North Alabama Chapter Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (NAVHPA)

Our Mission

Promote US Army Aviation via Education, Patriotic Events, and Keeping Alive

the Traditions of valorous rotary wing aircrews that fought in Southeast Asia

during the Vietnam War

• A non-profit chapter of the 15,ooo-member Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (VHPA)

• Established in 2009

• NAVHPA comprises: 51 Members 35 Retired Aviators 40,000+ Combat Flight Hours

Who We Are

Chapter Officers President Les Haas Past President Jim White Secretary Sam Maki Treasurer Sandy Weand Director at Large Marshall Eubanks Director at Large Ralph Weber

• Fly in formation monthly with members and families Discuss upcoming events and support requirements Determine what work is required on our UH-1C helicopter Socialize

• Educate, Enlighten, Inspire, and Listen Discuss the Vietnam War Answer interesting questions for young and old Describe US Army Aviation, then and now

• Provide volunteers for: Wreaths for Veterans at local cemeteries Veteran’s recognition events Local civic and charitable events

• Provide a UH-1C helicopter static display for: Local school educational programs Community events Veteran events More to follow as locals become more aware of who we are,

what we do, and what we offer

What We Do

UH-1C helicopter static display for: Local school educational

programs Community events Veteran events

• We seek to inspire and create an enthusiastic desire in younger generations for more information about aviation careers

• Our Docents alongside the helicopter relate their stories from flight school, combat tours, and follow-on careers Explain how helicopters fly Provide hands-on experience inside the aircraft

• We display Vietnam memorabilia Books Pictures Maps Flight equipment Weapons and armament

Putting Rounds on Target through Education

Educate, Enlighten, Inspire…

• We are members of the Department of Defense Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Partnership Program, which pays tribute to the 3 million servicemen and women who participated in the Vietnam War

• We support Veteran’s Day activities, participating in parades and static displays

• We listen to stories and share memories with old soldiers anxiously listening for that familiar “wop- wop-wop” coming over the horizon – their ride to safety. We hear grandfathers telling their grandchildren (maybe for the first time) about crewing, riding in, or being saved by a Huey in Vietnam.

Putting Rounds on Target through Patriotic Events

UH-1C S/N 66-00623 – “Buccaneer 3”

“Buc 3” served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1972 with the 170th Assault Helicopter Company. She flew 1,417 combat hours

and sustained damage from enemy gunfire numerous times.

Dedication of thousands of man-hours, and personal and

corporate donations, to get “Buc 3” to where she is today !

THE TRANSFORMATION

Buc 3 in Vietnam circa 1968 2011 – years of neglect show

First step – tear down… …then rebuild… 2013 – looking good!

We Are the NAVHPA • We promote careers in Army Aviation

• We Educate, Enlighten, Inspire, and Listen

• We support local Veterans and Military Organizations

• “Buc 3” is the center of attention and always draws large crowds, both young and old

• We are a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit Veterans Organization, relying on donations for sustainment