OKLAHOMA CHAPTER
Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association
Gentlemen,
OKVHPA NEWSLETTER 2 nd Quarter, 2018 SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2018 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM OKVHPA PICNIC - THE 2ND QUARTERLY MEETING The next OKVHPA meeting is scheduled for Saturday, June 2, 2018 at Gary and Janice Elliott’s. Recall they hosted a cookout/picnic 2 years ago.….a great event…..and now they are doing a repeat. It scheduled at their home just east of Oklahoma City, past Arcadia Lake, on the north side of IH 44. The address is 10600 NE 150th, Jones, OK 73049. Easy to find, easy drive. The Elliott’s’ have a great setting….outdoor kitchen (with cookers) and pavilion around a swimming pool and a pond for fishing. For those that know Gary, recall in SEA he flew for Charlie Company, 158th Aviation Battalion, 101ST Airborne Division, call sign Phoenix. These Phoenix guys will never miss a good party and about a half dozen of those old warriors are also scheduled to attend. Plus he’s made arrangements for a special surprise musician friend (formerly played with Glen Campbell) to play guitar. Burgers and Brats will be provided and those attending are asked to bring side dishes. This is shaping up to be a good one….better make your reservation early. Contact Gary via email (colonele06@hotmail.com) or reply thru this webpage if attending. Remember spouses are welcome. More details will follow as we get closer to the date. 1 st QUARTER MEETING Our 1st Quarterly meeting of 2018 was held at the Military History Center in Broken Arrow, OK on Saturday, April 7, 2018. The weather was not in our favor with blowing light snow and freezing temps but by midmorning the roads were fine and we did have enough brave souls attend that helped make the event a success. After having lunch at a nearby restaurant, we walked across the street to the Center for a business meeting then took a tour the Center with its many displays etc. If you haven’t had an opportunity to tour the Center, it would be worth the effort. It’s staffed by veterans who are very knowledgeable and helpful and would be more than happy to show you around. OTHER MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES As mentioned in previous newsletters, Mike Sloniker is very active in supporting the state ROTC Programs at Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma and Cameron University plus the two large schools in Kansas, University of Kansas and Kansas State University. By using his military experiences and the knowledge obtained as a career officer, and also being the Historian for the VHPA, he is able to provide guidance and direction to those Cadets. He also spends a great deal of time and effort to raise funds from various veterans groups and organizations that help provide generous scholarships to qualifying cadets. In addition, thru his efforts, he has been able to obtain funds to purchase shoulder boards for those Army cadets going into the Aviation Branch which are presented OSU ROTC Presentation. L to R: C.W. Kennedy, Tom Payne, Mike Sloniker, Jim Mitschke. to them prior to graduation. Mike always welcomes volunteers to help with these efforts should you have an interest. Please contact him. As detailed above, the 2nd Quarter meeting will be the picnic at Gary Elliott’s home then in September we’re planning the 3rd Quarter meeting at Bill Meeks Hanger at Jones Airport in South Tulsa. More details will follow as we get closer to the date but it’s scheduled to begin around 11:00 am and we’ll have a grill for our ‘Meat Burn” of burgers and hot dogs. Recall Bill owns a very nice OH-23 Raven and has promised to crank it up for some short hops around the traffic pattern. Last thing, this fall West Point will be playing OU in football in Norman on Saturday, September 22nd. In discussing this with the commander of the ROTC at OU, mention was made that the Golden Knights will also perform and plans are underway to make this a special day for Army fans and veterans to include a huge tailgate party. Our OKVHPA members will receive a special invitation. More will be posted as plans develop. VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOT CREWMEMBER MONUMENT DEDICATION For those who have not seen or were unable to be in Washington, DC to attend the dedication of The Helicopter Pilot and Crewmember Monument, you have the opportunity to view the complete ceremony. C-SPAN 3 will air their coverage on the following dates and times: • May 05, 2018 11:00pm EDT • May 06, 2018 11:00am EDT • May 06, 2018 5:00pm EDT If these times are not convenient or you do not have access to C-SPAN 3, there will be a webcast at the following URL: https://www.c-span.org/video/?444203-2/vietnam-helicopter-pilot-crewmembermonument-dedication The web version will be posted after the last regular airing on May 6 th Tom Kirk – VHPA Legacy Committee. Please keep updated via our FB page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/okvhpa/ In planning our meetings and other activities, we need the help and input of all members for ideas, places, events and other suggestions which would be of interest and they don’t necessarily have to be to the Oklahoma City or Tulsa metro areas. Don’t be bashful to send your ideas. This News Letter will be updated at least quarterly and/or as plans, events, and other news worthy items occur. Communicating is critical to having success as a Chapter. Remember, we need ideas and suggestions.
Past meetings
Our next meeting is June 18th at Van's Pig Stand 717 Highland St in Shawnee, OK at 11:30 AM until about 1PM then those interested will go to the museum for a military art display.
Huey on Display at Shawnee Veterans Park.
Our May meeting in Supulpa was a success with 3 new members and a tour of the airport where Hueys are being restored.
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Past meetings
April 18th meeting was at Johnnies Charbroil
Address: 2653 W. Britton Rd in OKC.
11 AM till 1PM
Address: 2653 W. Britton Rd in OKC.
11 AM till 1PM
The December dinner meeting was a success. About 35 folks attended and we all enjoyed the hospitality. I wish to thank the Timber Lodge Grill for their willingness to put up with us and provide us a nice location, good food and reasonable prices. If you took any pictures that you would like posted Email them to judgelyons@cox.com
October 18th meeting
Our October meeting was held at Johnnies Charbroiled Burgers on October 18th. Our guest speaker was Gary Banz a state representative and director for the Oklahoma Honor Flights. We discussed inviting the group that meets on the 1st Saturday of each month at 8am at Duffy's restaurant in Broken Arrow to affiliate with us (their VN veteran members). Those interested are invited to go to the November breakfast with John Gaines and Rock Lyons and meet with them.
A committee was formed to find an appropriate place for a December dinner meeting in the 1st week of December. Stay tuned for updates.
A committee was formed to find an appropriate place for a December dinner meeting in the 1st week of December. Stay tuned for updates.
