Oct-Dec 98

Date:	27 Dec 98
Rank:	CW2
Name:	John R. Behr
Call Sign:	DUSTOFF 50
Unit:	54th Med. Det.
Time Frame:	1969-1970
E-mail:	jbehr@bellsouth.net
Message:	I was in Chu Lai DUSTOFF, came back to the states, instructed at Fort Wolters, got out . I am now a high school science teacher in GA. Being a science teacher can be just as rewarding and scary as doing a hot mission with a jungle penetrator. I may have the record with the old style penetrator (circa 1969), I hoisted 22 consecutive ground pounders without the winch jamming.

Date:	22 Dec 98
Rank:	SP5
Name:	Innis Moy
Call Sign:	Cu-Chi DUSTOFF
Unit:	159th Med. Det.
Time Frame:	1970-71
E-mail:	Medic159@webtv.net
Message:	I flew with 159th DUSTOFF out Cu-Chi, Tay Ninh. Commander was CPT Eitler (Commander), ETHYL'S ABMBULANCE ( CMD Ship ). Senior DUSTOFF Medic.

Date:	22 Dec 98
Rank:	CW2
Name:	Jeffrey A. Myers
Call Sign:
Unit:	57th Med. Det.
Time Frame:	1969-1970
E-mail:	jamyers@earthlink.net
Message:	Flew with Douglas Fonnesbeck, Tom Hall, Phil Porter, John Preston, at 57th Med. Det. from July, 1969 to July, 1970. A fellow pilot and I were the replacement pilots for Stovall in 57th Med. Det. photo section. It would be nice to hear from some of the patriots I served with back then!

Date:	18 Dec 98
Rank:	SSG
Name:	Robert T. Alexander
Call Sign:	Reaper Cheaters
Unit:	343rd Med Det (Air Ambulance)
Time Frame:	June 1986 to Aug 1996
E-mail:	uh1vce@jps.net
Message:	Flew with the 343rd for 10 years before our unit was shut down. We were activated for Desert Shield/Storm from 11/90 to 6/91. It was the best unit in Army Avation. I keep in touch with our people and am going to send them this Website. Great site and I am going to join.

Date:	18 Dec 98
Rank:	CW3
Name:	Jim Ormond
Call Sign:
Unit:	159th Med. Det.
Time Frame:	88-91, 91 to present
E-mail:	FISHNJIMO@AOL.COM
Message:

Date:	14 Dec 98
Rank:	E-5
Name:	Drew Cottril
Call Sign:	Madman
Unit:	144 Avn. Co
E-mail:	dcottril@adnc.com
Message:	1968-69 Nha trang RVN UH-1D .

Date:	14 Dec 98
Rank:	CW2
Name:	Vern Stetzel
Call Sign:	DUSTOFF Three-Niner
Unit:	498th Med Co. (AA)
E-mail:	dustoff39r@yahoo.com
Message:	DUSTOFF pilot-- 498th, 69-70. "The older I get, the greater I was," or perhaps the stories are just beginning to sound better. DUSTOFF couldn't save the war, we barely saved the victims. It has been 30 years, and I still fly missions in my sleep; sometimes we make it back, sometimes we don't. I salute the toughest crews who flew with wildest pilots. At the time, I suspected we might be immortal; as it turns out, I guess we were. My Vietnam tours are still the most important 2 years of my life. I welcome contact from anyone who shared the DUSTOFF experience. My greatest regret is that I did not keep a journal and write down YOUR name; Sorry. Dust Off 39r "Sometimes you get the Bear, sometimes the Bear gets you."

Date:	14 Dec 98
Rank:	SP5
Name:	William E. Brown Jr
Call Sign:
Unit:	498th Med Co (AA)
E-mail:	webrown@webtv.net
Message:	I was an original member of the 498th Medical Company (Air Ambulance), under the command of Joseph P. Madrano, when the unit was originally formed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Shortly after the departure of the 82d Med. Detachment (HA), I deployed with the unit to Viet-Nam, and was assigned to the 2nd Platoon with Maj Kash as the Flight Leader. We were stationed a Camp Holloway, Plieku from 1965-1967 when the platoon joined the rest of the unit that had just moved to Lane Field outside Qui-Nhon. I PCS'd in Sep 1967, and was reassigned to 31st Field Hospital, Korat, Thailand as a flight medic. I would like very much to join the DUSTOFF Association. I help win the war, along with my fellow DUSTOFF crews, by never, ever refusing a DUSTOFF (day or night) in any kind of weather. "YOU CALL WE HAUL, PLIEKU DUSTOFF"

Date:	14 Dec 98
Rank:
Name:	Hank Ortega
Call Sign:
Unit:	1/327 inf, Tiger Force, 101 ABN
E-mail:	hankpac@yahoo.com
Message:	I put more than a few of my wounded on your birds, in I corps 68/69. Thanks for coming in when called, no matter how hot the pick up. Check my site for a couple of medevac stories. http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Geyser/1569 click on the war stories line next to the 101 patch. Email me with comments. Looking for pictures of jungle penetrator extractions in I corp and A shau Valley; will credit your name.

Date:	14 Dec 98
Rank:	SP4
Name:	John Dillman
Call Sign:
Unit:	54th Med. Det. (HA)
E-mail:	msgjcd@wans.net
Message:	I was assigned to the 54th DUSTOFF in Chu-Lai, and crewed a 68th aircraft. Tony Mensen was one of my favorite ACs. I was later re-assigned to the 129th Assualt Co. out of Lane Army Airfield.

Date:	14 Dec 98
Rank:	E-3
Name:	Joe Osborne
Call Sign:
Unit:	159th Med Det
E-mail:	CuchiDustoff@webtv.net
Message:	Danny Bucher, Carmen Ciampa, Bert Cook, Steve Kamens, Rodney Dama, Vincent Okpealuk, Richard Milks, Benjamin Castellano, Benjamin Alfafara, and Mr. Jacoby, Lt. Hill, Maj. Douglas E. Moore, SSG Brevaldo, and others.1968-1969.

DATE:	23 Oct 98
RANK:	SSG
NAME:	Thomas L. "Egor" Johnson
CALL SIGN:
UNIT:	57th Medical Detachment (Hel Amb)
E-MAIL:	bostonblwai@bigplanet.com

MESSAGE: To all my friends in the Association. I am sorry I have been among the missing for a while but my medical condition was such that I couldn't be with you. I have had two (2) strokes and it was touch and go for a while. I am very much on the mend. I have lost some balance on the right side and some loss of vision. But as always I have made it through it. I have followed the progress of the Association and God it is great to see that mine and Chuck's dream has really come true. I'm finally on the net and would love to hear from anyone who would like to write. My address is bostonblwai@bigplanet.com. Best to all of you EGOR

	DATE:	19 Oct 98
	RANK:	SP4
	NAME:	George Pommerening
	CALL SIGN:	DUSTOFF 100
	UNIT:	162nd Aviation, Vultures and Copperheads, 82nd Med Det. (HA) sister unit 57th Med Det.
	E-MAIL:	mayberry1@means.net

MESSAGE: Flew with Chris Lentine, with the 162nd, and the 82nd. during 69-70. Flew with Chris when he made AC in the Copperheads also. One guy last name Lemke, was medic. Flew with Mike Novesel.

	DATE:	17 Oct 98
	RANK:
	NAME:	Charles Gallipeau
	CALL SIGN:
	UNIT:	498th Med Co. (AA), 55th Med Det. 1966-1969, Nha Trang -Lane Field(Rock Valley)
	E-MAIL:	MRShorty3@webtv.net

MESSAGE: Looking for COL Terry Scott, CPT Bob Beers, 3/5 Co., clerk, WO Mercer, WO Jenkins. Looked all over Mertle Beach for WO Mercer - no luck. Sure would like to talk to anyone who remembers me and my dead chopper (Gollieth). 'What Me Worry' was written on my helmet. Ran Airfield Service Engineering and other things while with the company from Nha Trang to Rock Valley. I'll keep trying. None of us were perfect, but by God we were close. God bless. 801 Wurst Rd., Ocoee, FL 34761.

	DATE:	17 Oct 98
	RANK:	CW3
	NAME:	Randy Black
	CALL SIGN:	DUSTOFF 89
	UNIT:	498th Med Co., Ft. Benning
	E-MAIL:	black@entercomp.com

MESSAGE: Looking for members of the 128th Assault Helicopter Company "Tomahawks" 1983-84 and 498th Medical Company 1984-87.

	DATE:	15 Oct 98
	RANK:	1SG (RET)
	NAME:	Paul S. Lowthian
	CALL SIGN:
	UNIT:	68th, 247th
	E-MAIL:	thrush1@juno.com

MESSAGE: TI'dd with the 68th in HI from 74-74 and 247th at Ft. Meade from 77-80. Greatest times and missions in a 25 year Aviation career. Hello to Cpt Mojica, Maj's Kniseley and Pecoraro and even old SFC Nielsen. Great site and keep up the good work.

	DATE:	10 Oct 98
	RANK:	CW3
	NAME:	John Winn
	CALL SIGN:	DUSTOFF 22 (T0 To Cool)
	UNIT:	54th Med@ Ft. Lewis
	E-MAIL:	johnwinn@snowcrest.net

MESSAGE: I flew with everyone there between Jan 93 & Jan 94. Lots of TDY, which was not so good for the home front. But I had fun, and met a lot of good people. Still wish I was back in Cobras though!

	DATE:	10 Oct 98
	RANK:	CCCW4 Retired
	NAME:	Michael A. Yourous
	CALL SIGN:	VN - Dustoff 44
	UNIT:	498th - VN, 82nd - Ft Riley, 247th - Ft Meade, 247th - Ft Irwin.
	E-MAIL:	barbicom@ne.infi.net

MESSAGE: After flight school I attended the AMEDD Course at Ft. Sam. I arrived in Vietnam 24 February 1971 and was assigned to the 498th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) located in II Corp at Lane Airfield. When the unit stood down that summer I was reassigned to A Company 227th of the 1st Cav. that was at Plieku. That unit was later redesignated as the 3rd Aviation Company of the 52nd Aviation Battalion. I left Vietnam 30 January 1972 and was reassigned to the 82nd Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance) at Ft Riley. I flew there until June of 1976. While there I spent a number of months at Ft. McCoy TDY supporting summer training Guard/Reserve. I left Ft. Riley and attended the AWOAC and degree completion at Ft. Rucker. I volunteered for a tour in Korea to get an assignment at Ft. Meade. In Korea I was assigned to the 2nd Infantry as the pilot for the CG, Gen. David Grange. I arrived at Ft. Meade December 1978 and was assigned to the 247th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance). During my time there I flew missions for the Military District of Washington Area. I also made TDY trips to Ft. Drum, Ft. Lee, A P Hill and Camp Picket to provide medical evacuation support. The 247th was moved as a unit to Ft. Irwin in September 1980. I was one of four pilots who moved with the unit. I remained with the 247th for three years at the National Training Center. I departed Ft. Irwin in October 1983. I went to Ft. Rucker and attended the Fixed Wing Multi-Engine Qualification Course. I was a fixed wing aviator for the next 14 years. Although I only flew DUSTOFF for nine of my 27 years of flying, I savored my time with DUSTOFF as the most rewarding. I have many stories but then so does anyone else who flew this high risk, but satisfying mission. Thanks!

	DATE:	10 Oct 98
	RANK:	E-5
	NAME:	Emory Messersmith
	CALL SIGN:	Shake and Bake
	UNIT:	498th and 237th Med.
	E-MAIL:	Dustoffbacsi@hotmail.com

MESSAGE: I am trying to find a guy whose last name was Chamberlain, call sign Shammer Six.

	DATE:	1 Oct 98
	RANK:	SGT
	NAME:	John Redman
	CALL SIGN:	Piggyhawk
	UNIT:	CECAT (Medical)
	E-MAIL:	jrhawk@bellsouth.net

MESSAGE: I am with the Tennessee Army National Guard CECAT (MED). We are the ones responsible for bringing the UH-60Q to the medevac world.

	DATE:	1 Oct 98
	RANK:
	NAME:	Dave Clark
	CALL SIGN:
	UNIT:	Counter Drug Medevac
	E-MAIL:	cdevac2@inetworld.net

MESSAGE: Just a note to let people know that a new Medevac unit has been born: Counter Drug Medevac (call sign Castle/Evac), a bouncing baby Huey with hoist!!! We work for the California National Guard Counter Drug program and cover their Medevac needs. Send alcohol in leu of flowers/gifts (Money may be sent as well, small denominations preferably).

	DATE:	27 Sep 98
	RANK:	SP5
	NAME:	Tom Anglin
	CALL SIGN:
	UNIT:	283rd DUSTOFF
	E-MAIL:

MESSAGE: I flew with the 283rd as a crew chief in Nam during 1966 and 1967 in Long Bihn and At Apleiku. I wondered if there were any former members that are out there? I don't have a mail site right now, but will shortly. I will be joining the Association.

	DATE:	27 Sep 98
	RANK:	E-4
	NAME:	Joe Krier
	CALL SIGN:
	UNIT:	498th Med. Co. (AA)
	E-MAIL:	jkrier@rocketmail.com

MESSAGE: Hello, I was with the 498th during 70-71 and have been trying to make contact with Emory Messersmith. He signed the guestbook earlier this month. No luck reaching him with the e-mail address provided. Would also like to talk to anyone from the 498th during 70-71. Thank You.

	DATE:	19 Sep 98
	RANK:	E4
	NAME:	Jim Thomas
	CALL SIGN:	DUSTOFF 21/Sunday Cabins 94
	UNIT:	B Co. 4th Med. Bn. 4th Inf. Div.
	E-MAIL:	jimnucmed@marsweb.com

MESSAGE: 498th Airmobile ambulance was with us up in the Central Highlands. 66-67 I was their radio op, gunner, and medic.

	DATE:	19 Sep 98
	RANK:	SSG
	NAME:	Manley Williams
	CALL SIGN:	Doc
	UNIT:	54th Med. Det.
	E-MAIL:	kota@worldnet.att.net

MESSAGE: Flew with 54th from 79 thru 81 at Ft. Lewis, WA. Helped bring to life the new HPH first issued to 54th for test and eval. Was Senior Flight Medic for two of those years; worked with some really dedicated crews. First of 5 paramedics on board in US Army, first HPH live mission. Would like to hear from any 'ole 54th Med. Det. folks. Remember Mt. St. Helens? We were there. Aint no life after DUSTOFF.

	DATE:	19 Sep 98
	RANK:	E-5
	NAME:	Emory Messersmith
	CALL SIGN:	Passion
	UNIT:	498th and 237th
	E-MAIL:	crze@altavista.net

MESSAGE: Love to hear from anyone in these units, 1970-1971. I was a medic.

	DATE:	3 Sep 98
	RANK:	E-5
	NAME:	John C. Glenn
	CALL SIGN:	DUSTOFF 101 "doc"
	UNIT:	254 Med.
	E-MAIL:	alpha@ecqual.net

MESSAGE: Your site has helped me remember some things I have blocked out for a long time. I just recently started to deal with my own PTSD and have found your site helpful in a number of ways...thanx. I flew with the 254th out of Nha Trang, the 283rd out of Tuy Hoa (?), and the 498th out of Quinion(?). My crew chief and I figured that we flew enough missions for an air medal with 32 oak leaf clusters (close to 900 hrs.) I would like to find him now that I'm dealing with my stuff, I imagine he's doing the same. His name is Eric Proctor and last lived in Lowell, Mass. If he contacts you please let me know.

	DATE:	28 Aug 98
	RANK:
	NAME:	William Schell
	CALL SIGN:
	UNIT:	571st Med. Det.
	E-MAIL:	wschell@ieee.org

MESSAGE: I was with the 571st Med. Det. from Oct. 67 to Aug. 68. Flew from Andrews AFB to Na Trang with 30 others in a C-130 with only 10 seats. Would like to hear from any others who remember that trip.

	DATE:	28 Aug 98
	RANK:	WO1
	NAME:	R. Michael Robbins
	CALL SIGN:	DUSTOFF 75
	UNIT:	57th Med Det.
	E-MAIL:	mrobbins@discoverynet.com

MESSAGE: In country Oct 71 out Sep 72 shot down APR 16, 72 at An Loc.

	DATE:	28 Aug 98
	RANK:	PFC
	NAME:	Emily Jaggard
	CALL SIGN:	Medic 1
	UNIT:	247th Med. Det.
	E-MAIL:	emilyj@mscomm.com

MESSAGE: I am currently assigned to the U.S. Army Air Ambulance detachment, Ft. Irwin (formerly the 247th). I would love to hear from anyone who has served with the unit. Flying DUSTOFF has been the chance of a lifetime. From a former OPFOR soldier: "Kill BLUFOR and DUSTOFF."

	DATE:	26 Aug 98
	RANK:	WO1/CPT
	NAME:	Dave Talbot
	CALL SIGN:	DUSTOFF 40
	UNIT:	45th Med/326th Med
	E-MAIL:	Dustoff940@aol.com

MESSAGE: I am looking for anyone from the 45th--July 67 through May 68. Especially Jim Vasil who transferred to Cu Chi (159th) DUSTOFF in late 67. Also looking for contact with anyone in Eagle DUSTOFF 70-71.

	DATE:	25 Aug 98
	RANK:
	NAME:	Randy Millican
	CALL SIGN:	Milkman
	UNIT:	159th DUSTOFF
	E-MAIL:	milkman159@juno.com

MESSAGE: All 159th & Long Binh Dustoff Crews, 1967-1972: We have arranged a REUNION for Memorial Day (Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon) May 1999. We are meeting at the Riverwalk Plaza Hotel in San Antonio. We have a large block of rooms held for us. PLEASE come!!! Crews from all periods are registering. Chances are, there will be several there you know. Contact me at 972-291-6250 or above E-Mail.

	DATE:	25 Aug 98
	RANK:	E-5
	NAME:	Al Ryan
	CALL SIGN:	Annunciate 10
	UNIT:	2nd CAG IIIMAF USMC
	E-MAIL:	bznz13a@prodigy.com

MESSAGE: You flew 'em, I rode 'em. Thanks for saving my scuzzy young Marine ass from two hot L-Z's in Quang Nam Province, 70-71. Whomever you two crews are, you came down both times...at night...with ground fire, and hauled me and my buds to 95th Evac. in Danang. Thanks. You got balls of steel.

	DATE:	25 Aug 98
	RANK:	E-5
	NAME:	Carl Prince
	CALL SIGN:
	UNIT:	Chu Lia DUSTOFF
	E-MAIL:	UH1HCC@HOTMAIL.COM

MESSAGE: Hey former DUSTOFF Vets. Please help me find my medic. He is a crazy 'Mex' by the name of Carlos Solis. Last I heard he was in Georgia. We need to talk. I also need help locating a Chu Lia DUSTOFF patch. It would be 68th Med. Det. Thanks in advance.

	DATE:	10 Aug 98
	RANK:	LTC
	NAME:	Lewis D.Skull
	CALL SIGN:
	UNIT:	341st Medical Evacuation Battalion
	E-MAIL:	Lewis_Skull@prodigy.com

MESSAGE: Flatiron, Ft. Rucker 1976-1979. IP on UH-1 and OH-58. 377th Medical Company(AA), Korea 1979-1980. 2nd Plt Ldr, 498th Medical Company(AA), Ft Benning 1983-1986. Operations Officer, 354th Med. Det. (RA), Columbus, OH, 1992-1996(USAR. Commander 341st Med. Evac. Bn, Mesquite, TX 1996-1998(USAR). Commander 3rd MEDCOM, Decatur, GA 1998-present.

	DATE:	10 Aug 98
	RANK:	Pte
	NAME:	Kim Lied
	CALL SIGN:
	UNIT:	NorMedCoy - APC Medevac Platoon
	E-MAIL:	kimlied@online.no

MESSAGE: I was in Bosnia 96-97 Operation Joint Endeavor. I was an APC Medic at the Norwegian Field Hospital at Blue Factory. In same period, the 236th Med Co (AA), 45th Med Co and some members of 159th Med Co were there and we worked together. I have a lot of good memories and miss many of the crewmembers from these DUSTOff units. I want to thank all these crewmwmbers for the cooperation. If anyone wants to have some pictures from that time, mail me! Write down you name, rank, what you did/ are doing now, and Company. Ill send you pictures scanned with my computer. I have 1500 pictures for Bosnia!

	DATE:	9 Aug 98
	RANK:	CSM
	NAME:	Carl W. McCloud
	CALL SIGN:	Big Mac
	UNIT:	56th Med. Evac. Bn.
	E-MAIL:	csm@foto.infi.net

MESSAGE: Served as the Battalion CSM of the 421st Med. Evac. Bn. in Germany (Oct 92-Oct 96) and am currently serving as the CSM of the 56th Med. Evac. Bn. at Ft. Bragg, NC. Stop by for a cup of Java the next time you're in the Fayetteville/Ft Bragg area.

	DATE:	3 Aug 98
	RANK:	E-5
	NAME:	Jeffrey S. Ogno
	CALL SIGN:
	UNIT:	45th Med. Co.
	E-MAIL:	jeffog@bellsouth.net

MESSAGE: Flew as a medic with 45th DUSTOFF (Long Binh DUSTOFF) from 8/69 until Company went back home. Then flew as a medic with 273rd Med. Det. until 4/72.

	DATE:	3 Aug 98
	RANK:	CW2
	NAME:	Mike "Fat Albert" Rinehart
	CALL SIGN:	DUSTOFF 37
	UNIT:	283rd Med. Det., Pleiku
	E-MAIL:	mrinehart@compuserve.com

MESSAGE: 9th Infantry Division, Scout in an OH-23,figures, I'd just graduated from AMEDD, Ft. Sam, finally ended up with 283rd, Pleiku, Jul 68-Jun 69. Just sobered up last week. Did we win? What happened to the Sun Bear at Holloway?