Camp Holloway Discussion Forum Archive 02 - 05/07/01 to 02/28/03

Stirrin' the pot

One of the best friends I ever had in the Army was Mark Thomas Jernigan. Mark and I went through Basic Training, and Primary Flight School together. Then I went to Hunter, and he went to Rucker and then to Cobra school. Mark was flying with C Troop, 3/8 Calvary when he was KIA on July 4, 1970; leaving behind a very young wife and a baby.

Anyone who has ever worked a hot, tight hole appreciates the advantages of haveing Charlie model guns RIGHT THERE. But, in the SAME vein, anyone who has ever seen Hunter/Killers in action; or watched Snakes neutralize a 75-MM recoiless rifle stuck in the back of a cave where NO-ONE else could get to it; can only realize that each element had its niche, and performed its role for the common success of all units.

If I have given anybody the impression that I disrespect ANY unit in or ANY person who served in SVN (with the possible exception of some self-important jerks who deliberately made life dangerous for others in order to avoid risk on their own part), then I profusely apologize. Such was never my intention, or mien.

I have some friends who served in Assault Helicopter Battalions in the Delta who NEVER flew in any manner other than multiple ship formations (except for admin runs); and they tease me about not being able to fly straight and level. And I tease and razz them about not being able to land in any field smaller than a football field; it's all part of the 'game'.

And it is all done up front, and in the open; not from behind a "mask". I saw more than one 'ambush' in the 'Nam which was coordinated by indigenous personnel who had day jobs in our compounds; and directed mortar and rocket attacks against us as part of the their night jobs. If I am overly sensitive regarding 'ambushes' from those who are friends and brothers, then I apologize for that as well; but I aint a-gonna change: AND all of my poking and prodding and razzing and teasing; all of my "trash talk" WILL BE OUT IN THE OPEN.

Or, if my Brothers prefer, I can just look, and not say anything at all.

Dennis O. Wilson
119 AHC
Nov 69 - Nov 70
"Pickett"
"Gator 25"
flying Gator 317
447 E. River Rd.
Thermopolis, Wy
(307)-864-9413 (home)
(307)-431-1784 (cell)
dwilson@trib.com
bluegator25@hotmail.com

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