Black Cat Alumni meet in Savannah

213th Assault Support Helicopter Company Alumni Association October 2008 Black Cat Alumni meet in Savannah Vol. 1 Issue 1 headquarters building where Garrison Commander LTC Daniel Whitney gave a briefing and slide show on the past and present roles and missions of military personnel at Hunter Army Airfield. The Hampton Inn, Savannah The 213th Assault Support Helicopter Company Alumni Association met for their 6th reunion April 1st through the 5th, at the Hampton Inn, 201 East Bay Street, in Savannah, Georgia's Historic District, The following twenty-three members and guests attended: Mike & Nancy Brown, Jim Carnes & wife, Mike Dumas & wife, Martin Fausnight, Tom Glass, Roger and Sue Gould, George & Eileen Haley, John Kogut and wife, Leon Marian, Rick Nokes, Don Noels, Sam Parrish, Terry & Maggie Sanderlin, Foster & Alleen Sexton, and Gary Tibbals. Hunter AAF briefing After our briefing we were given a windshield tour of the base, including the new barracks barracks much different from those used when we served. We also had a walking tour of the new Field House, which includes an Olympic-size indoor pool, start-of-the-art exercise equipment, and an impressive rock-climbing wall. In addition to just relaxing and getting to know each other again the Black Cats engaged in several interesting activities. The high light of the reunion was a trip to Hunter Air Field and an orientation with the modern day version of an old friend, the CH-47D. On April 2nd., 12 Black Cat members and their wives traveled to Hunter Army Airfield for a visit to the base and a viewing of the Chinook helicopter. The tour of the base was organized by Black Cat Foster Sexton through Nancy Gould from the Public Affairs Office of Hunter Army Airfield. Upon arrival the group was escorted to the Black cats and CH-47D We then traveled to the hangar of B Company, 169th Aviation Regiment of the Georgia National Guard (Chinook Unit). MAJ. Edwin Laster briefed us on the role of the unit while at Hunter and when the unit was in Afghanistan. As he gave his briefing there were two large, flat-screen TVs -- one

showing pictures of B Company in Afghanistan and the other showing photos of the Black Cats in Vietnam. After the briefing there was a tour of one of the aircraft for the alumni and their wives. We finished the day with lunch at the mess hall. All had a good time. Thank you to Black Cat Foster Sexton who did a great job in arranging the tour. Reported by George R. Haley, Treasurer, Black Cat Alumni Association October 2008, Vol. 1 Issue 1 page 2 The Black Cats also enjoyed dinner on historic Savannah River Street. Many also browsed among the many galleries and shops and took trolley tours of old Savannah. A few attended the Savannah Music Festival. Some Black Cats also traveled to the wetlands for bird watching, and nature trails. Some paid a visit to the beach at Tybee Island, and then up to the top of the light house to view the Georgia coast, well worth the many steps it takes to get there. Lunch at the famous Crab Shack was an enjoyable break. And Savannah civil war history came to life with a visit to Fort Stevens and Fort McAllister. Another well received activity was a visit to Paula Deen s restaurant Lady & Sons. During lunch, the Black Cat Service Award was presented to member Thomas Hoopes for his the many hours spent signing up new members and getting then to attend our reunion in Savannah. The Lady and Sons Black cats at Lady and Sons Membership dues are $15 per year. Contact Thomas Farley at: Chopperteach@aol.com Tybee Island Lighthouse The Crab Shack Tybee Island

Soaring with the Eagles Dr. Sanderlin accompanied by a local pilot flew to altitudes of 13,000 feet among the snow filled July mountain tops, which over look the Teton Range in Wyoming, from Idaho. While ridge flying the top of the mountains I could see the blue water filled lakes in Wyoming, and hikers climbing the mountain ridge below me. That view was as magnificent as was the experience of sharing an updraft with a bald eagle, and truly soaring with a magnificent and skillful creature of the sky. If only I could fly that well. The updrafts and ridge lifts were both thrilling and seemingly unending. October 2008, Vol. 1 Issue 1 page 3 the wings on. It is an exciting and blood cleansing experience. But now I m on the ground wishing I was in the air with that eagle, not getting ready for shopping duties. If not for promised shopping in Jackson with the wife, I might still be there. Don t you love it! Teton Range from the cockpit Happy soaring, Terry K. Sanderlin More Tetons After soaring with the Bald eagle, we thermal soared to just over the glider port at Driggs, Idaho. However, we were still at over 9,000 feet, 3,000 feet AGL (above ground level). But not to worry, no need for a go around, just point the nose of a glider near vertical and pick a spot on the run way where you want to land, and let her rip toward your destination. However, it is handy and prudent to apply the air brake on the way down to keep the speed down and The next Black Cat reunion is proposed to be held in Colorado Springs, Colorado during 2010. Interested Black Cats should periodically check for future details at the Black Cat website

October 2008, Vol. 1 Issue 1 page 4 Association Business Meeting The Association meeting was held on April 3, 2008. Officers present at the meeting were Terry Sanderlin President; George Haley, Treasurer; Mike Brown, Historian; Thomas Hoopes, Membership Coordinator and Foster Sexton, Secretary. Association Members present were Sam Parrish, Roger Gould, Martin Fausnight, Tom Glass, Burt Baldwin, Mike Dumas, Leon Marian, Don Noels, Jim Carnes, Rick Nokes and Gary Tibbals. coffee mugs for the PX to be sold on-line. He further stated that once the website was updated, that it would be easier for members to order items from the PX. In addition to the above, we could sell copies of the unit CDs and that he would check with Sunset Cruises on the source they used to purchase the Black Cat patches and mugs in the past. Membership Coordinator: Old Business: None was discussed. The Membership Coordinator Thomas Hoopes stated that he had contacted each member on the Black Cat Alumni list during the past year trying to solicit them to attend the 2008 reunion. The issue of maintaining valid e-mail addresses and telephone numbers on-line is a problem as stated by Mr. Hoopes. This issue could be better addressed in a newsletter than by phone. New Business/Issues: Newsletter: Registrar s Report: None Terry Sanderlin recommended that we start a Black Cat newsletter to be used to communicate with the members, to increase membership and reunion participation, promote the sale of Black Cat items, and disseminate information on veterans issues. The meeting was called to order by the President, Terry Sanderlin and opened to the floor for business: Treasurer Report: Balance 3/31/2008 Inflows Outflows Net for year. $ 2,553.78 $ 308.10 $ 197.02 $ 111.08 Fund Raising Director: President Terry Sanderlin opened the discussion for Fund Raising Ideas. He introduced the idea of developing a letter to solicit donations from corporations. After completing a draft of the letter, he will e-mail it to the committee for review and acceptance. Member John Ballenski donated 55 individual Black Cat decals to the Association for our use as a fund raiser. The price was set at $2.00 per patch. Secretary Foster Sexton recommended the raffling of a model Chinook as a fund raiser project and that he would be responsible for the project. Member Roger Gould suggested using a reunion registration fee to generate revenue. This will be considered by the committees and acted upon by the next reunion. The issue of funds rising will be a continuing and on-going effort for the entire membership. PX Report: Historian Mike Brown stated that he needs to locate a new source for a supply of caps, shirts, and Roger Gould stated that he has edited several newsletters and that he would assist our committee with developing and publishing one. Mr. Gould shared some of his experience editing and publishing newsletters with the membership. Some of the items suggested to be covered in the newsletter were: members activities, upcoming activities, Association business, veteran issues, and deceased members. It was unanimously stated by the body that the newsletter, as well as the website, would not be used to disseminate political or religious information. The above issue will be continually in work until a newsletter is published. Black Cat Activities: The Black Cat Alumni tour and visit to Hunter Army Airfield (HAAF) were a resounding success and enjoyed by all. In addition, the visit to the Mess Hall and lunch with the Troops made the day extra special. The Alumni Secretary will take the responsibility of sending thanks to Ms. Gould for her effort and hospitality. The group lunch at Lady and Sons Restaurant was an enjoyable experience during our Savannah stay. Continued on page 5

The president suggested that we should get the ladies involved as an auxiliary, so they could participate in planning events for their enjoyment as well as for group participation. The entire committee agreed. October 2008, Vol. 1 Issue 1 page 5 be set at a later date through the Black Cat Chat Room. The meeting was closed by the president at approximately 10:30 AM 3 April 2008. Terry Sanderlin, President Foster Sexton Jr., Secretary Awards: During our annual lunch at Lady and Sons, the Black Cat Service Award was presented to member Thomas Hoopes by our president for the many hours he spent signing up new members and encouraging their participation in this reunion. His efforts were successful. Webmaster: The Black Cat website is a continuing issue that will have to be worked on until the site is updated for complete data access by the membership. Mike Brown suggested that we find someone to assist our webmaster in updating and maintaining the website. Furthermore, we do not want to overload the current webmaster to the point where it would be a burden to him. Officer Elections: A continuation of Officers in the present positions was recommended by President Terry Sanderlin and seconded by Mike Brown. Members present approved. 1. President - Terry Sanderlin 2. Treasurer - George Haley 3. Historian - Mike Brown 4. Alumni Registrar - Thomas Farley 5. Membership Coordinator - Thomas Hoopes 5. Secretary - Foster Sexton 6. Webmaster - Ed Faught Reunion 2010: Foster Sexton stated to the body that John Ballenski would like to host our next reunion in Colorado Spring, CO. The issue of the next reunion site will remain open for discussion through the year and until our next meeting in Jan 2009. Alumni On-line meeting: President Terry Sanderlin recommended and it was approved that the Alumni should have an online meeting in January 09 with the date and time to CH-47 Model to be auctioned at Reunion