2015 May-Jun

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

From the 15th MED Website: Sad news for the 15th MED Association; Jerry Dick passed away on April 8, 2015 at his home. E-mail received from '69-'70 MEDEVAC gunner Mike "Smitty" Smith, 2015 Reunion Chairman/Vice President: "On 08 Apr 15, at 8:11 PM, Mike Smith <mvandco@msn.com > wrote: "It is my most sorrowful message to send out. Jerry Dick was so excited to come and see his brothers and extended family. He passed away this afternoon. He went peacefully in his chair. Wayne will give me more info as soon as available. Smitty."

Jerry Dick was a MEDEVAC gunner who received a bullet wound to the head at a hot LZ, which had disabled him for life, confining him to a wheelchair. I have over the years included photos of him in the Saber, attending the Reunions. The following is his obituary:

"Jerry Dick, 67, of Riverton, died on Wednesday, April 8, 2015, at his home. A viewing will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2015, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Davis Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 13, 2015, at 2:00 pm at Davis Funeral Home with Pastor Scott McFarland of the Cornerstone Community Church officiating. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery with full Military Honors.

"Jerry Lee Dick was born on November 22, 1947 in Riverton, WY to Lester Ray and Nova Morline (Waldron) Dick. He was one of three children, two boys and one girl. He attended schools in Riverton and graduated from Riverton High School with the class of 1966. He was of the Baptist faith.

"Shortly after graduation he went into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Vietnam. He was with the 15th Medical Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) as a doorgunner. He was wounded on July 28, 1968 while serving in Vietnam and was honorably discharged. He eturned to Riverton where he lived the rest of his life surrounded by family and friends.

"He was a member of the V.F.W., American Legion, D.A.V., and Forty & Eight. He enjoyed hunting, car shows, spending time with friends and family, and telling war stories.

"He is survived by his brother, Wayne Dick, and his wife, Cheryl; his sister, Donna Hays and her husband, Mike; his nephews, Tony Dick and his companion, Patricia Hoefler, Monte Hays and his wife, Kathleen, Justin Hays and his wife, Terri, and Blake Hays and his wife Danyel; his nieces, Tina Barlow and her husband, Shayne, Cindy Snider and her companion, Scott Komrs, and Lori Schmelzle and her husband, Tim; his great nephews, Shane Barlow and his wife, Allison, Kyle Barlow and his companion, Anna Kierstead, Traye Hays, Rocky Schmelzle and his wife Tayler, Lane Dykman, Seth Hays, Kaegan Hays, and Kash Hays; his great nieces, Brooke Sharp and her husband, Terry, Abigail Barlow, Miste Hays, Erin Dykman, and Jessica Weber; and his great great nieces, Zoey Barlow, Meka Barlow and Chole Schmelzle.

"He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Nova Dick, grandparents, Ray and Maude Dick, George Waldron and Ethel Waldron Burns.

"Memorials may be made to the Riverton V.F.W. in care of Davis Funeral Home, 2203 West Main Street, Riverton, WY 82501. On-line condolences may be made to the family at www.TheDavisFuneralHome.com . Services under the direction of Davis Funeral Home."

I contacted '69-'70 MEDEVAC gunner Dave Parks <shootdown@yahoo.com > about the 2015 15th MED Reunion which was near his home in Idaho so he attended.

In typical Dave humor he said, "Dave here. hey Mike. it was a cool few days. Mr. Leonard and Bill Keller the Medic from last shoot down also made it. Finally received a tail rotor chain bracelet after 44 years, but who's counting. lol . There was a little drama, but no one would hold still long enough for me to get a bead on 'em. Shake bad anymore. You know how age works. One day you are tying your own shoes. next day you're hoping the ol' lady don't poke you in the eye with the spoon she has pointed in your direction, especially when she makes the airplane noises in the restaurant . lol

"All in all after the bs, it was a good success in my book. someday maybe we can get to one at the same time. Would love to see you again! You still in Texas ?

"Ok , brother need to hit the trail. GOD BLESS later. Like saying that 'cuz you just never know. (oh see if I can send some pictures. course you can hit 15th MED FB site and find all kinds of pictures ."

Terry McCarl <terryamccarl@gmail.com > replied, "Mike: I did attend the Reunion. It was my first one ever attended, and it was great! I would be glad to write something up for SABER, if that would not stepping on someone's toes. I'm sure that the Reunion Chairman Mike Smith and his wife Velma would be a lot more qualified.

"If you don't expect something from them though, let me know and I will be glad to take a run at it. FIRST TEAM!"

I'll probably have something from Terry in the next Saber.

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