Kick off the Fun with our first Business Meeting of 2024 and the start of 44 years of Riding. It’s at the Golden Corral  9 am. Afterward we head West Or North looking for Lunch. Haven’t been to Boomerang in a while. Maybe there ?

Tomorrow is The Last Ride of The Year in Stockton AL. Hundreds of bikes from all over the USA will be there. Been many times loved all of it. Tim W is leading a Ride from GTD at 8 am. Tim knows roads so it will be a good Ride Sunday at Midnight The Sandies do a very special ride. Ride from one Year to the following Year 2023 to 2024. Sandies been doing this for over 30 years. Meet at The Shalimar Waffle House, leave around 11:45 and Ride into 2024. Pelican Plunge, not a motorcycle ride but it’s fun anyway. Around 10:00 am Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. Free coffee and Gumbo going to be a bit chilly. Around 11 am head for the ocean and start 2024 The Sandie Way. https://www.facebook.com/groups/521324844733867

Well 20 Sandies made the Dinner , food ,Sandies always a winner. We then did a Grand Tour of Northgate Lights. I can say they did not disappoint.  Thank you Mark S for the reserved space it was well appreciated. Mitchell and Dawn joined us for Dinner. The big treat was “The Pretender to The Scottish Throne” or Dave McAulay  as he is known by his not so loyal subjects, graced us ,with his Royalness. Now the real treat was a visit by Nicole McAulay, David’s lovely daughter. It is very  obvious who Nicole takes after, Clue, it isn’t Dad.. It was so very good to see Tony G out with us. Tony survived North Dakota in the winter glad to be back with the sunburned. Robert W and his lady friend Alethea came out  to Dinner and Lights. Last year it was butt cold and Robert and Alethea came out on the Harley anyway. At least it was a much nicer night this year.  Joe and Melanie W came out on their new Ride tonight. Sharp, sharp it is.  Lorna S was with Mark to enjoy the Lights also. Now for the story of the night, Sandy S was going to ride her ride tonight. BUT the battery finally said adios. So Sandy had to car it, the upside was Sandy got some cool pictures. Tommy N graciously chauffeured   Sandy around. It was a pleasant night , the weather was just right and there was a lot less traffic. The Lights were outstanding, the company simply first class. Next Sandie Adventure is either or both  The Last Ride and or Ride into the New Year. If you’re going to The Last Ride can you let me know when and where your meeting, please. Pictures from Sandy ?

First let me say 2023 has been quite the year for me, hoping 2024 is a bit better. The Sandies have been busy and to think this is our 44thyear of riding together, WOW ! A few facts we have ridden 981,456 together this year , at last count 3,894, 547 miles together. Remember this is from 2001 when we started counting. JoeJoe, who is remarkable at estimating, figures somewhere in the 5,000,000 miles in 43 years. Sandies I dare say we Ride a lot more than other Clubs. That’s our main reason for getting together, well the parties and the other fun things even make it a bit more fun. Another congratulations goes to Tommy Nieft. Tommy is the longest continuous member of The Sandollar M/C , since 1988. Okay enough history, let’s get caught up, it’s going to take a few stories. We have a bunch of great pictures by Sandy S and JoeJoe to catch up on also. Check Presentation to Elder Services Meals on Wheels Dec 13 We presented Meals on Wheels with a check to defray expenses for the Seniors that can’t afford to pay for meals. Kim Fraley the look on her face was priceless. It costs $5.50 to per meal with Government subsidies. Our donation will go a ways to help those Seniors that need it. We had Robert W, President , Mark S, Melanie Woods, of course Sandy S . Sam and the great pictures by our own JoeJoe and Sandy S Three days later we had the 39th Sandie Christmas Party. Special thank you to Edna for opening her house and providing such incredible food. It wouldn’t have been a Sandie Christmas without our own Michael ( Sensei) M as the Dirty Santa , thank you Michael. It wouldn’t have been complete without the help of Elise M . Had a good crowd of Sandies, who all had a super time. Great pictures by Sandy and JoeJoe . Pictures by JoeJoe and Sandy S. Check Presentation to Meals on Wheels Pictures by JoeJoe and Sandy S

Just a reminder, fellow Sandies, dinner and Christmas Light Ride tonight. Meet 6ish at Golden Corral for dinner then a jaunt around Northgate. Come in the car to enjoy. I ‘m taking advantage of the nice weather and riding. It’s all about fellowship and enjoying the season with friends. Just think in a few short weeks it will be our 44th year of riding together . We start by jumping into freezing water, it’s a Sandie thing.

https://emeraldcoastpokerrun.com/pelican-plunge IT's On Time to get Semi Naked and introduce The those OMMPA LOOMPAS to some refreshing err Freezing Intro to 2024. Details to follow

You are Invited To The Party Of The YearIt’s A SANDIE CHRISTMAS PARTY!Saturday Dec. 16th 720 DuBois Street Fort Walton Bring a Party Dish to share Sodas and Coffee and Ice provided RSVP Please! Please let Sam or Edna no later than Dec 13th Edna 850-865-3140 Sam 850-496-1595 Bring a Gift no more than $20.00 Mark it for a Men or Women Gift Exchange will be in the old format back by popular demand

11 Sandies set out on a Bold Adventure, Belly filling. It took 198 miles to accomplish this wonderful task. It was what a MotorBike trip was and should be. Everything about this day trip was from a Ride stand point was perfect. To be fair the day did not start that way. Sam’s Ride decided that it was done with the battery. Sam came to wish us a merry bon voyage, Sam then headed out to hunt down a battery. To start Joe and Melanie W came up to travel on their new Red Spyder. The only way to describe it is just drop dead gorgeous. Take a gander at the pictures you will agree. Of course the Mistress of Chaos was present and accounted for, Sandy S. Great Sandie Adventures always need a little Chaos and with Tim W along we have plenty. You can imagine the intersection of both and what happens. But on this Trip I think both canceled out their effect on the Cosmos. We had a simply tremendous MotorBike trip. We left and stayed off the beaten path as much as possible. Even though The Beaten Path is seeing more and more upscale housing developments. When we used to come along this route 20, 30 years ago we saw nary an automobile. A confession about 20 years ago we did things that you look back on and say “What in God’s name were we thinking”? We were on Quintette Rd, part of yesterday’s route. It was straight as an arrow, no driveways or cross streets, not that way now lots of development now.. Well Joejoe on his Hyabusa nails it, soon every one of us to include Sam were over The Century Mark, some further on the scale than others. As we all slowed down there was big grins all around. We will never see the likes of that again, Progress. You ask yourself “Self, how did we survive the silly stuff. In my defense I was still doing it until one day Dave Mac and Tommy N almost had to save my dumb ass. Back to the Great Motorbike Trip, all that remember whining aside, on that same road Saturday it was normal speed for us all, sigh. Well back to our fantastic Saturday, weather was awesome, sunny, just a hint of cool. Mark S on his GL, Mark suffers from MBS (Multiple Bike Syndrome) those decisions which one today? Bobby B was among the enjoyers of This Fine Sandie Motorbike Trip. I know I keep saying it but Bobby and JoeJoe have done a super job with the new Sandie Website. Speaking of JoeJoe, I beat JoeJoe into The Derail, yes it happened a most noteworthy occasion. What’s a fine Motorbike Trip without Frank W? It would be dull to say the least fortunately Frank made the trip. Now Frank left early headed back to watch the Auburn Alabama game. I haven’t checked to see if Frank suffered a heart attack with that ending. Here I must take time to thank Tommy N for Sheepdoging the Trip. Tommy always does a great job of letting me know what’s going on. Tommy has made many a Sandie trip much more enjoyable for me. Cat Herdering can be a taxing job, not only do you have to keep up with where everyone is, you also have to keep up with the situation around you. A good Sheepdog makes Cat Herding much easier there by making it a more enjoyable trip. Tommy is one of the best but then JoeJoe and yes Sandy S are also great Sheepdogs, thank you all. This Trip had all the things that make a Sandie MotorBike Trip so much fun, good roads, good food and great fellow Sandies. It don’t get any better than that, see you soon?

Had the Pumpkin Pre Ride today and again it shows just how this Club pulls together. Knitting first, 104 miles long, 15 Sandies participated in a really good Pre Poker Run. First I would like to thank these Sandies that volunteered to man a Checkpoint, thank you 1 and 5 Registration Crew 2nd Snuggle Bunnies Frank W and Carl B 3rd The A team- Numero Uno Mark S and Tim (Traveler) W 4th Team Fly Michael McMillan Again Thank you very much Mark Shaw has been gracious enough to allow us use his place of business for our Poker Run. If you haven’t figured out by now, we are the last Riding Club to do poker runs the old fashion way. Have a real route, checkpoints on the right, a map etc. put some time and effort into it, Oh well. First off it was super having Lorna S with us today never get to see Lorna, it was great . Would be remiss if I did not Thank two hard working Sandies, Bobby B and JoeJoe. Our Map and Flyer are first rate they are the best I have seen in many years. Map has a QR code to put the map on your phone a first for this part of the world. Our Flyer has a QR code to let you register early and it gives you all the information. Bobby and Joe are responsible for that new Sandie web site. I can tell you I have a new revived interest in The Sandies because of the work of those two. If you haven’t registered yet, what’s holding you back? Register now, the waters perfect, go to https://www.sanddollarmc.com/ you will love it. Now the Munchkin story, Imagine your Cat Herder and over the Radio. You hear from Sheepdog extraordinaire, Tommy N “ Munchkin’s bike broke, save us a table “ . It’s just like a Sandie to think of food first in a developing situation. Reached Tommy and found out it had to do with Munchkins shift linkage had come loose. It was an easy fix and they were on their way to lunch. Now here is where after all the Road Gods have done to The Munchkin, they finally say “Here, enjoy”. They let Munchkin win with of all things a straight. A straight with a small crowd like this, come on had to be divine intervention. Unfortunately there has to be a last, Tommy N was “that person”. Well when you have no card higher than 4 and nothing matches, your “that person”. Last Thank you goes to Greg L for your very generous donation to our Charity. Greg has to work next Sunday so he made the very generous donation. Hope to see all you Sandies next Saturday, load trucks, put out arrows. Sunday it’s Showtime at Golden Corral need all of you that can be there , please. . Pictures from the Artistic Camera work of Bobby B

Just a reminder, for The Pumpkin Run tomorrow 9 am Golden Corral. If you’re having Breakfast , Please be done by 9 am so we can get started.

Talk about why we ride, Saturday had all the bits needed to check all the “Why We Ride” boxes . It was fabulous riding weather, cool in the morning nice and warm on the ride back. It was an enjoyable 235 miles and 6 Sandies flat enjoyed the day the company and most importantly the food. Speaking of food always take Frank W with you when food is on the schedule. Here’s why, It’s a matter of survival for Sandies trust me on this. We went to the Santa Fe steakhouse, in Enterprise AL, for lunch. Well there was a little situation, no Sandies were hurt in this situation by the way. The restaurant was short staffed so we had to wait. Now understand that there were quite a few groups ahead of us. The poor Hostess was doing the best she could, well The Schmoozer, Frank W, goes up and turns on Frank Charm . The Hostess comes out looking for the Bob party. Frank says “are you sure it’s not the Joe’s party” ? Hostess says no it’s the Bob party, Frank says with his Clark Gable smile “ well there isn’t anyone but us, here”. The hostess looked around and said “okay, is the Joe party here “? With a smile at Frank. Talk about selling Ice to Russians in Siberia , whew. But wait, there is more to The Legend of Frank. We get seated and the waitress comes over, Frank turns on the 1800 watt smile, she takes Frank’s order, first of course. She was one of those talented persons that can take your , with changes, no pad, nothing and a super waitperson to boot. Well when the food comes out, EL Schmoozer is talking being charming as only Frank can. Well the orders got mixed up, she says “I never get it wrong” . Now how did that happen? hum. We were very fortunate to have Dennis O with us on this journey. Dennis is one helluva good rider as evidenced when we ran into the “Boll Weevil Festival”. Yes Marylyn The Boll Weevil Festival, the local constabulary blocked off all kinds roads . All, which by the way, led to our place of food. As always the police don’t take in to account some of us ride motorcycles. The detour was behind warehouses, along railroad tracks, pavement in name only. You know all the back alleyways and warehouse and fright yards. Sam and I were okay, Spyders, but the others had to call on chapters out of their Skills Book. Dennis did a heck of a super job on that crap surfaces. You would have thought Dennis was on a 250 instead of a 1,00 lb. Touring Bike. Great job Dennis, always a pleasure riding with you. The whole reason for the Sandie Saturday Adventure was going to The Army Aviation Museum at Fort Novosel , used to be Fort Rucker. They have expanded the Museum, there are two buildings now. There are a bunch of outdoors exhibits, JoeJoe’s pictures cover a bunch of Army helicopters and Airplanes going back to The Wright Brothers first. As a reminder to you Zoomie Types it was the Army Air Corp, first before the Air Force. For and old Hooker like me, that’s a Chinook Crew dog, seeing the old and new Chinooks was looking at a 1952 Ford and a 2023 Tesla what a change. But I got really nostalgic walking through the old B model in the museum. Really missed the hydraulic oil smell and the little drips of it coming out of the transmission. Also seeing what are considered “Old” helicopters that I flew and worked on sure brings home how things change. I just sat there thinking about all those adventures and guys I flew with, glad I was there with Sam and my good riding friends. It was just a great day of riding, reminisces and being with good friends and fellow Riders. We have some really neat Sandie Saturday Adventures planned to some really off the beaten path places, almost all roads in some kind of pavement shape.

It supposed to absolutely beautiful Saturday, GTD 8 am As most of you are aware of the DOD rules for getting on base, just a refresher “All visitors to Fort Novosel, ages 16 and older, must have photo identification. State-issued identification cards, military dependent or retiree cards, driver's licenses, passports, or other official-issued ID cards with photos are accepted. Vehicle operators must present a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance in order to enter Fort Novosel.”

Judge Laura joined us today at Skills . Laura is back on two wheels, she was on Three but a timely pacemaker made Two wheels possible .Da Judge as her Road Name, well earned, by the way implies. Laura promptly bought her another V-Strom. Now among the unattended consequences of said new ride was that Sensei, Michael M, is now a carrier of MBS. MBS or Multiple Bike Syndrome or when you have more motorcycles than you can comfortably ride in one day. I am sad to say we have multiple carriers of this disease. The Typhoid Mary of MBS, The Mitchell has a motorcycle for everyday of the week plus. Not far behind Dave Mac, Stephen G surprisingly Munchkin. Keeping them in good company, Tim W and Wes H. Now we have members with minor cases MBS, but owning just two rides is a minor case of MBS . M2 has the unenviable job of caring for said V-Strom and also adds to Michaels ever burgeoning stable of Rides. Now a word of caution here, these serious carriers of MBS can and do infect other Sandies so please practice good social distancing. Back to today’s Skills, we had 7 Sandies on a cloudy cool day. Carl B joined us, you know if you have ever noticed Carl is a very good bike handler. Carl in the box is very worth the study. Carl does a perfect box, big or small Carl can handle that Harley well in that situation. Speaking of The Box it has been a Judge Laura nemesis Laura has battled that Square for a while. Well today Da Judge, with help, whipped the monster, made it cry Uncle. JoeJoe and Sam worked the Box with The Jerry Paladino method . Two folks stand on opposite sides of the box. JoeJoe says in box rider “ look at me, look at me”! When said Rider approaches outer line he says “ look at her” pointing to opposite side of the box. Sam then promptly starts the same mantra. What this does is teach you look up and you go where you look. With Sandie Teamwork, Da Judge was soon Master of The Universal Box . Through all of this Bobby “Ansel Adams” B for those of you that just went “Huh”? Ansel Adams was a very famous photographer, his landscapes of Yosemite and out West command millions of dollars today. Well Bobby was everywhere and taking all kinds of pictures. You add JoeJoe’s pictures of Sandie life and you have a very comprehensive record of what the Sandies do for fun. I would be remiss if I didn’t do a shout for FatBoy’s restaurant in Crestview, We chose FatBoy’s cause they were open and did Pub food. Our waiter exemplified what service is and means. Sam wanted coffee and water . He came back and apologetically said they were out of coffee. Okay no big deal , we ordered the waiter comes back and says he has some personal K-Cups and could he make Sam a cup of coffee. All of us were floored in this day no less, this fella goes way out of his way to deliver. He returns shortly with what Sam said was a good cup of coffee. In this day and age to run across this level of service makes you think it might be alright after all. It was a good day watched a good rider become even better.

Saturday is Sandie Saturday, this Saturday we be a going to Fort Novosel i.e. Fort Rucker. Going to leave AT 8 :00 am GTD. It’s a 200 plus miles day. Now what I need is a head count so I can arrange a Docent led Tour of The Museum. Need to know no later than Friday, before 5 pm. Just e-mail or text me https://www.armyaviationmuseum.org/the-museum/visit-the-museum/

Sunday Sandie Skills At least we won’t be sweating as in months past. Supposed to be rather coolish even. We have modified the lay-out to allow for Tri-Sandie Rides. This way our Tri-Riders can practice those same Skills you need “out there”. As always Part Two is going to be fun and learning together. Leave GTD 8 :30 am, Range 9 am Hope to see you there. Add to your post

Six Sandies set off at an unspeakable hour to carry judges for the cycling portion of the SRI TRI. Sam E, the Cat Hearder, JoeJoe, Munchkin, M2 Sensei, and Bobby B met up at 5:30 AM and headed out to Pensacola Beach for the 27th Annual Santa Rosa Island Triathlon. While waiting for the cycling portion of the race to start, Sir Robert stopped by to wish everyone well and swap stories of past races. This year there was only one judge to carry, and M2 Sensei on his Goldwing was the lucky selectee. JoeJoe and Munchkin set out on their H-D's while Bobby B took the last draftbusting decoy on a beautiful FZ1 on loan from M2 Sensei. Sam E and the Cat Hearder went across the street to stake out a view of the race and Sir Robert headed back to the crowds to cheer on the participants. The four Sandies riding with the cyclist did three to four loops through the course. We did our best to keep everyone honest and the results for each cyclist ranked. Meanwhile three Sandies were working hard to get triathlon t-shirts. Officials tried dodging at every twist and turn. The cycling portion of the race had ended and it looked like we (again) going home empty handed. Just when the growls of our stomachs was about to force us to leave, several grey and orange shirts suddenly appear. Thanks for the perseverance of out three most senior members of the club, we were able to ride away with t-shirts to prove we were there. Since there were so many other things going on Saturday afternoon, the group split up to head back. Most members were making their way to GTD to eventually sign up for the 3rd Annual Breast Cancer Ride while a few others had to get back to their families. A good time was had, and we are thankful that the 2023 SRI Tri is in the books with no known incidents or oopsies. Some great pictures by JoeJoe Some of The Sandies at The Emerald Coast Brest Cancer Ride

Oops Wrong Way Burgers! Realized when I got home we visited the wrong Cove. We were at the Pirates Cove not The Cove Bar and Grill in Gulf Shores. They are two entirely different places and in different Towns miles apart. To say The Pirates Cove is laid back is like saying Yosemite Buffalo love Tourons. So we not only did a U turn through gravel, my I love these three wheels. We went to the wrong bar., not that it was bad, just the wrong place. Had a Burger and Fries and onion rings all just great. Visited Barber’s Marina and saw Dinosaurs and Chinese warriors and BamaHenge. BamaHenge is what Stonehenge would look like, if it was made of Styrofoam and in Alabama. Okay today was a great day just in the wrong place. Had fun, in a very casual place. First time I felt overdressed on a motorcycle ride. Okay the knitting, went 150 miles to eat burgers at the wrong Cove. Had 9 Sandies that rode and had a different kind of Ride. Tony and Nikki rode up at GTD and Tony informed me that he was shy a wallet. I figured it was like JoeJoe, wink wink. Tony and Nikki took off they would meet us in Navarre. At GTD, JoeJoe Bobby the B and a pleasant surprise M2. It always great to see Michael join us on a Sandie Ride. The day was unbelievably nice and cool to start with. As the day wore on it began to get a bit warmer, okay it was hot. We met Tony and Nikki and Glenn S in Navarre. We proceeded to ride to the Pirates Cove. But not before taking a wrong turn and ending up across the Bayou from the Pirates Cove. Since we couldn’t ride across the Bayou, I’m leaving the subject alone, I’m sure I can hear the snickers already. In spite of The Wrong Way Corrigan maneuver we really did have a great time eating wrong way burgers.

Saturday is Sandie Saturday Adventure, pretty clever the name, huh ? We leave GTD at 8 am heading West . Not sure 98 or I-10 we will let the day decide. Rated as one of the best places to get a Burger . We went years ago when it was literally a Beach Bar . Should be interesting, Barbers Marina is on the way. See ya at 8 am GTD Saturday https://covebargrill.com/

A Skills full of Surprises The Rain this morning passed through and it got very pleasant. A side note, Lost my CAT HERDER Plate and holder. The holder is what I want back it’s an IRON BUTT holder. Earned when 14 Sandies did the Iron Butt, we are still telling stories about that Sandie Adventure. Okay Todays Skills were filled with many a first. But first the knitting, 9 Sandies made it out after the Rain. But what a group of riders, we were lucky to have Sensei ( Michael M), Greg L , more on Greg later. Bobby the B, Sheepdog himself, Tommy N. The Master himself, JoeJoe. Let’s not forget Sandy and Sam , they both have put tens of thousands of miles on Spyders. We had a super talented group of Riders, not a slouch in the Group. We were very fortunate to have this Group out for a Skills today. I personally had a blast out there, I had no idea that a Can-Am at Skills could be so much fun. Now Tommy did remind me, unlike a two wheeler, I’m riding on a relatively flat surface. So like a car I’m scrubbing rubber off the whole tire not just a side. I did remember way back in my SCCA days when I would do Autocross how fast it wore out the tires. Well that notwithstanding it is just pure fun out there on the Tri Wheeler. Now for the news and this one flat shocked me. Greg Lynn drives up on a brand new BMW, yes that Greg L. A beautiful blue 2023 L1600 GTL . I had to do a double take, Greg had a beautiful gray Harley the last time I saw Greg, now this Beemer. I found out the Pied Piper of Beemer’s Wes H let Greg take his KTL out for a spin. The rest as they say is history. But wait it’s not over, Tommy N took Sandy’s Spyder for a spin around the Course. I have never in all my time riding with Tommy has he ever ridden Sandy’s Spyder. Especially aggressively but boy howdy did that change today. Tommy was handling that course pretty strong and doing a good job of it too. Having Michael out is always a good thing, Michael has devoted his life to teaching people how to be better Riders. When Michael makes suggestions people listen and well they should. Michael will be teaching Rider Coach’s how to teach the Three Wheeler Course here shortly. I for one want to take the course just because I always learn something new at any MSF Course. Now JoeJoe outdid himself on Part Two it was fast and fun. Watching all that talent out there was a real treat, we had some great bike handlers out there. I for one really had fun even though I missed a decreasing radius turn JoeJoe had on the course. Sam does real well on those JoeJoe Special Courses. Bobby the B is another fine Bike Handler besides he always brings a positive turn to things. The New Club Website Bobby and JoeJoe designed is fabulous. If you haven’t taken a Tour and registered, you should do it as soon as possible, as a Sandie there are special things just for Sandie members on the website. Thank You again Franky Weezak and Sandy Shorey for the great pictures

These Sandies did 1000 miles in 24 hours over 16 years ago Now look at some of the Rides Mitchell on a V-Rod, Michael McMillan on a Yamaha FZ1 Sam on a V-Star 1100. We still tell stories about this Ride. We miss the ones that can't tell anymore stories Tom ( 2-Tom ) Moore David Moody Lost contact with Dennis Hamby The name of the Ride is in Official Iron Butt Records Sand Dollar MC Club, Sandie SaddleSore 1000 Ride Chris Mitchell Fort Walton Beach, FL 04/21/07 H-D V-Rod 1,024 Thomas W. Nieft Niceville, FL 04/21/07 Honda Gold Wing 1,024 Thomas M. Moore Niceville, FL 04/21/07 Honda Gold Wing 1,024 Steven Gardinier Navarre, FL 04/21/07 Honda Valkyrie 1,024 David Moody Monroeville, AL 04/21/07 Honda Gold Wing 1,024 Dennis Hamby Santa Rosa Beach, FL 04/21/07 Honda Gold Wing 1,024 Naomi Engler Fort Walton Beach, FL 04/21/07 Yamaha V-Star 1100 1,024 George Engler Fort Walton Beach, FL 04/21/07 Honda GL1800A 1,024 Jerry Gilbert Fort Walton Beach, FL 04/21/07 Honda Gold Wing 1,024 Michael McMillan Fort Walton Beach, FL 04/21/07 Yamaha FZ1 1,024

George, here is a little tidbit I ran across in the history of the helicopter squadron Jerry Gilbert was a part of. We all know Jerry (The Captain) Gilbert has 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses and multiple air medals. This is something he had told me about and it confirms his stories. He participated and dropped off/picked up teams virtually on the outskirts of Hanoi. Just in case some folks do not realize what he has been through. Now Jerry is at Westwood Manor. This is from documents of the 20th SOS Green Hornets Jerry’s Outfit They flew CH-3Cs, from South Vietnam, infiltrated a combat team into North Vietnam, just north of the DMZ. In 1966, the CH-3 crews flew a total of 315 infiltration sorties Steve Gardinier