This was day one and we were invited to tour Fort Rucker where we later that day had the dedication of the Memorial for all the fallen Heroes of the 48th AHC of the Vietnam Era.
Rick Lester Leading the way to the hanger with many aircraft display . Rick Lester was a Great Pilot and Great leader during Vietnam .
Gilbert Garcia (Ricky Garcia brother ) and I at the hanger . Gilbert presented me with POW / MIA cover that morning . I will treasure it forever . Thanks Brother .
Berta Aleman With the Gold Star Family . Gilbert and Debbie Garcia , Frances Hernandez ( Richie Garcia sister ) and Berta Aleman .
Frances and Sherri had an opportunity to talk to many of Richards friends . Great friends Indeed !!!
Ben and Janet Gay were very instrumental in making this Reunion a Great success . Thank you for always making us feel welcome !!!
Another one of our friends enjoying the display.
Time to move on to go have lunch . Miss Berta calling the troops
Frances Hernandez , Richard Garcia's sister.
Bus ride to the Landing .
Frances and Brother Newman . What a Great man he is . He too made us all feel welcome . Thank you Sir!!!
Our Friends Ben and Janet enjoying the displays . Great folks as we say in Texas !!
Berta and Frances at the Landing waiting for the rest of the troops .
Our Brothers and sister gathering at the landing for Lunch . Don Elmore and Bill Martin making their way in . Don and Bill thanks for all the good advise brothers . Salute.........Too !!!
Sister Janet at the end of the line making sure everyone is being taken care of . Thanks Again.
Lunch at the Landing . Good food and Great company !!
Lunch
The Garcia's at Fort Rucker waiting for the start of the Dedication.
The Monument is covered and Veterans and Gold Star families wait for the unveiling .
And we wait for the moment .
My Berta and I also wait for the big moment.
More pictures
Robert Pierce and General Roper and his wife . Salute...Too !!
Janet Gay and others waiting for the ceremony to Start !! A bit warm but well worth it .
The unveiling was very emotional because of all the names on this monument .
Berta with Gilbert and Debbie ( Gold Star Family )
Frances Hernandez ( Gold Star Sister )
This is the back of the monument with all the names of the Fallen Heroes of the 48th .
Great ceremony . God Bless all our Veteran .
Time to get back to the Hotel and get ready for the Great Mansion Visit.
Bus Ride to the Hampton Inn in Ozark Alabama
Hang in there Brother almost there . Purple Heart Recipients God Bless you Brother.
We went to this Beautiful Mansion for a little Fellowship
My Berta Just Chilling
Brother Pat Branch and others just visiting and having a good time.
Gilbert Garcia having a nice visit with Richie's Vietnam Buddies
Bill Martin , Don Elmore .
Went back the next day to get a better picture in the daylight .
Saturday morning was special for all of us . We got to ride the Helicopter like the ones Richard and the other troops used in Vietnam. The Gentlemen in this picture are Bill Martin , Don Elmore and Peter Ward great warriors .
It was very nice that Don Elmore and Bill Martin made us aware where Richard used to sit when he was a gunner. Thanks Brother
Waiting for our turn to ride the Helicopter
And we wait !!
Gilbert and I walking to the Loading zone .
And we are off . These was an awesome experience . I with I could have been there with our Brothers.
Awesome Indeed . Thanks Gilbert for Making this possible. Love you Brother
Frances got to ride in the Helicopter too . What a lady .
Frances up in the Air in the Gunner seat . Good Job !!!
Rick Lester and his Joker Door . we are all proud of you Sir !!!
Brother Love's !!! That is you Sir !!
Had a little free time so we went to a Peanut Festival in Dothan Alabama .
Girls on a trailer being pulled by a farm tractor. Hold on Girls.
You Talk about a one man Band . this man takes the cake .
Man with lots of balance .
Lots of peanut
Saturday Evening Banquet . Meet this great couple from Gonzales Texas . The used to live in this area years back
More Dinner pictures
It is Raffle time
More Great fellowship
Berta won several times and she gave each of us at the table a price . Gilbert received this t-shirt from Berta . Well all good things must end but before I go I want to Thank The 48th AHC for making us fill so very welcome at these Reunions. God Bless Our Vietnam Veteran , all Veteran and God Bless America.
Great Turn out . Weather was hot but at least we did not get rained out .
When I 1st arrived at the 48th in late 1970 I roomed with Richard Garcia. Later on in 1971 I and Ricard where Crewmen in 1st Flight Platoon and Richard with the Jokers.
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