Four friends, Vietnam veterans reunite at Stinson Airport

Gunners, helicopter pilots at controls once more

SAN ANTONIO – Four veterans who fought in south Vietnam as helicopter pilots and as gunners reunited Friday at Stinson Airport.

Ted Gwinn, Bill Hamilton, Robert Hepler and Kevin Kelleher were all teenagers when they enlisted in the Army. 

"The first time you kill somebody is a unique experience. There's a certain amount of innocence you'll never recover again," Kelleher said.

Hepler organized Friday’s reunion. He flew in from Los Angeles, where he spent part of his career after the war photographing celebrities on the red carpet. He said he was grateful that he was able to arrange Friday's flight for his three friends. All of them had been members of the U.S. Army's 11th Cavalry. 

"I knew they'd enjoy this," Hepler said.

Hamilton lives in Idaho. Hamilton said leaving the jungles of Vietnam for friendly fire back in the U.S. was indescribable.

"It was bad coming from the government itself, didn't treat us right. We had to fight for everything we got. It took a long time for them to acknowledge Agent Orange," said Hamilton, a Purple Heart recipient.

Agent Orange is a herbicide sprayed on trees and vegetation during the Vietnam War. Concerns over the health effects of the chemical continue decades after the war.

Gwinn now lives in northern Minnesota. He served from 1966-1969. He said he had mixed feelings when it came to time to head back to the U.S. He delayed his return until he was shot by enemy fire and the doctor told him it was time to go home.

"I extended twice. I was in the country for 19 months," Gwinn said.

The four friends said that it wasn't about the politics or the war stories, then or now. 

"You know, tomorrow you may die together or you may need that guy to save your life. We were close," Kelleher said.