Call Sign “Sandy”

Arrival In Bangkok

Earlier this year, we took 4 A1 pilots back to their old stomping ground over Laos in March. It was a 3-day truck tour to Xepon, 3 trucks, and 10 people, 3 staff and Paul T Carter Phd, came along to capture the moments.

 

Hitting The Road

We picked the group up at the Savannkhet- Muckdahan Border and proceeded towards Xepon to fulfill our itinerary. On the way, we stopped off at a Helicopter wreck, which has an exciting story,(Knife 22)Link at the bottom of the page. We also visited the Tad Hay bridge which was blown up during the conflict.

Tales From The Ho Chi Minh Trail-Disappearing Trails-Route 23

We only had a full day in Expon, which we used to Visit the Museum and a few sights around Xepon, The shot up Wat, and the old bank, which they were all aware of. The guys had never been on the ground here. The story told and the conversation was that of the days in the past when they flew missions over the area. They worked on many rescue missions, which I found the most interesting.

Roger Youngblood
Clifton Groves
Jonathan Goldenbaum
John Roulston

The conversation was nonstop between the guys and us, wish I had recorded every minute of it. We met a UXO team at the hotel, it was another great moment for them all to meet, the guys who dropped the bombs, and the guys who are now clearing them up. Everybody got along fine and it was a pretty cool meeting.

It was a pleasure to arrange the trip for these folks I’m honored to meet them and spend time with them. They are a different breed of people, and their minds and memories are so sharp after all these years. There is a lot to be found on YouTube about these guys, where they tell the story of their missions over Laos.

At the end of the trip, they presented us with these medals, which was a special moment. Myself and Roger talk weekly, as we’re in the same part of the world. Hope to see you again guys. Truly was a pleasure.

Here is a link to the Knife 22 story.

Here is a interview with Roger in November 2024.

 

Link to other pictures.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NKG3ppqxZC3LW5vK6

 

Thanks for looking.