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6 Feb 2012

All Ravens and Friends: It is getting close to legacy time. Many of you have avoided talking about your past "sins" and exploits in military and clandestine service. This may prove to be a disservice to your grandchildren and great grandchildren.

 I wish I had more hard evidence besides a few photos about my ancestors. I never had the discussions with them that I now wish had happened. My own children grew up in a generation where reflection on war experience was discouraged in society. Now it is acceptable.

I am convinced that it is not self-promotion or bragging to share this part of your life history with the generations that follow. You may find that they are hungry for it or become curious as the years roll on and you are not there to fill in the blanks.

Do you want your grandkids to fight over the only remaining copy of the book in your family? Will there be more grandkids or great grandkids coming down the line who will not have a copy? Is there a possibility of family breakups where mementos and records become lost to half the family?

I will be surprised if this little note does not cause a flurry of purchases for "The Ravens" book real soon. It will be difficult to order this book from the grave or even after a severe stroke if communication is impaired. It happens--not to any of us, of course, but the possibility is something to contemplate.

A book with a personal note from you will mean much more than a dog-eared used copy that your progeny might be forced to buy on Amazon.com at inflated prices when it is out of print. Favorite nephew or niece that has an interest in your experience? Don't forget them. Birthday presents? Christmas gifts? Graduation gifts? That little note you are going to write inside the book is something that money can't buy for them. Oh Yeah!  Almost forgot. You can choose to underline or flag the index for key passages about grandpa.

And finally, how can I thank Christopher Robbins enough for the work he did on this book, and the Ravens who assisted him? When he was writing it, I thought it was about us. Now I understand that we are certainly nothing but temps. It is the legacy that matters--those that we love and the historical record that can be in their hands (if you put it there). That is what counts.

Larry Ratts, "Pepsi"

1 Jan 2012

Neat pic & story, I think--

Happy New Year!

From Jim & Helen Stanford:

Cathy's crew which helped put together and run the

Kandahar AAFES Shoppette

Kandahar, Afghanistan

From left to right is Rajasekar Rajendran he is from Bangladesh he was my re-order associate he did my ordering for the store, Cecilia Solongan is a cashier she is from Philippines , Pasha Myia a stocker he is from India, Tajul Islam a stocker and he became one of my forklift drivers. He is from Bangladesh, Lawerencia Okletey she was one of my cashiers but was eager to learn things and assisted in unloading trucks, got her forklift license and was learning the ordering when I left. Lawerencia is from Ghana, Her dream has been to come to the USA and become a naturalized citizen because she wants to join the Air Force. The first Americans she ever met was at Kandahar working with Cathy and the guys in the Air Force and the Marines were always so nice to her and they treated her as a friend not someone from a different country, so she is staying in Afghanistan in order to get enough money for a VISA to the USA. Diliwar Hussian a stocker just before Cathy left she promoted him to a cashier, he is from Pakistan.

They were Hired by AAFES through Man Power Agencies(MPA) in their home countries to work for the Americans. Most of these "MPA's" have never been outside their own country but they were selected because they could speak English(to a point) and could read English. Each applied for the jobs because they are trying to better their own family back home. The average income for them in there own countries was about 5 dollars a week. They are so willing to help and make the airman, marines, soldiers, & navy feel like they are close to home and a comfortable place. They understand and support the mission of all the troops on the base and they like to joke with them so that if they can put a smile on the faces maybe with everything they see and do outside the wire won't get to them and it also gives the troops a friendly place to go.

24 Dec 2011

Hi folks,

Happy Holidays.

 It has been awhile since I updated you on the status of our O-1 and I appoligize for that.  We have been busy here all year with activities involving the North Texas Aviation Centennial.

 After your great response last spring, (51 people stepped forward and donated just over $12,000 to acquire the O-1 and brng it to Fort Worth).  At that time we estimated $6,000 to acquire and bring the airplane home and another $6,000 or so to repaint the airplane.  We still have $6,000 tucked away.

 After the aircraft arrived, we started putting it into long-term storage; removed the battery, covered the canopy, removed the plugs and such.  We started looking into its history, (still don't know much, probably Army), and looked at painting options, then the spring storms came through.  In the srping here, it is not unusual for our tunderstorms to contain hail.  All of our aircraft are outdoors, but we hadn't worried too much about hail damage since none of the other aircraft are flyers, except the O-1.  We sweated two or three of those storms and got lucky with no hail damage to our little bird.  Afterward we started thinking about and looking into some type of cover for the O-1 and our OV-10 Mockup.

 We were shocked at the first bid.  We were looking for something pretty simple that would cover 30' x 40' and keep hail off the Birddog.  The first bid came in at $72,000!!!  That was a non-starter so we looked farther and came up with an bid for $27,000, better, but too much.  We have coninued to look and have found some options with prefabbed "Butler" type buildings we can erect ourselves.  Prices for these are down in the $18,000 range and we think we can get that down lower.  Problem is, we can paint or cover but not both.  Frankly, we think it is more important to put our little treasuer under cover first. 

We have approached a local supporter who has made a very generous offer.  He has pledged up to $8,000 in matching funds for whatever we can raise for a shelter.  The prefab steel building seems the best way for us to go and the City of Fort Worth has said they will approve us putting a building up to protect airplanes.

 Once agian we are asking for your help with the O-1.  We want to cover the O-1 before we paint it and will hold the $6,000 back for painting if we can raise about $8,000 to match funds and put up a building for about $16,000 or so.  It won't be fancy, just shelter.  We don't need the money right now either, just a pledge.

 So, if you have been looking for a year-end donation, please consider helping with a "Dog House" for out Birddog.  Just drop us a note and we will take it from there and work with whatever your timing is.  Your donation is tax deductable as we are a 501(c)3 non profit.

 Have a great Christmas and please consider helping with this project ot give our Dog a home.

 Thanks,

 Jim Hodgson
Executive Director

Forward Air Controller's Museum

(817) 291-6101

www.FACMuseum.org

Dec 2011

Good Evening Sir,

My Dad is a FAC and he raised me listening to old war songs taken from Marty Robins on a reel to reel. I can still remember  the old 8mm film Dr. Dick Ramey took while flying with him over Laos and Cambodia. My Dad, “Bill Bruner”, has passed and I guess the holidays have made me a little sentimental. I’m trying to find a CD of the old Fac War Songs. I haven’t had any luck thus far on the net. My Dad was a Covey and flew OV-10’s out of DaNang.

Merry Christmas and Semper Fi,

Sgt. Clint Bruner/ 0341

1910 Flat Creek Ct

Acworth, Ga 30101

678-458-2177 Cell

Nov 2011

Sir, 

I am a USAF student at the National Intelligence University. I am researching the unique role of the Raven in supporting MACV-SOG and other SOF units who conducted clandestine and overt missions in Laos.

This research is done with the intent of illuminating historical "best practices" which can be re-incorporated into Air Support to modern SOCOM missions.

 My thesis is: "To what extent does US SOCOM require "SOF Specific"

air-support of counter-terrorism operations?" My goal is to inform a USAF readership about some of the low tech solutions and unique C2 relations which made the Ravens effective.

 Please write back and let me know if you have any operators who would be willing to assist me by providing interviews and/or primary source material.

 Maj Jeremy "Maestro" Renken

F-15E/ AFELM DIA

Jeremy Renken [jeremy.renken00@gmail.com]

Tricia Davidson

CA

October 27, 2011

 Dear Ravens and Raven family members,

 I want to thank you all for your graciousness and your warmth. John had always spoken about his RAVEN buddies as his family and I certainly understood that last year when he brought me to the reunion. The camaraderie among all of you was a joy to watch and be a part of.

 This past year you all have given me such incredible support and it truly has helped me get through some very dark days.

 I had wanted to come to the reunion this year with my son Rob to honor John, but as the time came near I began to get hesitant as I did not know if I was intruding on John’s private territory. When we arrived my fear immediately subsided as I was welcomed with such love and sincerity that it was truly overwhelming. You are truly John’s family and you are his brothers. After listening to John’s many stories, reading the RAVENS book and hearing all of you talk, I understand the bond that you all share. Clearly, you all have challenged and danced with death and are here to talk about it. I think that is why you all have such respect for life and live life to the fullest.

 During the weekend so many of you if not all of you came to me and told me something about John or of a special memory of John and then you asked me for a hug as you were all missing him too. He was there with us I promise you. I felt his presence through all of you.

 Thank you for accepting me and my son and showing us such love. Shortly after John and I were married last year he was hospitalized. Robby had flown in from New York and as he walked into the hospital room John said to Robby, “Now it’s official, you are my son!” Those were such beautiful words. Rob joined me at the reunion to be by my side and as a son to honor John. John also had the love of two wonderful little grandsons and my daughter and son in law. It was a gift I gladly gave him and he was so happy to accept. He gave me his loving biological family and he gave me his family of RAVENS. What a gift! For a short time we had a perfect world together. I guess some people never have that- we did!

 Through all of you I felt John’s spirit is alive. I would be honored to return yearly and join you. I want to celebrate your service to our country and to honor all of you and John.

 Much love to you all,

 Tricia

Oct 2011  From Chad

I got the following from an article in the November American Legion magazine.  It described a report by the National Governors Association listing the state benefits offered to veterans and service members.  Its geared to the Guard and Reserve but most of the benefits apply to all military and many apply to veterans as well.  Here is a link to the association web site discussing the survey:

http://www.nga.org/cms/home/federal-relations/nga-committees/special-committee-on-homeland-se/col2-content/list---hsps-right/state-territorial-support-for-me.html

The site has a link to the survey itself which is a 1.2MB .pdf file you can download.  The survey lays out, state by state, the benefits offered by category (education, tax, family, etc).  A nice, simple reference.

Example:  "Minnesota offers a special tax credit of $120 per month to veterans who have served in hostile fire zones".

You might find a good deal you weren't aware of!

On October 7, 2011, the Ravens were formally inducted into the Commemorative Air Force Air Combat Airmen Hall of Fame in Midland, Texas. Previous winners include Bud Day, Bernie Fischer, The AVG, Doolittle’s Raiders, the Black Sheep Squadron, Gen Robin Olds, the Airmen of Chichi Jima, President George HW Bush, Col Ralph Paar, the Tuskegee Airmen and the RAF Eagle Squadrons. Quite an honor and another big step in preserving the heritage of The Ravens. The ceremonies were attended by Ed Gunter, Tom "Waldo" King, Larry Williams and John Fuller. The 4 Ravens toured the CAF Museum, attended a luncheon, the induction banquet, Airshow '11, and had oral histories taken. A good time was had by all.

20 Aug 2011

Ravens-- Please check the Ravens-only pages. There you will find a letter from Waldo King concerning the Oct induction of the Ravens into the Commemorative Air Force Combat Airmen Hall of Fame.

Ed 

The missing Page 2 from the newsletter........

ALL AROUND

I hope everyone is making plans to attend this reunion—40 years. A lot of time, a lot of changes.

Exchanged several e-mails with Bob Dunbar. He’s retired from the FBI and living in South Louisiana. He also had a second career as Chief of Staff for a Slidell airport. He is planning to make the reunion & wants to see Smoky Greene, Karl Polifka and some others (I can’t read my notes). We got him hooked up with Mike Byers & they relived Bob’s pick-up of Mike on the PDJ. Great stuff. Even got Debra Swanson’s help to hook him up with a CAS buddy.

Thanks for the dues catch-up, Bob.

Got a nice note from John Roach along with a donation to the Scholarship in John Davidson’s memory. They got to L-39 about the same time & John R put John D in for his Silver Star.

Heard from Lloyd Duncan (Dunc) in June.  He had made it to Montana for the summer. Sadly, trips to Alaska, Ohio, Kansas, Chicago & Calgary will keep him from the reunion this year.

Paul Williams sent in advance dues plus a Scholarship donation.

Got to talk to Fr Doug Mitchell. The Rustics weren’t able to find him, so I gave a call & caught him at the grocery store. He’s doing well, staying busy with his parish. He’s remembering the Ravens in prayers and still wants to join us at a reunion.

Ray Hamilton sent in dues along with a note.  He’s sorry he missed the last reunion, but was in Viet Nam visiting his brother.  He says he WILL be at this year’s reunion.

Kent Carter reports his son is on his way to a 12 month tour in Afghanistan.

A note from Ted Liebig asks Tom Lee to contact him for a few anecdotes. (note to self: I have GOT to start taking better notes…)

Got a nice card from Charlie Felsenthal (Intell, L-39, LS 20A) He had just heard of John Davidson’s death. He sent a very generous donation to the Scholarship in memory of 8 Ravens he knew.  Details below.

Gene Hamner will be joining us at the reunion. He said brisk pencil sales at the off ramp of I-5 in Flag  City, Lodi combined with a great deal on air fares allowed this to happen. He wanted to know if he could sleep in the bed of my pick-up.

Moose Carroll, Smoky Greene & Jim Cochran all say they’re planning on the reunion.

Steve Wilson asked about John Wisniewski. Hope to see both in Oct.  Steve also helped get the Bird Dog static display from North Carolina to Fort Worth where it will be displayed.

As mentioned, Jim Cochran will be coming to the reunion. He also provided an updated e-mail address for Sandy (John) Sanderson. Thanks, Jim.  Jim has been back to Thailand, Laos & Cambodia 3 times over the last few years. He’s still flying for NetJets & filling up on Thai food.

Was good to hear from Sandy Sanderson. Here’s his account of his career:

I sorta got caught up in the thing called career after I left the Ravens and with the occasional rare crossing of paths with a few comrades I lost touch.  I'll try to provide a brief snapshot of the past 40 plus years.  I started my USAF career as an F-100 pilot, and while at Luke RTU I managed to get a fellow student pilot (Smoky Greene) intoxicated enough to spill the beans about a little known outfit called "Ravens".  While enroute to Phan Rang for my Vietnam tour I was turned around at Travis and sent to England AFB to fight the alligators in the swamps while all the Huns were pulled out of Vietnam.  After a year there and 250 hours fighter time under my belt the Army claimed me for FAC duty.  My first day after arriving at my operational unit I volunteered for the Steve Canyon Program.  The squadron commander didn't know what I was talking about but assured me he would get his exec right on it.  My tour in Laos started as Raven 24 from sometime in January '72.  I was reassigned as Raven 30 within a

http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/local/vietnam-air-force-veteran-buried-at-arlington-national-cemetery-40-years-after-death-070811#72644915-1#ixzz1RdJGn5by

http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/local/vietnam-air-force-veteran-buried-at-arlington-national-cemetery-40-years-after-death-070811#72644915-1#ixzz1RdJGn5by

7 July 2010

Air Force Pilot Missing from Vietnam War Identified <http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14636> 
Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:48:00 -0500

________________________________

IMMEDIATE RELEASE     No. 560-11
July 07, 2011    
________________________________

Air Force Pilot Missing from Vietnam War Identified


            The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

            Air Force Maj. Richard G. Elzinga of Shedd, Ore., will be buried on July 8 in Arlington National Cemetery.  On March 26, 1970, Elzinga and his co-pilot went missing when their O-1G Birddog aircraft failed to return to base from a familiarization flight over Laos.  Fifteen minutes after the last radio contact, a communication and visual search showed no sign of the men or their aircraft.  Search and rescue missions continued for two days with no results.

            Between 1994 and 2009, joint U.S.-Lao People's Democratic Republic teams led by Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, analyzed leads, interviewed villagers and surveyed possible crash site locations.  During several joint field surveys, teams recovered human remains, aircraft wreckage, and crew-related equipment.

            Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA -- which matched that of his aunt and cousin -- in the identification of Elzinga's remains.

Note from Darrel Whitcomb

Ed, Chris and I attended and joined 7 family members who appreciated having a Raven attending. The closest surviving family members were two cousins. The ceremony was professional and pro forma. Some Maj Gen presented the flag. I did not get his name. I spoke with them a bit from the "Book of Ravens," attempting to give them some feel for what Dick what have seen and done. They gave me one of the travelers checks recovered from a Pathet Lao soldier who claimed to have taken them off of his body. I scanned it in.

Here are several shots:

 Caison

 General presenting the flag

 His remains container - properly nickled and patched

 The Raven blanket and I in front of his container.

 The scanned travelers check.

10 June 2011

We are working on a display honoring the service of Charles E. Engle, Raven 26. His final resting place is about 20 miles south of our museum and we are in the process of getting his medals on loan, including his Air Force Cross, from his sister for a display. If anyone else has photos (scans are perfectly fine) of Chuck, we would love to have them to add to the display. Thank you for any help you can provide!

Matthew Simmons
Museum of the Soldier, Inc.
Board of Directors
http://www.museumofthesoldier.com/

31 May 2011

Unknown Warriors

From Fred Platt:

Thai Irregulars who served in Laos during the late '60s, early '70s hold an annual reunion in Bangkok the first part of April.  They set aside a table for SKY and their speeches each year pay great homage to the Americans they served with in Udorn and Laos.  Last year approximately 300 of the Irregulars attended.

 Mule plans to attend in 2012.  He is not organizing any group to go, but if anyone would like information on the exact date and place and an invitation, please contact Fred Platt who is also planning on going and I will forward details to Mule.

BTW, I think Steve Maxner from Texas Tech will be there and he and Mule will be getting some oral histories from some of the participants.  Ravens who worked with these troops, especially in the time frames, would be a welcome addition to add to the stories from the Raven perspective.

 From 'Code Name Mule'

Gentlemen,

Thanks for your interest in what they're calling the 333 Unknown Warriors banquet early April of next year.

 Steve Maxner has volunteered to help find the NVA commander of the two NVA divisions who attacked Thai positions on the PDJ in Dec '71 and eventually Skyline Jan and March '72.   And to help set up a meeting with that General so that we can get the NVA side of the story.  Steve has not made any comment about attending the banquet, although he very well may.

 Anyone involved in the fighting in MR II there during the '71 to '72 period would be certainly welcome (This one is not yet scheduled although the 4 previous reunions were held on either the 1st or 2nd weekend in April.)... no let me expand that.  Anyone who worked in Laos during the SEA war is welcome.

 Attached is a blurb on one of the SKY FAGS and a picture of last year's event.  There will be 50 or so English speaking FAGS attendng.

 Another side note.  During our time in Laos in the early 70s we called the locals, "Meo."  That was changed at their insistence to "Hmong" soon after the fighting was over.  And we called the Thais who did most of our fighting there in the early '70s "mercenaries" 'caused that was the way they were described to us.  They call themselves "Volunteers" now and wish to be addressed that way in English or in the Thai language they want to be known as the "Unknown Warriors."

 This banquet is a special event that actually begins around 6 am when the "Unknown Warriors" visit monks at some Bangkok Wat.  Participants return to the site of the banquet for morning BS before a hotty totty banquet lunch is served.  Before and after there are speeches and then the stage is turned over for karaoke singers which goes into the night... and exact details of the night's entertainment are not known because my contacts at the last two banquets did not get pass an hour of the karaoke. 

 Fred's comment that this is a group of former soldiers who have seen extensive combat and who love the US of A is spot on.  

We are aging out as a group.  Don't know how many other functions like this there will be. 

 Their Web site is:   http://www.uwa333.com/   Need to use the Google translator to get the English. 

From: lisalevacy@att.net
To: Edgunter@aol.com
Sent: 5/29/2011 10:36:29 A.M. Central Daylight Time
Subj: Blessings Forever to our Armed Forces

Hi there Ed.  Will you post this for the Ravens?  Can be on the public page or the private, whichever you prefer.

Dear Ravens

 God Bless you and all who have ever served, serve now and ever will serve in our Armed Forces.  Thank you.

Here are a couple of pictures of my dear Beloved Chuck Engle, Raven 26. 

He didn't come back from Viet Nam, but he is always alive and well in my heart.

                   This was taken right before Chuck left for Viet Nam 

 .     

             He gave me this dress whites shot when in Del Rio, Texas for pilot training.

He sent this from Laos while recovering; I think he was grumpy wanting to get back up in the air!

 There is a cup 'o Joe at my house for any Raven visiting Mount Shasta, California, and you are all welcome to email me.  

Of course, it would be delightful to meet any of you who knew Chuck.

17 May 2011  Ed Gunter writes:

Ravens--

There is a Facebook page, "Call Sign Raven."   http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_362088129444&id=10150187874354445#!/home.php?sk=group_362088129444&ap=1

Kin of several Ravens, to include Jim Rostermundt, Wayne Abbey, Scotty Shinn and Marlin Siegwalt have posted there, some looking for information. Have a look if you might be able to help.

The National Museum of the Air Force is having a symposium on 1-2 June, 2011, releasing 900 previously classified CIA documents. Documents generally cover CAT & AA.  Further information is available at: http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123253499

Craig Duehring is the featured speaker on the 2nd, 5:40- 6:10 PM.  Craig says he can get tickets for any Ravens who want to attend. 

Info only: VP Ceremony was at Arlington.  Friday the 13th. Apparently little or no notice ahead of time.

http://www.mercedsunstar.com/2011/05/13/1890038/arlington-ceremony-honors-gen.html

http://www.military.com/news/article/vang-pao-gets-arlington-ceremony-after-burial-snub.html?ESRC=topstories.RSS

Details are sketchy, but there will apparently be another Hmong Air Fair in Fresno over the Fathers Day weekend (Jun 16-17). They are trying to get O-1s & T-28s to attend. Stated purpose is to cheer up the Hmong community after the loss of VP.

There is a documentary out on "The Rescue of Raven 1-1. Looks like Mike Kelly is featured.  Haven't reviewed it, but the first chapter is at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STHomoYSKVU&feature=related

From: richard.williams@wso.whs.mil
Sent: 5/3/2011 6:17:51 A.M. Central Daylight Time
Subj: Vietnam War Commemoration Website has launched

 All

Our full WEBSITE launched last night. Link is below, please review especially the interactive time line and send any comments suggestions to me.

Thanks

Rich

http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/

Richard D. Williams

Director of Community Affairs & Outreach

United States of America

Vietnam War Commemoration

2521 S. Clark St, Suite 650

Arlington, VA, 22202

Office: 703-601-6082

Cell:     571-969-0666

http://www.vietnamwar50th.com

From: ctduehring@verizon.net
To: Edgunter@aol.com
Sent: 5/3/2011 9:15:10 A.M. Central Daylight Time
Subj: CIA Event

 Here is the announcement for the event at the Air Force Museum. If any of the Ravens wish to attend the festivities, I can arrange for them to participate in other receptions etc. if I know they are coming. It would be best if they would contact me directly. What do you think?

 See http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123253499

 Craig

25 April 2011

Any of you interested in working with him?

 Thanks--

 Ed

From: jonathan_clemente@yahoo.com
To: edgunter@aol.com
Sent: 4/22/2011 8:38:11 A.M. Central Daylight Time
Subj: Re: Raven Photo

20 April 2011

I am Captain Dennis E Morgan's sister and miss him very much!  He was killed in Laos 40 years ago and he remains in my heart.

Susie (Morgan) Barnes

Susan Barnes
Banking Officer, Retail Business Services 
One M&T Plaza, 14th Floor
716-842-5480
sbarnes@MTB.com

15 Apr 2011

Here is the Link for the PODCAST

NMUSAF podcast:   http://www.af.mil/shared/widgets/radio.asp?cid=129%26sid=11696

9 April 2011

Dear Ravens, 

I recently read the book by Robbins and so now I know your story.  I was born in '58 and never served.  I'm an oil and gas guy based in Houston but I've worked and lived all over Africa and Asia with Esso. 

In the early '80's I was a well sitter in NE Thailand - near the Lao border -  and we'd travel in and out of Udorn and Khon Kaen.  I knew that a lot had gone on during the war in that area but really had no idea about all of you, the CAS, 20A and so forth. Incredible.

  From time to time I'd work in our office in Bangkok and the Texan bar was a favorite hangout, and it was there I became acquainted with Pat Landry (I'm guessing that he's the one 2nd from the right in Craig Morrison picture of the CAS guys with their backs to the camera).  We knew Pat was a former CAS guy but he just smile and said he was an insurance salesman during the war!

 Anyway, God Bless you guys, God Bless America, and it would be my pleasure to buy Fred and/or others a drink next time I'm in Houston (in Abu Dhabi now).

 All the best-

 Peter Claypool

5 April 2011

CHIANG MAI, Thailand — William Young, a missionary’s son who mixed evangelical zeal with covert missions for the C.I.A. in Southeast Asia and who helped organize the “secret war “ in Laos for the United States during the Vietnam War, died on Friday at his home here in northern Thailand. He was 76.

The Thai police said he apparently killed himself. Mr. Young was found dead from a gunshot wound, a handgun next to his right hand and a crucifix in his left, the police said. He had been suffering from emphysema and numerous other ailments, his friends said.

Born in Berkeley, Calif., on Oct. 28, 1934, Mr. Young spent most of his life in the hills of northern Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, which was British-controlled Burma when his grandfather first arrived as a Baptist missionary in the late 1880s. His family converted countless members of the Lahu tribe to Christianity and became celebrated figures among the region’s patchwork of ethnicities.

Mr. Young’s father, Harold, was recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency and led intelligence-gathering forays into southern China in the years after Mao Zedong’s Communist takeover.

William Young followed his father’s path and joined the C.I.A. after serving in the United States Army. In the early 1960s, as the war in Vietnam escalated, Mr. Young assembled an army of local tribespeople in neighboring Laos, a force that at its peak reached several thousand men.

“We used to jokingly call him the American warlord,” said Bertil Lintner, an author and longtime friend of Mr. Young’s. “He was ideally placed to organize the secret war in Laos.”

Most of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, the network of jungle paths that North Vietnam used to funnel supplies southward, ran through Laotian territory. The United States wanted to interdict the supply route, rescue American pilots shot down over Laos and aid anti-Communist forces in a continuing civil war, but was hampered in doing so publicly because Laos was officially neutral. Thus, the secret war.

Missionaries were the best assets the Americans had in the region, Mr. Lintner said. “They spoke local languages and were respected.”

Mr. Young led his fighters into battles against Communist forces and directed the construction of airstrips to be used by Air America, the C.I.A.-financed airline that supplied the hill tribes with weapons and supplies. Among those he recruited was Vang Pao, the ethnic Hmong warrior who later led the C.I.A.-backed anti-Communist forces, and who died in January.

Mr. Young became disenchanted with the C.I.A. over differences in strategy. The falling out was mutual. He was dismissed from the C.I.A. in 1968 as the war in Vietnam was raging.

“He was extremely patriotic, but he felt that the American government had dealt their hand extremely clumsily in Indochina,” Mr. Lintner said.

Mr. Young went on to trade in gems, own a fruit orchard, run a guesthouse and work in Sudan as a security consultant for an oil company.

In recent years he advised the Drug Enforcement Administration on the drug trade in northern Myanmar, a hub for heroin and methamphetamine production.

Mr. Young is survived by five children and two grandchildren, said one of his sons, Jerrick Young.

29 Mar 2011

Dear Ed,

             In compliance with your instructions of 12/18/10 I have submitted a paragraph about A Duck Looking for Hunters for inclusion in the Ravens Newsletter. If you need anything more on that subject, please advise me and I’ll provide whatever else you need. I’m only a short step above illiteracy in Computer Utilization 101, but I have good kids who are in step with the current world and faithfully respond to my latest “Mayday”.

My contact with you came through the IBDA. Gene Boyle, a retired US

Army pilot and member of the IBDA, also ordered A Duck Looking for Hunters. Gene likes the book and has told members of his 114^th Aviation Company about it. Their newsletter contains the article I’ve quoted in the paragraph I’m sending for the Ravens Newsletter. I have sent you a copy of that portion of their newsletter by snail mail.

I am continuing, un-offensively I hope, my campaign for a copy of the Ravens mailing list. Chris Robbins is a polished journalist/author. He is a real professional who was not there to experience what the Ravens did. His miles of after-the-fact research enabled the production of The Ravens , published by a major national publishing company. I would guess it has sold many thousands of copies. He brings respect to the writing profession. My hat is off to him. He honorably defines what a commercial journalist/author should be.

And then there’s Dale. I am not a commercial pro. I had to learn to type and turn on a computer to pursue the task of writing a book. I’m an Air Force pilot who had a story I believed should be told. I have shared the story with a few hundred people including Air Force and Army people, extended family, friends, church acquaintances, old college friends and the like. My “publisher” is another retired Air Force pilot who has self-published three of his own books. He has helped another Air Force pilot and me to self-publish one book each. A large amount of my own money has gone into the book. I will never recover it and don’t care. My interest is in sharing the book with people who care about the story. I’m as non-commercial as I could possibly be.

I would venture that you and every Raven on the list has felt like a duck out looking for the hunters. I believe your guys will be interested in the subject material. I’d like to tell them about it. My intent is to send each member a brief cover letter and a descriptive flyer like I sent to each IDBA member.

 Best regards,

 Dale N. Amend

1225 Countryside Lane NW

Albuquerque, NM 87114

505-897-7615 

 December 31, 2010

 Dear Ed,

 For your Raven Newsletter:

            While the Ravens fought the secret war in Laos, the “in country” FACs in South Vietnam in 1965-66, controlled the air strikes scrutinized regularly in the US media. Dale Amend, a Bird Dog FAC in the O-1, flew close air support missions for US Army Green Berets in the isolated Special Forces Camps in the Central Highlands of II Corps and many other missions. A Duck Looking for Hunters is Amend’s first person true experience story. The US Army 114^th Aviation Company’s December Newsletter reports, “The widely varied stories in A Duck Looking for Hunters are educational, entertaining, uplifting, heart-wrenching and humorous.” The book can be purchased either through Amazon.com or from the author for the same price. For a signed copy send a check for $25.00 and mailing instructions to Dale Amend, 1225 Countryside Lane NW, Albuquerque NM 87114-1834. Telephone 505-897-7615.

26 Mar 2011 from                   

Donald Meek [donmeek411@yahoo.com]

          7 war stories   ( cover is here )

     I have written a book about my air force career. The autobiography includes seven

exciting or unusual flights (and a few more). The book also contains stories about

many crew positions - Engineer-gunner, B-26, Gunner B-29, Navigator KC-97,  

Bombardier-Navigator B-47, Pilot F-86L, Pilot F-89J, Pilot/Instructor EC 121 "Connie",

and Instructor Pilot T-28A, B, C and D aircraft.

     The Korean stories include an attack by a Yak 9 night fighter and the strafing and

 bombing of an ammunition train. Two "cold war" stories include the dropping of a

 simulated "H" bomb (B-47) and an encounter with a soviet "Bear" bomber.

     Intrigue and clandestine tales are revealed during air commando, Air America and

other "in country" operations during "the secret war" in Laos.

     Two dive bombing, rocket firing and strafing runs in Laos and a "pucker time"

 daylight mission on the Ho Chi Minh trail add to the suspense.

     Lessons learned in "Snake School" - survival training, are extremely valuable during

the rescue after a crash landing.

 To order:  Go to trafford.com

Type:     Seven War Stories next to Book Store, click Search.

Please advise me if you would rather download to a kindle type device or to a computer.

8 March 2011

From: zenas5@yahoo.com
To: edgunter@aol.com
Sent: 3/8/2011 11:28:40 A.M. Central Standard Time
Subj: Udorn Reunion Mt Pleasant Michigan

From: lukexiong10@gmail.com
To: edgunter@aol.com
Sent: 2/24/2011 6:18:45 P.M. Central Standard Time
Subj: Thank you!

 Mr. Gunter:

 While there are many words I would like to express, none comes close to just simply saying "THANK YOU" to all of you at  RAVENS.ORG for making available scholarships for the children of your fellow Hmong friends.

 None touches me more than giving these children the opportunity to have an equal opportunity in this country.

 I've TRIED very hard to read into my past, and each time I do, such emotions rang up like a firestorm.  Some good, some not so good.

 What I've found over the years is that we Hmong are not very much different from all you Raven folks, or the Veterans coming back from Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Burma.

 So, without going any further, let me just say again, THANK YOU for your sincere help and giving these children an OPPORTUNITY.

 Thank You All,

 Lue (Luke) Xiong

Today, 22Feb11, marks 40 years since the loss of Raven 26, Chuck Engle.

 I was sad the night Chuck died. It was the same night, I got word within hours of his crash. I tried to write to his mom then, but I think it took a couple of days before I could write anything that made sense. I remember very vividly trying to compose that letter. What can a kid of 14, say to a grieving mom? But I wanted to relay to her how very much I admired Chuck and how special he made my birthday by taking me up in his Bird Dog.

 Now, I get to relive those times that he was alive and I smile. I relish those memories, I enjoy looking back, I anticipate this day only because those good times and good people get front row seating in my daydreams. Of course I think of Chuck and so many others at odd moments all throughout the year. Absolutely each Veteran's Day and Memorial Day, but the major holidays too (because so many of the Ravens and Air Commandos would come to our house for an American meal - turkey dinner w/ trimmings). Those were the days of my youth and guys like Chuck made then unforgettable, unique, and amazing. I am one of the privileged for knowing Chuck and I do not take that honor lightly. I will never forget him!

I will toast to Chuck's memory tonight. I will celebrate the days I spent with him while he convalesced his ankle wound. I will thrill at the memories of his skill in the air. I will salute his service, his bravery, and his dedication to liberating the oppressed people of South East Asia. God Bless Him!

 Semper Fi

Britt Duncan

Air America dependant, VTE, Laos

John Davidson

John's Memorial service:

Ravens Terry Murphy, H. Ownby, Darrel Whitcomb and Lloyd Van Zee attended the memorial service and internment of John.  It was a packed house and very moving service. H. Ownby gave a testimonial on behalf of the Ravens.  The internment at the nearby Oakwood cemetery was aided by an Air Force Flag Squad that played taps and folded the flag.  10 USAFA classmates of John were also there.  We did the usual “nickel in the grass” at the coffin also.  Of note was the Raven that did a flyby during the flag folding,  squawking loudly.  H Ownby took several pictures shown below.

Ravens at John Alexander Davidson, II, Funeral

05 Jan 2011

Lloyd Van Zee, Darrel Whitcomb, H. Ownby, Terry Murphy

USAFA 1969 at John Alexander Davidson, II, Funeral

 Stan Rosen, H. Ownby, Tom Oliver, George Wood, Ed Weise, Darrel Whitcomb

 Terry Murphy, John H. Young, Steve Cherry, Gene Justin