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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2006-096 Resolution to Support the North Carolina Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association~~s aoo~-~~G c ~- i ~ -~ ~ ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ~ ~, RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT AND PRESERVE THE NORTH CAROLINA VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION WHEREAS, the North Carolina Chapter of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (NCC-VHPA) was founded in 1989 and the Articles of Incorporation were certified by Secretary of State, Rufus L. Edmisten; and WHEREAS, the goal of the Chapter is "...to promote and perpetuate the bonds of brotherhood that binds a group of men who have shared and survived an experience fraught with danger yet filled with the essence of pride and satisfaction"; and WHEREAS, the Chapter works to preserve and present a part of living history to the public and to schools through its acquisition and display of Vietnam era helicopters, consisting of two LOH' S, a Mike Model gunship, a Cobra gunship, and a Medical Evacuation H-Model lift ship; and WHEREAS, the helicopters have appeared in two Presidential Inauguration Parades and one July 4~' parade in Washington DC as well as numerous events in North Carolina and surrounding states; and WHEREAS, the helicopters have been made available to over 80,000 school children in North Carolina from the mountains to the coast; and WHEREAS, the Chapter is supported 98 percent by the membership with no state or federal funding; and WHEREAS, the North Carolina Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (NCVHPA) has been notified by the Tank-Automotive and Armaments Commands (TACOM) that they are not'a recognized veterans' organization and are not authorized to possess or display these aircraft; and WHEREAS, NCVHPA will need an exception or waiver for the January 2007 deadline to meet required mandates or the helicopters will be removed from the Association; NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Orange County Board of Commissioners do hereby request an exception or waiver from the Secretary of the Army for the North Carolina Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association to continue to function as they have for the past fifteen years, and beseech Congressman David Price to support the historical and patriotic services of the NCVHPA. This the 14~' day of November 2006. i B acob h Orange C t Boat 'ssioners eph . Halkiotis -Vice-Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners