Former Robin Hood crew-chief Doug Ward, was
the representative for the
US Army on 1st leg of Mission. Seen here with Old Tomahawk buddy, Rev.
Bill.
LIFT-OFF FROM RUCKER
A happy old Tomahawk crew-chief
The flight crew of the
first leg leaving from Fort Rucker October 2nd 2002
from left to right: Bruce LeMoine, Mark Austin Byrd , CJ Roberson, Jim
Burns , Mike Novosel , Bill McDonald, Doug Ward, Jim Palmersheim
I am home right now resting between legs of this mission across America.
We experienced a journey of a lifetime this past month. The Shadow
will be taking off again in about a week and will be making LZs in Texas
and then off we go onto New Mexico for Veteran's Day at Angel Fire. We
look forward to a large crowd of well wishers there.
I have personally met some great and wonderful people -
and have found myself totally drained emotionally. I will be relating more
to this experience and all those whom we meet along the way, in later
months - I am still trying to gather my emotional energies and get back in
the skies. We saw much healing at each LZ, along lots of tears, fears, and
hugs. There were not many dry eyes when we landed. People would hear us
coming and the memories would already be coming back to them.
To all those who opened up your hearts, homes and meal
tables, to our crew - God bless you all. You helped make this all
possible. I was most impressed by those at small airports across the south
that gave us huge breaks and discounts for our fuel (JP-8) which was a
great help and allowed us to make the many miles we had to fly. I have
many memories of generous people where ever we went. I was impressed by
the America that we found on this journey.
We love you America - and hope that we have honored
your veterans and brought them respect. As a fellow veteran I was able to
see how this country has truly come out to welcome all of us home again
for the first time!
THIRD LEG: TENTATIVE SCHEDULE - More details to be posted
6 November
FT. WORTH/DALLAS, TX
KILLEEN, TX (Ft. Hood Vicinity) - Central Texas College - 1100
LZ AUSTIN - Zilker Park Soccer Fields @ 1600
7 November
SMITHVILLE, TX - Private LZ
8 November
HOUSTON, TX - Houston VA Medical Center, 2002 Holcomb - 1500
9 November
LUBBOCK, TX - RON at Slaton Municipal Airport
10 November
RIO RANCHO, NM - Rio Rancho Sports Complex - Est. ETA 1400
11 November
ANGEL FIRE, NM - Vietnam Veterans National Memorial 1100
12 November
ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Private LZ
13 November
AMARILLO, TX
MINERAL WELLS, TX
14 November
FT. WORTH, TX
Special thanks to those Shadow Crew members - Bruce
LeMoine, Jim Palmersheim, Bob Baird, Mike Venable and Gary
Roush. You guys keep this old warrior slick in the air and made it
possible for our mission to be successful.
Of course a huge thank you to Director Patrick Fries
for sharing his dream with all of us!
Please go to the Shadow website and find out more about
this documentary and our continued journey to bring our Huey to your
community. www.intheshadowoftheblade.com
