging information with the current webmaster, Brian Foote’s son.  Ed said that the website should be back up soon (note—it is now back up).

Military Order of the Purple Heart: Walt Wise mentioned that the current MOPH Commandant, Jeff Roy, was going to be present at the BBQ and encouraged members to talk with him.  Walt said that the MOPH was a great organization and was especially helpful with veterans applying for VA benefits.  Jim mentioned that the MOPH had an office in the VA building in Lakewood.

Mullen High School event: Phil Lanphier talked about Mullen’s plan to honor CPT Jon Swanson, an MHS graduate who won the Medal of Honor as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam.  The chapter previously decided to participate in the event and display the Helicopter War Museum.  Members also will address classes.  The event will be held October 8^th and 9^th at Mullen

Meeting minutes, 27 June 2009 (continued)

in conjunction with other events commemorating the armed forces.  Ed Fickes will coordinate with Phil and will send out a duty roster for museum docents.

Honor Flight:  Ed mentioned that the chapter has been asked again to host a reception at DIA for WWII  veterans returning from an Honor Flight visit to the WWII memorial in Washington, D.C.  The reception will be September 12^th at the Signature Flight Facility.  Members who attended the last reception, including Bill Robie, reported that the event was very worthwhile.  Ed will be sending out a duty roster.  Also, Ed would like members to suggest bands or singing groups that would like to participate.

Cripple Creek Museum trip: Ed discussed the August 8^th and 9^th museum trip to Cripple Creek for its annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day.  The chapter previously approved participation.  Cripple Creek will pay for the museum’s transportation expenses and also will provide lodging for chapter members working the event.  Ed passed around a signup roster.

Museum Memorabilia: Bill Robie mentioned that we are still looking for memorabilia for the museum.  He mentioned that member Charles Bogle had donated a collective and cyclic for a planned cockpit mockup, but that we still need several other components.  If anyone has any leads, he should contact Bill, Ed Fickes, or Jim McNamee.

New Members and Dues: New chapter members Bob Stewart and Swede Holmgren signed up and paid their dues.  Rex Gooch and Walt Winters also paid their dues and Danny Cram updated his membership information.

.

Rick adjourned the meeting at 1100 hours.

Following the meeting, Don and Donna Rice hosted an excellent BBQ.  Also, chapter member Jerry Marshall gave several helicopter rides.  Chapter friend Randy Jensen also gave a few guests rides in his personal helicopter.

Note:  These minutes have been updated with new information since the meeting.  The information is current as of August 14, 2009.

Submitted by Jim McNamee, Secretary/Treasurer

Flight for Life pilot Pat Mahany will become the newest inductee into the Longs Peak Rescue Awards Hall of Fame, the Longs Peak Summit Club announced.  Pat and his paramedic Kevin Kelble were the helicopter crew members in August 2006 that flew through lightning, hail and high winds to perform a harrowing rescue mission on Longs Peak.  The induction banquet will take place at the Aspen Lodge in Estes Park on August 29, 2009.  Information for tickets can be obtained by calling 970-586-8133.

Cripple Creek, Colorado

Our Helicopter War Museum will be displayed in Cripple Creek this coming weekend.  Throughout the years, the City of Cripple Creek has had a tradition of honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. This year, the community is proud to announce that tradition continues with Cripple Creek Honors America Armed Forces. This two-day event is scheduled for August 8-9 and will feature multiple festivities saluting the efforts of our military’s active duty and veterans.

August Chapter Meeting.

The Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association will hold its August meeting on August 15 at the American Legion on the  southeast corner of Yale Avenue and Interstate 25.  The meeting begins at 10:00 AM.