Green Township is working to restore a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter to serve as a memorial for veterans at Veterans Park. The helicopter, which was recovered from an Alabama surplus, is being restored through fundraising efforts.

Restoration Efforts

Mike Donnely, commander of VFW Post 10-380 and a Vietnam veteran, emphasized the importance of the project, stating, ‘I figured we needed something to tell the story of our war.’ The helicopter’s history is marked by enemy fire, with visible artifacts from its service.

Charlie Wilke, vice president of Paul Wilke and Son, is leading the restoration efforts and has a personal connection to the helicopter, having flown on it during his time in Vietnam. The cost to acquire the helicopter was minimal, but the restoration is expected to cost around $100,000.

The plan is to place the helicopter on a pedestal at Veterans Park, where it will serve as a lasting symbol of the Vietnam era. The goal is to have the entire helicopter restored and in place by Memorial Day next year.

Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.