Reunion 04

It was suggested that the 13TH CAB reunion would be an ideal opportunity for the 199th RAC to hold a meeting of our own. With little time and a lot of effort, we were able to bring 11 former members plus wives and special guests together for the first known Swamp Fox mini-reunion. A great time was had by all, and many members have expressed a desire to hold our very own reunion at some future date and location yet to be decided.

Our first meeting was held on Friday afternoon in the Officers’ Club lounge at Fort Rucker. After many rounds of beer and much discussion, we departed Rucker to gather later with the 162nd AHC at the Quality Inn in Dothan. It turned out to be a great evening in the motel lounge swapping stories with helicopter pilots and reminiscing about those days long ago in a far and distant land. The question was asked what is the difference in flying a fixed wing vs rotary wing aircraft. The answer is that to fly is heavenly, but to hover is divine. I want to thank Bob Shine of the 162nd AHC for showing the group how a real tattoo should look. After Bob’s display and explanation of his art work, I expect to see some members of the 199th RAC sporting their own Swamp Fox tattoo at the next gathering.

Saturday began with a preview of the documentary movie “In the Shadow of the Blade" at the post theater. The movie was based on the restoration and flying of a Viet Nam era UH-1 Huey around the country meeting with Viet Nam vets, next of kin, and others who will forever remember their association with the Huey. There are many emotional moments in the film and you should see it if you have the opportunity. From the theater, we relocated to Yano Hall for a picnic style lunch with speeches, static displays, and more great socializing.

The highlight of the reunion was dinner on Saturday night at the Post Officers Club. Many of us had the opportunity for the first time to participate in a missing man ceremonial toast where respects were paid to those who would not be returning. It was a very moving ceremony and a fitting tribute to those who have paid the supreme sacrifice.

The evening’s guest speaker was Joseph L. Galloway a combat correspondent with many years of reporting from war zones and hot spots around the world. Joe landed with the 7th Cav during the Battle of the Ia Drang valley in 1965. Joe was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with V during that battle and is the only civilian awarded the medal of valor for action during the Viet Nam War. He, along with then LTC Moore the 7^th CAV Battalion Commander, co-authored a book about the battle of the Ia Drang which was later made into a movie starring Mel Gibson. Joe said he considered himself an Infantry Grunt and spoke for them in his tribute to Army Aviation. He stated the one comforting thought the troops had as they boarded the aircraft and rode off to what could be a battle for survival was no matter how dangerous the LZ or how desperate the battle, they knew the ships would return to take them out.

We of the 199th RAC and our sister units can take pride in knowing we too were in that number that would go the distance no matter the difficulty in support of our troops. The record is clear that we never found a mission too difficult or the danger so great that we would not go the distance to support the troops.

Sunday morning, a memorial service and dedication of a 13th CAB memorial stone was held at the memorial walk located near the Aviation Museum. A future visit to Fort Rucker should include a stop at the memorial walk and view our Battalion marker along with many others there. It is a fitting tribute to the many units that served so proudly.

A special thanks to Ray “Doc” Jennings for creating a 199th RAC web site and working with everyone to bring the unit together. Our success in this venture would not have been possible with out his work and expertise.

Congratulation to Capt. Monica Strye, an Army aviator who just completed a tour in Iraq, flying the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior while assigned to the 101st ABN DIV. Monica is the daughter of Jim Strye Swamp Fox-39 who flew out of MOC HOA in ‘68. Monica will be attending the Aviation Career Course at Fort Rucker. We wish her the best in her future career.

We would like to recognize Dick Slowik who dropped in to attend our reunion. Dick flew Bird Dogs with the USAF out of Binh Thuy assigned to the 20&22 TASS. We can thank him for most of the reunion pictures you see on the web site. Dick is an all round great guy and I nominate him for honorary membership in the 199^th RAC. We can seal the deal and drink to it at our next gathering.

I would suggest our number one task for the near future would be to track down as many former unit members as we can and have them sign in on the web site. I think a special effort should be made to locate the enlisted folks for with out these guys there would be no war stories to tell. Another 13th CAB reunion is planned for April/May 2006 in Fort Rucker. So, mark that on your calendar and as Roy would say: Until we meet again, Happy Trails.