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Posted: 12/31/1969 Name: Joe Mattison Message: With all of this doom and gloom regards helicopter accidents I also want to add one concerning the Fla Ranger Camp. They had always used Student Pilots from Ft Rucker....remember the orange painted doors?....anyway, a number of years ago, with a load of Ranger students doing Helicopter Rappells at the Fla Camp as a part of routine training...there was a power failure and Students were on the rope. Some died on that incident....I don't remember when it was, or how many were killed, but I can vision it happening. The Helicopter Rappell Training was conducted right off the edge of the runway, next to Camp Rudder. It was nothing more then "elevators" meaning that a load would go up, rappell down, and another load would go up etc, etc...and this usually involved several helicopters doing several lifts getting the entire class up and rappelled down ropes in a reasonably short period of time. Because they were Student Pilots, it was decided not to use Rucker Aviation anymore and Ft Benning DPTS took over the Florida helicopter missions as well as possible. I don't know if it ever changed back to using Rucker Student Pilots or if their still using Ft Benning DPTS Aviation, or whether they're using any aviation at all? It's been a long time since that incident and I think it was back in the 90s somtime when it happened. I'm sure a lot has changed since then. I sure do love those Black Hawks, Room, Power to spare, and most importantly, very survivable in crashes compared to the "slicks". The "slicks" will always hold a special place in my heart, but I've been to combat in Hawks, and believe me, I felt a whole lot more secure and safe with TF-160th "Night Stalkers" and their "Hawks" then I ever felt in a "slick", in peacetime. |
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Posted: 12/31/1969 Name: Cathy Beck Message: Gentlemen; I have held my tongue long enough. I really don't think that you guys meant not "your wives" or long time friends like "PeeWee". You basically were trying to find a way to keep the what I call "Ranger Groupie's" out. That I do agree. Also I believe that you have noticed that people come there and eat your food, drink your beer and probably flirt with you or your best friend. I have been ask a dozen times to go to the CCR's but I didn't because I felt like it was your time for you guys to be, well basically you. I think the groupie thing is way out of hand and beleive me, even though some people doesn't talk, others do and that is not good. Just remember you are Rangers, your spouse is a "Ranger Buddy" and your lifetime friends like PeeWee, Ross Hall and other are also your Ranger buddies. You got the right idea going but the wrong way of saying it, so I did. Sorry if I stepped on any toes but I am glad you have narrowed it down to just you guys and your spouses and friends. I never could stand the groupie thing anyway, it always causes trouble. God Bless you All! |
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Posted: 12/31/1969 Name: Bill Breen Message: Thanks Ted. I just recall a Capt Howard that was a highly decorated Vietnam vet. And during class 2-77 while were freezing our butts off. this Capt Howard was a bit upset that admin would not allow a camp fire since we were considered Tactical. I'm sure it wasnt meant for my ears, but I recall his few choice words. Miserable then, Funny now. RLTW |
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Posted: 12/31/1969 Name: Al Parten Message: Roger that Smokin' Joe |
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Posted: 12/31/1969 Name: Joe Mattison Message: Well, doggone....Thanks Ed Yazzie! Tell your Uncle I said "Hi". Glad to know that he's still "alive and kicking". That was only about....26 years or so ago...when I last saw him. Thanks again. |
