CATCOM DYNAMIC E–NEWSLETTER, 2018
Updated: 7 December 2018
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
LIST OF ARTICLES: (click to go direct)
FOUND CATKILLERS AND FRIENDS: (16 February)
My AIT training was in Fort Benning, Georgia, as aircraft mechanic, so in Vietnam that is where I started, but I was moved to supply as a clerk, mainly keeping inventory. I arrived in Vietnam on 18 May 1966 and when I left Vietnam on 16 May 1967 I was an SP4. I was born in Fresno, California, on 5 April 1945 and grew up in Kettleman City, California, a small town of about 350 people. I now live in Forest Park, Illinois, a small suburb of Chicago. Because of the years I only have a recollection of a few names and faces. Those are CWO Joe Hamm, with whom I back seated a few times; a SSG Sutherland and another SSG Hestley. For most of the time I was there, the CO was Major Schmale (I'm only guessing at the spelling of these individuals).
Dennis M. (Mike) Close
Editor: Mike is now on the unit roster.
DEAR EDITOR: (13 November)
A LITTLE–KNOWN ISLAND NORTHEAST OF QUANG NGAI: (28 January)
Last year during the All–Birddog Reunion, Henry Milam had an encounter with a former Navy Aerial Observer, (then, back in Vietnam, LTJG) Daniel R. Arant. To refresh your memory, the story is under the 2017 reunion article.
At the end of the aforementioned article , I asked Henry to send in the photo mentioned in his writing. Well, a few days ago I received several photos from Henry and a few from Ray Caryl. I also asked a few Vietnamese ladies to help translate Vietnamese text seen on the photo. The result is that we now have additional history regarding an activity in which our unit regularly participated, but which probably received little publicity. Below are additional comments from Henry Milam and Ray Caryl, two of the several pilots who ventured out over waters of the South China Sea to the island of Cù Lao Rè, northeast of Quang Ngai, Vietnam.
Here are the photos and text that help round out this story. The only remaining task is to add LTJG Arant to the Catkiller roster, which I shall tonight:
The rest of the story:
Henry Milam: “The pictures were taken on Cù Lao Rè by LTJG Daniel R. Arant, the Navy AO on this flight (the envelope with the writing is the envelope that the photos were in when he gave them to me). Our 3rd Platoon located at Marble Mountain flew a weekly “south coast” mission from Marble Mountain to Quang Ngai, and then out to Cù Lao Rè Island. It was a mail run and naval observation. Sometimes we fired on targets, if a ship was on station. See my original note in the 2017 newsletter that has more details.
Additional information regard the mission to Cù Lao Rè Island from Ray Caryl:
According to Bobby Woolley’s book, HE BIRD DOG’S TALE, 7-2824 [in the photo] was an O–1 D in service from March 1967 to March 1970. The note says, “Crashed 4/4/70.”
I have a couple of photos of Cù Lao Rè Island that are in following emails. I flew there several times with a Navy ANGLICO. 26 miles out to sea and there wasn’t a think on that single-engine aircraft that would float. Looking back, I think how foolish that was. We were certainly NOT within “gliding distance” of land for most of the flight. Had we gone down, I doubt anybody would have even known where to look for us….shark bait!
Little or no flight following, we simply stopped at Quang Ngai and refueled then took off heading east, hoping we would see the island. They had a DECCA nav site there [primary use—ship navigation in coastal waters]. I can remember seeing guys snorkeling off the end of the runway as I was on short final. Took a set of SCUBA tanks out there once. The reason we went was to deliver the mail. They had a pretty good deal going out there, but told me that the north end of the island was a VC/NVA R&R center. It was a “you don’t bother us, we won’t bother you” sort of situation. All the guys there wore shorts and flip flops and had pretty good tans. I think they were a combination of civilians and Navy dudes.
I’d like to add this note: My class that graduated in June 1967 was the last class to do A–Phase in Birddogs. We had 150 hours in Birddogs when we got to Vietnam. Everyone after us flew T–41s in A–Phase and didn’t get into Birddogs until D–Phase. This meant that they had roughly 150 hours in tricycle–gear aircraft (counting the Barons) and 50 or so hours in Birddogs (tail draggers). We lost quite a few aircraft because the guys who graduated after June 1967 simply didn’t have enough time in the Birddogs. Ground loops took quite a toll. The winds weren’t always calm nor straight down the runway and the guys simply didn’t have the necessary amount of experience to handle those conditions, plus we were heavy. I could go on, but you get the picture.
Ray Caryl
A GREAT TAIL DRAGGER STORY:
With many thanks for the source of this story, Tom Bailey, USMS Retired, here is the link that will allow you to also read about the fortunate and remarkably reacting crew of a famous World War II aircraft:
CAROLINA TIDBITS: Doc Clement, Catkiller 18 and Lanny Thorne, 12th Marines AO “Romeo” Birddogs:
Additional Photos from Doc Clement:
Jim Wisby, Catkiller 6, Back at Home: (update: 6 July)
An update on Jim Wisby after his “mini stroke.” He was in rehab for 10 days and has been home for a week. He is managing with a cane and getting mobility back. The plan is for 3 weekly physical and occupational workouts a week. No stopping him! Thanks for caring!
Jo Wisby
PARTY SUIT BLUES:
Came across this Catkiller party uniform while putting away Halloween decorations and searching out Thanksgiving decorations the other day. It was quite a chore getting it on and the fit is similar to a stuffed sausage.
I was wondering how many of these uniforms are still around and how many would have the same difficulty I had getting into it, after so many years? I think I got mine in early 1969.
Tom Adams,
Catkiller 09
ROSTER RELATED: (2 March)
LTJG Daniel R. Arant, AO, Team 143, U.S. Naval Advisory Group (USNAG), was added to the Catkiller roster.
Also added to the roster is Phil Johnson, mentioned by Daniel Arant in his comments and also by Ray Caryl in his comments below:
“I remember Phil Johnson. He flew with me a couple of times in the fall of 1967. I also remember him being really beaten up while on R&R with his wife in Hawaii. He was still pretty bruised when he returned to Vietnam. We flew a south coast mission from Marble Mountain down to Quang Ngai, refueled and then struck out east to Cù Lao Rè Island to drop off the mail then back up the coast to Marble.
The north coast mission went up the coast to the mouth of the Cua Viet River, just below the DMZ, where there was an old French fort that had been turned into a coastal group station. The ANGLICO guys would tie the mail into a bundle and fashion a small parachute out of cloth, we would make a low pass and the back seater would toss it out hoping the “parachute” would open. One time one of them attached a six pack of beer to a small chute and tried to deliver it as a birthday gift to his buddy on the ground. The six pack was too heavy for the parachute and the thing augered in bursting most of the cans. Guess you might say it was the thought that mattered.
I only flew a few of the north and south missions because I was more interested in flying the TAOR with a Marine AO because that was where the action was.
Ray”
CWO MICHAEL KENT PATTERSON PHOTO PAGE:
Recently posted to the Catkiller History Index is a page of recently received photographs taken during the tour of CWO Mike Patterson, 1st Platoon, Quang Ngai. Please access the page via the following link or the 1966 Index section of the history index:
AERIAL OBSERVER REUNION, SAN DIEGO, 29 MAY—1JUNE 2018:
Organizers sent in planning details regarding an event that is already of interest to pilots and aerial observers now on the list to attend. Please review the attached PDF file fore further details.
Reunion Attendance Report, by Ray Caryl (21 Juny 2018):
Here is the list of AO attendees at the USMC AO reunion held in San Diego, 29 May–1 June 2018. There were also USMC TACA pilots in attendance, but I do not have them listed:
- Stu Berman, 1st MARDIV 1967–68
- Mike Cerre, 1st MARDIV 1971
- Wayne Clevens, 12th Marines ’68 (Wayne was my backseater when I crash landed at Dong Ha. We reunited after 50 years)
- Bill Coleman, 1st MARDIV 1967–68
- Dave Combs, 3rd MARDIV 1968–69
- Tom Givvin, 1st MARDIV 1967–68
- Jerry Martin, 3rd MARDIV 1968–69
- Mike McCollum, 1st MARDIV 1970–71, 3rd MARDIV 1971
- Tim Moriarty, 12th Marines 1968 3rd MARDIV 1968–69
- Bill Mundt, 1st MARDIV 1970–71
- Richard Myers, 1st MARDIV 1971
- Mike Neil , 1st MARDIV 1968
- Charlie Richardson, 3rd MARDIV 1968
- Jeff Stack, 3rd MARDIV 1968–69
- Bill Steed, 1st MARDIV 1968–69, Fred Tomasello, 3rd MARDIV 1968
- Sandy Wanner, 1st MARDIV 1967–68
- Allen Weh, 1st MARDIV 1968
AOs Bob Happe, Rob Whitlow and Bob Laramy were all unable to attend, to my great disappointment. Catkiller Rod Stewart and his wife, Jean attended. Rod lugged a LOT of beverages up to the hospitality room on the first day.Don, I am going to give your contact info to Bill Mundt and Tim Morarity (the two AOs who put the reunion together) as well as Jim Hodgson, so we can all stay in a comm loop as time progresses and plans are made. I am pretty sure from the responses I heard that the October event will take place and that the Catkillers will be invited.
Former VMO–2 OV-10 pilot, Jim Hodgson, now the executive director of the Fort Worth Aviation Museum, is planning an event in October 2019 that will include not only all of the USMC VMO pilots and USMC AOs, but the Catkillers have been invited as well. More on that as time moves on. I think this may be an incredible opportunity as Dallas/Fort Worth is an easy destination from anywhere in the USA. These are a great bunch of guys and the camaraderie is as tight between us all today as it was 50 years ago!
Mundt and Morarity will have the email addresses of the AOs listed above should any of the Catkillers wish to contact me, I can forward their email address so they can make contact.
Ray [email address on Cat Bar]
MORTAR WATCH INCIDENT, CIRCA 1969:
Don, I have spent a little time on the site and some of it brings back some memories. I was an O–2 assigned to HQ DivArty, 101st Abn (Airmobile), at Camp Eagle, with duties as Asst. Commo Officer, Crypto Officer, HHB Battery Commander and Assistant Signal Officer in 1969–70, and detailed to fly mortar watch as one of my “additional duties.” I flew many nights out of Phu Bai on the Birddogs but never kept a log so I don’t remember exactly when this happened—probably late 1969.
I remember taking off at night and the pilot flying a tank of fuel (3–4 hours) at about 5000 ft in a figure eight from Hue to Phu Bai, providing counter–battery fire when necessary. Still trying to figure it out and wish I had logged the hours and pilot’s name. No air medal.
One night we took some fire and the engine was hit and unable to be restarted. I remember being half way out of the aircraft with a chute before the pilot convinced me that he had the ability to get back to Phu Bai and attempt a landing. Closest I ever came to being jump tested. Had there been fire on the aircraft, I might have earned my “jump wings.” Unfortunately, most of us were all “legs” at that time and being an ROTC officer did not attend jump school.
I guess my question is whether any pilot records were kept or still available for events like that. I’d very much like to see the records or know the pilot’s name. The aircraft wasn’t significantly damaged as I recall. Probably a new/rebuilt engine and it was good to go. The pilot deserves some accolade for saving the aircraft.
2LT Dave Huzarewicz
Editor: If anyone recognizes these circumstances, please contact me.
LIEUTENANT COLOLONEL CARL GILSON COLLINS, USMC RETIRED, DECEASED, 17 MAY 2017:
JOHNSON CITY – Lt. Col. (USMC retired) Carl Gilson Collins, age 83, of Johnson City, TN passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 17, 2017.
Carl was the youngest son of the late James F. (Ram) and Anne C. Collins.
Carl graduated from Elizabethton High School in 1952. Upon graduation from East Tennessee State University in 1957, he then entered the United States Marine Corps. He served his country honorably for 26 years including two tours in Vietnam and one in Okinawa. He completed a Master’s degree in Human Resources from Central Michigan University. He returned to Johnson City after retiring in 1983.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother James A. (Jimbo) Collins and his wife Hilda, brother, Frank C. Collins, sister Elizabeth C. Shepard and her husband Dave, and sister Lois Sue Collins.
Carl is survived by his wife, Sandra M. Collins of Johnson City; three daughters, Collette C. Parker and husband Craig of Shelton, WA, Stacy C. Schuettler and husband Henry of Knoxville, TN, and Stephanie C. Runge and husband Todd of Marietta, GA. He has eight grandchildren; Joshua and Jessica Parker, Kendrick and Alex Schuettler, and Carl, Will, Kevin and Steven Runge. Additionally, he is survived by his sister-in-law Nancy Collins, cousins and several nieces and nephews.
Carl’s family wishes to thank the staff of Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice; Joni Guinn, Holly Lefevers, Ben Kilgore and Kaitlyn Hill. It is with the deepest gratitude and love that they would also like to extend a very special thank you to Tina Hughes, Ammie Williams, Ir-Wauna McCaleb, Krista McGee, Kendra Stevens, Belva Hudson and Janice Tester for their tremendous care and love given to the family during his illness.
The family of Carl Collins will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Saturday, May 20, 2017, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM with Father Peter Iorio officiating.
Memories and condolences may be sent to the Collins family via www.morrisbaker.com . Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN is serving the Collins family (423) 282-1521.
Source: http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/Obituary/2017/05/18/Lt-Col-USMC-retired-Carl-Gilson-Collins [MAY 18, 2017 AT 3:17 PM]
COMING SEPTEMBER 15: CATKILLER 3–2, BY RAYMOND CARYL: (22 August)
Available September 15 at Amazon , Barnes & Noble and the Naval Institute Press. The story of my year in Vietnam. A lot of the stuff in the book you won’t find anywhere else. Not many people know that most of our missions were flown in direct support of Marines on the ground with a Marine aerial observer in the back seat and that we were the only Army Birddog unit on orders to control close air support aircraft in direct support of US troops.
ADDIONAL INFORMATION, LAM SON 719, BY BERNARD WILLIAMS, AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER, 101ST ABN DIV:
Original story by Rick Gates, Catkiller 46I came across your website recently, which to say the least, brought back a lot of memories for me. On February 2nd my squad of mobile Air Traffic Controllers stepped down on Khe Sahn, along with Pathfinders from our HQ, HQ Company from back on Eagle. After getting our portable GCA and makeshift tower up we began digging in. The next morning we started the hard work of hand digging the original bunker in the middle of the runway until we traded a case of pudding that someone “discovered” with a Combat Engineer operating a backhoe. As soon as it was dug we climbed down inside the deep excavation when a National News Crew came across us and began filming us eating C–rations.
I believe the bunker you referred to on your site may have been the same, for I do not recall any other there between the runways in the first month. At some point a Birddog that got hit by an air burst overhead came to rest a few feet from the the bunker at some point when there was still a tent erected over the bunker itself. The tent didn’t last long and the Birddog flew off with a crippled tail. I forward my pics of the aircraft at rest as it sat virtually on top of us to the Association that posted it on their online site.
Just one of those old memories that you jogged lose.
Thank you for your effort,
Bernard Williams
Mobile Air Traffic Controller
101st AB 1970–71
REPRINT, story by Bernard Williams:
This is from the website to which I had sent the photos I took at Khe Sahn. [Editor: web site is Web site is:]
During the ARVN invasion of Laos in 1971, called Lam Son 719, the 101st Airborne Division set up a small Ground Control Approach (GCA) radar at Khe Sanh, not far from the DMZ, not far from Laos. The small group of men set up a tent over their bunker. Bernard Williams, an air traffic controller, was there. On one day, they climbed into their hole to eat lunch and escape incoming attacks. When the attacks stopped, they climbed out of their hole only to find this O–1 Birddog sitting right next to their tent. The two crewmembers were just then exiting the aircraft. The aircraft was flown by CPT Richard J. Wright [deceased in 2017, see obituary at 2017 newsletter]. Williams believes the tail number was 0-12634. The aircraft had been hit with 37 mm AAA near the triborder area west of Khe Sanh. He flew over the ridge and had to fly it as though he was without his tail. There were holes within six inches of the backseater. Captain Wright was quite proud with how well he had landed her. After checking her out, he decided he could fly it, took off, and left. Mr. Williams is looking for the Birddog crew.
It turns out that after Capt Wright was hit, he headed for Khe Sanh to make an emergency landing. While on short final, some numb–nuts in a jeep with a camera man in the back pulled out on the runway in front of him and drove down the center line of the runway filming the landing. This explains why Wright ended up where he ended up. And journalists wonder why GIs think so little of them!
The Birddog’s tail took a beating, but she could still fly.
CPT KENNETH E. TRENT, 1966–1967:
When CPT Jim Carlin left the company to return home, I was moved from the 2nd Platoon at Hue to the Headquarters at Phu Bai and took his job as the company supply officer, mess officer, motor officer. I remained at Phu Bai until the end of my tour. The AO that I work with was Tim McTigue.
A personal rendition of The Catkiller Theme Song is now embedded within the Catkiller Home Page (click on "Home" at the top of the Cat Bar).
This photo had to be taken between April–August 1967 and was made at Phu Bai at the company headquarters. MAJ Clark followed MAJ Smith. This is the small officer’s club at the front end of our living area. I believe you walked out of the CO’s office and directly into this hutch. The front part was the small club and our living quarters were behind it.
Ken Trent
Editor: Ken's photo is now included at his roster line.
REFLECTIONS, BY COLONEL JACK MULLINS, 2010:
In 2010, just before our Catkiller Reunion at Philadelphia, the former commander of 212th Combat Aviation Battalion in 1969, LTC Jack Mullen, received an invitation to attend and and was also asked by Ed Miler to consider writing a few words to mark the occasion. We have just now received those comments, hidden for some time in a personal folder. Colonel Mullen's comments are included below:
CATKILLER WEB SITE ARCHIVE REDEFINED:
On the 2nd of July, I placed a personal phone call to Mr. Edward Bedessem, Force Structure and History Branch, US Army Center of Military History. The purpose of my call was to clarify the nature and effect of our web site disk archive each year for posterity sake. We spoke for some time, with our 220th Aviation Company archive folder in front of Mr. Bedessem as we talked about what happens to the disks I send. He mentioned that copies of previous years archives were in that folder. I was informed that those disks go directly into this dedicated folder established for out unit's history. The next revelation is the reason I share this news with you and also make it a part of our archived data. I asked Mr. Bedessem to retain all copies of the units for each year submitted
If someone in the future seeks access to our archived disks, they will only have access to them if they seek these particular unit folders. They would visit (or call) the US Army Center of Military History (CMH) to view the content. Other arrangements might be available in the future, but the main point here is that the disks are not indexed for electronic access but are physically accessed historical assets one would ask for directly from CMH.
A second revelation effects anyone seeking archived files of the other two units for which I maintain and submit these archive disks: The Command Aircraft Company and the 97th Engineer Battalion.
As with the 220th Aviation Company, the 97th Engineer Battalion has a dedicated historical folder within the CMH. Their disks are deposited and retained in the same manner as the 220th disks, in its dedicated folder.
The Command Aircraft Company (Longtrip.org) does not have a dedicated folder, as such. I was informed that this unit has all its historical disks stored within the 220th Aviation Company dedicated folder. When and if someone in the future desires to review these disks for information, they would ask CMH for them by mentioning that they are archived in the 220th Aviation Company folder.
Donald M. Ricks, Webmaster and Editor
NEW YEAR EVE PARTY, 1970:
A recent contact by family with members of the web site publication team revealed the name and a photo of CPT John Michael McKenna, deceased, who served as Area Surveillance Coordinator, XXIV Corps G-2 Air in late 1969 to early 1970. Subsequent emails from the daughter of CPT McKenna included additional service information and photos (positive ID of individuals welcomed). Based upon the information provided, we have added CPT McKenna to the roaster and share much of the story gathered over the last few weeks. A link to John's obituary is at his roster line:
John Michael McKenna died 21 June 2018.
A memorial service will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church,
9 El Pomar Road, Colorado Springs, at 1:00 PM, 21 July 2018.
A reception will follow at Phantom Canyon Restaurant at 3 p.m.
All those who knew him are welcome to attend.
Comments:
I must confess!!!! That is me in the pictures. The New Year eve bash [labled with Wesley] and the one of us bent over the map table [briefing room photo]. And now I have the face and name connected, and Captain McKenna was indeed with us. I have looked through the pics that I have but did not see CPT McKenna in any of mine. He must have come to the club some but I remember little other than him doing his job and being there when we did a briefing/de-briefing. The pictures that he had are great pictures and I am so pleased to have seen them and I have added them to my collection. think that it is a worthy and honorable tribute that LTC McKenna [John’s daughter] has taken on this task to seek and update information concerning her father and his time with the 220th.
As you know, there was no picture/information of John in our roster [that was corrected] So even now, this many years later we have another addition to the roster. What a great website we have and how grateful we all should be for you and Scott and everyone who developed it and keeps it current and active. Thanks to all!!
Daryl Wesley
You are correct regarding the [labled] picture. In [two other] pictures, I am the closest to the camera. In the [labled] picture Gene Hayes is behind me and I believe that is Carl Dreschel to the left of me as you look at the picture.
Bob Arrington
DEATH OF CW5 (RETIRED) ROBERT BROWNSON “Brown” CABELL, 30 JULY 2018:
“Richard P. Smith, fellow Catkiller and close friend advised me today that CW5 Brown Cabell was killed in a motorcycle accident on 30July2018. An informal service will be held in Parker, Colorado, 4 August 2018, at 1000 hours in the Crossroads Community Church, 9900 S. 20Mile Road. You may wish to reach out to Richard Smith at (573) 480-6178 (email: gravoistrader@hotmail.com). I will attend.
Paul Smith (Catkiller18)”
Personal note from Brown’s wife, Sandra McGuffey Cabell:“This is the hardest post I’ve ever written and I’m completely devastated, my heart is shattered. I lost the love of my life, my best friend, my wonderful husband Brown Cabell in a fatal motorcycle accident on Monday. I’ve loved him for 50 years. He was the greatest dad to his 3 kids, Jeff N Jorgi Cabell, Mike Cabell, and Erin Cabell, and best stepdad to my kids Julianne Alyssa Carter Clark, and Phillip Carter, and best grandpa to our 9 grandchildren. He will be so missed by his loving sister, Noel Cabell, and brother Michael John Cabell and many other family members and friends. He was a Army and Viet Nam vet who never met a stranger and had so many friends around the world, some he considered brothers. He told the best stories and jokes. He was the kindest, most generous man I’ve ever known, always ready and willing to help anyone. The most excellent pilot, flight instructor, flight examiner and Chief Warrant Officer ever to live. Please say an extra prayer for all your loved ones and cherish every moment you have to spend with them. Rest in Peace my sweet prince. You were my first love and you’ll forever be my last. We had a blast, had many adventures, and lived life to the fullest. Fly high and sail on into the mystic, my love. I’ll see you soon on the other side and we’ll continue our great love story.If you are able to attend the planned memorial celebration, please help honor this great American warrior and patriot. My sincere condolences to Brown’s wife, family and friends.
Please, in lieu of flowers, make a contribution, in Brown’s honor, to the Gary Sinise Foundation (www.garysinisefoundation.org) in honor of CW5 Robert Brownson Cabell.
The celebration of Brown’s life will be held at Crossroads Community Church at 9900 S Twenty Mile Rd, Parker, CO 80134, at 10:00 on Saturday August 4, 2018.”
Donald M. Ricks,
CATCOM Editor
Comments:
Goose pimples. I met Brown when we at one of those conferences I attended a long time ago. Flew a check ride with him later in the C-26. Somehow our conversation led to who we served with in Viet Nam. To our surprise the Cat Killers. As the saga unfolded he stayed in the same room that was located behind the XO’s hooch (Blanchard). He described the fortification of PSP that I [installed], in case an incoming exploded nearby. Someone had improved the furnishing, beside what was there when I left. Surprised that the little air conditioner was there. In between our stays someone must have enjoyed the comforts of home.
Neslon Kunitake
With regret, It’s extremely sad to learn of Chief Cabell’s passing. To the family, father almighty has been notified another angel is coming up beyond the sky.
Jesse Ellerby
Charles Finch donated in honor of R. Brown Cabell for Gary Sinise Foundation.
“The donation is in memory of CW5 (retired) R. Brown Cabell. CW5 Brown was a Viet Nam veteran and member of the 220th Aviation Company known as the Catkillers.”
Charles Finch
DEATH OF CW2 MICHAEL EDWARD GRACE, 17 August 2008:
Editor: Hopefully, additional photos and information will be available soon.
CATKILLER GUIDON ON PARADE IN KEY WEST, 2018:
On Veterans Day at Key West there was an unique presence guaranteed by members of the 220th Aviation Company, a tradition that started a few years ago. Paul Brennan and Carl Drechsel walked the parade route carrying the Catkiller guidon and sent these photographs to record the event:
DEATH OF GEORGE H. HAYGOOD, 28 APRIL 2010:
My brother is George Haygood who was Catkiller 18 (I believe). I have a number of memories of his training at Ft Rucker and his other assignments. George continued to fly after he was discharged. He talked to me a fair amount about his time in Vietnam and we received letters almost daily when he was there. I have always been very proud of his service and brag about him when the occasion arises. George left behind three boys who are grown up now and I’m not sure how much they know about his time in the Army. I’ve found one photo and mention of him on the Catkiller website. George remained good friends with Todd Ballard and another WO he trained with named Lane, can’t remember his last name. I do know Lane flew Mohawks in Vietnam.
George died of natural causes April 28, 2010, in Charleston, South Carolina. He was survived by his wife Jo and four sons, Josh of Colorado Springs, Colorado, John and Ben of Charleston and Will of Chicago, Illinois, and two grandchildren. Also his mother Kathryn and sister Mary Kennedy of Tallahassee, Florida, and Michael of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Graveside service was held in Newberry, Florida, where he was buried next to his father.
Just a quick history since we didn’t publish an official obituary: after George returned from his service in Vietnam he graduated from Florida State University with Bachelor and Master Degrees in Public Administration. He worked in the field of economic development for the State of Florida moving into the private sector working for several private/public utilities in Florida and South Carolina.
Michael Haygood
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
THIRD PLATOON PHOTOS, 1969–1970:
Here are two photographs of some of the 3rd platoon pilots during 1969–70. We honor the two who have passed—Mike Grace and and Scott Burke.
Added are individual names in flight line and Officers Club photos.
Thank you and again we appreciate all that you do to keep up with this.
Daryl Wesley, Catkiller 36
