Vietnam Helicopter Pilot Returns to the Air in Class with Combat Helicopters

On October 3, 2020 Combat Helicopters, LLC, a Wisconsin based benevolent organization, made this Vietnam vet's dream come true by granting him his first ride in a Huey in over 40 years. He's my dad and I was happy to get to ride along to tell the story. Thank you to Barry and Sam Hammerback for the their deft pilotage and Crew Chief Dave Mattsson for taking care of us in the back.
Music is, of course, Steppenwolf's Magic Carpet Ride. Used according to KZbin's rights policy.

[@michaelweeks9317]

And for a brief wonderful moment he was 23 again.....

[@tomservo5347]

I'll always picture Vietnam veterans as in their late 30's, early 40's like when I was a kid-now they're like WW2 veterans were to me.

[@zabercrombie24]

Funny, I was literally thinking the same .

[@tomservo5347]

@Matt Hooper It's crazy whenever I think about my grandma and her favorite 'Uncle Billy' relative who would stay with them during the summer. He was a Civil War veteran. My Dad remembers as a kid during the 50's the old 'doughboy' WW1 veterans always leading the parade-and my grandparents remembering Civil War veterans leading it when they were kids.

[@blaircrocker9845]

I know what you mean still remember my wife's great grandfather ww1 vet and my grandfather ww2 and Korea time goes so fast

[@hivewasp]

same goes for the vehicles; stuff like F-16, F-14 and so on are almost half a century old now ... getting old is weird; your mind seems to get stuck in the past while everything advances

[@Glidescube]

The end of Vietnam is almost 50 years old. And so am I. I was born I 1976

[@glennbrymer4065]

In 1971, I serving overseas in the US Army and got krunched. I was Medivaced to the field hospital in Huey. I will Never Ever forget that chopper screaming in to land. I thought they were going to crash! As soon as they landed, I was loaded in and my stretcher strapped down. I will also never forget the full power lift off and the flight to the hospital! They were flying to save my life. I owe them a debt I can never repay. God bless the Medivac crews.

[@laymansview5246]

I crewed Medevac 75 -76 at Ft Campbell and 83-85 at Ft Irwin. We had a saying, "No slack Medevac, you're dying we're flying".

[@Rogers_Ranger]

@@laymansview5246 Huuah !

[@MrNajibrazak]

not an American or plan to be, but thank you for your sacrifices and making the communists think twice about sweeping all over East Asia. o7

[@davidj4662]

You totally had no business being there in the first place.

[@ahndeux]

@@davidj4662 The freedom you enjoy today was due to the sacrifice of men like him, so STFU.

[@bazzahcarter6767]

There's no better helicopter pilot than a Vietnam veteran pilot I dont care what anyone says°!!!!!!!

[@traveltrailerlife]

I'm a Veteran of Vietnam (70-71) and Gulf War 1991 Iraq ... Iraq ( 04-05) Wars . I was a door gunner UH-1 helicopter in Vietnam with the 118th AHC .... And in Iraq worked on AH-64A Apache attack helicopter for the 1/151Aviation Regiment ... Retired 2011

[@StratBurst92]

Helicopter Pilots in Vietnam were true heroes. They not only gave havoc to the enemy, but also countless lives were saved by those who flew medivac ships.

[@ClanMercer]

I flew Hueys during flight school in 1988, absolute blast to fly and very forgiving helicopters (relatively speaking; helicopters always want to kill you). My Platoon leader in Germany was a crusty old CW4 named Gary Martin aka Sensei. He taught us how to actually fly Cobras and not get in trouble. He was a dustoff pilot in Vietnam and during one evac an AK round ricocheted off the center windshield beam and hit him in the throat. He finished the mission while holding his throat closed and after landing, coughed up the bullet out of his mouth. He got the DFC for that one.

[@tray8411]

My cousin flew slicks for the 71st AHC 68-69..Shot down 4 times... When I started flying helicopters for my Police dept I took him up... Pretty dam cool when I said said "you got the controls". He was almost 70 in 2008 and man he could still fly... What an honor

[@chasefrank8143]

I couldn't imagine taking off in one of these puppies heading into the belly of the beast. God bless!!!

[@arcticmorning]

This vietnam vet pilot is a very humble and cool guy. Thank-you sir for putting your life on the line for us Americans to enjoy the liberties and freesoms that we live and breath daily

[@gallowglas3834]

My dad (RIP) was a crew chief on a Huey medivac in Vietnam .. thank you guys so much for your service ..

[@trinidadarzate3382]

My respect to your father and everyone who signed up for dust off to pickup our casualties.

[@plumalynne1399]

Thank you DUST OFF.

[@anthonyhurst5898]

My dad served in Nam in 69-71.. the love the “ slicks” .. on one mission the door gunner was hit ..he took over “ the hog “ .. he’s in this late 70 s now but the memories remain

[@RazorEye]

Respect to all who served in that thankless conflict. My dad was a door gunner for almost his entire tour, amazing that he made it back with the stories I heard of how short their expectations were.

[@leefithian3704]

Any Richmond farmer that runs ....is a Republican.....any Richmond Farmer who stands still .....is a well disciplined Republican, ... kinda today’s narrative, ...just having some bizarre world of today fun , I’m ePub ‘ libertarian / middle 🤠

[@BobbyTucker]

I want to thank your Dad for his service too, it was a damn thankless war. God Bless all our Veterans, here and gone but never forgotten.

[@Ontheflywithben]

Joe, my dad was a door gunner as well. He was on a medevac unit. Many stories to tell, more that he can’t endure to tell.

[@jetster_b4139]

Amen, my grandpa had to fly back home at 2 am just to avoid being spit on by hippies that had their anger misdirected to the wrong men.

[@karlbarnett5863]

I'm 37 now, still obsessed with hueys. I was around 6yo when I proudly told my father that I wanted to be a door gunner. He beat me something fierce. One of my clearest memories and most clueless moments of my life.

[@tedc4990]

The sound of a Huey coming in is awesome as the cows found out at 6:30.

[@AVweb]

Weird to see that glass in those old panels. I was at Bien Hoa 70-71. I know my fellow veterans don't like to be called heros, but I can say I really admired the helicopter pilots. They did a hell of a tough job and did it well.

[@leosypher9993]

I've always had respect for you guys, if that's any better than calling you guys hero's But I really do appreciate what you guys did, it was a tough time, it took some tough people.

[@peggyscott125]

Thank you for your service!

[@El_Presidente_5337]

Vietnam Veterans are around 74 years old and WW2 ones 95. The WW2 vets were then around 77 when I was born (2002).

[@traveltrailerlife]

I'm a Veteran of Vietnam (70-71) and Gulf War 1991 Iraq ... Iraq ( 04-05) Wars . I was a door gunner UH-1 helicopter in Vietnam with the 118th AHC .... And in Iraq worked on AH-64A Apache attack helicopter for the 1/151Aviation Regiment ... Retired 2011

[@gordonowen719]

My Dad is a Marine and I was BORN in 1967 after he met a cute nurse near Quantico Marine Base, VA!!!… Growing to be a pilot myself and understanding the love and passion for flight, it is so amazing and emotional to see these Vets back in their birds!!!… Thank You ALL for your service!!!

[@Marine-72]

Tell your dad Semper Fi for me

[@tom95521]

Love that 2 blade wop wop wop sound. Really intense in the turns.

[@FN_FAL_4_ever]

Okay, I was pleasantly surprised to hear Steppenwolf instead of CCR. Magic Carpet Ride was a nice touch.

[@dannygjk]

Well a helo is kind of a magic carpet. 😊

[@FN_FAL_4_ever]

@@dannygjk it sure is, Dan, it sure is

[@OriginalThisAndThat]

I used also Steppenwolf in my aerial videos back in the days

[@THEATREofPAIN270]

Paint It Black ~ Rolling Stones ✌

[@MajorDook1]

@@patrickharris5172 Well, I'm not a nerd, so not me.

[@jamesford3648]

I so MISS cutting the “Air”. It’s a SOUND & FEELING You go only Get by Being There. Still a Good Video.

[@parkin8595]

Look at the joy on his face, wonderful to see. Hats off to those guys for not forgetting their forefathers.

[@kurts7913]

73 nw 19....I spent 2 1/2 years in III Corp...1969-71. I had my share of the Whup,Whup under my ass and in my ears...even though I was Quads and Dusters.This brought back memories ...some I had forgotten.Snippets like this can be so bitter sweet. I watched this with a smile and a tear...It was a time I felt alive...lol even the background music. In that time of our lives we ran...now older, we plod along doused in memories that made the heart beat so fast...Time goes by fleetingly and now a pace maker assists. Thank you for a momentary trip to when things were simple... and I had hair ....

[@trinidadarzate3382]

III CORPS would have placed you out of Fort Hood, my hats off to you brother.

[@carlcolvin8320]

There is no greater sound than a Huey flying hearing that wop wop wop is joy to the ears. I trust the Huey more than a Crashhawk . My brother flew Dust Off in Nam as a medic. He was with 5 SF Group Bein Hoa 68-69. Half of his made it back to the World.

[@PTRRanger951]

I know someone in Nevada that would probably love this. I was a deputy sheriff with him in Nevada until we retired in 2022. He was a crew chief on a gunship in Vietnam, always had some stories, loved hearing them. My Fav was probably hearing about an R&R story in Sydney Australia. I also joked with him that he probably has a kid or two somewhere in Australia. I was born in 83 and my father was born in 42 and was in the Army during Vietnam. Never saw deployment, even though he volunteered to be deployed. But it was during a time where flat feet DQs were a thing. He was even trained as a Medic, wanted to go, and still didn't get to go. We also worked with another deputy that was a door gunner on a gunship in Vietnam.

[@jeffreypinder9398]

Takes me back 40 years...as soon as he pulled pitch. 6600/324

[@Donaldperson7]

My mother’s cousin was a pilot of this helicopter and was shot down 4 times in one of these! He died in Alabama in the driveway of a heart attack in his car in the driveway? Absolutely insane! To live so long!

[@Jerry_SWMO]

Sweet video. Huey crew chief U.S. Aviation 1970-1973. Thank you for the video. Memories.

[@keithbarrett4586]

I visited Fort Wolters in Mineral Wells Texas last week where many of these men earned their wings. Said a prayer on the old flight line….

[@reinsolberg2525]

Graduated in 1967 in Ft Rucker, Alabama. Helikoptercourse UH1. Two norwegians, Asbjørn Saethertbakken and I. Very good course. Regards Ltcol Rein Lae Solberg Norw. Air Force

[@tyms13]

I live in Enterprise you would not believe how much it's grown. We first got here in the early 90's and Rucker still had all the old buildings. Now they are all open fields

[@user-ki8ye1nc8p]

Going there soon, so forward for it

[@hyousefi3835]

I’m from Iran and I respect Vietnam vets. It’s so heartbreaking that there are Americans that didn’t thank them and disrespected them upon arrival after the war. God bless nam vets. By the way we still use hueys in our air force in Iran. Great choppers and very reliable . Built to last and fight .

[@lrmgrl]

And for that moment in time, he was back in 1966, in hell, but with a smile on his face. The smile of a soldier. 💙

[@klaasj7808]

well was it hell, is daily normal life not more hell? for many it is, thats why many signed up again. as killing became their new normal. they didnt know better after a while.

[@michaelmyers3892]

First thank you to all veterans a the ones that never came home may you rest in peace, could look at these men's eyes in the smile on their face they were just transported back to their younger days and their Wilder days

[@ScottDaddyMac]

My dad was a pioneer foreman for LA County FIre Dept Air Attack starting in 1970. I was 6 years old then and when I was 8, I got my first ride in a Huey and hearing the sounds in this video brought me right back to those times. Over the years, I got to meet many top notch pilots some of which flew in Vietnam. One pilot in particular stands out. My dad introduced him and he said with a huge smile, "Call me Pard!" Well one day, Pard asks if I want I ride. I said of course and I started to get in the passenger section of the helicopter. He goes, "No, no! You come up here in the co -pilot seat! " Being a 12 year old at this time, this was an amazing thing! So I get in co-pilot seat, buckle in and before Pard started the engine, he looked at me with that big ol grin he had and said "Boy....I'm gonna make you shit your pants!" I had nothing to say at that point. He starts the engine, lifts off about 10 feet off the ground and slowly moves to the edge of the helipad which happens to end at cliff on top of the mountain the station is at. Once he is clear of the helipad, he noses the helicopter down and we go full throttle down about 100 feet above the ground straight down the mountain side. We descended about 2000 feet and then he noses up and goes straight up and then swings the tail around. We buzzed the station where my parents were standing there watching me get the ride of my life! Well, the ride ended....I didn't shit my pants, and Pard just looked at me with his grin and I thanked him for the amazing ride. Pard passed away in October, and I went to his flag ceremony with my dad who is now 86. To all those amazing pilots, I salute you and will never forget you. RIP Pard.

[@rvnmedic1968]

Great memories and story. Thanks for sharing. ( I think I WOULD have shit my pants!). Cheers, Bob (Syracuse, NY)

[@grange247]

I've loved this chopper, great sounding....love 60 s music in the background....from the UK

[@aqhasassy]

What an honor for our veterans. 🇺🇸❤️ My husband was a door gunner on a Huey gunship in Nam, shot down twice.

[@amberbali8881]

Respect to him

[@twilightroach4274]

Please thank him for his service from me. My father served with the British army in Malaya in the late fifties, I served in the Australian Army in the nineties & my brother & two of his children are currently serving in the Australian Navy.

[@generalwolf35gaming]

My great uncle was a door gunner. He and his brother in law (aka my grandfather) served in the war, but sadly only my grandfather came back. Great uncle died after getting shot down.

[@MrFlyme123]

Respect.

[@andypeterson8013]

What a great guy!

[@korbindutkiewicz7964]

God damn once the music kicked in I got chills

[@leadsolo2751]

Oh Yeah !!!!! :D

[@ronc110]

Here, too!

[@ddd228]

STEPPENWOLF!!!!

[@erikwestrheim804]

I was just thinking it only need music, and it kicked in, wow..

[@texan2u]

Thank you Barry and Sam. I was in I Corps in 1968/69, with 196 Infantry. I saw guys like you come take us in and out of the jungle, saved a lot of lives. Of course most of our rides were on a good old Huey, but one trip from LZ Center to Chu Lai we watched two .51 cal slugs come right thru the floor of the chinook we were on. That old bird never quivered or stuttered, just kept on flying and got us there. Much respect for all you guys who kept those old war birds flying.

[@TheVirzo4]

yooooooo

[@StormLaker]

The scary thought is how many .51 cal slugs were coming out of that gun that just barely missed the copter. My friend served with the 101st in Afghanistan, he told me about a similar incident they had in a Chinook they were flying in. They didn't even know they were shot until they got out of the helicopter and saw the holes from an AK that ripped into the side- missing everybody inside.

[@texan2u]

Very true. This particular flight was over an area that always had a lot of sniping at helos, so we were pretty high, making us a pretty skinny target. We were all amazed that no engines or blades were hit .

[@StormLaker]

@@texan2u when my dad was in Korea in the Air force, they would sometimes find themselves working along the DMZ with heavy equipment (think air force version of SeaBees). - than once the north koreans took pot shots at them- this was in the late 60's not long after the Pueblo Incident aka "little korean war". He said they all carried weapons in their machines/trucks during that time. Every now and again someone would turn up missing, or get shot by the north Koreans- usually ROK's or some fresh army grunt.

[@samhunt9380]

This is great. Smiling my head off.I flew Huey's and Souix's with allies in Vietnam. I love what you're doing for your vets. Perfect backing track too!!

[@rono108]

Thanks to all the pilots and flight crews of the UH1. Bravo Zulu guys.

[@dougtheviking6503]

Awesome! THANKS VIETNAM VETS 🙏💯👍🍺🎗🇺🇲

[@Dcolbyable]

Kids today of the 2020's have no idea how "bad-ass" there Grandfathers were in their day!

[@wetsaltypickle]

no sh*t!! My grandfather was a WW2 merchant marine in the pacific and was in the army and fought in Korea.

[@nonameuno9394]

Kids today have no idea of anything!

[@toddanonymous5295]

Douglas , you just reminded me how old I am getting. My brother , not my grandfather :)

[@jasonwilliams4159]

Kids today fought two wars already.

[@dannygjk]

@@jasonwilliams4159 When he said kids I think he meant teenagers tho tbf there were plenty of late teens in combat. Still I think he meant kids whose most dangerous activity is crossing a street.

[@stephenrushmer833]

These heroes never got the recognition they deserved . God bless

[@65cbtengr]

Served 80-86 the Huey was the most fun you will have with your clothes on! Welcome Home Vietnam Vets 🇺🇸

[@N911CH]

Armydude thank you for your service!

[@NRecob]

That's for sure. Served 82-92. Miss the Hueys.

[@N911CH]

@@NRecob They are awesome helicopters, the Huey was definitely a workhorse! Also loud as hell, even more awesome!

[@johnsmith-gt3po]

Amazing how he remember the exact date Sept. 22 1966. Before I was even born (1967). Thanks for your service guys.

[@aerojet393]

Oh, those smiles

[@GH-cp9wc]

Graduated in 73, so I missed the war. Guess I should be thankful. Respect to ALL Veterans and thankyou for your service.

[@colin5296]

Bless you and your Pa from England .

[@kevincook368]

I liked the video but when the music started i got pumped. Too cool.

[@spateri728]

Good to see the Aussie flag in there, I was suprised. We fought with you guys, much respect.

[@rg20322]

Absolutely!!!

[@mattyallen3396]

The ANZAC'S did bro

[@Mikedadof2]

And the kiwis

[@raygale4198]

@@Mikedadof2 ANZAC Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. It's sort of in the name. We didn't forget our brothers across the ditch.

[@bobdavis3062]

1st Cav 1969~1970 Flew many many hours in Hueys, and Chinooks. Always a thrill when I hear a Huey 50+ years later.

[@kevinperrier7274]

E-Recon 2/7th Cav 70-71. Flew mostly in the 229th birds like the one in the video with my knees in the breeze.

[@cmii9966]

I missed VN, but flew it in flight school then to Cobra's; thanks for the memories.

[@donjohnson8649]

I flew HEUYS (not in Nam..I was in Alaska and Japan in those days of 1966 to 1969) and I STILL love those old birds...must have about 4500 hours in them and even now it still brings tears into my eyes when I see or hear one in operation. Last time I flew one was in early 1991 just before I retired (as a MASTER aviator), but I'd sure like to fly one again.....wonder if that is kinda like riding a bicycle where once you've got it, you NEVER forget?!?!?!

[@Big.Ron1]

Brought a tear to my eye. Navy March 16 '77 to '81. Engine mechanic A-4. Great to see him in the air again. Thank you.

[@tomahawk5118]

Loved my time riding hueys in the 80’s while in the 101st Airborne. A couple of years ago I was fortunate enough to take my then 10 year old daughter on a great ride aboard one of the actual UH-1’s from the battle portrayed in the movie “We Were Soldiers”.

[@romeotango8650]

I served in the Air Force at McChord back in the mid-80’s with this staff sergeant named Gino who served in the army in Vietnam as a door gunner on a Huey in the early 70’s, he never really spoke about his experience but one day in the shower I saw that on his back he had what looked like 5 mushroom shaped marks on his back and shoulder and another on the back of his arm; he had some other wounds on his legs as well. Later while deployed, I got the nerve to ask him and he proceeded to tell me that he got wounded 4 times and had 7 helicopters shot out from under him. He was in Vietnam until the very end. A few months later during a dress mess event we were all wearing our class A uniforms and was shocked to see 6 rows of ribbons with bronze star with multiple awards, Purple Heart, and many other awards. He had some issues with authority and substance related issues which kept him at an e-6 rank. God bless people like him and all of those who served.

[@ninemilliondollars]

Thank you for that story.

[@johnprater7588]

Oh we all should know a few of them guys

[@mattjaitken]

Thanks for having the courage to ask and share his story.

[@herbiesnerd]

I was a 67V in a GS Unit from 77’ to ‘79 but only worked on Cobras and Hueys. Stationed at Schofield but our hangar was at Wheeler. The steel I-Beams and Masonry walls inside the hangar still had large caliber bullet holes in it from the Pearl Harbor attack. Everything we worked on was Vietnam era. Our pilots were all Vietnam vets and the best of those were the Warrant Officers.

[@petecoppola5428]

Just hearing those igniters going and the starter/generator brings make many great memories of my time as a mechanic/crew chief.

[@petecoppola5428]

@@N911CH Thank you for your support.

[@N911CH]

@@petecoppola5428 You're welcome sir!

[@douglasfrompa593]

I feel extremely lucky to have been in the National Guard at a time when Vietnam vets were still serving. Most of my NCO's were vets. A great experience was doing a helo insert, in training, with Vietnam vets flying the helos. I try to be on time in real life, If one is too early you risk giving away the LZ, helos get shot down, long walk home. And if one is a few moments late, you will hear the helos flying away, long walk home. Probably best to just be on time.

[@terrymorris1687]

God bless our veterans. My life’s dream was to ride in a Huey and experience the sound and feeling of these beauties. I got to fulfill my dream and it was nothing short of amazing. Combat pilots have the biggest balls and skills!!

[@keziasarah]

How did you manage to fly in a huey. Its on my bucket list ever since being a kid in the 1970's in the UK and reading every book on Vietnam.

[@terrymorris1687]

@@keziasarah One of our local law enforcement agencies has one. During the solar eclipse event in Tennessee we used it for our rapid response team.

[@ronbishop7281]

yes it was a magic carpet ride!...all of us vietnam era vets appreciate a nice heart token of kindness given to an ex vet from that war...thank you and godspeed guys!

[@bigGaza1]

Love that Aussie flag on the wall, Lest we Forget.. From Sydney.

[@macpdm]

goddamn my eyes started watering on startup. Just because of the significance of this. And im a Brit. We even have an old Huey flying over here. But aside from all of the politics my respect to those who served during Vietnam.

[@kevindelaney1951]

Vietnam chopper pilots… bravest of the brave. Med evacs under fire in particular.

[@colwilliamnoydb4134]

I flew the OV-10 Bronco, and later the Huey UH-1N Gunship. Was the best life.

[@markbray838]

Thanks for letting these vets relive the aircraft of their youth in a peaceful environment

[@matthewpayne42]

I was born in 71 in the UK and have always had a interest in aviation. I was shocked to learn how the young men who were sent to Vietnam were treated when they came back home to the USA. It's great to see the Vietnam vets treated better now.

[@MrNajibrazak]

if it wasn't for them the entire South East Asia might have gone red by now. The war did made communists terrorists(sorry but not sorry, every commie is a terrorist in my book) think twice. as a South East Asian America never lost the war, it is their politics that betrayed them. their politics do not care how many lives and ways of lives were preserved by them by laying down their lives for us. If America calls, i will answer to repay that debt of gratitude though i have no plans to migrate at all.

[@toddsmith8057]

The sheer "JOY" in that Ol' vets face is priceless! What an awesome experience!

[@mikeRnichols]

My God! This brought tears to my eyes. I've done that startup several thousand times. Wow, what a flashback!

[@pkelly3463]

I'd like to see more of that TH-55 in the back..

[@shannahuffman4655]

My dad was there and 3 of my cousins, all Marines and one of them was a F4 phantom pilot.. thank you Sirs for your service

[@steveraygonzales5353]

Not to glorify war or what they seen. Im just curious i dnt mean no disrespect but do any ever tell you any helicopter storys.

[@shannahuffman4655]

@@steveraygonzales5353 my cousin told me some not so cool stories as q Phantom pilot and stories of my dad's Sniper days

[@steveraygonzales5353]

@@shannahuffman4655 wow!! sniper days.... man I apologize if I seem a lil excited I am just a big history buff and I believe men and women this time period should be recognized and not forgotten about I have family that was in the war in Iraq but that's were are military history stops I don't mean sound anything grateful for your response thank you and those men you have in ur life have to be some of the most bad ass men on the planet your a lucky human being to be of there bloodline. Thanks

[@shannahuffman4655]

@@steveraygonzales5353 a lot of people don't realize how much Vietnam effected the lives of the family and kids who served in Vietnam

[@steveraygonzales5353]

@@shannahuffman4655 that is very true that war had alot effect not just on there children but the generations that followed that which is why I'm very respectful towards it you have to be you can't ingnorant towards it. Its effect has had a long run.

[@geneyoung9685]

I was at Ben Hoa in 1068 ; MACV TOC. Flew many, many days with the Huey Slick Pilots. God Bless every one of them.

[@spankyharland9845]

everything kicked in when they turned up the Steppenwolf....surprised they didn't put the CCWR Fortunate Son track on.

[@davidforce5617]

I flew in CH46s in the Marines but this video bought back many memories some bad most good.

[@chrismaverick9828]

It's amazing the lifespan of some aircraft when properly maintained. Thank you to all our veterans, and thank you Combat Helicopters for taking them for a ride to enjoy the better aspects of their service without the bad.

[@leefithian3704]

Especially a helicopter , a buddy’s dad in Rayford was restoring a Huey project , wish I kept up on than

[@johndowe7003]

If ya got enough parts,money, & know how you can keep anything running indefinitely 👍

[@mwales2112]

I spent 24 years as a C-130 Crew Chief in the USAF and while stationed at Little Rock AFB. in the late 90s I read on a message board that a Vietnam Crew Chief was trying to locate his aircraft that carried his name while in country. After a short search of our flight line to my shock I found the aircraft with the tail number he supplied in another squadron. After talking with the squadron commander and base officials I was able to obtain permission to reunite them. The veteran lived out of state and with the help of his family was able to make the trip to LRAFB. We were able to get him and his family out to his old aircraft and the look on his face and in his eyes was something I will never forget and that small thing made him so happy and I was so glad I could help make it happen for him. Thank you to all of our vets that fought and died for all of us throughout history.. PS: Real planes have Props...

[@catwrench3]

It was good to see that Vietnam Vet smile. I can't even imagine the flood of memories that he experienced on this ride.

[@mattjaitken]

It was great to see those guys smiling and flying without all of their risk. Those hueys were angels to many that laid dying and ones that were under fire. It's great to see them reunited. 🇺🇸

[@debbiramsey4603]

Maybe about just Year and a half ago I sat on my back porch alone and began to shed tears for the guys who never came back. I didnt know them but I feel like I did.

[@Griswaldization]

🙏⚘

[@ColRAPR]

Outstanding !!😊

[@jwhoward182]

I lived near Ft Lewis and remember six & eight ship formations of Hueys flying around the base. They made an unforgettable sound.

[@MrMjn5000]

you can tell by the smile on the vietnam vets face how much he enjoyed this... thanks for letting his dream come true

[@robertchinnock8017]

God bless our aussie vets and American vets as well🇦🇺🇺🇲

[@choprjock]

At, :22, the man mentions 229th. What he means (and by the yellow rectangle on the cockpit door), is that the aircraft was assigned to B Co., 229th AHB (Assault Helicopter Battalion), 1st Cavalry Division.

[@GreenFamilyFiles]

That's great info choprjock. Thank you. We're trying to set the helicopter pilot/owner up with his own KZbin channel so he can converse with many of you about this bird. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4SydomLoZx7h8U

[@dotarsojat7725]

Rode once in a Canadian Forces CH-135 Twin Huey, back in 1979. Terrific! At 1:19 in this video, seen on a hangar wall, are the American flag, the Australian flag, and the MIA flag. Just wondering why there is no Canadian flag, to HONOUR the nearly 30,000 Canadian VOLUNTEERS, who served in Vietnam. Liked the video.

[@CB-2]

his smile is priceless

[@steveturk1020]

Thank you , VETS for your service and for our Freedom.

[@josephdupont]

What a beatiful moment for some very deserving men. who put it all on the line.

[@eleanorlamont7375]

This is SO totally awesome to watch!!!!

[@afreightdogslife]

Outstanding deed gents! What an awesome story.

[@soldier-Dave]

Thank you for your service brother!

[@Mrbigp59]

what a happy face. God bless these hero soldiers they had a job to do and did it well.

[@ericgiebel498]

Helicopters have been a big love in my life only because my Grandmother worked for Bell Helicopter for 30 years. She retired in 87, two years before I enlisted in the Army. So I've pretty much always been fond of the sound and purposes of rotorcraft

[@RomeoEdward]

So cool, loved the music. Brought it back. In country 67.

[@chrisgillman1162]

Thank you for your service sir and welcome home it breaks my heart to think about how you guys never got the respect you are all due!

[@pabloescobar7802]

What a iconic bird.. I got into the military when the Blackhawk was the primary bird .. but I got lucky and caught a morale flight on one of these with the Air National Guard.. nothing like it ..true history in the air

[@msntrucks]

Freaking awesome. Look at the smile on that Vets face.

[@howardwilliams7399]

Great to see the Australian (Aussie) flag flying high and proud along with the American flag in the background. I was only a kid during the Vietnam War, most Fridays and Sundays I have a beer or two with several mates who served for Australia during the Vietnam War. When the subject comes up, they always tell me, “There’s no winners in war.” Cheers great vid. 🍻👍

[@nickl1349]

Fantastic Video ! Thank you kind sirs for your brave service.

[@grampageorge3407]

That brought me back,got tears in my eyes.

[@paulogrinke7020]

Served in the N.Y.Army National Guard in a infantry division from 1981 till 1987. Loved riding in them. We didn't have the Blackhawks yet.

[@joer5627]

Love the music!

[@danhuttinger5040]

I am 74 years old and a Vietnam veteran I was on ch47s I have 900 crew member flight hours there mostly as a FLT.ENGNEER. I think it is so cool for the veteran to be able to go on that flight, I would love to get on a Chinook and go for a flight.

[@bernardanderson3758]

Thank you all for the service you all did for our country of the United States of America and Army Aviation at its best