HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 11-14-2006-6aORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS .
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: November 14, 2006
Action Agenda
Item No.
SUBJECT: Resolution to Support the North Carolina Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association
DEPARTMENT: BOCC PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
- Resolution Donna Baker, Clerk to the
Orange County Board of Commissioners
(919.) 245-2130
Steve Halkiotis, Orange County
Commissioner
(919) 732-4813
PURPOSE: To consider a resolution to support and preserve the North Carolina Vietnam
Helicopter Pilots Association.
BACKGROUND: The North Carolina Chapter of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association was
founded in 1989 and Secretary of State, Rufus L. Edmisten, certified the Articles of
Incorporation.
The Association works to preserve and present a part of living history to the public and to
schools through the display of Vietnam era helicopters. The helicopters and members of the
Association have appeared in parades in Washington D.C. as well as numerous events in North
Carolina and surrounding states. The helicopters have been made available to over 80,000
school children.
The North Carolina Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association was recently notified by the Tank-
Automotive and Armaments Commands that they are not a recognized veterans' organization
and if they can not meet the required mandates by January 2007, the helicopters will be
removed.
The Association has asked the support of the Orange County Board of Commissioners and
Congressman David Price to assist with acquiring an exception or waiver for the January 2007
deadline so the Association can meet the requirements of the Federal Government.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: none
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the attached
resolution in support of the North Carolina Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association.
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 4th
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 rio 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 14th day of November 2006.
Barry Jacobs -Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
Stephen H. Halkiotis -Vice-Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners