Welcome
   
    I am pleased to welcome you to my website where you will find information about some of my writing projects. During my working career in the oil business, I wrote several technical manuals on oil well blowout prevention and technical reports on drilling mud. After retiring from ARCO Oil and Gas Company in 1994, I began writing as a hobby. I have since decided to publish some of my works.
    Across the top of this page, you will see links to some of my work.
WHAT'S NEW
Neil Blume
    I created a webpage on this site to honor a hero pilot of the Vietnam War. On 26 March 1970 Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry (C‑2/8) was surrounded and outnumbered nine-to-one by seven-hundred battled-hardened North Vietnamese soldiers. The American’s casualty rate was sixty-two percent, and they were low on ammo. It was just a matter of time before the North Vietnamese Communist would achieve their goal of wiping out an entire U.S. Army company.
    After several failed attempts at resupplying the beleaguered Americans by air were repulsed by heavy ground fire, C-2/8’s commander sent a prophetic message to his battalion commander:
"If you don't get ammunition here by 1530 (3:30 P.M.), don't bother. Just send body bags."
    With the lives of every Charlie Company Soldier on the line, not to mention the honor of the entire U.S. Army, one Huey pilot answered the call. The pilot’s name was lost in the fog of war for forty-five years.
    Read the entire incredible story of the resupply mission and the honors belatedly bestowed on that hero pilot. Click on the link below or on the “Neil Blume” button at the top of this page. 
VFW Post 12074
Chiang Mai, Thailand
In 2020 I was elected by my comrades of VFW Post 12074 to serve as their Quartermaster. I began my Quartermaster duties in July 2020 and was elected to a second term to expire in June 2022. It has been a challenging but rewarding experience. Our Post's officers have made many changes and improvements including the introduction of a new website. Please visit us at vfw12074.org

The 1st Cavalry Division Association Reunion

    I attended the 70th Annual 1st Cavalry Division Association Reunion in June 2017 at Fort Hood. Over the course of writing FIXIN' TO DIE RAG, and LIVE BY CHANCE, LOVE BY CHOICE, KILL BY PROFESSION, many Army vets of the 1st Cav Division contributed their memories, assistance, and encouragement. Although I served with the First Marine Division, I'm honored to be a Lifetime Associate Member of the 1st Cavalry Division Association.

Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association Reunion

    I also attended the 34th Annual VHPA reunion in Indianapolis, Indiana in July, 2017.  I had a table reserved in the vendor's room and was joined by LTC Gary Fowler (Retired) and Dan Tyler as we sold some of our books:
               FIXIN' TO DIE RAG
               LIVE BY CHANCE, LOVE BY CHOICE, KILL BY PROFESSION
               We gave away souvenir keepsake bookmarks specially made in Thailand.

I'll be attending the 36th Annual VHPA reunion in Kansas City, Missouri in May, 2019. 

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