282nd ASSAULT HELICOPTER CO.

Greetings fellow Cats.  Have not checked in on the site for a long time.  I just wanted to say hello, stay well, and best wishes from sunny, but a bit wind blown, Florida.  John 69-70

The flight jacket below was restored by Bob Ford for Joseph Albert Reichlin's sister. She is going to place it in a museum in honor of Joseph.

I served with the 282nd assault in 1970. I was gunner on uh1 models hueys. I used to get the black cat newsletter by mail and for some reason it stopped coming in. I have tried to see the roster but the pass word I put in wont work. Has it been changed? It used to be zippo. I used to be able to communicate with the guys I served with but now I am unable to. I would like for some one to call me at 432-209-2070 since I can not access entry into my E-Mail for some reason. I also would like to pay any dues that are required to become a member of my family once again. By the way, they nicknamed me pinchie, that's what everyone knew me by. My home address is 306 S E Ave E   Seminole, Texas 79360. I am interested in buying caps and mugs from our unit. I attended the reunion in San Antonio back in the 90s and was glad to see my brothers once again. I would like this info so I can attend future reunions. I thank You ahead of time for helping me out. Thank You and God Bless

Another Brother has left this Earth and is now in the big Hangar in Heaven. Heidi Atanian passed away Monday morning September 18th. Heidi fought a long battle but now he is at peace. Calling hours are Sunday September 24th from 2:00-5:00pm at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield Street, Chicopee, MA. A funeral service will be held on Monday, Septemper 25th from 9:30-10:30am at the funeral home followed by a committal service ath the Massaachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 11:00am. On behalf of the 282nd Black Cats our prayers and condolences to Heidi's family. May you rest in peace Brother.

Lets keep all of our Brothers and their family in our prayers who were affected by Harvey and Irma. If you know of anyone who was affected please let me know.

Brothers, one of our Brothers is in poor health, Heidi Atanian. Lets keep him in our thoughts and our prayers. His wife, Bonnie, said you can contact her at 413-782-7531 if you wish to check on his status.

I was with the 43rd Army Postal Unit, located fairly close to you guys at DaNang. I got to ride with you once to Quang Naigh, I have the utmost respect for you folks. I hope all is well with you - everyone.

Just returned from the the Khe Sanh Vets annual reunion in Cleveland.  Members are from all services, and civilians who lived in the Khe Sanh area.  During the reunion week one of the members spoke  of an aviation museum in the Atlanta area.  It was run by former Army personnel.

The member, former Marine, heard my conversation about trying to find out who were these military people in these helicopters who would stage at  the Khe Sanh combat base landing strip.  A question I had been posing for decades at our reunion.

Milton Jones, a friend, and fellow Khe Sanh Vet, advised that this aviation museum dealt with a lot of helicopter displays.  This was last Saturday night at our dinner.  And yesterday on Tuesday he spoke with Glenn Jones, who is a member of a local Viet Nam Vets business association, and one of the curators of the aviation museum.

Eureka!!!!! Not only did Glenn Jones know that the unit was the 282nd Assault Helicopter Co., Glenn Jones had been a member of the "Black Cats".

As a marine that was stationed at Khe Sanh for over year, I could not understand no one could not remember these helicopters, sometimes it seems like dozens of choppers, would take off to a secret location, and return all shot up, loaded with wounded and dead.

No one would say where they were going or where the 282nd Assault unit was coming from.  I pulled up your sight and had flashbacks.

Next August 12-19 2018 the Khe Sanh Vets are meeting in Washington, DC. Your museum will be the first stop on my intinerary, if I don't visiting before then.

Staff Sgt

George Peterson

1/26 Comm. Repair Platoon

Thank you. 

Received a phone call from Edwin "Bugz" McPherson's sister and she informed me that Bugz had a stroke last year and is paralyzed on one sided of his body. He is doing well and we wish him a speedy recovery. Needless to say his spirits are running low and if wish to call him, his phone number is 731-694-1478.