December 21st 2009

Forty (40) years ago today Apache Troop lost three brave Scouts.  Thad Yonika was a a Cobra Pilot in my Red Platoon. He said  he wanted to get closer to the fight and requested a transfer to the Scout Platoon.  I approved the move relunctly because of his great potential to become a Red Platoon Aircraft Commander but his enthusisiam to fly Scouts was really genuine and we knew that he showed some of the unique qualities that would  make him a great Scout.  On 21 december 1969 while flying OH-6A tail number 67-16142, he and his crew encoutered a force of NVA at a location we called Pearson's Field, near the Cambodian boarder (UTM grid coordinates: XT181843).  His LOH was hit by enemy fire and as he evaded away from the NVA and tried to land outside the enemy's fire the aircraft crashed.  Unfortunately the aircraft exploded and Thad along with Chris "Kippy" Gray (gunner/ Torque) and Barry Kaletta (observer) were killed.  Thad (age 21   www.virtualwall.org/dy/YonikaTM01a.htm ) Kippy ( age 20,  http://www.virtualwall.org/dg/GrayCJ01a.htm ) and Barry (age 19,  http://www.virtualwall.org/dk/KalettaBP01a.htm  ) will always be in our thoughts and will be forever young.

SGT Christopher Cisco, HQ Troop 1-9 CAV remarking a HUEY with the Squadron Insignia in

preparation for the 1-9 Cavalry's Spur Ride Dining In 22 Oct 2009 at FT Hood.

The Bullwhip Squadron Association website is being updated with new features:

   Member Registration - Special Functions and access still being developed

   Member Forums -Special Functions and access still being developed

   Picture Galleries' Picture Albums  (link to Galleries)- Registered Members can request by email to get ther profile upgraded to add their own picture album and upload their own pictures to the Picture galleries.  We will walk you through how to do it. 

   Member rosters (limited info for pubic, more info for registered BWS members)

This will be a work in progress so we would appreciate your patience in moving forward.

If you have questions please contact:

Joe Bowen,  President   ApacheRed27@gmail.com

Jim Kurtz,  Vice President    jkurtz@ida.org

Walt "Titch" Titchenell,  Secretary  wtitchenell@centurytel.net

Larry Wright,  Membership Chairman   LarryW9thcav6566@aol.com

Chuck Ridenour, Treasurer   cridenou@csc.com