Mid-South Chapter, VHPA, Meeting Minutes 21 Jun 03
Meeting was called to order by Chapter President Ken Culwell at the Blackhorse Pub, Clarksville, TN.Members attending: Cliff McGee, Charles Bell, Mike Haley, Rick Roll, Chris Horton, Bob Fladry, and Ross Rainwater.
We ordered lunch from the menus and, since we were on a tight schedule as far as one of our speakers, Pres. Culwell dispensed with most of the usual opening remarks, introductions, etc. in order to get right into the presentation.
"The REAL Story of Blackhawk Down" (Photos Below)
As the last military attaché in Mogadishu before personnel were evacuated due to the rising instability of the area, Ken gave us his impressions of a time before "Blackhawk Down," including how the Marines had the wrong address of the embasssy when it came time to beat feet!
Ken then turned the presentation over to Bob Fladry, who was a "little bird" MH-6 pilot during "Blackhawk Down;" and Stu Kaufman, a Blackhawk C&C pilot during that mission.
Both Bob and Stu gave attendees an "up close and personal" perspective of their time in Mogadishu, including their regular participation in the "Mog 500," where helicopter teams would fly daily sorties over the city from their base at the airport. These flights were designed to "desensitize" the populace to helicopter overflights, so that when an actual "snatch" mission was launched, it would not draw as much attention.
They both emphasized that there had been successful snatch missions before, but the downing of the first Blackhawk started a chain of events no one could have imagined.
Their presentations revealed how the "fog of war" can be such an extreme factor, and that improvising on the spot can be critical to survival.
After the presentations and a question-and-answer session, Pres. Culwell presented Stu with chapter memorabilia to show our appreciation for his sharing his story. (Photo below.) We thank them both for the valor they showed during "Blackhawk Down."
BUSINESS MEETING
Previous meeting minutes were distributed and approved. (All meeting minutes are posted on chapter website.)
In Treasurer Rippey's absence, Secretary Rainwater confirmed financials in good order, with the only known payables being minor postage expenses due the secretary.
Secretary Rainwater distributed membership lists. Dues continue to be $10 per year, or $100 for a lifetime membership.
OLD BUSINESS
None, due to length of presentation.
NEW BUSINESS
o Meeting Topics: Pres. Culwell encouraged members to think about ways we can increase attendance, which was less than expected for a meeting with such an interesting topic, from pilots who were there.
o Next Meeting. Tentatively scheduled for the Fall.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Ross Rainwater
ORWAC 70-24
C-1/9 Air Cav, 1st Cav, '70-'71
Secretary, Mid-South Chapter, VHPA
Ken opening the presentation
At the map board
Charles Bell, Stu Kaufman (rear), Bob
Fladry, Rick Roll
Bob discussing the "Mog 500"
L-R: Cliff McGee, Chris Horton,
Stu Kaufman (rear)
Ken (l) and Bob (r) presenting Stu Kaufman with chapter memorabilia to express our thanks for his presentation.
