UPDATE: Huey Helicopter Arrives at Lesko Park, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Happens Saturday

Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 9:36 AM

By PG Gentrup, contributor

The Vietnam Veterans tribute has been many years in the making.

Photo provided.

Update published Thursday, May 19:

Saturday's ribbon cutting ceremony will no longer include Huey Helicopter rides.

Columbus Huey is unable to attend due to mechanical repairs.

Event organizer PG Gentrup says Columbus Huey will be scheduled for the major dedication ceremony that is expected to happen in September or October.

Original story published Tuesday, May 17:

(Aurora, Ind.) - The Huey Helicopter has finally been placed at its new home atop a 16' pedestal at the Lesko Park in Aurora. McAlister Excavating, Bright Sheet Metal, Asbury Trucking and Lischkge Motors delivered and set the Huey in place on Monday, May 16.

The ribbon cutting for this tribute to our Vietnam Veterans will take place at 1:00 PM this Saturday, May 21, at the Huey site. Starting at 9:30 AM you can come down to the Lighthouse Point Yacht Club Marina, which is located on Route 56 just outside of Aurora and across from River View Cemetery and fly in a Huey. Columbus Huey will be providing rides in a Huey Helicopter for $100 per person. That's a real thrill and a real bargain as the cost to fly a Huey is very substantial for the insurance, maintenance and fuel. Nick Ullrich, President of VVA Chapter 71 and PG Gentrup, invite all area Veterans to come out and see this project that took well over three years to accomplish.

The ribbon cutting will be a short program with the major dedication coming in September or October, after the plaza work is completed below the chopper by Jonas Memorial from Harrison. This will include pavers under the pedestal, a nice monument with an etching of the Statue of the Three Soldiers on one side and a Huey formation in flight on the other side. A bench and three flag poles will be added too. The Southeastern Indiana Vietnam Veterans of America, Lary D. Fogle Chapter 71, would like to invite you to come to the ribbon cutting ceremony and bring your family and friends. You can also become a member of Chapter 71 for only $25 for a life membership.

Chapter 71 is also asking for your help with two donation programs they are having. One is to fund the monument, flag poles etc. with the cost being $45,000. Also, they are seeking funds to purchase a new 15 passenger van for their Southeastern Indiana Honor Guard, also with a cost of $45,00. The old van has 366,000 miles on it and is on its "last leg". The Honor Guard is very active and conducts the funeral detail for a departed veteran, along with other civic duties.

You can contact Nick Ullrich at 812-926-0132 or PG Gentrup at 513-602-5595 for details.

We are proud to be VETERANS and to support our surrounding communities.

Vietnam Vets Want To Place A Huey Chopper At Lesko Park