Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association Georgia Chapter
Our Mission
To enhance and accredit the cohesiveness, esprit de corps, and traditions of valor of rotary wing Pilots that flew in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam Era.
To seek out, using whatever means available, individuals who piloted rotary wing aircraft in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era and inform them of the existence of the GA-VHPA and encourage all eligible individuals to become members.
To educate the public about the helicopters used in Vietnam, the men that flew them, and to inspire future generations to become Army Aviators.
To do this we plan more events like the Peachtree DeKalb Airport (PDK) Good Neighbor Day air show on 11 May 2024. (Right). That Cobra was provided by the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation in Hampton GA.
These events will include parades (1st Image above), car shows, Veteran, and other patriotic events. events using a display UH-1 and flyable helicopters like the Cobra in the images to the right from the Good Neighbor Day Airshow.
Another mission is to provide information about the Vietnam War like the film below. This an important film so please watch and share with your friends and family.
Truths and Myths of the Vietnam War
Many of our members are also members of the Atlanta Vietnam Veteran Business Association (AVVBA) whose Foundation has produced an important film to set the record straight after decades of misinformation that has presented a skewed historical perspective of the Vietnam War.
Please click the link below to view this important film.
Truths & Myths video link
The Vietnamease-American War Memorial
This memorial is the result of a partnership between AVVBA and the Vietnamese American Community of Georgia (VAC-GA). It honors both the Vietnamese and the U.S. soldiers as well as those of our other 6 allies who were killed while fighting for freedom from Communism during the Vietnam War.
It is the only memorial like it in the country designed, funded, and developed by a joint partnership between Vietnam Veterans and Vietnamese Refugees!
In addition to many VIP guests and military vehicles from the Vietnam War being present, the Dedication Ceremony included live music by the Golden Eagle Band from the University of North Georgia, color guards from both the Johns Creek Veterans Association and the ARVN Veterans of VAC-GA, a Rifle Salute by the Marine Corps League, and two exceptional keynote speakers.
One was U.S. Army Maj Gen (Ret) Lapthe Flora who was born in Vietnam but escaped as a child with his family from Communist Vietnam by boat in 1980. He became the only “Vietnamese Boat Person” to become a flag officer in the U.S. military.
The other was our own U.S. Army Lt. Gen (Ret) Ron Helmly who served two tours in Vietnam and commanded the U.S. Army Reserves before he retired after 42 years of service to our country.
Dedication Ceremony Link
Meetings
Our members gather for lunch every other month to enjoy the brotherhood of fellow Vietnam Helicopter Pilots, get an update on GAVHPA activities, and hear presentations on important topics for veterans.