I was honored to
have flown on our old Robin Hood Huey slick this week in Dallas, Texas.
The bird is ready and able to take on the mission of flying across
America. The Dallas Morning News ran a great story on our test
flight - which I have reproduced - Click here
-. in our Huey Updates section.
We got permission to land at West Point and at Ground
Zero in New York City. If our funding holds up and if there are
no security alerts, then this huey is will one of the very first (If not
the first) non-government aircraft, to fly into and land at Ground Zero.
That is our goal - but pending lots of unknown events, we are holding
other options open for LZs in New York City.
The Shadow Mission Team have been invited to land at a huge air
show in Texas where there is a reunion of the 101st Airborne
Division taking place.
The ceremonies at Angel Fire, New Mexico, are
taking shape - with the promise of an Army Band, a bag pipe player, "The
Amicks" a folk singing duo from California, a possible fly over
by the Air Force's "missing man formation", and a Army Blackhawk
helicopter, leading our huey into the LZ.
We will be going to a high school and landing on their
sports filed to talk to the students. We will chasing down the marchers
going to The Wall and try to interview them. We will be landing at various
Army bases - like Fort Campbell were we will have special
ceremonies presented by today's young soldiers. We will be visiting
veterans and their families and all those who wish to come and join us in
various LZs across the country. (To see the cites and new map of the
flight - Click Here )
VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED AT ALL LZs
We are still seeking more help with our LZ support teams. Some LZs have no
one in charge and no one to assist us on the ground setting up the
welcoming ceremonies and helping raise awareness that we will be coming.
We need people at each LZ to become an important part of this Team. For
more information CONTACT
WEBMASTER
WHY THERE ARE FEW DATES POSTED FOR LZ VISITS
We have not been able to pin point exact
dates for all our LZs due to many seen and unseen factors - such as the
weather, the mechanical status of the huey, official restrictions that may
be imposed for security reasons - such as a possible landing at Ground
Zero in New York City.
We are also working with unknown funding
and costs - so we are doing much of journey on a prayer and great faith
that many people will come through and help our efforts to bring America
this huey experience - and to aid that cause, we will be allowing for
donations at each LZ to be collected by whomever wishes to add a dollar or
two, to our provide for our support.
Stories Of Interest Needed
Time is running out for us to be
searching for more stories and more people to interview - but if you know
of anyone, or you yourself have something which you think would add to
this documentary - please step forward and let me know. All veterans, or
others who are interviewed will need to bring a DD-214 to validate their military
service (We do not want any "wanna bees" or phonies in this
film.)
Rides in the Huey
We will be able to give a lift to the
next next LZ for some veterans. You will have to provide your own
transportation from the LZ where we drop you off. Those who have a story
to tell , we would love to have you ride along and talk to us.
Fort Rucker Lift-Off Ceremony
There are security restrictions at Fort
Rucker - so anyone going to be at this LZ for the lift-off, will need to
let us know ahead of time. All Robin Hoods need to contact Doug
Ward, so he will have you on the list of attendees. Others, send your name
and some background (i.e. Nam veteran, branch of service, - or widow of
veteran etc.) to me. The lift-off ceremonies will be carried by CNN on
their news show for those who cannot make it to Rucker.
LZs and Flight Path
We hope that people will be watching for
the huey as it moves along the flight path and will wave to us ,or show a
flag, or just salute us, as we pass overhead. You may no longer be hearing
the sounds of huey rotors, as these war ships are moth balled in the next
couple of years. Bring your grandchild out to see a piece of history pass
by. Better yet, come to the closest LZ and show your children and families
up close the inside of a huey.
Our daily progress of the flight will be
tracked online at : www.intheshadowoftheblade.com
Check for updates often - and plan on being with us either in person,
or in spirit!