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Saynasone Onephandara " Rassasy Hollywood"
 
Sad new, Rassasy Hollywood passed away or fly west on 04/07/08 at Paris, France after fighting with his illness for over a year. During my trip to Europe I visit him at his house in Southern Paris on 04/04/08 but missed him he was already taken to the hospital. The funeral was held on 04/11/08, which I also missed du to my travel schedule, was participated by many of the former RLAF pilot and personnel in the local area.
Have a Good Flight West my Friend and Brother In Arm.
Kham Phiou Manivanh, CPK Red.
 
http://www.ravens.org/images/Hollywood-1.jpg


 

It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance.

 

 

March 2008

Rescue on the Plaines des Jarres

Last year the Air America Association commissioned an original oil painting by Keith Woodcock, a noted British aviation artist.  The past president and a former R/W Chief Pilot put up the funds personally to insure the project was finished in time for display at the Nashville Reunion.  Association staff members Dan Gamblin and Patricia Sherman handled the sale, handling and shipment of the prints to mostly regular and associate association members.

The original work was presented to the CIA Headquarters - Intelligence Art Gallery where it was unveiled at a ceremony in July, 2007.  President Boyd Mesecher and Marius Burke unveiled the painting.  A senior member of the Agency received the painting and spoke to a large group of invited guests and Agency staff.

The painting depicted an encounter between an Air America helicopter and North Vietnamese AN-2 ‘Colt’ biplanes in the vicinity of Lima Site 85.  Former President George H.W. Bush personally signed 75 of the prints. 

The Air America Association wishes to continue its endeavor to ensure the CAT/Air America history remains accessible to current and future defenders of our liberty, as well as historians and those who participated during this period in aviation support to the interests of our nation’s efforts in Asia. 

President John Wiren, in consult with the officers of the Association and many R/W crew members, has chosen a scene which is a representation of many events from 1964 through 1973 where US military aircrews were rescued after encountering enemy anti-aircraft fire.  The location of this rescue is on the Plaine Des Jarres in north central Laos, but could have been anywhere in the Kingdom.  The AF A1E crew of two is about to board an H34 assisted by the F/M, while the pilot is watching and ready to pull pitch.  Enemy troops and vehicles are shown in the distance with two RLAF T-28 aircraft engaging the enemy.  A ‘Raven’ O1 is also shown observing the action. 

Many of the prints will be signed by Brigadier General Harry C. Aderholt who commanded the Air Commandos and was instrumental in developing the STOL program in the early days of Air America activity in the Kingdom of Laos.  The PDJ with several of the Jars in the background was chosen to give absolute validity to the location.  Also signing the prints will be many of the R/W pilots who were involved in similar actions throughout the years of operational activity by Air America in SEA.   Additionally, all of the surviving Air America ‘Tango Pilots’ will autograph the prints. 

Attached are early drafts of pencil drawings which will give some idea of the scope of the painting.  The association will update this information on the website and in future publications, and include a final sketch of the actual finished work.

The cost of the signed prints will be $150 including shipping, if required.  Unsigned prints will sell for $120 including shipping.  These prints will be available to Air America Association members, as well as Raven and Air Commando Association members.  It is expected that there will be a special website created to offer these prints, along with other previous aviation art works that celebrate the history of aviation, to the general public.   However, numbers are limited and once sold there will be no further prints available. Orders may be placed by sending a check or money order to Patricia Sherman whose address is P.O. Box 307, Spring Lake, NC 28390

L. Michael Kandt, General Secretary

 

 

March 2008
 
Recently I've been tracing interesting branches of my family tree. This all started back when the USAF had a precommissioning background check done on me.
That turned up some questionable family history on my mother's side. The de' Niers are descended from Normans who moved to England centuries ago. This probably would not have attracted FBI attention except for an anomaly found when comparing my birth certificate with the name I had been using.
It turned out that my parents had named me Liar Euphonius Ratts. But they always used my middle initial at home when they called my name. Therefore: "Liar E." (Say it). They told me first grade teacher that my name was "Liar E." She misunderstood and spelled it Larry and taught me to write it that way. It almost caused me to loose my commission--especially when I denied using a false name. The FBI then pointed out that I was descended from a long line of Deniers on my mother's side. I then spun a long convoluted story of spoof and charm and convinced them that I could provide an amended birth certificate to clear up the name question. I was able to draw on a long history of famous de' Niers denials for inspiration. There were the "round earth de'Niers," the "Holocaust de' Niers," and more recently the "global warming de Niers" to name some of the more renowned branches of the family.
And even today I continue to protest the assumption that I am just like the other Ravens. I still deny that I ever, ever stole a jeep.
I trust that this abbreviated version of my been up to's will suffice for now.
 

Pepsi

 

March 2008

message dated 3/7/2008 6:16:12 P.M. Central Standard Time, RAVEN 45 1972 writes:
Had the greatest visit with Don Service today. He is looking much better now than he did after Christmas. He thinks the hospice care and the new drug which expands his lungs' ability to absorb oxygen has helped. He certainly looked more like the Don of old. Good spirits for sure. Very interested in the Roper twins and what was happening with Jim and Liz and the boys.
 

Chuck Hightower

 
 
 

 

Feb 2008

CSAR 2008  ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Society of CSAR is holding their 11th annual Symposium at Moody AF Base,
(Valdosta) GA. on 13-16 May 2008 (arrive 13 May).  The event will be hosted
by the 23rd Wing.  Activities will include demonstrations, base tours, and
briefings given by veterans and current participants of the CSAR community
on significant SAR/CSAR missions from Korea to current operations. The
legendary Sandy Box and CSAR banquet will be key features. All are invited
with a CSAR interest.  More specifics will be forthcoming; contact Gene
McCormack, work: 850-283-2071/DSN 523-2071; e-mail genemac@knology.net

 

Feb 2008

Good afternoon to the Ravens and hope you're all wintering well. Lloyd and Ed, I
sent a photo and illustration of Dick and Lao backseater Phanthy to Jimmie
Butler, and he returned the attached montage that he created for the
Memorial/Reunion Committee's use. It's a very fitting and moving remembrance of
the fallen FACs. He's given me permission to send it you...post it on the Ravens
website? Apparently, he's already sent it to the Nail FAC and All-FAC webmasters.

FYI, I learned last week from a Lao internet friend that legendary LS20-A Hmong
backseater Scar's brother, Youa Bee Seng, and son are living right here in
Oakland County, Michigan. We're almost neighbors. Scar's son emigrated to the
U.S. last year after spending well over thirty years in a Thai refugee camp. I'm
told that Scar (whose real name was Vang Vjer Seng) did not die from injuries he
sustained in the crash that killed Dick, but was hunted down, captured and killed
by the NVA just after the war's end, near LS118.

I plan to call them next week and see if we can get together. As I learn more,
I'll keep the LS20-A Ravens informed; several of them flew with Scar. Perhaps I
can get enough information to document Scar's story. I'll tell them the Ravens
story and make sure they get information about the scholarship program. This part
of Michigan has the fourth largest concentration of Hmong people in the U.S., so
perhaps they can spread the word about the program in the Hmong community.  

Kindest regards,

John Ojala
Ravens Friend

P.S. Years ago, a Hmong friend who'd been studying English in my wife's Adult
Community Ed program over in nearby Rochester, Michigan, brought her a unique
gift as an expression of his gratitude...a huge sack dripping with live blue
crabs. We had two sinks overflowing with the critters and a real feast. Never
thought I'd get tired of crab.  

 

Montage 1 of KIA FACs.pdf

 



WASHINGTON  (AFPN) -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne swore in the Air Force's new assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs in a ceremony at the Pentagon Jan. 24.

Craig Duehring, a 28-year Air Force veteran, is a political appointee, heading a four-division department that deals at the policy level with Air Force MR issues. He is responsible for providing overall supervision of manpower, military and civilian personnel, reserve component affairs and readiness support for the Department of the Air Force.

"I know Mr. Duehring will do good things for (manpower and reserve affairs) and for the Air Force," said Secretary Wynne. "We will rely on his professionalism and leadership as the Air Force moves forward."

In a statement during his Armed Services committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill, Mr. Duehring spoke of the challenges he faces. 

"There is the continuing challenge of providing qualified personnel to continue to fight in the global war on terrorism," he said. "We must reduce the stress on Airmen and their families who are shouldering the burden of repeated operational rotations."

Mr. Duehring also said he looks forward to working with Airmen and trying to meet their needs.

"Our Air Force family is the most important asset we have," he said. "I will devote all of my energies to improving processes, programs and procedures used by our people to carry out their mission of protecting the citizens of the United States. I pride myself as being a good listener, and I tend to travel extensively. I will keep in touch with our Airmen and their families by seeking them out on their turf."

 

 

26 Jan 2008

FYI:  He was a "friend"

 

From: edgunter@sbcglobal.net
To: edgunter@aol.com
Sent: 1/26/2008 8:42:05 A.M. Central Standard Time
Subj: Fwd: David Harrington Died 20 Jan 08--an original Air Commando
 

 

--- Eugene Rossel <aircommando1@earthlink.net> wrote:

> Date: Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:50:06 -0800
> To: Recipient list suppressed:;
> From: Eugene Rossel <aircommando1@earthlink.net>
> Subject: David Harrington Died 20 Jan 08--an
> original Air Commando
>
>
> I was sent an email from Canada today that David
> Harrington passed
> away today.  I verified that with Hap Lutz at the
> ACA.  He died of
> compilations of his continued illness.  His wife is
> Joyce Harrington
> who runs the ACA Country Store.
>
> Dave was an original Air Commando and came into
> Jungle Jim in
> 1961.  He was a communication specialist.
>
> Gene Rossel

Jan 2008

Hi Ed,
 
I had the pleasure of flying with you a few years ago as the T-28s gathered to practiced for the Oshkosh airshow.  We were honored to have you guys join us and would like to extend an invitation to you and/or any of your group that might like to join us this year. 
 
It looks like we'll be back in Wisconsin this year after a few years in Iowa.  We are planning on Sheboygan, WI July 23-28.  Sheboygan is the home of the Lao Hmong Memorial and after a few years away, we plan on flying for them and spending a little time with them this year.
 
If there is any interest, we'd love to have you guys join us again.  It's nothing fancy but we have fun, burn up a bunch of fuel and make a bunch of noise.
 
The Oshkosh airshow follows if you have any interest in going.
 
By the way, if you guys ever want/need a fly-by for any ceremony, keep us in mind.  We have a pretty active T-28 group scattered around the country.  I can't promise anything but we'll sure try if you would like a formation over head.
 
Thanks Ed,  Take Care,
 
Jeff Clark
 
Congratulations to our own Craig Duehring.
 
The US Senate just confirmed his appointment as the top civilian AF personnel official.
Craig is no longer the acting assistant secretary for manpower and reserve affairs. He is the real thing.
 
Congrats, Craig & Terri. (She was there for the confirmation hearing, too)

18 Dec 2007

 
 
Jerry Klingaman’s retirement
After 45 years of service to our nation, Jerry is finally going to hang it up.
The ceremony will be at the Hurlburt Field Air Park on Friday, 11 Jan, 2007.  Time will be High Noon.  Ravens are invited.  For more details, contact Ed Gunter or Jerry.
 
 

17 Dec 2007 article on Laos Hmong

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/17/world/asia/17laos.html?hp
 

17 Dec 2007

 

“Gentlemen:
 
It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of another Raven.  On 28 November of this year, Jack “Spider” Webb (Butterfly 44) lost his battle with cancer and flew west.  A celebration of his life was held on December 8th with family and friends.  Any monies collected by the family are going in a fund to purchase a bench. It will be put in the park where he played as a kid growing up in Arkansaw, Wisconsin.  I would anticipate a Raven scholarship in his name next year. 
 
Ed Gunter
 
 
Thanks,
Ed

 

In a message dated 12/11/2007 10:59:05 AM Central Standard Time, Craig.Duehring@pentagon.af.mil writes:


Hearing will likely be Tuesday, Dec 18.


Craig W. Duehring
Acting Assistant Secretary
of the Air Force
(Manpower & Reserve Affairs)

Subject: Retiree could take top civilian personnel post

Retiree could take top civilian personnel post
BY: Bruce Rolfsen, Air Force Times
12/11/2007

A retired colonel who earned a Silver Star is in line to become the next top civilian Air Force personnel official.

Craig W. Duehring, who retired from Air Force in 1996 after nearly three decades in uniform, was nominated for the post by President Bush.

From 1969 to 1971, Duehring flew more than 800 combat missions as a forward air controller in Vietnam, including a tour as part of the then-secret Raven FAC mission.

Duehring went on to fly fighters and retired in 1995 after serving as the air attaché with the American Embassy in Indonesia, according to his Air Force biography.

As a civilian, Duehring was executive director of the conservative Patrick Henry Center for Individual Liberty and a member of the Bush-Cheney transition team following the 2000 election. In 2001, he came to the Pentagon as the Department of Defense's deputy assistant secretary for reserve affairs.

During the summer of 2007, Duehring was named the Air Force's acting assistant secretary for manpower and reserve affairs. In November, Bush nominated Duehring to officially take the post if the Senate confirms him.

The civilian post hasn't had a permanent holder since July 2006.

In 2006, Bush nominated Anita K. Blair, who serves as a personnel official with the Navy.

During her confirmation hearing in July 2006, Blair was challenged by the Senate Armed Services Committee's senior Democrat, Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., for opposing men and women practicing together during basic training and for her membership in conservative organizations.

The Senate didn't confirm Blair. A second attempt in 2007 to have Blair approved for the Air Force post ended in September when her nomination was withdrawn. She continues to serve as a deputy assistant secretary with the Navy and has been nominated to become an assistant secretary of the Navy.
 

Nov 2007

Still searching for anyone who was acquainted with my brother, Richard E. (Dick) Shubert.  I would like to record some things in the family history.  Dick died a few years after returning home, so I cannot ask him these things.  Thank you.

RSmith2111@aol.com
 

Sept 21, 2007

Message From Bob Gorman (Jake 44) FAC Association Treasurer

Fellow FACs, 
 
If you are interested in going to the Apr 2008 Aussie FAC Reunion in Canberra and would like to include a tour of New Zealand and Australia, please read on.
 
A group of us have worked with Donna Reyher, Davis Travel and Tours, Niceville, FL to set up a tour (see Attachment) that includes New Zealand, Australia and the FAC reunion.
 
Tour Dates: 7-29 Apr 2008 (FAC reunion dates: 23-28 Apr 2008)
 
Price: The tour price quote on the attached flyer ($6399) is based on round trip from LAX, a minimum of 30 people going, and covers just the tour portion of the trip.  The FAC reunion portion of the trip is extra. You have to register for the FAC reunion, make your own reunion hotel reservations and sign up for the reunion events you want to attend.  A website is available to make reunion hotel reservations in Canberra. Mac Cottrell, Reunion Chairman, says he should have a reunion registration form ready on the FACNET by Mid-Oct. 
 
Interested? If you’d like to join us for this trip, please get in touch with me at rustic19@cox.net and I’ll provide you additional information. Reservations will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Please review the attached Flyer for more instructions. 
 
Tour Group Size: The maximum tour size is 40. This is a travel coach limitation. If we get at least 60, then we’d have two buses for the land portion of the trip.
 
Who’s Coming: To date, we have 20 confirmed reservations (deposits received) from:
 
Mike & Jean Burke, Denny & Anne Crouch, Lendy & Sue Edwards, Jerry & Kay Hall, Jimmie & Bette Hardee, Claude & Tona Newland, Fred & Mary Pumroy, Nancy Sleigh & Marcia Siebert, Dale & Ina Thompson, and Karl & Luella Wheeler
 
Reservation/Deposit/Passport Photo Page: A $500 per person deposit is required (See Flyer.)  Send deposit to Davis Travel per instruction on the Flyer along with a copy of your passport photo page. The photo page is needed to insure the names on all the paperwork matches.
 
Time is of the Essence: Again, everything is on a first-come, first-served basis, so time is important in case we have to restrict the tour to the first 40.
 
Need a Roommate? If you’d like to go, but don’t want to pay the single person override ($1,000), let me know. Perhaps we can put you in touch with someone else who needs a roommate. 
 
If you ‘d like to join the tour at the beginning in New Zealand, contact Donna Reyher to see if this is possible.
 
This should be a trip of a lifetime. Come join us. The Aussies have been given warning, the Yanks are coming!
 
Cheers,
 
Claude Newland
Rustic 19      
850-654-2955

2 November update:

AUSTRALIAN FORWARD AIR CONTROLLER GROUP

REUNION 2008

http://www.ravens.org/Registration Package-011107.doc

 

Link to MAP

 

 

 

 

Aug 2007

Subject: Veteran's can now salute the Flag instead of holding their hand over their Heart

 
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today praised the
passage by unanimous consent of his bill (S.1877) clarifying U.S. law to
allow veterans and servicemen not in uniform to salute the flag. Current
law (US Code Title 4, Chapter 1) states that veterans and servicemen not
in uniform should place their hand over their heart without clarifying
whether they can or should salute the flag.

"The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one's
military service," Senator Inhofe said. "Veterans and service members
continue representing the military services even when not in uniform.

"Unfortunately, current U.S. law leaves confusion as to whether veterans
and service members out of uniform can or should salute the flag. My
legislation will clarify this regulation, allowing veterans and
servicemen alike to salute the flag, whether they are in uniform or
not".

"I look forward to seeing those who have served saluting proudly at
baseball games, parades, and formal events. I believe this is an
appropriate way to honor and recognize the 25 million veterans in the
United States who have served in the military and remain as role models
to others citizens. Those who are currently serving or have served in
the military have earned this right, and their recognition will be an
inspiration to others".
 
 

7 June 2007

AUSTRALIAN FAC REUNION 2008
 

American and New Zealand FACs are invited to attend the 2008 Australian FAC Reunion in CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA from 23 to 28 April 2008.  Canberra is the Federal Capital of Australia and is located 290 km (3½ hour drive or about an hour flight) south-west of Sydney
 
Wednesday 23 Apr 08.   Attendees arrive in Canberra.  Registration will be pm hours at Rydges Lakeside Hotel.  An informal reception will be in the in the Lake Huron Room from 6.00pm.   40 standard double and 20 standard twin share rooms have been reserved at Rydges Lakeside for the reunion and a web site for accommodation will soon be up and running.   
 
Thursday 24 Apr 08. A morning guided tour of the Australian War Memorial’s Treloar Conservation Centre at Mitchell has been approved for the viewing of OV-10 67-14639 which was recently recovered from the Philippines for eventual restoration and display.  Guided tours of the Australian War Memorial (AWM) are also planned.  With the CBD within easy walking distance, there are many opportunities to take in city shopping and Canberra’s famous attractions.  In the evening, Ken Semmler has offered host another wine tasting of St Jakobi wines at Rydges Lakeside.
 
Friday 25 Apr 08. This day will start with the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the AWM starting at 4.15am.  Following this will be a breakfast in the ANZAC Hall of the AWM.  Mid morning, we will participate in the ANZAC Day March and our group will have a prominent position in the march.   The National Commemoration Service will follow and hopefully there will be a flypast of O-1 and O-2 aircraft at the conclusion of the service.   Australian Veterans wear their honours and awards (Medals) at this service and the standard of dress is usually sports coat and tie.  A BBQ luncheon will be held at the Federal Golf Club and visitors may see kangaroos on the course.   The evening is free.
 
Saturday 26 Apr 08. A bus trip is programmed to the Temora Aviation Museum for a flying display that includes the O-1, O-2, A-37s and other warbirds.  This will be a long day, a three hour bus trip each way and a great three hour flying display.   Alternate activities are at own discretion.   The evening is free.
 
Sunday 27 Apr 08. Sunday is a free day with activities at own discretion.  A semi formal dinner with guest speaker will be held at Rydges Lakeside.
 
Monday 28 Apr 08. The concluding event of the reunion will be a Commemorative Plaque dedication taking place at 10.00am in the Western Courtyard of the AWM and concluding with a flypast of O-1 and O-2 aircraft.  A morning tea will follow in the Courtyard Gallery.  One hour guided tours of the new Post 1945 Gallery in groups of ten will be available.  Departure at own discretion – visit other locations (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane etc) or even stay longer in Canberra.
 
Other Attractions in Canberra  - see www.visitcanberra.com.au
- Government House
- Canberra Explorer Bus – see www.canberradaytours.com.au
- Brindabella Wine Tours
- Old Depot Markets – Sunday Mornings
- Glassworks Gallery at historic Kingston Powerhouse
- Federal Golf Club – for golfers
- Australian Zoo and Aquarium
- Embassy Homes
- Black Mountain Tower
- Parliament House
- Old Parliament House (National Portrait Gallery)
- National Gallery
- National Museum
- Federation Square & Cockington Green
- Lanyon Homestead
- Australian Mint
- Lake Dinner Cruise – capacity may be a limitation
- Hot air balloons
 
Registration. A registration form for the reunion will be distributed by October.  In the meantime, please register you intention to attend so that you can be kept up to date with reunion details.  Coordinator for the Aussie Reunion is:
 
Mac Cottrell (Sidewinder 34) at macthfac@tpg.com.au or by mail to 3 Gratwick Street GOWRIE ACT 2904 AUSTRALIA or by phone: 61 2 62914080 (H) or 61 2 0411443158 (M)
 
YOU WILL NEVER, NEVER KNOW IF YOU NEVER, NEVER GO
 
COME AND TRUELY ENJOY AN AUSSIE EXPERIENCE