282nd ASSAULT HELICOPTER CO.

Welcome to The Cat House

ray jennings - Tuesday, 19 April 2016 15:58

Jerry Staggs update:

Jerry slept well last night. Oxygen levels stayed in the 90's. Got a new Pulmonary Dr. yesterday, ran an overnight test and will run more tests today. His pain level is bearable (he has a very high pain tolerance) just needs pain meds once or twice a day now so he is getting restless. That is all I know for now. Will let you know more when I do.

jchrishaney@yahoo.com - Monday, 18 April 2016 17:52

anyone remember McBrides copilot and when he died ..or if...my memory is getting soggy....seems like last time I saw Mac his copilot had been KIA down south of marble mountain in the same vil I had gone on mission with he and crew ....maybe left door gunner had taken a round in the mouth ..cheek....could someone tell me their names....anyone know if Mac died of natural causes or accident ....wish I had found him before...crazy that I lost touch with so many good men for so long....for people that I never even told I was in DaNang and didn't really care....thanks Seabee Chris Haney

ray jennings - Monday, 18 April 2016 06:25

Jerry Staggs is still in the hospital recovering from his accident. He is still having breathing problems. He hopes to see a breathing specialist today to see what can be done to help his breathing.

ray jennings - Friday, 15 April 2016 15:04

Just returned from visiting Staggs in the hospital. For those of you who does not know, Staggs crashed his helicopter last Friday April 8th. He failed to unlock the tail rotor so when he lifted off he started spinning with no control. On crash landing he broke his back. He is having a little trouble breathing so he is hook up to oxygen. The doctor said today that they will try to take him off the oxygen so he can walk a little more each day and if he is breathing good the doctor hopes to release him Monday. When Jerry crashed he clipped the corner of his house and knocked the top of a tree that Letta has been wanting him to cut down the last couple of months. Letta said that was an expensive tree trimming. The xray technician after looking at Jerry's xrays, said it look like he had been in a war zone. Heck I told Jerry he was safer in Nam. I will post any updates as I receive them.

ray jennings - Friday, 25 March 2016 09:42

Visitation for Bill Phares will be tonight March 25 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home and grave side service will be March 26 at 4:00pm at the Evergreen Cemetery.

I hope everyone has a Happy Easter>

ray jennings - Thursday, 24 March 2016 08:47

I just learned that Bill Phares passed away March 20, 2016. Our condolences to Bill's family and friends. May you rest in peace Brother.

Randy Hays - Wednesday, 23 March 2016 01:59

got your message. Sent contact info. Good to hear from an old friend

Bob Wilz - Wednesday, 23 March 2016 00:06

Sorry Randy didn't leave my address e-mail it is bobwilz51@hotmail.com also remember you Fred Sepeda.

Randy Hays - Wednesday, 23 March 2016 02:02

good to hear from u. check your hot mail for my info.Nice to hear from an old friend

Bob Wilz - Tuesday, 22 March 2016 23:56

Randy Hays, contact me, I have been looking for you Buddy

Kelly Simmons Bethel - Monday, 07 March 2016 21:03

Just found this site. I am the daughter of Black cat 21, Joel Simmons. I went to 2-3 reunions with dad and mom when I was younger. It is interesting to see pics and information again. 

Thank you all for all you did for America. It makes me so sad, and mad, how things are going here now. Hang in there, guys.

Kelly (Simmons) Bethel