2002 Hillclimber Reunion Coverage


May 16-19, in Williamsburg, Virginia

Click on image for full size
Link to Main Menu. Link to main reunions menu page. Llink to Hillclimber home page.

Arrival at the Four Points Sheridan in Williamsburg, VA. Jerry Majchrzak, Mike Carroll, and Jim Parker. Arrival at the Four Points Sheridan in Williamsburg, VA. Jerry Majchrzak, Mike Carroll, and Jim Parker.
Victor LaBelle comes over to join the group. Victor LaBelle comes over to join the group.
Sy Berdux, Herman Bullard, and Rodney Brown sitting in the Lobby during Reunion 2002 registration. Royce Raley's reflected image can be seen in the mirror over Herman Bullard's right shoulder behind the plants taking the picture.Sy Berdux, Herman Bullard, and Rodney Brown sitting in the Lobby during Reunion 2002 registration. Royce Raley's reflected image can be seen in the mirror over Herman Bullard's right shoulder behind the plants taking the picture.
If you "A" model types notice that the condition levers are missing that is because today they are in the overhead console on D models.If you "A" model types notice that the condition levers are missing that is because today they are in the overhead console on D models.
A long time ago in a place far, far away these people you see standing in the back of this CH-47D made up the rules for how these aircraft were to be employed in combat.A long time ago in a place far, far away these people you see standing in the back of this CH-47D made up the rules for how these aircraft were to be employed in combat.
This aircraft, 90-00219, originally carried the serial number of 68-15857. According to the written record she became a Hillclimber aircraft in February of 1974. According to a couple of reunion participants this aircraft was in the 147th in Can Tho. Since I remember my aircraft in the same way I remember my original Army serial number (RA19884276) I tend to believe those with the Can Tho memories.This aircraft, 90-00219, originally carried the serial number of 68-15857. According to the written record she became a Hillclimber aircraft in February of 1974. According to a couple of reunion participants this aircraft was in the 147th in Can Tho. Since I remember my aircraft in the same way I remember my original Army serial number (RA19884276) I tend to believe those with the Can Tho memories.
At least two of these people were not even born when the Hillclimbers were roaming Vietnam.At least two of these people were not even born when the Hillclimbers were roaming Vietnam.
Part of the Active Army staff that was making "Hillclimber 2002" so memorable.Part of the Active Army staff that was making "Hillclimber 2002" so memorable.
The table that was prepared for the "Missing Man" cerrmony during the Hillclimber Banquet on 18 May 2002 at the Ft. Eustis Club.The table that was prepared for the "Missing Man" cerrmony during the Hillclimber Banquet on 18 May 2002 at the Ft. Eustis Club.
One more dining room view. One more dining room view.
One view of the dining room before the banquet on Saturday night.One view of the dining room before the banquet on Saturday night.
Another view of the dining room during the banquet.Another view of the dining room during the banquet.
SSG Burris read the narrative for the "Missing Man" ceremony before dinner. SSG Burris read the narrative for the "Missing Man" ceremony before dinner.
This year the Hillclimbers helped launch the 222nd CAB Skymasters Veterans Association. In this photo Don Yaxley (222nd Veterans Association) gives a plaque to the current commander of the 1/222nd Avn Regiment, LTC Louise Terrel. Eleven 222nd veterans were in attendance. This year the Hillclimbers helped launch the 222nd CAB Skymasters Veterans Association. In this photo Don Yaxley (222nd Veterans Association) gives a plaque to the current commander of the 1/222nd Avn Regiment, LTC Louise Terrel. Eleven 222nd veterans were in attendance.
Attendee's of the Reunion pose in front of #90-00219 at Felkar Army Airfield.Attendee's of the Reunion pose in front of #90-00219 at Felkar Army Airfield.
One view of the business meeting held on Saturday 18 May 2002. Here we discuss the previous year ups and downs and talk about the next reunion. L to R: Thomas Elliston, Jerry Calahate, Jim Fraser, charles Cutrone, Rodney Brown, and Jim Berry. One view of the business meeting held on Saturday 18 May 2002. Here we discuss the previous year ups and downs and talk about the next reunion. L to R: Thomas Elliston, Jerry Calahate, Jim Fraser, charles Cutrone, Rodney Brown, and Jim Berry.
More scenes from the Hillclimber business meeting. L to R: Charles Kahlert, Mike Carroll, Sy Berdux, Raymond Todorovich, and Zeke Ressler. More scenes from the Hillclimber business meeting. L to R: Charles Kahlert, Mike Carroll, Sy Berdux, Raymond Todorovich, and Zeke Ressler.
Business meeting L to R: Jim Berry, Sy Berdux, Al Kovatch, Raymond Todorovich, Robert Machen, Clinton Downing, James Allen, Jim Parker, and Robert Granatire. Business meeting L to R: Jim Berry, Sy Berdux, Al Kovatch, Raymond Todorovich, Robert Machen, Clinton Downing, James Allen, Jim Parker, and Robert Granatire.
Business meeting L to R: Jim Allen, Robert Granatire, Bob LaMarre, Mal Hunt, and Victor LaBelle. Business meeting L to R: Jim Allen, Robert Granatire, Bob LaMarre, Mal Hunt, and Victor LaBelle.
Another view of the dining room on Hillclimber banquet night. Another view of the dining room on Hillclimber banquet night.
The 2002 Hillclimber Reunion Cake and it was as good as it looks!The 2002 Hillclimber Reunion Cake and it was as good as it looks!
Clinton Downing, his daugher and two grandchilren, who's names will be posted when I receive them.Clinton Downing, his daugher and two grandchilren, who's names will be posted when I receive them.
The crew of the 171st Trans Det CH-47 084. Due to the nature of their missions they flew together on a far more regular basis then the regular line ships. L to R: Robert Machen, Jim Parker, Raymond Todorovich, and Jerry Majchrzak. The crew of the 171st Trans Det CH-47 084. Due to the nature of their missions they flew together on a far more regular basis then the regular line ships. L to R: Robert Machen, Jim Parker, Raymond Todorovich, and Jerry Majchrzak.
Checking the notes at the podium just before the start of the evening's remarks. Checking the notes at the podium just before the start of the evening's remarks.
And we are off....And we are off....
Our host at Ft. Eustis, LTC Kenneth Lundgren, Commander of the 765th Trans Bn, becoming an "Honorary Hillclimber."Our host at Ft. Eustis, LTC Kenneth Lundgren, Commander of the 765th Trans Bn, becoming an "Honorary Hillclimber."
More momentoes of the monent. More momentoes of the monent.
LTC Louise Terrel, Commander of the 1/222 Avn Reg becomes and "Honorary Hillclimber."LTC Louise Terrel, Commander of the 1/222 Avn Reg becomes and "Honorary Hillclimber."
LTC Lundren addresses the Hillclilmbers and Skymasters assembled for the banquet. LTC Lundren addresses the Hillclilmbers and Skymasters assembled for the banquet.
Rodney Brown, Hillclimber '67 to '68, receives a 765th Trans Bn coin from LTC Lundren. Rodney Brown, Hillclimber '67 to '68, receives a 765th Trans Bn coin from LTC Lundren.
Robert Machen addresses the reunion. Robert Machen addresses the reunion.
Don Yaxley receives a thank you from his fellow 222nd CAB Skymasters for his work on the reunion. Don Yaxley receives a thank you from his fellow 222nd CAB Skymasters for his work on the reunion.
A "HILLCLIMBER FAMILY REUNION PHOTO." This is the first time that we have done a "family" reunion photo. The banner honors one of our members, Paul Berg, who in on active duty and was in Afghanistan at the time of the reunion
Sy Berdux and Clinton Downing with one of the 765th Trans Bn support troops. Sy Berdux and Clinton Downing with one of the 765th Trans Bn support troops.
Vic and Lien LaBelle and the Hillclimber goodbye breakfast on the morning of 19 May 2002. Vic and Lien LaBelle and the Hillclimber goodbye breakfast on the morning of 19 May 2002.
Clinton Downing and Jim Fraser share a moment at the dinner.Clinton Downing and Jim Fraser share a moment at the dinner.
LTC Lundgren and Herman Bullard.LTC Lundgren and Herman Bullard.
LTC Lundgren address Hillclimbers and Skymaster veterans during a reception at the hotel.LTC Lundgren address Hillclimbers and Skymaster veterans during a reception at the hotel.
LTC Lundgren receives some good natured fun. LTC Lundgren receives some good natured fun.
34 years34 years
Bob Lamare (Gunner 996), Rodney Brown (Flight Engineer 996), Holgar Stapleton (Gunner 996). Rodney Brown was the FE on 996 between August of 1967 and the end of May 1968. Bob Lamare was his Gunner until January of 1968 when he was replaced by Holgar Stapleton. The Crewchief for this period of time, Alfred Norton, has yet to be located.Bob Lamare (Gunner 996), Rodney Brown (Flight Engineer 996), Holgar Stapleton (Gunner 996). Rodney Brown was the FE on 996 between August of 1967 and the end of May 1968. Bob Lamare was his Gunner until January of 1968 when he was replaced by Holgar Stapleton. The Crewchief for this period of time, Alfred Norton, has yet to be located.
Anita and Don RaleyAnita and Don Raley
Group photo with message to Cpt. Paul Berg, who was serving in Afghanistan. Group photo with message to Cpt. Paul Berg, who was serving in Afghanistan.