Fwd: Fw: Monument Dedication for the VHPA in Arlington National Cemetery

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Gordon Squires

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Apr 20, 2018, 9:40:21 AM4/20/18

to john stengel

The organization also has, as members, Naval and Marine helo pilots like me, who have flown out of NASGI. I flew the SH 34Js at NASGI before the OV10s arrived, and flew the H34 in Nam.

Gordo

To All Michigan Chapter Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association Members and Interested Parties,

Dedication ceremony attended by Member At Large Bob Rich who provided the details below.

On Thursday, April 19, 2018 10:20 AM, Michigan Vhpa <mich...@gmail.com> wrote:

A Dedication yesterday at 4:00 pm held in Arlington National Cemetery was well attended by VHPA members, Crewmembers, and supporters.
The new monument honors the nearly 5,000 aviators and crewmembers who died during the Vietnam War.

The ceremony was held in the cemetery’s outdoor auditorium near Section 35 and close to the iconic Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Speakers included Bob Hesselbein of the Legacy Committee VHPA, Julie Kink of Gold Star Families her older brother was killed while serving as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam,
Mjr Gen Carl McNair Army Aviator in Vietnam and Congressmen who helped the monument bill become law.

I spoke with Bob Hesselbein the chairman of the Legacy project and former Guard mate of mine from the 1970's,
about the monument and he thanked the Michigan Chapter VHPA for their financial help.

A flyby of USAF Huey's accompanied the ceremony after the retiring of the colors.
View a full video of the flyby at https://photos.app.goo.gl/ 79Q3uzlzvhShURLh2

A reception held at the WMSAM center located near the cemetery entrance concluded the Pilot and Crewmember Monument dedication and
the four-year effort by the Legacy committee.

Bob Rich

Member at Large