VHPA reunion Las Vegas July 5, 2002
Note the spiffy 128th banner contributed by
Matt Roberto!
A great time had by all. We were especially pleased to have David and Dan
Zappini join us.
Back Row, left to right: Jim Watson, Don Pagels,
Steve Chiles, Jim Mason, Bob Piatt, Ray Broome Jene
Oates, William Bertalasio, Fred Counter, Terry Nesmith, David Zappini.
Middle Row, left to right: Jay Riseden, Doc Daugherty, Jim Barger, Paul Wenzel,
Matt Roberto, Dan Zappini, Fred Harris, Ed Ewing.
Front Row, left to right: Erica Chiles (daughter
of Steve Chiles), Martha Riseden, Mary Claire Boucher (daughter of Jay
Riseden).
Not pictured: Mike Waugh, Lloyd Lamothe, Jerry Bellows, Pat Richardson, Jack
Brooks, John Maloney.
After Action Report of The Mini Reunion
By Jay Riseden
Tomahawks and Gunslingers,
For the benefit of those who could not make the reunion, I offer the following.
Time on station: 4 days
Rations consumed: much beer
Ammo expended: tons of BS and a few tears
Outcome of mission: Complete success, no casualties reported. Slot machines may
have had prior knowledge of mission to their advantage.
Our 128th Gathering in Las Vegas was most successful. We passed a good time and
made new friends. We were all particularly pleased to have David and
Daniel Zappini with us to celebrate Vinnie's memory.
This gathering was also special in that Crew Chief, Don Pagels and
Gunners Terry Nesmith and Steve Chiles joined us. Their presence
added a special dimension to our gathering and they helped restore some foggy
memories. It was great to see our warrior brothers.
Mini-Reunion:
A good time was had by 128th crews and family members as we exchanged
memories and got reacquainted with old friends and got to know those who shared
the 128th experience at other times. David and Daniel Zappini were able to visit
with several pilots who knew their brother and learn about his time in the
128th.
Matt Roberto came through as promised and showed up with a fantastic 128th
Banner at the mini-reunion. A picture of it will be sent to the 128th webmaster
soon for display. Matt also had a photo of Gunslinger pilots enlarged to about 3
by 4 feet. The photo included Vinnie Zappini and fellow Gunslingers. The photo
and banner were hung on the wall for the mini reunion. Matt also thoughtfully
had 128th T-shirts printed in Tomahawk and Gunslinger themes. They sold out
fast. And lastly we thank Matt for ordering up refreshments for our gathering.
Closing Banquet:
The banquet was the biggest and best yet. As requested, VHPA HQ reserved us some
of the best seats in the house, front and center. The facility was filled with
over 2000 and included static display of an OH-58 and a Blackhawk. My daughter,
Andrea, had made a 128th table flag for the reunion and it really stood out.
Several folks were able to locate us for a visit.
The "Missing Man Toast" was particularly special for 128th
attendees because we had David and Daniel with us at the banquet.
The music was great and they had a super stage show after the dinner followed by
dancing. Many of us stayed up well beyond our bedtime.
I pray all made it home safely, it was a special time. I look forward to another
reunion for the 128th. How about the VHPA reunion, 2004, July 4th week in
Dallas, Texas?
Jay Riseden
Gunslinger 35
128th AHC, Phu Loi 67-68
Winner/Medalist Tet Winter Games 68
