1.  Who are you?  We are the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association of Florida, Incorporated.  We are organized under articles of incorporation in the State of Florida and recognized as a non-profit, veterans organization under Section 501 c.(19) of the federal tax code.  We are an independent, geographical chapter of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, Incorporated^® (VHPA)ä.

2.  What do you do?  Our objectives as a geographical  chapter are identical to those of the VHPAä national organization.

     a.  To enhance and accredit the cohesiveness, esprit de corps and traditions of valor of rotary wing aircrews that flew in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam Era.

     b.  To seek out, using whatever means available, individuals who piloted rotary wing aircraft in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam Era and inform them of the existence of the VHPAä and encourage all eligible individuals to become members.

     c.  Furthermore, we are dedicated to providing a local atmosphere where, through community support and periodic meetings, our members may reunite and promote the additional purposes of our Florida association.

     d.  Copies of our constitution and bylaws are available to our members.  Contact our Webmaster to request your copy via email.

3.  How do you accomplish those objectives?  We reach out to potential members and provide a significant presence for current members in many of their local communities.

     a.  We participate in many veteran, aviation, and patriotic events throughout Florida every year.  You will find a partial listing by clicking on our Events link.  We set up booths, we maintain displays of Vietnam Era memorabilia, we hand out free literature that provides more information about us, we merchandise items of interest to veterans and the general public, and we march in parades with our Vietnam Era helicopters.

     b.  We publish a quarterly newsletter that keeps our members and potential members up-to-date on our activities, information of interest, where we are going next, and what we are doing to further support our members and their communities.  You will find the latest issue at the Newsletter link.

     c.  Our members give lectures in local schools about our nation's Vietnam experience.  We usually offer a perspective that was not reported in the national news media those many years ago.

     d.  Upon request, we support our local Florida communities in their events which coincide with our purposes above.

     e.  And we throw a pretty good party for our members and their guests at least once a year.  Take a look at the Reunion link.

     4.  Why should I join?  There are as many different reasons for joining our association as there are members.

     a.  Many see membership in our Florida association as a means of showing their support for our nation and a new generation of patriot warriors who continue to place themselves in harm's way, fighting for our individual liberties and freedom in the battle against terrorists.

     b.  Many members see the countless ways we support our local community events.

     c.  Others enjoy inspiring young people with their tales of valor, esprit de corps, and the traditions of rotary wing aircrews during the Vietnam Era.

     d.  Still others join just for the camaraderie of reuniting with long-time friends and meeting new ones in an atmosphere reminiscent of our experiences years ago.

     e.  And some find tremendous satisfaction from the thunderous applause we receive while marching in patriotic parades, hearing "Thank you" and receiving the many "Welcome home" greetings from a grateful public.  Some of us become especially emotional when given the honor of returning the salute of an elderly, disabled veteran who struggles to his feet to honor us.

     f.  How many reasons can you discover for joining our family?

5.  Do I need to reside in Florida to become a member?  No.  We have many members who reside in other states and still see the benefits of membership in the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association of Florida.

6.  How do I join?  Just click on the Membership link, print the application, complete the requested information, and mail it with your personal check or money order to the address shown.  It's that simple.