I just received an email stating our great brother Walter Grinnell (66-67 Gunner) passed away April 18, 2026. our condolences to all his family. Rest in Peace Walter.
I received an email stating we have lost another Brother in the 282nd AHC. John Scoggins (66 XO) passed away October 12, 2025. Please remember his family in your thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace Brother
With heavy heart, I wanted to inform you the Ralph V. Moffett (COL) passed away December 22, 2025. He served in Vietnam in 1965 227th Ave Sec Leader and then again in 1968, first as Company Commander with the 282d Avn Co and secondly with the 212d Avn Bn as the S-3. To those who served with Ralph, he was affectionally (tongue in cheek) known as "Silent Sam". A beautiful individual and forever in my heart. Thank you. Jennifer Moffett
Hey Ray my Father Robert Dioguardi has told me the story many times i believe the year was 1966 October they had gotten word they where going to deploy from Fort Benning (Lawson Field) they had three choices of names Cougar, farm hand or Black Cat, see we lived off base in Columbus and he came home i heard him talk to my mom and she had picked up a Halloween decoration kit for the front door the kit had a yellow moon with a black cat with jointed legs and tail with red eyes and he fashioned in to fit inside the yellow moon taped it down and traced it on to paper thats why the original ones look ragged around edges
took it to lawson field and pit it on the radio compartment door and showed the CO and he approved it you may text me if you like at 704-681-8134 or 904-328-8278
Joe Dioguardi
I moved recently and I just wanted to know How to make a change of address & cell number.
Sam Potts 66-67 #736
Honor what was given.
They put on the uniform.
They answered the call, knowing the risks.
They stood beside their Brothers ans Sisters in arms.
They made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.
Beyond what was lost, let's remember all they gave.
Let's not forget our 24 Brothers of the 282 who gave their all for our country.
Yes Joseph I would be interested to hear the story how your father designed the Black Cat patch.
Ray Jennings
My name is Joseph Dioguardi I was just wanting to reach out to the people who where in the 282nd (Black Cats) my father Robert L. Dioguardi is responsible for crea the emblem that’s on the radio compartment if you care to know how it came about I’ll explain how, you can reach out to me via my email joe_dio@yahoo.com
