A few days ago I received a phone call from a photographer named Mike Barter I had never spoken with Mike before and he began to tell me that during the Vietnam War he was an Army crew chief on a Huey helicopter. Mike went on to explain that he was contacted by Shayne Meder of Wings And Rotors Air Museum, and she told him that they had his Huey in their hangar. Ms. Meder wanted to know if Mike would be interested in seeing his helicopter again. It had been 37 years since Mike last saw his ship, and he was excited to make the trip, so they decided that Thursday, August 9 would be the day. It was then that I asked Mike if he was calling because he wanted me to photograph him seeing the bird for the first time, and he said he was. I was surprised that out of all the amazing SportsShooter.com members in my area, Mike would call me, so of course I told him I would be honored to be there.
We were originally supposed to meet at the hangar between 1 and 2 pm, but Mike was several hours late due to construction on the 10 freeway (he drove for 12 hours straight to be there). He called me while I was waiting and said that he hated to hold me up, but after arriving at the hangar I realized what a special moment this would be for Mike, so there was no way I was leaving. Looking back, I can honestly say that it was worth the wait to be there when Mike arrived.
When Mike first laid eyes on the Huey, he paused mid-stride and just looked at her for a few moments. I co
uld see a range of emotions crossing his face, and I wondered what he was thinking. It was a powerful moment, and I freely admit that it brought tears to my eyes. But as quickly as the moment came, it passed, and Mike walked straight to the tail and began pointing out and running his fingers over every bullet hole. I'm sure that Mike knew the details of each story for each bullet that hit that bird. After Mike finished inspecting the tail, he walked around the bird, inspecting every inch of her. Then he jumped up in his old seat - just for old times' sake. He shared his memories, sat in his old seat, held his old rifle, and stroked the helicopter like it was a long forgotten lover. It was poignant to witness Mike's reunion with his Huey after 37 years, and there was almost a bittersweet feeling in the air. It's difficult to explain the what it was like to be there, and my words do no justice to what I was feeling as I watched him.ABC 7 News, the Press Enterprise, and a local television station were also there. Since I was shooting this for Mike, I made sure to shoot the photographer being interviewed by the media. I love the irony of it since we're all usually on the other side of the camera.
Here are more photos of Mike with his Huey.
Mike, thank you for thinking enough of my work and me to ask me to share this with you. The time I spent in that hangar with you and that helicopter is just another example of why being a photographer is the greatest job in the world. I am honored and humbled to have been there and it's an experience that I will never forget.
:~)
Jody
PS. Wings And Rotors Air Museum is located at French Valley Airport in Murrieta. Their goal is to honor the Vietnam vet by restoring Vietnam era aircraft. In May 2008, they will fly two Huey's and a Kiowa helicopter from Murrieta to the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. The staff jokes that they're the best kept secret in town, but their mission is so worthwhile that it shouldn't be a secret any longer. You can visit them at WingsAndRotors.org
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