TAPS The following 240th Brothers have passed away and although they are gone they certainly will not be forgotten. If anyone knows of a 240th Brother that has left us please email the information so we may post it on the TAPS page. Captain Richard E Tierney 1LT Richard Dale Tierney was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 07/24/05 at the age of 59 from Multiple cancers. Krebs, OK Flight Class 68-520/68-36 Date of Birth 02/08/1946 Served in the U.S. Army Served in Vietnam with 240 AHC in 69-70 Call sign(s) in Vietnam KENNELKEEPER6/GREYHOUND007 This information was provided by Jim Carroll Jones More detail on this person: Obituary Richard Dale Tierney 08 February 1946 - 24 July 2005 Born in Gridley, California, passed away in Rancho Cordova California Veterans Administration Hospital after suffering from multiple cancers. He had attended Manzanita Grammar School and graduated from Gridley Union High School at Gridley California in 1964. He was drafted into the US Army on 26 July 1966, did his Basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, Advanced Individual Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and was a Drill Corporal at Tiger Land at Fort Polk. In April 1967, he attended the Artillery Officer Candidate School, Class 1967-36B (Foxtrot Battery) at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, graduated and was commissioned Second Lieutenant on 26 September 1967. He remained at Fort Sill with the 295th Aviation Company, until April 1968, when he attended Officer Rotary Wing Aviator Course, Class 68-36 (Grey Hats) at Fort Walter, Texas, and was awarded his Solo Wings in August 1968. He continued Advanced Training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, Class 68-520, and graduated in December 1968. He was Promoted to First Lieutenant on 26 September 1968. Tierney served in Vietnam from 21 January 1969 to 21 August 1970, with the 240th Assault Helicopter Company at Bear Cat. His call signs were Greyhound 16, Greyhound 16-007, Greyhound 25 and Kennelkeeper 6. He flew Charlie, Delta and Hotel model Huey Helicopters, and as Maintenance Officer he flew the A & B Cobras. He was promoted to Captain on 26 September 1969. During his Army Service he was awarded Army Aviation Badge; Civic Action Honor Medal, 1st Class; Bronze Star; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm; Air Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star; Thai and Cambodia Medals aren't listed. Upon returning to the United States, Tierney attended the Field Artillery Officer Advance Career Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. As the war in Vietnam wound down, troop strength was reduced in force and Tierney separated from the US Army on 30 June 1972. Tierney married Shirley Ann Holton of Ohio on 08 June 1970. Son Richard Russell Tierney was born 19 May 1972. Daughter Kiera Dawn Tierney was born 01 December 1975. Tierney worked, managed and owned various businesses during his career, to include Sears, Jack in the Box in Northern California; Label's Delicatessen in San Francisco; Gunsmithing in Murphys, CA; several Overhead Door Repair Service businesses in the Sacramento area; G & D Plastics , and Mathew's Lounge in Mountain View, CA; Lawson Sheet Metal in Krebs, Oklahoma. Tierney is survived by his wife Shirley Tierney of Sacramento, son Rusty and granddaughter Jesse of Krebs, OK; daughter Kiera and grandsons Seth, Wyatt and Gavin of Elk Grove, CA; mother Ellen Faye Tierney Jacquot of Gridley, CA; brother Delbert Tierney of Pacifica, CA; sister Ellen Tierney Anderson of Casper, CA; half siblings Bruce Jacquot and Renee Robinson; Tierney was predeceased by his half sibling Douglas Jacquot. He is survived by former wife Lana Boyer, son Brian Tierney (29 April 1965), grandchildren Courtney, Chloe and Cody of Bellingham, Washington. Tierney is also survived by his father-in-law Russell Lee Holton of Sacramento, CA; in-laws Kathy Fox of OK; John Holton of Sacramento, CA, and Debbie and Owen George of Wilton, CA; many nieces and nephews and cousins. And many, many friends. In lieu of flowers, please make any donation to your favorite charity or the Cancer Society. May God Bless. From: Jim Carroll Jones, 1LT Arty (Ret), Classes 68-36 (Grey Hats), 68-520, Captain Magic (LZ of the 240th AHC would like to thank Felix Bates for giving us this information). ~~~~~~~ Joe White WHITE, JOSEPH "BUTCH", 56, of Louisville, entered into rest on Friday, June 9, 2006. He was a member of Vietnam Helicopter Crew Members Association, VFW 1181, his last tour in Vietnam was with 240th AHC ( Mad Dogs), American Legion, Dirty White Boys CB Group, an army veteran of Vietnam. He is survived by a wife, Mary White; a son, Sean Joseph White; and a daughter, JoAnna White; his sisters, Pamela Sue Powers and Angela Meers; and two grandchildren, Andrew and Lisa Fulks; and many loving nieces and nephews. His funeral service will be at noon on Wednesday at W.G. Hardy, Valley Chapel, with interment following in Bethany Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be on 3 p.m.- 8 p.m. on Monday and 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday More Mad Dog Photos and Memorabilia ~~~~~~~ Willie Mittelstadt WILLIAM JAY ‘WILLIE’ MITTELSTADT MONTGOMERY - William Jay "Willie" Mittelstadt of Montgomery, Vt., died unexpectedly on Oct. 5, 2006. He was a resident of northwestern Vermont since 1973. An avid sportsman, he adored every occasion to hunt and fish in his beloved Green Mountains. A true Patriot intensely proud of his country, Willie enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969 for the opportunity to fly helicopters in combat. He served with distinction in Vietnam as a Chief Warrant Officer pilot aircraft commander with the 240th Attack Helicopter Company. Among other citations, Willie earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary heroism in aerial combat. He never received the Purple Heart he earned because of loss of Army records, but the shrapnel he carried in his body for the rest of his life testified to the action he was in. In Vietnam, he had the unusual pleasure of being able to visit with his father, Col. Jack Mittelstadt who was also stationed in the war zone at the same time. During one such visit, their barbecue dinner was interrupted by a Viet Cong mortar attack, which sent both father and son scrambling for shelter in a bunker. In Vietnam, he formed deep friendships with many of his fellow aviators, which he maintained and treasured throughout his life. Following his return from Vietnam, Willie obtained his civilian Commercial, Instrument, and Multi Engine pilot licenses at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach Florida. He then found employment as a helicopter pilot in various roles, such as performing non-native plant control in Idaho and transporting surveying parties on the Alaskan Pipeline project. Willie also flew as a pilot for Hub Express Airlines in Boston, Mass. and as a charter pilot transporting celebrity entertainers to festival sites. He loved to tell of carrying Mick Jagger to a concert and being invited back stage for the Rolling Stones show. He also served for many years as a pilot for the Vermont Army National Guard in Burlington. He was always completely happy and at home with a rotor over his head. Born in Eau Claire, Wis. on Nov. 21, 1948, the second son of Jack and Elaine Mittelstadt of Eau Claire Wisconsin. His father's career as a U.S. Army officer lead to assignments in such fascinating locales as Virginia, Georgia, Kansas, Paris France, Frankfurt Germany, and at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point New York during Willie's last three years of high school. Willie then followed his brother to the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas. He is survived by his beloved son, Jesse William Mittelstadt, 27,of New York, N.Y., of whom he was intensely proud; former wife, Ann Mittelstadt of Bakersfield, Vt.; and brother, Marty Mittelstadt and wife, Robin of Atlanta, Ga.; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and many, many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father Jack; his mother Elaine; and his dear friend Doneta Hollis. For those who wish, contributions in Willie's memory may be made to the Montgomery Historical Society, P.O. Box 47, Montgomery, Vt. 05470. Memorial Services will be held at the Grange Hall, Main Street, Montgomery Center, on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2006, at 11 a.m. Condolences may be sent to the family on-line through: www.spearsfuneralhome.com. Obituary: St. Albans Messenger Mad Dog Photos, Page One MAD DOG PHOTOS, PAGE THREE More Mad Dog Photos and Memorabilia ~~~~~~~ Lowell Edwards Lowell Edwards passed away this morning, October 8th, 2006. Lowell served in the 240th AHC in 1969 and 1970. His rank was SFC and he was the NCO in charge of Flight Operations during my time in the 240th. Lowell attended all the prior reunions held for the 240th AHC and loved and was so proud to be a member of the Greyhounds, Mad Dogs and Kennel Keepers. Lowell was an expert wood craftsman and was making beautiful wood cases for the flags of our brave troops that have been killed in Afghanistan and Iraq. Lowell is survived by his wife, Betty, and daughter, Trenna. We will be making a tribute page for Lowell shortly and adding pictures. Joe 'Ragman' Tarnovsky Picture Of Lowell Edwards in the 240th AHC ~~~~~~~ Ed Murtaugh Colleen Murtaugh, wife of Ed Murtaugh a 240th Brother, sent me the sad information about Ed's passing. Colleen said Ed passed suddenly as he had been in very good health up until the time of his death. The doctors don't know if it was a stroke or heart attack that caused Ed to have a massive brain hemorrhage. Mrs. Murtaugh sent us this tribute about Ed written by a fellow veteran and she stated the words say it all about the man she loved, Ed Murtaugh. The 240th family sends our deepest condolences, tender thoughts and prayers to Colleen. ED MURTAUGH REMEMBERED 11/29/06 Ed Murtaugh embodied all of the attributes that Viet Nam Vets are rarely associated with. He was a quiet, unassuming, respectful, humble, and cheerful human being. He was a great friend and a loyal veterans’ advocate. He was great son, sibling, father, and husband. He donated freely of his time and efforts to those in need and less fortunate than him. NO ONE EVER SAID A BAD WORD ABOUT ED, NOR DID ED EVER SPEAK NEGATIVELY ABOUT OTHERS!! He lived his life as we would wish to live ours. He served his fellowman during his life and continues to serve us in his passing. His quiet strength and determination will always be respected by all who new him. At this time of year when we draw our families near to give thanks for all that we have, Ed will be in our prayers and thoughts. We should all make an effort to draw from his example to be more patient, compassionate, and loving of all those we encounter. His passing should remind us all of how fragile life truly is. His dedication to and respect of his fellow vets should be a shining example to us all. He fought to keep our nation free and showed his respect for those freedoms in the way he lived his life. Ed is surely in a place of honor in his new home. We can only hope that our lives take us to the place where Ed now resides. As Ed lived so shall we emulate his actions. Colleen and Ed’s family are part of our family. She will always be with us and we will always be there for her. Our prayers and thoughts are with them all. May God bless Ed’s soul and reward him with a fair and just eternal peace; a peace that Ed surely deserves. Bill Devereaux South Jersey Viet Nam Vets Association Program Director DVS NJ DMAVA DVS ~~~~~~~ LTC William (Bill) H. Williams The first commander of the 240th AHC, LTC William (Bill) H. Williams, has passed away. The following was posted on the guestbook of LZ by his wife. I am the widow of LTC William (Bill) H. Williams, the 1st commander of the 240th Greyhounds. He activated the company at Fort Hood. He retired from the Army at Ft. McPherson, GA in 1976. He died of cancer in 1993. Email: arwilliams@bellsouth.net ~~~~~~~ David M. Bianchini David M. Bianchini served with the 240th AHC, dates unknown, and passed away in 2002. If anyone served with David would you please email his son, Dominick, at the following address: Email: bianman@yahoo.com Location: Slidell, LA Dominick left the following guestbook entry on 240th AHC Flightline: Looking for anyone that may have served with my Dad DAVID M. BIANCHINI . I know he was with the 240th AHC, and that he serviced the helicopters but that's about it. He died in 2002, he never talked about it. Thanks To All ~~~~~~~ Chuck Brda Greyhound AC-1969/1970 Email Contact: Bonnie (Chuck's Sister) Email: crckb@aol.com Chuck Brda If anyone has pictures from Chuck's time in the 240th and would like to share them on the website, please contact: ragman240@aol.com ~~~~~~~ Don "Sully" Sullivan White Flight Platoon Sergeant 240th AHC-1967/1968 January 14th, 2005 DON "SULLY" SULLIVAN ~~~~~~~ Ray Trott Kennel Keeper 1 240th AHC-1969/1970 October 3rd, 2007 Hello Flight: Yesterday, October 3rd, 2007, we lost another member of the 240th Assault Helicopter Company, Chief Warrant Officer Ray Trott, aka Kennel Keeper 1, 1969-1970. Rays youngest son, Darrell, sent me an email informing me of the sad news. Ray had been in the hospital for the last four months and according to his wife, Nell, looked like he was improving and would be going home soon. Yesterday Ray's health took a turn for the worse and he passed away at 7:45 pm. Ray's wife and his family wanted to let all those in the 240th AHC know how much Ray cared for those of us in the 240th and others he served in the Army with and in two wars. Darrell Trott wr ote: "My Mom and family would like to ask you to e-mail the mutual friends of yours and my Dad's letting them know of my father's passing. With so many friends and old military buddies that he cared so much about, like yourself, it would be a great help to us and an honor to my Dad if you will do this for us. I would like to pass this message that my Mom and all of us send, 'know that He cared deeply for his friends and compatriots that served with him in the Army and two wars.' He always revered your friendships and that the others he considered as close as family.' My father fought hard and did his best to overcome the sicknesses that kept him down recently but his memory and spirit will be with us forever". Our deepest condolences to Ray's wife, Nell and his entire family. We will miss you, Ray, but the 240th AHC will never let your spirit and memory be forgotten. Those of us in the 240th AHC had the honor of being your "Brother In Arms" and loved and respected you as you did us. We will miss you, Kennel Keeper 1. TROTT, RAYMOND MYERS, age 71, of Westover, Alabama, died Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007. He was born in Lovick, AL. His military career spanned over 26 years. Joining the U.S. Army at 17 years of age, Mr. Trott served in Korea, Germany and two tours in Vietnam. He was a helicopter pilot with the 240th Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam. He was a recipient of: National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star, Vietnam Service medal with 1 Silver Star and 1 Bronze Star, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palms, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), Meritorious Service Medal and others. He considered his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to be his greatest accomplishments. Survivors include his spouse, Lily Bragg Trott; his children, Donna (George "Bunky") Rae Wiggin, Master Sergeant Raymond (Rhonda) M. Trott, Jr., Darrell (Tammy) W. Trott, and Elisa (Michael) Nell French; his grandchildren, Mark Douglas Jones, Melissa "Nikki" Nicole Jones, Amanda "Mandi" Rae Trott, Ashlee Jean Trott, Anna Catherine Trott, Raymond M. Trott, III, Bailey Denise Trott, Lily Grace "Gracie" Trott, Caroline Elizabeth Trott, Joshua Benton French, Caleb Michael French, Jacob Myers French and Noah Evan Boyd French; and step-grandchild, Mackenzie Lachelle Wiggin; his great-grandchildren, Marcus Blake Jones, Hope Nicole Jones and Savannah Rae Stapp; his brothers, S.A. "Buddy" (Anna Lou) Trott, Boyce L. Trott, James "Jimmy" (Jane) Payton Trott and Quillie (Elke) E. Trott; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Monday, Oct. 8, 2007 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home, Pelham. The funeral service will be the same day at 1 p.m. in the funeral home's chapel. Reverend Michael B. French officiating, and Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home, Pelham, directing. ~~~~~~~ Lowell Edgar Thomas Loving husband, father and grandfather, Lowell Edgar Thomas passed away April 4, 2008 in the Michael DeBakey VA Hospital in Houston, TX. He was born March 12, 1941 in Calhoun, Illinois and resided in Pearland, TX. Lowell was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He lived a very honorable and admirable life. He was highly respected and adored by his friends all over the city of Houston. He was a man who never met a stranger, and treated everyone as if they were his family. Lowell served in the U. S. Army 1959-1963. In 1968, at the age of 29, he re-enlisted and served in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. He was very proud of his service to this Country and his deepest passion was flying helicopters. He was a pilot with the 240th Assault Helicopter Company (The Greyhounds) in 1970-1971 (Bearcat). His love for this great nation was second to none. His favorite holiday was the 4th of July. In January 2008, he was asked if he ever missed flying a helicopter...his response was “Only every day of my life.” He owned and operated Lowell Thomas Foundation Repair in Pearland, TX for more than 2 decades. His customers loved his plain spoken, matter-of-fact honesty and opinions. Many of his customers considered him to be like a father or a son to them. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years Judith Ann (Conway). They were married on April 5th, 1968, in Decatur, IL. He is also survived by his children; Edgar Raymond (Eddie) and wife Velia of Houston, Lynette Marie Brown and husband JB of Pearland, Laura Colleen (Laurie) Sweatt and husband Matthew of Bayou Vista, Lowell Edgar Jr. (Tommy) and wife Stephanie of Pearland. Loving grandfather to Drew and Aaron Thomas, Justin and Lauren Brown, Grace and Faith Thomas. He is survived by his mother, Marjorie Thomas, Decatur, IL, sisters Patricia Shirley of Stonington, IL, Caroline Borkhardt and husband Louis of Decatur, Linda Thomas of Decatur, IL and Wanda Foster of Gatlinburg, TN, brother Gayland and wife Teri of Warrensburg, IL, Uncle Sam and Aunt Mary Wells of Olney, IL, Brothers-in- law Mike Conway and wife Pam of Decatur, IL , Pat and John Conway of Wylie, TX, Tom Conway of San Diego, CA, Sisters–in-law Sue Wolf and husband Gary of Decatur, IL, Mary Cook and husband Charles of Schofield HI, Laura Schimmel and husband Brian of Canfield, OH, Peggy Macabobby and husband Mike of Tinley Park, IL. 25 nieces and nephews. Honorary daughter Christina Holden of Round Rock, TX and Honorary son Dwight Mack of Houston, TX. Preceded in death by Father Edgar James Thomas, Mother and Father-in-law June Conway and Louis Conway, and grandson, Jeremy Thomas. The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Marco Marcelli, Dr Samir Awad, and the wonderful staff on the 5th floor SICU of the DeBakey VA Hospital (doctors, nurses, and respiratory team). David DeWitt It is with sadness that we must post that another 240th Brother has passed away. Dave DeWitt passed away at his home on November 21, 2008. Linda and I want to thank Walt and Mary Weber for sending us the obituary for and picture of Dave DeWitt. Attention Flight: Tommy Thomas, son of the late Captain Lowell Thomas, Greyhound Helicopter Pilot, May 1970 to May 1971, is looking for any one that might have known his father when Captain Thomas served with the 240th AHC. Tommy can be contacted at the address below and he and his family would greatly appreciate contact with any 240th member that flew or knew our 240th Brother, his father, Captain Lowell Thomas. Thanks, Flight. Lowell E. Thomas, Jr. (Tommy) 2122 Kilkenny Drive Pearland, TX 77581 Cell: (512) 508-0970 stephthomas1@comcast.net ~~~~~~~ MAD DOGS, GREYHOUNDS, KENNEL KEEPERS