January 4, 2011
Colorado, USA
Texas
Mission of honor for Ted and friends
Our thoughts and hearts go out to the family and friends of these brave men. May you find comfort in the knowledge that so many appreciate their brave service to this country. May you find solace in closure as we finally lay these heroes to rest in their homeland.
But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;
As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.
From: For the Fallen (1914), Laurence Binyon
Mission: Honoring two aviators from the Vietnam War who were assigned to the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Udom Airfield, Thailand. They lost their lives on a strike mission in November 1969. These two heroes were listed as "Missing in Action" after their F-4D Phantom was shot down while on a escort/strike mission. The escort was a C-130 Gunship and the strike mission was a truck convoy on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. While attacking the convoy under the observation of a Forward Air Controller, their F-4 was hit by antiaircraft fire, crashed, and exploded.
There was no evidence that the crew escaped the aircraft before ground impact and the crash itself was not survivable. In the absence of proof of death both men were classed as “Missing in Action”.
They have now been found and are now being returned home to Texas and their families.
Robert Tucci and James Dennany were among nearly 600 Americans who disappeared in Laos and were never negotiated for through the Paris Peace Accords, which ended the War in Vietnam, since Laos was not a party to that agreement.
Obituary:
Colonel James Eugene Dennany, Weapons Systems Officer, is survived by four daughters; Elizabeth Marchan, Melissa Harrington, Marie Lara, Pamela Tabares and a son; James Dennany.
Major Robert Leon Tucci, Pilot, is survived by his wife; Sharon Tucci and his mother, Jean Tucci.
More Info Denanny/Tucci:
Denanny:
http://www.pownetwork.org/bios/d/d034.htm
Tucci:
http://www.pownetwork.org/bios/t/t044.htm
Windshield chrome
Fender skirt
Rear speaker chrome
Dash chrome
Complete dash and speaker chrome
Colorado -- Tim rolled in from his Saturday work shift about 3 pm. We rolled out of the drive shortly after, determined to get some sort of a ride in before the next round of weather arrives tomorrow. Tim laughed that Dad must have been lost in Texas... because it only took us 60 miles to find supper. We rode with temps in the high 40 degree range. Our ride took us around the frozen south end of Horsetooth Reservoir, to the southern end of Loveland and back to one of our favorite food stops. After a stop at Serious Texas BBQ, a couple of pulled pork with cherry chipotle sauce sandwiches, cheesy potatoes and a couple of creamy root beers we were fortified for the ride home. Riding in at dusk, just before the sun sank behind the mountains was a bit chillier than riding out earlier. No complaints. We were just happy to get a ride in.
Southern end of Horsetooth Reservoir glazed with ice
South Bay of Horsetooth Reservoir a bit more solid but I wouldn't venture out on it
Frozen inlet Horsetooth Reservoir
Me - the eyes in the back of Tim's head
Rock formation known as the Devil's Backbone near Loveland, CO
Sunset makes for chilly ride home
The Ultra is nine months old today. Current mileage sitting at 15,893. We got a Vern's lunch ride and a dam ride in before Tim rode off to work. We rolled out of here about 11 am with temps in the mid-50s and rode back in a short while later with temps climbing into the 60s. Lots of sun. Light winds. We did not want to come home.
Still haven't gotten the first ride of 2011 in. Flurries today... sigh!
Wichita Falls, TX -- Dad rolling out on a mission for a veteran. In honor of J.Y. Hammack, age 89, of Quanah, TX. Mr Hammack served with the US Army in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. He obtained the rank of Colonel during his service to our country. He was Provisional Battalion Commander Saigon 1964 for 13th Aviation Battalion (formerly Delta Aviation Battalion) He was inducted into the Field Artillery OCS (FAOCS) Hall of Fame in 1952 (Class of 1943).
Lookin good guys... Photo by John "Snapshot" Bailey
Major Robert Leon Tucci
Col James Eugene Denanny
