A Flight of Rusty Eagles to be honored in Dover Sept. 23
Some of the UH-1 Huey helicopter crews who snatched 900,000 veterans from harm's way in Vietnam will be honored by Kent County Chapter 850, Vietnam Veterans of America, at a special ceremony at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Veterans Memorial Park on South Little Creek Road, Dover.
The Vietnam Dustoff Association, whose members refer to themselves as "a flight of rusty eagles," will be in Dover for their national convention. They will be honored by VVA Chapter 850.
"That others may live," was the slogan of the UH-1 Dustoff helicopter crews who flew into firefights to rescue the wounded in Vietnam. That slogan and that heroism have been passed down to today's medical evacuation crews who serve in harm's way around the globe. The crews often landed under fire to pick up the critically wounded in Vietnam. In addition to those lost under fire, their numbers are steadily decreasing due to age, exposure to Agent Orange, and injuries they received during their service. They have been nominated for a Congressional Gold Medal.
They have special meaning to Joe Startt Jr., Chapter 850 president, who will never forget his own lifesaving ride after he was wounded in Vietnam in 1969. "I remember being told to hold on, help was on the way. The 'whop, whop, whop' of the rotors’ beat was like an angel's voice telling me I'd survive," said Startt.
The UH-1 Huey on display at the Kent County Veterans Memorial Park serves as an ongoing reminder of their heroism. Paul Davis, vice president of Chapter 850, worked for nearly two years to secure the helicopter from the federal government. The chapter drove to Florida to pick up the aircraft, which was locally rehabbed and dedicated in 2015.
"More than 200 of their number paid the ultimate price saving lives in Vietnam. They are our brothers who traded their tomorrow for our today," said Startt. "We will always honor and revere them, and we hope to see our brother and sister Vietnam veterans from across the state join us." The ceremony will be open to the public.
Levy Court Lane next to the park will be closed to traffic because of displays, but there will be plenty of parking in the adjacent lots with transportation for the disabled to the site available via golf carts. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the County Administration Building at the other end of the property.
After the ceremony, the Dustoff crews will be transported to Dover AFB Patterson dining hall for lunch where they will be greeted by representatives of the 436th Airlift Wing. Lunch will be followed by a special tour of the AMC Museum.
