Sorry to report that another Brother has left this earth and now flying among the angels. Dan Loy left us on May 22, 2014 and he will be missed. Our sympathies go out to his wife Jan and the rest of his family. Rest in peace Brother.
John, shoot me an email with your address and phone number so we can add it to the roster
Tis' interesting. I always feel like an interloper here even though I was Black Cat member early on. I was one of those who had no contact with the Da Nang group, but served as a doorgunner in the central highlands at Camp Holloway in the flight platoon that supported the 52nd CAB. We were originally 2nd Platoon, 172nd AHC and in June of 1966, we became the 2nd Platoon, 282nd AHC and even got the Black Cat Patches (still have mine!).
Going through the roster and cross referencing it to some of the orders that I still have, only 6 of us show up on both:
Richard Coleman
James Fallon
David Mawae
Ronald Moyer
John Sackis
B. L. Tinker
If there are others, I would really like to hear about it. Thanks, and welcome home!
another good man and Vietnam vet passed away this morning 0130 15Jun2014, name Alfred Jackson (AJ) Stevens, served as a Helo Gunner in the Black Cat squadron from approximately 1968-1969. left behind a wife, two children and 5 grandchildren respectively. he will be buried in the houston memorial cemetery some time next week.
Frankie, Sorry to hear of the passing of AJ. Shoot me an emial with his family members phone number and address. I want to send a sympthy card on behalf of the 282nd to his family.
Frankie, thanks for letting us know about A.J. We were pretty close in Nam, in fact he was one of the guys who took me to "Danang Main" when I ETS'ed and is pictured in the Black Cat Youtubes. We have been sharing Emails for years and he will really be missed.
Thinking of the guys we lost "in country", the Black Cats we have lost since and the bond we share on this Memorial Day weekend.
Hello I am Looking for any pics of my brother Manuel Jose Delatorre. Thank You Diane Rowe
I am the younger brother of WO Gerald L McKinsey Black Cats helicopter pilot killed in action 1968. Just want to say thank yu to all who remember him.
Tim, I knew your brother. Always remember his smile. As the president of my high school class I have been a push to honor veterans. At our 50th reunion in 2012 we gave 4 $1000 scholarships to deserving graduating seniors. Since then we have continued the tradition and try to award at least one scholarship at the alumni banquet. Last year we honored a local family that just happened to be the high school guidance officer that happened to have 3 children serving. 2 sons and a daughter. I flew gunships in the 282nd and was stationed at Marble Mountain. Sometimes when your brother overnighted in Danang he stayed with us in the gun hooch. I have several pictures I could send you. Also with your permission I would like to honor his memory by presenting our scholarship this year in his name. I still have my Black Cat hat your mom and dad gave to us at the 1st 282n reunion at The Lake of the Ozarks. You know our motto is ti never forget. James McGuire Alley Cat 7.
Another Brother has left this Earth and is now flying with angels. Louis Irving George passed away Jan 13th. How we found out his wife was at the local VFW and saw a Black Cat hat on a table. It belong to John Krite and she told him of Louis's death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Rest in peace brother. When John Krite called me and told me of Louis's passing he also told me that he had to have carotid surgery. I am happy to report that the surgery went well and John is recovering nicely. John we all wish you a speedy recovery.
This is Bill Giles 69-70 wishing everyone a Happy New Year
Received an email regarding your VA id card. It has been discovered that if you scan the bar code on the VA Id card it will reveal your social security number. The VA is investigating and plans on maybe issuing new cards sometime in 2014. So what ever you do be careful who scans your VA card.
