End of Year Report for 2022: by President Michigan Chapter VHPA – Rich Deer

To All Michigan Chapter Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association Members and Associates

2022 Year in Review Slideshow

As we approach the end of the year I send everyone my best wishes for the holiday season. Since our membership, including associates, is comprised of many “seasoned” aviators and others with many years of service I also wish all of you good health and happiness. 

As veterans we understand the sacrifices faced by those currently in uniform and thank them along with their families for their service to our country.   

We currently have 124 members and associates on our Michigan Chapter roster: 98 members and 26 associates.  Unofficially there are 111 Army, 8 Marines, 2 Air Force, 2 Navy, and 1 Coast Guard within our ranks.  We added 1 new member in 2022, but 2 left the area and asked to be removed from our roster.

The treasury currently has $836.17. I have again not made a call for dues this year as our treasury is sufficient for our currently limited expenses, but some have contributed dues and other donations and I thank you for your support.   

We were able to restart a few events that had been cancelled 2021. Mark Benjamin, Glenn Youngstedt, Ed Canright, and Dave James hosted or participated in multiple activities and were joined by other members, other veterans, or family and friends.  Behind the scenes activities involved others including Glen Veno, and Bob Rich. Reports on these activities along with photos were sent out via email to all Michigan Chapter members and associates and VHPA members would have also seen them in the Michigan Chapter submissions to the VHPA Aviator.  I am grateful for all of their efforts in keeping the Michigan Chapter alive.

Many of our chapter members and associates are actively involved with other veterans groups. As a great example the Northwestern Michigan Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) noted that their “Chapter Vice President Mark Benjamin was recognized as ‘Veteran of the Year’ by the Grand Traverse Area Veterans Coalition. Mark has been very active in veterans’ organizations, including the Northwestern Michigan Chapter of MOAA, the Coast Guard Aviation Association, and the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association.” 

In their newsletter the MOAA Chapter went on to report that three of their chapter members received Quilts of Valor during ceremonies at the Traverse City Elks Lodge on Veterans Day. They were Walter Topp, Bart Halliday, and Fritz Barratt.  Walter and Bart are Michigan Chapter VHPA members and Fritz is an associate.  Congratulations to all.

You may recall from the 2021 End of Year Report that Walter Topp also represents our Michigan Chapter in the Northwest Michigan Veterans Coalition which serves some 8,500 veterans in their region. 

Looking ahead to 2023, Bob Rich is planning chapter outings at the Yankee Air Museum’s monthly historic presentation night. And Ken Hand is planning to try to get a group together to go to the Reno Air Races next year. This Fantastic Event is scheduled for September 13-17.  Also next fall there may be a unique opportunity for those of us who still like to pheasant hunt.  Joe Meredith revealed that the Marion Michigan 1st Responders/Veterans Organization sponsors two hour pheasant hunts at a farm site that they have. The hunt is conducted for FREE and a guide with dog is provided with each group. Other attractions, activities, and gatherings will be announced as they become available. Stay tuned for more information on these events.  How’s that for a tease?

As we all age together I realize it becomes more challenging to participate in our events. But I do encourage that anyone/everyone consider hosting a gathering or joining a local event when conditions are right for you. Such opportunities continue to slip away so take advantage of hosting or attending if you can. Let me know the details of anything you want to host and I’ll spread the word.  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each of you and your families, to our active service members around the world, and to all our fellow veterans.

Submitted by,

Rich Deer

Open Ramp at USCG Air Station Traverse City July 1st

https://www.cherryfestival.org/events/2022/us-coast-guard-open-ramp

OPEN RAMP at USCG Air Station Traverse City   Friday 1 July  This annual event is held as the open house at the Coast Guard Air Station.    All Airshow performer aircraft will be on display including the Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornets.  This event is always held the night before the weekend Airshow.   There is no flying. Rater, this is all static displays.   IMPORTANT:   Post 9/11 security on the airport is still an issue.     Approximately 10,000 people have been known to attend this event which starts at 5:30, but here’s the deal;  if you can come in and help set up, you get to arrive early and park on board the Air Station.    Please be here at 4:30.    4:45 at the latest, otherwise you get to join the crowd.   We’ll also need help taking things down so please plan on staying until about 8 p,m.   MORE IMPORTANT:   To gain this early access,  I must have names in advance.   No names?  No early entrance and showing a military ID won’t do it.  Let me know by 28 June.  Just email the names of all persons in your vehicle and I’ll forward to Security.    Please don’t come with a car full of little kids and ask for early access to help set up.    That would be pushing it!!!

Look forward to seeing everyone!

Mark Benjamin

Tomahawk 23

Whirlpool Corporation Tour

To All Michigan Chapter Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association Members and Associates

The Michigan Chapter of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association will tour the Whirlpool Corporation Travel and Aviation Center on Wednesday, June 15.  VHPA pilots will meet at 10:30 AM at the Center and hangers located at 607 Woodland Ave., Benton Harbor.  Following the tour, they will have lunch at the Buck Restaurant located at 412 State Street in St. Joseph.  All pilots and guests should contact Glenn Youngstedt at Glennyoungstedt@aol.com to make reservations by no later than June 14.  Transportation can be arranged for those who fly to the Benton Harbor airport.

For Glenn Youngstedt

Whirlpool Travel Center and hangers are located at 607 Woodland Ave., Benton Harbor, Mi.  

Buck Restaurant is located at 412 State Street in St. Joseph, Mi.

Michigan Chapter VHPA Traverse City Lunch Monthly Meetings June 01, 2022

Mark Benjamin is hosting monthly lunch gathering on the 1^st Wednesday of the month, starting January 5^th at the Hotel Indigo, 263 W Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City, at 12:00 pm Noon. Please respond by email or text if you plan to attend: email Mark text 231-642-1201. Put the 1^st Wednesday of each month on your calendar for future repeats – same time, same place UFN. Mark Benjamin Tomahawk 23

Gilmore Car Museum Event

Gilmore Car Museum May 03, 2022

For more information on the Gilmore Car Museum event GoTo :

Newsletter & Lunch Meetings 2022

Gilmore Car Museum Event

To All Michigan Chapter Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association Members and Associates

REMINDER:

For Bob Rich & Glenn Youngstedt

Bob Rich and Glenn Youngstedt are heading up a visit to the Gilmore Car Museum on Tuesday, May 3, beginning at 10:00 AM.  The Gilmore is located at 6865 Hickory Rd., Hickory Corners, MI 49060.  All Michigan Chapter members, associate, family and friends are invited.  The attendees will have lunch at the museum and share tall and short tales of their experiences in Vietnam.  Those interested in attending should contact Bob Rich or Glenn Youngstedt (touch to email & make a reservations) by May 1, 2022.  The cost is $16 per person. More information on the Gilmore Car Museum can be found at www.gilmorecarmuseum.org.  This is an incredible museum and well worth the visit.

Touch for directions to the event.

Gilmore Car Museum Spring Adventure May 3rd, 2022

The Michigan Chapter VHPA is planning a visit to the Gilmore Car Museum on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, beginning at 10:00 AM.  The Gilmore is located at 6865 Hickory Rd., Hickory Corners, MI 49060, 16 miles northeast of Kalamazoo. All Michigan Chapter members, associate, family and friends are invited.  The attendees will have lunch at the museum and share tall and short tales of their experiences in Vietnam.  Those interested in attending should contact email: Bob Rich or email: Glenn Youngstedt; text/phone: to make reservations by May 1, 2022.  The cost is $16 per person. More information on the Gilmore Car Museum can be found at: www.gilmorecarmuseum.org.  This is an incredible museum and well worth the visit. More information go to the Events Page 2022 on this Site.

Touch for directions to the event.

Michigan Chapter VHPA Traverse City Lunch Monthly Meetings April, 2022

Mark Benjamin is hosting monthly lunch gathering on the 1^st Wednesday of the month, starting January 5^th at the Hotel Indigo, 263 W Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City, at 12:00 pm Noon. Please respond by email or text if you plan to attend: email Mark text 231-642-1201. Put the 1^st Wednesday of each month on your calendar for future repeats – same time, same place UFN. Mark Benjamin Tomahawk 23

Michigan Chapter VHPA – National Museum U.S. Air Force Visit October 27 & 28

Helicopter Pilots To Visit National Museum U.S. Air Force

The Michigan Chapter of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association will be touring the National Museum in Dayton, Ohio on Wednesday and Thursday, October 27 & 28, 2021.  Members and guests will travel to Dayton the morning of the 27th.  Members will meet inside the museum entrance at 1 PM.  They will tour the afternoon of the 27^th and morning of the 28^th and return home that afternoon. Members will stay at the Comfort Suites, 5220 Huberville Ave, Dayton.  Members can make their hotel reservations by calling 937-425-6498. Members should mention they are part of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association to get a group rate.  The deadline for the group rate is Oct 24. The hotel is located near the museum.  Members and guests will dine at a local restaurant to be determined.  For more information contact Glenn Youngstedt: at 269-861-0596.  Members should contact Glenn by Monday, October 25, 2021 if they plan on attending.

Posted For: Glenn Youngstedt

Located north east of Dayton, Ohio, the National Museum USAF is great and wide-ranging – in both time and space. The museum represents everything related to flight – from first flights to space.

Museum Address:

The entrance to the National Museum of the United States Air Force is on Springfield Street at historic Wright Field (Gate 28B), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, six miles northeast of Dayton, Ohio.

The National Museum’s U.S.Air Force address is:
1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45431

(Note: If this address does not work in your GPS, you may try entering in the address of the building across the street from the museum at 5717 Huberville Ave., Riverside, OH 45431, or the coordinates of Latitude: 39.7811, Longitude: -84.1101)

(Google map)

Michigan VHPA Spring Meeting for 2020 Canceled

Michigan Chapter VHPA – Virtual Group Photo – Spring Meeting

To All Michigan Chapter Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association Members and Associates

Just because we were unable to hold the annual spring meeting last Saturday, it doesn’t mean we can’t have a group photo.  Bob Rich proposed we do a virtual group photo using your selfies.

So if you were planning to attend the spring meeting, or if you have attended a spring meeting in the past, or if you just want to get in on this, please send your selfie to me.  It should be a natural, quarantined version wearing whatever you would have worn at the meeting – or not.   See the photo below as one idea.  Note the extra hair over my left ear – there’s a lot more behind that.

The photos will be compiled into a gallery.  I’ll send it out to everyone, of course, Bob Rich plans to publish it on our Michigan chapter website and/or Facebook page, and I’ll submit it to the VHPA Aviator as well.  You’ll be famous.

The deadline for submissions will be in two weeks – May 20^th.

Stay Safe,

Rich Deer

Member and President

Michigan Chapter VHPA

Lapel pin project, courtesy of Mark Benjamin.

May 4, 2019 Spring Meeting

This year marks the 8th annual Spring Meeting of the Michigan Chapter VHPA. The annual spring meeting of the Michigan Chapter will be held at noon on Saturday, May 4^th, 2019 in the back meeting room of the Log Jam restaurant, 110 W. Jefferson, Grand Ledge, MI. (517) 627-4300

Log Jam restaurant, 110 W. Jefferson, Grand Ledge, MI.

The scheduled chapter events for 2019 are listed below, this list was taken from chapter President Rich Deer’s recent emails and will be updated on the chapter calendar tab above:

To All Michigan Chapter Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association Members and Associates,

Below is a tentative list of possible activities for our chapter to participate in this year. The first few are either accomplished or already planned. Several of the others have been annual events for us if there is still interest in them again this year.

This list is not carved in stone. If there are other activities of interest please let me know so they can be added for consideration. Each one requires someone to take the lead on making necessary contacts and coordinating volunteers to participate. Assistance/support will be solicited on request.

A standing suggestion/recommendation/request is for individual members to consider hosting a gathering such as a lunch, golf, you-name-it in their area to simply get some of the guys together to develop new and better war stories. It doesn’t have to be any big event, just find a place, let me know the date and time and I’ll put it out to everyone.

This will be on the agenda for discussion at our May 4^th spring meeting at noon at the Log Jam Restaurant in Grand Ledge.

2019 Michigan Chapter VHPA Planned and Potential Activities

Mark Benjamin’s monthly lunch gatherings at Brady’s in Traverse City now 1^st Thursday each month at noon.

January 10, February 14, March 14, April 11 so far.

Project: Restore Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Monument in Traverse City

May 4 – Spring Meeting Michigan VHPA– Log Jam Restaurant, Grand Ledge

May 28-June 1 – VHPA 36th Reunion Kansas City

June 15-16 – Wings Over Northern Michigan, Gaylord Regional Airport https://www.wingsovernorthernmichigan.org/

June 21-23 – Lest We Forget, St. Joe River Basin. American Huey 369 participating

June 28 – USCG Ramp Night, USCG Air Station Traverse City

June 29-30 – National Cherry Festival Airshow, Open Space Park, Traverse City https://www.cherryfestival.org/events/2019/air-show

July ??? – Livingston County Airshow https://livingstonairshow.com/

July 22-28 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Wisconsin https://www.eaa.org/airventure

August 3-4 – Thunder Over Michigan, Willow Run Airport. Army Aviation Heritage Foundation participating.

August 11 – OCIA Air Show & Open House – Oakland County International Airport, Waterford. https://www.oakgov.com/aviation/airports/ocia/Pages/Air-Show.aspx

August 8-12 The Moving Wall, (http://themovingwall.org/current_schedule.html) Ford Field Park, Livonia. Army Aviation Heritage Foundation participating.

August 17 – Mason Aviation Day – https://www.michigan.gov/aero/0,4533,7-352-79172_79181-487833–,00.html

August 29-September 2 – The Moving Wall, Hamburg, MI. American Huey 369 participating.

September 8 – Maple Grove Airport Fly-In. Michigan Chapter lunch after.

No events are scheduled for “The Traveling Wall” or “The Wall That Heals” in Michigan for 2019.

Rich Deer

Member & President

Spring Meeting May 5, 2018

To All Michigan Chapter Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association Members and Interested Parties,

The spring meeting was held May 5, 2018, in the Back Room of the Log Jam Restaurant in Grand Ledge with 20 members, spouses, and guest in attendance.  

Several had traveled considerable distances to attend. Many brought memorabilia and set up displays while socializing commenced and camaraderie quickly developed.  A plaque of our chapter logo made by Bob Rich had been provided the year before and we found it prominently mounted in the dining area.

The Log Jam staff performed their usual great service in arranging to seat, taking care of our beverage and meal orders, and assisting with equipment needs for the guest speaker. 

After lunch, a business meeting was conducted.

Rich Deer advised that the chapter has vacancies for secretary and treasurer and is looking for volunteers or draftees to fill the spots.

A large part of the meeting was spent on discussing chapter activities for the year. Some activities had already been accomplished or were ongoing. 

·Bob Rich had hosted a lunch gathering in Ann Arbor on January 10^th with 6 members attending. 

·Mark Benjamin continues to host monthly lunch gatherings in Traverse City with good attendance each time. His next gathering will be on Monday, May 14^th instead of the usual 2^nd Thursday.  This is to accommodate a Marine pilot who flew CH-46s in Vietnam and happens to be a congressman.  It was stressed there would be no politics, just war stories with another Vietnam helicopter pilot.

·Alan Saxton coordinated a visit to a meeting of the Michigan Helicopter Association at the Yankee Air Museum on February 15^th.  Dave James and Bill Andrew were among the 4 members who participated and gave some details. Glen Veno advised the MHA is inviting us to return to their meeting on July 19^th at Grosse Ile.

·The dedication of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots and Crewmember Monument at Arlington National Cemetery was attended by at least three chapter members and two of their wives.  Lee Luck, Gabe Hudson, and Bob Rich sent great photos of the event.

Upcoming events include;

·The Moving Wall in Kalkaska.  Mark Benjamin is asking for assistance on May 20^th for the event.

·Lest We Forget at the St. Joe River Basin June 22-24 is being coordinated by Vice President Dave James.  This is at a different location from past years which were held in Benton Harbor.

·Ramp Night with the U.S. Coast Guard in Traverse City is being coordinated by Mark Benjamin on June 29th. Participants should contact Mark for specific details on required early arrival times.

·The VHPA Reunion in Atlanta July 3-7 shows four chapter members attending on the reunion’s Morning Report so far. Glen Veno is working with the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation to provide UH-1 and AH-1 rides during part of the reunion.

·While not in Michigan, there is considerable interest among members in going to the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin July 23-29.  Dave James will organize ride sharing and housing for those interested.

·Also not in Michigan but a good opportunity is the 12^th Annual Gathering of Veterans and Patriots at the American Huey Museum in Peru, Indiana August 11 & 12. John Akley provided a display with details of the organization.  He and Glen Veno described some of the events that will take place.

·Mason Aviation Days on August 18^th will be coordinated by Dave James.  This event is very popular and draws a good crowd.

·Thunder Over Michigan on August 23-26 at the Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti is a huge event for the state and the great opportunity for our chapter.  Sandy McLeod is coordinating the event and is asking for volunteers to help man our display there.

·Dawn Patrol at the Maple Grove Airport near Fowlerville will be in early September, believe Sunday, September 9^th.  This has become a traditional early fall activity for our chapter.  Dave James will coordinate and it will include a lunch gathering afterward. That gathering has become our fall chapter meeting but with no business agenda expected.

Glen Veno presented information on a Brag Board he made.  He suggested such displays are a good attraction at events we cover and can give a lot of information about our legacy.

Rich Deer advised that Bob Rich has supported the chapter in several ways including creation and enhancements of our chapter logo, creating and maintaining the chapter website and Facebook page, and making several wooden chapter logo items including the plaque permanently mounted at the Log Jam and an enlarged replica of a challenge coin. In Bob’s absence, Rich displayed a logo challenge coin that Bob had obtained for distribution to the chapter members. Each chapter member present was given one of the beautiful coins.

Treasurers Report was given by Rich Deer. The balance was $532.87.  Eight members had paid their dues already. (Seven members paid dues during the meeting.)  A separate accounting of the campaign to support the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots and Crewmember Monument was presented. The campaign was started at last year’s meeting on a suggestion and initial contribution by Gary Copp. $1,400 was collected and supplemented with $350 from the treasury for $1,750 total. A check in that amount was presented to the VHPA by Lee Luck at the 2017 VHPA Reunion.

A membership roster was made available showing 19 new members since the May 2017 chapter meeting.  Many of the new members were recruited by Mark Benjamin during his Traverse City monthly lunch gatherings, while others were recruited at the 2017 VHPA reunion, by member referrals, during chapter activities such as Maple Grove, in response to an invitation included in the chapter submission to the VHPA Aviator, and the latest from contact with the local Quad-A chapter.  Sadly, there was one loss from the passing of chapter member Rod Fleck.  It was noted that several of the members are from out of state and include non-pilot RVN crew chiefs.

Displays brought in for the meeting included a UH-1 model contributed by Lee Luck made from rosewood and marked with the 48^th AHC logo, early flight school era memorabilia shown by Bill Andrew, flight gear and the Brag Board provided by Glen Veno, a display board about the American Huey 369 organization set up by John Akley, and another banner who’s contributor and detail was not recorded by the chapter secretary – sorry.

After the group photo, Rod Offhaus gave a presentation about Lam Son 719 which covered great detail about the operation.  Several of the chapter members present had participated in the operation and added many personal stories.  Many thanks to Rod for the work he put into making the presentation.

Submitted by,

Rich Deer

Member and President

Congressmen Jack Bergman Meets with the Traverse City Lunch Gathering

May 14,2018

From Jack Bergman  FaceBook Page Monday, May 15^th, 2018

Yesterday I had the chance to spend some time in Traverse City with fellow combat helicopter pilots from the Vietnam War. I truly enjoyed the camaraderie, time together, and stories told with members of the Michigan Chapter of the VHPA.