TAPS

We Remember our Buddies that have passed ...and their Families who are always Welcome to our Group.

'TAPS' for our Brothers -  We Remember

We play TAPS for our Army Brothers who survived the Vietnam War, lived their lives and have since past.  We honor them and their families.  Their names, and in some cases, their pictures are here on this page:

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Pazderski,  Richard ('Rick') / Spouse- Mary Ann  /  Past Away 12/'17 / Fayetteville, TN // '70-71 Pilot 1LT / Last C.O. of 18th / QN / O2/70 -  R.I.P. Brother

Brock, James K. ('Jim') / Spouse - Sarah / East Palatka, FL / '68-69 - SSGT / Retd CSM  /QN/E7/68 /18 ~ died 7/5/2018 R.I.P. dear Sargent Major. ~ what a great man.

Gordon K. 'Keith' Mowry / Sponse - Marlene / Denton, KS / '62-63 - SP4/ Crew Chief/ 'Reliable 688' / stationed in NT and SGN /  lost his courageous battle with cancer on 03/28/2020.  R.I.P. and thank you for serving your country ~ go with God dear Brother Keith ~ fly that plane upward to that heavenly gate.

Marlene and Keith were married for 53 yrs. They have 2 daughters Lynnette and Sharla and one grandchild and a large loving family. Their son John preceded him.  Keith is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Severance, KS.  R.I.P. Brother
Keith Mowry was born on 09/26/1943 in Graham, KS. After HS in 1961, Keith joined the Army and was assigned to the 18th Aviation Co. in Vietnam in 1962.  He became a Crew Chief and he was able to fly 'his' DeHavilland U-1A 'Otter' as co-pilot most of the time.  He got a love of flying from his experiences there and when he return from the war, he spent any years as a pilot and flight instructor.  He became a AG Pilot and a Charter Pilot flying many challenging medical and religious charter trip to Latin America. Eventually Keith moved from TX back to KS and flew as a Corporate Pilot for Biozyme, Inc. for almost 16 yrs. before retiring in 2011. 

Frank V. Jones, Sr. - LTC  Jones, 81, of Sylvester, GA passed away on July 13, 2020 at his residence.  He flew out of Pleiku with the 2nd Platoon of the 18th Aviation Company from 1963-64.  Frank, a dedicated Christian, proudly served twenty (20) years in the United States Army.  His overseas assignments included two tours in Vietnam as an Army Pilot, Korea, Thailand, Dominican Republic, and Germany.  Frank had been a member of the Army Otter Caribou Assn (AOCA) for 30 years.  The family will hold a private graveside service at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery in Sylvester.  Frank is now the P.I.C. (Pilot in Command) on a heavenly flight ~ Go with God, dear Brother.   

David Albert Smith ~ (River Vale, NJ )~ David was 76, passed away on August 14, 2020. 

David was born in New York City on Nov 9, 1943. He married on April 13, 1969.  He was an Army Veteran of Vietnam (‘65-68) and served with the 18th Aviation Co as a mechanic and a Flight Crew Chief.  Upon his return, David found himself in the NY garment district, even creating his own clothing line. He worked all his life as a clothing production manufacturer for Hampton Industries and California Mfg Co.  In 1995, he along with his wife, founded Rugged Outfitters (NJ).  David is survived by his loving wife of 51yrs, Yvette and their son’s Craig (w Kelly) and Todd (w Jody) and his five (5) Grandchildren and his brother Joel of LI, NY.    


<--- The Air Medal ribbon

Dennis Dougan  -  Circa 1968

Dennis A. Dougan ~ After a 4 yrs battle with ALS, Dennis passed on August 24, 2020.  Dennis lived near Chanute, KS.  He was born March 4th, 1948, the youngest of 4 children. He attended Spring Hill schools and graduated in 1966. In 1968, he was drafted into the US Army and received his Basic Training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, before serving in Vietnam. Dennis was a SP5 Crew Chief with the 54th Avn. Co in '69-70 and flew out of Vung Tau, VN.  He earned the Air Medal and Crew Member Badge (Wings).  He returned home to Spring Hill. He married his sweetheart Pamela in 1971. They had two daughters, Lisa and Jacqueline.  ~  He installed automotive glass for 37 years, retiring in 2007. He and Pam had also purchased farm land in 1988 with his brother. The two couples farmed several acres and raised many head of cattle for nearly 12 years.   Dennis adored his grandchildren.  A self-proclaimed grumpy ole' man, he was always loved and will be missed by many.  He is survived by his wife Pam, one brother, Dan, an aunt, his two daughters, three grandchildren Cremation was requested and the family held a celebration of life in October, 2020. 

Flying on with the Lord.   R.I.P. Brother

Jim Horton ~ R.I.P. Brother ~ Thanks for your VN service

JIM HORTON, age 74, of Russellville, AR - died Saturday, January 30, 2021, at the VA Hospital in Little Rock.  He was born September 30, 1946, in Russellville to Haskell Lee and Mary Ellen Haney Horton.  He was a member of First United Methodist Church.  He retired as Assistant Fire Chief from Russellville Fire Department after 20 years and retired from Hack’s Cleaners. He was a United States Army Veteran of the Vietnam War where he was in the 1st Field Force, 54th Signal Battalion Radio Relay.  Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Barbara Horton; and a daughter, Marianne Horton of Russellville, AR.   

Andrew T. 'Andy' Sanford - 'Andy' passed on Oct 24th 2021 in his home town of Clarksville, TN at age 83.  Andrew was born June 29, 1938 in Indianapolis, IN.  He joined the Army in 1955 and became an Airborne Medic. He served in Germany with the 11th Airborne. Andy returned to KY and the 101st Airborne at Ft Campbell.   In 1965, Andy was sent to Vietnam as a medic. He had the rank of Sergeant.  In '66, Andy returned to the U.S., attended Flight School and became a Warrant Officer and  Pilot (class of 'Red Hats' 68-03).  He was assigned to the 18th Aviation Co. on his 2nd tour in Vietnam War.  He flew the DeHavilland U-1A Army 'Otter' for the 1st Platoon stationed at Marble Mountain Marine Airbase near DaNang, VN in 1968-1969.  A great pilot in a very dangerous sky.  He was shoot down Jan 27, 1969 and made an incredible landing in a rice paddy saving all 13 souls-on-board.  His plane was recovered.  After his return to the US, Andy was assigned to Ft. Stewart, GA 1969-1972 as a CWO3 Flight Instructor.  After any years of faithful and honorable service, Andrew retired at Fort Rucker, AL on April 30, 1976 and returned to his family home.

CW3 (Ret) Andrew T. Sanford will be buried with full military honors at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Clarksville, TN.  Survivors include his wife, Angela Schultz Sanford; sons, David Sanford, Michael (Jacqui) Sanford, and Timothy (Kay) Sanford; brother, Amos Sanford; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.   // Go with God, Dear Brother.  

Carl Michael Cessna -Age 74, is resting at peace now. He passed away on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at Hanover Hospital in Hanover, PA.  He was the husband of Carolyn J Cessna, to whom he was married to for 45 years.  He is survived by his wife and 5 children, Kimberly A McKenzie (spouse Earl), Robert A McKenzie (spouse Misty), Julie A Becker (spouse David), Catherine E Russell (spouse Chadwick Russell), and Brian M Cessna (significant other Lisa Russo), 15 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 1 brother, Joseph C Cessna, and 1 sister, Carol Dombrowski. 

Besides being a devoted family man, Carl served in Vietnam from 1967-1970 with the 18th Aviation Co., a retired Harley Davidson Maintenance Machinist, former Electrician, Boy Scouts of America Scoutmaster, and WW2 Reenactor.  He was a man of many talents and hobbies including restoration of antique vehicles, collecting model trains, motorcycle rides, dirt bikes, hunting, fishing and storytelling.  He was known and loved by many and will be greatly missed by all.  - His Vietnam Army  Brothers will remember him and honor his service.  Go with God dear Brother.

LTC Robert E. Luckenbill  - 'Bob' Luckenbill, US Army, Ret., was born August 6, 1930 and died peacefully surrounded by family in Decatur, AL ~ July 15, 2021.  He was almost 92.  In 1952, Bob was drafted and entered the  US Army.  In 1973, after a military career of 20-years, he retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel at Campbell Barracks, Heidelberg, Germany.  He served in Vietnam (two tours), Germany multiple assignments and in Iran. He was a fixed wing and helicopter pilot. Bob received numerous commendations including the Joint Defense Service Medal '67, The Air Medal '67, The Bronze Star Medal '68.   Col. Luckenbill was also a generous member of the 18th & 54th Avn Co 'Otternest' Assoc. and often sponsored our 'Open Bars' called 'The Luckenbill's Intellectual Hour', even if he could not attend the Reunion.  We will raise a glass to him this year at our OCT '22 Reunion near Ft Benning, GA and will honor our Commanding Officer's memory as one of our great leaders and friend.  Go with God and sour the heavens.  R.I.P. dear Colonel  

Larry J Meier ~ Army Captain 1966-67 ~ 18th Aviation Co. ~ Pilot of U-1A Army 'Otter' ~ flying out of Pleiku & Nha Trang, Vietnam. Larry was born 11 Nov 1940 in Waterloo, Black Hawk County, Iowa and he passed on Dec 16, 2021 (81),   He attended Denver Iowa High School.  He played basketball and upon graduation, he attended the University of Iowa. At Iowa he was active in the engineering fraternity. He was in the ROTC program and learned to fly while in school and had a commitment in the Army Air Corps for active-duty service upon graduation.  Larry met and married Pat before his senior year at Iowa University. Upon graduation, he went to work for Boeing Aircraft Company located in Lompoc, CA. He was then working on the Minuteman Missile Program and visited the missile sites along the west coast. He was called to fulfill his ROTC duty in full time service and received his Army Flight training in Ft. Belvior, VA. Upon graduation from flight school, he was sent to Fort Ord, CA to fly the  U-1A 'Otter' aircraft. He was called up and served his duty flying the Otter in Vietnam delivering supplies to Special Forces camps. He made the rank of Captain while in Vietnam and served out his duty flying a General and his aide to meeting while stationed in Battle Creek, MI.  Larry was then employed by The Dow Chemical Co. in Midland, MI as an engineer and also Hartford Steam Boiler Co. out of Hartford, Ct.  He was working on the gas pipeline and the engineering work needs that required a lot of travel.  After five years with Hartford, he retired to traveling and fishing and family. Larry was active in both Midland, MI and in their winter home in Naples, Florida.  Larry is survived by his wife Pat and their daughter Cheryl.  He was buried in Midland City Cemetery (MI). 

Earl Burley ~ (Army Col - Retired)  of Lutz, FL (just north of Tampa) passed on June 17th 2022.  He born September 16, 1936 in Bronson, MI, In 1959 he received his diploma from Central Michigan University as a distinguished Army ROTC graduate. It was also that year that he married his college sweetheart, Phyllis.  Earl attended the Army Flight School, Field Artillery and Missile Schools, and completed training as a Nuclear Weapons Analyst.  He was an Army Aviation pilot of fixed wing airplanes and helicopters with two tours of duty along with several classified missions in Vietnam.  While in VN, Earl flew the U-1A Otter with the 18th Aviation Co.  Among other decorations, he was awarded:  The Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Army Commendation Medal.  He was an active member of the Army Otter & Caribou Assoc. (AOCA).  Earl is survived by his wife Phyllis, daughter Barbara Burley, and grandson Christopher Weitekamp.  R.I.P. 'Colonel'  Great leaders will always be missed.

'AB' Bill Holly Jr. ~ passed away on June 18, 2022 ~ Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Beverly J. (Stone) Holly and their large loving family.  Known to family and friends as Bill, Bubby, Dad and 'PopPop', he lived his life as both a fun-loving spirit and a perpetual student.   He improved the lives of everyone around him with a warm smile and an incredible story. Bill honorably served his country in the US Army in Korea and later 2 tours in Vietnam.  He retired as a Major after 24 years of service.  We called him 'AB' in Vietnam and he was a SSGT 1961-62 and the 2nd tour as a Captain Pilot 1968-69 with the 18th Aviation Co, flying the U-1A 'Otter' supplying Special Forces all over VN .  'AB' was awarded the Purple Heart, the Air Metal, Aviator Flight Wings and many other army service metals.  We will miss his wonderful personality and great humor.  Major Holly will receive full Military Honors at his interment.  He will be missed by his many friend and loving family.  'AB' will also  be saluted and honored at the Army Otter Caribou Assoc. (AOCA) and 18th Aviation Company Reunion this OCT 5-9th in Columbus, GA.   What a man!   R.I.P. dear Brother.

18th Aviation Co

Joseph D McGovern ~ Passed on August 24th 2020 due to Covid-19.  'Joe' was an attorney in Glennville, GA and was an outstanding member of his community.  He was a strong man, in good health but his 1st virus test told him he was negative, unfortunately the 2nd (nasal swab method) results came back positive 3 days later.  He tried to fight it from his home in Glennville, was transferred to Atlanta but after 10 days on a respirator, Joe died at Piedmont Hospital   //   Joe flew in the US Army as a Chief Warrant Officer (CW2) in 117th Assault Helicopter Co. in 1967-68 (the 117thAHC supported S.F. out of Ban Me Thout, Bong Son and Pleiku, VN) and on his 2nd tour 1969-1970 Joe flew with the 18th Aviation Co. out of Pleiku in the highlands of Vietnam supporting the 5th Special Forces Group (HQ'd in Nha Trang).  Joe leaves his loving wife, Alice (of almost 50 yrs), their son Spencer Joseph and their friends, family, community, church, his aviation brothers and his law firm - partner and staff.  Joe now flies with the Lord and soars the heavens above. Thank you for your service dear Brother Joe.  R.I.P.  

'The Captain'

Tom Fetsch just learned that Carl S. Pearson - Died 09/03/2020 - Carl was born in Bloomfield, Iowa in 1943. He was a star athlete in HS and joined the army to learn to fly.  Gene Brockman, Tom Fetsch and Carl were Pre-flight and Flight School classmates in WOFWAC 65-6. Carl became a CWO / Otter Pilot with the 18th Aviation Co in 1965 and flew out of Da Nang Marble Mountain Marine Airfield with Peter Cranford, Wayne Hooper and Al Sneckenberger. After VN, Carl, Tom & Gene flew for the Army in Germany.  He also flew Army helicopters. After he left the service, Carl joined US Air and servived 20 years as a Captain of a 737.  His friends that he played Golf with just called him 'the Captain'.  He loved Golf and played all over the US. He is greatly missed by his golfing friends, his daughter Stacy and the Pearson family in the Bridgeport WV area.  ~ May Carl now be flying the 'courier route' with God in Heaven. We salute you 'Captain' ~  R.I.P. dear Brother.

Mike Foster - Was a SP5 Crew Chief with the 18th Aviation Co and flew out of Qui Nhon on his 'Reliable 703'.   After his return to the US, Mike lived with his Wife (Lynda) & 3 Daughters in Wasilla, AK.   Mike passed in 2014 from heart compilations from the effects of Agent Orange.   He was one of the good guys.     Go with God, dear Brother.  

1st CO of 54th Avn 

E.'VAL' Hoey - Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) E. Val Hoey of San Antonio passed away on May 24th 2024 at the age of 94. He was the loving husband of Lois Marie Hoey, who passed away on August 24 2009. They would have celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary on May 27th 2024. Val served in the Army for 26 years, initially in Artillery at Ft. Sill, OK and Ft. Bliss, TX, then in the Army Aviation Branch of the U.S. Army and then formed and commanded the 54th Otter Air Service “Big Daddy” Utility Airplane Company in Vietnam. He served his country in four tours of war in Korea, the Congo and twice in Vietnam. He finished his military career as the Professor of Military Science at Trinity University. Post military retirement, he owned and was very successful with Val Construction Company. He enjoyed a lengthy retirement and was always highly independent, traveling solo to Australia and New Zealand in his 80’s. He fished annually in Alaska for more than 30 years. He was active in his church community, devoted to Al-Anon and played bridge and poker for many years. He made many friends along the way and was beloved by all. He will be dearly missed. Val is survived by his three children Rex Hoey, Brent Hoey and Laura Hoey McBee; grandchildren: Jillian Geofrey, Melany Varley, Grant Hoey, Clint Hoey, Alexandra Hoey, and Mason McBee; great grandchildren Caeden Geofrey, Lydia Geofrey, William Varley, Anna Varley, Sarah Varley, Marshall McBee, Miller McBee and Layla Hoey. He is preceded in death by his parents Leo Martin Dillon Hoey and Edna Agnes Zeplin Hoey, 2 brothers and 3 sisters and grandson Bryson McBee. 

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