Hal Nobles recommends Eddie Hair for the 173d Man of the Year Award for the following reasons:
He and a few other Sky Soldiers had the vision to start Chapter 30 and within 4 months under his leadership and guidance they had already recruited over 40 members. We now have almost 100 members. he was the Chapter President for the first 3 years. He was very instrumental in procuring and old Army Helicopter and having it mounted in the Veterans Field in Barnwell S.C. Within 6 months of the chapter being formed he organized a dedication ceremony for this chopper, which included a lot of the Local Officals as well as Sky Soldiers from around the country. When checking in the history of this particularly helicopter, it was flown by the 92nd AHC, which supported the Herd during 68-69. Many of the herd actually flew on this chopper. At this same park he has help raise funds for this park by selling bricks to Veterans. Many of these are from the Herd.
Under his leadership the Chapter has participated in many funerals of the returning KIA's. One of these was a soldier from his hometown. He organized not only Herd members but members from other Veteran organizations as well as assist with the large number of people attending the reception.
He found a homeless veteran and assisted this individual to get into the VA system. He also was able to raise funds to assist this Veteran so he would have a place to stay and food to eat.
During Veterans Day 2007 he help organize a reunion for the men who fought at Dak To. Sky Soldiers from around the counrty was able to reflect on that terrible battle that occurred 40 years ago. This was a 3-day event that was enjoyed by all.
He also was the leader for the Herd in rededication of the VA Hospital in August Georgia to be named The Charlie Norwood Hospital. Charlie was a dentist with the Herd at LZ English in 68. He was also a Congressman from Georgia. His wife was very pleased that 12 Herd members showed up for this event and had the Herd Colors displayed.
Eddie is a true Sky Soldier and a great leader. He is very supportive of the Association as well as the Local Chapter. He is very deserving of this award.
Harold L Nobles
Chapter 30 President
