"A MAN IS NOT DEAD UNTIL HE IS FORGOTTEN"

-- H --

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Dennis served in the 281st AHC from 3-7 until 3-68 as the Company Clerk, working under the supervision of the First Sergeant and Executive Officer. Dennis was a good soldier, who performed his many duties in an outstanding manner. He was a caring individual who took care of the men of the unit and its attached Detachments. It was an honor to have served with him.
  - Jack Mayhew, 67-68

“Dennis J. Habben - age 72, of Pocahontas, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2020, at the Pocahontas Community Hospital in Pocahontas, Iowa.

“Dennis John Habben was born on August 5, 1947, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was the son of John and Anna (Martens) Habben. He was educated in Palmer schools, graduating from Palmer High School in 1965. He went to get a degree from Sioux Empire College. Dennis served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. On September 22, 1973, Dennis was united in marriage to Connie Hudek in Pocahontas. The couple settled in Palmer where Denny worked in agronomy with FC Coop and then New Coop. In 2013, Denny and Connie moved to Pocahontas and in 2017, Denny retired from the Coop.

“Denny was a member of the Resurrection Catholic Church, the American Legion, AMVETS and Palmer Conservation Club. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, training hunting dogs, carpentry work, bird watching, anything outdoors and gardening.

“Survivors include his wife, Connie Habben of Pocahontas; children, Thomas (Jennifer) Habben of Boone; Alison Habben of Iowa City and Nicholas (Nicole) Habben of Spencer; grandchildren, Brayden Habben, Brianna Habben, Bryce Habben and Corbin Habben and sisters, Marlys Peters of Manson and Jean (Harold) Meyer of Hampton. Denny was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna Habben; brother, Harvey Habben; parents-in-law, Sadie and Verle Hudek and brothers-in-law, Bob and Denny Hudek and Bill Peters.”

Powers Funeral Home - Pocahontas, Iowa
and findagrave.com

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From the obituary: Gary Don Hall of Waxahachie, Texas passed away on December 2, 2023 at the age of 76. He was born on January 12, 1947 in Dallas, Texas to Guy and Thelma Hall. Gary was drafted into the United States Army in 1966 at the age of 19. He was a member of the 281st Assault Helicopter Company (the first US Army Special Operations Helicopter Company) and was a door gunner with the Wolfpack 33 platoon. On May 21, 1967, he embarked on a recon mission and was shot down over Ashau Valley in South Vietnam. He survived three days in the jungle, evading enemy, before being rescued. His story has only been told from the eye’s of the pilot that rescued him that day. Gary would eventually be awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for valor for his bravery in Vietnam. Gary spent his life working in the printing industry and retired in 2011. He was also an outdoorsman and retirement meant more time with his first love, fishing. Gary also liked to hunt and found a hunting dog in Alabama but met a guy in McKinney to pick her up. First time taking her hunting, after his first shot and seeing her hightail it back to his truck, he quickly learned he did not have a working dog but would soon find his best friend, in her.

Gary is survived by his best friend and constant four-legged companion, Belle. Gary is also survived by his brother, Larry and Patricia Hall of Waxahachie; a son, Don Hall of Fate; three daughters, Donna and Edron Kindle of Rowlett; Stefanie and Adam Goldberg of Royse City; Stacy and Steve Buis of Rockwall. His grandchildren are Shelbi, Morgan, Travis, Katelyn, Caleb, Kelsea, Cristann, Gavin, Carsyn, Trevor, and Kaylee and great-grandchildren, Hadlea and Ryleigh. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews; Lisa and Chris Klein (Blaine, Jordan, Corbin), Chris and Karin (Brandon, Breanna, Jacob, and Kaylee), Matthew and Tara Snell (Jacob, Catalina, Madeline, Abby), Katelyn and Trevor Maynard (Elliana, Declan), Zachary and Patricia Hall (Zoey, Emmie Rose). He was preceded in death by his mother and father.
Laurel Land Funeral Home, and
dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/dallas-tx/gary-hall-11566657

The obitutary notice: It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Gary Don Hall of Waxahachie, Texas, who passed away on December 2, 2023, at the age of 76, leaving to mourn family and friends. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Gary Don Hall to pay them a last tribute. The military honors will be held on Monday, December 18th 2023 from 11:15 AM to 2:00 PM at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery (2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211).
from echovita.com/us/obituaries/tx/waxahachie/gary-don-hall-17301600

Reported by Jeff Murray:
Gary Hall passed this afternoon, he never overcame his stroke of 8 months ago. Gary was the gunner on the Wrobleski mission, he lived fairly close by and we had lunch a few times, my daughter and granddaughter knew him. I’ll let you know of his services when they’re announced.

Gary, left and Corky, right, frame Mike Gallagher's name at the wall.
Mike died trying to rescue Gary and Corky as related on the story page.

Somewhere in the field.

Not in the field between operations.

Looks like the ramp at Nha Trang

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Alpha served in the 281st Assault Helicopter Company, the US Army’s first Special Operations Helicopter Company, as a Door Gunner flying on a UH-1 “Huey” helicopter gun ship from 10-66 until 10-67. Alpha was a great soldier and a credit to his unit. His contributions to his fellow crew members insured their safety in a hostile war environment. Alpha was a member of the 281st AHC Association. He shall be remembered by the Intruder family.

His obituary follows:

Alpha Glynn Halsted, 71 of Marshall, Arkansas passed from this life on Sunday, December 9th, 2018 at his home. He was born in Imo, Arkansas on January 6th, 1947 to Lonnie Halsted and Perna Mae Duncan Halsted.

Alpha honorably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was a proven leader. He spent his working years as the owner/operator of Halsted Drywall and Halsted Farms. He was a man of God with great wisdom, strength, integrity, discipline and honesty. He was a faithful servant who always strived to walk in love. He had a forgiving heart and was a man of charity. Many came to Alpha when they needed wisdom or advice. He knew where his help came from and was an amazing prayer warrior. All who came to him knew he could be counted on to provide the help needed. He was an encourager when the stakes were down and when times became tough. Alpha was a faithful husband, father and grandfather and loved his family deeply. He loved history and was an avid reader of history. He spent countless hours studying his family history and the history of Searcy County.

Survivors include Linda Halsted of the home; daughters, Sandra Ragland (Bradley) of Marshall, Marla Reece (Michael) of Big Flat, Michelle Orange (Hank) of Marshall, Carrie Marshall (Jovey) of Farmington and Amie Brown (Jerry Dale) of Marshall. Funeral services for Alpha were held on December 12. He was laid to rest in the Oak Hill Cemetery.

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RICHIE HAMLIN
31 July 31, 1946 --- December, 1978

Died in Honolulu, Hawaii
Interred in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific


from findagrave.com

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MICHAEL C. HANS
Michael passed away on October 6, 2004.

Michael served in the 281^st; his last known address was Clearwater, Florida.

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Mike Hargis served in the 281st as a Crew Chief from March 1967 until May 1967.  He was a highly respected member of the Ist Platoon and a friend to all. At the time of his death, Mike was living in Keller, TX with his wife Ann.

    

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HANK HARPSTER
died after his tour on April 15, 1974 (Easter Sunday)

Served as a Crew Chief with the Bandit Platoon from 1969 to 1970.
Hank was traveling to Ft. Bragg, California to visit with Paul Swol when he was killed in a motorcycle accident.
Pall bearers for Hank were Paul Swol, Paul Leonard, Dave Gow and Doug Powel, most wearing tiger stripes.

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From the obituary:

Mr. Lawrence Harris Sr. transitioned from this life on October 2, 2023. Mr. Harris was born on July 13, 1944.

A viewing for Mr. Harris will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Vaughn Greene Funeral Services, 8728 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD 21133.

On Thursday, October 19, 2023, a homegoing celebration for Mr. Lawrence Harris Sr. will be held at Vaughn Greene Funeral Services, 8728 Liberty Road Randallstown, MD 21133, where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. with services to follow.

Immediately following services, the Interment will be held at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery.

"Announcing the passing of Lawrence Harris, Larry was a member of the 281stAHC from its start at FT. Rucker, to Ft. Benning, 1965-1966. He passed on Oct, 2nd 2023. He is Survived by his wife Dorothy Harris and son Lawrence jr. His Funeral will be held at Vaughn C Greene funeral home on Oct 19th at Randalls Town, Maryland 21133, telephone 410 655 0015. His wife can be reached at 4637A Cross Court, Ellicott City, Maryland. Tele.# [ask] or (Lvtogodah@aol.com. God Bless the men of the 281st AHC. Thank You."
~ Charles Jordan

Obit and photo from VaughnGreene Funeral home in Randallstown, MD.

Jay joined the 281st as a crew chief, and flew with the Bandits. In 1967, he became the Bandit Platoon Sergeant as a SGT E5, and completed his tour as their leader.

The obituary:
Lordstown – Warren “Jay” Hays, 74 of Lordstown passed away Monday evening, December 13, 2021, at St Joseph Hospital. Jay was born June 8, 1947, in Canton, the son of Warren Edward and Dorothea Hays. He was a 1966 graduate of Carrolton High School and served in the U.S. Army as a crew chief for the 281st. Assault Helicopter Company attached to Delta Special Forces in Vietnam. Jay was highly active in the 281st AHC Associations. After his service in the Army, Jay worked for General Motors Lordstown on the paint line. He retried from General Motors in 1995 and owned and operated Hays Enterprises, Inc which he started in 1980. He was a member of North Mar Church, a member of Silver Trowel Lodge of the Masons, and was a former member of the Lordstown Lions Club. Jay is survived by his wife the former Doris Dillion, whom he married August 18, 1973, 4 children, Jay W. Hays of Alliance, James (Andrea Ackerman) Hays of Whitehouse, Jason Hays of Lordstown, and Dory (Brian) Lutz of Carmel, IN, as well as eight grandchildren. Jay was preceded in death by a daughter, Deanna Hays, his parents Warren Edward and Dorothea Hays, and a sister, Dorothea Hartong. Friends may call on Friday, December 17, 2021, from 10 AM until 12:30 PM at North Mar Church. Funeral services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the 281st. AHC Memorial Scholarship fund, c/o Walt Pikul, PO Box 41035, Fayetteville, NC 28309, or to the Shriners Hospitals at lovetotherescue.org in Jay’s name. Arrangements were entrusted to the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel. Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.lanefuneralhomes.com

   Jay is the soul of the 281st. I have a 281st guidon Jay supplied to me. It will be brightly lit for him along with Old Glory. If anyone asks what it is for, I will tell them about the best man we have in the 281st.
   When I was president, Jay was always giving me stuff for the association from an “anonymous donor”. Of course, it was Jay taking it out of his pocket. A man with a big heart.
   Jay called himself the "PX Grunt". Of course, we all know he was much more than that. No man better represented the 281st than Jay. He promoted the 281st wherever he went with his cap and goodwill. He would drive hundreds of miles to support the camaraderie and brotherhood of the 281st. We ran out of guidons but when I asked for one he went out of his way to be sure I got one. This guidon is flying in honor of Jay. We all salute, Jay.
   - Wes Schuster

   Wes wrote yesterday that Jay was a mainstay of the association and he is right. When we restarted the association we had two winners. Jay Hays and Gary Stagman. Gary worked the phones and Jay visited former Intruders all over the country. He was, and still is, our roving ambassador. He is a friend to all. I have yet to hear Jay utter a bad word about anyone.
   A few years ago my grand daughter, who was living with us at the time and going to College, called me at the office to tell me that there was a strange person in our driveway with a Santa Sled on a trailer. Jay had driven from Ohio early one morning, to surprise and thank our staff for collecting and sending care packages to the men and women of the 10th Mountain Unit that we and the 281st were supporting in Afghanistan. He arrived at the office in his Sled dressed as Santa and everyone in the building turned out to greet him. Following his visit we collected and shipped gifts to the troops for months. That’s our man Jay.
   - Jack Mayhew, intruder06@me.com

   Jack You are so right about Jay. If there was a "Mister 281st" award, Jay would be a finalist with few others in contention. He has always been our good will ambassador who looks out for the unit, both in VN and US.
   - Dean

Fort Bragg with CG Special OPs Command Hat from the 10th Mountain Division.	with Lance Ham to rescue our 113
Jay and Marshall Hawkins	old times with an old friend
San Antonio - Jay, with family

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CHARLES C. "Corky" "Woody" HECK
July 8, 1944 - February 5, 2001

Woody served as WolfPack Crew Chief and gunner, 1966 to 1967.

from the obituary:

Charles "Corky" Heck, 56, Hermann, died Monday, February 5, 2001, at Harry S. Truman VA Hospital, Columbia. He was born July 8, 1944, at St. Louis, son of the late Paul Heck and wife Virginia, nee Hagedorn. He was married December 5, 1970, to Ruth Gieseke at Hermann.

Mr. Heck served as superintendent of the Loutre Shore Golf Course for 16 years. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Mr. Heck was a member of Historic Hermann, the Gasconade County Historical Society; Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Lions Club and the Eagles.

He was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Heck, Hermann; his mother, Virginia Heck, nee Hagedorn, Corvallis, Oregon; one daughter, Sara Heck, Columbia; one son, Jason Heck, St. Louis; one bother, Darryl Heck and wife Carol, Hermann; one sister, Donna Kreusser and husband Edward, Corvallis, Oregon; one sister-in-law, Betty Jean Smith and husband Garrett, Vail, Colorado; one brother-in-law, William D. Gieseke and wife Beppy, Delray Beach, Florida; other relatives and many friends.

Toedtmann-Grosse Funeral Home, Hermann, MO
findagrave.com #101773628

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BILL L. HELPINGSTINE
November 6, 1945 - May 25, 2022

Bill L. Helpingstine, 76, of Smithland, Kentucky formerly of Centralia and Salem, passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at his home. He was born November 6, 1945 in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of John Helpingstine and Lela (Shuler) Helpingstine. He married Patricia A. Duncan on October 4, 1969 at the First Presbyterian Church in Salem and she survives. In addition to his wife of 52 years, Patricia Helpingstine of Smithland, Kentucky, he is also survived by his three children: several nieces and nephews; and his four legged companion: Izzy. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill graduated from Salem High School and attended Centralia Junior College. He was a farmer for 38 years in Salem and he retired in 2012. Bill served with the 281st Assault Helicopter Company as a Crew Chief in Vietnam. He was a member of the Centralia American Legion Post 446, where he served as Adjutant, Board Member, and finally as Post Commander for two years. He was also a member of the Centralia V.F.W. Post 2055, DVA, and VVA. He was awarded with Veteran of the Year in 2014 and he was inducted into the Hillcrest Memorial Park Court of Honor in November of 2016.

Bill enjoyed hunting and was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He also was an avid reader and he was well known at the Centralia Library. Bill cherished the time he spent with his family and friends.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Facebook Page.

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The obit from the VHPA Aviator, issue 35-05, September/October, 2016, the publication of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association:

"Hewlett, George P, USA MAJ (Ret),
Flight Classes: 64-3FW/ 65-1QB.
RVN: 66-67 281 AHC, 67 A/9 AVN 9 INF, 72-73 F/9 CAV 1 CAV,
Callsigns: Mardi Gras / Saber 6
 
George P. [Phillip] Hewlett passed away February 3, 2016 in The Villages, FL, with his loving wife of 55 years, Barbara, at his side. George was born October 26, 1939 in Philadelphia, PA. He was raised in Frankfort, PA and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1957. Upon graduation, he attended Penn State University for two years before joining the Army. He joined the Army in 1960 and was a paratrooper with the 82nd ABN DIV for two and one-half years before applying for Officer Candidate School. He was accepted to OCS in January 1963 where he graduated and was commissioned in June of 1963 as an Armor Officer. Upon graduation from OCS he went to the Armor Officer Basic Course and then on to Flight school at Fort Wolters, TX and Fort Rucker, AL. He attended his Armor Advance Course at Fort Knox in 1969 to 1970. His first assignment out of Flight School was in Germany as a troop commander in the 3rd ID. He then went on to his first tour in Vietnam. From 1967 to 1969 he had various flight assignments at Hunter Army Airfield. From 1970 to 1971 he attended the University of Tampa for his degree completion. In March 1972, he went back to Vietnam on his second tour. George commanded during the Battle of An Loc where the troop first encountered SA-7 heat seeking missiles. The troop lost its first Cobra and crew to an SA-7 in April and had two more Cobras shot down with SA-7s later that year.

During George’s tenure as the troop commander he developed a reputation for never leaving one of his men on the ground. He flew Command and Control on an almost daily basis to ensure his air crews would be rescued if shot down. He had the opportunity to rescue at least a dozen crews during his 12 months of command. Upon his return to CONUS, George rounded out his career with FORSCOM Headquarters at Fort McPherson, GA and Recruiting Command in the Atlanta area.

George’s awards during his two tours in Vietnam include the Distinguished Flying Cross with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and 52 Air Medals, several with V device. He will always be remembered by his troops for his heroic actions to rescue his air crews when they had been shot down by enemy fire. After retirement from the Army in 1980, George became a general manager for Eckert Drug stores for many years and thirteen years with the United States Post Office. He finally retired in 1999 in the Atlanta area and in 2004 moved to The Villages, FL where he and his lovely wife enjoyed golf and many other activities offered there. George is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara."

CWO DON C. HILDEBRAND
December 1, 1943 - November 30,1994

Don served in the 281st 1967-68; Flight Class: 66-21/66-23.
Don was also the First President of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association.
He was residing in Tucson, AZ at the time of his death and is survived by his wife Kathy.
Don’s death was the result of a heart attack.

Don was born at Camp Cooke Army Base (now Vandenberg AFB) California. Grew up in Midwest. He served as a Warrant Officer in Viet Nam and flew helicopters throughout his Army career. He then moved to Tucson to become a City Police Officer, and was the first pilot for their new helicopter program. He served as chief Police Department pilot until 1980 when he left the force to begin Southwest Helicopters. He was a Federal Aviation Administration-certified pilot examiner and his love of helicopters was well known. He often said "You don't fly helicopters, you wear them". He passed away unexpectedly on a business trip to Texas.

findagrave #186803224

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Served as a Maintenance Quality Control Technical Inspector (TI) with the 483rd TC from January, 1966 to May of 1967.
73 years of age at the time of his death. Last resided in Kansas City, Missouri.

Updated in June, 2016:
Harvey traveled to Vietnam with the 281st and served as its senior Tech Inspector for the duration of his tour. He was known to be an excellent technician and was respected by all. He shall be remembered by the Intruder family.

His obituary follows:
"Harvey L. Hiner, SFC USA (Ret.) departed from this life and was welcomed to his heavenly home on June 8, 2011 at Kansas City Hospice House. Harvey was born on July 26, 1937 to Harry and Dona Hiner in Lamar Mo. He had two brothers and five sisters. Harvey had four children, and was a family man. Harvey was a military man. He joined the Air Force in 1953 and served 10 years, transferring to the Army where he served 12 years, retiring in 1974. He served in Vietnam and spoke proudly of his service to his country, his officers and the men whom he served with. Harvey leaves his wife Sandra and his four children.”

NORMAN THEODORE "NT" HOLCOMB
Born on June 17, 1940. Died after his tour in March, 1993

52 years of age at the time of his death. His SSAN issued in Minnesota.
He was interred in Ladonia Cemetery, Ladonia, Fannin County, Texas.
Findagrave.com/memorial/119289173

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MAJOR JAMES RICHARD "PAPPY" HOLT
November 22, 1939 - July 15, 2018

Major, USA (Ret), Aviator
281st Assault Helicopter Company
Dallas Texas

James “Pappy” Holt joined the 281st AHC in April, 1969 and served with the Wolf Pack armed helicopter platoon until April 1970. Before flight school he served with the Special Forces. When “Pappy” joined the 281st, he had served two previous tours in Vietnam and was older and more experienced than most individuals in the unit, thus the nickname "Pappy”. James was a natural leader of men, and his experience in combat was highly valuable to the young men of the 281st. He shall be missed and remembered by the Intruder family. Major Holt’s obituary follows:

James R. Holt went to be with the Lord on July 15, 2018 at the age of 78. He was born on November 22, 1939 to James and Margaret Holt in Dallas, TX. He spent 21 years in the US Army as an Infantry Officer with three tours in Vietnam, and served in the Special Forces most notably with the 281st AHC (Assault Helicopter Company). James received many awards including: the Bronze Star with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with "V" Device with numeral 20, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star and 1 Silver Service Star, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st award, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with device, Army Commendation Medal with 1 bronze oak leaf cluster, Good Conduct Medal, Expert Badge with Rifle Bar, Parachutist Badge-Master Army Aviator Badge to name a few. James was a golfer and an avid Rangers fan. He loved football, gardening, and landscape oil painting. He attended the University of Nebraska-Omaha. James is survived by his wife Lilia Holt, son Bryan (Alodia) Abejuela, and daughters Yvette (Kurt) Pirkle and Karla (Jarrett) Edwards.
Visitation will be on Thursday, July 26th, 2018 from 11am-11:30am with a Rosary at 11:30 and Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00PM all at Holy Name Catholic Church, 3814 Nash Blvd, San Antonio, TX. Interment will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

"Good evening. We thought we’d let you all know that MAJ James “Pappy” Holt (Wolf Pack 36 4/69-4/70) recently passed away on July 15, 2018 in San Antonio, TX. His service will be on [11 a.m.] July 26, 2018 at Holy Name Catholic Church from 1100-1200. Interment to follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

"He has spoken very fondly of the 281st AHC in the past and may have attended a couple of reunions a few years back. He died peacefully in his sleep. He is survived by his wife Lilia Holt, son Bryan (Lovely) Abejuela, Yvette (Kurt) Pirkle, and Karla (Jarrett) Edwards. Thank you for your time.

Karla Edwards"

Jeff Murray tells this one:
Jim served two tours as an SF medic before flight school and OCS. When we got to Mai Loc he was still fairly new so I was showing him around the AO..."Here is the crew tent, here is the maintenance tent, here is the beer tent..." you know, important stuff. We walked in the mess tent and Jim and the mess sergeant started hugging. "I guess you two know each other?”; I asked. The response from the mess sergeant: "Hell yeah, on my last tour he was Sergeant Holt, the medic, and he circumcised me!" Then he preceded to show everyone in the mess tent Bill's handiwork. It made for a great lunch.
Jim must have been one helluva medic or those two had to have been really drunk.
Jeff Murray. WP.

WILLIAM G. "BILL" HOLT
October 14, 1943 - May 13, 2019

Bill joined the 281st in August of 1968 and served with the unit until September 1969. He served as a gun ship pilot in the 3rd platoon, Wolf Pack and at one point was the Wolf Pack Commander. Bill, a former SF member, was a respected member of the gun platoon. At one point in his early days with the unit he recovered a heavy gun ship by flying it through the treetops of the dense jungle. This maneuver earned him the nickname of “Holt-Holt of the jungle.” Bill was a solid member of the unit, and a contributing member of the association. He shall be missed and will not be forgotten by his brother Intruders. His edited obituary follows:

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Frank Hood served in the 281st AHC from 6-70 until 12-70 as a member of the Rat Pack. His service came as the unit was closing out it’s Vietnam operations. Frank shall be remembered by the Intruders. His obituary follows:

“Frank Hood, 65, of Stafford passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his kids, Whitney Hood and Tyler Hood; and his seven grandkids. Frank was born in North Carolina, on July 7, 1951, to Frank Hood Sr. and Kathryn J. Hood. He graduated from Garfield High and went on to go to school to be an electrician at UOSA water plant. He loved his job. He married Linda Evans who also went to Garfield. Frank was diagnosed with cancer in 2011. A memorial service was held at 6:00pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at Mullins and Thompson Funeral Service, Stafford Va.”

Mr. John Bunyan Hood, Jr., age 70 of Smyrna, passed away November 24th. Interment at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton. Son of Addy Wallace and John Bunyan Hood, Sr., Mr. Hood was a retired US Army Captain. He was a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War and earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He was an Army Ranger, Entrepreneur and the founding Scout Master at Smyrna First United Methodist Church Troop 11 for 10 years. Carmichael Funeral Home, Smyrna."
- findagrave.com

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MAJOR ROBERT T. (Ton) HOOKER
August 26, 1933 - November 21, 2004

Thomas Hooker 71, died Sunday November 21, 2004, at his residence in Hamer, South Carolina. Born in Hendersonville, NC, August 26, 1933, he was the son of the late Jacob Thomas Hooker and Flora Janie (Hamer) Hooker.  Tom joined the Army in the 1950’s attaining the rank of Sergeant before entering the Commissioned Officer Corps. He retired from the US Army as a Master Aviator with the rank of Major.  His Vietnam tour of duty included the 281^st AHC (11/66-5/67) and the 161^st AHC in 1967 and in 1969 he served as Operations Officer of the 16^th Aviation Group at Chu Lai.  Ton, as he liked to be called, has been a member of the VHCMA since 1998 and has attended all but one reunion.

Survivors include his wife, Susan L. Hooker of Hamer; sons, Jacob Thomas Hooker of Elgin, SC and Robert Elvin Hooker of Charleston; 3 Grandchildren.

DAVID L. HOPKINS
May 3, 1947 --- January 31, 1996

Last known address in Lansing, Michigan; SSAN issued in Michigan

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GLENN HOSEY
December 11, 1947 --- February 2, 1999

Last Residence: 39443 Jones, Laurel, MS.
SSAN issued in Mississippi

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DONALD RAY HOSKIN
October 12, 1948 --- February 21, 2005
Wolf Pack Door Gunner from January to December 1970

  Donald Ray Hoskin, 56, passed away Monday, February 21 2005 at home in Redlands, California. He was a resident of Redlands for 20 years. Born October 12, 1948 in Long Beach. California. He retired from the United States Army.
  Don began his career with 4 tours of duty in Vietnam. He served in FT. Riley, Kansas, Neu Ulm, Germany and Fort Ord, California. Donald lived in Salinas, California for 6 years, followed by assistant area commander for the United States Army Recruiting District of San Bernandino County; from which he retired in Redlands, California. During his Military career Donald was awarded The Purple Heart, The Flying Cross (DFC), the Medal of Valor, Army Commendation Medal, 3 Air Medals, Army Achievement Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
  After retirement he spent 16 years as a dedicated service advisor at Fairview Ford in San Bernandino, California. Donald started at Fairview Ford in September 1988, and was a fleet service manager for 7 of those years.
  He is preceded in death by his father, Cecil Hoskin of Baldwin Park, California. Donald is survived by his loving wife, Christine Hoskin of Redlands; son Bob Hoskin of Redlands; daughter, Tracey & husband Jim Gumke of Apple Valley, CA.; his mother Maxine Hoskin of West Covina; brother Richard Hoskin of Covina; brother, Robbie Hoskin of Lucerne Valley; three adoring grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
  Burial was held at the Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA. with full Military honors. In lieu of flowers.

Harold served in the 281st Assault Helicopter Company (AHC) in 1969-70 as a Door Gunner in the Wolf Pack Platoon. He continued his military career rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Harold shall be remembered by the Intruders of the 281st. His obituary follows:

Harold E. Howell, 63, of Portsmouth, a former resident of South Shore, Ky., died Wednesday, May 2, 2012, in Southern Ohio Medical Center in Portsmouth. He was born in Portsmouth, January 17, 1949, to Lester Howell Jr and Bessie Morris Howell.

Surviving are: his wife, Nancy Webb Howell; two sons, Todd E. Howell of Raceland, Ky., and Jeremy Howell of Greenup, Ky.; step-daughters, Kelly Ann Carver of Lucasville and Kimberly Jean Wilcoxon of Springfield, Ohio; one brother, Lester Howell of South Shore, Ky. He was laid to rest in the Mt. Zion Cemetery in South Shore, Ky.

He was a United States Army Vietnam Veteran.

The memorial at findagrave.com (89532860) notes the passing of Harold's wife.

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JAMES L HOWLETT
April 21, 1951 --- July 15, 1989

SSAN was issued in Nebraska

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Paul Hull passed away at his home in Cantonment, Florida on December 10, 2012. An early member of the association, he served as 281st Wolf Pack Door Gunner from March of 1969 to March of 1970. Before he completed his tour, he served as the assistant Platoon Sergeant and Platoon Sergeant. Paul was known by his fellow Intruders to be an active contributor and leader. The Intruder family shall remember him, Paul’s obituary follows:

“Paul Andrew Hull, 63, of Cantonment passed away December 10, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. He was a Vietnam Veteran, 281st Assault Helicopter Company, Special-Ops. Paul was a loving father, Paw-Paw, and great-grandfather who had a passion for motorcycles and photography until his health took its toll. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister. Paul leaves to cherish his memory: wife, Julia Ann; brother, Tommy; children, Michelle, Nicole, April, and William; grandchildren: Shane, Brianna, Kelsey, Madyson and Bubba; great-grandchildren, Noah and Bentley and many, many friends. A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 14, 2012, at Barrancas National Cemetery.”

l-r: Paul Hull, Walt Stobe, Dave Devere

CORBIN EUGENE HUMPHREYS
November 11, 1946 -- August 29, 2017

Corbin joined the 281st in November of 1967 and served until May of 1968 as a Crew Chief with the Wolf Pack. Corbin maintained a life long friendship with his fellow intruders, and shall not be forgotten by them. His Obituary follows:

“Corbin Eugene Humphreys was born November 11, 1946, in Houston Heights, Texas and passed away August 29, 2017, at the age of 71 in Richmond, Texas.
Corbin was a lifetime citizen of Richmond/Rosenberg. He was a decorated veteran that served our country in the 281st Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam. He was the author of laughter and always lit up the room with his charm and smile. 
He is preceded in death by his Father William Humphreys and his Mother Helen Humphreys.
Corbin is survived by his wife of 38 years Toni Humphreys; his brother Charles ‘Teak’ Humphreys; his sister Rhonda Humphreys; his daughter Jenny Humphreys Vasquez; his son Michael Dahl; and 6 grandchildren.
Per Corbin's request, no services will be held. In place of flowers, he ask that donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).”

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