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Mission
 

To enhance and accredit the cohesiveness, esprit de corps, and traditions of valor of rotary wing aircrews that flew in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam Era. To seek out, using whatever means available, individuals who piloted rotary wing aircraft in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era and inform them of the existence of the VHPA and encourage all eligible individuals to become members. Membership is open to all helicopter pilots who flew in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era (1961-1975).

Chapter Profile

The Washington State Chapter of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (VHPA) was founded in September, 2000 by Jack Salm, Jr. It holds regular meetings in Washington state.

Next Meeting

 

The next business meeting will take place on Saturday, 16 June 2012 at the Olympia Airport at 10:00 hours during the Olympic Air Show. Again this year we will meet in the Airlift Northwest Hanger across the street (north) from Glacier Aviation Main Offices--just like last year. If you do not plan to attend the air show at the completion of our meeting, please enter the front door of the ALNW Hanger, marked with the VHPA banner. If you plan to stick around for the show, please enter the display area through the Olympic Flight Museum and pay the entry fee ($12 [online] - $15 at door) then turn left to the hanger next door. The Olympic Air Show will feature the FA-18E Super Hornet flight display and the Commemorative Air Force will have the B-17 ‘Sentimental Journey’ at the show and will be offering rides. Tentatively, we plan to broadcast the meeting over the Internet. Watch this site for details as they become known.

Last Meeting

The membership met at Famous Dave's BBQ. Details to follow.

Chapter Projects

The chapter participates in a number of worthwhile activities (at least we think they're worthwhile).  The latest project is to repaint and repair the UH1 we tow during the Veterans Day Parade in November. Click here for a rundown on the details.
Events of Interest

On Saturday, May 26th (11:00-11:30) at the Boeing Museum of Flight, the Museum’s Vietnam veteran Bell UH-1H “Huey” helicopter takes a place of honor in the Great Gallery. This new, permanent exhibit will be officially opened during a brief ceremony near the exhibit. We have received a personal invitation from MG Pat Brady to attend so I expect this is a "do not miss" event for our chapter.

The ceremony is open to the public, and will be attended by members of the helicopter’s restoration team, Museum officials, Vietnam War veterans and members of local military and law enforcement agencies. Speakers include Museum President and CEO Doug King and Medal of Honor recipient retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Patrick Brady. During the Vietnam War Brady served with the Medical Service Corps, flying Huey air ambulance helicopters. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for piloting four extremely dangerous rescue flights in Vietnam on Jan. 6, 1968.

VHPA-WA  2012  Officers

President: Mark Hansen 206-604-0505 mhansen@king5.com
Vice President:   Don LeMaster    360-801-5143  heloplt@aol.com

Members at Large

Senior: Mike Magno 253-279-4918 magnos@rainierconnect.com
Mid-level Jim Hodgeboom 253-318-2035 muletalker@rainierconnect.com
Junior: Steve Vermillion  253-906-2938  steve@stevevermillion.com
Secretary:  Doug Decker 253-983-5255  dougdecker1@comcast.net
Treasurer: John Schafer 206-324-4936 (work) johnshafercpa@comcast.net
Web Master: Bill Vaughn  425-869-7425 billva@betav.com
Sgt at Arms: Bob Brown 253-582-2726 jaeger6@qwest.net
Parade Coordinator Pat Staeheli 253-859-4185 pgstaeheli@yahoo.com
Chaplin: Padre Francis Jeffery 253-588-3478 fjeffery@aol.com
Photos/Camera: Dan Fox 253-531-8242 two-foxes@msn.com

Past Presidents

2000 Jack Salm Jr. Founder,  National VHPA President (2009)
2001-2002 Tom Wie   (had to drop out, Jack Salm reelected)  
2002-2003 Jack Salm Jr.
2004 Pat Staeheli 
2005 Dave Rosenkranz 
2006 Dick Glasgow   (Died Feb. 21, 2007)
2007 Chris Farwell 
2008 Paul Fleming
2009 David P. Eck     
2010 Frank Jones (Health issues Feb. 2010)
2010 Bob Brown

Electronic mail
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Portions Copyright © 2003-2012 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association Washington State Chapter
Portions Copyright (c) 2003-2012, William R. Vaughn
Last modified: 05/17/2012 14:17:40 -0700 (Zulu)