I remember your uncle Roy. We flew for Air America out of Udorn, Thailand during the same period. Roy flew Hueys and I flew the S-58T "TwinPac" but we often flew in the same area which was primarily in the area of the Plain of Jars in central Laos. I recall having more than a few beers with Roy. I wasn't aware that he was killed in '81 and am sorry for your loss. He was a good pilot and a good man. I have written a story about an incident that Roy and I both participated in. If you're interested I can email it to you.

Warmest regards,

Paul Gregoire

I am so delighted to hear from you, Paul. Roy was indeed a good pilot and a good man. I remember him talking about both Udorn and Laos and tossing back beers with his buddies and many more memories. Thankfully he never lost his sense of humor. I would love to chat with you about what he was up to after leaving the service and more about his fateful day in BC, if you're interested. To say that I would LOVE to see the story of your's and Roy's joint escapade(s) would be a huge understatement! And if you have any photos of the two of you, I'd love to acquire a copy! I hope life has treated you well since your time of service to this great country, Paul, and I hope to hear from you again soon!

If you'll give me your email address I'll send you a copy of the story. My email is ponga92807@sbcglobal.net.

Paul

Looking for Roy's Crew Chief: Rodger

Does anyone know where I might find Roy's AA Crew Chief and good friend, Rodger Ojeiro? Last I've been able to find, he was working in Montreal...but that was years and years ago. He and Roy held each other in very high esteem and I'm anxious to talk with him.

I'm also trying to figure out which division, regiment and/or squadron (of the 1st Air Cavalry Div.?) Roy served with in Vietnam, if anyone knows...

Finally, while I thought Roy flew Hueys, I've discovered that Roy flew mostly Chinooks and Vertols. I see some Chinook photos here, but having a hard time viewing a Vertol. Any ideas?

I'm afraid you're on the wrong web site to get any information about AAM personnel like Roy's flight mechanic. (Air America crew chiefs were called flight mechanics, not crew chiefs.) You'll probably have better luck by contacting the Air America Association at www.air-america.org.

You'll also have better luck in finding Roy's Army unit by checking with the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. The VHPA is largely an Army group and may be able to put you in touch with folks who knew Roy.

As far as Chinooks and Vertols goes there is often confusion between the terms. The Vertol division of Boeing manufactured both the CH-47 for the Army and the CH-46 for the Marine Corps. While both are tandem rotor helicopters and have a similar appearance they are completely different aircraft. What you see on the Popasmoke web site is the CH-46 Sea Knight more often called the "Phrog" by the Marine crews. There is a civilian version of the CH-46 called the Vertol 107. The CH-47 is named the Chinook.

Roy probably flew the CH-47 in the Army and the Vertol 107 later, possibly in Canada. During his time with Air America he flew Hueys which, by the way were never called Hueys. They were called Bells which was the name of the manufacturer. In late 1972 Air America acquired some Chinooks and several crews were selected to transition to them. I was in the first ground class for the Chinook and I believe that Roy was also. I left AAM before I made the transition to the Chinook but Roy probably flew it after I left.

I hope this helps.

Paul Gregoire

Thanks, again, Ponga Paul! I may have the wrong board, but look at the wonderful information you provided me with! As always, I appreciate your helpfulness and hope all's well with you! Thanks for the clarification on the copters and thanks for the new leads, too! My search continues...

FYI

Air America Association

http://www.air-america.org/

Thanks, George. I've tried the Air America webstie with not much luck, even though they do have records of Roy's years as a helicopter pilot. I only wish they had a discussion forum like this one. Perhaps one day!

http://www.air-america.org/News/News.shtml

send your comments or suggestions to
Air America Association - P.O. Box 1522 ~ Castroville, TX 78009