SHARE -- Memories are images captured by the mind. Their intensity is a reflection of their importance to us. We share them with others. Note the many veteran groups within which we gather to accomplish this.

A friend once said, "There's a me in here even when I am alone." That "me" is the sum of our memories. When we are alone, we use them to drive away solitude and take us to those people and places that are important to us.

Consider this page as a place to share even when you are alone. From here, you regain youth and tend to recall the "good times." When our strongest recollections take hold, we leave the present and travel to the past. Our past is our reality while the future is speculation.

As we gather, please share. I, as Webmaster, will be your conduit. Simply relate via E-mail. Use the following link:

 MIDNIGHT RUN -- It was a long walk from the maintenance area at Phu Loi to the mess hall. This situation, in the 362nd, was typical of Airmobile units with limited ground transportation. Valuable time to do maintenance tasks was wasted with these long treks. The solution took place with typical CAV resourcefulness. It would require "a midnight run."

With markings taped, a lone CH-47 moved in darkness. After takeoff, its lights disappeared. It vanished in the night sky.

"Climb aboard ," the driver yelled.

From the hangar, "United" members jumped aboard the new 3/4-ton truck. The shuttle service to chow was quicker now. The "mule" (see photo) torture cart had seen its last days as a transport for lunch.

Somewhere in Thailand, a supply officer tore through documents. He yelled at others, "Count them again. I know damn well you're one short!"

 BANANA TREE SIX -- His name was Eschler, sometimes called "Bear." This 362nd Hook driver earned the title "Banana Tree Six." For civilian readers, the suffix "six" normally indicates a commanding officer. CWO Eschler gained his title from his activities as Area Beautification Officer, a position he took seriously.

Bear was frustrated at Phu Loi. While he worked hard at installing sand bags to protect facilities, he did not find any aesthetic value in them. They just weren't beautification material. Moreover, he could do little with hard soil and the stark buildings.

Nonetheless, he would build his "rep" at Long Than North. One day banana trees began to appear throughout the unit area. They stood like sentinels at doorways and lined walks. The area was beginning to take on a tropical aura which did enhance appearances. But where was he getting so many trees? Bear wasn't saying.

Furthermore, no one could be found who was helping him. Moving banana trees, and planting them, was no small chore. It took hard work and loving care. Bear was doing this alone.

Soon he was caught. Our "new" 3/4-ton truck was missing and so was Bear. A search began. A military police guard recalled him leaving the installation. It is not wise to be moving alone along unsecured roads. It's an invitation to disaster. He was found at the nearby, deserted base at Bear Cat. He had a load of freshly dug-up trees. He was in the process of trying to unearth a 20-foot high flag pole.

Bear Cat was a shambles. Scavengers had long since removed any worthwhile materials. Nonetheless, it was ideal territory for booby traps and mines. It provided excellent cover for a sniper. Yet, there was Bear traveling back and forth gathering trees. At times Bear marched to a different drummer. He was working as a mortician before joining the military. Nonetheless, he was our Bear!

Sadly, I must report that Bear is no longer with us. He died doing what he loved best - Flying Hooks. The world is a sadder place without him in it.