Information provided by Jay Riseden in email sent out to former members of the 128th Assault Helicopter Company.

Former 128th AHC pilot and Gunslinger, Rod Hooks, was found dead in his horse
trailer the morning of 18 Feb 01 at a parking lot at the Houston Rodeo and
Livestock show. He had advanced to the cutting horse finals and was a long
time competitor in this event. He apparently died of carbon monoxide
poisoning as reported in the press. Known as "Captain Rod" to Houston TV
viewers, he was a long time helicopter pilot for KPRC television in Houston.
Rod was a VHPA member and graduated with class 66-9. He served with the 128th in 1966 and 1967. He served a second tour with ACT/11 ACR in 69 and 70. The obituary from the Houston Chronicle follows:

  Tue. Feb. 20, 2001  
RODNEY JAMES HOOKS, survived by Wife, Leslie Berryhill Hooks. He leaves Daughter, Christine Leigh Bailey of Blanco, TX; Son, Bradley James Hooks of
Friendswood, TX; Stepchildren, Kenneth Shane Berryhill, Jacob Lee Berryhill of Clearlake, TX; Grandchildren, Travis and Evan Bailey of Blanco, TX; his Grandchild expected in July; Brother, Mike Hooks of Maui, Hawaii; Sister, Vonnie Grether of Houston, TX; and his first Wife Donna Leigh Taylor of Fischer, TX. Mr. Hooks was born in Perth, Australia March 10, 1945. He served for 20 years in the United States Army, retiring in 1984. He graduated from flight school at Fort Wolters, and served with honor for two tours in Vietnam as a highly decorated combat aviator. He raised registered Texas Longhorns and performance horses. He was the Chopper2 Pilot for NBC affiliate KPRC Channel 2 in Houston, Texas for over ten years. 
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