281st AHC Ft Drum Traffic

Subj:    Ft. Drum
Date:    5/4/00 8:16:20 PM CDT
From:    bandit113BOW@webtv.net (Kenneth, L. Boling)
To:        Heli-Vets@Blu.Org, 281AHC@egroups.com

Returned home last night 12:38am.
Totally at a loss for words but will do my best in making my observations.

Emotionally drained for a starter.

The reception of the 10 Avn Bde was exceptional. I met Soldiers that reminded me of myself and yes many of you out here on the net. They were as we were young and ambitious, eager to do their best. I was very fortunate to meet the Crow family and John Crow , Dennis' brother. Jack Mayhew, Bob Mitchell, John Freiberger, and others <others> I wish I had a note book <crs>.

The ceremonies were very emotional for all and some how listening to the families and fellow crewmembers describe those fallen brothers of ours kept triggering my own memories of those I had known . The rivers were constantly running and the dams I put up could not hold the flood of tears from over flowing.

The weather was picture perfect and the heat of the day was catching up on us by the ceremonies end.

I'm not writer or reporter and although I listened intently and attended each dedication , my ability to relate to or convey to you here is stubble and very narrowly done.

I'm Very Proud of you all here on this net and I know it's difficult to get out and attend. So for my brothers here I was able to pick up a few of the programs and those of you who served with the 10th Combat Aviation Battalion <bc> me and I will send you one.

A special thank you to Jack Mayhew for your contribution to the 281st AHC dedication and memorialization yesterday. I am proud to have served with the " Intruders."Thank you sir for acknowledging me as a gunner and the vital part the GIB had done as part of the team we were.

I had a guide for the entire dedication a CW2 Mr. John Kelly who did an outstanding job of keeping me and my son from getting lost. He also was very nice to take pictures for me and when I have them developed , I'll find a way to pot them on the net. <webers can’t do that ya know>

In closing I extend another Special thank you to Mr. John Crow and John Freiberger whose ears I bent for several hours at the Best Western.

Thank you all for the Pride you have restored to me over this past year+ and for your selfless devotion to those beliefs which continue to keep us all free.

God Bless Each and Everyone

155th AHC STAGECOACH

Date: 5/4/00 11:28:19 PM CDT

From: Mitchellrw@aol.com

To: 281ahc@egroups.com

I made it back from Ft Drum about 0130 this morning. I arrived in Nashville late last night and had to drive the 2+15 to Pinson in the rain. Not a bad drive, it gave me some time to reflect on what I had observed over the past two days.

After 25 years, almost to the day that the Vietnam war officially ended, we had a meaningful ceremony and memorialization for our fallen comrades. Oddly enough it was 30 years to the day that I left the 281st enroute to the world. The Command/Staff and members of the 10th Aviation Brigade of the 10th Mountain Division treated the Veterans and relatives as genuine heroes. We were assigned drivers and escorts for the activities of the day. Most were Aviators, WOs/1LTs/CPTs.

The morning started with the dedication of the 10th Brigade HQ Building and was followed by the 2nd Battalion HQ, the 3/17 Cavalry Hangar, 1/10th Hangar, 2/10th Hangar and culminated with the dedication of "Vagabond Park." All of the ceremonies were somber and very professionally planned and executed. The range of emotions for the Veterans and family members in attendance ran very high. The young men and women of the various units involved were very accommodating to us and went about their duties with enthusiasm and purpose. Music for all of the ceremonies was provided by the 10th Mountain Division Army Band.

The second ceremony was that of WO Don McCoig, 281st AHC, KIA 14 May 1968. The ceremony was opened by LTC Stewart Ramaly, Commander, 2/10 AV BN. COL Jack Mayhew, former Commander of the 281st AHC, spoke on behalf of the McCoig family and the 281st AHC Assn. COL Mayhew made an excellent presentation. The formal unveiling of the Memorial Plaque for Don McCoig was performed by LTC Ramaly, Dennis Crowe, Ken Boling, Bob Mitchell, Jack Mayhew and Bob Ohmes. Also in attendance at the ceremony, representing the 281st, were Helen Crowe, Bonnie Ohmes, SFC Larry Ohmes and his wife, and Ken Boling, Jr. Larry Ohmes, son of Bob and Bonnie, is a member of the 2nd BN and is stationed at Ft Drum.

The ceremonies ended with the dedication of "Vagabond Park," a small common area between one of the barracks and the dining facility. The Park is a circular monument to the 10th CAB and its twelve companies. The centerpiece is a granite marker with the 10th CAB crest. It is surrounded by six smaller markers with two plaques on each marker representing the twelve units. Walking through the main entrance and facing the center marker you will find the 281st plaque to your immediate right.

The 10th AV Bde has adopted the lineage and heraldry of the 10th CAB and has aligned each of its units with one of the units of the 10th CAB. The 281st is aligned with Delta Troop, 3/17th Cavalry. Their callsign is "Desperado." The alignment was done in numerical order from the 48th through the 281st with the current units, so there is no particular significance to the alignment. It was done for historical and lineage purposes. Interestingly, there is only one unit in the Battalion that adopted one of the Vietnam callsigns, the "Bandits" of B Company, 1/10 AV who are aligned with the 60th AHC "Ghostriders." The "Voodoos" of B Company, 2/10th AV were using "Wolfpack" while in Bosnia but voted to make "Voodoo" their permanent callsign after returning to Ft. Drum.

D Troop, 3/17th CAV is a Divisional Cavalry Attack Troop that is equipped with OH-58D (i) Kiowa Warriors. These aircraft are fairly lethal light attack aircraft equipped with stowed .50 Cal machine guns and Hell Fire Missiles. They have state of the art Target Acquisition Systems with digital target hand-off capability. The Hell Fires are laser guided and can kill a Russian T-72 tank in one well-placed shot. The unit will be equipped with the Comanche when it is fielded in 2007. We met and visited with the Commander, CPT David Warnick, and some of the pilots and crewmembers while we were at the airfield. They were just like we were some 30 years or so ago, very young and full of piss and vinegar.

Another note of interest to some would be the Brigade Command Sergeants Major, CSM Leon Hite. CSM Hite is a close personal friend of CSM (Ret) Mark Ruiz. Many of you will remember Mark as a Door Gunner/Crew Chief and Bandit Platoon Sergeant in the 281st in late 1968 and mid 1969. Leon was a 1SG under Mark in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY.

I was continually plagued by some sort of allergy I suppose since my eyes were watering and my nose running most of the day. As I sat and listened to former Commanders, Crew Chiefs, Door Gunners, Pilots and relatives memorialized the lives of the remembered Pilots and Crewmen, I could not help but remember every one of our fallen comrades. I looked around the ramp on the airfield and saw every one of them in the eyes of the young soldiers standing steadfastly at attention behind the seated guests. I felt honored to have been a part of the history of Army Aviation and to have participated in laying the groundwork for the young helicopter pilots and crewmen of today's Army. I am very proud to have been a member of a unit like the 281st that has such a rich heritage and legacy. I am satisfied that the tradition will continue.

Date: 5/5/00 2:08:16 PM CDT

From: Mitchellrw@aol.com

Sender: owner-heli-vets@blu.org

To: heli-vets@Blu.Org, VHFCN-L@vhfcn.org

The following is an AAR of my trip to Ft Drum. It is written with more 281st information than with 48th, 92nd, 155th or 192nd. I believe there are members of these organizations on this net as well and I am sure they will share their thoughts as it pertains to their particular units.

On 2 May I traveled to Ft Drum, NY to attend the 10th Combat Aviation Battalion Dedication and Memorial Ceremonies. The 10th Mountain Division's 10th Aviation Brigade has adopted the lineage and heraldry of the 10th Combat Aviation Battalion that was in the Republic of Vietnam. Some of the KIAs were honored by having Headquarters buildings or hangars dedicated to and named for them.

After 25 years, almost to the day that the Vietnam war officially ended, we had a meaningful ceremony and memorialization for our fallen comrades. Oddly enough it was 30 years to the day that I left the 281st AHC enroute to the world. The Command/Staff and members of the 10th Aviation Brigade of the 10th Mountain Division treated the Veterans and relatives with the utmost dignity and respect. We were assigned drivers and escorts for the activities of the day. Most were Aviators, WOs/1LTs/CPTs.

The morning started with the dedication of the 10th Brigade HQ Building and was followed by the 2nd Battalion HQ, the 3/17 Cavalry Hangar, 1/10th Hangar, 2/10th Hangar and culminated with the dedication of "Vagabond Park." All of the ceremonies were somber and very professionally planned and executed. The range of emotions for the Veterans and family members in attendance ran very high. The young men and women of the various units involved were very accommodating and went about their duties with enthusiasm and purpose. Music for all of the ceremonies was provided by the 10th Mountain Division Army Band.

The second ceremony was that of WO Don McCoig, 281st AHC, KIA 14 May 1968 who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions in Northern I Corps while in support of 5th SFG Project DELTA on the day of his death. The ceremony was opened by LTC Stewart Ramaly, Commander, 2/10 AV BN. COL Jack Mayhew (USA Ret), former Commander of the 281st AHC, spoke on behalf of the McCoig family and the 281st AHC Assn. COL Mayhew made an excellent presentation. The formal unveiling of the Memorial Plaque for Don McCoig was performed by LTC Ramaly, Dennis Crowe (LTC Ret), Ken Boling (SGT), Bob Mitchell (COL), Jack Mayhew (COL Ret) and Bob Ohmes (CSM Ret). Also in attendance at the ceremony, representing the 281st, were Helen Crowe, Bonnie Ohmes, SFC Larry Ohmes and his wife, and Ken Boling, Jr. Larry Ohmes, son of Bob and Bonnie is a member of the 2/10th and is stationed at Ft Drum.

D Troop, 3/17th CAV is a Divisional Cavalry Attack Troop that is equipped with OH-58D (i) Kiowa Warriors. The unit will be equipped with the Comanche when it is fielded in 2007. We met and visited with the Commander, CPT David Warnick, and some of the pilots and crewmembers while we were at the airfield. They were just like we were some 30 years or so ago, very young and full of piss and vinegar.

Another note of interest would be the Brigade Command Sergeants Major, CSM Leon Hite. CSM Hite is a close personal friend of CSM (Ret) Mark Ruiz. Mark was a Door Gunner/Crew Chief and Platoon Sergeant in the 2nd Platoon "Bandits" of the 281st in late 1968 and mid 1969. CSM Hite was a 1SG under Mark in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment while stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY.

I was continually plagued by some sort of allergy I suppose since my eyes were watering and my nose running most of the day. As I sat and listened to former Commanders, Crew Chiefs, Door Gunners, Pilots and relatives memorialized the lives of the remembered Pilots and Crewmen, I could not help but remember all of our fallen comrades. I looked around the ramp on the airfield and saw every one of them in the eyes of the young soldiers standing steadfastly at attention behind the seated guests. I felt honored to have been a part of the history of Army Aviation and to have participated in laying the groundwork for the young helicopter pilots and crewmen of today's Army. I am very proud to have been a member of a unit like the 281st that has such a rich heritage and legacy. I am satisfied that the traditions will continue.

"For those who have fought for it,

Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know"

Date: 5/5/00 2:24:35 PM CDT

From: GoldEagle4@webtv.net (Don Joyce)

Sender: VHFCN-L@vhfcn.org

To: Mitchellrw@aol.com

As underage members of the 50th Armored Division, NJNG, in the late 40's and early 50s, when Ft Drum was known as "Pine Camp", then Camp Drum.... my brother, Warren, LTC, Ret, VHPA'er with two tours, and I, spent several summers there as young Arty gunners.

Yes, time marches on.... I enjoyed your references to the "young soldiers of today", standing tall, as OUR history was brought to life.

As a member of the VHPA Executive Council, I am taking the liberty to forward your AAR to the VHPA Newsletter editor for possible publication, and to the AAAA and other nets.

Your moving report brought the ceremonies to "life" for all of us, who could not attend.

GoldEagle4@WebTV.net

Date: 5/6/00 8:25:45 AM CDT

From: bandit113BOW@webtv.net (Ken Boling)

To: 281AHC@egroups.com

As we all stand tall

and receive our Salutes

for those who had to fall

remembering one and all

the glory truly belongs to us ALL

Pride in my Brothers

instills hope for others

could be there for you

for in our hearts we carried you too,

remembering each and every one that flew

You are all very whole heartedly Welcome

as I feel the others would agree

Date: 5/6/00 9:37:35 AM CDT

From: galkie@hotmail.com (John Galkiewicz)

To: 281AHC@egroups.com

These last few days saw a noticeable decrease in Internet chat and the reason was obvious. On the morning of the 3rd I was clock watching because I would have liked to have been there also but could not. As the pictures are now being placed on the Internet a lump comes to my throat and a tear or two or three is shed because I knew McCoig. I was in that battle that took his life. Why does it seem that only the best seem to get taken early?

I am very proud of having passed two "special test" test in my life. The first of those was flight school because nobody expected that back home, I was the first and only one to do that. The second was making it through a year of combat because that laid a foundation like no other in my life. When I went home after that it was not as the former little high school kid, it was as a man that had done something that few can comprehend. I walked with pride and dignity.

I truly enjoy this Internet and the opportunity that it now allows us to have. To hear the stories and see the pictures that mean so much to us is truly a blessing. To be able to gather a group of peers and represent the group as a whole at Ft. Drum to honor some of our fallen is another of those blessings.

I too am proud of this group and give my special deepest appreciation to those that were able to represent those that could not attend. Warriors all!!!!

Date: 5/7/00 10:07:01 AM CDT

From: jwmayhew@earthlink.net (J.W. Mayhew)

To: mitchellrw@aol.com, spmatth@cjnetworks.com, fmentzer@earthlink.net, Robert.L.Ohmes.jeohmes@sound.net, dennis.w.crowe@boeing.com, Traps681@webtv.net (Kenneth Boling)

At 02:02 AM 5/7/2000 -0400, you wrote:

Thank you very much for your organizing and your personal participation in the Ft. Drum ceremony. Please extend my appreciation to the other participants when you see them at the reunion. I spent the day on a sunny rocky beach in sadness that he was deprived of life before he could see such beauty and peacefulness. Have been off of the net for a month with family health problems and computer problems and so missed the pictures but have not yet gone to the homepage to see if they are there. I will always have trouble accepting the loss of those wonderful people we served with.

Date: 5/7/00 3:26:42 PM CDT

From: jeohmes@sound.net (Robert & Yvonne Ohmes)

To: 281AHC@egroups.com (281AHC@egroups. com)

My wife and I just returned from Ft. Drum this afternoon and I'd like to add my 2 cents-- the Memorialization went off just great and it was a day of very emotional highs and lows. I knew it would be so but witnessing it all was an experience I will never forget. From the first Dedication to the last, you could look through the audience, both male and female, and see very few dry eyes. As I sat through the many speeches, there were many times I had to swallow very hard to make it through. The knowledge of those individuals who gave their lives all too soon became too personal. So many memories I had put on the back-burner suddenly rushed forward-- it was very difficult to hold back the emotions but who needed to?

Jack Mayhew gave an outstanding talk about the 281st mission and Donald McCoig. It was great to have the 281st Guidon there for the Dedication and the photos afterward-- it was the only Guidon there from the Vietnam era. My thanks to Pvt (P) Johnson of HHC, 2-10 AVN BN for being the Guidon bearer at the dedication-- he did a great job and said he was very honored to be asked to perform this task. It was super to meet with Jack Mayhew-- I had served under him in the 281st, as well as Bob Mitchell, Dennis Crowe, and Ken Bowling-- we had some interesting conversations and memories. My son was surprised to hear Jack Mayhew and I tell the same stories about the unit. For years, he thought a lot of it was just war stories and now he is a "believer." These men were all inspirations for me-- I wish I was going to DC for the reunion for more fun but prior commitments won't allow.

In closing, it was an honor to attend the Dedication and be a small part of the Delegation honoring Donald McCoig and the others. I was in the unit when McCoig was killed so it had a special meaning.