Letters From You

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Letters From You

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These are some of the letters that are very special to me, from you. They are what keep me going. Thank You.

01/11/2008

Ron

My name is Denis McDonough. I served with the 1/5 Mech in Cu Chi. On 4/26/67 while on foot in the Boi Loi woods, myself and two other Bobcats were wounded by a Chinese claymore. We were dusted off and brought to the 12th Evac. I would like to thank all the pilots and crews of the choppers. I always wondered if I could find crew who came and got us that day. IM enclosing the account for 4/26/67 from our website,which I will also enclose. Our first KIA was Jerry Osborne who was a shot gunner and was KIA on 4/1/65

Denis McDonough

Co.B 67 Secretary And Membership chairman

5th Inf Chapter

PS: Thank You !

11/22/07

Sir,

I just wanted to write and say thanks for your site. I served as an OH-58D Crew Chief with A Co. 1-25 AVN in Hawaii, deploying to Thailand for Cobra Gold in 2003 and in Iraq with A Co. and C Co. and it is real nice to see your site and be able to connect a little bit with the history of the BN. I consider the 25th to be the highlight of my

Army career so far. In case you are interested in the recent history, the unit received the Meritorious Unit Citation for its actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom II, breaking 25,000 combat flight hours in country during our year. If you are curious to know more about what is happening today let me know, I would be glad to share.

Anyhow, thanks again for giving this generation of Soldier some history on this great unit!

SGT Neil Anderson, USA

Fort Huachuca, AZ

2highspeed@gmail.com

11/19/07

Hi Ron,

I read with interest the item about the restoration of the Cobra gunship in Tampa. The article brought a tear to my eye and a big smile to my face. As a former combat infantryman with the 25TH Infantry Division ( III Corps ) in Vietnam and Cambodia 1969 and 1970 I can attest to the beautiful sight the Cobra always imparts to this former grunt's heart and his fellow 11 Bravos. The other day my good friend and Vietnam brother grunt ( He was with the 1ST Air Cav 1969-1970 Vietnam-Cambodia III Corps) were just talking about our remembrance of the Cobra gunships in Vietnam. They were our big protectors from the air that looked over us and took care of us guys on the ground in many many tough combat situations. I have a picture of my self standing next to a Cobra gunship at Tay Nihn Base camp in 1969 or 1970 needless to say I am all smiles. I also have a picture of a Cobra gunship firing closely around our postion when our infantry company was in a battle on Black Virgin Mountain ( Nui Ba Den ) in Tay Nihn Province, Vietnam in March of 1970. An NVA gunner made the stupid decision to fire an RPG rocket at the Cobra. I vividly remember the Cobra's response to that action by the enemy soldier. A free ride to the promised land for the NVA and his buddies.

Ron, keep up the good work as webmaster for your efforts are greatly appreciated by many Vietnam Veterans whom your might never know or realize you brought a smile to their faces.

Thanks Once Again,

Richard B. Loy 11 Bravo Vietnam-Cambodia 25th Infantry Division 1969-1970

11/09/07

Hey Ron

Where the heck are you or can you keep track?

Remember some time back when we talking about my hearing issue and the 15

plus year battle I've had with the VA? You wrote a letter about our jobs,hearing protection and other members hearing problems.

Well, I had one last shot, a hearing with the VA appeals board. I could either go to D.C. or to Cleveland and do a video hearing with D.C.

In May, I went to Cleveland and with my AMVETS advisor, we had a video conference with Washington. But guess what, it wasn't the VA on the other end but a Federal Appears Judge. The Honorable P.M. Dilorenzo, Veterans Law Judge, Board of Veterans' Appeals. The judge was female.

This week I received a decision in the mail. I WON!!!!! She reviewed the years worth of data and reopened my case and granted it. I will find out shortly what I will get but my goal from the start was to get them to pay for my hearing aids. I will let you know what I find out.

I wanted to write you about this because it has to have some landmark status for others who have had the same battle with hearing. Apparently the Judge

feels different about cause than all of those Regional Office VA folks.

Hope this may help others.

Be good little buddy and stay on your mount, not under it.

Bill Willard

11/1/07

Ron

2/14/66 was a bad day for the 25th ID. Along with the 1/5 Mech...the Wolfhounds also took a beating.

The 25th ID lost 17 men that day. I read your bio.....to this day. I can not give enough thanks to the medics, and the choppers that came in to get us. God know's how many names are not on the wall because of you guys. I can still remember the day I was Medivaced out of the Boi Loi woods. It was 4/26/67. Next reunion in Orlando, I will get to meet John Lenick. It will be 41 years, that we were wounded together. Thank you for your service and a great job on running your web site.........

Denis McDonough Co.B 1/5 mech 67

8/7/2007

Dear Mr. Leonard,

My name is Traci Massey. My dad, David M. Sellman is a Vietnam Vet. On Memorial Day my dad came to my house, we got on the internet and started looking around for anything we could find on his battalion while he was in Vietnam. Imagine our surprise after googling his name we came upon your article, "The Ambush at Ap Nhi" In your story my dad is mentioned along with William Seay's. The tears we cried that day as my dad realized that someone had remembered his actions that day. The tears i cried as I realized just what my dad had gone through while he was there. My dad has never been one to talk much about the time he spent in Vietnam. We were wondering where you got the information from for your story, as we have continued to look for more. My dad was with the 62nd transportation battalion. I believe he was stationed in Long Binh(sp?) I was hoping you could point us in the right direction as to where all we could look to find more info.

Thank you for your time.

Traci(Sellman)Massey

traci21691@yahoo.com

3/16/2007

Hi Ron

Thank you so much for your site.

It put tears in my eyes to think there is someone like you out there that does so much to help. I jest got a call from Marc Chamberlain 'D.A.V. rep. and he advised that he has never seen so much information come in on a first time claim. I was not home, he was on the answer machine, but he sounded quit surprised. I want you to know I will be making a donation to your site as soon as I get organized here. I jest found out I need a knee operation and will be out of work for 8 to 10 weeks, will miss Williamsburg, sad. But jest as soon as possible I will make that.

Thank you Brother

Maxwell Joy

3/4/2007

Hi Ron:

Yes I did.

Thank you very much for your assistance in this search. My dad has been making great progress since this whole claim idea was brough to light. At first he was against it...he just did his job and came home. But he has been thinking a great deal about lots of different things in his life, and he has come to realize that when he came home from Vietnam, he was a changed person. No matter how much he wanted to ignore that fact...he has finally realized it. He has even begun to share some of his realiztions with relatives he has never opened up to before. Just last weekend he gave a copy of a very personal letter describing how he feels Vietnam has impacted him and those around him to a couple of his in-laws. He said that he just wanted people to know why he always avoids the gatherings and hopefully they'll understand that he's not going outside all the time because he does not enjoy their company...he goes outside because when the noise gets too loud he begins to revert back to the jungle and becomes very jittery and uncomfortable. Seeing him come out of his little shell a bit has been great! I'm sure you understand all too well. Thanks again for you assistance and I look forward to additions to this site in the future.

Keep in touch,

Juli

8/26/2006

Ron -

let me tell you where we are at.........we won........the last stress letter I sent in on 31 January put it over the top. The VA approved the case without going to the appeal. They granted 50% and that, coupled with my 40%, came to 70%.

If you can stand some more info let me fill you in on the rest of the story. It took 27 months for the VA to approve my claim. I asked them when I would get the back pay differance between the 40% and 70%. They told me that I wasn't authorized any backpay, because I was a military retiree........needless to say that did not sit well. All my challenges fell on deaf ears, then on 14 July it was ruled (because someone else had the same problem) that ALL military retired veterans drawing disibility over 50% had been "cheated" and the VA and the DFAS (retired pay) will have to compute the back pay for us.

Now for some more good news. Because the PTSD (50%) is combat related, and my hearing (20%) has been confirmed as combat related, they combine for a 60% special military retirement program . It is a complicated process, but essentially only mitary retirees who have a disibility over 40% can draw both there militiary retired pay and VA disilbity and then they can not get all their disibility unitl 2013. Those below 50% simply get a tax exemption in their retired pay. However, congress approved a plan by which those have direct combat disibility can draw an additional check from their retired service (my case Air Force) as long as the total between the VA and special pay does not exceed the VA total (told you it was complicated). Bottom line, I will be getting my entire military retired check and my 70% VA check.

I want to thank you and Bud for everything. I am going to send a letter to the VA on Bud's help and want to make a "contribution" to your Web site.......just send me instructions. I also would like to send a small personnal thank you to both of you. Addresses please..........

Major Richard Bentley

USAF Retired

majrichbentley@hotmail.com

8/13/2006

Dear Ron,

Thank you for responding to my e-mail. George had one full brother, Richard Grinnell who lives in Weimar, CA. He and George were very close (aka) Dick is 5 years older than George. Dick also was a pilot and has seen your web site. I am the next born, two years older than George. Two more sisters follow, Hilda Mary and Evelyn, two and four years younger that George, followed by the half-brother and half-sister whom you have heard from. George also had 5 step-sisters. He was loved and admired by all his large and extended family. I have read my younger half-sister's letter on your site. People all express their loss in different ways and her perceptions of the rest of George's family indicate to me she lacks that understanding. Both of our parents, as well as our entire family, were devastated by the loss of George.

I am pleased to hear of your planned Alaska Trip. George loved Alaska and especially fishing for grayling. He would be thrilled that you are going and would want you to catch some fish for him. George, Dick and I fished in the Chena River and its tributaries in Fairbanks, Alaska for grayling which is similar to trout. George was born in Ft. Yukon, but I wouldn't recommend going there now. It's a very small village on the Yukon River with large drug and alcohol problems. George left that village at about 5 yrs old and came to Berkeley, CA. Two years later we all moved back to Alaska but lived in Fairbanks for the next three years.

If you are interested in George's early life, There is a book easily found in Alaska or on Amazon.com written by our Mother, Evelyn B. Shore called Born on Snowshoes. It was originally published in 1956, but recently re published.

I do hope you have a wonderful trip to Alaska. Much of George's personality and character were a result of his love of the outdoors and understanding of nature. Living in the wilderness in his early life made him confident resourceful and capable.

Sincerely, June Grinnell

Hi Ron,

This is my regular email address. The 10th anniversary of my dad's passing is approaching and I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. I have always wanted to connect with some of his friends from Vietnam. I hope that you can connect me with some of his friends so that I can know more about him than I was able to find out, being that I was so young when he passed. Thanks Ron for all that you have done for me and the other vets and their children.

Angela Dimaggio (DH Joe Dimaggios daughter)

ahdimaggio at yahoo.com

5/18/2006

Ron,

Thank you for making this website available to me. I have looked at just about every part of it and recognize so many of the names. Conger I believe was a pretty good friend of Roy's also if I am not mistaken.

I had no idea you were from Montana also. The world is so small when you really think about it.

Our son Troy Shawn Thomas is a Lt Col in the Air Force and is now stationed in Washington, DC with the Joint Staff. He and his wife Paula just had their first child March 21 - a beautiful little girl. Did you meet Troy in Denver when there was a pilots reunion I believe? He sure felt honored to be at that gathering and talk with so many people that knew his dad.

I see there is a mention of Worthington on one of the web pages. He had a terrible time with Roy's death and would write that he had to stay there until he died because it was his fault Roy was flying and that my husband and my son's dad were never going to come home. I felt so sorry for him and his mother would write to me and tell me how he was tormented over the incident and was going to keep volunteering until he died. She sent me a letter when he was killed and said he was finally at peace.

There was a company bell that he was trying to get to me but I never did get it

This "CONFLICT," which our government has labeled it, affected millions of people and I am not sure we will ever understand everything that happened. I was stunned at the things that Roy told me in Hawaii and how he begged me to never let our son cry because he had heard so many children cry as they lay next to their dead parents or were injured themselves.

There is a cross that all people affected by the loss of a loved one or watching the residual torment of a loved one when they returned home will have to bare through our lives and we can only hope to become better people for what we have been given to cope with. Sometimes, even after 37 years seems unbearable to deal with. It was 37 years ago this month, 10 May 1969 that Roy was killed and that anniversary never goes buy without a twinge of pain and the feel of that great loss.

There is a really strong unity among the people that were in Vietnam. There is a guy that works in my building at the Air Force Academy and is he ever an advocate of POW-MIA, anything, any club, any group, that he can be involved in that has to do with Vietnam. Sometimes he just comes into my office and talks -- rambles really -- about a far away day and thought -- and then he moves on.

Speaking of rambling -- that is what I have done way too much of so I am going to sign off!!!

Have a great rest of your week.

Candyce Thomas

(Roy Thomas Wife)

5/8/2006

Ron:

Thank you so much for the pictures . You are a wonderful and interesting man . God has blessed so many by keeping you on this earth. You have helped me understand my fathers PTSD far more than a therapist nor a graduate class. Again Thank You for your wonderful and caring insight! I hope to talk with you sometime soon in the future.

Sincerely ,

Aliesha Bene'

5/4/2006

Ron, thanks for running the pics of the NCO and Soldier of the year ceremony on the page. You continue to do all of Diamond Head a great service. We have commissioned a new print commenorating the accomplishments of Diamond Head past and present. I think you will like it. I plan on sending one to you when they come in as a token of appreciation for all you do. This is an extremely limited edition print and there will be no rerun. I hope you like it.

Col Frank Tate ,Commanding

2/25th Aviation Regiment

3/18/2006

March 5 2006

Hello Ron:

I've got to thank you for all your work that you have put into the 25th web site. I think it's quite amazing.

When we talked on the telephone I felt like my Jesus Nut got loose. I was fascinated how fast things can happen and I appreciate your help and compassion. The next evening Driscoll called and we had a great talk. The next Tuesday Chris Kavanaugh called and we had a great time on the telephone. I think I will go visit Driscoll. I find this all very emotional but I'll be O.K. when I tighten my Jesus Nut properly. Thank you again and I'll be in touch.

Sincerely

Vini “Block” Connor

P.S. Thank you big time for the Disc.

3/8/06

Hello Sirs:

My name is Christopher A. Hoffert, Sgt, A Co 2-25 Avn, 25th Infantry Division. I recently stumbled onto your webpage in search of the history of my company and I must say that the information provided was quite detailed and informative. I am a soldier and aviator first and a filmmaker second and currently I am constructing a DVD of our company from training that was accomplished on the Big Island of Hawaii. Part of that DVD will have a unit history montage of gathered information pertaining solely to that of the history of A Co 2-25 "Blackjacks" formerly "Little Bears" and I would like permission to use a lot of the information provided on your website for the contents of that montage.

Information I would like to use include photos, histories, and personal quotes. If you agree to let me use the information from your website I will give all credit for that information solely to the website and to the persons whom you would see nescessary to give credit too. Also if I am allowed to use your material names which are sited for credit along with your website homepage will be stampdated with in the credits of the project and also listed under the information sub-directory of the DVD. I appreciate your response and wait patiently.

Sincerly,

SGT Christopher A. Hoffert

Blackhawk Crewchief and CEO of Aviation Pictures

12/22/05

Hello Ron,

This is Mark Hiroshima, Little Bear '67/'68. Thank you for this Christmas card. It truly touched my heart and soul.

It's hero's such as you who wave the Red, White and Blue.

It's soldiers like me who thank you so much for not forgetting the old and the new.

Your web site and insight lovingly shared with us all,

Has made each of us stand proud and tall.

I, who for so long, was isolated and alone,

Now have comrades and brothers to help carry me along.

Not much can be said for the E-card you sent,

Not much can be said for all it has meant.

Merry Christmas and have a super New Year!

Mark

11/21/05

Ron,

thanks so much for having the website. A friend who served with the 3/4 cav sent me an email telling me to check it out, for info about questions I had

concerning PTSD. I got a load of info from your site and sure appreciate your efforts. I have suffered with many issues for over 37 yrs and always

thought it was just me, now I know there was a reason for my problems.

I am putting in a claim with the VA. Hope they can help. Again, thanks for your efforts and I assure you I will return and check things out.

Jimmy Weber

10/23/05

Hi! My name is Erica Clark. I am in 5th grade and like to study facts on interesting subjects. Last year I entered a contest to write a thank you

letter to a soldier in Iraq. I was really lucky to win. This year the subject is on what I think about the Vietnam and Iraq experiences. I really

don't know much about the Vietnam war because it happened before I was born.

Thank you for all of your help.

Sincerely ,

Erica Clark

P.S. my email address is edctucson@hotmail.com

Dear Sir,

I thank u for the important work you do. I am a student (in France), I am dealing with all what is related to the Afro-American and Hispanic ( Chicanos )

participation in the Vietnam War. Can you send me some links, statistics and further information on the participation of these two ethnic groups.

Thank you very much in advance.

M. RIHANI A.

amarihani@yahoo.fr

8/21/05

It is saddening to see that anti-Vietnam War attitudes in Britain, which never fought in this war, are even worse than in America. Even right-wing

commentators over here are hostile to the war, as well as the grinding hatred you get from former sixties radicals towards the war and America in

general. The image we tend to have of Vietnam are stoned conscripts who don't want to be there, led by incompetent and often brutal officers

( Platoon, Apocalypse Now, etc.) Little that we hear on our media about the war portrays the truth and the usual bull we get here is America deserved

to lose, or the American forces were too stoned, incompetent or useless to beat off a highly skilled enemy which enjoyed the support of the South

Vietnamese.

After reading your website, and recalling a fairly honest magazine over here in the eighties called Nam, which used a veteran as a consultant, I honestly

believe the war in Vietnam has been totally distorted by the left( and even the Right in Britain) for decades. While we all accept war is hell, and 48,000

men lost their lives, the draft dodgers, " peace" campaigners and anti- Americans of all shades have had their own way for too long. Your website has

presented a totally honest, realistic view of the war which showed that, far from losing the war, by 1972 allied forces had driven back the NVA and forced

Hanoi to the negotiating table. If the liberals in Congress didn't have their way and America was allowed to supply and fund the ARVN, then I very much

doubt the North would have invaded the South in April 1975. After all, if, as the liberals believed, communism was so popular in Vietnam, then how come

hundreds of thousands fled in boats to the West after the South fell.

Then there is the myth that Americans were totally opposed to the war and the young in particular refused to fight and became drugged up hippies. Actually,

even after Khe Sahn and Tet, around fifty per cent of the population supported the war and most Americans favoured President Nixon's peace with honour

approach which entailed a gradual pull out rather than running away from the war, which would have seen the South rapidly defeated by the North. Although

it is true the usual suspects on the university campuses dodged the war, the vast majority of young men who were drafted did their duty and the army was

never short of men during the war. As for the hippy thing, like any youth cult, it was fairly small and most American teenagers in the sixties did not drop out

and take LSD. Indeed, away from the west coast, hippies were generally despised even among the young. When I look at the anti- war brigade, the same

groups of people crop up: students with draft deferments from comfrotable homes, middle class intellectuals, dropouts, left wingers and the usual crop of

film stars and rock musicians who opposed the war as it was fashionable and might further their career. ( Mind you, I have always found Bob Dylan's music

to have all the appeal of listening to a dying cat.)

Reading your website should be essential for anyone, particularly in Europe, who has been fed decades of myths about Vietnam and the men who fought

there. I totally respect anyone who has served their country: when I was younger, my ambition was to join the Royal Air Force, but was sadly rejected on

medical grounds and has served in a war. Don, this website is one of the best I've seen .

Glenn Aylett, England.

7/30/05

Aloha Ron,

Your email brought some tears -- of relief and knowing that you have aloha for someone you don't even know. People say that "aloha" has the generic

meaning of love - but it's much more than that and I see it in just this quick note of yours. Mahalo.

Now it seems, with your help and the help of your friend, I'll have the correct document for my husband's claim and you'll be 59-0!

I WILL give him your best. He's been blown away by people like you and Connie who don't know us from Adam but who are right there and so helpful.

Edie

6/3/05

Ron,

I would appreciate it if you could send a Word file for the "Vietnam War Statistics and Facts." As I mentioned to you before,

I think that you do a terrific job with all of the information that publish on your web page.

I served in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968 with "B" Battery, 2nd Battalion, 11th Artillery; and I have been teaching a course to undergraduates

about the Vietnam War. I've used some of your statistics with them.

After all these years, I am also trying to complete a Ph. D. in sociology with my dissertation being the last requirement that I need to

complete. It will center on the Vietnam War in one form or another, but I haven't decided on a final approach. Thanks again for all your

hard work.

Michael Corey

5/2/05

My Dear Friends and Comrades in arms,

Forgive me for not E-mailing each of you upon receiving your very special E-mails to me at first.

There were and are a number of interpersonal reasons as to why I did not; least of which is my skill with a computer.

I believe most of your may have read the E-mail my daughter, Cynthia, had sent. I have the most incredibly perfect wife and three grown children with families of their own. This is another story.

My daughter, Cynthia, was making a photo album for my last birthday April 19th. Prior to this day and over the past several months she would ask me questions concerning my military service and judiciously about my Viet-nam experience. One question Cynthia did ask me was the name of the company with whom I served 'in country'.

After giving her the information she began to search the internet just to see what she might discover to add to my photo album. Somehow she came across Ron's web site concerning the '25th Aviation Battalion". Ron was gracious to forward his web site for Cynthia to view.

Cindy and Trish, my wife, discussed if this was a good idea for me to see this web site. Both agreed that it might be beneficial. After several days of trying Trish finally 'insisted' and sat me down in front of the computer so Cindy could guide me to the web site.

At this point I hadn't a clue that such a web site existed nor about the E-mails from you all.

The instant I hit enter as 'ordered by my daughter' and the "25th's" web site came up I was speechless, dumbfounded and over whelmed. I was very hesitant to open each page as Cynthia directed.

At this point tears started streaming down my cheeks and I could not talk for my voice which I did not want Cindy to hear. At the other end of the cell phone I could hear Cindy crying for me. This is when she told me about all your E-mails sent to her.

She asked me if it was OK to forward your E-mails to me. Before I said yes we had a very long emotion filled talk as to why I should receive them.

Upon receiving and reading each of your E-mails my heart was truly touched. Thank You!!!!!

I have been under the care of several Psychiatrist, doctors and social workers. However, I am fine. I have always believed with a high IQ, pre-Viet-nam religious background and analytical mental skills I could take care of myself- apparently not so.

After discussing the above events with my VA social worker I sat myself down and analyzed the tangible reasons for not wanting to E-mail each of you.

I was afraid some or all of you might ask me about my past; and I somehow failed in every aspect of my life. I was afraid that I did not do as well career wise as you all and the embarrassment I would feel if we were to meet. I was afraid I may have done something less than a good officer, gentleman and soldier should or could have done; and in so doing may have caused someone irreparable harm to one of your friends 'in country' and so on.

Over the decades in my isolation I have often feared a fellow solider with whom I served would one day recognize me and be disappointed in me as I have been with myself for over 35+ years, a true life time.

I know I am not alone and after visiting various VA clinics and hospitals I see so many soldiers still trying to make it back to 'base camp'.

Thanks to my wife and daughter's insistence of sitting down and opening Ron's web site and reading each of your E-mails I now honestly believe I have been flying solo in the wrong headings to my base camp to closure and comradeship, if permissible.

After heading and course changes for so long; it is difficult to hear that faint but audible voice call out "make a heading correction of 180 degrees; and welcome brother to base camp and home."

I truly would like to see each of you. If not I again thank you from the bottom of my heart and I wish you the very best.

I have heard this statement only a few times my first was in 1999 and its echos still touches my soul and so I say to each of you "WELCOME HOME, BROTHERS!!

God Bless You All!!

Mark Hiroshima

P.O. Box 1157

2974 Ruby Court

Bandon-by-the-Sea

Oregon, 97411

Phone: 541-347-3382

E-mail: mark2trish@msn.com

4/28/05

Dear Mr. Leonard,

My name is Cynthia Ochner. My father is Mark Hiroshima and he flew as a Little Bear 67-68. I am putting together scrapbook of sorts for him and I would like to include the information you have included on this Vietnam Statistics/Facts page. Do you think you could send it to me? I would appreciate it. Thank you for all the time you put into this site. My Dad is just starting to talk about Vietnam. I didn't even know that he was an officer until a few year ago. I am so proud of him and all who served with him...I hope some day all Vietnam Vets will know how truly grateful we are for all they have been through.

Thank you again.

Cynthia

CynOchner@msn.com

3/27/05

Ron....

Yes I was there (FSB Burt). We arrived the next morning to relieve the 3/22nd INF, and took over their positions. The place was a bad mess.... Frankly, their fighting and bunker positions, and their fields of fire, were lacking. Many of the bunkers were up against the woods, with no field of fire at all or just several feet. I remember the burnt out APC and that truck, and all the dead bodies. We stayed about two weeks at Burt, then returned to Katum. A bit haunting to see the place again.

The night of Jan 1st, and well past mid-night (12:00 AM, Jan 2nd), we were on alert by the airstrip at Katum waiting to be flow in to re-enforce Burt's troops. Two choppers got tangle up or collided on the airstrip, near either the fuel or ammo dump, and were in flames. We didn't make it out; I think because it was too dangerous to bring in the choppers to take us out. It was tense moments, thinking we were going to make an aerial assault in the dark while the base was being attacked and over run by a regiment of VC. Sent more than chills down my spine.

Thanks for the video, you’re a wealth of information. From all that you've got at your website, I have been able to put together a chronology of Manchus time in Nam (1966-70)--dates, operations, day-to-day troop movements, etc. There are still lots of gaps, but I've been able to pick up other bits and pieces of info from here and there. I appreciate your site and efforts immensely. It has allowed our Association to have a written record of our history and deeds in Vietnam.

Stay in touch...always enjoy hearing from you.

Willie Gin

A-4/9, 2nd Pltn.

July 1967-68

3/19/05

I was there early May 'til June, Friday the 13th. i was the copilot on the Divarty emergency resupply to FSB Washington that night it was almost completely overrun. after bringing back several body bags and pucking my guts out on the tarmack we went to p/u the 7 AP wounded near FSB Devons on 101 and got hit by 3 RPGs and had to be evacted also! The good news is we all lived to see the next sunrise but Charlie took a whooping thanks to that couarages AP Sgt who I don't know his name but hoped he got a Medal of Honor!

The 'nighthawk' or 'hornet' pilot that pulled us out; I recommended for the Silver Star. The Nurse that saved my life a second time in the Chu Chi field hospital before I was Medivaced was later killed when a 122 rocket hit the hut! 'I gave some blood; some gave all they had!' The rest of the story is still difficult to talk or write about. Hard to to relate part and not all as it is all related. I was there a short time and it seems like an eternity of effort; yet others are far less fortunate! By the way hi - glad to know you made it back!

Ron has done a great job in putting this all together and a little @ a time it is brought me relief when I hear 'HIS FOUND ANOTHER LITTLE BEAR' and the list keeps growing and we know more made it back than got their name on the "WALL" Praise the LORD'

Christian Beck

2/26/05

Hi Ron,

I had the pleasure of finally getting time to go through most of the 25th Avn Bn web site. It is truely an amazing site! As I was there and on countless missions good and not so good. I would really like to see you put in for and get some kind of Freedom award as you have helped so many of us get help and to bring us together again along with all the help you are doing with the troops in the middle east. ( Something like Bob Hope got ) You are one fantastic person!

Now that I said what I wanted to say. I surfed through the pilots picture section of the "Diamondheads" section and noticed in The Pilots 9, there is a group picture. You asked for names of the four others in the pic. I don't know if you have this info but will tell you who they are anyway. Left front pilots seat- 1LT Ed Behne, I believe in Rt seat is Capt Pouch. I am in front Rick Muenz next to the 60 and Maurice Arvon sitting on the front of the skid. We had just gotten our Viet Nam Cross of Gallentry medals for supporting a ground attack against your guys and friendlies. I wish I could remember the date that happened ( would you know? ) as I would like to read any after actions reports on it. I believe a lot of Silver Stars were also awarded as that night as I recall it was like in pure hell for the time it tokk if that makes any sense? ( I will write you later and describe to the best of my knowledge of what happened on that mission )

Now the request, if it's possible ( And you have done the impossible ) Do you have a copy of that group photo that you can E-MAIL ME? I had one but cannot for GODS sake find it. I would like to make a wall paper for my computer. I tried making one from the web site but will now work. Hope this letter finds you in the best!

LELE MAKOU NO NA PUALI

Rick Muentz

1/19/05

Mr Leonard,

I am over here in Afghanistan attached (temporarily) to the 25th as their SWO. I'm from Fort Wainwright but am happy to be here with the 25th. These folks are great. I've been at this job 21 years and ready to retire at home in Fairbanks area. I have 11 days left here in country and am heading home.

I really wanted to thank you for the halibut and salmon. That is a touch of home that really really warmed my heart. My wife and fishing partner have been sending me smoked caribou, moose and reds from time to time. I pass it around and the whole group in the TOC is hopeless smoked meat and salmon addicts. Your gift was perfect.

I have several Copper river reds left in my freezer and requested that as my first meal home. If you ever need the donation of some reds or bou meat let me know. I will be glad to throw it in my smoker and send it to you so you can forward it to the troops or it will give me an excuse to run down to Anchorage and drop it off.

I really love the idea of sending smoked stuff to the troops. Keep up the great moral boosting work.

Ron Bock, MSgt, USAF

NCOIC Combat Weather Tea

Fort Wainwright AK

1/8/05

Richard Worthington

Hello Ron,

Sorry I didn't reply earlier but I don't check email every day. I couldn't open your attachment .... kept causing an "error" of some sort but I am curious to hear what you know.

The mission as I remember was part of an on going operation called "Project Delta" which was the prelude to and the recon for "Lam Son 719", the Laotian invasion. On that day the plan was to insert a large force of ARVN on a hill top near the Laotian border . The plan was to prep an adjoining hill top with artillery CS gas while "smokies" laid down cover for us to insert on the hill without the gas.

Some one f**cked up and arty prepped the wrong hill. None of us had gasmasks and we were going into the LZ at least 3 abreast.... no one could see and it is a testimony to the skill of the pilots and crew that more of us did not die in that cloud of gas. All the while this is going on the "smokies" were doing their job weaving the smoke under us as we flew in and out of the LZ. I think that we flew in from the east and coming out did a u turn and exited back the way we came. As we were coming out we crossed over the smokies as they were flying north to south weaving, one behind the other. I heard my CE yell "NO SHIT" and looked to the rear and saw the lead Smokie going nose first into the trees the trailing ship looked like it went nose up almost in a flare and rolled to the right and into the trees. I it was obviously a mid air but I don't know who was trailing who... but the following ship struck the tail rotor of the lead ship. It is my opinion that the CS gas and the tactical confusion that day were the direct cause of the mid air. I do not recall any significant enemy fire that day although it certainly was a possibility .

That day and others have haunted me for more than 30 years and when I think that the Gov't turned their backs on those guys It upsets me to no end.

Frank Hernandez and Bill Weiss were my friends and they as well as Mr. Worthington and Mr. Kirk deserve to have the truth told about what happened to them and the Gov't needs to stop the lies and delays and tell the truth..... I was not the only one that survived that day and we all can remember.

I hope I have helped you in some way and would like to hear what you know. You can call me at:

Home 727 734 1122

Cell 727 504 8067

Thanks, and again my apologies for the delay.

Ted Irvine

Lancers 1970

12/25/04

Dear Mr. Leonard,

My name is Howard W. Moore. I served with the 25th 1969-1970, Cu Chi and Tay Ninh. I have ridden in your "Birds" many times, and since I am writing 30 years later, safely. I am scheduled to be a quest speaker at the University of Illinois-Springfield, and the Lincolnland Community Collage, (Springfield) this spring semester. I would like to use, with your permission, some of your material in those classes, and would gladly give you and your organization, credit.

Please advise.

Thanks in advance,

Howard Moore

12/14/04

Hi Ron

I’m with you. I think this is the “real Marty”. I tried reaching him yesterday, but no answer. Wish I could report otherwise. Just wanted to thank you for the info. I’ll let you know if and when I reach him. Thanks for all the joy and comfort you bring to so many.

Peace on Earth,

Todd

12/8/04

Dear Mr. Leonard,

In regard to your note on the Vietnam and War Statistics Facts Web Page <"http://25thaviation.org/id275.htm- I am using this information for my studies on generational trends and specifically during the Vietnam War Era. I do not need the web page in Word Document-Form; however, I sincerely appreciate the effort that you have put into the website and wanted to thank you for the information.

With admiration,

Daniel Kent

11/3/04

Dear Sir

Hello my name is Michael Shouse. I am studying in the seminary for the Roman Catholic Priesthood. I just wanted you to know that I always have had a great love for the men who fought for our country in Vietnam. You were treated with some disrespect when you returned home, but after 30 years this truly is your day. I will remember you and your men today when I offer up my morning prayer to our God. You and your men are forever a noble band of brothers. And you will always be in my prayers.

Your Friend Always,

Michael Shouse

For Jesus Christ I am prepared to suffer still more.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe

Ron

Thanks for sending this to me. Do you have Todd Frye's e mail, or if I respond does this just go to him? Could you forward it to him? I was pretty down tonight and then I read what Todd had written. It is funny as I remember Cooley telling he about getting kicked out of the officers club and maybe that was the night. In the 30 years that I have known Cooley there have been many many 'Cooley stories' We had a memorial here in Cheney and then one down at my Dad's ranch in Petaluma California and on the 9th of October we are having another send off at Tybee Island Ga. We have had plenty of stories, believe me! and lots of beer to go with all the stories. So in reading Todd's mail it makes me feel pretty good tonight after all, It made me smile to know what a devil he was! Bo Hayner is coming to the memorial at Tybee and I can't wait to meet him as Cooley has mentioned his name several times over the last 30 years. I guess that is the Bo that Todd is talking about. Todd, thank you for making me smile tonight!

Mary Ann Cooley better known as MAC

Ron

Oh no, oh no…please not Jack. I spoke with him a few years ago, and it hurt a bit because he didn’t remember me. Jack was a good guy. One of the few I had searched for since getting out, just to say thanks for bringing me back alive, time after time. Jack Cooley (although he now goes by John. I think “Jack” is appropriate considering how much he invested in Jack Daniels) has a few notable entries in my memoirs. At the top of the list, his insistence, after a hairy mission, to join him at the Officers Club. He was already pretty hammered when he came to the crew chief hooch and ordered us to accompany him to get a drink at the O Club. Well we made it through the front door but that was about it. A Major said he didn’t recognize us and Jack stepped up to say we were with him. It just went down hill from there. It took three of us to pull Jack off this hysterical Major (probably from HQ) and drag him back to his hooch. When we got to Jacks place, Mr. Banner (I think) had a Donut Dolly on his lap and to say the least, it was real awkward. We invited Jack to finish off the night in the crew chief hooch, but Jack had just been kicked out of the O Club, and he wasn’t about to get kicked out of his own place. There was the obligatory yelling and pushing and somewhere in there, Jacks knees just gave out. With one of us on each arm and each leg, we dragged him out the door, figuring we could hide our good friend in our hooch until we were all cooled off a bit. In trying to get across one of the drainage ditches, the two guys holding Jacks arms jumped over the dip, without coordinating this maneuver with the guys holding his legs. We lost Jack mid leap, and he ended up head first in the ditch. Talk about your bad day. And of course, all this commotion is happening right outside the Commanding Officers quarters, who has been rousted from his sleep by the loud cursing and panicked conversations on how to get Jack out of there, pronto. Luckily, it was real dark, and someone had the good sense to tell the C.O. one of our “friends” had too much to drink, and we were just trying to get him to bed. The Old Man muttered a few indirect comments as he walked away, not bothering to identify our precious cargo. When Jack woke up the next morning, he grumbled about a terrible hang over, and shuffled off to take a shower. I will miss Jack dearly. When Jack and Bo were flying 440, the “Be-Bop” (as Captain Reynolds used to call it) was always cranked up loud on the headsets. I met many fine people on my tour, and Jack was one of the best. He will always fill an important part of my life. Although he would prefer that I not salute him, please know Jack, that I offer it from the heart, as a token of respect and admiration for a fallen brother. My condolences to the Family, who I’m sure miss him greatly.

Todd Frye

We are both on the Diamondhead Crew Chief page leaning. against 440 somewhere in the boonies.

Ron:

Ron because of your advise my friend down the street is now receiving 100% from the VA 70% plus unemployablilty and social security. He does not use a computer or he would thank you personally.

All the best,

Vincent Foster

Ron, you are more than welcome. With out you we would be a chopper with out rotor blades. If my wife is well enough next year I will try to make the trip in May.

Randy Juge

I think this might be the best page ever created this site was a great idea and i love read ing the articles. I just wanted to tell you that

JJ O'Hare

Hi, and God Bless all you pilots...

My name is Robert (Rusty-Dog) Weatherhead. I was in Nam from Jan 1969 to June 19, 1969. I owe my life to the men of your group during several fire fights and especially April 15th (Diamond III). Also on June 19 of 69 I lost my right leg do to a land mine.

I was picked up by a VERY courageous pilot on that afternoon along with another one in my squad that was wounded...

Is their any way on earth that I can find out the name of the pilot and crew members of the copper that picked me up and got my butt to the hospital in Cu Chi?

I want to meet this man or men, shake their hands and buy them a beer. It was 35 years ago today that all this transpired... I would not have two wonderful children, my high school bride, nor two fantastic granddaughters if it were not for this crew.

I was with the 25th div of course ... 2nd and 27th Wolfhounds. we were in the midst of being picked up in the late afternoon from a long days logger... the eagle flight was in sight when it all hit the fan for us... But they kept coming in and put themselves in harms way to save us.

If you can help I would be indebted to you..

Thank you so much.

Rusty Weatherhead

Tel... Cell 508 259 1041

Land 207-549-3858

I live now in Jefferson Maine with my wife of 34 years and am retired from the Army and the VA...

Ron:

RE-Sp4 James Hiemenz

I greatly appreciate all the research you have done regarding the incident in August 1969 that took my big brother's life. I had done a little investigation a few years ago when I stumbled accross the Vietnam Helicopter Pilot Association web site. Now it appears my Dad has connected through Signal Corps Vets Association after they reached out to connect with him based upon his service in the Signal Corps in WWII and the Korean War. This is some coincidence.

Jimmy and I were very close. Although he was 7 years older than me, he was the most important and most influential person to me in my family. Not that the others weren't important, however, my brother made a major impact on my life. In our neighborhood of Ormond Beach, Florida (Volusia is the wrong city in the report of his death, Volusia is the county), he was extremely well liked and often considered by my friends as the "big brother" to the whole neighborhood)

I am very interested in any and all infromation about his death. Moreover, I would be interested to hear from anyone who knew him while he was in Vietnam. I also wonder whatever happened to the two pearl handled 45s with the holster he had and I thought took with him to Vietnam. They were much like General George Patton's side arms he had in WWII. Just curious, as many of his things returned with him and these didn't. His best friend, who was in Vietnam at the same time, was allowed leave to attend his funeral and said the military obvious won't return weapons. Who might have these? I am not a gun enthusiast, but I always wondered as he was very fond of them and I would have liked to have them as a momento. Otherwise I do not own a gun.

George, In your message to Ron you used some abbreviations that I am not familiar with. We do this all too often in medicine. Could you decifer the following?

AC C&C PP

What kind of aircraft is a Nighthawk? Is it a modified Huey?

Could you pinpoint the crash site on a map of Vietnam for me, or come close? Where was my brother stationed at the time?

From his letters, I understood that he volunteered to go on these missions and that as a company clerk (like Radar on MASH), he could have kept his butt safe behind a desk if he so chose. I know this wouldn't have worked well for him as when I was very young and he was starting high school, we lived in Texas where he became quite a marksman. He loved adventure and I guess this is what he felt about the copter duty. He wrote to me about it shortly before his death and clearly knew the risks involved. The irony was that he was a Political Science major at the University of Florida before he enlisted, and had would write to me about his reservations that the average citizen of the Republic of Vietnam, knew litte about and did not understood "Democracy" as we were trying to help them obtain. He said in one of his last letters: "John, all the poor farmers know, is that if it isn't the NVA and Vietcong, it's us trampling over their fields. All they want it their farms back." He also questioned how a people who have not gone through the classical steps to the development of democracy like the Europeans, understand democracy as we knew it, and therefore how difficult our task was going to be in Vietnam. Whether he was right or wrong, interesting questions from someone so young, but also from someone who was jumping in to a helicopter for volunteer night duty.

Again, I appreciate all that you have all done in this research and would be interested in hearing more from anyone who knew about the incident or knew my brother while he was in Vietnam.

John W. Hiemenz, MD, FIDSA

Professor of Medicine

Co-Director, Bone Marrow Transplant Program

Medical College of Georgia

1120 15th Street BAA 5407

Augusta, Georgia 30912

Ron,

I don't often get rattled, but this one rattled me... The first link below took me to the page and I read that the ship was brought down by a

57mmRPG... (some reports say a 4.2 mortar which would make some think friendly fire. I kept reading and this is the first time that I saw the

name of Jeffrey Elson.

We were checking for information regarding the son of a WWII Signal OCS graduate!! Jeff Elson was a Vietnam era Signal OCS graduate. I know his TAC officer.

It is a small sad world...sometimes.

Thank you so much for what you have provided.. His dad will be glad to have closure on this...

Richard A. Green

Major US Army Retired

Signal Corps OCS website

www.isgroup.net/sigcocs/

John Hart's Authorized OCS Website

http://www.knology.net/~jhartjr/sigocs/toppage.htm

Dear Ron,

Thank you so much for the quick response. Your website and the obvious care given to it really affected me today. After I sent the 2 notes, I saw the "Not Yet Found" section and have fought to keep from crying off and on since then.

I loved my Dad very much and I also know he was a very difficult man. One of my favorite things in life was to get him really laughing hard. It was a rare and beautiful thing. I appreciate the kind words you said about him.

When I was in Memphis in 1990 the Moving Wall came to town. I was on active duty then and had put in for leave the whole week it was in town. The CO said that anyone who was volunteering at the Wall could have no-cost TAD orders (Army called it TDY)... so I saved some leave and changed my life. I helped folks find the names and made tracings for them if they wanted me to. I happened to meet a Harley rider that week and went to DC with him the following May for the Rolling Thunder parade. We went to the Wall and it was astonishing to say the least. My Dad had two brothers and all 3 were career Army men. Bill was a West Point grad and George ("Zombie") was a Capt in EOD, finally got back to the States in Feb of 71 and died in a car accident that June. That was worse for Dad than the whole war experience I think. Anyway, though my family had no names on the Wall, Vietnam had cost our family a lot (as it did for all of our families). I was drawn to it again in 98 after Dad died. I had retired from the Navy by then and went to DC from Boston where I was in college to see a huge Van Gogh exhibit. That was a tougher visit to the Wall than the first.

I am so sorry that I will have to miss your reunion. Ironically my son and I will be in Wichita Falls the week before. His Spring Break is April 19-23. The goal is to get to Wichita Falls for April 19 and 20 because the 20th was Dad's birthday and I wanted Rick to see the general area where I grew up. (I guess you are familiar with Ft Wolters/ Mineral Wells (Dad called it Miserable Gulch). Rick, my Dad and I could pass for brother and sister if you look at photos taken at similar ages. It is freaky. He is 16 and about an inch or two shorter than my Dad was (so far - yikes) We live in Massachusetts, so any part of Texas is quite a haul. We love road trips though.

I wish we could have met some of you who were so crucial to that part of Dad's life. When I joined the Navy I knew I couldn't be a pilot because of my imperfect eyesight, but I came to love my chosen field of Air Traffic Control. I guess it was 91 when Dad and Marilyn came to visit us in Millignton, TN (just north of Memphis) and I brought them to the tower at the base. He said it was the first tower he had ever been in. I love aviation more than most women (straight ones anyway) and I really loved having that 'language' in common with him. Marilyn said that when she had just met Dad he really inspired her to want to be a good soldier also, so she tried to join, but was too old by then (28ish?) Anyway, I am sure it is no small coincidence that all 3 daughters spent many years in the military.

Wow. Sorry about all that. You ought to charge shrink's fees for the emails you receive. Here is the email you didn't get this afternoon. Please do let me know what other information you would like to have about my Dad and I will do whatever I can to get it. I just have to send this or I will keep talking all night.

Best of luck on a glorious reunion,

Catherine Reynolds

(Daughter of Capt. Reynolds B/Co 67-68)

Mr. Leonard,

Your info was very helpful and my classmates and instructor were astonished by the statistics i found on your website....I received a 98 on the speech......thank you and God Bless....Nicole Boofer

Ron,

I loved the newsletter and what you wrote about A Piece Of My Heart. It made me cry all over again. This has been a very special show and something we will never forget. You are a part of that. By the way, I have been nominated for Teacher of the Year, (it was a surprise to me!) by a lengthy list of people, and the nomination letter that I saw had mentioned your help with the show. I'll have to get you a copy. It seems that life's patterns keep tying or looping together. Thank you for being a part of my life.

Also, I am posting your portion of the newsletter about Heart, on our call-board, for the kids to read. It will make them feel so good. I will see if I can get out to Texas in Nov. For the kids to do the show seems almost impossible with many of the seniors graduating and going off to college. I don't know that we could pull it off. The cast would be everywhere but centralized. But maybe I could come anyway, just to come. Maybe some of the kids still around might want to too, we'll see.

Also thank you for saying that you gained faith again in the youngsters of our time. I work really hard with these kids to make them see life from a different angle, to be compassionate and polite and giving. I think that they have lived up to my expectations, and I cherish the thought that you found in them, notable human beings that don't disparage the word "teenager".

Until later,

Gail

Ron,

Let me start of by letting you know what a captivating poem that was. Mrs. Mack posted this on the call- board at school, as I read it and I started to cry. You have effected our lives in more ways than you will ever know. I am so honored to get the chance to meet such a man as yourself. I was quite shocked when I found out that you were flying in from texas to see our show. What a proud and lively man you are, and your captivating stories filled our souls. Thank You for that, I have learned so much from you and Mrs. Mack. This show opened up a new viewpoint for me. We live life today worrying and complaining over the smallest things. We never really take the time to sit back, to live, and just enjoy life. All of these people risked their lives for what they believed in, to open up the doors of life as we know of it today. They are not just a statistical body count,they are people who served our country.

This show has shown me that. I wake up every morning, greatful, to have a loving family, and a beautiful house to live in. Things that everyone takes for granted. You dont really realize what all of these people leave behind to go to war, a loving family, friends, maybe a significant other. They leave everything behind to have the honor of serving our country. All of this that we learned about Vietnam, opened our eyes to everything going on today. These men and women who are going over seas for OUR freedom. Most of our american citizens dont even think about that on a regular basis,which is a shame! These soldiers deserve more respect than what we're showing them.

Thank You Ron for opening up my eyes, this show will always stay with me. This is something very hard for me to let go of. The cast, crew, and Mrs. Mack all have gone through something together that will never leave us. All the poems that we heard, letters that we wrote, and information that was learned could have never been taught to us in a textbook. Thank you again for everything that you have done! I hope to hear from you soon, and look forward to reading all of your stories online! :)

Nicole Cicala

"Mary Jo Kincaid"

A Piece of My Heart 2004

First of all, my compliments on an excellent web page. I've visited many times.

I need to ask for your assistance. First of all, in order to verify my identity and credentials, I need to offer some names of (possibly) mutual acquintances. All of these folks can vouch for me and verify my occupation; Gary Roush, Historian of the Vietnam Helicopter pilots Association: webmaster@vhpa.org

Any of the officers or former officers of the Vietnam Helicopter Crewmembers Association including Charlie Raines, the Executive Director at: vhcmaed@sprynet.com

I am a Veterans Claims Examiner with the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Chicago Regional Office. This note is being to you from my office so you have that e-mail address. The direct line telphone is 312 980 4373. Because this is Friday, I'm also going to give you my home email address: j.harton@mchsi.com

My primary responsibility is to conduct military history research as it relates to veterans claims. This is primarily in response to PTSD cklaims but I also conduct research on coold weather injuries (such as at the Chosin Resevoir or the Battle of the Bulge) and Agent Orange exposure.

The reason I'm writing to you is that I believe the 25th Aviation Association has copies of original 25th Infantry (and its units) documents. When ever I make a formal, written decision, I have to provide a copy of the document that I used to verify the event or incident. Because of the amount of material on your website and because most of it appears to have transcribed from the original documents, I am writing to ask for your assistance.

Please consider assisting me by providing copies of all the documents that you hold. I can receive them by mail or fax. I will be unable to pay you for your time and effort but in return, I will scan the documents, convert them to an Adobe Acrobat Reader file (.pdf) and send them back to you on a CD. This way, you would be able to display the original documents on your web page.

If you do not have access to a fax, I will locate the nearest VA facilty to your home or office amd make arrangements for you to use one of ours.

In the past, the VA has relied on the US Armed Services Center for Unit Record Research to conduct all of our military history reviews. This has resulted in a delay of veterans claims for up to eighteen months while we wait for a reply from USASCURR. In the past three years, I have be able to make accurate decisions in over 500 claims and resolve each of them within a two hour period. here in Chicago, I have reduced the average waiting time from 18 moths to less than 3 for a complete resolution.

My duties have recently been expanded to include the entire VA Central Area (12 states) and there is a potential that it will be expanded nation wide in the near future.

Your assistance will have a direct impact on processing claims for former members of the 25th Infantry Division for years to come.

James "Bud" Harton

US DVA Chicago

(formerly) Crew chief, 173rd AHC, Lai Khe "Robin Hoods"

Ron,

This show was so special to my students and myself. We are all so grateful that you were able to come to Livonia and see it first hand. I believe that this production will rest in the hearts and souls of my students forever. I know that you coming to see it meant more than words can express.

You know, my most happy sign from the kids, is that they will never view war the same, they will never see soldiers as numbers, but as human beings, that they will always realize that when a war is raged, that people, men and women, are in the uniforms trying to serve our nation. So, my quest is done.

If I can teach kids to feel the boots of a soldier or a nurse, or to feel the threat of the enemy, I have done my job....If I can teach them honor, at such outrageous costs, I have done my job. I want my kids to realize that loyalty and obedience to the call of freedom, is what these men died for. Aside of political differences, young soldiers and nurses are our heros....they are there to defend, to help, to aid, to heal. I can never be thankful enough, as I believe my students can also never be.

Gail Mack, Director of PIECE OF MY HEART

Dear Ron -

I am so honored to have gotton the opportuinity to meet you. You have changed my life in ways you probably don't even know. In those few moments that I talked to you...you made me laugh and cry. You restored my faith in humanity. The poem you wrote makes me cry everytime that I read it. And in the past few hours...I have read it a lot. I'm glad that we touched you with our performance, but I promise you touched us more. You have been wonderful and I don't think that I will ever find the words to tell you how grateful I am for you. Thank you again Mr. Leonard.

~Leah

Mr. Leonard ~

Thank you so much for everything. You have helped me and the rest of the cast (And ms. Mack) So much...I don't think you realize how much all of your information and web site has helped us to realize the effect of everything on everyone. You have helped us prepare for what I hope to be an absolutely amazing show. From the deepest of emotions to something so little as the costuming you have helped make this show as real as possible. Also, thank you for the last e-mail you wrote me...I didn't realize how close the was to going up (eeee..!!!) I really better get crackin' on this stuff!!! Again, Thank you, a million times. I cannot wait to meet you.

~Leah Nadeau

OH! Pack warm :) Its SUPER cold...and I live here!

Ron,

Your poems are very moving. And your webmaster poem was fun, and so truthful!

I had rehearsals yesterday and today with my cast. I had them take turns reading aloud some of the poetry and letters from your website. They were so engaged, and the tears flowed. They learned so much emotionally. My first History lesson, was factual, about the war, timeline, places, geography, that sort of thing. This history lesson was about the impact and the emotions that Vietnam had on so many, beyond the soldiers themselves: spouses, parents, siblings and children. When they read some of the letters, my actors were choked up or sobbing. After we were done, they started to look at today's newpaper that plastered on the front page all of the boys from Michigan who have died in Iraq. My kids (actors) started to cry again, and said that before they would've picked up the paper and tossed it down, and now, they look at each face and realize it could be their brother. So I have taught a good lesson today. Behind all of the statistics were real, living human beings loved by many.

Oh, the play is based on A PIECE OF MY HEART by Keith Walker. He interviewed and got written stories by 26 women who served in Vietnam. It's hard to read (emotionally) but very good.

Thanks again.

I'll keep you posted.

Gail

Hi Ron!

Your email touched me quite deeply because I couldn't help but think about where you were emotionally when I first had contact with you and how far you have come since. You were feeling guilty about surviving and didn't understand why you were still here and doubting your value. It is an honor to know you and I'm always amazed at how much you continue to give to others. In spite of your troubles and illnesses and the illnesses of your grandchildren, you have found the blessings in all that is around you! And Ron, never forget that you are a blessing to so many people - you are a gift that keeps on giving in spite of your own misgivings. Thank you for being a part of my life and so many others. My wish for you and your family this new year and every new year is health, happiness and continued blessings!

Your lovin' lil' sis,

Michelle Cromerford

Hi Ron:

Thank you for sending that on - I think. It's a lot to think about right now, it's a very heavy thing for the holidays.

Unlike Nancy, Emily and so many of the Donut Dollies, I don't think I've reached out to try to help Vietnam Veterans in any way like I should have.

I think your poem touched me so much because..................of the six months that I was stationed at Cu Chi, because we flew mostly with the 25th Aviation Btn, and because the Little Bears were my buds. And I fell in

love with a Diamondhead. Unfortunately, it was an unrequited love. I never figured it out. He was quiet, not particularly good looking, just a nice guy.... and when I linked over to your roster today, it broke my heart

to see "WO Beck-Deceased". Nothing more. I always thought he'd married the girl next door, had a bunch of kids, became a grandfather....... So, today has been quite a day. And I guess the last 34 years have been even harder for you.

So, thank you for bringing me to a moment of reality and making me realize that I now need to step forward and do my part to help, as I'm needed, as I'm able to do so. I will go out and look for the need.

Rene Johnson

Hello again Ron--

i will be forever indebted to you for all of the time that you have taken to supply me with info on how to

get in touch with anyone having info on JackieSanford. I was really touched with all that you have

gone through in and since leaving Vietnam. I feel that you are a survivor and are able to overcome all

obstacles. "The Other Things That We Carry" is a real masterpiece and I will keep a copy of it wherever i

go.

On Cu Chi, I am sure that your old base is probably restricted but with the ever on-going easing of

relations with the Government of Vietnam, i wonder if your group couldn't arrange a tour. Our Ambassador

here, Charlie Ray, is a Vietnam Veteran. Prior to coming here (less than a year ago), he was the

Consulate General in Saigon and still has influential connections there. If you like, i can approach him,

and feel him out to see what he thinks about the possibility of a future visit to the Cu Chi Base by

you and your group.

As you know, the Cu Chi tunnels are open as a tourist attraction, mainly for VN propaganda. I think that

attendance has dropped off over the years.

Anyway Ron, will close for this time. Take care of yourself. By the way, where are you physically

located?? As I mentioned before, do not hesitate to let me know if there is anything that I can assist you

with from here.

Kindest Regards-- Hank Yahl

U.S. Embassy Phenom Penh Cambodia

Ron-

Thanks for the heads-up.

I worked most closely with the 1/5th Mech at Xuan Loc and Tay Ninh. You 25th Aviation helicopter drivers gave us rides, brought us food and bullets, and kept us safe while we were with you. Now, you write this great history.

You are one of the good guys.

Welcome home, Bro.

Bill Nevius

BlueTiger 28

Comments: I am sorry I had to use the registration form for this but could not find a link to e-mail you directly. I am 31 so I was just being born when the last of our hero's were arriving home, well the ones that did come home, I still say a pray for the ones who were left behind. I wanted to tell you I think it is great what you are doing. I did not lose anyone in the war but feel very strongly about the men and woman who fought there. I have trouble stomaching the way you guys were treated when you came home. I run a small web site design company here in Scranton and want to volunteer anything you may need in terms of my time and skills. I know you have been running this site yourself and doing a great job. I just wanted you to know if you ever need anyone to give you a free hand I am here. Thank you for serving us, You fellow country men.

Russell Sutton

rds190@pupcscranton.com

Ron,

Thanks for sending me the link to the Newsletter, it was great reading about your trip and even better checking out the babes in the bikinis!! I am still working on copying all of the material you left with me and I will let you know when I am done and have shipped it back.

I sincerely enjoyed meeting everyone in the group and I want to thank you again for everything you guys did to pave the way for our current Army and the country as well. Your sacrifices and experiences are an inspiration to us as we prepare to head into combat.

Please keep in touch and let me know of anything I can do to help build upon what we were able to accomplish in Hawaii!

Cpt Ryan Purdy 2-25th Aviation

Greetings Ron,

Just a note to say what a pleasure it was to see you in Hawaii. I enjoyed every minute and can't wait until the next reunion in TX!

Thank you for all your hard work and everything you did to make this a great trip. Everyone had a fantastic time and it all started with your web page.

The one thing the reporter asked me was, "what was the high point of the trip?" My answer was the mutual respect and fellowship we had between the Vietnam vets and the regular army. There sure was a lot of brother-hood and love for each. This was the best part of the trip. Once a "little bear" or "diamond head" always a "little bear" or "diamond head!" It was great being part of the 25th again! It was like returning home to he place we never had time to visit until now.

Keep up the good work and keep the faith! God bless,

Ed Beneda

Anyone at 25TH Aviation Battalion:

Thanks to u the former members, families and friends of HHC, Aco and Bco of the 25TH Aviation Battalion for the packages we recvd her a 2/8 INF Battalion. We greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness and patriotic spirit you showed us. Keep up the good fight back at home keep us in your prayers.

repectfully SSG Zimmer, Master Gunner HHC 2/8 INF tzimmer43@yahoo.com

Dear Webmaster,

This site was my first visit today as one of my team members directed me to the site about some other report about our mission, as this is our anniversary date. I am the team leader of Team-21 LRP team that was rescued that night. While I find your AAR to be more accurate then our own, I feel that there is not enough credit given to aviation, PBR's, and there are some inaccuracies. I know Seawolf called me on the radio and informed us that it looked like a play ground of enemy movement moving toward our position. I asked for illumination and saw about six in my kill zone, initiated contact with claymores and A/W fire and took a round to my shoulder. The PBRs moved in and I mark our position with a strobe and hit the deck while they did grazing fire over the team with their twin 50 cal guns from three PBRs. Just prior to that one enemy threw a satchel charge at the team position and another round hit during the grazing fire; unknown if RPG or mortar round. We were tagged from the start of the mission and our S2 was aware of our plight. That is why the Navy was in the area, because they monitored our radio traffic and sent Seawolf out to confirm. We were staked out with bamboo poles painted white in front of our position earlier and had no place to move to since all of the other action was taking place and we were bogged down with quick sand type mud to our waist. We did not have a bobby trap or land mine in our position. The PBR crews were not suppose to leave their boats, however, they disobeyed orders and with the cover of Seawolf and Diamondhead managed to extract my team, as the report states we were decimated six out of eight were hit hard, two of my men died that night. I recall being last one loaded onto dustoff and was glad he had cover and the pilot waited for them to find/locate me. This is my first time to say Thanks to all that helped us out of a very tight jam and those men are the best. The record does not do the men justice/give enough credit to what took place that night.

The survivors of Team 21 and I thank you very much.

Joseph C. Little Team Leader T-21

Unit Director/President F/Co LRRP 25th ID

F/Co 75th Rangers

Ron.

Don't know where the Hawaii tickets are coming from---but I thank you for your efforts in keeping the 25th ship afloat. This is just one of the many great things that you do on a seemingly daily basis. I for one realize most of what you're doing for us and really appreciate your efforts. I support you in any way that I can. By the way, was there any more discussion re our attaining tax exempt status? That would help in my opinion. Regards, Jim Watts

Ron,

Here is a picture of my dad with my mother and I. It was taken in Tehran Iran, I was close to one year old. I would love for you to post it in the wall remembrances, maybe someone will see it and remember more about my dad. I am still in shock that Ben found me after all this time. This is a great thing you have started on line to remember everyone who served their country. I wished I knew about this years ago. I will be visiting the little bear site regularly now. thank you and everyone else who is helping me to better know the man I only knew as Dad.

Will Frye II

frye@sonet.net

Hey Ron...

We all owe you. you are becoming a legend. I was talking with Mad Dog (Mestrata SPELLING?) I also flew with him in Little Bears, he is a dentist in Maryland and we were talking about all the good you do getting

people back together. Tim Horrell from Little Bears was saying the same thing. I talk with Brethen and Carnathan from Centaurs weekly now because of you.... and to top it off. the last name you sent Elvin Kelly , the Silver Star winner , a Little Bear gunner, lives in Quanna Texas and comes to Amarillo 3 times a week working for the railroad. He was just before my time but I have reached him and now he and I plan on frequent visits when he is in town. His motel is across the interstate from my office. Few people anywhere do as much good as you and we all talk about you. Just wanted to thank you again.

Billy Blackmon,

Bravo November

Tay Ninh and Cu Chi ATC.

Dear Ron,

I have just read your 3am musings, and other things that you have written about my brother. I want to thank you. It has given me a lot of insight, and not a few tears. Maybe it has given me a little of my brother back. I can't tell you how much it has meant to me.

George was more than a brother to me. My father died when I was five, and George became the closest thing that I had to a father figure. He was my half brother, we had different fathers. But he got along really well with my father, and I think he knew what my father would have wanted for me. George taught me how to hunt and fish, and he was the only person that I could trust and talk to. In a sense, he was the most important person in the world to me. He stood up for me and fought for me when no one else would. He taught me how to fight for myself and others. I think the most important thing to me was that he believed in me.

When he went to Vietnam, I was terrified for him. We wrote frequent letters back and forth. When I was feeling depressed I would take his letters out and read them, and I would begin to believe in myself again, because George believed in me. I was fifteen years old.

The last time he came home on leave, I begged him not to go back. I had a gut feeling that I would never see him again. I couldn't convince him, though. He had his reasons, even if I didn't understand them at the time. As time went on, I began to feel that I was wrong, that he really was coming home. Just a few days before they told us that he was dead, I got a letter from him. He was full of hope, and we had planned to take a long cross-country horseback trip when he got home. I couldn't wait to meet Rosa, his fiancee.