In 2002 at age 61 after 22 years living alone and dealing with my demons, I met and later married a beautiful Thai woman, quit self medicating and settled in for the duration in Northern Thailand. Due to language differences I spend most of my time alone tinkering with one of my motorcycles and hiking with my German Shepherd, Bruno. A comfortable life waiting for the next big adventure...............Update June 4, 2015 my best friend Bruno died in my arms today as the result of advanced hip displacia. For eight years we were together every day. I am very sad.
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The Vietnam War changed my life. I went there seeking adventure without thought of the burden I would carry for the rest of my life. UPDATE: I have just returned from Vietnam. On 25 Nov 2009 I was on Hills 37 & 65, my home when in the rear. Then on to Arizona territory, Phulong 1 & 2, the site of the Battle at the Graveyard exactly 42 years to the hour. The war is over for me now; I have come to realize it exists only in my mind .....See FORUM/Stories of Combat/Baptism of fire.
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 (HMH-462) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of CH-53E Super Stallion heavy transport helicopters. The squadron, known as the "Heavy Haulers", is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW).
Active Years
April 15, 1944 - September 10, 1945
November 1, 1957 - present
Chain of Command LtCol Nelson Sqdrn C.O. GySgt Duke Dearing NCOIC Sqdrn S-2 Intel.
Other Memories Morning pilot briefings in the ready room.. Hours of boredom with spikes of terror flying as a doorgunner for some of the best pilots in the Corps......... 78 missions and made it home on every one.....including the one on 23 March 1969 while delivering a pallet external of small arms ammo to a grunt company in close contact on LZ Geronimo XD680571....18 hits of which three struck crucial components. We limped to a friendly LZ ending our day of aviation activities in the orient.
