COMMAND AIRCRAFT COMPANY
(CAC)
DYNAMIC YEARLY E–NEWSLETTER, 2017
Final Updated: 27 October 2017
Newsletter discontinued 1 January 2018
LIST OF ARTICLES: (click to go direct)
ROSTER–RELATED (1 January):
We received a photo from Lynn Hayes (CAC, December 1968–December 1969) for posting on the roster back in 2016, which was taken some time after Vietnam (LTC Hayes in that photo). Well, stranger revelations have come to me as webmaster over the years but none as memorable as this one. This officer served a short time with Lynn in CAC and he later served in a unit in which I served in 1961–1963 (I also maintain their web site). Here is part of the email sent to me from Lynn Hayes, just before the end of the 2016: D. Ricks
My reason for writing to you is that I also was in the 97th Engineer Battalion (Construction) and seeing you in several of the photos it appears that you and I have crossed paths on several occasions. When I left Vietnam in December 1969 and reported for assignment to Fort Riley, Kansas, I was reassigned to 24th Infantry Division, later redesignated the 1st Infantry Division. As an Engineer Branch captain I expected to be assigned to the 1st Engineer Battalion; however, that did not happen. The Battalion was already overstaffed with officers and the decision was to further assign me to the 1st Infantry Brigade.
Yes, I did complain; however, the assignments officer told me that if something come up for an engineer officer he would call me. Long story short, I went straight in as the Brigade’s S1, with about 2 weeks over lap with the departing senior Major, just before the Division deployed to Germany on Reforger 2. We were in Germany for 41 days, and, about three weeks after our return from a very successful (their words) deployment, the brigade commander called me into his office. I was reassigned as battalion executive officer of the 97th Engineers (a big step for a junior captain), where the commander and I worked hard to pass a previously failed command maintenance inspection that had occurred under another commander. Later, when the commander of C Company left the Army, I was given the command of that company (more will be at the 97th Engineer site).
WO1 William T. (Tom) Braswell, CAC July 1970 to August 1971, checked in with this comment:
Need to get myself on the roster so I can try to start making these reunions. Served with CAC 1970-71.
William T(Tom) Braswell, III
Captain, United Airlines (ret)
CW4, USAR (ret)
Steve Ernst checked in and sent a photo for his roster line, plus an overview of his life in the army just before and after serving in Vietnam. There is also a statement that tells us Steve and his wife and others are fortunate to still be with us. His family members were intimately involved in the infamous massacre at Luby’s Cafeteria at Killeen, Texas in 1991, which tragically took the life of his wife’s mother (see statement by Steve below):
I've had access to the Longtrip site for quite a while. I think it was Jerry DiGrezio, Catkiller 25/3, that put me onto it. Jerry and I were fixed–wing Red Hats in 1969 at Fort Stewart.
I retired from Fort Hood, Texas, in May, 1983, III (US) Corps and Fort Hood Transportation Plans Officer. Loved that job! Been living the good life ever since with my wife, Judy, of 53 years now. Two daughters, four granddaughters. Significant lifetime event occurring to us on 16 October 1991. Look it up here: front page killeen daily herald Oct 17, 1991.
I was an Admin Officer while at LTN. Rich Snell was my roommate. I knew Rich and his family from Ft Rucker. I helped him and his family find a place to live when they arrived late on a Friday evening. We were just arriving back from dinner. No mistaking an Army family. The rental office was closed. They needed assistance. Took them to a place for the weekend. They got into our mobile home court on Monday. Wives were buds and daughters the same age. He was a Yellow Hat just behind my class. He had arrived at LTN just days before me and coincidently we both got in–country transitions to the Ute with the CAC.
After flight school I went to Ft Sheridan Flight Detachment and got U8D,G, and F transitions then back to Rucker for OV–1 Mohawks. Rich finished his initial course then went off to Hood and got a Beaver transition then back to Rucker for U8s. We met up at Rucker again. By the time I finished OV–1s at Rucker and Huachuca, Rich finished U8s. Both of us headed off to RVN within days of one another. Thus, coincidently, we met up for the third time at LTN! I ran into him within a half hour of arriving and he was looking for a roommate. Done.
Rich was the designated Security Officer and a portion of the berm was his responsibility. There was a big D–8 Cat on the far side of the berm to be used to keep the gap between our compound and the plantation cleared. So, in addition to getting in-country transitions to the U21 we also “transitioned” to the Cat. It was a hoot! Pretty sure we spent more time on it than we did in the cockpit. He left RVN about a week before me. His family was in Pleasanton, California. When I arrived back in the States at Oakland, he was there to meet me and take me home to dinner. A Bestie! Last I saw of him was in 1974. Don't know what became of them. If you do, let me know, please.
We were involved in the Luby’s shooting. Judy’s mom, Venice Henehan from Metz, Missouri, was killed; Judy was shot they the left forearm and lost quite a bit of it. I was shot in the gut the first time he visited our table then shot again when he came round again this time taking a round thru the left thumb disintegrating the middle bone. It was a “defensive” wound as he was trying to pump one thru my head but it barely missed and the thumb took it. Got it rebuilt some months later.
Judy's folks had driven down to Texas as our daughter was to be married that coming Saturday. Needless to say that didn't happen. It did a month later as I was pretty good to go by that time. Wasn't just right that Judy's mom was missing.
If you ever see film footage right after the shooting, the guy on the gurney being hauled across the parking lot to an awaiting MAST, that would be me.
Life has been good ever since. Both daughters in good marriages and four beautiful and intelligent granddaughters. Can’t ask for more. Blessed with a happy life and happy wife.
Steve Ernst, CAC, 1970–71
REUNION–RELATED (17 September):
As many of of members already know, a reunion is in the works for this year. With regard to the period and hotel facility, this note came from Joe Tilghman and Barbara (and Mike) Meyer today:
The dates for the next Long Thanh North reunion will be 12–14 October 2017. The hotel of choice is:
Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach[Click on the link to see photos and other information]“We are going to be sending out emails (or snail mail) by the end of next week. I am attaching the roster that I will include with the reunion information, and I plan on mailing copies to all who do not have a computer.
14 Via DeLuna Drive
1–850–932–5331
You will see that there is a lot of CAC guys that don’t have email or physical addresses. After the reunion, I got a ton of calls asking for physical addresses so that people could send out Christmas Cards. It would just be easier if we had them. Barbara Meyer”
TOM PAUL, 2017 VOLUNTEER REUNION HOST!
UPDATE: 3 March:
“Hello to all. Tom Paul will be our reunion host this year when we meet in Pensacola, Florida. Tom has been working hard on details and has some great plans for this year.
He has negotiated a good rate at a lovely hotel right on the beach! Restaurants, shopping and sightseeing are all within walking distance. For the tour of the Naval Air Station and Fort Pickens, we will have enough cars so that we can carpool there.
I have been trying to get the roster completed and have given it my best effort. I apologize in advance for any typos or incorrect information. Please let me know if you find mistakes and I’ll get them corrected and we will have a revised roster at the reunion.
I’ve tried to include all the information you will need for the reunion. Please call the Holiday Inn Resort directly instead of going through an 800 number. It will help us to plan on the number attending if you will make your hotel reservations as soon as possible. The deadline, however, is August 20. I’ve included Tom’s phone number in case you have questions for him.
As always, let me know if you have any questions and I’ll be glad to help. You can phone or text me at 816–550–3331.
I look forward to seeing everyone in October!
Best regard,
Barbara Meyer”
Update from Mike and Barbara Meyer: (14 August)
Currently we have 27 rooms reserved at the Holiday Inn Resort in Pensacola. We have several other members who will be attending but not staying at the hotel. Remember, reservations are due by August 20 to receive the discounted rate.
Golf is set for Thursday, October 12. Tee time will be 9 a.m. We have reserved Hidden Creek in Navarro, where Tom Paul lives. The cost will be approximately $30 including a cart. PLEASE contact Terry Edmunds at 309-287-7452 to reserve your spot.
For all CAC members, Joe Tilghman has a new email address. It is: joetilghman1944 (at symbol) gmail.com
Please bring your VietNam photographs, albums, DVDs, maps, patches, music or anything else to share memories with other veterans. We will have audio visual equipment available.
Tom Paul has been working hard on details for our gathering. Many surprises in store for all.
If you need any help making hotel reservations or other accommodations, please let me know. Many will have vehicles and we will try and coordinate transportation from the Pensacola Airport. Also, A-On-Time shuttle is available by calling 850-450-5015. Make reservations early and give them your flight information and they will pick you up when you arrive. They charge $35 for the trip up to 4 people, or extra $5 for additional passengers.
Michael and I will be arriving on Monday. You can reach me on my cell phone at 816-550-3331. Tom Paul can be reached at 850-499-3917.
Looking forward to seeing everyone in October.
Best regards, Barbara (and Mike) Meyer
For the roster, please send your most current and correct contact information to Barbara Meyer (click on this link to send her an email)
REUNION UPDATE PDF, 15 August:
MORE DETAILS FROM THE REUNION CREW
FRIDAY EVENING CAC EVENT
FRIDAY EVENING CAC EVENT ATTENDEES (as of 22 August)
FRIDAY EVENING CAC EVENT
FRIDAY EVENING CAC EVENT ATTENDEES (as of 22 August)
REUNION COORDINATOR MESSAGE: (17 September)
Wanted everyone to know that Pensacola was not affected by Hurricane Irma and the reunion will go on as planned. Tom has been working hard to make this reunion the best one ever!
Our hearts go out to all who were touched by Hurricanes Harvey or Irma.
Thursday—golfing around 9 AM, for those of you who signed up. It’s not too late to join, if you’re interested. There’s plenty of room if you’d just like to ride along in the golf cart. They are playing on the course where Tom Paul lives. Give Terry (309–287–7452) or Tom (850–499–3917) a call for more details.
Friday and Saturday mornings—7–9 AL—meet in our Hospitality Suite. Tom is planning a Continental Breakfast with bagels, donuts, croissants, boiled eggs, cheese, meat, coffee and juice. We’re asking for a $10 donation which will cover breakfast on both days.
Friday—8:45 AM —We will leave for the National Aviation Museum for a guided tour by highly experienced career aviators and now docents of the museum. We will have lunch at Cubi Point Restaurant located inside the Museum. Don’t worry about rides as we will be carpooling.
Friday Evening—CAC have a dinner and events planned by Joe Tilghman. You should have received information but if you have any questions, please contact Joe at 913–888–8545.
Friday Evening—All other veterans and spouses will be treated to a Pig Roast with Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Fried Rice, “Chicken–on–a–stick’ (Tom said all veterans would know what this is) and beer, pop and water. We are asking for a $10 per person donation to cover these costs. Does anyone prefer a vegetarian dinner? Please respond back to this email if you do. For folks who are driving to the reunion, If possible, put in a couple of lawn chairs for this event.
Saturday—leave mid–morning—tour Fort Pickens and Museum. Again, we will be carpooling.
Saturday late afternoon/evening—enjoy dinner on your own.
Saturday—7:30 PM—Gather at Hospitality Suite for Annual Business Meeting, POW/MIA Tribute led by Sam Langhofer, Lest We Forget Ceremony led by Tom Paul, Dessert Bar, Drinks and Cash Bar. Our speaker will be Ret. Col. Willis R. (Bob) Bunting who is currently the Mayor of Ozark, AL. Col. Bunting is a highly decorated soldier, combat veteran and Army Aviator. He served two tours in Vietnam and retired as the Chief of Staff of Fort Rucker in 1989 after a distinguished 30–year career.
At this meeting, we will pick locations for the next two reunion sites. If you would like to host a reunion in your city or if you have suggestions for locations, we will discuss options and vote.
See you on the beach!!!
Barbara Meyer and Tom Paul
REUNION PHOTOS:
NEW BOOK: US ARMY TWIN BEECHES:
“I thought a number of you might be interested in this. Terry Love is a good friend and a high school classmate of mine, as well as a two tour Vietnam veteran. A number of you met him at the 2016 reunion in Kansas City. Terry has published twentysome books on military aviation. His latest book, U.S. Army Twin Beeches, is being released on June 28, 2017. Chapter Six of the book deals with the U–21 Ute. He sent me an early copy and I scanned the cover page. Terry took many of the photos used in the book himself and some of you may recognize a few of the planes and locations. I’ll bring a copy of the book with me to Pensacola for anyone to look through. It’s available on Amazon for $24.64.
Joe Tilghman”
EDITOR: Click on the link: U.S. Army Twin Beeches to access the book page located at Amazon.com.
U–21 TAIL NUMBERS AND DISPOSITION, AS TRANSCRIBED AND REARRANGED BY MICKEY EVANS:
Gents:
Here is some busy work I’ve done through curiosity using the source link noted after the title of the attachment. I have not done much more than assemble the information in a Word document from the original source so that it’s more reader friendly.
The link does indicate that the serial numbers for years 1965–1969 were last revised in April–May of 2017. It doesn’t tell me how they actually do that, but it appears to be the best available information on the current disposition of various aircraft acquired during those years.
There is a great deal more information I wish it provided, but it might be useful if CAC alums remember specific tail numbers and want to pursue an aircraft’s history in more detail—if that’s possible. It does provide some history on those aircraft that were lost or destroyed while in service.
Mickey Evans, CAC 1969–70
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY, LYNN HAYES, 1968–69:
The time was the 4th of July 1989, Libby Army Airfield, Ft. Huachuca, Arizona, where I was the Commander. I received a call from Brian Hunter, a Secret Service Special Agent, who requested that I set up a ready reaction crew and an aircraft be on standby for a possible rescue of President Ronald Reagan from Mexico, who would be vacationing there after leaving office. Agent Hunter stated that Pres. Reagan would be horse back riding every day at exactly 11:00 am to 1:00 PM, from the 4th to the 7th of July, and that the flight crew should be ready at the aircraft during that time period.
To make this story short, Pres. Reagan did get thrown off of his horse, we did rescue him and med–evacuated him to Tucson Medical Center—in which he refused to remain over night for observation—as the medical team wanted him to do, because as he stated, “I am not going to stay in this hospital because Nancy’s Birthday is the 7th of July. So take me back to Mexico.” Mrs. Reagan turned to us and said, “Let’s take him back.” We loaded him onto a gurney and flew him back to Mexico.
This is the short story. I will cover the rest at the reunion with subjects:You will get these answers from Me at the CAC reunion in October.
- DEA arrests for drug smuggling.
- Crossing the Mexican border with a US Army Aircraft without approval and coordination thru the US Embassy and the Mexican Government.
- The new President Bush, who was in Europe at the time when he got the word within minutes of the accident.
- White House speaking directly with me without going thru the 3–star command who were oblivious to the rescue or the mission.
- The commander and crew were invited back to Mexico by Pres. and Mrs. Reagan for Lunch with them.
- Mrs. Reagan’s account in her book, Love Letters from Ronnie.
- Why did the National News state that President Reagan was thrown from his horse at his ranch in Santa Barbara Cal?
- Why were my crew and I not in Jail or Court–Martialed?
Lynn Hayes, aka Gabby, 1968-69
P.S. I have the photos. Can you imagine the thrill of having lunch there with the Reagans on this 50,000 acre ranch deep in Mexico, Pres. Regan called us military guys away from the women to tells stories about WW11 and he really knew how to tell jokes, and loved to tell them.
MAJOR LEWIS A. BOWNAM, PORT ORANGE, FLORIDA, DECEASED 12 JUNE 2017:
With regret and sincere condolences to his family and friends, this announcement, via a friend and obituary of the death of Major Lewis Alexander Bowman, is a solemn duty.
MISSION IMPROBABLE: TO MEDICALLY EVAC THE FORMER PRESIDENT:
Previously published above:
“The time was the 4th of July 1989, Libby Army Airfield, Ft. Huachuca, Arizona, where I was the Commander. I received a call from Brian Hunter, a Secret Service Special Agent, who requested that I set up a ready reaction crew and an aircraft be on standby for a possible rescue of President Ronald Reagan from Mexico, who would be vacationing there after leaving office. Agent Hunter stated that Pres. Reagan would be horse back riding every day at exactly 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, from the 4th to the 7th of July, and that the flight crew should be ready at the aircraft during that time period. To make this story short, Pres. Reagan did get thrown off of his horse, we did rescue him and med–evacuated him to Tucson Medical Center, in which he refused to remain over night for observation, as the medical team wanted him to do, because as he stated "I am not going to stay in this hospital because Nancy’s Birthday is the 7th of July. So take me back to Mexico." Mrs. Reagan turned to us and said, “Let’s take him back.’ We loaded him onto a gurney and flew him back to Mexico:
The rest of the story follows...
Lynn Hayes aka Gabby, 1968–69”
I am attaching four photographs taken on 5 July 1989, the day after my unit med–evacuated Former President Reagan from a ranch in Mexico, where he and Nancy were visiting friends (see captions).
Lynn Hayes
NOTE: On September 8 of that same year, former President Reagan underwent brain surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. This surgery was attributed to the injury sustained from the horseback riding incident at the ranch in Mexico.
MAJOR MICHAEL F. ROYSE, COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, DECEASED 24 MAY 2017:
With appreciation to Don Nicholson, who sent in the obituary below, and with sincere condolences to family and friends, we share that a soldier and great American patriot passed from our ranks on 24 May of this year. In 2013, Mike improved our history index accounts by submitting material for the USARV Flight Detachment, of which he became a member in March 1966. You can view his comments and information via HISTORICAL ASSIGNMENT PROFILES at this page.
Obituary for Michael F. Royse:
Major Michael F. Royse, USA Retired, received his final clearance for take-off to soar with the eagles on Wednesday, May 24, 2017. He was born on December 10, 1929 in Dallas, Texas, to his father Frank A. Royse, his mother Mary C. Royse, and his older sister, Polly Ann Royse, from Royse City, Texas. All deceased. The Royse family lived all over the state of Texas; Erie, Pennsylvania; and Buffalo, New York.
Major Royse graduated from Greenville High School, Greenville, Texas in 1947. He received his BA from University of Tampa, Florida in 1971, and his MA from University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida in 1974.
Major Royse enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1948, and was honorably discharged as a Corporal in March 1950. He enlisted in the United States Army in December 1950 and attended the Field Artillery Officer Candidate School. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in Field Artillery in 1952. He attended Army Flight Schools and was a Fixed and Rotary Wing Senior Army Aviator and FAA Commercial Pilot. He served in positions all over the United States, Japan, Korea, Italy, Vietnam, and Thailand. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, numerous campaign ribbons, and a Sikorsky Winged S for Rescue. He retired from the Army in 1970 with over 22 years of military service. After Major Royse retired from the Army, he was employed as a Federal Investigator for the Office of Personnel Management until he fully retired in 1971. Also after retirement, he volunteered his services to the Colorado Division of Wildlife rescuing injured and disabled wildlife, and the Colorado Springs Garden of the Gods.
Major Rose married the love of his life, JoAnn Francis in Tokyo, Japan in 1954, when Major Royse was a 1st Lieutenant. They lived all over the United States, as well as Verona, Italy, and Bangkok, Thailand. Their final home was in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They had three children: Lilann M. Royse, Michael W. Royse, and James I. Royse; and two grandchildren: Jessica A. Royse, and Tyler M. Royse.
Major Royse was a 32nd degree Mason, and Shriner. He was a black belt in Judo. He was a member of Mt. Scott Lodge No. 540, A.F. & A.M., the Military Officers Association of America, Vietnam, Helicopter Pilots Association, Army Otter and Caribou Association, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and National Rifle Association. He enjoyed traveling all over the world with his wife, Jo. He liked camping, nature, animals, and fly-fishing. He will be looking down at us and laugh. Sometimes he will cry.
