Officially retired from Air Methods Corporation in May, 2016.
Worked for the 2020 Census Bureau as an "Enumerator", visiting addresses which, for one reason or another, did not submit a Census questionnaire. Due to the Coronavirus, our work could not begin until August (four months late), then continued at a very harried pace through Oct.15th. Altogether, a very interesting and rewarding experience, in more ways than one.
Now:Â unemployed once more and awaiting further assignment.
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Best Friends CW2 Don Knudsen who was in the same unit in Vietnam in 1967, then the same unit in Germany. We were both ordered back to Vietnam for a 2nd tour due to "quota" requirements and both wound up in the same unit once again. After release from active duty, I was the Best Man at Don's wedding in his native Rapid City, SD
WO1 Bruce Benthagen: in 1970, after we were both released from active duty Bruce moved to Denver from his native Minnesota and we became roommates. In Jan. 1972 Bruce was the Best Man at my wedding.
Best Moment Leaving Vietnam to be discharged from Active Duty upon fulfilling my 3 year obligation as a Warrant Officer.
Worst Moment Flying "Firefly" missions (low level at night). This involved one "slick", flying low and slow with a giant spot light & .50 cal mounted in the door, plus two gunships orbiting low-level with lights out. This mission's purpose was to secure the perimeter of Saigon at night. We flew mostly along the canals W. of Saigon which, during darkness were mostly "free-fire zones".
Other Memories Flew UH-1B Gunships during this entire 7-month tour. Based out of Hotel 3 at Tan Son Nhut Int'l Airport. The 120th AHC (Deans) HQ was located in Long Binh. However, the Razorbacks gunship platoon was housed in a villa in downtown Saigon.