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“What
a Ride”
By Phyllis Mong
When you are in your mature age aren’t you’re supposed to take it kinda
easy? No Way! A great opportunity came along when my son from Rhode
Island came for a visit. He came home a few days earlier than planned
to attend a special event.
The event was with the American Huey 369, an organization stationed in
Peru, Indiana, that was appearing in a Veterans celebration at Fort
Jennings, Ohio, on Saturday, August 18, 2012. American Huey 369 is a
non-profit organization that restores Vintage Vietnam helicopters.
My Son asked if I wanted to go for a ride with him at the event.
"Sure I will ride along to keep you company". Then he said no, not ride
along for company… do you want to ride in the Huey?
I did not think about age, danger or anything else… sure, Don, sounds
like fun.
On Saturday we went to the celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the
Declaration of War in 1812 Ceremony (June 18th, 2012), past and present
Ohio Veterans and the wars they fought. The event showed authentic
uniforms from the Revolutionary War and all the wars to the present
uniform currently being used in Afghanistan.
The ceremony was very moving… playing Taps, and various patriotic songs
honoring all past and present Vets. All of the spectators, young and
old, watched as the 42-year-old Vietnam Helicopter came to life. You
could soon smell the jet fuel and the whine of the turbine engine as
the big rotor blades started to move. A few minutes later the grass
blew and the Huey lifted off the ground.
The Huey went for fuel in Van Wert and returned a short time later for
the "Honor" flight. The Huey touched down on the adjacent soccer fields
surrounded by houses and more interested onlookers. Once the Huey was
situated, a "Crew Chief" (a Vietnam Veteran) came over to me, my son
and a Fort Jefferson Police Officer, and escorted us to the left side
of the aircraft.
We were securely fastened in our seat and received instructions. Once
all the passengers were situated, the "lift" started. You could hear
the engine go faster and the blades start to develop a deepening sound
and the Huey slowly lifted off the ground.
"What a Feeling!”
The Huey hovered about 10 feet off the ground, moved from side to side
and then started to gain altitude. As I looked out the wide-open cargo
door, I could see the people and buildings getting smaller and the
beautiful Ohio countryside getting bigger. The sound and wind was
something I never experienced before.
When the Huey banked to the left I was looking straight down at the
ground, then we dropped down to a few feet off the ground and then rose
just above the tree line as the pilot was flying along the terrain. One
could only imagine what young soldiers were going through as we sat in
their seats.
What I will remember for a lifetime was ending all too soon. It was
wonderful meeting all the Veterans and hearing their stories. I learned
more about the Huey in a couple of hours that I knew in a lifetime.
Thanks Don, I had a fantastic ride I will never forget!
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