Got Parts? 
64-13948 in her revetment at Hotel 3 in Saigon
Got the 19 shot rocket tubes on her today. 1970 – Nha Be, Republic of Vietnam
In the past few years, some of us have been “reunited” with one of our old mounts and one which I piloted in two of the stiffest fights I engaged in. She was born a Bell UH-1B helicopter and has underwent several updates, modifications, and repairs over the course of her lifetime. Now she needs some major assistance from us.
A couple of pieces of Plexiglas from one of her overhead “green house” windows has been in my scrapbook, seen elsewhere on this site, since December of 1970; memorable souvenirs of one of those firefights. I actually observed the fellow aim his ChiCom SKS carbine and shoot it at me. Personally. Bam! Right across the top of my helmet and out the green house! So it’s with more than a passing interest I have in the old girl. In August of 1971, after spending about two years with us, 948 was transferred to the Seawolfs, the famous Navy gun team who shared their facilities with us at Nha Be and flew into additional adventures. From there, her career became a little checkered, but she still served Uncle Sam well. Unfortunately, retirement has not been kind to her.
After the war she starred in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s sci-fi flick Terminator 2: Judgement Day! It was obvious she was still suffering from PTSD like so many Brothers are plagued with.
Thankfully, she looks better now than back then, but she is in dire need of more TLC. She stays at Ken Eward’s Wisconsin farm and is one of two Vietnam war birds (the other flew with the Robin Hoods) being assisted in their old age by the Vietnam Helicopter Conservation League. The IRS has confirmed that the VHCL is a charitable organization whose mission is to repair and restore these two Vietnam veterans .
They are slowly being returned to appear as they did when they served with the Razorbacks and Robin Hoods. Many parts have been obtained to repair these two, but unfortunately more are needed. I love this old girl and am not too proud to ask for help, so guys, if you’d like to turn a wrench, donate any Huey parts, or even have a little spare change for the old girls, we would certainly appreciate whatever assistance you could render.
VHCL honcho, Ken Eward, on a parts run in Missouri.
Parts out of Pennsylvania.
“Rusty” Lockwood, former 120th AVN CO Crew Chief lending a hand.
Former Razorbacks Crew Chief, Eric Anspaugh, found a much needed stinger cover.
Some donated gauges for the instrument panel. Not enough, but a pretty fair start.
Steve Bookout, an ex-Razorbacks pilot, persuading an airspeed indicator that it wants to go home with him.
Or you can contact me at toadhall@pcpartner.net!
To help raise funds for 948, the VHCL will send one of these 4 X 6 multi-colored bumper stickers to you for your donation of $10 or more. Get yours today! For additional information, please contact the administrator at the email address listed above. Make out your check to VHCL and send it to:
Steve Bookout
1600 W. 14th St. S.
Newton, Iowa 50208
or use Pay Pal to toadhall@pcpartner.net.