Bill Brayshaw (atop lift) and Ken Kohutek working to remove rotor cap from helicopter.

Positioned a few feet above ground, simulating a shallow gun run firing its 20mm to the left, this Cobra AH-1F Gun Ship marks a special place for area Veterans to gather: VFW Post 4403 at 16 Konrad Road in Port Lavaca.

The Cobra AF-1F, affectionately called “The Snake” by members of A Troop 7/17th Cavalry attached to the 101st Airborne, saw service in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970.

Working to repair the helicopter is Bill Brayshaw of Seadrift. Bill flew Cobras during his second tour in Vietnam. He is was an FAA commercial pilot and instructor and is an Airframe and Powerplant mechanic.

After the helicopter was damaged during Hurricane Harvey, VFW member, Ken Kohutek of Port O’Connor, took the lead in the repair project, recruiting fellow VFW member Brayshaw to do the work. Their next project will be reinstalling the navigation lights to be operational.

VFW Post 4403 has recently been reorganized, has renovated its building, and is reaching out to assist Veterans and the community. They are actively recruiting new members and welcome any who served in a recognized overseas conflict to join them. They meet the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Call 361-552-3886 for more information.

On August 9, newly elected United States Congressman Michael Cloud (center) visited with area veterans at Port Lavaca VFW Post 4403. -Photo by Bob Stevens