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
I received notice this morning that our great Brother Roland Hall (67-68 Maint) passed away February 7, 2026. Our prayers are with all his family. Rest in Peace Brother
I have just seen the obituary for Michael Barnett (69 Pilot). He passed away January 17, 2024. Our deepest condolences to all his family. Rest in Peace Brother.
I receive notice that our Brother Troy Long (68-69 Crew Chief) passed away June 20, 2025. Please keep his family in your prayers. Rest in Peace Brother
I have just been informed our Brother Richard Crabtree (69 Crew Chief) passed away May 11, 2025. Please continue to keep his family in your prayers. May he rest in peace.
Today is National Vietnam Veterans Day. A day to remember and honor all the men and women who served in Vietnam. I personally want to thank you for your service, honor you, and welcome home all my Brothers of the 282nd Assault Helicopter Company. I am proud to have served with many of you. We left Vietnam but Vietnam has never left us. NEVER FORGET
