God's Own Lunatics by Joe Galloway

[727Sky]

Did you fly whirly birds, too?

There was a brief window where almost anyone could go to flight school.  Lost a couple of good friends to that program.  They had to come back to out-process ... and told really good stories.  Made me regret not submitting my packet when it was easy.

First tour yes.. The next 3 years in S.E. Asia I flew helicopters and fixed wing. I went into Nam on the Friday before the Monday it fell and picked up the ambassador's wife, Birdcage, and two kids in an Army twin engine turbo prop (U-21) and flew them out to Bangkok.

Thank you.

I always wanted to fly and actually signed up for fixed wing but a smooth talking Tac Officer (god) talked 6 of us to stay with our preflight mates and learn to fly helicopters. I couldn't even hardly spell helicopter but there was god talking so all six of us said OK. 2 of the six were killed first tour. I have always felt my joining was for selfish reasons so no need for thanks but nice of you to say.

It was some of the greatest flying one can imagine and since we were young bold and almost invisible it was always the other guy that got killed or came back home a crispy critter. Maybe I should have said young bold and stupid hahaha