"A MAN IS NOT DEAD UNTIL HE IS FORGOTTEN"
O
NORBERTO “NORMAN” RIEL OBANA
September 28, 1948 - March 5, 2009
Norman served in the 281st Maintenance
Platoon in the 1969 time period and was wounded during an aircraft recovery
mission. Following his release from the service in 1973 he resided in the Fort
Smith AR. Area. He shall not be forgotten.
His obituary reads:
Norberto (Norman) Riel Obana, 60 , died March 5, 2009 at the VA Hospital in
Little Rock. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, honorably discharged in 1973.
He is survived by brothers: Eddie of Woodville, Texas, Ralph and Melvin of Fort
Smith, Sisters: Lucy Jowers, Atlanta, GA, Henri Armento, Louisville, Kentucky,
Josie Resser, Collinsville, Oklahoma, Grace Obana, Belington, West Virginia. A
memorial service was held at 11:00 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2009 at Lewis Funeral
Chapel in Fort Smith, Ar. The arrangements are under the direction of Lewis
Funeral Chapel in Fort Smith, AR.
BILLY J. O'BRYAN
Died after his tour on September 18, 1992
His last residence was
Sierra Vista, AZ 85650-9348
Possible grave site at findagrave 179174280.
CWO GARY D. O'CONNOR
July 25, 1945 - January 22, 1993
Served as a CW2 in the 145th Platoon and the 281st in 1966.
Gary was living in Ventura, California at the time of his accidental
death.
WILLIAM KENNETH O'HARE, Jr.
July 23, 1947 - September 29, 2020
Bill O'Hare served as a WolfPack gunner; a group that stuck together as brothers and upon whom the success of many hair-raising operations depended. After his military service, Bill continued as a key player in the lives of his family and community.
The obituary from Brenna Cellini Funeral Homes:
William Kenneth O’Hare Jr., of Hamilton passed away on September 29, 2020 at the age of 73. Born in Trenton he was a long time Bordentown resident. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and former commander of the V.F.W. Post 5045. He was retired from the N.J. Department of Transportation where he worked as an inspector for 48 years. He was a fan of westerns especially, John Wayne and Charles Bronson. The role he served with the greatest distinction and took the most pride in was as ‘Pop Pop’ to his grandchildren.
Son of the late William and Helen (Krajcsovics) O’Hare he is predeceased by his loving wife of 48 years Wendy Ann (Faille) O’Hare, twin grandchildren, Charles William McGowan Jr., and Sadie Ann McGowan, brothers John P. O’Hare and Dennis M. O’Hare, he is survived by his children, son, William O’Hare III ,and daughter, Faith (O’Hare) McGowan and husband Charles; three cherished grandchildren; Hannah, Chaz, and Charlotte McGowan; two brothers, Richard O’Hare and wife Margie, Anthony O’Hare and wife Sharon; also survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sandy and Joseph Sary, Evon and Earl Berg, Cindy and Bruce Severs, Augustine Faille Jr., Mark Faille, Renate and John Gribbin and many nieces and nephews.
Catholic funeral services will be held Monday, October 5, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Hamilton Brenna-Cellini Funeral Home, 2365 Whitehorse-Mercerville Rd., Hamilton, NJ 08619. A private burial will follow in St. Mary’s R.C. Cemetery, Bordentown, NJ. Family and friends may pay their respects Monday morning from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in William’s memory to the Miracle League of Mercer County, c/o Dan Sczweck, 185 Sawmill Road, Hamilton, NJ 08620. Please visit William’s tribute page at www.brennacellinifuneralhomes.com.
The 281st remembers.
Left - Perhaps an instructional session with the new miniguns. |
Bill - mission ready.  |
Hello sir, My father-in-law William (Bill) O’Hare served with the 281st and flew with the Wolfpack. Bill passed away yesterday at the age of 73. As a prior service marine Bill would open up to me about his time over seas. I was able to find 2 pictures of him on your website posted by a gentlemen named Earl Broussard. This is one of the few pictures we have of Bill’s time in Vietnam. Thank you for your service, Charles McGowan 609-273-3343
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COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR ROBERT (BOB)
OHMES
July 23, 1937 - October 6, 2014
CSM Bob Ohmes served as 1st Sergeant of the 483rd
Maintenance Detachment from July of 1967 to July of 1968. During that period he
was responsible for the "field" maintenance support of the aircraft flown by the
281st Assault Helicopter Company in support of the 5th Special Forces Group in
South Vietnam. As a result of his outstanding devotion to duty and his superior
leadership skills the 281st maintained one of the highest availability rates of
any aviation unit in Vietnam while performing the most demanding and dangerous
missions of the war. Following the war Bob became a leader in the unit
association and was known for his annual reunion skits. In war and peace,
Command Sergeant Major Ohmes was one of the most respected individuals that have
worn the uniform of an American Soldier. The former members of the 281st shall
never forget him.
His obituary follows:
Robert "Bob" Ohmes, 77, Kansas City, passed away
peacefully at Northcare Hospice on October 6, 2014. Mass of Christian Burial
will be Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014 at 10:00 AM at St James Catholic Church, with a
rosary preceding the service at 9:00 AM. Burial will be at St Joseph Catholic
Cemetery in Humboldt, KS.
Bob was born July 23, 1937 in Kansas City, MO to Jerome
and Helen Ohmes. He married the former Yvonne "Bonnie" Womack and together they
had three loving sons. Bob served 28 years in the US Army and retired as a
Command Sergeant Major. He was a fourth degree Knight in the Knights of
Columbus, and a member of 243rd VVA, VFW and American Legion.
Preceded in death by his parents and sister, Frances
Calovich, Bob is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of the home; sons Robert, Jeffrey
(Brenda) and Lawrence (Helen); and four grandchildren Michael, Arthur, Sister
Helen Maria of the Cross, and Paul. Survivors also include a sister, Mildred
(Dick) Adamek and brother-in-law John Calovich, and numerous cousins, nieces and
nephews.
Flight,
Bonnie Ohmes, wife of Sgt. Major Bob Ohmes passed away 5/14/2019 @ 3:54 AM. She will be moved to Louisville, Kentucky and after the funeral she will be laid to rest beside her beloved Bob.
-- Norm
LT. COLONEL REINO O. "RAY" OKSA
USA Ret
Died after his tour with the 281st on January 31, 2010
281st AHC 1966-67 Operations Officer & Executive Officer.
Died January 31, 2010 in Basye, Virginia at age 81
REINO OSCAR OKSA of Basye, VA died January 31, 2010.
He served in the Army during the Korean and Vietnam War. Served his county
honorably in both the Coast Guard and Army for more than 25 years. He was active
in the Rotary International and had his own tax service and remained a vital
part of his community. He made us laugh often and he regaled us with his old
solider stories. He was loved... He will be missed dearly. Reino was born
November 2, 1928 in New York. Member of Grace United Church of Christ in Mt.
Jackson, VA. Beloved husband of Hanna Oksa; beloved father of Tonya Kipple of
Washington State; sister, Katri Oksa; two brothers, Aarne Oksa and Carl Edholm
all of New York; four grandchildren; one great-grandchildren. Services were held
on Wednesday, February 3 at 2 p.m. at Grace United Church of Christ. Rev. Robert
Harmond wth burial at Grace Church Cemetery.
"Dear Mr. Mayhew,
"This is Tonya Kipple, Ray's daughter. I just
returned from VA where my father was buried on February 3. Two soldiers from Fr.
Belvoir attended and did a wonderful, professional job of playing taps and
folding the flag that draped his coffin. I was greatly honored as was my
stepmother. He was an honorable soldier and a great Dad. I will miss him
terribly.
"Thank you so much for your kind words and your willingness to
help honor his life. I will always treasure it. Within the next few days, I will
try to scan the pictures that I found of my Dad and sent them to you. It will
touch my heart to have them posted. Blessings,
"Tonya Kipple"
GEORGE E OLSEN
January 6, 1933 - November 29, 1997
WolfPack Armament Section, 67-68
Last known residence: 624 Cable Ave, Beachwood, New Jersey 08722
Last known
employer: Board of Education
Obit not found.
Pop Olsen (without hat) troubleshooting a weapon system.
Pop was a great guy. He single handedly built walkways and tent floors from rocket boxes around our FOB on my first Delta in Sept. '67. It was a muddy mess otherwise. I think it was Phu Bai?? He would always "Jump in" on any challenge with a great attitude. After that Delta, I joined the Wolf Pack and Pop was always instrumental in keeping us operational.
~ Harry Wetmore
GARY MARTIN OMDAHL
July 6, 1945 - March 28, 2021
Rat Pack 14
Following Aviation training, Gary joined the 281st AHC, in November of 1966 as a Warrant Officer-1 pilot. Gary was initially assigned to the Rat Pack Platoon. During his tour of duty he took part in several combat operations in support of Project Delta, the 5th Special forces Group’s long-range reconnaissance unit. When he completed his tour of duty, in November of 1967, he was recognized as an outstanding Aircraft Commander and a skilled leader that could be called on to accomplish the challenging missions assigned to his unit.
We are saddened to learn of Gary’s death, and we assure his family that he shall not be forgotten by his Intruder family. In the 281st. we live by a Creed that says:
"A Man Is Not Dead Until He Is Forgotten"
Obituary follows:
Gary Martin Omdahl was born July 6, 1945, in Brooklyn, NY. He died March 28, 2021, at Collier Hospice Center in Wheat Ridge, CO. He was 75 years old.
Gary’s early life was divided between Brooklyn and south Florida. As a child, his passions were baseball, handball, James Cagney movies, music from the 40s, and NY pizza. At 18 he joined the army, became a Chief Warrant Officer (CW2). and was admitted to flight school specializing in piloting helicopters. Deployed to Southeast Asia, he flew helicopters during the Vietnam War from [1966-1967].
Following military service, Gary moved to Denver, CO with his first wife Eleanor and his stepchildren, Roger and Janie. Shortly thereafter, they expanded their family, which included two daughters. In 1970, Gary joined the Denver Police Department. He served the community as a detective for 33 years.
In 1986, at age 41, Gary joined Alcoholics Anonymous, an event he described as a turning point in his life. He was an active member for 34 years. He held numerous positions in the organization and sponsored about 200 people throughout his membership. He was outspoken in saying that his life was guided by the principles of the fellowship, which he credited not just with saving his life, but spurring an interest in studying several spiritual traditions. In the words of those closest to him, he led a spirit-centered life anchored in service and community. He walked the talk.
Gary was a beloved husband, father, father-figure, mentor, friend, brother and fellow human on the path. Gary is survived by his wife and love of his life of 29 years, Barb, and his youngest daughter, Ilka Omdahl. His oldest daughter Samantha Delery died in 2005. Gary will also be missed by Barb’s children Kira Schueppert and Mike Chalian. Also missing Gary will be his grandchildren Madison Delery and Jordan Venables; Haley, Taeya, and Payton Schueppert; and Khaner Chalian.
Gary’s legacy will be one of service, compassion and willingness to do the next right thing. He will be missed by so many who found guidance and inspiration from his direct relationship with the truth as he knew it as well as his continued kindness. His service to family, to fellowship, to community, and to country made this world a better place.
This webmaster recalls flying with Gary at least once. We were both working with the Bandits at the FOB Phu Bai.
Our flight had the task of returning with beverages from China Beach px. We must have parked at the USMC air station Marble Mountain next door, in between the PX and the SF B team. After making and paying for our order, we repostioned the aircraft inside the fence around the PX outdoor storage, aka The Beer Yard. We put about a pallet's worth of liquid refreshment in cases of 24 steel cans each into the back of the aircraft. Eight-one cases is the number that recalls after all these years. We might have set a record with that departure - I don't want to know the gross weight. Here's a photo taken just before the forklift arrived; Gary on the left.
Webmaster's photo.
obit and top photo from allveterans dot com
This webmaster recalls flying with Gary at least once. We were both working with the Bandits at the FOB Phu Bai. Our flight had the task of returning with beverages from China Beach px. We must have parked at the USMC air station Marble Mountain next door, in between the PX and the SF B team. After making and paying for our order, we repostioned the aircraft inside the fence around the PX outdoor storage, aka The Beer Yard. We put about a pallet's worth of liquid refreshment in cases of 24 steel cans each into the back of the aircraft. Eight-one cases is the number that recalls after all these years. We might have set a record with that departure - I don't want to know the gross weight. Here's a photo taken just before the forklift arrived; Gary on the left.
Webmaster's photo.
obit and top photo from allveterans dot com
LARRY LEE OUVERSON
March 25, 1945 - December 3, 2013
Rat Pack 14 from March of 1967 to March of 1968
Larry passed peacefully from this life at his home on the
morning of December 3, 2013 after a hard fought battle with intestinal cancer.
He was surrounded and supported by his loving family and friends during this
time.
Larry Lee Ouverson was born in Hendricks, Minnesota, March 25, 1945 to Raymond
and Lola Ouverson. He was raised in western Minnesota where he was confirmed at
Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Canby, Minnesota. He attended District 48 country
school through the 7th grade and graduated from Canby High School in 1963. Larry
attended Saint Cloud State University for 2 years prior to enlisting into the
United States Army in 1966, attending flight school and receiving his pilots
certification to fly helicopters. Larry served in Vietnam from 1967-1968 flying
over 2,000 combat hours for 281st Attack Helicopter Company supporting the 5th
Special Forces. Upon returning from Vietnam he was stationed at Ft. Wolters, TX
working as a flight instructor until being honorably discharged in December
1971.
Upon completion of his military service Larry returned to Minnesota to
continue in the Aviation industry. he managed the Montevideo Municipal airport,
offering flight instruction in fixed wing aircraft, charter and crop dusting
services. Larry moved to the Tulsa, Oklahoma area in 1985. he was employed as a
air medical transport pilot from 1985-2011 with Tulsa Life Flight, AirEvac of
Tulsa and retired from AirEvac Lifeteam in March 2011. During that time Larry
completed over 4,000 patient transports. he also worked as a corporate jet pilot
for Citgo Aviation and was a licensed instructor for both helicopter and fixed
wing aircraft, logging over 20,000 flight hours in his career. Larry was also a
full time rancher in the Rogers County area.
Larry enjoyed a variety of pastimes such as hunting and fishing, spending time
with his family and friends, raising and showing Quarter Horses and enjoyed
anything aviation related.
Following are pictures of Larry while serving with the 281st AHC in Viet Nam.... Time period 1967-68.
