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SPIRITUAL
WARRIOR
VIETNAM VETERAN
NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 31 - AUGUST 8, 2001
EDITOR - BILL
McDONALD |
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Comments / Feedback /
Updates
"In The Shadow of The
Blade" |
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There has been much going on with
the situation relating to the the helicopter documentary - here is the
latest gathered from email and discussion groups this week relating
to the events.
From Cheryl Fries email:
Hello Friends,
The last few days have brought many unexpected events that I want you to
know about.
On a personal level, we have lost Patrick's mother after a long and
valiant
struggle. She died suddenly Friday night, and therefore we will be out of
touch for a few days this week.
But in the meantime, an inspiring groundswell of veteran support for both
Five-O-Deuce and "In the Shadow of the Blade" is building.
Several issues
have come to the fore to which we at Arrowhead are "officially"
responding
through me or Jim Moore, our co-producer and writer. I'll be forwarding
those to you for your information and input. We believe the most important
thing now--as always--is for us to maintain our high standards for
ethical,
accurate, respectful production. We've learned that from you.
All the best,
Cheryl
_________________________________________________________________________
Attached is a brief letter updating all of you on our situation at
Arrowhead Films as it concerns "In the Shadow of the Blade."
Please distribute as widely as possible to all e-mail groups and make all
due effort to see this message gets to vets.
Regards,
Jim Moore
Writer/Producer
"In the Shadow of the Blade""
Aug. 5, 2001
Update on Deuce and The Blade
To Whom it May Concern,
The producers of "In the Shadow of the Blade" want to keep
all interested parties apprised of progress of our film. In spite of the
fact that Arrowhead Films has now invested about $100,000 in
pre-production and promotion of the concept, we are still without two
critical elements: money and a Huey.
The question of finances is almost as critical as the Huey. We had
believed by now a corporate sponsor would have stepped forth and offered
support. This project seems to us an opportunity rich with potential for
great public relations. A corporate supporter can generate tremendous
positive image by helping to fund this film. But we are lacking that kind
of backing, thus far.
If you are interested in helping us film, "In the Shadow of the
Blade," think of ways for us to raise money. Ideally, one of the many
successful Vietnam vets, or the companies that support their
organizations, can be shown the value of this project and will provide
funding. Do you know someone who knows someone who can get us a meeting?
We’re on fire with an ambition to create this film and if we can get in
front of the right people, we can touch the flame to their souls, as well.
The other options would be for veterans’ groups to begin a
fund-raising project. This should not be a first priority. If this is what
it takes for the film to be produced, let’s all give it consideration.
But it is my conviction that some civic-minded company, somewhere in
America, will want to be a source of financing for this film. There is
something unsettling to us about the notion of people who sacrificed to
serve having to raise money to get their story told. It would seem the
rest of America owes vets that much. If any of you have other ideas, let
us know. A fund-raiser to restore the 5-0 might be a good option.
Finally, the Huey problem. Due to the controversy surrounding the 5-0
Deuce in Florida, Patrick and Cheryl Fries had resolved to look for
another ship. We were in the process of doing just that when vets decided
the 5-0 Deuce needed to be resurrected and fly once more. There is, to
understate the matter, a political and legal morass surrounding the
restored chopper in Punta Gorda. We are seeking a conciliatory meeting
with Charlotte County Sheriff William Clement to see if there is a way to
get access to the 5-0 Deuce and still provide his taxpayers with aerial
support for law enforcement. Where the money might come from to restore
the 5-0 to airworthiness escapes us, at the moment, but we are willing to
consider any and all ideas and concepts to make the film happen.
A lot of good people have come together for the cause of this film and
the 5-0 Deuce. I don’t see how we can fail, if we all press on together.
Send us your ideas and potential corporate funding contacts to producers@arrowheadfilms.com
Sincerely,
Jim Moore
Writer/Producer
"In the Shadow of the Blade" for Arrowhead Films
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 6, 2001
Mr. William Clement
Sheriff
Charlotte County, Fla.
Dear Sheriff Clement and all interested parties, I am writing in hopes of
clarifying several issues surrounding the fate of Charlotte County's Five
O Deuce, a Huey helicopter with Vietnam service. More importantly, the
producers of the Vietnam film, "In the Shadow of the Blade,"
want to offer to work with your good offices to find a solution to this
complicated matter. We believe this much, as a minimum, is owed to the men
and women who served and have taken an interest in our film, and in the
Five O Deuce.
First, let me explain why we did not have authorizations you cite in your
letter. The simple reason is because the helicopter does not belong to our
film company. We cannot go to the General Services Administration and
request waivers, or anything else, because we are not in possession of the
Huey. Because it is the property of Charlotte County, such a request would
have to originate within your administration, or some other duly
authorized governmental body. We hope that you will still give serious
consideration to such a request of the G.S.A. Perhaps there is a
compromise, one which serves both the taxpayers of Charlotte County and
the Vietnam vets interested in the Huey and our film. Are there protocols
and procedures whereby you can return the Five O Deuce to the G.S.A. and
have it replaced by another ship? Have you examined, or are you willing to
examine such possibilities?
Secondly, no one, at any time, made any attempt to defraud the citizens of
Charlotte County. When our film crew arrived to take pictures and fly with
the crew of the Five O Deuce, we assumed, perhaps naively, the mission was
appropriately authorized. Our logic was based on the fact that the pilot,
Bob Carr, had spent hundreds of hours of his own time restoring the ship.
Undoubtedly, the cost of Bob's devotion to the project would have made it
unaffordable for any county sheriff's budget were he to be paid
monetarily.
Our assumption, and it has proved correct, was that he was an honorable
man who had served his country and was still doing so as a public
employee. His vision, his long hours of devoted work to restoration, his
enthusiasm to do something significant for the history of Vietnam vets,
seemed more than enough to authorize him to fly a chopper that he gave
wings.
Our film, like Mr. Carr's great work, is a labor of love. Already,
Arrowhead Films has spent more than $100,000.00 in development, promoting
the film, producing a trailer, doing research, and countless other things
to make this project happen. The notion that we will make a few million
dollars off of our efforts is totally without foundation. More likely, we
will lose money. Through the years, I have worked on similar projects with
everyone from Walter Cronkite to Tommy Lee Jones. And although I have won
numerous writing and producing awards, including an Emmy, I have never
made more than a professional wage; this in spite of the fact that I had
ownership of some of these projects. Documentary film makers are motivated
by their subject matter and their art. There is no more perfect subject,
in our estimation, than the untold stories of Vietnam veterans and the
helicopter that gave them both dread and hope.
The bureaucratic snafus surrounding the Five O Deuce had led us to begin a
search for another Huey. But the hundreds of calls and e-mails from vets
have caused us to reconsider our original plan to fly the Five O Deuce.
Actually, I was a bit surprised, until I thought back to a meeting I had
in Washington a few months ago with U.S. Senator Max Cleland of Georgia.
The Senator, as you know, is a triple amputee Vietnam vet, and was moved
by the story of the Five O Deuce. His response, after seeing our
promotional trailer was, "Too much of the Vietnam War was about
disconnecting. That pilot coming across his old ship is a connection. We
need to honor that. Take advantage of that. And do something great with
this great helicopter." Obviously, those of us at Arrowhead films
believed that from the beginning.
If you are willing, Patrick Fries, myself, and anyone else you might deem
appropriate, would be happy to come to Punta Gorda and try to find
solutions to this dilemma. I hope you believe, as I do, that we ought to
not let government and politics once more interfere with the honor,
recognition, and even healing that this project can provide the Vietnam
veteran.
Respectfully,
James C. Moore
Producer/Writer
"In the Shadow of the Blade"
Arrowhead Films
Austin, Texas
A little history on the huey for the project. Old
newspaper story from 1/16/00
"Vietnam memories about to take flight"
Charlotte County sheriff's captain restores his old war chopper - The Rest
of the story
http://www.sun-herald.com/search/search.asp?showarticle=17057
MORE MESSAGES FROM CHERYL FRIES
Gentlemen,
I spoke to Patrick last night and filled him in on the proceedings. He
wanted me to reiterate that the concept for "In the Shadow of the
Blade" is about Five-O-Deuce AND Bob Carr and John Lipski and their
story as her pilots in country...as they fly her across America to meet
other veterans. It's also about those veterans and their families, and the
families of those who suffered the ultimate sacrifice.
In our work on this project over the last year, he and I and our team of
Jim Moore and others have developed a strong sense of mission for this
project based on the input of the many Vietnam veterans and families whom
we have interviewed. It's a combination of a commitment to accuracy and
the highest ethical standards in terms of the historical importance of the
film.
But it's also about being always mindful and deeply respectful of the very
sacred nature of the subject for its participants. Already many people,
Bob and John among them, have shared with us deeply personal stories and
emotions in hundreds of hours of on-camera and phone interviews. We have
promised each of them that "In the Shadow of the Blade" will be
produced
with the highest ethical standards. We will keep that promise.
We are willing to work with anyone who shares this philosophy and is
emotionally committed to the subject. But we will not sell it down. And
that's why Bob Carr has let us film his helicopter. It's why we've been
given the coins of the 1/9 Cavalry. It's why Kim Douglas allowed us to
take
cameras to her wedding last year on Veterans Day. It's why we have support
from the VHPA, the VHFCN, the VHCMA, and Heli-vets. It's why veterans all
around this country from every branch and type of service trust us. We are
greatly honored by that trust. And we will honor that trust. Nothing short
of that.
By next week, Patrick should be back from his mother's funeral and ready
to work on a way to channel donations through an agency that demonstrates
this kind of emotional commitment to the project. He has some contacts and
ideas and so do you. Next week we can put them together. Until then, we'll
continue to work together to save Five-O-Deuce through various channels.
With Sincere Regards,
Cheryl Fries
__________________________________________________________________________
August 3, 2001
To Whom It May Concern:
Shortly after taking office on January 2, 2001, I received a telephone
call from Mr. Patrick Fries who is the producer of the film "In the
Shadow of the Blade." He wanted my permission and blessing to use the
Sheriff's Office Bell UH-1H (5-0-Deuce) helicopter in his film. He advised
that former Sheriff Worch had authorized the usage.
I asked him to please provide authorization documents from the General
Services Administration and the Florida Federal Property Assistance office
that would be necessary of me to consider his request. He has not done so.
I also asked him to provide liability waivers/proof of insurance so the
people of Charlotte County would not be held liable if an accident
occurred during these promotional flights around the United States. He has
not done so.
Without proper and legal authorizations and waivers, I, as Sheriff, cannot
allow this helicopter to be used for any purpose that violates the
agreement between the Charlotte County Sheriff and the General Services
Administration/Florida Federal Property Assistance office. To do so would
be illegal and we could lose our access to helicopters and spare parts
that allowed the Sheriff's Office to build its aviation unit in the first
place.
If this group had properly requested and obtained these authorizations and
waivers I could have agreed to the request. I would very much like to
support any worthy cause that effects our veterans. I would not take a
stand on an issue without good reason that might negatively impact any
veteran. Legally, I cannot approve this request.
Rest assured that the 5-0-Deuce is still a viable helicopter that at
present is being maintained as part of our helicopter management program.
We are in the process of making necessary, major repairs to the 5-0-Deuce
and it will fly again, not only as a law enforcement helicopter but also
as a tribute to all veterans of Vietnam.
Respectfully,
William E. Clement
William E. Clement
Sheriff of Charlotte County
__________________________________________________________________________
REPLY TO SHERIFF CLEMENT
Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2001
From: "Ron Leonard" <rollayo@earthlink.net>
Re: FATE of 502
Sheriff Clements:
I will pass this along through my channels. Again I reiterate. It was not
US that dropped the ball It was YOU. It is not our place to do YOUR work
with the GSA. That is YOUR job. Had you cared about US you would not have
taken the position of Ignore, divide, conquer. We will not be ignored,
divided, or conquered on this issue We are not the wounded victims in this
issue. 502 is. I am quite sure if you relinquish 502 we will find you an
appropriately trashed H-model of equal value.
In all reality, since it cost you nothing.. nada, zero, in the first place
you should just donate 502 to our efforts and cut the expense, and
negative PR you are quickly acquiring. Don't you agree?
Now I just have one question for you. During our all expenses paid
vacation to beautiful S.E. Asia...What were you doing? Enquiring minds
want to know.
Sincerely
Ron Leonard
Diamondhead 085
Ranson WV
Webmaster 25th Aviation Battalion
http://members.tripod.com/ronleonard/index.htm
__________________________________________________________________________
From: "jpwoodward" <jpwoodward@mindspring.com>
To: "John D. Kennedy" <kennedyj101@home.com>
Monday, August 06, 2001
Subject: Re: Just Looking for a Home
John,
Ron Leonard passed me numerous bits of information so I am cognizant
of the event and familiar with the aircraft... as we were at wings
of eagles and had a chance to see the aircraft and meet the pilots.
We would be interested in receiving and would be able to care for the
aircraft. I think speaking to Gen Allen and Smith is excellent and I fully
support your involvement in discussing the aircraft with them.
The next step is more difficult. AAHF is of course a tax exempt Non Profit
Foundation (501c3) and is eligible to receive federal and state surplus.
We would certainly accept a donation of the aircraft to the foundation.
This is legal and the sheriffs department can donate the property if
they are so inclined. They received the aircraft at no cost they do not
loose anything in the donation process...a key point in the politics
for releasing the aircraft. There is not much of a market for Huey's right
now...so a donation would certainly solve the Sheriffs problem.
Beyond a donation, some form of purchase, would need to be discussed in
great detail to determine what is doable. Public use aircraft meet their
own agencies standards...In particular, I am not familiar with the
maintenance standards and program used by the sheriffs department and on
this aircraft...though I have no doubt it is safe to fly...there may be
considerable costs in meeting federal/military standards we follow. A
detail for later research/discussion.
All said and done we certainly support your efforts and want to move
forward in helping to save 502. In this effort I need to speak to a single
point of contact. There are many slips in the communication process and in
a politically charged environment I want to ensure we maintain as factual
a base as we can.
I am told that there were some charges brought against some of the
personnel involved in the program. Please give me the who , what , when,
and where from that side of the story.
I will forward this to several other involved members to keep everyone
on the same sheet of music.
************************************************************************
Mr. Woodward, I am a member of a large group of former members of
Company A, 101st Aviation Battalion ( www.a101avn.org).
A couple of years ago, one of our members (Robert Carr), who at the time
was a deputy sheriff in Charlotte County, FL and was in charge of the
department's aviation section, found the UH1H (Ser Nr 0-19502) that had
been his assigned aircraft in Viet Nam (1970-71), in the bone yard at Fort
Rucker. With the approval of the Sheriff, he managed to obtain 502 for the
department, and also with the approval of the Sheriff, completely restore
the helicopter
to it's original configuration complete with war paint and unit insignias.
This work was done mostly on his off-duty time, with many man hours of
volunteer help from aviation maintenance personnel of the sheriff's
department, other veterans in the area and local aviation businesses. A
history of the restoration accomplishment can be viewed at http://www.a101avn.org/FiveODeuce.htm.
The aircraft was used to perform > normal
duties of the sheriff's department and was flown to Fort Campbell for
display and passenger rides during the Week of the Eagles in June 2000.
The 5-0 Deuce has become a living monument for all former members of A/101
Avn Bn, and particularly those who participated in the CCN border crossing
missions and the Lam Son operation into Laos. Additionally many SOG
veterans view it as representative of the many Hueys that supported them
while performing their covert operations. In other words, we are all very
emotionally attached to "The Deuce."
A new sheriff was elected last November and upon assuming office in
January, terminated Captain Carr's employment plus two maintenance
personnel that had assisted in the restoration. He has also caused 502 to
be stripped through cannibalization and is alleged to have made remarks
implying his intent to "get even" and to destroy the aircraft.
This attitude appears to stem from prior unpleasant relations between
Captain Carr, the new sheriff and his chief deputy. The local newspaper
(Sun Herald) has carried many stories covering the events regarding the
sheriff's actions, and since the story broke, the paper has been flooded
with letters to the editor from veterans across the country that are
protesting the sheriff's actions. Some of the letters are very close to
being of a threatening nature. The sheriff has recently had a letter
published in the local paper that indicates a softening stance regarding
the fate of 502, stating his rationale for removing parts from 502 (to
keep other birds flyable) and his intent to get 502 back into a flyable
state. The tone of this letter is more conciliatory than previous
comments attributed to his office regarding the aircraft. We believe that
is a result of the heat being generated by all the veteran's
letters.
We, the A/101 Avn egroup, have organized a committee to attempt to rescue
The Deuce from possession of the Charlotte County Sheriff's office.
Because of my close proximity to you (Columbus GA), it is my mission to
determine if the Foundation has an interest in obtaining this helicopter.
I realize there are many, many questions still to be answered with respect
to: first, do you want it; second, can transfer of ownership be
accomplished; and what costs are involved and how will any financial
obligations be covered before a definitive answer can be given . Other
committee members are working toward those ends.
This message is preliminary. We are starting out (as of yesterday) in a
serious effort to cause The Deuce to find a new home that will treat her
with the respect and admiration she has earned and deserves. I would
appreciate a response at your earliest convenience, hopefully something to
the effect that I have gotten your attention and you want to hear more. I
can drive to your place to discuss this in detail in less than an hour and
a half, and strongly desire to do on almost any schedule that you would be
available. I will be attending the 101st Abn Div reunion in San Antonio
next week and will be available to visit you anytime after 15 August.
While at the reunion, I do intend to speak to LTG Ted Allen, who served
with us at Soc Trang in '66 as the gun platoon commander in the
original A101 Avn Bn, and also MG James Smith, who came to the 101st
Division as ADC-O in April 69 shortly before my tour as commander of the
101st Avn Bn was completed. This is not an attempt to bypass you or to
circumvent the responsibilities of you office, but I know that other
veterans there will speak to any and every body on this subject if they
can find someone that will listen.
With warm regards and hope to hear from you soon,
John D. Kennedy
7908 Cooper Creek Road
Columbus GA 31909-2314
Tel. 706.327.4112
email kennedyj101@home.com
__________________________________________________________________________
Date: 5 Aug 2001
From: "Ron Leonard" <rollayo@earthlink.net>
Subject: 502/Bob Carr Response
Hi Guys:
The letter below was written by Bob Carr In January of this year. It
describes the circumstances surrounding 5-0-Deuce during the election in
November last year. He did not mail this letter, for some unknown reason,
but it has been composed for some time. Read it, and see that it gets
distributed widely. It is the first thing Bob has said in his own defense
of this matter.
ROBERT E. CARR
21221 COVINGTON AVENVE
PORT CHARLOTTE, FLORIDA 33952
January 15, 2001
The Honorable Jeb Bush
Governor of Florida
402 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1300
Dear Governor Bush:
As a member of the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, it was my great
honor and pleasure to meet you in Punta Gorda on November 1, while waiting
for Dick Chaney, General Schwarzkopf and Senator Simpson's arrival.
Although briefly, you were introduced to a great Vietnam Veteran-- the
UH-1H (Huey) helicopter 5-0-Duece. Today, the future of this helicopter is
in jeopardy. During your December family visit to Boca Grande, the
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office provided the requested helicopter
coverage for your brother 's motorcade between Punta Gorda and the
Gasparilla Inn and throughout the three days of the visit, we remained on
the island providing air support with our "Huey" 5-0 Deuce.
On occasions, we allowed federal and state agents to view the island from
the air. On one mission, we had FDLE Special Agent Eric Yopp on-board. He
told us that his dad had served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, and the
aerial mission we flew that day was an extremely emotional event. Later,
he had contacted me and said that you were interested in flying in 5-0-Duece
on a working mission on Thursday afternoon. Thursday morning, I returned
to Punta Gorda, providing air security for the PPD motorcade. Upon
landing, I was called to my office.
While our newly elected Democratic sheriff was greeting your brother, he
sent his second in command to terminate my employment. The fate of 5-0-Deuce
is still yet to be determined. The helicopter has become a part of a
political situation in Charlotte County. The helicopter belongs to the
Sheriff's Office; however, NO public funds or on-duty hours were spent on
its restoration or its use for special veteran activities. GSA and the
out-going Sheriff Richard Worch approved
the project, and it is my fervent hope that you can help me, and/or
support me, in finding a permanent home for 5-0-Duece in an arena
which will protect its historical significance, such as with the Florida
Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association museum in Tampa.
Like the thousands of Hueys that served in Vietnam, including more than
3,000, which were lost, 5-0-Duece moved American troops and
supplies in and out of many battles. Like World War I's machine gun and
World War II's tank, the Huey is the icon of the Vietnam War. And 5-0-Duece
is not just like a Huey I flew in Vietnam; it is the Huey I flew in
Vietnam. Fully restored to its war-era condition (except patches over its
bullet holes), 5-0-Duece is a catalyst for uniting and healing
Vietnam Veterans and their loved ones, as in the case of Special Agent
Yopp. It is a teaching tool for younger generations. The signature
whop-whop-whop sound of the Huey
's rotor blades evokes the sound of freedom for the men and women who went
to Vietnam and I have seen its healing power in Veterans who watched its
approach, sat in its seats, and touched its markings.
When I flew it to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, last June, I watched the
younger members of our Armed Services treat 5-0-Duece with the gentle
attention a boy would give his first car. I have seen children and wives
moved to tears as their fathers and husbands talked, for the first time,
about Vietnam in the presence of 5-0-Duece. The future for 5-0-Duece
offers great promise in its continued service. A film production
company in your brother's hometown of Austin, Texas has
already begun work on a documentary film in which they hope to fly 5-0-Duece
across America to bring Veterans and their loved ones together in the
healing process. I have included a rough cut videotape of their film
trailer so you can see the possibilities.
Few Vietnam-era Hueys are still flying-- most have been sold for parts or
placed on static display in museums. 5-0-Duece is a unique helicopter with
the potential to continue its great service to our country. I was proud to
be part of its mission in Vietnam and I am proud to be part of its
continued service. Again, I appreciate your interest in 5-0-Duece and any
help you can give me in preserving her. I will look forward to hearing
from you at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Robert E. Carr
Vietnam Veteran
A/101st Assault Helicopter Company
Comancheros 70-71
__________________________________________________________________________
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