9 replies to this topic

[Hawk819]

Well, time has come, and my father will meet the roll call in Heaven. They give only one week, and he'll be gone. Now this is just an estimate and not factual. What is factual is he's dying. Time is only short for now.

For you see, my father, James, Sr. was a Specialist and Door gunner on a Boeing CH-47 Chinook, and that type is being used even today. As many know, like the Centurion in our beloved MechWarrior Game, it's a work horse for all branches of the U.S. Military.

My dad served at one time in the 242nd Assault Support Helicopter Company, The Muleskinners, and he served with distinction and honor. Saw action across most of Vietnam: from Hobo Woods to only Heaven knows where else. Some time during this month, he will join the rest his brothers in Peace and forever rest..

As for myself, I'd love to hear from those who served this country of ours, even if it is going to hell in a hand basket on the Satan Express. I still love to hear from you. I'm placing my dad's picture on here. He's the one on the far right. The other men I know nothing about.

If you served in the 242nd, then give me a PM on here, and let's talk. If you knew my dad over there, I'd love to hear from ya. May God rest the Souls of the fallen and give them the peace they richly deserve. For they gave of themselves so all can enjoy freedom.




James Henry, Sr.

Born: 16 June,1947
Died: 28 May, 2015

Edited by Hawk819, 29 May 2015 - 07:35 AM.

[Threat Doc]

I was neither in the 242nd, nor in Vietnam, but I did serve in Army Aviation, on Blackhawks, Chinooks, and I've worked on every Mission Design Series aircraft in the Army inventory. I served in Bosnia-Herzegovina with 2/1 Aviation Battalion, as one of Commander-Implementation Forces Crew Chiefs, and we got to see a lot that many others didn't get to see, in the form of death, destruction, and things happening that rightly put the fear of God into me.

As a fellow soldier, and a combat veteran, my heart goes out to both you and your Dad; bless you both, and may he rest in peace.

[Hawk819]

Thank you, your words are most appreciated.

[Nightmare1]

Tell your Dad "Thank you" for all of us. Vietnam wasn't a popular war and our soldiers who fought in it never received the honor they were due from those whom they protected. I appreciate his efforts though and am proud of him. God Bless him and receive him!

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” —John 15:13

[Hawk819]

Marack Drock, on 28 May 2015 - 06:23 PM, said:

Tell your dad I thank him with all my heart.

And since my Grandpa passed away I think he would appreciate me telling his story, and if it is okay with the OP (I will put it in a spoiler).

All I can say is your dad is a hero, and as such I have nothing but respect, more than I can describe for what he has done. To all the men and women out there, thank you so much. I can't express how grateful I am of what you are doing or did. It is beyond my comprehension that you would do this for us, but you did. You are heroes, and there is no one I will ever respect more than you. Thank you so much. Hawk, thank your dad for me if you can.

Words cannot describe how I feel for what your dad did and for what others have done.

Spoiler

My Grandpa "Haney" was a Paratrooper and machine gunner. He only had an 8th grade education.

He served in the 101st Airborne and the 82nd Airborne and one other. His job was to gather information on German gun positions as well as troop movements. We don't know all the details because his record was top secret. Our family was told he was a Supply Driver for the troops. It turned out he was dropped in Normandy, Holland, Poland and a few others we haven't been informed about. He was awarded the purple heart after being injured by a hand grenade and also shot. Of his last unit (we didn't get the name) he was one of 3 survivors. We know that unit was over 30 men. My Grandpa was never able to tell his story to us as he died 10 years after the war ended. His information was confidential until 20 years after his death and even then they have hidden information about him. He passed away from lung cancer.

I know nothing more...

I'm afraid that I cannot pass along any words of thanks to my dad. He passed @ 1:59/2:59am early May 28th. I've cried all my tears away over the years of learning that he had cancer. The C.O.D. has not been determined at this time, I can say that he did not die of Cancer. Doctor said it was apparent Kidney failure, both. I believe them, and have no reason to doubt this. Cause he was on Dialysis at the time. He went to sleep fifteen minutes after 1:30 am, and never woke from that sleep. My family and I would appreciate any and all prayers in this dark time in our lives, and I myself appreciate the well wishes and prayers. Thank you.

<o

Edited by Hawk819, 28 May 2015 - 08:32 PM.

[Threat Doc]

You have my prayers, Hawk.

Take your time to grieve, and to help your family do the same, and then we'll see you out there on the field of battle, again, right? It won't be any good if we don't see you out there, buddy.

It might seem like only a game to many of the folks, here, especially the twitchers and those who couldn't care less about the history and lore, but you and I, and some others know that this community has been around a long damn time, and we take care of one another, even if only in our thoughts and prayers.

I would stay longer, if I didn't need to be up at 4am. <O my friend.

[Chuck B]

You(your family) are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Anjian]

RIP. My condolences for the family. Our thank for the services he gave to the country.

I still remember one of my parent being lost to cancer. At least his sufferings from the disease is over.