CHPA Enrolls 65 New Members In July -- Now Nearly 300 Strong

The Combat Helicopter Pilots Association (CHPA) tells ANN that it enrolled 65 new members in July, bringing its new member count for 2006 to 132 and propelling the organization to nearly 300 total members. CHPA was incorporated in January 2005.

According to Steve Reilly, president of the organization, CHPA was formed to provide a community for combat helicopter pilots and their crews, regardless of branch of service or theater of operation. CHPA offers a growing set of benefits and support for its members and veterans. These include a monthly electronic newsletter, online community and resources, and an Annual Reunion and Meeting, which will take place Oct. 6-8 at The Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas.

Additionally, the organization created The Goldie Fund, which will be used to assist Veterans, particularly Helicopter Veterans, in honor of James “Goldie” Goldthorpe and the ideals for which he lived. Goldie was a Founding Member of CHPA and was active with the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. He passed away Oct. 6, 2005, in a helicopter accident in the Gulf of Mexico.

“Our organization has quickly established itself within the community it serves. As we grow, our plan it to offer more support for veterans, and to establish regional units and chapters,” says Reilly.

“We have a close relationship with many military-related groups and work with them to support one another’s goals.”

CHPA is a veteran’s organization whose purpose is to define and preserve the legacy of the combat helicopter pilots and their crew members. CHPA recognizes the entire spectrum of active duty, reserve, National Guard, inactive reserve, retired, and honorably discharged pilots and air crew members who flew helicopter combat missions as members of US armed forces, regardless of military service branch.

FMI: www.chpa-us.org