Local Vietnam veteran attends recent dedication for 128th Company Huey

By: J. Leslie Riseden
Special Contributor to
The Steel Country Bee

Randall County Judge Ernie Houdashell of Amarillo spearheaded a 2015 project to locate a Bell UH-1 “Huey” helicopter from the Viet Nam era. With assistance from local, state and federal officials, the aircraft was found, restored and moved permanently to the Texas Panhandle War Memorial.

When Avinger area resident James L. “Jay” Riseden learned that Amarillo had secured a Huey for its veterans’ memorial, he was interested in the story, as he had been a helicopter pilot himself. Then, Judge Houdashell contacted Riseden to get some history on the aircraft because, as it turns out, the aircraft that had been restored was actually one from Riseden’s unit, the 128th Assault Helicopter Company based in Phu Loi.

Riseden was a U.S. Army Warrant Officer, a Huey gunship pilot, and a fire team leader. He served in Viet Nam 1967-68, and is a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Army Commendation Medal for heroism in combat.

On Oct. 29, Riseden attended the dedication ceremony of the Huey helicopter in Amarillo, which he described as a warm and emotional reunion of Viet Nam veterans, their friends and families. Riseden is pictured here, fourth from left, along with fellow 128th pilots, crew chiefs and gunners.