AMARILLO, TEXAS -- An American Huey numbered 369 flew in from Indianapolis to Amarillo this Saturday.
The American Huey was once the sound of hope for the countless Vietnam veterans that were wounded and needing rescue, it meant help was on the way.
"Imagine being out there injured, maybe your friend is dying, maybe you're dying. Maybe you have no food, no water, no ammo, and your only help line is one of these air crafts coming to your aid," said Johnnie Walker American Huey 369 President and Dustoff Veteran.
"It was their horse to take them into battle, and to get them out of battle," said Lynn Hammond "The Doc" Dustoff Medic. "It brought them precious supply and ammunition and to extracted the wounded."
What once was just a vision to restore this war aircraft, has transformed into something much greater.
The story of people and veterans is what the American Huey 369 Organization is trying to preserve.
"That's what they're trying to do, is bring back memories of people, of what those ships did to save thousands of lives," said Paul Harpole Amarillo Mayor.
Over 5000 Huey's were sent to Vietnam and veterans say it still brings a tear to their eye, and takes them back.
"It brings back a whole lot of good memories, makes me think of a lot of the guys we lost overseas that I flew with," said Ron "Crash" Clark Dustoff Pilot. "About half of my flight class that I flew with didn't get to come home."
"So others may live," a saying the Dustoff crew didn't take lightly. Now they work together again to create, living history
"Standing around the aircraft, letting them sit on it, talking to them, hearing their stories, telling them ours, we're paying tribute to all vets," said Walker.
The ultimate goal of the American Huey 369 Organization is to build a museum to be home to these aircrafts.
