Well, there's not much I can add to my profile. I am a medically retired Army Warrant who originally enlisted in 1971 as an EM specifically to become a helicopter repairman (67A). Even though I knew it was possible that I might get orders for Vietnam, I thought it was the right thing to do. I had a guaranteed AIT at FT Rucker after boot camp, but did not get to go as, three quarters of the way through boot camp my DI informed me that my school had been canceled because the Army no longer needed so many helicopter repairmen. So I reclassified into Wheel Vehicle Repairman (63B) instead.

I retired after 28 years on active duty and I had a variety of assignments and duty stations. The most interesting was when I served a tour of duty in the Canal Zone with the 193rd Infantry as a supply sergeant in order to stand them down when they were ordered to move back to the States from the Canal Zone.

I finally got to go to FT Rucker when I took the Warrant Officer Basic Course right after the First Gulf War. My plans were to become a technical warrant in the logistics field and serve until at least age 60. Only part of this wish was fulfilled, as my health deteriorated because of a stroke and I had to leave active duty. It broke my heart to leave my beloved Army, but I didn't have any choice. I was grateful to be alive as that is sometimes not the usual outcome for someone who has had a stroke.

I currently work as a Civil Servant for the US Navy with Recruits at Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois.

I don't post too much as I don't feel worthy in the presence of men who've been there and done that, and I am quite aware that it could have been me "but for the grace of God".

I do like to read your posts though and I am aware of the flight of America's Huey. I thought I would ask if I could have a copy of Lumpy's video, shaky as it is (ha) as I didn't get a chance to see it in person.