Mt.crewchief

Sonny, I have tears running down my face laughing!! Good one!!

Chris, I am glad to see that you haven't forgotten us on the forum. And would like to wish you and Mary a very Merry Christmas also! By the way, because I know you, I think you need to take it easy and keep your ticker going!! That means listen to what the doctor says and maybe even DO what he says!!! Hey Gizz, since you live closer to Chris, maybe you could run over to Wisconsin and let the "old guy" know who's the boss when it comes to his heart!! Chris, do take it easy and have a healthy and happy New Year, Ken

I had a very hard time sleeping on a Herk period. I probably did at times, considering how many hours we spent on them --especially at CRB. But that's not to say I didn't try. I took a seat cushion or two up on top and tried sleeping with my leg hanging down in the hatch in case I did fall asleep. I also tried sleeping on the ramp with a cool? breeze. I used to open the windows in the flight deck, hooked all of the headsets up and listened to the radio turned up! Even turned all of the lights down to dim for the mood, but the damn MD-3 still made too much noise. But once I got that baby launched in the morning, I would fall asleep on the bus going back to Herky Hill! I once tried to sleep on the plane (56-475) in fuel cell at CRB at night with no power etc. All I could do there was sit on the the crew steps and watch for sappers etc. It was probably the worst night I ever had trying to even relax!!! You're right nascarpop, those birds were home, but not for sleeping for me!! Ken

That's kind of what I was trying to say I think. My documented hearing loss at Naha wasn't enough I guess. I did get hearing aids long before I ever filed for the Tinnitus. I didn't know for sure about the eye glasses part. That's good news! I have been having eye checkups, but still haven't needed new glasses. Of course, I would have to pass on the glasses if they look anything like the dorky looking glasses I got in basic!!! It's kind of sad to say, but I don't think any of us has ever gotten the same answer to the same question. Even the official letters don't read the same. Maybe someday there will be a set of procedures that pertains to everyone--all of the time!!

Don, I get a check, actually a deposit to my checking account every month. When I filed for the hearing loss, I did it through a representative with an office in the VA clinic. He tried to get me the 20% for my documented hearing loss & tinnitus, but I guess (according to three pages of explanations), I was only good for the tinnitus. I decided that that would have to do! I have had very good luck with my VA in Billings, and have no complaints about them! But, I have never had to prove "boots on the ground" & maybe I will never need to, but maybe my opinion will change if I do!! Ken

This is my experience,---I filed for a hearing loss and ringing (tinnitus), with the VA and I received a 10 % loss. It took approx 10 months to get it but I got paid retroactive back to the date of the claim. There were no questions about having boots on the ground and Viet Nam wasn't mentioned. In other words, with your loss being related to your military duty it is enough no matter where you were stationed. After I filed the claim I was sent to a hospital that was approved to do the tests. I wasn't able to go just anywhere I chose. I spent almost 33 months in and out of Viet Nam as a crew chief and also had a documented hearing loss while at Naha. They of course wouldn't give me the 20% I asked for because to them it was one caused by the other but not worth two claims. As far as boots on the ground, I have never tried to get proof and I think I would have a hard time doing it! Mostly because of lack of paper work which I didn't keep! Basically the hearing loss is like workman's comp in the civilian world. Job related!! I am sure you will be awarded 10% for your ringing if they find it in the tests whether you were in Viet Nam or not! Also, they told me there is no way to disprove ringing !! So, go for it, it is a start!! By the way, I think I get $130.00 a month!! Ken

Melvin, happy birthday from another Naha guy! Drinks are on me at your favorite watering hole in Naminoue!!! Ken

Muff, I hope you have a good one! Happy Birthday Ken

Jim, If that would have been on my plane, you would have had to help me clean up my puke also!!!!

1946 was a good year!!!!! A very good year. Thanks Bob

Chris, Thanks for the new entries in your gallery. The one/ones that look the most familiar to me is with the helicopters and the fuel lines & bladders ! It looks like Qui Nhon to me! Maybe the same place where I took the C-123 pics in my gallery!! Keep digging, maybe you will find some more!! Your buddy, Ken

I remember working on 56-475 at Naha for several months after I got there and kept thinking man I'd like to go for a ride on one of those things. I started by asking if I could go with my plane on a check ride after it came out of phase dock. A FCF they called it. Boy, did I get a ride!!! They asked me to get on a headset and climb up on on the ramp and let them know when the relief valve opened etc. It all worked out and I was hooked!! I volunteered/begged to go on every taxi check, etc. from then on!! The rest is history. Ken

Good one Chris!! I'll bet I know who told you that you were mistaken!!!! Ken

:D

When I was scheduled to start Tech School at Sheppard, I had no idea what C-130 was!! When I started classes, I thought it was the coolest thing ever to fly, and I still do!!! Ken

Giz, You have to remember Chris was in the old "brown shoe"corp!! Obviously Don was also!!!!! Ken

Very nice--I like it!! I will be sending it to everybody I know! P3, now I can tell everybody I know one of the guys on the preview!!!! By the way, you're "look'in good", Ken

Now, if they could make it leave black exhaust trails! And of course it could use 4 bladed props!! At least it's the right color---huh' Chris (tinwhistle)? :cool:

John, I like IAR's website. Nice to see the old A Models looking so good. Also nice to see that older fella/loadmaster taking part in the action! Ken

I fully agree with the two gentlemen above! You have made this forum a part of my everyday life. Thank you for doing that, Ken

Sonny, good one again! Those "adult truths" are not only funny, but true!!! Ken

Damn, where can I sign up??

Hey giz, tinwhistle, & sonny, I just acquired a platinum sponsorship---you guys want to go with me???? Ken

Neat story,interesting pictures!! The longer I stay on this forum the more I learn!! One question, was that Super Guppy fun to fly on?? Looks kind of scary (lack of a better word) to me! Hell a C-133 scared the crap out of me!!!! Ken

donwon, I hope you are having a good 69th Ken