(Carroll, Iowa) – If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to fly in a Vietnam-era Huey Helicopter, you’ll have a chance to to find out in less than eight-weeks.

A non-profit public education organization, “Friends of Army Aviation” (FOAA), based in Ozark, Alabama, will return to Iowa September 1st through the 10th, to provide Huey helicopter rides in Ames, Boone and Carroll. Jeff Dentlinger, of Carroll, who founded the non-profit “Patriot Peak Foundation,” is helping to organize the event, which first occurred in 2021, as a way of giving back to the troops and communities. The Patriot Peak Foundation was started in July 2021, after seeing the United States become divided and deciding it was time for a change.

The 50-year Anniversary of the end of U-S combat troop involvement in the Vietnam War was observed on May 29th. The first flights offered to the public in 2021 were a way of saying “Thank you” to Vietnam Veterans. Dentlinger served in the military in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For those who may be elderly or have special needs, step-stools will be provided for ingress and egress into the chopper. During the 15-minute trips, the sliding doors on the Vietnam War-era 1970 Huey UH-1 Iroquois chopper are wide open, allowing riders to experience the thunderous “Sound of Freedom.”

Ric Hanson (photos) from the Sept. 2021 FOAA flights in Arcadia, IA.

Dentlinger says it’s not just your typical take-off and land experience.

The ride can be cathartic for veterans and civilians alike.

Dentlinger says they are hoping have 2,000 riders altogether this year to raise $43,000 to cover the cost of the aviation fuel, along pilot and support staff accommodations. So far they’ve raised about $28,000. He says it costs $2,000 per hour to keep the choppers fueled and flying. All of the pilots and staff are volunteers. They are not paid for their time and services.

Seating is limited on each trip, and is determined prior to each flight, along with pre-flight instructions. Helicopter ride tickets may be purchased either online or at the ride event. Dentlinger says there are only 900 tickets left (as of July 7th), so you are strongly encourage to buy tickets now. Online tickets may be purchased up to one day prior to the event, but entering your name and contact information now, will enable organizers to let you know if there are any delays prior to your flight day (due to weather, etc.). For specific details on the dates, places, times and cost of the flights, see the FOAA website at https://friendsofarmyaviation.org/foaa-events/month/2023-09/

Sponsors for the rides include the following:

• New Way Ford Coon Rapids
• Jeff Dentlinger Farm Bureau
• Community Oil
• Wendls Weapons
• Haley Equipment
• Aaron & Alyce Nieland with Pigs & Kids
• Christensen Ag
• Midland Power Company
• The Insurance Station
• Ames Chamber of Commerce
• Collins Aerospace
• Kevin Sturm with Plunketts Pest Service
• Tom Underberg
• Wernimont Farms
• Stones
• Eye Saw The Sign
• Carroll Brewery
• Iowa Savings bank Wittrock Motors