PRESENTATION OF THE REUNION FLAG TO BOB MADORE
It has become a tradition to present the Reunion Flag to someone who served in Avel and has contributed to the esprit de corps that exists today. Someone whose spirit and positive attitude is an inspiration. The first flag was presented to Dennis Kanetake in 2013 in Washington DC. Last year it went to Pete Poirier in Colorado Springs.
The individual selected this year did not join the Army, he was drafted. He was scheduled to start college on September 15th 1966 but was drafted 7 days before on September 8th.
While in Basic Training at Ft. Knox he was given the option to enlist and commit for an extra year and pick a school that he was qualified for. He chose Field Radio Repair and Maintenance School at Fort Gordon, Georgia. While in Basic he attended an orientation on Army Aviation and he signed up for some aviation related tests. He heard nothing after taking the tests.
While in school at Ft. Gordon he was interviewed for flight school. He graduated with MOS 31E20 and then found out he would be going to Ft. Wolters for Primary Helicopter School. After that he was sent to Ft. Rucker to learn to fly the Huey.
He was sent to Vietnam to be a dust-off pilot being assigned to the 498th Air Ambulance at An Son, Vietnam. In May 1969 while trying to evacuate some wounded Republic of Korea soldiers he was about to land when he took heavy ground fine. 20 rounds in the cockpit and 15 in the inner compartment. He was hit in the shin with an AK round as well as shrapnel from the cockpit in both legs. Despite his wounds he was able to get his ship out of there and land at an ARVN outpost.
The doctors told him that he may never walk again and wanted to amputate his leg but he refused, they wanted to evacuate him to Japan but he refused so they patched him up as best they could. After six days in the hospital he wanted to return to his unit which he did and continued to recover there.
After recovering he continued to fly evacuating wounded until his tour ended. He evacuated over 1,500 wounded during his tour. He was shot down 5 times.
After accepting a commission and duty as a flight instructor he was sent back to Vietnam. This time he was assigned to Avel Central as Executive Officer. He was a well-respected officer at Avel but after 4 months or so he was assigned to Battalion Headquarters.
After his return from Vietnam he spent time at West Point, Ft. Monmouth and Fort Bliss. After 7 years in the Army he decided to return to the civilian world. During his time in the Army he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, 14 Air Medals including 1 for Valor and the Army Commendation Medal.
He had a successful career in computer software after leaving the Army. He attended the Avel Reunion in Las Vegas in 2012.
In July 2013 he suffered a stroke. But just like the wound he received in Vietnam he wouldn’t admit defeat. He had to relearn many simple things like putting on his socks, drinking water and walking. But, some people just have a spirit and positive attitude that won’t quit. After hearing about the severity of the stroke I was sure we wouldn’t see him at another reunion.
But, he is here today. Ladies and gentlemen we are proud to present this year’s Reunion Flag to Bob Madore.
