Thunderbird Lounge

Chief Warrant Officer Fredrick "Fox" P. Cullen, Jr.

This is a story as seen through the eyes of one 1st Lieutenant Army aviator, during the early US military commitment to support the Republic of South Vietnam in its counter-insugency operations against North Vietnam's campaign to reunite Vietnam under communist rule. It depicts the daily life of these soldiers and aviation crew members as they went about proving the importance of the helicopter in modern warfare. Describes in detail how the helicopter was employed, puts you in the pilot's seat, death and humor, frustrations encountered, and a tribute to those soldiers and airmen who paid the ultimate price.

The story of one early helicopter company as it helped develop the helicopter into a viable weapon on the modern battlefield. Depicts daily life for early helicopter soldiers as they fought the Viet Cong.

Major General Brandt retired in 1999 from the National Guard at the close of his 45th year of military service, including over 8 years of active duty. He rose to the rank of Sergeant as an enlisted soldier before graduating from Officer Candidate School. He served twice in Vietnam, first commanding a detachment and later a company. General Brandt is a Master Army Aviator with over 7,900 flying hours in over 14 fixed and rotary wing aircraft, which he accumulated during his 38 years of military and civilian flying. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Purple heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.