Operation Huey Restoration: A Labor of Love for NJ's Vietnam Veterans

The Operation Huey Restoration fundraiser has recently launched on the popular crowdfunding website Indiegogo. New Jersey's Vietnam Veterans now need your help to restore and display a Vietnam Era "Huey" helicopter as a lasting tribute and unique educational resource.

Since February 2013, a crew of about 20 volunteers has been preparing a Huey helicopter for future display at the Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center in Holmdel, NJ. To date, the volunteers have logged more than 1,500 hours working on their labor of love - locating and replacing parts, sanding and washing the Huey. In coming weeks, they will paint, rewire and enclose the helicopter. 

Their dedication and passion reflect the significance of the project as many of them were Vietnam Era helicopter pilots and maintenance technicians during their tours of duty. Each crew member has a unique Huey story to tell.

There is a common bond among Vietnam veterans, and this project has once again brought them together for another mission. They understand that their work will preserve their legacies and leave a lasting impression on all who experience the Huey exhibit. The recognition they have and continue to receive for their work on the project has also, in a small way, properly welcomed them home, as new friends from across the country have thanked them for their service. 

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation (NJVVMF) will unveil the restored helicopter in May 2014 on the occasion of the Huey’s 50th birthday. The permanent exhibition will be a fitting tribute to all who served. It will also offer a unique historical resource for the thousands of students who visit the Museum each year. 

The project's particular Huey served two tours in Vietnam. From October 1966 through September 1967, it served with the 116th Assault Helicopter Company, “The Hornets,” at Cu Chi in support of the 25th Infantry Division, and then served with the 118th Assault helicopter Company, “The Thunderbirds,” from November 1968 through February 1970 at Bien Hoa. During its service, it logged more than 3,000 flight hours, saving countless lives and providing daily support for our troops.

Thanks to the generosity of the crew, members of the local military community and friends of the Foundation, they have accomplished a great deal. However, there remains much work to be done. Oncer the restoration work is complete, the Huey will need to be relocated to the Foundation’s grounds and installed for permanent display. See the picture above for a sketch of the exhibit.

Please consider visiting Indiegogo, donating, and sharing the link. The veterans have 60 days (ending on November 13, 2013) to reach their fundraising goal or their project will not be funded. They hope to reach their goal and make an announcement at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday, November 11, 2013. 

Your generous support will ensure that the contributions of the Huey and the men and women who flew in them will never be forgotten. 

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation operates the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and the Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center, the only Museum of its kind in the country. The organization is a self-sustaining non-profit dedicated to offering a meaningful and engaging experience that recognizes the sacrifices, courage and valor of Vietnam Veterans and that encourages and fosters a thorough understanding of the Vietnam Era including the political, historical, social, cultural and military aspects which affected the United States, and especially New Jersey.