Historical Society

Spring Ahead

By CAPT Bill Personius, USN (Ret.) LTM #46, R-16213 President

Well…the weather is starting to improve and Spring is in the air. Many people I know have had their second COVID-19 vaccination shot and people are talking about more activities, businesses re-opening and getting back to something like we remember as close to normal. Hopefully the light at the end of the tunnel is an indication of clear sailing ahead. NHA is planning in person activities this year in the form of a Symposium in October at the Viejas Casino Resort in San Diego and the Fleet Fly-In in Pensacola in November. That all is encouraging so let’s hope things continue to improve and open-up and allow for travel and in person events. The theme for this year’s NHA Symposium is “Force of the Future” so that should generate some good discussions with regards to everything that is currently being pursued in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard as well as allowing for some thoughtful feedback from the Fleet concerning ideas that might improve the many efforts that are ongoing.

The NHA Historical Society (NHAHS) has been involved with an event that is in an article in this edition of the Rotor Review that brought a Lifetime Membership Coin and some attention to our Oldest Helix (Oldest Helicopter Pilot), Captain Robbie Roberts, USN (Ret.), as he turned 107 years young on 17 April 2021. That is truly amazing and we’d like to thank all the personnel in Jacksonville both at the Wing and in the Squadron of Airwolves that made it all possible. Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to pay tribute to one of our Naval Helicopter Community Heroes. Happy Birthday to CAPT Roberts and best wishes for continued good health!

NHAHS has also been busy with a couple other projects that we are excited about however are not quite ready for prime time (announcements in the Rotor Review). We look forward to working some more of the details and providing the information along with updates in the near future when we can brief you up on these initiatives. We have selected the Captain Mark Starr Pioneer Award Winners for 2020. CAPT Gene Pellerin, USN (Ret.) and CAPT Mike Coumatos, USN (Ret.) are co-winners this year. Congratulations to both of you for what has been lifetime contributions to the rotary wing community. CAPT Coumatos received his award in a private ceremony in April due to health issues and CAPT Pellerin will receive his award in October at the Annual NHA Awards Ceremony at the Viejas Casino Resort.

We continue to work on the Helicopter Hall of Heroes Slideshow displayed on the NHAHS Website (https://www. nhahistoricalsociety.org/helicopter-hall-of-heroes/) and Earn Your Number Website (https://eyn.navalhelicopterassociation. org/). Check out these presentations and websites and, if you have comments or suggestions, please send them to CAPT Bill Personius, USN (Ret.) at billpersonius@gmail.com and / or CDR Michael G. Brattland, USN (Ret.) at retiredaffairs@ navalhelicopterassn.org.

I for one am looking forward to getting back to normal and seeing some my helicopter friends and maybe even a visit to the I-Bar when their doors re-open again! Stay safe and keep your turns up!

Regards, CAPT P.

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