Robert F McGowan (Bob) served at Takhli 1968-1969. He worked for the Base Commander. He went daily to the flight line to receive Top Secret information and deliver it to Col. Hyser. He then would be summoned by Base Commander to fly into Tan Son Nhut and transport this information to MACV Headquarters located adjacent to the base in Tent City B. He made this trip at least twice a month for one year. He flew in C-130's and sometimes stayed overnight in Vietnam. Bob has Red hair, blue eyes, slight built at that time. He needs anyone remembering him, photos, maybe others that flew and was part of the crew that flew with him. The crew of about 12 also flew cargo into Vietnam along with the top secret briefcase. Any records to see that he in fact did get flight and combat pay for this period. Bob now suffers IHD, CHF, and Diabetes 2. Thank you Bridget (Bobs partner)
Bridget, Send me an off line email with a phone number and I will try to walk you through the leg work and paperwork process. Email to mghayner@gmail.com. Happy to help. Merv Hayner, 355th SPS, 1970
Thank you Merv. I need all the help I can receive. I originally filed in 2011. This year we were told to get a hold of our Congressman. I in fact contacting our Congressman office and have Brandon from that office working with me. Like many we have received over the past 2 years the form letters that go out to pacify us. Very frustrating indeed. From the time we contacted Brandon it expedited somewhat. We did get our decision, of Denial letter. So I contacted Brandon, and was instructed what we should do. We went into the Veterans office on Tuesday and filed the appeal. Finding evidence is daunting. Photos, records of the flights, any buddies that would remember Bob, etc. That is where we're at as of this date. When I first started this process I didn't even know that I needed a rep from the Veterans office. It was Bob's cardiologist that told us we needed a rep. That was over a year ago. I figured that first year was a bust. But it does state the date that the original claim was filed. Now it's trying to find all the evidence that indeed boots on the ground was real. It is very disheartening knowing that so many people deserve so much better then what they receive. So probably another 2-3 years are in our future, of waiting. My hope is that one day, my Bobby and all who so deserve the utmost respect, receive that and so much more.