The North Carolina Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (NCVHPA) was founded in 1989. The Association's goals are "... to promote and perpetuate the bonds of brotherhood that bind a group of men who have shared and survived an experience fraught with danger, yet filled with the essence of pride and satisfaction." The NCVHPA members endeavor to represent the Vietnam helicopter pilots in an atmosphere of decorum that focuses a light of respect and admiration upon all veterans.The NCVHPA vision is simply to establish a group of North Carolina veterans who flew helicopters in Vietnam, acquire a few Vietnam era helicopters, restore them, mount them on trailers for transporting to various activities, and unite the aircraft with the experiences of the men who flew them. All members have been verified as Vietnam War helicopter pilots, having thousands of combined combat flying hours. Major commendations awarded these pilots are: Silver Stars, Bronze Stars with V for valor, Distinguished Flying Crosses, Air Medals , Purple Hearts, and numerous other awards, the greatest being the honor of serving America and coming home to make contributions to our great Nation. Being the fortunate ones who made it home, we have strived since the beginning of the Association to bring honor to all our brothers and sisters who served in Vietnam, as well as to those others who have served and continue to serve today.
We present a part of living history to the public and to schools. Our display aircraft came directly from the military and they are set up as they would have been flown in Vietnam. All Association members present at each display were helicopter pilots in Vietnam, instilling a personal touch to the event. We are achieving our goal of bringing history to the public in that young and old alike are drawn to our display and both the aircraft and pilots have received overwhelming approval at every event in which they have participated. The public is able to climb into the helicopters and talk with the people who were there and had the experiences, taking advantage of an opportunity that later generations will only read about. We have educated many and helped recruit a new generation of proud veterans. We have brought some understanding to the public of a very difficult time for our Nation, as well as sharing pride with those who wore its uniform.
The Association is honored to have represented North Carolina and Vietnam War veterans in three Presidential Inaugural Parades. Our helicopters have been brought to over 200,000 students in schools in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, and Florida (at no cost to the public) for educational programs. In addition, the NCVHPA has worked with Drug Prevention and Summer Youth Programs. Other events have included: Azalea Festival Parades in Wilmington, NC; support for the Vietnam Memorial moving walls; participation with Lenovo and their care package program for active duty troops; aiding Kangaroo Express with their Wounded Warrior Support Program; and assisting Bank of America with its support of service personnel. We have supported Relay for Life, At-Risk Boys Camp, Boy Scout Jamborees, and the USO of North Carolina. In addition, we currently support Golden Corral's fundraising for Camp Corral. These men and aircraft have supported church programs on Veterans Day, T.D. Jakes ministries at a Crusade for Men, and the Hospice Balloon Festival in Burlington NC. In addition, when asked, we have been a part of memorial services for veterans and veteran internments.
Over the years NCVHPA has participated in 4th of July events in Philadelphia, Orlando, Huntsville, and Washington, DC. NCVHPA men and helicopters have appeared in numerous Veterans Day and Memorial Day events throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Washington, DC. The Association is supported 98 percent by its members. No state or federal funds have been granted for its operation. The Association is an incorporated 501(c) (3) association since 1989.
"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.
For he today that sheds his blood with me,
Shall be my brother..."William Shakespeare
"When once you have tested flight, you will forever
walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward for there
you have been, and there you will always long to return."Leonardo Da Vinci
