Ceremony At The Wall - 02 May, 2005

As many of you know, there is a special effort being made for the adoption of an Army Medevac Air Crew Badge to be awarded to all crew members who flew in support of the wounded.  

In attendance for this special ceremony honoring all our fallen brothers and representing the 159th & Long Binh Dustoff were Doug Moore, Steve Lane, Richard Parmenter, and Randy Millican.  A special guest was also there with us-Marvin Zumwalt, the rescue Bob Horst was attempting when he was killed.  Read more about Marvin on the link "Update After 30 Years".

Proposed Medevac Air Crew Badge

A pair of these wings was placed with honor at each panel of The Wall listing a Vietnam Dustoff and Medevac Crewmember who gallantly and unselfishly gave their all to save their brothers.  "THAT OTHERS MIGHT LIVE"

West Wall-Doug MacNeil	East Wall-John Supple  & Bob Horst

Additionally, A plaque listing Dustoff & Medevac Crews lost in Desert Storm and OIF/OEF operations was unveiled.  Each crewmember was also awarded the Medevac Air Crew Badge.

The afternoon was perfect for the gathering, and the occasion and proceedings were very moving.  The names of all Dustoff and Medevac crews was read aloud by an active duty Colonel, and the decoration was given to a family or crew member by an active duty Command Sergeant Major, both were wearing their Dress Blues, which added dignity to the event.  The family member or crewmate then placed the decoration at the Wall.

Also in attendance were several U.S. Congressmen, the past National Gold Star Mothers President, and our own Dustoff Congressional Medal of Honor Winner Mike Novosel.

Whether or not the award is officially recognized was irrelevant.  The honor and tribute being paid to these gallant, fallen heroes was proper and long over due.

Milkman