Bob arrived a few weeks before JC Moss, Jim Elkin, Ed Soliday and myself. If you are able to click on the obituary link you will probably recognize him in one of the VN photos.
Bob was a CW2 pilot in the Gun Platoon (Spur 31) from 8/69 – 8/70 and did a full tour. – Dave Tela, Spur 38.
Courtesy of Vietnam Veterans of America. Please see:
You won’t recognize him, but it is Mel Gibson. Played Hal in the movie. About 5 minutes. I am also honored to have known him and his wife, through Joe Galloway. Ft. Benning is now Ft. Moore. My unit flew at the end of that engagement. – Chuck Oualline
On August 29th, 2024, Silver Spur 35, John M. Knox was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions during the 1968 Tet Offensive while serving with the Silver Spurs. Congratulations to John!
You may read the program & citation by clicking on the link below:
PRESENTATION OF THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER (RET)
JOHN MICHAEL KNOX
Courtesy of John’s son, Brian Knox – USAF Veteran
My personal thanks to John’s son, Brian Knox for contacting us with the great news and providing all information. Brian, himself, served 20-years in the USAF in service to our nation! – Roger ‘Bear’ Young
Dear fellow Spurs,
My wife is friends with Charles’ wife Beverly and found the following on Facebook from their daughter Suzie Stutzman Pate. I flew many Hunter/Killer missions with Charles and am deeply saddened by his passing.
Clayton Marsh, Silver Spur Communications
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Today was one of the hardest days of my life as I stood by my sister and brother and watched my mom say goodbye to her high school sweetheart and husband of 59 years. There are no words right now, but as a family we know that we need to get out the basics. So, here we go . . .
Charles Richard Stutzman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor and friend passed peacefully from this earth on May 20, 2024, at Palo Pinto General Hospital with his family at his side.
Services are planned for Saturday, May 25 directly behind the National Vietnam War Museum building located at 12685 Mineral Wells Hwy., Mineral Wells, Texas. Visitation With the Family at 10 and Service at 11. A private internment will occur at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either:
Barclay College, 607 N Kingman, Haviland Kansas 67059,
Or the National Vietnam War Museum, PO Box 1779, Weatherford, Texas 76086, https://secure.qgiv.com/for/thenationalvietnamwarmuseum .
The family would like to extend our sincere thanks to the ICU nurses and staff at Palo Pinto General Hospital for the wonderful care they provided for our husband/father during his last days.
Also, for any Veteran in need of guidance or assistance with navigating the VA, we highly recommend the Dale K Graham Veteran’s Foundation, Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation | Veterans Administration Disability Claims Assistance | 1233 W Lindsey St. Norman, OK 73069 (dalekgrahamveteransfoundation.org) . They were instrumental in the final years of our dad’s life in ensuring that he received the benefits that were needed to help us through his last years.
Silver Spur 13, Charles Stutzman
Charles Richard Stutzman Memorial Service courtesy of his family:
Morgan’s book Drafted! – Finalist in the War & Military Category!!
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We’re proud to announce that Spur 37, Morgan Miller’s book ‘Drafted! My Year in Vietnam’ is now available on Amazon, Linkedin & GoodReads! Reviews below:
‘Drafted’ by Morgan Miller – 2023
Morgan and I both served in the very same unit, and his memoir brought back many powerful memories for me. Our tours overlapped for eight months, so many of the events described in Drafted! coincided with my own, especially the losses of the brave young men serving with A Troop, 3/17th Air Cavalry.
Morgan’s memoir captures not only that bond, but also the profound bravery and sacrifices made. Ultimately, we fought for each other. We are truly a special Band of Brothers that time and space cannot separate!
Salute!
Roger “Bear” Young
Silver Spur Scout Crew Chief & Scout Line Chief
1969-1970
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“Drafted tells the story of Henry Morgan Miller’s year in Vietnam at the invitation of Lyndon B. Johnson. It is the story of a meat-cutter—wannabe commercial airline pilot—whose life was rudely interrupted by being inducted into a war that he considered someone else’s battle for a lost cause. It’s a story that could describe many of the almost 300,000 men drafted in 1968 along with Morgan, or, for that matter, the 1.85 million drafted between 1964-73. It is the story of your brother, your son, your friend—some who came home safe and sound, and others who perished, or were no longer whole.
“In his book, Morgan also exposes a major mechanical issue with Vietnam-era Cobra helicopters; so serious that had they been Ford cars they would have been subject to a major recall. He suggests that Cobra helicopter pilots were guinea-pigs for aircraft plagued with serious, not to mention deadly, hydraulic problems.
“Drafted is for readers who want to experience what it was like, on a day-to-day basis, to go through basic training, learn to fly gunships, and then be shipped out to the Vietnam war zone. What it’s like to be shot at and shot down. To serve your country honorably, while fighting a war you don’t believe in, only to return and be ostracized by a misguided faction of the general public.”
Video footage provided by Sgt. Phil Taylor & Morgan Miller
Pam and I wish all of our fellow military veterans a pleasant and safe Veterans Day. Thanks for your service to our nation!!
This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial at the Wall in D.C. Here’s the schedule and we hope all will be safe and respected on their special day:
“The annual Observance at the Wall this year will be particularly special, dedicated to commemorating the Vietnam Women’s Memorial’s 30th anniversary. The ceremony will be presided over by Dr. Sharon R. Bannister, Major General, USAF (ret.), with keynote speaker Diane Carlson Evans, founder of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial. Notable speakers also include Jim Knotts and Janis Nark.
“These anniversary events, open to all, will unfold on the sacred grounds of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall. They are not just ceremonies but are avenues to acknowledge and resonate with the experiences, courage, and contributions of women during a pivotal era.”
Roger “Bear” Young – Scout CE and Spur webmaster
Courtesy of VA.gov
In from our Silver Spur President, John ‘Waldo’ Pepper:
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This story about A Troop was in the January/February 2023 issue of the VHPA Aviator.
Spur 3, Chuck Oualline
We wish all our Silver Spur family & Friends a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Brought to my attention by Silver Spur President, Waldo Pepper:
Proud American Veterans
In Honor of
Sgt. Gregory Antunano
KIA-BNR Cambodia, 24 July 1971
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