Heros onboard!

**Chas** · 04-16-12, 11:27 AM

He told me it was the smoothest ride he has had yet in a chopper; that the new model has a system built into it that counters any force in any direction resulting in a ride like he has never had....smooth as silk. He said that it really does have an auto pilot that lets you focus on other things than keeping it in the air.
Very cool

I am still hoping for new photos that I am allowed to post on the web.

Chas

**Chas** · 04-23-12, 08:11 AM

Ben called and told us his graduation is in mid-June and then he has to do an additional month of training....not sure what but he was the only one told this so he is excited to find out why he was selected.
Plans in the works already to drive down and be with him for this one, we were their for his graduation from boot camp @ Ft.Sill and can't wait to watch this one for sure.

**Darrylabling** · 04-23-12, 08:55 AM

Originally Posted by Chas

My son Ben is deploying to Iraq in the US ARMY today......We knew this day was coming on fast and it didnt matter, still a very emotional day for my family.
Tonight Ben called me from Bostons airport while waiting for a flight to Ramstein and then to Kuwait and so on, but on the flight from Kansas to Boston the plane was airborn and the pilot made an announcment....
"Ladies and Gentlemen we have 15 heros on our flight that are going to serve our country in IRAQ....Please give them a hand and show them we care"

A thundorous applause went thru the jet and made 15 young men very happy to say the least.
Then a lady went thru the plane and collected cash to buy them all dinner at the airport in Boston.....They came out with almost $900 and each guy got about $60 , Ben had surf and turf in Boston and was ready for a nap....The flight to Germany is in the air now and I have faith that God will protect them all.
Please remember our soldiers and those who have given everything for our Freedom....

God bless them all....

Chas

My thanks to your son for his service. I travel a lot, and it is always great to see the airline staff recognizing these true American heros!

**GerryLP** · 04-23-12, 10:49 AM

Chas,

Those are awesome news! I can't wait to find out why he will be further trained?!?!

What is evident, is that he has fulfilled everyone's hopes & expectations, and now, he is pursuing his own, "how-far-can-I-go", adventure.

We are all vicariously so proud of him.

GerryLP

**Chas** · 04-28-12, 01:02 PM

Well, from the gunners window anyways....

**carlc1c3c5** · 04-28-12, 11:19 PM

Originally Posted by GerryLP

Chas,

Every now and then, I have a chance to see the fruits of my labor succeed and make full circle. I had this kid back in the late 90's, fresh out of Tech School that I helped train, and I tried to nurture his mid-long term goals for a college degree, and who knows what else. Well the opportunity we have is barely 18 months to 3 years at most to help shape the minds and careers of these kids. And not too long ago (about 2 summers ago), I was in delight to receive this young man as a Captain in the USAF, with already 7,000+ hours in the C-130 aircraft and tours in the desert galore. It was greatly fulfilling and rewarding to hear him tell me,"Thanks for all the help you provided, Mr. Perez". Wow...If he would have been my own blood, I would have cried...

That is what it is all about. Our young people. We had our chance to make a difference, and now the world belongs to them.

good work last time I was in a HUEY , sic , SLICK , I recall , i did nt eat breakfast ! for obvlious reasons! also had no trouble with digestive track @ o dark 30 ! BEN I salute you,& ALL OF OUR SOLDIERS

I LOVE YOU RVN69-70

carlc1c3c5 THANKS FOR GIVING SO MUCH !!!

**Chas** · 05-03-12, 01:30 PM

They have decided to buy a home instead of renting this time around. He sounded very excited when he told us they had a few prospects chosen and were going to North Carolina to look them over.
Just gets better and better for them

**Chas** · 05-17-12, 11:20 AM

He has been working the nightshift for a few weeks and said its alot diffrent than he expected. The night vision goggles do a great job but you are looking at an area as big as a left over paper towel tube. He can see his instruments with a glance down and the street lights and such, but to see it lit, its a small area. But he has gotten use to it and said each flight gets better and that by the time he is certified it will be like second nature.
He is logging alot of miles back and forth to North Carolina to find a home to purchase and said working nights makes it a bit more challenging.
Chas

**Chas** · 05-24-12, 11:11 AM

6-24-2010

Ms. Carrasco,

We don’t know each other but we share a common bond through our brave sons. Your son and ours served the same battery in Iraq.

Our son is SSG. Benjamin Stoddart and he is a brother to your son forever. As his parents we want you to know that your loss was felt by many more people than you may know.

So many of our youth have given so much to protect the freedom we all cherish as did so many in generations past.

Nothing I say can change or undo Gods will, but I wanted to reach out to you and let you know how much it hurt in our hearts to hear of the news about your son.

We pray to the lord for your comfort and ask that he keep your son in the hallow of his hand, to grant him everlasting peace.

America owes your family a great deal of gratitude and Thanks for raising such a fine young man and brave soldier.

He is a true American hero and will never be forgotten by our family.

We are so very very proud of your son……

Please accept our most heart felt sympathy and know in your heart that we will never forget your brave and honorable son.

Charlie and Theresa Stoddart

**Chas** · 05-29-12, 01:20 PM

He did flawlessly on his final check flight for night flights and is ready to graduate in a couple weeks. He is having little luck lately finding a home to buy but he has time on his side. He is going to do an extra 5 weeks of Medivac training so he will be certified at that also.

He told us to pack t-shirts and shorts and sun tan lotion for our trip to Alabama.......

**Chas** · 06-06-12, 11:10 AM

Theresa and I leave this Saturday for Cave City Ky. to be our half way resting point. We plan on seeing Mammoth cave and the surrounding area and probably a stop at the NCM in Bowling Green.
He has completed school and his graduation ceremony is Thursday. Wednesday is the most exciting day for us also as it is family day, we get to go out and see the Blackhawks and Apache's and their "families".
So we hope to see a few CAC members if they are in the area and I am sure to post pics asap.

Chas

**Chas** · 06-11-12, 02:08 PM

We arrived in Alabama yesterday afternoon after an overnight stay in Cave City Ky. We blew past the NCM at about 8 am Sunday morning and took about 6 hours to get down to Al.
He gave me a class photo they took a few days ago after the flying was complete. The graduation ceremony is Thursday and family day is Wednesday, so I am sure to get some terrific photos then.....

That's him on the far right standing.

**GerryLP** · 06-11-12, 08:19 PM

Chas,

This is a terrific picture. Ben will soon (in about 15 years), look at this picture and it will serve him as a time machine would.

These are awesome times. We're seeing the re-birth of our nation when we witness our young men and women do what is required to form a new future. I could not be prouder.

Please pass along our congratulations to Ben once more.

GerryLP

**Chas** · 06-12-12, 02:19 PM

Ben told us today he is his classes Distinguished Honor Grad! Hard to put inot words the way we feel, but he was an Honor Grad from boot camp also so it seems perfect.
The best of his class!