D-Troop 3/5 Bastard Cav Reunion - Mid America Flight Museum

[Lowflynjack]

Mid America's Mission is as follows:
Honoring Veterans
Mentoring Kids
Providing Opportunity for Community Support
Preserving Aviation History

As we gathered to celebrate these amazing veterans, Scott made a speech and mentioned the mission of the museum. You'd better believe the mission above is listed in order. Veterans come first and by a huge margin. I'm so thankful to have been invited to be a part of this. I took so many photos that I want to share. I'll put some here, but the full set is available if you click here.

I will also mention that our very own @MBDiagMan Larry Bible, worked out in the hot sun for two days loading these veterans and their family members into helicopters and keeping the crowd back and safe. The volunteers really keep this place going.

The morning after the reunion, on my way out of town.

 

[MBDiagMan]

Thanks for all the great pictures Jack!

I don’t know if it has been written yet, but the Huey in the pictures was one of D Troops helicopters. It was shot down at least three times. The same crew chief was in it all three (four?) times and a different pilot each time. The crew chief, David Riley, spent six weeks in the hospital after one of those episodes. All of these guys are still incredibly close and supportive of each other.

 

[Piperonca]

Those photographs are flawless works of respect for your subjects, and for their beloved helicopters.

 

[Lowflynjack]

Those photographs are flawless works of respect for your subjects, and for their beloved helicopters.

Thank you!

 

[MBDiagMan]

Jack, does your camera still work? I was in the back row, but maybe since my gorgeous wife was next to me, she saved your camera from damage due to my ugly face.

Seriously though, the photography did wonderful justice to these guys.

 

[MBDiagMan]

To Jacks list of mission items for the museum. Last Saturday night, Scott donated the use of the B25 hangar for a fund raiser for the local food bank, “Titus County Cares.” We pack around 1500 lunches per week that go to underprivileged school children in the area. Scott not only donated use of the venue, but also P40(two place) and Huey rides for auction which raised a lot of the six figure amount raised at the event. Scott and his family are among the most generous and gracious people I know.

 

[Flymy47]

I need more Loach pics!

 

[MBDiagMan]

If I remember, and if it’s still there next week, I’ll get you some more pictures. The Loch is in the process of being sold. Don’t expect my pictures to be the same quality as Jacks though.

 

[3393RP]

What a treat to see those warriors enjoying themselves.

Thanks for the photos, and thanks to @MBDiagMan for volunteering.

 

[MBDiagMan]

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[Lowflynjack]

I remembered.View attachment 134688View attachment 134692View attachment 134691View attachment 134692View attachment 134694

Very nice!

 

[Flymy47]

@MBDiagMan Thanks! First helicopter I ever flew in was an H500C, owned by my flight instructor who used it for aerial application. I see Little Birds daily at work, but they're not as sexy as the original A model Loach. That's one of my bucket list aircraft. I actually got to crew a Huey once also. Very cool experience as they were bringing me back to another airport with parts to fix my Chinook. Awesome job!

 

[Lowflynjack]

@MBDiagMan Thanks! First helicopter I ever flew in was an H500C, owned by my flight instructor who used it for aerial application. I see Little Birds daily at work, but they're not as sexy as the original A model Loach. That's one of my bucket list aircraft. I actually got to crew a Huey once also. Very cool experience as they were bringing me back to another airport with parts to fix my Chinook. Awesome job!

It makes a great photo platform too! We used it for this shoot.

 

[MBDiagMan]

@MBDiagMan Thanks! First helicopter I ever flew in was an H500C, owned by my flight instructor who used it for aerial application. I see Little Birds daily at work, but they're not as sexy as the original A model Loach. That's one of my bucket list aircraft. I actually got to crew a Huey once also. Very cool experience as they were bringing me back to another airport with parts to fix my Chinook. Awesome job!

I have been in the Huey numerous times. I was even in the Army 1968 to 1971, but every time I climb down from the Huey, I thank God that I never had to get off of one in a jungle with an M16 in my hand. For that matter, I never rode in one that was being shot at. I admire, respect and thank those who did.

 

[Flymy47]

@MBDiagMan, you're my hero. Much respect. When I joined the National Guard in the early 90's we were transitioning to Chinooks from borrowed Huey's. I was lucky to fly in both. Also I was never shot at in Huey's. My future Chinook career was quite a bit different. The Huey will always hold a special place in my heart.