2008 Jan-Feb

MEDEVAC 15th Med\15th FSB
Mike Bodnar
307B N Main Copperas Cove, TX 76522
1704 254-542-1961
E-mail: mbodnar27@juno.com

1st Cav Assn. Executive Director Dennis WEBSTER forwarded to me more information about the present 1st Cav MEDEVAC, C 227th, due to come home after fifteen months. He had published that in the last Saber issue in the "DIVISION DOINGS" column, in the event that anyone missed it.

As in the Vietnam War, few at home probably know what is actually transpiring except for the daily to occasional mention on the news about some casualties. Few Americans, myself included now, with their own daily lives and struggles to survive, know that much is happening, save for articles like this about present MEDEVAC that we read is on busy duty, with the airmobile concept that we had initiated in Vietnam.

Paul HAASE pfhaase@swbell.net of Salina, KS, signed the Guestbook as being in 15th MED at Phouc Vinh, '70-'71.

Ferman Wade HURST (BedBug) <adewa_51@hotmail.com> from Live Oak, FL, wrote: "I served in the 15th Medical Bn. from Oct. '68/'69, as gen. mechanic and operator, at Phouc Vinh. I would like to hear from someone who served during that time. Thanks for the Website!"

Jim BRODIE, Bend, OR, signed in the 1st Cav. Assn. Guestbook, "Air Amb. Plt. 1st Cav. '65/'66, TI; A 227th Hel. Co. '68/'69 TI. I tried signing on before. Guess it didn't go. As Roy said, 'Happy trails to you, until we meet again.'"

Ron STRUB redhot_ron@hotmail.com of LaCrescent, MN, e-mailed to me, "Hi Mike -I was with Co C, 15th MED in 11th Air Assault before becoming 1st Cav and I went on the advance party to Nam in Aug 1965. Your last article mentioned Benjamin MITCHELL that said he also was in my company at that time. I e-mailed him at the address in the Saber and just got a message from someone named Al saying I had the wrong person. Could you help me find Ben? Since 1966 I've only talked to one other person from my old unit. Would love to hear from Ben. Thanks for your help and Happy Veterans Day. PS: Today in the mail I received 11 medals from the Army. I got out in Feb 1966 as a SP4."

If anyone knows more, contact Ron, or me. That is all I have.

Henry (Capt Hook) LAND Capthook1stcav@netscape.net notifies, "I live in Tangerine, FL, and a neighbor of mine found an Army jacket that had the name embroidered on the front, and on the back there was a Huey and a fire truck. Also on the back was written 'air crash rescue 1966 -1967 An Khe.' I'd like to get this jacket back to the owner. The only Ron I know was Ron INGRAM, and since he doesn't live in Florida, I don't know to whom it might belong. If any one knows to whom it might belong, call me at (352) 383-2229 and leave a message if I'm not home.

Msgt. Clifford R. DAVIS (Ret.) cliffdavis@comcast.net wrote, "Mike, I don't know you personally, but I enjoy your reports in the Saber. I was first assigned to B Co., Mar '66- April '67. Then to Bragg for more training, and back as a grunt line doc, attached to a Marine outfit near the DMZ. I was then talked into going over to the Air Force as a para-jumper/paramedic. I was picking up downed pilots wherever we were needed. I then finished nursing school, Independent Duty School, and finally retired as a PA after 23 years. I was forced to retire due to Agent Orange complications, and am now a paraplegic, wheelchair bound; but not sitting still. I volunteer at the VA three half days a week. I am currently the state Cmdr. for the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and travel all over in state as I'm not able to go that far. I have some old 15th MED pictures, and Cav pictures at different LZs, but haven't learned how to scan and send them. This is only my second e-mail, for my wife is trying to teach me. I look foreword to hearing from anyone who would like to send me a line. I flew a few missions with Capt. HAGGERTY, and Mr. JOHNSON, who was from my home area. I would really like to find a Medic, turned cook, by the name of James A. LOTA. I believe he was from Bridgeport, CT. If anyone knows of him I really would like to find him. Yours in Patriotism."

Always remembering our 1st Cav troops on duty around the world; over and out.

FIRST TEAM!
Garryowen,
Mike Bodnar C 2\7 '69
MEDEVAC 1-7\70
SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE